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Trump: transition is going 'so smoothly' despite reports of disorder – politics live Trump: transition is going 'so smoothly' despite reports of disorder – politics live
(35 minutes later)
4.29pm GMT
16:29
Rogers: 'there's some confusion going on' inside Trump transition
Former House intelligence committee chairman Mike Rogers, who more recently is a former member of Donald Trump’s transition team, says “there’s some confusion going on” inside the transition:
Mike Rogers to @CNN on his ouster from Trump transition: "there's some confusion going on about a chain-of-command coming out of NY"
Here’s our further coverage of the transition in disarray:
4.24pm GMT
16:24
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders will be the ranking member on the budget committee in the 115th Congress, according to a list released by incoming minority leader Chuck Schumer.
As the top Democrat on the committee, Sanders and his staff will be in charge of drafting an alternative budget to the one presented by Republicans. Republican Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming chaired the budget committee in the 114th congress.
Here are the top Democrats’ committee assignments, via CQ Roll Call:
Your top Democrats on each Senate committee for the 115th, per new minority leader @SenSchumer pic.twitter.com/upMM44Yuxy
4.17pm GMT
16:17
Bubble-wrap those letters and ship them to the White House:
NOW: Trump name being taken off apartment building in New York. Residents petitioned for removal. pic.twitter.com/Sw4w6a1DX5
4.14pm GMT
16:14
Sanders joins senate leadership
Senator Chuck Schumer has announced that Bernie Sanders (Vermont) Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin) and Joe Manchin (West Virginia) will join the senate leadership team:
.@SenSchumer on leadership team: "I have decided to expand the team and add 3 new members…@SenSanders, @Sen_JoeManchin & @SenatorBaldwin. pic.twitter.com/k2ioD2CgfL
I vividly remember lefty blog skepticism of Harry Reid taking over the Dems in 2005. Pro-life record, red state, etc. 1/2
Schumer wants to win, and is already elevating Sanders/Warren-wing voices. By summer 2017 he’ll be all good with progressives. 2/2
3.58pm GMT
15:58
Spotted at Trump tower: NYC mayor De Blasio
From your long-suffering transition pool:
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio arrived at Trump Tower at about 10:39 am.
Your pooler asked if he was meeting with Trump.
“We’re talking about what the people of New York City are feeling and what we need,” de Blasio said.
De Blasio, who boarded the elevators very quickly, did not respond to a question from your pooler about whether he is concerned about a spike in hate crimes in the city.
De Blasio has said the city will aggressively prosecute hate crime in the Trump era. On Sunday the mayor’s office responded to an incident in which a swastika was spray-painted on a Brooklyn sidewalked:
Acts of violence in our beautifully diverse city will not be tolerated. We are all better than this. Report incidents to @NYPDNews via 911. https://t.co/AddQT3rOdL
3.51pm GMT3.51pm GMT
15:5115:51
Mark Zuckerberg’s belief thatMark Zuckerberg’s belief that
face news on Fakebookface news on Fakebook
fake news on Facebook could not have swayed the election because nobody shares it makes Ben Collins in the Daily Beast wonder what Facebook Mark Zuckerberg is hanging out on: fake news on Facebook could not have swayed the election because nobody shares it makes Ben Collins in the Daily Beast wonder what Facebook Mark Zuckerberg is hanging out on:
Mark Zuckerberg has been in the crosshairs this week, even from within his own company, for saying he believes “it’s a pretty crazy idea” that “fake news on Facebook, which is a very small amount of content, influenced the election in any way.”Mark Zuckerberg has been in the crosshairs this week, even from within his own company, for saying he believes “it’s a pretty crazy idea” that “fake news on Facebook, which is a very small amount of content, influenced the election in any way.”
He should take a look at the most shared stories on his website, according to trend analysis site Trendolizer, and see if he can reconcile his PR statement with the truth.He should take a look at the most shared stories on his website, according to trend analysis site Trendolizer, and see if he can reconcile his PR statement with the truth.
At least a dozen stories with no basis in reality—most of them favoring Donald Trump—broke Facebook’s trending algorithm Monday and Tuesday, as the new president-elect took to his own Twitter account to repeatedly deride fact-checked newspapers like The New York Times.At least a dozen stories with no basis in reality—most of them favoring Donald Trump—broke Facebook’s trending algorithm Monday and Tuesday, as the new president-elect took to his own Twitter account to repeatedly deride fact-checked newspapers like The New York Times.
Read the full piece here.Read the full piece here.
