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Republicans play down expectations in North Carolina House race – live news Republicans play down expectations in North Carolina House race – live news
(about 1 hour later)
Hunters and anglers can now shoot and cast their rods on federally protected land that serves as critical habitat waterfowl and other birds, in the administration’s latest effort to open up protected lands to recreation as well as industry — including oil and gas drilling.
Hunting and fishing will now be allowed for the first time at seven national wildlife refuges, and restrictions will be reduced at 70 others.
More context from the AP:
Conservationists said the changes went into effect without adequate environmental review.
“While the Trump policy retains federal ownership, it basically eviscerates federal management,” said Jeff Ruch of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. “The states end up managing federal land with federal dollars but following state laws. That’s a sea change from federal management for conservation and biodiversity rather than promoting hunting.”
One of the big concerns is that state and federal officials don’t appear to have a monitoring system to see what effect the changes might have, not only on game species but those that aren’t hunted, Ruch said.
The Trump administration is ordering a “sweeping crackdown” on homelessness in California, The Washington Post reports.
Administration officials have been discussing using federal funds and resources to get homeless people off the streets of Los Angeles and into government facilities, as part of a broader effort to target California, Baltimore, Chicago and other cities and states that Trump believes suffer poverty and crime due to failed Democratic leadership:
But it is unclear how they could accomplish this and what legal authority they would use. It is also unclear whether the state’s Democratic politicians would cooperate with Trump, who has sought to embarrass them over the homelessness crisis with repeated attacks on their competency. ...
Top officials representing the White House and Department of Housing and Urban Development arrived in California this week for a round of meetings. A particular focus has been the “skid row” section of Los Angeles, officials said. The president is directly involved with the initiative, officials said, and has asked for updates.
Among the ideas under consideration is razing existing tent camps for the homeless, creating new temporary facilities, or refurbishing existing government facilities, two officials said. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the planning hasn’t been publicly revealed. The changes would attempt to give the federal government a larger role in supervising housing and health care for residents.
That’s it from me on this very eventful Tuesday, brought to you by Trump’s habit of firing senior officials by tweet. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me on this very eventful Tuesday, brought to you by Trump’s habit of firing senior officials by tweet. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
In case you missed the roughly 10,000 headlines: Trump fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser had opposed the president’s controversial plan to hold secret talks with the Taliban at Camp David.In case you missed the roughly 10,000 headlines: Trump fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser had opposed the president’s controversial plan to hold secret talks with the Taliban at Camp David.
But, but, but: Bolton claimed he had actually offered his resignation to Trump the day before but that the president said they would return to the issue later. Trump asserted he asked for Bolton’s resignation last night and received it this morning.But, but, but: Bolton claimed he had actually offered his resignation to Trump the day before but that the president said they would return to the issue later. Trump asserted he asked for Bolton’s resignation last night and received it this morning.
Bolton’s deputy, Charlie Kupperman, is taking over as acting national security adviser while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.Bolton’s deputy, Charlie Kupperman, is taking over as acting national security adviser while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.
Some Democrats bemoaned the “instability” of Trump throwing aside a third national security adviser since taking office, but most just wished the hawkish Bolton “good riddance.”Some Democrats bemoaned the “instability” of Trump throwing aside a third national security adviser since taking office, but most just wished the hawkish Bolton “good riddance.”
But there was important other news being made today. Voting is underway in North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District, where a special election is being read for signs of Trump’s resiliency in areas he carried in 2016. Congressional Republicans downplayed expectations of a win this afternoon.But there was important other news being made today. Voting is underway in North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District, where a special election is being read for signs of Trump’s resiliency in areas he carried in 2016. Congressional Republicans downplayed expectations of a win this afternoon.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans sparred over gun policy as Mitch McConnell reiterated he would not bring a bill to the Senate floor unless it had Trump’s blessing.Congressional Democrats and Republicans sparred over gun policy as Mitch McConnell reiterated he would not bring a bill to the Senate floor unless it had Trump’s blessing.
Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
Some names are already being floated as possible replacements for Bolton as national security adviser. His deputy, Charlie Kupperman, has currently assumed the role on an acting basis.Some names are already being floated as possible replacements for Bolton as national security adviser. His deputy, Charlie Kupperman, has currently assumed the role on an acting basis.
