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Trump says 'we're trying to find out who the whistleblower is' despite legal protections – live Trump says 'we're trying to find out about a whistleblower' amid impeachment inquiry – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump said that the White House is “trying to find out” the identity of the whistleblower who filed the complaint apart his Ukraine call, per a pool report. A new poll found that Americans are evenly split on whether Trump should be impeached and removed from office.
According to the Quinnipiac University poll, 47 percent of Americans say Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 47 percent say he should not. Those numbers represent a 20-point swing from less than a week ago.
A narrow majority of Americans approve of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, with 52 percent of respondents supporting it while 45 percent oppose it.
The numbers confirm that impeachment remains a hotly contested issue among Americans, but the ground is clearly shifting rapidly on the subject.
One of the whistleblower’s lawyers has sent a tweet defending the person’s anonymity despite Trump’s claim that the White House is trying to find about more about the official.
The lawyer, Andrew Bakaj, warned that retaliating against the whistleblower would be a violation of federal law.
IC WB UPDATE: The Intel Community Whistleblower is entitled to anonymity. Law and policy support this and the individual is not to be retaliated against. Doing so is a violation of federal law.
This post has been updated to add more context about Trump’s comments.
The whistleblower’s lawyers have raised concerns about their client’s safety in a letter to the office of the direction of national intelligence.
Here’s the letter to DNI Maguire. Whistleblower attorney @MarkSZaidEsq says 60 minutes “completely misinterpreted” its contents, but letter does say “we appreciate your office’s support thus far to activate appropriate resources to ensure their safety.”https://t.co/OFNtLUxq8p https://t.co/vzdTDenZ4S
Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, similarly expressed fear for the whistleblower’s safety earlier today.
Mark Warner says "any rational person would be concerned about the whistleblower's safety after the president's comments," calling Trump's attacks "outrageous" that will have a "chilling effect." The Senate Intel Committee, he said, is starting to map out potential witnesses pic.twitter.com/KMb2ymtxFt
Trump’s comment that the White House was trying to find out more about the whistleblower raised concerns that the president would defy the federal protections the anonymous person is entitled to.
During the House intelligence committee’s hearing last week with the acting director of national intelligence, Democrats voiced fear that Trump’s handling of the complaint could scare off future whistleblowers.
Whistleblowers who follow the rules, as this one did, are vital to protecting our safety and our freedoms.For the president to threaten this patriotic American with death demonstrates what prosecutors call “consciousness of guilt.” https://t.co/apA4nw61Xh
This post has been updated to add more context about Trump’s comments.
When asked by a reporter whether he knew the identity of the whistleblower, Trump said that the White House is “trying to find out” about the whistleblower.
Q Do you know who the whistleblower is? TRUMP: “Well we're trying to find out about a whistleblower. We have a whistleblower that reports that things that were incorrect." pic.twitter.com/jKX1J87wrg
The whistleblower has remained anonymous, but the New York Times controversially reported last week that he is a CIA official with an expertise on Ukraine.The whistleblower has remained anonymous, but the New York Times controversially reported last week that he is a CIA official with an expertise on Ukraine.
This post has been updated to add more context about Trump’s comments.
In non-impeachment news, representative Chris Collins, a Republican of New York, has reportedly sent a letter of resignation to Nancy Pelosi a day before he was expected to plead guilty to insider trading charges.In non-impeachment news, representative Chris Collins, a Republican of New York, has reportedly sent a letter of resignation to Nancy Pelosi a day before he was expected to plead guilty to insider trading charges.
The Washington Post reports:The Washington Post reports:
Collins, 69, allegedly tipped off his son to confidential information about an Australian biotechnology company, Innate Immunotherapeutics, that he learned as a member of its board. Collins and several others used the information to avoid more than $700,000 in losses, according to prosecutors.Collins, 69, allegedly tipped off his son to confidential information about an Australian biotechnology company, Innate Immunotherapeutics, that he learned as a member of its board. Collins and several others used the information to avoid more than $700,000 in losses, according to prosecutors.
He is scheduled to change his plea Tuesday afternoon in a Manhattan federal court. ...He is scheduled to change his plea Tuesday afternoon in a Manhattan federal court. ...
Collins won reelection last year after initially suspending his campaign, then reversing that decision despite pressure from Republicans to step aside and allow another GOP candidate on the ballot. Collins was sworn in for a fourth term in January but was not seated on any House committees pending resolution of his indictment.Collins won reelection last year after initially suspending his campaign, then reversing that decision despite pressure from Republicans to step aside and allow another GOP candidate on the ballot. Collins was sworn in for a fourth term in January but was not seated on any House committees pending resolution of his indictment.
