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Labor secretary Acosta defends role in Epstein's 'sweetheart' plea deal – live Labor secretary Acosta defends role in Epstein's 'sweetheart' plea deal – live
(32 minutes later)
Hello, readers! It’s Kari Paul here in San Francisco taking over the blog for the afternoon. Stay tuned for updates.
The top news story this afternoon centered on embattled Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, who calmly and methodically defended his handling of a plea deal granted to Jeffrey Epstein related to sex crimes charges in Florida over a decade ago. Epstein said he believes his office acted “appropriately” and said he believes his standing with the president is secure.
But the morning began with news that Kim Darroch had resigned after leaked memos sparked an international row between Trump and Britain. The Guardian reported that Darroch made his decision after Boris Johnson, the leading contender for Prime Minister, wavered in his support for the ambassador.
Today, DC’s mayor Muriel Browser said in a letter to Trump that his Fourth of July event – in addition to the cost of implementing security measures at protests and other related events during the weekend – bankrupted the city’s special security fund. She is asking the federal government for funds to replenish it.
A House panel heard from a mother whose 21-month-old daughter died in Ice custody. Her powerful testimony moved several lawmakers to tears and provided new insights into the conditions into the detention centers where newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers are kept.
One fun highlight: The US Women’s soccer team took a victory lap with a ticker tape parade in New York. In her remarks, co-captain Megan Rapinoe ruled out running for president but called on Americans to be kinder and better to one another. Sounds like a stump speech to us.
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer is the 25th Democratic presidential candidate many in the party say they didn’t really need.Billionaire activist Tom Steyer is the 25th Democratic presidential candidate many in the party say they didn’t really need.
Steyer’s entry confounded Democrats, not least because he announced six months ago that he wouldn’t run for president.Steyer’s entry confounded Democrats, not least because he announced six months ago that he wouldn’t run for president.
Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, would have been the 26th but fellow Californian, congressman Eric Swalwell, dropped out the day before Steyer jumped in. “It’s rough out there,” Swalwell said when asked what advice he had for the latest entrant.Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, would have been the 26th but fellow Californian, congressman Eric Swalwell, dropped out the day before Steyer jumped in. “It’s rough out there,” Swalwell said when asked what advice he had for the latest entrant.
Steyer’s change of heart essentially boils down to a fear that the Democrats in the race are not bringing the fight to Trump, as he has tried to with a multimillion-dollar campaign to impeach Trump.Steyer’s change of heart essentially boils down to a fear that the Democrats in the race are not bringing the fight to Trump, as he has tried to with a multimillion-dollar campaign to impeach Trump.
“They’ve had one hearing so far, with Michael Cohen, and it was months ago,” Steyer told the Washington Post in an interview. “So yes, I’m frustrated. And really, what I’m saying now is that our politics are broken by corporate money, the solution is pushing power to people, and I am convinced that it will take someone from the outside to do it.”“They’ve had one hearing so far, with Michael Cohen, and it was months ago,” Steyer told the Washington Post in an interview. “So yes, I’m frustrated. And really, what I’m saying now is that our politics are broken by corporate money, the solution is pushing power to people, and I am convinced that it will take someone from the outside to do it.”
Steyer has said he intends to spend $100m on his presidential campaign, a pledge that has earned groans from candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, whose are running to weaken the influence of money in politics.Steyer has said he intends to spend $100m on his presidential campaign, a pledge that has earned groans from candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, whose are running to weaken the influence of money in politics.
The chilly reception begs the question: will Steyer receive at least 65,000 unique donors and poll at 1% in time for the first debate?The chilly reception begs the question: will Steyer receive at least 65,000 unique donors and poll at 1% in time for the first debate?
He sure is trying.He sure is trying.
The highest donor level for an upcoming Tom Steyer event is “enabler,” which is a Freudian slip if ever I’ve seen one pic.twitter.com/cDTttnh8AlThe highest donor level for an upcoming Tom Steyer event is “enabler,” which is a Freudian slip if ever I’ve seen one pic.twitter.com/cDTttnh8Al
In a raw moment, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez embraced Yazmin Juárez after her testimony. Ocasio-Cortez asked her several question in Spanish regarding what she saw and experienced in the detention centers.In a raw moment, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez embraced Yazmin Juárez after her testimony. Ocasio-Cortez asked her several question in Spanish regarding what she saw and experienced in the detention centers.
