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Man arrested in illegal donation case involving Rudy Giuliani associates – live Trump tax documents show major discrepancies in reported numbers – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump tax docs show major discrepancies Kurds are ‘no angels’
Trump laid out some bewildering talking points about Turkey at the White House press conference with Italian president Sergio Mattarella just moments ago.
Besides saying the Kurdish PKK is worse than Isis, the president was asked about whether he was concerned about the spread of Isis. He continued to defend his decision to pull troops by saying the Kurds are “no angels”.
Trump: "I'm not going to get involved in a war between Turkey and Syria... If you look at the Kurds, I say this with great respect, they're no angels." We've paid a tremendous amount of money to the Kurds.
Trump also hit back at his allies-turned-critics, particularly Lindsey Graham, who publicly criticized Trump’s decision.
Trump: "Lindsey Graham would like to stay in the Middle East for the next thousand years... I think Lindsey should focus on judiciary... That's what the people of South Carolina want him to focus on."
Trump: PKK is ‘worse than Isis’
Donald Trump is speaking at a press conference at the White House now with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
In remarks, Trump defended his decision to pull troops from northern Syria saying that the Kurdish PKK, which had been receiving US support, is “worse at terror and more of a terrorist threat, in many ways, than Isis”.
Trump: "The PKK, which is a part of the Kurds...is probably worse at terror, more of a terrorist threat in many ways, than ISIS." (?)
ProPublica got their hands on documents that show Donald Trump’s company gave a lender and New York City tax authorities two different set of numbers for two of the company’s Manhattan buildings – 40 Wall Street and the Trump International Hotel and Tower.ProPublica got their hands on documents that show Donald Trump’s company gave a lender and New York City tax authorities two different set of numbers for two of the company’s Manhattan buildings – 40 Wall Street and the Trump International Hotel and Tower.
The documents show questionable differences in some expense, profit and occupancy figures. For example, the company told lenders that 40 Wall Street was 58.9% leased in 2012 but then rose to 95% a few years later. It told tax officials the building was 81% leased in 2013.The documents show questionable differences in some expense, profit and occupancy figures. For example, the company told lenders that 40 Wall Street was 58.9% leased in 2012 but then rose to 95% a few years later. It told tax officials the building was 81% leased in 2013.
Trump’s company technically doesn’t own 40 Wall Street, rather it pays the wealthy German family that owns it a sum of money to rent it out to tenants. In 2015, Trump’s company told tax authorities that it paid the family $1.65 million to use the building, while it told told lenders it paid $1.24 million the same year.Trump’s company technically doesn’t own 40 Wall Street, rather it pays the wealthy German family that owns it a sum of money to rent it out to tenants. In 2015, Trump’s company told tax authorities that it paid the family $1.65 million to use the building, while it told told lenders it paid $1.24 million the same year.
Don Jr.’s girlfriend says he ‘likes it when I play nurse’Don Jr.’s girlfriend says he ‘likes it when I play nurse’
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, who joined Trump’s reelection campaign in April as a senior advisor, said at a Texas panel discussion support Trump’s reelection that Don Jr. “like it when I play nurse,” according to a report from the Washington Examiner. Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, who joined Trump’s reelection campaign in April as a senior advisor, said at a Texas panel discussion support Trump’s reelection that Don Jr. “likes it when I play nurse,” according to a report from the Washington Examiner.
“I know Donald Trump Jr. a little better, let’s just get that out of the way right now,” she told the crowd.“I know Donald Trump Jr. a little better, let’s just get that out of the way right now,” she told the crowd.
Try to hold on to your lunch because ewww.Try to hold on to your lunch because ewww.
Giuliani associate turned himself inGiuliani associate turned himself in
Back to our last post on the arrest of David Correia, an associate of Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Correia was arrested at a New York City airport this morning for breaking campaign finance laws, and reports said Correia flew into New York to turn himself in.Back to our last post on the arrest of David Correia, an associate of Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Correia was arrested at a New York City airport this morning for breaking campaign finance laws, and reports said Correia flew into New York to turn himself in.
Correia joins two men, both associated with Giuliani, who were charged with making illegal contributions to a political action committee supporting Trump in hopes of getting support for a recreational marijuana business.Correia joins two men, both associated with Giuliani, who were charged with making illegal contributions to a political action committee supporting Trump in hopes of getting support for a recreational marijuana business.