Several candidates have announced campaigns to challenge Collins in 2020, including GOP state Sens. Chris Jacobs and Rob Ortt as well as Democratic lawyer Nate McMurray, who came about 1,000 votes shy of unseating Collins last year.Several candidates have announced campaigns to challenge Collins in 2020, including GOP state Sens. Chris Jacobs and Rob Ortt as well as Democratic lawyer Nate McMurray, who came about 1,000 votes shy of unseating Collins last year.
In addition to calling Trump a “corrupt human tornado,” Hillary Clinton also reacted to reports that the State Department is still investigating the email practices of her employees while she was secretary of state.In addition to calling Trump a “corrupt human tornado,” Hillary Clinton also reacted to reports that the State Department is still investigating the email practices of her employees while she was secretary of state.
The Washington Post reported Saturday:The Washington Post reported Saturday:
As many as 130 officials have been contacted in recent weeks by State Department investigators — a list that includes senior officials who reported directly to Clinton as well as others in lower-level jobs whose emails were at some point relayed to her inbox, said current and former State Department officials. Those targeted were notified that emails they sent years ago have been retroactively classified and now constitute potential security violations, according to letters reviewed by The Washington Post.As many as 130 officials have been contacted in recent weeks by State Department investigators — a list that includes senior officials who reported directly to Clinton as well as others in lower-level jobs whose emails were at some point relayed to her inbox, said current and former State Department officials. Those targeted were notified that emails they sent years ago have been retroactively classified and now constitute potential security violations, according to letters reviewed by The Washington Post.
In virtually all of the cases, potentially sensitive information, now recategorized as ‘classified,’ was sent to Clinton’s unsecure inbox.In virtually all of the cases, potentially sensitive information, now recategorized as ‘classified,’ was sent to Clinton’s unsecure inbox.
State Department investigators began contacting the former officials about 18 months ago, after President Trump’s election, and then seemed to drop the effort before picking it up in August, officials said.State Department investigators began contacting the former officials about 18 months ago, after President Trump’s election, and then seemed to drop the effort before picking it up in August, officials said.
Clinton’s reaction to this news was ... dismissive.Clinton’s reaction to this news was ... dismissive.
But my emails. (Thank you.)But my emails. (Thank you.)
Hillary Clinton has once again weighed in on the impeachment inquiry against Trump, this time in as concise a way as possible.Hillary Clinton has once again weighed in on the impeachment inquiry against Trump, this time in as concise a way as possible.
The president is a corrupt human tornado.The president is a corrupt human tornado.
The former Democratic presidential candidate has voiced support for House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, applauding Nancy Pelosi for formally launching it last week.The former Democratic presidential candidate has voiced support for House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, applauding Nancy Pelosi for formally launching it last week.
Clinton said Thursday at an event for the abortion rights group NARAL: “This is a moment of reckoning, a historic moment, and I’m very grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her leadership.”Clinton said Thursday at an event for the abortion rights group NARAL: “This is a moment of reckoning, a historic moment, and I’m very grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her leadership.”
Democratic lawmakers and commentators have sharply criticized Trump for suggesting that the House intelligence committee chairman, Adam Schiff, should be arrested for treason.Democratic lawmakers and commentators have sharply criticized Trump for suggesting that the House intelligence committee chairman, Adam Schiff, should be arrested for treason.
