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White House reversed more than 25 security clearance denials, says whistleblower – live White House reversed more than 25 security clearance denials, says whistleblower – live
(32 minutes later)
Donald Trump’s insistence that there is a crisis at the border might soon lead him to create a national emergency unlike any millennials have seen before.
As the president threatens to shut down the US-Mexico border, experts have warned such a move could cause Americans to run out of avocados in three weeks.
You heard that right: If Trump closes the border, causing imports from Mexico to grind to a halt, there may be no more avocado toast.
“You couldn’t pick a worse time of year because Mexico supplies virtually 100 percent of the avocados in the U.S. right now,” Steve Barnard, president and chief executive of Mission Produce, the largest international distributor and grower of avocados, told NBC News.
“California is just starting and they have a very small crop, but they’re not relevant right now and won’t be for another month or so.”
Trump has long talked about shutting down the US-Mexico border, citing his frustration with illegal immigration. Last week, the president claimed such action was imminent in a dramatic escalation of his rhetoric.
Mexico must use its very strong immigration laws to stop the many thousands of people trying to get into the USA. Our detention areas are maxed out & we will take no more illegals. Next step is to close the Border! This will also help us with stopping the Drug flow from Mexico!
Given Mexico is one of America’s most vital trading partners, a closure of the border stands to significantly damage the US economy. Roughly $137b of the US-Mexico partnership is rooted in food imports.
The millennial population is estimated at about 75m strong. Or so it was, until untold numbers of America’s brunch-loving youth perished in the Great Avocado Toast Starvation of 2019.
Ben Ray Luján, the fourth-ranking House Democrat, has announced he will run for the US Senate in New Mexico.Ben Ray Luján, the fourth-ranking House Democrat, has announced he will run for the US Senate in New Mexico.
“It has been the honor of my life to represent New Mexico in the US House and I am humbled by the opportunity to further serve our state in the United States Senate,” Luján said in a statement Monday.“It has been the honor of my life to represent New Mexico in the US House and I am humbled by the opportunity to further serve our state in the United States Senate,” Luján said in a statement Monday.
I'm humbled to announce my candidacy to be New Mexico's next Democratic Senator. I hope I can count on your support as we take this journey together. https://t.co/QlM4S90ele pic.twitter.com/yvrDGYQhVqI'm humbled to announce my candidacy to be New Mexico's next Democratic Senator. I hope I can count on your support as we take this journey together. https://t.co/QlM4S90ele pic.twitter.com/yvrDGYQhVq
Luján is running to fill the seat that will soon be vacated by retiring Senator Tom Udall. As the former chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Luján will enter the race with an established name in Democratic Party circles and a wide network of donors.Luján is running to fill the seat that will soon be vacated by retiring Senator Tom Udall. As the former chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Luján will enter the race with an established name in Democratic Party circles and a wide network of donors.
Democrats are heavily favored to hold onto the Senate seat in New Mexico, which despite once being regarded as a swing state has emerged as reliably blue.Democrats are heavily favored to hold onto the Senate seat in New Mexico, which despite once being regarded as a swing state has emerged as reliably blue.
Stephen Moore, Donald Trump’s nominee for a seat on the Federal Reserve board, has responded to a report in the Guardian that he was found in contempt of court for failing to pay his ex-wife $300,000 in alimony, child support and other debts.Stephen Moore, Donald Trump’s nominee for a seat on the Federal Reserve board, has responded to a report in the Guardian that he was found in contempt of court for failing to pay his ex-wife $300,000 in alimony, child support and other debts.
Moore did not refute the Guardian’s reporting, but instead took a page from the president’s playbook by simply denouncing the media.Moore did not refute the Guardian’s reporting, but instead took a page from the president’s playbook by simply denouncing the media.
“I think it [reinforces] how sleazy the media is resorting to tabloid journalism,” Moore told CNBC.“I think it [reinforces] how sleazy the media is resorting to tabloid journalism,” Moore told CNBC.
Asked if he was concerned about the impact of the revelations on his nomination, Moore simply said “No”.Asked if he was concerned about the impact of the revelations on his nomination, Moore simply said “No”.
