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Trump demands Nascar driver Bubba Wallace apologize over noose incident – live White House claims US is 'a leader' in coronavirus fight despite rise in many states – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump also seems to complain about ban of Confederate flag causing low ratings for the sport ‘I think the world is looking at us as a leader in Covid-19’ Kayleigh McEnany said during a briefing, as the US has failed to lower the number of new cases
The president has now weighed in on the decision by two sports teams to undergo reviews to change their widely criticized names.
“They name teams out of STRENGTH, not weakness, but now the Washington Redskins & Cleveland Indians, two fabled sports franchises, look like they are going to be changing their names in order to be politically correct,” Trump said in a tweet. “Indians, like Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now!”
The two franchises, particularly Washington’s football team, have long faced calls to change their names, with many critics arguing the current names are offensive to Native Americans.
The Washington team’s management has previously refused to consider a name change, but the national reckoning over racism since the police killing of George Floyd seems to have inspired a shift in opinion.
Trump’s tweet comes hours after he criticized Nascar for banning Confederate flags at its races and suggested black Nascar driver Bubba Wallace should apologize for a noose being found in his garage.
The white woman who called the police on a black man bird-watching in Central Park will face a misdemeanor charge, the Manhattan district attorney announced.
“Today our Office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree,” Manhattan DA Cy Vance said in a new statement. “We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable.”
Cooper was fired from her job after footage of her calling the police on Christian Cooper (no relation) went viral in late May.
Christian Cooper said the confrontation began when he asked Amy Cooper to put a leash on her dog, as is required in the section of Central Park known as the Ramble.
Amy Cooper then accused Christian Cooper of threatening her, even though the man is mostly silent in the video.
“I’m taking a picture and calling the cops,” Amy Cooper says in the video. “I’m going to tell them there’s an African American man threatening my life.”
The video prompted outcry and was cited as one of many examples of white Americans using the police to target African Americans who are peacefully going about their lives.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has concluded her briefing, during which she was repeatedly pressed on Trump’s comments about Nascar and the Confederate flag.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has concluded her briefing, during which she was repeatedly pressed on Trump’s comments about Nascar and the Confederate flag.
McEnany ended the briefing with one of her “scripted walk-offs,” which have become a standard feature of her appearances at the podium.McEnany ended the briefing with one of her “scripted walk-offs,” which have become a standard feature of her appearances at the podium.
The press secretary accused journalists of failing to ask questions about the most important issues of the day, such as New York shootings increasing in recent weeks.The press secretary accused journalists of failing to ask questions about the most important issues of the day, such as New York shootings increasing in recent weeks.
Of course, the reason why journalists asked so many questions about Nascar and the Confederate flag is because that’s what the president was tweeting about this morning, as dozens of states grapple with a surge in new cases of coronavirus.Of course, the reason why journalists asked so many questions about Nascar and the Confederate flag is because that’s what the president was tweeting about this morning, as dozens of states grapple with a surge in new cases of coronavirus.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany shockingly claimed that foreign leaders consider America to be a leader in the fight against coronavirus.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany shockingly claimed that foreign leaders consider America to be a leader in the fight against coronavirus.
“I think the world is looking at us as a leader in Covid-19,” McEnany said during the White House briefing.“I think the world is looking at us as a leader in Covid-19,” McEnany said during the White House briefing.
In reality, the US has failed to lower the number of new infections, and the spread of coronavirus is on the rise in dozens of states.In reality, the US has failed to lower the number of new infections, and the spread of coronavirus is on the rise in dozens of states.
The European Union also declined to include the US on a list of approved countries for nonessential travel as the EU starts to open its borders.The European Union also declined to include the US on a list of approved countries for nonessential travel as the EU starts to open its borders.
White House reporters continue to press Kayleigh McEnany on the meaning of Trump’s tweet this morning about Nascar driver Bubba Wallace and the decision to ban Confederate flags at races.White House reporters continue to press Kayleigh McEnany on the meaning of Trump’s tweet this morning about Nascar driver Bubba Wallace and the decision to ban Confederate flags at races.
One reporter asked the press secretary why the president would not praise Nascar’s decision to ban Confederate flags.One reporter asked the press secretary why the president would not praise Nascar’s decision to ban Confederate flags.
McEnany replied that Trump was against demonizing American citizens. “He stands against the demonization of Americans, and he stands firmly on the side of preserving our history,” McEnany said.McEnany replied that Trump was against demonizing American citizens. “He stands against the demonization of Americans, and he stands firmly on the side of preserving our history,” McEnany said.
The press secretary claimed Trump “has not given an opinion one way or another” on flying the Confederate flag.The press secretary claimed Trump “has not given an opinion one way or another” on flying the Confederate flag.
The first question of the White House briefing was unsurprisingly about the president’s tweet this morning, which criticized Nascar driver Bubba Wallace and the decision to ban Confederate flags at Nascar races.The first question of the White House briefing was unsurprisingly about the president’s tweet this morning, which criticized Nascar driver Bubba Wallace and the decision to ban Confederate flags at Nascar races.
