This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/jan/22/donald-trump-impeachment-trial-news-today-senate-live

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 23 Version 24
Trump impeachment: Schiff says Trump tried to 'cheat' way to re-election – live Trump impeachment: Schiff says Trump tried to 'cheat' way to re-election – live
(32 minutes later)
House impeachment managers have 24 hours, spread over three days, to make their case before focus shifts to Trump’s legal teamHouse impeachment managers have 24 hours, spread over three days, to make their case before focus shifts to Trump’s legal team
Before the trial ended, Democrats asked for a classified piece of evidence to be made available for Senators to review.
Senate leader Mitch McConnell said the trial will resume at 1pm ET tomorrow. He and minority leader Chuck Schumer also thanked the Senate pages on the penultimate day of their term. Senators gave the pages a standing ovation.
Winding down today’s arguments, Schiff said the impeachment managers will be back tomorrow to present their first article of impeachment against Donald Trump: abuse of power.
The asked senators to consider the risks that Trump administration officials took in testifying in the impeachment inquiry. “They risked everything — their careers,” Schiff said. “If they could show the courage, so can we,” he told lawmakers.
Referring to heavily redacted documents obtained by a FOIA yesterday, Adam Schiff said: “I’m sure if you could read under those redactions, it would be a very perfect email.”Referring to heavily redacted documents obtained by a FOIA yesterday, Adam Schiff said: “I’m sure if you could read under those redactions, it would be a very perfect email.”
The documents, which Schiff held up before the Senate, were released by the White House Office of Management and Budget after the watchdog group American Oversight made a “request for directives and communications that may relate to any effort to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate one of President Trump’s political opponents as part of an effort to give the president an electoral advantage.”The documents, which Schiff held up before the Senate, were released by the White House Office of Management and Budget after the watchdog group American Oversight made a “request for directives and communications that may relate to any effort to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate one of President Trump’s political opponents as part of an effort to give the president an electoral advantage.”
Senate Democrats brought an amendment yesterday to subpoena the OMB, but it was voted down along party lines — as was every other efffort to subpoena evidence.Senate Democrats brought an amendment yesterday to subpoena the OMB, but it was voted down along party lines — as was every other efffort to subpoena evidence.
Schiff once again played a clip of Donald Trump publicly calling for Ukraine and China to investigate Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. “Give him credit for being so obvious,” Schiff said of the president.Schiff once again played a clip of Donald Trump publicly calling for Ukraine and China to investigate Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. “Give him credit for being so obvious,” Schiff said of the president.
This is the second time Schiff has played that clip today, emphasizing that Trump’s own words are part of the case House Democrats have built against Trump.This is the second time Schiff has played that clip today, emphasizing that Trump’s own words are part of the case House Democrats have built against Trump.
One senator bowed out early: 86-year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has reportedly left the Capitol. Senators are expected to remain for the entirety of arguments, but as the oldest member of the Senate Feinstein may get a pass for seeing herself home an hour the presentations are scheduled to end.One senator bowed out early: 86-year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has reportedly left the Capitol. Senators are expected to remain for the entirety of arguments, but as the oldest member of the Senate Feinstein may get a pass for seeing herself home an hour the presentations are scheduled to end.
It’s unclear the extent to which the hours of presentations. Yesterday, an average of 11m viewers tuned in during afternoon hours, and more than 7.5m watched during prime time, according to Nielsen Media Research.It’s unclear the extent to which the hours of presentations. Yesterday, an average of 11m viewers tuned in during afternoon hours, and more than 7.5m watched during prime time, according to Nielsen Media Research.
The Washington Post adds context:The Washington Post adds context:
Taking over from Adam Schiff, Zoe Lofgren thanked the senators for their patience. “This is a lot of information,” she said.Taking over from Adam Schiff, Zoe Lofgren thanked the senators for their patience. “This is a lot of information,” she said.
Then, the picked up where Adam Schiff left off, reconstructing a timeline of events that lead Congress to open an impeachment inquiry. Lofgren has caught us up till November 2019.Then, the picked up where Adam Schiff left off, reconstructing a timeline of events that lead Congress to open an impeachment inquiry. Lofgren has caught us up till November 2019.
If you’re a bit lost, look up The Guardian’s timeline of key events:If you’re a bit lost, look up The Guardian’s timeline of key events:
Referring to ambassador Gordon Sondland’s notes of his phone call with Bill Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine, Adam Schiff told senators: “They’re yours for the asking.”Referring to ambassador Gordon Sondland’s notes of his phone call with Bill Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine, Adam Schiff told senators: “They’re yours for the asking.”
“Demand those notes’ Schiff said. “Demand to see the truth.”“Demand those notes’ Schiff said. “Demand to see the truth.”
He continued: “Maybe those notes say no quid pro quo. Maybe those notes say it’s a perfect call. I’d like to see them.”He continued: “Maybe those notes say no quid pro quo. Maybe those notes say it’s a perfect call. I’d like to see them.”
