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Democrats request Mueller report evidence to decide impeachment strategy – live Democrats request Mueller report evidence to decide impeachment strategy – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump has been hitting on the Federal Reserve again. After today’s meh report on the US economy Trump has called the Fed an “anchor wrapped around our neck,” on Twitter.
The Fed meets next week and is widely expected to cut rates, just as Trump has repeatedly asked it to do. But if the now 10-year long economic recovery does start to slow, as it appears to be doing, you can expect yet more attacks on the central bank in the months to come.
The creator of that fake presidential seal has a message for the Turning Point USA staffer who caused it to appear behind Trump onstage during the conservative group’s event: “I love them”.
Charles Leazott, a former Republican and graphic designer, said whoever chose the doctored seal resembling the Russian coat of arms was “either wildly incompetent or the best troll ever. Either way, I love them.”
But Leazott, who voted for George W Bush twice, said he didn’t believe Turning Point USA’s claim that the error was the result of an audiovisual aide’s rushed Google search. “You have to look for this,” Leazott told the Washington Post of the seal, which he created as a form of comic protest. “There’s no way this was an accident, is all I’m saying.”
Trump is pressing the World Trade Organization to change how it defines developing countries, claiming that the current classification gives China an unfair advantage.Trump is pressing the World Trade Organization to change how it defines developing countries, claiming that the current classification gives China an unfair advantage.
The WTO is BROKEN when the world’s RICHEST countries claim to be developing countries to avoid WTO rules and get special treatment. NO more!!! Today I directed the U.S. Trade Representative to take action so that countries stop CHEATING the system at the expense of the USA!The WTO is BROKEN when the world’s RICHEST countries claim to be developing countries to avoid WTO rules and get special treatment. NO more!!! Today I directed the U.S. Trade Representative to take action so that countries stop CHEATING the system at the expense of the USA!
The president signed a memo today urging his administration to find ways to force the WTO to reconsider its view, the Wall Street Journal reports.The president signed a memo today urging his administration to find ways to force the WTO to reconsider its view, the Wall Street Journal reports.
“When the wealthiest economies claim developing-country status, they harm not only other developed economies but also economies that truly require special and differential treatment,” the memo reads. “China most dramatically illustrates the point.”“When the wealthiest economies claim developing-country status, they harm not only other developed economies but also economies that truly require special and differential treatment,” the memo reads. “China most dramatically illustrates the point.”
But the memo names other countries that Trump thinks should be reevaluated – including Turkey, Mexico and Qatar.But the memo names other countries that Trump thinks should be reevaluated – including Turkey, Mexico and Qatar.
Another House Republican, Martha Roby of Alabama, has decided to retire from the chamber.Another House Republican, Martha Roby of Alabama, has decided to retire from the chamber.
The news comes on the heels of two other Republicans – Pete Olson of Texas and Paul Mitchell of Michigan – announcing their own retirements this week.The news comes on the heels of two other Republicans – Pete Olson of Texas and Paul Mitchell of Michigan – announcing their own retirements this week.
The string of announcements has been music to the ears of Democratic strategists, who say they show that Republicans are fearful of losing their seats next year. Olson’s district has particularly caught the attention of national Democrats, given that he won last year by just 4 points.The string of announcements has been music to the ears of Democratic strategists, who say they show that Republicans are fearful of losing their seats next year. Olson’s district has particularly caught the attention of national Democrats, given that he won last year by just 4 points.
And Roby’s departure also means the House Republican caucus’ number of women members will sink even lower, as a National Journal editor noted:And Roby’s departure also means the House Republican caucus’ number of women members will sink even lower, as a National Journal editor noted:
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 of the 13 House Republican women have already announced retirement (Brooks/Roby). And Cheney may be headed to the Senate.BY THE NUMBERS: 2 of the 13 House Republican women have already announced retirement (Brooks/Roby). And Cheney may be headed to the Senate.
The conservative youth organization Turning Point USA apologized to Trump for having him appear at the group’s event this week in front of a doctored presidential seal.The conservative youth organization Turning Point USA apologized to Trump for having him appear at the group’s event this week in front of a doctored presidential seal.
We want to apologize to @realDonaldTrump for the mishap at our event. Regardless of what the #FakeNews says, it was 100% accidental & our fault, not the White House’s. We’ve taken measures to ensure it won’t happen again. We love our President & his courage to fight for America.We want to apologize to @realDonaldTrump for the mishap at our event. Regardless of what the #FakeNews says, it was 100% accidental & our fault, not the White House’s. We’ve taken measures to ensure it won’t happen again. We love our President & his courage to fight for America.
