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Trump cabinet member reportedly threatened firings over 'Sharpiegate' – live Trump cabinet member reportedly threatened firings over 'Sharpiegate' – live
(32 minutes later)
What gun control measures might President Trump actually support? Republican Congressional leaders will discuss this with him tomorrow, NBC News reports:
Trump is scheduled to meet tomorrow afternoon w/ cong GOP leaders: Leader McCarthy and Whip Scalise; Leader McConnell and Whip Thune, per @HallieJackson, @AlexNBCNews, @HansNichols & myself.McConnell said last week he hopes to hear what Trump will support on Gun Legislation.
This is Lois Beckett in our West Coast office picking up our live politics coverage.This is Lois Beckett in our West Coast office picking up our live politics coverage.
President Trump is en route to a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he is expected to speak after 7 pm Eastern Time.President Trump is en route to a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he is expected to speak after 7 pm Eastern Time.
If you need a brief break from American political news today, I recommend my colleague Vivian Ho’s feature on the Internet’s obsession with “chonky cats,” and the subsequent anxiety about the health of these Insta-famous feline chonk stars. Should all the chonky cats really be on diets?If you need a brief break from American political news today, I recommend my colleague Vivian Ho’s feature on the Internet’s obsession with “chonky cats,” and the subsequent anxiety about the health of these Insta-famous feline chonk stars. Should all the chonky cats really be on diets?
Chonky, fluffy, thicc: inside the internet's obsession with fat cats on dietsChonky, fluffy, thicc: inside the internet's obsession with fat cats on diets
Watching my colleague fact-check the chonkiness of the cats she was profiling was a master class in journalistic excellence. As Vivian put it:Watching my colleague fact-check the chonkiness of the cats she was profiling was a master class in journalistic excellence. As Vivian put it:
Always verify the chonk!Always verify the chonk!
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the days stands so far:Here’s where the days stands so far:
Trump dismissed Afghanistan peace talks as “dead” after he scrapped a secret (and controversial) plan to meet with Taliban leaders at Camp David.Trump dismissed Afghanistan peace talks as “dead” after he scrapped a secret (and controversial) plan to meet with Taliban leaders at Camp David.
The president cautioned that the United States must be “very careful” about allowing Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian into the country, echoing concerns voiced by a senior immigration official earlier today.The president cautioned that the United States must be “very careful” about allowing Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian into the country, echoing concerns voiced by a senior immigration official earlier today.
Those two comments came as part of Trump’s “chopper talk” before departing for North Carolina, where he is holding a campaign rally for the special congressional race happening there tomorrow.Those two comments came as part of Trump’s “chopper talk” before departing for North Carolina, where he is holding a campaign rally for the special congressional race happening there tomorrow.
Trump’s commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, reportedly threatened firings at a government agency that contradicted the president’s false claim about Hurricane Dorian potentially hitting Alabama.Trump’s commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, reportedly threatened firings at a government agency that contradicted the president’s false claim about Hurricane Dorian potentially hitting Alabama.
Democratic officials called on Mitch McConnell to take up a bill expanding background checks that has already passed the House.Democratic officials called on Mitch McConnell to take up a bill expanding background checks that has already passed the House.
The US government chose to extract a high-level source in the Russian government in 2017 over concerns that Trump or his administration may compromise the source’s identity, CNN reported.The US government chose to extract a high-level source in the Russian government in 2017 over concerns that Trump or his administration may compromise the source’s identity, CNN reported.
Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, predicted over the weekend that the president’s family would become “a dynasty that will last for decades.”Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, predicted over the weekend that the president’s family would become “a dynasty that will last for decades.”
Lois will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.Lois will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
The husband of Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, appears to be seeking a divorce.The husband of Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, appears to be seeking a divorce.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
The papers, which provide only initials, were filed Friday by TMP against SLP. Todd Palin’s middle name is Mitchell and Sarah Palin’s middle name is Louise.The papers, which provide only initials, were filed Friday by TMP against SLP. Todd Palin’s middle name is Mitchell and Sarah Palin’s middle name is Louise.
