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| Letter from US military indicates withdrawal of troops from Iraq – live | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| US military announces the ‘onward movement’ of US troops and confirms authenticity of letter | |
| The US military has sent a letter to the Iraqi military announcing the “onward movement” of American forces after the Iraqi parliament voted to expel the troops, indicating a withdrawal. | |
| It’s unclear whether the letter indicates a full or partial withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, but the military has confirmed its authenticity, dispelling previous claims that it was fake. | |
| Republican senator Josh Hawley has introduced his resolution to update Senate rules to allow for the dismissal of the impeachment charges against Trump. | Republican senator Josh Hawley has introduced his resolution to update Senate rules to allow for the dismissal of the impeachment charges against Trump. |
| The measure would allow senators to dismiss the charges if the House does not transmit the articles of impeachment within 25 calendar days. | The measure would allow senators to dismiss the charges if the House does not transmit the articles of impeachment within 25 calendar days. |
| That date would fall next week, but again, it’s unclear whether Hawley’s proposal will gain any momentum in the Senate. | That date would fall next week, but again, it’s unclear whether Hawley’s proposal will gain any momentum in the Senate. |
| Trump called in to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s show to criticize House Democrats’ handling of impeachment and defend the US drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. | Trump called in to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s show to criticize House Democrats’ handling of impeachment and defend the US drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. |
| The president also seemed to brush off concerns about John Bolton testifying to the Senate after his former national security adviser said he would do so if he receives a subpoena. | The president also seemed to brush off concerns about John Bolton testifying to the Senate after his former national security adviser said he would do so if he receives a subpoena. |
| At least one Republican senator, Marco Rubio of Florida, has said he would not support issuing a subpoena to John Bolton, arguing the Senate impeachment trial should be based on the existing evidence gathered by the House. | At least one Republican senator, Marco Rubio of Florida, has said he would not support issuing a subpoena to John Bolton, arguing the Senate impeachment trial should be based on the existing evidence gathered by the House. |
| Another Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, indicated he would not necessarily be opposed to calling Bolton to testify, but he predicted the former national security adviser would actually help Trump’s case during the trial. | Another Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, indicated he would not necessarily be opposed to calling Bolton to testify, but he predicted the former national security adviser would actually help Trump’s case during the trial. |
| The Democratic-controlled House sought Bolton’s testimony, but the committee chairs leading the impeachment inquiry chose not to subpoena him after the former official made clear he would join a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or White House guidance not to cooperate with the investigation. | The Democratic-controlled House sought Bolton’s testimony, but the committee chairs leading the impeachment inquiry chose not to subpoena him after the former official made clear he would join a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or White House guidance not to cooperate with the investigation. |
| Americans narrowly approve of the US drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani last week, according to a new poll. | Americans narrowly approve of the US drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani last week, according to a new poll. |
| The HuffPost/YouGov survey found that 43% of Americans agree with Trump’s decision to order the strike, compared to 38% who disapprove. | The HuffPost/YouGov survey found that 43% of Americans agree with Trump’s decision to order the strike, compared to 38% who disapprove. |
| But Americans narrowly disapprove of Trump’s handling of the strike. According to the poll, 43% of Americans say the president did not plan well enough before the strike, compared to 35% who say he did. | But Americans narrowly disapprove of Trump’s handling of the strike. According to the poll, 43% of Americans say the president did not plan well enough before the strike, compared to 35% who say he did. |
| Respondents also said, 44% to 34%, that Trump should have received congressional approval before ordering the strike. | Respondents also said, 44% to 34%, that Trump should have received congressional approval before ordering the strike. |
| And perhaps most worryingly for the president, 47% of Americans think Trump does not have a clear strategy for dealing with Iran, compared to 32% who say he does. | And perhaps most worryingly for the president, 47% of Americans think Trump does not have a clear strategy for dealing with Iran, compared to 32% who say he does. |
| Senator Doug Jones, a Democrat facing a difficult reelection race in Alabama this year, said in a tweet that he supported calling John Bolton to testify in the impeachment trial. | Senator Doug Jones, a Democrat facing a difficult reelection race in Alabama this year, said in a tweet that he supported calling John Bolton to testify in the impeachment trial. |
| In order to issue a subpoena to Trump’s former national security adviser, minority leader Chuck Schumer would need every Senate Democrat and four Senate Republicans to sign on to the request, so he will need to win over some moderate Democratic senators who have previously seemed hesitant on impeachment. | In order to issue a subpoena to Trump’s former national security adviser, minority leader Chuck Schumer would need every Senate Democrat and four Senate Republicans to sign on to the request, so he will need to win over some moderate Democratic senators who have previously seemed hesitant on impeachment. |
| With the news of John Bolton’s willingness to testify, it appears probable that Nancy Pelosi will further delay transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, although one of her aides said the House speaker had not decided on a timeline. | With the news of John Bolton’s willingness to testify, it appears probable that Nancy Pelosi will further delay transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, although one of her aides said the House speaker had not decided on a timeline. |
| Before Bolton released his statement, most Capitol Hill reporters were predicting Pelosi would transmit the articles at some point this week, but that no longer seems likely. | Before Bolton released his statement, most Capitol Hill reporters were predicting Pelosi would transmit the articles at some point this week, but that no longer seems likely. |
