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Trump-Ukraine scandal: memo shows president pushed for Biden investigation – live Trump-Ukraine scandal: memo shows president pushed for Biden investigation – live
(32 minutes later)
Some of Trump’s closest congressional allies were invited to the White House this morning to review the memo before it was released and discuss it, according to a Washington Post reporter.
Among the invited Republican lawmakers: Representatives Liz Cheney, Doug Collins, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy, Mark Meadows, Devin Nunes + Steve Scalise. And Senators Capito, Cramer, Johnson, Perdue + Risch https://t.co/HOOKqfScPO
It is perhaps unsurprising then that lawmakers close to Trump have quickly coalesced around messaging that the memo does not incriminate the president and shows no direct quid pro quo.
Representative Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House judiciary committee, called on attorney general William Barr to recuse himself from matters dealing with Trump’s Ukraine call after the White House memo was released.
The President dragged the Attorney General into this mess. At a minimum, AG Barr must recuse himself until we get to the bottom of this matter. #UkraineTranscript https://t.co/lBMsllCafp
The memo showed that Trump repeatedly suggested that the Ukrainian president work with Barr and Rudy Giuliani to launch investigations in his country. Trump went on to specifically reference a possible investigation of Joe Biden and his son.
The Justice Department put out a statement asserting that Barr did not discuss any potential investigation of Biden with Trump, but that is unlikely to reassure Nadler and other Democratic members of his committee.
Republican Senator Mitt Romney, speaking at the Atlantic magazine festival in Washington, said of the memo released by the White House: “My reaction was the same as I had a few days ago, which is this remains deeply troubling and we’ll see where it leads. But my first reaction is it’s troubling.”Asked if it shows a quid pro quo, the former presidential nominee added: “I don’t know I focused so much on the quid pro quo element as perhaps some do. I just focus on, if the president of the United States asks the leader of a foreign country to carry out an investigation of a political nature, that’s troubling.”Romney said it was important for more information to be made public. “The consequences are being considered by the House and I’m not going to give advice to Speaker Pelosi... We’ll see where that leads.”Questioned over whether this could rise to an impeachable offence, Romney appeared hesitant. “I’m going to leave it at what I said and let the process gather the facts that ultimately will come out.”
Trump and his allies appear to be coalescing around an argument that the memo released by the White House shows no direct “quid pro quo” in the president’s conversation with the leader of Ukraine.
Trump himself trumpeted this argument in a tweet quoting Fox News host Bret Baier. (As always, take Trump’s tweeted quotes with a grain of salt. They have previously proven far from accurate.)
“You don’t see a direct quid pro quo in this.” @BretBaier
It’s true that the memo, which is not a verbatim readout of the conversation, does not include a line demanding an investigation of Joe Biden in exchange for releasing military aid to Ukraine.
But that doesn’t mean the conversation conveyed in the memo is totally above board. On the contrary, Zelenskiy brings up military aid and Trump is quoted as responding, “I would like you to do us a favor though.” He goes on to discuss possibly investigations and later brings up Joe Biden and his son.
So the fact that there is no “we must have this for that” line doesn’t mean the president is exonerated.
Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, compared Trump’s comments to the Ukrainian president to “a classic mob shakedown.”Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, compared Trump’s comments to the Ukrainian president to “a classic mob shakedown.”
The transcript of the call reads like a classic mob shakedown:– We do a lot for Ukraine– There’s not much reciprocity– I have a favor to ask– Investigate my opponent– My people will be in touch Nice country you got there.It would be a shame if something happened to her.The transcript of the call reads like a classic mob shakedown:– We do a lot for Ukraine– There’s not much reciprocity– I have a favor to ask– Investigate my opponent– My people will be in touch Nice country you got there.It would be a shame if something happened to her.
Some of Trump’s congressional allies are rushing to claim that the White House memo proves Democrats’ fears about the Ukraine call were baseless – a claim directly contradicted by the memo itself.Some of Trump’s congressional allies are rushing to claim that the White House memo proves Democrats’ fears about the Ukraine call were baseless – a claim directly contradicted by the memo itself.
