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Judge blocks justice department from changing lawyers in US census case – live Judge blocks justice department from changing lawyers in US census case – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Wrapping up tonight’s live politics coverage. Here’s an updated summary of the day’s key developments from today’s bloggers, Lois Beckett and Sabrina Siddiqui.
Former vice president Joe Biden joined calls Alexander Acosta’s resignation, following the controversy over the labor secretary’s role in cutting a plea deal with financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2008; as a reminder, Epstein has been charged with operating a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. Donald Trump is so far sticking by Acosta, who as a US attorney helped Epstein avoid a public trial and lengthy prison sentence more than a decade ago.
A federal judge blocked the Trump Justice Department’s attempt to change the lawyers on its legal team in a lawsuit over the Trump administration’s effort to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 census, a move that civil rights activists say would have a chilling effect on the effort to accurately count all Americans, including immigrants.
The Trump administration is planning to speed up its screening of asylum-seekers at the US-Mexico border, Buzzfeed News reported. Immigration advocates said the move would give asylum-seekers, largely fleeing violence and poverty in Central America, less time to prepare for interviews and recover from the treacherous journey.
Donald Trump’s 4 July ‘Salute to America’ cost the Pentagon $1.2m; the figure did not reflect the cost to US taxpayers. Trump has said he will repeat the controversial event next year.
The entrance of billionaire Democratic donor Tom Steyer into the 2020 Democratic presidential primary was met with some skepticism and frustration from the left.
West Virginia senator Joe Manchin unveiled a bill that would withhold “any and all” federal funding for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will host, until the US Soccer federation to pay its men’s and women’s team equally; the US women’s national team earned their fourth World Cup title last week.
Early today, billionaire Democratic donor Tom Steyer formally launched his campaign for president.Early today, billionaire Democratic donor Tom Steyer formally launched his campaign for president.
The reaction from some progressives has not been positive.The reaction from some progressives has not been positive.
New York Times opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie, who has written frequently about voter suppression, argued that Steyer’s money would be better sent on registering and turning out voters.New York Times opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie, who has written frequently about voter suppression, argued that Steyer’s money would be better sent on registering and turning out voters.
if i were a liberal billionaire with a $100 millions to burn i'd spend it on a nationwide voter registration drive instead of a vanity presidential campaignif i were a liberal billionaire with a $100 millions to burn i'd spend it on a nationwide voter registration drive instead of a vanity presidential campaign
hiring and training thousands of people to identify and register nonvoters and bring them to the polls is probably the single most effective thing you could do ahead of 2020 but then i'm not a billionaire hedge fund managerhiring and training thousands of people to identify and register nonvoters and bring them to the polls is probably the single most effective thing you could do ahead of 2020 but then i'm not a billionaire hedge fund manager
More than 300,000 people have signed a petition asking McDonald’s and Burger King to stop giving plastic toys to children, The Hill reports.More than 300,000 people have signed a petition asking McDonald’s and Burger King to stop giving plastic toys to children, The Hill reports.
The Change.org petition, written in the names of two British children, argues that: “children only play with the plastic toys they give us for a few minutes before they get thrown away and harm animals and pollute the sea.”The Change.org petition, written in the names of two British children, argues that: “children only play with the plastic toys they give us for a few minutes before they get thrown away and harm animals and pollute the sea.”
“Big, rich companies shouldn’t be making toys out of plastic at all,” the petition notes.“Big, rich companies shouldn’t be making toys out of plastic at all,” the petition notes.
The Guardian’s Susie Cagle reported recently on the overwhelming problem of plastic waste.The Guardian’s Susie Cagle reported recently on the overwhelming problem of plastic waste.
Country rock band Confederate Railroad has been barred from performing at an state fair in Illinois because of its use of the Confederate flag, the Associated Press reports.Country rock band Confederate Railroad has been barred from performing at an state fair in Illinois because of its use of the Confederate flag, the Associated Press reports.
Illinois’ governor cancelled the band last week.Illinois’ governor cancelled the band last week.
