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State of the Union 2019: Pelosi invites trans soldiers to Trump's address – live State of the Union 2019: Pelosi invites trans soldiers to Trump's address – live
(35 minutes later)
•The White House promised this morning that Donald Trump’s State of the Union address will focus on unity. The president is set to deliver a message of optimism and ‘comity’, aides said, in his speech to the House.
•But Trump almost immediately undermined that promise, as he picked a fight with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and criticized the media. Trump said Schumer: “[Is] upset that he didn’t win the Senate, after spending a fortune, like he thought he would. Too bad we weren’t given more credit for the Senate win by the media!
•Elswehere, Former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler moved a step closer to being in charge of the Environment Protection Agency. In his recent confirmation hearing Wheeler downplayed the severity of man-made climate change.
Donald Trump’s four visits to Mar-a-Lago in early 2017 cost the taxpayer $13.6m, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office.
Between February 3 and March 5 2017 Trump spent all but one weekend at the Florida resort, a total of 15 days, at an average cost of nearly $1m a day.
The president’s trips incurred $10.6 million for operating costs of government aircraft and boats, according to the GAO, a non-partisan body. Those trips cost a further $3 million for “temporary duty costs” of the government employees who supported Trump’s travel, including transportation, lodging, and meals and incidental expenses.
Trump has made multiple trips to Mar-a-Lago since those early visits.
Business trips taken by Trump family members cost the US taxpayer further hundreds of thousands of dollars, the GAO said.
“The United States Secret Service incurred about $396,000, primarily for temporary duty costs, while protecting Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump during three international trips taken in January and February 2017,” the report said.
A federal judge has agreed to dismiss a legal claim by Stormy Daniels against Michael Cohen.A federal judge has agreed to dismiss a legal claim by Stormy Daniels against Michael Cohen.
US District Court Judge James Otero allowed Daniels to drop a defamation case against Cohen on Monday. The claim was part of a larger lawsuit Daniels filed against Trump last year, arguing that a non-disclosure statement agreed with Trump was void as the then-presidential candidate hadn’t signed it.US District Court Judge James Otero allowed Daniels to drop a defamation case against Cohen on Monday. The claim was part of a larger lawsuit Daniels filed against Trump last year, arguing that a non-disclosure statement agreed with Trump was void as the then-presidential candidate hadn’t signed it.
That case against Trump is still ongoing.That case against Trump is still ongoing.
In December a separate case from Daniels against Trump, for defamation, was dismissed by Otero. Daniels was ordered to pay Trump nearly $293,000 for his attorneys’ fees.In December a separate case from Daniels against Trump, for defamation, was dismissed by Otero. Daniels was ordered to pay Trump nearly $293,000 for his attorneys’ fees.
Nancy Pelosi has invited two transgender soldiers to the State of the Union tonight, in a likely rebuke to Donald Trump.Nancy Pelosi has invited two transgender soldiers to the State of the Union tonight, in a likely rebuke to Donald Trump.
Captain Jennifer Peace and Major Ian Brown, both active duty members of the US army, will be Pelosi’s guests in the chamber, along with Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser, DNC Chair Tom Perez and a number of activists.Captain Jennifer Peace and Major Ian Brown, both active duty members of the US army, will be Pelosi’s guests in the chamber, along with Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser, DNC Chair Tom Perez and a number of activists.
Trump summarily barred transgender people from the military in a series of tweets in July 2017, reportedly taking military leaders by surprise. The president said the military “cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender (sic) in the military would entail”.Trump summarily barred transgender people from the military in a series of tweets in July 2017, reportedly taking military leaders by surprise. The president said the military “cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender (sic) in the military would entail”.
A 2016 study commissioned by the Department of Defense found that allowing transgender people to serve in the military would have “minimal impact” on medical costs or on readiness.A 2016 study commissioned by the Department of Defense found that allowing transgender people to serve in the military would have “minimal impact” on medical costs or on readiness.
Virginia governor Ralph Northam is still clinging to office, as the furore continues over the ‘blackface’ scandal of his own making.Virginia governor Ralph Northam is still clinging to office, as the furore continues over the ‘blackface’ scandal of his own making.
