This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2018/dec/07/trump-mueller-kelly-live-latest-news-updates-russia-investigation-us-politics-today

The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Trump to nominate new attorney general and UN ambassador as Kelly eyes exit – live Trump to nominate new attorney general and UN ambassador as Kelly eyes exit – live
(35 minutes later)
More staff changes in the works?
Donald Trump told reporters he will have another announcement at Saturday’s Army-Navy game. The latter is a longstanding contest between the two academies’ American college football teams, for the uninitiated.
The president is set to handle the coin toss at the game, but it looks like he’s also planning to throw a curve ball. (Yes, I just employed a baseball pun while discussing a football game ... I regret nothing.)
“I can give you a little hint: It will have to do with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and succession,” Trump said of his plans.
What that means is anyone’s guess. As is often the case, the Defense Department appears to have no idea what Trump is talking about.
What could go wrong?
Pardon the interruption. No, really.
Bill Barr, Trump's new AG pick, literally oversaw--as AG!--George H.W. Bush's slew of pardons for the Iran-Contra scandal, including a pardon of former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger *before his trial even began*. The light is flashing red, folks.https://t.co/ZdVqr9uWJU
The reaction to Donald Trump’s nomination of William Barr as his next attorney general has fallen on familiar partisan lines.
Lindsey Graham, a Republican on the Senate judiciary committee and close ally of Trump’s, vowed to do “everything in [his] power” to push Barr’s nomination through.
“Mr. Barr is highly capable, highly respected and will provide new and much-needed leadership for the Department of Justice,” Graham, a senator from South Carolina, said in a statement.
He added: “Mr. Barr is a known quantity, a man of the highest integrity and character, and has an impeccable reputation.”
But Democrats on the committee expressed immediate reservations, stemming in part from Barr’s comments critical of the special counsel.
“I will demand that Mr. Barr make a firm and specific commitment to protect the Mueller investigation, operate independently of the White House, and uphold the rule of law,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
“The Senate must closely scrutinize this nominee, particularly in light of past comments suggesting Mr. Barr was more interested in currying favor with President Trump than objectively and thoughtfully analyzing law and facts.”
The ACLU pointed instead to Barr’s record on the issues, which the group said “suggests that he will follow Jeff Sessions’ legacy of hostility to civil rights and civil liberties”.
“The Senate must press Barr to adhere to the obligation of the Justice Department to defend the rights of all – immigrants, women, people of color, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities,” ACLU spokesman Faiz Shakir said.
“Barr must commit to defending the rule of law and civil rights, not serving as a political arm of Trump’s anti-constitutional agenda.”
As we mentioned earlier, Barr needs just a simple majority vote to be confirmed. With Republicans still in control of the Senate, it’s fairly safe to say he will soon be headed to the Justice Department.
Tired of Russia? Well, too bad.Tired of Russia? Well, too bad.
Former FBI director James Comey is testifying on Capitol Hill before the House judiciary and oversight committees.Former FBI director James Comey is testifying on Capitol Hill before the House judiciary and oversight committees.
The closed-door hearing will touch on both the Russia inquiry and Comey’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server as secretary of state. Comey at first resisted testifying in private, but he agreed after a deal was reached to release a transcript of the interview.The closed-door hearing will touch on both the Russia inquiry and Comey’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server as secretary of state. Comey at first resisted testifying in private, but he agreed after a deal was reached to release a transcript of the interview.
House Republicans are moving to end their own probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election before Democrats formally take control of the chamber in January.House Republicans are moving to end their own probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election before Democrats formally take control of the chamber in January.
Comey has been a vocal critic of Trump after he was fired by the president in May of 2017. His dismissal is a focal point for special counsel Robert Mueller, as investigators work to determine if Trump sought to obstruct justice in the Russia probe.Comey has been a vocal critic of Trump after he was fired by the president in May of 2017. His dismissal is a focal point for special counsel Robert Mueller, as investigators work to determine if Trump sought to obstruct justice in the Russia probe.
Here’s a video of Comey’s arrival on Capitol Hill:Here’s a video of Comey’s arrival on Capitol Hill:
moments ago -- James Comey, who is remarkably taller than I realized, arrived on Capitol Hill for his closed-door session with House Judiciary pic.twitter.com/S4SqNuAjMMmoments ago -- James Comey, who is remarkably taller than I realized, arrived on Capitol Hill for his closed-door session with House Judiciary pic.twitter.com/S4SqNuAjMM
Suffice it to say, he looks thrilled to be there.Suffice it to say, he looks thrilled to be there.
