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Republican donors tied to Rudy Giuliani reportedly arrested on campaign-finance charges – live US stocks surge as Trump announces meeting with China to talk trade – live
(32 minutes later)
John Dowd, a former lawyer for Trump who is now representing Lev Parnas and Igor Furman, said the two Republican donors have assisted Rudy Giuliani in his work for the president.
The pair, who have been accused of attempting to circumvent campaign finance laws to exert political influence, also connected Giuliani to a Ukrainian prosecutor whom he pressured to investigate Joe Biden.
So the guys Rudy turned to to root out corruption were…. corrupt.
The blog is also still following updates on the arrest of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, two Republican donors who were involved with Rudy Giuliani’s efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.
According to NBC News, the lawmaker identified only as “Congressman-1” in the indictment, who allegedly was promised funds from Parnas and Fruman if he pushed for the ouster of the US ambassador to Ukraine, was former Republican representative Pete Sessions.
This is also clear upon review of the records of political contributions included in the indictment https://t.co/vtGNGB8PRk
Meanwhile, Trump announced over Twitter that he would meet tomorrow with the Chinese vice premier to engage in trade talks.
Big day of negotiations with China. They want to make a deal, but do I? I meet with the Vice Premier tomorrow at The White House.
The vice premier, Liu He, is leading China’s negotiating team as the two countries attempt to wind down the tit-for-tat sanctions that have escalated in recent months.
Trump has shown little willingness to end his trade war, but US stocks still surged following his announcement that he would sit down with Liu.
The Wall Street Journal is now also reporting that the White House shifted responsibility of overseeing aid to Ukraine to a political appointee after budget staffers raised legal concerns about stalling the funds.The Wall Street Journal is now also reporting that the White House shifted responsibility of overseeing aid to Ukraine to a political appointee after budget staffers raised legal concerns about stalling the funds.
The Journal reports:The Journal reports:
The president has the authority to delay the release of money in certain instances, according to the Congressional Research Service, a nonpartisan research agency, including if there has been an unexpected change in circumstances for the program. But without being provided explanation or justification about why the administration was delaying the aid, some career officials at the Office of Management and Budget became worried they didn’t have the legal authority to hold up the funds, according to the people familiar. ...The president has the authority to delay the release of money in certain instances, according to the Congressional Research Service, a nonpartisan research agency, including if there has been an unexpected change in circumstances for the program. But without being provided explanation or justification about why the administration was delaying the aid, some career officials at the Office of Management and Budget became worried they didn’t have the legal authority to hold up the funds, according to the people familiar. ...
While career civil servants put an initial hold on the aid, Michael Duffey, associate director of national security programs in OMB, was given the authority for continuing to keep the aid on hold after the career staff began raising their concerns to political officials at OMB, according to the people familiar with the matter. Mr. Duffey also began overseeing the process for approving and releasing funds, called apportionment, for other foreign aid and defense accounts, according to a public document indicating the change. ...While career civil servants put an initial hold on the aid, Michael Duffey, associate director of national security programs in OMB, was given the authority for continuing to keep the aid on hold after the career staff began raising their concerns to political officials at OMB, according to the people familiar with the matter. Mr. Duffey also began overseeing the process for approving and releasing funds, called apportionment, for other foreign aid and defense accounts, according to a public document indicating the change. ...
The Democratic leaders of the House Budget and Appropriations committees, which are also probing the delay in the aid to Ukraine, called the involvement of a political official in the apportionment process ‘seemingly unprecedented’ in a letter requesting documents from OMB. Those committees have received some documents from OMB that they requested.The Democratic leaders of the House Budget and Appropriations committees, which are also probing the delay in the aid to Ukraine, called the involvement of a political official in the apportionment process ‘seemingly unprecedented’ in a letter requesting documents from OMB. Those committees have received some documents from OMB that they requested.
According to the indictment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, Parnas promised to raise funds for a US congressman whom they pressured to get Marie Yovanovitch, then serving as the US ambassador to Ukraine, recalled.According to the indictment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, Parnas promised to raise funds for a US congressman whom they pressured to get Marie Yovanovitch, then serving as the US ambassador to Ukraine, recalled.
In 2018, "Parnas met with Congressman-1 and sought Congressman-1's assistance in causing the U.S. government to remove or recall the then-U.S. ambassadors to Ukraine." pic.twitter.com/70yQT28DvgIn 2018, "Parnas met with Congressman-1 and sought Congressman-1's assistance in causing the U.S. government to remove or recall the then-U.S. ambassadors to Ukraine." pic.twitter.com/70yQT28Dvg
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Trump recalled Yovanovitch in May after some of his external advisers, including Rudy Giulaini, claimed she was obstructing efforts to convince Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden:The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Trump recalled Yovanovitch in May after some of his external advisers, including Rudy Giulaini, claimed she was obstructing efforts to convince Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden:
The recall of Marie Yovanovitch in the spring has become a key point of interest in the House impeachment inquiry. A whistleblower complaint by a CIA officer alleges the president solicited foreign interference in the 2020 elections by pressing Ukraine’s president in a July 25 call to pursue investigations, including into the activities of Mr. Biden, a Democrat who is running for president.The recall of Marie Yovanovitch in the spring has become a key point of interest in the House impeachment inquiry. A whistleblower complaint by a CIA officer alleges the president solicited foreign interference in the 2020 elections by pressing Ukraine’s president in a July 25 call to pursue investigations, including into the activities of Mr. Biden, a Democrat who is running for president.
The complaint cites Ms. Yovanovitch’s ouster as one of a series of events that paved the way for what the whistleblower alleges was an abuse of power by the president. ...The complaint cites Ms. Yovanovitch’s ouster as one of a series of events that paved the way for what the whistleblower alleges was an abuse of power by the president. ...
In an interview, Mr. Giuliani told The Wall Street Journal that in the lead-up to Ms. Yovanovitch’s removal, he reminded the president of complaints percolating among Trump supporters that she had displayed an anti-Trump bias in private conversations. In Mr. Giuliani’s view, she also had been an obstacle to efforts to push Ukraine to investigate Mr. Biden and his son Hunter.In an interview, Mr. Giuliani told The Wall Street Journal that in the lead-up to Ms. Yovanovitch’s removal, he reminded the president of complaints percolating among Trump supporters that she had displayed an anti-Trump bias in private conversations. In Mr. Giuliani’s view, she also had been an obstacle to efforts to push Ukraine to investigate Mr. Biden and his son Hunter.
The pro-Trump super PAC that received money from Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman said it would place the funds in a “segregated” bank account until the charges against them are addressed.The pro-Trump super PAC that received money from Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman said it would place the funds in a “segregated” bank account until the charges against them are addressed.
In a statement, America First Action comms director Kelly Sadler said the contribution was placed in a segregated bank account and will remain there until the matter is resolved. The funds hadn't been used. https://t.co/Wz9GobRMSDIn a statement, America First Action comms director Kelly Sadler said the contribution was placed in a segregated bank account and will remain there until the matter is resolved. The funds hadn't been used. https://t.co/Wz9GobRMSD
The indictment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman has now been posted, and it lays out charges that the two foreign-born Republican donors tried to circumvent election laws to exert political influence.The indictment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman has now been posted, and it lays out charges that the two foreign-born Republican donors tried to circumvent election laws to exert political influence.
THE INDICTMENT OF PARNAS & FRUMAN: Rudy Giuliani's two Ukrainian researchers are charged (along with two other men) of conspiring to violate campaign finance laws by "engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates…[to] buy influence…" https://t.co/gcnuQz5IwCTHE INDICTMENT OF PARNAS & FRUMAN: Rudy Giuliani's two Ukrainian researchers are charged (along with two other men) of conspiring to violate campaign finance laws by "engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates…[to] buy influence…" https://t.co/gcnuQz5IwC
Rudy Giuliani minimized campaign-finance charges against Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman as recently as two weeks ago, a New York Times reporter noted.Rudy Giuliani minimized campaign-finance charges against Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman as recently as two weeks ago, a New York Times reporter noted.
2 WEEKS AGO: Rudy Giuliani minimized the campaign finance issues facing his Ukrainian researchers LEV PARNAS & IGOR FRUMAN, telling me “I referred them to a campaign finance expert who pretty much resolved it.”YESTERDAY: Parnas & Fruman were arrested on campaign finance charges2 WEEKS AGO: Rudy Giuliani minimized the campaign finance issues facing his Ukrainian researchers LEV PARNAS & IGOR FRUMAN, telling me “I referred them to a campaign finance expert who pretty much resolved it.”YESTERDAY: Parnas & Fruman were arrested on campaign finance charges
Parnas, one of the men arrested on campaign-finance charges, was scheduled to be deposed today by House Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry against Trump.Parnas, one of the men arrested on campaign-finance charges, was scheduled to be deposed today by House Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry against Trump.
USA Today has more:USA Today has more:
Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman helped Rudy Giuliani meet a key Ukrainian prosecutor as the president’s personal lawyer sought to discredit Trump’s political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden. ...Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman helped Rudy Giuliani meet a key Ukrainian prosecutor as the president’s personal lawyer sought to discredit Trump’s political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden. ...
But in a legal dust-up that appears unrelated to the Ukraine scandal, the campaign contribution sparked a complaint to the Federal Election Commission – and at least two lawsuits – because of questions about the source of the money. Despite the generous political contributions, Parnas faces a $510,000 federal judgment in a case over a debt for a movie that never got made.But in a legal dust-up that appears unrelated to the Ukraine scandal, the campaign contribution sparked a complaint to the Federal Election Commission – and at least two lawsuits – because of questions about the source of the money. Despite the generous political contributions, Parnas faces a $510,000 federal judgment in a case over a debt for a movie that never got made.
Three House committees – Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Oversight and Reform – scheduled depositions Thursday with Parnas and Friday with Fruman to ask how they fit in with Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.Three House committees – Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Oversight and Reform – scheduled depositions Thursday with Parnas and Friday with Fruman to ask how they fit in with Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.
A lawyer for the two arrested men said last week that they were still working with Rudy Giuliani to assist him in representing the president.A lawyer for the two arrested men said last week that they were still working with Rudy Giuliani to assist him in representing the president.
John Dowd, a former Trump lawyer who is representing Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, wrote in a letter to House committees last week that they were assisting Rudy Giuliani "in connection with his representation of President Trump." https://t.co/HM8JvX0ToJJohn Dowd, a former Trump lawyer who is representing Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, wrote in a letter to House committees last week that they were assisting Rudy Giuliani "in connection with his representation of President Trump." https://t.co/HM8JvX0ToJ
Two Trump donors with ties to the president’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, have been arrested on campaign-finance charges, according to the Wall Street Journal.Two Trump donors with ties to the president’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, have been arrested on campaign-finance charges, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Journal reports (and pay attention to that last paragraph):The Journal reports (and pay attention to that last paragraph):
Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, two Florida businessmen, have been under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, and are expected to appear in federal court in Virginia later on Thursday, [people familiar with the matter] said. The men’s nationalities was unclear, though both were believed to have been born in former Soviet republics.Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, two Florida businessmen, have been under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, and are expected to appear in federal court in Virginia later on Thursday, [people familiar with the matter] said. The men’s nationalities was unclear, though both were believed to have been born in former Soviet republics.
Mr. Giuliani, President Trump’s private lawyer, identified the two men in May as his clients. Both men have donated to Republican campaigns including Mr. Trump’s, and in May 2018 gave $325,000 to the primary pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, through an LLC called Global Energy Producers, according to Federal Election Commission records. ...Mr. Giuliani, President Trump’s private lawyer, identified the two men in May as his clients. Both men have donated to Republican campaigns including Mr. Trump’s, and in May 2018 gave $325,000 to the primary pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, through an LLC called Global Energy Producers, according to Federal Election Commission records. ...
Messrs. Parnas and Fruman had a dinner with the president in early May 2018, according to since-deleted Facebook posts captured in a report published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. ...Messrs. Parnas and Fruman had a dinner with the president in early May 2018, according to since-deleted Facebook posts captured in a report published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. ...
Since late 2018, Mr. Fruman and Mr. Parnas have introduced Mr. Giuliani to several current and former senior Ukrainian prosecutors to discuss the Biden case.Since late 2018, Mr. Fruman and Mr. Parnas have introduced Mr. Giuliani to several current and former senior Ukrainian prosecutors to discuss the Biden case.
Trump is also tweeting about the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying there was “no blackmail” in the pair’s July call.Trump is also tweeting about the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying there was “no blackmail” in the pair’s July call.
“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters Thursday his controversial July call with President Trump involved no bribe, blackmail or quid pro quo, as impeachment-minded Democrats claim.” This should immediately end the talk of impeachment! https://t.co/0mOTK4dNC3“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters Thursday his controversial July call with President Trump involved no bribe, blackmail or quid pro quo, as impeachment-minded Democrats claim.” This should immediately end the talk of impeachment! https://t.co/0mOTK4dNC3
The AP has more on Zelenskiy’s comments:The AP has more on Zelenskiy’s comments:
Zelenskiy is trying to save his reputation and distance himself from the U.S. political drama. In an all-day ‘media marathon’ held in a food court, he played down suggestions that Trump pressured him to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden in exchange for military aid to help Ukraine battle Russian-backed separatists.Zelenskiy is trying to save his reputation and distance himself from the U.S. political drama. In an all-day ‘media marathon’ held in a food court, he played down suggestions that Trump pressured him to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden in exchange for military aid to help Ukraine battle Russian-backed separatists.
Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Zelenskiy said he only learned after their July 25 phone call that the U.S. had blocked hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine.Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Zelenskiy said he only learned after their July 25 phone call that the U.S. had blocked hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine.
‘We didn’t speak about this’ during the July call, Zelenskiy said.‘We didn’t speak about this’ during the July call, Zelenskiy said.
‘There was no blackmail.’‘There was no blackmail.’
But the White House’s own memo on the call includes Trump saying to Zelenskiy, after the mention of military aid to Ukraine: “I would like you to do us a favor though.” The president goes on to talk about false corruption allegations against Biden.But the White House’s own memo on the call includes Trump saying to Zelenskiy, after the mention of military aid to Ukraine: “I would like you to do us a favor though.” The president goes on to talk about false corruption allegations against Biden.
So even if Zelenskiy didn’t pick up on any pressure from Trump, which already sounds dubious, it seems pretty clear from the memo that the US president was trying to exert it.So even if Zelenskiy didn’t pick up on any pressure from Trump, which already sounds dubious, it seems pretty clear from the memo that the US president was trying to exert it.
Trump has some harsh words this morning for Fox News after the outlet’s polling team released a survey showing the majority of American voters back impeachment.Trump has some harsh words this morning for Fox News after the outlet’s polling team released a survey showing the majority of American voters back impeachment.
...Court Justice & I turned him down (he’s been terrible ever since), Shep Smith, @donnabrazile (who gave Crooked Hillary the debate questions & got fired from @CNN), & others, @FoxNews doesn’t deliver for US anymore. It is so different than it used to be. Oh well, I’m President!...Court Justice & I turned him down (he’s been terrible ever since), Shep Smith, @donnabrazile (who gave Crooked Hillary the debate questions & got fired from @CNN), & others, @FoxNews doesn’t deliver for US anymore. It is so different than it used to be. Oh well, I’m President!
According to the poll, 51 percent of voters want to see Trump impeached and removed from office, compared to 40 percent who oppose the impeachment process altogether. The figure represents a record-high level of support for impeachment in Fox News’ polling.According to the poll, 51 percent of voters want to see Trump impeached and removed from office, compared to 40 percent who oppose the impeachment process altogether. The figure represents a record-high level of support for impeachment in Fox News’ polling.
However, the latest revelations about Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine seems to now be causing a slow increase in support for impeachment, rather than the groundswell of outrage that many Democrats likely expected.However, the latest revelations about Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine seems to now be causing a slow increase in support for impeachment, rather than the groundswell of outrage that many Democrats likely expected.
Just as Trump needs his congressional allies the most to help push back against the impeachment inquiry, the president is alienating many Republican lawmakers with his decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.Just as Trump needs his congressional allies the most to help push back against the impeachment inquiry, the president is alienating many Republican lawmakers with his decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.
One of Trump’s biggest boosters in the Senate, Lindsey Graham, has already unveiled a bipartisan plan to sanction Turkey for launching a military operation in the region.One of Trump’s biggest boosters in the Senate, Lindsey Graham, has already unveiled a bipartisan plan to sanction Turkey for launching a military operation in the region.