The documents say the couple married on 29 August 1988 – the same as the Palins. Birthdates for the two also correspond.The documents say the couple married on 29 August 1988 – the same as the Palins. Birthdates for the two also correspond.
The documents say the couple has a minor child identified as TPVP who was born 18 April 2008. The Palins’ youngest child, Trig Paxson Van Palin, was born that day.The documents say the couple has a minor child identified as TPVP who was born 18 April 2008. The Palins’ youngest child, Trig Paxson Van Palin, was born that day.
Palin ran alongside the late senator John McCain in 2008, but the pair lost to Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The former Alaska governor later became one of Trump’s first major endorsers in 2016.Palin ran alongside the late senator John McCain in 2008, but the pair lost to Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The former Alaska governor later became one of Trump’s first major endorsers in 2016.
More from that “chopper talk” a bit ago: Trump waved away reports that officials like Mike Pence and John Bolton had advised him against holding Taliban peace talks at Camp David.More from that “chopper talk” a bit ago: Trump waved away reports that officials like Mike Pence and John Bolton had advised him against holding Taliban peace talks at Camp David.
“I took my own advice,” Trump said of scrapping the secret plan. “We had a meeting scheduled. It was my idea, and it was my idea to terminate it. I didn’t even ... I didn’t discuss it with anybody else.”“I took my own advice,” Trump said of scrapping the secret plan. “We had a meeting scheduled. It was my idea, and it was my idea to terminate it. I didn’t even ... I didn’t discuss it with anybody else.”
Asked if his advisers talked him out of meeting with the Taliban, the President says he took his own advice pic.twitter.com/4uYERBwg1qAsked if his advisers talked him out of meeting with the Taliban, the President says he took his own advice pic.twitter.com/4uYERBwg1q
Trump added he had unilaterally decided to cancel the talks after an American soldier was killed by a Taliban suicide bomb last week. He declared the peace talks to be now “dead.”Trump added he had unilaterally decided to cancel the talks after an American soldier was killed by a Taliban suicide bomb last week. He declared the peace talks to be now “dead.”
The president has often bristled at any suggestion that a member of his administration, even the vice president, may know better than him. But it would be pretty remarkable if he consulted with no one before canceling the unprecedented talks.The president has often bristled at any suggestion that a member of his administration, even the vice president, may know better than him. But it would be pretty remarkable if he consulted with no one before canceling the unprecedented talks.
Eight Democratic presidential candidates, including Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, appeared in a video for the gun-control group Giffords.Eight Democratic presidential candidates, including Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, appeared in a video for the gun-control group Giffords.
The group is launching a video series it’s calling the Gun Safety President campaign to highlight candidates’ stances on the issue.The group is launching a video series it’s calling the Gun Safety President campaign to highlight candidates’ stances on the issue.
“We can continue with the corrupt leadership of Donald Trump, who has taken millions from the NRA while opposing gun safety policies — or we can forge a new path and elect a gun safety president who’s willing to stand up to the gun lobby and protect our kids and communities from gun violence,” said former representative Gabby Giffords, the group’s namesake who was shot at a constituent event in 2011.“We can continue with the corrupt leadership of Donald Trump, who has taken millions from the NRA while opposing gun safety policies — or we can forge a new path and elect a gun safety president who’s willing to stand up to the gun lobby and protect our kids and communities from gun violence,” said former representative Gabby Giffords, the group’s namesake who was shot at a constituent event in 2011.
The video was released the same day that Democratic lawmakers held an event calling on the Senate to pass a bill expanding background checks to all gun purchases.The video was released the same day that Democratic lawmakers held an event calling on the Senate to pass a bill expanding background checks to all gun purchases.
Just when we thought we could put Sharpiegate behind us, a report has emerged that Trump’s commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, threatened firings at the NOAA after the agency contradicted the president’s false claim that Hurricane Dorian might hit Alabama.Just when we thought we could put Sharpiegate behind us, a report has emerged that Trump’s commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, threatened firings at the NOAA after the agency contradicted the president’s false claim that Hurricane Dorian might hit Alabama.
