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Trump backs away from declaring national emergency over wall – live Trump backs away from declaring national emergency over wall – live
(35 minutes later)
The White House has released this video from the meeting where Trump ditched his national emergency plan. It’s full of the same spurious statements and misdirection that has characterized Trump’s wall sale pitch. There is a guy wearing a cowboy hat though.
This afternoon, President Trump hosted a roundtable discussion with State, local, and community leaders, who spoke on how the crisis at the border is negatively impacting communities across our Nation. pic.twitter.com/GSwFen4Z69
Trump will likely be embarrassed about ending his very public pursuit of a national emergency.Trump will likely be embarrassed about ending his very public pursuit of a national emergency.
But spare a thought for Lindsey Graham, Trump foe-turned-Trump-sycophant, who was faithfully tagging along with the president’s national emergency line as recently as... two hours ago.But spare a thought for Lindsey Graham, Trump foe-turned-Trump-sycophant, who was faithfully tagging along with the president’s national emergency line as recently as... two hours ago.
Mr. President,Declare a national emergency NOW. Build a wall NOW.Mr. President,Declare a national emergency NOW. Build a wall NOW.
It’s extra embarrassing for Graham given he had been skeptical earlier this week about whether an emergency declaration would work, before shifting behind the idea. Oops!It’s extra embarrassing for Graham given he had been skeptical earlier this week about whether an emergency declaration would work, before shifting behind the idea. Oops!
More news is coming out re Trump’s national emergency reversal. According to numerous reporters Trump said this at his cabinet meeting today:More news is coming out re Trump’s national emergency reversal. According to numerous reporters Trump said this at his cabinet meeting today:
“This is where I ask the Democrats to come back to Washington and vote for money for the wall, the barrier. I don’t care what they name it. They can name it peaches.”“This is where I ask the Democrats to come back to Washington and vote for money for the wall, the barrier. I don’t care what they name it. They can name it peaches.”
Trump told reporters today that Democrats can call the wall "peaches" so long as they give him the money.Trump told reporters today that Democrats can call the wall "peaches" so long as they give him the money.
That’s quite a turnaround from Trump.That’s quite a turnaround from Trump.
On Thursday Trump was said to be consulting with lawyers over declaring a national emergency to appropriate money for the border wall – which would allow him to bypass Democrats in Congress.On Thursday Trump was said to be consulting with lawyers over declaring a national emergency to appropriate money for the border wall – which would allow him to bypass Democrats in Congress.
He claimed his lawyers had told him such a declaration would hold up to legal scrutiny “100%”.He claimed his lawyers had told him such a declaration would hold up to legal scrutiny “100%”.
“I have the absolute right to declare a national emergency,” Trump said on Thursday.“I have the absolute right to declare a national emergency,” Trump said on Thursday.
“I haven’t done it yet, I may do it. If this doesn’t work out, probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely.”“I haven’t done it yet, I may do it. If this doesn’t work out, probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely.”
Now Trump is urging Democrats to “come back and vote” – rather than attempting to go round them.Now Trump is urging Democrats to “come back and vote” – rather than attempting to go round them.
“We want Congress to do its job,” Trump said on Friday.“We want Congress to do its job,” Trump said on Friday.
Despite Trump’s assertions that he would be able to declare an emergency, legal scholars have questioned the president’s right to take such action. That legal ambiguity could have contributed to this about turn from Trump.Despite Trump’s assertions that he would be able to declare an emergency, legal scholars have questioned the president’s right to take such action. That legal ambiguity could have contributed to this about turn from Trump.
Donald Trump said on Friday that he does not plan to declare a national emergency – a day after suggesting he would “probably” do so.Donald Trump said on Friday that he does not plan to declare a national emergency – a day after suggesting he would “probably” do so.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting over the government shutdown and the border wall, Trump said: “What we’re not looking to do right now is national emergency.”Speaking at a cabinet meeting over the government shutdown and the border wall, Trump said: “What we’re not looking to do right now is national emergency.”
The president instead urged Democrats to “come back and vote” in Congress in a bid to end the government shutdown.The president instead urged Democrats to “come back and vote” in Congress in a bid to end the government shutdown.
Trump insisted he had the right to declare an emergency, but said: “I’m not going to do it so fast”, according to a White House pool reporter.Trump insisted he had the right to declare an emergency, but said: “I’m not going to do it so fast”, according to a White House pool reporter.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg has “no evidence” of remaining cancer, the Supreme Court said on Friday.Ruth Bader Ginsburg has “no evidence” of remaining cancer, the Supreme Court said on Friday.