Northam is said to be weighing whether or not to resign as governor, with Democrats in Virginia and beyond calling for him to leave his position.Northam is said to be weighing whether or not to resign as governor, with Democrats in Virginia and beyond calling for him to leave his position.
State senator Louise Lucas, a prominent African-American lawmaker and former Northam ally who has pressed for him to step down, told the Associated Press that Northam doesn’t need to take a few more days to make up his mind.State senator Louise Lucas, a prominent African-American lawmaker and former Northam ally who has pressed for him to step down, told the Associated Press that Northam doesn’t need to take a few more days to make up his mind.
“I am so praying that he will do that and get it behind us,” Lucas said. “What’s a little bit more of time going to do for us?”“I am so praying that he will do that and get it behind us,” Lucas said. “What’s a little bit more of time going to do for us?”
The Associated Press writes that the recruiting arm for senate Republicans is poking at Stacey Abrams, even before she delivers the formal rebuttal to Trump’s State of the Union message.The Associated Press writes that the recruiting arm for senate Republicans is poking at Stacey Abrams, even before she delivers the formal rebuttal to Trump’s State of the Union message.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a brief video online Tuesday, stringing together snippets of past comments by Abrams – including her stating: “This is not a speech of concession” after her narrow loss to Republican Brian Kemp in last year’s race for Georgia governor.The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a brief video online Tuesday, stringing together snippets of past comments by Abrams – including her stating: “This is not a speech of concession” after her narrow loss to Republican Brian Kemp in last year’s race for Georgia governor.
Other clips show Abrams talking about impeachment, presumably for Trump, and telling an interviewer that she tells folks she’s ‘met herself’ and “I’m not overly impressed.” At that point, the words, “Finally, something we agree on,” appear on screen.Other clips show Abrams talking about impeachment, presumably for Trump, and telling an interviewer that she tells folks she’s ‘met herself’ and “I’m not overly impressed.” At that point, the words, “Finally, something we agree on,” appear on screen.
Abrams is being encouraged by Democrats to run for Senate next year against first-term Republican Senator David Perdue of Georgia.Abrams is being encouraged by Democrats to run for Senate next year against first-term Republican Senator David Perdue of Georgia.
Meanwhile, she’s crafted the cover pic on her Twitter account to show her beaming confidently and reminding her third of a million followers that she’ll be giving the response to the SOTU tonight.Meanwhile, she’s crafted the cover pic on her Twitter account to show her beaming confidently and reminding her third of a million followers that she’ll be giving the response to the SOTU tonight.
Democrats are making a powerful statement without anyone uttering a word at the State of the Union address tonight. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will sit on the dias behind Trump; Stacey Abrams, who narrowly missed becoming Georgia’s first black woman governor, will deliver the Dems’ official response. And now White House aspirant Kamala Harris is set to deliver what’s being called a “prebuttal” address live on Facebook before the event.Democrats are making a powerful statement without anyone uttering a word at the State of the Union address tonight. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will sit on the dias behind Trump; Stacey Abrams, who narrowly missed becoming Georgia’s first black woman governor, will deliver the Dems’ official response. And now White House aspirant Kamala Harris is set to deliver what’s being called a “prebuttal” address live on Facebook before the event.
NEWS: I'm delivering remarks tonight on Facebook Live ahead of the President’s State of the Union Address. It's critical we speak truth to the American people during this inflection moment in our country's history. Tune in at approximately 7:45PM ET --> https://t.co/J944ScCiVqNEWS: I'm delivering remarks tonight on Facebook Live ahead of the President’s State of the Union Address. It's critical we speak truth to the American people during this inflection moment in our country's history. Tune in at approximately 7:45PM ET --> https://t.co/J944ScCiVq
The Associated Press writes that Donald Trump’s nominee to replace Brett Kavanaugh on a high-profile appeals court said Tuesday she cringes at some of the language she used as a college student in writing about sexual assault, race and equal rights for women.The Associated Press writes that Donald Trump’s nominee to replace Brett Kavanaugh on a high-profile appeals court said Tuesday she cringes at some of the language she used as a college student in writing about sexual assault, race and equal rights for women.