“This administration’s guiding principle is that the state of Illinois will not use state resources to promote symbols of racism,” a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.“This administration’s guiding principle is that the state of Illinois will not use state resources to promote symbols of racism,” a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
Some Republicans in Illinois have pushed back, with one arguing that other state fair musical acts were equally worthy of censorship. One Republican pointed to Snoop Dog, who recently released an album whose cover features the rapper standing over a corpse toe-tagged with Republican President Donald Trump’s name.Some Republicans in Illinois have pushed back, with one arguing that other state fair musical acts were equally worthy of censorship. One Republican pointed to Snoop Dog, who recently released an album whose cover features the rapper standing over a corpse toe-tagged with Republican President Donald Trump’s name.
Another band scheduled to play at the state fair released a statement in solidarity with Confederate Railroad: “This ‘political correctness’ has to stop. It’s tearing our country apart.”Another band scheduled to play at the state fair released a statement in solidarity with Confederate Railroad: “This ‘political correctness’ has to stop. It’s tearing our country apart.”
The spokesman for the House Intelligence Committee has offered a rare comment about a witness interview.The spokesman for the House Intelligence Committee has offered a rare comment about a witness interview.
Felix Sater, the Moscow-born businessman at the center of the Trump Tower Moscow project, “has not fully cooperated with the committee,” the spokesman said, per Politico’s Andrew Desiderio.Felix Sater, the Moscow-born businessman at the center of the Trump Tower Moscow project, “has not fully cooperated with the committee,” the spokesman said, per Politico’s Andrew Desiderio.
Wow.House Intel releases an extraordinarily rare statement about a witness interview. Spokesman Patrick Boland says Felix Sater “has not fully cooperated with the committee” because he has asserted “privilege” claims in failing to turn over documents. pic.twitter.com/oaycyNsrFxWow.House Intel releases an extraordinarily rare statement about a witness interview. Spokesman Patrick Boland says Felix Sater “has not fully cooperated with the committee” because he has asserted “privilege” claims in failing to turn over documents. pic.twitter.com/oaycyNsrFx
Activists who have been pushing for Congress to declare a climate emergency are rallying at the Capitol to support the resolution introduced today by senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and representatives Earl Blumenauer and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.Activists who have been pushing for Congress to declare a climate emergency are rallying at the Capitol to support the resolution introduced today by senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and representatives Earl Blumenauer and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The group Extinction Rebellion in a press release said it plans to “celebrate the initiative of these select Congress people and to reiterate our demand that the rest of Congress acknowledge the severity of the climate crisis by quickly codifying the resolution into law.”The group Extinction Rebellion in a press release said it plans to “celebrate the initiative of these select Congress people and to reiterate our demand that the rest of Congress acknowledge the severity of the climate crisis by quickly codifying the resolution into law.”
Protester Dominic Serino called the resolution, which would not require specific action, “an important first step if it were to pass.”Protester Dominic Serino called the resolution, which would not require specific action, “an important first step if it were to pass.”
“I think our Congress and other leaders habitually lie to us about the gravity of the climate crisis,” Serino said.“I think our Congress and other leaders habitually lie to us about the gravity of the climate crisis,” Serino said.
.@ExtinctionR rallying at the Capitol to support lawmakers introducing a #climate emergency resolution, @BernieSanders @AOC @repblumenauer, and urge more to sign on. They want zero carbon emissions by 2025, far faster than Dems running for president have proposed. pic.twitter.com/w8ZmLqe7K9.@ExtinctionR rallying at the Capitol to support lawmakers introducing a #climate emergency resolution, @BernieSanders @AOC @repblumenauer, and urge more to sign on. They want zero carbon emissions by 2025, far faster than Dems running for president have proposed. pic.twitter.com/w8ZmLqe7K9
After the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration’s first attempt to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 United States census, the Justice Department announced this weekend that it was appointing a new team of lawyers to take over census-related cases.After the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration’s first attempt to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 United States census, the Justice Department announced this weekend that it was appointing a new team of lawyers to take over census-related cases.
The Justice Department offered no rationale for the change in its legal team.The Justice Department offered no rationale for the change in its legal team.