The New York Times reports:The New York Times reports:
That threat led to an unusual, unsigned statement later that Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration disavowing the office’s own position that Alabama was not at risk. The reversal caused widespread anger within the agency and drew criticism from the scientific community that NOAA, a division of the Commerce Department, had been bent to political purposes. ...That threat led to an unusual, unsigned statement later that Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration disavowing the office’s own position that Alabama was not at risk. The reversal caused widespread anger within the agency and drew criticism from the scientific community that NOAA, a division of the Commerce Department, had been bent to political purposes. ...
Mr. Ross phoned Neil Jacobs, the acting administrator of NOAA, from Greece where the secretary was traveling for meetings and instructed Dr. Jacobs to fix the agency’s perceived contradiction of the president.Mr. Ross phoned Neil Jacobs, the acting administrator of NOAA, from Greece where the secretary was traveling for meetings and instructed Dr. Jacobs to fix the agency’s perceived contradiction of the president.
Dr. Jacobs objected to the demand and was told that the political staff at NOAA would be fired if the situation was not fixed, according to the three individuals, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the episode.Dr. Jacobs objected to the demand and was told that the political staff at NOAA would be fired if the situation was not fixed, according to the three individuals, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the episode.
More from Trump’s “chopper talk” before leaving for his North Carolina rally: the president warned that the US must be “very careful” about allowing Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian into the country.More from Trump’s “chopper talk” before leaving for his North Carolina rally: the president warned that the US must be “very careful” about allowing Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian into the country.
Pres. Trump on hurricane survivors trying to leave the Bahamas: "We have to be very careful. Everyone needs totally proper documentation...I don't want to allow people who weren't supposed to be in the Bahamas to come into the United States, including some very bad people." pic.twitter.com/NK66ftrC6oPres. Trump on hurricane survivors trying to leave the Bahamas: "We have to be very careful. Everyone needs totally proper documentation...I don't want to allow people who weren't supposed to be in the Bahamas to come into the United States, including some very bad people." pic.twitter.com/NK66ftrC6o
“We have to be very careful,” Trump said. “Everyone needs totally proper documentation...I don’t want to allow people who weren’t supposed to be in the Bahamas to come into the United States, including some very bad people.”“We have to be very careful,” Trump said. “Everyone needs totally proper documentation...I don’t want to allow people who weren’t supposed to be in the Bahamas to come into the United States, including some very bad people.”
Trump’s acting Customs and Border Patrol chief, Mark Morgan, was vague earlier today when asked about admitting Bahamians into the country. He said the administration would work to expedite humanitarian entry requests from those affected by the hurricane but seemed hesitant about granting Bahamians Temporary Protected Status.Trump’s acting Customs and Border Patrol chief, Mark Morgan, was vague earlier today when asked about admitting Bahamians into the country. He said the administration would work to expedite humanitarian entry requests from those affected by the hurricane but seemed hesitant about granting Bahamians Temporary Protected Status.
Morgan’s comments came after dozens of Bahamians were reportedly kicked off a Florida-bound ferry because they didn’t have proper visas to visit the United States.Morgan’s comments came after dozens of Bahamians were reportedly kicked off a Florida-bound ferry because they didn’t have proper visas to visit the United States.
The Democratic lawmakers’ gun-control event has just ended, and they concluded by emphasizing it was the responsibility of Mitch McConnell and Trump to act.The Democratic lawmakers’ gun-control event has just ended, and they concluded by emphasizing it was the responsibility of Mitch McConnell and Trump to act.
Chuck Schumer: "Two people in Washington can make sure the background checks bill passes: Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell. It is totally up to them...and it is on their shoulders. They can't escape that responsibility." https://t.co/OPbaCbe5LF pic.twitter.com/MHwONtwM59Chuck Schumer: "Two people in Washington can make sure the background checks bill passes: Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell. It is totally up to them...and it is on their shoulders. They can't escape that responsibility." https://t.co/OPbaCbe5LF pic.twitter.com/MHwONtwM59
“Our first job is to get Leader McConnell to put this on the floor,” Schumer said.“Our first job is to get Leader McConnell to put this on the floor,” Schumer said.
