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Trump not expected to declare national emergency in border speech, report says – live Trump not expected to declare national emergency in border speech, report says – live
(35 minutes later)
The Senate is now at 100 members as former Florida governor Rick Scott has been sworn in to represent the Sunshine State on Capitol Hill. Scott delayed taking his oath to serve the final five days of his gubernatorial term. The delay though dropped him three slots in seniority and leaves him the most junior senator in the chamber.
Rick Scott will be sworn into Senate by VP Pence today at 4pm. Former Florida GOP Governor who defeated Democratic Senator Bill Nelson will be 100th Senator in Senate of 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and 2 Independents.
Mitt Romney’s critical op-ed about Donald Trump in the Washington Post has upset a number of his new Republican colleagues.Mitt Romney’s critical op-ed about Donald Trump in the Washington Post has upset a number of his new Republican colleagues.
Politico reports that Senate Republicans were taken back at Romney’s criticism just before he was sworn in to be Utah’s junior senator.Politico reports that Senate Republicans were taken back at Romney’s criticism just before he was sworn in to be Utah’s junior senator.
Sen. David Perdue of Georgia, a close Trump ally, dismissed Romney’s op-ed as an “attempted character assassination” and “deeply disappointing,” dubbing Romney a potential “Jeff Flake on steroids” in his own Washington Post op-ed. Most Senate Republicans won’t go that far, but they aren’t particularly happy about how Romney chose to enter office.Sen. David Perdue of Georgia, a close Trump ally, dismissed Romney’s op-ed as an “attempted character assassination” and “deeply disappointing,” dubbing Romney a potential “Jeff Flake on steroids” in his own Washington Post op-ed. Most Senate Republicans won’t go that far, but they aren’t particularly happy about how Romney chose to enter office.
“Everybody’s got their strategy and their tactic. Mine is going to be to try and help the president and our country be successful. Mitt’s got a different take,” Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, a fellow freshman, said. “I haven’t talked to anybody that’s encouraged by” his approach.“Everybody’s got their strategy and their tactic. Mine is going to be to try and help the president and our country be successful. Mitt’s got a different take,” Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, a fellow freshman, said. “I haven’t talked to anybody that’s encouraged by” his approach.
“The timing was kind of curious,” said new Senate Majority Whip John Thune of South Dakota, who said Romney’s gravitas as a former GOP presidential nominee gives everything he says extra weight. “I wouldn’t have advised him to do it right now.”“The timing was kind of curious,” said new Senate Majority Whip John Thune of South Dakota, who said Romney’s gravitas as a former GOP presidential nominee gives everything he says extra weight. “I wouldn’t have advised him to do it right now.”
Billionaire Tom Steyer “will make an announcement concerning his political plans for 2019 and beyond” in Iowa tomorrow.Billionaire Tom Steyer “will make an announcement concerning his political plans for 2019 and beyond” in Iowa tomorrow.
Steyer who has been perhaps the largest single donor to progressive political causes in recent years has been mulling a presidential campaign.Steyer who has been perhaps the largest single donor to progressive political causes in recent years has been mulling a presidential campaign.
Possible 2020 presidential candidate Tom Steyer makes an announcement about an announcement. He'll be in Iowa tomorrow. #iacaucus pic.twitter.com/i2uAPDs0KRPossible 2020 presidential candidate Tom Steyer makes an announcement about an announcement. He'll be in Iowa tomorrow. #iacaucus pic.twitter.com/i2uAPDs0KR
Bernie Sanders will give his own response to the State of the Union after Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer do so tonight.Bernie Sanders will give his own response to the State of the Union after Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer do so tonight.
Bernie doing his own response tonight pic.twitter.com/ap2d5LCJgLBernie doing his own response tonight pic.twitter.com/ap2d5LCJgL
The Washington Post reports that Trump is not expected to declare a national emergency in his speech tonight. There had been speculation that Trump would attempt to do so in a desperate attempt to force wall construction without congressional authorization.The Washington Post reports that Trump is not expected to declare a national emergency in his speech tonight. There had been speculation that Trump would attempt to do so in a desperate attempt to force wall construction without congressional authorization.
