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Trump impeachment inquiry: House leaders subpoena White House – live Trump impeachment inquiry: House leaders subpoena White House – live
(32 minutes later)
It’s been another wild day in the US, as the impeachment inquiry moves forward despite resistance from the Trump administration.
Here’s a rundown of the day’s main developments:
Subpoenas, subpoenas, subpoenas: The White House got a subpoena while vice president Mike Pence received a request for documents from the House impeachment inquiry. The deadline for secretary of state Mike Pompeo to comply with his congressional subpoena is also today.
Republican reactions: Most GOPers are remaining mum on the Trump-Ukraine scandal, but senator Mitt Romey called Trump’s behavior “wrong” and appalling, and senator Ron Johnson said that he had knowledge of Trump’s linking military aid to Ukraine to the demand for dirt on Biden.
Warren’s world: Senator Elizabeth Warren announced a massive fundraising haul of $24.6m. Her campaign also revealed the firing of a top staffer over “inappropriate behavior”.
Bernie’s getting better: The good news was that Senator Bernie Sanders was discharged from a Las Vegas hospital after having a heart procedure. The bad news was that his doctors confirmed he suffered a heart attack.
Hacking hacks: Microsoft revealed that a hacking group linked to the Iranian government had targeted a US presidential campaign.
Here’s the White House press secretary’s response to the House impeachment inquiry subpoena.Here’s the White House press secretary’s response to the House impeachment inquiry subpoena.
.@PressSec says the subpoena from House Democrats tonight “changes nothing” pic.twitter.com/LTswanriTx.@PressSec says the subpoena from House Democrats tonight “changes nothing” pic.twitter.com/LTswanriTx
Donald Trump is issuing a presidential proclamation that will require immigrants to show that they will obtain health insurance within 30 days of entering the country, or that they have the financial resources to pay for medical costs.Donald Trump is issuing a presidential proclamation that will require immigrants to show that they will obtain health insurance within 30 days of entering the country, or that they have the financial resources to pay for medical costs.
The proclamation is just the latest measure from the Trump administration to limit immigration. The proclamation was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.The proclamation is just the latest measure from the Trump administration to limit immigration. The proclamation was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The leaders of the House impeachment inquiry have sent a subpoena to the White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney seeking documents, in the latest escalation of the House investigation into Donald Trump.The leaders of the House impeachment inquiry have sent a subpoena to the White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney seeking documents, in the latest escalation of the House investigation into Donald Trump.
The subpoena follows numerous appeals for the White House to produce documents voluntarily. The letter warns that failure to comply with the subpoena – even if at the direction of the president – “shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House’s impeachment inquiry and may be used as an adverse inference against you and the president”.The subpoena follows numerous appeals for the White House to produce documents voluntarily. The letter warns that failure to comply with the subpoena – even if at the direction of the president – “shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House’s impeachment inquiry and may be used as an adverse inference against you and the president”.
“After nearly a month of stonewalling, it appears clear that the president has chosen the path of defiance, obstruction, and cover-up,” reads the letter, which was signed by Representatives Elijah Cummings, Adam Schiff and Eliot Engel. “We deeply regret that President Trump has put us – and the nation – in this position, but his actions have left us with no choice but to issue this subpoena.”“After nearly a month of stonewalling, it appears clear that the president has chosen the path of defiance, obstruction, and cover-up,” reads the letter, which was signed by Representatives Elijah Cummings, Adam Schiff and Eliot Engel. “We deeply regret that President Trump has put us – and the nation – in this position, but his actions have left us with no choice but to issue this subpoena.”
Senator Bernie Sanders has left the Las Vegas hospital where he has been since experiencing “chest discomfort” on Tuesday evening. The 78-year-old presidential candidate had two stents placed in a blocked artery.Senator Bernie Sanders has left the Las Vegas hospital where he has been since experiencing “chest discomfort” on Tuesday evening. The 78-year-old presidential candidate had two stents placed in a blocked artery.
