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Steve Bannon indicted for refusing to comply with Capitol attack subpoena - live Steve Bannon indicted for refusing to comply with Capitol attack subpoena - live
(31 minutes later)
Trump’s former senior adviser has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress – follow liveTrump’s former senior adviser has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress – follow live
Mark Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify before the select committee until the courts reach a final decision on Donald Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials related to the Capitol insurrection.
But in their new statement, the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, and the Republican vice-chair, Liz Cheney, dismissed the validity of those claims.
“[T]he record will reveal the wide range of matters the Select Committee wished to discuss with Mr. Meadows until his decision to hide behind the former President’s spurious claims of privilege,” the lawmakers said. “Many of those matters are not even conceivably subject to any privilege claim, even if there were one.”
According to Thompson and Cheney, Meadows has refused to answer “even the most basic questions, including whether he was using a private cell phone to communicate on January 6th, and where his text messages from that day are”.
They concluded, “And while we’re determined to get all the information we’re seeking, Mr Meadows, [Steve] Bannon, and others who go down this path won’t prevail in stopping the Select Committee’s effort getting answers for the American people about January 6th, making legislative recommendations to help protect our democracy, and helping ensure nothing like that day ever happens again.”
Moments after the indictment of Steve Bannon was announced, the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection warned it may also move to hold Mark Meadows in contempt for defying its subpoena.
Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the committee this morning, but he refused to show.
The Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, and the Republican vice-chair, Liz Cheney, said Meadows’ refusal to appear may result in a contempt resolution.
“Mr. Meadows’s actions today—choosing to defy the law—will force the Select Committee to consider pursuing contempt or other proceedings to enforce the subpoena,” Thompson and Cheney said.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Meadows has chosen to join a very small group of witnesses who believe they are above the law and are defying a Select Committee subpoena outright.”
Adam Kinzinger, one of two Republicans serving on the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection, said the indictment of Steve Bannon was “great news”.Adam Kinzinger, one of two Republicans serving on the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection, said the indictment of Steve Bannon was “great news”.
Speaking to CNN moments ago, the Illinois lawmaker argued that the indictment sent a “chilling message” to other witnesses who may consider following Bannon’s example by defying committee subpoenas.Speaking to CNN moments ago, the Illinois lawmaker argued that the indictment sent a “chilling message” to other witnesses who may consider following Bannon’s example by defying committee subpoenas.
“You cannot ignore Congress,” Kinzinger said. “You’re not going to be able to avoid it.”“You cannot ignore Congress,” Kinzinger said. “You’re not going to be able to avoid it.”
Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the Capitol attack select committee this morning, but he refused to appear.Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the Capitol attack select committee this morning, but he refused to appear.
Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify until the courts deliver a final ruling on Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials linked to the Capitol insurrection.Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify until the courts deliver a final ruling on Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials linked to the Capitol insurrection.
However, the White House and the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, have argued that Trump’s executive privilege claims do not withstand legal scrutiny.However, the White House and the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, have argued that Trump’s executive privilege claims do not withstand legal scrutiny.
The select committee has not yet indicated whether members plan to recommend contempt charges against Meadows, as they did with Steve Bannon.The select committee has not yet indicated whether members plan to recommend contempt charges against Meadows, as they did with Steve Bannon.
The news of Steve Bannon’s indictment comes on the same day that Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, refused to appear for a scheduled deposition before the select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection.The news of Steve Bannon’s indictment comes on the same day that Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, refused to appear for a scheduled deposition before the select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection.
Bannon’s indictment sends a clear signal to Meadows and other Trump allies that they could face criminal consequences for defying subpoenas from the committee.Bannon’s indictment sends a clear signal to Meadows and other Trump allies that they could face criminal consequences for defying subpoenas from the committee.
Attorney general Merrick Garland said the indictment of Steve Bannon demonstrated the justice department’s commitment to “equal justice under the law”.Attorney general Merrick Garland said the indictment of Steve Bannon demonstrated the justice department’s commitment to “equal justice under the law”.
“Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law,” Garland said in a statement.“Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law,” Garland said in a statement.
“Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles.”“Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles.”
Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump, has now been indicted for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection.Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump, has now been indicted for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection.
According to a statement from the justice department, Bannon has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress.According to a statement from the justice department, Bannon has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress.
