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John Bolton 'in talks with Trump impeachment inquiry about possible deposition' – live John Bolton 'in talks with Trump impeachment inquiry about possible deposition' – live
(32 minutes later)
Former president Bill Clinton just finished speaking at Elijah Cummings’ funeral, and Barack Obama is now delivering his eulogy to the late congressman.
Clinton said Cummings’ legacy would be “how ardently he honored his oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Cummings served as the chairman of the House oversight committee and played a key role in Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Former Pres. Bill Clinton: "He had this amazing array of interests, but we all know now that–at least until certain things happened–his legacy is how ardently he honored his oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." https://t.co/YYvjYpghA7 pic.twitter.com/3yc30Amdq3
A number of political commentators expressed surprise – and in some cases, glee – at the news that John Bolton is in talks to sit for a deposition in House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
Trump’s former national security adviser reportedly expressed concerns about the role of Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, in outreach to Ukrainian officials.
Hell yeah let’s do this https://t.co/Nw7g5ke95j
Welp, we always said John Bolton never met a regime change he didn’t like https://t.co/9elzMZrceL
john bolton, welcome to the resistance**but really this is nuts https://t.co/MaS7oG5vZy
The Trump Organization is reportedly considering a sale of its Washington hotel, which has been at the center of a host of ethical concerns since the president took office.
The Wall Street Journal reports:
The Trump Organization is exploring a sale of the rights to the company’s opulent Washington, D.C., hotel, a move it says is motivated partly by criticism that the Trumps are flouting ethics laws by profiting from the property.
President Trump’s family business has hired the real-estate firm JLL to market the Trump International Hotel, Eric Trump, an executive vice president at the Trump Organization, told The Wall Street Journal. ...
The company is hoping to fetch more than $500 million for the lease rights, or a price of about $2 million a room key, say people familiar with the matter. That would make the sale one of the highest-priced hotel deals ever by this popular industry valuation metric.
However, the sale itself could raise new concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly if foreign investors move to purchase the hotel in an effort to gain influence with the White House.
Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn before departing for South Carolina, Trump defended his use of the word “lynching” to describe House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn before departing for South Carolina, Trump defended his use of the word “lynching” to describe House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
The president was harshly criticized for using the tern earlier this week, as many accused him of making light of the decades of racist violence that left thousands of African Americans dead.The president was harshly criticized for using the tern earlier this week, as many accused him of making light of the decades of racist violence that left thousands of African Americans dead.
However, when asked whether he would apologize for his use of the term, Trump replied that Democrats had used the term in the past.However, when asked whether he would apologize for his use of the term, Trump replied that Democrats had used the term in the past.
NEW: I asked Pres Trump-Some Democrats say you comparing the impeachment inquiry to a lynching was painful & offensive. Will you apologize? He said it’s a word Democrats have used many times. Mr Trump makes his 1st visit today to an HBCU, Benedict College in SC.NEW: I asked Pres Trump-Some Democrats say you comparing the impeachment inquiry to a lynching was painful & offensive. Will you apologize? He said it’s a word Democrats have used many times. Mr Trump makes his 1st visit today to an HBCU, Benedict College in SC.
Joe Biden was forced to apologize earlier this week after a 1998 clip resurfaced of the then-senator calling Bill Clinton’s impeachment a “partisan lynching.”Joe Biden was forced to apologize earlier this week after a 1998 clip resurfaced of the then-senator calling Bill Clinton’s impeachment a “partisan lynching.”
This wasn’t the right word to use and I’m sorry about that. Trump on the other hand chose his words deliberately today in his use of the word lynching and continues to stoke racial divides in this country daily. https://t.co/mHfFC8HluZThis wasn’t the right word to use and I’m sorry about that. Trump on the other hand chose his words deliberately today in his use of the word lynching and continues to stoke racial divides in this country daily. https://t.co/mHfFC8HluZ
A Democratic congresswoman, Katie Hill of California, is threatening to sue the Daily Mail after the outlet printed nude photos of the freshman lawmaker.A Democratic congresswoman, Katie Hill of California, is threatening to sue the Daily Mail after the outlet printed nude photos of the freshman lawmaker.
The Guardian’s Tom McCarthy reports:The Guardian’s Tom McCarthy reports:
Lawyers for Katie Hill, 32, a Democratic, first-term representative from a suburban Los Angeles district, sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Mail demanding that ‘you remove these photos from publication at once’.Lawyers for Katie Hill, 32, a Democratic, first-term representative from a suburban Los Angeles district, sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Mail demanding that ‘you remove these photos from publication at once’.
