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Energy secretary embroiled in Ukraine scandal reportedly tells Trump he'll resign – live Rick Perry: Trump energy secretary reportedly resigns amid Ukraine scandal – live
(32 minutes later)
We’re turning over the blog to our west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, for the next hours to cover more of this very eventful Thursday.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Rick Perry, Trump’s energy secretary who has become a central figure in questions over whether the president sought to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, is reportedly resigning.
Mick Mulvaney, the president’s acting chief of staff, confirmed that there was a quid pro quo involved in the delay of military aid to Ukraine, contradicting the president’s repeated denials. But Mulvaney dubiously argued the quid pro quo was acceptable because Trump was seeking an investigation of the 2016 election, not a probe of Biden.
Mulvaney announced the June G7 summit would be held at Trump’s resort in Doral, Florida, raising concerns that the president is trying to profit off his office.
Mike Pence announced the US and Turkey had agreed to a five-day ceasefire in Syria, but Turkey quickly clarified that it was actually just a “pause” in operations. Experts also criticized the deal for being overly deferential to the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The US ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland, testified in the impeachment inquiry, privately telling House investigators that Trump delegated oversight of Ukraine policy to Rudy Giuliani, his personal lawyer.
Lois will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
Reports emerged earlier this year that Rick Perry was planning his exit from the Trump administration, but the energy secretary’s embroilment in the Ukraine scandal may have accelerated his departure timeline.
Bloomberg News reports:
For months, Perry has been paving the way for his likely successor, Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, according to a person familiar with the matter. Brouillette has taken a bigger role in some department policy matters, such as natural gas exports, and he has more frequently served as the public face of the agency, including on diplomatic missions to tout American energy to foreign allies.
Several key Perry aides also recently departed as the secretary prepares to leave.
Trump reportedly intends to lavish praise on Perry tonight during the president’s rally in Texas, where the energy secretary previously served as governor.
The New York Times provides more context on Perry’s widely anticipated resignation as Trump’s energy secretary:The New York Times provides more context on Perry’s widely anticipated resignation as Trump’s energy secretary:
The Perry resignation had been anticipated for several weeks, even before the news emerged of his involvement in efforts to pressure the new president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to investigate a company that had worked with Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.The Perry resignation had been anticipated for several weeks, even before the news emerged of his involvement in efforts to pressure the new president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to investigate a company that had worked with Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
In the ensuing weeks, Mr. Perry has been drawn deeper into the questions around the pressure campaign on Mr. Zelensky, which has spurred an impeachment inquiry that threatens to engulf Mr. Trump’s presidency. ...In the ensuing weeks, Mr. Perry has been drawn deeper into the questions around the pressure campaign on Mr. Zelensky, which has spurred an impeachment inquiry that threatens to engulf Mr. Trump’s presidency. ...
It is not known exactly when Mr. Perry will leave his post, but it is expected soon. The New York Times had earlier reported he would leave by year’s end.It is not known exactly when Mr. Perry will leave his post, but it is expected soon. The New York Times had earlier reported he would leave by year’s end.
The New York Times is now confirming Bloomberg News’ reporting that Trump’s energy secretary, Rick Perry, has told the president he is resigning.The New York Times is now confirming Bloomberg News’ reporting that Trump’s energy secretary, Rick Perry, has told the president he is resigning.
Perry tells president he's resigning, per administration official. Happened as POTUS headed to Perry's home state of Texas today https://t.co/Vas6sWSuxTPerry tells president he's resigning, per administration official. Happened as POTUS headed to Perry's home state of Texas today https://t.co/Vas6sWSuxT
The Wall Street Journal reported last night that Perry called Rudy Giuliani at Trump’s direction to discuss the president’s concerns over Ukrainian corruption.The Wall Street Journal reported last night that Perry called Rudy Giuliani at Trump’s direction to discuss the president’s concerns over Ukrainian corruption.
