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Twenty states move to block funding for Trump's border wall – live Twenty states move to block funding for Trump's border wall – live
(32 minutes later)
Senator Kamala Harris, speaking at the National Action Network, vowed to sign a bill to create a commission to study reparations for slavery, Newsday reports. She also touted her plan to increase pay for teachers.
.@TheRevAl asks @KamalaHarris whether she will sign bill to form committee to study reparations IF elected president.“WHEN I’m elected president, I will sign that bill,” she responds to cheers from @NationalAction crowd pic.twitter.com/Yykx32D2Y2
Harris also called for doubling the size of the Justice Department’s civil rights division and was greeted with a standing ovation, per reporter Celeste Katz.
We need to double the size of the Civil Rights division of @TheJusticeDept , @KamalaHarris tells #NANCONV19
#NANconv2019 on its feet for ⁦@KamalaHarris⁩: “I feel this is an inflection moment in the history of our country” pic.twitter.com/TDvKY676wY
Governor John Hickenlooper also said he would sign the reparations bill, though it apparently took some prodding.
#NANCONV19 crowd spoke up when it looked like @Hickenlooper was being evasive to @TheRevAl on the question of supporting reparations — he yelled that of course he’d sign that bill
Donald Trump lies all the time because “it’s fun,” his former communications director Anthony Scaramucci said this morning.
“He does it because it’s fun:" Former White House communications director Anthony @Scaramucci explains President Trump’s thinking while discussing his recent lies https://t.co/5pO5r2Bt6O pic.twitter.com/dD7jAPkiQq
“He does it because he thinks it’s fun. And he also does it because he likes the fact that you guys are talking about it,” Scaramucci told CNN. “He’s figured out that there’s a very large group of people inside of our population that when he does it and the media talks about it, they laugh.”
“That’s a cop-out,” @johnberman tells former White House communications director Anthony @Scaramucci when he says all politicians lie “when their lips are moving.” https://t.co/5pO5r2T4vo pic.twitter.com/G0TNAd80qo
Scaramucci said he has urged Trump not to “tell these fables,” but he has lied habitually since his days in real estate and “finds it amusing.”
Here’s the motion filed today to block the Trump Administration’s attempt to divert $1.6 billion in federal funds to build a border wall.
The states filed a lawsuit in January to challenge Trump’s emergency declaration, which he is using to get federal money for a wall without congressional approval. The new motion, filed in the Northern District of California, asks for an immediate injunction to stop Trump from using $1.6 billion in funding that Congress intended for state and local law enforcement agencies.
More from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James:
In the motion, the coalition asserts that with his unlawful executive actions President Trump has disregarded the will of Congress and separation of powers principles engrained in the U.S. Constitution. The Trump Administration is attempting to ultimately divert up to $6.7 billion in funding through the Department of Treasury’s Forfeiture Fund, the Department of Defense’s counterdrug account, and military construction projects through its declaration of an emergency. These unlawful actions pose significant harm to the states, who have relied on Treasury Forfeiture Funds to purchase needed law enforcement equipment, staffing, and support of ongoing operations. In addition, any diversion of funds and resources toward the construction of a border wall will cause environmental harm to New Mexico and other border states.
The coalition also argues that the Trump Administration’s actions to divert funding:
Lack statutory authority because the federal government cannot satisfy the criteria it relies on for diversion of the funds and resources;
Violate the U.S. Constitution’s bedrock separation of powers principles by attempting to usurp Congress’s appropriation powers;
Disregard the National Environmental Policy Act by proceeding with construction plans in New Mexico without preparing the required environmental impact statement; and
Pose imminent environmental harm to environmentally sensitive areas on the border of New Mexico where construction of the border wall is imminent.
After Democrats formally requested his tax returns from the IRS, Donald Trump said the decision on whether to release them is “up to whoever handles it.”After Democrats formally requested his tax returns from the IRS, Donald Trump said the decision on whether to release them is “up to whoever handles it.”
“From what I understand, the law’s 100% on my side,” said Trump, who has refused to release his taxes, claiming once again that “I’m under audit.”“From what I understand, the law’s 100% on my side,” said Trump, who has refused to release his taxes, claiming once again that “I’m under audit.”