3.47pm GMT3.47pm GMT
15:4715:47
Schumer named as senate minority leaderSchumer named as senate minority leader
The news is exactly as anticipated: senate Democrats have picked Chuck Schumer, of New York, as their new leader.The news is exactly as anticipated: senate Democrats have picked Chuck Schumer, of New York, as their new leader.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, a budget specialist, has been named assistant leader; Dick Durbin of Illinois is still minority whip; and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan also will fill a leadership role.Senator Patty Murray of Washington, a budget specialist, has been named assistant leader; Dick Durbin of Illinois is still minority whip; and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan also will fill a leadership role.
3.16pm GMT3.16pm GMT
15:1615:16
Daily transition parade at Trump tower begins anewDaily transition parade at Trump tower begins anew
From your long-suffering transition pool:From your long-suffering transition pool:
Trump advance team director George Gigicos arrived at 9:40. Reporters asked what he’s doing today.Trump advance team director George Gigicos arrived at 9:40. Reporters asked what he’s doing today.
“I don’t know I’m just getting here,” Gigicos said.“I don’t know I’m just getting here,” Gigicos said.
Trump campaign COO Eli Miller arrived at 9:43. He did not respond to questions from reporters.Trump campaign COO Eli Miller arrived at 9:43. He did not respond to questions from reporters.
Steve Mnuchin, a member of the transition team executive committee and possible pick for treasury secretary, arrived shortly afterwards and spoke to reporters.Steve Mnuchin, a member of the transition team executive committee and possible pick for treasury secretary, arrived shortly afterwards and spoke to reporters.
Mnuchin said he and Trump had “talked about taxes.”Mnuchin said he and Trump had “talked about taxes.”
“I think the other thing — very big focus — is regulatory changes, looking at the creation of an infrastructure bank to fund infrastructure investments. So, there’s a lot of things to do and I’d say the economic priorities are clearly taxes, regulatory, trade, and infrastructure.”“I think the other thing — very big focus — is regulatory changes, looking at the creation of an infrastructure bank to fund infrastructure investments. So, there’s a lot of things to do and I’d say the economic priorities are clearly taxes, regulatory, trade, and infrastructure.”
Mnuchin later added:Mnuchin later added:
“Right now we’re just still in the planning stages, as you can see, we want to be in a position where in the first 100 days we can execute the economic plan.”“Right now we’re just still in the planning stages, as you can see, we want to be in a position where in the first 100 days we can execute the economic plan.”
Mnuchin was also asked when the transition team would hold a press conference. He said he was “not commenting.” Mnuchin was also asked about staffing and when Trump would announce an economic team.Mnuchin was also asked when the transition team would hold a press conference. He said he was “not commenting.” Mnuchin was also asked about staffing and when Trump would announce an economic team.
“I’m really focused on the policies right now and getting things done,” Mnuchin said.“I’m really focused on the policies right now and getting things done,” Mnuchin said.
Senator Jeff Sessions arrived at Trump Tower at about 10:02 am toting a rolling suitcase.Senator Jeff Sessions arrived at Trump Tower at about 10:02 am toting a rolling suitcase.
He was asked if there would be any announcements today.He was asked if there would be any announcements today.
“I don’t think so,” Sessions said.“I don’t think so,” Sessions said.
Kellyanne Conway arrived at about 10:07 am. She walked over to the elevators from somewhere within Trump Tower. Conway declined to come over and speak to the press though she waved and gave a thumbs up.Kellyanne Conway arrived at about 10:07 am. She walked over to the elevators from somewhere within Trump Tower. Conway declined to come over and speak to the press though she waved and gave a thumbs up.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.17pm GMTat 3.17pm GMT
3.08pm GMT3.08pm GMT
15:0815:08
We don’t know that Trump will use the White House to enrich himself and his family and cronies, but anyone who has observed how he pays taxes or runs his foundation and casinos and businesses, or who has come face-to-face with the fact that for Trump, nothing is absolute – contracts, facts, settled history, videotaped incidents, your hand in front of your face – any such person might see a serious potential for corruption ahead:We don’t know that Trump will use the White House to enrich himself and his family and cronies, but anyone who has observed how he pays taxes or runs his foundation and casinos and businesses, or who has come face-to-face with the fact that for Trump, nothing is absolute – contracts, facts, settled history, videotaped incidents, your hand in front of your face – any such person might see a serious potential for corruption ahead:
The coming orgy of corruption isn't an alternative to Trump's authoritarianism, it's the natural complement https://t.co/uHmJCQ8mbTThe coming orgy of corruption isn't an alternative to Trump's authoritarianism, it's the natural complement https://t.co/uHmJCQ8mbT
The really important thing is that he doesn't use a private email server for any of this. https://t.co/Vr20dswgsmThe really important thing is that he doesn't use a private email server for any of this. https://t.co/Vr20dswgsm
2.49pm GMT2.49pm GMT
14:4914:49
Barack Obama in Athens: ‘Democracy can be complicated’ – videoBarack Obama in Athens: ‘Democracy can be complicated’ – video
2.46pm GMT2.46pm GMT
14:4614:46
Former Maryland governor and presidential candidate Martin O’Malley has withdrawn from contention to be new chairman of the Democratic national committee.Former Maryland governor and presidential candidate Martin O’Malley has withdrawn from contention to be new chairman of the Democratic national committee.
