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Treasury department won't meet deadline to release Trump's tax returns – live Treasury department won't meet deadline to release Trump's tax returns – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
Closing down for the evening! Thanks for following along. Here’s what happened Wednesday evening:
A new bill in Ohio that just passed the legislature would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected – which is typically before most women even know they are pregnant. Ohio is one of several states introducing legislation in an attempt to push a Roe v Wade reconsideration from the newly conservative-heavy supreme court.
How anti-abortion activists use cutting edge science to justify ever stricter laws
Republicans grilled tech executives from Facebook, Google, and Twitter about conservative censorship on their platforms, a move Democrats called a strategy to increase bias and favorable treatment online.
The treasury department declined to hand over Trump’s tax returns before a deadline set in a request from the House ways and means committee chairman, Richard Neal. In a letter, Secretary Steve Mnuchin said his department was still deciding whether to comply, and seeking support from the justice department.
Jeff Bezos will meet with federal prosecutors this week, CNN reports, as investigators deepen their inquiry into the Amazon CEO’s claims that Saudi Arabia was behind the National Enquirer extortion scandal that exposed his affair.Jeff Bezos will meet with federal prosecutors this week, CNN reports, as investigators deepen their inquiry into the Amazon CEO’s claims that Saudi Arabia was behind the National Enquirer extortion scandal that exposed his affair.
Jeff Bezos accuses National Enquirer owner of 'extortion and blackmail'Jeff Bezos accuses National Enquirer owner of 'extortion and blackmail'
Bezos believes the Saudis targeted him because of he owns the Washington Post, and has in recent weeks provided prosecutors with documents uncovered by his personal investigators to support the accusation.Bezos believes the Saudis targeted him because of he owns the Washington Post, and has in recent weeks provided prosecutors with documents uncovered by his personal investigators to support the accusation.
American Media Inc (AMI), which owns the National Inquirer, denies the allegations and a spokesperson told CNN the company “does not have nor have we ever had, any editorial or financial ties to Saudi Arabia”.American Media Inc (AMI), which owns the National Inquirer, denies the allegations and a spokesperson told CNN the company “does not have nor have we ever had, any editorial or financial ties to Saudi Arabia”.
NEW: Jeff Bezos is set to meet with SDNY prosecutors as soon as this week, per people familiar. Plans for meeting come as prosecutors, who are probing claims of Saudi hacking & AMI extortion attempt, are seeking access to examine Bezos’s electronic devices https://t.co/CsS2WwgIwpNEW: Jeff Bezos is set to meet with SDNY prosecutors as soon as this week, per people familiar. Plans for meeting come as prosecutors, who are probing claims of Saudi hacking & AMI extortion attempt, are seeking access to examine Bezos’s electronic devices https://t.co/CsS2WwgIwp
Prosecutors are now seeking access to Bezos’s electronic devices as part of their investigation, the results of which could show that AMI violated a non-prosecution agreement.Prosecutors are now seeking access to Bezos’s electronic devices as part of their investigation, the results of which could show that AMI violated a non-prosecution agreement.
Per CNN:Per CNN:
As part of that agreement, company officials admitted to its involvement in a hush-money scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by silencing a woman who claimed an affair with then-candidate Donald Trump and agreed not to commit any crimes for three years.As part of that agreement, company officials admitted to its involvement in a hush-money scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by silencing a woman who claimed an affair with then-candidate Donald Trump and agreed not to commit any crimes for three years.
The agreement stemmed from prosecutors’ investigation of Trump’s former personal attorney Michael Cohen, who helped orchestrate that hush-money payment”.The agreement stemmed from prosecutors’ investigation of Trump’s former personal attorney Michael Cohen, who helped orchestrate that hush-money payment”.
The Treasury Department will not turn over Trump’s tax returns by today’s deadline. In a letter to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin cited concerns over “an abuse of authority” and wrote that the law cited in Neal’s request could not be used “for purposes of embarrassing or attacking political figures of another party”.The Treasury Department will not turn over Trump’s tax returns by today’s deadline. In a letter to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin cited concerns over “an abuse of authority” and wrote that the law cited in Neal’s request could not be used “for purposes of embarrassing or attacking political figures of another party”.
Emphasizing the political weight of the request, he adds that the Department is seeking counsel from the Department of Justice “to ensure that our response is fully consistent with the law and the Constitution”.Emphasizing the political weight of the request, he adds that the Department is seeking counsel from the Department of Justice “to ensure that our response is fully consistent with the law and the Constitution”.
