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| Trump sues House panel and state officials to block release of tax returns – as it happened | |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| That’s all for now! | That’s all for now! |
| Here what’s happened today, so far: | Here what’s happened today, so far: |
| The Justice Department opened a sweeping antitrust investigation. | The Justice Department opened a sweeping antitrust investigation. |
| NAACP leaders voted in support of impeaching Donald Trump. | NAACP leaders voted in support of impeaching Donald Trump. |
| Robert Mueller will appear alongside his longtime deputy Aaron Zebley when he testifies before Congress tomorrow. | Robert Mueller will appear alongside his longtime deputy Aaron Zebley when he testifies before Congress tomorrow. |
| Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to prevent the disclosure of his state tax returns. The legal battle is separate from House Democrats’ lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the IRS to obtain the president’s federal tax returns. | Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to prevent the disclosure of his state tax returns. The legal battle is separate from House Democrats’ lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the IRS to obtain the president’s federal tax returns. |
| The Senate overwhelmingly passed the extension of the 9/11 victims fund, following activism from first responders and comedian Jon Stewart. Trump is expected to sign it. | The Senate overwhelmingly passed the extension of the 9/11 victims fund, following activism from first responders and comedian Jon Stewart. Trump is expected to sign it. |
| Mark Esper was confirmed as the next defense secretary. He will take over the Defense Department several months after the resignation of Jim Mattis. | Mark Esper was confirmed as the next defense secretary. He will take over the Defense Department several months after the resignation of Jim Mattis. |
| Trump praised incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and slammed “the Squad” in a nearly 90-minute speech to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. | Trump praised incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and slammed “the Squad” in a nearly 90-minute speech to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. |
| Watch this space for any late updates, and tune in early tomorrow to follow the much-anticipated Mueller testimony. | Watch this space for any late updates, and tune in early tomorrow to follow the much-anticipated Mueller testimony. |
| Yet another Democratic lawmaker is calling for Donald Trump’s impeachment. Representative Julia Brownley of California released a statement saying that Trump “presents an existential threat to our democracy.” | Yet another Democratic lawmaker is calling for Donald Trump’s impeachment. Representative Julia Brownley of California released a statement saying that Trump “presents an existential threat to our democracy.” |
| This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and I believe President Trump presents an existential threat to our democracy. I am, therefore, calling for the immediate opening of an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Watch my full statement below. pic.twitter.com/3PfEt0HCZN | This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and I believe President Trump presents an existential threat to our democracy. I am, therefore, calling for the immediate opening of an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Watch my full statement below. pic.twitter.com/3PfEt0HCZN |
| The House voted 398-17 in favor of a nonbinding resolution condemning efforts to boycott or economically isolate Israel over its policies toward Palestinians. | The House voted 398-17 in favor of a nonbinding resolution condemning efforts to boycott or economically isolate Israel over its policies toward Palestinians. |
| The measure, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, faced pushback from a few progressive lawmakers -- including representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib -- who have been publicly supportive of the global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, a nonviolent campaign that aims to register protest against the country’s policies towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. | The measure, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, faced pushback from a few progressive lawmakers -- including representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib -- who have been publicly supportive of the global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, a nonviolent campaign that aims to register protest against the country’s policies towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. |
| The resolution urges “Israelis and Palestinians to return to direct negotiations as the only way to achieve an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” | The resolution urges “Israelis and Palestinians to return to direct negotiations as the only way to achieve an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” |
| It was introduced in March, as Democratic lawmakers debated how to respond to tweets and comments by Omar that were criticized as being anti-Semitic. | It was introduced in March, as Democratic lawmakers debated how to respond to tweets and comments by Omar that were criticized as being anti-Semitic. |