While I'm grateful to the friends who have urged me to consider running for DNC Chair, I will not be seeking our Party's Chairmanship (2/2)While I'm grateful to the friends who have urged me to consider running for DNC Chair, I will not be seeking our Party's Chairmanship (2/2)
Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota has emerged as the frontrunner for the post, with the support of close ally Bernie Sanders, outgoing senate minority leader Harry Reid, (probable) incoming senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and others.Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota has emerged as the frontrunner for the post, with the support of close ally Bernie Sanders, outgoing senate minority leader Harry Reid, (probable) incoming senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and others.
The Washington Post published a story Tuesday on various potential controversies attached to Ellison:The Washington Post published a story Tuesday on various potential controversies attached to Ellison:
Earlier in his career, Ellison apologized for and/or backed off a number of controversial statements and politically dicey moves, from likening George W. Bush’s consolidation of power post-9/11 to the rise of Adolf Hitler, to defending the leader of the National of Islam, to labeling his 2012 reelection opponent a “lowlife scumbag.” These comments have rarely been an issue for Ellison in his safe Minneapolis-based district, but now that he’s competing to lead the Democratic Party, they’ve resurfaced.Earlier in his career, Ellison apologized for and/or backed off a number of controversial statements and politically dicey moves, from likening George W. Bush’s consolidation of power post-9/11 to the rise of Adolf Hitler, to defending the leader of the National of Islam, to labeling his 2012 reelection opponent a “lowlife scumbag.” These comments have rarely been an issue for Ellison in his safe Minneapolis-based district, but now that he’s competing to lead the Democratic Party, they’ve resurfaced.
In the Trump era, is it daft even to speculate that a 10-year-old comment by Ellison about George W Bush might disqualify him for a political leadership role?In the Trump era, is it daft even to speculate that a 10-year-old comment by Ellison about George W Bush might disqualify him for a political leadership role?
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.46pm GMTat 2.46pm GMT
1.38pm GMT1.38pm GMT
13:3813:38
Morning summaryMorning summary
Hello and welcome to our live-wire coverage of US politics. President-elect Donald Trump has spent his morning contradicting reports that personnel firings have left his transition team in disarray:Hello and welcome to our live-wire coverage of US politics. President-elect Donald Trump has spent his morning contradicting reports that personnel firings have left his transition team in disarray:
Trump specifically takes issue with a New York Times report that US allies are “struggling to make contact” because his team has jettisoned protocol:Trump specifically takes issue with a New York Times report that US allies are “struggling to make contact” because his team has jettisoned protocol:
Prominent American allies were in the meantime scrambling to figure out how and when to contact Mr. Trump. At times, they have been patched through to him in his luxury office tower with little warning, according to a Western diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity to detail private conversations.Prominent American allies were in the meantime scrambling to figure out how and when to contact Mr. Trump. At times, they have been patched through to him in his luxury office tower with little warning, according to a Western diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity to detail private conversations.
Trump asserts that the report is wrong:Trump asserts that the report is wrong:
The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders.The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders.
I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan,I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan,
Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me.Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me.
Trump does not address security clearances for KushnerTrump does not address security clearances for Kushner
Finally, Trump contradicts a story his team had previously contradicted in a statement, that he was seeking top security clearances for his children.Finally, Trump contradicts a story his team had previously contradicted in a statement, that he was seeking top security clearances for his children.
But Trump does not address the latest twist in the story, from last night, when NBC News reported that Trump had sought top-level security clearance for his son-in-law, Jared Kushner:But Trump does not address the latest twist in the story, from last night, when NBC News reported that Trump had sought top-level security clearance for his son-in-law, Jared Kushner:
Trump team has asked for son in law Jared Kushner to have top secret clearance for Presidential Daily Brief no precedent for thatTrump team has asked for son in law Jared Kushner to have top secret clearance for Presidential Daily Brief no precedent for that
I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typically false news story.I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typically false news story.
Trump grabs dinnerTrump grabs dinner
Trump gave his protective press pool the slip last night to grab dinner at the 21 Club, which is a few blocks south of Trump tower:Trump gave his protective press pool the slip last night to grab dinner at the 21 Club, which is a few blocks south of Trump tower:
Thank you for reading and please join us in the comments.Thank you for reading and please join us in the comments.