During the group’s Teen Student Action Summit, Trump stood on stage in front of a presidential seal that had been altered to resemble the Russian coat of arms, with a two-headed eagle clutching a set of golf clubs in its talons.During the group’s Teen Student Action Summit, Trump stood on stage in front of a presidential seal that had been altered to resemble the Russian coat of arms, with a two-headed eagle clutching a set of golf clubs in its talons.
The group has reportedly fired the audiovisual aide responsible for the mistake, which was blamed on a haphazard Google search.The group has reportedly fired the audiovisual aide responsible for the mistake, which was blamed on a haphazard Google search.
Joe Biden’s campaign ribbed Trump after the president complained about a poll showing him losing in a potential match-up against the former vice president.Joe Biden’s campaign ribbed Trump after the president complained about a poll showing him losing in a potential match-up against the former vice president.
Trump initially slammed Fox News for even discussing the network’s latest poll, which found Biden leading Trump by 10 points, 49 percent to 39 percent, in a hypothetical face-off.Trump initially slammed Fox News for even discussing the network’s latest poll, which found Biden leading Trump by 10 points, 49 percent to 39 percent, in a hypothetical face-off.
....the fact that I have gone through a three year vicious Witch Hunt, perpetrated by the Lamestream Media in Collusion with Crooked and the Democrat Party, there can be NO WAY, with the greatest Economy in U.S. history, that I can be losing to the Sleepy One. KEEP AMERICA GREAT!....the fact that I have gone through a three year vicious Witch Hunt, perpetrated by the Lamestream Media in Collusion with Crooked and the Democrat Party, there can be NO WAY, with the greatest Economy in U.S. history, that I can be losing to the Sleepy One. KEEP AMERICA GREAT!
And a Twitter account for Biden’s campaign quickly jumped to action to throw salt in the wound:And a Twitter account for Biden’s campaign quickly jumped to action to throw salt in the wound:
.@realDonaldTrump, we know you love the polls. We're glad you saw the latest from Fox: Biden 49%, Trump 39. You're losing by ten. Have a nice day..@realDonaldTrump, we know you love the polls. We're glad you saw the latest from Fox: Biden 49%, Trump 39. You're losing by ten. Have a nice day.
The Commerce Department released data today robbing Trump of one of his favorite talking points on the economy.The Commerce Department released data today robbing Trump of one of his favorite talking points on the economy.
The department revised data on US gross domestic production (GDP) back to 2014. According to the newly released data, economic growth last year was 2.5 percent. But Trump has frequently bragged about the economy growing 3 percent last year.The department revised data on US gross domestic production (GDP) back to 2014. According to the newly released data, economic growth last year was 2.5 percent. But Trump has frequently bragged about the economy growing 3 percent last year.
The data also showed that US economic growth slowed to 2.1 percent in the second quarter of 2019, a decline that Trump unsurprisingly blamed on the Federal Reserve.The data also showed that US economic growth slowed to 2.1 percent in the second quarter of 2019, a decline that Trump unsurprisingly blamed on the Federal Reserve.
Q2 GDP Up 2.1% Not bad considering we have the very heavy weight of the Federal Reserve anchor wrapped around our neck. Almost no inflation. USA is set to Zoom!Q2 GDP Up 2.1% Not bad considering we have the very heavy weight of the Federal Reserve anchor wrapped around our neck. Almost no inflation. USA is set to Zoom!
But the revised 2018 data is likely connected to the news about slowing growth, economists noted. “That’s half a percentage point less momentum in the economy than we thought before,” Ben Herzon, an economist for the firm Macroeconomic Advisers, told the New York Times. “We had been expecting Q2 to be the beginning of the downshift, but it looks like it started before.”But the revised 2018 data is likely connected to the news about slowing growth, economists noted. “That’s half a percentage point less momentum in the economy than we thought before,” Ben Herzon, an economist for the firm Macroeconomic Advisers, told the New York Times. “We had been expecting Q2 to be the beginning of the downshift, but it looks like it started before.”
Trump weighed in on tech again Friday morning, in a series of tweets that touched on some of the major issues confronting the industry today: trade, taxes and national security.Trump weighed in on tech again Friday morning, in a series of tweets that touched on some of the major issues confronting the industry today: trade, taxes and national security.