BREAKING: Bernie Sanders leaves Las Vegas hospital after heart procedure https://t.co/DlOErzVqj2 pic.twitter.com/EFWydMU5FvBREAKING: Bernie Sanders leaves Las Vegas hospital after heart procedure https://t.co/DlOErzVqj2 pic.twitter.com/EFWydMU5Fv
Upon his release, Sanders issued a statement with further details about his health, including information from his treating physicians that he was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.Upon his release, Sanders issued a statement with further details about his health, including information from his treating physicians that he was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
STATEMENT from @BernieSanders and the doctors that treated him on his release from the hospital. pic.twitter.com/qNrI5vppXNSTATEMENT from @BernieSanders and the doctors that treated him on his release from the hospital. pic.twitter.com/qNrI5vppXN
At the time of his hospitalization, the Sander campaign canceled his events “until further notice”. It has since said that he plans to appear at the next Democratic debate on 15 October.At the time of his hospitalization, the Sander campaign canceled his events “until further notice”. It has since said that he plans to appear at the next Democratic debate on 15 October.
Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign has fired a senior staff member following an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behavior”, according to Politico.Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign has fired a senior staff member following an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behavior”, according to Politico.
“Over the past two weeks, senior campaign leadership received multiple complaints regarding inappropriate behavior by Rich McDaniel,” a campaign spokesperson told Politico. “Over the same time period, the campaign retained outside counsel to conduct an investigation. Based on the results of the investigation, the campaign determined that his reported conduct was inconsistent with its values and that he could not be a part of the campaign moving forward.”“Over the past two weeks, senior campaign leadership received multiple complaints regarding inappropriate behavior by Rich McDaniel,” a campaign spokesperson told Politico. “Over the same time period, the campaign retained outside counsel to conduct an investigation. Based on the results of the investigation, the campaign determined that his reported conduct was inconsistent with its values and that he could not be a part of the campaign moving forward.”
McDaniel had served as the national organizing director for the campaign. He previously worked on Hilary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and Alabama Senator Doug Jones 2017 special election campaign.McDaniel had served as the national organizing director for the campaign. He previously worked on Hilary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and Alabama Senator Doug Jones 2017 special election campaign.
Earlier today, Warren’s campaign reported a massive fundraising haul of $24.6m for the past three months, solidifying her status as a top contender for the Democratic nomination.Earlier today, Warren’s campaign reported a massive fundraising haul of $24.6m for the past three months, solidifying her status as a top contender for the Democratic nomination.
Next on the docket for the impeachment inquiry, according to CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis will be US ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland.Next on the docket for the impeachment inquiry, according to CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis will be US ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland.
New: U.S. Ambassador to the E.U. Gordon Sondland will appear for a closed-door deposition before House committees on Tuesday, October 8, per a congressional source. Same format as Volcker’s appearance.New: U.S. Ambassador to the E.U. Gordon Sondland will appear for a closed-door deposition before House committees on Tuesday, October 8, per a congressional source. Same format as Volcker’s appearance.
My colleague Julian Borger had this to say about Sondland, who played a starring role in the text messages released last night:My colleague Julian Borger had this to say about Sondland, who played a starring role in the text messages released last night:
The third man is Gordon Sondland, a wealthy hotelier who paid $1m to fund Trump’s inauguration and was then given the job of ambassador to the European Union last year. He has no previous diplomatic experience and Ukraine, not being a EU member, is not on his turf.The third man is Gordon Sondland, a wealthy hotelier who paid $1m to fund Trump’s inauguration and was then given the job of ambassador to the European Union last year. He has no previous diplomatic experience and Ukraine, not being a EU member, is not on his turf.
But it is clear from the texts that Sondland is in charge and driving the hard bargain with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy: do what we tell you or forget about a White House visit and a reboot of US-Ukrainian relations.But it is clear from the texts that Sondland is in charge and driving the hard bargain with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy: do what we tell you or forget about a White House visit and a reboot of US-Ukrainian relations.
Sondland derives his authority by his connection to the White House – a power he repeatedly flaunts in his texts.Sondland derives his authority by his connection to the White House – a power he repeatedly flaunts in his texts.
You can read more of Julian’s analysis here.You can read more of Julian’s analysis here.
The top lawyer in the CIA believed that the conduct described in the whistleblower complaint about Trump’s Ukraine call indicated that a potential crime was committed, according to a new report by NBC News.The top lawyer in the CIA believed that the conduct described in the whistleblower complaint about Trump’s Ukraine call indicated that a potential crime was committed, according to a new report by NBC News.
