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Trump officials announce delays on China tariffs – live Trump on Hong Kong protests: 'It's a tough situation … but I'm sure it'll work out' – live
(32 minutes later)
Despite the massive flight cancellations at Hong Kong’s airport, travelers are still arriving as the clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police escalate, CNN reports.
"The fact is, passengers are still coming."@PHancocksCNN is at the Hong Kong airport, where -- despite flight cancellations -- travelers are still arriving as riot police clash with protesters: https://t.co/nFrwjxGDQD pic.twitter.com/sXAsPm0bAa
Hong Kong officials have cautioned passengers against coming to the airport, but some travelers — who have been unable to leave the country for two days — have ignored those warnings in the hope of catching one of the few flights that are taking off.
The protests in Hong Kong have turned increasingly violent as pro-democracy demonstrators clash with police wielding pepper spray and batons.
The Washington Post reports:
Later in the evening, a group of demonstrators ... seized a man they suspected to be an undercover Chinese police officer, cable-tied his hands and refused to let him through a large crowd. The incident showed increasing brazenness on the part of demonstrators in confronting what they perceive as symbols of the Chinese state.
Police entered the airport to help the man, whom paramedics tried to remove on a stretcher. The presence of officers sparked chaos, as protesters spilled out of the airport and began attacking police vans with officers inside.
At one point, an officer was overrun and his baton taken by protesters, who beat him with it. The group retreated only after the officer appeared to pull his gun from its holster.
Trump told reporters in New Jersey that the protests in Hong Kong were a “very tough situation,” but he predicted that it would “work out.”
President Trump: "The Hong Kong thing is a very tough situation, very tough. We'll what see what happens. But I'm sure it'll work out. I hope it works out for everybody, including China, by the way." pic.twitter.com/QJrFWiUOLu
“We’ll what see what happens,” Trump said before boarding Air Force One for an event in Pennsylvania. “But I’m sure it’ll work out. I hope it works out for everybody, including China, by the way.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The Hong Kong protests appear to be escalating. US politicians from both parties have voiced support for the pro-democracy protesters, but Trump has focused his tweeting this morning on mocking CNN host Chris Cuomo and bashing the New York Times.The Hong Kong protests appear to be escalating. US politicians from both parties have voiced support for the pro-democracy protesters, but Trump has focused his tweeting this morning on mocking CNN host Chris Cuomo and bashing the New York Times.
The Trump administration announced some of the tariffs on Chinese imports, which were set to go into effect on Sept. 1, would be delayed until Dec. 15. Certain goods would be excluded from the tariffs altogether. US markets rallied after the policy shift was announced.The Trump administration announced some of the tariffs on Chinese imports, which were set to go into effect on Sept. 1, would be delayed until Dec. 15. Certain goods would be excluded from the tariffs altogether. US markets rallied after the policy shift was announced.
The Democratic attorneys general of Massachusetts and California pledged to sue the Trump administration over its planned overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.The Democratic attorneys general of Massachusetts and California pledged to sue the Trump administration over its planned overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.
The blog is covering the latest developments from Hong Kong and Trump’s trade war, so stay tuned.The blog is covering the latest developments from Hong Kong and Trump’s trade war, so stay tuned.
Clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police appear to be escalating at the Hong Kong airport.Clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police appear to be escalating at the Hong Kong airport.
JUST IN: @ABC News reports live from a "chaotic" Hong Kong International Airport as police and demonstrators clash amid intensifying protests.FULL DETAILS: https://t.co/KcWcyLWyH8 pic.twitter.com/rqbSdRcvE1JUST IN: @ABC News reports live from a "chaotic" Hong Kong International Airport as police and demonstrators clash amid intensifying protests.FULL DETAILS: https://t.co/KcWcyLWyH8 pic.twitter.com/rqbSdRcvE1
As the face-off intensifies, US politicians from both parties have voiced support for the protesters. From Trump’s former UN ambassador:As the face-off intensifies, US politicians from both parties have voiced support for the protesters. From Trump’s former UN ambassador:
The threats of China are on full display as the people of Hong Kong are fighting for their freedoms. This is the level of control China wants to have not only over its people but around the world. #FightingForFreedom https://t.co/KqJmflg58hThe threats of China are on full display as the people of Hong Kong are fighting for their freedoms. This is the level of control China wants to have not only over its people but around the world. #FightingForFreedom https://t.co/KqJmflg58h
From the Democratic House speaker:From the Democratic House speaker:
The people of Hong Kong are trying to preserve the promise of One Country - Two Systems. If we don’t speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out elsewhere.The people of Hong Kong are trying to preserve the promise of One Country - Two Systems. If we don’t speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out elsewhere.