The lawsuit, which was first reported by Politico, also suggested that the Daily Mail had defamed Hill by stating that she has a Nazi-inspired tattoo on her body, which Hill denied.The lawsuit, which was first reported by Politico, also suggested that the Daily Mail had defamed Hill by stating that she has a Nazi-inspired tattoo on her body, which Hill denied.
The bipartisan House ethics committee opened an investigation of Hill this week for possibly having engaged in a relationship with a staff member in violation of House rules.The bipartisan House ethics committee opened an investigation of Hill this week for possibly having engaged in a relationship with a staff member in violation of House rules.
Hill has said that she had an ‘inappropriate’ relationship with a staffer.Hill has said that she had an ‘inappropriate’ relationship with a staffer.
China has responded to Mike Pence’s speech yesterday on the future of the US-Chinese relationship, in which the vice president criticized Beijing’s response to the protests in Hong Kong.China has responded to Mike Pence’s speech yesterday on the future of the US-Chinese relationship, in which the vice president criticized Beijing’s response to the protests in Hong Kong.
Bloomberg News reports:Bloomberg News reports:
Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry, blasted Pence’s ‘arrogance’ and said no force would stop the country’s progress. She accused him of seeking ‘to disrupt China’s unity or internal stability’ and called Hong Kong, Taiwan and the far west region of Xinjiang ‘internal affairs.’Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry, blasted Pence’s ‘arrogance’ and said no force would stop the country’s progress. She accused him of seeking ‘to disrupt China’s unity or internal stability’ and called Hong Kong, Taiwan and the far west region of Xinjiang ‘internal affairs.’
‘The U.S. has already abandoned and cast aside its morality and credibility,’ Hua said. ‘We hope these Americans can look at themselves in the mirror to fix their own problems and get their own house in order.’‘The U.S. has already abandoned and cast aside its morality and credibility,’ Hua said. ‘We hope these Americans can look at themselves in the mirror to fix their own problems and get their own house in order.’
Pence’s speech came at a crucial moment in the US-Chinese relationship as the two countries continue to engage in trade talks.Pence’s speech came at a crucial moment in the US-Chinese relationship as the two countries continue to engage in trade talks.
Trump announced earlier this month that the US and China had agreed on a “phase one” trade deal, but Beijing is reportedly requesting more negotiations before signing the agreement.Trump announced earlier this month that the US and China had agreed on a “phase one” trade deal, but Beijing is reportedly requesting more negotiations before signing the agreement.
Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to Trump, criticized the process of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry while speaking to reporters at the White House.Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to Trump, criticized the process of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry while speaking to reporters at the White House.
Conway said: “In a constitutional democracy, respectfully, do not get to substance until you go through process ... do you want to skip or subvert the process?”Conway said: “In a constitutional democracy, respectfully, do not get to substance until you go through process ... do you want to skip or subvert the process?”
This echoes an argument from many of Trump’s congressional allies who have accused House Democrats of being secretive in their handling of the inquiry, while generally avoiding comment on the quid pro quo allegations against the president.This echoes an argument from many of Trump’s congressional allies who have accused House Democrats of being secretive in their handling of the inquiry, while generally avoiding comment on the quid pro quo allegations against the president.
Conway also denied she had threatened a Washington Examiner reporter when she raised the possibility of digging into the journalist’s personal life.Conway also denied she had threatened a Washington Examiner reporter when she raised the possibility of digging into the journalist’s personal life.
Conway said: “It’s not a threat. I never threatened her ... If I threaten someone, you’ll know it.”Conway said: “It’s not a threat. I never threatened her ... If I threaten someone, you’ll know it.”
.@KellyannePolls: "If I threaten someone, you'll know it." pic.twitter.com/xmOnvdlY1t.@KellyannePolls: "If I threaten someone, you'll know it." pic.twitter.com/xmOnvdlY1t
Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, criticized the attorney general over reports that the Justice Department is launching a criminal investigation of the Russia probe.Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, criticized the attorney general over reports that the Justice Department is launching a criminal investigation of the Russia probe.