Courtney Simmons Elwood, the Trump-appointed CIA general counsel, contacted the justice department about the report and “intended the call ... to make a criminal referral about the president’s conduct, acting under rules set forth in a memo governing how intelligence agencies should report allegations of federal crimes”, according to the report.Courtney Simmons Elwood, the Trump-appointed CIA general counsel, contacted the justice department about the report and “intended the call ... to make a criminal referral about the president’s conduct, acting under rules set forth in a memo governing how intelligence agencies should report allegations of federal crimes”, according to the report.
The justice department’s decision not to open an investigation has drawn scrutiny and criticism.The justice department’s decision not to open an investigation has drawn scrutiny and criticism.
From the report:From the report:
Elwood, the CIA’s general counsel, first learned about the matter because the complainant, a CIA officer, passed his concerns about the president on to her through a colleague. On Aug. 14, she participated in a conference call with the top national security lawyer at the White House and the chief of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.Elwood, the CIA’s general counsel, first learned about the matter because the complainant, a CIA officer, passed his concerns about the president on to her through a colleague. On Aug. 14, she participated in a conference call with the top national security lawyer at the White House and the chief of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
On that call, Elwood and John Eisenberg, the top legal adviser to the White House National Security Council, told the top Justice Department national security lawyer, John Demers, that the allegations merited examination by the DOJ, officials said ...On that call, Elwood and John Eisenberg, the top legal adviser to the White House National Security Council, told the top Justice Department national security lawyer, John Demers, that the allegations merited examination by the DOJ, officials said ...
A DOJ official said Attorney General William Barr was made aware of the conversation with Elwood and Eisenberg, and their concerns about the president’s behavior, in the days that followed.A DOJ official said Attorney General William Barr was made aware of the conversation with Elwood and Eisenberg, and their concerns about the president’s behavior, in the days that followed.
Read the rest of the report here.Read the rest of the report here.
Hello everyone this is Julia Carrie Wong in San Francisco picking up our live coverage of US politics for the rest of your Friday afternoon.Hello everyone this is Julia Carrie Wong in San Francisco picking up our live coverage of US politics for the rest of your Friday afternoon.
Vice president Mike Pence’s office has responded to the request for documents from the impeachment inquiry by saying that “it does not appear to be a serious request”.Vice president Mike Pence’s office has responded to the request for documents from the impeachment inquiry by saying that “it does not appear to be a serious request”.
VP office on House Dem request for info: “it not appear to be a serious request...” pic.twitter.com/n3FT3MWHtvVP office on House Dem request for info: “it not appear to be a serious request...” pic.twitter.com/n3FT3MWHtv
Here’s a summary of where things stand:Here’s a summary of where things stand:
Text messages among US diplomats and a Ukrainian official showed the diplomats trying to work out a deal in which the Ukrainian president would announce an investigation of a company tied to Joe Biden’s son, and then Trump would host the president at the White House. They also discussed military aid for Ukraine which had been suspended by Trump.Text messages among US diplomats and a Ukrainian official showed the diplomats trying to work out a deal in which the Ukrainian president would announce an investigation of a company tied to Joe Biden’s son, and then Trump would host the president at the White House. They also discussed military aid for Ukraine which had been suspended by Trump.
“As I said on the phone, I think it’s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign,” one diplomat texted.“As I said on the phone, I think it’s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign,” one diplomat texted.
Trump said he only wanted to root out “corruption”: “I don’t care about Biden’s campaign. I care about corruption.”Trump said he only wanted to root out “corruption”: “I don’t care about Biden’s campaign. I care about corruption.”
House committees involved in the impeachment inquiry requested documents from vice president Mike Pence about “any role you may have played” in the Ukraine negotiations.House committees involved in the impeachment inquiry requested documents from vice president Mike Pence about “any role you may have played” in the Ukraine negotiations.
Republican senator Ron Johnson said he heard Trump had linked US military aid for Ukraine to a request for dirt on Biden, but Trump told Johnson there was no such link.Republican senator Ron Johnson said he heard Trump had linked US military aid for Ukraine to a request for dirt on Biden, but Trump told Johnson there was no such link.
Republicans were mostly silent on Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and a Trump request of China to investigate Biden.Republicans were mostly silent on Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and a Trump request of China to investigate Biden.
But senator Mitt Romney called Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and China “wrong” and “appalling.”But senator Mitt Romney called Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and China “wrong” and “appalling.”