A Democratic presidential candidate argued it presented more evidence for Trump’s impeachment:A Democratic presidential candidate argued it presented more evidence for Trump’s impeachment:
This is obstruction of justice.He should also be impeached for this. https://t.co/Trn39IlFx6This is obstruction of justice.He should also be impeached for this. https://t.co/Trn39IlFx6
A former senior adviser to Barack Obama compared Trump’s actions to those of Vladimir Putin:A former senior adviser to Barack Obama compared Trump’s actions to those of Vladimir Putin:
Arresting public officials for TREASON?Apparently, @realDonaldTrump is looking to Putin for modeling on how to handle a scandal of Trump’s own making. https://t.co/s5E4fL9vIBArresting public officials for TREASON?Apparently, @realDonaldTrump is looking to Putin for modeling on how to handle a scandal of Trump’s own making. https://t.co/s5E4fL9vIB
A former Clinton White House aide pointed out that the true treason may lie elsewhere in this controversy:A former Clinton White House aide pointed out that the true treason may lie elsewhere in this controversy:
Presidents don't get to arrest political opponents for treason just because they disagree with them.If they could, Trump could have been in prison for birtherism.We do, however, Arrest for Treason, when someone gives aid and comfort to an enemy, as Trump has done with Russia. https://t.co/sprs0HlEycPresidents don't get to arrest political opponents for treason just because they disagree with them.If they could, Trump could have been in prison for birtherism.We do, however, Arrest for Treason, when someone gives aid and comfort to an enemy, as Trump has done with Russia. https://t.co/sprs0HlEyc
But one senior lawmaker, the Republican Senate majority leader, seems entirely unconcerned about Trump pondering the imprisonment of a political opponent:But one senior lawmaker, the Republican Senate majority leader, seems entirely unconcerned about Trump pondering the imprisonment of a political opponent:
CNBC host: Trump has called for a civil war and charging Adam Schiff with treason as the impeachment investigation ramps up. Any comment on Trump's rhetoric?Mitch McConnell: "What I want to do is spend our time accomplishing things for the American people."CNBC host: Trump has called for a civil war and charging Adam Schiff with treason as the impeachment investigation ramps up. Any comment on Trump's rhetoric?Mitch McConnell: "What I want to do is spend our time accomplishing things for the American people."
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Trump has suggested that the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee should be arrested for treason over his opening statement at a congressional hearing last week, an idea that flies in the face of the Constitution.Trump has suggested that the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee should be arrested for treason over his opening statement at a congressional hearing last week, an idea that flies in the face of the Constitution.
Mitch McConnell confirmed that the Senate would be obligated to hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office if the House impeaches him.Mitch McConnell confirmed that the Senate would be obligated to hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office if the House impeaches him.
Another House Republican, Mac Thornberry of Texas, announced he would not seek re-election – again signaling the GOP’s low expectations of retaking control of the chamber next year.Another House Republican, Mac Thornberry of Texas, announced he would not seek re-election – again signaling the GOP’s low expectations of retaking control of the chamber next year.
The blog is still covering the latest on impeachment, so stay tuned.The blog is still covering the latest on impeachment, so stay tuned.
Jay Sekulow, one of Trump’s personal lawyers, dismissed House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry as a “skirmish” in comparison to the “war” that was special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.Jay Sekulow, one of Trump’s personal lawyers, dismissed House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry as a “skirmish” in comparison to the “war” that was special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow just now on his radio show re. impeachment: "We won the Mueller probe. We're going to win this one. Here we go! I tell you what. If Mueller was a war this is a skirmish."Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow just now on his radio show re. impeachment: "We won the Mueller probe. We're going to win this one. Here we go! I tell you what. If Mueller was a war this is a skirmish."
Sekulow helped guide Trump through Mueller’s investigation, which ended earlier this year after nearly two years and has largely receded into the background as concerns over the president’s Ukraine call came into focus.Sekulow helped guide Trump through Mueller’s investigation, which ended earlier this year after nearly two years and has largely receded into the background as concerns over the president’s Ukraine call came into focus.
Jeff Flake, a former Republican senator, has written a Washington Post op-ed imploring fellow members of his party to oppose Trump’s re-election.Jeff Flake, a former Republican senator, has written a Washington Post op-ed imploring fellow members of his party to oppose Trump’s re-election.
A frequent Trump critic, Flake chose to forego another Senate election last year rather than face a bruising primary against one of the president’s more ardent supporters.A frequent Trump critic, Flake chose to forego another Senate election last year rather than face a bruising primary against one of the president’s more ardent supporters.
Now, the Arizona Republican is encouraging GOP lawmakers to come out against Trump’s potential second term. But he is more cautious when it comes to impeachment.Now, the Arizona Republican is encouraging GOP lawmakers to come out against Trump’s potential second term. But he is more cautious when it comes to impeachment.
Flake writes:Flake writes:
Two years ago I stood in the Senate chamber and said: ‘There are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles.’ ...Two years ago I stood in the Senate chamber and said: ‘There are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles.’ ...
Now, two years later, it is my former Republican Senate colleagues who have a decision to make. Or, as I see it, two decisions to make. The first is difficult; the second is easy. ...Now, two years later, it is my former Republican Senate colleagues who have a decision to make. Or, as I see it, two decisions to make. The first is difficult; the second is easy. ...
[A]lthough impeachment now seems inevitable, I fear it all the same. I understand others who might have similar reservations. The decision to impeach or not is a difficult one indeed.[A]lthough impeachment now seems inevitable, I fear it all the same. I understand others who might have similar reservations. The decision to impeach or not is a difficult one indeed.