There is no known law prohibiting the release of a president’s tax returns if he is under audit. It’s IRS policy to audit all returns filed by a sitting president, but past presidents have nonetheless released theirs.There is no known law prohibiting the release of a president’s tax returns if he is under audit. It’s IRS policy to audit all returns filed by a sitting president, but past presidents have nonetheless released theirs.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal formally requested Trump’s taxes Wednesday, under a law that allows the head of that committee to obtain the returns of any citizen.House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal formally requested Trump’s taxes Wednesday, under a law that allows the head of that committee to obtain the returns of any citizen.
Donald Trump said he withdrew the nomination of Ron Vitiello to head Immigrations and Customs Enforcement because he wants someone who will be “tougher” on immigrants.Donald Trump said he withdrew the nomination of Ron Vitiello to head Immigrations and Customs Enforcement because he wants someone who will be “tougher” on immigrants.
“We’re going in a different direction,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House.“We’re going in a different direction,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House.
“Ron’s a good man,” he said. “We want to go in a tougher direction.”“Ron’s a good man,” he said. “We want to go in a tougher direction.”
Donald Trump claims to be a “very good messenger” for criticism of former Vice President Joe Biden’s handsy behavior, despite a slew of accusations of sexual assault against Trump.Donald Trump claims to be a “very good messenger” for criticism of former Vice President Joe Biden’s handsy behavior, despite a slew of accusations of sexual assault against Trump.
Trump has pinned at the top of his Twitter feed a doctored video mocking Biden over statement by several women that he touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.Trump has pinned at the top of his Twitter feed a doctored video mocking Biden over statement by several women that he touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.
“I think I’m a very good messenger, and people got a kick out of it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House Friday. “You’ve got to sort of smile a little bit.”“I think I’m a very good messenger, and people got a kick out of it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House Friday. “You’ve got to sort of smile a little bit.”
I see that you are on the job and presidential, as always. https://t.co/j7wh3opXOvI see that you are on the job and presidential, as always. https://t.co/j7wh3opXOv
Trump went on to say he doesn’t see Biden’s candidacy as a threat.Trump went on to say he doesn’t see Biden’s candidacy as a threat.
“I think he’s only a threat to himself. I just don’t see him as a threat. He’s been there a long time. His record’s not good,” Trump said, adding of the Democratic presidential candidates, “I’d be happy with any of them, to be honest.”“I think he’s only a threat to himself. I just don’t see him as a threat. He’s been there a long time. His record’s not good,” Trump said, adding of the Democratic presidential candidates, “I’d be happy with any of them, to be honest.”
Biden is scheduled to speak later this morning at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, his first public event since the allegations emerged.Biden is scheduled to speak later this morning at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, his first public event since the allegations emerged.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he is “confident” there will be a third summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he is “confident” there will be a third summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Pompeo told CBS This Morning he hoped the next summit would happen “soon.” A recent meeting between the two leaders in Hanoi collapsed without a deal on the North Korean nuclear program.Pompeo told CBS This Morning he hoped the next summit would happen “soon.” A recent meeting between the two leaders in Hanoi collapsed without a deal on the North Korean nuclear program.
“We didn’t get as far as the world is demanding,” Pompeo said, but added Trump and Kim gained a “deeper understanding of each other.”“We didn’t get as far as the world is demanding,” Pompeo said, but added Trump and Kim gained a “deeper understanding of each other.”
Donald Trump will not attend the White House Correspondents Dinner and will hold a rival rally the night of the event, he said Friday.Donald Trump will not attend the White House Correspondents Dinner and will hold a rival rally the night of the event, he said Friday.
“The dinner is so boring, and so negative that we’re going to hold a very positive rally,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.“The dinner is so boring, and so negative that we’re going to hold a very positive rally,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Trump has also skipped the dinner in past years. This year’s event is scheduled for April 27. The association this year decided to skip having a comedian as its main speaker for the first time, instead inviting historian Ron Chernow.Trump has also skipped the dinner in past years. This year’s event is scheduled for April 27. The association this year decided to skip having a comedian as its main speaker for the first time, instead inviting historian Ron Chernow.
