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Impeachment inquiry: subpoenas issued for Trump officials who refused to testify – live Judge grants Democrats access to unredacted Mueller report – live
(32 minutes later)
Judge Beryl Howell wrote in her ruling granting the House judiciary committee access to the Mueller grand jury materials that Congress is “the appropriate body to resume where the Special Counsel left off.”
Still going through the 75-page opinion, but House Dems could not have asked for a better ruling from Judge Howell.Howell says “impeachment factored into” Mueller’s analysis and that Congress is “the appropriate body to resume where the Special Counsel left off.” https://t.co/3Ck55UgmQ0
The Justice Department will almost certainly attempt to appeal the judge’s decision, but her sweeping defense of congressional oversight could still put Trump and his allies in a difficult position.
In her ruling ordering the Justice Department to turn over the Mueller grand jury information to the House judiciary committee, Judge Beryl Howell also crucially concluded that House Democrats are in the midst of an impeachment inquiry.
The key quote from Howell: "Even in cases of presidential impeachment, a House resolution has never, in fact, beenrequired to begin an impeachment inquiry."
This ruling could thus undercut arguments from the White House and some of Trump’s congressional allies that the inquiry is illegitimate because no formal vote was held to launch the investigation.
The judge, Beryl Howell, wrote in her ruling that the House judiciary committee should gain access to “[a]ll portions of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s Report on the Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election that were redacted pursuant to” grand jury restrictions.
Howell also gave the Justice Department an Oct. 30 deadline to turn over “any underlying transcripts or exhibits referenced in the portions of the Mueller Report that were redacted.”
House Democrats have been fighting for months to gain more access to the information Mueller learned in the course of his investigation.
A federal judge has just ruled that the Justice Department must grant the House judiciary committee access to the grand jury material redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report by Wednesday.A federal judge has just ruled that the Justice Department must grant the House judiciary committee access to the grand jury material redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report by Wednesday.
BREAKING (!): Judge rules the House is entitled to Mueller grand jury material. Huge win for Judiciary Committee / Dems. pic.twitter.com/ahru9pUl1yBREAKING (!): Judge rules the House is entitled to Mueller grand jury material. Huge win for Judiciary Committee / Dems. pic.twitter.com/ahru9pUl1y
The ruling marks a major win for House Democrats, who have fought to gain more access to the information Mueller obtained through the course of his investigation.The ruling marks a major win for House Democrats, who have fought to gain more access to the information Mueller obtained through the course of his investigation.
The focus of the impeachment inquiry has obviously now shifted to the Ukraine controversy, but the grand jury material could potentially provide evidence for the articles of impeachment that House Democrats are expected to eventually file.The focus of the impeachment inquiry has obviously now shifted to the Ukraine controversy, but the grand jury material could potentially provide evidence for the articles of impeachment that House Democrats are expected to eventually file.
The report that Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, repeatedly butt-dialed an NBC News reporter immediately sparked a lot of Twitter jokes and a number of unfortunate puns.The report that Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, repeatedly butt-dialed an NBC News reporter immediately sparked a lot of Twitter jokes and a number of unfortunate puns.
Presidential Har-ass-ment? Glute-y Giuliani?Presidential Har-ass-ment? Glute-y Giuliani?
please give this reporter every award ever created pic.twitter.com/zTOFaOn0WNplease give this reporter every award ever created pic.twitter.com/zTOFaOn0WN
veep was a documentary https://t.co/tCRyFmEgV9veep was a documentary https://t.co/tCRyFmEgV9
Meanwhile, NBC News is reporting that Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, repeatedly butt-dialed one of its reporters and was overheard talking about Joe Biden and his need for cash.Meanwhile, NBC News is reporting that Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, repeatedly butt-dialed one of its reporters and was overheard talking about Joe Biden and his need for cash.
NBC News reports:NBC News reports:
Late in the evening on Oct. 16, Rudy Giuliani made a phone call to this reporter. ...Late in the evening on Oct. 16, Rudy Giuliani made a phone call to this reporter. ...