And from former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton:And from former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton:
May we all stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong as they speak out for democracy, freedom from repression, and a world they long to see.May we all stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong as they speak out for democracy, freedom from repression, and a world they long to see.
Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, is facing criticism and mockery for offering an edited version of the poem that appears on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty.Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, is facing criticism and mockery for offering an edited version of the poem that appears on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty.
Our colleague Edward Helmore reports:Our colleague Edward Helmore reports:
The famous lines, taken from The New Colossus by the 19th-century New York poet Emma Lazarus, read: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’The famous lines, taken from The New Colossus by the 19th-century New York poet Emma Lazarus, read: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’
In a radio interview on Tuesday, Cuccinelli offered a change: ‘Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge.’In a radio interview on Tuesday, Cuccinelli offered a change: ‘Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge.’
On NPR’s Morning Edition, Cuccinelli defended the Trump administration decision to make it harder for migrants to be awarded permanent residence, or a ‘green card’, if they have ever accepted benefit programs such as food stamps, housing assistance or Medicaid.On NPR’s Morning Edition, Cuccinelli defended the Trump administration decision to make it harder for migrants to be awarded permanent residence, or a ‘green card’, if they have ever accepted benefit programs such as food stamps, housing assistance or Medicaid.
Many critics of the new “public charge rule” have cited the Statue of Liberty poem to argue that the policy goes against American values, including the mayor of Seattle:Many critics of the new “public charge rule” have cited the Statue of Liberty poem to argue that the policy goes against American values, including the mayor of Seattle:
In New York, the Statue of Liberty holds a torch that lights the way & it proclaims: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."My grandfather was one. Poor & tired, but filled with hope & promise. God bless him for coming to America. https://t.co/6S6z857De8In New York, the Statue of Liberty holds a torch that lights the way & it proclaims: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."My grandfather was one. Poor & tired, but filled with hope & promise. God bless him for coming to America. https://t.co/6S6z857De8
A Democratic congressman, Representative Ted Lieu of California, struck back against Trump’s false claim that China would bear the cost of the president’s trade war:A Democratic congressman, Representative Ted Lieu of California, struck back against Trump’s false claim that China would bear the cost of the president’s trade war:
Today is Tuesday. That means @realDonaldTrump is lying, again. US is not getting billions of dollars from China as a gift. US importers pay US tariffs, not China. Also, US farmers are getting a fraction of what they would be getting if there was no trade war.#TuesdayThoughts https://t.co/v7L47aMqGYToday is Tuesday. That means @realDonaldTrump is lying, again. US is not getting billions of dollars from China as a gift. US importers pay US tariffs, not China. Also, US farmers are getting a fraction of what they would be getting if there was no trade war.#TuesdayThoughts https://t.co/v7L47aMqGY
Lieu’s tweet came as the Trump administration announced some of the tariffs on Chinese imports, set to go into effect on Sept. 1, would be delayed until Dec. 15.Lieu’s tweet came as the Trump administration announced some of the tariffs on Chinese imports, set to go into effect on Sept. 1, would be delayed until Dec. 15.
Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro has released a new ad responding to attacks from Trump against him and his brother, Representative Joaquin Castro.Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro has released a new ad responding to attacks from Trump against him and his brother, Representative Joaquin Castro.
A message for @realdonaldtrump: pic.twitter.com/WFYRxm69hAA message for @realdonaldtrump: pic.twitter.com/WFYRxm69hA
“President Trump: You referred to countries as shitholes. You urged American Congresswomen to ‘go back to where they came from.’ You called immigrants rapists,” Castro says in the ad.“President Trump: You referred to countries as shitholes. You urged American Congresswomen to ‘go back to where they came from.’ You called immigrants rapists,” Castro says in the ad.