Asked if she felt safe there, Juárez said “no”.Asked if she felt safe there, Juárez said “no”.
Yazmin Juárez embraced by @aoc after her powerful testimony about conditions she says led to death of her 19 month old daughter. pic.twitter.com/Oyflqhj2QTYazmin Juárez embraced by @aoc after her powerful testimony about conditions she says led to death of her 19 month old daughter. pic.twitter.com/Oyflqhj2QT
In the House oversight committee, Yazmin Juarez, whose 21-month old baby daughter died in ICE custody, delivered searing testimony before Congress this afternoon.In the House oversight committee, Yazmin Juarez, whose 21-month old baby daughter died in ICE custody, delivered searing testimony before Congress this afternoon.
Yazmin Juarez: "We came to the United States where I hoped to build a better safer life for us. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Instead I watched my baby girl die slowly and painfully just a few months before her second birthday."Full video here: https://t.co/usy1p9ZPDe pic.twitter.com/7YYmZs6o6iYazmin Juarez: "We came to the United States where I hoped to build a better safer life for us. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Instead I watched my baby girl die slowly and painfully just a few months before her second birthday."Full video here: https://t.co/usy1p9ZPDe pic.twitter.com/7YYmZs6o6i
Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta says he believed his team proceeded “appropriately” but won’t say whether he harbors any regrets, saying the goal was to avoid a deal allowing Jeffrey Epstein to “walk free”.Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta says he believed his team proceeded “appropriately” but won’t say whether he harbors any regrets, saying the goal was to avoid a deal allowing Jeffrey Epstein to “walk free”.
“Facts are important, and facts are being overlooked,” Acosta said at a the press conference in Washington.“Facts are important, and facts are being overlooked,” Acosta said at a the press conference in Washington.
Acosta oversaw the department at the time federal prosecutors granted the plea deal to Epstein.Acosta oversaw the department at the time federal prosecutors granted the plea deal to Epstein.
“We did what we did because we wanted to see Epstein go to jail,” Acosta continued. “He needed to go to jail and that was the focus.”“We did what we did because we wanted to see Epstein go to jail,” Acosta continued. “He needed to go to jail and that was the focus.”
During the press conference, Acosta urged more victims to come forward.During the press conference, Acosta urged more victims to come forward.
“The message to victims is: come forward,” Acosta said, saying they should do so “because the justice system needs to hear from them”.“The message to victims is: come forward,” Acosta said, saying they should do so “because the justice system needs to hear from them”.
Asked several times whether he would apologize to the women, Acosta refused.Asked several times whether he would apologize to the women, Acosta refused.
When pressed on his relationship with Trump, Acosta said that they have a good relationship and the president has his back.When pressed on his relationship with Trump, Acosta said that they have a good relationship and the president has his back.
“My relationship with the president is outstanding,” Acosta said, adding that Trump “has made publicly ... that I have his support”.“My relationship with the president is outstanding,” Acosta said, adding that Trump “has made publicly ... that I have his support”.
Acosta on President Trump's reaction to his refusal to step down: "If at some point the President decides that I am not the best person to do this job, I respect that. ... I thought yesterday he was kind, and he showed great support" pic.twitter.com/PcpQcksRBwAcosta on President Trump's reaction to his refusal to step down: "If at some point the President decides that I am not the best person to do this job, I respect that. ... I thought yesterday he was kind, and he showed great support" pic.twitter.com/PcpQcksRBw
Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta is addressing the public for the first time since Jeffrey Epstein’s arrest amid calls for his resignation.Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta is addressing the public for the first time since Jeffrey Epstein’s arrest amid calls for his resignation.
He begins by saying he is pleased that federal prosecutors in New York are pursuing the case.He begins by saying he is pleased that federal prosecutors in New York are pursuing the case.