The call came in at 11:07 p.m. and went to voicemail; the reporter was asleep.The call came in at 11:07 p.m. and went to voicemail; the reporter was asleep.
The next morning, a message exactly three minutes long was sitting in his voicemail. In the recording, the words tumbling out of Giuliani’s mouth were not directed at the reporter. He was speaking to someone else, someone in the same room. ...The next morning, a message exactly three minutes long was sitting in his voicemail. In the recording, the words tumbling out of Giuliani’s mouth were not directed at the reporter. He was speaking to someone else, someone in the same room. ...
Giuliani can be heard telling the man that he’s ‘got to call Robert again tomorrow.’Giuliani can be heard telling the man that he’s ‘got to call Robert again tomorrow.’
‘Is Robert around?’ Giuliani asks.‘Is Robert around?’ Giuliani asks.
‘He’s in Turkey,’ the man responds.‘He’s in Turkey,’ the man responds.
Giuliani replies instantly. ‘The problem is we need some money.’Giuliani replies instantly. ‘The problem is we need some money.’
The reporter noted that, in a separate butt-dial message left more than two weeks earlier, Giuliani can be overheard trashing Biden and his son. The former New York mayor repeated many of the unfounded corruption allegations against the Bidens that Trump has spouted in recent weeks.The reporter noted that, in a separate butt-dial message left more than two weeks earlier, Giuliani can be overheard trashing Biden and his son. The former New York mayor repeated many of the unfounded corruption allegations against the Bidens that Trump has spouted in recent weeks.
And it appears that Giuliani has somewhat of a habit of mistakenly calling journalists, per a Washington Post reporter.And it appears that Giuliani has somewhat of a habit of mistakenly calling journalists, per a Washington Post reporter.
The last time he accidentally dialed me, he was discussing refugees and Venezuela. This sounds more interesting. https://t.co/YDvP98bzzkThe last time he accidentally dialed me, he was discussing refugees and Venezuela. This sounds more interesting. https://t.co/YDvP98bzzk
In his remarks on criminal justice reform, Trump quipped that Jared Kushner, his son-in-law who pushed for passage of the First Step Act, “could be a liberal.”In his remarks on criminal justice reform, Trump quipped that Jared Kushner, his son-in-law who pushed for passage of the First Step Act, “could be a liberal.”
The president also joked (sort of?) about wishing Kushner, who serves as a senior White House adviser, would “leave me alone.”The president also joked (sort of?) about wishing Kushner, who serves as a senior White House adviser, would “leave me alone.”
Trump, at event on justice reform, says (jokes?) Jared Kushner wanted the First Step Act so bad, Trump said, "I think he's a liberal...he could be a liberal." He says of Kushner: "He came to me, I said, 'Jared, OK. OK. Just don't ever come again, please. Just leave me alone.'"Trump, at event on justice reform, says (jokes?) Jared Kushner wanted the First Step Act so bad, Trump said, "I think he's a liberal...he could be a liberal." He says of Kushner: "He came to me, I said, 'Jared, OK. OK. Just don't ever come again, please. Just leave me alone.'"
Trump is currently delivering remarks on criminal justice reform at the historically black Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.Trump is currently delivering remarks on criminal justice reform at the historically black Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.
The president was introduced by Matthew Charles, who said his release from prison was made possible by the First Step Act that Trump signed into law.The president was introduced by Matthew Charles, who said his release from prison was made possible by the First Step Act that Trump signed into law.
When the president started speaking, he spent the first few minutes patting himself on the back for the First Step Act and then thanked the Republican lawmakers in attendance.When the president started speaking, he spent the first few minutes patting himself on the back for the First Step Act and then thanked the Republican lawmakers in attendance.
The president singled out governor Henry McMaster – who, Trump said, supported him “before it was fashionable.” Trump added: “I never want to see his approval rating above mine.”The president singled out governor Henry McMaster – who, Trump said, supported him “before it was fashionable.” Trump added: “I never want to see his approval rating above mine.”