He goes on to link Trump to the recent shooting in El Paso, which left 22 people dead. “As we saw in El Paso, Americans were killed because you stoked the fire of racists. Innocent people were shot down because they look different from you. Because they look like me. They look like my family. Words have consequences.”He goes on to link Trump to the recent shooting in El Paso, which left 22 people dead. “As we saw in El Paso, Americans were killed because you stoked the fire of racists. Innocent people were shot down because they look different from you. Because they look like me. They look like my family. Words have consequences.”
The ad is clearly meant to incite a response from Trump, given that it will air tomorrow during Fox News programming in Bedminster, New Jersey — where the president is currently on vacation.The ad is clearly meant to incite a response from Trump, given that it will air tomorrow during Fox News programming in Bedminster, New Jersey — where the president is currently on vacation.
Trump went on a Twitter tirade against the Castro brothers last week, after Representative Joaquin Castro shared a list of the president’s donors in his congressional district. Some of Trump’s allies accused the congressman, who chairs his brother’s presidential campaign, of “doxxing” the supporters — even though he shared no private information.Trump went on a Twitter tirade against the Castro brothers last week, after Representative Joaquin Castro shared a list of the president’s donors in his congressional district. Some of Trump’s allies accused the congressman, who chairs his brother’s presidential campaign, of “doxxing” the supporters — even though he shared no private information.
“I don’t know who Joaquin Castro is other than the lesser brother of a failed presidential candidate (1%) who makes a fool of himself every time he opens his mouth,” Trump tweeted last Wednesday. “Joaquin is not the man that his brother is, but his brother, according to most, is not much. Keep fighting Joaquin!”“I don’t know who Joaquin Castro is other than the lesser brother of a failed presidential candidate (1%) who makes a fool of himself every time he opens his mouth,” Trump tweeted last Wednesday. “Joaquin is not the man that his brother is, but his brother, according to most, is not much. Keep fighting Joaquin!”
The ad also comes as Castro fights to make the cut for the September debate stage. He has already crossed the donor threshold and needs only one more qualifying poll to participate.The ad also comes as Castro fights to make the cut for the September debate stage. He has already crossed the donor threshold and needs only one more qualifying poll to participate.
Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer announced his campaign has hit the donor threshold required to qualify for the fall debates.Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer announced his campaign has hit the donor threshold required to qualify for the fall debates.
I'm thrilled to announce that today we've reached the required 130,000 individual donors to appear in September's debate. Just one more qualifying poll stands between us and that stage! Thanks to all who've contributed even $1 to this movement. We can't do this without you.I'm thrilled to announce that today we've reached the required 130,000 individual donors to appear in September's debate. Just one more qualifying poll stands between us and that stage! Thanks to all who've contributed even $1 to this movement. We can't do this without you.
Steyer has also registered at 2 percent or higher in three qualifying polls, leaving him just one shy of making the debate stage.Steyer has also registered at 2 percent or higher in three qualifying polls, leaving him just one shy of making the debate stage.
As Steyer’s campaign noted in a statement, the billionaire activist has surpassed other candidates who entered presidential race months before he did. “Since entering the race five weeks ago, our priority has been getting Tom’s message out to the American people,” said campaign manager Heather Hargreaves. “Tom reaching this milestone just five weeks into his campaign is proof that his message is resonating with people across the country.”As Steyer’s campaign noted in a statement, the billionaire activist has surpassed other candidates who entered presidential race months before he did. “Since entering the race five weeks ago, our priority has been getting Tom’s message out to the American people,” said campaign manager Heather Hargreaves. “Tom reaching this milestone just five weeks into his campaign is proof that his message is resonating with people across the country.”
Nine Democratic candidates have already made the cut for the next round of debates, and Julián Castro similarly remains one poll away from qualifying. But the dozen or so other candidates have a lot of ground to cover if they want to participate next month.Nine Democratic candidates have already made the cut for the next round of debates, and Julián Castro similarly remains one poll away from qualifying. But the dozen or so other candidates have a lot of ground to cover if they want to participate next month.
