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Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for top intelligence officer post – live Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for top intelligence officer post – live
(32 minutes later)
This is the second time the president has attempted to name the Texas Republican as director of national intelligenceThis is the second time the president has attempted to name the Texas Republican as director of national intelligence
Guardian US reporters are out and about in South Carolina on the eve of the “first in the south” primary.
Joan Greve is in Columbia, where voters are line-dancing ahead of a Tom Steyer rally.
Meanwhile, Oliver Laughland and Daniel Strauss are keeping an eye on the 22nd Amendment of the US constitution at the Trump rally in North Charleston.
Lest you thought Senate Democrats would forget that they did not want John Ratcliffe appointed director of national intelligence, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer just came out with a strong statement opposing the nomination:Lest you thought Senate Democrats would forget that they did not want John Ratcliffe appointed director of national intelligence, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer just came out with a strong statement opposing the nomination:
Former White House counsel Don McGahn can ignore a subpoena from Congress, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. The decision is a blow to Congressional Democrats, who had sought judicial intervention after Donald Trump barred his top advisers from testifying.Former White House counsel Don McGahn can ignore a subpoena from Congress, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. The decision is a blow to Congressional Democrats, who had sought judicial intervention after Donald Trump barred his top advisers from testifying.
The decision, by a three-judge panel of the DC circuit court of appeals, reverses a lower court ruling that would have forced McGahn to testify, the AP reports.The decision, by a three-judge panel of the DC circuit court of appeals, reverses a lower court ruling that would have forced McGahn to testify, the AP reports.
Per the AP:Per the AP:
Congress can still ask the full appeals court to review the case. It can also appeal to the Supreme court.Congress can still ask the full appeals court to review the case. It can also appeal to the Supreme court.
Speaking of intelligence chiefs ...Speaking of intelligence chiefs ...
Leon Panetta, whose long career in government includes stints as CIA director and secretary of defense during the Obama administration, just endorsed Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.Leon Panetta, whose long career in government includes stints as CIA director and secretary of defense during the Obama administration, just endorsed Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.
If the announcement of John Ratcliffe as Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence gives you a feeling of déjà vu, it’s because we were here – literally – just seven months ago.If the announcement of John Ratcliffe as Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence gives you a feeling of déjà vu, it’s because we were here – literally – just seven months ago.
My colleague Julian Borger wrote about some of the concerns over Ratcliffe’s – “an inexperienced but loyal partisan” – at the time.My colleague Julian Borger wrote about some of the concerns over Ratcliffe’s – “an inexperienced but loyal partisan” – at the time.
You can read Julian’s full report here.You can read Julian’s full report here.
Donald Trump just announced the nomination of John Ratcliffe, a Republican congressman from Texas, as director of national intelligence (DNI). The position is the highest ranking intelligence officer and oversees coordination among the US’s 17 intelligence agencies.Donald Trump just announced the nomination of John Ratcliffe, a Republican congressman from Texas, as director of national intelligence (DNI). The position is the highest ranking intelligence officer and oversees coordination among the US’s 17 intelligence agencies.
This is the second time that Trump attempted to name Ratcliffe to the position. In late July 2019, Trump announced the Texan as his intended choice for the position, only to withdraw the name following critical press reports of Ratcliffe’s record and experience.This is the second time that Trump attempted to name Ratcliffe to the position. In late July 2019, Trump announced the Texan as his intended choice for the position, only to withdraw the name following critical press reports of Ratcliffe’s record and experience.
The announcement comes just over a week after the president named Richard Grenell, a Trump loyalist who was serving as the US ambassador to Germany, as the acting DNI. Grenell’s nomination, which was not subject to senate confirmation, sparked immediate controversy. Grenell has no experience in intelligence or the military, and was best known as a fierce partisan for Trump.The announcement comes just over a week after the president named Richard Grenell, a Trump loyalist who was serving as the US ambassador to Germany, as the acting DNI. Grenell’s nomination, which was not subject to senate confirmation, sparked immediate controversy. Grenell has no experience in intelligence or the military, and was best known as a fierce partisan for Trump.
It’s been a lively afternoon and the evening will be no less action-packed, as Donald Trump prepares for his rally in South Carolina on the eve of that state’s crucially-important Democratic primary voting.It’s been a lively afternoon and the evening will be no less action-packed, as Donald Trump prepares for his rally in South Carolina on the eve of that state’s crucially-important Democratic primary voting.