Speaking of All the President’s Men, former secretary of state Rex Tillerson is breaking his silence on his former boss and their notoriously fractious relationship.Speaking of All the President’s Men, former secretary of state Rex Tillerson is breaking his silence on his former boss and their notoriously fractious relationship.
Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil CEO who led the state department until March of this year, said he and Trump lacked a “common value system”.Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil CEO who led the state department until March of this year, said he and Trump lacked a “common value system”.
“It was challenging for me coming from the disciplined, highly process-oriented ExxonMobil Corporation to go to work for a man who is pretty undisciplined,” Tillerson said at a fundraiser in Houston on Thursday.“It was challenging for me coming from the disciplined, highly process-oriented ExxonMobil Corporation to go to work for a man who is pretty undisciplined,” Tillerson said at a fundraiser in Houston on Thursday.
He added that the president “doesn’t like to read, doesn’t read briefing reports, doesn’t like to get into the details of a lot of things, but rather just kind of says, ‘look, this is what I believe and you can try to convince me otherwise, but most of the time you’re not going to do that’”.He added that the president “doesn’t like to read, doesn’t read briefing reports, doesn’t like to get into the details of a lot of things, but rather just kind of says, ‘look, this is what I believe and you can try to convince me otherwise, but most of the time you’re not going to do that’”.
Trump famously dumped Tillerson in a tweet, in which the president named Mike Pompeo as his successor. Tillerson had long clashed with the president and once allegedly referred to his boss as a “moron” behind his back (with some more colorful language we won’t repeat here).Trump famously dumped Tillerson in a tweet, in which the president named Mike Pompeo as his successor. Tillerson had long clashed with the president and once allegedly referred to his boss as a “moron” behind his back (with some more colorful language we won’t repeat here).
Tillerson, who has kept a relatively low profile since leaving the administration, said he was often forced to push back on the president and his many, many impulses.Tillerson, who has kept a relatively low profile since leaving the administration, said he was often forced to push back on the president and his many, many impulses.
“When the president would say, ‘Here’s what I want to do, and here’s how I want to do it,’ and I’d have to say to him, ‘Well, Mr. President, I understand what you want to do but you can’t do it that way,’” Tillerson said.“When the president would say, ‘Here’s what I want to do, and here’s how I want to do it,’ and I’d have to say to him, ‘Well, Mr. President, I understand what you want to do but you can’t do it that way,’” Tillerson said.
“It violates the law, it violates the treaty, you know.”“It violates the law, it violates the treaty, you know.”
Lights out for John Kelly? While no formal announcement has been made about the chief of staff’s fate, there is something afoot at the White House...Lights out for John Kelly? While no formal announcement has been made about the chief of staff’s fate, there is something afoot at the White House...
Senior staff meeting canceled. Lights are off in Kelly’s office this morning, per a senior admin official. But as of an hour ago, he hadn’t been fired or resigned. There is a staff holiday dinner tonight that aides still expect him to attend. https://t.co/GzbNuO0HRjSenior staff meeting canceled. Lights are off in Kelly’s office this morning, per a senior admin official. But as of an hour ago, he hadn’t been fired or resigned. There is a staff holiday dinner tonight that aides still expect him to attend. https://t.co/GzbNuO0HRj
Trump is due to depart for an extended holiday stay at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida later this month. Is the president cleaning house before the new year? Time will tell.Trump is due to depart for an extended holiday stay at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida later this month. Is the president cleaning house before the new year? Time will tell.
Donald Trump has confirmed he will nominate Heather Nauert as the next ambassador to the United Nations.Donald Trump has confirmed he will nominate Heather Nauert as the next ambassador to the United Nations.
The president informed reporters of his decision at the White House on Friday, elevating to the role a former Fox News anchor whose political background remains limited to serving as the spokeswoman for the state department.The president informed reporters of his decision at the White House on Friday, elevating to the role a former Fox News anchor whose political background remains limited to serving as the spokeswoman for the state department.
If confirmed, Nauert will replace outgoing UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her resignation in October.If confirmed, Nauert will replace outgoing UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her resignation in October.
While Haley was overwhelmingly confirmed to the post in the early days of the Trump administration, Nauert is likely to face a more contentious hearing before the Senate due to her lack of policy-making experience. She has served as the state department spokeswoman since April 2017, and was named this year as the acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs.While Haley was overwhelmingly confirmed to the post in the early days of the Trump administration, Nauert is likely to face a more contentious hearing before the Senate due to her lack of policy-making experience. She has served as the state department spokeswoman since April 2017, and was named this year as the acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs.
