This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2019/oct/08/trump-news-today-live-impeachment-syria-turkey-polls-latest-updates

The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
White House says it will not comply with impeachment inquiry – as it happened White House says it will not comply with impeachment inquiry – as it happened
(about 13 hours later)
Live political reporting continues on Wednesday’s blog:
Pelosi responds to Trump after White House letter: 'You are not above the law' – live
Here’s a recap of today:Here’s a recap of today:
The White House will not comply with the House democrats’ impeachment inquiry. In a letter to House leaders, the White House called the impeachment investigation a partisan effort “to overturn the results of the 2016 election”.The White House will not comply with the House democrats’ impeachment inquiry. In a letter to House leaders, the White House called the impeachment investigation a partisan effort “to overturn the results of the 2016 election”.
The letter, signed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone echoed Trump talking points accusing House intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff of colluding with the whistleblower against the president.The letter, signed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone echoed Trump talking points accusing House intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff of colluding with the whistleblower against the president.
House Democrats have subpoenaed Gordon Sondland after the Trump administration blocked the US ambassador to the EU from testifying for the impeachment inquiry. “In light of Secretary Pompeo’s direct intervention to block your appearance before our Committees, we are left with no choice but to compel your appearance at a deposition,” the House democrats’ subpoena reads.House Democrats have subpoenaed Gordon Sondland after the Trump administration blocked the US ambassador to the EU from testifying for the impeachment inquiry. “In light of Secretary Pompeo’s direct intervention to block your appearance before our Committees, we are left with no choice but to compel your appearance at a deposition,” the House democrats’ subpoena reads.
A White House official who listened to Trump’s July call with the Ukrainian president described it as “crazy” and “frightening,” the whistleblower memo.A White House official who listened to Trump’s July call with the Ukrainian president described it as “crazy” and “frightening,” the whistleblower memo.
Two new polls show that a majority of Americans now support the impeachment inquiry.Two new polls show that a majority of Americans now support the impeachment inquiry.
Secretary of state Mike Pompeo has announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials suspected of being involved in “a highly repressive campaign against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang).”Secretary of state Mike Pompeo has announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials suspected of being involved in “a highly repressive campaign against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang).”
Earlier today, the US commerce department issued a list of 28 state security bureaus and tech companies in China that it said are being used to suppress muslims and other ethnic minorities.Earlier today, the US commerce department issued a list of 28 state security bureaus and tech companies in China that it said are being used to suppress muslims and other ethnic minorities.
Pompeo’s statement condemns “mass detentions in internment camps; pervasive, high-tech surveillance; draconian controls on expressions of cultural and religious identities” in China.Pompeo’s statement condemns “mass detentions in internment camps; pervasive, high-tech surveillance; draconian controls on expressions of cultural and religious identities” in China.
These actions come days before the US and China are scheduled to resume trade negotiations in Washington.These actions come days before the US and China are scheduled to resume trade negotiations in Washington.
US restricts visas for Chinese officials over internment of Muslim minoritiesUS restricts visas for Chinese officials over internment of Muslim minorities
The White House letter also says that “Chairman Schiff’s office, and perhaps others — despite initial denials — were involved in advising the whistleblower before the complaint was filed”.The White House letter also says that “Chairman Schiff’s office, and perhaps others — despite initial denials — were involved in advising the whistleblower before the complaint was filed”.
This is highly misleading.This is highly misleading.
The New York Times first reported that Schiff had learned about the whistleblower complaint before it was filed -- after the CIA officer who made the complaint approached a House Intelligence committee aide for advice on how to proceed with concerns over Trump’s phone call with Ukranian president Zelenskiy. The Washington Post confirmed the Times’ reporting.The New York Times first reported that Schiff had learned about the whistleblower complaint before it was filed -- after the CIA officer who made the complaint approached a House Intelligence committee aide for advice on how to proceed with concerns over Trump’s phone call with Ukranian president Zelenskiy. The Washington Post confirmed the Times’ reporting.
When asked by MSNBC in September whether he had spoken to the whistleblower, Schiff said: “We have not spoken directly with the whistleblower.” While one can debate the meaning and significance of the word “directly” it’s fair to criticize Schiff for mischaracterizing the situation.When asked by MSNBC in September whether he had spoken to the whistleblower, Schiff said: “We have not spoken directly with the whistleblower.” While one can debate the meaning and significance of the word “directly” it’s fair to criticize Schiff for mischaracterizing the situation.
But that doesn’t mean that Schiff or any other House democrat helped shape the complaint, as Trump and his allies have claimed.But that doesn’t mean that Schiff or any other House democrat helped shape the complaint, as Trump and his allies have claimed.