Giuliani has said he has no knowledge of illegal donations. The four defendants are expected to appear in federal court tomorrow.Giuliani has said he has no knowledge of illegal donations. The four defendants are expected to appear in federal court tomorrow.
Here is video of that exchange between Biden and Warren.Here is video of that exchange between Biden and Warren.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of the debate was a split-second pause delivered by US senator and Democratic hopeful Elizabeth Warren.Perhaps the most memorable moment of the debate was a split-second pause delivered by US senator and Democratic hopeful Elizabeth Warren.
Former vice president Joe Biden had just cut into Warren detailing her accomplishments, raising his voice and pointing a hand toward her: “I went on the floor and got you votes! I got votes for that bill!”Former vice president Joe Biden had just cut into Warren detailing her accomplishments, raising his voice and pointing a hand toward her: “I went on the floor and got you votes! I got votes for that bill!”
Biden’s interjection – his interruption of Warren to give credit to himself – was met with eyerolls on Twitter.Biden’s interjection – his interruption of Warren to give credit to himself – was met with eyerolls on Twitter.
joe biden: i did it, you owe me everything. elizabeth warren: pic.twitter.com/UTUVtiUzUnjoe biden: i did it, you owe me everything. elizabeth warren: pic.twitter.com/UTUVtiUzUn
Elizabeth Warren having to talk slow and quiet to Biden like you do the aggressive asshole at your job who is all, "I MADE YOU" is making my PTSD act up.Elizabeth Warren having to talk slow and quiet to Biden like you do the aggressive asshole at your job who is all, "I MADE YOU" is making my PTSD act up.
Turns out Biden’s role in the creation of the CFPB was negligible at best. Not worth the interjection that, for many, came off as mansplaining.Turns out Biden’s role in the creation of the CFPB was negligible at best. Not worth the interjection that, for many, came off as mansplaining.
The fact that Biden yelled at Warren, “I got you the votes!” speaks to everything we know about peak white male fragility. #DemDebateThe fact that Biden yelled at Warren, “I got you the votes!” speaks to everything we know about peak white male fragility. #DemDebate
Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg is on the attack following last night’s debate – a shift in position for the mayor who largely avoided attacking his rivals.Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg is on the attack following last night’s debate – a shift in position for the mayor who largely avoided attacking his rivals.
Pete Buttigieg, continuing his criticism of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, says his 2020 rival has been "more specific and forthcoming about the number of selfies she's taken" than about laying out details of how she'd pay for "Medicare for All." https://t.co/nzy3E5BYfVPete Buttigieg, continuing his criticism of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, says his 2020 rival has been "more specific and forthcoming about the number of selfies she's taken" than about laying out details of how she'd pay for "Medicare for All." https://t.co/nzy3E5BYfV
Buttigieg got a lot of early interest by saying things like “the compromise position is single payer” and “Republicans are going to call us socialists anyway.” It’s a real question whether the same voters who liked that approach will like his new one. https://t.co/Yu2tQfbUSrButtigieg got a lot of early interest by saying things like “the compromise position is single payer” and “Republicans are going to call us socialists anyway.” It’s a real question whether the same voters who liked that approach will like his new one. https://t.co/Yu2tQfbUSr
Just to add on to our earlier post – Trump said his troop withdrawal from northern Syria would leave the conflict between Syria and Turkey. What we didn’t catch earlier was his comment that the Kurds are “not angels”.Just to add on to our earlier post – Trump said his troop withdrawal from northern Syria would leave the conflict between Syria and Turkey. What we didn’t catch earlier was his comment that the Kurds are “not angels”.
"It's not our problem," Trump says in Oval Office of Turkey's invasion into Syria. He adds that the Kurds are "not angels." Also, he says this: "They've got a lot of sand over there.... There's a lot of sand they can play with.""It's not our problem," Trump says in Oval Office of Turkey's invasion into Syria. He adds that the Kurds are "not angels." Also, he says this: "They've got a lot of sand over there.... There's a lot of sand they can play with."
The Guardian’s podcast Today in Focus describes the fall-out from Trump’s decision. Listen here:The Guardian’s podcast Today in Focus describes the fall-out from Trump’s decision. Listen here:
On the frontline as US troops leave northern Syria – podcastOn the frontline as US troops leave northern Syria – podcast
This just in from the Associated Press:This just in from the Associated Press:
A Florida man wanted in a campaign finance case involving associates of Rudy Giuliani is in federal custody.A Florida man wanted in a campaign finance case involving associates of Rudy Giuliani is in federal custody.
