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Trump reportedly promised to pardon CBP head if he violated immigration law – live Trump reportedly promised to pardon CBP head if he violated immigration law – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
Wrapping up our live United States coverage for the night. Today’s key political developments:
Donald Trump escalated a rightwing attack suggesting that a black Muslim lawmaker is unpatriotic and un-American, prompting condemnations from progressive Democrats that the president was inciting violence against a sitting member of Congress. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez weighed in to defend Representative Ilhan Omar; House Democratic leadership did not immediately comment.
Trump also threatened to ship immigrants detained at the border to so-called sanctuary cities to release them, as a way to stick it to Democrats who have opposed his immigration policies. “They’re always saying they have open arms. Let’s see if they have open arms,” he said. The threat came after news outlets reported that the White House pushed the idea months ago, but officials insisted it was briefly considered and then rejected. Trump apparently felt otherwise.
Trump last week told Kevin McAleenan, then his Customs and Border Protection commissioner and now the acting Homeland Security secretary, that he would pardon him if he faced legal trouble for carrying out immigration policies that violate the law, CNN and the New York Times reported.
The feud between fellow Indianans Pete Buttigieg and Mike Pence over religion and sexual orientation escalated, with Pence saying the South Bend mayor is attacking his Christian faith, and Buttigieg shooting back that he is only attacking bad policy.
Two of the most progressive Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential race have both called on other politicians to forcefully condemn the attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling Trump’s latest attack “dangerous” and “shameful.”Two of the most progressive Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential race have both called on other politicians to forcefully condemn the attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling Trump’s latest attack “dangerous” and “shameful.”
The President is inciting violence against a sitting Congresswoman—and an entire group of Americans based on their religion. It's disgusting. It's shameful. And any elected leader who refuses to condemn it shares responsibility for it.The President is inciting violence against a sitting Congresswoman—and an entire group of Americans based on their religion. It's disgusting. It's shameful. And any elected leader who refuses to condemn it shares responsibility for it.
Ilhan Omar is a leader with strength and courage. She won't back down to Trump's racism and hate, and neither will we. The disgusting and dangerous attacks against her must end.Ilhan Omar is a leader with strength and courage. She won't back down to Trump's racism and hate, and neither will we. The disgusting and dangerous attacks against her must end.
Astead Herndon, who covers national politics for The New York Times, noted that it was striking to see high-profile support for Omar come from 2020 contenders, rather than Congressional leadership.Astead Herndon, who covers national politics for The New York Times, noted that it was striking to see high-profile support for Omar come from 2020 contenders, rather than Congressional leadership.
Imagine this Sanders statement will again kick off a wave of 2020 Dem responses in support of Ilhan Omar. Why it's coming from 2020ers, and not Dem congressional leadership, is the question worth asking https://t.co/s06tjXbaiJImagine this Sanders statement will again kick off a wave of 2020 Dem responses in support of Ilhan Omar. Why it's coming from 2020ers, and not Dem congressional leadership, is the question worth asking https://t.co/s06tjXbaiJ
Less than three years ago, shortly before the vote determining whether the UK would leave the European Union, a young left-wing politician was stabbed and shot to death by a white supremacist.Less than three years ago, shortly before the vote determining whether the UK would leave the European Union, a young left-wing politician was stabbed and shot to death by a white supremacist.
“Britain first” and “keep Britain independent” her killer shouted.“Britain first” and “keep Britain independent” her killer shouted.
Jo Cox had opposed Brexit. She was just 41 when she died, and left behind her husband and two children, then aged five and three.Jo Cox had opposed Brexit. She was just 41 when she died, and left behind her husband and two children, then aged five and three.
For those who follow both British and American politics, it’s difficult not to think of Jo Cox’s politically motivated murder this week, as right-wing attacks on Muslim-American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar have raised repeated fears of incitement to violence. Omar is just 37, and has three children.For those who follow both British and American politics, it’s difficult not to think of Jo Cox’s politically motivated murder this week, as right-wing attacks on Muslim-American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar have raised repeated fears of incitement to violence. Omar is just 37, and has three children.
A Trump supporter in upstate New York was charged with threatening to kill Omar last week.A Trump supporter in upstate New York was charged with threatening to kill Omar last week.