The Dow closed down nearly 400 points yesterday amid mounting concerns about Trump’s trade war. After his administration announced the delay of some tariffs on Chinese imports, all of those losses were recouped.The Dow closed down nearly 400 points yesterday amid mounting concerns about Trump’s trade war. After his administration announced the delay of some tariffs on Chinese imports, all of those losses were recouped.
It’s worth noting that Trump frequently brags about the strength of the stock market during his presidency. It has become a key talking point for him on the campaign trail, and he does not likely want to give it up — even for the sake of his trade war.It’s worth noting that Trump frequently brags about the strength of the stock market during his presidency. It has become a key talking point for him on the campaign trail, and he does not likely want to give it up — even for the sake of his trade war.
The Trump administration was facing backlash over its proposed tariffs from US business owners, some of whom had taken down job postings after the policy was announced.
The Washington Post reports:
Trump’s escalating trade war has spooked business executives. There’s already been a noticeable decline in business investment as corporate leaders say Trump’s tariffs and unpredictability are creating too much uncertainty, dissuading them from spending large sums on new buildings or equipment. Now there are early signs that business leaders are beginning to pull back on hiring, too. ...
The United States had 7.3 million job openings in June, down from a peak of 7.6 million in November, according to the latest Labor Department data. While the decline is modest, economists are concerned hiring could dry up quickly as companies see no end in sight to Trump’s trade war and they look to cut costs. The reduction in job openings is also widespread across many industries, signaling how cautious companies are becoming.
Just this morning, Trump was falsely claiming that China would bear the cost of his trade war.
Through massive devaluation of their currency and pumping vast sums of money into their system, the tens of billions of dollars that the U.S. is receiving is a gift from China. Prices not up, no inflation. Farmers getting more than China would be spending. Fake News won’t report!
But the decision to delay some of Trump’s tariffs until Dec. 15 indicates that certain members of his administration understand the burden US consumers will face once this trade policy goes into effect.
The news of the delayed tariffs on items like cell phones, laptops and video game consoles will certainly come as a relief to US retailers, who have expressed concerns that Trump’s trade war could impact holiday sales.
But as a Politico reporter noted, the administration’s decision to delay the policy appears to fly in the face of Trump’s repeated (and false) claim that American consumers will not bear the cost of his tariffs.
I mean this is just giving away the game and admitting tariffs are bad for Americans and that you have a pain threshold the Chinese can easily exploit.
The Trump administration also announced that certain Chinese imports would no longer be subject to the 10 percent tariff.
“Certain products are being removed from the tariff list based on health, safety, national security and other factors and will not face additional tariffs of 10 percent,” the statement from US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notes.
The tariffs were originally set to go into effect on Sept. 1 and impact $300 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative, announced today that some of the Trump administration’s tariffs against China will be delayed until Dec. 15.
“Products in this group include, for example, cell phones, laptop computers, video game consoles, certain toys, computer monitors, and certain items of footwear and clothing,” the statement from Lighthizer’s office reads.
That means that US consumers likely won’t face increased prices until after the holidays, as all of those products will have already been shipped from China by Dec. 15.
The Dow spiked 400 points on news of the delayed tariffs, which were set to go into effect on Sept. 1.
Continuing to mock Chris Cuomo for lashing out against a heckler, Trump oddly suggested the CNN host shouldn’t be allowed to carry a gun.
Would Chris Cuomo be given a Red Flag for his recent rant? Filthy language and a total loss of control. He shouldn’t be allowed to have any weapon. He’s nuts!
Red flag laws have been enacted in a number of US states and allow judges to take away firearms from those deemed dangerous. But Trump has sent mixed signals about whether he backs such laws.
Bernie Sanders might have finally found something he and Trump can agree on: the alleged bias of the Washington Post.
Without citing any evidence, the presidential candidate claimed the newspaper was giving him negative coverage because of his criticisms of Amazon. (The retail giant’s founder, Jeff Bezos, owns the Post.)
Speaking at a town hall in New Hampshire, Sanders brought up Amazon’s low tax bill. “See, I talk about that all of the time,” Sanders said. “And then I wonder why The Washington Post — which is owned by Jeff Bezos, who owns Amazon — doesn’t write particularly good articles about me. I don’t know why. But I guess maybe there’s a connection. Maybe we helped raise the minimum wage at Amazon to 15 bucks an hour as well.”