Secretary Mnuchin’s response to Chairman Neal’s letter requesting President Trump’s tax returns: pic.twitter.com/X2VsDYKpYhSecretary Mnuchin’s response to Chairman Neal’s letter requesting President Trump’s tax returns: pic.twitter.com/X2VsDYKpYh
Mnuchin’s letter was supported by Congressman Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, who referred to his Committee’s request for the returns as “political fishing expeditions”.Mnuchin’s letter was supported by Congressman Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, who referred to his Committee’s request for the returns as “political fishing expeditions”.
“The Treasury Department is right to carefully review the privacy impact this request would have on every taxpayer,” he added in a statement.“The Treasury Department is right to carefully review the privacy impact this request would have on every taxpayer,” he added in a statement.
Trump has repeatedly refused to release the returns and has told reporters, despite the requests made by Congress, they would not become public. Last week, Mick Mulvaney, the president’s chief of staff vowed they would never get released.Trump has repeatedly refused to release the returns and has told reporters, despite the requests made by Congress, they would not become public. Last week, Mick Mulvaney, the president’s chief of staff vowed they would never get released.
On Tuesday, Mnuchin told lawmakers during a hearing, that his department’s lawyers had discussed the decision with White House counsel before the official request for the returns was made but did not seek “permission”, even though he had been told by Trump’s lawyers not to hand over the returns until the Justice Department weighed in.On Tuesday, Mnuchin told lawmakers during a hearing, that his department’s lawyers had discussed the decision with White House counsel before the official request for the returns was made but did not seek “permission”, even though he had been told by Trump’s lawyers not to hand over the returns until the Justice Department weighed in.
As I told Sec. @stevenmnuchin1, any communication w the White House about releasing #TrumpTaxes is deeply troubling & certainly violates the spirit of the law, if not the letter of the law. We need to get to the bottom of this. https://t.co/0ezMxZcR3JAs I told Sec. @stevenmnuchin1, any communication w the White House about releasing #TrumpTaxes is deeply troubling & certainly violates the spirit of the law, if not the letter of the law. We need to get to the bottom of this. https://t.co/0ezMxZcR3J
At a Senate panel hearing today, Republican lawmakers grilled tech executives for more than three hours, over a perceived conservative bias they believe is exhibited across the highly-trafficked platforms, the Washington Post reports.At a Senate panel hearing today, Republican lawmakers grilled tech executives for more than three hours, over a perceived conservative bias they believe is exhibited across the highly-trafficked platforms, the Washington Post reports.
Representatives from Facebook, Google, and Twitter were questioned by Republicans on the panel, which is headed by Ted Cruz, who accused the tech giants of a “consistent pattern of political bias and censorship”.Representatives from Facebook, Google, and Twitter were questioned by Republicans on the panel, which is headed by Ted Cruz, who accused the tech giants of a “consistent pattern of political bias and censorship”.
Per the Post:Per the Post:
‘Not only does big tech have the power to silence voices with which they disagree, but big tech likewise has the power to collate a person’s feed so they only receive the news that comports with their own political agenda’, Cruz said.‘Not only does big tech have the power to silence voices with which they disagree, but big tech likewise has the power to collate a person’s feed so they only receive the news that comports with their own political agenda’, Cruz said.
But Democrats sharply rebuked Cruz and his GOP allies for convening the hearing in the first place. ‘For decades, Republicans have bashed the supposedly liberal mainstream media in an effort to work the refs’ said Senator. Mazie Hirono. ‘Now that two-thirds of Americans get their news from social media, Republicans have a new boogeyman to target — big tech’.But Democrats sharply rebuked Cruz and his GOP allies for convening the hearing in the first place. ‘For decades, Republicans have bashed the supposedly liberal mainstream media in an effort to work the refs’ said Senator. Mazie Hirono. ‘Now that two-thirds of Americans get their news from social media, Republicans have a new boogeyman to target — big tech’.
Just to give you a hint of how full of disinformation and distortion this "tech censorship" hearing is:Here's a tweet Ted Cruz said was "censored" on Twitter, and printed out on a big piece of poster board.And here's that tweet live, right now, on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/uIKxkMKhNMJust to give you a hint of how full of disinformation and distortion this "tech censorship" hearing is:Here's a tweet Ted Cruz said was "censored" on Twitter, and printed out on a big piece of poster board.And here's that tweet live, right now, on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/uIKxkMKhNM
A bill in Ohio banning any abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected — which is usually before most women know they are pregnant — has passed the state’s legislature today with a promised signature from Republican governor, Mike DeWine. Choice advocates are already preparing their legal responses.A bill in Ohio banning any abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected — which is usually before most women know they are pregnant — has passed the state’s legislature today with a promised signature from Republican governor, Mike DeWine. Choice advocates are already preparing their legal responses.
