This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2019/jul/24/mueller-testimony-live-stream-trump-news-today-russia-obstruction-report-latest-updates-hearing

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 21 Version 22
Mueller: it's 'generally' fair to say Trump's answers to inquiry were not always truthful – live Mueller warns of Russian meddling in 2020: 'They're doing it as we sit here' – live
(32 minutes later)
A federal judge in California has ordered a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump administration from enforcing new rules that end asylum protections for almost all migrants who arrive at the US-Mexico border
BREAKING: A federal judge in CA has entered a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump admin from enforcing its new asylum restriction https://t.co/7BL01ENR3Z"This new Rule is likely invalid because it is inconsistent with the existing asylum laws." pic.twitter.com/d4zE1wglGE
The order reads: “Rule is likely invalid because the government’s decision to promulgate it was arbitrary and capricious.”
Several Democratic presidential candidates have renewed their support for impeachment, The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino reports:Several Democratic presidential candidates have renewed their support for impeachment, The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino reports:
Democratic 2020 presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren urged the House of Representatives to rise “above politics” and launch impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump after the former special counsel Robert Mueller testified that his report on Russian election interference did not exonerate the president.Democratic 2020 presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren urged the House of Representatives to rise “above politics” and launch impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump after the former special counsel Robert Mueller testified that his report on Russian election interference did not exonerate the president.
Several leading Democratic presidential candidates renewed support for impeachment proceedings one day after the NAACP, America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, voted unanimously for the impeachment of Trump at their annual conference in Detroit, where several 2020 candidates spoke on Wednesday.Several leading Democratic presidential candidates renewed support for impeachment proceedings one day after the NAACP, America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, voted unanimously for the impeachment of Trump at their annual conference in Detroit, where several 2020 candidates spoke on Wednesday.
2020 Democrats renew calls for impeachment after Mueller testimony2020 Democrats renew calls for impeachment after Mueller testimony
It seems Donald Trump has vetoed bipartisan attempts to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.It seems Donald Trump has vetoed bipartisan attempts to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
WH announces Presidential Vetoes of 3 joint resolutions to block certain US arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, France, Spain & Italy. In veto messages, Pres said the measures would weaken America's competitiveness and damage important relationships with allies and partners.WH announces Presidential Vetoes of 3 joint resolutions to block certain US arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, France, Spain & Italy. In veto messages, Pres said the measures would weaken America's competitiveness and damage important relationships with allies and partners.
Trump Vetoes Measure Blocking Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E.https://t.co/mcyWYjhDCWTrump Vetoes Measure Blocking Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E.https://t.co/mcyWYjhDCW
From Bloomberg:From Bloomberg:
President Donald Trump vetoed three bipartisan measures passed by Congress intended to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement.President Donald Trump vetoed three bipartisan measures passed by Congress intended to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement.
“This resolution would weaken America’s global competitiveness and damage the important relationships we share with our allies and partners,” Trump said in a message to lawmakers released by the White House on Wednesday.“This resolution would weaken America’s global competitiveness and damage the important relationships we share with our allies and partners,” Trump said in a message to lawmakers released by the White House on Wednesday.
Republican leaders in the House of Representatives gave their own press conference.Republican leaders in the House of Representatives gave their own press conference.
“Today is to put politics aside and put people first, put this country first,” says @GOPLeader after Mueller’s testimony Wednesday. https://t.co/TxbeER7lQc pic.twitter.com/aPmgMSNkMQ“Today is to put politics aside and put people first, put this country first,” says @GOPLeader after Mueller’s testimony Wednesday. https://t.co/TxbeER7lQc pic.twitter.com/aPmgMSNkMQ
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy said he could tell the Democratic leaders were disappointed with Mueller’s testimony, because he “watched their body language,” during their press conference.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy said he could tell the Democratic leaders were disappointed with Mueller’s testimony, because he “watched their body language,” during their press conference.
Jim Jordan, a Republican on the House oversight committee added that the president had been falsely accused.Jim Jordan, a Republican on the House oversight committee added that the president had been falsely accused.
McCarthy said it was time for Democrats to put the investigations against Trump behind them. “Now it’s time to build up America,” he said, “and turn the page.”McCarthy said it was time for Democrats to put the investigations against Trump behind them. “Now it’s time to build up America,” he said, “and turn the page.”
