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| Trump impeachment witness Alexander Vindman fired from White House job – live | Trump impeachment witness Alexander Vindman fired from White House job – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Vindman’s attorney David Pressman says national security council adviser was ‘escorted out of the White House’ – follow the latest live | Vindman’s attorney David Pressman says national security council adviser was ‘escorted out of the White House’ – follow the latest live |
| Here’s what has happened this afternoon: | |
| Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, one of the key witnesses in the impeachment trial, was fired from his post on the national security counsel. His lawyer issued a statement saying that he was escorted out of the White House today. He “was asked to leave for telling the truth,” his lawyer said. | |
| Meanwhile, Bill Taylor, another witness in the impeachment trial, went on CNN to defend Marie Yovanovitch, former ambassador to Ukraine, who was subject to a smear campaign that led to her own firing. “It of course bothers me any time I see someone like Masha Yovanovitch or Alex Vindman unfairly attacked,” Taylor said. | |
| Trump spoke at an event in North Carolina this afternoon where he mocked Democrats for messing up the Iowa caucus and said that he would continue to hold rallies even if he wins the 2020 election. | |
| The feud between Iowa front-runners Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg started to gear up today. Sanders slammed Buttigeg for having “the most exclusive billionaire donors of any Democrat.” #PetesBillionaires was trending on Twitter this afternoon. | |
| Congressional Democrats are on Twitter expressing their shock at the news that Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman was fired from his post on the national security counsel. | Congressional Democrats are on Twitter expressing their shock at the news that Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman was fired from his post on the national security counsel. |
| Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an adviser on the national security counsel who testified in the impeachment trial, was fired from his post. | Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an adviser on the national security counsel who testified in the impeachment trial, was fired from his post. |
| “Today, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was escorted out of the White House where he has dutifully served his country and his President,” said his attorney, David Pressman in a statement. “LTC Vindman was asked to leave for telling the truth.” | “Today, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was escorted out of the White House where he has dutifully served his country and his President,” said his attorney, David Pressman in a statement. “LTC Vindman was asked to leave for telling the truth.” |
| The news comes just hours after Donald Trump told reporters that he is “not happy with him” and made vague comments saying “they’ll make that decision” about whether he would be keeping his job. | The news comes just hours after Donald Trump told reporters that he is “not happy with him” and made vague comments saying “they’ll make that decision” about whether he would be keeping his job. |
| Later, Trump retweeted posts on Twitter that called on him to fire Vindman. | Later, Trump retweeted posts on Twitter that called on him to fire Vindman. |
| Vindman was considered the top expert on Ukraine on the national security counsel. During his testimony in Congress, Vindman expressed concerns about a call Trump had with the president of Ukraine where he demanded an investigation into Joe Biden. | Vindman was considered the top expert on Ukraine on the national security counsel. During his testimony in Congress, Vindman expressed concerns about a call Trump had with the president of Ukraine where he demanded an investigation into Joe Biden. |
| “It was improper for the president of the United States to demand a foreign government investigation of a US citizen and a political opponent,” Vindman said during the testimony in November. | “It was improper for the president of the United States to demand a foreign government investigation of a US citizen and a political opponent,” Vindman said during the testimony in November. |
| Vindman is largely respected as a veteran who came to the United States when he was three after his family fled Ukraine. He served multiple tours overseas and was wounded by a roadside bomb during a combat deployment in Iraq, earning him a Purple Heart. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Russian from Harvard and served at US embassies in Kyiv and Moscow. | Vindman is largely respected as a veteran who came to the United States when he was three after his family fled Ukraine. He served multiple tours overseas and was wounded by a roadside bomb during a combat deployment in Iraq, earning him a Purple Heart. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Russian from Harvard and served at US embassies in Kyiv and Moscow. |
| During his testimony, Vindman outlined why he felt comfortable coming forward with the information he had through a message to his father. | During his testimony, Vindman outlined why he felt comfortable coming forward with the information he had through a message to his father. |