Nauert emerged as a favorite for the UN role shortly after Haley’s departure and met with Trump in late October. The president subsequently praised Nauert as “excellent”, telling reporters: “She’s been with us a long time She’s been a supporter for a long time.”Nauert emerged as a favorite for the UN role shortly after Haley’s departure and met with Trump in late October. The president subsequently praised Nauert as “excellent”, telling reporters: “She’s been with us a long time She’s been a supporter for a long time.”
Trump was reportedly seeking someone who would prove to be loyal and felt he could trust Nauert. The White House at times clashed with Haley, stemming in part from her willingness to publicly disagree with the president.Trump was reportedly seeking someone who would prove to be loyal and felt he could trust Nauert. The White House at times clashed with Haley, stemming in part from her willingness to publicly disagree with the president.
Donald Trump will nominate William Barr as attorney general, the president confirmed on Friday.Donald Trump will nominate William Barr as attorney general, the president confirmed on Friday.
“He was my first choice since day one,” Trump told reporters at the White House of Barr, who held the role under the late President George HW Bush. “He’ll be nominated.”“He was my first choice since day one,” Trump told reporters at the White House of Barr, who held the role under the late President George HW Bush. “He’ll be nominated.”
Barr served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993. His potential return to the role comes one month after the firing of Jeff Sessions, whose relationship with the president grew contentious over the Russia investigation.Barr served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993. His potential return to the role comes one month after the firing of Jeff Sessions, whose relationship with the president grew contentious over the Russia investigation.
The search for a replacement was escalated after Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general was beset by controversy and declared by some legal experts as unconstitutional. Whitaker, who has not been confirmed by the Senate, drew headlines for his prior criticism of the special counsel investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.The search for a replacement was escalated after Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general was beset by controversy and declared by some legal experts as unconstitutional. Whitaker, who has not been confirmed by the Senate, drew headlines for his prior criticism of the special counsel investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
Barr has also expressed skepticism of the Russia inquiry and encouraged a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton’s dealings as secretary of state, in what would surely be a sticking point for Democrats if he is nominated. He also defended Trump’s firing of FBI director James Comey in an op-ed, and has said special counsel Robert Mueller’s team lacks balance.Barr has also expressed skepticism of the Russia inquiry and encouraged a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton’s dealings as secretary of state, in what would surely be a sticking point for Democrats if he is nominated. He also defended Trump’s firing of FBI director James Comey in an op-ed, and has said special counsel Robert Mueller’s team lacks balance.
The White House is hopeful that Barr’s experience, which also includes a stints at the CIA and in the Reagan administration, will help steer his nomination past the Senate. The question is whether Barr would pass Trump’s loyalty test – which proved to be Sessions’ undoing, after the latter recused himself from overseeing the Russia investigation.The White House is hopeful that Barr’s experience, which also includes a stints at the CIA and in the Reagan administration, will help steer his nomination past the Senate. The question is whether Barr would pass Trump’s loyalty test – which proved to be Sessions’ undoing, after the latter recused himself from overseeing the Russia investigation.
In a 1992 speech, Barr made clear an attorney general’s oath was not to the president, but to the country.In a 1992 speech, Barr made clear an attorney general’s oath was not to the president, but to the country.
“The attorney general’s oath to uphold the constitution raises the question whether his duty lies ultimately with the president who appointed him or more abstractly with the rule of law,” I said in my confirmation hearings, and have said several times since, that the attorney general’s ultimate allegiance must be to the rule of law.”“The attorney general’s oath to uphold the constitution raises the question whether his duty lies ultimately with the president who appointed him or more abstractly with the rule of law,” I said in my confirmation hearings, and have said several times since, that the attorney general’s ultimate allegiance must be to the rule of law.”
Hello there! Sabrina Siddiqui here taking over the blog on what is already shaping up to be an eventful Friday!Hello there! Sabrina Siddiqui here taking over the blog on what is already shaping up to be an eventful Friday!
We have rumors of a White House shakeup, key sentencing memos in the Russia investigation and rumblings of a new attorney general in waiting... all of which is to say, there’s never a dull day in Trump’s Washington. Buckle up, we’re in for quite a ride!We have rumors of a White House shakeup, key sentencing memos in the Russia investigation and rumblings of a new attorney general in waiting... all of which is to say, there’s never a dull day in Trump’s Washington. Buckle up, we’re in for quite a ride!