Seven other states have filed similar legislation, AP reports, Kentucky and Mississippi already have enacted laws, and other states, like Alabama, are making moves to criminalize the women who terminate their pregnancies. In Texas, legislators are considering a bill that would qualify abortion as homicide — a crime that could mean the death penalty in the state.Seven other states have filed similar legislation, AP reports, Kentucky and Mississippi already have enacted laws, and other states, like Alabama, are making moves to criminalize the women who terminate their pregnancies. In Texas, legislators are considering a bill that would qualify abortion as homicide — a crime that could mean the death penalty in the state.
The bills are expected to serve as a direct challenge to Roe v Wade, to set the stage for reconsideration from the newly conservative-heavy Supreme Court.The bills are expected to serve as a direct challenge to Roe v Wade, to set the stage for reconsideration from the newly conservative-heavy Supreme Court.
Ohio's ban, like others being passed across the country, is straight out of the anti-abortion playbook.We know because they said so. pic.twitter.com/2NT15LNwboOhio's ban, like others being passed across the country, is straight out of the anti-abortion playbook.We know because they said so. pic.twitter.com/2NT15LNwbo
“To me this is an issue the court simply got wrong years ago,” Alabama representative Terri Collins, who sponsored her state’s anti-abortion bill told AP.“To me this is an issue the court simply got wrong years ago,” Alabama representative Terri Collins, who sponsored her state’s anti-abortion bill told AP.
It’s unlikely they will reach the court soon and Federal judges on lower courts have blocked some of the state bills, including the Kentucky ban. But, with a Trump-stacked 5th circuit, the path is much less bumpy.It’s unlikely they will reach the court soon and Federal judges on lower courts have blocked some of the state bills, including the Kentucky ban. But, with a Trump-stacked 5th circuit, the path is much less bumpy.
Per AP:Per AP:
If even one circuit breaks with Roe v. Wade and upholds a heartbeat ban, that could be enough for the Supreme Court to take up the issue, said Justin Dyer, a political science professor at the University of Missouri...If even one circuit breaks with Roe v. Wade and upholds a heartbeat ban, that could be enough for the Supreme Court to take up the issue, said Justin Dyer, a political science professor at the University of Missouri...
...What might happen at the Supreme Court is far from clear. Legal experts are unsure what effect the Trump appointees might have, or where Chief Justice John Roberts stands in regard to Roe...If the Supreme Court ever did overturn Roe v. Wade, states would presumably be left to decide for themselves whether abortion would be legal”....What might happen at the Supreme Court is far from clear. Legal experts are unsure what effect the Trump appointees might have, or where Chief Justice John Roberts stands in regard to Roe...If the Supreme Court ever did overturn Roe v. Wade, states would presumably be left to decide for themselves whether abortion would be legal”.
Gabrielle Canon here, taking over for Erin Durkin.Gabrielle Canon here, taking over for Erin Durkin.
Today, California Congresswoman Karen Bass did her part to ensure the impact of Nipsey Hussle, a rapper and activist from her district who was gunned down on March 31, would not soon be forgotten. The Grammy-nominated musician’s legacy was officially submitted into Congressional record.Today, California Congresswoman Karen Bass did her part to ensure the impact of Nipsey Hussle, a rapper and activist from her district who was gunned down on March 31, would not soon be forgotten. The Grammy-nominated musician’s legacy was officially submitted into Congressional record.
Nipsey Hussle's legacy is now forever archived in U.S. history as part of the Congressional Record."For all he was given, he gave back. And for that legacy, South Los Angeles has been changed forever," @RepKarenBass says.My story on his legacy: https://t.co/7lbwmJRAAP pic.twitter.com/hysqzyiUsHNipsey Hussle's legacy is now forever archived in U.S. history as part of the Congressional Record."For all he was given, he gave back. And for that legacy, South Los Angeles has been changed forever," @RepKarenBass says.My story on his legacy: https://t.co/7lbwmJRAAP pic.twitter.com/hysqzyiUsH
Calling him a “humble visionary”, the record details how he helped uplift his community, as a musician, entrepreneur, and advocate, highlighting his advocacy efforts against inequality, police brutality and gang violence.Calling him a “humble visionary”, the record details how he helped uplift his community, as a musician, entrepreneur, and advocate, highlighting his advocacy efforts against inequality, police brutality and gang violence.