Bloomberg News reports:Bloomberg News reports:
Kupperman is a Bolton confidant who has counseled the former national security adviser for more than 30 years, Bolton has said. Grisham said it was ‘too soon to say’ whether Bolton’s closest National Security Council aides would remain in their jobs.Kupperman is a Bolton confidant who has counseled the former national security adviser for more than 30 years, Bolton has said. Grisham said it was ‘too soon to say’ whether Bolton’s closest National Security Council aides would remain in their jobs.
Possible Bolton replacements discussed by Trump associates include Robert O’Brien, who is the president’s envoy for hostage affairs, and Brian Hook, [secretary of state Mike] Pompeo’s senior policy adviser.Possible Bolton replacements discussed by Trump associates include Robert O’Brien, who is the president’s envoy for hostage affairs, and Brian Hook, [secretary of state Mike] Pompeo’s senior policy adviser.
CNN has just released a poll showing Trump’s approval rating has hit 39 percent, its lowest point in the network’s polling since January. Arguably more worrisome for the president is that 6 in 10 Americans don’t believe he deserves re-election.CNN has just released a poll showing Trump’s approval rating has hit 39 percent, its lowest point in the network’s polling since January. Arguably more worrisome for the president is that 6 in 10 Americans don’t believe he deserves re-election.
The results corroborate the Washington Post/ABC News poll released this morning, which showed the president’s approval rating at 38 percent. (Trump lashed out against those results in a pair of morning tweets, so CNN can expect the same.)The results corroborate the Washington Post/ABC News poll released this morning, which showed the president’s approval rating at 38 percent. (Trump lashed out against those results in a pair of morning tweets, so CNN can expect the same.)
CNN has more on the results:CNN has more on the results:
Overall, the poll paints a picture of a President who has done little to improve negative impressions of him or his work during his time in office. Across several questions asked early in Trump’s time in office and asked again now, the poll finds little positive change and deep partisan polarization.Overall, the poll paints a picture of a President who has done little to improve negative impressions of him or his work during his time in office. Across several questions asked early in Trump’s time in office and asked again now, the poll finds little positive change and deep partisan polarization.
The 60% who say the President does not deserve to be reelected is similar to the 63% who felt that way in November 2017. That outpaces his most recent predecessors at a similar stage in their presidencies. In October 2003, a CNN/Gallup/USA Today poll found that 52% of Americans thought George W. Bush did deserve reelection, and Gallup’s polling in 2011 found the share saying Barack Obama did not deserve to be reelected stood in the low 50s.The 60% who say the President does not deserve to be reelected is similar to the 63% who felt that way in November 2017. That outpaces his most recent predecessors at a similar stage in their presidencies. In October 2003, a CNN/Gallup/USA Today poll found that 52% of Americans thought George W. Bush did deserve reelection, and Gallup’s polling in 2011 found the share saying Barack Obama did not deserve to be reelected stood in the low 50s.
Trump’s approval rating is also historically low for presidents seeking re-election, a CNN reporter noted. The only president who had a lower approval rating a year before his second election was Jimmy Carter ... who lost to Ronald Reagan.Trump’s approval rating is also historically low for presidents seeking re-election, a CNN reporter noted. The only president who had a lower approval rating a year before his second election was Jimmy Carter ... who lost to Ronald Reagan.
Presidential Approval RatingsSeptember of Third Year Eisenhower, 1955 71%Bush, 1991 68%Kennedy, 1963 56%Bush, 2003 50%Nixon, 1971* 49%Reagan, 1983 47%Clinton, 1995 44%Obama, 2011 43%Trump now 39%Carter, 1979 30%Presidential Approval RatingsSeptember of Third Year Eisenhower, 1955 71%Bush, 1991 68%Kennedy, 1963 56%Bush, 2003 50%Nixon, 1971* 49%Reagan, 1983 47%Clinton, 1995 44%Obama, 2011 43%Trump now 39%Carter, 1979 30%
There is indeed still a special congressional race being held today in North Carolina, just in case you forget amid the Trump personnel turmoil.There is indeed still a special congressional race being held today in North Carolina, just in case you forget amid the Trump personnel turmoil.
Republicans are appearing less and less confident that their candidate, Dan Bishop, can pull off a win in the traditionally red Ninth District.Republicans are appearing less and less confident that their candidate, Dan Bishop, can pull off a win in the traditionally red Ninth District.
