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Trump confirms he withheld Ukraine military aid as whistleblower scandal deepens – live Trump confirms he withheld Ukraine military aid as whistleblower scandal deepens – live
(32 minutes later)
The moderator of “Face the Nation” noted how much Trump’s tone has shifted in his UN addresses: It looks like more senior House Democrats are moving toward impeachment, per a New York Times reporter.
More Frontliners moving on impeachment in next few hours, am told, going to swell before the 4PM Dem caucus meeting
Joe Biden is now expected to make a statement about Trump allegedly pressuring the Ukrainian president to investigate him at 2 p.m. EST.
Joe Biden expected to deliver a new on-camera statement on Ukraine & Trump at 2pmET today, per @mikememoli
The blog is following news on multiple fronts today. Trump will meet with Boris Johnson in about 20 minutes, and House Democrats will have their caucus meeting this afternoon as impeachment talks intensify.
But with Biden addressing the controversy, the Ukraine controversy is liking to remain the biggest story of the day – particularly with Trump acknowledging he did hold back military aid from the country. However, the president claimed today that he did so because of concerns about European allies not equally contributing.
Trump has just wrapped up his speech to the UN General Assembly, which lasted about 37 minutes and covered a wide variety of topics.
The president did not shy away from criticizing foreign adversaries, including China and Iran, and touted his administration’s policies on issues like trade and immigration.
In what will likely be one of the most-quoted lines of the speech, Trump defended his “America First” agenda by saying, “The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots.”
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Trump took aim at immigration advocates who have criticized his administration’s policies, including family separations at the southern border, as cruel.
Trump using UN to go after pro-immigration activists. He said they "cloak themselves in the rhetoric of social justice" but that their policies are "cruel and evil."Note: Activists have used that same language to attack Trump's policies of family separation & remain in Mexico.
The moderator of Face the Nation noted how much Trump’s tone has shifted in his UN addresses:
This is a very different speech from “little rocket man” on a suicide mission #UNGA address of just a few years ago. Now @realDonaldTrump is using language referring to opposing endless wars & desire not to use military force.This is a very different speech from “little rocket man” on a suicide mission #UNGA address of just a few years ago. Now @realDonaldTrump is using language referring to opposing endless wars & desire not to use military force.
And a Washington Post reporter highlighted how the president has few foreign-policy achievements to tout nearly three years into his term:And a Washington Post reporter highlighted how the president has few foreign-policy achievements to tout nearly three years into his term:
We're almost 3 years into Trump's presidency -- he fully owns U.S. global leadership and what it has wrought -- and he's at the UN giving a confrontational, dispiriting speech about all of America's presumed enemies and threats with almost no uplifting or inspiring notes.We're almost 3 years into Trump's presidency -- he fully owns U.S. global leadership and what it has wrought -- and he's at the UN giving a confrontational, dispiriting speech about all of America's presumed enemies and threats with almost no uplifting or inspiring notes.
Trump threatened to escalate sanctions against Iran if the country continues its “menacing behavior.”Trump threatened to escalate sanctions against Iran if the country continues its “menacing behavior.”
President Trump calls on "all nations" to act on Iran: "No responsible government should subsidize Iran's blood lust. As long as Iran's menacing behavior continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They will be tightened." https://t.co/BJSG7OBOXL pic.twitter.com/HVWZvBdQWEPresident Trump calls on "all nations" to act on Iran: "No responsible government should subsidize Iran's blood lust. As long as Iran's menacing behavior continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They will be tightened." https://t.co/BJSG7OBOXL pic.twitter.com/HVWZvBdQWE
“All nations have a duty to act. No responsible government should subsidize Iran’s blood lust,” Trump said. “As long as Iran’s menacing behavior continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They will be tightened.”“All nations have a duty to act. No responsible government should subsidize Iran’s blood lust,” Trump said. “As long as Iran’s menacing behavior continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They will be tightened.”
US-Iranian tensions have continued to rise since Trump scrapped the nuclear deal crafted by the Obama administration.US-Iranian tensions have continued to rise since Trump scrapped the nuclear deal crafted by the Obama administration.
Trump expressed support for crafting a new trade deal with the UK as the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, struggles to navigate Brexit.Trump expressed support for crafting a new trade deal with the UK as the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, struggles to navigate Brexit.
"As the United Kingdom makes preparations to exit the European Union, I have made clear that we stand ready to complete an exceptional new trade agreement with the U.K. that will bring tremendous benefits both of our countries," Trump says https://t.co/LOlwhKc8Ve pic.twitter.com/jfRiMEB23w"As the United Kingdom makes preparations to exit the European Union, I have made clear that we stand ready to complete an exceptional new trade agreement with the U.K. that will bring tremendous benefits both of our countries," Trump says https://t.co/LOlwhKc8Ve pic.twitter.com/jfRiMEB23w
The UK supreme court ruled today that Johnson’s suspension of parliament, in an attempt to force a no-deal Brexit, was illegal.The UK supreme court ruled today that Johnson’s suspension of parliament, in an attempt to force a no-deal Brexit, was illegal.
