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'A dynasty for decades': Trump aide stokes succession speculation – live 'A dynasty for decades': Trump aide stokes succession speculation – live
(32 minutes later)
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/RKgEkZ2l52
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.
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/zjzro1fzSg
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/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.
Memo to United Nations: It’s just two weeks to the United National 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.
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.
“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.
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 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.
Morgan said Bahamians struggling with the effects of Hurricane Dorian would be allowed into the United States on “humanitarian reasons,” but he stressed he would continue to observe US policies about denying entry to those with criminal histories, for example.Morgan said Bahamians struggling with the effects of Hurricane Dorian would be allowed into the United States on “humanitarian reasons,” but he stressed he would continue to observe US policies about denying entry to those with criminal histories, for example.
Acting CBP head Mark Morgan on Bahamians who were turned away:"There's going to be some confusion. What I will say is that's what happened.""We'll accept anyone on humanitarian reasons."Acting CBP head Mark Morgan on Bahamians who were turned away:"There's going to be some confusion. What I will say is that's what happened.""We'll accept anyone on humanitarian reasons."
The comments came after dozens of Bahamians were kicked off a Florida-bound ferry because they did not have visas to travel to the US.The comments came after dozens of Bahamians were kicked off a Florida-bound ferry because they did not have visas to travel to the US.
Morgan appears open to allowing more Bahamians entry to the country, but he also seems to be giving himself a lot of wiggle room to block some people from doing so.Morgan appears open to allowing more Bahamians entry to the country, but he also seems to be giving himself a lot of wiggle room to block some people from doing so.
Morgan was asked about the US offering Temporary Protected Status to Bahamian residents who are grappling with the effects of Hurricane Dorian.Morgan was asked about the US offering Temporary Protected Status to Bahamian residents who are grappling with the effects of Hurricane Dorian.
The acting CBP chief said he would consider such a measure, but he emphasized the agency would not turn a “blind eye” to immigration procedures in reaction to the disaster.The acting CBP chief said he would consider such a measure, but he emphasized the agency would not turn a “blind eye” to immigration procedures in reaction to the disaster.
He added, “We would not support returning people to a place it’s not safe to be.”He added, “We would not support returning people to a place it’s not safe to be.”
This is interesting. In addition to repeating Trump’s false claim that the border wall is already being built, Morgan keeps emphasizing the importance of a “wall system.”This is interesting. In addition to repeating Trump’s false claim that the border wall is already being built, Morgan keeps emphasizing the importance of a “wall system.”
He has specifically cited improved lighting and access roads along the border as a means of enhancing immigration enforcement.He has specifically cited improved lighting and access roads along the border as a means of enhancing immigration enforcement.
But Trump has repeatedly promised he would build a physical wall along the southern border. Could this signal a shift?But Trump has repeatedly promised he would build a physical wall along the southern border. Could this signal a shift?
Morgan deflected questions about concerns over how the border wall will be paid for, including by deflecting funds for dozens of military construction projects.Morgan deflected questions about concerns over how the border wall will be paid for, including by deflecting funds for dozens of military construction projects.
Morgan said that wall funding was a “political” issue and thus did not concern him, although he noted he had confidence in the secretary of defense. He said Mark Esper would not approve diverting funds unless he thought it was in the country’s best interest.Morgan said that wall funding was a “political” issue and thus did not concern him, although he noted he had confidence in the secretary of defense. He said Mark Esper would not approve diverting funds unless he thought it was in the country’s best interest.
He also argued that the southern border represented a national security crisis, justifying the use of the diverted funds.He also argued that the southern border represented a national security crisis, justifying the use of the diverted funds.
Trump’s acting CBP commissioner echoed the president’s demands for a wall along the US-Mexico border, claiming experts have backed up the effectiveness of such a measure.Trump’s acting CBP commissioner echoed the president’s demands for a wall along the US-Mexico border, claiming experts have backed up the effectiveness of such a measure.
