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Trump renews call for Ukraine whistleblower to be unmasked – live Trump renews call for Ukraine whistleblower to be unmasked – live
(32 minutes later)
House speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed she and senator Lindsey Graham have discussed possible sanctions on Turkey following the country’s military operation in Syria.
Pleased to have a conversation with Senator @LindseyGrahamSC this morning. Our first order of business was to agree that we must have a bipartisan, bicameral joint resolution to overturn the President’s dangerous decision in Syria immediately.
As we find ourselves in a situation where the President gave a green light to the Turks to bomb and effectively unleashed ISIS, we must have a stronger sanctions package than what the White House is suggesting.
The Democratic House speaker and the Republican senator generally find little to agree on when it comes to congressional proposals.
But Graham, who is usually of Trump’s closest congressional allies, has been outspoken in his criticism of the president’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.
More sources have confirmed that the White House sought to block or limit the testimony of Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia.
Confirmed this is the case with two ppl involved. Same arrangement as Yovanovitch. I suspect we will see something similar with Kent and maybe others later this week. https://t.co/2FMTQg3TuP
House Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry seem to have abandoned their initial pursuit of voluntary interviews as the Trump administration has tried to prevent more witnesses from testifying.
This subpoena strategy could arise again tomorrow, when George Kent, the deputy assistant secretary in the state department’s European and Eurasian bureau, is expected to be interviewed.
An official involved in the impeachment investigation said that Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, was subpoenaed because of White House efforts to block witnesses from testifying for the inquiry.An official involved in the impeachment investigation said that Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, was subpoenaed because of White House efforts to block witnesses from testifying for the inquiry.
Fiona Hill was subpoenaed, per official working on impeachment inquiry, because of “attempts by the White House and the Administration to direct witnesses not to cooperate with the House’s impeachment inquiry and efforts by the White House to limit any testimony that does occur.”Fiona Hill was subpoenaed, per official working on impeachment inquiry, because of “attempts by the White House and the Administration to direct witnesses not to cooperate with the House’s impeachment inquiry and efforts by the White House to limit any testimony that does occur.”
House Democrats leading the inquiry said Friday that the State Department had been directed by the White House to tell Maria Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, not to testify.House Democrats leading the inquiry said Friday that the State Department had been directed by the White House to tell Maria Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, not to testify.
Yovanovitch went ahead with her testimony after receiving a subpoena, a course of action that Hill has now also taken.Yovanovitch went ahead with her testimony after receiving a subpoena, a course of action that Hill has now also taken.
Trump is intensifying his demands that the whistleblower who first raised concerns about the president’s Ukraine call be unmasked.Trump is intensifying his demands that the whistleblower who first raised concerns about the president’s Ukraine call be unmasked.
....Democrat’s game was foiled when we caught Schiff fraudulently making up my Ukraine conversation, when I released the exact conversation Transcript, and when Ukrainian President and the Foreign Minister said there was NO PRESSURE, very normal talk! A total Impeachment Scam!....Democrat’s game was foiled when we caught Schiff fraudulently making up my Ukraine conversation, when I released the exact conversation Transcript, and when Ukrainian President and the Foreign Minister said there was NO PRESSURE, very normal talk! A total Impeachment Scam!
Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, warned yesterday that the whistleblower may not end up testifying due to concerns about the person’s safety.Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, warned yesterday that the whistleblower may not end up testifying due to concerns about the person’s safety.
The California Democrat told CBS News: “Our primary interest right now is making sure that that person is protected. Indeed, now there’s more than one whistleblower, that they are protected.”The California Democrat told CBS News: “Our primary interest right now is making sure that that person is protected. Indeed, now there’s more than one whistleblower, that they are protected.”
The attorneys representing the initial whistleblower said earlier this month that they are representing at least one other person, who allegedly has firsthand knowledge of Trump’s call with Volodymyr Zelenskiy.The attorneys representing the initial whistleblower said earlier this month that they are representing at least one other person, who allegedly has firsthand knowledge of Trump’s call with Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Trump has still not personally condemned the fake video that was played last week at his Miami resort during an event for supporters, which showed the president stabbing various media outlets and activist groups.Trump has still not personally condemned the fake video that was played last week at his Miami resort during an event for supporters, which showed the president stabbing various media outlets and activist groups.
