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Ilhan Omar on Trump: 'I believe he is fascist' – live updates Ilhan Omar on Trump: 'I believe he is fascist' – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Ok folks, I’m getting ready to pass the baton onto my colleague Maanvi Singh on the West Coast. But before I go, allow me to recap where things stand:
Donald Trump has said he disagrees with the “send her back” chants against Representative Ilhan Omar at his rally in North Carolina on Wednesday; the president sought to distance himself from the chants, which were widely condemned as racist, even though he allowed them to proceed during the rally itself.
Ilhan Omar is not backing down, telling reporters she thinks Trump is a “fascist” and dismissing the suggestion by some Republicans that she should scale back her criticism; Omar said the US is supposed to be a country that allows “democratic debate and dissent”.
Top Democrats have meanwhile voiced concern over Omar’s safety, calling for enhanced security in the wake of Trump’s attacks; Omar has acknowledged receiving death threats stemming from the president’s tweets and comments targeting her.
Donald Trump was involved in repeated discussions surrounding an illegal hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the 2016 campaign, according to FBI documents unsealed on Thursday; Trump and his former communications director, Hope Hicks, both discussed the issue with the president’s former attorney, Michael Cohen.
Donald Trump said a US naval ship shot down and “destroyed” an Iranian drone near the Strait of Hormuz; the president said the US took defensive measures after the Iranians ignored multiple commands to stand down.
As always, the news never stops... so stay tuned for more updates throughout the evening!
Ivanka Trump expressed her displeasure with the “send her back” chants against Ilhan Omar behind closed doors because of course she did.Ivanka Trump expressed her displeasure with the “send her back” chants against Ilhan Omar behind closed doors because of course she did.
Citing officials at the White House, the Wall Street Journal reported that the president’s daughter and senior adviser conveyed her misgivings about the episode to Donald Trump on Thursday morning.Citing officials at the White House, the Wall Street Journal reported that the president’s daughter and senior adviser conveyed her misgivings about the episode to Donald Trump on Thursday morning.
Ivanka Trump’s silence on Trump’s attacks against four congresswomen of color, as well as the conditions at migrant detention facilities, has been a subject of scrutiny. At times, she has publicly disagreed with her father on matters of policy.Ivanka Trump’s silence on Trump’s attacks against four congresswomen of color, as well as the conditions at migrant detention facilities, has been a subject of scrutiny. At times, she has publicly disagreed with her father on matters of policy.
At the same time, Ivanka Trump has come under immense criticism for her role in the administration and been branded as “complicit” in the president’s conduct.At the same time, Ivanka Trump has come under immense criticism for her role in the administration and been branded as “complicit” in the president’s conduct.
2020 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has said he was out to dinner with Representative Ilhan Omar and others when reports of the “send her back” chants at Donald Trump’s rally came through.2020 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has said he was out to dinner with Representative Ilhan Omar and others when reports of the “send her back” chants at Donald Trump’s rally came through.
In an email to supporters, Sanders said Omar was “unfazed”. The Vermont senator has condemned Trump’s attacks against Omar.In an email to supporters, Sanders said Omar was “unfazed”. The Vermont senator has condemned Trump’s attacks against Omar.
In a fundraising email, Sanders says he was at dinner with Ilhan Omar, her daughter, and some other MOCs when we heard that thousands of people at a Trump rally were chanting "send her back." He said she was “unfazed” bc she’s been dealing w/ “this kind of racism for a long time” pic.twitter.com/wBvyIbp2qGIn a fundraising email, Sanders says he was at dinner with Ilhan Omar, her daughter, and some other MOCs when we heard that thousands of people at a Trump rally were chanting "send her back." He said she was “unfazed” bc she’s been dealing w/ “this kind of racism for a long time” pic.twitter.com/wBvyIbp2qG
Alas, the video of Ted Cruz accidentally swallowing a spider or insect of some sort on live TV was fake.Alas, the video of Ted Cruz accidentally swallowing a spider or insect of some sort on live TV was fake.
My apologies!My apologies!