Senate Intel is wrapping up a three-year bipartisan investigation, and we've found nothing remotely justifying this. Mr. Barr's "investigation" has already jeopardized key international intelligence partnerships. He needs to come before Congress and explain himself. https://t.co/hl9qM86QrMSenate Intel is wrapping up a three-year bipartisan investigation, and we've found nothing remotely justifying this. Mr. Barr's "investigation" has already jeopardized key international intelligence partnerships. He needs to come before Congress and explain himself. https://t.co/hl9qM86QrM
Warner also called for Barr to testify before Congress on the matter, but it seems unlikely that his panel will sign off on that, given Republicans’ control of the Senate.Warner also called for Barr to testify before Congress on the matter, but it seems unlikely that his panel will sign off on that, given Republicans’ control of the Senate.
However, the Democratic-controlled House may be inclined to demand that Barr publicly explain the investigation.However, the Democratic-controlled House may be inclined to demand that Barr publicly explain the investigation.
Nancy Pelosi received a standing ovation when she began delivering her eulogy for the late congressman Elijah Cummings in Baltimore, where the House speaker was born.Nancy Pelosi received a standing ovation when she began delivering her eulogy for the late congressman Elijah Cummings in Baltimore, where the House speaker was born.
Standing ovation as @SpeakerPelosi, a Baltimore native who's already this week buried her brother, the city's former mayor, takes to the altar to deliver a eulogy.Standing ovation as @SpeakerPelosi, a Baltimore native who's already this week buried her brother, the city's former mayor, takes to the altar to deliver a eulogy.
In her eulogy, Pelosi nodded to Cummings’ significant role in the impeachment inquiry against Trump, given that the Democratic congressman served as the chairman of the House oversight committee.In her eulogy, Pelosi nodded to Cummings’ significant role in the impeachment inquiry against Trump, given that the Democratic congressman served as the chairman of the House oversight committee.
Hillary Clinton, speaking at Elijah Cummings' funeral, nods at current impeachment inquiry: He was "begging American people to pay attention to what is going on...if you want there to be a democracy for your children...we have to guard this moment, this is our watch."Hillary Clinton, speaking at Elijah Cummings' funeral, nods at current impeachment inquiry: He was "begging American people to pay attention to what is going on...if you want there to be a democracy for your children...we have to guard this moment, this is our watch."
The White House is avoiding questions on John Bolton after reports emerged that Trump’s former national security adviser is in talks to speak to impeachment investigators.The White House is avoiding questions on John Bolton after reports emerged that Trump’s former national security adviser is in talks to speak to impeachment investigators.
I asked a WH official if the WH has told Bolton not to testify, but was told: “We’re not going to talk about Bolton.” https://t.co/dTdzeByHS7I asked a WH official if the WH has told Bolton not to testify, but was told: “We’re not going to talk about Bolton.” https://t.co/dTdzeByHS7
Bolton was reportedly critical of Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, becoming involved in relations with Ukraine despite being a private citizen.Bolton was reportedly critical of Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, becoming involved in relations with Ukraine despite being a private citizen.
The sixth Democratic debate will be held in Los Angeles on Dec. 19 and be hosted by PBS and Politico, the Democratic National Committee announced.The sixth Democratic debate will be held in Los Angeles on Dec. 19 and be hosted by PBS and Politico, the Democratic National Committee announced.
The DNC has also raised the thresholds for participating, which could threaten the qualification of all but the top five candidates – Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris.The DNC has also raised the thresholds for participating, which could threaten the qualification of all but the top five candidates – Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris.
Candidates will now have to hit 4 percent in at least four qualifying polls to make the cut. Alternatively, they can qualify by hitting 6 percent in two early-state polls. Candidates must also receive contributions from at least 200,000 donors, but the fundraising qualification has proven easier to hit in past debates.Candidates will now have to hit 4 percent in at least four qualifying polls to make the cut. Alternatively, they can qualify by hitting 6 percent in two early-state polls. Candidates must also receive contributions from at least 200,000 donors, but the fundraising qualification has proven easier to hit in past debates.
Considering this could be the first time that only the top-polling candidates will face off against each other, it’s unfortunate that viewership will likely be low. The debate falls on the Thursday before Christmas and will be the sixth such event of this election cycle so far.Considering this could be the first time that only the top-polling candidates will face off against each other, it’s unfortunate that viewership will likely be low. The debate falls on the Thursday before Christmas and will be the sixth such event of this election cycle so far.
The funeral for the late congressman Elijah Cummings is being held in his longtime home of Baltimore, which he represented in the House for more than 20 years.The funeral for the late congressman Elijah Cummings is being held in his longtime home of Baltimore, which he represented in the House for more than 20 years.