Neomi Rao told the Senate judiciary committee that writings in which she criticized affirmative action and suggested that intoxicated women were partly responsible for date rape do not reflect her current thinking.Neomi Rao told the Senate judiciary committee that writings in which she criticized affirmative action and suggested that intoxicated women were partly responsible for date rape do not reflect her current thinking.
“I like to think I’ve matured as a thinker, writer and a person,” she said at a confirmation hearing for a seat on the US Circuit court of appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Trump nominated Rao for the seat left vacant when Brett Kavanaugh joined the supreme court.“I like to think I’ve matured as a thinker, writer and a person,” she said at a confirmation hearing for a seat on the US Circuit court of appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Trump nominated Rao for the seat left vacant when Brett Kavanaugh joined the supreme court.
Rao, who currently serves as administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, said there were “certainly some sentences and phrases” from her college writing in the 1990s that “I would never use today.”Rao, who currently serves as administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, said there were “certainly some sentences and phrases” from her college writing in the 1990s that “I would never use today.”
Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, who recently revealed she was raped by her boyfriend as a college student, said Rao’s writings “give me pause,” in part because of the message they send to young women who may be reluctant to report a rape, as Ernst was.Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, who recently revealed she was raped by her boyfriend as a college student, said Rao’s writings “give me pause,” in part because of the message they send to young women who may be reluctant to report a rape, as Ernst was.
Rao called rape a “horrible crime” and said anyone who commits rape should be prosecuted. Her comment that women should stay sober to avoid placing themselves at risk was merely “common sense” advice that her own mother gave her, Rao said.Rao called rape a “horrible crime” and said anyone who commits rape should be prosecuted. Her comment that women should stay sober to avoid placing themselves at risk was merely “common sense” advice that her own mother gave her, Rao said.
Rao, 45, worked in the George W. Bush White House but has never tried a case in state or federal court.Rao, 45, worked in the George W. Bush White House but has never tried a case in state or federal court.
Liberal activists and some Democrats have seized on Rao’s writings, in which she also derided LGBT rights as part of a “trendy” political movement and questioned the science behind global warming.Liberal activists and some Democrats have seized on Rao’s writings, in which she also derided LGBT rights as part of a “trendy” political movement and questioned the science behind global warming.
Rao said on Tuesday she believes in equal rights for women and LGBT people and said she believes in the “overwhelming” scientific consensus that climate change is real.Rao said on Tuesday she believes in equal rights for women and LGBT people and said she believes in the “overwhelming” scientific consensus that climate change is real.
During his State of the Union address tonight, Donald Trump is expected to talk up his presidency so far, as commanders-in-chief are wont to do, no matter the reality, and will also call for unity, while trying to project a bipartisan message.During his State of the Union address tonight, Donald Trump is expected to talk up his presidency so far, as commanders-in-chief are wont to do, no matter the reality, and will also call for unity, while trying to project a bipartisan message.
Putting a bipartisan spin on things will be tricky, however, just days after the government shutdown ended but there is still no deal in sight on the president’s border wall.Putting a bipartisan spin on things will be tricky, however, just days after the government shutdown ended but there is still no deal in sight on the president’s border wall.
Trump’s latest term for border security is a ‘human wall’ of military personnel. It will be interesting to see how many times he uses the word ‘wall’ in the SOTU speech and how many times it has caveats, such as human, barrier, fence, “whatever you want to call it”.Trump’s latest term for border security is a ‘human wall’ of military personnel. It will be interesting to see how many times he uses the word ‘wall’ in the SOTU speech and how many times it has caveats, such as human, barrier, fence, “whatever you want to call it”.
POTUS is expected to declare triumph over ISIS in Syria, despite defense leaders’ suspicion that the group has not been defeated, let alone their ideology.POTUS is expected to declare triumph over ISIS in Syria, despite defense leaders’ suspicion that the group has not been defeated, let alone their ideology.
A Senate committee advanced the nomination of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, to run the Environmental Protection Agency.A Senate committee advanced the nomination of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, to run the Environmental Protection Agency.
Donald Trump has issued a statement welcoming the Year of the Pig.Donald Trump has issued a statement welcoming the Year of the Pig.