Trump’s press secretary said in a statement that the president had not yet seen the video but “strongly condemns” it based on reports of its content.Trump’s press secretary said in a statement that the president had not yet seen the video but “strongly condemns” it based on reports of its content.
And yet Trump himself has still not weighed in, even though he has been active on Twitter today. The New York Times sums up his morning succinctly:And yet Trump himself has still not weighed in, even though he has been active on Twitter today. The New York Times sums up his morning succinctly:
Mr. Trump, who has been posting on Twitter about other topics early Monday — including wishing his former press secretary good luck on his appearance on Monday evening on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ — has not mentioned or condemned the video himself.Mr. Trump, who has been posting on Twitter about other topics early Monday — including wishing his former press secretary good luck on his appearance on Monday evening on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ — has not mentioned or condemned the video himself.
There was a brief moment of drama just now during the closed-door testimony of Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, in the impeachment inquiry.There was a brief moment of drama just now during the closed-door testimony of Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, in the impeachment inquiry.
Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican of Florida and a staunch ally of Trump’s, demanded to sit in on Hill’s testimony even though he is not a member of the three panels conducting the interview.Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican of Florida and a staunch ally of Trump’s, demanded to sit in on Hill’s testimony even though he is not a member of the three panels conducting the interview.
Rep Gaetz is not on Intel or Oversight or Foreign Affairs Cmte and was kicked out of the deposition. Argues that he is on Judiciary and his committee has jurisdiction on impeachment and should have been let in. pic.twitter.com/LRt8YvEOa9Rep Gaetz is not on Intel or Oversight or Foreign Affairs Cmte and was kicked out of the deposition. Argues that he is on Judiciary and his committee has jurisdiction on impeachment and should have been let in. pic.twitter.com/LRt8YvEOa9
Gaetz said he consulted with the House parliamentarian, who makes decisions regarding congressional procedure, and was told he could not be present for Hill’s interview.Gaetz said he consulted with the House parliamentarian, who makes decisions regarding congressional procedure, and was told he could not be present for Hill’s interview.
Matt Gaetz emerges from closed-door interview with Fiona Hill saying he was kicked out by House Democrats bc he’s not a member of the three committees conducting the interview. He said he consulted with the House parliamentarian, who ruled that he could not be there.Matt Gaetz emerges from closed-door interview with Fiona Hill saying he was kicked out by House Democrats bc he’s not a member of the three committees conducting the interview. He said he consulted with the House parliamentarian, who ruled that he could not be there.
In a rare moment of agreement, senator Lindsey Graham said he is working with the Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, to pass sanctions on Turkey for their military operation in Syria.In a rare moment of agreement, senator Lindsey Graham said he is working with the Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, to pass sanctions on Turkey for their military operation in Syria.
I will be working across party lines in a bicameral fashion to draft sanctions and move quickly, appreciating President Trump’s willingness to work with the Congress. The Speaker indicated to me that time was of the essence.I will be working across party lines in a bicameral fashion to draft sanctions and move quickly, appreciating President Trump’s willingness to work with the Congress. The Speaker indicated to me that time was of the essence.
Trump’s treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said Friday that the administration was prepared to enact sanctions on Turkey but had not yet activated them.Trump’s treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said Friday that the administration was prepared to enact sanctions on Turkey but had not yet activated them.
If Graham and Pelosi can secure bipartisan support for the proposed sanctions, the president may have his hand forced.If Graham and Pelosi can secure bipartisan support for the proposed sanctions, the president may have his hand forced.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican of South Carolina, said that he would meet with Trump this afternoon to discuss the president’s Syria policy.Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican of South Carolina, said that he would meet with Trump this afternoon to discuss the president’s Syria policy.
Lindsey Graham says on Fox he’s meeting with Trump this afternoon to discuss Syria and sanctions on TurkeyLindsey Graham says on Fox he’s meeting with Trump this afternoon to discuss Syria and sanctions on Turkey
Graham is generally one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, but he has unleashed stinging criticism of the president’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.Graham is generally one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, but he has unleashed stinging criticism of the president’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.
The South Carolina senator has accused the Trump administration of shamefully abandoning America’s Kurdish allies and putting the country in danger in the process.The South Carolina senator has accused the Trump administration of shamefully abandoning America’s Kurdish allies and putting the country in danger in the process.