Schiff reviewed what House investigators do know, and read out text messages between Sondland and Taylor. When Taylor grew worried about why the US was withholding congressionally-approved military assistance to Ukraine, he texted Sondland.Schiff reviewed what House investigators do know, and read out text messages between Sondland and Taylor. When Taylor grew worried about why the US was withholding congressionally-approved military assistance to Ukraine, he texted Sondland.
“Are we now saying that security assistance and WH meeting are conditioned on investigations?” asked Taylor.“Are we now saying that security assistance and WH meeting are conditioned on investigations?” asked Taylor.
“Call me,” Sondland replied.“Call me,” Sondland replied.
Lead impeachment manager Adam Schiff once again appealed to senators to call more witnesses — especially national security adviser John Bolton.Lead impeachment manager Adam Schiff once again appealed to senators to call more witnesses — especially national security adviser John Bolton.
“What did Bolton know about the freeze in aid?” Schiff asked, rhetorically. “He’s there for your asking.”“What did Bolton know about the freeze in aid?” Schiff asked, rhetorically. “He’s there for your asking.”
Schiff also contested claims by Donald Trump and his allies that Ukraine never felt any pressure to announce an investigation.Schiff also contested claims by Donald Trump and his allies that Ukraine never felt any pressure to announce an investigation.
“We’re to believe they felt no pressure? Folks, they’re at war, and they’re being told you’re not getting $400m in aid,” Schiff said. “That’s $400m of pressure.”“We’re to believe they felt no pressure? Folks, they’re at war, and they’re being told you’re not getting $400m in aid,” Schiff said. “That’s $400m of pressure.”
A reminder that Gordon Sondland, whose testimony is being heavily featured in Adam Schiff’s presentation, is still the US ambassador to the European UnionA reminder that Gordon Sondland, whose testimony is being heavily featured in Adam Schiff’s presentation, is still the US ambassador to the European Union
In a public hearing, Sondland said Trump had conditioned a White House meeting with the Ukranian president on him making an announcement that Ukraine was investigating Trump’s political rivals, including Joe Biden. “Was there a quid pro quo?” Sondland testified. “The answer is yes.”In a public hearing, Sondland said Trump had conditioned a White House meeting with the Ukranian president on him making an announcement that Ukraine was investigating Trump’s political rivals, including Joe Biden. “Was there a quid pro quo?” Sondland testified. “The answer is yes.”
The trial has resumed after a brief dinner break.The trial has resumed after a brief dinner break.
Impeachment manager Adam Schiff said he expects to continue for another two or two and a half hours. He has begun by reviewing events following the July 25 phone call between Donald Trump and Voldodmyr Zelensky, detailing efforts by Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani to pressure Ukrainian officials.Impeachment manager Adam Schiff said he expects to continue for another two or two and a half hours. He has begun by reviewing events following the July 25 phone call between Donald Trump and Voldodmyr Zelensky, detailing efforts by Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani to pressure Ukrainian officials.
More than five hours of hearing impeachment managers presenting their case against Donald Trump has not compelled Republican senators to subpoena witnesses and testimony.More than five hours of hearing impeachment managers presenting their case against Donald Trump has not compelled Republican senators to subpoena witnesses and testimony.
The impeachment brief “says the information is overwhelming, the facts are overwhelming,” said John Barrasso, a Republican senator from Wyoming. “Then present it and let’s vote.” Speaking to reporters in the basement of the Capitol, Barrasso said there’s no need to consider any new evidence.The impeachment brief “says the information is overwhelming, the facts are overwhelming,” said John Barrasso, a Republican senator from Wyoming. “Then present it and let’s vote.” Speaking to reporters in the basement of the Capitol, Barrasso said there’s no need to consider any new evidence.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, said he would want to hear from one additional witness: Joe Biden’s son Hunter. “The need for the senate to hear the testimony of Hunter Biden... has become all the more relevant,” he told reporters.Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, said he would want to hear from one additional witness: Joe Biden’s son Hunter. “The need for the senate to hear the testimony of Hunter Biden... has become all the more relevant,” he told reporters.
But the same senators who denied the need to subpoena any additional evidence complained that the impeachment managers’ were repeating themselves. Barrasso said he heard “nothing new” presented today. Cruz echoed: “Just a few hours into their opening argument, they’re already repeating the same point for 13 hours yesterday.”But the same senators who denied the need to subpoena any additional evidence complained that the impeachment managers’ were repeating themselves. Barrasso said he heard “nothing new” presented today. Cruz echoed: “Just a few hours into their opening argument, they’re already repeating the same point for 13 hours yesterday.”
Bad news for some peacocks, pigs, hamsters - and catsBad news for some peacocks, pigs, hamsters - and cats
Thr trial has paused for a 30-minute dinner break.Thr trial has paused for a 30-minute dinner break.
This other news: the Department of Transportation is proposing a ban on emotional support animals on planes, except for dogs.This other news: the Department of Transportation is proposing a ban on emotional support animals on planes, except for dogs.
In the pecking order of feathered and furry friends, it seems canines win out for a space in the cabin, rather than being in the hold or left at the gate.In the pecking order of feathered and furry friends, it seems canines win out for a space in the cabin, rather than being in the hold or left at the gate.