House leader Nancy Pelosi, who has been criticized by fellow Democrats for dragging her feet on impeachment, said today’s hearings are all part of a case that Democratic leaders are building — but that case still isn’t strong enough.House leader Nancy Pelosi, who has been criticized by fellow Democrats for dragging her feet on impeachment, said today’s hearings are all part of a case that Democratic leaders are building — but that case still isn’t strong enough.
“Whatever decision we make in that regard would have to be done with our strongest possible hand, and we still have some outstanding matters in the courts,” she said.“Whatever decision we make in that regard would have to be done with our strongest possible hand, and we still have some outstanding matters in the courts,” she said.
To continue building a case against Trump, Jerry Nadler indicated that Democrats will pursue Mueller’s grand jury materials and to work to enforce a subpoena against former White House counsel Don McGahn.To continue building a case against Trump, Jerry Nadler indicated that Democrats will pursue Mueller’s grand jury materials and to work to enforce a subpoena against former White House counsel Don McGahn.
“If we have a case for impeachment, that’s the place we will have to go,” Pelosi said. “The stronger our case is, the worse the senate will look for letting the president off the hook.” “If we have a case for impeachment, that’s the place we will have to go,” Pelosi said. “The stronger our case is, the worse the Senate will look for letting the president off the hook.”
She added: “The facts and the law that’s what matters, not politics, not partisanship.”She added: “The facts and the law that’s what matters, not politics, not partisanship.”
Pelosi doesn’t say if today’s hearings moved the needle on impeachment: “Whatever decision we made in that regard would have to be done with our strongest possible hand and we still have some matters outstanding in the courts.”Pelosi doesn’t say if today’s hearings moved the needle on impeachment: “Whatever decision we made in that regard would have to be done with our strongest possible hand and we still have some matters outstanding in the courts.”
Adam Schiff says his position on impeachment is essentially the same as Pelosi’s: Before Democrats go down that path, they must have all the necessary evidence to “make that case to the jury of the American people.”Adam Schiff says his position on impeachment is essentially the same as Pelosi’s: Before Democrats go down that path, they must have all the necessary evidence to “make that case to the jury of the American people.”
In opening statements, representative Elijah Cummings, who heads the oversight committee, said that investigating Trump is “not about not liking the president, it’s about loving democracy, it’s about loving our country.”In opening statements, representative Elijah Cummings, who heads the oversight committee, said that investigating Trump is “not about not liking the president, it’s about loving democracy, it’s about loving our country.”
“I’m begging the American people to pay attention to what is going on,” Cummings said, “if you want to have a democracy intact.”“I’m begging the American people to pay attention to what is going on,” Cummings said, “if you want to have a democracy intact.”
“It’s been a pretty interesting day,” Nancy Pelosi says, speaking alongside judiciary and intelligence committee chairs Jerry Nadler and Adam Schiff, and oversight committee chairman Elijah Cummings. Watch the press conference here.“It’s been a pretty interesting day,” Nancy Pelosi says, speaking alongside judiciary and intelligence committee chairs Jerry Nadler and Adam Schiff, and oversight committee chairman Elijah Cummings. Watch the press conference here.
Another lawmaker has come out in support of impeaching Trump.Another lawmaker has come out in support of impeaching Trump.
Democratic congresswoman Lori Trahan of Massachusetts appears to be the first member of the House to hop on the impeachment bandwagon following Mueller’s testimonies today.Democratic congresswoman Lori Trahan of Massachusetts appears to be the first member of the House to hop on the impeachment bandwagon following Mueller’s testimonies today.
I believe it is time to begin an impeachment inquiry against President @realDonaldTrump. No President, including this one, is above the law.Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/cnGcVhPELmI believe it is time to begin an impeachment inquiry against President @realDonaldTrump. No President, including this one, is above the law.Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/cnGcVhPELm
Per my count, we’re now at 1 independent and 93 Democratic members of Congress now publicly supporting an impeachment. To pass articles of impeachment against Trump, at least 218 representatives would have to vote in favor.Per my count, we’re now at 1 independent and 93 Democratic members of Congress now publicly supporting an impeachment. To pass articles of impeachment against Trump, at least 218 representatives would have to vote in favor.
Trump challenger Bill Weld warns that refusing to condemn the president’s racism would cost Republicans.Trump challenger Bill Weld warns that refusing to condemn the president’s racism would cost Republicans.