The next Democratic presidential debate is just one day away, as 12 candidates prepare to face off in Ohio.The next Democratic presidential debate is just one day away, as 12 candidates prepare to face off in Ohio.
It is now confirmed that there will indeed be 12 candidates will be attending, despite Tulsi Gabbard’s initial threat to boycott the event.It is now confirmed that there will indeed be 12 candidates will be attending, despite Tulsi Gabbard’s initial threat to boycott the event.
The Hawaii congresswoman has complained that the Democratic National Committee was “rigging” the primary race by not taking into consideration certain polls that could help her qualify for the November debate.The Hawaii congresswoman has complained that the Democratic National Committee was “rigging” the primary race by not taking into consideration certain polls that could help her qualify for the November debate.
Gabbard confirmed this morning that she would be attending tomorrow’s debate but offered no explanation for her shift in opinion.Gabbard confirmed this morning that she would be attending tomorrow’s debate but offered no explanation for her shift in opinion.
I will be attending the debate.I will be attending the debate.
The blog is following news on two important fronts right now: the latest developments from Syria following the withdrawal of US troops and the testimony of Fiona Hill, former White House adviser on Russia, in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.The blog is following news on two important fronts right now: the latest developments from Syria following the withdrawal of US troops and the testimony of Fiona Hill, former White House adviser on Russia, in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
Meanwhile, Trump is encouraging his Twitter followers to vote for his former press secretary on “Dancing with the Stars.”Meanwhile, Trump is encouraging his Twitter followers to vote for his former press secretary on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Vote for good guy @seanspicer tonight on Dancing With The Stars. He has always been there for us!Vote for good guy @seanspicer tonight on Dancing With The Stars. He has always been there for us!
Spicer made his debut on the show last month, a little more than two years after he concluded his infamous tenure with the Trump administration.Spicer made his debut on the show last month, a little more than two years after he concluded his infamous tenure with the Trump administration.
In case you missed Spicer’s first dancing performance, this photo should catch you up.In case you missed Spicer’s first dancing performance, this photo should catch you up.
Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia who resigned shortly before the Ukraine call, is reportedly expected to testify that she opposed the idea of the president having a conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskiy.Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia who resigned shortly before the Ukraine call, is reportedly expected to testify that she opposed the idea of the president having a conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Hill is prepared to testify that she opposed the idea of the phone call because she did not understand its purpose. While it was described as a congratulatory call following parliamentary elections in Ukraine, Trump had already made a congratulatory call to Zelensky in April.Hill is prepared to testify that she opposed the idea of the phone call because she did not understand its purpose. While it was described as a congratulatory call following parliamentary elections in Ukraine, Trump had already made a congratulatory call to Zelensky in April.
Meanwhile, Republican members of the House committees investigating impeachment complained that transcripts should be immediately released from the closed-door interviews the panels have been holding.Meanwhile, Republican members of the House committees investigating impeachment complained that transcripts should be immediately released from the closed-door interviews the panels have been holding.
Republicans speaking before the Fiona Hill deposition starts. They're objecting to transcripts not being released and lack of subpoena power for minority pic.twitter.com/EJY3AyFN4vRepublicans speaking before the Fiona Hill deposition starts. They're objecting to transcripts not being released and lack of subpoena power for minority pic.twitter.com/EJY3AyFN4v
Representative Adam Kinzinger, a Republican of Illinois and a veteran who served in Iraq, slammed Trump’s defense of his Syria policy as “weakness.”Representative Adam Kinzinger, a Republican of Illinois and a veteran who served in Iraq, slammed Trump’s defense of his Syria policy as “weakness.”
I just.... i mean.... what? @realDonaldTrump I thought you were going to defeat ISIS, that is why people voted for you. What changed? This is weakness. America is far more honorable than this. https://t.co/N5IqSKqSTCI just.... i mean.... what? @realDonaldTrump I thought you were going to defeat ISIS, that is why people voted for you. What changed? This is weakness. America is far more honorable than this. https://t.co/N5IqSKqSTC
Kinzinger has repeatedly denounced Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, telling CBS News yesterday that the president had left America’s Kurdish allies “to the wolves.”Kinzinger has repeatedly denounced Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, telling CBS News yesterday that the president had left America’s Kurdish allies “to the wolves.”
Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden whose business activities have become a target of criticism by Trump, sat down for an interview with “Good Morning America.”Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden whose business activities have become a target of criticism by Trump, sat down for an interview with “Good Morning America.”
EXCLUSIVE: Hunter Biden sits down with @GMA co-anchor @arobach at his home in Los Angeles – and no questions are off limits.More coming up on @GMA, @ABCWorldNews, @Nightline and @ABCNewsLive. https://t.co/QuDjY0dvjdEXCLUSIVE: Hunter Biden sits down with @GMA co-anchor @arobach at his home in Los Angeles – and no questions are off limits.More coming up on @GMA, @ABCWorldNews, @Nightline and @ABCNewsLive. https://t.co/QuDjY0dvjd
ABC said that Biden’s interview with anchor Amy Robach, which will be broadcast starting tomorrow, would cover his business dealings in Ukraine.ABC said that Biden’s interview with anchor Amy Robach, which will be broadcast starting tomorrow, would cover his business dealings in Ukraine.
Trump has falsely claimed that Biden’s father used his sway as vice president to aid a Ukrainian business whose board Biden served on, an assertion that has been repeatedly fact-checked and found to be without merit.Trump has falsely claimed that Biden’s father used his sway as vice president to aid a Ukrainian business whose board Biden served on, an assertion that has been repeatedly fact-checked and found to be without merit.
Biden’s lawyer said this yesterday in a comment posted to Medium: “Hunter makes the following commitment: Under a Biden Administration, Hunter will readily comply with any and all guidelines or standards a President Biden may issue to address purported conflicts of interest, or the appearance of such conflicts, including any restrictions related to overseas business interests. In any event, Hunter will agree not to serve on boards of, or work on behalf of, foreign owned companies.”Biden’s lawyer said this yesterday in a comment posted to Medium: “Hunter makes the following commitment: Under a Biden Administration, Hunter will readily comply with any and all guidelines or standards a President Biden may issue to address purported conflicts of interest, or the appearance of such conflicts, including any restrictions related to overseas business interests. In any event, Hunter will agree not to serve on boards of, or work on behalf of, foreign owned companies.”
A video doctored to make it look like Trump was stabbing various media organizations and activist groups was reportedly shown at one of his resorts during an event for supporters last week.A video doctored to make it look like Trump was stabbing various media organizations and activist groups was reportedly shown at one of his resorts during an event for supporters last week.
The Guardian’s Josh Taylor reports:The Guardian’s Josh Taylor reports:
The New York Times reported on Sunday that the video, which has since been posted on Twitter, shows a scene from Kingsman: The Secret Service, edited to appear as though Trump is stabbing and opening fire on people and news organisations in a church.The New York Times reported on Sunday that the video, which has since been posted on Twitter, shows a scene from Kingsman: The Secret Service, edited to appear as though Trump is stabbing and opening fire on people and news organisations in a church.
The targets include CNN, Politico, Black Lives Matter, the BBC, the Guardian, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, Hillary Clinton, the late senator John McCain, Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama and others inside the ‘Church of Fake News’. ...The targets include CNN, Politico, Black Lives Matter, the BBC, the Guardian, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, Hillary Clinton, the late senator John McCain, Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama and others inside the ‘Church of Fake News’. ...
The video appears to be created by TheGeekzTeam on YouTube, a pro-Trump channel that has a long history of creating video mashups in support of the 45th president. The video in question was posted to the channel in July 2018.The video appears to be created by TheGeekzTeam on YouTube, a pro-Trump channel that has a long history of creating video mashups in support of the 45th president. The video in question was posted to the channel in July 2018.
According to the Times, the video was shown last week at the American Priority conference at Doral Miami resort. Speakers at the event included Donald Trump Jr and former White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders.According to the Times, the video was shown last week at the American Priority conference at Doral Miami resort. Speakers at the event included Donald Trump Jr and former White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
One of the event’s organizers and the White House Correspondents’ Association denounced the video, and Trump’s press secretary said that he had not yet seen it but would likely condemn it.One of the event’s organizers and the White House Correspondents’ Association denounced the video, and Trump’s press secretary said that he had not yet seen it but would likely condemn it.
