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Rick Perry: Trump energy secretary reportedly resigns amid Ukraine scandal – live Rick Perry: Trump energy secretary reportedly resigns amid Ukraine scandal – live
(31 minutes later)
Trump has confirmed that Rick Perry is resigning as energy secretary, and said that Perry’s replacement is a man and “we’ll be be announcing it very shortly.”
The confirmation came as Trump took questions during a visit to a Louis Vuitton workshop in Texas.
An earlier version of this post, based on updates from the White House pool reporter, said that Trump was going to announce Perry’s replacement at his rally tonight in Dallas, Texas. It’s not clear if that’s the case: Trump did say that he had planned to announce Perry’s resignation at the rally tonight.
Perry will step down “toward” or “at” the end of the year, Trump said. But the new energy secretary will not be the current governor of Texas, or the current governor of Alaska, he said.
Acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney’s comments during a press conference today about the Trump administration’s political reason for delaying military aid to Ukraine sparked pushback from the Department of Justice, angry reactions from Trump advisers, and concern from a key Republican senator.
“[Mulvaney] literally said the thing the president and everyone else said did not happen,” an unnamed Trump advisor had told the Washington Post earlier today.
Now, the White House has released a statement claiming that Mulvaney did not say what he said.
“Once again, the media has decided to misconstrue my comments to advance a biased and political witch hunt against President Trump. Let me be clear, there was absolutely no quid pro quo between Ukrainian military aid and any investigation into the 2016 election,” Mulvaney said in a statement emailed to the White House press corps.
According to Mulvaney’s new statement:
“The president never told me to withhold any money until the Ukrainians did anything related to the server. The only reasons we were holding the money was because of concern about lack of support from other nations and concerns over corruption.
“There was never any connection between the funds and the Ukrainians doing anything with the server - this was made explicitly obvious by the fact that the aid money was delivered without any action on the part of the Ukrainians regarding the server.”
“There never was any condition on the flow of the aid related to the matter of the DNC server.”
The comments from Trump’s acting chief staff Mick Mulvaney earlier today about a political quid pro quo involved in the delay of military aid to Ukraine are “absolutely a concern,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, according to CNN’s Shimon Prokupecz.The comments from Trump’s acting chief staff Mick Mulvaney earlier today about a political quid pro quo involved in the delay of military aid to Ukraine are “absolutely a concern,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, according to CNN’s Shimon Prokupecz.
“You don’t hold up foreign aid that we had previously appropriated for a political initiative. Period,” Murkowski said.“You don’t hold up foreign aid that we had previously appropriated for a political initiative. Period,” Murkowski said.
The Alaska Republican, who has broken with the Trump administration at key moments, including on a crucial Obamacare vote, has been labeled “one of eight Republican senators to watch on impeachment,” according to Vox.The Alaska Republican, who has broken with the Trump administration at key moments, including on a crucial Obamacare vote, has been labeled “one of eight Republican senators to watch on impeachment,” according to Vox.
!! Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “yes, absolutely that’s a concern,” when she was told about Mulvaney. "You don’t hold up foreign aid that we had previously appropriated for a political initiative. Period,” she said.!! Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “yes, absolutely that’s a concern,” when she was told about Mulvaney. "You don’t hold up foreign aid that we had previously appropriated for a political initiative. Period,” she said.
The youngest child of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King was not impressed by Mark Zuckerberg’s reference to her civil rights leader father in his speech today defending Facebook’s policies on political misinformation.The youngest child of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King was not impressed by Mark Zuckerberg’s reference to her civil rights leader father in his speech today defending Facebook’s policies on political misinformation.
“I’d like to help Facebook better understand the challenges #MLK faced from disinformation campaigns launched by politicians,” Bernice King wrote on Twitter. “These campaigns created an atmosphere for his assassination.”“I’d like to help Facebook better understand the challenges #MLK faced from disinformation campaigns launched by politicians,” Bernice King wrote on Twitter. “These campaigns created an atmosphere for his assassination.”
