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Trump lashes out about impeachment inquiry during Chicago visit – live Trump lashes out about impeachment inquiry during Chicago visit – live
(32 minutes later)
Greg Walden, the top Republican on the House energy and commerce committee who was first elected to Congress in 1999, said he would not seek reelection – becoming the latest in a series of House Republicans who have announced their departures in recent months.
Politico reports:
‘Based on recent polling, strong fundraising, and the backing of my wife and family, I am confident I could earn the support of 2nd District voters for another term. I’m also optimistic that a path exists for Republicans to recapture a majority in the House, and that I could return for two more years as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee,’ Walden said in a statement given to POLITICO. ‘But I also know that for me, the time has come to pursue new challenges and opportunities.’
Walden added: ‘So, I will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, nor election to any other office, but instead I will close the public service chapter of my life, thankful for the friends I’ve made and the successful work we’ve done together.’
The Oregon congressman is the 17 th House Republican to announce their retirement this cycle, a sign of how difficult it will be for the GOP to win back the majority in what’s already shaping up as a tough 2020 election. Having President Donald Trump’s name at the top of the ticket will ensure turnout among his supporters, yet it’s also expected to bring Democrats out in huge numbers as well.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Charles Kupperman, a former deputy to John Bolton, failed to appear for his scheduled testimony in the impeachment inquiry. A lawyer for the former official said his client would not testify until a judge ruled on whether he should comply with the congressional subpoena or the White House’s order not to appear.
The Justice Department is filing its expected appeal to a judge’s ruling that officials must grant the House judiciary committee access to grand jury material redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report.
Kay Hagan, a North Carolina Democrat who served one term in the Senate before being defeated in 2014, has died at 66, her family announced.
The blog will have plenty more coming up, so stay tuned.
Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar mourned the loss of her former Senate colleague and “good friend” Kay Hagan, who died unexpectedly today at the age of 66.
We lost my good friend Kay Hagan today. She was one bright yellow ray of sunshine for everyone she touched—the Senate, her beloved state of NC, her friends. As she struggled the last few years, Chip & their kids were always at her side. Look up at the sun & think of Kay today.
Washington reporters similarly remembered Hagan’s kindness and wit.
I covered Hagan on the Hill years ago, and her kindness always came through. Blessings to the Hagan family. (CC: My former News14Carolina colleagues @TimBoyumTV & @benmcneely)
So sad to learn of the death of former NC Sen. Kay Hagan, who'd become a friend after her 2014 defeat. Few knew how much she suffered the past 3 yrs, but I'll remember her wit & vivaciousness (& rewatch my video of her skiing on 1 ski!)https://t.co/3G5fF8jvrP
Hagan, a Democrat of North Carolina, served for one term in the Senate before being defeated by Republican Thom Tillis in 2014.
Trump has concluded his speech at the annual convention for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and signed his executive order on addressing “the root causes of crime” and law enforcement recruitment.
At one point, the president went on an angry riff about immigration in which he slammed sanctuary cities and “open borders.”
Trump said: “Get ‘em the hell out of our country.” He later added: “As you know, countries love to send their worst to us.”
The president has previously falsely claimed that foreign countries were abusing a visa lottery program to send their “worst of the worst,” even though the US state department vets the applicants.
Kay Hagan, a former Democratic senator from North Carolina, has died at 66, according to a statement from her family.Kay Hagan, a former Democratic senator from North Carolina, has died at 66, according to a statement from her family.
This statement, which was obtained by the Charlotte Observer, read: “We are heartbroken to share that Kay left us unexpectedly this morning. Kay meant everything to us, and we were honored to share her with the people of North Carolina whom she cared for and fought for so passionately as an elected official. ...This statement, which was obtained by the Charlotte Observer, read: “We are heartbroken to share that Kay left us unexpectedly this morning. Kay meant everything to us, and we were honored to share her with the people of North Carolina whom she cared for and fought for so passionately as an elected official. ...
“We are deeply grateful for the support shared with our family as Kay worked to regain her strength these last few years after her illness, and we appreciate your continued prayers.”“We are deeply grateful for the support shared with our family as Kay worked to regain her strength these last few years after her illness, and we appreciate your continued prayers.”
Hagan was diagnosed with Powassan virus, a type of encephalitis, three years ago. She served a single term in the Senate before being defeated by Republican Thom Tillis in 2014.Hagan was diagnosed with Powassan virus, a type of encephalitis, three years ago. She served a single term in the Senate before being defeated by Republican Thom Tillis in 2014.
In his speech at the annual convention for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Trump praised the officers who responded to the Dayton shooting in August by mimicking the attacker.In his speech at the annual convention for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Trump praised the officers who responded to the Dayton shooting in August by mimicking the attacker.