Re: the video played over the weekend: The @POTUS @realDonaldTrump has not yet seen the video, he will see it shortly, but based upon everything he has heard, he strongly condemns this video.Re: the video played over the weekend: The @POTUS @realDonaldTrump has not yet seen the video, he will see it shortly, but based upon everything he has heard, he strongly condemns this video.
Like Maria Yovanovitch, Fiona Hill will reportedly answer lawmakers’ questions for the impeachment inquiry today under subpoena.Like Maria Yovanovitch, Fiona Hill will reportedly answer lawmakers’ questions for the impeachment inquiry today under subpoena.
Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top Russia aide, is in the Capitol to testify in impeachment probe pic.twitter.com/ZR961Xfhd2Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top Russia aide, is in the Capitol to testify in impeachment probe pic.twitter.com/ZR961Xfhd2
NPR has more on the expected testimony from Hill, the former White House adviser on Russia:NPR has more on the expected testimony from Hill, the former White House adviser on Russia:
Hill, 53, a British-born American foreign affairs expert, resigned as Trump’s top Russia analyst just days before the president’s controversial July 25 call with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, an exchange that sparked the impeachment inquiry now consuming three House committees.Hill, 53, a British-born American foreign affairs expert, resigned as Trump’s top Russia analyst just days before the president’s controversial July 25 call with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, an exchange that sparked the impeachment inquiry now consuming three House committees.
Hill, who declined to elaborate on her planned testimony, is expected to discuss concerns she raised over the ouster of longtime diplomat Marie Yovanovitch, whose removal as the ambassador of Ukraine has become a key topic in the impeachment inquiry. She is also likely to speak about how, in her view, Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, and Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, were operating a Ukraine policy outside of the National Security Council.Hill, who declined to elaborate on her planned testimony, is expected to discuss concerns she raised over the ouster of longtime diplomat Marie Yovanovitch, whose removal as the ambassador of Ukraine has become a key topic in the impeachment inquiry. She is also likely to speak about how, in her view, Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, and Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, were operating a Ukraine policy outside of the National Security Council.
Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, has arrived for her testimony in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, has arrived for her testimony in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
Her appearance follows the testimony of Maria Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, on Friday.Her appearance follows the testimony of Maria Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, on Friday.
Good morning, live blog readers!Good morning, live blog readers!
Donald Trump is defending his decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria as reports emerged of escalating violence against America’s Kurdish allies.Donald Trump is defending his decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria as reports emerged of escalating violence against America’s Kurdish allies.
....Kurds may be releasing some to get us involved. Easily recaptured by Turkey or European Nations from where many came, but they should move quickly. Big sanctions on Turkey coming! Do people really think we should go to war with NATO Member Turkey? Never ending wars will end!....Kurds may be releasing some to get us involved. Easily recaptured by Turkey or European Nations from where many came, but they should move quickly. Big sanctions on Turkey coming! Do people really think we should go to war with NATO Member Turkey? Never ending wars will end!
The latest development is that Syrian troops are now entering the fight against Turkey, raising concerns of more escapes from Islamic State prisons. It was reported yesterday that at least 750 people with Isis ties had fled a displacement camp.The latest development is that Syrian troops are now entering the fight against Turkey, raising concerns of more escapes from Islamic State prisons. It was reported yesterday that at least 750 people with Isis ties had fled a displacement camp.
Trump predicted that any escapees from Isis prisons would be “easily recaptured” by Turkey or European countries, but many have expressed fear that the group could carry out terrorist attacks before that happens.Trump predicted that any escapees from Isis prisons would be “easily recaptured” by Turkey or European countries, but many have expressed fear that the group could carry out terrorist attacks before that happens.
All of this comes as the impeachment inquiry against Trump intensifies, underscoring how the president is facing potentially career-ending controversies both at home and abroad.All of this comes as the impeachment inquiry against Trump intensifies, underscoring how the president is facing potentially career-ending controversies both at home and abroad.
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on today:Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on today:
Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, is expected to testify in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.Fiona Hill, Trump’s former top adviser on Russia, is expected to testify in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
Trump has no events on his public schedule.Trump has no events on his public schedule.
It’s Columbus Day here in the US.It’s Columbus Day here in the US.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.