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Impeachment trial live updates: Trump team resumes defense amid fallout from new report on Bolton’s claim on withholding military aid from Ukraine Impeachment trial live updates: Trump team resumes defense amid fallout from new report on Bolton’s claim on withholding military aid from Ukraine
(32 minutes later)
President Trump’s legal team resumed its defense Monday in his Senate trial amid growing calls to hear testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton. The calls have been prompted by a report that Bolton’s book manuscript says Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of Joe Biden and his son.President Trump’s legal team resumed its defense Monday in his Senate trial amid growing calls to hear testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton. The calls have been prompted by a report that Bolton’s book manuscript says Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of Joe Biden and his son.
The defense team, led by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal attorney Jay Sekulow, offered a preview of its case in an abbreviated session on Saturday in which it argued that Trump had valid reasons for withholding military aid from Ukraine and that House prosecutors overlooked facts more favorable to him.The defense team, led by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal attorney Jay Sekulow, offered a preview of its case in an abbreviated session on Saturday in which it argued that Trump had valid reasons for withholding military aid from Ukraine and that House prosecutors overlooked facts more favorable to him.
The crux of House Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, while his father was vice president. Trump’s attorneys are expected to argue that the president was justified in seeking the investigation because of a history of corruption involving the company.The crux of House Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, while his father was vice president. Trump’s attorneys are expected to argue that the president was justified in seeking the investigation because of a history of corruption involving the company.
●Key GOP senators say reports on Bolton book bolster case for witnesses in impeachment trial.●Key GOP senators say reports on Bolton book bolster case for witnesses in impeachment trial.
●Trump denies telling Bolton that Ukraine aid was tied to investigations as explosive book that claims otherwise leaks.●Trump denies telling Bolton that Ukraine aid was tied to investigations as explosive book that claims otherwise leaks.
●Trump says he was concerned about corruption in Ukraine. The evidence indicates he was focused on Biden.●Trump says he was concerned about corruption in Ukraine. The evidence indicates he was focused on Biden.
The Senate impeachment trial process | The impeachment managers |Which senators support removing Trump | Trump’s legal team brief | House Democrats’ responseThe Senate impeachment trial process | The impeachment managers |Which senators support removing Trump | Trump’s legal team brief | House Democrats’ response
Harvard Law emeritus professor Alan Dershowitz began his constitutional argument in defense of Trump just before 8 p.m. on Monday, adding impeachment to the list of nationally televised news events that have defined his career.
Dershowitz became one of the biggest legal celebrities of the 1990s when he advised the defense team in football star O.J. Simpson’s murder trial.
In the mid-2000s, he was part of Jeffrey Epstein’s legal team when the wealthy investor was under investigation on suspicion of child prostitution. The convicted sex offender was found dead in his jail cell last year in an apparent suicide.
Dershowitz’s friendship with Epstein has produced a war of lawsuits and countersuits, and the legal drama has at times overshadowed the 81-year-old’s legacy as one of America’s best-known courtroom stars.
As part of the defense team during Simpson’s trial, he was a constant presence in American living rooms. But by then, he was already a household name, immortalized on the big screen in the film “Reversal of Fortune,” which documented his successful appeal of socialite Claus von Bulow’s conviction for the attempted murder of his wealthy wife.
Read more about Dershowitz and other recent additions to Trump’s legal team here.
Late on Friday night, Republican senators declared themselves outraged after Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) suggested, based on an anonymous media report, that the White House had threatened to put their heads “on a pike” if they voted against Trump on impeachment.Late on Friday night, Republican senators declared themselves outraged after Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) suggested, based on an anonymous media report, that the White House had threatened to put their heads “on a pike” if they voted against Trump on impeachment.
On Monday, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) suggested Republicans could stand to watch their words, too, after Trump defense lawyer Kenneth W. Starr compared impeachment to war in his afternoon Senate argument.On Monday, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) suggested Republicans could stand to watch their words, too, after Trump defense lawyer Kenneth W. Starr compared impeachment to war in his afternoon Senate argument.
“Like war, impeachment is hell,” Starr said, adding that “a presidential impeachment is tantamount to domestic war ... a war of words and a war of ideas. But it’s filled with acrimony and it divides the country like nothing else.”“Like war, impeachment is hell,” Starr said, adding that “a presidential impeachment is tantamount to domestic war ... a war of words and a war of ideas. But it’s filled with acrimony and it divides the country like nothing else.”
Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran who lost her legs in a 2004 helicopter crash, said she was “very offended” by the comparison but said it would not color her judgment of the White House case.Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran who lost her legs in a 2004 helicopter crash, said she was “very offended” by the comparison but said it would not color her judgment of the White House case.
“Let me tell you: Sitting in a nice room where pages bring you water is not the same as being at war,” she said. “But I’m not going to let my personal feelings of being offended by his lack of empathy for our troops — I’m not going to let that stop me from being an impartial juror.”“Let me tell you: Sitting in a nice room where pages bring you water is not the same as being at war,” she said. “But I’m not going to let my personal feelings of being offended by his lack of empathy for our troops — I’m not going to let that stop me from being an impartial juror.”
One of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), warned Senate Republicans of political repercussions Monday if they vote against the president in the impeachment trial.One of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), warned Senate Republicans of political repercussions Monday if they vote against the president in the impeachment trial.
In a CBS interview with four House Republicans helping Trump’s defense team, host Norah O’Donnell asked Meadows if his colleagues would face blowback for breaking with Trump.In a CBS interview with four House Republicans helping Trump’s defense team, host Norah O’Donnell asked Meadows if his colleagues would face blowback for breaking with Trump.
“Yeah, I do,” Meadows said. “I mean, listen, I don’t want to speak for my Senate colleagues. But there are always political repercussions for every vote you take. There is no vote that is higher-profile than this.”“Yeah, I do,” Meadows said. “I mean, listen, I don’t want to speak for my Senate colleagues. But there are always political repercussions for every vote you take. There is no vote that is higher-profile than this.”
The comments came as another Senate Republican, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, told his colleagues during a lunch on Monday that he may be open to calling witnesses. Democrats need four Republicans to vote with them to seek further testimony, and Toomey could become the fourth if Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) also vote yes.The comments came as another Senate Republican, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, told his colleagues during a lunch on Monday that he may be open to calling witnesses. Democrats need four Republicans to vote with them to seek further testimony, and Toomey could become the fourth if Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) also vote yes.
The White House and Senate GOP leaders have tried to tamp down any movement in that direction, preferring to end the trial as soon as possible. But other Republicans, including Meadows, appear to be cranking up the pressure on their GOP colleagues in a more public way.The White House and Senate GOP leaders have tried to tamp down any movement in that direction, preferring to end the trial as soon as possible. But other Republicans, including Meadows, appear to be cranking up the pressure on their GOP colleagues in a more public way.
Meadow’s warning came just hours after newly appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) accused Romney on Twitter of trying to “appease the left” with his push for witnesses in a trial.Meadow’s warning came just hours after newly appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) accused Romney on Twitter of trying to “appease the left” with his push for witnesses in a trial.
It also follows an explosion of Senate GOP outrage after Schiff referred to an allegation that the White House conveyed to Republicans that their heads would be “on a pike” if they vote to remove Trump. Republicans have said they have never been threatened by the president, though Trump has lashed out at members of his own party in the past.It also follows an explosion of Senate GOP outrage after Schiff referred to an allegation that the White House conveyed to Republicans that their heads would be “on a pike” if they vote to remove Trump. Republicans have said they have never been threatened by the president, though Trump has lashed out at members of his own party in the past.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) wondered aloud if Monday’s presentations by Trump’s legal team will sway Iowa voters against Biden at next week’s Democratic caucuses.Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) wondered aloud if Monday’s presentations by Trump’s legal team will sway Iowa voters against Biden at next week’s Democratic caucuses.
The remark pointed to conservative Republicans’ dual hopes for the Senate impeachment trial — that it will both vindicate Trump and undermine the former vice president.The remark pointed to conservative Republicans’ dual hopes for the Senate impeachment trial — that it will both vindicate Trump and undermine the former vice president.
“Iowa caucuses are this next Monday evening,” Ernst told reporters during a dinner break on Capitol Hill. “And I’m really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters, those Democratic caucusgoers. Will they be supporting Vice President Biden at this point?”“Iowa caucuses are this next Monday evening,” Ernst told reporters during a dinner break on Capitol Hill. “And I’m really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters, those Democratic caucusgoers. Will they be supporting Vice President Biden at this point?”
Ernst appeared to say that she was “not certain” they would.Ernst appeared to say that she was “not certain” they would.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) dismissed the relevations from Bolton as irrelevant to the Senate trial during Monday evening’s dinner break.Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) dismissed the relevations from Bolton as irrelevant to the Senate trial during Monday evening’s dinner break.
Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Cruz was asked if there was “any logical reason not to have Bolton testify.” The senator responded by saying the afternoon had been “devastating” to the House’s case and again raised unfounded allegations of corruption against the Bidens.Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Cruz was asked if there was “any logical reason not to have Bolton testify.” The senator responded by saying the afternoon had been “devastating” to the House’s case and again raised unfounded allegations of corruption against the Bidens.
“I get that the press loves to obsess over the latest bombshell,” Cruz said when asked again about Bolton. “Listen, I don’t know what John Bolton’s book says or doesn’t say. I’ve seen the New York Times coverage, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t impact the legal issue before this Senate.”“I get that the press loves to obsess over the latest bombshell,” Cruz said when asked again about Bolton. “Listen, I don’t know what John Bolton’s book says or doesn’t say. I’ve seen the New York Times coverage, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t impact the legal issue before this Senate.”
Cruz said the “legal issue” is “whether a president has the authority to investigate corruption,” returning to Republicans’ talking point that Trump was merely seeking to fight corruption when he asked for investigations into the Bidens, not trying to undercut a potential 2020 rival.Cruz said the “legal issue” is “whether a president has the authority to investigate corruption,” returning to Republicans’ talking point that Trump was merely seeking to fight corruption when he asked for investigations into the Bidens, not trying to undercut a potential 2020 rival.
Biden’s campaign released a statement in response to a suggestion, presented without evidence, by Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general defending Trump, that Biden pushed for a Ukrainian prosecutor’s firing to benefit his son, who was serving on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma at the time.Biden’s campaign released a statement in response to a suggestion, presented without evidence, by Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general defending Trump, that Biden pushed for a Ukrainian prosecutor’s firing to benefit his son, who was serving on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma at the time.
“Here on Planet Earth, the conspiracy theory that Bondi repeated has been conclusively refuted,” Andrew Bates, the Biden campaign’s rapid-response director, said in a statement emailed to reporters.“Here on Planet Earth, the conspiracy theory that Bondi repeated has been conclusively refuted,” Andrew Bates, the Biden campaign’s rapid-response director, said in a statement emailed to reporters.