| If you were hoping for an advance peek at the opening statements that special counsel Robert Mueller will deliver tomorrow, you may be out of luck. | If you were hoping for an advance peek at the opening statements that special counsel Robert Mueller will deliver tomorrow, you may be out of luck. |
| According to sleuthing reporters, Mueller won’t be sharing his prepared statements with lawmakers prior to his appearance. | According to sleuthing reporters, Mueller won’t be sharing his prepared statements with lawmakers prior to his appearance. |
| DOJ does not have any advance copies of Mueller’s opening statements scheduled for Wednesday, according to a government official familiar with the situation.A source close to Mueller says there are two opening statements, one for each committee. | DOJ does not have any advance copies of Mueller’s opening statements scheduled for Wednesday, according to a government official familiar with the situation.A source close to Mueller says there are two opening statements, one for each committee. |
| Are you looking for Robert Mueller’s opening statement to leak tonight? Don’t count on it — I’m told he’s not submitting it to the committees ahead of time. | Are you looking for Robert Mueller’s opening statement to leak tonight? Don’t count on it — I’m told he’s not submitting it to the committees ahead of time. |
| Extinction Rebellion demonstrators are blocking doorways at a Congress building | Extinction Rebellion demonstrators are blocking doorways at a Congress building |
| From The Guardian’s David Smith: | From The Guardian’s David Smith: |
| Protesters from the climate crisis group Extinction Rebellion are causing havoc at the US Capitol in Washington, confronting politicians and gluing themselves to doorways in order to block them. | Protesters from the climate crisis group Extinction Rebellion are causing havoc at the US Capitol in Washington, confronting politicians and gluing themselves to doorways in order to block them. |
| The group targeted underground passages in the Cannon House Office Building in an attempt to stop members of Congress from attending an evening vote. | The group targeted underground passages in the Cannon House Office Building in an attempt to stop members of Congress from attending an evening vote. |
| Kaela Bamberger, a spokesperson for the group, which has staged attention-grabbing events elsewhere in the US and abroad, said a House and Senate concurrent resolution on the climate emergency – currently on hold – deserves immediate attention. Extinction Rebellion’s intention is to disrupt “business as usual” she added. | Kaela Bamberger, a spokesperson for the group, which has staged attention-grabbing events elsewhere in the US and abroad, said a House and Senate concurrent resolution on the climate emergency – currently on hold – deserves immediate attention. Extinction Rebellion’s intention is to disrupt “business as usual” she added. |
| “We believe the issue is so urgent it should be treated as a top priority,” she added. “Petitioning and lobbying have been shown to be ineffective in the past, so we are taking extreme action to reflect the extreme nature of the crisis. The climate emergency should be treated with the gravity it deserves. | “We believe the issue is so urgent it should be treated as a top priority,” she added. “Petitioning and lobbying have been shown to be ineffective in the past, so we are taking extreme action to reflect the extreme nature of the crisis. The climate emergency should be treated with the gravity it deserves. |
| Extinction Rebellion protesters confront politicians at US Capitol | Extinction Rebellion protesters confront politicians at US Capitol |
| As protests rage on in Puerto Rico, a judge issued search warrants for the cellphones of government officials who exchanged crude messages mocking victims of Hurricane Maria. | As protests rage on in Puerto Rico, a judge issued search warrants for the cellphones of government officials who exchanged crude messages mocking victims of Hurricane Maria. |
| The leaked messages are what triggered days of demonstrations, with thousands calling for the resignation of Ricardo Rosselló, the governor of the US island territory, who participated in the obscenity-filled chat with top advisers. | The leaked messages are what triggered days of demonstrations, with thousands calling for the resignation of Ricardo Rosselló, the governor of the US island territory, who participated in the obscenity-filled chat with top advisers. |
| From AP: | From AP: |
| One of the search warrants said that government officials used the chat to transmit official and confidential information to private citizens in potential violation of ethics laws. | One of the search warrants said that government officials used the chat to transmit official and confidential information to private citizens in potential violation of ethics laws. |
| Kelvin Carrasco, a spokesman for the island’s Justice Department, said Tuesday that the warrants were approved overnight and issued to those who had yet to turn over their phones. He did not identify the officials and would not comment further. | Kelvin Carrasco, a spokesman for the island’s Justice Department, said Tuesday that the warrants were approved overnight and issued to those who had yet to turn over their phones. He did not identify the officials and would not comment further. |