From The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino who is at the NAACP-hosted town hall in Detroit, Michigan:From The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino who is at the NAACP-hosted town hall in Detroit, Michigan:
Former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld, who is challenging Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, warned that his party’s refusal to condemn the president’s racism could inflict lasting damage.Former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld, who is challenging Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, warned that his party’s refusal to condemn the president’s racism could inflict lasting damage.
“Unless the national Republican Party in Washington expressly, expressly rejects the racism of Donald Trump, it will become universally viewed as the party of racism in America,” Weld said at a presidential town hall hosted by the NAACP in Detroit.“Unless the national Republican Party in Washington expressly, expressly rejects the racism of Donald Trump, it will become universally viewed as the party of racism in America,” Weld said at a presidential town hall hosted by the NAACP in Detroit.
How to respond to Trump was “not a political choice” but “a moral choice,” Weld said.How to respond to Trump was “not a political choice” but “a moral choice,” Weld said.
Weld is the only Republican challenging Trump for the nomination, a reality that underscores the president’s enduring popularity with the party’s base. Trump’s most outspoken critics in Congress have virtually all resigned or lost re-election – a warning sign to any member who considers speaking out. After Trump’s attacks on four congresswomen of color last week, most Republicans simply shrugged.Weld is the only Republican challenging Trump for the nomination, a reality that underscores the president’s enduring popularity with the party’s base. Trump’s most outspoken critics in Congress have virtually all resigned or lost re-election – a warning sign to any member who considers speaking out. After Trump’s attacks on four congresswomen of color last week, most Republicans simply shrugged.
A Reuters poll found that Trump’s support among Republicans climbed in the days after he told lawmakers to “go back” to the countries where they are from, a slur that is often directed at non-white Americans and immigrants. All four Democratic congresswomen – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley – are US citizens and only one, Omar, was not born in the US.A Reuters poll found that Trump’s support among Republicans climbed in the days after he told lawmakers to “go back” to the countries where they are from, a slur that is often directed at non-white Americans and immigrants. All four Democratic congresswomen – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley – are US citizens and only one, Omar, was not born in the US.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Donald Trump said, of the Mueller investigation: “This whole thing has been three years of embarrassment and waste of time for our country.”Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Donald Trump said, of the Mueller investigation: “This whole thing has been three years of embarrassment and waste of time for our country.”
He added that he thought the Democrats, in questioning Mueller, “hurt themselves very badly for 2020.” He accused the Democrats of “colluding” with the media and repeated several times that his opponents are going to “lose very badly” in upcoming elections.He added that he thought the Democrats, in questioning Mueller, “hurt themselves very badly for 2020.” He accused the Democrats of “colluding” with the media and repeated several times that his opponents are going to “lose very badly” in upcoming elections.
The president also criticized the probe itself, saying “Robert Mueller did a poor job, but in all fairness, he had nothing to work with.”The president also criticized the probe itself, saying “Robert Mueller did a poor job, but in all fairness, he had nothing to work with.”
When a reporter asked him if he was worried about being indicted once he leaves office, he characterized the reporter as “fake news.”When a reporter asked him if he was worried about being indicted once he leaves office, he characterized the reporter as “fake news.”
You can watch the press conference here.You can watch the press conference here.
It’s been a big day for Facebook. The company has reported soaring revenues, even as it faces investigation.It’s been a big day for Facebook. The company has reported soaring revenues, even as it faces investigation.
From The Guardian’s Julia Carrie Wong:From The Guardian’s Julia Carrie Wong:
Two giant fines by US government agencies totaling $5.1bn could not derail Facebook’s financial juggernaut on Wednesday, as the company reported revenues of $16.9bn in the second quarter of 2019, exceeding analyst expectations.Two giant fines by US government agencies totaling $5.1bn could not derail Facebook’s financial juggernaut on Wednesday, as the company reported revenues of $16.9bn in the second quarter of 2019, exceeding analyst expectations.
The social media company’s regulatory concerns are by no means over, however. Facebook also disclosed on Wednesday that the FTC informed it in June that it has opened an antitrust investigation into the company. This follows the Department of Justice’s announcement of a broad antitrust review of online platforms on Tuesday.The social media company’s regulatory concerns are by no means over, however. Facebook also disclosed on Wednesday that the FTC informed it in June that it has opened an antitrust investigation into the company. This follows the Department of Justice’s announcement of a broad antitrust review of online platforms on Tuesday.