| “Dad, my sitting here today, in the US Capitol talking to our elected officials is proof that you made the right decision 40 years ago to leave the Soviet Union and come here to the United States of America in search of a better life for our family,” he said. “Do not worry. I will be fine for telling the truth.” | “Dad, my sitting here today, in the US Capitol talking to our elected officials is proof that you made the right decision 40 years ago to leave the Soviet Union and come here to the United States of America in search of a better life for our family,” he said. “Do not worry. I will be fine for telling the truth.” |
| Bill Taylor: Smears against Marie Yovanovitch ‘unconscionable’ | Bill Taylor: Smears against Marie Yovanovitch ‘unconscionable’ |
| Bill Taylor, a former acting ambassador to Ukraine who testified in the impeachment trial, told CNN’s Jake Tapper in an interview that the smear campaign against Marie Yavonovitch, former US ambassador to Ukraine who also testified in the impeachment trial is “unconscionable”. | Bill Taylor, a former acting ambassador to Ukraine who testified in the impeachment trial, told CNN’s Jake Tapper in an interview that the smear campaign against Marie Yavonovitch, former US ambassador to Ukraine who also testified in the impeachment trial is “unconscionable”. |
| Yovanovitch was removed from her post after attacks from Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, went on a smear campaign with the goal of removing her from office so the investigation into Hunter Biden could continue. | Yovanovitch was removed from her post after attacks from Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, went on a smear campaign with the goal of removing her from office so the investigation into Hunter Biden could continue. |
| While Tapper did not reference Donald Trump specifically in his question, the president lashed out against Yovanovitch on Twitter in November, seemingly as backlash against her testifying in front of Congress. “Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad,” he wrote. | While Tapper did not reference Donald Trump specifically in his question, the president lashed out against Yovanovitch on Twitter in November, seemingly as backlash against her testifying in front of Congress. “Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad,” he wrote. |
| Defending Yovanovitch, Taylor said he believes the former ambassador’s credibility. “It of course bothers me any time I see someone like Masha Yovanovitch or Alex Vindman unfairly attacked,” Taylor said, referring to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an adviser on the national security counsel who testified in the impeachment trial. | Defending Yovanovitch, Taylor said he believes the former ambassador’s credibility. “It of course bothers me any time I see someone like Masha Yovanovitch or Alex Vindman unfairly attacked,” Taylor said, referring to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an adviser on the national security counsel who testified in the impeachment trial. |
| If you see your local influencer gushing about former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg on Instagram anytime soon, here’s why: Bloomberg is turning to social media influencers to help him gain traction in the 2020 election, according to the Daily Beast. | If you see your local influencer gushing about former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg on Instagram anytime soon, here’s why: Bloomberg is turning to social media influencers to help him gain traction in the 2020 election, according to the Daily Beast. |
| The Bloomberg campaign is using Tribe, a platform that connects influencers with brands for advertising purposes. Bloomberg’s campaign is specifically targeting “micro-influencers” – users who have between 1,000 and 1,000 – for $150 posts on why they support the mayor. | The Bloomberg campaign is using Tribe, a platform that connects influencers with brands for advertising purposes. Bloomberg’s campaign is specifically targeting “micro-influencers” – users who have between 1,000 and 1,000 – for $150 posts on why they support the mayor. |
| The campaign’s posting on Tribe asks influencers to “Show+Tell why Mike the candidate who can change our country for the better, state why YOU think he’s a great candidate”. | The campaign’s posting on Tribe asks influencers to “Show+Tell why Mike the candidate who can change our country for the better, state why YOU think he’s a great candidate”. |
| Trump just ridiculed Democrats during a speech he delivered in North Carolina, saying, “They can’t count simple votes, but they want to fix your healthcare system,” he told the crowd at the Opportunity Now Summit in Charlotte. | Trump just ridiculed Democrats during a speech he delivered in North Carolina, saying, “They can’t count simple votes, but they want to fix your healthcare system,” he told the crowd at the Opportunity Now Summit in Charlotte. |
| Donald Trump is now giving a speech at the North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here’s a little cheery nugget from his speech: | Donald Trump is now giving a speech at the North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here’s a little cheery nugget from his speech: |