Praising the officers who responded, Trump mimicked the shooter of the Dayton, Ohio, mass shooter.. pic.twitter.com/b4XK90RyG2Praising the officers who responded, Trump mimicked the shooter of the Dayton, Ohio, mass shooter.. pic.twitter.com/b4XK90RyG2
Speaking at an annual police convention in Chicago, Trump said that the Jussie Smollett case was a “scam” and compared it to the impeachment inquiry.Speaking at an annual police convention in Chicago, Trump said that the Jussie Smollett case was a “scam” and compared it to the impeachment inquiry.
Trump is attacking Chicago Police Chief Eddie Johnson, who is boycotting the president's appearance at police conference. Cites Chicago crime stats, then mocks Jussie Smollett who "beat up himself." "That's a scam, just like the impeachment of your president is a scam."Trump is attacking Chicago Police Chief Eddie Johnson, who is boycotting the president's appearance at police conference. Cites Chicago crime stats, then mocks Jussie Smollett who "beat up himself." "That's a scam, just like the impeachment of your president is a scam."
Smollett, an actor on the show Empire, claimed back in January that he was attacked by two men yelling racist and homophobic slurs at him. However, authorities later said that he had staged the attack to gain sympathetic publicity.Smollett, an actor on the show Empire, claimed back in January that he was attacked by two men yelling racist and homophobic slurs at him. However, authorities later said that he had staged the attack to gain sympathetic publicity.
Trump is now addressing the annual convention of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Chicago, and he opened his remarks by addressing the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Trump is now addressing the annual convention of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Chicago, and he opened his remarks by addressing the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The president told the audience of the Isis leader: “He was a sick and depraved man, and now he’s dead. He’s dead. Dead as a door nail.”The president told the audience of the Isis leader: “He was a sick and depraved man, and now he’s dead. He’s dead. Dead as a door nail.”
Trump also took a swipe at his predecessor, Barack Obama, saying: “[Baghdadi] should’ve been killed years ago. Another president should’ve gotten him.”Trump also took a swipe at his predecessor, Barack Obama, saying: “[Baghdadi] should’ve been killed years ago. Another president should’ve gotten him.”
WATCH NOW: President Trump speaks to police chiefs at a conference in Chicago https://t.co/U4okq4pXa4 pic.twitter.com/T2AQkKd8tUWATCH NOW: President Trump speaks to police chiefs at a conference in Chicago https://t.co/U4okq4pXa4 pic.twitter.com/T2AQkKd8tU
The US district judge who ordered the justice department to grant the House judiciary committee access to grand jury material redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report has given the panel until noon tomorrow to respond to the DOJ’s request for a stay.The US district judge who ordered the justice department to grant the House judiciary committee access to grand jury material redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report has given the panel until noon tomorrow to respond to the DOJ’s request for a stay.
JUST IN: Judge Howell has directed the Judiciary Committee to respond to DOJ’s motion by noon tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/DZQ6VStAXuJUST IN: Judge Howell has directed the Judiciary Committee to respond to DOJ’s motion by noon tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/DZQ6VStAXu
The DOJ is appealing judge Beryl Howell’s ruling and asked for a stay on her order to turn over the material by Wednesday. However, the judge did not immediately grant the stay.The DOJ is appealing judge Beryl Howell’s ruling and asked for a stay on her order to turn over the material by Wednesday. However, the judge did not immediately grant the stay.
The debate continues to rage about the “Lock him up” chant that was started during Game 5 of the World Series last night, when the camera panned to Trump in the audience.The debate continues to rage about the “Lock him up” chant that was started during Game 5 of the World Series last night, when the camera panned to Trump in the audience.
President Trump was booed loudly by the fans at Nats Park when he was shown on the big screen. Then came a loud chant: “Lock him up.” @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/LBbgSAHd6kPresident Trump was booed loudly by the fans at Nats Park when he was shown on the big screen. Then came a loud chant: “Lock him up.” @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/LBbgSAHd6k
Some commentators, including Joe Scarborough from MSNBC’s Morning Joe, equated the jeering to the “Lock her up!” chants about Hillary Clinton that became a frequent occurrence during Trump’s 2016 rallies.Some commentators, including Joe Scarborough from MSNBC’s Morning Joe, equated the jeering to the “Lock her up!” chants about Hillary Clinton that became a frequent occurrence during Trump’s 2016 rallies.
So let’s see if I’ve got this straight: When crowds chant “Lock her up” toward Hillary, it is illiberal and anti-American. (I agree). But when crowds chant the same toward Trump, it is suddenly a fulsome exercise of sacred First Amendment rights. What hypocritical clowns.So let’s see if I’ve got this straight: When crowds chant “Lock her up” toward Hillary, it is illiberal and anti-American. (I agree). But when crowds chant the same toward Trump, it is suddenly a fulsome exercise of sacred First Amendment rights. What hypocritical clowns.