Court records obtained by the Guardian showed that Moore was reprimanded by a judge in 2012 for not paying his ex-wife, Allison Moore, hundreds of thousands of dollars owed in spousal support, child support and under the terms of their divorce settlement.Court records obtained by the Guardian showed that Moore was reprimanded by a judge in 2012 for not paying his ex-wife, Allison Moore, hundreds of thousands of dollars owed in spousal support, child support and under the terms of their divorce settlement.
More from the Guardian’s Jon Swaine and David Smith:More from the Guardian’s Jon Swaine and David Smith:
In a divorce filing in August 2010, Moore was accused of inflicting “emotional and psychological abuse” on his ex-wife during their 20-year marriage. Allison Moore said in the filing she had been forced to flee their home to protect herself. She was granted a divorce in May 2011.In a divorce filing in August 2010, Moore was accused of inflicting “emotional and psychological abuse” on his ex-wife during their 20-year marriage. Allison Moore said in the filing she had been forced to flee their home to protect herself. She was granted a divorce in May 2011.
Moore said in a court filing signed in April 2011 he admitted all the allegations in Allison Moore’s divorce complaint.Moore said in a court filing signed in April 2011 he admitted all the allegations in Allison Moore’s divorce complaint.
The White House has yet to comment on the report.The White House has yet to comment on the report.
Moore, an economics commentator, has been a sharp critic of the Federal Reserve and was an adviser to Trump’s 2016 campaign. He has been a vocal proponent of the Trump administration and is a polarizing pick for a seat on the traditionally nonpartisan Federal Reserve board.Moore, an economics commentator, has been a sharp critic of the Federal Reserve and was an adviser to Trump’s 2016 campaign. He has been a vocal proponent of the Trump administration and is a polarizing pick for a seat on the traditionally nonpartisan Federal Reserve board.
A White House whistleblower has told members of Congress that Donald Trump’s administration overturned more than two dozen denials for security clearances, often ignoring the guidance of intelligence officials in what she dubbed as ‘systemic’ problems with the process.A White House whistleblower has told members of Congress that Donald Trump’s administration overturned more than two dozen denials for security clearances, often ignoring the guidance of intelligence officials in what she dubbed as ‘systemic’ problems with the process.
Tricia Newbold, a White House security adviser holding nearly two decades of experience with clearances, made the revelation during an interview with the House Oversight and Reform Committee last month, according to documents released Monday.Tricia Newbold, a White House security adviser holding nearly two decades of experience with clearances, made the revelation during an interview with the House Oversight and Reform Committee last month, according to documents released Monday.
“I feel that right now this is my last hope to really bring the integrity back into our office,” Newbold said, according to the panel’s memo summarizing her interview.“I feel that right now this is my last hope to really bring the integrity back into our office,” Newbold said, according to the panel’s memo summarizing her interview.
“I want it known that this is a systematic, it’s an office issue, and we’re not a political office, but these decisions were being continuously overrode.”“I want it known that this is a systematic, it’s an office issue, and we’re not a political office, but these decisions were being continuously overrode.”
The White House’s handling of security clearances has drawn repeated scrutiny.The White House’s handling of security clearances has drawn repeated scrutiny.
Last month, it was reported that Trump personally intervened to grant Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser, a top-level security clearance against the warnings of senior intelligence officials. Democrats in Congress have demanded more information on the security clearance process and delivered an ultimatum to the White House to comply or face a subpoena.Last month, it was reported that Trump personally intervened to grant Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser, a top-level security clearance against the warnings of senior intelligence officials. Democrats in Congress have demanded more information on the security clearance process and delivered an ultimatum to the White House to comply or face a subpoena.
Newbold told lawmakers she maintained a list of White House officials whose clearance applications were initially denied, only for the decision to later be overturned. There were as many as 25 people on the list.Newbold told lawmakers she maintained a list of White House officials whose clearance applications were initially denied, only for the decision to later be overturned. There were as many as 25 people on the list.