“I absolutely welcome this New York prosecution. It is absolutely the right thing to do,” Acosta said.“I absolutely welcome this New York prosecution. It is absolutely the right thing to do,” Acosta said.
The labor secretary then offers his version of how the plea deal unfolded, suggesting that the US attorney’s office, under his leadership, stepped in when it looked like the state prosecutor’s office was going to let Epstein “walk”.The labor secretary then offers his version of how the plea deal unfolded, suggesting that the US attorney’s office, under his leadership, stepped in when it looked like the state prosecutor’s office was going to let Epstein “walk”.
“I know that my former colleagues the men and women of my office wanted to help them. I wanted to help them,” he said. “That is why we intervened.”“I know that my former colleagues the men and women of my office wanted to help them. I wanted to help them,” he said. “That is why we intervened.”
An extensive investigation by the Miami Herald paints a different picture of the deal that Acosta granted, which set aside a 53-count federal indictment and allowed Epstein to plead guilty to state prostitution charges involving underage girls.An extensive investigation by the Miami Herald paints a different picture of the deal that Acosta granted, which set aside a 53-count federal indictment and allowed Epstein to plead guilty to state prostitution charges involving underage girls.
Presidential candidates love to unveil new endorsements. They are markers of influence and support and a sign post for where the energy is in a race.Presidential candidates love to unveil new endorsements. They are markers of influence and support and a sign post for where the energy is in a race.
Bernie Sanders is taking a different tack. Today he unveiled a list of “anti-endorsements” – people who have forcefully opposed his campaign. The list, which is filled with wealthy businessmen, billionaires and centrist Democrats, was headlined by a quote from FDR: “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.”Bernie Sanders is taking a different tack. Today he unveiled a list of “anti-endorsements” – people who have forcefully opposed his campaign. The list, which is filled with wealthy businessmen, billionaires and centrist Democrats, was headlined by a quote from FDR: “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.”
The list of anti-endorsements include:The list of anti-endorsements include:
Haim Saban, billionaireHaim Saban, billionaire
Kenneth Lagone, co-founder of Home DepotKenneth Lagone, co-founder of Home Depot
Andy Puzder, former fast food CEOAndy Puzder, former fast food CEO
Lowell McAdam, former CEO of VerizonLowell McAdam, former CEO of Verizon
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan ChaseJamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase
Bob Iger, CEO of DisneyBob Iger, CEO of Disney
Jeffrey Immelt, former CEO of General ElectricJeffrey Immelt, former CEO of General Electric
Lloyd Blankfein, former CEO of Goldman SachsLloyd Blankfein, former CEO of Goldman Sachs
Alan Greenspan, Former Federal Reserve ChairmanAlan Greenspan, Former Federal Reserve Chairman
Third Way, centrist “Think Tank”Third Way, centrist “Think Tank”
Leon Cooperman, Former Partner at Goldman SachsLeon Cooperman, Former Partner at Goldman Sachs
Bernard Marcus, co-founder of Home DepotBernard Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot
Stanley Druckenmiller, billionaire hedge fund managerStanley Druckenmiller, billionaire hedge fund manager
Guardian reporter Amanda Holpuch will be sending updates from the House oversight committee’s “Kids in Cages” hearing which is due to get underway shortly.Guardian reporter Amanda Holpuch will be sending updates from the House oversight committee’s “Kids in Cages” hearing which is due to get underway shortly.
Among those testifying is Yazmin Juárez, the mother of a 21-month-old girl who died shortly after being released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) custody, Holpuch writes.Among those testifying is Yazmin Juárez, the mother of a 21-month-old girl who died shortly after being released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) custody, Holpuch writes.
The Guatemalan toddler, Mariee Juarez, is one of seven children to die while in the custody of US immigration agencies, or shortly after being released from them, in the past year. In the decade prior, no children died in the custody of these agencies.The Guatemalan toddler, Mariee Juarez, is one of seven children to die while in the custody of US immigration agencies, or shortly after being released from them, in the past year. In the decade prior, no children died in the custody of these agencies.