And a senior White House official with knowledge of the speech said the plan is not to call for a national emergency but to further build a public case for the wall.And a senior White House official with knowledge of the speech said the plan is not to call for a national emergency but to further build a public case for the wall.
“It will not be that drastically different than what the president has said so far, but it’s to a bigger and different audience,” said the official, who requested anonymity to share plans that have not been made public.“It will not be that drastically different than what the president has said so far, but it’s to a bigger and different audience,” said the official, who requested anonymity to share plans that have not been made public.
Trump to make public case for border wall but not expected to declare emergency in Oval Office address https://t.co/Itw2plhrmLTrump to make public case for border wall but not expected to declare emergency in Oval Office address https://t.co/Itw2plhrmL
A new court filing by Paul Manafort failed to redact key information and revealed that he shared polling data from the Trump campaign with Konstantin Kilimnik, who is believed to be a Russian intelligence agent.A new court filing by Paul Manafort failed to redact key information and revealed that he shared polling data from the Trump campaign with Konstantin Kilimnik, who is believed to be a Russian intelligence agent.
The redactions were in a court filing in which Manafort blamed ill health for any inconsistent statements that he made to federal prosecutors and not a deliberate effort to obfuscate.The redactions were in a court filing in which Manafort blamed ill health for any inconsistent statements that he made to federal prosecutors and not a deliberate effort to obfuscate.
Manafort accused by Mueller of sharing 2016 polling data with Russian linked to Moscow intelligenceManafort accused by Mueller of sharing 2016 polling data with Russian linked to Moscow intelligence
Paul Manafort shared 2016 polling data with employee believed to be Russian intelligence, according to court filing https://t.co/1W8DD0dZejPaul Manafort shared 2016 polling data with employee believed to be Russian intelligence, according to court filing https://t.co/1W8DD0dZej
Alright folks, that’s it from Sabrina ... I’m now signing off and handing over the keys to my trusted colleague Ben Jacobs, who will take you right up to Trump’s televised address and break down everything in between.Alright folks, that’s it from Sabrina ... I’m now signing off and handing over the keys to my trusted colleague Ben Jacobs, who will take you right up to Trump’s televised address and break down everything in between.
Stay tuned!Stay tuned!
As the president prepares to declare a ‘crisis’ along the US-Mexico border, his 2020 re-election campaign is giving us a preview of what’s in store ... and raising money off of it in the process.As the president prepares to declare a ‘crisis’ along the US-Mexico border, his 2020 re-election campaign is giving us a preview of what’s in store ... and raising money off of it in the process.
An email from Trump to supporters reads: “I want to make one thing clear to Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi: Your safety is not a political game or a negotiation tactic!”An email from Trump to supporters reads: “I want to make one thing clear to Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi: Your safety is not a political game or a negotiation tactic!”
It then goes on to ask for donations and emphasizes the need to raise $500,000 in one day for what is billed as the ‘Official Secure the Border Fund’. (Spoiler: It’s really just the re-elect Donald Trump fund.)It then goes on to ask for donations and emphasizes the need to raise $500,000 in one day for what is billed as the ‘Official Secure the Border Fund’. (Spoiler: It’s really just the re-elect Donald Trump fund.)
Secretary of state Mike Pompeo meanwhile said he has seen Trump’s prepared remarks and expects the president to make “a lot of news”. It almost seems likes this entire spectacle is designed to take over the news cycle.Secretary of state Mike Pompeo meanwhile said he has seen Trump’s prepared remarks and expects the president to make “a lot of news”. It almost seems likes this entire spectacle is designed to take over the news cycle.
This seems a more apt take of what’s really going on:This seems a more apt take of what’s really going on:
There are numerous examples of presidential addresses made to calm a frightened public. This will be the first to frighten a calm public.There are numerous examples of presidential addresses made to calm a frightened public. This will be the first to frighten a calm public.
House Democrats on Tuesday will introduce legislation to expand background checks on firearm sales, giving national attention once more to the polarizing issue of America’s gun laws.House Democrats on Tuesday will introduce legislation to expand background checks on firearm sales, giving national attention once more to the polarizing issue of America’s gun laws.