My colleague in Oakland, California, Julia Carrie Wong, is taking the reins of this blog now and will keep you posted on events in the coming hours. As a reminder, we have a separate, dedicated, live blog covering global news developments related to the coronavirus outbreak. You can follow that here. The issue gets an occasional mention in this blog, depending on what the Trump administration is up to moment to moment.My colleague in Oakland, California, Julia Carrie Wong, is taking the reins of this blog now and will keep you posted on events in the coming hours. As a reminder, we have a separate, dedicated, live blog covering global news developments related to the coronavirus outbreak. You can follow that here. The issue gets an occasional mention in this blog, depending on what the Trump administration is up to moment to moment.
Here are the main US politics news events that have happened this afternoon:Here are the main US politics news events that have happened this afternoon:
Trump wants the US Federal Reserve to “get involved” to support the economy as coronavirus concerns hit the financial markets.Trump wants the US Federal Reserve to “get involved” to support the economy as coronavirus concerns hit the financial markets.
An appeals court in Wisconsin has overturned a ruling that would have allowed a mass purge of voter rolls, which would have disproportionately affected Democrats.An appeals court in Wisconsin has overturned a ruling that would have allowed a mass purge of voter rolls, which would have disproportionately affected Democrats.
The president is on his way to an eve-of-primary rally in North Charleston, South Carolina. It starts at 7pm ET.The president is on his way to an eve-of-primary rally in North Charleston, South Carolina. It starts at 7pm ET.
A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration’s controversial “Wait in Mexico” US-Mexico border policy, with many prominent Democrats tweeting heartfelt reaction, praising the ruling.A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration’s controversial “Wait in Mexico” US-Mexico border policy, with many prominent Democrats tweeting heartfelt reaction, praising the ruling.
The president is on his way to a rally in South Carolina and has been making remarks on his way to Air Force One.The president is on his way to a rally in South Carolina and has been making remarks on his way to Air Force One.
Here’s one:Here’s one:
He’s referring to anticipation that the Fed might lower interest rates to offset economic jitters caused by the spreading coronavirus.He’s referring to anticipation that the Fed might lower interest rates to offset economic jitters caused by the spreading coronavirus.
Farage barrageFarage barrage
Nigel Farage, dubbed “the Godfather of Brexit” in the official CPAC programme, urged attendees of the conservative event to help Bernie Sanders win the Democratic nomination – and thus, in his view, guarantee a landslide victory for his “friend” Donald Trump in the November 2020 election.Farage, always a popular turn at CPAC, said of the recent British general election: “One of the things that made it easier for Boris [Johnson] was a man called Jeremy Corbyn. The British Labour party had been hijacked by hard left, unpatriotic socialism.”Nigel Farage, dubbed “the Godfather of Brexit” in the official CPAC programme, urged attendees of the conservative event to help Bernie Sanders win the Democratic nomination – and thus, in his view, guarantee a landslide victory for his “friend” Donald Trump in the November 2020 election.Farage, always a popular turn at CPAC, said of the recent British general election: “One of the things that made it easier for Boris [Johnson] was a man called Jeremy Corbyn. The British Labour party had been hijacked by hard left, unpatriotic socialism.”
US Democrats will suffer the same fate under democratic socialist Sanders, he suggested. “You should be backing Bernie Sanders. You should be campaigning for Bernie Sanders. You should be donating money to Bernie Sanders.”Farage, who waved a small Union flag on stage, added: “I think with Bernie, you won’t just get Trump. I think with Bernie, you can retake the House too.”The crowd at this year’s CPAC event, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, burst into chants of “USA! USA!”US Democrats will suffer the same fate under democratic socialist Sanders, he suggested. “You should be backing Bernie Sanders. You should be campaigning for Bernie Sanders. You should be donating money to Bernie Sanders.”Farage, who waved a small Union flag on stage, added: “I think with Bernie, you won’t just get Trump. I think with Bernie, you can retake the House too.”The crowd at this year’s CPAC event, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, burst into chants of “USA! USA!”