| John Bolton’s willigness to testfiy in the impeachment trial if subpoenaed could give Democrats more leverage over the parameters of the Senate proceedings, after it seemed House speaker Nancy Pelosi would have to trasmit the articles without any agreement on witnesses. | John Bolton’s willigness to testfiy in the impeachment trial if subpoenaed could give Democrats more leverage over the parameters of the Senate proceedings, after it seemed House speaker Nancy Pelosi would have to trasmit the articles without any agreement on witnesses. |
| House speaker Nancy Pelosi has issued a statement about John Bolton’s willingness to testify in a Senate impeachment trial, echoing Chuck Schumer’s argument that Republicans would be enabling a “cover-up” if they did not call Trump’s former national security adviser to testify. | House speaker Nancy Pelosi has issued a statement about John Bolton’s willingness to testify in a Senate impeachment trial, echoing Chuck Schumer’s argument that Republicans would be enabling a “cover-up” if they did not call Trump’s former national security adviser to testify. |
| Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, similarly said the Senate should call Bolton and other White House officials, including acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, to testify. | Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, similarly said the Senate should call Bolton and other White House officials, including acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, to testify. |
| House Democrats previously tried to get Bolton to testify during their impeachment hearings, but they backed off from a potential subpoena after the former official signaled he would join a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House guidance not to cooperate with the investigation. | House Democrats previously tried to get Bolton to testify during their impeachment hearings, but they backed off from a potential subpoena after the former official signaled he would join a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House guidance not to cooperate with the investigation. |
| Chuck Schumer is out with a statement about John Bolton’s willingness to testify in the impeachment trial if subpoenaed by the Senate, heralding what he calls “momentum for uncovering the truth in a Senate trial” and adding: | Chuck Schumer is out with a statement about John Bolton’s willingness to testify in the impeachment trial if subpoenaed by the Senate, heralding what he calls “momentum for uncovering the truth in a Senate trial” and adding: |
| Schumer also mentions, again, the need for four Republicans to support bringing Bolton and the other witnesses Democrats want into the Senate trial. | Schumer also mentions, again, the need for four Republicans to support bringing Bolton and the other witnesses Democrats want into the Senate trial. |
| The other witnesses Democrats want for Trump’s impeachment trial are acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Michael Duffey, associate director of national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget, and Robert Blair, assistant to the president and senior adviser to Mulvaney. | The other witnesses Democrats want for Trump’s impeachment trial are acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Michael Duffey, associate director of national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget, and Robert Blair, assistant to the president and senior adviser to Mulvaney. |
| Here’s our report from the day Mulvaney admitted there was a quid pro quo for military aid to Ukraine and memorably told reporters to “get over it”: | Here’s our report from the day Mulvaney admitted there was a quid pro quo for military aid to Ukraine and memorably told reporters to “get over it”: |
| Choice quote: “But that’s it. That’s why we held up the money … I have news for everybody. Get over it. There is going to be political influence in foreign policy. Elections have consequences.” | Choice quote: “But that’s it. That’s why we held up the money … I have news for everybody. Get over it. There is going to be political influence in foreign policy. Elections have consequences.” |
| And here’s part of his statement issued later the same day: “Let me be clear, there was absolutely no quid pro quo between Ukrainian military aid and any investigation into the 2016 election.” | And here’s part of his statement issued later the same day: “Let me be clear, there was absolutely no quid pro quo between Ukrainian military aid and any investigation into the 2016 election.” |
| Here’s where the day stands so far: | Here’s where the day stands so far: |
| John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, said he would testify in the impeachment trial if he were subpoenaed by the Senate, but issuing a subpoena would require a majority level of support in the Republican-controlled chamber. | John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, said he would testify in the impeachment trial if he were subpoenaed by the Senate, but issuing a subpoena would require a majority level of support in the Republican-controlled chamber. |
| Trump insited Iran “WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON” as fears mount about fallout from the killing of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. | Trump insited Iran “WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON” as fears mount about fallout from the killing of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. |
| Former Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro endorsed Elizabeth Warren’s White House bid, just days after suspending his own campaign. | Former Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro endorsed Elizabeth Warren’s White House bid, just days after suspending his own campaign. |
| The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. |
| Following the news of John Bolton’s willingness to testify in a Senate impeachment trial, a senior House Democratic aide touted speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to delay the transmission of the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | Following the news of John Bolton’s willingness to testify in a Senate impeachment trial, a senior House Democratic aide touted speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to delay the transmission of the articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| Some Republicans have criticized Pelosi for delaying the articles’ transmission, arguing it disproves Democrats’ claims that they needed to advance the inquiry quickly because of the “urgent” nature of the accusations stemming from the Ukraine controversy. | Some Republicans have criticized Pelosi for delaying the articles’ transmission, arguing it disproves Democrats’ claims that they needed to advance the inquiry quickly because of the “urgent” nature of the accusations stemming from the Ukraine controversy. |
| John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, reportedly gave Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell advance notice about his statement saying he would testify in an impeachment trial if subpoenaed. | John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, reportedly gave Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell advance notice about his statement saying he would testify in an impeachment trial if subpoenaed. |
