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Trump ally Roger Stone in court over Instagram post targeting judge – live Trump ally Roger Stone hit with stricter gag order over Instagram post – live
(32 minutes later)
Judge Amy Berman Jackson has issued a new set of restrictions on Trump associate Roger Stone in a DC federal court.
Under the new ruling, Stone may make no statements about the case and hold no press releases or press conferences.
Stone has also been ordered not to make posts about the case on social media. Stone also may not comment about the case indirectly, Jackson said.
Any violation of this fresh gag “will be a basis for revoking your bond”, Jackson said – which could mean Stone going to jail.
Jackson: "Any violation of this order will be a basis for revoking your bond.. Today I gave you a second chance. But this is not baseball."
Giving her ruling, Jackson told Stone she had “serious doubts about whether you’ve learned any lesson at all”. His apology “rings quite hollow”, the judge said.
Since posting the photograph, Stone has “decided to pursue a strategy of attacking others,” Jackson said.
She added: “Mr Stone could not even keep his story straight on the stand.”
Jackson said the photo Stone posted “was not selected randomly”. She noted that a Google search brings up “many unaltered photographs”.
Jackson: No statements about the case. No press releases or press conferences. No posts on social media. The defendant may not comment about the case indirectly. You may send out as many emails or posts as you choose that say donate to the Roger Stone fund.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson, presiding over the Roger Stone hearing, has taken a break before ruling on Stone’s fate.Judge Amy Berman Jackson, presiding over the Roger Stone hearing, has taken a break before ruling on Stone’s fate.
David Smith is reporting that Stone claimed one of his “many” volunteers who operate out of his house could have posted the photo. Stone was unable to identify which volunteer posted it, however.David Smith is reporting that Stone claimed one of his “many” volunteers who operate out of his house could have posted the photo. Stone was unable to identify which volunteer posted it, however.
Prosecutor Jonathan Kravis has told the court that even after posting the crosshairs photo, Stone continued to speak to continued to give interviews to amplify the coverage. Prosecutor Jonathan Kravis has told the court that even after posting the crosshairs photo, Stone continued to give interviews to amplify the coverage.
Kravis: The defendant continued to give interviews to amplify the coverage. "That conduct amounts to... a desire to manipulate media coverage to gain favourable attention." That increased the "risk to the jury pool".Kravis: The defendant continued to give interviews to amplify the coverage. "That conduct amounts to... a desire to manipulate media coverage to gain favourable attention." That increased the "risk to the jury pool".
Judge Jackson, speaking to Stone’s attorney Bruce Rogow, has seemed skeptical about the chances of Stone keeping quiet, David Smith reports.Judge Jackson, speaking to Stone’s attorney Bruce Rogow, has seemed skeptical about the chances of Stone keeping quiet, David Smith reports.
Jackson to Rogow: "After he apologised, he continued talking every single day. What will get him to stop talking other than a court order... How would you craft a court order that he will find clear enough to follow?"Jackson to Rogow: "After he apologised, he continued talking every single day. What will get him to stop talking other than a court order... How would you craft a court order that he will find clear enough to follow?"
Guardian reporter David Smith is tweeting from inside the DC court where Roger Stone is appearing.Guardian reporter David Smith is tweeting from inside the DC court where Roger Stone is appearing.
Stone has told the court that he is “heartfully sorry” and admitted abusing the court order that originally allowed him out on bail.Stone has told the court that he is “heartfully sorry” and admitted abusing the court order that originally allowed him out on bail.
Of the crosshairs in the photo, Stone told the judge: “It’s a celtic occult symbol... I’m not into the occult.”Of the crosshairs in the photo, Stone told the judge: “It’s a celtic occult symbol... I’m not into the occult.”
He added: “I honestly did not believe it was crosshairs. I honestly thought it was a misinterpretation.”He added: “I honestly did not believe it was crosshairs. I honestly thought it was a misinterpretation.”
While Stone appears to have begun his statement with a full-scale apology, he seems to have switched, at least briefly, to trying to explain his actions:While Stone appears to have begun his statement with a full-scale apology, he seems to have switched, at least briefly, to trying to explain his actions:
Stone: I believe there was "a media distortion" of my intent. "I did not have a malicious intent, your honour... I'm not seeking to justify it. It was just an error."Stone: I believe there was "a media distortion" of my intent. "I did not have a malicious intent, your honour... I'm not seeking to justify it. It was just an error."