“The New York Times calls it ‘debunked,’ The Wall Street Journal calls it ‘discredited,’ the AP calls it ‘incorrect,’ and The Washington Post Fact Checker calls it ‘a fountain of falsehoods.’ The diplomat that Trump himself appointed to lead his Ukraine policy has blasted it as ‘self serving’ and ‘not credible.’ Joe Biden was instrumental to a bipartisan and international anti-corruption victory. It’s no surprise that such a thing is anathema to President Trump.”“The New York Times calls it ‘debunked,’ The Wall Street Journal calls it ‘discredited,’ the AP calls it ‘incorrect,’ and The Washington Post Fact Checker calls it ‘a fountain of falsehoods.’ The diplomat that Trump himself appointed to lead his Ukraine policy has blasted it as ‘self serving’ and ‘not credible.’ Joe Biden was instrumental to a bipartisan and international anti-corruption victory. It’s no surprise that such a thing is anathema to President Trump.”
Bondi strongly suggested that Biden pushed for the firing of Ukraine’s top prosecutor because Ukrainian authorities were probing the owner of the gas company that placed Hunter Biden on its board at the time.Bondi strongly suggested that Biden pushed for the firing of Ukraine’s top prosecutor because Ukrainian authorities were probing the owner of the gas company that placed Hunter Biden on its board at the time.
Bondi left out that a broad coalition of U.S. and Western officials began pushing for the removal of the top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because his office was failing to uphold pledges by the new pro-Western government to reform the office and prosecute former high-level officials in the circle of ousted President Viktor Yanukovych.Bondi left out that a broad coalition of U.S. and Western officials began pushing for the removal of the top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because his office was failing to uphold pledges by the new pro-Western government to reform the office and prosecute former high-level officials in the circle of ousted President Viktor Yanukovych.
Shokin’s office also had been enmeshed in a scandal that became known as the “diamond prosecutors” affair, in which top officials were allegedly caught with stashes of diamonds and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash — a controversy that received widespread media attention in Ukraine.Shokin’s office also had been enmeshed in a scandal that became known as the “diamond prosecutors” affair, in which top officials were allegedly caught with stashes of diamonds and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash — a controversy that received widespread media attention in Ukraine.
The push for reform at the Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office — starting with the removal of Shokin — became U.S. policy at the time and a condition for further aid. It also received support from a number of members of Congress, including Republicans. Because Biden was the face of U.S. policy toward Ukraine, he pressed the demand with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.The push for reform at the Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office — starting with the removal of Shokin — became U.S. policy at the time and a condition for further aid. It also received support from a number of members of Congress, including Republicans. Because Biden was the face of U.S. policy toward Ukraine, he pressed the demand with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
“It wasn’t me taking on Shokin. It was the United States government,” former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt told the Kyiv Post in July 2016. “The conditionality of getting rid of Shokin was an important step to at least opening the door to reform the prosecutor’s office.”“It wasn’t me taking on Shokin. It was the United States government,” former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt told the Kyiv Post in July 2016. “The conditionality of getting rid of Shokin was an important step to at least opening the door to reform the prosecutor’s office.”
Pyatt told the Kyiv Post that the U.S. law enforcement agents assigned to help reform Shokin’s office “were basically locked out.” He added: “An inner corps in the prosecutor’s office was a) not interested in pursuing justice and b) not going to do anything that was going to compromise relationships with key political personalities.”Pyatt told the Kyiv Post that the U.S. law enforcement agents assigned to help reform Shokin’s office “were basically locked out.” He added: “An inner corps in the prosecutor’s office was a) not interested in pursuing justice and b) not going to do anything that was going to compromise relationships with key political personalities.”
Pyatt said that two ex-prosecutors, David Sakvarelidze and Vitaly Kasko, who were brought in as reformers, were driven out by a “corrupt cabal around Shokin.”Pyatt said that two ex-prosecutors, David Sakvarelidze and Vitaly Kasko, who were brought in as reformers, were driven out by a “corrupt cabal around Shokin.”
“There are no illusions about what’s happened there, because we saw it from the inside,” Pyatt said.“There are no illusions about what’s happened there, because we saw it from the inside,” Pyatt said.
Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company owned by former Ukrainian ecology minister Mykola Zlochevsky, from 2014 to 2019.Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company owned by former Ukrainian ecology minister Mykola Zlochevsky, from 2014 to 2019.
Shokin, who was fired in early 2016, has said he believes he was ousted by the former vice president because he was investigating Zlochevsky, who has denied wrongdoing.Shokin, who was fired in early 2016, has said he believes he was ousted by the former vice president because he was investigating Zlochevsky, who has denied wrongdoing.
There was little indication that the investigations of Zlochevsky during Shokin’s tenure were progressing to trial. Zlochevsky was among a group of former Yanukovych-era officials whom anti-corruption activists wanted to see the prosecutor’s office bring to justice — and they criticized the office’s failure to do so.There was little indication that the investigations of Zlochevsky during Shokin’s tenure were progressing to trial. Zlochevsky was among a group of former Yanukovych-era officials whom anti-corruption activists wanted to see the prosecutor’s office bring to justice — and they criticized the office’s failure to do so.
In a statement to The Post last year, Hunter Biden said, “At no time have I discussed with my father the company’s business or my board service.” At an appearance in Iowa, Joe Biden said, “I have never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings.”In a statement to The Post last year, Hunter Biden said, “At no time have I discussed with my father the company’s business or my board service.” At an appearance in Iowa, Joe Biden said, “I have never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings.”
The former vice president has denied being motivated by anything other than U.S. policy in pushing for Shokin’s removal.The former vice president has denied being motivated by anything other than U.S. policy in pushing for Shokin’s removal.
A group of White House and private lawyers is defending Trump during the Senate trial, trying to convince at least 34 of the 100 senators that the president should be acquitted on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. That would put Trump just shy of the 67 senators that the Constitution requires to convict him and remove him from office.A group of White House and private lawyers is defending Trump during the Senate trial, trying to convince at least 34 of the 100 senators that the president should be acquitted on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. That would put Trump just shy of the 67 senators that the Constitution requires to convict him and remove him from office.
The team is led by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, who advised the president in an outside role during the 2016 debates and, later, during special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s Russia investigation. Cipollone became White House counsel in December 2018, but is a corporate lawyer by trade. He worked for Attorney General William P. Barr when Barr held that job in the George H.W. Bush administration, and has a close relationship to Trump.The team is led by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, who advised the president in an outside role during the 2016 debates and, later, during special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s Russia investigation. Cipollone became White House counsel in December 2018, but is a corporate lawyer by trade. He worked for Attorney General William P. Barr when Barr held that job in the George H.W. Bush administration, and has a close relationship to Trump.
Read more about the lawyers here.Read more about the lawyers here.
Trump’s legal team delivered on its promise to turn its attention to Hunter Biden and whether his role on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma gave the president good reason to ask Ukrainian officials to investigate.Trump’s legal team delivered on its promise to turn its attention to Hunter Biden and whether his role on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma gave the president good reason to ask Ukrainian officials to investigate.
Former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi laid out a detailed chronology of Hunter Biden’s five years on the board, and argued that it dovetailed with the official actions of his father, former vice president Joe Biden, in Ukraine, as well as the campaign to oust former prosecutor general Viktor Shokin over corruption allegations.Former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi laid out a detailed chronology of Hunter Biden’s five years on the board, and argued that it dovetailed with the official actions of his father, former vice president Joe Biden, in Ukraine, as well as the campaign to oust former prosecutor general Viktor Shokin over corruption allegations.
Bondi relied heavily on illustrating the concurrent timeline of events, noting how many days transpired between Shokin’s ouster and the elder Biden’s announcements that the United States would provide security assistance to Ukraine. She used several clips from mainstream newspapers and television stations about Hunter Biden’s Burisma connections to reinforce the idea that there was legitimate reason to scrutinize his hefty monthly paycheck, and played video clips from witnesses in the impeachment inquiry who testified that they found Hunter Biden’s role on the Burisma board troubling.Bondi relied heavily on illustrating the concurrent timeline of events, noting how many days transpired between Shokin’s ouster and the elder Biden’s announcements that the United States would provide security assistance to Ukraine. She used several clips from mainstream newspapers and television stations about Hunter Biden’s Burisma connections to reinforce the idea that there was legitimate reason to scrutinize his hefty monthly paycheck, and played video clips from witnesses in the impeachment inquiry who testified that they found Hunter Biden’s role on the Burisma board troubling.
Though Bondi provided no concrete proof that Joe Biden’s actions vis-a-vis Ukraine were influenced by trying to advantage his son, that did not seem to be the ultimate goal of raising questions about the motivations behind the Bidens’ activities.Though Bondi provided no concrete proof that Joe Biden’s actions vis-a-vis Ukraine were influenced by trying to advantage his son, that did not seem to be the ultimate goal of raising questions about the motivations behind the Bidens’ activities.
“All we are saying is that there was a basis to talk about this, to raise this issue,” Bondi said at the close of her presentation.“All we are saying is that there was a basis to talk about this, to raise this issue,” Bondi said at the close of her presentation.
For Hunter Biden, the job on the board of an obscure Ukrainian gas company came with risks: Ukraine was in the throes of political upheaval, and there was growing scrutiny of former government officials profiting in the lucrative gas industry. At the same time, Joe Biden was the face of the Obama administration’s effort to get Ukraine to crack down on corruption.For Hunter Biden, the job on the board of an obscure Ukrainian gas company came with risks: Ukraine was in the throes of political upheaval, and there was growing scrutiny of former government officials profiting in the lucrative gas industry. At the same time, Joe Biden was the face of the Obama administration’s effort to get Ukraine to crack down on corruption.
Today, Hunter Biden’s decision to get involved with Burisma is part of the backdrop of the Senate impeachment trial.Today, Hunter Biden’s decision to get involved with Burisma is part of the backdrop of the Senate impeachment trial.
No evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the Bidens has surfaced. The primary allegation of Trump attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani — that Joe Biden pushed for the firing of Ukraine’s top prosecutor to quash a probe into Burisma owner Mykola Zlochevsky — is not substantiated and has been widely disputed by former U.S. officials and Ukrainian anti-corruption activists.No evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the Bidens has surfaced. The primary allegation of Trump attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani — that Joe Biden pushed for the firing of Ukraine’s top prosecutor to quash a probe into Burisma owner Mykola Zlochevsky — is not substantiated and has been widely disputed by former U.S. officials and Ukrainian anti-corruption activists.