From the top Republican on the House judiciary committee:From the top Republican on the House judiciary committee:
The transcript between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky reveals that Democrats have again leapt to conclusions before looking at the facts. Full statement below: pic.twitter.com/7R1YhH308zThe transcript between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky reveals that Democrats have again leapt to conclusions before looking at the facts. Full statement below: pic.twitter.com/7R1YhH308z
From the chairman of the House freedom caucus:From the chairman of the House freedom caucus:
I've read the transcript and the Democrat spin was wrong... again- President Zelensky initiated the Giuliani convo and asked the WH to send him to Ukraine- ZERO discussion of foreign aid quid pro quoThat's it? THAT'S what Democrats are impeaching on?Give me a break.I've read the transcript and the Democrat spin was wrong... again- President Zelensky initiated the Giuliani convo and asked the WH to send him to Ukraine- ZERO discussion of foreign aid quid pro quoThat's it? THAT'S what Democrats are impeaching on?Give me a break.
It is true that the Ukrainian president was the first to bring up Rudy Giuliani, according to the memo the White House released. But Trump then pushed Zelenskiy to talk to Giuliani and specifically referenced a possible investigation of Joe Biden, which the Ukrainian president had not mentioned at all.It is true that the Ukrainian president was the first to bring up Rudy Giuliani, according to the memo the White House released. But Trump then pushed Zelenskiy to talk to Giuliani and specifically referenced a possible investigation of Joe Biden, which the Ukrainian president had not mentioned at all.
At least one Republican lawmaker is openly voicing his discomfort with the memo’s contents. Senator Mitt Romney, who previously voiced concern about the Ukraine allegations, said he found the transcript “deeply troubling.”At least one Republican lawmaker is openly voicing his discomfort with the memo’s contents. Senator Mitt Romney, who previously voiced concern about the Ukraine allegations, said he found the transcript “deeply troubling.”
He asks Romney, what do you do beyond being troubled by it?ROMNEY: “Well there’s a process that the House is pursuing, the Senate is also looking at the testimony of the whistleblower so there is an evaluation of gathering more facts.”He asks Romney, what do you do beyond being troubled by it?ROMNEY: “Well there’s a process that the House is pursuing, the Senate is also looking at the testimony of the whistleblower so there is an evaluation of gathering more facts.”
Speaking to reporters in New York, Trump insisted the White House memo proved his conversation with the Ukrainian president was a “nothing call” – an argument directly contradicted by the contents of the document.Speaking to reporters in New York, Trump insisted the White House memo proved his conversation with the Ukrainian president was a “nothing call” – an argument directly contradicted by the contents of the document.
“The way you had that built up, that call, it was going to be the call from hell,” Trump said. “It turned out to be a nothing call, other than a lot of people said I never knew you could so nice.”“The way you had that built up, that call, it was going to be the call from hell,” Trump said. “It turned out to be a nothing call, other than a lot of people said I never knew you could so nice.”
In first remarks after release of Ukraine transcript, Pres. Trump says, "The way you had that built up, that call, it was going to be the call from hell. It turned out to be a nothing call, other than a lot of people said I never knew you could so nice." https://t.co/EU63L2mY3R pic.twitter.com/zPcbq3NApTIn first remarks after release of Ukraine transcript, Pres. Trump says, "The way you had that built up, that call, it was going to be the call from hell. It turned out to be a nothing call, other than a lot of people said I never knew you could so nice." https://t.co/EU63L2mY3R pic.twitter.com/zPcbq3NApT
But the White House memo, which again is not a verbatim transcript of the call, clearly shows that Trump brought up a possible investigation of Joe Biden in a discussion about providing military aid to Ukraine.But the White House memo, which again is not a verbatim transcript of the call, clearly shows that Trump brought up a possible investigation of Joe Biden in a discussion about providing military aid to Ukraine.
Close readers of the memo put out by the White House note that Trump appears to ask for “a favor” from the Ukrainian president immediately after the subject of military aid is raised.Close readers of the memo put out by the White House note that Trump appears to ask for “a favor” from the Ukrainian president immediately after the subject of military aid is raised.
That raises the possibility that Trump was posing a possible investigation of Joe Biden as a “quid pro quo” for the funding.That raises the possibility that Trump was posing a possible investigation of Joe Biden as a “quid pro quo” for the funding.
