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

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/may/01/us-politics-coronavirus-live-joe-biden-donald-trump-latest-updates

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Coronavirus US live: new Trump press secretary McEnany tells reporters 'I will never lie to you' Coronavirus US live: new Trump press secretary McEnany tells reporters 'I will never lie to you'
(31 minutes later)
Kayleigh McEnany makes pledge as she holds first White House daily briefing in over a yearKayleigh McEnany makes pledge as she holds first White House daily briefing in over a year
Another important note about the sexual misconduct allegations against Trump: it is not accurate to say the issue is years-old, as press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed.
“You’re bringing up issues ... from four years ago that were asked and answered, and the American people had their say in the matter,” McEnany said. “Leave it to the media to really take an issue about the former vice president and turn it on the president.”
But advice columnist E Jean Carroll said in June that Trump raped her in the mid-1990s, an allegation that the president has denied, and a defamation lawsuit from one of Trump’s accusers is currently on hold in New York.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has just concluded her first daily briefing, and she made a point to bring up the case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn.
The president has signaled interest in a potential pardon for his former adviser, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017.
McEnany said the FBI’s handling of Flynn’s case “should scare every American,” insisting there was an “unfair target” on the former official’s back.
But just to reiterate: Flynn himself pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his contact with the former Russian ambassador to the US.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said of Joe Biden’s interview this morning about Tara Reade’s claim, “We are pleased that Joe Biden decided to go on the record.”
But when asked about the fact that Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women, McEnany accused the media of unnecessarily resurrecting a years-old issue.
“The president has swiftly denied all of these allegations that were raised four years ago,” McEnany said, going on to argue that questions about the allegations were “asked and answered in the form of the vote of the American people.”
More than a dozen women have accused the president of sexual misconduct, and the “Access Hollywood” tape included audio of Trump describing grabbing women’s genitals.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany reacted to Trump’s claim that Tara Reade, who has accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, was more compelling than the women who accused now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.
McEnany responded by saying Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings were a “grave miscarriage of justice,” and she claimed that the allegations against him were “salacious, awful and verifiably false.”
It is not accurate to say that the allegations against Kavanaugh were “verifiably false.” In her Senate testimony, Christine Blasey Ford extensively detailed an allegation of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, and it was not proven to be “verifiably false.” The Republican-led Senate confirmed Kavanaugh in the closest Supreme Court vote in history.
Asked about possible retaliatory measures the US might take against China for its handling of coronavirus, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she did not want to get ahead of Trump on that.Asked about possible retaliatory measures the US might take against China for its handling of coronavirus, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she did not want to get ahead of Trump on that.
But McEnany added, “It is no secret that China mishandled this situation.”But McEnany added, “It is no secret that China mishandled this situation.”
The press secretary was also pressed on the president’s claims of having seen evidence that coronavirus was created in a Chinese government lab. The office of the director of national intelligence said yesterday the intelligence community “concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the Covid-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified”.The press secretary was also pressed on the president’s claims of having seen evidence that coronavirus was created in a Chinese government lab. The office of the director of national intelligence said yesterday the intelligence community “concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the Covid-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified”.
“Intelligence is just an estimate,” McEnany said.“Intelligence is just an estimate,” McEnany said.
This one is worth keeping for future reference: White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany pledged to never lie from the briefing room podium.This one is worth keeping for future reference: White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany pledged to never lie from the briefing room podium.
“I will never lie to you,” McEnany told journalists after one reporter asked if she would make such a pledge. “You have my word on that.”“I will never lie to you,” McEnany told journalists after one reporter asked if she would make such a pledge. “You have my word on that.”
The promise is notable considering one of McEnany’s predecessors, Sean Spicer, began his tenure by sharing false and outlandish claims about the size of the crowd at Trump’s inauguration.The promise is notable considering one of McEnany’s predecessors, Sean Spicer, began his tenure by sharing false and outlandish claims about the size of the crowd at Trump’s inauguration.