The bill will be introduced by House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative Mike Thompson, the head of a task force aimed at reducing gun violence, and former Representative Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head in a 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona.The bill will be introduced by House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative Mike Thompson, the head of a task force aimed at reducing gun violence, and former Representative Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head in a 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona.
The proposal will require background checks on almost all commercial sales, including private sales at gun shows, as well as on other transfers. Its goal is to close many of the well-known loopholes in the federal background checks system that gun control advocates say have enabled those with criminal or mental health histories to obtain a firearm.The proposal will require background checks on almost all commercial sales, including private sales at gun shows, as well as on other transfers. Its goal is to close many of the well-known loopholes in the federal background checks system that gun control advocates say have enabled those with criminal or mental health histories to obtain a firearm.
While the measure will likely have broad support among Democrats, and would easily pass the House under their newfound majority, it will almost certainly be blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate. Democrats in the Senate plan to introduce companion legislation to complement the House bill.While the measure will likely have broad support among Democrats, and would easily pass the House under their newfound majority, it will almost certainly be blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate. Democrats in the Senate plan to introduce companion legislation to complement the House bill.
Anti-gun violence advocates nonetheless hailed the introduction of the bill as a major step forward after years of inaction on Capitol Hill.Anti-gun violence advocates nonetheless hailed the introduction of the bill as a major step forward after years of inaction on Capitol Hill.
The Guardian’s Lois Beckett has more here.The Guardian’s Lois Beckett has more here.
2020 Watch: Kamala Harris, the senator from California, released her memoir on Tuesday titled The Truths We Hold: An American Journey.2020 Watch: Kamala Harris, the senator from California, released her memoir on Tuesday titled The Truths We Hold: An American Journey.
The book chronicles Harris’ upbringing as the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, her unexpected rise in US politics and current policy vision for the country.The book chronicles Harris’ upbringing as the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, her unexpected rise in US politics and current policy vision for the country.
One anecdote making the rounds from Harris’ book details the time she phoned John Kelly, then the secretary of the department of homeland security, at his home to inquire about Donald Trump’s travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.One anecdote making the rounds from Harris’ book details the time she phoned John Kelly, then the secretary of the department of homeland security, at his home to inquire about Donald Trump’s travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.
Kelly, according to Harris’ account, was less than receptive to her call.Kelly, according to Harris’ account, was less than receptive to her call.
“There were a lot of ways Secretary Kelly could have shown responsiveness, a lot of information he could have provided,” Harris writes. “Indeed the American people had a right to this information, and, given my oversight role on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I intended to get it. Instead, he said gruffly, “Why are you calling me at home with this?” That was his chief concern. By the time we got off the phone, it was clear that he didn’t understand the depth of what was going on. He said he’d get back to me, but he never did.”“There were a lot of ways Secretary Kelly could have shown responsiveness, a lot of information he could have provided,” Harris writes. “Indeed the American people had a right to this information, and, given my oversight role on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I intended to get it. Instead, he said gruffly, “Why are you calling me at home with this?” That was his chief concern. By the time we got off the phone, it was clear that he didn’t understand the depth of what was going on. He said he’d get back to me, but he never did.”
Although it’s widely considered to be a platform for Harris to launch a presidential campaign, the senator told NPR while promoting the memoir that she was “not prepared to make any announcement at the moment”.Although it’s widely considered to be a platform for Harris to launch a presidential campaign, the senator told NPR while promoting the memoir that she was “not prepared to make any announcement at the moment”.
Natalia Veselnitskaya, the Russian lawyer who attended the infamous June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower during the presidential campaign, has been charged by US authorities with obstruction of justice.Natalia Veselnitskaya, the Russian lawyer who attended the infamous June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower during the presidential campaign, has been charged by US authorities with obstruction of justice.