“According to Ms. Newbold, these individuals had a wide range of serious disqualifying issues involving foreign influence, conflicts of interest, concerning personal conduct, financial problems, drug use, and criminal conduct,” the panel wrote.“According to Ms. Newbold, these individuals had a wide range of serious disqualifying issues involving foreign influence, conflicts of interest, concerning personal conduct, financial problems, drug use, and criminal conduct,” the panel wrote.
Newbold said she raised concerns with her superiors and the White House counsel’s office. According to Newbold, her supervisor Carl Kline, the director of personnel security, played a key role in reversing the security clearance denials of White House officials. Democrats on the committee have said they plan to interview Kline.Newbold said she raised concerns with her superiors and the White House counsel’s office. According to Newbold, her supervisor Carl Kline, the director of personnel security, played a key role in reversing the security clearance denials of White House officials. Democrats on the committee have said they plan to interview Kline.
Donald Trump hit back at Democrats for opposing his administration’s plan to add a question on citizenship to the US Census, defending the move from criticism amid a challenge in the supreme court.Donald Trump hit back at Democrats for opposing his administration’s plan to add a question on citizenship to the US Census, defending the move from criticism amid a challenge in the supreme court.
In a tweet on Monday, Trump said the census report would be ‘meaningless’ without accounting for people’s citizenship.In a tweet on Monday, Trump said the census report would be ‘meaningless’ without accounting for people’s citizenship.
Can you believe that the Radical Left Democrats want to do our new and very important Census Report without the all important Citizenship Question. Report would be meaningless and a waste of the $Billions (ridiculous) that it costs to put together!Can you believe that the Radical Left Democrats want to do our new and very important Census Report without the all important Citizenship Question. Report would be meaningless and a waste of the $Billions (ridiculous) that it costs to put together!
Trump’s comments come as a hearing is expected this month before the supreme court. A lower court previously ruled against his administration’s to ask, “Is this person a citizen of the United States?” as part of the Census Bureau’s research on households across the US.Trump’s comments come as a hearing is expected this month before the supreme court. A lower court previously ruled against his administration’s to ask, “Is this person a citizen of the United States?” as part of the Census Bureau’s research on households across the US.
The census report is used by the US government for research on its population and plays a role in major decisions such as the allocation local and federal programs, as well as the drawing of congressional maps.The census report is used by the US government for research on its population and plays a role in major decisions such as the allocation local and federal programs, as well as the drawing of congressional maps.
Critics of the Trump administration’s proposal said asking about citizenship status would depress participation and prompt fear in immigrant communities that they may be targeted for other means.Critics of the Trump administration’s proposal said asking about citizenship status would depress participation and prompt fear in immigrant communities that they may be targeted for other means.
The questionnaire for the 2020 census report is due out soon. The supreme court is expected to hear oral arguments in April and reach a final decision in June.The questionnaire for the 2020 census report is due out soon. The supreme court is expected to hear oral arguments in April and reach a final decision in June.
Happy April Fool’s Day!Happy April Fool’s Day!
Unfortunately, it would appear the joke’s on all of us...Unfortunately, it would appear the joke’s on all of us...
Trump is now averaging 22 false claims a day, according to WaPo, a steep climb from the average of nearly 5.9 false or misleading claims a day in Trump's first year in office.Trump is now averaging 22 false claims a day, according to WaPo, a steep climb from the average of nearly 5.9 false or misleading claims a day in Trump's first year in office.
House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler will authorize a subpoena to obtain the full, unredacted report of special counsel Robert Mueller, marking an escalation by Democrats in Congress as they seek access to the 400-page report.House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler will authorize a subpoena to obtain the full, unredacted report of special counsel Robert Mueller, marking an escalation by Democrats in Congress as they seek access to the 400-page report.
Nadler said Monday he expects to authorize the subpoena on Wednesday, demanding both the full report and underlying evidence relating to the special counsel’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the Trump campaign’s ties to Moscow.Nadler said Monday he expects to authorize the subpoena on Wednesday, demanding both the full report and underlying evidence relating to the special counsel’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the Trump campaign’s ties to Moscow.