The first statement was an apparent reference to Facebook investor Peter Thiel’s recent allegation – for which he provided zero evidence – that Google has been “infiltrated” by Chinese intelligence agents. Steven Mnuchin, the US treasury security, rejected the allegation on Thursday, telling CNBC that he and the president “did diligence on this issue” and found no basis for concern. But Trump, who has frequently used Google as a political punching back, walked that statement back this morning.The first statement was an apparent reference to Facebook investor Peter Thiel’s recent allegation – for which he provided zero evidence – that Google has been “infiltrated” by Chinese intelligence agents. Steven Mnuchin, the US treasury security, rejected the allegation on Thursday, telling CNBC that he and the president “did diligence on this issue” and found no basis for concern. But Trump, who has frequently used Google as a political punching back, walked that statement back this morning.
There may or may not be National Security concerns with regard to Google and their relationship with China. If there is a problem, we will find out about it. I sincerely hope there is not!!!There may or may not be National Security concerns with regard to Google and their relationship with China. If there is a problem, we will find out about it. I sincerely hope there is not!!!
Google has denied working with the Chinese military.Google has denied working with the Chinese military.
Next in Trump’s crosshairs was Apple, which is reportedly planning to move production of its new Mac Pro computer to China, according to the Wall Street Journal.Next in Trump’s crosshairs was Apple, which is reportedly planning to move production of its new Mac Pro computer to China, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Apple will not be given Tariff waiver, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!Apple will not be given Tariff waiver, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!
And then there was … France? The European nation’s plan to take a bite out of tech giants’ profits with a digital services tax has touched off a war of words between the two allies, with the US threatening legal action and now, it appears possible, “substantial reciprocal action” against French wine imports.And then there was … France? The European nation’s plan to take a bite out of tech giants’ profits with a digital services tax has touched off a war of words between the two allies, with the US threatening legal action and now, it appears possible, “substantial reciprocal action” against French wine imports.
France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies. If anybody taxes them, it should be their home Country, the USA. We will announce a substantial reciprocal action on Macron’s foolishness shortly. I’ve always said American wine is better than French wine!France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies. If anybody taxes them, it should be their home Country, the USA. We will announce a substantial reciprocal action on Macron’s foolishness shortly. I’ve always said American wine is better than French wine!
Presidential candidate Tom Steyer is pitching a “justice-centered climate plan” as one of his first policy rollouts.Presidential candidate Tom Steyer is pitching a “justice-centered climate plan” as one of his first policy rollouts.
Steyer, Democratic megadonor and philanthropist from California, would aim for net-zero warming pollution by 2045, five years earlier than most other Democratic candidates who have outlined plans. He envisions creating 1 million jobs through a civilian climate corps. And he would helps fossil fuel communities transition to new economies, investing $50 billion in them. He would also dedicate $2 trillion in federal funding over ten years to infrastructure.Steyer, Democratic megadonor and philanthropist from California, would aim for net-zero warming pollution by 2045, five years earlier than most other Democratic candidates who have outlined plans. He envisions creating 1 million jobs through a civilian climate corps. And he would helps fossil fuel communities transition to new economies, investing $50 billion in them. He would also dedicate $2 trillion in federal funding over ten years to infrastructure.
Other Democrats have proposed higher levels of spending. Many say they would fight environmental racism. New Jersey senator Cory Booker’s environment plan is largely justice-focused.Other Democrats have proposed higher levels of spending. Many say they would fight environmental racism. New Jersey senator Cory Booker’s environment plan is largely justice-focused.
Steyer was campaigning for Trump’s impeachment before he entered the race.Steyer was campaigning for Trump’s impeachment before he entered the race.
As the fate of his presidency hangs in the balance, Trump is focusing on an issue that keeps many Americans up at night: the alleged inferiority of French wine.As the fate of his presidency hangs in the balance, Trump is focusing on an issue that keeps many Americans up at night: the alleged inferiority of French wine.
France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies. If anybody taxes them, it should be their home Country, the USA. We will announce a substantial reciprocal action on Macron’s foolishness shortly. I’ve always said American wine is better than French wine!France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies. If anybody taxes them, it should be their home Country, the USA. We will announce a substantial reciprocal action on Macron’s foolishness shortly. I’ve always said American wine is better than French wine!
With that, at least one reporter selflessly offered to fact-check Trump’s claims about American wine versus French wine.With that, at least one reporter selflessly offered to fact-check Trump’s claims about American wine versus French wine.
I’m sure the president will appreciate the help given that he doesn’t drink – raising doubts about his expertise on the matter.I’m sure the president will appreciate the help given that he doesn’t drink – raising doubts about his expertise on the matter.
Several Capitol Hill reporters note that House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler seemed to be arguing that his panel has effectively already launched an impeachment inquiry.Several Capitol Hill reporters note that House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler seemed to be arguing that his panel has effectively already launched an impeachment inquiry.