The indictment, which was unsealed on Tuesday by the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, is separate from the special counsel investigation of Russian interference in the US election and potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.The indictment, which was unsealed on Tuesday by the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, is separate from the special counsel investigation of Russian interference in the US election and potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
The Guardian’s Jon Swaine reports:The Guardian’s Jon Swaine reports:
Natalia Veselnitskaya is accused of fabricating evidence in a US money-laundering case she was working on when she visited Trump Tower in June 2016 to meet senior Trump advisers including his son Donald Jr and son-in-law Jared Kushner.Natalia Veselnitskaya is accused of fabricating evidence in a US money-laundering case she was working on when she visited Trump Tower in June 2016 to meet senior Trump advisers including his son Donald Jr and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Federal prosecutors in New York said on Tuesday that Veselnitskaya and a senior Russian official drafted a bogus investigation report that she presented in court as supposed evidence that exonerated her client, Prevezon.Federal prosecutors in New York said on Tuesday that Veselnitskaya and a senior Russian official drafted a bogus investigation report that she presented in court as supposed evidence that exonerated her client, Prevezon.
The US attorney in Manhattan, Geoffrey Berman, said in a statement that acts like Veselnitskaya’s “undermines the integrity of the judicial process” and threatens the enforcement of justice.The US attorney in Manhattan, Geoffrey Berman, said in a statement that acts like Veselnitskaya’s “undermines the integrity of the judicial process” and threatens the enforcement of justice.
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
It’s safe to say we know what to expect from both Donald Trump and Democrats in their back-to-back Tuesday night speeches on the government shutdown.It’s safe to say we know what to expect from both Donald Trump and Democrats in their back-to-back Tuesday night speeches on the government shutdown.
But where does the American public stand?But where does the American public stand?
According to a new CNN analysis, not with the president.According to a new CNN analysis, not with the president.
An average of polls found that roughly half of Americans think Trump is to blame for the shutdown -- the third under his watch -- while just 35% fault congressional Democrats.An average of polls found that roughly half of Americans think Trump is to blame for the shutdown -- the third under his watch -- while just 35% fault congressional Democrats.
About 5% think Republicans in Congress are most to blame, which is not particularly surprising given their newfound minority in the House of Representatives. Given Trump is at the helm of the Republican Party, the average taken together shows 55% believe the president and Republicans are to blame.About 5% think Republicans in Congress are most to blame, which is not particularly surprising given their newfound minority in the House of Representatives. Given Trump is at the helm of the Republican Party, the average taken together shows 55% believe the president and Republicans are to blame.
Trump’s approval rating stands at just 41%, further weakening his leverage in the fight.Trump’s approval rating stands at just 41%, further weakening his leverage in the fight.
Meanwhile, an overwhelming 70% of Americans want the president to reach a compromise with Congress, according to a separate poll released by The Hill-HarrisX on Monday. The latter survey also found that only Trump’s most ardent supporters stand with him on his demand for a wall along the US-Mexico border.Meanwhile, an overwhelming 70% of Americans want the president to reach a compromise with Congress, according to a separate poll released by The Hill-HarrisX on Monday. The latter survey also found that only Trump’s most ardent supporters stand with him on his demand for a wall along the US-Mexico border.
Get ready for Chuck and Nancy.Get ready for Chuck and Nancy.
The official Democratic response to Donald Trump’s televised address to the nation will be delivered by Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.The official Democratic response to Donald Trump’s televised address to the nation will be delivered by Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.
The move by Democrats to offer a rebuttal came after all major US networks and news channels heeded the White House’s request to carry Trump’s remarks live.The move by Democrats to offer a rebuttal came after all major US networks and news channels heeded the White House’s request to carry Trump’s remarks live.
In a joint statement on Monday, Schumer and Pelosi called for Democrats to be given equal airtime. The networks subsequently agreed.In a joint statement on Monday, Schumer and Pelosi called for Democrats to be given equal airtime. The networks subsequently agreed.
It was not immediately clear who would deliver the counter-speech on behalf of Democrats, but it was confirmed on Tuesday that it will be none other than Schumer and Pelosi themselves.It was not immediately clear who would deliver the counter-speech on behalf of Democrats, but it was confirmed on Tuesday that it will be none other than Schumer and Pelosi themselves.
The two leaders will speak to cameras from the US Capitol.The two leaders will speak to cameras from the US Capitol.
Negotiations between the White House and Democrats in Congress over reopening the government remained at a standstill this week.Negotiations between the White House and Democrats in Congress over reopening the government remained at a standstill this week.