Democrats had provided attorney general William Barr with a deadline of 2 April to provide them with Mueller’s full report. Barr has said he will release a redacted version of the report later this month.Democrats had provided attorney general William Barr with a deadline of 2 April to provide them with Mueller’s full report. Barr has said he will release a redacted version of the report later this month.
The looming confrontation comes a week after Mueller delivered his final report to Barr, closing the two-year investigation that has clouded much of Trump’s tenure in office.The looming confrontation comes a week after Mueller delivered his final report to Barr, closing the two-year investigation that has clouded much of Trump’s tenure in office.
In a controversial move, Barr released a letter with his own principal findings -- stating that the special counsel did not find a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and that he did not believe there was sufficient evidence to charge the president with obstruction of justice. According to Barr’s letter, Mueller found evidence on both sides of the obstruction issue and made clear he was not exonerating the president.In a controversial move, Barr released a letter with his own principal findings -- stating that the special counsel did not find a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and that he did not believe there was sufficient evidence to charge the president with obstruction of justice. According to Barr’s letter, Mueller found evidence on both sides of the obstruction issue and made clear he was not exonerating the president.
Democrats have blasted Barr for rapidly reaching his own public conclusions in what they believe is an effort to spin the findings in Trump’s favor. In a second letter released on Friday, the attorney general clarified that his initial statement was not intended to be a summary of Mueller’s report.Democrats have blasted Barr for rapidly reaching his own public conclusions in what they believe is an effort to spin the findings in Trump’s favor. In a second letter released on Friday, the attorney general clarified that his initial statement was not intended to be a summary of Mueller’s report.
Nadler said his committee also has plans to subpoena five former White House staffers in relation to the special counsel’s inquiry.Nadler said his committee also has plans to subpoena five former White House staffers in relation to the special counsel’s inquiry.
“We have an obligation to read the full report, and the Department of Justice has an obligation to provide it, in its entirely, without delay,” Nadler wrote in a New York Times op-ed published Monday.“We have an obligation to read the full report, and the Department of Justice has an obligation to provide it, in its entirely, without delay,” Nadler wrote in a New York Times op-ed published Monday.
“We require the report, first, because Congress, not the attorney general, has a duty under the Constitution to determine whether wrongdoing has occurred,” he added.“We require the report, first, because Congress, not the attorney general, has a duty under the Constitution to determine whether wrongdoing has occurred,” he added.
“The special counsel declined to make a ‘traditional prosecutorial judgment’ on the question of obstruction, but it is not the attorney general’s job to step in and substitute his judgment for the special counsel’s.”“The special counsel declined to make a ‘traditional prosecutorial judgment’ on the question of obstruction, but it is not the attorney general’s job to step in and substitute his judgment for the special counsel’s.”
As Joe Biden faces scrutiny of his behavior toward women, the wife of former defense secretary Ash Carter dismissed claims that a photo of her with the former vice president was an example of unwanted touching.As Joe Biden faces scrutiny of his behavior toward women, the wife of former defense secretary Ash Carter dismissed claims that a photo of her with the former vice president was an example of unwanted touching.
In a Medium post released late Sunday, Stephanie Carter addressed a viral photo in which Biden had his hands on her shoulders and appeared to be whispering in her ear during the swearing-in ceremony for her husband in 2015.In a Medium post released late Sunday, Stephanie Carter addressed a viral photo in which Biden had his hands on her shoulders and appeared to be whispering in her ear during the swearing-in ceremony for her husband in 2015.
“As the sole owner of my story, it is high time that I reclaim it — from strangers, Twitter, the pundits and the late-night hosts,” Carter wrote. “I won’t pretend that this will be the last of that picture, but it will be the last of other people speaking for me.”“As the sole owner of my story, it is high time that I reclaim it — from strangers, Twitter, the pundits and the late-night hosts,” Carter wrote. “I won’t pretend that this will be the last of that picture, but it will be the last of other people speaking for me.”
Carter said Biden had hugged her because he sensed she was “uncharacteristically nervous” and leaned in to thank her for letting her husband serve in the Obama administration. The then-vice president, she added kept his hands on her shoulders “as a means of offering his support”.Carter said Biden had hugged her because he sensed she was “uncharacteristically nervous” and leaned in to thank her for letting her husband serve in the Obama administration. The then-vice president, she added kept his hands on her shoulders “as a means of offering his support”.
