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Shep Smith out at Fox News after clashing with colleagues over Trump-Ukraine scandal – live Shep Smith out at Fox News after clashing with colleagues over Trump-Ukraine scandal – live
(32 minutes later)
Beto O’Rourke says that he raised $4.5m in the past three months, CNN reports.
The total ranks him ninth among the Democratic presidential candidates, who are, in order of the total raised in the third quarter:
Bernie Sanders
Elizabeth Warren
Pete Buttigieg
Joe Biden
Kamala Harris
Andrew Yang
Cory Booker
Amy Klobuchar
Beto O’Rourke
Marianne Williamson
Steve Bullock
Michael Bennet
Tom Steyer
These self-reported announcements only give us the topline numbers for fundraising information. Stay tuned for next week, when the candidates file their disclosures with the FEC and we’ll be able to bring you much more analysis of who these donors are.
Schrödinger’s personal attorney...
"Yes," Giuliani just texted me, when I asked if he was still representing Trump. https://t.co/000Hig2frt
Hello everyone, this is Julia Carrie Wong in San Francisco picking up the live blog for the rest of this busy Friday.
Adam Schiff, the chair of the House intelligence committee, has written a letter to house Democrats describing the progress thus far in the impeachment inquiry and promising that the process will “accelerate”.
Schiff just sent this letter to House Dems updating them on the impeachment inquiry, promising to “continue & accelerate our efforts” when lawmakers return to Washington next week.Also says “we have been working urgently and with purpose, and we are making substantial progress” pic.twitter.com/QGPSPLwMoL
The letter notes that depositions are scheduled for the following witnesses:
Dr Fiona Hill, former National Security Council director for European and Russian affairs,
George Kent, deputy assistant secretary of state, who oversees policy on Ukraine and other countries,
Gordon Sondlond, ambassador to the EU, and
T Ulrich Brechbuhl, counselor of the state department
Schiff added that additional witnesses will be announced in the coming days.
That’s it from me this week. My west coast colleague, Julia Carrie Wong, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me this week. My west coast colleague, Julia Carrie Wong, 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:
The Democratic chairmen of the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry said that the state department (at the direction of the White House) told Maria Yovanovitch not to testify, an order that the the former US ambassador to Ukraine defied.The Democratic chairmen of the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry said that the state department (at the direction of the White House) told Maria Yovanovitch not to testify, an order that the the former US ambassador to Ukraine defied.
Yovanovitch said in her opening statement to the House committees that she was told Trump placed pressure on the state department to recall her.Yovanovitch said in her opening statement to the House committees that she was told Trump placed pressure on the state department to recall her.
Shep Smith, the Fox News anchor who has repeatedly criticized Trump, announced that he was resigning.Shep Smith, the Fox News anchor who has repeatedly criticized Trump, announced that he was resigning.
Trump announced that the US and China have reached a “phase one” agreement on a trade deal, but it has not yet been written. The administration added that the new tariffs on Chinese imports, which were set to go into effect on Tuesday, had been canceled.Trump announced that the US and China have reached a “phase one” agreement on a trade deal, but it has not yet been written. The administration added that the new tariffs on Chinese imports, which were set to go into effect on Tuesday, had been canceled.
The Trump administration suffered multiple legal defeats. Namely, a federal appeals court upheld House Democrats’ subpoena for the president’s financial records, and two of Trump’s controversial immigration policies were blocked by judges.The Trump administration suffered multiple legal defeats. Namely, a federal appeals court upheld House Democrats’ subpoena for the president’s financial records, and two of Trump’s controversial immigration policies were blocked by judges.
The Pentagon announced it would send more troops to Saudi Arabia, despite Trump’s insistence this week that he was withdrawing troops from northern Syria to reduce America’s military presence in the Middle East.The Pentagon announced it would send more troops to Saudi Arabia, despite Trump’s insistence this week that he was withdrawing troops from northern Syria to reduce America’s military presence in the Middle East.
Julia will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.Julia will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
Trump did not seem very heartbroken at the news that Shep Smith, whom the president has repeatedly slammed for criticizing him, was leaving Fox News.Trump did not seem very heartbroken at the news that Shep Smith, whom the president has repeatedly slammed for criticizing him, was leaving Fox News.
Trump on FOX’s Shep Smith: “Is he leaving? Oh that’s a shame.” pic.twitter.com/ieVfDGTQMuTrump on FOX’s Shep Smith: “Is he leaving? Oh that’s a shame.” pic.twitter.com/ieVfDGTQMu
Meanwhile, Maria Yovanovitch continues to testify before the House committees investigating impeachment.Meanwhile, Maria Yovanovitch continues to testify before the House committees investigating impeachment.