Federal authorities say they took David Correia into custody Wednesday at Kennedy Airport in New York City.Federal authorities say they took David Correia into custody Wednesday at Kennedy Airport in New York City.
Correia is named in an indictment with two Giuliani associates arrested last week on charges they made illegal contributions to a congressman and a political action committee supporting President Donald Trump.Correia is named in an indictment with two Giuliani associates arrested last week on charges they made illegal contributions to a congressman and a political action committee supporting President Donald Trump.
Giuliani is Trump’s personal lawyer. He says he had no knowledge of illegal donations.Giuliani is Trump’s personal lawyer. He says he had no knowledge of illegal donations.
Prosecutors say Correia conspired with other defendants to make political donations with the aim of trying to get support for a new recreational marijuana business.Prosecutors say Correia conspired with other defendants to make political donations with the aim of trying to get support for a new recreational marijuana business.
Four defendants are expected to appear Thursday in federal court in Manhattan.Four defendants are expected to appear Thursday in federal court in Manhattan.
A lawyer for Correia is not yet listed in court records.A lawyer for Correia is not yet listed in court records.
Trump addressed his withdrawal of troops from Northern Syria in a photo-op with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The withdrawal has caused formerly American-allied Syrian Kurds to flee the region, as Turkey mounts a military offensive.Trump addressed his withdrawal of troops from Northern Syria in a photo-op with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The withdrawal has caused formerly American-allied Syrian Kurds to flee the region, as Turkey mounts a military offensive.
This latest report out from the Associated Press:This latest report out from the Associated Press:
President Donald Trump said US troops are “largely out” of a region of Syria where Turkish forces are attacking Kurdish fighters.President Donald Trump said US troops are “largely out” of a region of Syria where Turkish forces are attacking Kurdish fighters.
Turkey launched a military operation against Kurdish fighters allied with the US after Trump pulled troops from the region this month. As he met Wednesday with Italy’s president, Trump said: “If Syria wants to fight to take back their land, that’s up to them and Turkey.”Turkey launched a military operation against Kurdish fighters allied with the US after Trump pulled troops from the region this month. As he met Wednesday with Italy’s president, Trump said: “If Syria wants to fight to take back their land, that’s up to them and Turkey.”
He added: “There’s a lot of sand that they can play with.”He added: “There’s a lot of sand that they can play with.”
But as Trump defends removing troops from northeastern Syria, he’s talking up his recent decision to send more troops to Saudi Arabia to help the kingdom defend against Iran.But as Trump defends removing troops from northeastern Syria, he’s talking up his recent decision to send more troops to Saudi Arabia to help the kingdom defend against Iran.
Trump says the US is sending missiles and “great power” to the Saudis, and adds: “They’re paying for that.”Trump says the US is sending missiles and “great power” to the Saudis, and adds: “They’re paying for that.”
Trump is doubling down. He's not going along with the script put forward by Pompeo, Esper et al, that it is important to stop the resurgence of Isis etc. https://t.co/j0fLIZdakaTrump is doubling down. He's not going along with the script put forward by Pompeo, Esper et al, that it is important to stop the resurgence of Isis etc. https://t.co/j0fLIZdaka
Mulvaney’s key role in Ukraine crisisMulvaney’s key role in Ukraine crisis
New reports reveal Mick Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff, was likely a key facilitator of pressure on Ukraine.New reports reveal Mick Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff, was likely a key facilitator of pressure on Ukraine.
Mulvaney put three unlikely men – apparently nicknamed the “three amigos” – in charge of managing Ukraine’s aid account and kept experienced diplomats from the National Security Council and State Department out of discussions, according to the Washington Post.Mulvaney put three unlikely men – apparently nicknamed the “three amigos” – in charge of managing Ukraine’s aid account and kept experienced diplomats from the National Security Council and State Department out of discussions, according to the Washington Post.
Mulvaney tapped diplomats Gordon Sondland and Kurt Volker and Department of Energy secretary Rick Perry to be in charge of the US-Ukraine account. The trio are emerging as key figures in the White House’s interaction with Ukraine that are now under Congressional investigation.Mulvaney tapped diplomats Gordon Sondland and Kurt Volker and Department of Energy secretary Rick Perry to be in charge of the US-Ukraine account. The trio are emerging as key figures in the White House’s interaction with Ukraine that are now under Congressional investigation.