I leave you instead with this clip of Cruz imitating Winston Churchill:I leave you instead with this clip of Cruz imitating Winston Churchill:
Donald Trump and one of his top aides were directly involved in discussions that led to an illegal hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, the FBI has said.Donald Trump and one of his top aides were directly involved in discussions that led to an illegal hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, the FBI has said.
A court filing unsealed on Thursday stated that Trump and his former communications director, Hope Hicks, spoke on several occasions with the president’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, about the payment.A court filing unsealed on Thursday stated that Trump and his former communications director, Hope Hicks, spoke on several occasions with the president’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, about the payment.
Cohen paid Daniels, an adult film actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, $130,000 during the 2016 campaign to prevent her from speaking out about an alleged affair with Trump. Cohen is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for financial crimes and lying to Congress.Cohen paid Daniels, an adult film actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, $130,000 during the 2016 campaign to prevent her from speaking out about an alleged affair with Trump. Cohen is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for financial crimes and lying to Congress.
The Guardian’s Jon Swaine has more here on what the FBI documents revealed about Trump’s involvement. It marks the first time US authorities have referred to Trump by name, and also raises the possibility that Hicks lied to the FBI:The Guardian’s Jon Swaine has more here on what the FBI documents revealed about Trump’s involvement. It marks the first time US authorities have referred to Trump by name, and also raises the possibility that Hicks lied to the FBI:
Hicks told an agent in an interview that ‘she did not learn about the allegations made by Clifford until early November 2016’, the new filings said. Hicks, who is now a senior executive at Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation, has denied wrongdoing.”Hicks told an agent in an interview that ‘she did not learn about the allegations made by Clifford until early November 2016’, the new filings said. Hicks, who is now a senior executive at Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation, has denied wrongdoing.”
A US navy vessel shot down and “immediately destroyed” an Iranian drone near the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump announced on Thursday.A US navy vessel shot down and “immediately destroyed” an Iranian drone near the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump announced on Thursday.
“This is the latest of many provocative and hostile actions by Iran against vessels operating in international waters,” Trump said while speaking at an unrelated event at the White House.“This is the latest of many provocative and hostile actions by Iran against vessels operating in international waters,” Trump said while speaking at an unrelated event at the White House.
“The United States reserves the right to defend our personnel, facilities, and interests.”“The United States reserves the right to defend our personnel, facilities, and interests.”
Trump said the Iranians ignored multiple calls to stand down and was threatening the safety of the USS Boxer and its crew. The president also called on other countries “to protect their ships as they go through the Strait” and to work with the US in the future.Trump said the Iranians ignored multiple calls to stand down and was threatening the safety of the USS Boxer and its crew. The president also called on other countries “to protect their ships as they go through the Strait” and to work with the US in the future.
BREAKING: US has “destroyed” an Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz, President Trump says; asserts that the drone ignored warnings from USS Boxer to stand down as it neared the ship. pic.twitter.com/oQh9ZuhCjuBREAKING: US has “destroyed” an Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz, President Trump says; asserts that the drone ignored warnings from USS Boxer to stand down as it neared the ship. pic.twitter.com/oQh9ZuhCju
Trump’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Last month, Iran’s revolutionary guard shot down a US military surveillance drone that they said had violated Iranian airspace.Trump’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Last month, Iran’s revolutionary guard shot down a US military surveillance drone that they said had violated Iranian airspace.
The action prompted Trump to tweet that Iran had “made a very big mistake”.The action prompted Trump to tweet that Iran had “made a very big mistake”.
“The Squad” has a fan in UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet.“The Squad” has a fan in UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet.
According to Reuters, Bachelet praised the four congresswomen of color and targets of Donald Trump as “fantastic”.According to Reuters, Bachelet praised the four congresswomen of color and targets of Donald Trump as “fantastic”.
“I believe that those four women are fantastic,” Bachelet said at Geneva’s Graduate Institute. “I see bright women who dare to say what they think.”“I believe that those four women are fantastic,” Bachelet said at Geneva’s Graduate Institute. “I see bright women who dare to say what they think.”
Bachelet declined to respond when asked if Trump was racist. But former South African constitutional judge Albie Sachs, who spoke alongside her, took the microphone and said: “The answer is yes.”Bachelet declined to respond when asked if Trump was racist. But former South African constitutional judge Albie Sachs, who spoke alongside her, took the microphone and said: “The answer is yes.”