Politifact explains:Politifact explains:
Schiff did receive some information about the whistleblower complaint before it was formally presented to Congress. But both the House Intelligence Committee and a lawyer representing the whistleblower told us the complaint was drafted independently of Schiff’s input, and we could find no evidence to the contrary. At the same time, Trump and Republicans have produced no evidence to suggest Schiff had helped draft or shape the complaint.Schiff did receive some information about the whistleblower complaint before it was formally presented to Congress. But both the House Intelligence Committee and a lawyer representing the whistleblower told us the complaint was drafted independently of Schiff’s input, and we could find no evidence to the contrary. At the same time, Trump and Republicans have produced no evidence to suggest Schiff had helped draft or shape the complaint.
The White House letter in response to the impeachment inquiry, which almost verbatim repeated Trump talking points, contains several inaccuracies.The White House letter in response to the impeachment inquiry, which almost verbatim repeated Trump talking points, contains several inaccuracies.
More than once, the letter claims that Trump’s call with Ukranian president Zelenskiy was “completely appropriate” and that representative Adam Schiff of created “a false version of the call and read it to the American people”.More than once, the letter claims that Trump’s call with Ukranian president Zelenskiy was “completely appropriate” and that representative Adam Schiff of created “a false version of the call and read it to the American people”.
“After the actual record of the call was released, Chairman Schiff chose to concoct a false version of the call and to read his made-up transcript to the American people at a public hearing,” it reads.“After the actual record of the call was released, Chairman Schiff chose to concoct a false version of the call and to read his made-up transcript to the American people at a public hearing,” it reads.
Fact check: During a House Intelligence Committee hearing, Schiff said he would outline “the essence of what the president communicates” not an “exact transcribed version of the call”. In any case, the rough transcript released by the White House detailing the phone call cautions explicitly that it is “not a verbatim transcript”.Fact check: During a House Intelligence Committee hearing, Schiff said he would outline “the essence of what the president communicates” not an “exact transcribed version of the call”. In any case, the rough transcript released by the White House detailing the phone call cautions explicitly that it is “not a verbatim transcript”.
Bernie Sanders’ daughter-in-law has diedBernie Sanders’ daughter-in-law has died
Raine Riggs, a neuropsychologist who was married to Levi Sanders, died Saturday, shortly after Bernie Sanders returned to Vermont after suffering a heart attack.Raine Riggs, a neuropsychologist who was married to Levi Sanders, died Saturday, shortly after Bernie Sanders returned to Vermont after suffering a heart attack.
Riggs, 46, had recently been diagnosed with cancer, according to her obituary. She was the director of behavioral medicine at Dartmouth Medical School and she started the Palliative Care Department for Dartmouth Medical Center.Riggs, 46, had recently been diagnosed with cancer, according to her obituary. She was the director of behavioral medicine at Dartmouth Medical School and she started the Palliative Care Department for Dartmouth Medical Center.
After Donald Trump said he prevented the US ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland, from testifying before congress, House democrats have issued a subpoena.After Donald Trump said he prevented the US ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland, from testifying before congress, House democrats have issued a subpoena.
“In light of Secretary Pompeo’s direct intervention to block your appearance before our Committees, we are left with no choice but to compel your appearance at a deposition,” the House democrats’ subpoena reads.“In light of Secretary Pompeo’s direct intervention to block your appearance before our Committees, we are left with no choice but to compel your appearance at a deposition,” the House democrats’ subpoena reads.
They are also subpoenaed Sondland for documents that are relevant to the Ukraine controversy.They are also subpoenaed Sondland for documents that are relevant to the Ukraine controversy.
It’s unclear what, if anything, could convince the White House to cooperate with the House democrats’ investigations.It’s unclear what, if anything, could convince the White House to cooperate with the House democrats’ investigations.
Senior admin officials just had a conf call with reporters and would not specify what demands Dems would have to meet in order to secure WH cooperation with the inquiry. https://t.co/IyIrA97WTqSenior admin officials just had a conf call with reporters and would not specify what demands Dems would have to meet in order to secure WH cooperation with the inquiry. https://t.co/IyIrA97WTq
After WH says it won’t cooperate with House Dems bc of ‘flaws’ in proceedings, officials refuse to say what it would take for them to comply. “We don’t want to speculate on what would happen in various hypothetical situations” … “Not going to try to provide particular redlines”.After WH says it won’t cooperate with House Dems bc of ‘flaws’ in proceedings, officials refuse to say what it would take for them to comply. “We don’t want to speculate on what would happen in various hypothetical situations” … “Not going to try to provide particular redlines”.
“The President has done nothing wrong, and the Democrats know it,” the White House press secretary said in a statement, echoing the White House counsel’s letter to House democrats.“The President has done nothing wrong, and the Democrats know it,” the White House press secretary said in a statement, echoing the White House counsel’s letter to House democrats.