Asked why Trump supports flying the Confederate flag, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany replied, “The president never said that.”Asked why Trump supports flying the Confederate flag, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany replied, “The president never said that.”
McEnany then went on to emphasize that the FBI concluded the Bubba Wallace incident was not a hate crime, but she avoided engaging with Trump’s own words about Nascar’s decision on the Confederate flag.McEnany then went on to emphasize that the FBI concluded the Bubba Wallace incident was not a hate crime, but she avoided engaging with Trump’s own words about Nascar’s decision on the Confederate flag.
Trump specifically tweeted this morning, “Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!”Trump specifically tweeted this morning, “Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!”
Pressed on the president’s thoughts about flying the Confederate flag, McEnany said Trump “was not making a judgment one way or the other.”Pressed on the president’s thoughts about flying the Confederate flag, McEnany said Trump “was not making a judgment one way or the other.”
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is now holding a briefing in the White House briefing room.Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is now holding a briefing in the White House briefing room.
McEnany opened the briefing by describing Trump’s July 4 speeches as “unifying,” claiming tjhey attracted “widespread praise.”McEnany opened the briefing by describing Trump’s July 4 speeches as “unifying,” claiming tjhey attracted “widespread praise.”
In reality, Trump’s speech in South Dakota this weekend was widely criticized for its divisive rhetoric.In reality, Trump’s speech in South Dakota this weekend was widely criticized for its divisive rhetoric.
Many commentators argued the president delivered a controversial, campaign-style speech a day before the holiday celebrating American independence.Many commentators argued the president delivered a controversial, campaign-style speech a day before the holiday celebrating American independence.
Harvard will hold all classes online for the next academic year, as universities struggle with how to resume operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.Harvard will hold all classes online for the next academic year, as universities struggle with how to resume operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ivy League university said it would welcome up to 40% of undergraduates on campus, but those students would take their classes online along with their classmates.The Ivy League university said it would welcome up to 40% of undergraduates on campus, but those students would take their classes online along with their classmates.
But Harvard is not offering any discount on tuition as classes move entirely online. In comparison, Princeton University said it would cut tuition by 10% to reflect the shifting classroom experience.But Harvard is not offering any discount on tuition as classes move entirely online. In comparison, Princeton University said it would cut tuition by 10% to reflect the shifting classroom experience.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Trump was criticized for suggesting Nascar driver Bubba Wallace should apologize for raising concerns about a noose found in his garage. The president said that the incident was a “hoax,” although a picture released of the door pull in Wallace’s garage clearly resembled a noose. Trump also criticized Nascar for banning Confederate flags at its races.Trump was criticized for suggesting Nascar driver Bubba Wallace should apologize for raising concerns about a noose found in his garage. The president said that the incident was a “hoax,” although a picture released of the door pull in Wallace’s garage clearly resembled a noose. Trump also criticized Nascar for banning Confederate flags at its races.
The supreme court ruled states can punish “faithless electors,” members of the electoral college who try to vote for candidate who did not win their state. The court still has five outstanding cases, including one involving Trump’s financial records.The supreme court ruled states can punish “faithless electors,” members of the electoral college who try to vote for candidate who did not win their state. The court still has five outstanding cases, including one involving Trump’s financial records.
A judge ordered the Dakota Access pipeline to be shut down until a more thorough environmental review can be completed. The federal judge’s ruling marks a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, who have been protesting against the pipeline for years.A judge ordered the Dakota Access pipeline to be shut down until a more thorough environmental review can be completed. The federal judge’s ruling marks a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, who have been protesting against the pipeline for years.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
A federal judge has ordered the controversial Dakota Access pipeline to be shut down until a more thorough environmental review can be completed.A federal judge has ordered the controversial Dakota Access pipeline to be shut down until a more thorough environmental review can be completed.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
The ruling marks a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, who have been protesting against the pipeline for years, and a defeat for Trump, who pushed for speedier construction of the pipeline shortly after taking office.The ruling marks a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, who have been protesting against the pipeline for years, and a defeat for Trump, who pushed for speedier construction of the pipeline shortly after taking office.
Republican senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump’s closest Senate allies, pushed back against the president’s tweet about Nascar driver Bubba Wallace.
“Well, I don’t think Bubba Wallace has anything to apologize for,” Graham said. “When there was a chance that it was a threat against Bubba Wallace ... they all rallied to Bubba’s side, so I would be looking to celebrate that kind of attitude more than being worried about it being a hoax.”
Graham also said he did not agree with Trump’s criticism of Nascar’s decision to ban Confederate flags at its races.
“They’re trying to grow the sport,” Graham said. “I’ve lived in South Carolina all my life, and if you’re in business, the Confederate flag is not a good way to grow your business.”
The mayor of Miami-Dade county is signing an emergency order to close more businesses again as Florida grapples with a surge in new cases of coronavirus.