More from Reuters:More from Reuters:
Bachelet said she would not use any particular adjective, but said people in a democracy should ensure respect for diversity, for people who think differently and for people of a different color.Bachelet said she would not use any particular adjective, but said people in a democracy should ensure respect for diversity, for people who think differently and for people of a different color.
“It is not good for leaders, global leaders, (to use) hate speech, saying things that are bad examples or bad models, because it permits and gives license to many others to be xenophobic, to be anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-everything, anti-foreign,” she said.“It is not good for leaders, global leaders, (to use) hate speech, saying things that are bad examples or bad models, because it permits and gives license to many others to be xenophobic, to be anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-everything, anti-foreign,” she said.
“That’s one of the dangers in the world today.”“That’s one of the dangers in the world today.”
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has weighed in on Donald Trump’s rally and the president’s attacks on her colleague and fellow ‘Squad’ member, Representative Ilhan Omar:Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has weighed in on Donald Trump’s rally and the president’s attacks on her colleague and fellow ‘Squad’ member, Representative Ilhan Omar:
The president put millions of Americans in danger last night. His rhetoric is endangering lots of people. This is not just about threats to individual members of Congress, but it is about creating a volatile environment in this country through violent rhetoric that puts anyone, like Ilhan, anyone who believes in the rights of all people, in danger. And I think that he has a responsibility for that environment.”The president put millions of Americans in danger last night. His rhetoric is endangering lots of people. This is not just about threats to individual members of Congress, but it is about creating a volatile environment in this country through violent rhetoric that puts anyone, like Ilhan, anyone who believes in the rights of all people, in danger. And I think that he has a responsibility for that environment.”
Rep. @AOC: "The president put millions of Americans in danger last night. His rhetoric is endangering lots of people, this is not just about threats to individual members of Congress, but it is about creating a volatile environment in this country through violent rhetoric." pic.twitter.com/OZgcS8JGduRep. @AOC: "The president put millions of Americans in danger last night. His rhetoric is endangering lots of people, this is not just about threats to individual members of Congress, but it is about creating a volatile environment in this country through violent rhetoric." pic.twitter.com/OZgcS8JGdu
Trump also took aim at Ocasio-Cortez during his rally in North Carolina on Wednesday. In addition to dismissing her criticisms of the conditions at migrant detention facilities, Trump mocked Ocasio-Cortez’s name.Trump also took aim at Ocasio-Cortez during his rally in North Carolina on Wednesday. In addition to dismissing her criticisms of the conditions at migrant detention facilities, Trump mocked Ocasio-Cortez’s name.
“I don’t have time to go with three different names. We will call her Cortez,” he said.“I don’t have time to go with three different names. We will call her Cortez,” he said.
Florida senator Marco Rubio is out with a video addressing the outrage over the attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar, and he is ... outraged over the outrage.Florida senator Marco Rubio is out with a video addressing the outrage over the attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar, and he is ... outraged over the outrage.
Rubio, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, tweeted that the “send her back” chants from Donald Trump’s rally on Wednesday was “grotesque”.Rubio, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, tweeted that the “send her back” chants from Donald Trump’s rally on Wednesday was “grotesque”.
He then proceeded to take aim at “leftwing politicians” and the media for what he said were double standards in allegations of racism and bias, where only Republicans are labeled as white nationalists.He then proceeded to take aim at “leftwing politicians” and the media for what he said were double standards in allegations of racism and bias, where only Republicans are labeled as white nationalists.
“The hypocrisy, the self-righteousness, outrages people, too,” Rubio said.“The hypocrisy, the self-righteousness, outrages people, too,” Rubio said.