Today, people across the United States and around the world mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year with spectacular fireworks displays, joyful festivals, and family gatherings. This is a sacred time for many people of Asian descent, and it is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the important contributions these communities have made to the story of American greatness.Today, people across the United States and around the world mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year with spectacular fireworks displays, joyful festivals, and family gatherings. This is a sacred time for many people of Asian descent, and it is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the important contributions these communities have made to the story of American greatness.
As families, friends, and loved ones gather to welcome the Year of the Pig, we join in sharing our best wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness.As families, friends, and loved ones gather to welcome the Year of the Pig, we join in sharing our best wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness.
Next year is the Year of the Rat.Next year is the Year of the Rat.
Ivanka Trump remained silent on the Brett Kavanaugh sexual assault allegations. She made no comment after the Access Hollywood tapes recorded her father talking about sexually assaulted women.Ivanka Trump remained silent on the Brett Kavanaugh sexual assault allegations. She made no comment after the Access Hollywood tapes recorded her father talking about sexually assaulted women.
Ivanka Trump also supported Kim Reynolds for Iowa governor – someone that Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi noted has a “horrific record on women’s health” – and kept quiet for months about her father’s policy of separating children from their mothers and fathers at the border. (She did eventually say she was “very vehemently against family separation”.)Ivanka Trump also supported Kim Reynolds for Iowa governor – someone that Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi noted has a “horrific record on women’s health” – and kept quiet for months about her father’s policy of separating children from their mothers and fathers at the border. (She did eventually say she was “very vehemently against family separation”.)
But, you know, fine:But, you know, fine:
Women can choose to knock each other down or build each other up. I choose the latter. https://t.co/MFri4xKhNIWomen can choose to knock each other down or build each other up. I choose the latter. https://t.co/MFri4xKhNI
The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee will have a subpoena prepared should acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker try to dodge “uncomfortable questions” when he testifies before the panel on Friday, Reuters reports.The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee will have a subpoena prepared should acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker try to dodge “uncomfortable questions” when he testifies before the panel on Friday, Reuters reports.
“To be clear, I hope never to use this subpoena,” committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler told Reuters. Nadler said Whitaker should expect questions at the hearing about his communications with the White House and his refusal to recuse himself from the Mueller probe.“To be clear, I hope never to use this subpoena,” committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler told Reuters. Nadler said Whitaker should expect questions at the hearing about his communications with the White House and his refusal to recuse himself from the Mueller probe.
“If he appears on time and ready to answer those questions, the subpoena will be entirely unnecessary,” he added.“If he appears on time and ready to answer those questions, the subpoena will be entirely unnecessary,” he added.
The Fox News poll mentioned here found that 70% of Americans are in favor of increasing tax rates on incomes over $10m – and 65% favored higher taxes for incomes over $1m.The Fox News poll mentioned here found that 70% of Americans are in favor of increasing tax rates on incomes over $10m – and 65% favored higher taxes for incomes over $1m.
Fox, apoplectic over its own polling showing wide public support for @AOC and @ewarren's wealth tax proposals, literally blames the fact that schools teach kids to be fair: "The idea of fairness has been promoted in our schools for a long time." pic.twitter.com/GowAZWYWpZFox, apoplectic over its own polling showing wide public support for @AOC and @ewarren's wealth tax proposals, literally blames the fact that schools teach kids to be fair: "The idea of fairness has been promoted in our schools for a long time." pic.twitter.com/GowAZWYWpZ
Trump is expected to declare near-total triumph over the Islamic State group in Syria in his State of the Union address Tuesday, but U.S. defense officials are increasingly fearful that the militants are simply biding their time until the Americans leave the battlefield as planned, the Associated Press reports:Trump is expected to declare near-total triumph over the Islamic State group in Syria in his State of the Union address Tuesday, but U.S. defense officials are increasingly fearful that the militants are simply biding their time until the Americans leave the battlefield as planned, the Associated Press reports:
IS militants have lost territory since Trump’s surprise announcement in December that he was pulling U.S. forces out, but military officials warn the fighters could regroup within six months to a year after the Americans leave.IS militants have lost territory since Trump’s surprise announcement in December that he was pulling U.S. forces out, but military officials warn the fighters could regroup within six months to a year after the Americans leave.
