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Judge grants Democrats access to unredacted Mueller report – live Judge grants Democrats access to unredacted Mueller report – live
(30 minutes later)
Kamala Harris is pulling out of a criminal justice forum in South Carolina on Saturday after Trump received an award there on Friday.
Harris said she objected to the group’s decision to give Trump its Bipartisan Justice Award for the First Step Act, which has allowed thousands of nonviolent offenders to gain early release from federal prison. Harris received the award in 2016.
“Donald Trump is a lawless President,” she said in a statement. “Not only does he circumvent the laws of our country and the principles of our Constitution, but there is nothing in his career that is about justice, for justice, or in celebration of justice.”
Instead, the candidate said she has opted to hold her own criminal justice roundtable.
The US government deficit has ballooned nearly to $1 trillion as of 2019, the Treasury Department announced Friday, growing 26% in the past year under the Trump Administration.The US government deficit has ballooned nearly to $1 trillion as of 2019, the Treasury Department announced Friday, growing 26% in the past year under the Trump Administration.
In the past year the fiscal imbalance in the US widened for a fourth consecutive year despite a sustained run of economic growth, the Washington Post reported.In the past year the fiscal imbalance in the US widened for a fourth consecutive year despite a sustained run of economic growth, the Washington Post reported.
As the debt rises under Trump, Republicans have had little to say - via the Washington Post:As the debt rises under Trump, Republicans have had little to say - via the Washington Post:
Republican policymakers have made little noise about the deficit under Trump, a contrast with their dire predictions about rising red ink under President Obama.Republican policymakers have made little noise about the deficit under Trump, a contrast with their dire predictions about rising red ink under President Obama.
In 2013, when federal debt totaled $16.7 trillion, Trump tweeted: “Obama is the most profligate deficit & debt spender in our nation’s history.” The federal government is now more than $22 trillion in debt, according to the White House.In 2013, when federal debt totaled $16.7 trillion, Trump tweeted: “Obama is the most profligate deficit & debt spender in our nation’s history.” The federal government is now more than $22 trillion in debt, according to the White House.
Microsoft won a $10 million contract with the Department of Defense, it was announced on Friday.Microsoft won a $10 million contract with the Department of Defense, it was announced on Friday.
From the New York Times report:From the New York Times report:
The decision, announced Friday, was a surprise because Amazon had been considered a front-runner to win the 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, known by the cinematic acronym JEDI. But that was before President Trump began his criticisms of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and, for the past several years, the owner of The Washington Post — a news organization the president refers to as the “Amazon Washington Post.”The decision, announced Friday, was a surprise because Amazon had been considered a front-runner to win the 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, known by the cinematic acronym JEDI. But that was before President Trump began his criticisms of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and, for the past several years, the owner of The Washington Post — a news organization the president refers to as the “Amazon Washington Post.”
Donald Trump seemed to have a suggestion for Apple CEO Tim Cook on Twitter Friday evening, saying the home button on the iPhone was “far better” than the swipe function on new models.Donald Trump seemed to have a suggestion for Apple CEO Tim Cook on Twitter Friday evening, saying the home button on the iPhone was “far better” than the swipe function on new models.
To Tim: The Button on the IPhone was FAR better than the Swipe!To Tim: The Button on the IPhone was FAR better than the Swipe!
iPhone removed the home button in 2017 with its release of the iPhone X.iPhone removed the home button in 2017 with its release of the iPhone X.
Representative Ilhan Omar said on Friday she believes Senator Bernie Sanders has “complete fluency in the struggles of working people.”Representative Ilhan Omar said on Friday she believes Senator Bernie Sanders has “complete fluency in the struggles of working people.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar: "I believe that Sen. Bernie Sanders has complete fluency in the struggles of working people." pic.twitter.com/y46CHgUXHhRep. Ilhan Omar: "I believe that Sen. Bernie Sanders has complete fluency in the struggles of working people." pic.twitter.com/y46CHgUXHh
Sanders recently secured sought-after endorsements from left-wing favorites Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.Sanders recently secured sought-after endorsements from left-wing favorites Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Omar will be joining Sanders at a Minnesota rally on Nov. 3.Omar will be joining Sanders at a Minnesota rally on Nov. 3.
