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| Supreme court allows Trump to use $2.5bn in Pentagon funds on border wall – as it happened | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| That’s all for our live coverage today - thank you for following along! Some key links and events from today in politics: | |
| The Supreme Court has said the Trump administration can spend $2.5bn in Pentagon funds on the border wall. | |
| Trump announced Friday that Guatemala was signing an agreement to restrict asylum applications to the US, a move that immigrant rights advocates said was cruel and unlawful. | |
| A photo of a mother begging an armed Mexican guard to let her and her son cross the border went viral and became a symbol of migrants’ struggles. | |
| The House judiciary committee is filing an application to seek access to grand jury evidence from the Mueller investigation, which lawmakers said they need to determine whether to begin impeachment proceedings. | |
| The justice department decided a major merger between T-Mobile and Sprint can move forward. Critics of the merger fear it could lead to higher prices for consumers and less innovation among wireless carriers. | |
| Four Democratic congress members have just published an op-ed explaining “why we’re moving forward with impeachment”. | |
| Nancy Pelosi said she met with representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to “clear the air”. | |
| US economic growth slowed to 2.1% in the second quarter of 2019, a mediocre showing that Trump blamed on the Federal Reserve. The central bank is meeting next week and is widely expected to cut rates. | |
| Here are some more reactions to Trump’s announcement today that Guatemala was signing an agreement to restrict asylum applications to the US. | Here are some more reactions to Trump’s announcement today that Guatemala was signing an agreement to restrict asylum applications to the US. |
| Amnesty International said that “any attempts to force families and individuals fleeing their home countries to seek safety in Guatemala are outrageous”, with Charanya Krishnaswami, the group’s advocacy director for the Americas, adding: | Amnesty International said that “any attempts to force families and individuals fleeing their home countries to seek safety in Guatemala are outrageous”, with Charanya Krishnaswami, the group’s advocacy director for the Americas, adding: |
| The Trump administration must abandon this cruel and illegal plan to shut doors to families and individuals trying to rebuild their lives in safety.” | The Trump administration must abandon this cruel and illegal plan to shut doors to families and individuals trying to rebuild their lives in safety.” |
| From Racies, Texas-based group that provides legal services to refugee families: | From Racies, Texas-based group that provides legal services to refugee families: |
| This new agreement with Guatemala puts 100s of thousands of people's lives at risk. What Trump is doing with these third country agreements violates the principle of asylum and directly leads to people being kidnapped, beaten and sexually abused. https://t.co/SxryBMEpDr | This new agreement with Guatemala puts 100s of thousands of people's lives at risk. What Trump is doing with these third country agreements violates the principle of asylum and directly leads to people being kidnapped, beaten and sexually abused. https://t.co/SxryBMEpDr |
| Congressman Eliot Engel, the chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, said Trump’s decision to sign the agreement was “immoral” and “illegal”, adding: | Congressman Eliot Engel, the chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, said Trump’s decision to sign the agreement was “immoral” and “illegal”, adding: |
| Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires.” | Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires.” |
| Congresswoman Norma Torres: | Congresswoman Norma Torres: |
| Once again, the Guatemalan government has chosen to defy the will of its own people to curry favor with the Trump administration. This is an insult to common sense. #Guatemala pic.twitter.com/CTbJW4tFpv | Once again, the Guatemalan government has chosen to defy the will of its own people to curry favor with the Trump administration. This is an insult to common sense. #Guatemala pic.twitter.com/CTbJW4tFpv |
| Read our full story here: | Read our full story here: |
| US and Guatemala reach agreement to restrict asylum applications | US and Guatemala reach agreement to restrict asylum applications |
| Four Democratic congress members have just published an op-ed explaining “why we’re moving forward with impeachment”: | Four Democratic congress members have just published an op-ed explaining “why we’re moving forward with impeachment”: |
| As members of the @HouseJudiciary, we understand the gravity of this moment. We wake up every morning with the understanding of the oath that binds us as members of Congress, and the trust that our constituents placed in us to uphold that oath. https://t.co/qgkgIhXiTu | As members of the @HouseJudiciary, we understand the gravity of this moment. We wake up every morning with the understanding of the oath that binds us as members of Congress, and the trust that our constituents placed in us to uphold that oath. https://t.co/qgkgIhXiTu |
| Here’s an excerpt from the piece, co-authored by Mary Gay Scanlon, vice chair of the house judiciary committee; David Cicilline, representative from Rhode Island; Pramila Jayapal, representative from Washington; and Veronica Escobar, representative from Texas: | Here’s an excerpt from the piece, co-authored by Mary Gay Scanlon, vice chair of the house judiciary committee; David Cicilline, representative from Rhode Island; Pramila Jayapal, representative from Washington; and Veronica Escobar, representative from Texas: |