A number of prominent Democrats – including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi – are expected to speak at the funeral.A number of prominent Democrats – including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi – are expected to speak at the funeral.
Some of Cummings’ congressional colleagues also offered their memories of him during a ceremony yesterday at the Capitol, where he was lying in state.Some of Cummings’ congressional colleagues also offered their memories of him during a ceremony yesterday at the Capitol, where he was lying in state.
Barbara Van Gelder, lawyer for White House official, Tim Morrison, just sent the Guardian this line: “If subpoenaed, Mr. Morrison plans to appear for his deposition. We will not be commenting on what he will say to the Committees.”Morrison’s deposition in the impeachment hearings is highly significant as he is senior director for Europe and Russia in the national security council and is reported to have taken part in the 25 July phone call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which is at the core of the impeachment case.Barbara Van Gelder, lawyer for White House official, Tim Morrison, just sent the Guardian this line: “If subpoenaed, Mr. Morrison plans to appear for his deposition. We will not be commenting on what he will say to the Committees.”Morrison’s deposition in the impeachment hearings is highly significant as he is senior director for Europe and Russia in the national security council and is reported to have taken part in the 25 July phone call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which is at the core of the impeachment case.
Reports suggest he will confirm testimony by acting ambassador Bill Taylor and other witnesses, saying that Trump was putting pressure on Zelenskiy to investigate his political opponents.Reports suggest he will confirm testimony by acting ambassador Bill Taylor and other witnesses, saying that Trump was putting pressure on Zelenskiy to investigate his political opponents.
Morrison was brought into the NSC by John Bolton. The two share a ultra-hawkish attitude to arms control, opposing constraints on US military might. He is considered a Boltonite, not a Trumpite.Morrison was brought into the NSC by John Bolton. The two share a ultra-hawkish attitude to arms control, opposing constraints on US military might. He is considered a Boltonite, not a Trumpite.
The author of an anonymous New York Times op-ed last year, who claimed to be part of an internal White House “resistance” against Trump, is writing a book and reportedly plans to quote from conversations with the president.The author of an anonymous New York Times op-ed last year, who claimed to be part of an internal White House “resistance” against Trump, is writing a book and reportedly plans to quote from conversations with the president.
Axios reports:Axios reports:
The anonymous ‘senior Trump administration official’ who will release a tell-all book, ‘A Warning,’ next month was a frequent participant in meetings with President Trump and plans to recount specific conversations, sources tell me.The anonymous ‘senior Trump administration official’ who will release a tell-all book, ‘A Warning,’ next month was a frequent participant in meetings with President Trump and plans to recount specific conversations, sources tell me.
The state of play: The author, who has been silent since last year’s mysterious New York Times op-ed, has access to extensive, internal notes that will be revealed in the book, out Nov. 19. ‘You will hear a great deal from Donald Trump directly, for there is no better witness to his character than his own words,’ the author writes on the book’s back cover.The state of play: The author, who has been silent since last year’s mysterious New York Times op-ed, has access to extensive, internal notes that will be revealed in the book, out Nov. 19. ‘You will hear a great deal from Donald Trump directly, for there is no better witness to his character than his own words,’ the author writes on the book’s back cover.
However, if the person intends to quote directly from conversations with Trump, it remains unclear how he or she will maintain anonymity.However, if the person intends to quote directly from conversations with Trump, it remains unclear how he or she will maintain anonymity.
Seems like Anonymous can’t remain anonymous for long if s/he is going to reveal specific conversations. It will be too easy for the WH to triangulate who was in the room for those moments. https://t.co/1nDXK6yHyTSeems like Anonymous can’t remain anonymous for long if s/he is going to reveal specific conversations. It will be too easy for the WH to triangulate who was in the room for those moments. https://t.co/1nDXK6yHyT
Mark Esper, the secretary of defense, confirmed that a small number of US troops will remain in Syria to prevent the Islamic State from gaining access to key oil resources.Mark Esper, the secretary of defense, confirmed that a small number of US troops will remain in Syria to prevent the Islamic State from gaining access to key oil resources.