“Bannon, 67, is charged with one contempt count involving his refusal to appear for a deposition and another involving his refusal to produce documents,” the statement says.“Bannon, 67, is charged with one contempt count involving his refusal to appear for a deposition and another involving his refusal to produce documents,” the statement says.
“An arraignment date has not yet been set in the US district court for the District of Columbia.”“An arraignment date has not yet been set in the US district court for the District of Columbia.”
The blog will have more details coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more details coming up, so stay tuned.
Joe Biden argued that the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill demonstrated how a democracy can still benefits its citizens.Joe Biden argued that the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill demonstrated how a democracy can still benefits its citizens.
“The American people sent us here to deliver,” the president said at the start of his cabinet meeting today.“The American people sent us here to deliver,” the president said at the start of his cabinet meeting today.
“The American people sent us here to make the government work. And they sent us here to make a difference in their lives. And I believe we’re doing that.”“The American people sent us here to make the government work. And they sent us here to make a difference in their lives. And I believe we’re doing that.”
Biden pledged all the $1.2tn in funds from the bill will be used “efficiently and effectively,” and he indicated he will name a coordinator to oversee implementation of the proposal sometime next week.Biden pledged all the $1.2tn in funds from the bill will be used “efficiently and effectively,” and he indicated he will name a coordinator to oversee implementation of the proposal sometime next week.
Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has thrown her support behind a plan to stage risky and unprecedented parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya next month, even though human rights groups have warned the conditions for fair elections may not exist.Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has thrown her support behind a plan to stage risky and unprecedented parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya next month, even though human rights groups have warned the conditions for fair elections may not exist.
Harris attended a conference in Paris on the future of Libya attended by more than 30 countries and hosted by the French president, Emmanuel Macron; the German chancellor, Angela Merkel; and the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi.Harris attended a conference in Paris on the future of Libya attended by more than 30 countries and hosted by the French president, Emmanuel Macron; the German chancellor, Angela Merkel; and the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi.
Human Rights Watch said elections were a much-needed chance for a reset in the country but warned “free and fair elections will hardly be possible without rule of law, justice, and accountability that are currently sorely lacking”.Human Rights Watch said elections were a much-needed chance for a reset in the country but warned “free and fair elections will hardly be possible without rule of law, justice, and accountability that are currently sorely lacking”.
The US – and the bulk of the international community at the Paris summit – took the view that Libya was more likely to slide into chaos if the elections were not held, starting on 24 December.The US – and the bulk of the international community at the Paris summit – took the view that Libya was more likely to slide into chaos if the elections were not held, starting on 24 December.
Joe Biden is now holding a meeting with his cabinet to discuss the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which he will sign on Monday.Joe Biden is now holding a meeting with his cabinet to discuss the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which he will sign on Monday.
Kamala Harris joined the meeting by telephone, as the vice-president has been in Paris this week to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and mark Veterans Day there.Kamala Harris joined the meeting by telephone, as the vice-president has been in Paris this week to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and mark Veterans Day there.
At the start of the meeting, Biden emphasized that the passage of the infrastructure bill represented a moment of “immense hope and possibilities” for America.At the start of the meeting, Biden emphasized that the passage of the infrastructure bill represented a moment of “immense hope and possibilities” for America.
“It’s hard, but we can still come together to get something big done for the American people,” Biden said.“It’s hard, but we can still come together to get something big done for the American people,” Biden said.
As she concluded the White House press briefing, a reporter shouted a question at Jen Psaki about Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his false claims about coronavirus vaccines.
“You know how we feel about misinformation. We’re against it,” the press secretary told reporters.
Rodgers tested positive for coronavirus last week and then revealed that he had not gotten vaccinated, partly due to concerns about potential fertility issues with the treatments.
However, health experts have said the vaccines are safe for couples trying to have children.
Jen Psaki would not provide details on who Joe Biden will name as the “infrastructure coordinator” to oversee implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which he will sign on Monday.
The White House press secretary would only say that the coordinator will be “someone from outside the administration”.
Biden similarly named Gene Sperling, a former Obama administration official, to oversee the implementation of the coronavirus relief package earlier this year.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Joe Biden will name an “infrastructure coordinator” to oversee the implementation of the $1.2tn infrastructure bill.
The House passed the bill last week, sending the legislation to the president’s desk. The White House has said Biden will sign the bill on Monday, and he will be joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers who helped craft the proposal.
Asked how many Republicans will attend the bill-signing ceremony on Monday, Psaki said, “We will see. We’ve invited a broad group of Republicans -- some in Congress, governors, mayors, individuals who played a role in helping move the infrastructure bill forward.”