However, others argued the chant was merited given the allegations facing Trump in connection to the impeachment inquiry. From the president of the liberal thinktank Center for American Progress:However, others argued the chant was merited given the allegations facing Trump in connection to the impeachment inquiry. From the president of the liberal thinktank Center for American Progress:
I strongly disagree @ChrisCoons. If you’re president, don’t commit crimes and you won’t earn this chant. https://t.co/hqT5sXTZ04I strongly disagree @ChrisCoons. If you’re president, don’t commit crimes and you won’t earn this chant. https://t.co/hqT5sXTZ04
George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, even listed the potential crimes Trump could be charged with.George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, even listed the potential crimes Trump could be charged with.
As to Ukraine: Bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy. As to the Russia investigation: Obstruction of justice. As to the Stormy Daniels payoff: campaign finance violations, conspiracy. Lots of potential jail time there. https://t.co/pFIgLbdiLzAs to Ukraine: Bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy. As to the Russia investigation: Obstruction of justice. As to the Stormy Daniels payoff: campaign finance violations, conspiracy. Lots of potential jail time there. https://t.co/pFIgLbdiLz
Trump has arrived in Chicago for fundraising events and a speech at the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he is expected to sign an executive order on “the root causes of crime” and law enforcement recruitment.
Aboard Air Force One en route to the Windy City, chefs served a Halloween-themed breakfast.
Today’s AF1 meal, photo by pooler extraordinaire @agearan pic.twitter.com/oUOYOScOFX
Trump continues to boast about the US military raid of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Syrian compound, which resulted in the Isis leader’s death.
The S&P just hit an ALL TIME HIGH. This is a big win for jobs, 401-K’s, and, frankly, EVERYONE! Our Country is doing great. Even killed long sought ISIS murderer, Al-Baghdadi. We are stronger than ever before, with GREAT upward potential. Enjoy!
However, Trump’s rushed decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria reportedly jeopardized military leaders’ carefully crafted plans to confront Baghdadi.
The New York Times reports:
For months, intelligence officials had kept Mr. Trump apprised of what he had set as a top priority, the hunt for Mr. al-Baghdadi, the world’s most wanted terrorist.
But Mr. Trump’s abrupt withdrawal order three weeks ago disrupted the meticulous planning underway and forced Pentagon officials to speed up the plan for the risky night raid before their ability to control troops, spies and reconnaissance aircraft disappeared with the pullout, the officials said.
Mr. al-Baghdadi’s death in the raid on Saturday, they said, occurred largely in spite of, and not because of, Mr. Trump’s actions.
As expected, the justice department has filed an appeal to challenge a judge’s ruling that DOJ officials must grant the House judiciary committee access to grand jury material previously redacted from special counsel Robert Mueller’s report.
The DOJ is also requesting a stay of the ruling until the matter is resolved, given that the previous judge ordered officials to hand over the material by Wednesday.
In a separate motion, the Justice Dept. is asking the judge to put the effect of his ruling on hold while it appeals, arguing that "once the information is disclosed, it cannot be recalled, and the confidentiality of the grand jury information will be lost for all time."
US district judge Beryl Howell ruled on Friday the DOJ was “wrong” to argue that existing law prevented the department from sharing the information with Congress.
Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House judiciary committee, issued a statement celebrating the “thoughtful ruling,” but legal experts warned that an appeal in the case was inevitable.
Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, called Charles Kupperman’s failure to testify in the impeachment inquiry “deeply regrettable” and suggested it “may warrant a contempt proceeding” against the former deputy national security adviser.
The California Democrat warned that the White House ordering Kupperman to ignore the congressional subpoena would be taken as “additional evidence of obstruction.”
Schiff added: “If this witness had something to say that would be helpful to the White House, they would want him to come and testify. They plainly don’t.”
The committee chairman also interestingly ruled out the possibility of going to court to compel Kupperman and other witnesses to testify. Schiff said: “We are not willing to let the White House engage us in a lengthy game of rope a dope in the courts, so we press ahead.”
In a bit of good news today, the military dog that was injured during the Baghdadi raid has recovered and “returned to duty,” according to a US official.
"The dog is fine and has returned to duty," a U.S. official said of the dog that was injured in the U.S. raid on Baghdadi's compound.
Trump said yesterday that the “beautiful” and “talented” dog had been injured in the raid after the Isis leader detonated a suicide vest.
However, doubts over the president’s account of Baghdadi’s final moments have intensified amid reports that the White House had only seen overhead surveillance footage of the raid at the time of Trump’s press conference yesterday.