The one-time costs of the two settlements depressed Facebook’s profits for the second quarter in a row – the company recorded a $3bn expense last quarter in anticipation of a major fine – but revenue growth remained strong, at 28% year-over-year.The one-time costs of the two settlements depressed Facebook’s profits for the second quarter in a row – the company recorded a $3bn expense last quarter in anticipation of a major fine – but revenue growth remained strong, at 28% year-over-year.
Facebook's revenues soar despite $5.1bn in finesFacebook's revenues soar despite $5.1bn in fines
What a Wednesday indeed! We’ll have more updates on and analysis of the Mueller testimony throughout the rest of the day.What a Wednesday indeed! We’ll have more updates on and analysis of the Mueller testimony throughout the rest of the day.
Meanwhile, an update from Puerto Rico:Meanwhile, an update from Puerto Rico:
The Puerto Rican legislature has announced that it will begin impeachment proceedings for disgraced governor Ricardo Rosselló unless he resigns, according to journalists reporting from the US territory.The Puerto Rican legislature has announced that it will begin impeachment proceedings for disgraced governor Ricardo Rosselló unless he resigns, according to journalists reporting from the US territory.
BREAKING: The Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives just said that the Governor @ricardorossello has until today to decide what he’s going to do - resign or not. If he decides to stay, the Speaker says the impeachment process will begin, & stop if he resigns.BREAKING: The Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives just said that the Governor @ricardorossello has until today to decide what he’s going to do - resign or not. If he decides to stay, the Speaker says the impeachment process will begin, & stop if he resigns.
Majority leader of #PuertoRico's lower house of congress Johnny Méndez says body expects the governor @ricardorossello to resign this afternoon and, if he does not, the body will commence with the impeachment process.Majority leader of #PuertoRico's lower house of congress Johnny Méndez says body expects the governor @ricardorossello to resign this afternoon and, if he does not, the body will commence with the impeachment process.
Lawyers commissioned by the president of Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives found multiple offenses that constitute grounds for impeachment, according to Telemundo. Local media reported earlier today that Rosselló is expected to resign from office today after almost two weeks of continuous protest on the island.Lawyers commissioned by the president of Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives found multiple offenses that constitute grounds for impeachment, according to Telemundo. Local media reported earlier today that Rosselló is expected to resign from office today after almost two weeks of continuous protest on the island.
That’s it from me after the longest Wednesday of the year. Although, in the Trump era, next Wednesday could easily claim that title.That’s it from me after the longest Wednesday of the year. Although, in the Trump era, next Wednesday could easily claim that title.
Here are some of the most important points Mueller made this afternoon:Here are some of the most important points Mueller made this afternoon:
The special counsel emphasized that Russian election interference remains ongoing. “It wasn’t a single attempt. They’re doing it as we sit here,” Mueller said of Russia’s efforts. “And they expect to do it during the next campaign.” He later expressed fear that foreign election interference was “the new normal.”The special counsel emphasized that Russian election interference remains ongoing. “It wasn’t a single attempt. They’re doing it as we sit here,” Mueller said of Russia’s efforts. “And they expect to do it during the next campaign.” He later expressed fear that foreign election interference was “the new normal.”
Mueller said in response to a question from Democratic representative Val Demings that it was “generally” fair to say Trump’s written answers to the special counsel showed signs of being untruthful.Mueller said in response to a question from Democratic representative Val Demings that it was “generally” fair to say Trump’s written answers to the special counsel showed signs of being untruthful.
He criticized Trump’s praise of WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign after the website shared hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee. “Problematic is an understatement,” Mueller said of Trump’s laudatory comments.He criticized Trump’s praise of WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign after the website shared hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee. “Problematic is an understatement,” Mueller said of Trump’s laudatory comments.
Trump appeared triumphant after the hearings arguably produced no major bombshell moments. The president tweeted minutes ago, “TRUTH IS A FORCE OF NATURE!”Trump appeared triumphant after the hearings arguably produced no major bombshell moments. The president tweeted minutes ago, “TRUTH IS A FORCE OF NATURE!”