Kayleigh McEnany, the president’s new press secretary, is now holding her first White House daily briefing since assuming her role last month.Kayleigh McEnany, the president’s new press secretary, is now holding her first White House daily briefing since assuming her role last month.
This is also the first formal briefing held by a press secretary in more than a year. Trump and the White House coronavirus task force have held regular briefings since the start of the crisis, but the president’s press secretary has not held a briefing since March 2019, when Sarah Huckabee Sanders suspended the practice.This is also the first formal briefing held by a press secretary in more than a year. Trump and the White House coronavirus task force have held regular briefings since the start of the crisis, but the president’s press secretary has not held a briefing since March 2019, when Sarah Huckabee Sanders suspended the practice.
McEnany began by detailing the $12 billion being distributed to 395 hospitals as part of the most recent coronavirus relief bill.McEnany began by detailing the $12 billion being distributed to 395 hospitals as part of the most recent coronavirus relief bill.
Senator Mitt Romney is intrdoucing legislation to give essential workers hazard pay, arguing those on the front lines of the pandemic deserve more financial assistance from the government.Senator Mitt Romney is intrdoucing legislation to give essential workers hazard pay, arguing those on the front lines of the pandemic deserve more financial assistance from the government.
Romney proposed giving essential workers an additional $12 an hour for the months of May, June and July. The Utah Republican said employers would cover a quarter of the cost, while the federal government would cover the other three quarters.Romney proposed giving essential workers an additional $12 an hour for the months of May, June and July. The Utah Republican said employers would cover a quarter of the cost, while the federal government would cover the other three quarters.
“Health care professionals, grocery store workers, food processors, and many others—the unsung patriots on the frontline of this pandemic—every day risk their safety for the health and well-being of our country, and they deserve our unwavering support,” Romney said in a statement. “Patriot Pay is a way for us to reward our essential workers as they continue to keep Americans safe, healthy, and fed.”“Health care professionals, grocery store workers, food processors, and many others—the unsung patriots on the frontline of this pandemic—every day risk their safety for the health and well-being of our country, and they deserve our unwavering support,” Romney said in a statement. “Patriot Pay is a way for us to reward our essential workers as they continue to keep Americans safe, healthy, and fed.”
In an interview with the Washington Post, Romney noted that some essential workers, such as grocery store employees, may be making less money than those who are receiving unemployment benefits.In an interview with the Washington Post, Romney noted that some essential workers, such as grocery store employees, may be making less money than those who are receiving unemployment benefits.
“That’s not fair, number one,” Romney said. “And number two, it would create an anomaly, of course, for people to be taking additional risk of their health and have someone else not working making more than they are.”“That’s not fair, number one,” Romney said. “And number two, it would create an anomaly, of course, for people to be taking additional risk of their health and have someone else not working making more than they are.”
The executive director of the World Health Organization reiterated that the group believes coronavirus came about naturally, despite Trump’s dubious claims that he has seen evidence it was created in a Chinese government lab.The executive director of the World Health Organization reiterated that the group believes coronavirus came about naturally, despite Trump’s dubious claims that he has seen evidence it was created in a Chinese government lab.
“We have listened again and again to numerous scientists who looked at the sequences and looked at this virus and we are assured that this virus is natural in origin,” WHO executive director Michael J. Ryan said Friday.“We have listened again and again to numerous scientists who looked at the sequences and looked at this virus and we are assured that this virus is natural in origin,” WHO executive director Michael J. Ryan said Friday.
Just yesterday, Trump claimed he had seen evidence that coronavirus was made in a lab in China’s Wuhan region, which saw the first outbreak of the virus. Asked what evidence he had seen, Trump said, “I can’t tell you that. I’m not allowed to tell you that.”Just yesterday, Trump claimed he had seen evidence that coronavirus was made in a lab in China’s Wuhan region, which saw the first outbreak of the virus. Asked what evidence he had seen, Trump said, “I can’t tell you that. I’m not allowed to tell you that.”
The president’s comments came hours after the office of the director of national intelligence said in a statement that the intelligence community “concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the Covid-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified”.The president’s comments came hours after the office of the director of national intelligence said in a statement that the intelligence community “concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the Covid-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified”.