Democrats have maintained they will not support any legislation that allocates funding toward Trump’s border wall. The president has meanwhile refused to budge from his demand that the wall be built.Democrats have maintained they will not support any legislation that allocates funding toward Trump’s border wall. The president has meanwhile refused to budge from his demand that the wall be built.
Little is expected to change following Tuesday’s dueling speeches to the American public.Little is expected to change following Tuesday’s dueling speeches to the American public.
Speaking of presidential addresses, the decision by networks and cable news channels to carry Trump’s speech live has been met with criticism from some corners.Speaking of presidential addresses, the decision by networks and cable news channels to carry Trump’s speech live has been met with criticism from some corners.
Given the political nature of the president’s argument -- and the likelihood that his remarks will be replete with false or misleading claims -- some lashed out at the networks for giving Trump the airtime simply because he requested it.Given the political nature of the president’s argument -- and the likelihood that his remarks will be replete with false or misleading claims -- some lashed out at the networks for giving Trump the airtime simply because he requested it.
No networks should air Trump’s PR stunt tomorrow night. Don’t make his racist dog whistle louder. Take a stand. Retweet if you pledge to turn the channel if they air it. #DontWatchDonaldNo networks should air Trump’s PR stunt tomorrow night. Don’t make his racist dog whistle louder. Take a stand. Retweet if you pledge to turn the channel if they air it. #DontWatchDonald
Late night host Seth Meyers joined the chorus, stating in his show on Monday that the president “wants a primetime address to repeat his lies”.Late night host Seth Meyers joined the chorus, stating in his show on Monday that the president “wants a primetime address to repeat his lies”.
“First of all, just because Trump wants to address the nation doesn’t mean networks should air it,” Meyers said. “Otherwise, they’re just passing on his lies unfiltered. They should either reject him outright, or if he insists on speaking in primetime, make him do it as a contestant on The Masked Singer.”“First of all, just because Trump wants to address the nation doesn’t mean networks should air it,” Meyers said. “Otherwise, they’re just passing on his lies unfiltered. They should either reject him outright, or if he insists on speaking in primetime, make him do it as a contestant on The Masked Singer.”
Others can’t help but point out that when Barack Obama took to the airwaves to present his plan for comprehensive immigration reform in 2014, he was rebuffed by the major US television networks. (At the time, a network insider explained that the content of Obama’s speech was “overtly political”.)Others can’t help but point out that when Barack Obama took to the airwaves to present his plan for comprehensive immigration reform in 2014, he was rebuffed by the major US television networks. (At the time, a network insider explained that the content of Obama’s speech was “overtly political”.)
Some media reporters have said the Obama White House did not make a formal request at the time. Former Obama aides have countered they did not feel such a step was necessary.Some media reporters have said the Obama White House did not make a formal request at the time. Former Obama aides have countered they did not feel such a step was necessary.
In any case, Trump’s speech will be inherently political since its purpose is to defend his position in favor of a border wall in the midst of a government shutdown caused by an impasse over that precise demand.In any case, Trump’s speech will be inherently political since its purpose is to defend his position in favor of a border wall in the midst of a government shutdown caused by an impasse over that precise demand.
The networks have agreed to air a formal response by Democrats to lend balance to the debate.The networks have agreed to air a formal response by Democrats to lend balance to the debate.
You may have heard Donald Trump claim that previous presidents told him they should have built a wall along the US-Mexico border.You may have heard Donald Trump claim that previous presidents told him they should have built a wall along the US-Mexico border.
Here’s the moment in all its glory:Here’s the moment in all its glory:
There are four living ex-presidents. President Trump says "some of them" have told him we should have built a border wall in the past. pic.twitter.com/ReFDDlmKmpThere are four living ex-presidents. President Trump says "some of them" have told him we should have built a border wall in the past. pic.twitter.com/ReFDDlmKmp
Well, you may not believe it, but it turns out literally none of Trump’s living predecessors made any such statement. The offices of former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have all publicly denied that a conversation about the merits of a border wall took place.Well, you may not believe it, but it turns out literally none of Trump’s living predecessors made any such statement. The offices of former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have all publicly denied that a conversation about the merits of a border wall took place.