Some observers, including election law expert Rick Hasen, called this a troubling move, one that suggested that the Justice Department’s career attorneys might not be willing to go forward with the Trump administration’s plans for the next step of continuing to fight to add a citizenship question to the Census, as the president had said he wanted to do, despite the first Supreme Court ruling.Some observers, including election law expert Rick Hasen, called this a troubling move, one that suggested that the Justice Department’s career attorneys might not be willing to go forward with the Trump administration’s plans for the next step of continuing to fight to add a citizenship question to the Census, as the president had said he wanted to do, despite the first Supreme Court ruling.
Civil rights groups have argued that asking about citizenship status may discourage immigrants from participating in the census, producing an undercount of immigrants, particularly immigrants of color, in official tallies. An undercount of immigrants could result in lower funding numbers for government funding and program allocations, and could also have electoral benefits for the Republican Party.Civil rights groups have argued that asking about citizenship status may discourage immigrants from participating in the census, producing an undercount of immigrants, particularly immigrants of color, in official tallies. An undercount of immigrants could result in lower funding numbers for government funding and program allocations, and could also have electoral benefits for the Republican Party.
This development is ominous.It almost certainly means the career attorneys working for the Department of Justice refused to go along with what Trump wants to do now with the citizenship question on the census. https://t.co/sWmE0Rd4IyThis development is ominous.It almost certainly means the career attorneys working for the Department of Justice refused to go along with what Trump wants to do now with the citizenship question on the census. https://t.co/sWmE0Rd4Iy
But tonight, a federal judge in New York blocked the Justice Department’s move to change its legal team.But tonight, a federal judge in New York blocked the Justice Department’s move to change its legal team.
BREAKING: The judge in the SDNY census citizenship Q case has denied DOJ's request to withdraw lawyers who had been handling it previously — the motion is "patently deficient" under the court's rules, the judge says https://t.co/4eqvMy7Y5JFrom yesterday: https://t.co/vOKXRbAdwx pic.twitter.com/NAPoek1OStBREAKING: The judge in the SDNY census citizenship Q case has denied DOJ's request to withdraw lawyers who had been handling it previously — the motion is "patently deficient" under the court's rules, the judge says https://t.co/4eqvMy7Y5JFrom yesterday: https://t.co/vOKXRbAdwx pic.twitter.com/NAPoek1OSt
The 2020 census tallies will be used in the once-a-decade process of redrawing and updating America’s electoral districts, which are supposed to guarantee that all voters have equal representation in the political system-- “one person, one vote.” Undercounting immigrants in the census could dilute their political power for the next decade.The 2020 census tallies will be used in the once-a-decade process of redrawing and updating America’s electoral districts, which are supposed to guarantee that all voters have equal representation in the political system-- “one person, one vote.” Undercounting immigrants in the census could dilute their political power for the next decade.
Lois Beckett here taking over our live politics coverage from The Guardian’s West Coast bureau.Lois Beckett here taking over our live politics coverage from The Guardian’s West Coast bureau.
There are moments in American politics these days when it’s hard to process the contrast between the actual news that’s happening, and the business-as-usual, feed-the-news-cycle approach of some political figures.There are moments in American politics these days when it’s hard to process the contrast between the actual news that’s happening, and the business-as-usual, feed-the-news-cycle approach of some political figures.
One of these moments came this evening. Earlier, Kellyanne Conway, one of President Trump’s most prominent counselors and surrogates, referred to a disagreement between five Democratic congresswomen as a “huge catfight” on Fox News.One of these moments came this evening. Earlier, Kellyanne Conway, one of President Trump’s most prominent counselors and surrogates, referred to a disagreement between five Democratic congresswomen as a “huge catfight” on Fox News.
What Conway called a “major ‘meow moment’” was the public disagreement between four freshman progressive Democrats and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over whether Congressional Democrats were doing enough to protect migrants at the border, particularly migrant children, from mistreatment and abuse by the US government.What Conway called a “major ‘meow moment’” was the public disagreement between four freshman progressive Democrats and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over whether Congressional Democrats were doing enough to protect migrants at the border, particularly migrant children, from mistreatment and abuse by the US government.