Stone: "I felt the media was falsely saying that I was posing a danger, which was not my intention. This was not a crosshair, in my opinion, and I did not wish to be blamed for something that was not my intention."Stone: "I felt the media was falsely saying that I was posing a danger, which was not my intention. This was not a crosshair, in my opinion, and I did not wish to be blamed for something that was not my intention."
Stone is reportedly claiming that the crosshairs in the photo he posted of Judge Amy Berman are not crosshairs, but a Celtic symbol.Stone is reportedly claiming that the crosshairs in the photo he posted of Judge Amy Berman are not crosshairs, but a Celtic symbol.
Here’s the image:Here’s the image:
Trump aide #RogerStone says didn't mean to threaten judge with Instagram photo of her face next to 'crosshairs' https://t.co/O61sJy81Mh pic.twitter.com/ceAYfdkiFTTrump aide #RogerStone says didn't mean to threaten judge with Instagram photo of her face next to 'crosshairs' https://t.co/O61sJy81Mh pic.twitter.com/ceAYfdkiFT
Roger Stone is on the witness stand in court, and apparently channelling Oliver Twist. Here’s the Huffington Post’s Ryan Reilly:Roger Stone is on the witness stand in court, and apparently channelling Oliver Twist. Here’s the Huffington Post’s Ryan Reilly:
STONE: "This is just a stupid lapse in judgment." Says his business has dried up and he's exhausted his savings. "My apology is sincere and it it heartfelt."STONE: "This is just a stupid lapse in judgment." Says his business has dried up and he's exhausted his savings. "My apology is sincere and it it heartfelt."
Stone claims he's having trouble putting food on the table and paying his rent.Stone claims he's having trouble putting food on the table and paying his rent.
Roger Stone has made it to court... here he is arriving at the E. Barrett Prettyman courthouse in Washington DC a little back.Roger Stone has made it to court... here he is arriving at the E. Barrett Prettyman courthouse in Washington DC a little back.
You’ll remember that the long-time Trump consort is back in court to face Judge Amy Berman Jackson. Stone posted a photo of the judge next to some crosshairs on Instagram – now we’ll find out whether Stone violated the terms of his release by doing so.You’ll remember that the long-time Trump consort is back in court to face Judge Amy Berman Jackson. Stone posted a photo of the judge next to some crosshairs on Instagram – now we’ll find out whether Stone violated the terms of his release by doing so.
If he did, Stone could be put in jail.If he did, Stone could be put in jail.
Earlier we saw Donald Trump tweet out a video of some fence panels being put into place on the border.Earlier we saw Donald Trump tweet out a video of some fence panels being put into place on the border.
“THE WALL IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION RIGHT NOW!” Trump whooped under the video.“THE WALL IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION RIGHT NOW!” Trump whooped under the video.
But it now seems that the video is actually five months old. Not to mention it doesn’t show a new barrier being constructed – just an existing barrier being upgraded.But it now seems that the video is actually five months old. Not to mention it doesn’t show a new barrier being constructed – just an existing barrier being upgraded.
The website Task & Purpose reports that Trump’s footage was actually filmed on September 18 2018.The website Task & Purpose reports that Trump’s footage was actually filmed on September 18 2018.
A spokeswoman for the US Army Corps of Engineers told Task & Purpose it had filmed the upgrade project last September.A spokeswoman for the US Army Corps of Engineers told Task & Purpose it had filmed the upgrade project last September.
A Silicon Valley congressman with plans to bring big tech to Iowa, a sharp-tongued mayor who took on the Trump administration after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and a leader of the Bernie Sanders’ grassroots army will serve as co-chairs for the Vermont senator’s second presidential campaign.A Silicon Valley congressman with plans to bring big tech to Iowa, a sharp-tongued mayor who took on the Trump administration after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and a leader of the Bernie Sanders’ grassroots army will serve as co-chairs for the Vermont senator’s second presidential campaign.