Environmental gaslightingEnvironmental gaslighting
Donald Trump’s environment chief, in a panel discussion at the high-profile Conservative Political Action Committee event near Washington, earlier today claimed that “our environment is cleaner today than it has ever been,” my colleague Emily Holden writes, from the CPAC event.Donald Trump’s environment chief, in a panel discussion at the high-profile Conservative Political Action Committee event near Washington, earlier today claimed that “our environment is cleaner today than it has ever been,” my colleague Emily Holden writes, from the CPAC event.
Andrew Wheeler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist, has led the administration’s rollbacks of dozens of environmental protections. Wheeler said the media doesn’t tell the story of a cleaner environment.Andrew Wheeler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist, has led the administration’s rollbacks of dozens of environmental protections. Wheeler said the media doesn’t tell the story of a cleaner environment.
“You don’t hear that in most news organizations or the newspapers,” he said. Wheeler frequently cites the statistic that air pollution has declined 74% since 1970. But recent data has shown that after years of improvement, the air has gotten dirtier since 2016.“You don’t hear that in most news organizations or the newspapers,” he said. Wheeler frequently cites the statistic that air pollution has declined 74% since 1970. But recent data has shown that after years of improvement, the air has gotten dirtier since 2016.
The Environmental Protection Agency administrator also defended his policy of considering only studies that have publicly-available data, which scientists have said will prevent the government from incorporating the findings of research that involves private health data.The Environmental Protection Agency administrator also defended his policy of considering only studies that have publicly-available data, which scientists have said will prevent the government from incorporating the findings of research that involves private health data.
Clean waterClean water
A Wisconsin court of appeals has overturned an order to purge more than 200,000 voters from rolls in this important swing state.A Wisconsin court of appeals has overturned an order to purge more than 200,000 voters from rolls in this important swing state.
The court had previously put on hold an order to immediately remove up to 209,000 names from the state’s voter registration rolls, handing Democrats who had fought the move a victory in the battleground state, my colleague Sam Levine wrote last month.The court had previously put on hold an order to immediately remove up to 209,000 names from the state’s voter registration rolls, handing Democrats who had fought the move a victory in the battleground state, my colleague Sam Levine wrote last month.
The appeals court had sided with the bipartisan state elections commission in putting the brakes on removing any voters while the court fight continues. It also put on hold a ruling from Monday in which a judge found the commission and its three Democratic members in contempt for not proceeding with removing the votersThe appeals court had sided with the bipartisan state elections commission in putting the brakes on removing any voters while the court fight continues. It also put on hold a ruling from Monday in which a judge found the commission and its three Democratic members in contempt for not proceeding with removing the voters
The orders came as the commission was meeting in a closed session with attorneys from the state justice department to discuss the case.The orders came as the commission was meeting in a closed session with attorneys from the state justice department to discuss the case.
A conservative law firm that brought the case, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, had wanted the purge to happen immediately, even though the elections commission raised concerns about the accuracy of data used to identify voters who would have their registrations deactivated.A conservative law firm that brought the case, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, had wanted the purge to happen immediately, even though the elections commission raised concerns about the accuracy of data used to identify voters who would have their registrations deactivated.
On Friday, the Hill writes, the order was overturned and would be:On Friday, the Hill writes, the order was overturned and would be:
“Violated due process”“Violated due process”
Judiciary committee chairman and New York Democrat Jerry Nadler (who this morning wrote to attorney general Bill Barr requesting congressional interview with key officials amid concerns over presidential interference in the justice system), has also responded on Twitter to the court ruling blocking Trump’s “Wait in Mexico” border policy.Judiciary committee chairman and New York Democrat Jerry Nadler (who this morning wrote to attorney general Bill Barr requesting congressional interview with key officials amid concerns over presidential interference in the justice system), has also responded on Twitter to the court ruling blocking Trump’s “Wait in Mexico” border policy.
“From day one, @HouseJudiciary has said the “Remain in Mexico” policy was illegal and violated due process, which is why we launched a comprehensive investigation into its origins. Proud to see the 9th Circuit put a halt to this fatally flawed program,” he said.“From day one, @HouseJudiciary has said the “Remain in Mexico” policy was illegal and violated due process, which is why we launched a comprehensive investigation into its origins. Proud to see the 9th Circuit put a halt to this fatally flawed program,” he said.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said: “The courts agree the Trump admin’s remain in Mexico policy is cruel & inhumane. As a country we should not banish people fleeing persecution to continue to wait in unsafe uncertainty. A clear violation of the law.”Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said: “The courts agree the Trump admin’s remain in Mexico policy is cruel & inhumane. As a country we should not banish people fleeing persecution to continue to wait in unsafe uncertainty. A clear violation of the law.”