Still, Hunter Biden’s decision to associate himself with the company has raised an uncomfortable question the Biden campaign is struggling to explain: Why didn’t the vice president take steps to head off a perceived conflict of interest between his efforts to crack down on corruption in Ukraine and his son’s work for a gas tycoon investigated for abusing his position as a government official?Still, Hunter Biden’s decision to associate himself with the company has raised an uncomfortable question the Biden campaign is struggling to explain: Why didn’t the vice president take steps to head off a perceived conflict of interest between his efforts to crack down on corruption in Ukraine and his son’s work for a gas tycoon investigated for abusing his position as a government official?
Read more of this story here.Read more of this story here.
Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.), an influential conservative in the Senate, has spoken with several colleagues in recent days about possibly summoning just two witnesses to Trump’s impeachment trial, with one called by Republicans and one by Democrats, according to three Republican officials.Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.), an influential conservative in the Senate, has spoken with several colleagues in recent days about possibly summoning just two witnesses to Trump’s impeachment trial, with one called by Republicans and one by Democrats, according to three Republican officials.
Toomey has confided to GOP senators that proposing a “one-for-one” deal with Senate Democrats may be necessary at some point, particularly with pressure mounting for witnesses to be called, according to the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. He has argued that such an arrangement could force Democrats to accept a Republican witness against their wishes or else risk having Republicans move ahead to acquit Trump, the officials said.Toomey has confided to GOP senators that proposing a “one-for-one” deal with Senate Democrats may be necessary at some point, particularly with pressure mounting for witnesses to be called, according to the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. He has argued that such an arrangement could force Democrats to accept a Republican witness against their wishes or else risk having Republicans move ahead to acquit Trump, the officials said.
Toomey has spoken about his idea with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and others, the officials added.Toomey has spoken about his idea with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and others, the officials added.
Read more of this story here.Read more of this story here.
What is Burisma? How does it relate to the Biden family? What are the allegations against Joe and Hunter Biden? And is there anything to them?What is Burisma? How does it relate to the Biden family? What are the allegations against Joe and Hunter Biden? And is there anything to them?
Trump’s legal team started to unpack these topics on the Senate floor Monday afternoon as part of their defense of the president in the impeachment trial.Trump’s legal team started to unpack these topics on the Senate floor Monday afternoon as part of their defense of the president in the impeachment trial.
Their argument is that Trump’s concerns about corruption involving the Bidens and Burisma — a Ukrainian gas company — were legitimate, and so were his efforts to secure an investigation into them.Their argument is that Trump’s concerns about corruption involving the Bidens and Burisma — a Ukrainian gas company — were legitimate, and so were his efforts to secure an investigation into them.
But if the Democrats’ argument is built on a house of cards, what are the allegations against the Bidens built on?But if the Democrats’ argument is built on a house of cards, what are the allegations against the Bidens built on?
Read this explainer for an introduction.Read this explainer for an introduction.
Two high-ranking Senate Republicans predicted that the chamber will vote Friday on whether to call witnesses in the trial.Two high-ranking Senate Republicans predicted that the chamber will vote Friday on whether to call witnesses in the trial.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) announced the expected timetable in a tweet about parity between the two parties as they seek further testimony.Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) announced the expected timetable in a tweet about parity between the two parties as they seek further testimony.
“Although we won’t vote on additional witnesses in impeachment trial until Friday, House managers need to know that both sides will have same chance to identify potential witnesses to call. Obvious choices are Adam Schiff, Joe Biden and Hunter Biden for starters,” Cornyn wrote.“Although we won’t vote on additional witnesses in impeachment trial until Friday, House managers need to know that both sides will have same chance to identify potential witnesses to call. Obvious choices are Adam Schiff, Joe Biden and Hunter Biden for starters,” Cornyn wrote.
Republican Policy Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said a vote would take place Friday and that “we have a lot of action between now and then,” including the 16-hour question-and-answer period.Republican Policy Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said a vote would take place Friday and that “we have a lot of action between now and then,” including the 16-hour question-and-answer period.
Barrasso said he “didn’t hear anything new” at the Senate Republican lunch on the matter of witnesses, but echoed Cornyn’s comments about parity between the two sides.Barrasso said he “didn’t hear anything new” at the Senate Republican lunch on the matter of witnesses, but echoed Cornyn’s comments about parity between the two sides.
“There are folks who will stand and say that … this isn’t going to be a one-sided thing. If you bring in a John Bolton, you know, do you need to bring in Hunter Biden, the whistleblower, Joe Biden? Do you need to bring in Adam Schiff? So, if you go down the road of witnesses, then it’s going to be both sides are going to be questioned,” he said.“There are folks who will stand and say that … this isn’t going to be a one-sided thing. If you bring in a John Bolton, you know, do you need to bring in Hunter Biden, the whistleblower, Joe Biden? Do you need to bring in Adam Schiff? So, if you go down the road of witnesses, then it’s going to be both sides are going to be questioned,” he said.
The senator who attacked fellow Republican Mitt Romney (Utah) on Monday had donated $1.5 million with her husband to the senator’s 2012 presidential run after becoming friendly with him years ago.The senator who attacked fellow Republican Mitt Romney (Utah) on Monday had donated $1.5 million with her husband to the senator’s 2012 presidential run after becoming friendly with him years ago.
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Ga.) and her husband, Jeff Sprecher, made the contributions to the pro-Romney super PAC Restore Our Future, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. In a 2013 interview with Atlanta Magazine, Sprecher said that the couple got to know Romney and his wife “many, many years ago” and that the two couples had spent time at each other’s homes.Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Ga.) and her husband, Jeff Sprecher, made the contributions to the pro-Romney super PAC Restore Our Future, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. In a 2013 interview with Atlanta Magazine, Sprecher said that the couple got to know Romney and his wife “many, many years ago” and that the two couples had spent time at each other’s homes.
“Taking politics off the table, the Romneys are really lovely people, and well intended,” Sprecher said. “We’d never known anybody that was running for president and actually had a friendship with them! And so it was easy to support a friend.”“Taking politics off the table, the Romneys are really lovely people, and well intended,” Sprecher said. “We’d never known anybody that was running for president and actually had a friendship with them! And so it was easy to support a friend.”
The magazine reported that he turned to Loeffler and asked: “Is that fair?”The magazine reported that he turned to Loeffler and asked: “Is that fair?”
“Sure,” she responded.“Sure,” she responded.
Loeffler, who was appointed to the Senate last month by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), tweeted Monday that Romney wanted to “appease the left by calling witnesses who will slander the @realDonaldTrump during their 15 minutes of fame.”Loeffler, who was appointed to the Senate last month by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), tweeted Monday that Romney wanted to “appease the left by calling witnesses who will slander the @realDonaldTrump during their 15 minutes of fame.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the impeachment trial is unfolding “a little bit” like the Watergate scandal.Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the impeachment trial is unfolding “a little bit” like the Watergate scandal.
“Every few days, there’s another revelation and another revelation and another revelation, and the case gets stronger and stronger,” he said Monday during a break.“Every few days, there’s another revelation and another revelation and another revelation, and the case gets stronger and stronger,” he said Monday during a break.
The Democratic leader said the question of calling witnesses “looms large for the American people.”The Democratic leader said the question of calling witnesses “looms large for the American people.”
“If the president did nothing wrong, why is he afraid of evidence from witnesses and documents who were right at the scene? Nothing refutes that. Nothing,” Schumer said.“If the president did nothing wrong, why is he afraid of evidence from witnesses and documents who were right at the scene? Nothing refutes that. Nothing,” Schumer said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said that Trump’s legal team is operating within a “bubble of denial,” noting that none of the lawyers presenting to the Senate on Monday had mentioned Bolton.Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said that Trump’s legal team is operating within a “bubble of denial,” noting that none of the lawyers presenting to the Senate on Monday had mentioned Bolton.
“The rest of America is talking about John Bolton and not a single mention of him in this chamber,” Blumenthal said during a break in the trial. He described the lawyers as engaging in “a lot of highfalutin’ legal gimmickry and in my view, sophistry, and factual distortion and denial.”“The rest of America is talking about John Bolton and not a single mention of him in this chamber,” Blumenthal said during a break in the trial. He described the lawyers as engaging in “a lot of highfalutin’ legal gimmickry and in my view, sophistry, and factual distortion and denial.”
Blumenthal said that Senate Republicans’ “silence speaks volumes.”Blumenthal said that Senate Republicans’ “silence speaks volumes.”
“They are in a real twist right now,” he said. “They clearly recognize that Bolton and others are necessary. There’s no way they can put on blinders and say they can’t see anything.”“They are in a real twist right now,” he said. “They clearly recognize that Bolton and others are necessary. There’s no way they can put on blinders and say they can’t see anything.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had no advance notice of the revelations in former national security adviser John Bolton’s forthcoming book, a spokesman said Monday.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had no advance notice of the revelations in former national security adviser John Bolton’s forthcoming book, a spokesman said Monday.
The New York Times reported Sunday night that the book claims Trump directly tied military aid to Ukraine to probes of the Bidens, a disclosure that roiled the Senate and blindsided several Senate Republicans.The New York Times reported Sunday night that the book claims Trump directly tied military aid to Ukraine to probes of the Bidens, a disclosure that roiled the Senate and blindsided several Senate Republicans.
“The Leader did not have any advance notice,” the spokesman said.“The Leader did not have any advance notice,” the spokesman said.
Seeking to tamp down talk of calling witnesses, deputy White House counsel Patrick Philbin said the Senate should not “try to redo” the House impeachment inquiry, despite what he argued were errors and omissions.Seeking to tamp down talk of calling witnesses, deputy White House counsel Patrick Philbin said the Senate should not “try to redo” the House impeachment inquiry, despite what he argued were errors and omissions.
“The record that the House Democrats collected through that process already shows that the president did nothing wrong. It already exonerates the president,” Philbin said.“The record that the House Democrats collected through that process already shows that the president did nothing wrong. It already exonerates the president,” Philbin said.
Philbin, a former Justice Department official, said that seeking further evidence will have “institutional implications” for the Senate.Philbin, a former Justice Department official, said that seeking further evidence will have “institutional implications” for the Senate.
“There will be a lot more impeachments coming because it’s a lot easier to do an impeachment if you don’t have to follow due process and can come here and expect the Senate to do the work that the House didn’t do. I would submit that it is not the constitutional function of this chamber sitting as a court of impeachment,” he said.“There will be a lot more impeachments coming because it’s a lot easier to do an impeachment if you don’t have to follow due process and can come here and expect the Senate to do the work that the House didn’t do. I would submit that it is not the constitutional function of this chamber sitting as a court of impeachment,” he said.
As the president’s defense continued, Trump lawyer Jane Raskin tried to undercut the House presentation as lacking in evidence, and defended the actions of the president’s personal attorney, Rudolph W. Giuliani.As the president’s defense continued, Trump lawyer Jane Raskin tried to undercut the House presentation as lacking in evidence, and defended the actions of the president’s personal attorney, Rudolph W. Giuliani.