One of the things that makes me most concerned for Rep. Omar is recalling what happened with MP Jo Cox, how political allies in England whipped up hysteria, and how her death was barely noticed in UK poltical life. https://t.co/sm3W1jJIhIOne of the things that makes me most concerned for Rep. Omar is recalling what happened with MP Jo Cox, how political allies in England whipped up hysteria, and how her death was barely noticed in UK poltical life. https://t.co/sm3W1jJIhI
Some American activists are speaking out about the Democratic Party’s lack of a strong response to the right-wing attacks on the loyalty and patriotism of Rep. Ilhan Omar.Some American activists are speaking out about the Democratic Party’s lack of a strong response to the right-wing attacks on the loyalty and patriotism of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Among them is Mariame Kaba, an influential organizer and prison abolitionist:Among them is Mariame Kaba, an influential organizer and prison abolitionist:
As a Black Muslim woman, I’m never going to forget this abandonment by the Democratic Party. Ever.As a Black Muslim woman, I’m never going to forget this abandonment by the Democratic Party. Ever.
“@IlhanMN’s life is in danger. For our colleagues to be silent is to be complicit in the outright, dangerous targeting of a member of Congress.”“@IlhanMN’s life is in danger. For our colleagues to be silent is to be complicit in the outright, dangerous targeting of a member of Congress.”
New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins Rep. Rashida Tlaib in calling for Democrats to “speak out” about the consequences of attacks on the Muslim-American politician by President Trump, Republicans, and right-wing media outlets.New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins Rep. Rashida Tlaib in calling for Democrats to “speak out” about the consequences of attacks on the Muslim-American politician by President Trump, Republicans, and right-wing media outlets.
Members of Congress have a duty to respond to the President’s explicit attack today.@IlhanMN’s life is in danger. For our colleagues to be silent is to be complicit in the outright, dangerous targeting of a member of Congress.We must speak out.“First they came...” pic.twitter.com/ygOX1vhE9jMembers of Congress have a duty to respond to the President’s explicit attack today.@IlhanMN’s life is in danger. For our colleagues to be silent is to be complicit in the outright, dangerous targeting of a member of Congress.We must speak out.“First they came...” pic.twitter.com/ygOX1vhE9j
An MSNBC host weighs in on the president’s Friday night attack against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.An MSNBC host weighs in on the president’s Friday night attack against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Just last week, a Trump supporter was charged with threatening to kill Omar, one of the first Muslim women to serve in the US Congress.Just last week, a Trump supporter was charged with threatening to kill Omar, one of the first Muslim women to serve in the US Congress.
The President is actively and willfully endangering the life of a member of Congress.The President is actively and willfully endangering the life of a member of Congress.
President Donald Trump is attacking a Muslim congresswoman for an out-of-context line from a speech she gave about Islamophobia after September 11.President Donald Trump is attacking a Muslim congresswoman for an out-of-context line from a speech she gave about Islamophobia after September 11.
Trump’s own comments on September 11, 2001 have long attracted criticism. In a media interview just hours after the terror attack on the World Trade Center, Trump first described his shock and disbelief at what had happened.Trump’s own comments on September 11, 2001 have long attracted criticism. In a media interview just hours after the terror attack on the World Trade Center, Trump first described his shock and disbelief at what had happened.
Then he added a comment that left the journalists interviewing him “stunned.”Then he added a comment that left the journalists interviewing him “stunned.”
Trump, claimed, falsely, that one of his own buildings had been “the second-tallest building in downtown Manhattan,” just after the World Trade Center.Trump, claimed, falsely, that one of his own buildings had been “the second-tallest building in downtown Manhattan,” just after the World Trade Center.
“And now it’s the tallest,” he added.“And now it’s the tallest,” he added.
Read more about Trump’s interview on September 11.Read more about Trump’s interview on September 11.
Rashida Tlaib, one of two Muslim-American women currently serving in Congress, is calling on Democrats to “speak up” against the smear attacks against congresswoman Ilhan Omar by right-wing media outlets and President Trump.Rashida Tlaib, one of two Muslim-American women currently serving in Congress, is calling on Democrats to “speak up” against the smear attacks against congresswoman Ilhan Omar by right-wing media outlets and President Trump.
“We cannot stand by,” she wrote.“We cannot stand by,” she wrote.