Representative Ro Khanna, who is the first member of Congress not from Sanders home state of Vermont to publicly endorse him, Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan, and Nina Turner, the president of Our Revolution, will serve as Sanders’ surrogates and ambassadors, offering guidance to the campaign and hitting the trail to amplify issues such as healthcare, the environment and tech innovation. They are only the first wave of co-chairs to be announced and more are expected soon.Representative Ro Khanna, who is the first member of Congress not from Sanders home state of Vermont to publicly endorse him, Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan, and Nina Turner, the president of Our Revolution, will serve as Sanders’ surrogates and ambassadors, offering guidance to the campaign and hitting the trail to amplify issues such as healthcare, the environment and tech innovation. They are only the first wave of co-chairs to be announced and more are expected soon.
Collectively the co-chairs represent an effort by the campaign to build a diverse operation, in light of Sanders difficulty attracting minority voters in 2016 and recent revelations of sexual harassment by former female staffers on his first presidential campaign.Collectively the co-chairs represent an effort by the campaign to build a diverse operation, in light of Sanders difficulty attracting minority voters in 2016 and recent revelations of sexual harassment by former female staffers on his first presidential campaign.
Sanders, who launched his campaign for president on Tuesday, hired Faiz Shakir, the former political director of the American Civil Liberties Union, to be the campaign manager. The former aide to Harry Reid is the first Muslim campaign manager for a major party candidate in presidential history.Sanders, who launched his campaign for president on Tuesday, hired Faiz Shakir, the former political director of the American Civil Liberties Union, to be the campaign manager. The former aide to Harry Reid is the first Muslim campaign manager for a major party candidate in presidential history.
Khanna has built his profile as a progressive voice in the House, working with Sanders on the campaign to raise the minimum wage for Amazon workers and on legislation to end US-support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. Re-elected to a second term in 2018, Khanna has spent a significant portion of his time outside his blue district, pushing big tech investment in parts of the Midwest and Appalachia.Khanna has built his profile as a progressive voice in the House, working with Sanders on the campaign to raise the minimum wage for Amazon workers and on legislation to end US-support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. Re-elected to a second term in 2018, Khanna has spent a significant portion of his time outside his blue district, pushing big tech investment in parts of the Midwest and Appalachia.
“Every 50 years, there is someone who can fundamentally alter the course of American politics,” Khanna said in a statement. “Bernie Sanders has the chance to reorient our economic policy towards workers and communities left behind instead of corporate interests and to reorient our foreign policy to prioritize peace, diplomacy and restraint instead of war.”“Every 50 years, there is someone who can fundamentally alter the course of American politics,” Khanna said in a statement. “Bernie Sanders has the chance to reorient our economic policy towards workers and communities left behind instead of corporate interests and to reorient our foreign policy to prioritize peace, diplomacy and restraint instead of war.”
Cruz met with Sanders during his visit to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria left residents without electricity and clean water. Her high-profile altercation with Donald Trump over his administration’s response to Puerto Rico earned national attention. She said in a statement that she is hopeful Sanders can “usher a new path towards the resolution of many of the issues facing Puerto Rico.”Cruz met with Sanders during his visit to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria left residents without electricity and clean water. Her high-profile altercation with Donald Trump over his administration’s response to Puerto Rico earned national attention. She said in a statement that she is hopeful Sanders can “usher a new path towards the resolution of many of the issues facing Puerto Rico.”
Turner, a former Ohio state senator, is one of Sanders most loyal supporters. As the head of Our Revolution, which was a spin off of Sanders’ 2016 campaign, she led the effort to draft him into the race this season.Turner, a former Ohio state senator, is one of Sanders most loyal supporters. As the head of Our Revolution, which was a spin off of Sanders’ 2016 campaign, she led the effort to draft him into the race this season.