Raskin refuted the assertion from Democrats that Giuliani was “on a political mission” in his outreach to Ukraine, and said House prosecutors had only offered “presumptions, assumptions” about Giuliani’s motivations.Raskin refuted the assertion from Democrats that Giuliani was “on a political mission” in his outreach to Ukraine, and said House prosecutors had only offered “presumptions, assumptions” about Giuliani’s motivations.
“What evidence have House managers offered to support that?” she asked. “Virtually none. They just say it over and over.”“What evidence have House managers offered to support that?” she asked. “Virtually none. They just say it over and over.”
Giuliani, she argued, was instead doing what defense lawyers do: following a lead and gathering evidence to defend Trump in the investigation of former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 election.Giuliani, she argued, was instead doing what defense lawyers do: following a lead and gathering evidence to defend Trump in the investigation of former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Raskin defended Giuliani’s style even as she acknowledged that House managers — and some senators — may not like it.Raskin defended Giuliani’s style even as she acknowledged that House managers — and some senators — may not like it.
Giuliani, she said, is everything a defense lawyer is supposed to be: “outrageous, irreverent, blasphemous, a rogue and a renegade.”Giuliani, she said, is everything a defense lawyer is supposed to be: “outrageous, irreverent, blasphemous, a rogue and a renegade.”
Deputy White House counsel Mike Purpura argued that military aid to Ukraine was released Sept. 11 and that Trump met with the country’s president later that month in New York because the president’s concerns had been “addressed in the ordinary course.”Deputy White House counsel Mike Purpura argued that military aid to Ukraine was released Sept. 11 and that Trump met with the country’s president later that month in New York because the president’s concerns had been “addressed in the ordinary course.”
It was not because Trump was “caught” by the House, as the impeachment managers argue, Purpura said.It was not because Trump was “caught” by the House, as the impeachment managers argue, Purpura said.
“The managers are wrong” about the timeline, Trump’s lawyer said on the Senate floor, claiming that Democrats have “moved the goal posts.”“The managers are wrong” about the timeline, Trump’s lawyer said on the Senate floor, claiming that Democrats have “moved the goal posts.”
Military aid was released two days after House committees launched a wide-ranging investigation into “reported efforts” by Trump, his personal attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani and possibly others “to pressure the government of Ukraine to assist the president’s reelection campaign.”Military aid was released two days after House committees launched a wide-ranging investigation into “reported efforts” by Trump, his personal attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani and possibly others “to pressure the government of Ukraine to assist the president’s reelection campaign.”
The meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly took place Sept. 25, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced her support for an impeachment inquiry.The meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly took place Sept. 25, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced her support for an impeachment inquiry.
Trump’s team argues that his desire for Ukraine to investigate the Biden family reflected a concern about corruption, not a desire to undermine a potential 2020 rival.Trump’s team argues that his desire for Ukraine to investigate the Biden family reflected a concern about corruption, not a desire to undermine a potential 2020 rival.
On the Iowa campaign trail, Biden said that he has “nothing to defend” as part of the Senate impeachment trial.On the Iowa campaign trail, Biden said that he has “nothing to defend” as part of the Senate impeachment trial.
The former vice president was asked by a reporter: “Are you not your best defense?” The question followed discussion of whether the Bolton allegations make it more likely that senators will vote to call witnesses, including Bolton himself.The former vice president was asked by a reporter: “Are you not your best defense?” The question followed discussion of whether the Bolton allegations make it more likely that senators will vote to call witnesses, including Bolton himself.
“This is all a game,” Biden told reporters, according to a video posted to Twitter by ABC campaign reporter Molly Nagle. “Even if they bring me up — no one has said I’ve done anything that was wrong, period. What is there to defend?”“This is all a game,” Biden told reporters, according to a video posted to Twitter by ABC campaign reporter Molly Nagle. “Even if they bring me up — no one has said I’ve done anything that was wrong, period. What is there to defend?”
Biden went on: “The reason [Trump] is being impeached is because he tried to get a government to smear me and they wouldn’t.”Biden went on: “The reason [Trump] is being impeached is because he tried to get a government to smear me and they wouldn’t.”
A former Delaware senator, Biden also told reporters that he would “want to see” what witnesses had to say if he were still serving in the chamber.A former Delaware senator, Biden also told reporters that he would “want to see” what witnesses had to say if he were still serving in the chamber.
Fred Fleitz, a former aide to Bolton, is urging him to withdraw his book.Fred Fleitz, a former aide to Bolton, is urging him to withdraw his book.
“It was crushing to read weekend press reports that my friend and former boss John Bolton plans to publish a tell-all book on his time as President Trump’s National Security Adviser,” Fleitz wrote in an op-ed for Fox News on Monday. “The book reportedly will be published in March 2020. Given the importance of protecting a president’s confidential discussions with his senior advisers, I strongly disagree with Bolton’s decision to release the book before the November presidential election and call on him to withdraw it from the publisher immediately.”“It was crushing to read weekend press reports that my friend and former boss John Bolton plans to publish a tell-all book on his time as President Trump’s National Security Adviser,” Fleitz wrote in an op-ed for Fox News on Monday. “The book reportedly will be published in March 2020. Given the importance of protecting a president’s confidential discussions with his senior advisers, I strongly disagree with Bolton’s decision to release the book before the November presidential election and call on him to withdraw it from the publisher immediately.”
Fleitz served as Bolton’s chief of staff twice, at the State Department from 2001 to 2005 and at the National Security Council in 2018.Fleitz served as Bolton’s chief of staff twice, at the State Department from 2001 to 2005 and at the National Security Council in 2018.
Trump personal attorney Jay Sekulow summarized his team’s defense against the articles of impeachment, arguing that Trump is “the best friend and support of Ukraine, certainly in our recent history.”Trump personal attorney Jay Sekulow summarized his team’s defense against the articles of impeachment, arguing that Trump is “the best friend and support of Ukraine, certainly in our recent history.”
“These are the facts. That is what is before you,” he told the Senate.“These are the facts. That is what is before you,” he told the Senate.
Sekulow has referred to the Trump administration providing Ukraine with Javelin antitank missiles when the Obama administration did not, a frequent Republican talking point.Sekulow has referred to the Trump administration providing Ukraine with Javelin antitank missiles when the Obama administration did not, a frequent Republican talking point.
Sekulow also criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) handing out souvenir pens after she signed a resolution transmitting the articles earlier this month.Sekulow also criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) handing out souvenir pens after she signed a resolution transmitting the articles earlier this month.
As The Washington Post reported at the time, writing implements used to sign bills or executive orders are often handed out as keepsakes, and Pelosi repeated this practice as she released the articles to the Senate.As The Washington Post reported at the time, writing implements used to sign bills or executive orders are often handed out as keepsakes, and Pelosi repeated this practice as she released the articles to the Senate.
Sekulow called it a “celebratory moment” and asked senators to “think about that.”Sekulow called it a “celebratory moment” and asked senators to “think about that.”
Trump defense attorney Kenneth W. Starr, best known for playing a key role in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, argued against impeaching Trump, describing it as partisan and contrary to historic precedent.Trump defense attorney Kenneth W. Starr, best known for playing a key role in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, argued against impeaching Trump, describing it as partisan and contrary to historic precedent.
Starr defended the Clinton impeachment, saying that it, like the impeachment inquiry into President Richard Nixon, was motivated by criminal acts.Starr defended the Clinton impeachment, saying that it, like the impeachment inquiry into President Richard Nixon, was motivated by criminal acts.
“The nation’s most recent experience, the Clinton impeachment — even though severely and roundly criticized — charged crimes,” he said.“The nation’s most recent experience, the Clinton impeachment — even though severely and roundly criticized — charged crimes,” he said.
Starr argued that no crimes were committed in Trump’s case, and that the impeachment has been led by a “runaway House” that “saw fit to turn its back on its own established procedures.”Starr argued that no crimes were committed in Trump’s case, and that the impeachment has been led by a “runaway House” that “saw fit to turn its back on its own established procedures.”
“I respectfully submit that the Senate should close this chapter, this idiosyncratic chapter, on this increasingly disruptive act,” he said.“I respectfully submit that the Senate should close this chapter, this idiosyncratic chapter, on this increasingly disruptive act,” he said.
White House lawyers are expected to raise the Bolton allegations as part of their argument on the Senate floor Monday afternoon and are likely now to extend their arguments until Tuesday, according to White House aides.White House lawyers are expected to raise the Bolton allegations as part of their argument on the Senate floor Monday afternoon and are likely now to extend their arguments until Tuesday, according to White House aides.
White House aides are still pushing against the idea of testimony from Bolton and others but are beginning to prepare for the possibility, according to the aides, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.White House aides are still pushing against the idea of testimony from Bolton and others but are beginning to prepare for the possibility, according to the aides, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and legislative affairs director Eric Ueland, among others, are telling other aides in the building and on Capitol Hill that they had not seen Bolton’s manuscript, even though they knew that Bolton’s opinion of the president was negative and that his testimony was unlikely to help the president.White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and legislative affairs director Eric Ueland, among others, are telling other aides in the building and on Capitol Hill that they had not seen Bolton’s manuscript, even though they knew that Bolton’s opinion of the president was negative and that his testimony was unlikely to help the president.
Before reports of Bolton’s allegations Sunday night, White House officials had expected to wrap up their opening arguments Monday after only two hours of arguments on Saturday. But now officials believe their presentations will extend into Tuesday, which is the last day available under Senate trial rules.Before reports of Bolton’s allegations Sunday night, White House officials had expected to wrap up their opening arguments Monday after only two hours of arguments on Saturday. But now officials believe their presentations will extend into Tuesday, which is the last day available under Senate trial rules.
Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said Monday that he expects between five and 10 Republicans will vote in favor of hearing witnesses in the trial — more than enough needed, assuming all 47 members of the Democratic caucus vote that way.Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said Monday that he expects between five and 10 Republicans will vote in favor of hearing witnesses in the trial — more than enough needed, assuming all 47 members of the Democratic caucus vote that way.
“I think there’ll be more than four,” King told NPR. “My bold prediction will be five or 10.”“I think there’ll be more than four,” King told NPR. “My bold prediction will be five or 10.”
King said he would be “amazed” if there’s a strong push not to hear from Bolton.King said he would be “amazed” if there’s a strong push not to hear from Bolton.
“I mean, it’s one thing to say, ‘We don’t know what he’s going to say, we don’t really need to hear from him,’” King said. “But if there’s some indication — and that’s as strong as I’ll put it at this point — there’s some indication that he has information that bears directly on the heart of the case, to willfully say, ‘We don’t want to hear that.’ To me, basically just undermines the idea that this is a real trial.”“I mean, it’s one thing to say, ‘We don’t know what he’s going to say, we don’t really need to hear from him,’” King said. “But if there’s some indication — and that’s as strong as I’ll put it at this point — there’s some indication that he has information that bears directly on the heart of the case, to willfully say, ‘We don’t want to hear that.’ To me, basically just undermines the idea that this is a real trial.”