From a New York Times reporter:From a New York Times reporter:
Extremely significant that Nadler keeps talking about using "full Article I powers" in filing this lawsuit. Article I gives the House power to impeach. He says "too much is being made of the phrase 'impeachment inquiry,'" but he's essentially making the case they're already in 1Extremely significant that Nadler keeps talking about using "full Article I powers" in filing this lawsuit. Article I gives the House power to impeach. He says "too much is being made of the phrase 'impeachment inquiry,'" but he's essentially making the case they're already in 1
And when another New York Times reporter raised this issue during Nadler’s press conference, Democratic representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee appeared to agree with him:And when another New York Times reporter raised this issue during Nadler’s press conference, Democratic representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee appeared to agree with him:
.@npfandos asks Nadler whether his committee is beginning to shade into an impeachment inquiry even if a formal vote hasn’t been held - an argument I’ve heard privately from some members. “Smart boy,” said @RepCohen in response to the Q..@npfandos asks Nadler whether his committee is beginning to shade into an impeachment inquiry even if a formal vote hasn’t been held - an argument I’ve heard privately from some members. “Smart boy,” said @RepCohen in response to the Q.
But a HuffPost reporter strongly pushed back against that notion:But a HuffPost reporter strongly pushed back against that notion:
It’s not an impeachment inquiry. It’s a legal justification that they’re *thinking about* opening an impeachment inquiry, and therefore need this information.If impeachment is buying a car, and an inquiry is showing up to a dealership, Democrats are googling “benefits of cars.”It’s not an impeachment inquiry. It’s a legal justification that they’re *thinking about* opening an impeachment inquiry, and therefore need this information.If impeachment is buying a car, and an inquiry is showing up to a dealership, Democrats are googling “benefits of cars.”
It’s worth noting that House judiciary committee Democrats said Nancy Pelosi has approved the language about impeachment in the new lawsuit seeking grand jury material from Robert Mueller’s investigation.It’s worth noting that House judiciary committee Democrats said Nancy Pelosi has approved the language about impeachment in the new lawsuit seeking grand jury material from Robert Mueller’s investigation.
That request makes clear that the committee is considering articles of impeachment against Trump and that the grand jury information will help them reach a decision on the matter.That request makes clear that the committee is considering articles of impeachment against Trump and that the grand jury information will help them reach a decision on the matter.
House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler quoted the new petition as telling a federal judge, “Because Department of Justice policies will not allow prosecution of a sitting president, the United States House of Representatives is the only institution of the federal government that can now hold President Trump accountable for these actions.”House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler quoted the new petition as telling a federal judge, “Because Department of Justice policies will not allow prosecution of a sitting president, the United States House of Representatives is the only institution of the federal government that can now hold President Trump accountable for these actions.”
Specifically referencing the part of the Constitution giving Congress the power to impeach a president, the request reads, “To do so, the House must have access to all the relevant facts and consider whether to exercise all its full Article I powers, including a constitutional power of the utmost gravity — recommendation of articles of impeachment.”Specifically referencing the part of the Constitution giving Congress the power to impeach a president, the request reads, “To do so, the House must have access to all the relevant facts and consider whether to exercise all its full Article I powers, including a constitutional power of the utmost gravity — recommendation of articles of impeachment.”
It’s already 1 p.m. in Washington. Here’s where things stand today.It’s already 1 p.m. in Washington. Here’s where things stand today.
Nancy Pelosi said she was “not trying to run out the clock” on impeaching Trump. “We will proceed when we have what we need to proceed. Not one day sooner,” the House speaker said at her press conference.Nancy Pelosi said she was “not trying to run out the clock” on impeaching Trump. “We will proceed when we have what we need to proceed. Not one day sooner,” the House speaker said at her press conference.
But, but, but: House judiciary committee Jerry Nadler said his panel is filing a new lawsuit to gain access to the grand jury information underlying special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. And that request argues the committee needs the information to render a judgement on whether to recommend articles of impeachment.But, but, but: House judiciary committee Jerry Nadler said his panel is filing a new lawsuit to gain access to the grand jury information underlying special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. And that request argues the committee needs the information to render a judgement on whether to recommend articles of impeachment.
Despite that request, Nadler declined to publicly endorse an impeachment inquiry, even though many reports indicate he has done so privately.Despite that request, Nadler declined to publicly endorse an impeachment inquiry, even though many reports indicate he has done so privately.
US economic growth slowed in the second quarter of 2019, but the decline was less than many economists expected.US economic growth slowed in the second quarter of 2019, but the decline was less than many economists expected.