Asked why he was confident that Congress could pass gun legislation now when it’s failed so many times before, Schumer replied that it was “a different era.” “Never have we had 93 percent of American people for background checks,” the Senate minority leader said of the strong public support for HR8.Asked why he was confident that Congress could pass gun legislation now when it’s failed so many times before, Schumer replied that it was “a different era.” “Never have we had 93 percent of American people for background checks,” the Senate minority leader said of the strong public support for HR8.
Schumer added that Trump has been “all over the lot” when it comes to whether he would support expanding background checks. “But the pressure is not going away,” Schumer said.Schumer added that Trump has been “all over the lot” when it comes to whether he would support expanding background checks. “But the pressure is not going away,” Schumer said.
Nancy Pelosi said Trump was initially enthusiastic about calling the Senate back to pass HR8, but she now fears that was just an attempt to “defang” the pressure around gun control after the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.Nancy Pelosi said Trump was initially enthusiastic about calling the Senate back to pass HR8, but she now fears that was just an attempt to “defang” the pressure around gun control after the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.
But the House speaker stressed: “We’re not going to let the subject be changed or diminished in any way.”But the House speaker stressed: “We’re not going to let the subject be changed or diminished in any way.”
Schumer noted that Trump initially told him he wanted the “strongest possible bill” after those mass shootings, a sentiment the president also apparently shared with senator Sherrod Brown.Schumer noted that Trump initially told him he wanted the “strongest possible bill” after those mass shootings, a sentiment the president also apparently shared with senator Sherrod Brown.
Veronica Escobar, the Democratic congresswoman who represents El Paso, said at the gun-control event that her constituents have asked her why leaders like Mitch McConnell have not “felt our pain.”Veronica Escobar, the Democratic congresswoman who represents El Paso, said at the gun-control event that her constituents have asked her why leaders like Mitch McConnell have not “felt our pain.”
Escobar angrily pointed out that the background checks bill, HR8, could have prevented another shooting in her home state, in Odessa, Texas.Escobar angrily pointed out that the background checks bill, HR8, could have prevented another shooting in her home state, in Odessa, Texas.
Senator Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat of Michigan, noted that it has been over six months since the House passed HR8, yet the Senate has not acted.Senator Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat of Michigan, noted that it has been over six months since the House passed HR8, yet the Senate has not acted.
Nancy Pelosi took the podium at the gun-control event, echoing Chuck Schumer’s demand that the Senate take up HR8, which would expand background checks to all gun sales.Nancy Pelosi took the podium at the gun-control event, echoing Chuck Schumer’s demand that the Senate take up HR8, which would expand background checks to all gun sales.
The House speaker then introduced the Democrats’ star guest, Dayton mayor Nan Whaley.The House speaker then introduced the Democrats’ star guest, Dayton mayor Nan Whaley.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley says shooting victim Monica Brickhouse’s mother texted her this morning: “Go get ‘em” upon hearing she was heading to Washington to push for background check legislation. pic.twitter.com/NaJvFgVFinDayton Mayor Nan Whaley says shooting victim Monica Brickhouse’s mother texted her this morning: “Go get ‘em” upon hearing she was heading to Washington to push for background check legislation. pic.twitter.com/NaJvFgVFin
Just a month after the tragic shooting in her city, Whaley listed the other shootings that have taken place across America since February. She then called on the Senate to take an up-or-down vote on the background checks bill.Just a month after the tragic shooting in her city, Whaley listed the other shootings that have taken place across America since February. She then called on the Senate to take an up-or-down vote on the background checks bill.
Before handing the microphone to senator Sherrod Brown, Whaley emphasized how many Americans support expanding background checks. “I don’t know anything that 9 out of 10 Americans agree on except HR8,” Whaley said.Before handing the microphone to senator Sherrod Brown, Whaley emphasized how many Americans support expanding background checks. “I don’t know anything that 9 out of 10 Americans agree on except HR8,” Whaley said.