| Reminder that rallies are typically for presidential candidates looking to run for office, which a president cannot do if they just served for two terms. | Reminder that rallies are typically for presidential candidates looking to run for office, which a president cannot do if they just served for two terms. |
| With Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders still neck and neck amid the ongoing Iowa debacle (still no official winner), and Buttigieg surging into a position as surprise threat in New Hampshire, Sanders has been chewing the fat at the traditional Politics & Eggs breakfast in event the Granite State. | With Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders still neck and neck amid the ongoing Iowa debacle (still no official winner), and Buttigieg surging into a position as surprise threat in New Hampshire, Sanders has been chewing the fat at the traditional Politics & Eggs breakfast in event the Granite State. |
| “I’m reading some headlines from newspapers about Pete Buttigieg,” he said. “Pete Buttigieg has most exclusive billionaire donors of any Democrats, that was from Forbes. The Hill: Pete Buttigieg tops billionaire donor list. Fortune: Pete Buttigieg takes lead as big business candidate in 2020 field. Washington Post: Pete Buttigieg lures even closer look from Wall Street donors following strong Iowa caucus performance. Forbes magazine: here are the billionaires backing Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign,” Time reports. | “I’m reading some headlines from newspapers about Pete Buttigieg,” he said. “Pete Buttigieg has most exclusive billionaire donors of any Democrats, that was from Forbes. The Hill: Pete Buttigieg tops billionaire donor list. Fortune: Pete Buttigieg takes lead as big business candidate in 2020 field. Washington Post: Pete Buttigieg lures even closer look from Wall Street donors following strong Iowa caucus performance. Forbes magazine: here are the billionaires backing Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign,” Time reports. |
| “I like Pete Buttigieg, nice guy,” he added. “But we are in a moment where billionaires control not only our economy but our political life.” | “I like Pete Buttigieg, nice guy,” he added. “But we are in a moment where billionaires control not only our economy but our political life.” |
| And this: | And this: |
| Sanders must have thought he was a shoo-in for a strong win in New Hampshire, being a left-wing fixture for decades in next-door Vermont. | Sanders must have thought he was a shoo-in for a strong win in New Hampshire, being a left-wing fixture for decades in next-door Vermont. |
| Buttigieg is nipping at Sanders’s heels in the latest opinion poll in New Hampshire. | Buttigieg is nipping at Sanders’s heels in the latest opinion poll in New Hampshire. |
| The Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll showed Sanders just in the lead in New Hampshire at 24 percent, with Buttigieg at 23 percent. Then a gap before the third-placed Elizabeth Warren, also a New England politician as the Senator for nearby Massachusetts, but now in danger of stalling in the middle of the leading group despite a solid performance in Iowa. Warren received 13 percent support, ahead of the flagging Joe Biden on 11 percent. | The Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll showed Sanders just in the lead in New Hampshire at 24 percent, with Buttigieg at 23 percent. Then a gap before the third-placed Elizabeth Warren, also a New England politician as the Senator for nearby Massachusetts, but now in danger of stalling in the middle of the leading group despite a solid performance in Iowa. Warren received 13 percent support, ahead of the flagging Joe Biden on 11 percent. |
| Donald Trump retweeted this afternoon two tweets that recommended he fire Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an adviser on the national security counsel who testified in the impeachment trial. This morning, Trump said he wasn’t happy with Vindman and that decisions would be made about his post. Here are the tweets – one is from November. | Donald Trump retweeted this afternoon two tweets that recommended he fire Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an adviser on the national security counsel who testified in the impeachment trial. This morning, Trump said he wasn’t happy with Vindman and that decisions would be made about his post. Here are the tweets – one is from November. |
| Here’s what has happened so far today: | Here’s what has happened so far today: |
| Donald Trump said that he is not happy with Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and alluded to “decisions” that would be made about his standing on the national security council, essentially confirming reports that the White House is thinking about moving him out of his position. | Donald Trump said that he is not happy with Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and alluded to “decisions” that would be made about his standing on the national security council, essentially confirming reports that the White House is thinking about moving him out of his position. |
| All attention is on New Hampshire ahead of the state’s Democratic primary on Tuesday. A new poll showed senator Bernie Sanders and former South Bend Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg are head-to-head for New Hampshire voters. Sanders has a slight lead at 24%, while Buttigieg polled at 24%. | All attention is on New Hampshire ahead of the state’s Democratic primary on Tuesday. A new poll showed senator Bernie Sanders and former South Bend Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg are head-to-head for New Hampshire voters. Sanders has a slight lead at 24%, while Buttigieg polled at 24%. |