BREAKING: @EsperDoD says US will maintain a small presence in #Syria to prevent #ISIS from regaining access to oil revenues...Statement comes less than 30 minutes after POTUS tweeted "Our soldiers have left and are leaving Syria for other places, then...COMING HOME!" pic.twitter.com/0oOsvdVtdmBREAKING: @EsperDoD says US will maintain a small presence in #Syria to prevent #ISIS from regaining access to oil revenues...Statement comes less than 30 minutes after POTUS tweeted "Our soldiers have left and are leaving Syria for other places, then...COMING HOME!" pic.twitter.com/0oOsvdVtdm
The announcement comes weeks after Trump announced he was withdrawing all US troops from northern Syria and less than an hour after the president tweeted that troops were “COMING HOME.”The announcement comes weeks after Trump announced he was withdrawing all US troops from northern Syria and less than an hour after the president tweeted that troops were “COMING HOME.”
This announcement will likely do little to assure Trump’s base that the president is moving to end US engagements in the Middle East.This announcement will likely do little to assure Trump’s base that the president is moving to end US engagements in the Middle East.
John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, is reportedly in talks to sit for a deposition with the House committees investigating impeachment.John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, is reportedly in talks to sit for a deposition with the House committees investigating impeachment.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
Former NSC official Fiona Hill testified before the committee last week that she saw ‘wrongdoing’ in the American foreign policy and tried to report it to officials including the National Security Council’s attorney, according to multiple sources.Former NSC official Fiona Hill testified before the committee last week that she saw ‘wrongdoing’ in the American foreign policy and tried to report it to officials including the National Security Council’s attorney, according to multiple sources.
‘She saw wrongdoing related to the Ukraine policy and reported it,’ one source said. The same source told CNN that Hill testified that Bolton referred to Giuliani -- Trump’s personal attorney -- as a ‘hand grenade’ who was ‘going to blow everybody up.’‘She saw wrongdoing related to the Ukraine policy and reported it,’ one source said. The same source told CNN that Hill testified that Bolton referred to Giuliani -- Trump’s personal attorney -- as a ‘hand grenade’ who was ‘going to blow everybody up.’
Bolton also reportedly instructed Hill at one point to tell White House lawyers: “I am not part of whatever drug deal Sondland and Mulvaney are cooking up,” referring to the US ambassador to EU and Trump’s acting chief of staff.Bolton also reportedly instructed Hill at one point to tell White House lawyers: “I am not part of whatever drug deal Sondland and Mulvaney are cooking up,” referring to the US ambassador to EU and Trump’s acting chief of staff.
Bolton left the administration rather abruptly last month after Trump announced his departure in a tweet, and the former official has since been publicly critical of the president’s foreign policy.Bolton left the administration rather abruptly last month after Trump announced his departure in a tweet, and the former official has since been publicly critical of the president’s foreign policy.
Trump seems to be lashing out against reports that hundreds of US troops will remain in northern Syria, despite the president’s announcement that he was withdrawing American forces from the region.Trump seems to be lashing out against reports that hundreds of US troops will remain in northern Syria, despite the president’s announcement that he was withdrawing American forces from the region.
The Wall Street Journal reports:The Wall Street Journal reports:
The White House is considering options for leaving about 500 U.S. troops in northeast Syria and for sending dozens of battle tanks and other equipment, officials said Thursday, the latest in an array of scenarios following President Trump’s decision this month to remove all troops there.The White House is considering options for leaving about 500 U.S. troops in northeast Syria and for sending dozens of battle tanks and other equipment, officials said Thursday, the latest in an array of scenarios following President Trump’s decision this month to remove all troops there.
The options, presented by military officials, would represent a reversal from the American withdrawal Mr. Trump wanted. It also would modify U.S. objectives—from countering Islamic State extremists to also safeguarding oil fields in eastern Syria with additional troops and new military capability.The options, presented by military officials, would represent a reversal from the American withdrawal Mr. Trump wanted. It also would modify U.S. objectives—from countering Islamic State extremists to also safeguarding oil fields in eastern Syria with additional troops and new military capability.
However, Trump was on Twitter this morning insisting things in Syria were “gong well” and US troops were “COMING HOME.”However, Trump was on Twitter this morning insisting things in Syria were “gong well” and US troops were “COMING HOME.”
Turkey fully understands not to fire on the Kurds as they leave what will be known as the Safe Zone for other fairly nearby areas. I don’t have to repeat that large scale Sanctions will be imposed for violations. Going well! ISIS secured by Kurds with Turkey ready as backup.....Turkey fully understands not to fire on the Kurds as they leave what will be known as the Safe Zone for other fairly nearby areas. I don’t have to repeat that large scale Sanctions will be imposed for violations. Going well! ISIS secured by Kurds with Turkey ready as backup.....