The former US ambassador to Ukraine arrived on Capitol Hill for her closed-door testimony more than six hours ago.The former US ambassador to Ukraine arrived on Capitol Hill for her closed-door testimony more than six hours ago.
Expect at least another hour of Yovanovitch closed-door testimony, Rep. Mike Quigley tells reporters. Her deposition started around 10AM ET.Expect at least another hour of Yovanovitch closed-door testimony, Rep. Mike Quigley tells reporters. Her deposition started around 10AM ET.
In announcing his departure, Fox News anchor Shep Smith told his viewers that he had requested to leave and that the network had tried to convince him to stay.In announcing his departure, Fox News anchor Shep Smith told his viewers that he had requested to leave and that the network had tried to convince him to stay.
The anchor, who has previously been critical of Trump, added that he would not be reporting elsewhere for the time being.The anchor, who has previously been critical of Trump, added that he would not be reporting elsewhere for the time being.
Shepard Smith:“Recently I asked the company to allow me to leave Fox News. After requesting that I stay, they obliged. Under our agreement, I won’t be reporting elsewhere, at least in the near future." pic.twitter.com/ZJHszeBHS4Shepard Smith:“Recently I asked the company to allow me to leave Fox News. After requesting that I stay, they obliged. Under our agreement, I won’t be reporting elsewhere, at least in the near future." pic.twitter.com/ZJHszeBHS4
In some media news: Shep Smith, the Fox News anchor who was arguably most critical of Trump, is stepping down from his role at the network.In some media news: Shep Smith, the Fox News anchor who was arguably most critical of Trump, is stepping down from his role at the network.
Breaking: Shep Smith out at @FoxNews. From press release: pic.twitter.com/cFhgzb4ryCBreaking: Shep Smith out at @FoxNews. From press release: pic.twitter.com/cFhgzb4ryC
Smith has repeatedly called out the president for his falsehoods and his treatment of journalists, a habit that has attracted Trump’s scorn.Smith has repeatedly called out the president for his falsehoods and his treatment of journalists, a habit that has attracted Trump’s scorn.
Late last month, Smith condemned Trump’s false corruption allegations against Joe Biden as “baseless” and a “conspiracy theory.”Late last month, Smith condemned Trump’s false corruption allegations against Joe Biden as “baseless” and a “conspiracy theory.”
Trump has said that the tariffs set to go into effect against China on Tuesday have now been canceled.Trump has said that the tariffs set to go into effect against China on Tuesday have now been canceled.
Tariffs that were set to rise on Tuesday have been called off pic.twitter.com/xHVO6e2SmITariffs that were set to rise on Tuesday have been called off pic.twitter.com/xHVO6e2SmI
Following his meeting with the Chinese vice premier, Trump said the US and China would finalize a “phase one” trade deal in the next few weeks.Following his meeting with the Chinese vice premier, Trump said the US and China would finalize a “phase one” trade deal in the next few weeks.
TRUMP: “we’ve come to a substantial Phase 1 deal... subject to getting it written.” Says will take 3ish weeks to write. Will conclude around Chile trip in mid November. pic.twitter.com/re54pUUT5FTRUMP: “we’ve come to a substantial Phase 1 deal... subject to getting it written.” Says will take 3ish weeks to write. Will conclude around Chile trip in mid November. pic.twitter.com/re54pUUT5F
The US president claimed the deal would address intellectual property theft, a longstanding issue between the two countries, but that’s not necessarily certain given that the agreement has not yet been written.The US president claimed the deal would address intellectual property theft, a longstanding issue between the two countries, but that’s not necessarily certain given that the agreement has not yet been written.
Trump says China deal includes pieces on intellectual property theft, financial services, $40 to $50 billion in ag purchases. BUT deal isn’t written yet, and writing it may take a few weeks. Trump says may sign it in Chile. (He and Xi will be in Chile for APEC next month.)Trump says China deal includes pieces on intellectual property theft, financial services, $40 to $50 billion in ag purchases. BUT deal isn’t written yet, and writing it may take a few weeks. Trump says may sign it in Chile. (He and Xi will be in Chile for APEC next month.)
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the US and China have reached a “phase one” deal on trade.Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the US and China have reached a “phase one” deal on trade.
Trump says they have agreed an interim China trade deal pic.twitter.com/YOnDlPWWZbTrump says they have agreed an interim China trade deal pic.twitter.com/YOnDlPWWZb
Reporters at the White House are still waiting on word from Trump’s meeting with the Chinese vice premier on trade talks, so there could be even more breaking news in the next hour.Reporters at the White House are still waiting on word from Trump’s meeting with the Chinese vice premier on trade talks, so there could be even more breaking news in the next hour.