| A US appeals court in DC ruled that a lawsuit brought forth by congressional Democrats that says Trump violated the Constitution by not turning over information about his personal investment has no standing. Trump celebrated the news about the “Witch Hunt” with a tweet. | A US appeals court in DC ruled that a lawsuit brought forth by congressional Democrats that says Trump violated the Constitution by not turning over information about his personal investment has no standing. Trump celebrated the news about the “Witch Hunt” with a tweet. |
| A Washington Post reported this morning that Trump’s properties have billed Secret Service agents as much as $650 for a night’s stay while protecting the president, ultimately paid by US taxpayers. | A Washington Post reported this morning that Trump’s properties have billed Secret Service agents as much as $650 for a night’s stay while protecting the president, ultimately paid by US taxpayers. |
| House passes Puerto Rico aid package | House passes Puerto Rico aid package |
| The House just passed a $21bn emergency aid package in response to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the island 7 January. The earthquake left one dead and destroyed dozens of homes and structures, along with disrupting power and water for days. | The House just passed a $21bn emergency aid package in response to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the island 7 January. The earthquake left one dead and destroyed dozens of homes and structures, along with disrupting power and water for days. |
| “In recent weeks, thousands of families in Puerto Rico were forced from their homes, schools were flattened, roads and infrastructure were severely damage,” said US rep Nita Lowey, House appropriations chairwoman, in a statement. | “In recent weeks, thousands of families in Puerto Rico were forced from their homes, schools were flattened, roads and infrastructure were severely damage,” said US rep Nita Lowey, House appropriations chairwoman, in a statement. |
| Congressional Republicans, 17 of whom in the House voted for the bill, have indicated that they will give the package trouble once it gets to the Senate. Donald Trump has already threatened to veto it. | Congressional Republicans, 17 of whom in the House voted for the bill, have indicated that they will give the package trouble once it gets to the Senate. Donald Trump has already threatened to veto it. |
| Is this a preview of the kind of content former NYC mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign Twitter will be spitting out during tonight’s debate? Only time will tell. | Is this a preview of the kind of content former NYC mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign Twitter will be spitting out during tonight’s debate? Only time will tell. |
| Standing outside the White House for some Chopper Talk this morning, Donald Trump said that there will be a decision sometime in the future about what to do with Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a member of the national security council who testified against the president during the impeachment trial. Bloomberg News reported last night that the White House is thinking about moving Vindman out of the council and rotate him to a position in the Department of Defense. | Standing outside the White House for some Chopper Talk this morning, Donald Trump said that there will be a decision sometime in the future about what to do with Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a member of the national security council who testified against the president during the impeachment trial. Bloomberg News reported last night that the White House is thinking about moving Vindman out of the council and rotate him to a position in the Department of Defense. |
| One reporter said that a source close to Vindman indicated that he was at the White House yesterday and will likely work today as well, amid reports of his departure. | One reporter said that a source close to Vindman indicated that he was at the White House yesterday and will likely work today as well, amid reports of his departure. |
| When asked about any plans to remove Vindman from his position, Trump said that he is “not happy with him” and that a decision about what do with him will be made later. | When asked about any plans to remove Vindman from his position, Trump said that he is “not happy with him” and that a decision about what do with him will be made later. |
| Trump also denied reports that the acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, is on his way out. | Trump also denied reports that the acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, is on his way out. |
| Comments that pundit Donny Deutsch made on MSNBC’s Morning Joe about senator Elizabeth Warren’s electability is getting some heated backlash on Twitter this morning. | Comments that pundit Donny Deutsch made on MSNBC’s Morning Joe about senator Elizabeth Warren’s electability is getting some heated backlash on Twitter this morning. |