That "though" from Trump, coming right after the Ukranian leader raises "next steps" in military aid, may be the single key word in transcript. It directly connects Trump's desire 4 an investigation w/the Ukranian desire for military aid. You want something: I need a favor first https://t.co/XmM6FbvjduThat "though" from Trump, coming right after the Ukranian leader raises "next steps" in military aid, may be the single key word in transcript. It directly connects Trump's desire 4 an investigation w/the Ukranian desire for military aid. You want something: I need a favor first https://t.co/XmM6Fbvjdu
It’s important to remember that the document the White House released does not represent a verbatim readout of the conversation between Trump and the Ukrainian president.It’s important to remember that the document the White House released does not represent a verbatim readout of the conversation between Trump and the Ukrainian president.
In fact, the document includes repeated ellipses at points where the conversation appeared to turn to an investigation of Joe Biden.In fact, the document includes repeated ellipses at points where the conversation appeared to turn to an investigation of Joe Biden.
These are not randomly timed ellipses. This cuts out words at the exact moment of the ask and exactly whey the full transcript is vital. pic.twitter.com/twec50QSf7These are not randomly timed ellipses. This cuts out words at the exact moment of the ask and exactly whey the full transcript is vital. pic.twitter.com/twec50QSf7
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren said the transcript of Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president is, in and of itself, a “smoking gun.” Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren said the memo of Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president is, in and of itself, a “smoking gun.”
This "transcript" itself is a smoking gun. If this is the version of events the president's team thinks is most favorable, he is in very deep jeopardy. We need to see the full whistleblower complaint and the administration needs to follow the law. Now. https://t.co/b56nLZZpRiThis "transcript" itself is a smoking gun. If this is the version of events the president's team thinks is most favorable, he is in very deep jeopardy. We need to see the full whistleblower complaint and the administration needs to follow the law. Now. https://t.co/b56nLZZpRi
It is likely that many Democrats will soon echo the argument that the transcript proves the need for lawmakers to see the full whistleblower complaint. It is likely that many Democrats will soon echo the argument that the document proves the need for lawmakers to see the full whistleblower complaint.
Speaking in New York, Trump appeared to stick to his argument that the memorandum of the Ukraine call reflected very well upon him.Speaking in New York, Trump appeared to stick to his argument that the memorandum of the Ukraine call reflected very well upon him.
On how people were reacting to the memo, Trump said, “A lot of people said, ‘I never knew you could be so nice.’”On how people were reacting to the memo, Trump said, “A lot of people said, ‘I never knew you could be so nice.’”
He blamed coverage of the memo, which clearly shows that Trump brought up an investigation of Joe Biden with the Ukrainian president in a conversation about military aid to the country, on “corrupt” journalists.He blamed coverage of the memo, which clearly shows that Trump brought up an investigation of Joe Biden with the Ukrainian president in a conversation about military aid to the country, on “corrupt” journalists.
It seems likely that the memo released by the White House does not include all of the conversation that took place between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy.It seems likely that the memo released by the White House does not include all of the conversation that took place between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The transcript text is right around 2,000 words, and the call took exactly 30 min — that's about 66 words per minute.That's quite slow — roughly half normal speaking rate. (Zelensky is fluent in English.)Could suggest how much text isn't included. https://t.co/xoU7r6bxgrThe transcript text is right around 2,000 words, and the call took exactly 30 min — that's about 66 words per minute.That's quite slow — roughly half normal speaking rate. (Zelensky is fluent in English.)Could suggest how much text isn't included. https://t.co/xoU7r6bxgr
Even before the memo was released, journalists and national security experts warned that the document released would not be a verbatim readout of the conversation.Even before the memo was released, journalists and national security experts warned that the document released would not be a verbatim readout of the conversation.
Reminder: It’s not actually a transcript. The “transcript” of this call will be more like the Barr Summary of the Mueller Report—simplified and spun positively. It’s why the president wants to release the transcript before anyone sees the underlying complaint.... https://t.co/HFsaY0XnfeReminder: It’s not actually a transcript. The “transcript” of this call will be more like the Barr Summary of the Mueller Report—simplified and spun positively. It’s why the president wants to release the transcript before anyone sees the underlying complaint.... https://t.co/HFsaY0Xnfe
But that fact really sparks the question: if this is the positive spin on the conversation, what incriminating information is in the whistleblower complaint?But that fact really sparks the question: if this is the positive spin on the conversation, what incriminating information is in the whistleblower complaint?
The criminal division of the Justice Department declined to open an investigation into Trump’s dealings with Ukraine after a whistleblower raised concerns about his communications, according to the New York Times.The criminal division of the Justice Department declined to open an investigation into Trump’s dealings with Ukraine after a whistleblower raised concerns about his communications, according to the New York Times.