WH reporters have been gathered at the colonnade waiting to be brought into the Oval Office for the meeting with Chinese leaders for more than 45 minutes. The lengthy hold means it’s possible we don’t get China news one way or the other until after the market closes.WH reporters have been gathered at the colonnade waiting to be brought into the Oval Office for the meeting with Chinese leaders for more than 45 minutes. The lengthy hold means it’s possible we don’t get China news one way or the other until after the market closes.
Politico has some helpful context on the potential ramifications of Maria Yovanovitch’s decision to comply with a congressional subpoena, despite the state department (at the urging of the White House) directing the former ambassador not to testify:Politico has some helpful context on the potential ramifications of Maria Yovanovitch’s decision to comply with a congressional subpoena, despite the state department (at the urging of the White House) directing the former ambassador not to testify:
Unlike the last witness in the Ukraine matter to testify — former ambassador Kurt Volker — Yovanovitch is still employed by the State Department, which raises questions about whether she’ll face any punishment for defying orders. Legal experts and State Department officials have been trying, without conclusion, to resolve the question of whether a congressional subpoena trumps a State Department direction to a Foreign Service officer.Unlike the last witness in the Ukraine matter to testify — former ambassador Kurt Volker — Yovanovitch is still employed by the State Department, which raises questions about whether she’ll face any punishment for defying orders. Legal experts and State Department officials have been trying, without conclusion, to resolve the question of whether a congressional subpoena trumps a State Department direction to a Foreign Service officer.
Senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller is now taking questions from reporters at the White House, and it is ... quite the scene.Senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller is now taking questions from reporters at the White House, and it is ... quite the scene.
Stephen Miller is screaming at reporters who are asking about Joe Biden at the White House right now. It’s hard to hear because of protestors on Pennsylvania Avenue.Stephen Miller is screaming at reporters who are asking about Joe Biden at the White House right now. It’s hard to hear because of protestors on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Miller would not answer when asked if he would hypothetically comply with a subpoena to testify in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Trump.Miller would not answer when asked if he would hypothetically comply with a subpoena to testify in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Trump is suffering a lot of legal defeats today. A federal judge has now placed a nationwide injunction on the administration’s plan to penalize green card applicants who rely on government assistance, known as the “public charge” rule.Trump is suffering a lot of legal defeats today. A federal judge has now placed a nationwide injunction on the administration’s plan to penalize green card applicants who rely on government assistance, known as the “public charge” rule.
The New York Times reports:The New York Times reports:
Judge George B. Daniels of the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York said those potentially affected by the new regulation could suffer ‘irreparable harm’ if it goes into effect. ‘The balance of equities and the interests of justice favor issuance of a preliminary injunction,’ the judge wrote.Judge George B. Daniels of the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York said those potentially affected by the new regulation could suffer ‘irreparable harm’ if it goes into effect. ‘The balance of equities and the interests of justice favor issuance of a preliminary injunction,’ the judge wrote.
The ‘public charge’ rule, which had been scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, set new standards for determining who might become a burden on the public purse and barred them from obtaining permanent residence in the country.The ‘public charge’ rule, which had been scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, set new standards for determining who might become a burden on the public purse and barred them from obtaining permanent residence in the country.
Judge Daniels’s order, which the Justice Department is likely to appeal, came a few days after President Trump also moved to deny immigrant visas to those who cannot prove that they will either have health insurance or can afford to pay for their own health care.Judge Daniels’s order, which the Justice Department is likely to appeal, came a few days after President Trump also moved to deny immigrant visas to those who cannot prove that they will either have health insurance or can afford to pay for their own health care.
The news will not stop coming today. A federal court has just ruled that Trump violated the law by declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border to get his wall built.The news will not stop coming today. A federal court has just ruled that Trump violated the law by declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border to get his wall built.
BREAKING: A U.S. federal district court has ruled that President Trump violated the law by declaring a national emergency in order to build a border wall. https://t.co/tUyNSGvvcr pic.twitter.com/vtpfSHA3hBBREAKING: A U.S. federal district court has ruled that President Trump violated the law by declaring a national emergency in order to build a border wall. https://t.co/tUyNSGvvcr pic.twitter.com/vtpfSHA3hB
David Smith reported this back in February:David Smith reported this back in February:
Donald Trump has defied fierce criticism to announce that he is using emergency powers to bypass Congress and pursue the building of a wall on the US-Mexico border.Donald Trump has defied fierce criticism to announce that he is using emergency powers to bypass Congress and pursue the building of a wall on the US-Mexico border.