Mariee’s mother will testify that Ice medical staff neglected the toddler while she was being held at a family detention facility in Dilley, Texas.Mariee’s mother will testify that Ice medical staff neglected the toddler while she was being held at a family detention facility in Dilley, Texas.
A week after entering Dilley, Mariee had a 104 degree fever and suffered from cough, congestion, diarrhea and vomiting, according to the family’s attorney. These conditions were not mentioned by medical staff on discharge forms, according to the lawsuit. The girl spent six weeks in hospitals before succumbing to a collapsed lung from a respiratory infection.A week after entering Dilley, Mariee had a 104 degree fever and suffered from cough, congestion, diarrhea and vomiting, according to the family’s attorney. These conditions were not mentioned by medical staff on discharge forms, according to the lawsuit. The girl spent six weeks in hospitals before succumbing to a collapsed lung from a respiratory infection.
The toddler did not show signs of illness when she was first detained by Ice, according to documents obtained by ABC and The Marshall Project.The toddler did not show signs of illness when she was first detained by Ice, according to documents obtained by ABC and The Marshall Project.
Juárez filed a wrongful death claim against the US government and is seeking $60m in damages.Juárez filed a wrongful death claim against the US government and is seeking $60m in damages.
Congressional Democrats will hold hearings on Labor Secretary Alex Acosta’s handling of a 2008 plea deal granted to Jeffrey Epstein after he was charged with sex trafficking involving underage girls.Congressional Democrats will hold hearings on Labor Secretary Alex Acosta’s handling of a 2008 plea deal granted to Jeffrey Epstein after he was charged with sex trafficking involving underage girls.
New:@OversightDems just announced they will hold hearings on Alex Acosta's handling of Epstein plea deal. They're demanding Acosta testify: pic.twitter.com/s4j50CoG7SNew:@OversightDems just announced they will hold hearings on Alex Acosta's handling of Epstein plea deal. They're demanding Acosta testify: pic.twitter.com/s4j50CoG7S
The renewed interest in Acosta’s handling of the plea deal, which allowed Epstein to leave jail six days a week, has shone a spotlight on his work as secretary.The renewed interest in Acosta’s handling of the plea deal, which allowed Epstein to leave jail six days a week, has shone a spotlight on his work as secretary.
As ace Guardian reporter Ed Pilkington explains, Acosta has proposed 80% funding cuts for the government agency that combats child sex trafficking.As ace Guardian reporter Ed Pilkington explains, Acosta has proposed 80% funding cuts for the government agency that combats child sex trafficking.
Acosta’s plan to slash funding of a critical federal agency in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children is contained in his financial plans for the Department of Labor for fiscal year 2020. In it, he proposes decimating the resources of a section of his own department known as the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), the story says.Acosta’s plan to slash funding of a critical federal agency in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children is contained in his financial plans for the Department of Labor for fiscal year 2020. In it, he proposes decimating the resources of a section of his own department known as the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), the story says.
The bureau’s budget would fall from $68m last year to just $18.5m. The proposed reduction is so drastic that experts say it would effectively kill off many federal efforts to curb sex trafficking and put the lives of large numbers of children at risk.The bureau’s budget would fall from $68m last year to just $18.5m. The proposed reduction is so drastic that experts say it would effectively kill off many federal efforts to curb sex trafficking and put the lives of large numbers of children at risk.
Katherine Clark, a congresswoman from Massachusetts, said Acosta’s proposed cut was “reckless” and “amoral”. When seen alongside the sweetheart plea deal he granted Epstein in 2008, when Acosta was the US attorney in Miami, she said, it indicated that the labor secretary did not see protecting vulnerable children as a priority.Katherine Clark, a congresswoman from Massachusetts, said Acosta’s proposed cut was “reckless” and “amoral”. When seen alongside the sweetheart plea deal he granted Epstein in 2008, when Acosta was the US attorney in Miami, she said, it indicated that the labor secretary did not see protecting vulnerable children as a priority.
“This is now a pattern,” Clark told the Guardian. “Like so many in this administration Mr Acosta chooses the powerful and wealthy over the vulnerable and victims of sexual assault and it is time that he finds another line of work.”“This is now a pattern,” Clark told the Guardian. “Like so many in this administration Mr Acosta chooses the powerful and wealthy over the vulnerable and victims of sexual assault and it is time that he finds another line of work.”