Officials say Mulvaney kept details of discussions with Sondland from former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Bolton’s former aide, Fiona Hill, testified to Congress on Monday, revealing Bolton’s deep concern with the back-channel efforts to pressure Ukraine.Officials say Mulvaney kept details of discussions with Sondland from former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Bolton’s former aide, Fiona Hill, testified to Congress on Monday, revealing Bolton’s deep concern with the back-channel efforts to pressure Ukraine.
More news is starting to surface about how career diplomats have been sidelined in the Trump administration, allegedly to make room for political concerns.More news is starting to surface about how career diplomats have been sidelined in the Trump administration, allegedly to make room for political concerns.
Here’s the latest from the Washington Post:Here’s the latest from the Washington Post:
SCOOP: Pompeo’s senior adviser will tell impeachment inquiry that career diplomats were mistreated during his tenure & had careers sidelined for political reasons, per source. Ouster of Yovanovitch was "too much for him" so he quit. From me & @CMorelloWP https://t.co/MheFRspoBRSCOOP: Pompeo’s senior adviser will tell impeachment inquiry that career diplomats were mistreated during his tenure & had careers sidelined for political reasons, per source. Ouster of Yovanovitch was "too much for him" so he quit. From me & @CMorelloWP https://t.co/MheFRspoBR
According to an anonymous source for the Post, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo senior advisor will testify:According to an anonymous source for the Post, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo senior advisor will testify:
The unwillingness of State Department leadership to defend Yovanovitch or interfere with an obviously partisan effort to intervene in our relationship with Ukraine for the political benefit of the president was too much for him.”The unwillingness of State Department leadership to defend Yovanovitch or interfere with an obviously partisan effort to intervene in our relationship with Ukraine for the political benefit of the president was too much for him.”
Kurt Volker, former US special envoy to Ukraine and a key figure in the Congress’ impeachment investigation, just made a surprise appearance on Capitol Hill.Kurt Volker, former US special envoy to Ukraine and a key figure in the Congress’ impeachment investigation, just made a surprise appearance on Capitol Hill.
Surprise guest in the SCIF today, Kurt Volker, who testified earlier this month pic.twitter.com/RtG1VDOMKuSurprise guest in the SCIF today, Kurt Volker, who testified earlier this month pic.twitter.com/RtG1VDOMKu
Volker, who abruptly resigned late September at the beginning of Donald Trump’s impeachment crisis, privately testified before members of Congress Oct. 3.Volker, who abruptly resigned late September at the beginning of Donald Trump’s impeachment crisis, privately testified before members of Congress Oct. 3.
Volker arranged a meeting between Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and a presidential aide. Volker maintains he was unaware of any desire to urge Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.Volker arranged a meeting between Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and a presidential aide. Volker maintains he was unaware of any desire to urge Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.
Here’s a bit of news on the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria, leaving the once American-allied Syrian Kurds to defend themselves against Turkish aggression.Here’s a bit of news on the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria, leaving the once American-allied Syrian Kurds to defend themselves against Turkish aggression.
From Reuters:From Reuters:
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he and US Vice President Mike Pence expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week.US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he and US Vice President Mike Pence expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week.
Pompeo, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the US delegation was planning to leave later on Wednesday and that the goal was to find a resolution to situation in Syria, not break the US-Turkey relationship.Pompeo, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the US delegation was planning to leave later on Wednesday and that the goal was to find a resolution to situation in Syria, not break the US-Turkey relationship.
Another worry for former vice president Joe Biden – he has been burning through fundraising cash. His spending outpaced Democratic rivals in spending through September, the AP reported this morning.Another worry for former vice president Joe Biden – he has been burning through fundraising cash. His spending outpaced Democratic rivals in spending through September, the AP reported this morning.
Biden had $8.9m in the bank – a fraction of the $33.7m and $25.7m that Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, respectively. Mayor Pete Buttigieg followed the pack with savings of $23.3m.Biden had $8.9m in the bank – a fraction of the $33.7m and $25.7m that Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, respectively. Mayor Pete Buttigieg followed the pack with savings of $23.3m.