Two White House aides, political director Bill Stepien and office of public liaison director Justin Clark, are leaving the government jobs to work on Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, per AP.Two White House aides, political director Bill Stepien and office of public liaison director Justin Clark, are leaving the government jobs to work on Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, per AP.
Both men worked on Trump’s 2016 campaign.Both men worked on Trump’s 2016 campaign.
House Republicans are preparing to interview former FBI director James Comey in closed door testimony Friday.House Republicans are preparing to interview former FBI director James Comey in closed door testimony Friday.
Comey had fought the subpoena, saying he wanted the questioning to be public. But he ultimately agreed to appear, after a deal was reached that he would be free to speak publicly about his testimony and a transcript will be released after the session.Comey had fought the subpoena, saying he wanted the questioning to be public. But he ultimately agreed to appear, after a deal was reached that he would be free to speak publicly about his testimony and a transcript will be released after the session.
Republicans, who will lose control of the House in January, are wrapping up a years-long probe into the actions of the Justice Department and the FBI during the 2016 presidential election.Republicans, who will lose control of the House in January, are wrapping up a years-long probe into the actions of the Justice Department and the FBI during the 2016 presidential election.
Donald Trump’s legal team plans to produce a rebuttal to special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, the president said Friday. They’ve already written 87 pages before Mueller reveals what he has.Donald Trump’s legal team plans to produce a rebuttal to special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, the president said Friday. They’ve already written 87 pages before Mueller reveals what he has.
It has been incorrectly reported that Rudy Giuliani and others will not be doing a counter to the Mueller Report. That is Fake News. Already 87 pages done, but obviously cannot complete until we see the final Witch Hunt Report.It has been incorrectly reported that Rudy Giuliani and others will not be doing a counter to the Mueller Report. That is Fake News. Already 87 pages done, but obviously cannot complete until we see the final Witch Hunt Report.
Trump appears to be responding to reports that the White House does not have a plan for how to respond to the Mueller report.Trump appears to be responding to reports that the White House does not have a plan for how to respond to the Mueller report.
One of the Democratic party’s top fundraisers will back Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke if he runs for president.One of the Democratic party’s top fundraisers will back Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke if he runs for president.
Financier Louis Susman told CNN he would raise money for a bid by O’Rourke, who gained a national profile with an unsuccessful Senate race against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.Financier Louis Susman told CNN he would raise money for a bid by O’Rourke, who gained a national profile with an unsuccessful Senate race against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
“It’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said. “I have nothing against the Bidens and Kerrys of the world and all of these senators that are looking at it, but I think the Beto example is what inspired people and what we are going to need.”“It’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said. “I have nothing against the Bidens and Kerrys of the world and all of these senators that are looking at it, but I think the Beto example is what inspired people and what we are going to need.”
Nick Ayers, now the chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, is reportedly the top candidate to become White House chief of staff. The Huffington Post ran a detailed profile of Ayers earlier this year, noting that he has developed a knack for staying on Trump’s good side.Nick Ayers, now the chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, is reportedly the top candidate to become White House chief of staff. The Huffington Post ran a detailed profile of Ayers earlier this year, noting that he has developed a knack for staying on Trump’s good side.
He’s also had some questionable financial dealings, not immediately selling his lucrative consulting business, C5 Creative Solutions, when he came to work at the White House, as previous administrations would have required. He also got a broad ethics waiver allowing him to talk to former clients. In his mid 30s, he has reported a personal net worth between $12 million and just over $54 million.He’s also had some questionable financial dealings, not immediately selling his lucrative consulting business, C5 Creative Solutions, when he came to work at the White House, as previous administrations would have required. He also got a broad ethics waiver allowing him to talk to former clients. In his mid 30s, he has reported a personal net worth between $12 million and just over $54 million.
Ahead of the expected release of new information in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation Friday, Donald Trump launched a new tirade on Twitter against the investigator in the early morning hours.Ahead of the expected release of new information in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation Friday, Donald Trump launched a new tirade on Twitter against the investigator in the early morning hours.
Trump alleged that Mueller and former FBI director James Comey are “Best Friends,” which he called a conflict of interest. In fact, associates say that while the men have a good relationship they are not personal friends and don’t socialize outside of work functions, according to the Washington Post.Trump alleged that Mueller and former FBI director James Comey are “Best Friends,” which he called a conflict of interest. In fact, associates say that while the men have a good relationship they are not personal friends and don’t socialize outside of work functions, according to the Washington Post.