....COMING HOME! We were supposed to be there for 30 days - That was 10 years ago. When these pundit fools who have called the Middle East wrong for 20 years ask what we are getting out of the deal, I simply say, THE OIL, AND WE ARE BRINGING OUR SOLDIERS BACK HOME, ISIS SECURED!....COMING HOME! We were supposed to be there for 30 days - That was 10 years ago. When these pundit fools who have called the Middle East wrong for 20 years ask what we are getting out of the deal, I simply say, THE OIL, AND WE ARE BRINGING OUR SOLDIERS BACK HOME, ISIS SECURED!
The president is also exaggerating the situation he inherited in Syria. There was never any agreement to completely withdraw from Syria after a month, and US forces only became involved in the country in 2014.The president is also exaggerating the situation he inherited in Syria. There was never any agreement to completely withdraw from Syria after a month, and US forces only became involved in the country in 2014.
Trump is essentially demanding credit for a promise that he has not kept.Trump is essentially demanding credit for a promise that he has not kept.
Good morning, live blog readers!Good morning, live blog readers!
We are almost to the end of a very damaging week for the president, with more evidence of a quid pro quo in the Ukraine scandal coming to light, but it appears that the Trump administration may be using every tool at its disposal to fight back.We are almost to the end of a very damaging week for the president, with more evidence of a quid pro quo in the Ukraine scandal coming to light, but it appears that the Trump administration may be using every tool at its disposal to fight back.
News broke last night that the Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into its own Russia investigation, which Donald Trump spent more than two years criticizing as a “witch-hunt”.News broke last night that the Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into its own Russia investigation, which Donald Trump spent more than two years criticizing as a “witch-hunt”.
The New York Times reports:The New York Times reports:
Justice Department officials have shifted an administrative review of the Russia investigation closely overseen by Attorney General William P. Barr to a criminal inquiry, according to two people familiar with the matter. The move gives the prosecutor running it, John H. Durham, the power to subpoena for witness testimony and documents, to convene a grand jury and to file criminal charges.Justice Department officials have shifted an administrative review of the Russia investigation closely overseen by Attorney General William P. Barr to a criminal inquiry, according to two people familiar with the matter. The move gives the prosecutor running it, John H. Durham, the power to subpoena for witness testimony and documents, to convene a grand jury and to file criminal charges.
The opening of a criminal investigation is likely to raise alarms that Mr. Trump is using the Justice Department to go after his perceived enemies. Mr. Trump fired James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director under whose watch agents opened the Russia inquiry, and has long assailed other top former law enforcement and intelligence officials as partisans who sought to block his election.The opening of a criminal investigation is likely to raise alarms that Mr. Trump is using the Justice Department to go after his perceived enemies. Mr. Trump fired James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director under whose watch agents opened the Russia inquiry, and has long assailed other top former law enforcement and intelligence officials as partisans who sought to block his election.
Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairmen of the House intelligence and judiciary committees, issued a statement last night warning that the reported criminal investigation could signal the Justice Department has become “a tool of political retribution”.Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairmen of the House intelligence and judiciary committees, issued a statement last night warning that the reported criminal investigation could signal the Justice Department has become “a tool of political retribution”.
Schiff and Nadler said: “These reports, if true, raise profound new concerns that the Department of Justice under AG Barr has lost its independence and become a vehicle for President Trump’s political revenge.Schiff and Nadler said: “These reports, if true, raise profound new concerns that the Department of Justice under AG Barr has lost its independence and become a vehicle for President Trump’s political revenge.
“If the Department of Justice may be used as a tool of political retribution, or to help the President with a political narrative for the next election, the rule of law will suffer new and irreparable damage.”“If the Department of Justice may be used as a tool of political retribution, or to help the President with a political narrative for the next election, the rule of law will suffer new and irreparable damage.”
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:
Trump will participate in a criminal justice reform forum in Columbia, South Carolina, before traveling to Camp David.Trump will participate in a criminal justice reform forum in Columbia, South Carolina, before traveling to Camp David.
The funeral for the late congressman Elijah Cummings will be held in Baltimore. A number of notable Democrats – including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi – are expected to speak.The funeral for the late congressman Elijah Cummings will be held in Baltimore. A number of notable Democrats – including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi – are expected to speak.
Game 3 of the World Series will take place tonight in Washington as the city’s Nationals play the Houston Astros.Game 3 of the World Series will take place tonight in Washington as the city’s Nationals play the Houston Astros.
The blog will have much more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have much more coming up, so stay tuned.