The Journal reported:The Journal reported:
Mr. Perry, in an exclusive interview with The Wall Street Journal, said he contacted Mr. Giuliani in an effort to ease a path to a meeting between Mr. Trump and his new Ukrainian counterpart. He said Mr. Giuliani described to him during their phone call several concerns about Ukraine’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election, concerns that haven’t been substantiated.Mr. Perry, in an exclusive interview with The Wall Street Journal, said he contacted Mr. Giuliani in an effort to ease a path to a meeting between Mr. Trump and his new Ukrainian counterpart. He said Mr. Giuliani described to him during their phone call several concerns about Ukraine’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election, concerns that haven’t been substantiated.
Mr. Perry also said he never heard the president, any of his appointees, Mr. Giuliani or the Ukrainian regime discuss the possibility of specifically investigating former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic presidential contender, and his son Hunter Biden. Mr. Trump’s request for a probe of the Bidens in a July 25 call with Ukraine’s president has sparked the impeachment inquiry in the House.Mr. Perry also said he never heard the president, any of his appointees, Mr. Giuliani or the Ukrainian regime discuss the possibility of specifically investigating former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic presidential contender, and his son Hunter Biden. Mr. Trump’s request for a probe of the Bidens in a July 25 call with Ukraine’s president has sparked the impeachment inquiry in the House.
Mr. Giuliani, in an interview, confirmed the spring phone call and said he was telling Mr. Perry to be careful with regards to the new Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky.Mr. Giuliani, in an interview, confirmed the spring phone call and said he was telling Mr. Perry to be careful with regards to the new Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Rick Perry, the energy secretary who has become embroiled in the Ukraine scandal, has told Trump that he intends to resign, according to Bloomberg News.Rick Perry, the energy secretary who has become embroiled in the Ukraine scandal, has told Trump that he intends to resign, according to Bloomberg News.
Scoop: Energy sec Rick Perry notified the president in writing on Air Force One on the way to Texas that he will be leaving his post soon, sources tell me, @jendeben and @AriNatter.Scoop: Energy sec Rick Perry notified the president in writing on Air Force One on the way to Texas that he will be leaving his post soon, sources tell me, @jendeben and @AriNatter.
Perry has become a central figure in questions over whether Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in an attempt to meddle in the 2020 election.Perry has become a central figure in questions over whether Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in an attempt to meddle in the 2020 election.
A Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, told reporters that she did not think it was appropriate for Trump to host the June G7 summit at one of his Florida resorts.A Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, told reporters that she did not think it was appropriate for Trump to host the June G7 summit at one of his Florida resorts.
Q: Is it appropriate to hold the G7 at his Doral golf club?MURKOWSKI: No.Q: Is it appropriate to hold the G7 at his Doral golf club?MURKOWSKI: No.
Ethics experts lambasted the decision as a classic example of self-dealing and called on lawmakers to denounce it. From the former director of the office of government ethics:Ethics experts lambasted the decision as a classic example of self-dealing and called on lawmakers to denounce it. From the former director of the office of government ethics:
If you work in a domed building in the nation's capital, you will either call this G-7 deal corrupt or your silence will scream out your own corruption. pic.twitter.com/kJp08HPLEeIf you work in a domed building in the nation's capital, you will either call this G-7 deal corrupt or your silence will scream out your own corruption. pic.twitter.com/kJp08HPLEe
Trump appointed author of Illuminati books to federal education boardTrump appointed author of Illuminati books to federal education board
Just when you thought things couldn’t get weirder: A lawyer based in Colorado Springs, who has been appointed to a federal education board by Donald Trump, is a prolific writer on self-help Illuminati books.Just when you thought things couldn’t get weirder: A lawyer based in Colorado Springs, who has been appointed to a federal education board by Donald Trump, is a prolific writer on self-help Illuminati books.
George Mentz, who teaches an online course on wealth management for Texas A&M University School of Law, was appointed on the Commission on Presidential Scholars last week. The board, made up of leaders in education, selects distinguished high school seniors for recognition each year.George Mentz, who teaches an online course on wealth management for Texas A&M University School of Law, was appointed on the Commission on Presidential Scholars last week. The board, made up of leaders in education, selects distinguished high school seniors for recognition each year.