Trump carried the district by 12 points back in 2016, but a senior House Republican told reporters today that it was a “swing district.”Trump carried the district by 12 points back in 2016, but a senior House Republican told reporters today that it was a “swing district.”
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called #NC09 a "swing district" “The Bishop district is a very tough swing district, as we’ve seen," Scalise said.#NC09 went for Trump by 12 points in 2016, and a Dem hasn't held the seat since early 1960sHouse Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called #NC09 a "swing district" “The Bishop district is a very tough swing district, as we’ve seen," Scalise said.#NC09 went for Trump by 12 points in 2016, and a Dem hasn't held the seat since early 1960s
A loss would not only be embarrassing for Republicans, who have dumped $20 million into the race, but potentially ominous as well. If the party can’t carry the Ninth District, which covers some of the suburbs outside Charlotte, it may have trouble in similar districts across the country – which could prove disastrous for 2020.A loss would not only be embarrassing for Republicans, who have dumped $20 million into the race, but potentially ominous as well. If the party can’t carry the Ninth District, which covers some of the suburbs outside Charlotte, it may have trouble in similar districts across the country – which could prove disastrous for 2020.
But, as a Republican strategist noted, the actual consequences of this race are quite minimal. It’s more a matter of controlling the dreaded “narrative.”But, as a Republican strategist noted, the actual consequences of this race are quite minimal. It’s more a matter of controlling the dreaded “narrative.”
Now you're in a situation where you're playing not to lose. There really is no "win." Squeak it out, and congrats--you burned millions to hold a meaningless seat an maybe keep a few retirements at bay. In a Trump +12 CD, Ds inevitably beat the spread. But if you compete *&* lose?Now you're in a situation where you're playing not to lose. There really is no "win." Squeak it out, and congrats--you burned millions to hold a meaningless seat an maybe keep a few retirements at bay. In a Trump +12 CD, Ds inevitably beat the spread. But if you compete *&* lose?
A handful of Democratic presidential candidates have offered the same message to the departing national security adviser: we won’t miss you.A handful of Democratic presidential candidates have offered the same message to the departing national security adviser: we won’t miss you.
The American people are better off with John Bolton out of the White House. The world will be better off when the man who hired him in the first place is out too.The American people are better off with John Bolton out of the White House. The world will be better off when the man who hired him in the first place is out too.
A symptom of the problem is gone. The root cause of authoritarianism remains. https://t.co/EvXAY0gsPUA symptom of the problem is gone. The root cause of authoritarianism remains. https://t.co/EvXAY0gsPU
Good riddance. If Trump really was for peace, he never would have hired Bolton, Pompeo, Haley, and the rest of those neocons in the first place. https://t.co/r93PizuEcoGood riddance. If Trump really was for peace, he never would have hired Bolton, Pompeo, Haley, and the rest of those neocons in the first place. https://t.co/r93PizuEco
Bolton’s nomination as national security adviser was widely criticized by Democrats when it was announced in March 2018, given the former UN ambassador’s support for using military force against adversaries like North Korea and Iran.Bolton’s nomination as national security adviser was widely criticized by Democrats when it was announced in March 2018, given the former UN ambassador’s support for using military force against adversaries like North Korea and Iran.
Those stances initially sat well with Trump, who once promised “fire and fury” against North Korea. But the president has more recently shifted that position after meeting with Kim Jong-un, calling the North Korean dictator “a great leader.”Those stances initially sat well with Trump, who once promised “fire and fury” against North Korea. But the president has more recently shifted that position after meeting with Kim Jong-un, calling the North Korean dictator “a great leader.”
Bolton was the wrong messenger for Trump’s shifting foreign policy as the president angles for re-election, the Guardian’s Julian Borger writes.Bolton was the wrong messenger for Trump’s shifting foreign policy as the president angles for re-election, the Guardian’s Julian Borger writes.
Donald Trump hired Bolton to break things, like the Obama administration legacy and the orthodox foreign policy establishment in general. Now, with the 2020 election coming, a downturn looming and a second presidential term in doubt, Trump is trying to build a foreign policy legacy of his own – or at least a reasonable impression of one.Donald Trump hired Bolton to break things, like the Obama administration legacy and the orthodox foreign policy establishment in general. Now, with the 2020 election coming, a downturn looming and a second presidential term in doubt, Trump is trying to build a foreign policy legacy of his own – or at least a reasonable impression of one.