An aide to Bolton issued a statement denying any link between the timing of the New York Times story on Bolton and the availability of his book for preorders.An aide to Bolton issued a statement denying any link between the timing of the New York Times story on Bolton and the availability of his book for preorders.
“Ambassador John Bolton, Simon & Schuster, and Javelin Literary categorically state that there was absolutely no coordination with the New York Times or anyone else regarding the appearance of information about his book, THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED, at online booksellers,” Sarah Tinsley, the director of Bolton’s political action committee, said in a statement. “Any assertion to the contrary is unfounded speculation.”“Ambassador John Bolton, Simon & Schuster, and Javelin Literary categorically state that there was absolutely no coordination with the New York Times or anyone else regarding the appearance of information about his book, THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED, at online booksellers,” Sarah Tinsley, the director of Bolton’s political action committee, said in a statement. “Any assertion to the contrary is unfounded speculation.”
The statement came amid speculation, including from some GOP senators, that the timing of the story was intended to boost book sales.The statement came amid speculation, including from some GOP senators, that the timing of the story was intended to boost book sales.
Mounting evidence released amid the ongoing presidential impeachment hearings indicates that the pressure Trump and his aides put on Ukraine was driven by a focus on his political rivals, even as Trump’s defenders say the president was acting out of general concern about corruption in that country.Mounting evidence released amid the ongoing presidential impeachment hearings indicates that the pressure Trump and his aides put on Ukraine was driven by a focus on his political rivals, even as Trump’s defenders say the president was acting out of general concern about corruption in that country.
The White House is emphasizing that argument anew as the defense makes its case in the Senate trial.The White House is emphasizing that argument anew as the defense makes its case in the Senate trial.
“Asking a foreign leader to get to the bottom of issues of corruption is not a violation of an oath,” Sekulow, an attorney for Trump, told the senators Monday.“Asking a foreign leader to get to the bottom of issues of corruption is not a violation of an oath,” Sekulow, an attorney for Trump, told the senators Monday.
But that assertion was dramatically undercut by reports Sunday about a draft book manuscript by Bolton. In it, he recounts that Trump told him he was holding up military aid to Ukraine until the country’s leaders agreed to open investigations into Democrats, including former vice president Joe Biden, according to people familiar with the book.But that assertion was dramatically undercut by reports Sunday about a draft book manuscript by Bolton. In it, he recounts that Trump told him he was holding up military aid to Ukraine until the country’s leaders agreed to open investigations into Democrats, including former vice president Joe Biden, according to people familiar with the book.
Read more here.Read more here.
A lawyer for acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said Monday that the New York Times report on Bolton’s book manuscript “has more to do with publicity than the truth.”A lawyer for acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said Monday that the New York Times report on Bolton’s book manuscript “has more to do with publicity than the truth.”
“John Bolton never informed Mick Mulvaney of any concerns surrounding Bolton’s purported August conversation with the President,” Mulvaney lawyer Bob Driscoll said in a statement. “Nor did Mr. Mulvaney ever have a conversation with the President or anyone else indicating that Ukrainian military aid was withheld in exchange for a Ukrainian investigation of Burisma, the Bidens, or the 2016 election.”“John Bolton never informed Mick Mulvaney of any concerns surrounding Bolton’s purported August conversation with the President,” Mulvaney lawyer Bob Driscoll said in a statement. “Nor did Mr. Mulvaney ever have a conversation with the President or anyone else indicating that Ukrainian military aid was withheld in exchange for a Ukrainian investigation of Burisma, the Bidens, or the 2016 election.”
In the statement, Driscoll also said Mulvaney “has no recollection” of a conversation with Trump personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani that was described in the Times report.In the statement, Driscoll also said Mulvaney “has no recollection” of a conversation with Trump personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani that was described in the Times report.
“It was Mr. Mulvaney’s practice to excuse himself from conversations between the President and his personal counsel to preserve any attorney-client privilege,” Driscoll said.“It was Mr. Mulvaney’s practice to excuse himself from conversations between the President and his personal counsel to preserve any attorney-client privilege,” Driscoll said.
Sekulow opened the defense presentation Monday by arguing that Democrats have turned a policy difference into an impeachable offense.Sekulow opened the defense presentation Monday by arguing that Democrats have turned a policy difference into an impeachable offense.
“We live in a constitutional republic where you have deep policy concerns and deep differences that should not be the basis of an impeachment,” Sekulow said. “If the bar of impeachment has now reached that level, then for the sake of the republic, the danger that puts not just this body but our entire constitutional framework in is unmanageable.”“We live in a constitutional republic where you have deep policy concerns and deep differences that should not be the basis of an impeachment,” Sekulow said. “If the bar of impeachment has now reached that level, then for the sake of the republic, the danger that puts not just this body but our entire constitutional framework in is unmanageable.”
“Are we going to have every time there’s a policy difference of significance or an approach difference of significance about a policy, we’re going to start an impeachment proceeding?” Sekulow asked the senators.“Are we going to have every time there’s a policy difference of significance or an approach difference of significance about a policy, we’re going to start an impeachment proceeding?” Sekulow asked the senators.
In a rare example of friendly fire, Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Ga.) — sworn into the Senate less than a month ago — attacked fellow Republican Mitt Romney in a tweet Monday.In a rare example of friendly fire, Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Ga.) — sworn into the Senate less than a month ago — attacked fellow Republican Mitt Romney in a tweet Monday.
Romney (Utah) renewed his support for testimony from former national security adviser Bolton after reports that his forthcoming book would detail conversations with Trump that support the core of House Democrats’ case for impeachment.Romney (Utah) renewed his support for testimony from former national security adviser Bolton after reports that his forthcoming book would detail conversations with Trump that support the core of House Democrats’ case for impeachment.
Loeffler disagreed and accused Romney of trying to “appease the left.”Loeffler disagreed and accused Romney of trying to “appease the left.”
“After 2 weeks, it’s clear that Democrats have no case for impeachment,” the tweet read. “Sadly, my colleague @SenatorRomney wants to appease the left by calling witnesses who will slander the @realDonaldTrump during their 15 minutes of fame. The circus is over. It’s time to move on! #gapol”“After 2 weeks, it’s clear that Democrats have no case for impeachment,” the tweet read. “Sadly, my colleague @SenatorRomney wants to appease the left by calling witnesses who will slander the @realDonaldTrump during their 15 minutes of fame. The circus is over. It’s time to move on! #gapol”
Loeffler faces a potentially difficult Republican primary if she is going to keep her seat past next January. Among the possible rivals is Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee and a leading Trump defender during the impeachment inquiry.Loeffler faces a potentially difficult Republican primary if she is going to keep her seat past next January. Among the possible rivals is Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee and a leading Trump defender during the impeachment inquiry.
Rev. Barry Black opened Monday’s session by mourning the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and noting “life’s brevity.”Rev. Barry Black opened Monday’s session by mourning the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and noting “life’s brevity.”
“Lord, through all the generations, you have been our mighty God. As millions mourn the deaths of Kobe and Gianna Bryant and those who died with them, we think about life’s brevity, uncertainty and legacy,” Black said in a prayer before Trump’s attorneys resumed their defense arguments. “Remind us that we all have a limited time on Earth to leave the world better than we found it.”“Lord, through all the generations, you have been our mighty God. As millions mourn the deaths of Kobe and Gianna Bryant and those who died with them, we think about life’s brevity, uncertainty and legacy,” Black said in a prayer before Trump’s attorneys resumed their defense arguments. “Remind us that we all have a limited time on Earth to leave the world better than we found it.”
The Los Angeles Lakers star and his daughter were among nine people killed Sunday when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed near Calabasas, Calif. The news has drawn tributes from around the globe — including on the floor of the Senate.The Los Angeles Lakers star and his daughter were among nine people killed Sunday when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed near Calabasas, Calif. The news has drawn tributes from around the globe — including on the floor of the Senate.
“As the impeachment process unfolds, give our senators the desire to make the most of their time on Earth,” Black said during his prayer. “Teach them how to live, oh God, and lead them along the path of honesty. May they hear the words of Jesus of Nazareth … you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”“As the impeachment process unfolds, give our senators the desire to make the most of their time on Earth,” Black said during his prayer. “Teach them how to live, oh God, and lead them along the path of honesty. May they hear the words of Jesus of Nazareth … you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Hillary Clinton, the Democrat defeated by Trump in the 2016 presidential election, on Monday urged the public to call Republican senators to demand witnesses in the trial.Hillary Clinton, the Democrat defeated by Trump in the 2016 presidential election, on Monday urged the public to call Republican senators to demand witnesses in the trial.
“A trial that doesn’t allow testimony from material witnesses isn’t a trial at all,” she tweeted. “It’s a cover-up. Your Republican senators need to hear from you today. (202) 224-3121”“A trial that doesn’t allow testimony from material witnesses isn’t a trial at all,” she tweeted. “It’s a cover-up. Your Republican senators need to hear from you today. (202) 224-3121”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), one of the Republicans whom Democrats are courting to vote to hear witnesses, said she is looking forward to that evaluation.Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), one of the Republicans whom Democrats are courting to vote to hear witnesses, said she is looking forward to that evaluation.
“I stated before that I was curious as to what John Bolton might have to say,” Murkowski said in a statement. “From the outset, I’ve worked to ensure this trial would be fair and that members would have the opportunity to weigh in after its initial phase to determine if we need more information. I’ve also said there is an appropriate time for us to evaluate whether we need additional information — that time is almost here. I look forward to the White House wrapping up presentation of its case.”“I stated before that I was curious as to what John Bolton might have to say,” Murkowski said in a statement. “From the outset, I’ve worked to ensure this trial would be fair and that members would have the opportunity to weigh in after its initial phase to determine if we need more information. I’ve also said there is an appropriate time for us to evaluate whether we need additional information — that time is almost here. I look forward to the White House wrapping up presentation of its case.”
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the lead impeachment manager, said that Bolton “obviously has relevant information” and that “senators should not turn away from this very relevant evidence.”Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the lead impeachment manager, said that Bolton “obviously has relevant information” and that “senators should not turn away from this very relevant evidence.”
Speaking to reporters shortly before the trial was scheduled to resume, Schiff said that the reports about Bolton make it “all the more clear why you can’t have a meaningful trial without witnesses, and you certainly can’t have one without John Bolton.”Speaking to reporters shortly before the trial was scheduled to resume, Schiff said that the reports about Bolton make it “all the more clear why you can’t have a meaningful trial without witnesses, and you certainly can’t have one without John Bolton.”