Trump says he hasn’t decided where to host the rally but it will be “big.”Trump says he hasn’t decided where to host the rally but it will be “big.”
“Everybody wants it. It will be a big one. But the correspondents’ dinner is too negative. I like positive things,” he said.“Everybody wants it. It will be a big one. But the correspondents’ dinner is too negative. I like positive things,” he said.
Trump declares he will not attend the White House Correspondents Dinner later this month and will instead, as he has done previously, hold a rally that night insteadTrump declares he will not attend the White House Correspondents Dinner later this month and will instead, as he has done previously, hold a rally that night instead
Donald Trump explained his decision to back off his threat to close the US-Mexico border, as he departs for a trip to California to view sections of border barrier.Donald Trump explained his decision to back off his threat to close the US-Mexico border, as he departs for a trip to California to view sections of border barrier.
Trump said Mexico had cooperated by apprehending migrants at its own southern border, but also threatened 25% tariffs on imports of cars from Mexico.Trump said Mexico had cooperated by apprehending migrants at its own southern border, but also threatened 25% tariffs on imports of cars from Mexico.
“I may shut it down at some point, but I’d rather do tariffs,” Trump said outside the White House.“I may shut it down at some point, but I’d rather do tariffs,” Trump said outside the White House.
“Mexico has been absolutely terrific for the last four days. They’re apprehending everybody,” he said, claiming that Mexico had taken 1,400 people into custody at its southern border on Thursday.“Mexico has been absolutely terrific for the last four days. They’re apprehending everybody,” he said, claiming that Mexico had taken 1,400 people into custody at its southern border on Thursday.
If Mexico continues with the aggressive arrests, he said, “everything will be fine.” If not, he said the US would impose 25% tariffs.If Mexico continues with the aggressive arrests, he said, “everything will be fine.” If not, he said the US would impose 25% tariffs.
“If they apprehend people at their southern border...that’s a big homerun. We can handle it from there,” he said.“If they apprehend people at their southern border...that’s a big homerun. We can handle it from there,” he said.
Twenty states have filed a motion to block Donald Trump’s diversion of federal money for a border wall, New York Attorney General Letitia James said.Twenty states have filed a motion to block Donald Trump’s diversion of federal money for a border wall, New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
BREAKING: We've filed a motion w/ 19 states to block President Trump's attempts to divert billions in federal funds to build this wall. This wall is unnecessary, and an abuse of power that will take away resources that could be used to help Americans across our nation. https://t.co/Mg6M1FRXg7BREAKING: We've filed a motion w/ 19 states to block President Trump's attempts to divert billions in federal funds to build this wall. This wall is unnecessary, and an abuse of power that will take away resources that could be used to help Americans across our nation. https://t.co/Mg6M1FRXg7
The motion challenges Trump’s use of a national emergency to get money to build the border wall without Congressional approval.The motion challenges Trump’s use of a national emergency to get money to build the border wall without Congressional approval.
The news came as Trump departs for a trip to the border.The news came as Trump departs for a trip to the border.
“This wall is unnecessary, and an abuse of power that will take away resources that could be used to help Americans across our nation,” James said.“This wall is unnecessary, and an abuse of power that will take away resources that could be used to help Americans across our nation,” James said.
Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke compared Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric to language used in Nazi Germany.Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke compared Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric to language used in Nazi Germany.
At an Iowa town hall Thursday night, O’Rourke said the president “not only describes immigrants as ‘rapists’ and ‘criminals’ but as ‘animals’ and ‘an infestation,’” the Washington Post reported.At an Iowa town hall Thursday night, O’Rourke said the president “not only describes immigrants as ‘rapists’ and ‘criminals’ but as ‘animals’ and ‘an infestation,’” the Washington Post reported.
“Now, I might expect someone to describe another human being as ‘an infestation’ in the Third Reich. I would not expect it in the United States of America,” he said.“Now, I might expect someone to describe another human being as ‘an infestation’ in the Third Reich. I would not expect it in the United States of America,” he said.
Donald Trump takes issue with an accurate Washington Post report that he has backed off, for now, his threat to close the US-Mexico border.Donald Trump takes issue with an accurate Washington Post report that he has backed off, for now, his threat to close the US-Mexico border.