For the president, that involves shaking hands with adversaries and announcing diplomatic breakthroughs with the likes of Tehran and the Taliban. Almost no one expected him to be able to make that hairpin pivot with someone as bellicose and determined as Bolton at his side.For the president, that involves shaking hands with adversaries and announcing diplomatic breakthroughs with the likes of Tehran and the Taliban. Almost no one expected him to be able to make that hairpin pivot with someone as bellicose and determined as Bolton at his side.
Trump wants to build a legacy, Bolton to break things – something had to giveTrump wants to build a legacy, Bolton to break things – something had to give
Bolton’s resignation letter has been obtained, and it is indeed (as previously reported) two sentences long.Bolton’s resignation letter has been obtained, and it is indeed (as previously reported) two sentences long.
.@AmbJohnBolton resignation letter (better photo) pic.twitter.com/I5qv8xOl1d.@AmbJohnBolton resignation letter (better photo) pic.twitter.com/I5qv8xOl1d
It’s notable that the ousted national security adviser chose not to detail his policy differences with Trump in the letter, as former defense secretary Jim Mattis did when he resigned in December.It’s notable that the ousted national security adviser chose not to detail his policy differences with Trump in the letter, as former defense secretary Jim Mattis did when he resigned in December.
Bolton has said he was not fired and that he offered his resignation last night. But if that’s the case, one might expect a bit more ... elaboration in his resignation letter.Bolton has said he was not fired and that he offered his resignation last night. But if that’s the case, one might expect a bit more ... elaboration in his resignation letter.
Then again, Bolton said Trump offered to discuss the issue further today. So the president’s tweet may still have caught the national security adviser off guard, particularly given that Bolton was supposed to participate in a White House briefing this afternoon.Then again, Bolton said Trump offered to discuss the issue further today. So the president’s tweet may still have caught the national security adviser off guard, particularly given that Bolton was supposed to participate in a White House briefing this afternoon.
News is coming out on multiple fronts as reactions and details continue to roll in about Trump’s firing of Bolton.News is coming out on multiple fronts as reactions and details continue to roll in about Trump’s firing of Bolton.
Most notably, congressional Democrats and Republicans continue to spar about potential gun legislation after last month’s mass shootings that left dozens dead.Most notably, congressional Democrats and Republicans continue to spar about potential gun legislation after last month’s mass shootings that left dozens dead.
Mitch McConnell said he was waiting on the White House to craft a bill Trump would sign, arguing everything else surrounding the gun debate was “theatrics.”Mitch McConnell said he was waiting on the White House to craft a bill Trump would sign, arguing everything else surrounding the gun debate was “theatrics.”
Those “theatrics” would appear to include the three gun bills House Democrats are currently attempting to advance. The background checks bill they passed months ago has never been brought up for a vote in the Senate, and Trump has said he would veto it.Those “theatrics” would appear to include the three gun bills House Democrats are currently attempting to advance. The background checks bill they passed months ago has never been brought up for a vote in the Senate, and Trump has said he would veto it.
Schumer just asked about McConnell's theatrics comments, offers a clipped reply, then walks away from the mics."Shame on him. Shame on him. There are people who dies. Put the bill on the floor and stop ducking the issue. Shame on him." https://t.co/AmP8cbrZ47Schumer just asked about McConnell's theatrics comments, offers a clipped reply, then walks away from the mics."Shame on him. Shame on him. There are people who dies. Put the bill on the floor and stop ducking the issue. Shame on him." https://t.co/AmP8cbrZ47
Chuck Schumer denounced McConnell’s “theatrics” comment. “Shame on him,” the Senate minority leader said at his press conference.Chuck Schumer denounced McConnell’s “theatrics” comment. “Shame on him,” the Senate minority leader said at his press conference.
Rose-colored glasses are apparently quite powerful. Trump has reportedly been reaching out to the last national security adviser he unceremoniously ousted, H.R. McMaster, to say he misses him.Rose-colored glasses are apparently quite powerful. Trump has reportedly been reaching out to the last national security adviser he unceremoniously ousted, H.R. McMaster, to say he misses him.