He said that Bolton should be placed under oath and testify live.He said that Bolton should be placed under oath and testify live.
“Let the senators and public judge his credibility,” Schiff said.“Let the senators and public judge his credibility,” Schiff said.
He also pushed back on Republicans who have criticized him for not issuing a subpoena to Bolton during the House impeachment proceedings, arguing it would have prompted a lengthy court battle.He also pushed back on Republicans who have criticized him for not issuing a subpoena to Bolton during the House impeachment proceedings, arguing it would have prompted a lengthy court battle.
That, Schiff said, would amount to letting the president “decide where and when he needs to be impeached.”That, Schiff said, would amount to letting the president “decide where and when he needs to be impeached.”
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), one of the House members advising Trump’s legal team, told reporters that the Bolton manuscript doesn’t change the facts of the case and that Trump should be acquitted this week.Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), one of the House members advising Trump’s legal team, told reporters that the Bolton manuscript doesn’t change the facts of the case and that Trump should be acquitted this week.
“It should surprise no one that in the 11th hour we should see a replay of what we saw in the House,” Meadows said, decrying “selective leaks.”“It should surprise no one that in the 11th hour we should see a replay of what we saw in the House,” Meadows said, decrying “selective leaks.”
Reports about the manuscript “ultimately do not change the facts of what we are talking about today,” he said. “President Trump needs to be exonerated and vindicated this week.”Reports about the manuscript “ultimately do not change the facts of what we are talking about today,” he said. “President Trump needs to be exonerated and vindicated this week.”
Trump told reporters at the White House that Bolton’s allegations are “false” and that he has not read the book manuscript, which is being reviewed by the National Security Council.Trump told reporters at the White House that Bolton’s allegations are “false” and that he has not read the book manuscript, which is being reviewed by the National Security Council.
Trump’s comments came as he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Trump’s long-awaited Middle East peace plan, among other issues.Trump’s comments came as he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Trump’s long-awaited Middle East peace plan, among other issues.
Later Monday, Trump plans to welcome Netanyahu’s challenger in upcoming elections, Benny Gantz, to the White House to discuss the plan, which Trump said will be formally unveiled Tuesday.Later Monday, Trump plans to welcome Netanyahu’s challenger in upcoming elections, Benny Gantz, to the White House to discuss the plan, which Trump said will be formally unveiled Tuesday.
Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said Monday that he wants to see Bolton’s book manuscript before deciding whether he should be called as a witness.Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said Monday that he wants to see Bolton’s book manuscript before deciding whether he should be called as a witness.
“Let’s see what’s in the manuscript,” Graham told reporters. “Let’s see if it’s relevant, and if it is, then I’ll make a decision about Bolton.”“Let’s see what’s in the manuscript,” Graham told reporters. “Let’s see if it’s relevant, and if it is, then I’ll make a decision about Bolton.”
Graham added that if Bolton is called, Trump also should be allowed to call witnesses, including the Bidens.Graham added that if Bolton is called, Trump also should be allowed to call witnesses, including the Bidens.
“I promise you this: If we add to the record, we’re going to go after Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, all these other people,” the senator said. “We’re not going to look at part of it; we’re going to look at all of it if we look at any of it.”“I promise you this: If we add to the record, we’re going to go after Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, all these other people,” the senator said. “We’re not going to look at part of it; we’re going to look at all of it if we look at any of it.”
Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said Monday that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who is presiding over the trial, should decide which witnesses are relevant.Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said Monday that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who is presiding over the trial, should decide which witnesses are relevant.
“The Supreme Court chief justice should be the person, the arbitrator, to say, ‘Okay, this is pertinent to the charges brought against the president, this person should be a witness or this person should not,’ ” Manchin said. “We’re not going to be able to do this ourselves. It’s just going to be tit for tat.”“The Supreme Court chief justice should be the person, the arbitrator, to say, ‘Okay, this is pertinent to the charges brought against the president, this person should be a witness or this person should not,’ ” Manchin said. “We’re not going to be able to do this ourselves. It’s just going to be tit for tat.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Monday that the reports on Bolton’s manuscript make clear that “we’re all staring a White House coverup in the face.”Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Monday that the reports on Bolton’s manuscript make clear that “we’re all staring a White House coverup in the face.”
“Mr. Bolton’s book is further evidence that a large number of people were in the loop on the president’s scheme,” Schumer said at a new conference where he was flanked by fellow Democrats.“Mr. Bolton’s book is further evidence that a large number of people were in the loop on the president’s scheme,” Schumer said at a new conference where he was flanked by fellow Democrats.
Schumer called reports on the manuscript “stunning” and said they leave no doubt that the trial should have witnesses, including Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.Schumer called reports on the manuscript “stunning” and said they leave no doubt that the trial should have witnesses, including Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.
“If Senate Republicans are not going to vote to call Mr. Bolton and Mr. Mulvaney and all the other witnesses now, if they’re not going to ask for notes and emails, they’re going to be part of the coverup, too, because we have this out in the open,” Schumer said.“If Senate Republicans are not going to vote to call Mr. Bolton and Mr. Mulvaney and all the other witnesses now, if they’re not going to ask for notes and emails, they’re going to be part of the coverup, too, because we have this out in the open,” Schumer said.
Schumer said it is crucial that at least four GOP senators vote with Democrats to reach the majority needed to call witnesses.Schumer said it is crucial that at least four GOP senators vote with Democrats to reach the majority needed to call witnesses.
“We want the eyewitnesses to what the president did to testify,” Schumer added. “The eyes of America are upon the Republicans in the Senate.”“We want the eyewitnesses to what the president did to testify,” Schumer added. “The eyes of America are upon the Republicans in the Senate.”
Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) became the second Republican senator to say that reports on Bolton’s book strengthen the case for witnesses in Trump’s impeachment trial.Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) became the second Republican senator to say that reports on Bolton’s book strengthen the case for witnesses in Trump’s impeachment trial.
“From the beginning, I’ve said that in fairness to both parties the decision on whether or not to call witnesses should be made after both the House managers and the President’s attorneys have had the opportunity to present their cases,” Collins said in a statement. “I’ve always said that I was likely to vote to call witnesses, just as I did in the 1999 Clinton trial. The reports about John Bolton’s book strengthen the case for witnesses and have prompted a number of conversations among my colleagues.”“From the beginning, I’ve said that in fairness to both parties the decision on whether or not to call witnesses should be made after both the House managers and the President’s attorneys have had the opportunity to present their cases,” Collins said in a statement. “I’ve always said that I was likely to vote to call witnesses, just as I did in the 1999 Clinton trial. The reports about John Bolton’s book strengthen the case for witnesses and have prompted a number of conversations among my colleagues.”
Earlier Monday, Sen. Mitt Romney said it is “increasingly likely” that more Republican senators will support calling witnesses after reports that last month Bolton had sent the White House a manuscript of his forthcoming book that alleges Trump told him in August that he wanted to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless it aided investigations into the Bidens.Earlier Monday, Sen. Mitt Romney said it is “increasingly likely” that more Republican senators will support calling witnesses after reports that last month Bolton had sent the White House a manuscript of his forthcoming book that alleges Trump told him in August that he wanted to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless it aided investigations into the Bidens.
To call witnesses in Trump’s Senate impeachment trial, four Republicans would have to join all Democrats in voting for a subpoena.To call witnesses in Trump’s Senate impeachment trial, four Republicans would have to join all Democrats in voting for a subpoena.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Monday called the report of Bolton’s book manuscript “a thunderbolt that changes the dynamic radically.”Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Monday called the report of Bolton’s book manuscript “a thunderbolt that changes the dynamic radically.”
“It simply dramatizes that eventually a lot of truth is going to come out, and my Republican colleagues are going to be held accountable for blocking it from this trial,” Blumenthal told reporters. “It is a bombshell that really has seismic reverberations for any Republican who cares about their place in history.”“It simply dramatizes that eventually a lot of truth is going to come out, and my Republican colleagues are going to be held accountable for blocking it from this trial,” Blumenthal told reporters. “It is a bombshell that really has seismic reverberations for any Republican who cares about their place in history.”
Asked if the Senate should subpoena the book manuscript, Blumenthal said, “There ought to be a subpoena now, this moment, for that manuscript, for any drafts he has written, as well as potentially any notes that he had in his possession.”Asked if the Senate should subpoena the book manuscript, Blumenthal said, “There ought to be a subpoena now, this moment, for that manuscript, for any drafts he has written, as well as potentially any notes that he had in his possession.”
He said one has to presume White House lawyers knew Bolton’s views and yet have continued to make statements contrary to what Bolton alleges.He said one has to presume White House lawyers knew Bolton’s views and yet have continued to make statements contrary to what Bolton alleges.
“The White House lawyers in my view presumptively knew about it,” Blumenthal said. “The question of their credibility in this proceeding is at stake.”“The White House lawyers in my view presumptively knew about it,” Blumenthal said. “The question of their credibility in this proceeding is at stake.”
A National Security Council spokesman said Monday that the manuscript was under review by the NSC, and no one in the White House outside the NSC had seen a copy.A National Security Council spokesman said Monday that the manuscript was under review by the NSC, and no one in the White House outside the NSC had seen a copy.
A Democratic group on Monday began an ad campaign taking aim at five Republican senators for “rigging the impeachment trial” and violating their oaths of office by voting against subpoenas for new evidence.A Democratic group on Monday began an ad campaign taking aim at five Republican senators for “rigging the impeachment trial” and violating their oaths of office by voting against subpoenas for new evidence.
The 30-second spots target Republican Sens. Martha McSally (Ariz.), Cory Gardner (Colo.), Susan Collins (Me.), Joni Ernst (Iowa) and Thom Tillis (N.C.), and will run on television platforms such as Hulu in each lawmaker’s state. Majority Forward said in a news release that the cost of the buy would reach six figures.The 30-second spots target Republican Sens. Martha McSally (Ariz.), Cory Gardner (Colo.), Susan Collins (Me.), Joni Ernst (Iowa) and Thom Tillis (N.C.), and will run on television platforms such as Hulu in each lawmaker’s state. Majority Forward said in a news release that the cost of the buy would reach six figures.
“Senate Republicans have broken their oath of impartiality and their promise to the American people by playing along with [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell’s cover-up,” Senate Majority PAC President J.B. Poersch said in the news release. “By refusing to get the facts and demand a fair trial from the onset, Senate Republicans are putting party politics over principle.”“Senate Republicans have broken their oath of impartiality and their promise to the American people by playing along with [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell’s cover-up,” Senate Majority PAC President J.B. Poersch said in the news release. “By refusing to get the facts and demand a fair trial from the onset, Senate Republicans are putting party politics over principle.”