Basketball player Charles Barkley said in an interview on Friday Mike Pence “needs to shut the hell up,” after the vice president criticized the NBA for being too accommodating to China.Basketball player Charles Barkley said in an interview on Friday Mike Pence “needs to shut the hell up,” after the vice president criticized the NBA for being too accommodating to China.
Pence condemned the NBA for bending to Chinese influence after Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets, landed in hot water for tweeting support of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.Pence condemned the NBA for bending to Chinese influence after Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets, landed in hot water for tweeting support of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
Although Morey deleted his tweets, league’s Chinese partners quickly suspended ties and state broadcaster CCTV halted all broadcasts of preseason games.Although Morey deleted his tweets, league’s Chinese partners quickly suspended ties and state broadcaster CCTV halted all broadcasts of preseason games.
Charles Barkley on TNT NBA pregame replying to VP’s comment of China & the NBA “Vice President Pence needs to shut the hell up” pic.twitter.com/dBSSHMHlRdCharles Barkley on TNT NBA pregame replying to VP’s comment of China & the NBA “Vice President Pence needs to shut the hell up” pic.twitter.com/dBSSHMHlRd
Following the controversy, Pence and others accused the NBA of prioritizing business interests over American values, but Barkley noted many countries - including the US - do business in China regardless.Following the controversy, Pence and others accused the NBA of prioritizing business interests over American values, but Barkley noted many countries - including the US - do business in China regardless.
“I don’t understand why these holier than thou politicians — if they’re so worried about China, then why don’t they stop all transactions with China?” Barkley said.“I don’t understand why these holier than thou politicians — if they’re so worried about China, then why don’t they stop all transactions with China?” Barkley said.
The band Weezer will be performing at a campaign event for candidate Andrew Yang in Iowa next week.The band Weezer will be performing at a campaign event for candidate Andrew Yang in Iowa next week.
Here are some true words about the presidential campaign I am about to write:Weezer is performing at "Yangapalooza" in Iowa next week. pic.twitter.com/DH3kLXLBIuHere are some true words about the presidential campaign I am about to write:Weezer is performing at "Yangapalooza" in Iowa next week. pic.twitter.com/DH3kLXLBIu
Yangapalooza will take place in Des Moines Iowa as campaigning in the state heats up ahead of the February 2020 Caucuses.Yangapalooza will take place in Des Moines Iowa as campaigning in the state heats up ahead of the February 2020 Caucuses.
Yang is not the only candidate with musicians backing him. His opponent Bernie Sanders has garnered support from dozens of artists in recent years, including Killer Mike, Diplo, and Cat Power.Yang is not the only candidate with musicians backing him. His opponent Bernie Sanders has garnered support from dozens of artists in recent years, including Killer Mike, Diplo, and Cat Power.
The identity of the whistleblower who revealed Donald Trump’s efforts to gain intel from Ukraine to aid in his 2020 campaign is no longer relevant, their lawyers argued in the Washington Post on Friday.The identity of the whistleblower who revealed Donald Trump’s efforts to gain intel from Ukraine to aid in his 2020 campaign is no longer relevant, their lawyers argued in the Washington Post on Friday.
The whistleblower filed a complaint regarding the president’s behavior in August, which led to a finding the complaint was “urgent” and “credible.”The whistleblower filed a complaint regarding the president’s behavior in August, which led to a finding the complaint was “urgent” and “credible.”
Throughout the process, Trump and his allies have continued to ask “Where’s the whistleblower?” and the president went as far as suggesting the whistleblower should be executed.Throughout the process, Trump and his allies have continued to ask “Where’s the whistleblower?” and the president went as far as suggesting the whistleblower should be executed.
The lawyers argue this behavior is “outrageous” and revealing the identity of the whistleblower is not necessary.The lawyers argue this behavior is “outrageous” and revealing the identity of the whistleblower is not necessary.
They noted in the instance of Republican-led Benghazi investigation, there were no such partisan efforts to reveal the whistleblower’s identity.They noted in the instance of Republican-led Benghazi investigation, there were no such partisan efforts to reveal the whistleblower’s identity.