Trump labor secretary who cut Epstein deal plans to slash funds for sex trafficking victimsTrump labor secretary who cut Epstein deal plans to slash funds for sex trafficking victims
A federal appeals court in Virginia has sided with the president in a lawsuit accusing Trump of illegally profiting off the presidency as a result of his decision to hold on to his business interests while in office.A federal appeals court in Virginia has sided with the president in a lawsuit accusing Trump of illegally profiting off the presidency as a result of his decision to hold on to his business interests while in office.
A three-judge panel of the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Virginia, unanimously overturned the ruling by a federal judge who agreed with the lawsuit brought by the District of Columbia and Maryland that claimed Trump was violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause by making money off of the foreign and domestic officials who stay at his Washington-based Trump International hotel.A three-judge panel of the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Virginia, unanimously overturned the ruling by a federal judge who agreed with the lawsuit brought by the District of Columbia and Maryland that claimed Trump was violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause by making money off of the foreign and domestic officials who stay at his Washington-based Trump International hotel.
The ruling effectively blocks the DC and Maryland attorneys general from pursuing financial information on Trump and the Trump organization.The ruling effectively blocks the DC and Maryland attorneys general from pursuing financial information on Trump and the Trump organization.
Trump, who has broken with presidential precedent by not divesting from his businesses, celebrated the decision in a tweet.Trump, who has broken with presidential precedent by not divesting from his businesses, celebrated the decision in a tweet.
Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt. Unanimous decision in my favor from The United States Court of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit on the ridiculous Emoluments Case. I don’t make money, but lose a fortune for the honor of.....Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt. Unanimous decision in my favor from The United States Court of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit on the ridiculous Emoluments Case. I don’t make money, but lose a fortune for the honor of.....
The case is only one of several fronts on which Trump faces legal challenges and investigations into his finances from states and Democratic members of Congress.The case is only one of several fronts on which Trump faces legal challenges and investigations into his finances from states and Democratic members of Congress.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar today called Fox News host Tucker Carlson a “racist fool” after he delivered a three-minute monologue on air riddled with anti-immigrant rhetoric and personal attacks.Congresswoman Ilhan Omar today called Fox News host Tucker Carlson a “racist fool” after he delivered a three-minute monologue on air riddled with anti-immigrant rhetoric and personal attacks.
“Not gonna lie, it’s kinda fun watching a racist fool like this weeping about my presence in Congress,” the Minnesota congresswoman write. “No lies will stamp out my love for this country or my resolve to make our union more perfect. They will just have to get used to calling me congresswoman!”“Not gonna lie, it’s kinda fun watching a racist fool like this weeping about my presence in Congress,” the Minnesota congresswoman write. “No lies will stamp out my love for this country or my resolve to make our union more perfect. They will just have to get used to calling me congresswoman!”
In the segment, aired on Tuesday night, Carlson described Omar as “living proof that the way we practice immigration has become dangerous to this country” and “a living fire alarm”. He also accused her of having “undisguised contempt for the United States and for its people”.In the segment, aired on Tuesday night, Carlson described Omar as “living proof that the way we practice immigration has become dangerous to this country” and “a living fire alarm”. He also accused her of having “undisguised contempt for the United States and for its people”.
In the segment, Carlson recounted Omar’s journey from Somalia – “one of the world’s poorest countries” – to the US, “the world’s richest country with all the bounty that that implies”, and said she had “a lot to be grateful for”.In the segment, Carlson recounted Omar’s journey from Somalia – “one of the world’s poorest countries” – to the US, “the world’s richest country with all the bounty that that implies”, and said she had “a lot to be grateful for”.
“But she isn’t grateful, not at all,” he continued. “After everything America has done for Omar and her family, she hates this country more than ever.”“But she isn’t grateful, not at all,” he continued. “After everything America has done for Omar and her family, she hates this country more than ever.”