The tweet was wrong & the chant last night grotesqueThe left wing politicians & many in the media demanding outrage are self righteous hypocrites And the “outrage & response cycle” allows for only 2 sides & demands you pick or elseIt’s a stupid game that I refuse to play pic.twitter.com/AhM4epeqNxThe tweet was wrong & the chant last night grotesqueThe left wing politicians & many in the media demanding outrage are self righteous hypocrites And the “outrage & response cycle” allows for only 2 sides & demands you pick or elseIt’s a stupid game that I refuse to play pic.twitter.com/AhM4epeqNx
He also noted that while Trump’s tweet attacking the four congresswomen of color -- aka “The Squad” -- was wrong, there wasn’t enough attention being paid to the attacks the quartet of Democrats levy against their own opponents.He also noted that while Trump’s tweet attacking the four congresswomen of color -- aka “The Squad” -- was wrong, there wasn’t enough attention being paid to the attacks the quartet of Democrats levy against their own opponents.
“No one should question that they are fully as American as we or anybody else, but they’re also political bullies,” Rubio said. “They go around attacking people … but when you hit them back, it’s because they’re women of color.”“No one should question that they are fully as American as we or anybody else, but they’re also political bullies,” Rubio said. “They go around attacking people … but when you hit them back, it’s because they’re women of color.”
There was, in fact, ample coverage of the feud between The Squad and House speaker Nancy Pelosi, stemming from the very public way in which the freshmen lawmakers aired their grievances with other House Democrats over matters of policy. Things got particularly ugly when Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York suggested Pelosi was explicitly “singling out of newly elected women of color”.There was, in fact, ample coverage of the feud between The Squad and House speaker Nancy Pelosi, stemming from the very public way in which the freshmen lawmakers aired their grievances with other House Democrats over matters of policy. Things got particularly ugly when Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York suggested Pelosi was explicitly “singling out of newly elected women of color”.
It was at the height of that tension that Trump decided to inject himself into the conversation, because he happened to be tweeting on Sunday and couldn’t help but sit this one out.It was at the height of that tension that Trump decided to inject himself into the conversation, because he happened to be tweeting on Sunday and couldn’t help but sit this one out.
The rest -- as in, the part where the president said these four congresswomen of color, all American citizens, should “go back” to where they “came from” -- is history.The rest -- as in, the part where the president said these four congresswomen of color, all American citizens, should “go back” to where they “came from” -- is history.
....and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how........and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how....
Only a handful of Republicans spoke out against Trump’s tweet, which by Wednesday looked as though it was fading from the conversation. But the president, who openly told reporters he was ‘enjoying’ the fight, decided to escalate matters by bringing up “The Squad” at his campaign rally in North Carolina later that evening.Only a handful of Republicans spoke out against Trump’s tweet, which by Wednesday looked as though it was fading from the conversation. But the president, who openly told reporters he was ‘enjoying’ the fight, decided to escalate matters by bringing up “The Squad” at his campaign rally in North Carolina later that evening.
It’s worth recalling that Rubio, during his own bid for president in 2016, was arguably Trump’s most visceral critic.It’s worth recalling that Rubio, during his own bid for president in 2016, was arguably Trump’s most visceral critic.
I covered his campaign for the Guardian, and on the day Rubio dropped out of the race he told me Trump was an “embarrassment” and that Republicans would be banished to “the wilderness” in 2016 and beyond if he was their nominee.I covered his campaign for the Guardian, and on the day Rubio dropped out of the race he told me Trump was an “embarrassment” and that Republicans would be banished to “the wilderness” in 2016 and beyond if he was their nominee.
Rubio eventually backed Trump’s campaign and, despite their occasional disagreements, has emerged as one of the president’s most prominent supporters.Rubio eventually backed Trump’s campaign and, despite their occasional disagreements, has emerged as one of the president’s most prominent supporters.
Representative Ilhan Omar on Thursday responded to Donald Trump’s criticism of her and chants of “send her back” targeting her at his rally by reiterating her belief that the president is “racist”.Representative Ilhan Omar on Thursday responded to Donald Trump’s criticism of her and chants of “send her back” targeting her at his rally by reiterating her belief that the president is “racist”.
“We have said this president is racist. We have condemned his racist remarks,” Omar told reporters on Capitol Hill, while adding of Trump: “I believe he is fascist.”“We have said this president is racist. We have condemned his racist remarks,” Omar told reporters on Capitol Hill, while adding of Trump: “I believe he is fascist.”
Omar, a congresswoman from Minnesota, also hit back at South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham for suggesting the “send her back” chants would not have occurred had she not criticized the president.Omar, a congresswoman from Minnesota, also hit back at South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham for suggesting the “send her back” chants would not have occurred had she not criticized the president.