Michael Cohen was also separately told yesterday that he must cease writing a tell-all book about his time working for Trump, according to ABC News.Michael Cohen was also separately told yesterday that he must cease writing a tell-all book about his time working for Trump, according to ABC News.
ABC News reports:ABC News reports:
Cohen worked for Trump as a lawyer and fixer, and he was deeply involved in a scheme to pay hush money to women who alleged they had extramarital affairs with the president before he ran for office.Cohen worked for Trump as a lawyer and fixer, and he was deeply involved in a scheme to pay hush money to women who alleged they had extramarital affairs with the president before he ran for office.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, has reportedly had his approval for early release from prison reversed.Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, has reportedly had his approval for early release from prison reversed.
ABC News reports:ABC News reports:
Cohen, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to tax fraud, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress, was originally scheduled for release in November 2021.Cohen, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to tax fraud, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress, was originally scheduled for release in November 2021.
The Trump campaign accused Joe Biden of applying a double standard after the presumptive Democratic nominee denied Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation.The Trump campaign accused Joe Biden of applying a double standard after the presumptive Democratic nominee denied Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation.
Erin Perrine, the Trump camapign’s principal deputy communications director, said in a statement, “The only thing Joe Biden did today was dig himself a deeper hole.”Erin Perrine, the Trump camapign’s principal deputy communications director, said in a statement, “The only thing Joe Biden did today was dig himself a deeper hole.”
Perrine noted Biden previously demanded that former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg release women from non-disclosure agreements about claims of sexual harassment at his company.Perrine noted Biden previously demanded that former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg release women from non-disclosure agreements about claims of sexual harassment at his company.
“Biden has a different definition of transparency than he sets for others.” Perrine said. “The double standard exhibited by Biden, prominent liberal women’s groups, and Democrat elected officials – some of whom want to be Biden’s running mate – is glaring and cannot be allowed to stand.”“Biden has a different definition of transparency than he sets for others.” Perrine said. “The double standard exhibited by Biden, prominent liberal women’s groups, and Democrat elected officials – some of whom want to be Biden’s running mate – is glaring and cannot be allowed to stand.”
A number of anti-sexual assault groups have called for a full investigation of Reade’s claim, while applauding Biden for directly addressing the allegation, unlike the president.A number of anti-sexual assault groups have called for a full investigation of Reade’s claim, while applauding Biden for directly addressing the allegation, unlike the president.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden denied Tara Reade’s allegation of sexual assault. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told MSNBC, “It is not true. I’m saying unequivocally, it did not happen and it didn’t.”Joe Biden denied Tara Reade’s allegation of sexual assault. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told MSNBC, “It is not true. I’m saying unequivocally, it did not happen and it didn’t.”
Trump said Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with anti- stay-at-home protesters. The president’s comments came one day after protesters, some of them carrying assault rifles, swarmed the Michigan state capitol.Trump said Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with anti- stay-at-home protesters. The president’s comments came one day after protesters, some of them carrying assault rifles, swarmed the Michigan state capitol.
New York schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, governor Andrew Cuomo announced. The news is unsurprising considering the state is still seeing 1,000 new coronavirus hospitalizations a day, and another 289 New Yorkers died of the virus yesterday.New York schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, governor Andrew Cuomo announced. The news is unsurprising considering the state is still seeing 1,000 new coronavirus hospitalizations a day, and another 289 New Yorkers died of the virus yesterday.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Anti-stay-at-home protesters have gathered in front of New York’s state capitol, where governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s coronavirus response.Anti-stay-at-home protesters have gathered in front of New York’s state capitol, where governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s coronavirus response.
The demonstrators are protesting Cuomo’s statewide stay-at-home order, which is currently in effect until May 15. The governor has declined to say when he will make a decision on whether to extend the order.The demonstrators are protesting Cuomo’s statewide stay-at-home order, which is currently in effect until May 15. The governor has declined to say when he will make a decision on whether to extend the order.