A deadline for secretary of state Mike Pompeo to comply with a congressional subpoena of documents and testimony loomed at day’s end Friday.A deadline for secretary of state Mike Pompeo to comply with a congressional subpoena of documents and testimony loomed at day’s end Friday.
The Treasury inspector general opened an inquiry into a refusal by the Treasury to turn over Trump tax documents to Congress.The Treasury inspector general opened an inquiry into a refusal by the Treasury to turn over Trump tax documents to Congress.
A hacking group that appears to be linked to the Iranian government has targeted a US presidential campaign, Microsoft Corp said on Friday. The campaign was not named.A hacking group that appears to be linked to the Iranian government has targeted a US presidential campaign, Microsoft Corp said on Friday. The campaign was not named.
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren raised $24.6m over the past three months, relying largely on a massive small donor operation.Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren raised $24.6m over the past three months, relying largely on a massive small donor operation.
Trump is preparing to speak at the Turning Point USA Black Leadership Summit, a showcase for conservative leaders and activists.Trump is preparing to speak at the Turning Point USA Black Leadership Summit, a showcase for conservative leaders and activists.
Live stream here:Live stream here:
What would this guy know about i– oh. He’s a senator. A Democratic senator says the whole Senate knew about Trump’s alleged scheme to hold up aid for Ukraine until he got his Biden deliverable:What would this guy know about i– oh. He’s a senator. A Democratic senator says the whole Senate knew about Trump’s alleged scheme to hold up aid for Ukraine until he got his Biden deliverable:
The whole Senate knew what was happening, in real time. https://t.co/JSPb4rEk1dThe whole Senate knew what was happening, in real time. https://t.co/JSPb4rEk1d
Did any senators raise alarms about Trump’s alleged conduct? Did they view it as problematic? Now that they’ve had multiple months to think about what Trump was allegedly doing, can they tell the public what they think about it?Did any senators raise alarms about Trump’s alleged conduct? Did they view it as problematic? Now that they’ve had multiple months to think about what Trump was allegedly doing, can they tell the public what they think about it?
What else do they know about?What else do they know about?
FiveThirtyEight’s poll tracker on the impeachment question, which charts polling averages, currently has 46.5% of respondents supporting impeachment and 44.8% opposing it. The trendlines are toward impeachment at the moment. A new poll from Economist/YouGov could be an outlier – or it could represent an extension of the trendlines:FiveThirtyEight’s poll tracker on the impeachment question, which charts polling averages, currently has 46.5% of respondents supporting impeachment and 44.8% opposing it. The trendlines are toward impeachment at the moment. A new poll from Economist/YouGov could be an outlier – or it could represent an extension of the trendlines:
Economist/YouGov Poll:should House try to impeach Trump?50% yes39% noif House impeaches, should Senate remove Trump from office?51% yes39% noEconomist/YouGov Poll:should House try to impeach Trump?50% yes39% noif House impeaches, should Senate remove Trump from office?51% yes39% no
Republican senator Joni Ernst of Iowa was confronted by a constituent Thursday noting Trump’s call for China to investigate Biden. The constituent asks “where is the line?” when it comes to loyalty to Trump. The question was about what Ernst would do but she answers by saying she can’t speak for Trump.Republican senator Joni Ernst of Iowa was confronted by a constituent Thursday noting Trump’s call for China to investigate Biden. The constituent asks “where is the line?” when it comes to loyalty to Trump. The question was about what Ernst would do but she answers by saying she can’t speak for Trump.
Iowa resident asks Sen. Joni Ernst: "Where is the line? When are you guys going to say, ‘enough,' and stand up and say, ‘You know what, I’m not backing any of this?'" Sen. Ernst: "The president is going to say what the president if going to do…I can't speak for him." pic.twitter.com/2N0zKeFSCoIowa resident asks Sen. Joni Ernst: "Where is the line? When are you guys going to say, ‘enough,' and stand up and say, ‘You know what, I’m not backing any of this?'" Sen. Ernst: "The president is going to say what the president if going to do…I can't speak for him." pic.twitter.com/2N0zKeFSCo
House Democrats have requested Ukraine documents from Mike Pence for the impeachment inquiry.House Democrats have requested Ukraine documents from Mike Pence for the impeachment inquiry.