A Defense Department watchdog report released Monday warned of just such a possibility.A Defense Department watchdog report released Monday warned of just such a possibility.
The Islamic State group “remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that ‘could likely resurge in Syria’ absent continued counterterrorism pressure,” the report from the inspector general said.The Islamic State group “remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that ‘could likely resurge in Syria’ absent continued counterterrorism pressure,” the report from the inspector general said.
The top commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Gen. Joseph Votel, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that of the 34,000 square miles of territory that IS once held, it now controls less than 20 square miles.The top commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Gen. Joseph Votel, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that of the 34,000 square miles of territory that IS once held, it now controls less than 20 square miles.
“It is important to understand that even though this territory has been reclaimed, the fight against ISIS and violent extremists is not over and our mission has not changed,” Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.“It is important to understand that even though this territory has been reclaimed, the fight against ISIS and violent extremists is not over and our mission has not changed,” Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, in an appearance on CNN, makes another pitch for Donald Trump’s proposed deal to trade temporary protections for young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children for his border wall.White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, in an appearance on CNN, makes another pitch for Donald Trump’s proposed deal to trade temporary protections for young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children for his border wall.
She blasted Democrats for choosing not to counter the offer, which they quickly rejected.She blasted Democrats for choosing not to counter the offer, which they quickly rejected.
“No’ is not a counter-proposal. It’s a child-like response,” she said, adding of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s comment that she would offer “one dollar” for the wall, “It’s actually an insult to our border patrol agents.”“No’ is not a counter-proposal. It’s a child-like response,” she said, adding of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s comment that she would offer “one dollar” for the wall, “It’s actually an insult to our border patrol agents.”
Conway said that Trump would be willing to call his wall a fence or anything else in order to get Democratic support, a point Trump has changed his stance on repeatedly.Conway said that Trump would be willing to call his wall a fence or anything else in order to get Democratic support, a point Trump has changed his stance on repeatedly.
Democrats, she said, have gotten “tongue tied” in discussing the wall. “I don’t know if they’re trying to say Wawa, my favorite store,” she said. “Call it what you want, but get it done.”Democrats, she said, have gotten “tongue tied” in discussing the wall. “I don’t know if they’re trying to say Wawa, my favorite store,” she said. “Call it what you want, but get it done.”
Asked about Donald Trump’s golf clubs’ own employment of many undocumented immigrants - at least 18 of whom have been recently fired, according to the Washington Post - she offered little defense and instead tried to change the subject to Democrats troubles in Virginia.Asked about Donald Trump’s golf clubs’ own employment of many undocumented immigrants - at least 18 of whom have been recently fired, according to the Washington Post - she offered little defense and instead tried to change the subject to Democrats troubles in Virginia.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, in a speech on the Senate floor, says Donald Trump’s economy and healthcare system are failing Americans, while the state of his administration is chaos.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, in a speech on the Senate floor, says Donald Trump’s economy and healthcare system are failing Americans, while the state of his administration is chaos.
President Trump will report tonight on the state of our union.But, the state of the Trump economy is failing America’s middle class.The state of the Trump healthcare system is failing American families.The state of the Trump Administration is chaos. https://t.co/TFZmaoD2JwPresident Trump will report tonight on the state of our union.But, the state of the Trump economy is failing America’s middle class.The state of the Trump healthcare system is failing American families.The state of the Trump Administration is chaos. https://t.co/TFZmaoD2Jw
Trump shoots back that Schumer is “just upset that he didn’t win the Senate, after spending a fortune, like he thought he would.”Trump shoots back that Schumer is “just upset that he didn’t win the Senate, after spending a fortune, like he thought he would.”
I see Schumer is already criticizing my State of the Union speech, even though he hasn’t seen it yet. He’s just upset that he didn’t win the Senate, after spending a fortune, like he thought he would. Too bad we weren’t given more credit for the Senate win by the media!I see Schumer is already criticizing my State of the Union speech, even though he hasn’t seen it yet. He’s just upset that he didn’t win the Senate, after spending a fortune, like he thought he would. Too bad we weren’t given more credit for the Senate win by the media!
Many observers have noted the irony of the attack, coming as the White House has pledged a speech focused on unity.Many observers have noted the irony of the attack, coming as the White House has pledged a speech focused on unity.