| From The Guardian’s breaking coverage: | From The Guardian’s breaking coverage: |
| The US justice department is opening a broad antitrust review into whether dominant technology firms are unlawfully stifling competition. | The US justice department is opening a broad antitrust review into whether dominant technology firms are unlawfully stifling competition. |
| “The Department’s review will consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online,” DOJ said in a statement. | “The Department’s review will consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online,” DOJ said in a statement. |
| “Without the discipline of meaningful market-based competition, digital platforms may act in ways that are not responsive to consumer demands,” added the assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim, of the antitrust division. | “Without the discipline of meaningful market-based competition, digital platforms may act in ways that are not responsive to consumer demands,” added the assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim, of the antitrust division. |
| The review will investigate practices of online platforms including Facebook, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon and Apple. | The review will investigate practices of online platforms including Facebook, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon and Apple. |
| US justice department targets big tech firms in antitrust review | US justice department targets big tech firms in antitrust review |
| NAACP leaders have voted in support of impeaching Donald Trump. | NAACP leaders have voted in support of impeaching Donald Trump. |
| From The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino: | From The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino: |
| The leaders of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, unanimously voted to impeach Donald Trump, accusing the president of leading “one of the most racist and xenophobic administrations since the Jim Crow era.” | The leaders of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, unanimously voted to impeach Donald Trump, accusing the president of leading “one of the most racist and xenophobic administrations since the Jim Crow era.” |
| “The pattern of Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again, that he is unfit to serve as the president of this country,” NAACP president Derrick Johnson said in a statement after the vote. While the resolution is unlike to have a legislative impact in Congress, it sends a clear message about from a legacy civil rights organization about where it stands on this president. Johnson said he would press leaders in Congress to launch impeachment proceedings. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who addressed the conference earlier this week, has been wary of impeachment calls, warning that it could play into Trump’s hands in 2020. | “The pattern of Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again, that he is unfit to serve as the president of this country,” NAACP president Derrick Johnson said in a statement after the vote. While the resolution is unlike to have a legislative impact in Congress, it sends a clear message about from a legacy civil rights organization about where it stands on this president. Johnson said he would press leaders in Congress to launch impeachment proceedings. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who addressed the conference earlier this week, has been wary of impeachment calls, warning that it could play into Trump’s hands in 2020. |
| The NAACP’s resolution committee, which meets annually at the group’s conference, held this year in Detroit, unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday afternoon. It was introduced by Texas Congressman Al Green, who has brought articles of impeachment in Congress against the president. | The NAACP’s resolution committee, which meets annually at the group’s conference, held this year in Detroit, unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday afternoon. It was introduced by Texas Congressman Al Green, who has brought articles of impeachment in Congress against the president. |
| “If you pass this resolution,” Green said in a rousing speech that drew cheers and chants, “you will be on record letting those who look through the vista of time know that at this time when others did not take a stand, the NAACAP took a stand.” | “If you pass this resolution,” Green said in a rousing speech that drew cheers and chants, “you will be on record letting those who look through the vista of time know that at this time when others did not take a stand, the NAACAP took a stand.” |
| As Green spoke, the crowd chanted: “Get him out”. | As Green spoke, the crowd chanted: “Get him out”. |