Democratic officials have started their event calling on the Senate to take up HR8, a bill that would enforce background checks for all gun purchases.Democratic officials have started their event calling on the Senate to take up HR8, a bill that would enforce background checks for all gun purchases.
“Enough is enough,” said Chuck Schumer, arguing that passing HR8 should be the first order of business in the Senate now that lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill after the August recess.“Enough is enough,” said Chuck Schumer, arguing that passing HR8 should be the first order of business in the Senate now that lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill after the August recess.
"Too many Americans are losing their lives to gun violence. Too many families are just weeping."Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer call for a vote on a background check bill in the Senate as Congress returns from August recess. https://t.co/SFQ2oZIeZZ pic.twitter.com/z5ZzWqA5t3"Too many Americans are losing their lives to gun violence. Too many families are just weeping."Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer call for a vote on a background check bill in the Senate as Congress returns from August recess. https://t.co/SFQ2oZIeZZ pic.twitter.com/z5ZzWqA5t3
The Senate minority leader then directly called on Trump to back the bill, noting that Mitch McConnell has said he will not act until he has the president’s approval.The Senate minority leader then directly called on Trump to back the bill, noting that Mitch McConnell has said he will not act until he has the president’s approval.
“President Trump, this bill is common sense,” Schumer said. “The time to act is now.”“President Trump, this bill is common sense,” Schumer said. “The time to act is now.”
Chopper talk strikes again! Leaving the White House to travel to North Carolina for his campaign rally, Trump said peace talks with the Taliban were “dead” after the secret Camp David plan fell apart.Chopper talk strikes again! Leaving the White House to travel to North Carolina for his campaign rally, Trump said peace talks with the Taliban were “dead” after the secret Camp David plan fell apart.
Trump on Afghan peace talks: “As far as I’m concerned they’re dead.” pic.twitter.com/RKgEkZ2l52Trump on Afghan peace talks: “As far as I’m concerned they’re dead.” pic.twitter.com/RKgEkZ2l52
The president specifically cited the recent death of an American solider in Afghanistan as a reason to distrust the Taliban.The president specifically cited the recent death of an American solider in Afghanistan as a reason to distrust the Taliban.
The vice president has similarly slammed the media for reporting that he, along with Trump’s national security adviser, opposed the president’s secret plan to hold peace talks with the Taliban at Camp David.The vice president has similarly slammed the media for reporting that he, along with Trump’s national security adviser, opposed the president’s secret plan to hold peace talks with the Taliban at Camp David.
That’s Absolutely Right Mr. President. More Fake News! The Dishonest Media never contacted our office before running with this story and if they had, we would have told them I FULLY support your decision. https://t.co/zjzro1fzSgThat’s Absolutely Right Mr. President. More Fake News! The Dishonest Media never contacted our office before running with this story and if they had, we would have told them I FULLY support your decision. https://t.co/zjzro1fzSg
A Washington Post reporter noted that the tweet was unusual for Pence, who generally avoids specifically calling out the media:A Washington Post reporter noted that the tweet was unusual for Pence, who generally avoids specifically calling out the media:
Vice President Pence, who usually avoids echoing President Trump's attacks on the media and saying "fake news," uses the term today. https://t.co/NHXrlfITBkVice President Pence, who usually avoids echoing President Trump's attacks on the media and saying "fake news," uses the term today. https://t.co/NHXrlfITBk
But NBC News’ report on Pence’s opposition to the proposal did note that the vice president’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.But NBC News’ report on Pence’s opposition to the proposal did note that the vice president’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Memo to United Nations: It’s just two weeks to the UN General Assembly at that body’s HQ in New York - the annual spectacle featuring world leaders doing sideline deals and taking it in turns to pontificate publicly in front of a weird green marble block.Memo to United Nations: It’s just two weeks to the UN General Assembly at that body’s HQ in New York - the annual spectacle featuring world leaders doing sideline deals and taking it in turns to pontificate publicly in front of a weird green marble block.