One version of the ad, called “Rigged,” features McConnell saying he is coordinating his impeachment response with the White House. Another, “Oath,” shows the senators taking their oaths to do “impartial justice.” Both versions end by encouraging viewers to contact the senators and tell them to “conduct a fair trial.”One version of the ad, called “Rigged,” features McConnell saying he is coordinating his impeachment response with the White House. Another, “Oath,” shows the senators taking their oaths to do “impartial justice.” Both versions end by encouraging viewers to contact the senators and tell them to “conduct a fair trial.”
Democratic aides working on the impeachment trial told reporters Monday that news that Bolton’s book manuscript directly implicates Trump in linking the hold on aid to Ukraine with politically motivated investigations is bolstering their case for additional testimony.Democratic aides working on the impeachment trial told reporters Monday that news that Bolton’s book manuscript directly implicates Trump in linking the hold on aid to Ukraine with politically motivated investigations is bolstering their case for additional testimony.
The aides, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to frankly describe the managers’ thinking, said they were continuing to focus on delivering that testimony at trial — not by subpoenaing Bolton before the House, as some have suggested.The aides, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to frankly describe the managers’ thinking, said they were continuing to focus on delivering that testimony at trial — not by subpoenaing Bolton before the House, as some have suggested.
“We are in the middle of an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate … and the appropriate place for John Bolton to testify is in that trial in the Senate,” said one aide. “That’s where he should testify and that’s what we are planning on.”“We are in the middle of an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate … and the appropriate place for John Bolton to testify is in that trial in the Senate,” said one aide. “That’s where he should testify and that’s what we are planning on.”
Another aide argued that Bolton’s manuscript explicitly linking the aid hold to the investigations directly undermines a key foundational brick of the White House case.Another aide argued that Bolton’s manuscript explicitly linking the aid hold to the investigations directly undermines a key foundational brick of the White House case.
“The evidence refutes any claim that the President conditioned the release of security assistance on an announcement of investigations by Ukraine,” reads page 81 of the Trump trial brief. “The evidence squarely refutes the made-up claim that the President leveraged security assistance in exchange for Ukraine announcing an investigation into either interference in the 2016 election or the Biden-Burisma affair.”“The evidence refutes any claim that the President conditioned the release of security assistance on an announcement of investigations by Ukraine,” reads page 81 of the Trump trial brief. “The evidence squarely refutes the made-up claim that the President leveraged security assistance in exchange for Ukraine announcing an investigation into either interference in the 2016 election or the Biden-Burisma affair.”
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told reporters Monday that he thinks it is “increasingly likely” that more Republican senators will support hearing testimony from Bolton following a New York Times report that his book manuscript says that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told reporters Monday that he thinks it is “increasingly likely” that more Republican senators will support hearing testimony from Bolton following a New York Times report that his book manuscript says that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.
To compel witnesses to testify, Democrats will need support from at least four Republicans, assuming all 47 members of the Democratic caucus vote to hear from them.To compel witnesses to testify, Democrats will need support from at least four Republicans, assuming all 47 members of the Democratic caucus vote to hear from them.
Romney would not address whether he wanted to see Bolton’s manuscript itself or whether he wants to know who in the White House might have known about the contents of the manuscript beforehand.Romney would not address whether he wanted to see Bolton’s manuscript itself or whether he wants to know who in the White House might have known about the contents of the manuscript beforehand.
“It’s important to be able to hear from John Bolton for us to be able to make an impartial judgment,” Romney said.“It’s important to be able to hear from John Bolton for us to be able to make an impartial judgment,” Romney said.
A National Security Council spokesman said Monday that no one outside the NSC had reviewed the manuscript in which Bolton says that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.A National Security Council spokesman said Monday that no one outside the NSC had reviewed the manuscript in which Bolton says that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.
Bolton submitted the manuscript for a standard review in advance of publication to see if the NSC had any concerns about national security issues being disclosed.Bolton submitted the manuscript for a standard review in advance of publication to see if the NSC had any concerns about national security issues being disclosed.
“Ambassador Bolton’s manuscript was submitted to the NSC for pre-publication review and has been under initial review by the NSC,” NSC spokesman John Ullyot said in a statement. “No White House personnel outside NSC have reviewed the manuscript.”“Ambassador Bolton’s manuscript was submitted to the NSC for pre-publication review and has been under initial review by the NSC,” NSC spokesman John Ullyot said in a statement. “No White House personnel outside NSC have reviewed the manuscript.”
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), who is a House impeachment manager, on Monday described reports of a Bolton book manuscript as a “game changer.”Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), who is a House impeachment manager, on Monday described reports of a Bolton book manuscript as a “game changer.”
“When I heard the New York Times report I said, ‘Yikes. Wow.’ Bolton is saying that he directly spoke to the president and is willing to testify that the president did exactly what is the gist of the article of impeachment,” she said on MSNBC. “That’s stunning; that’s a game changer.”“When I heard the New York Times report I said, ‘Yikes. Wow.’ Bolton is saying that he directly spoke to the president and is willing to testify that the president did exactly what is the gist of the article of impeachment,” she said on MSNBC. “That’s stunning; that’s a game changer.”
Lofgren said she expects senators will now want to hear testimony from Bolton, adding that there’s “no possible explanation for why they would not want Mr. Bolton under oath.”Lofgren said she expects senators will now want to hear testimony from Bolton, adding that there’s “no possible explanation for why they would not want Mr. Bolton under oath.”
Rep. Douglas A. Collins (R-Ga.), who is advising the Trump legal team, on Monday questioned why House Democrats did not subpoena Bolton if they consider him so significant in the case against Trump.Rep. Douglas A. Collins (R-Ga.), who is advising the Trump legal team, on Monday questioned why House Democrats did not subpoena Bolton if they consider him so significant in the case against Trump.
“The question really becomes this: Is it new information? Not really,” Collins said during an appearance on Fox News.“The question really becomes this: Is it new information? Not really,” Collins said during an appearance on Fox News.
Schiff “could have actually subpoenaed John Bolton, went through this process in the House. He chose not to,” Collins added.Schiff “could have actually subpoenaed John Bolton, went through this process in the House. He chose not to,” Collins added.
House investigators invited Bolton to voluntarily testify in November. He declined, citing a White House directive to remain silent. The House declined to issue a subpoena to Bolton after he indicated he would allow a potentially lengthy court case to play out before appearing.House investigators invited Bolton to voluntarily testify in November. He declined, citing a White House directive to remain silent. The House declined to issue a subpoena to Bolton after he indicated he would allow a potentially lengthy court case to play out before appearing.
Earlier this month, Bolton issued a statement saying he was prepared to testify in the Senate trial if a subpoena is issued.Earlier this month, Bolton issued a statement saying he was prepared to testify in the Senate trial if a subpoena is issued.
Trump returned to Twitter to share a three-word message in all capital letters with his 71.7 million followers: “READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!”Trump returned to Twitter to share a three-word message in all capital letters with his 71.7 million followers: “READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!”
In the past, Trump has argued that the rough transcripts of his calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were “perfect.” His allies have argued that there is no explicit link between military aid and investigations in the call transcripts.In the past, Trump has argued that the rough transcripts of his calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were “perfect.” His allies have argued that there is no explicit link between military aid and investigations in the call transcripts.
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the lead House impeachment manager, said Monday that the new report on Bolton’s forthcoming book poses a key test for senators sitting as jurors in Trump’s trial.Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the lead House impeachment manager, said Monday that the new report on Bolton’s forthcoming book poses a key test for senators sitting as jurors in Trump’s trial.
According to a New York Times report, Bolton says in an unpublished manuscript of his book, scheduled for publication on March 17, that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.According to a New York Times report, Bolton says in an unpublished manuscript of his book, scheduled for publication on March 17, that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.
“Senators, on March 17, when this book comes out, are going to be asked if they don’t support calling him as a witness, why didn’t you want to hear from him when he could have given you information before you rendered your verdict?” Schiff said during an appearance on CNN. “And I just would not want to be in a position of having to answer that question.”“Senators, on March 17, when this book comes out, are going to be asked if they don’t support calling him as a witness, why didn’t you want to hear from him when he could have given you information before you rendered your verdict?” Schiff said during an appearance on CNN. “And I just would not want to be in a position of having to answer that question.”
“At the end of the day, this is the test for these senators,” Schiff added. “They’ve taken an oath to be impartial. They’ve just learned there’s a key witness going to the heart of the allegations. The question they have to answer is, do they want to hear the truth?”“At the end of the day, this is the test for these senators,” Schiff added. “They’ve taken an oath to be impartial. They’ve just learned there’s a key witness going to the heart of the allegations. The question they have to answer is, do they want to hear the truth?”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who is advising Trump’s legal team, said Monday that nothing has changed as a result of the New York Times report that Bolton says in an unpublished manuscript of his forthcoming book that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who is advising Trump’s legal team, said Monday that nothing has changed as a result of the New York Times report that Bolton says in an unpublished manuscript of his forthcoming book that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.
“You got someone telling the New York Times what supposedly John Bolton’s manuscript says, and that’s going to change everything?” Jordan said during an appearance on Fox News. “I mean, I just don’t buy that. It doesn’t alter in any way the fundamental facts, the facts that have been clear from the get-go.”“You got someone telling the New York Times what supposedly John Bolton’s manuscript says, and that’s going to change everything?” Jordan said during an appearance on Fox News. “I mean, I just don’t buy that. It doesn’t alter in any way the fundamental facts, the facts that have been clear from the get-go.”
Jordan again said that there is no explicit “quid pro quo” in the rough transcript of a July call between Trump and the Ukrainian president, that the military aid was eventually released and that the investigations sought by Trump did not happen.Jordan again said that there is no explicit “quid pro quo” in the rough transcript of a July call between Trump and the Ukrainian president, that the military aid was eventually released and that the investigations sought by Trump did not happen.
“No amount of New York Times reporting on some speculation from some unnamed source is going to change the fundamental facts,” Jordan said.“No amount of New York Times reporting on some speculation from some unnamed source is going to change the fundamental facts,” Jordan said.
Trump returned to Twitter to share several assessments of conservative commentators that play down the significance of the New York Times report that Bolton says in an unpublished manuscript of his forthcoming book that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.Trump returned to Twitter to share several assessments of conservative commentators that play down the significance of the New York Times report that Bolton says in an unpublished manuscript of his forthcoming book that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens.
Among them was that of Lou Dobbs of Fox Business Network, who wrote: “Rejected Neocon, Failing NYTimes, Deep State’s Last Desperate Act After @POTUS Attorneys Destroy Radical Dems.”Among them was that of Lou Dobbs of Fox Business Network, who wrote: “Rejected Neocon, Failing NYTimes, Deep State’s Last Desperate Act After @POTUS Attorneys Destroy Radical Dems.”