But Johnson said this morning he remained committed to leaving the European Union by the end of October.But Johnson said this morning he remained committed to leaving the European Union by the end of October.
Trump is extensively criticizing China’s trade practices in his address to the UN General Assembly, accusing the country of gaming the system and stealing intellectual property.Trump is extensively criticizing China’s trade practices in his address to the UN General Assembly, accusing the country of gaming the system and stealing intellectual property.
The president showed no signs of backing down on his tariffs, even as US and Chinese negotiators plan to sit down for trade talks again next month.The president showed no signs of backing down on his tariffs, even as US and Chinese negotiators plan to sit down for trade talks again next month.
Trump also warned China to respect the democratic needs of Hong Kong, where demonstrators have launched a series of protests to push back against Chinese control.Trump also warned China to respect the democratic needs of Hong Kong, where demonstrators have launched a series of protests to push back against Chinese control.
Trump is using his speech to the UN General Assembly to promote his “America First” agenda.Trump is using his speech to the UN General Assembly to promote his “America First” agenda.
Trump at U.N.: "Wise leaders always put the good of their own people and their own country first. The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots." https://t.co/LOlwhKc8Ve pic.twitter.com/gcFlZyjQLMTrump at U.N.: "Wise leaders always put the good of their own people and their own country first. The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots." https://t.co/LOlwhKc8Ve pic.twitter.com/gcFlZyjQLM
“The future does not belong to globalists; the future belongs to patriots,” Trump said. The president’s use of the term “globalist” is striking given complaints that its roots are anti-Semitic.“The future does not belong to globalists; the future belongs to patriots,” Trump said. The president’s use of the term “globalist” is striking given complaints that its roots are anti-Semitic.
He said his policies would allow for “national renewal.” “If you want freedom, take pride in your country,” Trump said. “If you want democracy, hold on to your sovereignty. If you want peace, love your nation.”He said his policies would allow for “national renewal.” “If you want freedom, take pride in your country,” Trump said. “If you want democracy, hold on to your sovereignty. If you want peace, love your nation.”
The president has started speaking at the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to tout his administration’s handling of issues like trade and immigration.The president has started speaking at the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to tout his administration’s handling of issues like trade and immigration.
“At the center of our vision for national renewal is an ambitious campaign to reform international trade,” Trump will say, according to excerpts released by the White House. “For decades, the international trading system has been easily exploited by nations acting in bad faith. As jobs were outsourced, a small handful grew wealthy at the expense of the middle class.”“At the center of our vision for national renewal is an ambitious campaign to reform international trade,” Trump will say, according to excerpts released by the White House. “For decades, the international trading system has been easily exploited by nations acting in bad faith. As jobs were outsourced, a small handful grew wealthy at the expense of the middle class.”
Trump will say on immigration: “When you undermine border security you are undermining human rights and human dignity.”Trump will say on immigration: “When you undermine border security you are undermining human rights and human dignity.”
Trump slammed calls for his impeachment, which are escalating among House Democrats, as “nonsense.”Trump slammed calls for his impeachment, which are escalating among House Democrats, as “nonsense.”
"I think it's ridiculous, it's a witch hunt," Trump says about impeachment calls amid reports on his call with Ukrainian leader."When you see the read out of the call, which I assume you will at some point, you'll understand. That call was perfect." https://t.co/Wl1hsQZcUY pic.twitter.com/BQLkRLDc78"I think it's ridiculous, it's a witch hunt," Trump says about impeachment calls amid reports on his call with Ukrainian leader."When you see the read out of the call, which I assume you will at some point, you'll understand. That call was perfect." https://t.co/Wl1hsQZcUY pic.twitter.com/BQLkRLDc78
“I think it’s ridiculous; it’s a witch hunt,” Trump told reporters at the UN General Assembly when asked about impeachment talks. He claimed Democrats were only pursuing impeachment because they feared they could not beat him in next year’s election.“I think it’s ridiculous; it’s a witch hunt,” Trump told reporters at the UN General Assembly when asked about impeachment talks. He claimed Democrats were only pursuing impeachment because they feared they could not beat him in next year’s election.
The president then reiterated his expectation that a transcript of his call with the Ukrainian president would be released, but he was vague on a timeline for that.The president then reiterated his expectation that a transcript of his call with the Ukrainian president would be released, but he was vague on a timeline for that.
Trump specifically called out European allies for not offering more aid to Ukraine while speaking to reporters at the UN in New York.Trump specifically called out European allies for not offering more aid to Ukraine while speaking to reporters at the UN in New York.
President Trump says he blocked money to Ukraine a week before call with Ukrainian leader because he "wanted other countries to put up money." https://t.co/LOlwhKc8Ve pic.twitter.com/3k0wqrtAz0President Trump says he blocked money to Ukraine a week before call with Ukrainian leader because he "wanted other countries to put up money." https://t.co/LOlwhKc8Ve pic.twitter.com/3k0wqrtAz0
“I want other countries to put up money. I think it’s unfair that we put up the money,” Trump said when asked why he reportedly instructed his acting chief of staff to hold back the military aid several days before his phone call with the Ukrainian president.“I want other countries to put up money. I think it’s unfair that we put up the money,” Trump said when asked why he reportedly instructed his acting chief of staff to hold back the military aid several days before his phone call with the Ukrainian president.
Trump said he “let it go” once he had more conversations with advisers, noting that the $400 million in military aid was released to Ukraine earlier this month. But he singled out some of the United States’ European allies in not pulling their fair weight.Trump said he “let it go” once he had more conversations with advisers, noting that the $400 million in military aid was released to Ukraine earlier this month. But he singled out some of the United States’ European allies in not pulling their fair weight.
Trump said: “Germany, France, other countries should put up money, and that’s been my complaint from the beginning.”Trump said: “Germany, France, other countries should put up money, and that’s been my complaint from the beginning.”
Taking questions from reporters upon arrival to the UN General Assembly, Trump reiterated that Democrats should be investigating the unfounded corruption claims against Joe Biden and his son.Taking questions from reporters upon arrival to the UN General Assembly, Trump reiterated that Democrats should be investigating the unfounded corruption claims against Joe Biden and his son.
The president went on to slam House Democrats’ demands to investigate his phone call with the Ukrainian president as a “witch hunt,” a phrase Trump repeatedly invoked to belittle special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe.The president went on to slam House Democrats’ demands to investigate his phone call with the Ukrainian president as a “witch hunt,” a phrase Trump repeatedly invoked to belittle special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe.
Trump has arrived at the UN General Assembly and told reporters that he held back military aid from Ukraine because he felt allies should contribute more.Trump has arrived at the UN General Assembly and told reporters that he held back military aid from Ukraine because he felt allies should contribute more.
“I always ask, why are other allies in Europe not putting up money for Ukraine?” Trump asked.“I always ask, why are other allies in Europe not putting up money for Ukraine?” Trump asked.
The Washington Post reported yesterday that he instructed his acting chief of staff to hold back the aid several days before the phone call in which he allegedly pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden.The Washington Post reported yesterday that he instructed his acting chief of staff to hold back the aid several days before the phone call in which he allegedly pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden.
More bad news for Trump: the president reportedly instructed his acting chief of staff to hold back military aid from Ukraine several days before the phone call in which he allegedly pressured the country’s president to investigate Biden.More bad news for Trump: the president reportedly instructed his acting chief of staff to hold back military aid from Ukraine several days before the phone call in which he allegedly pressured the country’s president to investigate Biden.
The Washington Post reports:The Washington Post reports:
Officials at the Office of Management and Budget relayed Trump’s order to the State Department and the Pentagon during an interagency meeting in mid-July, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. They explained that the president had ‘concerns’ and wanted to analyze whether the money needed to be spent.Officials at the Office of Management and Budget relayed Trump’s order to the State Department and the Pentagon during an interagency meeting in mid-July, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. They explained that the president had ‘concerns’ and wanted to analyze whether the money needed to be spent.
Administration officials were instructed to tell lawmakers that the delays were part of an ‘interagency process’ but to give them no additional information — a pattern that continued for nearly two months, until the White House released the funds on the night of Sept. 11.Administration officials were instructed to tell lawmakers that the delays were part of an ‘interagency process’ but to give them no additional information — a pattern that continued for nearly two months, until the White House released the funds on the night of Sept. 11.
Trump’s order to withhold aid to Ukraine a week before his July 25 call with Volodymyr Zelensky is likely to raise questions about the motivation for his decision and fuel suspicions on Capitol Hill that Trump sought to leverage congressionally approved aid to damage a political rival.Trump’s order to withhold aid to Ukraine a week before his July 25 call with Volodymyr Zelensky is likely to raise questions about the motivation for his decision and fuel suspicions on Capitol Hill that Trump sought to leverage congressionally approved aid to damage a political rival.
The latest domino to fall in the impeachment controversy is a Washington Post op-ed written by seven freshman House Democrats, all of whom have national security backgrounds and represent swing districts.The latest domino to fall in the impeachment controversy is a Washington Post op-ed written by seven freshman House Democrats, all of whom have national security backgrounds and represent swing districts.
The authors of the piece are Gil Cisneros of California, Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Elaine Luria of Virginia, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.The authors of the piece are Gil Cisneros of California, Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Elaine Luria of Virginia, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.
They write of reports that Trump pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden:They write of reports that Trump pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden:
If these allegations are true, we believe these actions represent an impeachable offense. We do not arrive at this conclusion lightly, and we call on our colleagues in Congress to consider the use of all congressional authorities available to us, including the power of ‘inherent contempt’ and impeachment hearings, to address these new allegations, find the truth and protect our national security. ...If these allegations are true, we believe these actions represent an impeachable offense. We do not arrive at this conclusion lightly, and we call on our colleagues in Congress to consider the use of all congressional authorities available to us, including the power of ‘inherent contempt’ and impeachment hearings, to address these new allegations, find the truth and protect our national security. ...
These new allegations are a threat to all we have sworn to protect. We must preserve the checks and balances envisioned by the Founders and restore the trust of the American people in our government. And that is what we intend to do.These new allegations are a threat to all we have sworn to protect. We must preserve the checks and balances envisioned by the Founders and restore the trust of the American people in our government. And that is what we intend to do.
It’s worth noting that the op-ed does not explicitly call for immediately launching impeachment proceedings. All the same, the group’s openness to impeachment is an unmistakable shot across the bow from the more centrist wing of the Democratic Party.It’s worth noting that the op-ed does not explicitly call for immediately launching impeachment proceedings. All the same, the group’s openness to impeachment is an unmistakable shot across the bow from the more centrist wing of the Democratic Party.
Good morning, live blog readers!Good morning, live blog readers!
The UN General Assembly continues today in New York, and two of the most powerful and most controversial world leaders are set to meet at 11.15am ET: Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.The UN General Assembly continues today in New York, and two of the most powerful and most controversial world leaders are set to meet at 11.15am ET: Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.
The meeting between the pair comes as each faces potentially career-ending controversies back home. More Democrats are coming out in favor of launching impeachment proceedings against Trump, and the UK supreme court has just ruled that Johnson’s suspension of parliament to try to force a no-deal Brexit was illegal.The meeting between the pair comes as each faces potentially career-ending controversies back home. More Democrats are coming out in favor of launching impeachment proceedings against Trump, and the UK supreme court has just ruled that Johnson’s suspension of parliament to try to force a no-deal Brexit was illegal.
Owen Bowcott and Severin Carrell have more on that latter development:Owen Bowcott and Severin Carrell have more on that latter development:
The judgment from 11 justices on the UK’s highest court follows an emergency three-day hearing last week that exposed fundamental legal differences over interpreting the country’s unwritten constitution. ...The judgment from 11 justices on the UK’s highest court follows an emergency three-day hearing last week that exposed fundamental legal differences over interpreting the country’s unwritten constitution. ...
[The president of the supreme court] said: ‘This court has … concluded that the prime minister’s advice to Her Majesty [ to suspend parliament] was unlawful, void and of no effect. This means that the order in council to which it led was also unlawful, void and of no effect should be quashed.’[The president of the supreme court] said: ‘This court has … concluded that the prime minister’s advice to Her Majesty [ to suspend parliament] was unlawful, void and of no effect. This means that the order in council to which it led was also unlawful, void and of no effect should be quashed.’
Johnson said this morning that, while he did “strongly disagree” with the verdict, he would “respect the judicial process”. The prime minister also restated his commitment to Britain leaving the European Union by the end of October.Johnson said this morning that, while he did “strongly disagree” with the verdict, he would “respect the judicial process”. The prime minister also restated his commitment to Britain leaving the European Union by the end of October.
Trump and Johnson will almost certainly be asked about their respective controversies when they sit down this morning, and the blog will cover that meeting live, so stay tuned.Trump and Johnson will almost certainly be asked about their respective controversies when they sit down this morning, and the blog will cover that meeting live, so stay tuned.
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:
Trump will deliver remarks at the UN at 10.15am ET and meet with other world leaders, including India’s Narendra Modi.Trump will deliver remarks at the UN at 10.15am ET and meet with other world leaders, including India’s Narendra Modi.
Nancy Pelosi will speak at the Atlantic Festival, where she will likely be asked about the latest members of her caucus to come out in favor of impeachment.Nancy Pelosi will speak at the Atlantic Festival, where she will likely be asked about the latest members of her caucus to come out in favor of impeachment.
Two of Trump’s primary challengers, Joe Walsh and Bill Weld, will attend a debate in New York tonight. (Mark Sanford declined the invitation to campaign in Iowa.)Two of Trump’s primary challengers, Joe Walsh and Bill Weld, will attend a debate in New York tonight. (Mark Sanford declined the invitation to campaign in Iowa.)
That’s all still coming up.That’s all still coming up.