| The vote comes after Trump told four Congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries and accused them of hating the US. The resolution also made reference to the administration’s ban on immigrants from majority-Muslim countries; its ban on transgender people in the military; Trump’s equivocation in the aftermath of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville; Trump calling Haiti and African nations “shithole countries”; the detention of children and separation of family at the US-Mexico border; and Trump’s most recent comments about the members of Congress. | The vote comes after Trump told four Congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries and accused them of hating the US. The resolution also made reference to the administration’s ban on immigrants from majority-Muslim countries; its ban on transgender people in the military; Trump’s equivocation in the aftermath of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville; Trump calling Haiti and African nations “shithole countries”; the detention of children and separation of family at the US-Mexico border; and Trump’s most recent comments about the members of Congress. |
| One of the lawmakers targeted, congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, represents Detroit, where the conference is being held this year. | One of the lawmakers targeted, congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, represents Detroit, where the conference is being held this year. |
| Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress who has long called for Trump’s impeachment, received a standing ovation when she addressed the conference. | Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress who has long called for Trump’s impeachment, received a standing ovation when she addressed the conference. |
| “I’m not going nowhere,” she told the conference on Monday.” Not until I impeach this president.” | “I’m not going nowhere,” she told the conference on Monday.” Not until I impeach this president.” |
| That’s it from me on this eventful Tuesday! I’ll be handing it off to Maanvi Singh on the West Coast. | That’s it from me on this eventful Tuesday! I’ll be handing it off to Maanvi Singh on the West Coast. |
| Here are some of the most important points from today’s news so far: | Here are some of the most important points from today’s news so far: |
| Robert Mueller will appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley, when he testifies before Congress tomorrow. The last-minute announcement has led to claims from Republican lawmakers that they were blindsided, but a Mueller spokesperson said the arrangement was made more than a week ago. | Robert Mueller will appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley, when he testifies before Congress tomorrow. The last-minute announcement has led to claims from Republican lawmakers that they were blindsided, but a Mueller spokesperson said the arrangement was made more than a week ago. |
| Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to prevent the disclosure of his state tax returns. The legal battle is separate from House Democrats’ lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the IRS to obtain the president’s federal tax returns. | Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to prevent the disclosure of his state tax returns. The legal battle is separate from House Democrats’ lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the IRS to obtain the president’s federal tax returns. |
| The Senate overwhelmingly passed the extension of the 9/11 victims fund, following activism from first responders and comedian Jon Stewart. Trump is expected to sign it. | The Senate overwhelmingly passed the extension of the 9/11 victims fund, following activism from first responders and comedian Jon Stewart. Trump is expected to sign it. |
| Mark Esper was confirmed as the next defense secretary. He will take over the Defense Department several months after the resignation of Jim Mattis. | Mark Esper was confirmed as the next defense secretary. He will take over the Defense Department several months after the resignation of Jim Mattis. |
| Trump praised incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and slammed “the Squad” in a nearly 90-minute speech to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. | Trump praised incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and slammed “the Squad” in a nearly 90-minute speech to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. |
| I’ll be back on the blog earlier than usual tomorrow to prepare for all of the drama surrounding Mueller’s testimony. And his opening statement may still be leaked tonight. Stay tuned. | I’ll be back on the blog earlier than usual tomorrow to prepare for all of the drama surrounding Mueller’s testimony. And his opening statement may still be leaked tonight. Stay tuned. |
| Mueller spokesperson weighs in on deputy’s expected appearance | Mueller spokesperson weighs in on deputy’s expected appearance |
| A spokesperson for Robert Mueller has weighed in on the special counsel’s decision to appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley. | A spokesperson for Robert Mueller has weighed in on the special counsel’s decision to appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley. |
| “Aaron Zebley was the Deputy Special Counsel and had day-to-day oversight of the investigations conducted by the Office,” the spokesperson said, per a CNN reporter. “He will accompany Special Counsel Mueller to the Wednesday hearings, as was discussed with the committees more than a week ago.” | “Aaron Zebley was the Deputy Special Counsel and had day-to-day oversight of the investigations conducted by the Office,” the spokesperson said, per a CNN reporter. “He will accompany Special Counsel Mueller to the Wednesday hearings, as was discussed with the committees more than a week ago.” |