The Crazed and Dishonest Washington Post again purposely got it wrong. Mexico, for the first time in decades, is meaningfully apprehending illegals at THEIR Southern Border, before the long march up to the U.S. This is great and the way it should be. The big flow will stop.......The Crazed and Dishonest Washington Post again purposely got it wrong. Mexico, for the first time in decades, is meaningfully apprehending illegals at THEIR Southern Border, before the long march up to the U.S. This is great and the way it should be. The big flow will stop.......
Donald Trump is already making plans for a tell-all memoir after he leaves office, the Daily Beast reports.Donald Trump is already making plans for a tell-all memoir after he leaves office, the Daily Beast reports.
He’s been talking about it since mid-2017 and thinks it will be a bestseller.He’s been talking about it since mid-2017 and thinks it will be a bestseller.
Trump has also talked about how the book could be used to settle scores with his enemies in the media, both the Democratic and Republican parties, and within his own administration.Trump has also talked about how the book could be used to settle scores with his enemies in the media, both the Democratic and Republican parties, and within his own administration.
“He sounded excited about it,” one source told the Daily Beast. “He said it would sell better than even The Art of the Deal.”“He sounded excited about it,” one source told the Daily Beast. “He said it would sell better than even The Art of the Deal.”
The White House has withdrawn the nomination of a longtime border official to head Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Associated Press reports:The White House has withdrawn the nomination of a longtime border official to head Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Associated Press reports:
The paperwork on Ron Vitiello was sent to members of Congress Thursday, the people said, and the decision was unexpected and met with confusion. Vitiello had been scheduled to travel with President Donald Trump to the border on Friday, but was no longer going, one official said. He will still remain acting director, they said.The paperwork on Ron Vitiello was sent to members of Congress Thursday, the people said, and the decision was unexpected and met with confusion. Vitiello had been scheduled to travel with President Donald Trump to the border on Friday, but was no longer going, one official said. He will still remain acting director, they said.
One Homeland Security official insisted it was nothing but a paperwork error that had later been corrected. But other, higher-level officials said the move did not appear to be a mistake, even though they were not informed ahead of time.One Homeland Security official insisted it was nothing but a paperwork error that had later been corrected. But other, higher-level officials said the move did not appear to be a mistake, even though they were not informed ahead of time.
Vitiello was nominated to lead ICE, the agency tasked with enforcing immigration law in the interior of the U.S., after more than 30 years in law enforcement, starting in 1985 with the U.S. Border Patrol. He was previously Border Patrol chief and deputy commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the patrol.Vitiello was nominated to lead ICE, the agency tasked with enforcing immigration law in the interior of the U.S., after more than 30 years in law enforcement, starting in 1985 with the U.S. Border Patrol. He was previously Border Patrol chief and deputy commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the patrol.
Vitiello took over during a time of unprecedented spotlight and scrutiny for the agency. Part of ICE’s mission is to arrest immigrants in the U.S. illegally, which has made it a symbol of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.Vitiello took over during a time of unprecedented spotlight and scrutiny for the agency. Part of ICE’s mission is to arrest immigrants in the U.S. illegally, which has made it a symbol of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
He had been acting head since June 2018, nominated in August, had a Senate confirmation hearing in November and his nomination had passed one Senate panel, the people said. But because Homeland Security touches on so many topics, a second committee also had jurisdiction and his nomination was still under discussion there. Some Democrats had concerns, and a union representing some ICE agents had opposed his nomination.He had been acting head since June 2018, nominated in August, had a Senate confirmation hearing in November and his nomination had passed one Senate panel, the people said. But because Homeland Security touches on so many topics, a second committee also had jurisdiction and his nomination was still under discussion there. Some Democrats had concerns, and a union representing some ICE agents had opposed his nomination.
The US created 196,000 new jobs in March, according to the just-released jobs report. It’s a solid figure and an increase from February’s weaker total. Unemployment is unchanged at 3.8%, but wage growth has fallen.The US created 196,000 new jobs in March, according to the just-released jobs report. It’s a solid figure and an increase from February’s weaker total. Unemployment is unchanged at 3.8%, but wage growth has fallen.