A few people are pointing out that Trump is yet to say anything about the coast guard who had stockpiled weapons and was plotting to attack Democratic members of Congress, but weighed in on Jussie Smollett almost immediately:A few people are pointing out that Trump is yet to say anything about the coast guard who had stockpiled weapons and was plotting to attack Democratic members of Congress, but weighed in on Jussie Smollett almost immediately:
It will be interesting to see how many presidential tweets @JussieSmollett merits versus the U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant and self-identified white nationalist arrested with a cache of weapons and ammunition stockpiled to target politicians and journalists in a terror attack. https://t.co/Fi32POkLCkIt will be interesting to see how many presidential tweets @JussieSmollett merits versus the U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant and self-identified white nationalist arrested with a cache of weapons and ammunition stockpiled to target politicians and journalists in a terror attack. https://t.co/Fi32POkLCk
That Trump came after Jussie before he mentioned the potential white supremacist terrorist in the Coast Guard is indicative of exactly which hell this conversation is headed toThat Trump came after Jussie before he mentioned the potential white supremacist terrorist in the Coast Guard is indicative of exactly which hell this conversation is headed to
Christopher Hasson, a neo-Nazi serving as a lieutenant in the US coast guard, was arrested last week. Prosecutors described Hasson, who had compiled a spreadsheet of apparent targets including Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and anchors from CNN and MSNBC, last week.Christopher Hasson, a neo-Nazi serving as a lieutenant in the US coast guard, was arrested last week. Prosecutors described Hasson, who had compiled a spreadsheet of apparent targets including Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and anchors from CNN and MSNBC, last week.
Vice-president Mike Pence is off to Colombia next week to “voice the United States’ unwavering support for [Venezuala] interim president Juan Guaido”, according to the White House.Vice-president Mike Pence is off to Colombia next week to “voice the United States’ unwavering support for [Venezuala] interim president Juan Guaido”, according to the White House.
Pence will be in Bogota on Monday to reiterate US support for Guiado, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-controlled national assembly who swore himself in as interim president in January. Guaido has been recognized by more than 40 countries, including the US, the UK, Brazil and Germany.Pence will be in Bogota on Monday to reiterate US support for Guiado, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-controlled national assembly who swore himself in as interim president in January. Guaido has been recognized by more than 40 countries, including the US, the UK, Brazil and Germany.
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has refused to step down, despite ongoing chaos in the country that has prompted an estimated four million people to flee the country.Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has refused to step down, despite ongoing chaos in the country that has prompted an estimated four million people to flee the country.
Last week Trump urged to the Venezuelan military to abandon their support for Maduro and back Guaido.Last week Trump urged to the Venezuelan military to abandon their support for Maduro and back Guaido.
At least 245 children have been separated from their families at the southern border since the Trump administration announced it would end the practice.
CNN reports that those separations occurred between late June 2018 – when the government – and early February 2019. The number was released in a court filing as part of an American Civil Liberties Union case against the Trump administration.
“The administration said the basis for the separation in the majority of cases was ‘criminality, prosecution, gang affiliation or other law enforcement purpose’,” according to CNN.
The Trump White House is forcing interns to sign non-disclosure agreements, the Daily Beast is reporting.
The latest batch of interns, who joined the White House earlier this year, were warned against leaking during their induction, the Beast says, before signing the NDAs. They were then warned that breaching the agreements could “result in legal, and thus financial, consequences for them”.
It’s not the first time Trump has ordered staff to sign NDAs – even though some believe that the agreements would never be held up in court.
Empire actor Jussie Smollett was charged with felony disorderly conduct this morning, after allegedly lying when he claimed to have been attacked and beaten by two masked men shouting racist and homophobic slurs.
Smollett had claimed the men shouted “This is Maga country” – a reference to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan – during the alleged attack, which has led to:
.@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA
In the days after the alleged attack on Smollett, Democratic presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Cory Booker described it as “an attempted modern day lynching”.
Florida is planning a “final lobbying blitz” to lure the 2020 Democratic National Convention to the state, according to a Politico report.
Speculation has been mounting in recent days that Democrats will choose Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the site of the pre-election convention. DNC chairman Tom Perez has been weighing Milwaukee, Houston and Miami as potential sites, and Politico says Florida Democrats are concerned Perez might be about to shun them for America’s Dairyland.
Miami’s stable of Democratic donors — many of whom have hosted President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton multiple times and are already being hit up by numerous Democratic presidential hopefuls — are applying their clout to the city’s bid. Some of them say they’re already leaning on potential 2020 candidates — they won’t say which ones — to get them behind Miami’s convention bid.