Vice president Mike Pence, ever the faithful employee of his boss, struggled to explain the basis of Trump’s claim in an interview with NBC’s Today show on Tuesday.Vice president Mike Pence, ever the faithful employee of his boss, struggled to explain the basis of Trump’s claim in an interview with NBC’s Today show on Tuesday.
“I know the president has said that was his impression from previous presidents,” Pence said.“I know the president has said that was his impression from previous presidents,” Pence said.
“I know I’ve seen clips of previous presidents talking about the importance of border security and talking about the issue of illegal immigration.”“I know I’ve seen clips of previous presidents talking about the importance of border security and talking about the issue of illegal immigration.”
When pressed by NBC’s Hallie Jackson on how that obviously differs from Trump’s predecessors telling him they regretted not building a border wall, Pence again deflected: “Look, honestly the American people want us to address this issue.”When pressed by NBC’s Hallie Jackson on how that obviously differs from Trump’s predecessors telling him they regretted not building a border wall, Pence again deflected: “Look, honestly the American people want us to address this issue.”
It’s too bad there’s no ‘Phone-a-Friend’ option in live interviews.It’s too bad there’s no ‘Phone-a-Friend’ option in live interviews.
As Trump prepares for his first Oval Office address as president, it might be pertinent to take a trip down memory lane and revisit how his predecessors treated such moments.As Trump prepares for his first Oval Office address as president, it might be pertinent to take a trip down memory lane and revisit how his predecessors treated such moments.
While it may be a rite of passage to address the nation from the iconic, oval-shaped room, the use of the Oval Office by presidents to make a primetime speech is an increasingly rare occurrence.While it may be a rite of passage to address the nation from the iconic, oval-shaped room, the use of the Oval Office by presidents to make a primetime speech is an increasingly rare occurrence.
And when the Oval Office is deployed for formal remarks, it typically connotes a major event that transcends political lines.And when the Oval Office is deployed for formal remarks, it typically connotes a major event that transcends political lines.
Trump, of course, is planning a speech for expressly political motives. The president will make the case for building a wall along the US-Mexico border after Democrats rebuffed his demand in what ultimately led to the third government shutdown under Trump’s watch.Trump, of course, is planning a speech for expressly political motives. The president will make the case for building a wall along the US-Mexico border after Democrats rebuffed his demand in what ultimately led to the third government shutdown under Trump’s watch.
As the shutdown enters its 18th day, Trump is hoping the gravitas of the Oval Office will help bolster his unfounded claim that there is an ‘emergency’ at the border -- the solution to which just so happens to be none other than his promised wall.As the shutdown enters its 18th day, Trump is hoping the gravitas of the Oval Office will help bolster his unfounded claim that there is an ‘emergency’ at the border -- the solution to which just so happens to be none other than his promised wall.
In 2010, Barack Obama used his first Oval Office address as president to lay out his response to the catastrophic BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He returned to the format that same year to announce the end of US combat operations in Iraq and only once more, in 2015, to discuss terrorism.In 2010, Barack Obama used his first Oval Office address as president to lay out his response to the catastrophic BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He returned to the format that same year to announce the end of US combat operations in Iraq and only once more, in 2015, to discuss terrorism.
If we go even further back in history, the Oval Office has been used for such historic moments as John F Kennedy discussing the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and Lyndon B. Johnson declaring in 1968 that he would not seek re-election. Richard Nixon famously announced his resignation as president from the Oval Office following the Watergate scandal in 1974.If we go even further back in history, the Oval Office has been used for such historic moments as John F Kennedy discussing the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and Lyndon B. Johnson declaring in 1968 that he would not seek re-election. Richard Nixon famously announced his resignation as president from the Oval Office following the Watergate scandal in 1974.
White House officials are billing Trump’s speech to be roughly seven minutes in length. That is, of course, if he sticks to script ... which has not always been his forte. All of the major US networks and news channels will carry the president’s remarks, which will be followed by a televised response from Democrats.White House officials are billing Trump’s speech to be roughly seven minutes in length. That is, of course, if he sticks to script ... which has not always been his forte. All of the major US networks and news channels will carry the president’s remarks, which will be followed by a televised response from Democrats.