Throughout his projects, Nipsey Hussle brought the neighborhood with him. In working to ensure that the community was knowledgeable about their economic power, Nipsey Hussle made sure to give jobs to residents in the neighborhood who were struggling, some of which were homeless and formerly incarcerated...Throughout his projects, Nipsey Hussle brought the neighborhood with him. In working to ensure that the community was knowledgeable about their economic power, Nipsey Hussle made sure to give jobs to residents in the neighborhood who were struggling, some of which were homeless and formerly incarcerated...
...He taught and reminded our community that the power we hold is the power welcome from and that awareness of our power is something no one can take from us. Nipsey Hussle will be remembered as a visionary, as a protector, as an inspiration, as a philanthropist, as a father, as a brother and as an unabashed son of South LosAngeles. For all he was given, he gave back. And for that legacy, South Los Angeles has been changed forever”....He taught and reminded our community that the power we hold is the power welcome from and that awareness of our power is something no one can take from us. Nipsey Hussle will be remembered as a visionary, as a protector, as an inspiration, as a philanthropist, as a father, as a brother and as an unabashed son of South LosAngeles. For all he was given, he gave back. And for that legacy, South Los Angeles has been changed forever”.
Attorney General William Barr said he believes the government spied on Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. “I think spying did occur,” he said before a Senate committee, adding he would look into whether the surveillance was justified.Attorney General William Barr said he believes the government spied on Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. “I think spying did occur,” he said before a Senate committee, adding he would look into whether the surveillance was justified.
Donald Trump launched a new attack on the Mueller investigation, calling it crooked and treasonous. At the same time, he claimed not to care about Mueller’s report and said he hasn’t read it.Donald Trump launched a new attack on the Mueller investigation, calling it crooked and treasonous. At the same time, he claimed not to care about Mueller’s report and said he hasn’t read it.
The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ron Vitiello, resigned, the latest in an apparent purge of top homeland security officials. Donald Trump last week withdrew Vitiello’s nomination to lead the agency on a permanent basis, saying he wanted someone “tougher.”The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ron Vitiello, resigned, the latest in an apparent purge of top homeland security officials. Donald Trump last week withdrew Vitiello’s nomination to lead the agency on a permanent basis, saying he wanted someone “tougher.”
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director, Ron Vitiellohas, has resigned, according to Bloomberg News.The Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director, Ron Vitiellohas, has resigned, according to Bloomberg News.
*ICE ACTING DIRECTOR VITIELLO RESIGNS, HOMELAND'S NIELSEN SAYS*ICE ACTING DIRECTOR VITIELLO RESIGNS, HOMELAND'S NIELSEN SAYS
Donald Trump last week withdrew his nomination to lead the agency on a permanent basis.Donald Trump last week withdrew his nomination to lead the agency on a permanent basis.
Former Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has joined e-cigarette company Juul Labs, the Boston Globe reports.Former Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has joined e-cigarette company Juul Labs, the Boston Globe reports.
The company has been criticized by regulators and advocates for marketing geared to teens, and current Massachusetts AG Maura Healey has launched an investigation into their practices.The company has been criticized by regulators and advocates for marketing geared to teens, and current Massachusetts AG Maura Healey has launched an investigation into their practices.
Another Republican Senator is urging Donald Trump to stop his purge of the top ranks of the Department of Homeland Security. The Washington Post reports:Another Republican Senator is urging Donald Trump to stop his purge of the top ranks of the Department of Homeland Security. The Washington Post reports:
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Reform Committee, said he is worried that [DHS General Counsel John] Mitnick could be dismissed. Johnson is preparing a letter to the administration advising “against even considering getting rid of the counsel.”Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Reform Committee, said he is worried that [DHS General Counsel John] Mitnick could be dismissed. Johnson is preparing a letter to the administration advising “against even considering getting rid of the counsel.”
Johnson emphasized that Mitnick was a consensus pick, having been confirmed unanimously to the job.Johnson emphasized that Mitnick was a consensus pick, having been confirmed unanimously to the job.
“You need management in the department and particularly a counsel that will shoot straight,” Johnson said. “I just think the current counsel is a good person and we want to make sure he stays on the job.”“You need management in the department and particularly a counsel that will shoot straight,” Johnson said. “I just think the current counsel is a good person and we want to make sure he stays on the job.”
He said [acting Homeland Security secretary Kevin] McAleenan is facing a job that is an “almost impossible task for anybody.”He said [acting Homeland Security secretary Kevin] McAleenan is facing a job that is an “almost impossible task for anybody.”
“And it’s not getting any easier whatsoever,” Johnson said. “But right now, I’ve got a great deal of confidence in the commissioner.”“And it’s not getting any easier whatsoever,” Johnson said. “But right now, I’ve got a great deal of confidence in the commissioner.”