Earlier on Thursday, Graham said the chants were not racist, telling reporters: “I don’t think a Somali refugee embracing Trump would be asked to go back.”Earlier on Thursday, Graham said the chants were not racist, telling reporters: “I don’t think a Somali refugee embracing Trump would be asked to go back.”
“If you’re racist, you want everybody to go back because they are black or Muslim. That’s not what this is about,” Graham added.“If you’re racist, you want everybody to go back because they are black or Muslim. That’s not what this is about,” Graham added.
Omar reacted to Graham’s comments with disbelief, saying the Republican senator was effectively arguing that only Somali refugees who wore pro-Trump ‘Make America Great Again’ were welcome in the US.Omar reacted to Graham’s comments with disbelief, saying the Republican senator was effectively arguing that only Somali refugees who wore pro-Trump ‘Make America Great Again’ were welcome in the US.
“If I was wearing a MAGA hat, if there was a Somali person wearing a MAGA hat, they would not be deported, but because I criticize the president I should be deported,” Omar said, paraphrasing Graham’s argument.“If I was wearing a MAGA hat, if there was a Somali person wearing a MAGA hat, they would not be deported, but because I criticize the president I should be deported,” Omar said, paraphrasing Graham’s argument.
“I want to remind people that this is what this president and his supporters have turned our country [into],” Omar said, pointing out the US was “supposed to be a country where we allow democratic debate and dissent to take place”.“I want to remind people that this is what this president and his supporters have turned our country [into],” Omar said, pointing out the US was “supposed to be a country where we allow democratic debate and dissent to take place”.
“This is not about me. This is about us fighting for what our country truly should be and deserves to be.”“This is not about me. This is about us fighting for what our country truly should be and deserves to be.”
President asks Rohingya man, “where’s that?”President asks Rohingya man, “where’s that?”
At an event at the White House yesterday, Donald Trump was told by a Rohingya muslim refugee who had fled persecution in Myanmar to a regional refugee camp that his people were hoping to “go back home as quickly as possible”.At an event at the White House yesterday, Donald Trump was told by a Rohingya muslim refugee who had fled persecution in Myanmar to a regional refugee camp that his people were hoping to “go back home as quickly as possible”.
He asked the president what was the United States’s “plan for that?”He asked the president what was the United States’s “plan for that?”
Trump paused, then said: “And where is that exactly?”Trump paused, then said: “And where is that exactly?”
Someone standing next to the president’s chair in the Oval Office leaned in and said, presumably referring to the refugee camp, the name of which was not clearly audible on the little video clip that emerged on Twitter today: “Right next to Burma.”Someone standing next to the president’s chair in the Oval Office leaned in and said, presumably referring to the refugee camp, the name of which was not clearly audible on the little video clip that emerged on Twitter today: “Right next to Burma.”
Trump replied in the direction of the refugee, who was tugging nervously at the fabric of his ill-fitting suit: “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Trump replied in the direction of the refugee: “Thank you, I appreciate it.”
Responses on Twitter add up, in summary, to face-planting. Then without missing a beat, he moved on to the next person. It’s tough to watch.
Rohingya man asks Trump whether there is a plan to help them.Trump: “and where is that exactly?” pic.twitter.com/5TcEjob72JRohingya man asks Trump whether there is a plan to help them.Trump: “and where is that exactly?” pic.twitter.com/5TcEjob72J
Donald Trump a few moment ago attempted to disavow the racist chanting that broke out at his rally last night in North Carolina - despite the fact that the whole storm started from his racist tweets on Sunday.Donald Trump a few moment ago attempted to disavow the racist chanting that broke out at his rally last night in North Carolina - despite the fact that the whole storm started from his racist tweets on Sunday.
Asked in the Oval Office just now by White House pool reporters why he did not stop the chants last night of “send her back” when he mentioned Ilhan Omar, he said: “I think I did - I started speaking very quickly.”He also added: “I was not happy with it - I disagree with it.”Asked in the Oval Office just now by White House pool reporters why he did not stop the chants last night of “send her back” when he mentioned Ilhan Omar, he said: “I think I did - I started speaking very quickly.”He also added: “I was not happy with it - I disagree with it.”