| When the show’s host, Joe Scarborough, asked Deutsch and Vice reporter Shawna Thomas why they think Warren has fallen behind senator Bernie Sanders, Thomas made the argument that it was because people weren’t comfortable about the electability of a woman. “If you look around and your neighbors, they’re not sure a woman can beat him, that starts to wear on a campaign,” Thomas said. | When the show’s host, Joe Scarborough, asked Deutsch and Vice reporter Shawna Thomas why they think Warren has fallen behind senator Bernie Sanders, Thomas made the argument that it was because people weren’t comfortable about the electability of a woman. “If you look around and your neighbors, they’re not sure a woman can beat him, that starts to wear on a campaign,” Thomas said. |
| Deutcsh cut in. | Deutcsh cut in. |
| “Is it a woman or is it her? There’s a certain stridentness to her that, do we want to invite her into our bedrooms and living rooms every day for four years?” Deutsch said. “I don’t think it’s a gender issue – it’s a likability issue.” | “Is it a woman or is it her? There’s a certain stridentness to her that, do we want to invite her into our bedrooms and living rooms every day for four years?” Deutsch said. “I don’t think it’s a gender issue – it’s a likability issue.” |
| Something interesting to keep in mind: Educational attainment is a top determinant for who shows up to the polls. | Something interesting to keep in mind: Educational attainment is a top determinant for who shows up to the polls. |
| During the 2018 election, those whose highest degree is a high school diploma had a 42% turnout rate in 2018, while those without a high school degree had a 27% turnout. Comparatively, 65% and 74% of those with a bachelor’s degree and advanced degree, respectively, went to the polls. | During the 2018 election, those whose highest degree is a high school diploma had a 42% turnout rate in 2018, while those without a high school degree had a 27% turnout. Comparatively, 65% and 74% of those with a bachelor’s degree and advanced degree, respectively, went to the polls. |
| A US Appeals Court in DC just ruled on a lawsuit brought forth by lawyers for over 200 congressional Democrats that argues Donald Trump violated the Constitution’s Emolument Clause by not allowing Congress to approve his financial interests. | A US Appeals Court in DC just ruled on a lawsuit brought forth by lawyers for over 200 congressional Democrats that argues Donald Trump violated the Constitution’s Emolument Clause by not allowing Congress to approve his financial interests. |
| The suit was meant to allow Democrats to figure out how Trump has profited from foreign dignitaries in his business dealings, like when they stay at his hotels. The clause bans the president from receiving gifts or titles from leaders of state governments or foreign countries and requires Congress to approve any gifts the president receives. | The suit was meant to allow Democrats to figure out how Trump has profited from foreign dignitaries in his business dealings, like when they stay at his hotels. The clause bans the president from receiving gifts or titles from leaders of state governments or foreign countries and requires Congress to approve any gifts the president receives. |
| The lawsuit is one of multiple that charges the president for violating the clause. | The lawsuit is one of multiple that charges the president for violating the clause. |
| Would you like a side of politics with those eggs? | Would you like a side of politics with those eggs? |
| Senator Bernie Sanders is scheduled to speak this morning at a quirky event that’s become a New Hampshire tradition: Politics & Eggs. | Senator Bernie Sanders is scheduled to speak this morning at a quirky event that’s become a New Hampshire tradition: Politics & Eggs. |
| The event, which has been held for over 20 years, largely consists of local business leaders, giving politicians a chance to schmooze and campaign for the upcoming primary. | The event, which has been held for over 20 years, largely consists of local business leaders, giving politicians a chance to schmooze and campaign for the upcoming primary. |
| Politics & Eggs even comes with souvenirs for attendees. Commemorative wooden eggs from the event have become something of a collectible in the state, especially since candidates are often asked to autograph the eggs while attending the breakfast. | Politics & Eggs even comes with souvenirs for attendees. Commemorative wooden eggs from the event have become something of a collectible in the state, especially since candidates are often asked to autograph the eggs while attending the breakfast. |
| And if you were wondering, the eggs are actually made in nearby Maine. | And if you were wondering, the eggs are actually made in nearby Maine. |
| Trump pockets up to $650 when his own Secret Service agents stay at his hotel | Trump pockets up to $650 when his own Secret Service agents stay at his hotel |
| The president’s company charges his own Secret Service agents up to $650 a night to stay at his properties – a bill that is ultimately paid by U.S. taxpayers – when they stay the night protecting him, the Washington Post reported this morning. Here’s more from the Post: | The president’s company charges his own Secret Service agents up to $650 a night to stay at his properties – a bill that is ultimately paid by U.S. taxpayers – when they stay the night protecting him, the Washington Post reported this morning. Here’s more from the Post: |