But Mueller made a point to contradict Trump’s repeated claims that his investigation constituted a “witch hunt.” Answering a question from House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff, Mueller said, “It is not a witch hunt.”But Mueller made a point to contradict Trump’s repeated claims that his investigation constituted a “witch hunt.” Answering a question from House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff, Mueller said, “It is not a witch hunt.”
And over at the White House, first lady Melania Trump is focused on a much more pressing matter today: holiday decorations.And over at the White House, first lady Melania Trump is focused on a much more pressing matter today: holiday decorations.
#Christmas planning has begun in the East Wing at the @WhiteHouse. I'm looking forward to sharing our final vision for this unique tradition in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/oxt6Bdggcl#Christmas planning has begun in the East Wing at the @WhiteHouse. I'm looking forward to sharing our final vision for this unique tradition in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/oxt6Bdggcl
I’m signing off until tomorrow. I leave the blog in the capable hands of West Coast reporter Maanvi Singh.I’m signing off until tomorrow. I leave the blog in the capable hands of West Coast reporter Maanvi Singh.
Moments ago, Mueller said in response to a question from a Democratic congresswoman that it was “generally” fair to say that Trump’s written answers were not always truthful.Moments ago, Mueller said in response to a question from a Democratic congresswoman that it was “generally” fair to say that Trump’s written answers were not always truthful.
Rep. Demings: "Isn't it fair to say [Trump's] written answers were not only inadequate and incomplete because he didn't answer many of your questions, but where he did, his answers show that he wasn't always being truthful?"Mueller: "Generally." https://t.co/CXfCvYspNV pic.twitter.com/kqJoU1QweCRep. Demings: "Isn't it fair to say [Trump's] written answers were not only inadequate and incomplete because he didn't answer many of your questions, but where he did, his answers show that he wasn't always being truthful?"Mueller: "Generally." https://t.co/CXfCvYspNV pic.twitter.com/kqJoU1QweC
Representative Val Demings, a Democrat of Florida, was asking about Trump’s credibility in terms of the written answers he provided to the special counsel.Representative Val Demings, a Democrat of Florida, was asking about Trump’s credibility in terms of the written answers he provided to the special counsel.
“Isn’t it fair to say [Trump’s] written answers were not only inadequate and incomplete because he didn’t answer many of your questions, but where he did, his answers show that he wasn’t always being truthful?” Demings asked.“Isn’t it fair to say [Trump’s] written answers were not only inadequate and incomplete because he didn’t answer many of your questions, but where he did, his answers show that he wasn’t always being truthful?” Demings asked.
“Generally,” Mueller replied.“Generally,” Mueller replied.
After nearly seven hours, the Mueller hearings have ended.After nearly seven hours, the Mueller hearings have ended.
Mueller said he chose not to subpoena Trump for the special counsel’s probe “because of the necessity of expediting the end of the investigation.”Mueller said he chose not to subpoena Trump for the special counsel’s probe “because of the necessity of expediting the end of the investigation.”
JUST IN: Mueller says the decision not to subpoena Pres. Trump was for the necessity of expediting the conclusion of investigation:"If we did subpoena the president, he would fight the subpoena and we would be in the midst of the investigation for a substantial period of time." pic.twitter.com/LRuiXEYsIiJUST IN: Mueller says the decision not to subpoena Pres. Trump was for the necessity of expediting the conclusion of investigation:"If we did subpoena the president, he would fight the subpoena and we would be in the midst of the investigation for a substantial period of time." pic.twitter.com/LRuiXEYsIi
While noting that his office initially wanted to interview Trump, the special counsel said, “The expectation was that, if we did subpoena the president, he would fight the subpoena, and we would be in the midst of the investigation for a substantial period of time.”While noting that his office initially wanted to interview Trump, the special counsel said, “The expectation was that, if we did subpoena the president, he would fight the subpoena, and we would be in the midst of the investigation for a substantial period of time.”
Representative Sean Maloney, a Democrat of New York, then asked Mueller what he thought of Trump’s written responses to questions from the special counsel’s office. “It was certainly not as useful as the interview would be,” Mueller said.Representative Sean Maloney, a Democrat of New York, then asked Mueller what he thought of Trump’s written responses to questions from the special counsel’s office. “It was certainly not as useful as the interview would be,” Mueller said.
Maloney also said that the president’s answers included more than 30 instances of Trump responding to questions by claiming he couldn’t recall.Maloney also said that the president’s answers included more than 30 instances of Trump responding to questions by claiming he couldn’t recall.