Senator Bernie Sanders says he is not surprised by the opposition to his Medicare for All plan.Senator Bernie Sanders says he is not surprised by the opposition to his Medicare for All plan.
Big surprise: health insurance and drug companies don't like #MedicareForAll. They want to continue making billions in profits off of a dysfunctional system that leaves millions of Americans without care.To them we say: we will end your greed and make health care a right.Big surprise: health insurance and drug companies don't like #MedicareForAll. They want to continue making billions in profits off of a dysfunctional system that leaves millions of Americans without care.To them we say: we will end your greed and make health care a right.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that Attorney General William Barr’s comments about “spying” on the Trump campaign undermine his role as the chief US law enforcement officer.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that Attorney General William Barr’s comments about “spying” on the Trump campaign undermine his role as the chief US law enforcement officer.
“He is not the attorney general of Donald Trump. He is the attorney general of the United States,” Pelosi said in an interview with the Associated Press. “I don’t trust Barr, I trust Mueller.”“He is not the attorney general of Donald Trump. He is the attorney general of the United States,” Pelosi said in an interview with the Associated Press. “I don’t trust Barr, I trust Mueller.”
She said she was “she was “very concerned” about Barr’s handling of the Mueller report.She said she was “she was “very concerned” about Barr’s handling of the Mueller report.
Pelosi said Barr’s comments about spying undermine the Constitution and his role in the Justice Department.Pelosi said Barr’s comments about spying undermine the Constitution and his role in the Justice Department.
“He is not the attorney general of Donald Trump. He is the attorney general of the United States,” Pelosi told @AP. “I don’t trust Barr, I trust Mueller.” https://t.co/0Ka7ttGqnO“He is not the attorney general of Donald Trump. He is the attorney general of the United States,” Pelosi told @AP. “I don’t trust Barr, I trust Mueller.” https://t.co/0Ka7ttGqnO
Donald Trump again attacks the Mueller probe, this time via tweet.Donald Trump again attacks the Mueller probe, this time via tweet.
So, it has now been determined, by 18 people that truly hate President Trump, that there was No Collusion with Russia. In fact, it was an illegal investigation that should never have been allowed to start. I fought back hard against this Phony & Treasonous Hoax!So, it has now been determined, by 18 people that truly hate President Trump, that there was No Collusion with Russia. In fact, it was an illegal investigation that should never have been allowed to start. I fought back hard against this Phony & Treasonous Hoax!
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told a congressional committee Wednesday she is “not familiar” with affirmative action rules the administration reversed this year, Politico reports.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told a congressional committee Wednesday she is “not familiar” with affirmative action rules the administration reversed this year, Politico reports.
The Obama-era guidance told school districts and colleges they could consider race in some cases in trying to diversify their student bodies.The Obama-era guidance told school districts and colleges they could consider race in some cases in trying to diversify their student bodies.
Asked about the decision in testimony before a House committee Wednesday, DeVos said she’s “not familiar with that particular document,” according to Politico. She also said she was “not familiar” with a Supreme Court ruling on race-based admissions, on which the scrapped guidelines were partially based.Asked about the decision in testimony before a House committee Wednesday, DeVos said she’s “not familiar with that particular document,” according to Politico. She also said she was “not familiar” with a Supreme Court ruling on race-based admissions, on which the scrapped guidelines were partially based.
Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani accused House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler of “diarrhea of the mouth.” Nadler has said he will subpoena a full version of the Mueller report if it’s not turned over to Congress soon.Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani accused House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler of “diarrhea of the mouth.” Nadler has said he will subpoena a full version of the Mueller report if it’s not turned over to Congress soon.
Jerry Nadler is lashing out personally because on national tv it was easy to expose his bias.Jerry’s diarrhea of the mouth produced a year of statements showing pre-judgement.His lack of judiciousness was evident when he was overheard on Amtrak prematurely planning impeachment.Jerry Nadler is lashing out personally because on national tv it was easy to expose his bias.Jerry’s diarrhea of the mouth produced a year of statements showing pre-judgement.His lack of judiciousness was evident when he was overheard on Amtrak prematurely planning impeachment.
Nadler has pre-judged his investigation. He is like the judge who announces I’ll give you a trial, before I hang you. He has rendered his investigation illegitimate based on his injudicious remarks. He has created a legal basis to challenge any subpoena until he is removed.Nadler has pre-judged his investigation. He is like the judge who announces I’ll give you a trial, before I hang you. He has rendered his investigation illegitimate based on his injudicious remarks. He has created a legal basis to challenge any subpoena until he is removed.