Enough is enough. No more silence, with NY Post and now Trump taking Ilhan’s words out of context to incite violence toward her, it’s time for more Dems to speak up. Clearly the GOP is fine with this shameful stunt, but we cannot stand by.Enough is enough. No more silence, with NY Post and now Trump taking Ilhan’s words out of context to incite violence toward her, it’s time for more Dems to speak up. Clearly the GOP is fine with this shameful stunt, but we cannot stand by.
It’s Friday night, and the president is still tweeting. He just retweeted a Fox News interview clip from Thursday, in which his former campaign manager repeated Trump’s belief that the Obama administration approved spying on the Trump campaign.It’s Friday night, and the president is still tweeting. He just retweeted a Fox News interview clip from Thursday, in which his former campaign manager repeated Trump’s belief that the Obama administration approved spying on the Trump campaign.
Last year, James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, said publicly that the FBI was not spying on the Trump campaign: “They were spying on — a term I don’t particularly like — but on what the Russians were doing. Trying to understand were the Russians infiltrating, trying to gain access, trying to gain leverage and influence which is what they do.”Last year, James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, said publicly that the FBI was not spying on the Trump campaign: “They were spying on — a term I don’t particularly like — but on what the Russians were doing. Trying to understand were the Russians infiltrating, trying to gain access, trying to gain leverage and influence which is what they do.”
.@CLewandowski_ says he is POSITIVE orders to spy on the #Trump campaign during 2016 came from the HIGHEST levels – perhaps even from Former President #Obama himself, watch: pic.twitter.com/CKddm2D0Rn.@CLewandowski_ says he is POSITIVE orders to spy on the #Trump campaign during 2016 came from the HIGHEST levels – perhaps even from Former President #Obama himself, watch: pic.twitter.com/CKddm2D0Rn
President Donald Trump’s tweet attacking the patriotism of a Muslim American member of Congress comes less than a month after a major white supremacist terror attack targeting Muslim worshippers at two mosques in New Zealand.President Donald Trump’s tweet attacking the patriotism of a Muslim American member of Congress comes less than a month after a major white supremacist terror attack targeting Muslim worshippers at two mosques in New Zealand.
“The sequence of events from Christchurch to now is quite terrifying,” Jason Wilson, a reporter who covers far-right extremists in the United States and Australia, wrote on Twitter on Friday.“The sequence of events from Christchurch to now is quite terrifying,” Jason Wilson, a reporter who covers far-right extremists in the United States and Australia, wrote on Twitter on Friday.
Look at rightwing media/politics across the English speaking world. There’s been no self reflection, no lines have been drawn, everyone has doubled down on vilifying members of a very small minority groupLook at rightwing media/politics across the English speaking world. There’s been no self reflection, no lines have been drawn, everyone has doubled down on vilifying members of a very small minority group
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Muslim American, has faced new smear attacks from Republicans and right-wing news outlets in the past week, including accusations that she is un-American or not loyal to the United States.
President Donald Trump escalated the attacks Friday evening by tweeting a video focused on the latest right-wing attack on the liberal Democrat.
Just last week, a Trump supporter in upstate New York was charged with threatening to kill Omar.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET! pic.twitter.com/VxrGFRFeJM
The most recent attacks have focused on a snippet from a speech she gave referencing September 11, which has been used to falsely claim that Omar did not take the terrorist attack seriously.
Fox News and the New York Post, which are both owned by Rupert Murdoch, have both devoted high-profile coverage to the misleading claims, including a graphic New York Post cover.
Omar and others have called the smears an “dangerous incitement” to violence against one of the first two Muslim-American women elected to Congress.
This is dangerous incitement, given the death threats I face. I hope leaders of both parties will join me in condemning it.My love and commitment to our country and that of my colleagues should never be in question. We are ALL Americans! pic.twitter.com/foTZMpiZKv
An op-ed in the Boston Globe that argued former DHS secretary Kirstjen Nielsen should face ongoing public censure because of the harm her policies caused was removed from the paper’s site after the Globe’s owner intervened, WGBH reports.
The piece, by freelance writer Luke O’Neil, was originally titled, “Keep Kirstjen Nielsen unemployed and eating Grubhub over her kitchen sink,” and included O’Neil’s regret for “not pissing in Bill Kristol’s salmon” when he was a service worker. He also praised the restaurant protests that have disrupted the dinners of some Trump administration employees.
The piece sparked a pile-on from Fox News and other conservative pundits who claimed that the op-ed was advocating violence against conservatives. It was first edited, then taken down completely.