“In that case, no one threatened — let alone attempted — to expose those whistleblowers as a form of retribution,” the lawyers wrote. “The focus was getting to the truth of what happened, as difficult as that truth may have been for some to accept.”“In that case, no one threatened — let alone attempted — to expose those whistleblowers as a form of retribution,” the lawyers wrote. “The focus was getting to the truth of what happened, as difficult as that truth may have been for some to accept.”
The Republican National committee said on Friday that it “wholeheartedly” backs Trump as he faces an impeachment probe from House Democrats.The Republican National committee said on Friday that it “wholeheartedly” backs Trump as he faces an impeachment probe from House Democrats.
The party’s governing body voted to express solidarity with Trump, condemning what it calls a “nakedly partisan impeachment investigation.”The party’s governing body voted to express solidarity with Trump, condemning what it calls a “nakedly partisan impeachment investigation.”
Trump has sought to align his plight with the entire Republican party and keep GOP lawmakers by his side, telling reporters Friday, “This isn’t a takedown of the president. It’s a takedown of the Republicans.”Trump has sought to align his plight with the entire Republican party and keep GOP lawmakers by his side, telling reporters Friday, “This isn’t a takedown of the president. It’s a takedown of the Republicans.”
The RNC executive committee voted unanimously by phone to approve the resolution. It states that the committee “now more than ever wholeheartedly supports President Trump and his administration in making America great again.” Traditionally, the party approves resolutions at its twice-annual meetings.The RNC executive committee voted unanimously by phone to approve the resolution. It states that the committee “now more than ever wholeheartedly supports President Trump and his administration in making America great again.” Traditionally, the party approves resolutions at its twice-annual meetings.
“Today, members of the RNC Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution of support for our president and the Graham-McConnell resolution condemning the unprecedented actions of House Democrats,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “However baseless this inquiry may be, if House Democrats are intent on pursuing their political vendetta against President Trump, he should at least be afforded the same due process as every other American.”“Today, members of the RNC Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution of support for our president and the Graham-McConnell resolution condemning the unprecedented actions of House Democrats,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “However baseless this inquiry may be, if House Democrats are intent on pursuing their political vendetta against President Trump, he should at least be afforded the same due process as every other American.”
Hello readers, Kari Paul here taking over for the next few hours. More news to come.Hello readers, Kari Paul here taking over for the next few hours. More news to come.
That’s it from me this week. My west coast colleague, Kari Paul, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me this week. My west coast colleague, Kari Paul, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to grant the House judiciary committee access to grand jury material that was redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, marking a key legal victory for congressional Democrats. However, the Trump administration will almost certainly appeal the ruling.A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to grant the House judiciary committee access to grand jury material that was redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, marking a key legal victory for congressional Democrats. However, the Trump administration will almost certainly appeal the ruling.
Two White House budget officials who have refused to testify in the impeachment inquiry were subpoenaed, along with a top aide to secretary of state Mike Pompeo.Two White House budget officials who have refused to testify in the impeachment inquiry were subpoenaed, along with a top aide to secretary of state Mike Pompeo.
John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, is reportedly in talks to sit for a deposition in the impeachment inquiry.John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, is reportedly in talks to sit for a deposition in the impeachment inquiry.
The funeral for the late congressman Elijah Cummings was held in Baltimore, where a number of prominent Democrats – including Barack Obama – delivered eulogies.The funeral for the late congressman Elijah Cummings was held in Baltimore, where a number of prominent Democrats – including Barack Obama – delivered eulogies.
Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, was heard discussing his need for money and bashing Joe Biden in two separate butt-dial messages left for an NBC News reporter.Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, was heard discussing his need for money and bashing Joe Biden in two separate butt-dial messages left for an NBC News reporter.
Hours before the butt-dial report was published, Trump defended Giuliani as “one of the greatest crimefighters and corruption-fighters,” while dismissing longtime diplomat Bill Taylor as a “never-Trumper.” Taylor testified earlier this week that he was told Ukrainian military assistance was held up to pressure officials there to publicly announce investigations into Biden and the 2016 election.Hours before the butt-dial report was published, Trump defended Giuliani as “one of the greatest crimefighters and corruption-fighters,” while dismissing longtime diplomat Bill Taylor as a “never-Trumper.” Taylor testified earlier this week that he was told Ukrainian military assistance was held up to pressure officials there to publicly announce investigations into Biden and the 2016 election.