And Texas congressman Filemon Vela said: “Though the 9th Circuit’s decision almost certainly will be appealed, for now it stops the policy nationwide. The Trump admin. had been declaring near-victory in stemming immigration just weeks ago, in part because of MPP’s success. We must #EndMPP for good.”And Texas congressman Filemon Vela said: “Though the 9th Circuit’s decision almost certainly will be appealed, for now it stops the policy nationwide. The Trump admin. had been declaring near-victory in stemming immigration just weeks ago, in part because of MPP’s success. We must #EndMPP for good.”
“Puts asylum seekers in danger”“Puts asylum seekers in danger”
Current presidential contender Elizabeth Warren has also weighed in on the hammering of Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” border policy.Current presidential contender Elizabeth Warren has also weighed in on the hammering of Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” border policy.
She tweeted that the news of this morning’s court ruling was excellent.She tweeted that the news of this morning’s court ruling was excellent.
“Donald Trump’s cruel “Remain in Mexico” policy put asylum seekers in danger. As president, I will reverse the Trump administration’s cruel immigration policies and ensure that asylum seekers are welcomed at our borders,” she said.“Donald Trump’s cruel “Remain in Mexico” policy put asylum seekers in danger. As president, I will reverse the Trump administration’s cruel immigration policies and ensure that asylum seekers are welcomed at our borders,” she said.
New Mexico Senator Tom Udall tweeted that the policy news was a relief.New Mexico Senator Tom Udall tweeted that the policy news was a relief.
“We cannot allow the Trump administration to continue punishing asylum seekers with its hateful and dangerous policies. Offering a place for those who need refuge is a bedrock part of what America is all about,” he said.“We cannot allow the Trump administration to continue punishing asylum seekers with its hateful and dangerous policies. Offering a place for those who need refuge is a bedrock part of what America is all about,” he said.
House foreign affairs committee chairman, Eliot Engel, called the policy heartless, in a tweet.House foreign affairs committee chairman, Eliot Engel, called the policy heartless, in a tweet.
“I applaud the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy is heartless for those seeking asylum in our country. The Administration continues to demonize people coming to our country, but they are on the wrong side of history,” he said.“I applaud the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy is heartless for those seeking asylum in our country. The Administration continues to demonize people coming to our country, but they are on the wrong side of history,” he said.
One of the impeachment managers in Trump’s recent Senate impeachment trial, congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, called the policy “inhumane” in her tweet, saying: “‘Remain in Mexico’ is inconsistent w/@DHSgov’s authority & inhumanely forces thousands to wait in dangerous conditions before their asylum claims are heard. It’s a harmful policy & I’m glad the court rejected it.”One of the impeachment managers in Trump’s recent Senate impeachment trial, congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, called the policy “inhumane” in her tweet, saying: “‘Remain in Mexico’ is inconsistent w/@DHSgov’s authority & inhumanely forces thousands to wait in dangerous conditions before their asylum claims are heard. It’s a harmful policy & I’m glad the court rejected it.”
“Heartless and unlawful”“Heartless and unlawful”
Reaction is still coming in to the news that a federal appeals judge in California has blocked the harsh Trump administration policy of forcing asylum seekers who cross the US-Mexico border to wait in Mexico for the duration of their immigration court cases.Reaction is still coming in to the news that a federal appeals judge in California has blocked the harsh Trump administration policy of forcing asylum seekers who cross the US-Mexico border to wait in Mexico for the duration of their immigration court cases.
New Jersey Senator and former 2020 presidential candidate Cory Booker just tweeted that: “Trump’s war on immigrants is an affront to our values and ideals. I’m glad that this heartless and unlawful policy is suspended. We must treat all people with dignity and respect. Period.”New Jersey Senator and former 2020 presidential candidate Cory Booker just tweeted that: “Trump’s war on immigrants is an affront to our values and ideals. I’m glad that this heartless and unlawful policy is suspended. We must treat all people with dignity and respect. Period.”