The press secretary added that the White House will provide a list of expected ceremony attendees on Monday.
Jen Psaki announced that Joe Biden will pardon a turkey next Friday, continuing a decades-old White House tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The press secretary noted that two turkey lives will actually be spared thanks to the tradition, as there is always an alternate turkey in Washington for the pardoning.
This year, the two birds will be coming from a farm in Indiana, Psaki told reporters.
Last year, Donald Trump presided over an awkward turkey pardoning ceremony, which came weeks after Biden was declared the winner of the presidential election:
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing, marking her return to the briefing room after testing positive for coronavirus.
Psaki noted that she was originally scheduled to join Joe Biden for his trip to Europe a couple weeks ago, during which the president met with Pope Francis, attended the G20 summit and participated in the Cop26 climate change conference.
She obviously did not do so after she tested positive for coronavirus. Prior to testing positive, Psaki had last seen Biden five days earlier, and they wore masks at the time.
Psaki told reporters that she experienced “mild symptoms,” including fatigue, and she said she is “incredibly grateful” for coronavirus vaccines, which helped protect her against severe illness and potential hospitalization.
Republican Lisa Murkowski confirmed today that she will seek another term representing Alaska in the US Senate.
Murkowski made the announcement in a campaign video, saying she will “work with anyone, from either party, to advance Alaska’s priorities”.
“I’m running for reelection to continue the important work of growing our economy, strengthening our Alaska-based military and protecting our people and the natural beauty of our state,” Murkowski said.
Murkowski is one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Donald Trump for inciting the Capitol insurrection, and she is only member of that group who is seeking reelection next year.
Trump has already endorsed Murkowski’s primary challenger, former Alaska commissioner of administration Kelly Tshibaka, and he has pledged to campaign against the incumbent.
But Murkowski does have the support of Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, per Politico, setting up a potentially close race next year.
The newly announced virtual summit on Monday evening between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping comes one day after the Chinese president warned against a return to cold war-era tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
“Attempts to draw ideological lines or form small circles on geopolitical grounds are bound to fail,” he told a virtual business conference on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
“The Asia-Pacific region cannot and should not relapse into the confrontation and division of the cold war era.”
Xi’s remarks seem to refer to recent US efforts with allies and partners to dampen what Washington sees as China’s growing economic and military influence in the region.
Joe Biden will hold a virtual summit with China’s president, Xi Jinping, on Monday evening, amid rising tensions since the US president took office earlier this year. “The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC [People’s Republic of China], as well as ways to work together where our interests align,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement on Friday. “Throughout, President Biden will make clear US intentions and priorities and be clear and candid about our concerns.”
At the recent Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow, Biden criticized Xi for failing to show up. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have also been exacerbated by the Chinese military’s recent sorties near Taiwan, the democratically-governed island claimed by Beijing.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken said this week that the US would ensure Taiwan can defend itself to avoid anyone “trying to disrupt the status quo by force”.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Mark Meadows, former chief of staff to Donald Trump, did not appear for his scheduled deposition before the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. Meadows’ attorney has said he will not testify until the courts determine the validity of Trump’s claims of executive privilege over documents linked to the Capitol attack. But the select committee and the White House have said Trump’s claims do not withstand legal scrutiny.
It remains unclear whether the select committee will move forward with holding Meadows in criminal contempt. The House has already referred one of Trump’s former advisers, Steve Bannon, to the justice department for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the select committee. The justice department has not yet said whether it plans to prosecute Bannon.
Joe Biden announced he will nominate Robert Califf to serve as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. But Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has already said he will oppose the nomination of Califf, who led the FDA during the final months of Barack Obama’s presidency. In order to get Califf confirmed, the White House will need to convince at least one Republican to support his nomination.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Joe Biden has just officially announced he plans to nominate Robert Califf as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
“Dr. Robert Califf is one of the most experienced clinical trialists in the country, and has the experience and expertise to lead the Food and Drug Administration during a critical time in our nation’s fight to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic,” Biden said in a new statement.
“Dr. Califf had strong bipartisan support in the Senate in 2016, and I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Dr. Califf so he can continue the important work being done at this critical moment.”
But Califf’s confirmation is somewhat in doubt now that Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has indicated he will not support the nomination.
Given the 50-50 split in the Senate, Califf’s nomination will need to attract some Republican support in order to get approved.