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Monday criticized Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the lead House impeachment manager, for “playing the pity card” on Sunday when he said he believed a tweet by Trump was intended to threaten him.White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Monday criticized Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the lead House impeachment manager, for “playing the pity card” on Sunday when he said he believed a tweet by Trump was intended to threaten him.
“Shifty Adam Schiff is a CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and probably a very sick man,” Trump tweeted Sunday morning. “He has not paid the price, yet, for what he has done to our Country!”“Shifty Adam Schiff is a CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and probably a very sick man,” Trump tweeted Sunday morning. “He has not paid the price, yet, for what he has done to our Country!”
Schiff responded in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” saying he believes Trump’s remarks were intended as a threat.Schiff responded in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” saying he believes Trump’s remarks were intended as a threat.
“This is a wrathful and vindictive president; I don’t think there’s any doubt about it,” Schiff said in the interview. “And if you think there is, look at the president’s tweets about me today, saying that I should ‘pay a price.’ ”“This is a wrathful and vindictive president; I don’t think there’s any doubt about it,” Schiff said in the interview. “And if you think there is, look at the president’s tweets about me today, saying that I should ‘pay a price.’ ”
Asked about the exchange during an appearance Monday on Fox News, Grisham said, “I think Schiff has shockingly thin skin if he thinks that was any kind of a threat from the president of the United States.”Asked about the exchange during an appearance Monday on Fox News, Grisham said, “I think Schiff has shockingly thin skin if he thinks that was any kind of a threat from the president of the United States.”
“It means that there will be consequences with the American people and at the ballot box,” Grisham said. “I think [Schiff] was grandstanding once again and playing the pity card that he just got threatened by the president. I think people see through that.”“It means that there will be consequences with the American people and at the ballot box,” Grisham said. “I think [Schiff] was grandstanding once again and playing the pity card that he just got threatened by the president. I think people see through that.”
By: John WagnerBy: John Wagner
Trump’s legal team is poised to resume its defense of the president’s conduct toward Ukraine when the Senate reconvenes at 1 p.m. on Monday.Trump’s legal team is poised to resume its defense of the president’s conduct toward Ukraine when the Senate reconvenes at 1 p.m. on Monday.
The president’s lawyers offered a preview of their case during an abbreviated two-hour session on Saturday in which they argued that Trump had valid reasons for withholding military aid from Ukraine and that House prosecutors overlooked facts more favorable to him.The president’s lawyers offered a preview of their case during an abbreviated two-hour session on Saturday in which they argued that Trump had valid reasons for withholding military aid from Ukraine and that House prosecutors overlooked facts more favorable to him.
Part of the defense Trump’s team is expected to offer in coming days is that the offenses alleged by House managers do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses.Part of the defense Trump’s team is expected to offer in coming days is that the offenses alleged by House managers do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses.
During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Alan Dershowitz, an emeritus professor at Harvard Law School and a member of Trump’s legal team, said that he thought the House managers “presented the strongest case they could” but “didn’t come close to alleging impeachable offenses.”During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Alan Dershowitz, an emeritus professor at Harvard Law School and a member of Trump’s legal team, said that he thought the House managers “presented the strongest case they could” but “didn’t come close to alleging impeachable offenses.”
“They completely failed to meet that high constitutional standard, and therefore it would be unconstitutional to remove a president based on the allegations that were made against him in the articles of impeachment,” Dershowitz said.“They completely failed to meet that high constitutional standard, and therefore it would be unconstitutional to remove a president based on the allegations that were made against him in the articles of impeachment,” Dershowitz said.
Trump’s lawyers have also signaled that they plan to use some of their time to target Joe Biden and his son. Trump’s allies believe that if they can argue that the president had a plausible reason for requesting the Biden investigation in Ukraine, they can both defend him against the impeachment charges and gain the bonus of undercutting a political adversary.Trump’s lawyers have also signaled that they plan to use some of their time to target Joe Biden and his son. Trump’s allies believe that if they can argue that the president had a plausible reason for requesting the Biden investigation in Ukraine, they can both defend him against the impeachment charges and gain the bonus of undercutting a political adversary.
Once the defense team wraps up its presentation, senators will be given up to 16 hours to ask written questions of both the House managers and Trump’s lawyers.Once the defense team wraps up its presentation, senators will be given up to 16 hours to ask written questions of both the House managers and Trump’s lawyers.
Trump falsely claimed in a tweet Monday morning that House Democrats had never asked Bolton to testify in impeachment proceedings.Trump falsely claimed in a tweet Monday morning that House Democrats had never asked Bolton to testify in impeachment proceedings.
“The Democrat controlled House never even asked John Bolton to testify. It is up to them, not up to the Senate!” Trump wrote on Twitter.“The Democrat controlled House never even asked John Bolton to testify. It is up to them, not up to the Senate!” Trump wrote on Twitter.
In fact, House investigators invited Bolton to voluntarily testify in November. He declined, citing a White House directive to remain silent. The House declined to issue a subpoena to Bolton after he indicated he would allow a court case to play out before appearing.In fact, House investigators invited Bolton to voluntarily testify in November. He declined, citing a White House directive to remain silent. The House declined to issue a subpoena to Bolton after he indicated he would allow a court case to play out before appearing.
Earlier this month, Bolton issued a statement saying he was prepared to testify in the Senate trial if a subpoena is issued.Earlier this month, Bolton issued a statement saying he was prepared to testify in the Senate trial if a subpoena is issued.
Democrats have ratcheted up calls for Bolton to testify following a New York Times report that he says in an unpublished manuscript of his forthcoming book that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to investigations of the Bidens.Democrats have ratcheted up calls for Bolton to testify following a New York Times report that he says in an unpublished manuscript of his forthcoming book that Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to investigations of the Bidens.
With the Senate trial set to resume, Trump plans to welcome both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his challenger in upcoming elections, Benny Gantz, to the White House on Monday for separate discussions of Trump’s long-awaited Middle East peace plan.With the Senate trial set to resume, Trump plans to welcome both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his challenger in upcoming elections, Benny Gantz, to the White House on Monday for separate discussions of Trump’s long-awaited Middle East peace plan.
Vice President Pence extended the invitations last week while he was in Israel, where he met with the embattled longtime Israeli leader and his rival, and hours later Trump said he would probably release the plan as soon as this week.Vice President Pence extended the invitations last week while he was in Israel, where he met with the embattled longtime Israeli leader and his rival, and hours later Trump said he would probably release the plan as soon as this week.
Trump begins his reelection year in a more competitive position than he was last fall against potential Democratic challengers, aided by rising approval for his handling of the economy, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.Trump begins his reelection year in a more competitive position than he was last fall against potential Democratic challengers, aided by rising approval for his handling of the economy, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.
The state of the economy and perceptions of Trump’s handling of it pose a challenge for Democratic presidential candidates, who have criticized the president’s policies and focused their economic messaging on inequities between the richest Americans and everyone else and on alleviating the financial struggles of many families who are dealing with rising health-care, child-care or educational costs.The state of the economy and perceptions of Trump’s handling of it pose a challenge for Democratic presidential candidates, who have criticized the president’s policies and focused their economic messaging on inequities between the richest Americans and everyone else and on alleviating the financial struggles of many families who are dealing with rising health-care, child-care or educational costs.
Despite Americans’ concerns that the economic system favors the wealthy, the latest Post-ABC poll finds that fewer than half are worried about maintaining their own standard of living, a shift from 2016, when most expressed concern about losing their financial footing.Despite Americans’ concerns that the economic system favors the wealthy, the latest Post-ABC poll finds that fewer than half are worried about maintaining their own standard of living, a shift from 2016, when most expressed concern about losing their financial footing.
With just over nine months until Election Day, Americans see Trump as a slight favorite for reelection, with 49 percent expecting him to win and 43 percent predicting that his Democratic challenger will prevail. But those expectations are highly partisan, with 87 percent of Republicans saying they believe Trump will win reelection while a somewhat smaller 78 percent majority of Democrats say they believe their party’s nominee will win.With just over nine months until Election Day, Americans see Trump as a slight favorite for reelection, with 49 percent expecting him to win and 43 percent predicting that his Democratic challenger will prevail. But those expectations are highly partisan, with 87 percent of Republicans saying they believe Trump will win reelection while a somewhat smaller 78 percent majority of Democrats say they believe their party’s nominee will win.
Read more here.Read more here.
Trump said early Monday morning that he “never told John Bolton that aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into the Bidens or Democrats,” contrary to assertions Bolton reportedly made in the manuscript of his soon-to-be-published book, aptly titled “The Room Where It Happened.”Trump said early Monday morning that he “never told John Bolton that aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into the Bidens or Democrats,” contrary to assertions Bolton reportedly made in the manuscript of his soon-to-be-published book, aptly titled “The Room Where It Happened.”
The president’s tweet, just after midnight Monday, was his first reaction to a story in the New York Times about the forthcoming book by the president’s former national security adviser.The president’s tweet, just after midnight Monday, was his first reaction to a story in the New York Times about the forthcoming book by the president’s former national security adviser.
The book excerpt, and the leak, has the potential to increase pressure on the Senate to call witnesses in the impeachment trial of the president and, beyond that, to challenge the core defense of Trump, his lawyers and his supporters in Congress.The book excerpt, and the leak, has the potential to increase pressure on the Senate to call witnesses in the impeachment trial of the president and, beyond that, to challenge the core defense of Trump, his lawyers and his supporters in Congress.
The Times reported late Sunday that, in the manuscript, Bolton writes of Trump telling him in August that “he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped him with investigations” into Democrats including Joe Biden and his son, who had been employed by a Ukrainian energy company.The Times reported late Sunday that, in the manuscript, Bolton writes of Trump telling him in August that “he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped him with investigations” into Democrats including Joe Biden and his son, who had been employed by a Ukrainian energy company.
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House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), one of the seven House impeachment managers, said he will miss Monday’s session of the impeachment trial to spend time with his wife, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer.House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), one of the seven House impeachment managers, said he will miss Monday’s session of the impeachment trial to spend time with his wife, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer.
“In December, following the House Judiciary Committee markup of the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, my wife was admitted to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer,” Nadler said in a statement Sunday. “She has undergone surgery and is taking further steps to address the spread of the cancer. On Monday, I will be in New York with her to meet with doctors, determine a path forward, and begin her treatment. I am sorry to miss some of the Senate Impeachment Trial, which is of critical importance to our democracy.”“In December, following the House Judiciary Committee markup of the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, my wife was admitted to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer,” Nadler said in a statement Sunday. “She has undergone surgery and is taking further steps to address the spread of the cancer. On Monday, I will be in New York with her to meet with doctors, determine a path forward, and begin her treatment. I am sorry to miss some of the Senate Impeachment Trial, which is of critical importance to our democracy.”
Nadler said he plans to return to Washington late Monday.Nadler said he plans to return to Washington late Monday.