It’s already been a very long week in politics in respect of race relations and immigration policy, but it was only on Sunday (followed by Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) that the president attacked Minnesota Democratic representative Omar and her closest allies in Congress by wheeling out the most obvious racist tropes, urging them to “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came”.It’s already been a very long week in politics in respect of race relations and immigration policy, but it was only on Sunday (followed by Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) that the president attacked Minnesota Democratic representative Omar and her closest allies in Congress by wheeling out the most obvious racist tropes, urging them to “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came”.
The House passed a bill along party lines to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, marking a victory for Democratic leaders who had struggled to unite their party on the issue.The House passed a bill along party lines to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, marking a victory for Democratic leaders who had struggled to unite their party on the issue.
Even though raising the minimum wage has been a central plank of the Democratic platform for years, the party’s centrist lawmakers expressed anxiety about more than doubling the current requirement of $7.25 an hour. Democratic leadership only convinced them to back the proposal by lengthening the phasing-in process to six years, a concession that irked progressive lawmakers.Even though raising the minimum wage has been a central plank of the Democratic platform for years, the party’s centrist lawmakers expressed anxiety about more than doubling the current requirement of $7.25 an hour. Democratic leadership only convinced them to back the proposal by lengthening the phasing-in process to six years, a concession that irked progressive lawmakers.
Reality check: this bill is headed nowhere. The Republican-controlled Senate is unlikely to bring it up for a vote and even less likely to pass it. But Democratic leadership still hopes the bill’s passage will give members of the caucus facing tough reelections something to tout back in their home districts.Reality check: this bill is headed nowhere. The Republican-controlled Senate is unlikely to bring it up for a vote and even less likely to pass it. But Democratic leadership still hopes the bill’s passage will give members of the caucus facing tough reelections something to tout back in their home districts.
Reports coming in of arrests involving demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s policies relating to the US-Mexico border.Reports coming in of arrests involving demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s policies relating to the US-Mexico border.
Happening now: A group of Catholics — including many Catholic nuns — have been arrested at the U.S. Capitol after protesting “to pressure the Trump administration and Congress to end the immoral and inhumane practice of detaining immigrant children.” pic.twitter.com/8MErVXvEZyHappening now: A group of Catholics — including many Catholic nuns — have been arrested at the U.S. Capitol after protesting “to pressure the Trump administration and Congress to end the immoral and inhumane practice of detaining immigrant children.” pic.twitter.com/8MErVXvEZy
Jesse Jackson defends White House correspondentsJesse Jackson defends White House correspondents
The civil rights leader’s tweet just now, criticizing Donald Trump’s attacks on the Squad and calling for solidarity, also references women in the press.The civil rights leader’s tweet just now, criticizing Donald Trump’s attacks on the Squad and calling for solidarity, also references women in the press.
The two journalists whose images he included in his tweet are Yamiche Alcindor, White House correspondent for PBS, and April Ryan, the DC Bureau Chief at American Urban Radio Network.The two journalists whose images he included in his tweet are Yamiche Alcindor, White House correspondent for PBS, and April Ryan, the DC Bureau Chief at American Urban Radio Network.
As an aside, Ryan is poised to moderate the 2020 presidential candidates’ forum at the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) convention in Detroit next Wednesday, July 24.As an aside, Ryan is poised to moderate the 2020 presidential candidates’ forum at the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) convention in Detroit next Wednesday, July 24.
Last year, in a choice moment of ignorance and classic gas-lighting, Donald Trump, astonishingly, accused Alcindor of posing a “racist question” when she had asked the president whether his embrace of “nationalism” has been emboldening for the white-nationalist movement, the Daily Beast reported at the time.Last year, in a choice moment of ignorance and classic gas-lighting, Donald Trump, astonishingly, accused Alcindor of posing a “racist question” when she had asked the president whether his embrace of “nationalism” has been emboldening for the white-nationalist movement, the Daily Beast reported at the time.