Mentz, who said he’s been a supporter of Trump for years, has written books with some eye-catching titles such as “The Illuminati Secret Laws of Money” and “The Illuminati Handbook”, according to the Denver Post. Mentz also owns a company that awards certificates to people for a fee, allowing them to take on titles like “certified political scientist” and “master Islamic financial specialist”.Mentz, who said he’s been a supporter of Trump for years, has written books with some eye-catching titles such as “The Illuminati Secret Laws of Money” and “The Illuminati Handbook”, according to the Denver Post. Mentz also owns a company that awards certificates to people for a fee, allowing them to take on titles like “certified political scientist” and “master Islamic financial specialist”.
During an interview, Mentz said “just because I use the word Illuminati, don’t let that get you too excited.” He further clarified: “If you look the word up, it means ‘illumination’. … References to the ‘Illuminati’ are part of the books’ marketing.”During an interview, Mentz said “just because I use the word Illuminati, don’t let that get you too excited.” He further clarified: “If you look the word up, it means ‘illumination’. … References to the ‘Illuminati’ are part of the books’ marketing.”
His other books include:-- The Illuminati Secret Laws of Money-- The Illuminati Handbook-- 50 Laws of Power of the Illuminati-- 100 Secrets and Habits of the Illuminati for Life Success-- The Abundance Bible & the Secret Powers of Manifesting Wealth Health and Peace of MindHis other books include:-- The Illuminati Secret Laws of Money-- The Illuminati Handbook-- 50 Laws of Power of the Illuminati-- 100 Secrets and Habits of the Illuminati for Life Success-- The Abundance Bible & the Secret Powers of Manifesting Wealth Health and Peace of Mind
The House of Representatives held a moment for silence for representative Elijah Cummings after the influential chairman of the House oversight committee passed away unexpectedly.The House of Representatives held a moment for silence for representative Elijah Cummings after the influential chairman of the House oversight committee passed away unexpectedly.
The House of Representatives stands for a solemn moment of silence—"and a lifetime of following an example"—in honor of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings. https://t.co/5V6eOJGRuS pic.twitter.com/NK5upOklcLThe House of Representatives stands for a solemn moment of silence—"and a lifetime of following an example"—in honor of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings. https://t.co/5V6eOJGRuS pic.twitter.com/NK5upOklcL
Capitol Hill reporters said that there were many lawmakers of both parties tearing up and embracing each other on the floor after the moment of silence concluded.Capitol Hill reporters said that there were many lawmakers of both parties tearing up and embracing each other on the floor after the moment of silence concluded.
It appears that Trump’s external legal team is now attempting to distance itself from Mick Mulvaney’s press briefing today, where the acting White House chief of staff acknowledged the existence of a quid pro quo in the delaying of military aid to Ukraine.It appears that Trump’s external legal team is now attempting to distance itself from Mick Mulvaney’s press briefing today, where the acting White House chief of staff acknowledged the existence of a quid pro quo in the delaying of military aid to Ukraine.
Trump outside attorney Jay Sekulow to CNN: "The legal team was not involved in the Acting Chief of Staff's press briefing."Trump outside attorney Jay Sekulow to CNN: "The legal team was not involved in the Acting Chief of Staff's press briefing."
Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, told reporters on Capitol Hill that Mick Mulvaney’s admission of a quid pro quo in the delaying of military aid to Ukraine makes the impeachment situation “much, much worse.”Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, told reporters on Capitol Hill that Mick Mulvaney’s admission of a quid pro quo in the delaying of military aid to Ukraine makes the impeachment situation “much, much worse.”
Schiff when asked about Mulvaney admission of quid pro quo: The situation has “gone from very, very bad to much, much worse.” I asked if he hopes to bring Mulvaney in for a deposition. Schiff said he had “nothing further to add at this time.”Schiff when asked about Mulvaney admission of quid pro quo: The situation has “gone from very, very bad to much, much worse.” I asked if he hopes to bring Mulvaney in for a deposition. Schiff said he had “nothing further to add at this time.”