The impeachment inquiry “violates the Constitution, the rule of law, and every past precedent”, the statement reads.The impeachment inquiry “violates the Constitution, the rule of law, and every past precedent”, the statement reads.
The constitution permits Congress to impeach a president if enough lawmakers vote to say that the president has committed “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”The constitution permits Congress to impeach a president if enough lawmakers vote to say that the president has committed “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Impeachment: how does it work and what happens next?Impeachment: how does it work and what happens next?
The White House has sent an eight-page letter to speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House democrats pursuing an impeachment inquiry.The White House has sent an eight-page letter to speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House democrats pursuing an impeachment inquiry.
The full eight-page letter from WH to Pelosi, Schiff, Engel and Cummings https://t.co/gEpWHWAXtaThe full eight-page letter from WH to Pelosi, Schiff, Engel and Cummings https://t.co/gEpWHWAXta
“As you know, you have designed and implemented your inquiry in a manner that violates fundamental fairness and constitutionally mandated due process,” the letter reads, addressing Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Eliot Engel and Elijah Cummings — the democratic representatives leading the impeachment investigation.“As you know, you have designed and implemented your inquiry in a manner that violates fundamental fairness and constitutionally mandated due process,” the letter reads, addressing Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Eliot Engel and Elijah Cummings — the democratic representatives leading the impeachment investigation.
Signed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the letter accuses democrats of seeking to “overturn the results of the 2016 election and deprive the American people of the president they have freely chosen”.Signed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the letter accuses democrats of seeking to “overturn the results of the 2016 election and deprive the American people of the president they have freely chosen”.
The letter stopped short of demanding that Pelosi call a vote on the impeachment inquiry, instead calling on House democrats to “abandon the current invalid efforts to pursue an impeachment inquiry”.The letter stopped short of demanding that Pelosi call a vote on the impeachment inquiry, instead calling on House democrats to “abandon the current invalid efforts to pursue an impeachment inquiry”.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
House Democrats intend to subpoena Gordon Sondland after the Trump administration blocked the US ambassador to the EU from testifying for the impeachment inquiry.House Democrats intend to subpoena Gordon Sondland after the Trump administration blocked the US ambassador to the EU from testifying for the impeachment inquiry.
A White House official who listened to the call between Trump and the Ukrainian president described it as “crazy” and “frightening,” according to a memo reportedly written by the whistleblower.A White House official who listened to the call between Trump and the Ukrainian president described it as “crazy” and “frightening,” according to a memo reportedly written by the whistleblower.
The Senate judiciary committee has invited Rudy Giuliani to come speak before the panel, but the president’s personal lawyer said he did not intend to comply with a subpoena from the House intelligence committee.The Senate judiciary committee has invited Rudy Giuliani to come speak before the panel, but the president’s personal lawyer said he did not intend to comply with a subpoena from the House intelligence committee.
Two newly released polls showed that a majority of Americans support the impeachment inquiry, with one poll putting the figure at 58 percent and another at 53 percent.Two newly released polls showed that a majority of Americans support the impeachment inquiry, with one poll putting the figure at 58 percent and another at 53 percent.
The Senate intelligence committee released its bipartisan report on Russian operatives’ use of social media to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Like the intelligence community, the committee concluded that the Kremlin meddled in the race to benefit Trump and hinder Hillary Clinton’s bid.The Senate intelligence committee released its bipartisan report on Russian operatives’ use of social media to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Like the intelligence community, the committee concluded that the Kremlin meddled in the race to benefit Trump and hinder Hillary Clinton’s bid.
Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
The White House is expected to issue a letter today effectively declaring war on House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, per a New York Times reporter.The White House is expected to issue a letter today effectively declaring war on House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, per a New York Times reporter.
Letter is expected to stop short of calling for a formal vote on opening inquiry for impeachment, something someHouse Republicans weren’t comfortable with, per person briefed.Letter is expected to stop short of calling for a formal vote on opening inquiry for impeachment, something someHouse Republicans weren’t comfortable with, per person briefed.
Rudy Giuliani alluded to such a letter earlier today when he said he would not comply with a subpoena from House Democrats.Rudy Giuliani alluded to such a letter earlier today when he said he would not comply with a subpoena from House Democrats.
The president’s personal lawyer told the Washington Post that he expected the White House to soon issue a letter arguing the committees are illegitimate.The president’s personal lawyer told the Washington Post that he expected the White House to soon issue a letter arguing the committees are illegitimate.
The Quinnipiac poll also found that Elizabeth Warren is slightly ahead of Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.The Quinnipiac poll also found that Elizabeth Warren is slightly ahead of Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.