And February, 2017, is seared into the memories of correspondents attending a (seemingly long lost) daily official press briefing at the White House, and the millions watching on TV, for Trump’s reaction when April Ryan asked the freshly-minted president if he was going to include the Congressional Black Caucus in conversations he will have about his “inner city” policies.And February, 2017, is seared into the memories of correspondents attending a (seemingly long lost) daily official press briefing at the White House, and the millions watching on TV, for Trump’s reaction when April Ryan asked the freshly-minted president if he was going to include the Congressional Black Caucus in conversations he will have about his “inner city” policies.
Trump responded by repeatedly and blithely asking Ryan if she could set up a meeting with the caucus, members of which the president suggested could be “friends” of hers.Trump responded by repeatedly and blithely asking Ryan if she could set up a meeting with the caucus, members of which the president suggested could be “friends” of hers.
He finished the interaction by saying to Ryan: “Let’s go. Set up a meeting!”He finished the interaction by saying to Ryan: “Let’s go. Set up a meeting!”
After the press conference, Ryan said on Twitter: “I am a journalist not a convener! But thank you for answering my questions.”After the press conference, Ryan said on Twitter: “I am a journalist not a convener! But thank you for answering my questions.”
The caucus also tweeted a statement shortly after the conference: “Hi, @realDonaldTrump. We’re the CBC. We sent you a letter on January 19, but you never wrote us back. Sad!” A link to the letter was included.The caucus also tweeted a statement shortly after the conference: “Hi, @realDonaldTrump. We’re the CBC. We sent you a letter on January 19, but you never wrote us back. Sad!” A link to the letter was included.
If you’re trying to remember why July 24 rings a huge bell, by the way, it’s coz it’s MUELLER DAY. Former special counsel Robert Mueller is testifying on Capitol Hill that day.If you’re trying to remember why July 24 rings a huge bell, by the way, it’s coz it’s MUELLER DAY. Former special counsel Robert Mueller is testifying on Capitol Hill that day.
Donald Trump once again took to his favorite form of social media to slam Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló, who is facing demands for his resignation after a string of leaked text messages showed him making misogynistic and homophobic comments.Donald Trump once again took to his favorite form of social media to slam Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló, who is facing demands for his resignation after a string of leaked text messages showed him making misogynistic and homophobic comments.
The outcry over the texts with his closest advisers has sparked protests in San Juan, as our correspondent Oliver Laughland reports.The outcry over the texts with his closest advisers has sparked protests in San Juan, as our correspondent Oliver Laughland reports.
Trump tweeted that the governor is “under siege,” but oddly he reserved most of his ire for San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who has been an outspoken critic of Rosselló.Trump tweeted that the governor is “under siege,” but oddly he reserved most of his ire for San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who has been an outspoken critic of Rosselló.
“A lot of bad things are happening in Puerto Rico,” the president wrote. “The Governor is under siege, the Mayor of San Juan is a despicable and incompetent person who I wouldn’t trust under any circumstance, and the United States Congress foolishly gave 92 Billion Dollars for hurricane relief, much … of which was squandered away or wasted, never to be seen again.”“A lot of bad things are happening in Puerto Rico,” the president wrote. “The Governor is under siege, the Mayor of San Juan is a despicable and incompetent person who I wouldn’t trust under any circumstance, and the United States Congress foolishly gave 92 Billion Dollars for hurricane relief, much … of which was squandered away or wasted, never to be seen again.”
....of which was squandered away or wasted, never to be seen again. This is more than twice the amount given to Texas & Florida combined. I know the people of Puerto Rico well, and they are great. But much of their leadership is corrupt, & robbing the U.S. Government blind!....of which was squandered away or wasted, never to be seen again. This is more than twice the amount given to Texas & Florida combined. I know the people of Puerto Rico well, and they are great. But much of their leadership is corrupt, & robbing the U.S. Government blind!
This is only the latest fight Trump has picked with Cruz, who he has previously criticized as “crazed” and “incompetent” after she accused his administration of mishandling Hurricane Maria relief efforts. She has responded in kind by calling him “unhinged.”This is only the latest fight Trump has picked with Cruz, who he has previously criticized as “crazed” and “incompetent” after she accused his administration of mishandling Hurricane Maria relief efforts. She has responded in kind by calling him “unhinged.”