Mulvaney acknowledged in a press briefing earlier today that Trump withheld the military aid to pressure Ukraine to open an investigation into a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 election.Mulvaney acknowledged in a press briefing earlier today that Trump withheld the military aid to pressure Ukraine to open an investigation into a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 election.
Schiff would not comment on whether he would bring Mulvaney in for a deposition, but the House committees investigating impeachment have already requested documents from the acting White House chief of staff.Schiff would not comment on whether he would bring Mulvaney in for a deposition, but the House committees investigating impeachment have already requested documents from the acting White House chief of staff.
A senior justice department official said that the DOJ was not at all aware of Trump withholding military aid from Ukraine to demand an investigation into a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 election, as Mick Mulvaney claimed hours ago.
NEW - A senior DOJ official has now provided this statement to reporters further distancing the department from Mulvaney’s comments: “If the White House was withholding aid in regards to the cooperation of any investigation at the Department of Justice, that is news to us.” https://t.co/zMveOaEhoI
Mulvaney said at a press briefing earlier today that there was indeed a quid pro quo involved in the delay of dispersing military aid to Ukraine, contradicting Trump’s repeated denials.
However, the acting White House chief of staff claimed that the quid pro quo was acceptable because it involved an investigation of the 2016 election, not the 2020 election – a dubious argument, to say the very least.
The blog is following news on a number of different fronts today, including the announcement that the G7 summit in June will be held at Trump’s resort in Doral, Florida.
The news immediately raised concerns that Trump was attempting to profit off the presidency, a claim that his acting chief of staff denied. Mick Mulvaney argued that Trump does not need the business boost because he is so successful in his own right.
However, a Washington Post reporter who covers Trump’s businesses noted that the president’s resort has seen a severe drop in profits since he took office, so the multi-nation summit could provide a much-needed bump in revenue.
How bad does @realdonaldtrump’s Doral need this business? Look what’s happened there during his presidency. In ONE YEAR, from ‘16-‘17:—revenue fell 13.8%—Net operating income fell 62% pic.twitter.com/RTr9OST3wd
Mulvaney also told reporters that the 2012 summit held at Camp David was so disastrous that it required a new site, such as Trump National Doral, but an organizer for the Camp David summit fiercely disputed that.
Mick Mulvaney is wrong.I led a team organizing the G8 Summit at Camp David in 2012. The summit was intimate and world leaders were happy – so much so that the UK duplicated the atmosphere a year later at Lough Erne for the 2013 summit. https://t.co/3ZVKmm2Qcc pic.twitter.com/zEIdNIhlT6
Mark Zuckerberg defends Facebook and free speech
Adding to an already eventful day, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivered a talk at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. on free speech and the dangers of government censorship.
While Zuckerberg acknowledged that Facebook needs to work on reacting quickly to misinformation spreading on its platform, he said, “I think we’re in the right place on this.” Facebook recently denied a request from former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign to remove a video, which it claims is false, that accused Biden of being corrupt over his handling of Ukraine.
“In a democracy, I think people should be able to hear for themselves what politicians are saying,” he said when defending his stance. Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify at a congressional hearing next week.
Here’s more from the Washington Post:
Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in an interview he worries “about an erosion of truth” online but defended the policy that allows politicians to peddle ads containing misrepresentations and lies on his social network, a stance that has sparked an outcry during the 2020 presidential campaign.
“People worry, and I worry deeply, too, about an erosion of truth,” Zuckerberg told The Washington Post ahead of a speech Thursday at Georgetown University. “At the same time, I don’t think people want to live in a world where you can only say things that tech companies decide are 100 percent true. And I think that those tensions are something we have to live with.”
Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who has been fiercely critical of Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, said he appreciated efforts by the vice president and the secretary of state to negotiate a ceasefire in the region.
But he interestingly did not refer to the agreement as a ceasefire, merely an attempt at one. The Turkish foreign minister has come out saying that the two countries only agreed to a “pause” in operations in the region.
Sounds like we may have made real progress regarding a cease-fire and hopefully a sustainable solution that will prevent the reemergence of ISIS and the abandonment of our ally, the Kurds.
Turkey has legitimate national security concerns within Syria but they cannot be met by invasion and force of arms.