“It works,” Morgan said of a wall. “The experts say it works. The experts have asked for this.”“It works,” Morgan said of a wall. “The experts say it works. The experts have asked for this.”
He also commended the Trump administration’s work on the issue and called for Congress to act to close immigration “loopholes.” In short, Morgan is following through on a key reason why Trump appointed him, as an Axios reporter noted.He also commended the Trump administration’s work on the issue and called for Congress to act to close immigration “loopholes.” In short, Morgan is following through on a key reason why Trump appointed him, as an Axios reporter noted.
Mark Morgan running through President Trump’s favorite immigration talking points in the briefing room. Remember, part of the reason POTUS nominated Morgan in the spring was because he liked his performance on Fox NewsMark Morgan running through President Trump’s favorite immigration talking points in the briefing room. Remember, part of the reason POTUS nominated Morgan in the spring was because he liked his performance on Fox News
Morgan noted the number of August apprehensions represented a 56-percent decrease since the 144,255 apprehensions in May.Morgan noted the number of August apprehensions represented a 56-percent decrease since the 144,255 apprehensions in May.
During the month of August, CBP apprehended or deemed inadmissible a total of 64,006 people. For July, that number was 82,055. This represents a decline of approximately 22%. Moreover, the August number reflects a decline of 56% since the May peak, which was a staggering 144,255. pic.twitter.com/olKXrfyg41During the month of August, CBP apprehended or deemed inadmissible a total of 64,006 people. For July, that number was 82,055. This represents a decline of approximately 22%. Moreover, the August number reflects a decline of 56% since the May peak, which was a staggering 144,255. pic.twitter.com/olKXrfyg41
Morgan has taken the podium at the White House and is addressing the “unprecedented crisis at the southern border.”Morgan has taken the podium at the White House and is addressing the “unprecedented crisis at the southern border.”
He noted that Customs and Border Patrol apprehended 64,000 undocumented migrants at the US-Mexico border last month.He noted that Customs and Border Patrol apprehended 64,000 undocumented migrants at the US-Mexico border last month.
Customs & Border Mark Morgan appears in WH briefing room to announce August migration numbers pic.twitter.com/YVh5oAH8p4Customs & Border Mark Morgan appears in WH briefing room to announce August migration numbers pic.twitter.com/YVh5oAH8p4
The acting commissioner of Customs and Border Patrol, Mark Morgan, will soon speak at a White House press briefing. (Morgan was originally scheduled to take the podium at 12:30 p.m. E.T., but that was pushed back to 1.)The acting commissioner of Customs and Border Patrol, Mark Morgan, will soon speak at a White House press briefing. (Morgan was originally scheduled to take the podium at 12:30 p.m. E.T., but that was pushed back to 1.)
Morgan will likely be asked about his agency’s decision not to change travel protocols for Bahamian visitors to the United States as the country recovers from Hurricane Dorian. Dozens of Bahamians were kicked off a Florida-bound ferry last night after it was announced they would still need a visa to travel to the US.Morgan will likely be asked about his agency’s decision not to change travel protocols for Bahamian visitors to the United States as the country recovers from Hurricane Dorian. Dozens of Bahamians were kicked off a Florida-bound ferry last night after it was announced they would still need a visa to travel to the US.
Morgan defended the policy in a pair of tweets yesterday:Morgan defended the policy in a pair of tweets yesterday:
.@CBP has the discretion to issue humanitarian or medical parole on a case-by-case basis to travelers with a proven need to enter the U.S. – for a temporary period of time – to receive emergency care..@CBP has the discretion to issue humanitarian or medical parole on a case-by-case basis to travelers with a proven need to enter the U.S. – for a temporary period of time – to receive emergency care.
Discussion has intensified recently around a core question in TrumpWorld: which of the president’s children, if any, will prove to be his political successor?Discussion has intensified recently around a core question in TrumpWorld: which of the president’s children, if any, will prove to be his political successor?
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.”
Obviously, the president’s eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has a head start as the only one of his children serving as a senior White House adviser.Obviously, the president’s eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has a head start as the only one of his children serving as a senior White House adviser.