At a combative, rambling and at times incoherent press conference in the White House, the US president insisted he had no choice but to declare a national emergency to stop illegal immigrants spreading crime and drugs.At a combative, rambling and at times incoherent press conference in the White House, the US president insisted he had no choice but to declare a national emergency to stop illegal immigrants spreading crime and drugs.
Yet Trump admitted that he did not ‘need’ to take the step now and was only doing so for speed. Opponents seized on the remark to accuse him of falsehoods and fearmongering for political ends, describing the move as ‘unlawful’ and a violation of the US constitution.Yet Trump admitted that he did not ‘need’ to take the step now and was only doing so for speed. Opponents seized on the remark to accuse him of falsehoods and fearmongering for political ends, describing the move as ‘unlawful’ and a violation of the US constitution.
It is now clear that Marie Yovanovitch, who is still technically an employee of the state department, defied the White House’s wishes in testifying before the House committees investigating impeachment.It is now clear that Marie Yovanovitch, who is still technically an employee of the state department, defied the White House’s wishes in testifying before the House committees investigating impeachment.
The Democratic chairman of those committees confirmed moments ago that they issued a subpoena to the former US ambassador to Ukraine to compel her to appear, which she complied with.The Democratic chairman of those committees confirmed moments ago that they issued a subpoena to the former US ambassador to Ukraine to compel her to appear, which she complied with.
But other Trump administration officials have ignored congressional subpoenas to adhere to the president’s wishes. And that raises this question: will the White House retaliate against Yovanovitch for testifying?But other Trump administration officials have ignored congressional subpoenas to adhere to the president’s wishes. And that raises this question: will the White House retaliate against Yovanovitch for testifying?
That certainly seemed like a possibility in the talking points that the administration issued about Yovanovitch’s appearance. The White House warned in those talking points that, by testifying without a state department lawyer, Yovanovitch was in “serious danger that she could breach her obligations as a current employee.”That certainly seemed like a possibility in the talking points that the administration issued about Yovanovitch’s appearance. The White House warned in those talking points that, by testifying without a state department lawyer, Yovanovitch was in “serious danger that she could breach her obligations as a current employee.”
NEW: WH talking points sent to Hill today about Yovanovitch deposition say w/o State Dept lawyers present could put her in serious danger of breaching her obligations as current employee pic.twitter.com/FeXWJfmUyLNEW: WH talking points sent to Hill today about Yovanovitch deposition say w/o State Dept lawyers present could put her in serious danger of breaching her obligations as current employee pic.twitter.com/FeXWJfmUyL
The three Democratic chairman of the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry said the White House’s efforts to block Marie Yovanovitch’s testimony provided more evidence of obstruction.The three Democratic chairman of the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry said the White House’s efforts to block Marie Yovanovitch’s testimony provided more evidence of obstruction.
Adam Schiff, Eliot Engel and Elijah Cummings said: “Last night, the Committees learned that the State Department, at the direction of the White House, directed Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch not to appear for her voluntary interview today.Adam Schiff, Eliot Engel and Elijah Cummings said: “Last night, the Committees learned that the State Department, at the direction of the White House, directed Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch not to appear for her voluntary interview today.
“This is the latest example of the Administration’s efforts to conceal the facts from the American people and obstruct our lawful and constitutionally-authorized impeachment inquiry.“This is the latest example of the Administration’s efforts to conceal the facts from the American people and obstruct our lawful and constitutionally-authorized impeachment inquiry.
“In response, the House Intelligence Committee issued a subpoena to compel her testimony this morning. This duly authorized subpoena is mandatory, and the illegitimate order from the Trump Administration not to cooperate has no force. As is required of her, the Ambassador is now complying with the subpoena and answering questions from both Democratic and Republican Members and staff.“In response, the House Intelligence Committee issued a subpoena to compel her testimony this morning. This duly authorized subpoena is mandatory, and the illegitimate order from the Trump Administration not to cooperate has no force. As is required of her, the Ambassador is now complying with the subpoena and answering questions from both Democratic and Republican Members and staff.
“Any efforts by Trump Administration officials to prevent witness cooperation with the Committees will be deemed obstruction of a co-equal branch of government and an adverse inference may be drawn against the President on the underlying allegations of corruption and coverup.”“Any efforts by Trump Administration officials to prevent witness cooperation with the Committees will be deemed obstruction of a co-equal branch of government and an adverse inference may be drawn against the President on the underlying allegations of corruption and coverup.”