Something we may have missed yesterday – long-time Trump attorney and aide Michael Cohen has launched a fundraising campaign to pay his legal costs.
The description on Cohen’s Go Fund Me page seeks to paint Cohen, who was convicted of lying to the Senate and House intelligence committees, as something of a truth-telling patriot:
On July 2, 2018, Michael Cohen declared his independence from Donald Trump and his commitment to tell the truth.
On August 21, Michael Cohen made the decision to take legal responsibility and to continue his commitment to tell the truth.
Michael decided to put his family and his country first. Now Michael needs your financial help.
The schedule has now been set. Looking forward to the #American people hearing my story in my voice! #truth https://t.co/DQhLLxhabHhttps://t.co/BCDwQ8zUfl
Virginia governor Ralph Northam, who once put shoe polish on his face to impersonate Michael Jackson, has cancelled the first stop on his “listening tour” about race.
The announcement comes after Virginia Union University’s student body wrote to Northam asking him not to attend a planned event at the college.
The governor announced the tour after admitting smearing shoe polish on his face in the 1980s while impersonating Jackson. Northam made the confession after it emerged his 1984 yearbook page included a photo of a man wearing blackface standing next to someone in a Ku Klux Klan outfit.
Northam has said he won’t resign.
While I appreciate @VAUnion1865's invitation to attend tomorrow's chapel service, I respect the wishes of the student body. In lieu of my attendance, I will host the Richmond 34 at the Executive Mansion on Friday to honor their bravery and courage. pic.twitter.com/qIdX05cvsa
Blackface photos erode Virginia’s effort to reconcile a racist past
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has ruled out running for Senate in 2020.
Pompeo had been widely linked with running in his home state of Kansas, where he previously served as a US congressman.
The Kansas seat will become vacant in 2020, and Senate leader Mitch McConnell had reportedly urged Pompeo to run. But the secretary of state told NBC News it ain’t going to happen.
“It’s ruled out,” Pompeo said. “I’m here, I’m loving it.”
Pompeo added that he plans to “be the secretary of state as long as President Trump gives [him] the chance to serve as a senior diplomat.”
Given Trump’s record of firing senior members of staff, one could argue that that leaves Pompeo some wiggle room.
Look who’s up:
THE WALL IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION RIGHT NOW! https://t.co/exUJCiITsz
Couple of points here: a) that is not a wall, b) this is merely a renovation of an existing fence. Trump has built no new miles of wall.
Democrats are being urged to sign a resolution which would halt Trump’s national emergency declaration.
With the backing of Houser speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep Joaquin Castro started circulating a letter round House members yesterday, seeking co-sponsors to his one-page resolution. Democrats have until 3pm today to sign, and it is likely to be introduced on Friday.
“I write to invite all Members of Congress to cosponsor Congressman Joaquin Castro’s privileged resolution,” Pelosi wrote to colleagues, “to terminate this emergency declaration using the termination mechanism within the National Emergencies Act”.
All Members take an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution.
[...]
The President’s decision to go outside the bounds of the law to try to get what he failed to achieve in the constitutional legislative process violates the Constitution and must be terminated. We have a solemn responsibility to uphold the Constitution, and defend our system of checks and balances against the President’s assault.
Good morning.
•‘Get Me Roger Stone’ is not just the name of a documentary about the long-time Donald Trump associate. It’s also what a DC federal court is saying, after Stone posted a photo to Instagram showing Judge Amy Berman Jackson next to a set of rifle crosshairs. Stone is due in court at 2.30pm and could be sent to jail.
•Democrats are continuing to hit the trail today, hoping to win the nomination for an election that is now just 20 months away. Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris and Julian Castro are all appearing at various events around the country.
•Donald Trump has managed to squeeze some meetings around his executive time. He will receive an intelligence briefing at 11.30am, then have lunch with acting secretary of the interior David Bernhardt at 12.15pm. At 6.15pm he is hosting a reception for National African American History Month.
•Last but far, far from least, Robert Mueller is said to be close to concluding his investigation into potential collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. It likely won’t drop today, but we’ll have updates if there’s any news.