Take a look at our business blog for more.Take a look at our business blog for more.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is in Boston this morning fundraising for his Fairness PAC, as he mulls a possible presidential run that few New York voters want him to launch.New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is in Boston this morning fundraising for his Fairness PAC, as he mulls a possible presidential run that few New York voters want him to launch.
The mayor’s latest fundraising effort is raising questions at home - a familiar position for de Blasio, who was the subject of federal and state investigations into favor trading with donors. The host of his fundraiser in Boston is Suffolk Construction, the New York Times reports - a firm looking to expand its business in New York.The mayor’s latest fundraising effort is raising questions at home - a familiar position for de Blasio, who was the subject of federal and state investigations into favor trading with donors. The host of his fundraiser in Boston is Suffolk Construction, the New York Times reports - a firm looking to expand its business in New York.
Meanwhile, lawyer Frank Carone gave the maximum $5,000 to de Blasio’s PAC, the Times reports. At the same time, he was negotiating with the city on behalf of landlords with a record of code violations who got a $173 million deal to sell buildings housing homeless families. The pricetag was $30 million more than an appraiser found the properties were worth, and more than triple the $50 million the city initially estimated.Meanwhile, lawyer Frank Carone gave the maximum $5,000 to de Blasio’s PAC, the Times reports. At the same time, he was negotiating with the city on behalf of landlords with a record of code violations who got a $173 million deal to sell buildings housing homeless families. The pricetag was $30 million more than an appraiser found the properties were worth, and more than triple the $50 million the city initially estimated.
After the Boston stop, de Blasio plans a swing through Las Vegas this weekend.After the Boston stop, de Blasio plans a swing through Las Vegas this weekend.
Senator Elizabeth Warren is set to call Friday for completely eliminating the filibuster.Senator Elizabeth Warren is set to call Friday for completely eliminating the filibuster.
It would be a dramatic change to Senate rules, allowing bills to pass with a simple majority rather than requiring 60 votes.It would be a dramatic change to Senate rules, allowing bills to pass with a simple majority rather than requiring 60 votes.
It’s a change pushed by many progressives as the only way to get ambitious liberal legislation passed, though by the same token it would make it easier for conservatives to get their agendas through when Republicans are in control.It’s a change pushed by many progressives as the only way to get ambitious liberal legislation passed, though by the same token it would make it easier for conservatives to get their agendas through when Republicans are in control.
Warren will make the call in her remarks at the Rev Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention, according to excerpts of her remarks provided to several news organizations.Warren will make the call in her remarks at the Rev Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention, according to excerpts of her remarks provided to several news organizations.
She will describe the filibuster as having been used for generations as “a tool to block progress on racial justice”, according to CNN.She will describe the filibuster as having been used for generations as “a tool to block progress on racial justice”, according to CNN.
“When Democrats next have power, we should be bold and clear: We’re done with two sets of rules – one for the Republicans and one for the Democrats,” Warren plans to say. “And that means when Democrats have the White House again, if Mitch McConnell tries to do what he did to President Obama and puts small-minded partisanship ahead of solving the massive problems facing this country, then we should get rid of the filibuster.”“When Democrats next have power, we should be bold and clear: We’re done with two sets of rules – one for the Republicans and one for the Democrats,” Warren plans to say. “And that means when Democrats have the White House again, if Mitch McConnell tries to do what he did to President Obama and puts small-minded partisanship ahead of solving the massive problems facing this country, then we should get rid of the filibuster.”
NEW on @AP_Politics: Warren is going in on ending the filibuster during remarks set for later this morning at the National Action Network conference. An excerpt from what she’ll say: pic.twitter.com/o8lQ0lZc6TNEW on @AP_Politics: Warren is going in on ending the filibuster during remarks set for later this morning at the National Action Network conference. An excerpt from what she’ll say: pic.twitter.com/o8lQ0lZc6T
A host of Democratic presidential candidates are speaking today at the NAN event, which began Wednesday. Today’s lineup also includes Senator Kamala Harris, Governor John Hickenlooper, and Senators Bernie Sanders, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker.A host of Democratic presidential candidates are speaking today at the NAN event, which began Wednesday. Today’s lineup also includes Senator Kamala Harris, Governor John Hickenlooper, and Senators Bernie Sanders, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker.