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Trump and Ukrainian president address scandal in tense meeting – live Trump holds first press conference since impeachment inquiry launch – live news
(32 minutes later)
The next question goes to Fox Business, and the outlet’s reporter asked about ... trade with China.
Trump insisted that Chinese officials “want to make a deal” because “their supply chains are going to hell.”
US and Chinese negotiators are expected to sit down again next month to restart trade talks, but Trump has shown no sign of backing down on his tariffs.
Two of Trump’s cabinet members, secretary of state Mike Pompeo and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, have now taken the podium.
The president said that he would take more questions from reporters once Pompeo and Mnuchin finish speaking.
Trump has responded to the first question on the Ukraine controversy by echoing the Republican messaging that the White House memo on his phone call with the country’s president showed no quid pro quo.
The president also claimed, with no evidence, that Barack Obama had sought dirt on him from foreign leaders.
President Trump claims without evidence that former President Barack Obama asked foreign leaders for information on him.
After rambling for about 20 minutes on his supposed achievements, Trump has started taking questions from reporters. Stay tuned.
Trump’s rambling comments have now veered into the effectiveness of a potential wall along the southern border.
The wide-ranging nature of his appearance so far is less surprising to those who covered Trump’s 2016 campaign, however.
Trump used to have his rallies to talk about whatever issue he wanted uninterrupted on live TV. Now that his rallies are rarely taken live in their entirety (except by Fox), Trump is taking advantage of this news conference spotlight at the UN
Trump appeared baffled that Democrats felt the White House memo on his phone call with the Ukrainian president had substantiated their announcement of a formal impeachment inquiry.
“Impeachment for that?” Trump asked.
Pres. Trump dismisses calls for impeachment inquiry amid furor over Ukraine call."It's a joke. Impeachment, for that? When you have a wonderful meeting or a wonderful phone conversation?" https://t.co/Mw98zEJsXN pic.twitter.com/4q4NtCOHAX
The president also suggested that lawmakers should see all of the “perfect” conversations he and the vice president have had with Ukraine in recent months. Democrats would almost certainly take him up on that offer...
Here’s a fact-check from a CNN reporter on Trump’s accusation that congressional Democrats similarly tried to pressure Ukraine to launch investigations:
Trump is trying to turn the tables on Dems by making false claims. The facts are, Democrats wrote to Ukrainian officials urging them to cooperate with the Mueller probe. They did not ask for Ukraine to initiate investigations. Here's the story: https://t.co/uetK6638kl
Trump, echoing his press secretary, denied the Washington Post’s report that the acting director of national intelligence threatened to resign if the White House tried to stop him from testifying freely before Congress tomorrow about the whistleblower complaint.
President Trump denies his acting DNI threatened to quit: “The story in the Washington Post was a fake.” Trump calls him a “very good man.” pic.twitter.com/BO0JNMJ3zw
The president also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the whistleblower’s information as the initial complaint was simultaneously being reviewed by the congressional intelligence committees.
Trump calls the whistleblower a "so-called" whistleblower who doesn't have "first class" or "first rate" information. He seemed to be searching for the term "first hand" information.
Trump is reiterating his claim that he did not pressure the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden. “No push, no pressure, no nothing,” Trump said.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy made the same claim earlier today during his meeting with Trump in New York.
But the White House memo on Trump’s call with Zelenskiy showed that the president asked for “a favor” from Ukraine after the country’s leader mentioned military aid. Trump went on to suggest that Ukraine investigate Biden.
Trump is at the podium and regurgitating this two-part tweet demanding “transparency” on the baseless corruption accusations against Joe Biden.
....taken out of Ukraine and China. Additionally, I demand transparency from Democrats that went to Ukraine and attempted to force the new President to do things that they wanted under the form of political threat.
Trump is recounting the meetings he has had this week as part of his UN visit and touting his administration’s foreign-policy achievements.Trump is recounting the meetings he has had this week as part of his UN visit and touting his administration’s foreign-policy achievements.
According to a PBS NewsHour reporter, the press conference could go on for a while.According to a PBS NewsHour reporter, the press conference could go on for a while.
A WH aide told me earlier today that President Trump is fired up and that this presser will likely go for a while. So, buckle up.A WH aide told me earlier today that President Trump is fired up and that this presser will likely go for a while. So, buckle up.
Trump has appeared at the podium in New York, where he will certainly receive a number of questions on the Ukraine controversy. Stay tuned.Trump has appeared at the podium in New York, where he will certainly receive a number of questions on the Ukraine controversy. Stay tuned.
The leaders of the intelligence committees in the House and the Senate have received the whistleblower complaint that kicked off the Ukraine controversy and are now reviewing it.The leaders of the intelligence committees in the House and the Senate have received the whistleblower complaint that kicked off the Ukraine controversy and are now reviewing it.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) confirms that the whistleblower complaint has been delivered to his committee. He says it was delivered by hand, and that he is still in the process of reviewing it. -@frankthorpSenate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) confirms that the whistleblower complaint has been delivered to his committee. He says it was delivered by hand, and that he is still in the process of reviewing it. -@frankthorp
Adam Schiff heading into the SCIF to review the whistleblower report pic.twitter.com/YhkIiwjR6QAdam Schiff heading into the SCIF to review the whistleblower report pic.twitter.com/YhkIiwjR6Q
As we await Trump’s appearance at his New York press conference, he just tweeted this enigmatic message demanding “transparency” on the baseless accusations against Joe Biden.As we await Trump’s appearance at his New York press conference, he just tweeted this enigmatic message demanding “transparency” on the baseless accusations against Joe Biden.
....taken out of Ukraine and China. Additionally, I demand transparency from Democrats that went to Ukraine and attempted to force the new President to do things that they wanted under the form of political threat.....taken out of Ukraine and China. Additionally, I demand transparency from Democrats that went to Ukraine and attempted to force the new President to do things that they wanted under the form of political threat.
As far as transparency on the whistleblower, does Trump mean that the White House will not try to limit testimony from the whistleblower or the acting director of national intelligence? It’s unclear.As far as transparency on the whistleblower, does Trump mean that the White House will not try to limit testimony from the whistleblower or the acting director of national intelligence? It’s unclear.
A Wall Street Journal reporter noted, in reaction to Zelenskiy’s apparent surprise at the inclusion of his comments in the memo on his phone call with Trump, that the White House repeatedly said it was seeking Ukraine’s permission before releasing the document.A Wall Street Journal reporter noted, in reaction to Zelenskiy’s apparent surprise at the inclusion of his comments in the memo on his phone call with Trump, that the White House repeatedly said it was seeking Ukraine’s permission before releasing the document.
Zelensky says he thought only the U.S. side of his conversation with Trump would be published. The White House has repeatedly stressed today and yesterday that it sought Ukraine's permission to publish the transcript --> https://t.co/gCsepCIApXZelensky says he thought only the U.S. side of his conversation with Trump would be published. The White House has repeatedly stressed today and yesterday that it sought Ukraine's permission to publish the transcript --> https://t.co/gCsepCIApX
Trump is expected to soon appear at a news conference in New York, where he will undoubtedly face numerous questions on the Ukraine call.Trump is expected to soon appear at a news conference in New York, where he will undoubtedly face numerous questions on the Ukraine call.
Up next for Pres Trump - a news conference - expected to be dominated by questions stemming from launch of impeachment inquiry. By my count, this will be his 10th formal solo news conference as president. Not counting over 200 spontaneous press avails as pres. pic.twitter.com/RzebS4JYovUp next for Pres Trump - a news conference - expected to be dominated by questions stemming from launch of impeachment inquiry. By my count, this will be his 10th formal solo news conference as president. Not counting over 200 spontaneous press avails as pres. pic.twitter.com/RzebS4JYov
The whistleblower complaint is also reportedly now being transmitted to the congressional intelligence committees, so details on it will likely leak soon.The whistleblower complaint is also reportedly now being transmitted to the congressional intelligence committees, so details on it will likely leak soon.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reportedly thought the White House would only release Trump’s side of the conversation in its memo on the pair’s July call.The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reportedly thought the White House would only release Trump’s side of the conversation in its memo on the pair’s July call.
*25-Sep-2019 03:40:17 PM - UKRAINE PRESIDENT SAYS THOUGHT ONLY US SIDE OF TRUMP CONVERSATION WAS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED*25-Sep-2019 03:40:17 PM - UKRAINE PRESIDENT SAYS THOUGHT ONLY US SIDE OF TRUMP CONVERSATION WAS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED
According to the White House memo, Zelenskiy repeatedly flattered Trump, informing the president he even stayed at Trump Tower the last time he visited the United States.According to the White House memo, Zelenskiy repeatedly flattered Trump, informing the president he even stayed at Trump Tower the last time he visited the United States.
After Trump criticized the attorney for the Ukraine call whistleblower for donating to Joe Biden, a CNN anchor pointed out that the president himself previously donated to the former senator.After Trump criticized the attorney for the Ukraine call whistleblower for donating to Joe Biden, a CNN anchor pointed out that the president himself previously donated to the former senator.
You know who else donated to Biden? Donald J. Trump, in 2001. https://t.co/GBu626VTBZ https://t.co/o6K4pQ03jkYou know who else donated to Biden? Donald J. Trump, in 2001. https://t.co/GBu626VTBZ https://t.co/o6K4pQ03jk
Extinction Rebellion activists blocked off a main stretch in San Francisco’s Financial District during Wednesday’s morning rush hour, calling for banks to divest from fossil fuels.Extinction Rebellion activists blocked off a main stretch in San Francisco’s Financial District during Wednesday’s morning rush hour, calling for banks to divest from fossil fuels.
The #ExtinctionRebellion activists blocked San Francisco’s iconic cable car with a “pipeline” pic.twitter.com/Xn609DQAq2The #ExtinctionRebellion activists blocked San Francisco’s iconic cable car with a “pipeline” pic.twitter.com/Xn609DQAq2
Demonstrators dressed as trees and painted elaborate street murals as others with anti-Trump and anti-Pence signs milled about, listening to speakers and a live band with an accordian. They held up signs reading “Earth Above Profit” as they blockaded the entrances to Wells Fargo and Citibank, their arms linked together in tubes.Demonstrators dressed as trees and painted elaborate street murals as others with anti-Trump and anti-Pence signs milled about, listening to speakers and a live band with an accordian. They held up signs reading “Earth Above Profit” as they blockaded the entrances to Wells Fargo and Citibank, their arms linked together in tubes.
Good morning SF Financial District, we are here to shut down the banks financing the climate crisis. #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/L6a32JT0EcGood morning SF Financial District, we are here to shut down the banks financing the climate crisis. #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/L6a32JT0Ec
The action had the feel of a block party as the activists literally blocked traffic -- members of the Sunrise Movement made a roadblock with a fake pipeline and oil rig to keep the city’s iconic cable car from its destination. Organizers set up an empathy tent and a listening tent for passersby to talk about climate anxiety. Extinction Rebellion actions have been taking place around the world as part of the climate strike. In Los Angeles, activists shut down Sunset Boulevard on Monday. An International Rebellion is planned for 7 October.The action had the feel of a block party as the activists literally blocked traffic -- members of the Sunrise Movement made a roadblock with a fake pipeline and oil rig to keep the city’s iconic cable car from its destination. Organizers set up an empathy tent and a listening tent for passersby to talk about climate anxiety. Extinction Rebellion actions have been taking place around the world as part of the climate strike. In Los Angeles, activists shut down Sunset Boulevard on Monday. An International Rebellion is planned for 7 October.
The acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, denied the Washington Post’s report that he threatened to resign if the White House tried to prevent him from freely testifying before Congress tomorrow on the whistleblower complaint.
I am committed to leading the Intelligence Community to address the diverse and complex threats facing our nation.”
Trump’s campaign manager said that the president’s reelection bid and the Republican National Committee have raised $5 million since Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment announcement yesterday.
In the 24 hours since news of Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment announcement, @realDonaldTrump’s campaign & @GOP have BLOWN OUT fundraising!✅$5 Million combined in 24 hrs✅Donors in all 50 statesHuge groundswell of support leading to Trump landslide in 2020!
The Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue attracted $4.6 million in donations yesterday, for comparison.
Representative Stephanie Murphy – a co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats – said she supported the formal impeachment inquiry announced by Nancy Pelosi yesterday.
The White House's own memo of the President's call w/Ukraine confirms the President asked a foreign gov't to investigate his political opponent. This is an abuse of executive power. I support the House's ongoing impeachment inquiry to get the facts for the American people.
Hours before Pelosi’s announcement, Murphy, who represents a swing district in Florida, said she supported the creation of a separate select committee to investigate impeachment.
But that idea was opposed by some of her Democratic colleagues, including representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who argued that forming a select committee would take up too much time and cause friction with the panels already investigating Trump.
Murphy has now apparently come around to the idea of launching an impeachment inquiry with the committees already probing the president’s actions.
The White House press secretary pushed back against a Washington Post report that the acting director of national intelligence threatened to resign if he was not allowed to testify freely before Congress tomorrow on the whistleblower complaint.
This is actually not true. And we would have gone on the record to say that if the @washingtonpost had given us more than 6 minutes (literally) to respond. https://t.co/5EBnBlShbK
The transmission of the whistleblower complaint to Congress will conflict with Trump’s press conference in New York, and there’s sure to be a lot of news from both.
The acting DNI will transmit the whistleblower complaint to Congress at 4 p.m.Also happening at 4 p.m.? President Trump's press conference here in NYC. https://t.co/66g5vmWoQD
Representative Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the House intelligence committee, said the whistleblower complaint that kicked off the Ukraine controversy will be transmitted to the panel in the next hour.
NEW- BREAKING: GOP Rep. Devin Nunes just told the House chamber that the acting DNI will transmit the whistleblower complaint to Congress at or by 4p today.
The acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, reportedly threatened to resign if the White House attempted to stonewall his planned testimony about the whistleblower complaint before Congress tomorrow.
The Washington Post reports:
The officials said that Joseph Maguire, who was thrust into the top intelligence post last month, warned the White House that he was not willing to withhold information from Congress, where he is scheduled to testify in open and closed hearings on Thursday.
The move was in part designed to force the White House to make an explicit legal decision on whether it was going to assert executive privilege over the whistleblower complaint, which centers on a call that Trump made with the leader of Ukraine in late July.
In essence, Maguire was serving notice that he intended to cooperate with lawmakers unless the White House moved forward with a legal case to prevent him from doing so, the officials said.
The meeting between Trump and the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, seemed ... tense, at best.
A Washington Post reporter noted the body language of the two leaders:
This body language. pic.twitter.com/kvdYRdjGu9
And a CNN global affairs analyst said the meeting was a “mess” for Zelenskiy:
That presser, as was expressed by Zelensky’s facial expressions, was a mess. He’s a political neophyte who ran an anti-corruption campaign, and now finds himself in an untenable position. He needs the US, is at hot war with Russia, and got caught badmouthing European countries.
Joe Biden has released a statement on the White House’s memo saying that Trump’s Ukraine call represents “an affront to every single American and the founding values of our country.”
The Democratic presidential candidate calls on Congress to continue investigating the president’s actions, but the statement involves not a single mention of impeachment.
Biden said: “Congress must pursue the facts and quickly take prompt action to hold Donald Trump accountable.
“In the meantime, I will continue to focus my campaign not on how Donald Trump abused his power to come after my family, but on how he has turned his back on America’s families.”
Biden said in a on-camera statement yesterday that he supported House Democrats moving forward with impeachment if the White House continued to obstruct their investigation of the Ukraine call. These latest comments don’t seem to be expanding much upon that initial statement.
Trump asserted that Nancy Pelosi has “lost her way” in the wake of her impeachment announcement.
The president said he thought that the House speaker had been “taken over” by the “radical left.”
“Nancy Pelosi, as far as I’m concerned, unfortunately, she’s no longer the speaker of the House,” Trump said.