NEWS: Joe Biden has $8.98 million cash on handSanders: $33.7 millionWarren: $25.7 millionButtigieg: $23.4 millionHarris: $10.5 millionNEWS: Joe Biden has $8.98 million cash on handSanders: $33.7 millionWarren: $25.7 millionButtigieg: $23.4 millionHarris: $10.5 million
A hefty bank account allows candidates to spend strategically leading up to spring primaries. The money will allow Sanders, Warren and Buttigieg to buy ads in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire.A hefty bank account allows candidates to spend strategically leading up to spring primaries. The money will allow Sanders, Warren and Buttigieg to buy ads in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
While we’re looking at the new endorsement from AOC, we will let Washington governor and former Democratic presidential candidate Jay Inslee tell you about last night’s big omission...While we’re looking at the new endorsement from AOC, we will let Washington governor and former Democratic presidential candidate Jay Inslee tell you about last night’s big omission...
Not one single question about the climate crisis. Not one single question about the climate crisis. Not one single question about the climate crisis. This is the existential crisis of our time. Not one single question, and that’s completely inexcusable. #DemDebateNot one single question about the climate crisis. Not one single question about the climate crisis. Not one single question about the climate crisis. This is the existential crisis of our time. Not one single question, and that’s completely inexcusable. #DemDebate
Here is more on the endorsement the Sanders campaign picked up from progressive House Democrats, from our story this morning:Here is more on the endorsement the Sanders campaign picked up from progressive House Democrats, from our story this morning:
Ocasio-Cortez’s shock move ends months of speculation about the plans of the Bronx politician, who is hugely popular with the progressive wing of the party.Ocasio-Cortez’s shock move ends months of speculation about the plans of the Bronx politician, who is hugely popular with the progressive wing of the party.
The endorsement is a major coup for Sanders, whose campaign has failed to move to the top of a broad Democratic field, and a blow to his fellow progressive senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who has emerged as the race’s new frontrunner.The endorsement is a major coup for Sanders, whose campaign has failed to move to the top of a broad Democratic field, and a blow to his fellow progressive senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who has emerged as the race’s new frontrunner.
Ocasio-Cortez is one of the four members of “the Squad”, a group of four freshman congresswomen of color whose liberal policies and pointed critiques of Donald Trump have earned them praise from many on the left and virulent attacks from many conservatives.Ocasio-Cortez is one of the four members of “the Squad”, a group of four freshman congresswomen of color whose liberal policies and pointed critiques of Donald Trump have earned them praise from many on the left and virulent attacks from many conservatives.
The other squad members are Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib, Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar and Massachusetts’ Ayanna Pressley. The Sanders campaign also announced on Tuesday night that Omar had endorsed the senator.The other squad members are Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib, Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar and Massachusetts’ Ayanna Pressley. The Sanders campaign also announced on Tuesday night that Omar had endorsed the senator.
Good morning, US politics watchers, it’s the day after the Democratic debate in Ohio and there’s a lot going on, so stay tuned.Good morning, US politics watchers, it’s the day after the Democratic debate in Ohio and there’s a lot going on, so stay tuned.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow member of the self-named Squad of progressive first-term Democratic congresswomen, Ilhan Omar, endorsed Vermont Senator and 2020 candidate Bernie Sanders after the Democratic primary debate in Ohio last night. Rashida Tlaib is expected to follow suit. No word from the fourth member Ayanna Pressley yet.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow member of the self-named Squad of progressive first-term Democratic congresswomen, Ilhan Omar, endorsed Vermont Senator and 2020 candidate Bernie Sanders after the Democratic primary debate in Ohio last night. Rashida Tlaib is expected to follow suit. No word from the fourth member Ayanna Pressley yet.
Mike McKinley, a former US ambassador and, until he resigned last week, a senior adviser to secretary of state Mike Pompeo, is due to testify today behind closed doors to the Democratic-led House committees running the impeachment inquiry.Mike McKinley, a former US ambassador and, until he resigned last week, a senior adviser to secretary of state Mike Pompeo, is due to testify today behind closed doors to the Democratic-led House committees running the impeachment inquiry.
Donald Trump is meeting with Italian president Sergio Mattarella at the White House this morning and the pair will hold a noon Rose Garden press conference.Donald Trump is meeting with Italian president Sergio Mattarella at the White House this morning and the pair will hold a noon Rose Garden press conference.