So will it be history-in-the-making or just another episode of Trump’s reality TV presidency? We’ll find out at 9 p.m., but I’m going to go out on a limb and say not much will change.So will it be history-in-the-making or just another episode of Trump’s reality TV presidency? We’ll find out at 9 p.m., but I’m going to go out on a limb and say not much will change.
Donald Trump will argue in a nationwide address on Tuesday that the US-Mexico border is in a state of “crisis” that necessitates the wall he has long promised to build.Donald Trump will argue in a nationwide address on Tuesday that the US-Mexico border is in a state of “crisis” that necessitates the wall he has long promised to build.
The speech, which will mark Trump’s first from the Oval Office as president, comes as about 800,000 federal workers remain without pay amid a partial shutdown of the US government.The speech, which will mark Trump’s first from the Oval Office as president, comes as about 800,000 federal workers remain without pay amid a partial shutdown of the US government.
Key parts of the government shut down on 22 December 2018 after Democrats and Trump reached a gridlock over the president’s demand for $5.7bn in funding for the border wall.Key parts of the government shut down on 22 December 2018 after Democrats and Trump reached a gridlock over the president’s demand for $5.7bn in funding for the border wall.
Trump upped the ante this week by preparing to address the nation at 9pm on Tuesday. His remarks from the Oval Office will be carried by all major US broadcast networks and cable news channels.Trump upped the ante this week by preparing to address the nation at 9pm on Tuesday. His remarks from the Oval Office will be carried by all major US broadcast networks and cable news channels.
Previewing Trump’s comments, the vice-president, Mike Pence, told reporters “there is a humanitarian and national security crisis” at the border.Previewing Trump’s comments, the vice-president, Mike Pence, told reporters “there is a humanitarian and national security crisis” at the border.
“The passion you hear from President Trump, his determination to take this case to the American people, as he will tonight in his national broadcast from the Oval Office, comes from this president’s deep desire to do his job to protect the American people,” Pence added during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America.“The passion you hear from President Trump, his determination to take this case to the American people, as he will tonight in his national broadcast from the Oval Office, comes from this president’s deep desire to do his job to protect the American people,” Pence added during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America.
Immigration experts argue otherwise, pointing out that the rate of illegal border crossings has been in decline over the past decade. Last year, the population of undocumented immigrants in the US reached a 12-year low.Immigration experts argue otherwise, pointing out that the rate of illegal border crossings has been in decline over the past decade. Last year, the population of undocumented immigrants in the US reached a 12-year low.
Trump is nonetheless seeking to gain political leverage over Democrats as the closure of the federal government entered its 18th day, making it the third-longest shutdown on record.Trump is nonetheless seeking to gain political leverage over Democrats as the closure of the federal government entered its 18th day, making it the third-longest shutdown on record.
Democrats have insisted they will not hedge on their opposition to the wall and will start passing legislation in the House of Representatives this week aimed at reopening parts of the government. The bills are expected to be blocked by Senate Republicans, who have so far supported the president in his quest for wall funding.Democrats have insisted they will not hedge on their opposition to the wall and will start passing legislation in the House of Representatives this week aimed at reopening parts of the government. The bills are expected to be blocked by Senate Republicans, who have so far supported the president in his quest for wall funding.
Good morning everyone! Sabrina Siddiqui here, planning to take you through what promises to be yet another action-packed day.Good morning everyone! Sabrina Siddiqui here, planning to take you through what promises to be yet another action-packed day.
The big event: Donald Trump will deliver a primetime address laying out the justification (or so he says) for his promised wall along the US-Mexico border.The big event: Donald Trump will deliver a primetime address laying out the justification (or so he says) for his promised wall along the US-Mexico border.
The president’s comments will come as the shutdown of the US government enters its 18th day. Democrats are meanwhile planning a rebuttal to Trump’s speech, and suddenly it’s starting to feel like the State of the Union came early this year. (That one actually is coming up on 29 January, but more on that later...)The president’s comments will come as the shutdown of the US government enters its 18th day. Democrats are meanwhile planning a rebuttal to Trump’s speech, and suddenly it’s starting to feel like the State of the Union came early this year. (That one actually is coming up on 29 January, but more on that later...)
All of which is to say, watch this spot for key updates and analysis as the day goes on.All of which is to say, watch this spot for key updates and analysis as the day goes on.