The Post reported last month on conflicts between the unionized organizers of Sanders’ campaign and senior staffers. The organizers were complaining that their salaries equated to an hourly pay of less than $15, which the senator has long said should be the federal minimum wage.
....In my opinion the Washington Post is nothing more than an expensive (the paper loses a fortune) lobbyist for Amazon. Is it used as protection against antitrust claims which many feel should be brought?
The president has previously attacked the newspaper as the “Amazon Washington Post” and falsely claimed that the outlet is working as a lobbyist for Bezos’ company.
The Post’s executive editor, Marty Baron, issued a statement denying Sanders’ claim. “Sen. Sanders is a member of a large club of politicians — of every ideology — who complain about their coverage,” Baron said. “Contrary to the conspiracy theory the senator seems to favor, Jeff Bezos allows our newsroom to operate with full independence, as our reporters and editors can attest.”
Another member of the National Rifle Association’s board of directors has resigned, the fourth such departure in the past two weeks.
Dear NRA Members https://t.co/P9nXuMB0LL pic.twitter.com/5Xk3RugloJ
Professional sport shooter Julie Golob published a letter to her website announcing her resignation. “I am proud to have had the opportunity to represent the members of the National Rifle Association but I can no longer commit to fulfilling the duties of a director,” she wrote.
She also apologized for not completing her three-year term and noted that it was “not a decision I made lightly.”
Golob’s departure is the latest sign of upheaval at the gun lobbying group, which has been pushing back against the expansion of background checks or red flag laws in the wake of the El Paso and Dayton shootings.
The NRA’s president, Oliver North, was fired earlier this year, and its top lobbyist resigned after becoming embroiled in an alleged scheme to oust CEO Wayne LaPierre.
Gun-control groups celebrated the signs of trouble at the organization. “Now another board member is calling it quits,” said John Feinblatt, president of the group Everytown for Gun Safety. “At this rate, they may be answering subpoenas rather than paying for political ads in 2020.”
Trump has joined in on the discussion about Chris Cuomo after the CNN anchor lashed out against a man who called him “Fredo,” referring to the dimmer-witted son of Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.”
“Punk ass bitches from the right call me ‘Fredo.’ My name is Chris Cuomo, I’m an anchor on CNN,” Cuomo told his heckler in a video shared on Twitter last night. “Fredo is from the ‘Godfather,’ he was a weak brother and the use of it to an Italian is disparaging.”
After the video emerged, Cuomo’s network stood by him, with a CNN spokesperson saying, “We completely support him.”
Chris Cuomo defended himself when he was verbally attacked with the use of an ethnic slur in an orchestrated setup. We completely support him.
Cuomo even got some support from another cables news host and a frequent critic of his, Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
I say good for @ChrisCuomo He’s out with his 9 year old daughter, and his wife, and this guy is being a jackass in front of his family. Imho Chris Cuomo has zero to apologize for. He deserves the apology. https://t.co/VnyMNgz14U
But Trump was much less compassionate, echoing the heckler’s use of “Fredo” and saying Cuomo “totally lost it.”
I thought Chris was Fredo also. The truth hurts. Totally lost it! Low ratings @CNN https://t.co/yBpGjt4N1T
Good morning, live blog readers!
The Trump administration is already facing pushback for two significant policy changes announced yesterday. One would penalize green card applicants who use public benefits, and the other would overhaul the Endangered Species Act in ways that critics fear will accelerate the extinction of many plants and animals.
Massachusetts and California have announced that they will go to court in an effort to prevent the changes to the landmark conservation bill. “We will not let the Administration attack our most rare animals and plants,” Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said. “We are suing.”
Both attorneys general cited a United Nations report from earlier this year estimating that more than 1m species across the globe face the threat of extinction. The dire warnings provided the latest demonstration of how far-reaching – and potentially devastating – the impacts of Donald Trump’s policies could be.
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:
Trump will travel to Pennsylvania today to tour the Shell Pennsylvania Petrochemicals Complex and give a speech on energy policy. Judging from his Twitter feed, he is currently watching Fox and Friends.
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg will speak at the Iowa State Fair.
National security adviser John Bolton is still in London meeting with UK officials.
That’s all still coming up, so stay tuned.