“But a still shot taken from a video — misleadingly extracted from what was a longer moment between close friends — sent out in a snarky tweet — came to be the lasting image of that day,” Carter added.“But a still shot taken from a video — misleadingly extracted from what was a longer moment between close friends — sent out in a snarky tweet — came to be the lasting image of that day,” Carter added.
Carter’s move to correct the record came just days after Lucy Flores, a former Nevada state assemblywoman, penned an essay recounting an encounter with Biden in 2014 that made her uncomfortable. Flores wrote that Biden touched her shoulders, leaned in to smell her hair and kissed the back of her head -- conduct she found to be a violation of her personal space.Carter’s move to correct the record came just days after Lucy Flores, a former Nevada state assemblywoman, penned an essay recounting an encounter with Biden in 2014 that made her uncomfortable. Flores wrote that Biden touched her shoulders, leaned in to smell her hair and kissed the back of her head -- conduct she found to be a violation of her personal space.
A spokesperson for Biden said the former vice president did not recall the interaction with Flores. Biden issued a statement of his own on Sunday denying allegations that he knowingly behaved inappropriately.A spokesperson for Biden said the former vice president did not recall the interaction with Flores. Biden issued a statement of his own on Sunday denying allegations that he knowingly behaved inappropriately.
“In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support, and comfort,” Biden said. “And not once — never — did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention.”“In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support, and comfort,” Biden said. “And not once — never — did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention.”
Biden’s tendency to get close to women in public events has long been dismissed as part of the former vice president’s friendly posture. But his behavior has come under renewed focus in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement and as Biden is widely believed to enter the 2020 presidential race.Biden’s tendency to get close to women in public events has long been dismissed as part of the former vice president’s friendly posture. But his behavior has come under renewed focus in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement and as Biden is widely believed to enter the 2020 presidential race.
Numerous photos of Biden have been circulated in which the former vice president is seen wrapping his arms around women’s waists or pulling them close and whispering in their ears. Critics have suggested Biden has often failed to respect a woman’s personal space.Numerous photos of Biden have been circulated in which the former vice president is seen wrapping his arms around women’s waists or pulling them close and whispering in their ears. Critics have suggested Biden has often failed to respect a woman’s personal space.
In her essay, Carter said Flores had the right to “speak her truth” about how she felt about her interaction with Biden.In her essay, Carter said Flores had the right to “speak her truth” about how she felt about her interaction with Biden.
“She should be, like all women, believed. But her story is not mine,” Carter wrote. “The Joe Biden in my picture is a close friend helping someone get through a big day, for which I will always be grateful.”“She should be, like all women, believed. But her story is not mine,” Carter wrote. “The Joe Biden in my picture is a close friend helping someone get through a big day, for which I will always be grateful.”
Happy Monday everyone! It’s Sabrina Siddiqui here, ready to kick off the week with the latest in US politics.Happy Monday everyone! It’s Sabrina Siddiqui here, ready to kick off the week with the latest in US politics.
Famous last words, but it’s a relatively quiet day for Donald Trump, who is in private meetings all day...Famous last words, but it’s a relatively quiet day for Donald Trump, who is in private meetings all day...
But we do expect more fallout from the special counsel report, as Democrats continue to fight for its full release. And then there’s that whole thing where the president threatened to shut down the US-Mexico border this week, not to mention a renewed fight over the future of Barack Obama’s healthcare law.But we do expect more fallout from the special counsel report, as Democrats continue to fight for its full release. And then there’s that whole thing where the president threatened to shut down the US-Mexico border this week, not to mention a renewed fight over the future of Barack Obama’s healthcare law.
The 2020 campaigns are also in full swing, so we’ll keep an eye on the candidates vying for the Democratic nomination -- many of whom are speaking at a summit in Washington this week.The 2020 campaigns are also in full swing, so we’ll keep an eye on the candidates vying for the Democratic nomination -- many of whom are speaking at a summit in Washington this week.
Stay tuned for more!Stay tuned for more!