| Congress has patiently tried to work within traditional means to get to the bottom of this extraordinary situation. Committees have called witnesses and requested evidence, only to be stonewalled by Trump and his associates. The president’s refusal to comply with the Constitution, statutes, and established congressional oversight defies the rule of law. | Congress has patiently tried to work within traditional means to get to the bottom of this extraordinary situation. Committees have called witnesses and requested evidence, only to be stonewalled by Trump and his associates. The president’s refusal to comply with the Constitution, statutes, and established congressional oversight defies the rule of law. |
| Mueller’s testimony before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees was a watershed moment. At this point, it is up to Congress to act on the evidence of multiple counts of obstruction of justice committed by the president, and to continue our investigation into whether he has committed other high crimes and misdemeanors. | Mueller’s testimony before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees was a watershed moment. At this point, it is up to Congress to act on the evidence of multiple counts of obstruction of justice committed by the president, and to continue our investigation into whether he has committed other high crimes and misdemeanors. |
| Despite assertions to the contrary by the president and his allies, the special counsel’s report and testimony are not the end of our investigations. We have now filed a petition in court to obtain the grand-jury documents referenced in the special counsel’s report. In that filing, we have made clear that we will utilize our Article I powers to obtain the additional underlying evidence, as well as enforce subpoenas for key witness testimony, and broaden our investigations to include conflicts of interest and financial misconduct. | Despite assertions to the contrary by the president and his allies, the special counsel’s report and testimony are not the end of our investigations. We have now filed a petition in court to obtain the grand-jury documents referenced in the special counsel’s report. In that filing, we have made clear that we will utilize our Article I powers to obtain the additional underlying evidence, as well as enforce subpoenas for key witness testimony, and broaden our investigations to include conflicts of interest and financial misconduct. |
| While many people believe that beginning an impeachment investigation can begin only with a vote of the full House of Representatives, this is not true. Article I authorizes the House Judiciary Committee to begin this process. | While many people believe that beginning an impeachment investigation can begin only with a vote of the full House of Representatives, this is not true. Article I authorizes the House Judiciary Committee to begin this process. |
| The president is celebrating the supreme court’s decision to allow him to spend $2.5bn on the border wall: | The president is celebrating the supreme court’s decision to allow him to spend $2.5bn on the border wall: |
| Wow! Big VICTORY on the Wall. The United States Supreme Court overturns lower court injunction, allows Southern Border Wall to proceed. Big WIN for Border Security and the Rule of Law! | Wow! Big VICTORY on the Wall. The United States Supreme Court overturns lower court injunction, allows Southern Border Wall to proceed. Big WIN for Border Security and the Rule of Law! |
| Immigrant rights’ groups had argued that the spending would be unlawful, cruel and a waste of money: | Immigrant rights’ groups had argued that the spending would be unlawful, cruel and a waste of money: |
| This wall won't make anyone any more secure. It's a futile exercise to massage your ego, and advance your racist agenda.We should be spending this $2.5bn of our tax payers money on housing for homeless people, mental health for veterans, and healthcare for those who are unwell. | This wall won't make anyone any more secure. It's a futile exercise to massage your ego, and advance your racist agenda.We should be spending this $2.5bn of our tax payers money on housing for homeless people, mental health for veterans, and healthcare for those who are unwell. |
| The American Civil Liberties Union had argued in court that the Trump administration “lacks authority to spend taxpayer funds on a wall that Congress considered and denied”. | The American Civil Liberties Union had argued in court that the Trump administration “lacks authority to spend taxpayer funds on a wall that Congress considered and denied”. |
| Judge Haywood S Gilliam Jr of US district court in Oakland had previously blocked the effort. Gilliam wrote: | Judge Haywood S Gilliam Jr of US district court in Oakland had previously blocked the effort. Gilliam wrote: |
| The case is not about whether the challenged border barrier construction plan is wise or unwise. It is not about whether the plan is the right or wrong policy response to existing conditions at the southern border of the United States. Instead, this case presents strict legal questions regarding whether the proposed plan for funding border barrier construction exceeds the executive branch’s lawful authority.” | The case is not about whether the challenged border barrier construction plan is wise or unwise. It is not about whether the plan is the right or wrong policy response to existing conditions at the southern border of the United States. Instead, this case presents strict legal questions regarding whether the proposed plan for funding border barrier construction exceeds the executive branch’s lawful authority.” |
| Some more background on the case and Trump’s funding proposal, via the AP: | Some more background on the case and Trump’s funding proposal, via the AP: |