Similar protests have been popping up across the country, even though polls show most Americans support the restrictions that local leaders have enforced to limit the spread of the virus.Similar protests have been popping up across the country, even though polls show most Americans support the restrictions that local leaders have enforced to limit the spread of the virus.
Trump said earlier today that Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “give a little” and “make a deal” with the protesters who swarmed the state capitol’s yesterday, some of whom were carrying assault rifles.Trump said earlier today that Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “give a little” and “make a deal” with the protesters who swarmed the state capitol’s yesterday, some of whom were carrying assault rifles.
The Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn has a recap of New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing:The Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn has a recap of New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing:
In addition to announcing that schools across the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic school year, the governor confirmed New York state is still seeing roughly 1,000 new covid-19 hospitalizations per day.In addition to announcing that schools across the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic school year, the governor confirmed New York state is still seeing roughly 1,000 new covid-19 hospitalizations per day.
There were 289 deaths in the last 24 hours, the first time New York saw less than 300 daily deaths in weeks.There were 289 deaths in the last 24 hours, the first time New York saw less than 300 daily deaths in weeks.
“New Yorkers changed reality,” Cuomo said, crediting changes in social behaviors for a decline in overall hospitalizations since the peak of the outbreak.“New Yorkers changed reality,” Cuomo said, crediting changes in social behaviors for a decline in overall hospitalizations since the peak of the outbreak.
When asked to assess his own performance amid the pandemic, Cuomo responded, “I tried my best.” He then pivoted to give credit to state residents for how they have followed social distancing guidelines. “New Yorkers did an extraordinary job,” he said.When asked to assess his own performance amid the pandemic, Cuomo responded, “I tried my best.” He then pivoted to give credit to state residents for how they have followed social distancing guidelines. “New Yorkers did an extraordinary job,” he said.
Cuomo then announced he had directed insurers to waive co-pays, deductibles and other costs for mental health services for essential workers throughout the coronavirus crisis.Cuomo then announced he had directed insurers to waive co-pays, deductibles and other costs for mental health services for essential workers throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The governor said he had spoken to too many families who said they would seek counseling but felt it was too expensive. “Just wipe that reason away and get the help that you need,” Cuomo said.The governor said he had spoken to too many families who said they would seek counseling but felt it was too expensive. “Just wipe that reason away and get the help that you need,” Cuomo said.
The governor also shared that the state saw a 15% jump in domestic violence calls in March and a 30% increase in April, which Cuomo described as a “dramatic” and “frightening” trend.The governor also shared that the state saw a 15% jump in domestic violence calls in March and a 30% increase in April, which Cuomo described as a “dramatic” and “frightening” trend.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said private schools with large endowments should return any loans they received from the Paycheck Protection Program.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said private schools with large endowments should return any loans they received from the Paycheck Protection Program.
Some private schools with millions of dollars in their endowments received large loans from the program, even as small businesses with little capital at their disposal struggled to get their loan applications approved.Some private schools with millions of dollars in their endowments received large loans from the program, even as small businesses with little capital at their disposal struggled to get their loan applications approved.
Some of the private schools have already returned the loans, mirroring the actions of publicly traded companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which have also said they would return the funds they received from the program.Some of the private schools have already returned the loans, mirroring the actions of publicly traded companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which have also said they would return the funds they received from the program.
The New York Times has more details:The New York Times has more details:
New Yorks schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, and educators will continue to practice distance learning, governor Andrew Cuomo has just announced.New Yorks schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, and educators will continue to practice distance learning, governor Andrew Cuomo has just announced.
The Democratic governor added that he would make a decision about whether summer school will be possible at the end of the month.The Democratic governor added that he would make a decision about whether summer school will be possible at the end of the month.
Another 289 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, representing a slight decrease from the day before, but new hospitalizations appear to have plateaued at around 1,000, which Cuomo has described as alarmingly high.Another 289 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, representing a slight decrease from the day before, but new hospitalizations appear to have plateaued at around 1,000, which Cuomo has described as alarmingly high.