| But Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House intelligence committee, said he hopes Zebley will only participate in “technical issues or other matters.” He added, “We don’t want him as a substitute for Mueller’s voice.” | But Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House intelligence committee, said he hopes Zebley will only participate in “technical issues or other matters.” He added, “We don’t want him as a substitute for Mueller’s voice.” |
| Durbin regrets calling for Franken’s resignation | Durbin regrets calling for Franken’s resignation |
| Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No2 Democrat in the Senate, has said he regrets calling for the resignation of Al Franken over allegations of sexual misconduct. | Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No2 Democrat in the Senate, has said he regrets calling for the resignation of Al Franken over allegations of sexual misconduct. |
| Franken resigned in December 2017, under pressure from fellow senators. | Franken resigned in December 2017, under pressure from fellow senators. |
| On Monday, a New Yorker article examined Franken’s departure and conservative radio host Leeann Tweeden’s accusation that he forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour in the Middle East. | On Monday, a New Yorker article examined Franken’s departure and conservative radio host Leeann Tweeden’s accusation that he forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour in the Middle East. |
| Pat Leahy, a Vermont senator, told reporter Jane Meyer calling for Franken’s resignation was “one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made”. | Pat Leahy, a Vermont senator, told reporter Jane Meyer calling for Franken’s resignation was “one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made”. |
| Senators Angus King, Jeff Merkley, Tom Udall and Tammy Duckworth, former senators Bill Nelson and Heidi Heitkamp and former Senate majority leader Harry Reid also expressed regret. | Senators Angus King, Jeff Merkley, Tom Udall and Tammy Duckworth, former senators Bill Nelson and Heidi Heitkamp and former Senate majority leader Harry Reid also expressed regret. |
| Speaking to the Washington Post on Tuesday, Durbin said he would now prefer that Franken had been given the opportunity to respond the accusation before the Senate ethics committee. | Speaking to the Washington Post on Tuesday, Durbin said he would now prefer that Franken had been given the opportunity to respond the accusation before the Senate ethics committee. |
| “I certainly would have said that we should turn to due process,” Durbin said. “He deserved his day before the ethics committee, and his accuser the same. I think that would’ve been a more thoughtful outcome.” | “I certainly would have said that we should turn to due process,” Durbin said. “He deserved his day before the ethics committee, and his accuser the same. I think that would’ve been a more thoughtful outcome.” |
| Durbin said fellow Democrats had been “pressed to make a quick decision and unfortunately did it at the expense of due process”. Pressure to force Franken out, he said, came against the backdrop of “very, very serious” allegations against Roy Moore, a Republican nominee for Senate in Alabama. | Durbin said fellow Democrats had been “pressed to make a quick decision and unfortunately did it at the expense of due process”. Pressure to force Franken out, he said, came against the backdrop of “very, very serious” allegations against Roy Moore, a Republican nominee for Senate in Alabama. |
| Moore was accused of sexual misconduct involving underaged girls, which he denied. The Democrat Doug Jones subsequently won the seat. | Moore was accused of sexual misconduct involving underaged girls, which he denied. The Democrat Doug Jones subsequently won the seat. |
| Al Franken: senators say they regret calling for his resignation | Al Franken: senators say they regret calling for his resignation |
| In December 2017, Durbin referred to the accusations against Franken – eight women said he had behaved inappropriately – as a “pattern of conduct” and said “charges, credible charges, continued to keep coming”. | In December 2017, Durbin referred to the accusations against Franken – eight women said he had behaved inappropriately – as a “pattern of conduct” and said “charges, credible charges, continued to keep coming”. |
| He also said: “This is painful. Al Franken’s my friend.” | He also said: “This is painful. Al Franken’s my friend.” |
| Not all of Durbin’s Democratic colleagues have expressed regret over Franken’s fate. | Not all of Durbin’s Democratic colleagues have expressed regret over Franken’s fate. |
| Kirsten Gillibrand, who was among a majority of the female members of the Senate Democratic caucus to call for Franken’s resignation, said on Monday she had no regrets about her role in forcing that outcome. | Kirsten Gillibrand, who was among a majority of the female members of the Senate Democratic caucus to call for Franken’s resignation, said on Monday she had no regrets about her role in forcing that outcome. |