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has installed a sobering reminder, as kids worldwide return to school after the summer, of the devastating scale of child deaths in conflict zones in 2018 - 3,758 backpacks stood in rows reminiscent of a cemetery, each one representing the loss of a young life to war.UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has installed a sobering reminder, as kids worldwide return to school after the summer, of the devastating scale of child deaths in conflict zones in 2018 - 3,758 backpacks stood in rows reminiscent of a cemetery, each one representing the loss of a young life to war.
The piece of political art was installed yesterday and runs through tomorrow, after which the backpacks will be used by children.The piece of political art was installed yesterday and runs through tomorrow, after which the backpacks will be used by children.
“Unicef backpacks have always been a symbol of hope and childhood possibility,” said the agency’s Henrietta Fore in a media release.“Unicef backpacks have always been a symbol of hope and childhood possibility,” said the agency’s Henrietta Fore in a media release.
“In just two weeks, world leaders gathering at the UN General Assembly will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This installation should remind them of the stakes.”“In just two weeks, world leaders gathering at the UN General Assembly will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This installation should remind them of the stakes.”
According to the 2019 Annual Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, more than 12,000 children were killed or maimed in conflict zones last year – the highest total since the UN started reporting the numbers. These only count verified incidents – the actual numbers are likely to be much higher, Unicef estimates, with more than a quarter of the total being killed.According to the 2019 Annual Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, more than 12,000 children were killed or maimed in conflict zones last year – the highest total since the UN started reporting the numbers. These only count verified incidents – the actual numbers are likely to be much higher, Unicef estimates, with more than a quarter of the total being killed.
Fall-out is ongoing today from Donald Trump’s revelation this weekend that he had been planning to talk to Taliban leaders face to face (oh, and as an apparent afterthought, also Afghanistan’s president Ashraf Ghani) at Camp David in a hitherto secret meeting - that was then canceled. So it will remain to be seen how that all plays at the UNGA. Afghan children have suffered terribly during the long conflict there.Fall-out is ongoing today from Donald Trump’s revelation this weekend that he had been planning to talk to Taliban leaders face to face (oh, and as an apparent afterthought, also Afghanistan’s president Ashraf Ghani) at Camp David in a hitherto secret meeting - that was then canceled. So it will remain to be seen how that all plays at the UNGA. Afghan children have suffered terribly during the long conflict there.
Here’s Donald (again)…Here’s Donald (again)…
The president is back online, with a tweeted repudiation of stories about how the plan to invite the Taliban to Camp David came about and fell apart, and therefore yet another taste of his oft-tweeted repudiation of the American mainstream press. Viz:The president is back online, with a tweeted repudiation of stories about how the plan to invite the Taliban to Camp David came about and fell apart, and therefore yet another taste of his oft-tweeted repudiation of the American mainstream press. Viz:
As we noted earlier, NBC News reported today that Vice-President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, two key administration figures, were against the idea of inviting the Taliban for peace talks on US soil, particularly in the week of the anniversary of the attacks of 11 September 2001, in which the Taliban was complicit.As we noted earlier, NBC News reported today that Vice-President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, two key administration figures, were against the idea of inviting the Taliban for peace talks on US soil, particularly in the week of the anniversary of the attacks of 11 September 2001, in which the Taliban was complicit.
Trump initially proceeded with the plan, before surprising the world by announcing its abandonment on Sunday.Trump initially proceeded with the plan, before surprising the world by announcing its abandonment on Sunday.
Donald Trump's cancelled Taliban talks are typical of a president who blows hot and coldDonald Trump's cancelled Taliban talks are typical of a president who blows hot and cold
Secretary of state Mike Pompeo spent Sunday morning defending the peace effort in Afghanistan on the talk shows, but said all such talks were off the table for now.Secretary of state Mike Pompeo spent Sunday morning defending the peace effort in Afghanistan on the talk shows, but said all such talks were off the table for now.