In a statement the court said: “Post-surgery evaluation indicates no evidence of remaining disease, and no further treatment is required.”In a statement the court said: “Post-surgery evaluation indicates no evidence of remaining disease, and no further treatment is required.”
Ginsburg had surgery in December to remove two nodules from her lung.Ginsburg had surgery in December to remove two nodules from her lung.
“Justice Ginsburg will continue to work from home next week and will participate in the consideration and decision of the cases on the basis of the briefs and the transcripts of oral arguments,” the court said.“Justice Ginsburg will continue to work from home next week and will participate in the consideration and decision of the cases on the basis of the briefs and the transcripts of oral arguments,” the court said.
Steve King, the Republican congressman and Trump ally who on Thursday said he didn’t understand why the term “white supremacist” was offensive, has declared himself an “American nationalist” in a House speech.Steve King, the Republican congressman and Trump ally who on Thursday said he didn’t understand why the term “white supremacist” was offensive, has declared himself an “American nationalist” in a House speech.
In an interview with the New York Times King had said: “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?”In an interview with the New York Times King had said: “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?”
In his speech on Friday King did not dispute the quote. He said he was “an advocate for Western values”, adding:In his speech on Friday King did not dispute the quote. He said he was “an advocate for Western values”, adding:
“I’ve never been anti-immigrant, I’ve been anti-illegal immigrant and I remain that way,” King said.“I’ve never been anti-immigrant, I’ve been anti-illegal immigrant and I remain that way,” King said.
He described himself as “an advocate for western civilization’s values” and said:He described himself as “an advocate for western civilization’s values” and said:
“Under any fair political definition, I am simply an American nationalist.”“Under any fair political definition, I am simply an American nationalist.”
He added: “This conviction does not make me a white nationalist or white supremacist.”He added: “This conviction does not make me a white nationalist or white supremacist.”
King, who has long been criticized for statements perceived as racist, had drawn ire for telling the New York Times: “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?”King, who has long been criticized for statements perceived as racist, had drawn ire for telling the New York Times: “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?”
He added: “Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?”He added: “Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?”
The president’s first born son has been tweeting some sage advice in the middle of the government shutdown... Oh no wait: he’s actually been re-posting this video of a CNN figure getting run over by a golf cart.The president’s first born son has been tweeting some sage advice in the middle of the government shutdown... Oh no wait: he’s actually been re-posting this video of a CNN figure getting run over by a golf cart.
Spotted: Jim Acosta playing golf earlier today. pic.twitter.com/fi0nubIS2ISpotted: Jim Acosta playing golf earlier today. pic.twitter.com/fi0nubIS2I
Donald Trump has not built a single mile of new wall so far. Also this is stretching the definition of ‘beautiful’.Donald Trump has not built a single mile of new wall so far. Also this is stretching the definition of ‘beautiful’.
The Fake News Media keeps saying we haven’t built any NEW WALL. Below is a section just completed on the Border. Anti-climbing feature included. Very high, strong and beautiful! Also, many miles already renovated and in service! pic.twitter.com/UAAGXl5ByrThe Fake News Media keeps saying we haven’t built any NEW WALL. Below is a section just completed on the Border. Anti-climbing feature included. Very high, strong and beautiful! Also, many miles already renovated and in service! pic.twitter.com/UAAGXl5Byr
The House has passed a bill which would guarantee backpay to federal workers who have been impacted by the shutdown.The House has passed a bill which would guarantee backpay to federal workers who have been impacted by the shutdown.
The measure passed in the Senate last night. According to Mitch McConnell, Trump has said he will sign it.The measure passed in the Senate last night. According to Mitch McConnell, Trump has said he will sign it.
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers went unpaid today.Hundreds of thousands of federal workers went unpaid today.
Senate Democrats are also drafting a bill which would ensure government contractors, who have gone unpaid during the shutdown, would also get their money.Senate Democrats are also drafting a bill which would ensure government contractors, who have gone unpaid during the shutdown, would also get their money.
S&P Global estimate that the border wall shutdown has already cost the economy $3.6bn, and in another two weeks will have cost $6bn.S&P Global estimate that the border wall shutdown has already cost the economy $3.6bn, and in another two weeks will have cost $6bn.
Keen watchers will note that $6bn is more than the $5.7bn that Trump is demanding to build the wall.Keen watchers will note that $6bn is more than the $5.7bn that Trump is demanding to build the wall.