NBC News reports:NBC News reports:
In phone calls to McMaster — the first of which took place last fall — Trump told his second national security adviser that he misses him, according to two people familiar with the conversations. It’s a sentiment the president has also expressed to White House aides, they said. Trump has solicited McMaster’s advice on various national security challenges, even asking McMaster who he should nominate to lead the Pentagon, they said.In phone calls to McMaster — the first of which took place last fall — Trump told his second national security adviser that he misses him, according to two people familiar with the conversations. It’s a sentiment the president has also expressed to White House aides, they said. Trump has solicited McMaster’s advice on various national security challenges, even asking McMaster who he should nominate to lead the Pentagon, they said.
Trump’s contacts with McMaster perhaps presaged his decision Tuesday to unceremoniously fire Bolton. They also marked a significant a remarkable shift for the president that is emblematic of how much Bolton fell out of favor since Trump welcomed him into the White House 17 months ago. At that time, Trump was barely speaking to McMaster and regularly did derogatory impressions of him in his absence, according to multiple current and former White House officials.Trump’s contacts with McMaster perhaps presaged his decision Tuesday to unceremoniously fire Bolton. They also marked a significant a remarkable shift for the president that is emblematic of how much Bolton fell out of favor since Trump welcomed him into the White House 17 months ago. At that time, Trump was barely speaking to McMaster and regularly did derogatory impressions of him in his absence, according to multiple current and former White House officials.
Trump has just finished speaking at the HBCU conference, but the blog is keeping its eye on press conferences on Capitol Hill.Trump has just finished speaking at the HBCU conference, but the blog is keeping its eye on press conferences on Capitol Hill.
Mitch McConnell would not specify what type of gun legislation he would support, deferring to the White House.Mitch McConnell would not specify what type of gun legislation he would support, deferring to the White House.
When asked about action on guns, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the White House is "working on coming up with a proposal that the president will sign.""Until that happens, all of this is theatrics," he adds. https://t.co/ewh2KTL8ia pic.twitter.com/6lMGI6fzvxWhen asked about action on guns, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the White House is "working on coming up with a proposal that the president will sign.""Until that happens, all of this is theatrics," he adds. https://t.co/ewh2KTL8ia pic.twitter.com/6lMGI6fzvx
The Senate majority leader previously said he would not hold a vote on any gun proposal unless it had Trump’s endorsement, seemingly ruling out the background checks bill that has already passed the House. Trump has said he would veto that legislation.The Senate majority leader previously said he would not hold a vote on any gun proposal unless it had Trump’s endorsement, seemingly ruling out the background checks bill that has already passed the House. Trump has said he would veto that legislation.
Another three proposals that House Democrats are working to pass after last month’s mass shootings would likely also be dead on arrival in the Senate.Another three proposals that House Democrats are working to pass after last month’s mass shootings would likely also be dead on arrival in the Senate.
Trump appeared anxious to confront the eventual Democratic presidential nominee, saying he looked forward to touting his economic successes on the debate stage.Trump appeared anxious to confront the eventual Democratic presidential nominee, saying he looked forward to touting his economic successes on the debate stage.
“Who’s going to beat these numbers?” Trump asked the crowd at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference after listing some unemployment statistics.“Who’s going to beat these numbers?” Trump asked the crowd at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference after listing some unemployment statistics.
Trump dismissed any sign of a looming recession while speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference.Trump dismissed any sign of a looming recession while speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference.
The president suggested warnings of a potential recession were being circulated by his critics to diminish his re-election chances. “They were hoping for a recession,” Trump said, adding that he expects the stock market to hit a new record in the near future.The president suggested warnings of a potential recession were being circulated by his critics to diminish his re-election chances. “They were hoping for a recession,” Trump said, adding that he expects the stock market to hit a new record in the near future.
A new poll released this morning showed 6 in 10 Americans believe a recession is likely within the next year.A new poll released this morning showed 6 in 10 Americans believe a recession is likely within the next year.
Trump has taken the stage at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference and appears to (so far) be sticking to the teleprompter.Trump has taken the stage at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference and appears to (so far) be sticking to the teleprompter.
He has touted the importance of HBCUs and celebrated his education secretary, Betsy DeVos, as a champion for the institutions.He has touted the importance of HBCUs and celebrated his education secretary, Betsy DeVos, as a champion for the institutions.
Trump is expected to soon start speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference. The president was scheduled to take the podium at 2:15 p.m. E.T. but is apparently running behind.Trump is expected to soon start speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference. The president was scheduled to take the podium at 2:15 p.m. E.T. but is apparently running behind.