Kari will have more on all of the news of the day, so stay tuned.Kari will have more on all of the news of the day, so stay tuned.
The executive director of the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington celebrated the ruling on the Mueller grand jury material as a victory for checks and balances.The executive director of the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington celebrated the ruling on the Mueller grand jury material as a victory for checks and balances.
Huge news that a federal court has affirmed the right of Congress to perform oversight investigations and a meaningful impeachment inquiry and therefore to obtain Mueller grand jury materials. Vital for checks and balances. https://t.co/iE82jBjiddHuge news that a federal court has affirmed the right of Congress to perform oversight investigations and a meaningful impeachment inquiry and therefore to obtain Mueller grand jury materials. Vital for checks and balances. https://t.co/iE82jBjidd
However, the editor-in-chief of the Lawfare blog immediately warned those cheering the ruling that the Justice Department will almost certainly appeal.However, the editor-in-chief of the Lawfare blog immediately warned those cheering the ruling that the Justice Department will almost certainly appeal.
Don't get too excited, folks, about Chief Judge Howell's opinion on grand jury information and the Mueller report. There's this thing, you see, called the DC Circuit Court of Appeals...Don't get too excited, folks, about Chief Judge Howell's opinion on grand jury information and the Mueller report. There's this thing, you see, called the DC Circuit Court of Appeals...
Judge Beryl Howell specifically cited the White House’s refusal to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry as a reason why the Justice Department should allow the House judiciary committee access to the Mueller grand jury materials.Judge Beryl Howell specifically cited the White House’s refusal to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry as a reason why the Justice Department should allow the House judiciary committee access to the Mueller grand jury materials.
Cipollone letter comes back to bite in judge's decision to grant House access to Mueller grand jury materials. Judge calls it stonewalling https://t.co/o9BlCFE2XG pic.twitter.com/BLD9BFTrsQCipollone letter comes back to bite in judge's decision to grant House access to Mueller grand jury materials. Judge calls it stonewalling https://t.co/o9BlCFE2XG pic.twitter.com/BLD9BFTrsQ
In a letter written earlier this month announcing the White House would not cooperate with the investigation, lawyer Pat Cipollone told senior House Democrats: “As you know, you have designed and implemented your inquiry in a manner that violates fundamental fairness and constitutionally mandated due process. ...In a letter written earlier this month announcing the White House would not cooperate with the investigation, lawyer Pat Cipollone told senior House Democrats: “As you know, you have designed and implemented your inquiry in a manner that violates fundamental fairness and constitutionally mandated due process. ...
“In order to fulfill his duties to the American people, the Constitution, the Executive Branch, and all future occupants of the Office of the Presidency, President Trump and his Administration cannot participate in your partisan and unconstitutional inquiry under these circumstances.”“In order to fulfill his duties to the American people, the Constitution, the Executive Branch, and all future occupants of the Office of the Presidency, President Trump and his Administration cannot participate in your partisan and unconstitutional inquiry under these circumstances.”
In her ruling, judge Beryl Howell specifically addressed some Republicans’ argument that the impeachment inquiry is illegitimate because the House never held a formal vote to launch it.In her ruling, judge Beryl Howell specifically addressed some Republicans’ argument that the impeachment inquiry is illegitimate because the House never held a formal vote to launch it.
Howell wrote that this argument, which has been adopted by the White House, “has no textual support in the U.S. Constitution [or] the governing rules of the House.”Howell wrote that this argument, which has been adopted by the White House, “has no textual support in the U.S. Constitution [or] the governing rules of the House.”
Howell’s ruling has an entire section outlining the determination that an official vote is not required for an impeachment inquiry.She says the argument that a vote is required “has no textual support in the U.S. Constitution” or “the governing rules of the House.” pic.twitter.com/bTH8must7AHowell’s ruling has an entire section outlining the determination that an official vote is not required for an impeachment inquiry.She says the argument that a vote is required “has no textual support in the U.S. Constitution” or “the governing rules of the House.” pic.twitter.com/bTH8must7A
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.”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/3Ck55UgmQ0Still 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.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.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."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.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.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.”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.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