“We estimated that this shutdown could shave approximately $1.2 billion off real GDP in the quarter for each week that part of the government is closed,” said Beth Ann Bovino, S&P’s chief US economist, said in a widely circulated memo.“We estimated that this shutdown could shave approximately $1.2 billion off real GDP in the quarter for each week that part of the government is closed,” said Beth Ann Bovino, S&P’s chief US economist, said in a widely circulated memo.
“That may seem like pennies for the world’s biggest economy, but it means a lot to those workers trying to cover their household costs without their paychecks.”“That may seem like pennies for the world’s biggest economy, but it means a lot to those workers trying to cover their household costs without their paychecks.”
According to CNBC, Wells Fargo estimates the shutdown could be costing as much as $2bn a week.According to CNBC, Wells Fargo estimates the shutdown could be costing as much as $2bn a week.
An apparent response from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to that Politico article... citing hirsute British graphic novelist Alan Moore. Moore is known for his work on comic books such as Watchmen and V for Vendetta.An apparent response from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to that Politico article... citing hirsute British graphic novelist Alan Moore. Moore is known for his work on comic books such as Watchmen and V for Vendetta.
To quote Alan Moore: “None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with YOU. You're locked up in here with ME.” 🤣 https://t.co/8TCmKNJlkDTo quote Alan Moore: “None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with YOU. You're locked up in here with ME.” 🤣 https://t.co/8TCmKNJlkD
Donald Trump’s on deck, performing his greatest hits. Featuring Cryin’ Chuck, Wall, and So Much Other Big Trouble.Donald Trump’s on deck, performing his greatest hits. Featuring Cryin’ Chuck, Wall, and So Much Other Big Trouble.
Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border. I just got back and it is a far worse situation than almost anyone would understand, an invasion! I have been there numerous times - The Democrats, Cryin’ Chuck and Nancy don’t know how bad and dangerous it is for our ENTIRE COUNTRY....Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border. I just got back and it is a far worse situation than almost anyone would understand, an invasion! I have been there numerous times - The Democrats, Cryin’ Chuck and Nancy don’t know how bad and dangerous it is for our ENTIRE COUNTRY....
...The Steel Barrier, or Wall, should have been built by previous administrations long ago. They never got it done - I will. Without it, our Country cannot be safe. Criminals, Gangs, Human Traffickers, Drugs & so much other big trouble can easily pour in. It can be stopped cold!...The Steel Barrier, or Wall, should have been built by previous administrations long ago. They never got it done - I will. Without it, our Country cannot be safe. Criminals, Gangs, Human Traffickers, Drugs & so much other big trouble can easily pour in. It can be stopped cold!
A terminal at Miami International airport will be closed this weekend due to a lack of Transportation Security Administration workers.A terminal at Miami International airport will be closed this weekend due to a lack of Transportation Security Administration workers.
Security checkpoints at Terminal G, one of six at the airport, will close at 1pm Saturday, reopen on Sunday morning, then shut again at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. Travelers are also being encouraged to arrive extra early “due to uncertainties created by the lapse in federal government funding”.Security checkpoints at Terminal G, one of six at the airport, will close at 1pm Saturday, reopen on Sunday morning, then shut again at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. Travelers are also being encouraged to arrive extra early “due to uncertainties created by the lapse in federal government funding”.
“We felt we had to make a decision before the weekend,” said Greg Chin. “They’re erring on the side of caution.”“We felt we had to make a decision before the weekend,” said Greg Chin. “They’re erring on the side of caution.”
Chin said if the shutdown continues the airport may have to close checkpoints at two more terminals.Chin said if the shutdown continues the airport may have to close checkpoints at two more terminals.
A statement on the Miami airport website suggests checking TSA.gov for more info, but the TSA website has not been updated since December 21 – due to the shutdown.A statement on the Miami airport website suggests checking TSA.gov for more info, but the TSA website has not been updated since December 21 – due to the shutdown.
Democrats are apparently trying to rein in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, using an approach which Politico says is “part carrot, part stick”. But at the same time, many are fearful of the New Yorker, with some reportedly comparing her influence to that of Donald Trump.Democrats are apparently trying to rein in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, using an approach which Politico says is “part carrot, part stick”. But at the same time, many are fearful of the New Yorker, with some reportedly comparing her influence to that of Donald Trump.
Lawmakers and aides are said to be urging Ocasio-Cortez to rein in her attacks on fellow Democrats – in November the congresswoman said she would support an effort to recruit left-leaning primary challengers to incumbents – and warning her she needs to play along to get along.Lawmakers and aides are said to be urging Ocasio-Cortez to rein in her attacks on fellow Democrats – in November the congresswoman said she would support an effort to recruit left-leaning primary challengers to incumbents – and warning her she needs to play along to get along.