The Times reports:The Times reports:
After a whistle-blower raised concerns about Mr. Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, the director of national intelligence and the inspector general for the intelligence community each referred the complaint for a possible criminal investigation into the president’s actions, according to a Justice Department official.After a whistle-blower raised concerns about Mr. Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, the director of national intelligence and the inspector general for the intelligence community each referred the complaint for a possible criminal investigation into the president’s actions, according to a Justice Department official.
The department’s criminal division reviewed the matters and concluded that there was no basis for a criminal investigation into Mr. Trump’s behavior. Law enforcement officials determined that the transcript of the call did not show that Mr. Trump had violated campaign finance laws by soliciting from a foreign national a contribution, donation or thing of value.The department’s criminal division reviewed the matters and concluded that there was no basis for a criminal investigation into Mr. Trump’s behavior. Law enforcement officials determined that the transcript of the call did not show that Mr. Trump had violated campaign finance laws by soliciting from a foreign national a contribution, donation or thing of value.
The Justice Department has released a statement asserting that the attorney general, William Barr, has not spoken with Trump about urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.The Justice Department has released a statement asserting that the attorney general, William Barr, has not spoken with Trump about urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.
According to the memorandum of his call with the Ukrainian president, Trump repeatedly encouraged Volodymyr Zelenskiy to work with Barr and Rudy Giuliani on an investigation.According to the memorandum of his call with the Ukrainian president, Trump repeatedly encouraged Volodymyr Zelenskiy to work with Barr and Rudy Giuliani on an investigation.
"The President has not spoken with the Attorney General about having Ukraine investigate anything relating to former Vice President Biden or his son. The President has not asked the Attorney General to contact Ukraine – on this or any other matter" pic.twitter.com/HQYgP0NxR2"The President has not spoken with the Attorney General about having Ukraine investigate anything relating to former Vice President Biden or his son. The President has not asked the Attorney General to contact Ukraine – on this or any other matter" pic.twitter.com/HQYgP0NxR2
Republican lawmakers are surprised that the White House chose to release this memorandum of the Ukraine call, particularly after Trump insisted it would exonerate him. The president even said this morning that Democrats would “apologize” after seeing it.Republican lawmakers are surprised that the White House chose to release this memorandum of the Ukraine call, particularly after Trump insisted it would exonerate him. The president even said this morning that Democrats would “apologize” after seeing it.
Several Senate Republicans I've spoken with in the last hour are stunned that the WH is releasing this transcript. They do not think it helps the president's cause. And they expect today's Senate GOP lunch to be quite the get-together.Several Senate Republicans I've spoken with in the last hour are stunned that the WH is releasing this transcript. They do not think it helps the president's cause. And they expect today's Senate GOP lunch to be quite the get-together.
A HuffPost reporter mocked Trump’s repeated assertions that the memorandum would clear him of any wrongdoing in his communications with Ukraine.A HuffPost reporter mocked Trump’s repeated assertions that the memorandum would clear him of any wrongdoing in his communications with Ukraine.
So this is the summary of the transcript that the White House thinks exonerates Trump?That’s interesting. I just find that position so INTERESTING.So this is the summary of the transcript that the White House thinks exonerates Trump?That’s interesting. I just find that position so INTERESTING.
Trump repeatedly mentioned his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, in his phone call with the Ukrainian president and encouraged Zelenskiy to work with him in an investigation.Trump repeatedly mentioned his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, in his phone call with the Ukrainian president and encouraged Zelenskiy to work with him in an investigation.
“Mr. Giuliani is a highly respected man. He was the mayor bf New York City, a great mayor, and I would like him to call you,” Trump said, according to the memorandum.“Mr. Giuliani is a highly respected man. He was the mayor bf New York City, a great mayor, and I would like him to call you,” Trump said, according to the memorandum.
“I will ask him to call you along with the Attorney General. Rudy very much knows what’s happening and he is a very capable guy. If you could speak to him that would be great.”“I will ask him to call you along with the Attorney General. Rudy very much knows what’s happening and he is a very capable guy. If you could speak to him that would be great.”
Trump repeated his suggestion for Zelensky to talk to Giuliani before concluding the call. “I will tell Rudy and Attorney General Barr to call,” Trump said.Trump repeated his suggestion for Zelensky to talk to Giuliani before concluding the call. “I will tell Rudy and Attorney General Barr to call,” Trump said.