Airlines would no longer be required to accommodate travelers who want to fly with emotional support animals such as pigs, cats and rabbits, under new rules proposed by the US DoT today, the Washington Post has just reported.Airlines would no longer be required to accommodate travelers who want to fly with emotional support animals such as pigs, cats and rabbits, under new rules proposed by the US DoT today, the Washington Post has just reported.
The proposed rules, years in the making, narrow the definition of service animal to dogs that have received individualized training to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, the Post continues.The proposed rules, years in the making, narrow the definition of service animal to dogs that have received individualized training to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, the Post continues.
There is time allocated now for public comments to the government - I’m sure they can expect a cacophony of barking, yowling, howling, squeaking and shrieking, as well as purring from passengers who don’t want a kitty under the seat next to them.There is time allocated now for public comments to the government - I’m sure they can expect a cacophony of barking, yowling, howling, squeaking and shrieking, as well as purring from passengers who don’t want a kitty under the seat next to them.
This could lead to fewer accounts of unfortunate experiences for individuals such as Pebbles the hamster, Dexter the peacock or Flirty the mini horse, and others.This could lead to fewer accounts of unfortunate experiences for individuals such as Pebbles the hamster, Dexter the peacock or Flirty the mini horse, and others.
A protestor briefly interrupted the trialA protestor briefly interrupted the trial
Here’s what the senators are up toHere’s what the senators are up to
As impeachment managers carry on, taking turns laying out a detailed case against Donald Trump, the senators are taking notes — or not. They’re sitting at their desks, they’re pacing, they’re drinking milk and filling crossword puzzles.As impeachment managers carry on, taking turns laying out a detailed case against Donald Trump, the senators are taking notes — or not. They’re sitting at their desks, they’re pacing, they’re drinking milk and filling crossword puzzles.
The rules also say lawmakers should refrain from talking, but reporters at the trial have spotted a few whispered conversations.The rules also say lawmakers should refrain from talking, but reporters at the trial have spotted a few whispered conversations.
Another convention, if not an explicit rule, is that senators can’t eat, but can drink water or milk while in the chamber. Senator Tom Cotton seems to be making the most of it (milking it, we could say).Another convention, if not an explicit rule, is that senators can’t eat, but can drink water or milk while in the chamber. Senator Tom Cotton seems to be making the most of it (milking it, we could say).
Among the senators that seem to be sitting tight are progressive presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. But there appears to be a subtle philosophical difference between the two liberal 2020 competitors.Among the senators that seem to be sitting tight are progressive presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. But there appears to be a subtle philosophical difference between the two liberal 2020 competitors.
Warren seems to have a system for her notes:Warren seems to have a system for her notes:
Sanders isn’t big into note-taking:Sanders isn’t big into note-taking:
As the impeachment managers carry on, presenting their case against Donald Trump, the president has announced all sorts of new plans, policies, and programs that on any other day, may have dominated the news cycle.As the impeachment managers carry on, presenting their case against Donald Trump, the president has announced all sorts of new plans, policies, and programs that on any other day, may have dominated the news cycle.
Speaking with reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump announced that he intends to expand his controversial travel ban. “We’re adding a couple of countries to it. We have to be safe,” he said. “You see what’s going on in the world. Our country has to be safe.” According to the AP, anonymous officials familiar with the matter said seven countries were added to a draft of the proposed restrictions: Belarus, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. “It’s going to be announced very shortly. Okay?” the president teased.Speaking with reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump announced that he intends to expand his controversial travel ban. “We’re adding a couple of countries to it. We have to be safe,” he said. “You see what’s going on in the world. Our country has to be safe.” According to the AP, anonymous officials familiar with the matter said seven countries were added to a draft of the proposed restrictions: Belarus, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. “It’s going to be announced very shortly. Okay?” the president teased.
In an interview with CNBC, Trump actively reached for what has long been the third rail of politics, indicating a willingness to revamp Social Security and Medicare. Trump said that entitlement programs are “ the easiest of all things” to tackle.In an interview with CNBC, Trump actively reached for what has long been the third rail of politics, indicating a willingness to revamp Social Security and Medicare. Trump said that entitlement programs are “ the easiest of all things” to tackle.
The president also revealed plans to speak at an anti-abortion demonstration on Friday, organized by the group March for Life. He will be the first president to attend a March for Life event — though this isn’t the first time he’s endorsed the group. He addressed anti-abortion demonstrators via telecast in 2018.The president also revealed plans to speak at an anti-abortion demonstration on Friday, organized by the group March for Life. He will be the first president to attend a March for Life event — though this isn’t the first time he’s endorsed the group. He addressed anti-abortion demonstrators via telecast in 2018.
Donald Trump put out 132 tweets and retweets as of 4:45 pm ET today, setting a record for the most of any single day since he became president.Donald Trump put out 132 tweets and retweets as of 4:45 pm ET today, setting a record for the most of any single day since he became president.
Most of the messages were retweets from supporters, including Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the GOP, and senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.Most of the messages were retweets from supporters, including Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the GOP, and senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.