I am pleased to have reached a bipartisan agreement with Senator @ChrisVanHollen on severe sanctions against Turkey for their invasion of Syria. While the Administration refuses to act against Turkey, I expect strong bipartisan support. pic.twitter.com/Ph5fIVt7k3I am pleased to have reached a bipartisan agreement with Senator @ChrisVanHollen on severe sanctions against Turkey for their invasion of Syria. While the Administration refuses to act against Turkey, I expect strong bipartisan support. pic.twitter.com/Ph5fIVt7k3
The Washington Post’s front page carries this headline today: “Trump’s Syria move opens a new conflict — with stalwart GOP allies.”The Washington Post’s front page carries this headline today: “Trump’s Syria move opens a new conflict — with stalwart GOP allies.”
The Post reports:The Post reports:
President Trump’s decision to suddenly withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria has angered evangelical Christian leaders and Republican hawks, cleaving his political coalition at the very moment he is trying to fortify his standing to survive the intensifying impeachment inquiry in Congress.President Trump’s decision to suddenly withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria has angered evangelical Christian leaders and Republican hawks, cleaving his political coalition at the very moment he is trying to fortify his standing to survive the intensifying impeachment inquiry in Congress.
Instead of enjoying uncontested GOP support as he plunges into a constitutional showdown with House Democrats and prepares for a bruising reelection campaign, Trump is now fighting on two fronts within his party. ...Instead of enjoying uncontested GOP support as he plunges into a constitutional showdown with House Democrats and prepares for a bruising reelection campaign, Trump is now fighting on two fronts within his party. ...
While GOP lawmakers have been skittish about directly engaging the subject at the heart of the impeachment debate — the president’s conduct with his Ukrainian counterpart — many have felt free to loudly condemn Trump’s Syria decision, underscoring the fluidity within GOP ranks.While GOP lawmakers have been skittish about directly engaging the subject at the heart of the impeachment debate — the president’s conduct with his Ukrainian counterpart — many have felt free to loudly condemn Trump’s Syria decision, underscoring the fluidity within GOP ranks.
Good morning, live blog readers!Good morning, live blog readers!
Sixteen prominent conservative lawyers are adding their names to the list of supporters of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump.Sixteen prominent conservative lawyers are adding their names to the list of supporters of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump.
The group – which includes George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway – wrote in a joint statement released this morning that the “undisputed” events surrounding Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president require an “expeditious” impeachment inquiry.The group – which includes George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway – wrote in a joint statement released this morning that the “undisputed” events surrounding Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president require an “expeditious” impeachment inquiry.
They write: “We have not just a political candidate open to receiving foreign assistance to better his chances at winning an election, but a current president openly and privately calling on foreign governments to actively interfere in the most sacred of U.S. democratic processes, our elections.”They write: “We have not just a political candidate open to receiving foreign assistance to better his chances at winning an election, but a current president openly and privately calling on foreign governments to actively interfere in the most sacred of U.S. democratic processes, our elections.”
The statement is unlikely to sway the Republican lawmakers who have stood by Trump while he has slammed the impeachment probe as a “scam,” but congressional Democrats will almost certainly cite the lawyers’ support as more evidence for why their inquiry is necessary.The statement is unlikely to sway the Republican lawmakers who have stood by Trump while he has slammed the impeachment probe as a “scam,” but congressional Democrats will almost certainly cite the lawyers’ support as more evidence for why their inquiry is necessary.
Nancy Pelosi will likely pose this question to her GOP colleagues: if these lawyers – many of whom served under Republican presidents – believe Trump should be investigated, why don’t you?Nancy Pelosi will likely pose this question to her GOP colleagues: if these lawyers – many of whom served under Republican presidents – believe Trump should be investigated, why don’t you?
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on today:Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on today:
Trump is holding a campaign rally in Minnesota at 8 p.m. EST, where he will likely punch back against those leading the impeachment inquiry.Trump is holding a campaign rally in Minnesota at 8 p.m. EST, where he will likely punch back against those leading the impeachment inquiry.
House committees investigating impeachment will depose Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-American businessman with ties to Rudy Giuliani.House committees investigating impeachment will depose Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-American businessman with ties to Rudy Giuliani.
CNN and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation will host a town hall focused on LGBT issues with the Democratic presidential candidates starting at 7:30 p.m. EST.CNN and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation will host a town hall focused on LGBT issues with the Democratic presidential candidates starting at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The blog will have more on all of that, so stay tuned.The blog will have more on all of that, so stay tuned.