Now for the easy decision. If the House decides against filing articles of impeachment, or the Senate fails to convict, Senate Republicans will have to decide whether, given what we now know about the president’s actions and behavior, to support his reelection. Obviously, the answer is no.Now for the easy decision. If the House decides against filing articles of impeachment, or the Senate fails to convict, Senate Republicans will have to decide whether, given what we now know about the president’s actions and behavior, to support his reelection. Obviously, the answer is no.
“TrumpCare” does not exist – this has not stopped some firms from advertising insurance products under this banner, according to a new report from Axios.“TrumpCare” does not exist – this has not stopped some firms from advertising insurance products under this banner, according to a new report from Axios.
“Trumpcare” ads are targeted to the 7% of Americans, numbering roughly 20 million, who buy their insurance directly through brokers.“Trumpcare” ads are targeted to the 7% of Americans, numbering roughly 20 million, who buy their insurance directly through brokers.
Often, firms selling Trumpcare sell short-term, bare bones insurance coverage likely to leave patients under-covered, Axios found.Often, firms selling Trumpcare sell short-term, bare bones insurance coverage likely to leave patients under-covered, Axios found.
Since the president failed to repeal Obamacare legislatively, most of the work he has done on healthcare has happened through arcane rule changes.Since the president failed to repeal Obamacare legislatively, most of the work he has done on healthcare has happened through arcane rule changes.
Many of those changes have made it easier for companies to offer cheap, low-coverage plans, effectively encouraging people to roll the dice with their health and finances.Many of those changes have made it easier for companies to offer cheap, low-coverage plans, effectively encouraging people to roll the dice with their health and finances.
America’s private healthcare system means under-covered patients can be left with thousands, and in some cases hundreds of thousands, of dollars in medical debt.America’s private healthcare system means under-covered patients can be left with thousands, and in some cases hundreds of thousands, of dollars in medical debt.
Trump has just finished speaking at a ceremony to welcome Mark Milley, the new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.Trump has just finished speaking at a ceremony to welcome Mark Milley, the new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.
The president began his remarks by noting the rain falling at the Virginia celebration. Trump said he had been told rain signals good fortune and predicted that Milley would be “the luckiest general in history.”The president began his remarks by noting the rain falling at the Virginia celebration. Trump said he had been told rain signals good fortune and predicted that Milley would be “the luckiest general in history.”
The president was characteristically exuberant in his comments on the US military, calling it the “greatest fighting force, without question, in the history of the world.”The president was characteristically exuberant in his comments on the US military, calling it the “greatest fighting force, without question, in the history of the world.”
Trump says around 2015 he was at a dinner with Joe Dunford and “believe it or not I was getting a big award from the Marines.” Says he told his wife Dunford was out of central casting.Trump says he asked Dunford if he “had a shot” at WH and Dunford helped him form an opinion. pic.twitter.com/RSsoTyWragTrump says around 2015 he was at a dinner with Joe Dunford and “believe it or not I was getting a big award from the Marines.” Says he told his wife Dunford was out of central casting.Trump says he asked Dunford if he “had a shot” at WH and Dunford helped him form an opinion. pic.twitter.com/RSsoTyWrag
He also thanked the outgoing chairman, Joseph Dunford. Trump said the Marine general looked the part of a senior military official, joking that he could be straight out of “central casting.”He also thanked the outgoing chairman, Joseph Dunford. Trump said the Marine general looked the part of a senior military official, joking that he could be straight out of “central casting.”
He also oddly noted that Dunford helped him form an opinion about running for president in 2016.He also oddly noted that Dunford helped him form an opinion about running for president in 2016.
And the president couldn’t finish a speech without mention the crowd size at his campaign rallies. Noting the thousands of people who attend his events, Trump said that the creation of the Space Force is one of the biggest applause lines.And the president couldn’t finish a speech without mention the crowd size at his campaign rallies. Noting the thousands of people who attend his events, Trump said that the creation of the Space Force is one of the biggest applause lines.
Trump is currently attending a ceremony to welcome Mark Milley, the new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, in Fort Myer, Virginia.Trump is currently attending a ceremony to welcome Mark Milley, the new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, in Fort Myer, Virginia.
19-gun salute at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to welcome the new chairman of @thejointstaff Gen. Mark Milley. pic.twitter.com/tdKSHK6FAa19-gun salute at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to welcome the new chairman of @thejointstaff Gen. Mark Milley. pic.twitter.com/tdKSHK6FAa
The Army general is succeeding Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who was appointed by Barack Obama.The Army general is succeeding Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who was appointed by Barack Obama.