Omar, one of the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress and the first person to wear a hijab on the House floor, has become a lightening rod for the right, who question her loyalty to the US The freshman congresswoman said her family received death threats after Trump tweeted an edited video that insinuated she had played down the 9/11 attacks.Omar, one of the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress and the first person to wear a hijab on the House floor, has become a lightening rod for the right, who question her loyalty to the US The freshman congresswoman said her family received death threats after Trump tweeted an edited video that insinuated she had played down the 9/11 attacks.
Ilhan Omar calls Tucker Carlson a ‘racist fool’ after his scathing attack on airIlhan Omar calls Tucker Carlson a ‘racist fool’ after his scathing attack on air
Megan Rapinoe, the co-captain of the US women’s soccer team, may have ruled out running for president this year (she’s “busy”), but her remarks at today’s ticker tape parade in New York sounded a lot like a stump speech to us (minus the expletive at the end, of course.)Megan Rapinoe, the co-captain of the US women’s soccer team, may have ruled out running for president this year (she’s “busy”), but her remarks at today’s ticker tape parade in New York sounded a lot like a stump speech to us (minus the expletive at the end, of course.)
But that doesn’t mean she won’t be involved in the 2020 race to oust a president who has publicly denigrated her over her refusal to attend a ceremony at the White House. As 2020 campaign takes shape, with women surging to the top of the crowded field, Rapinoe could emerge as a sought after endorsement, especially for the trailblazing candidates in the race.But that doesn’t mean she won’t be involved in the 2020 race to oust a president who has publicly denigrated her over her refusal to attend a ceremony at the White House. As 2020 campaign takes shape, with women surging to the top of the crowded field, Rapinoe could emerge as a sought after endorsement, especially for the trailblazing candidates in the race.
"This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better. We have to love more. Hate less. We got to listen more and talk less," Megan Rapinoe says. "It's our responsibility to make the world a better place." https://t.co/7LJHPDVRm9 pic.twitter.com/5s5OuS4Gsx"This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better. We have to love more. Hate less. We got to listen more and talk less," Megan Rapinoe says. "It's our responsibility to make the world a better place." https://t.co/7LJHPDVRm9 pic.twitter.com/5s5OuS4Gsx
And even if politics aren’t in her future, Rapinoe, one of the first white athletes to take a kneel during the national anthem in solidarity, a leader of the campaign for equal pay and a forceful critic of the president, is unlikely to stop speaking her mind any time soon.And even if politics aren’t in her future, Rapinoe, one of the first white athletes to take a kneel during the national anthem in solidarity, a leader of the campaign for equal pay and a forceful critic of the president, is unlikely to stop speaking her mind any time soon.
Here’s the Guardian’s own Bryan Armen Graham who, like the team, is fresh from France, on their victory parade in New York.Here’s the Guardian’s own Bryan Armen Graham who, like the team, is fresh from France, on their victory parade in New York.
'They're icons': US women's champion team take victory parade in New York'They're icons': US women's champion team take victory parade in New York
Donald Trump, signing an executive order on kidney health: “Very special, the kidney has a very special place in the heart.”Donald Trump, signing an executive order on kidney health: “Very special, the kidney has a very special place in the heart.”
President Trump, moments before signing an executive order on advancing kidney health: “Very special, the kidney has a very special place in the heart, it’s an incredible thing."President Trump, moments before signing an executive order on advancing kidney health: “Very special, the kidney has a very special place in the heart, it’s an incredible thing."
Robert Foster, a Republican candidate for Governor in Mississippi, has refused to a allow a female political reporter to join him on a ride along unless she was accompanied by a male colleague.Robert Foster, a Republican candidate for Governor in Mississippi, has refused to a allow a female political reporter to join him on a ride along unless she was accompanied by a male colleague.
“In two phone calls this week, Colton Robison, Foster’s campaign director, said a male colleague would need to accompany this reporter on an upcoming 15-hour campaign trip because they believed the optics of the candidate with a woman, even a working reporter, could be used in a smear campaign to insinuate an extramarital affair,” Mississippi Today reporter Larrison Campbell wrote, explaining her interaction with the campaign.“In two phone calls this week, Colton Robison, Foster’s campaign director, said a male colleague would need to accompany this reporter on an upcoming 15-hour campaign trip because they believed the optics of the candidate with a woman, even a working reporter, could be used in a smear campaign to insinuate an extramarital affair,” Mississippi Today reporter Larrison Campbell wrote, explaining her interaction with the campaign.