I heard #MarkZuckerberg's ‘free expression’ speech, in which he referenced my father. I'd like to help Facebook better understand the challenges #MLK faced from disinformation campaigns launched by politicians. These campaigns created an atmosphere for his assassination. pic.twitter.com/h97gvVmtSZI heard #MarkZuckerberg's ‘free expression’ speech, in which he referenced my father. I'd like to help Facebook better understand the challenges #MLK faced from disinformation campaigns launched by politicians. These campaigns created an atmosphere for his assassination. pic.twitter.com/h97gvVmtSZ
“A feigned concern for free expression.”“A feigned concern for free expression.”
That’s how former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is responding to Mark Zuckerberg’s speech today at Georgetown, in which the Facebook CEO defended the company’s decision to allow misinformation in political advertising on the platform.That’s how former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is responding to Mark Zuckerberg’s speech today at Georgetown, in which the Facebook CEO defended the company’s decision to allow misinformation in political advertising on the platform.
“Zuckerberg attempted to use the Constitution as a shield for his company’s bottom line, and his choice to cloak Facebook’s policy in a feigned concern for free expression demonstrates how unprepared his company is for this unique moment in our history and how little it has learned over the past few years,” Bill Russo, a campaign spokesman, told The Hill.“Zuckerberg attempted to use the Constitution as a shield for his company’s bottom line, and his choice to cloak Facebook’s policy in a feigned concern for free expression demonstrates how unprepared his company is for this unique moment in our history and how little it has learned over the past few years,” Bill Russo, a campaign spokesman, told The Hill.
This is Lois Beckett, in The Guardian’s California office, taking over this evening’s live politics coverage.This is Lois Beckett, in The Guardian’s California office, taking over this evening’s live politics coverage.
“I don’t like the Democrats, but Trump is destroying the Republic!” a retired four-star general reportedly exclaimed to another retired commander last week on the parade field at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.“I don’t like the Democrats, but Trump is destroying the Republic!” a retired four-star general reportedly exclaimed to another retired commander last week on the parade field at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
That’s what retired Admiral William H. McRaven, who led the United States Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014, writes in a new op-ed in the New York Times that calls Trump a threat to American democracy.That’s what retired Admiral William H. McRaven, who led the United States Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014, writes in a new op-ed in the New York Times that calls Trump a threat to American democracy.
At two high-profile events for American military personnel last week, McRaven writes, “there was an underlying current of frustration, humiliation, anger and fear that echoed across the sidelines. The America that they believed in was under attack, not from without, but from within.”At two high-profile events for American military personnel last week, McRaven writes, “there was an underlying current of frustration, humiliation, anger and fear that echoed across the sidelines. The America that they believed in was under attack, not from without, but from within.”
“If this president doesn’t demonstrate the leadership that America needs, both domestically and abroad, then it is time for a new person in the Oval Office — Republican, Democrat or independent — the sooner, the better. The fate of our Republic depends upon it,” McRaven argues.“If this president doesn’t demonstrate the leadership that America needs, both domestically and abroad, then it is time for a new person in the Oval Office — Republican, Democrat or independent — the sooner, the better. The fate of our Republic depends upon it,” McRaven argues.
McRaven is known as the architect of the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. He has publicly attacked the president before, in a 2018 open letter to the president that ran in the Washington Post, criticizing his decision to revoke the clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, who has criticized Trump’s behavior as “treasonous” and called him “wholly in the pocket of Putin.”McRaven is known as the architect of the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. He has publicly attacked the president before, in a 2018 open letter to the president that ran in the Washington Post, criticizing his decision to revoke the clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, who has criticized Trump’s behavior as “treasonous” and called him “wholly in the pocket of Putin.”
“Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation,” McRaven wrote of Trump last year. “If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken.”“Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation,” McRaven wrote of Trump last year. “If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken.”
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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.