“Keep my name out of your lying mouth,” one of the freshman congresswomen, Ayanna Pressley, responded. “Remember that time your boss tore babies from their mothers’ arms and threw them in cages?” she tweeted.“Keep my name out of your lying mouth,” one of the freshman congresswomen, Ayanna Pressley, responded. “Remember that time your boss tore babies from their mothers’ arms and threw them in cages?” she tweeted.
Last month, a US federal watchdog recommended that Trump fire Conway for repeatedly violating a law that limits political activity by government workers.Last month, a US federal watchdog recommended that Trump fire Conway for repeatedly violating a law that limits political activity by government workers.
.@KellyannePolls oh hi Distraction Becky. Remember that time your boss tore babies from their mothers’ arms and threw them in cages? Yeah take a seat and keep my name out of your lying mouth. https://t.co/dS8saIssX8.@KellyannePolls oh hi Distraction Becky. Remember that time your boss tore babies from their mothers’ arms and threw them in cages? Yeah take a seat and keep my name out of your lying mouth. https://t.co/dS8saIssX8
Ok folks, that’s it from me (Sabrina) for today. A big thanks to my colleague Lauren Gambino for also briefly taking the reins of the blog -- you can credit her for bringing you the latest on Joe Biden!Ok folks, that’s it from me (Sabrina) for today. A big thanks to my colleague Lauren Gambino for also briefly taking the reins of the blog -- you can credit her for bringing you the latest on Joe Biden!
Before I hand the blog over to my colleague Lois Beckett on the West Coast, allow me to summarize the past few hours:Before I hand the blog over to my colleague Lois Beckett on the West Coast, allow me to summarize the past few hours:
Former vice president Joe Biden joined calls Alexander Acosta’s resignation, following the controversy over the labor secretary’s role in cutting a plea deal with financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2008; as a reminder, Epstein has been charged with operating a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. Donald Trump is so far sticking by Acosta, who as a US attorney helped Epstein avoid a public trial and lengthy prison sentence more than a decade ago.Former vice president Joe Biden joined calls Alexander Acosta’s resignation, following the controversy over the labor secretary’s role in cutting a plea deal with financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2008; as a reminder, Epstein has been charged with operating a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. Donald Trump is so far sticking by Acosta, who as a US attorney helped Epstein avoid a public trial and lengthy prison sentence more than a decade ago.
The Trump administration is planning to speed up its screening of asylum-seekers at the US-Mexico border, Buzzfeed News reported. Immigration advocates said the move would give asylum-seekers, largely fleeing violence and poverty in Central America, less time to prepare for interviews and recover from the treacherous journey.The Trump administration is planning to speed up its screening of asylum-seekers at the US-Mexico border, Buzzfeed News reported. Immigration advocates said the move would give asylum-seekers, largely fleeing violence and poverty in Central America, less time to prepare for interviews and recover from the treacherous journey.
Donald Trump’s 4 July ‘Salute to America’ cost the Pentagon $1.2m; the figure did not reflect the cost to US taxpayers. Trump has said he will repeat the controversial event next year.Donald Trump’s 4 July ‘Salute to America’ cost the Pentagon $1.2m; the figure did not reflect the cost to US taxpayers. Trump has said he will repeat the controversial event next year.
West Virginia senator Joe Manchin unveiled a bill that would withhold “any and all” federal funding for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will host, until the US Soccer federation to pay its men’s and women’s team equally; the US women’s national team earned their fourth World Cup title last week.West Virginia senator Joe Manchin unveiled a bill that would withhold “any and all” federal funding for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will host, until the US Soccer federation to pay its men’s and women’s team equally; the US women’s national team earned their fourth World Cup title last week.
Lois will take you through the rest of the day, so stay tuned ... and until next time from Sabrina!Lois will take you through the rest of the day, so stay tuned ... and until next time from Sabrina!
Donald Trump’s 4 July “Salute to America” cost the US military $1.2m, the Pentagon said Tuesday.Donald Trump’s 4 July “Salute to America” cost the US military $1.2m, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
The event sparked controversy for its use of taxpayer dollars and putting the president at the center of the holiday celebrating American independence.The event sparked controversy for its use of taxpayer dollars and putting the president at the center of the holiday celebrating American independence.