Trump is expected to soon start speaking about criminal justice reform at Benedict College, a historically black school in Columbia, South Carolina.Trump is expected to soon start speaking about criminal justice reform at Benedict College, a historically black school in Columbia, South Carolina.
However, a large portion of the small audience will reportedly be the president’s allies and guests, ensuring a warm reception.However, a large portion of the small audience will reportedly be the president’s allies and guests, ensuring a warm reception.
"In the invitation-only room of about 300 people, only about 10 students will be admitted from Benedict College, which is hosting the event...More than half of the seats were reserved for guests and allies of the administration." https://t.co/YVqp3hHGBj"In the invitation-only room of about 300 people, only about 10 students will be admitted from Benedict College, which is hosting the event...More than half of the seats were reserved for guests and allies of the administration." https://t.co/YVqp3hHGBj
Senator Lindsey Graham boasted that 50 of his Republican colleagues have now signed on as co-sponsors of a resolution criticizing House Democrats’ handling of the impeachment inquiry.Senator Lindsey Graham boasted that 50 of his Republican colleagues have now signed on as co-sponsors of a resolution criticizing House Democrats’ handling of the impeachment inquiry.
Updated to show 50 Co-Sponsors--1.Graham2.McConnell3.Grassley4.Thune5.Blunt6.Shelby7.Inhofe8.Roberts9.Crapo10.Cornyn11.Burr12.Barrasso13.Wicker14.Risch15.Boozman16. Moran17. Toomey1/3Updated to show 50 Co-Sponsors--1.Graham2.McConnell3.Grassley4.Thune5.Blunt6.Shelby7.Inhofe8.Roberts9.Crapo10.Cornyn11.Burr12.Barrasso13.Wicker14.Risch15.Boozman16. Moran17. Toomey1/3
It appears that only three Senate Republicans have not yet put their names on the resolution: Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah.It appears that only three Senate Republicans have not yet put their names on the resolution: Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Romney by name in recent weeks after the senator voiced concerns about the president’s communications with Ukraine.Trump has repeatedly criticized Romney by name in recent weeks after the senator voiced concerns about the president’s communications with Ukraine.
In the weeks before Trump released the delayed military aid to Ukraine, a number of Republican lawmakers and administration officials reportedly urged him to do so.In the weeks before Trump released the delayed military aid to Ukraine, a number of Republican lawmakers and administration officials reportedly urged him to do so.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
In a phone call on September 11, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman made one last pitch to the President, telling him that with the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, if he didn’t act soon there wouldn’t be time to get the money out the door, according to six sources familiar with the call.In a phone call on September 11, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman made one last pitch to the President, telling him that with the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, if he didn’t act soon there wouldn’t be time to get the money out the door, according to six sources familiar with the call.
Trump put up his usual defenses with Portman, claiming the US was getting a poor deal in Ukraine and that European allies weren’t doing their fair share to help the embattled former Soviet republic, the sources said.Trump put up his usual defenses with Portman, claiming the US was getting a poor deal in Ukraine and that European allies weren’t doing their fair share to help the embattled former Soviet republic, the sources said.
But in a move that surprised officials from Washington to Kiev, after months of holding up the money the President finally relented. That evening after his call with Portman, Trump released the funds. ...But in a move that surprised officials from Washington to Kiev, after months of holding up the money the President finally relented. That evening after his call with Portman, Trump released the funds. ...
Portman’s call was part of a broader congressional campaign to push Trump to lift the hold on the aid. Vice President Mike Pence -- who was in the room with Trump when he spoke to Portman -- had just returned from a meeting in Poland with Ukraine’s new president and was urging Trump to release the money.Portman’s call was part of a broader congressional campaign to push Trump to lift the hold on the aid. Vice President Mike Pence -- who was in the room with Trump when he spoke to Portman -- had just returned from a meeting in Poland with Ukraine’s new president and was urging Trump to release the money.
While speaking to reporters before leaving for South Carolina, Trump criticized the diplomat who testified in the impeachment inquiry earlier this week and defended his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani.While speaking to reporters before leaving for South Carolina, Trump criticized the diplomat who testified in the impeachment inquiry earlier this week and defended his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani.
The president said Bill Taylor, the acting US ambassador to Ukraine who said he was told that Ukrainian military assistance was being held up in exchange for public announcements of investigations into Joe Biden and the 2016 election, was a “never-Trumper.”The president said Bill Taylor, the acting US ambassador to Ukraine who said he was told that Ukrainian military assistance was being held up in exchange for public announcements of investigations into Joe Biden and the 2016 election, was a “never-Trumper.”
When a reporter pointed out that Taylor had been selected by secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Trump replied: “Everybody makes mistakes.”When a reporter pointed out that Taylor had been selected by secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Trump replied: “Everybody makes mistakes.”
President Trump on Ambassador Bill Taylor: "Here’s the problem. He’s a never-Trumper and his lawyer is a never-Trumper." pic.twitter.com/luLCcfEx75President Trump on Ambassador Bill Taylor: "Here’s the problem. He’s a never-Trumper and his lawyer is a never-Trumper." pic.twitter.com/luLCcfEx75
Trump also defended Giuliani, who was reportedly involved in efforts to pressure Ukraine to open the investigations, as “one of the greatest crimefighters and corruption-fighters.”Trump also defended Giuliani, who was reportedly involved in efforts to pressure Ukraine to open the investigations, as “one of the greatest crimefighters and corruption-fighters.”
The president added: “He looks for corruption everywhere he goes.”The president added: “He looks for corruption everywhere he goes.”
Meanwhile, Trump has arrived in South Carolina, where he will deliver remarks on criminal justice reform at the historically black Benedict College this afternoon.Meanwhile, Trump has arrived in South Carolina, where he will deliver remarks on criminal justice reform at the historically black Benedict College this afternoon.
The president was greeted on the tarmac by some of the state’s Republican lawmakers and a group of supporters, but protests against his speech were occurring elsewhere in the city of Columbia.The president was greeted on the tarmac by some of the state’s Republican lawmakers and a group of supporters, but protests against his speech were occurring elsewhere in the city of Columbia.
Protesters march through the streets of Columbia, SC ahead of the president’s criminal justice speech here at Benedict College. pic.twitter.com/NpiouNNljSProtesters march through the streets of Columbia, SC ahead of the president’s criminal justice speech here at Benedict College. pic.twitter.com/NpiouNNljS
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Michael Duffey, one of the OMB officials who has now been subpoenaed by the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry, played a key role in holding up military aid to Ukraine.The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Michael Duffey, one of the OMB officials who has now been subpoenaed by the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry, played a key role in holding up military aid to Ukraine.
The Journal reported:The Journal reported:
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.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.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 House committees also issued a subpoena to Ulrich Brechbuhl, a state department official who serves as a top aide to Mike Pompeo.The House committees also issued a subpoena to Ulrich Brechbuhl, a state department official who serves as a top aide to Mike Pompeo.
The depositions of the three officials are set for early November, confirming that the impeachment inquiry’s interviews will continue into next month.The depositions of the three officials are set for early November, confirming that the impeachment inquiry’s interviews will continue into next month.
Some House Democrats reportedly hope to start public hearings on impeachment in mid-November, but others are skeptical of that timeline as the committees continue to seek interviews with more witnesses.Some House Democrats reportedly hope to start public hearings on impeachment in mid-November, but others are skeptical of that timeline as the committees continue to seek interviews with more witnesses.
Subpoenas have been issued to acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, OMB’s Associate Director of National Security Programs Michael Duffey and State Counselor Ulrich Brechbuhl. The subpoenas call for Duffey to appear Nov 5 and Vought and Brechbuhl Nov 6Subpoenas have been issued to acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, OMB’s Associate Director of National Security Programs Michael Duffey and State Counselor Ulrich Brechbuhl. The subpoenas call for Duffey to appear Nov 5 and Vought and Brechbuhl Nov 6