| The case the Supreme Court ruled on began after the 35-day partial government shutdown that started in December of last year. Trump ended the shutdown in February after Congress gave him approximately $1.4 billion in border wall funding. But the amount was far less than the $5.7 billion he was seeking, and Trump then declared a national emergency to take cash from other government accounts to use to construct sections of wall. | The case the Supreme Court ruled on began after the 35-day partial government shutdown that started in December of last year. Trump ended the shutdown in February after Congress gave him approximately $1.4 billion in border wall funding. But the amount was far less than the $5.7 billion he was seeking, and Trump then declared a national emergency to take cash from other government accounts to use to construct sections of wall. |
| The money Trump identified includes $3.6 billion from military construction funds, $2.5 billion in Defense Department money and $600 million from the Treasury Department’s asset forfeiture fund. | The money Trump identified includes $3.6 billion from military construction funds, $2.5 billion in Defense Department money and $600 million from the Treasury Department’s asset forfeiture fund. |
| The case before the Supreme Court involved just the $2.5 billion in Defense Department funds, which the administration says will be used to construct more than 100 miles of fencing. One project would replace 46 miles of barrier in New Mexico for $789 million. Another would replace 63 miles in Arizona for $646 million. The other two projects in California and Arizona are smaller. | The case before the Supreme Court involved just the $2.5 billion in Defense Department funds, which the administration says will be used to construct more than 100 miles of fencing. One project would replace 46 miles of barrier in New Mexico for $789 million. Another would replace 63 miles in Arizona for $646 million. The other two projects in California and Arizona are smaller. |
| The Supreme Court has said the Trump administration can spend $2.5bn in Pentagon funds on the border wall: | The Supreme Court has said the Trump administration can spend $2.5bn in Pentagon funds on the border wall: |
| JUST IN: Supreme Court allows Trump administration to spend $2.5 billion in Pentagon funds on border wall pic.twitter.com/JVxFusMf41 | JUST IN: Supreme Court allows Trump administration to spend $2.5 billion in Pentagon funds on border wall pic.twitter.com/JVxFusMf41 |
| It was a divided decision, saying the White House could begin using some of the federal funds for border wall construction that had previously been contested: | It was a divided decision, saying the White House could begin using some of the federal funds for border wall construction that had previously been contested: |
| NOW: In a divided decision, the Supreme Court rules the Trump administration can begin using some of the contested federal funds Trump redirected for border wall construction — the court granted the admin's request to stay a lower court injunction https://t.co/SSEU48JLNU pic.twitter.com/DPijozmm8B | NOW: In a divided decision, the Supreme Court rules the Trump administration can begin using some of the contested federal funds Trump redirected for border wall construction — the court granted the admin's request to stay a lower court injunction https://t.co/SSEU48JLNU pic.twitter.com/DPijozmm8B |
| Some more breakdown of the justices’ positions: | Some more breakdown of the justices’ positions: |
| Justices Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan would have denied the stay and left in place the injunction blocking the admin from using the funds while the case went forward; Breyer would have let the govt finalize contracts, but also blocked construction during the litigation | Justices Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan would have denied the stay and left in place the injunction blocking the admin from using the funds while the case went forward; Breyer would have let the govt finalize contracts, but also blocked construction during the litigation |
| Here is some additional impeachment commentary from Democratic representatives on the judiciary committee. Veronica Escobar said: | Here is some additional impeachment commentary from Democratic representatives on the judiciary committee. Veronica Escobar said: |
| Yes, we’re crossing a threshold with this filing. And we are now officially entering into an examination of whether or not to recommend the articles of impeachment.” | Yes, we’re crossing a threshold with this filing. And we are now officially entering into an examination of whether or not to recommend the articles of impeachment.” |
| Jamie Raskin: | Jamie Raskin: |
| From my personal point of view, we are in an impeachment inquiry. | From my personal point of view, we are in an impeachment inquiry. |
| Eric Swalwell: | Eric Swalwell: |
| This is an impeachment investigation. | This is an impeachment investigation. |
| More here: | More here: |
| The view from Judiciary Dems:Rep. Veronica Escobar: "Yes, we're crossing a threshold with this filing."Rep. Jamie Raskin: "From my personal point of view, we are in an impeachment inquiry."Rep. Eric Swalwell: "This is an impeachment investigation."https://t.co/c3JX8g0dZb | The view from Judiciary Dems:Rep. Veronica Escobar: "Yes, we're crossing a threshold with this filing."Rep. Jamie Raskin: "From my personal point of view, we are in an impeachment inquiry."Rep. Eric Swalwell: "This is an impeachment investigation."https://t.co/c3JX8g0dZb |
| Donald Trump is now blaming Barack Obama for the air conditioning system in the West Wing, which he said is either “freezing or hot”: | Donald Trump is now blaming Barack Obama for the air conditioning system in the West Wing, which he said is either “freezing or hot”: |
| "The Obama Administration worked out a brand new air conditioning system for the West Wing. And it was so good before they did the system. Now that they did the system it's freezing or hot in here."-- Pres. Trump pic.twitter.com/Hz3oJL2ooU | "The Obama Administration worked out a brand new air conditioning system for the West Wing. And it was so good before they did the system. Now that they did the system it's freezing or hot in here."-- Pres. Trump pic.twitter.com/Hz3oJL2ooU |