The Pentagon figure did not reflect the cost to American taxpayers. It instead detailed the amount of money spent on the transportation of military equipment and flying hours.The Pentagon figure did not reflect the cost to American taxpayers. It instead detailed the amount of money spent on the transportation of military equipment and flying hours.
The Pentagon says the military support to Trump's July 4th celebrations cost $1.2 million. These are the different types of military equipment that took part in it. pic.twitter.com/34dcVp02yRThe Pentagon says the military support to Trump's July 4th celebrations cost $1.2 million. These are the different types of military equipment that took part in it. pic.twitter.com/34dcVp02yR
Trump touted the strength of the US military at the event and issued a rare plea for unity. Despite the criticism he faced by some for ‘hijacking’ the 4 July holiday, the president announced plans on Monday to repeat the military salute next year.Trump touted the strength of the US military at the event and issued a rare plea for unity. Despite the criticism he faced by some for ‘hijacking’ the 4 July holiday, the president announced plans on Monday to repeat the military salute next year.
“It was a wonderful day for all Americans,” Trump said at the White House. “Based on its tremendous success, we’re just making the decision and I think we can say we’ve made the decision to do it again next year, and maybe we can say, for the foreseeable future.”“It was a wonderful day for all Americans,” Trump said at the White House. “Based on its tremendous success, we’re just making the decision and I think we can say we’ve made the decision to do it again next year, and maybe we can say, for the foreseeable future.”
Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat of West Virginia, has a plan to force the US Soccer federation to pay its men’s and women’s team equally: hit ‘em where it hurts.Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat of West Virginia, has a plan to force the US Soccer federation to pay its men’s and women’s team equally: hit ‘em where it hurts.
The West Virginia senator introduced a bill on Tuesday that would withhold “any and all” federal funding for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will host, until the organization agrees to pay the teams equally, according to the HuffPost.The West Virginia senator introduced a bill on Tuesday that would withhold “any and all” federal funding for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will host, until the organization agrees to pay the teams equally, according to the HuffPost.
That would include includes “funds that go to host cities, participating local and state organizations, US Soccer, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, and the international soccer governing body FIFA,” the report says.That would include includes “funds that go to host cities, participating local and state organizations, US Soccer, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, and the international soccer governing body FIFA,” the report says.
“The clear [equitable pay between the US men and women’s soccer teams is unacceptable and I’m glad the US Women’s Soccer Team latest victory is causing public outcry,” Manchin said in a statement to the news website. “I’m encouraging everyone to call their Senator and Representatives to help us get this bill passed and finally pay the equitable pay they deserve.”“The clear [equitable pay between the US men and women’s soccer teams is unacceptable and I’m glad the US Women’s Soccer Team latest victory is causing public outcry,” Manchin said in a statement to the news website. “I’m encouraging everyone to call their Senator and Representatives to help us get this bill passed and finally pay the equitable pay they deserve.”
Last weekend, the US women’s national team clinched their fourth World Cup title while raising awareness about the pay disparities between the men’s and women’s teams. Before the tournament, 28 members of the team sued the US Soccer Federation for gender discrimination in violation of the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act.Last weekend, the US women’s national team clinched their fourth World Cup title while raising awareness about the pay disparities between the men’s and women’s teams. Before the tournament, 28 members of the team sued the US Soccer Federation for gender discrimination in violation of the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act.
The team’s co-captain Megan Rapinoe, who was awarded the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, has said she would not accept an invitation to the White House and encouraged her teammates to follow suit.The team’s co-captain Megan Rapinoe, who was awarded the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, has said she would not accept an invitation to the White House and encouraged her teammates to follow suit.
On Tuesday, the Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer announced that Rapinoe had accepted an invitation to raise the issue on a tour of the US Senate. Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley have also invited the team to tour the House.On Tuesday, the Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer announced that Rapinoe had accepted an invitation to raise the issue on a tour of the US Senate. Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley have also invited the team to tour the House.