“The only reason you think that people will think I’m having a (improper) relationship with your candidate is because I am a woman,” this reporter said.“The only reason you think that people will think I’m having a (improper) relationship with your candidate is because I am a woman,” this reporter said.
Robison said the campaign simply “can’t risk it.”Robison said the campaign simply “can’t risk it.”
Campbell and her editor agreed the request was “sexist” and an “unnecessary use” of newsroom resources. The told Robinson she would attend the ride along alone. But the campaign insisted she would not be allowed.Campbell and her editor agreed the request was “sexist” and an “unnecessary use” of newsroom resources. The told Robinson she would attend the ride along alone. But the campaign insisted she would not be allowed.
On Twitter, Foster defended the decision, saying he and his wife had agreed to “avoid any situation that may evoke suspicion or compromise of our marriage.”On Twitter, Foster defended the decision, saying he and his wife had agreed to “avoid any situation that may evoke suspicion or compromise of our marriage.”
Before our decision to run, my wife and I made a commitment to follow the “Billy Graham Rule”, which is to avoid any situation that may evoke suspicion or compromise of our marriage. I am sorry Ms. Campbell doesn’t share these views, but my decision was out of respect of my wife. https://t.co/5tjH2x2g65Before our decision to run, my wife and I made a commitment to follow the “Billy Graham Rule”, which is to avoid any situation that may evoke suspicion or compromise of our marriage. I am sorry Ms. Campbell doesn’t share these views, but my decision was out of respect of my wife. https://t.co/5tjH2x2g65
He followed up:He followed up:
As I anticipated, the liberal left lost their minds over the fact I choose not to be alone with another woman. They can’t believe, that even in 2019, someone still values their relationship with their wife and upholds their Christian Faith. #msgov #mselexAs I anticipated, the liberal left lost their minds over the fact I choose not to be alone with another woman. They can’t believe, that even in 2019, someone still values their relationship with their wife and upholds their Christian Faith. #msgov #mselex
Read Campbell’s full story here.Read Campbell’s full story here.
Donald Trump’s Fourth of July event cost the DC government $1.7m, an amount that when combined with other related expenses from the weekend, has completely drained a fund used to “protect the nation’s capital from terrorist threats and provide security at events such as rallies and state funerals,” the Washington Post is exclusively reporting.Donald Trump’s Fourth of July event cost the DC government $1.7m, an amount that when combined with other related expenses from the weekend, has completely drained a fund used to “protect the nation’s capital from terrorist threats and provide security at events such as rallies and state funerals,” the Washington Post is exclusively reporting.
Trump faced sharp criticism for the event that used taxpayer dollars and placed the president at the center of a holiday celebrating American independence.Trump faced sharp criticism for the event that used taxpayer dollars and placed the president at the center of a holiday celebrating American independence.
In a letter to the president on Tuesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) warned that the fund has now been depleted and is estimated to be running a $6 million deficit by Sept. 30. The mayor also noted that the account was never reimbursed for $7.3 million in expenses from Trump’s 2017 inauguration,” the Post reported.In a letter to the president on Tuesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) warned that the fund has now been depleted and is estimated to be running a $6 million deficit by Sept. 30. The mayor also noted that the account was never reimbursed for $7.3 million in expenses from Trump’s 2017 inauguration,” the Post reported.
Bowser requested that the White House commit to fully reimbursing the fund.Bowser requested that the White House commit to fully reimbursing the fund.
“We ask for your help with ensuring the residents of the District of Columbia are not asked to cover millions of dollars of federal expenses and are able to maintain our high standards of protection for federal events,” she wrote.“We ask for your help with ensuring the residents of the District of Columbia are not asked to cover millions of dollars of federal expenses and are able to maintain our high standards of protection for federal events,” she wrote.
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.