“I am signing an emergency order that will close restaurants (except for takeout and delivery services), along with ballrooms, banquet facilities, party venues, gyms and fitness centers, and short-term rentals,” mayor Carlos Gimenez said in a statement announcing the order.
“We can tamp down the spread if everyone follows the rules, wears masks and stays at least six feet apart from others. I am counting on you, our 2.8 million residents, to stop the spread so that we can get back to opening our economy.”
The Republican mayor announced the order, which will go into effect starting Wednesday, as the state reported more than 6,000 new cases of coronavirus in the past day. The state’s total number of cases has now surpassed 200,000.
Simon & Schuster announced it is pushing up the publication date of Mary Trump’s book by two weeks, citing “high demand and extraordinary interest.”
The book from the president’s niece was originally set to be published July 28, but it will now be released next Tuesday, July 14.
On the newly released back cover of the book, Trump accuses her uncle of being “incapable of growing, learning, or evolving.”
Trump’s publisher has previously said the book will explore “a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse” that contributed to the creation of “one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families.”
Last week, a judge in New York granted a temporary restraining order against Trump as her family seeks to block the book’s publication, but Simon & Schuster was released from the order, indicating the book will be published regardless.
Another Nascar driver, Tyler Reddick, criticized Trump after the president suggested Bubba Wallace should apologize for raising concerns about a suspected noose found in his garage.
In his tweet this morning, Trump also criticized Nascar for banning Confederate flags from their races.
“We don’t need an apology,” Reddick said in response to Trump. “We did what was right and we will do just fine without your support.”
White House press secrtary Kayleigh McEnany defended Trump’s tweet about Bubba Wallace, which criticized the black Nascar driver for raising concerns about a suspected noose found in his garage before a race.
McEnany said the president’s tweet was making “a broader point that this rush to judgment on the facts before the facts are out is not acceptable.”
The press secretary compared the Nascar incident to actor Jussie Smollett’s false police report about being the victim of racist and homophobic violence.
Of course, the two events seem dramatically different, especially considering it was Nascar’s president who reported the noose, not Wallace.
The FBI concluded the noose was a garage door pull that had been in the garage since before it was assigned to Wallace, but a photo of the rope showed it greatly resembled a noose, and Nascar said no other garage had a door pull tied in that manner.
Nascar president Steve Phelps said after the photo was released, “As you can see from the photo, the noose was real, as was our concern for Bubba. Based on the evidence we had, we thought our drivers – that one of our drivers had been threatened, a driver who had been extremely courageous in recent words and actions. It’s our responsibility to react and investigate, and that’s exactly what we did.”
It looks like we will have to wait at least another day to hear the supreme court’s decision on Trump’s financial records.
The court is done issuing rulings for the day and has not yet provided an update on when its next opinion day will be.
There are still five cases left for the court to decide, which means there will likely be one or maybe two more opinion days.
The supreme court has issued its ruling on so-called “faithless electors,” members of the electoral college who try to vote for a presidential candidate who did not win their state.
In a unanimous decision wrtten by justice Elena Kagan, the court said, “We now affirm the Washington Supreme Court’s judgment that a State may enforce its pledge law against an elector.”
The ruling will allow states to punish electors who do not support the winning candidate in their state, likely bringing an end to faithless electors.
The supreme court will soon start issuing today’s decisions, marking the first time in 24 years that the court has issued opinions in July.
Congressional Democrats and prosecutors in New York are waiting to see if the court will rule on allowing them access to Trump’s financial records.
The Democratic lawmakers and the prosecutors have issued subpoenas for the records in connection to investigations of the president and his businesses, but Trump has repeatedly blocked them from receiving the documents.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
Trump’s tweet attacking Bubba Wallace, Nascar’s only top black driver, also overlooks the fact that it was not Wallace who discovered and reported the pull rope resembling a noose.
Congress is not in session this week, which means Republican lawmakers will likely be able to avoid questions about whether they agree with Trump that Nascar was wrong to ban the Confederate flag from its races.
Donald Trump has just launched an attack on Nascar driver Bubba Wallace, that is breathtaking even by the president’s usual standards.
While seeming to complain about Nascar’s decision to ban the Confederate flag, and criticising the sports’ TV ratings, Trump is asking if Wallace has apologised after a noose found in his garage sparked an investigation.
An FBI investigation into the incident concluded that what had been reported as a noose was a garage door pull, that had been there some time before the garage was assigned to Wallace.
However, Nascar released a photograph of the noose, and said their checks showed that out of 1,684 garage stalls at 29 tracks, only 11 had a garage door pull-down rope tied in a knot. The only one fashioned in a noose was the one discovered by a crew member in Wallace’s No43 garage stall.
President Steve Phelps said: “As you can see from the photo, the noose was real, as was our concern for Bubba. Based on the evidence we had, we thought our drivers – that one of our drivers had been threatened, a driver who had been extremely courageous in recent words and actions. It’s our responsibility to react and investigate, and that’s exactly what we did.”