A letter from three House committees requests documents from the vice-president by 15 October including any relating to the 25 July phone call between Trump and Zelenskiy and an earlier call.A letter from three House committees requests documents from the vice-president by 15 October including any relating to the 25 July phone call between Trump and Zelenskiy and an earlier call.
“Recently, public reports have raised questions about any role you may have played in conveying or reinforcing the President’s stark message to the Ukrainian president,” the letter says.“Recently, public reports have raised questions about any role you may have played in conveying or reinforcing the President’s stark message to the Ukrainian president,” the letter says.
Trump has used Pence to put pressure on Ukraine in recent months – but Pence was supposedly ignorant about Trump’s desire to gin up a Biden-Ukraine scandal, according to a Washington Post report citing unnamed officials this week:Trump has used Pence to put pressure on Ukraine in recent months – but Pence was supposedly ignorant about Trump’s desire to gin up a Biden-Ukraine scandal, according to a Washington Post report citing unnamed officials this week:
Trump instructed Pence not to attend the inauguration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in May — an event White House officials had pushed to put on the vice president’s calendar — when Ukraine’s new leader was seeking recognition and support from Washington, the officials said.Trump instructed Pence not to attend the inauguration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in May — an event White House officials had pushed to put on the vice president’s calendar — when Ukraine’s new leader was seeking recognition and support from Washington, the officials said.
Months later, the president used Pence to tell Zelensky that U.S. aid was still being withheld while demanding more aggressive action on corruption, officials said. At that time — following Trump’s July 25 phone call with Zelenksy — the Ukrainians probably understood action on corruption to include the investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.Months later, the president used Pence to tell Zelensky that U.S. aid was still being withheld while demanding more aggressive action on corruption, officials said. At that time — following Trump’s July 25 phone call with Zelenksy — the Ukrainians probably understood action on corruption to include the investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
That Pence-Zelenskiy meeting happened in Warsaw on 1 September, just more than one month after the late July phone call between Trump and Zelenskiy, which was monitored by Pence’s national security adviser, retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, who would have then briefed the vice president on the call.That Pence-Zelenskiy meeting happened in Warsaw on 1 September, just more than one month after the late July phone call between Trump and Zelenskiy, which was monitored by Pence’s national security adviser, retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, who would have then briefed the vice president on the call.
But Pence claims to have somehow missed the part about Trump’s Biden ask.But Pence claims to have somehow missed the part about Trump’s Biden ask.
Republican Senator Ron Johnson, still talking about that one weird time when he heard the Trump administration had tied aid for Ukraine to political favors:Republican Senator Ron Johnson, still talking about that one weird time when he heard the Trump administration had tied aid for Ukraine to political favors:
.@SenRonJohnson tells reporters he tried to get permission from President Donald Trump to tell Ukraine's president U.S. aid was on its way in the wake of allegations Trump was withholding it until Ukraine investigated his political rival.Johnson said he wasn't successful..@SenRonJohnson tells reporters he tried to get permission from President Donald Trump to tell Ukraine's president U.S. aid was on its way in the wake of allegations Trump was withholding it until Ukraine investigated his political rival.Johnson said he wasn't successful.
In response to a request by Ways and Means chairman Richard Neal, the inspector general of the treasury department “is investigating how Treasury handled a congressional request for President Trump’s tax returns, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has refused to turn over,” the New York Times reports:In response to a request by Ways and Means chairman Richard Neal, the inspector general of the treasury department “is investigating how Treasury handled a congressional request for President Trump’s tax returns, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has refused to turn over,” the New York Times reports:
Chairman Neal has asked Treasury O.I.G. to inquire into the process by which the department received, evaluated, and responded to the committee’s request for federal tax information,” said Rich Delmar, Treasury’s acting inspector general. “We are undertaking that inquiry.”Chairman Neal has asked Treasury O.I.G. to inquire into the process by which the department received, evaluated, and responded to the committee’s request for federal tax information,” said Rich Delmar, Treasury’s acting inspector general. “We are undertaking that inquiry.”
A whistleblower inside the Internal Revenue Service filed a complaint this summer that senior Treasury officials – Trump appointees – might have tampered with or blocked an audit of Trump’s taxes.A whistleblower inside the Internal Revenue Service filed a complaint this summer that senior Treasury officials – Trump appointees – might have tampered with or blocked an audit of Trump’s taxes.