According to Quinnipiac, Warren attracts the support of 29 percent of Democratic voters across the country, compared to Biden’s 26 percent.According to Quinnipiac, Warren attracts the support of 29 percent of Democratic voters across the country, compared to Biden’s 26 percent.
Bernie Sanders is the only other candidate with a double-digit level of support, receiving the backing of 16 percent of Democrats.Bernie Sanders is the only other candidate with a double-digit level of support, receiving the backing of 16 percent of Democrats.
With the latest results, Warren is just barely ahead of Biden in the RealClearPolitics national polling average of the race.With the latest results, Warren is just barely ahead of Biden in the RealClearPolitics national polling average of the race.
ALERT — Elizabeth Warren has overtaken Joe Biden for front-runner status in the RealClearPolitics national average of 2020 Democratic polls. pic.twitter.com/ED0ahkuG3gALERT — Elizabeth Warren has overtaken Joe Biden for front-runner status in the RealClearPolitics national average of 2020 Democratic polls. pic.twitter.com/ED0ahkuG3g
The Quinnipiac poll on impeachment shows Republicans are clearly opposed to the impeachment inquiry against Trump, contradicting the results of the Washington Post-Schar School poll released earlier today.The Quinnipiac poll on impeachment shows Republicans are clearly opposed to the impeachment inquiry against Trump, contradicting the results of the Washington Post-Schar School poll released earlier today.
According to Quinnipiac, 88 percent of Republicans consider House Democrats’ inquiry to be a “witch hunt,” compared to just 8 percent who view it as a legitimate investigation.According to Quinnipiac, 88 percent of Republicans consider House Democrats’ inquiry to be a “witch hunt,” compared to just 8 percent who view it as a legitimate investigation.
In comparison, the Post poll found that almost 3 in 10 Republicans supported the impeachment inquiry, with almost a fifth of Republicans saying they would back removing Trump from office.In comparison, the Post poll found that almost 3 in 10 Republicans supported the impeachment inquiry, with almost a fifth of Republicans saying they would back removing Trump from office.
The whistleblower who raised concerns about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president wrote in a memo that a White House official described the conversation as “crazy” and “frightening.”The whistleblower who raised concerns about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president wrote in a memo that a White House official described the conversation as “crazy” and “frightening.”
ABC News reports:ABC News reports:
ABC News has learned that the two-page memo, written by the whistleblower a day after Trump’s call, suggests that at least one close aide to the president feared that Trump’s own words in the call were damning. ...ABC News has learned that the two-page memo, written by the whistleblower a day after Trump’s call, suggests that at least one close aide to the president feared that Trump’s own words in the call were damning. ...
The notes were based on a brief conversation between the whistleblower and the White House official and described ‘highlights’ from the president’s call. The document was later provided to the intelligence community’s inspector general, who reviewed the whistleblower’s complaint.The notes were based on a brief conversation between the whistleblower and the White House official and described ‘highlights’ from the president’s call. The document was later provided to the intelligence community’s inspector general, who reviewed the whistleblower’s complaint.
Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang has now qualified for the November debate thanks to a national Quinnipiac poll showing him attracting the support of 3 percent of Democratic voters.Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang has now qualified for the November debate thanks to a national Quinnipiac poll showing him attracting the support of 3 percent of Democratic voters.
New Quinnipiac NATIONAL poll (counts for the November debate)Warren 29%Biden 26%Sanders 16%Buttigieg 4%Harris 3%Yang 3%Everyone else at or below 2 percent https://t.co/2skJmUGBSDNew Quinnipiac NATIONAL poll (counts for the November debate)Warren 29%Biden 26%Sanders 16%Buttigieg 4%Harris 3%Yang 3%Everyone else at or below 2 percent https://t.co/2skJmUGBSD
Yang is the eighth Democratic candidate to qualify for the November debate – joining Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tom Steyer.Yang is the eighth Democratic candidate to qualify for the November debate – joining Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tom Steyer.
But what’s perhaps even more notable about the poll is that it shows Yang either tied with or pulling ahead of more establishment candidates like Harris, Booker and Beto O’Rourke.But what’s perhaps even more notable about the poll is that it shows Yang either tied with or pulling ahead of more establishment candidates like Harris, Booker and Beto O’Rourke.
Hillary Clinton responded to Trump’s attempt to resurrect the issue of her private email server by joking that he should not “tempt” her to run for president again.Hillary Clinton responded to Trump’s attempt to resurrect the issue of her private email server by joking that he should not “tempt” her to run for president again.
Don’t tempt me. Do your job.Don’t tempt me. Do your job.
The former secretary of state and presidential candidate has already voiced support for House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry and has previously mocked Trump as a “corrupt human tornado.”The former secretary of state and presidential candidate has already voiced support for House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry and has previously mocked Trump as a “corrupt human tornado.”