Trump also attacked Andrew Weissman, who led the prosecution of his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, saying he “wrongly destroyed people’s lives.”Trump also attacked Andrew Weissman, who led the prosecution of his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, saying he “wrongly destroyed people’s lives.”
Court filings are expected to detail Friday what Manafort did to violate a prior plea agreement, which prosecutors say he broke by lying. Also Friday, federal prosecutors in New York are expected to file sentencing recommendations for Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer.Court filings are expected to detail Friday what Manafort did to violate a prior plea agreement, which prosecutors say he broke by lying. Also Friday, federal prosecutors in New York are expected to file sentencing recommendations for Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer.
Robert Mueller and Leakin’ Lyin’ James Comey are Best Friends, just one of many Mueller Conflicts of Interest. And bye the way, wasn’t the woman in charge of prosecuting Jerome Corsi (who I do not know) in charge of “legal” at the corrupt Clinton Foundation? A total Witch Hunt...Robert Mueller and Leakin’ Lyin’ James Comey are Best Friends, just one of many Mueller Conflicts of Interest. And bye the way, wasn’t the woman in charge of prosecuting Jerome Corsi (who I do not know) in charge of “legal” at the corrupt Clinton Foundation? A total Witch Hunt...
....Will Robert Mueller’s big time conflicts of interest be listed at the top of his Republicans only Report. Will Andrew Weissman’s horrible and vicious prosecutorial past be listed in the Report. He wrongly destroyed people’s lives, took down great companies, only to be............Will Robert Mueller’s big time conflicts of interest be listed at the top of his Republicans only Report. Will Andrew Weissman’s horrible and vicious prosecutorial past be listed in the Report. He wrongly destroyed people’s lives, took down great companies, only to be........
.....overturned, 9-0, in the United States Supreme Court. Doing same thing to people now. Will all of the substantial & many contributions made by the 17 Angry Democrats to the Campaign of Crooked Hillary be listed in top of Report. Will the people that worked for the Clinton.........overturned, 9-0, in the United States Supreme Court. Doing same thing to people now. Will all of the substantial & many contributions made by the 17 Angry Democrats to the Campaign of Crooked Hillary be listed in top of Report. Will the people that worked for the Clinton....
....Foundation be listed at the top of the Report? Will the scathing document written about Lyin’ James Comey, by the man in charge of the case, Rod Rosenstein (who also signed the FISA Warrant), be a big part of the Report? Isn’t Rod therefore totally conflicted? Will all of........Foundation be listed at the top of the Report? Will the scathing document written about Lyin’ James Comey, by the man in charge of the case, Rod Rosenstein (who also signed the FISA Warrant), be a big part of the Report? Isn’t Rod therefore totally conflicted? Will all of....
...the lying and leaking by the people doing the Report, & also Bruce Ohr (and his lovely wife Molly), Comey, Brennan, Clapper, & all of the many fired people of the FBI, be listed in the Report? Will the corruption within the DNC & Clinton Campaign be exposed?..And so much more!...the lying and leaking by the people doing the Report, & also Bruce Ohr (and his lovely wife Molly), Comey, Brennan, Clapper, & all of the many fired people of the FBI, be listed in the Report? Will the corruption within the DNC & Clinton Campaign be exposed?..And so much more!
White House chief of staff John Kelly is expected to resign in the coming days, CNN is reporting this morning.White House chief of staff John Kelly is expected to resign in the coming days, CNN is reporting this morning.
Kelly and Donald Trump have stopped speaking to each other in the last fews days, the network reports, adding that the two men have reached a stalemate in their relationship and neither party believes it is sustainable.Kelly and Donald Trump have stopped speaking to each other in the last fews days, the network reports, adding that the two men have reached a stalemate in their relationship and neither party believes it is sustainable.
Trump is actively looking for replacements. According to Axios and CNN, Nick Ayers, the chief of staff to Vice-President Mike Pence, is widely believed by West Wing officials to be the pick.Trump is actively looking for replacements. According to Axios and CNN, Nick Ayers, the chief of staff to Vice-President Mike Pence, is widely believed by West Wing officials to be the pick.
Back in July, Kelly announced to White House staff that Trump had asked him to stay on as chief of staff until at least 2020, when Trump is up for re-election, and he agreed.Back in July, Kelly announced to White House staff that Trump had asked him to stay on as chief of staff until at least 2020, when Trump is up for re-election, and he agreed.