| Hello and happy Friday! Sam Levin in Los Angeles here, taking over our coverage for the rest of the day. The president is continuing to threaten to tax French wines, noting that he thinks American wines look better: | Hello and happy Friday! Sam Levin in Los Angeles here, taking over our coverage for the rest of the day. The president is continuing to threaten to tax French wines, noting that he thinks American wines look better: |
| I’ve always liked American wines better than French wines. Even though I don’t drink wine. I just like the way they look. | I’ve always liked American wines better than French wines. Even though I don’t drink wine. I just like the way they look. |
| TRUMP on wine: "I've always liked American wines better than French wines. Even though I don't drink wine. I just like they way they look. Ok? But the American wines are great."The president then threatens to slap tariffs on France. pic.twitter.com/uOmgDWlMVa | TRUMP on wine: "I've always liked American wines better than French wines. Even though I don't drink wine. I just like they way they look. Ok? But the American wines are great."The president then threatens to slap tariffs on France. pic.twitter.com/uOmgDWlMVa |
| A reminder about what the Trump Winery brand has to offer: | A reminder about what the Trump Winery brand has to offer: |
| A review of Trump wine — “Welch’s grape jelly with alcohol. A terrible, fumy, alcoholic nose. If I served you that on an airline you’d be mad.” https://t.co/51H6lJlucq | A review of Trump wine — “Welch’s grape jelly with alcohol. A terrible, fumy, alcoholic nose. If I served you that on an airline you’d be mad.” https://t.co/51H6lJlucq |
| That’s it from me this week. Sam Levin will be taking things over on the West Coast for the next few hours. | That’s it from me this week. Sam Levin will be taking things over on the West Coast for the next few hours. |
| Here’s where things stand so far today. | Here’s where things stand so far today. |
| House Democrats took a step closer to impeachment by filing a petition to gain access to the underlying grand jury material from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. Democrats on the judiciary committee said in their request that they needed the information to determine whether to recommend filing articles of impeachment against Donald Trump. | House Democrats took a step closer to impeachment by filing a petition to gain access to the underlying grand jury material from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. Democrats on the judiciary committee said in their request that they needed the information to determine whether to recommend filing articles of impeachment against Donald Trump. |
| But Nancy Pelosi said in her press conference today that Democrats would only launch impeachment proceedings “when we have the best possible case.” The House speaker emphasized that she was “not trying to run out the clock” on impeachment, but she added, “We will proceed when we have what we need to proceed. Not one day sooner.” | But Nancy Pelosi said in her press conference today that Democrats would only launch impeachment proceedings “when we have the best possible case.” The House speaker emphasized that she was “not trying to run out the clock” on impeachment, but she added, “We will proceed when we have what we need to proceed. Not one day sooner.” |
| The White House announced Guatemala has signed on to the so-called safe third country agreement that could limit asylum applications to the US. Earlier this week, Trump threatened the country with tariffs and a “BAN” if it didn’t agree to the deal. | The White House announced Guatemala has signed on to the so-called safe third country agreement that could limit asylum applications to the US. Earlier this week, Trump threatened the country with tariffs and a “BAN” if it didn’t agree to the deal. |
| US economic growth slowed to 2.1% in the second quarter of 2019, a mediocre showing that Trump blamed on the Federal Reserve. The central bank is meeting next week and is widely expected to cut rates. | US economic growth slowed to 2.1% in the second quarter of 2019, a mediocre showing that Trump blamed on the Federal Reserve. The central bank is meeting next week and is widely expected to cut rates. |
| The justice department decided a major merger between T-Mobile and Sprint can move forward. Critics of the merger fear it could lead to higher prices for consumers and less innovation among wireless carriers. | The justice department decided a major merger between T-Mobile and Sprint can move forward. Critics of the merger fear it could lead to higher prices for consumers and less innovation among wireless carriers. |
| Thanks for following our coverage this week and have a great weekend. | Thanks for following our coverage this week and have a great weekend. |
| Trump said he hoped the asylum agreement with Guatemala would “end widespread abuse of the system and the crippling crisis on our border”, according to the pool report. | Trump said he hoped the asylum agreement with Guatemala would “end widespread abuse of the system and the crippling crisis on our border”, according to the pool report. |
| He was also optimistic that his administration would be able to sign more third country agreements, which he said would help to put “coyotes and the smugglers out of business. These are bad people.” | He was also optimistic that his administration would be able to sign more third country agreements, which he said would help to put “coyotes and the smugglers out of business. These are bad people.” |
| The president added that the agreement would send a message to smugglers: “your day is over.” | The president added that the agreement would send a message to smugglers: “your day is over.” |