Democratic congressman Emanuel Cleaver told Politico that he was “sure Ms. Cortez means well, but there’s almost an outstanding rule: Don’t attack your own people”.Democratic congressman Emanuel Cleaver told Politico that he was “sure Ms. Cortez means well, but there’s almost an outstanding rule: Don’t attack your own people”.
He added: “We just don’t need sniping in our Democratic Caucus.”He added: “We just don’t need sniping in our Democratic Caucus.”
Two House Democratic sources compared her use of Twitter to Donald Trump’s. Just as congressional Republicans constantly withhold criticism of the president out of fear he’ll unleash a tweet at them, some Democrats have done the same with Ocasio-Cortez.Two House Democratic sources compared her use of Twitter to Donald Trump’s. Just as congressional Republicans constantly withhold criticism of the president out of fear he’ll unleash a tweet at them, some Democrats have done the same with Ocasio-Cortez.
“People are afraid of her,” said one senior Democratic aide.“People are afraid of her,” said one senior Democratic aide.
The latest edition of the Guardian’s podcast, Today in Focus, addresses the shutdown.The latest edition of the Guardian’s podcast, Today in Focus, addresses the shutdown.
Tune in to hear Lauren Gambino, in Washington DC, and Bryan Mealer, in Texas, discuss how Trump’s central campaign promise has led to this point of paralysis.Tune in to hear Lauren Gambino, in Washington DC, and Bryan Mealer, in Texas, discuss how Trump’s central campaign promise has led to this point of paralysis.
Who will pay for Donald Trump's border wall?Who will pay for Donald Trump's border wall?
So what’s Trump up to this morning?So what’s Trump up to this morning?
So far, he’s continuing the lie that Mexico is paying for the border wall. According to the non-partisan factcheck.org (and numerous other fact checkers) this is false. But here we go:So far, he’s continuing the lie that Mexico is paying for the border wall. According to the non-partisan factcheck.org (and numerous other fact checkers) this is false. But here we go:
I often said during rallies, with little variation, that “Mexico will pay for the Wall.” We have just signed a great new Trade Deal with Mexico. It is Billions of Dollars a year better than the very bad NAFTA deal which it replaces. The difference pays for Wall many times over!I often said during rallies, with little variation, that “Mexico will pay for the Wall.” We have just signed a great new Trade Deal with Mexico. It is Billions of Dollars a year better than the very bad NAFTA deal which it replaces. The difference pays for Wall many times over!
Later on – at 2.30pm – Trump will be holding a public cabinet meeting about border security.Later on – at 2.30pm – Trump will be holding a public cabinet meeting about border security.
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the day’s politics news.Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the day’s politics news.
Hundreds of thousands of people will miss their paychecks today as the government shutdown rolls on. It’s the first payday that federal workers will forego due to the impasse. That comes as the deadlock between Donald Trump and Democratic leaders over $5.7bn funding for a border wall shows no sign of coming to an end.Hundreds of thousands of people will miss their paychecks today as the government shutdown rolls on. It’s the first payday that federal workers will forego due to the impasse. That comes as the deadlock between Donald Trump and Democratic leaders over $5.7bn funding for a border wall shows no sign of coming to an end.
Trump is continuing to explore options which don’t require negotiation, however. Specifically, the president is exploring a national emergency declaration, which would enable him to swipe government money without the approval of Congress.Trump is continuing to explore options which don’t require negotiation, however. Specifically, the president is exploring a national emergency declaration, which would enable him to swipe government money without the approval of Congress.
According to reports, Trump fancies taking money for his wall from money earmarked for disaster recovery. He could nab funding from the Army Corps of Engineers budget. The Washington Post says Trump “has urged the Army Corps” to determine how quickly they can get building contracts signed.According to reports, Trump fancies taking money for his wall from money earmarked for disaster recovery. He could nab funding from the Army Corps of Engineers budget. The Washington Post says Trump “has urged the Army Corps” to determine how quickly they can get building contracts signed.
In other news, the US has begun withdrawing troops from Syria. A spokesman for the US-led coalition against Isis said the withdrawl had begun but offered no further details. Trump surprised many with his abrupt announcement of the pull out last month.In other news, the US has begun withdrawing troops from Syria. A spokesman for the US-led coalition against Isis said the withdrawl had begun but offered no further details. Trump surprised many with his abrupt announcement of the pull out last month.