But more recently, Donald Trump Jr has built a loyal following of his own as the president’s eldest son goes around the country to enthusiastically campaign for Republican candidates.But more recently, Donald Trump Jr has built a loyal following of his own as the president’s eldest son goes around the country to enthusiastically campaign for Republican candidates.
The Atlantic reports:The Atlantic reports:
By November 2018, Don had appeared at more than 70 campaign events across 17 states—and powerful Republicans were abuzz. ... Notably, many of these Republicans seemed less enthusiastic about his sister. ...By November 2018, Don had appeared at more than 70 campaign events across 17 states—and powerful Republicans were abuzz. ... Notably, many of these Republicans seemed less enthusiastic about his sister. ...
None of this newfound excitement about Don seemed to rub off on the president, however. People close to Trump told me he remained enchanted by the idea of Ivanka as the inheritor of his political legacy. ...None of this newfound excitement about Don seemed to rub off on the president, however. People close to Trump told me he remained enchanted by the idea of Ivanka as the inheritor of his political legacy. ...
On a steamy June evening, Trump officially launched his bid for reelection with a raucous rally in Orlando. This time, Ivanka and Jared sat in the audience, while Don—the president’s most skilled warm-up act—strutted across the stage to fervid applause. ... While no one knew when Donald Trump would exit the White House, it was clear what he would leave behind when he did: an angry, paranoid scrap of the country eager to buy what he was hawking—and an heir who knew how to keep the con alive.On a steamy June evening, Trump officially launched his bid for reelection with a raucous rally in Orlando. This time, Ivanka and Jared sat in the audience, while Don—the president’s most skilled warm-up act—strutted across the stage to fervid applause. ... While no one knew when Donald Trump would exit the White House, it was clear what he would leave behind when he did: an angry, paranoid scrap of the country eager to buy what he was hawking—and an heir who knew how to keep the con alive.
Trump is still attracting criticism for planning and then scrapping secret peace talks with the Taliban at Camp David, a proposal that even divided his closest advisers.Trump is still attracting criticism for planning and then scrapping secret peace talks with the Taliban at Camp David, a proposal that even divided his closest advisers.
The vice president, Mike Pence, was among those who opposed the idea. NBC News reports:The vice president, Mike Pence, was among those who opposed the idea. NBC News reports:
The idea raised Sept. 1 during a Situation Room meeting with the president was vehemently opposed by national security adviser John Bolton, even as officials at the State Department argued it could move the parties closer to an agreement, officials said.The idea raised Sept. 1 during a Situation Room meeting with the president was vehemently opposed by national security adviser John Bolton, even as officials at the State Department argued it could move the parties closer to an agreement, officials said.
Bolton had an ally in Vice President Mike Pence, who also made the case against a meeting at Camp David, a location Trump suggested, officials said. Bolton and Pence were in Warsaw together around the time of the internal discussions. ...Bolton had an ally in Vice President Mike Pence, who also made the case against a meeting at Camp David, a location Trump suggested, officials said. Bolton and Pence were in Warsaw together around the time of the internal discussions. ...
Among the concerns of administration officials who opposed the meeting was that it might take place around the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the officials and people familiar with the matter said. Pence argued at one point that such a meeting could send the wrong message to members of the U.S. military who have fought — and been killed by — the Taliban for years, one senior administration official said.Among the concerns of administration officials who opposed the meeting was that it might take place around the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the officials and people familiar with the matter said. Pence argued at one point that such a meeting could send the wrong message to members of the U.S. military who have fought — and been killed by — the Taliban for years, one senior administration official said.
Pence has usually fallen in step with the president’s way of thinking, so his opposition in this case is notable. But what may be more notable is that Trump overruled Pence — siding instead with his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo — before ultimately canceling the proposed talks.Pence has usually fallen in step with the president’s way of thinking, so his opposition in this case is notable. But what may be more notable is that Trump overruled Pence — siding instead with his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo — before ultimately canceling the proposed talks.