Graham told reporters on Capitol Hill that he still planned to introduce the bipartisan bill that would enact sanctions against Turkey, which he crafted with Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen.
Lindsey Graham calls the Pence-Pompeo Syria cease-fire `encouraging,' but says he's still introducing his Turkey sanctions bill. `We're ready to come and hit Turkey hard if they don't get out of Syria and reset the table. I appreciate what Pompeo and Pence have done.'
Trump has arrived in Texas to attend the ribbon-cutting of a Louis Vuitton workshop and speak at a campaign rally, and the president is praising the “amazing” ceasefire in Syria just announced by the vice president.
Pres. Trump praises "amazing" ceasefire and thanks Pres. Erdogan."They couldn't get it without a little rough love, as I call it." https://t.co/lTeSbXVIGp pic.twitter.com/6g9BIKUKa7
But again, a number of experts on the region are arguing that US officials made major concessions to the Turkish president in their negotiations.
On top of that, this ceasefire (which a Turkish official said is actually just a “pause”) is meant to address violence that started after Turkey launched a military operation in the region, which was made possible by Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.
The president is essentially declaring victory for making major concessions to an autocratic leader in a violent situation created by Trump’s own foreign policy.
Here’s a copy of the US’ official statement on the agreement reached with Turkey, handed out at today’s press conference with vice president Mike Pence.
The statement says that Turkish authorities will “pause” their operations in Syria to allow the withdrawal of the Kurdish YPG forces. The pause will last 120 hours and will be “halted upon completion of this withdrawal”.
The agreement also says the US has agreed not to pursue “further imposition of sanctions”.
Text of the U.S.-Turkey Joint Statement on Northeast Syria pic.twitter.com/Bs57szLeYZ
Trump is taking a victory lap after his vice president, Mike Pence, announced that the US and Turkey had negotiated a ceasefire in Syria.
This is a great day for civilization. I am proud of the United States for sticking by me in following a necessary, but somewhat unconventional, path. People have been trying to make this “Deal” for many years. Millions of lives will be saved. Congratulations to ALL!
However, Middle East experts are criticizing the deal, arguing that US officials acquiesced to the Turkish president’s demands and essentially negotiated their Kurdish allies’ surrender.
The ceasefire deal "sounds like very good news for President Erdogan," veteran British peace negotiator Jonathan Powell tells me."What the Americans have actually done is facilitated the surrender of the allies, the Kurds.""It does sound a pretty one-sided agreement.”
From a senior resident at the Middle East Institute:
#Pence & #Pompeo have repeatedly used "#YPG" & "#SDF" interchangeably.That detail is crucially important.But in short, the US just granted #Erodgan *everything* he's demanded all along, seemingly in exchange for nothing. pic.twitter.com/onYA5tgF0l
Turkish foreign minister: Agreement is not a ceasefire
Reports are coming out the Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said that the agreement is not a ceasefire but a pause in operations.
Turkish FM Çavuşoğlu just now: "We will suspend the Peace Spring operation for 120 hours for the PKK/YPG to withdraw. This is not a ceasefire."
The ceasefire will be 120 hours – five days. Pence seems confident that a permanent ceasefire will be in place. During the five days, Kurdish troops will withdraw from as Turkey creates a 20-mile “safe zone”.
Pence announces what he describes as an agreement with Turkey for a temporary (120-hour) "pause" in fighting in Syria, while US "facilitates" the withdrawal of mostly Kurdish forces from the area Turkey wants to control. If they do, Turkey will make pause permanent, he says.
Pence says that the US endorsed a “safe zone” as a buffer between the Kurds and Turkish troops. Pence says he got assurances from both sides that “they will be moving out”.
Pence says YPG/SDF gave the US repeated assurances they will "be moving out"
Pence said because Turkey agreed to a ceasefire, the US agreed not to implement any sanctions. Once a permanent ceasefire is in place, economic sanctions will be removed.
Pence says US has agreed not to implement any more sanctions on Turkey during ceasefire and says once permanent ceasefire takes effect, the US will revoke economic punishments taken in response to Turkey's actions in Syria