There is sure to be more fallout this afternoon from Pelosi and Nadler’s comments on impeachment. Stay tuned.There is sure to be more fallout this afternoon from Pelosi and Nadler’s comments on impeachment. Stay tuned.
The House judiciary committee’s new lawsuit to get the grand jury information from Robert Mueller’s investigation argues that the panel needs the information to make a determination on recommending articles of impeachment against Trump.The House judiciary committee’s new lawsuit to get the grand jury information from Robert Mueller’s investigation argues that the panel needs the information to make a determination on recommending articles of impeachment against Trump.
A CNN reporter noted the lawsuit’s language specifically invokes the impeachment question. “We are not running away from articles of impeachment,” representative Sheila Jackson Lee said.A CNN reporter noted the lawsuit’s language specifically invokes the impeachment question. “We are not running away from articles of impeachment,” representative Sheila Jackson Lee said.
JUST IN: House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler on steps following Mueller testimony: "Today, we are filing an application for the grand jury material underlying the Mueller report." https://t.co/2gpPDejpRk pic.twitter.com/8ia6xVazqwJUST IN: House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler on steps following Mueller testimony: "Today, we are filing an application for the grand jury material underlying the Mueller report." https://t.co/2gpPDejpRk pic.twitter.com/8ia6xVazqw
Chairman Jerry Nadler also noted that the panel expected to file another lawsuit to enforce its subpoena of former White House counsel Don McGahn.Chairman Jerry Nadler also noted that the panel expected to file another lawsuit to enforce its subpoena of former White House counsel Don McGahn.
Some had expected House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler to use today’s press conference to come out in favor of launching an impeachment inquiry against Trump.Some had expected House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler to use today’s press conference to come out in favor of launching an impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Every person on this stage has publicly endorsed an impeachment inquiry except Nadler. pic.twitter.com/mMf8rgrNR3Every person on this stage has publicly endorsed an impeachment inquiry except Nadler. pic.twitter.com/mMf8rgrNR3
Many reports have indicated that Nadler has privately voiced support for launching an inquiry, but he has declined to do so publicly.Many reports have indicated that Nadler has privately voiced support for launching an inquiry, but he has declined to do so publicly.
When asked by a CNN reporter why he has chosen not to do so, Nadler notably paused before dodging the question. One of the panel’s other members, representative Mary Gay Scanlon, then took the microphone to argue that impeachment “isn’t a binary thing that you either are or you aren’t”.When asked by a CNN reporter why he has chosen not to do so, Nadler notably paused before dodging the question. One of the panel’s other members, representative Mary Gay Scanlon, then took the microphone to argue that impeachment “isn’t a binary thing that you either are or you aren’t”.
Asked about divisions between his panel and Nancy Pelosi, Nadler downplayed any conflict between the committee and the House speaker. “I don’t know that there are real divisions with the speaker,” Nadler said, pointing to Pelosi’s comments during her press conference that Democrats “will proceed when we have what we need to proceed.”Asked about divisions between his panel and Nancy Pelosi, Nadler downplayed any conflict between the committee and the House speaker. “I don’t know that there are real divisions with the speaker,” Nadler said, pointing to Pelosi’s comments during her press conference that Democrats “will proceed when we have what we need to proceed.”
House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler announced his panel would file an application today seeking the grand jury material underlying special counsel Robert Mueller’s report.House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler announced his panel would file an application today seeking the grand jury material underlying special counsel Robert Mueller’s report.
House Judiciary Cmte Chair @RepJerryNadler + other Cmte Dems hold presser announcing next steps post Mueller hearings pic.twitter.com/fp08K6urtsHouse Judiciary Cmte Chair @RepJerryNadler + other Cmte Dems hold presser announcing next steps post Mueller hearings pic.twitter.com/fp08K6urts
Another House Democrat, Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, has announced her support of launching an impeachment inquiry.Another House Democrat, Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, has announced her support of launching an impeachment inquiry.
I support a formal inquiry to determine whether or not the President's conduct warrants bringing articles of impeachment.I have not prejudged the outcome. I believe in the integrity of the process & that it's my duty under the Constitution to ensure nobody is above the law. pic.twitter.com/ddYBhZeh15I support a formal inquiry to determine whether or not the President's conduct warrants bringing articles of impeachment.I have not prejudged the outcome. I believe in the integrity of the process & that it's my duty under the Constitution to ensure nobody is above the law. pic.twitter.com/ddYBhZeh15
Kuster was first elected in 2012 and is, according to a Politico reporter, the 100th lawmaker to support an impeachment inquiry.Kuster was first elected in 2012 and is, according to a Politico reporter, the 100th lawmaker to support an impeachment inquiry.