| It appears John Bolton is currently dodging questions about whether he would comply with a House subpoena seeking his testimony related to the Ukraine controversy. | It appears John Bolton is currently dodging questions about whether he would comply with a House subpoena seeking his testimony related to the Ukraine controversy. |
| Trump’s former national security adviser said he would testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed, but it’s unclear whether Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer can attract enough Republican support to get a subpoena approved. | Trump’s former national security adviser said he would testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed, but it’s unclear whether Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer can attract enough Republican support to get a subpoena approved. |
| After John Bolton issued a statement saying he would testify in the impeachment trial if the Senate issues a subpoena, some commentators wondered if Trump’s former national security adviser would similarly comply with a subpoena from the Democratic-controlled House. | After John Bolton issued a statement saying he would testify in the impeachment trial if the Senate issues a subpoena, some commentators wondered if Trump’s former national security adviser would similarly comply with a subpoena from the Democratic-controlled House. |
| The House previously sought Bolton’s testimony, but the former official did not appear before lawmakers at the time, citing an ongoing lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House guidance not to cooperate with the investigation. | The House previously sought Bolton’s testimony, but the former official did not appear before lawmakers at the time, citing an ongoing lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House guidance not to cooperate with the investigation. |
| It’s important to note that John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, is only saying he will testify if the Republican-controlled Senate issues a subpoena. | It’s important to note that John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, is only saying he will testify if the Republican-controlled Senate issues a subpoena. |
| Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has called for a handful of Trump administration officials, including Bolton, to testify, but he would need four Republicans to sign on to his request to have it approved. | Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has called for a handful of Trump administration officials, including Bolton, to testify, but he would need four Republicans to sign on to his request to have it approved. |
| “I hope, pray, and believe there’s a decent chance that four Republicans will join us. If they do, we will have a fair trial,” Schumer said yesterday. | “I hope, pray, and believe there’s a decent chance that four Republicans will join us. If they do, we will have a fair trial,” Schumer said yesterday. |
| John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, has confirmed he intends to testify in the Senate impeachment trial if he is subpoenaed. | John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, has confirmed he intends to testify in the Senate impeachment trial if he is subpoenaed. |
| In a statement explaining his new position, Bolton noted that he previously joined a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House’s guidance not to cooperate with the House impeachment inquiry. | In a statement explaining his new position, Bolton noted that he previously joined a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House’s guidance not to cooperate with the House impeachment inquiry. |
| “The House has concluded its Constitutional responsibility by adopting Articles of Impeachment related to the Ukraine matter. It now falls to the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to try impeachments, and it does not appear possible that a final judicial resolution of the still-unanswered Constitutional questions can be obtained before the Senate acts,” Bolton said in the statement. | “The House has concluded its Constitutional responsibility by adopting Articles of Impeachment related to the Ukraine matter. It now falls to the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to try impeachments, and it does not appear possible that a final judicial resolution of the still-unanswered Constitutional questions can be obtained before the Senate acts,” Bolton said in the statement. |
| “Accordingly, since my testimony is once again at issue, I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify.” | “Accordingly, since my testimony is once again at issue, I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify.” |
| John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, has reportedly said he would testify in a Senate impeachment trial if he were subpoenaed. | John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, has reportedly said he would testify in a Senate impeachment trial if he were subpoenaed. |
| Bolton is one of four Trump administration officials that Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer listed as potential witnesses for the trial, but it’s unclear whether enough Republicans will sign on to Schumer’s request to get it approved. | Bolton is one of four Trump administration officials that Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer listed as potential witnesses for the trial, but it’s unclear whether enough Republicans will sign on to Schumer’s request to get it approved. |
| Bolton reportedly criticized other administration officials, including acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and US ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland, for getting involved in efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. | Bolton reportedly criticized other administration officials, including acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and US ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland, for getting involved in efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. |
| The department of defense and the state department reportedly plan to brief members of Congress Wednesday on the drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. | The department of defense and the state department reportedly plan to brief members of Congress Wednesday on the drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. |
| After news of the strike broke, Democratic leaders in Congress complained that they were not given advance notice of the strike. | After news of the strike broke, Democratic leaders in Congress complained that they were not given advance notice of the strike. |
| Even members of the “Gang of Eight,” the group of lawmakers who are supposed to be regularly briefed on classified intelligence matters, do not appear to have received information about the strike before it occurred. | Even members of the “Gang of Eight,” the group of lawmakers who are supposed to be regularly briefed on classified intelligence matters, do not appear to have received information about the strike before it occurred. |