The White House has said the State of the Union tonight will call for unity https://t.co/7GUgm7JZflThe White House has said the State of the Union tonight will call for unity https://t.co/7GUgm7JZfl
From the Guardian’s Emily Holden in Washington:From the Guardian’s Emily Holden in Washington:
A Senate committee advanced the nomination of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, to run the Environmental Protection Agency.A Senate committee advanced the nomination of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, to run the Environmental Protection Agency.
In a party line vote, Republicans sent the nomination to a final vote on the Senate floor. Wheeler, formerly the deputy administrator, has been running the agency since Scott Pruitt stepped down amid myriad ethics scandals.In a party line vote, Republicans sent the nomination to a final vote on the Senate floor. Wheeler, formerly the deputy administrator, has been running the agency since Scott Pruitt stepped down amid myriad ethics scandals.
Wheeler has continued many of the same priorities Pruitt pursued to roll back environment and climate regulations and to ease pollution rules for industry. In his recent confirmation hearing, he downplayedthe severity of man-made climate change.Wheeler has continued many of the same priorities Pruitt pursued to roll back environment and climate regulations and to ease pollution rules for industry. In his recent confirmation hearing, he downplayedthe severity of man-made climate change.
“In many instances Mr. Wheeler has gone further than his predecessor in his rejection of important measures that are supported by environmentalists and industry,” said the Senate environment panel’s ranking Democrat, Tom Carper.“In many instances Mr. Wheeler has gone further than his predecessor in his rejection of important measures that are supported by environmentalists and industry,” said the Senate environment panel’s ranking Democrat, Tom Carper.
Carper urged Republicans to slow down the confirmation process to examine some of Wheeler’s proposals to amend rules for mercury emissions from power plants and pollution from cars.Carper urged Republicans to slow down the confirmation process to examine some of Wheeler’s proposals to amend rules for mercury emissions from power plants and pollution from cars.
BuzzFeed News has published a cache of internal Trump Organization documents detailing negotiations to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.BuzzFeed News has published a cache of internal Trump Organization documents detailing negotiations to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
.@BuzzFeedNews published a cache of Trump Org docs that lay bare the secret negotiations that continued after Cohen claimed Trump Moscow was abandoned. They reveal the effort to get the tower built was entwined with the ups and downs of Trump's campaign.https://t.co/e3pfjdrr1L.@BuzzFeedNews published a cache of Trump Org docs that lay bare the secret negotiations that continued after Cohen claimed Trump Moscow was abandoned. They reveal the effort to get the tower built was entwined with the ups and downs of Trump's campaign.https://t.co/e3pfjdrr1L
From the report:From the report:
The documents, many of which have been exclusively obtained by BuzzFeed News, reveal that — despite Trump’s claim that the development was never more than a passing notion — the effort to get the tower built was long-running, detail-oriented and directly entwined with the ups and downs of his campaign.The documents, many of which have been exclusively obtained by BuzzFeed News, reveal that — despite Trump’s claim that the development was never more than a passing notion — the effort to get the tower built was long-running, detail-oriented and directly entwined with the ups and downs of his campaign.
As Trump went from rally to rally, vociferously denying any dealings in Russia, his representatives, Michael Cohen and his associate Felix Sater, worked with Trump Organization lawyers and even Ivanka Trump to push forward negotiations to build a 100-story edifice just miles from the Kremlin. The fixers believed they needed Putin’s support to pull off the lucrative deal, and they planned to use Trump’s public praise for him to help secure it. At the same time, they plotted to persuade Putin to openly declare his support for Trump’s candidacy. “If he says it we own this election,” Sater wrote to Cohen.As Trump went from rally to rally, vociferously denying any dealings in Russia, his representatives, Michael Cohen and his associate Felix Sater, worked with Trump Organization lawyers and even Ivanka Trump to push forward negotiations to build a 100-story edifice just miles from the Kremlin. The fixers believed they needed Putin’s support to pull off the lucrative deal, and they planned to use Trump’s public praise for him to help secure it. At the same time, they plotted to persuade Putin to openly declare his support for Trump’s candidacy. “If he says it we own this election,” Sater wrote to Cohen.