On Monday, Trump duly had his own say, denying he overruled “the VP and various advisers on a potential Camp David meeting with the Taliban”.On Monday, Trump duly had his own say, denying he overruled “the VP and various advisers on a potential Camp David meeting with the Taliban”.
Trump also called “much of the media … simply an arm of the Democrat party” and, of course, heralded his own leadership of a country in no way facing or worried about recession…Trump also called “much of the media … simply an arm of the Democrat party” and, of course, heralded his own leadership of a country in no way facing or worried about recession…
...the look of turmoil in the White House, of which there is none. I view much of the media as simply an arm of the Democrat Party. They are corrupt, and they are extremely upset at how well our Country is doing under MY Leadership, including......the look of turmoil in the White House, of which there is none. I view much of the media as simply an arm of the Democrat Party. They are corrupt, and they are extremely upset at how well our Country is doing under MY Leadership, including...
...the Economy, where there is NO Recession, much to the regret of the LameStream Media! They are working overtime to help the Democrats win in 2020, but that will NEVER HAPPEN, Americans are too smart!...the Economy, where there is NO Recession, much to the regret of the LameStream Media! They are working overtime to help the Democrats win in 2020, but that will NEVER HAPPEN, Americans are too smart!
Trump then saluted the efforts of US troops in Afghanistan, where they have been fighting since late 2001, and in there response to the death of an American soldier in Kabul last week, in a car bomb explosion.Trump then saluted the efforts of US troops in Afghanistan, where they have been fighting since late 2001, and in there response to the death of an American soldier in Kabul last week, in a car bomb explosion.
We have been serving as policemen in Afghanistan, and that was not meant to be the job of our Great Soldiers, the finest on earth. Over the last four days, we have been hitting our Enemy harder than at any time in the last ten years!We have been serving as policemen in Afghanistan, and that was not meant to be the job of our Great Soldiers, the finest on earth. Over the last four days, we have been hitting our Enemy harder than at any time in the last ten years!
Here’s world affairs editor Julian Borger’s more considered take on the affair of the Taliban talks that weren’t…Here’s world affairs editor Julian Borger’s more considered take on the affair of the Taliban talks that weren’t…
Collapse of US-Taliban talks stokes fears of new round of pre-election violenceCollapse of US-Taliban talks stokes fears of new round of pre-election violence
Morgan’s press briefing has concluded. The acting Customs and Border Patrol chief touched on a variety of topics, from the possibility of offering Bahamians Temporary Protected Status to immigration apprehension numbers last month.Morgan’s press briefing has concluded. The acting Customs and Border Patrol chief touched on a variety of topics, from the possibility of offering Bahamians Temporary Protected Status to immigration apprehension numbers last month.
He repeatedly echoed Trump’s talking points, such as arguing for the necessity of a border wall and slamming judges who have blocked some of his policies.He repeatedly echoed Trump’s talking points, such as arguing for the necessity of a border wall and slamming judges who have blocked some of his policies.
Morgan clarified that there hasn’t been any “formal grant” of Temporary Protected Status for all Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian.Morgan clarified that there hasn’t been any “formal grant” of Temporary Protected Status for all Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian.
He has instead emphasized that CBP would work to expedite Bahamians’ visa requests for humanitarian reasons.He has instead emphasized that CBP would work to expedite Bahamians’ visa requests for humanitarian reasons.
On another note, Morgan appeared to dodge a question about whether he agrees with Trump’s reported preference to paint the wall black.On another note, Morgan appeared to dodge a question about whether he agrees with Trump’s reported preference to paint the wall black.
Asked about WaPo story that Trump wants border wall painted black, CBP's Mark Morgan says that demand—and other anti-climbing features POTUS wants—will result in fewer miles of border wall. "We need to strike a balance," Morgan tells reporters.Asked about WaPo story that Trump wants border wall painted black, CBP's Mark Morgan says that demand—and other anti-climbing features POTUS wants—will result in fewer miles of border wall. "We need to strike a balance," Morgan tells reporters.