John and Linda Pizzuti Henry, the Globe’s owners, contacted the newspaper’s editorial editor and said that “this is a kind of piece that should never been published,” the editor told WGBH.
O’Neil, a freelancer who has also written for The Guardian, criticized the Globe for taking down the piece. He told WGBH that the he had called for making Trump administration officials feel uncomfortable in public, not for any kind of physical violence.
“How many families do we have to tear apart, how many babies do we have to snatch away before people could agree that it’s okay to be rude to the head of the DHS? Is there a number? If we stole a million babies, would it be okay to yell at Kirstjen Nielsen?”
Other journalists criticized the Globe’s editor and owners for what they saw as bowing to the pressure of Fox’s right-wing outrage cycle.
“The outcry is hypocritical and hypocrites have no standing,” Laura Lippman, a novelist and former journalist, wrote.
Dear @leung, I respectfully disagree. @lukeoneil47’s column should not have been withdrawn. I’m old enough to remember when Dan Savage literally licked doorknobs in Iowa (or said he did). The outcry is hypocritical and hypocrites have no standing.
A decision by the U.S. Justice Department not to fight to defend a federal law banning female genital mutilation (FGM) sends a “damaging message” to those working to end the practice, according to advocates, Reuters reports.
Government lawyers said on Wednesday they would not appeal a decision by a Michigan federal judge who dismissed charges involving FGM as unconstitutional, ruling it was a state issue. Congress in 1996 outlawed FGM, a ritual that involves partial or total removal of external genitalia, which the World Health Organization has called “a grave violation of the human rights of girls and women.”
Half a million girls and women in the United States have undergone or are at risk of undergoing FGM, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lois Beckett here, picking up our Friday evening live coverage from the West Coast.
It’s just past 5 pm now in Washington, DC, and reporters are standing by to see what this week’s Friday evening news dump might be. I’ll keep you updated...
It’s 4:44 on Friday. Newsdump?
Donald Trump threatened to ship immigrants detained at the border to so-called sanctuary cities to release them, as a way to stick it to Democrats who have opposed his immigration policies. “They’re always saying they have open arms. Let’s see if they have open arms,” he said. The threat came after news outlets reported that the White House pushed the idea months ago, but officials insisted it was briefly considered and then rejected. Trump apparently felt otherwise.
Trump last week told Kevin McAleenan, then his Customs and Border Protection commissioner and now the acting Homeland Security secretary, that he would pardon him if he faced legal trouble for carrying out immigration policies that violate the law, CNN and the New York Times reported.
The feud between fellow Indianans Pete Buttigieg and Mike Pence over religion and sexual orientation escalated, with Pence saying the South Bend mayor is attacking his Christian faith, and Buttigieg shooting back that he is only attacking bad policy.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio responds to Donald Trump’s threat to send detained migrants to sanctuary cities.
Cruelty is the only constant in @realDonaldTrump’s immigration policy. He's obsessed with creating crisis after crisis in a cynical ploy to turn us against our immigrant neighbors. It didn’t work before.It won't work now.
The House Oversight committee plans to subpoena Donald Trump’s account firm for the president’s financial records on Monday, the Washington Post reports.
The committee will serve the subpoena on Mazars USA. Chairman Elijah Cummings has said the firm required what he called a “friendly subpoena” before they would turn over the requested documents.
Stephen Moore, Donald Trump’s pick for the federal reserve board, has a history of self-described “radical” views, according to speeches and radio interviews reviewed by CNN.
“I’m not even a big believer in democracy,” he said in a 2009 interview, and has often said capitalism is more important than democracy.
He has advocated for eliminating corporate and personal income taxes entirely, and called the constitutional amendment that created income taxes the “most evil” law passed in the 20th century.
Susan Rice, the national security adviser under Barack Obama, will not run against Maine Senator Susan Collins next year.
Rice said that “the timing really isn’t right for us,” the Associated Press reported. She had previously floated the idea of running against Collins, a moderate Republican, after the senator supported Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court. Rice lives in Washington DC but has family roots in Maine.
Donald Trump urged Customs and Border Protection commissioner Kevin McAleenan to close the US-Mexico border last week, even after he had publicly backed off a threat to close it, the New York Times reports.
The Times also confirms an earlier report from CNN that Trump promised McAleenan a pardon should he be charged with breaking the law as a result of closing the border. He may or may not have been joking.