Meanwhile, Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU, has appeared on Capitol Hill – reportedly to review the transcript from his deposition earlier this month.
AND Sondland here at Capitol — did not answer Qs on whether there was a quid pro quo pic.twitter.com/tL20lL9KxA
Reports indicate that Sondland’s testimony was contradicted by Bill Taylor, the acting US ambassador to Ukraine who said he was told Ukrainian military assistance was frozen to demand public announcements of investigations into Joe Biden and the 2016 election.
Some Democrats on the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry have accused Sondland of lying under oath, a claim that the ambassador’s lawyer has denied.
Charles Kupperman, the former deputy to John Bolton at the national security council, has officially declined to appear for his scheduled testimony in the impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Former Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Charles Kupperman is officially a no-show in response to his subpoena from the House Intelligence, Oversight and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Kupperman’s lawyer said in a letter last night to the House committees leading the inquiry that his client would not testify until a judge ruled on whether he should comply with the congressional subpoena or the White House order not to appear.
Here's the letter Charlie Kupperman's lawyer sent to the Hill yesterday explaining why he won't show today: pic.twitter.com/CksIW3jX6K
Just before departing for Chicago, Trump told reporters that some of the footage from the raid of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Syrian compound, which resulted in the Isis leader’s death, may be released.
Pres Trump says he's considering releasing some video of the raid that resulted in al-Baghdadi's death. Says may release certain parts of the raid. Speaking on the tarmac at Andrews before boarding Air Force One, says it was "a great weekend for the country." pic.twitter.com/fdma3JbPcE
The president also claimed that he did not give the House intelligence committee advance notice of the raid because the panel’s Democratic chairman, Adam Schiff, is “the biggest leaker in Washington.”
Meanwhile, doubts have grown over Trump’s account of Baghdadi’s final moments. The Guardian’s Michael Safi reports:
US officials who also watched the feed have declined to echo details of Trump’s macabre account of the Isis’s leader death on Saturday, including that Baghdadi was ‘whimpering, crying and screaming all the way’. ...
The White House monitored the Syria operation through video feeds that Trump said was ‘as though you were watching a movie’.
The footage piped into the situation room would have consisted of overhead surveillance shots of the dark compound with heat signatures differentiating between US fighters and others, intelligence and military officials told the New York Times.
Those cameras would not have been able to peer into the tunnel where Baghdadi died, nor provide audio proof of his conduct during the last minutes of his life.
The lawyer for Charles Kupperman, the former deputy national security adviser under John Bolton, reportedly said his client would not testify in the impeachment inquiry until a judge rules on whether he should comply with the congressional subpoena or the White House order not to appear.
NEW - In a letter obtained by @ABC to House Democrats - the attorney representing Charles Kupperman - the former deputy national security advisor - writes that until a federal judge rules on the White House’s efforts to block his clients testimony - there will be no deposition
This could delay Kupperman’s testimony significantly, given that no hearing has yet been scheduled in the case, per NBC News.
As we wait to see whether Charles Kupperman will appear for his deposition, @CharlieGileNBC reports that no hearing has been scheduled in the Kupperman case (the complaint for which was filed late Friday) and it hasn’t been assigned to a judge yet.
Good morning, live blog readers!
As Washington takes stock of an eventful weekend in foreign affairs and sports, the House impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump continues today with the testimony of another key witness – or at least that’s the plan.
Charles Kupperman, the former official who served as John Bolton’s deputy at the national security council, was subpoenaed to talk to House investigators this morning about Trump’s alleged efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and the 2016 election.
However, Kupperman filed a lawsuit on Friday seeking a judge’s ruling on whether he should comply with the congressional subpoena or the White House’s order to ignore the investigation because it is supposedly illegitimate.
It’s not yet clear whether Kupperman will arrive for his testimony, but House investigators sent him a letter Saturday warning that their subpoena “remains in full force” and that his potential absence “will constitute evidence that may be used against him in a contempt proceeding”.
But the House Democrats leading the inquiry may soon not even need Kupperman’s testimony. Reports emerged last week that Bolton is in talks to sit for a deposition with the committees leading the inquiry, and the former national security adviser may have even more insight into the Ukraine controversy than Kupperman does.
In an interview yesterday, Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, called Bolton “a very important witness” but warned that the White House would likely try to block his appearance before the panels.
Schiff added: “Obviously he has very relevant information, and we do want him to come in and testify.”
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:
Trump is traveling to Chicago for a speech at the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and fundraising events. He will fly back to Washington in time for the White House’s Halloween Party.
Mike Pence is speaking in Louisiana.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is appearing on “Late Night” with Seth Meyers.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.