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Trump’s taxes may be released to grand jury, supreme court rules – live Trump’s taxes may be released to grand jury, supreme court rules – live
(32 minutes later)
Justices issue a 7-2 decision that the president’s tax returns and business records may be turned over to New York juryJustices issue a 7-2 decision that the president’s tax returns and business records may be turned over to New York jury
The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, had some forthright things to say about the naming of army bases after Confederate generals, who he described as traitors. His remarks to the House armed services committee stand out in the context of Trump’s insistence he would not even consider renaming the ten army bases named for Confederate military leaders. Abené Clayton reports:
California lawmakers and top criminal justice officials joined organizers and families to urged governor Gavin Newsom to release thousands of people from state prisons, as several of the state’s facilities battle dramatic surges in coronavirus cases.
“We are in the middle of a humanitarian crisis that was created and wholly avoidable,” said the California assembly member Rob Bonta at a press conference in front of San Quentin state prison on Thursday.
“We need act with urgency fueled by compassion,” he added. “We missed the opportunity to prevent, so now we have to make things right.”
The officials, including the San Francisco district attorney, Chesa Boudin, and the Alameda public defender, Brendon Woods, are asking for the release of prisoners over 60 and people with less than a year left to serve. They also asked Newsom to tour San Quentin, the historic state prison that has seen the most positive cases.
Almost 1,500 people at San Quentin tested positive for the virus, and seven people have succumbed to complications from Covid-19. The facility has seen an exponential rise in coronavirus cases – up until the end of May it had not recorded a single confirmed case.
On what he called a “sweltering day” in the White House rose garden – I can confirm my laptop briefly fainted in the heat – Donald Trump repurposed his culture war for a Hispanic audience.The US president signed an executive order establishing the Hispanic Prosperity Initiative and returned to a recent theme that portrays a left wing mob intent on destroying history and defunding police. This, he warned, would make America resemble the strife-torn countries that many immigrants have fled.“Now Hispanic Americans are watching as the cities they helped build, the communities they helped police, the businesses they created and the dreams they pursued are being threatened by an extreme movement that wants to tear everything down,” Trump said. “At the centre of this movement is an aggressive effort to defund the police, if you can even believe that. Defund the police: think about that. It’s a sad, sad thing. These people are crazy – they are crazy.”Defunding police “would inflict great harm on our hard working Latino communities,” continued the president, who champions a border wall and has frequently demonised immigrants from Central America. “Many immigrants came to the United States in order to leave counties where the rule of law had been eroded and they don’t want those same conditions to be replicated here. They don’t want them back. They know what it is first hand.“They know what happens when the police cannot protect the innocent, when the rule of law is destroyed, when justice becomes an instrument of vengeance. Hispanic Americans, they know. They’re hard working patriots who support our police, protect our communities and believe strongly in the rule of law. I will stand arm in arm with the Hispanic community to ensure that every child in America can grow up in safety, security, dignity and in peace.”During his speech, Trump also reiterated his demand for schools to reopen, citing Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden as countries that have done so successfully. Sweden notoriously decided against a mass lockdown and suffered a higher death toll with little economic reward.
The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, had some forthright things to say about the naming of army bases after Confederate generals, whom he described as traitors. His remarks to the House armed services committee stand out in the context of Trump’s insistence he would not even consider renaming the 10 army bases named for Confederate military leaders.
Milley noted that the military is 43% minority, and 20% African American, rising to 30% in some bases. He recalled a staff sergeant at Fort Bragg who told him he had go to work every day at a base named after a man, Confederate general Braxton Bragg, who had enslaved his grandparents.Milley noted that the military is 43% minority, and 20% African American, rising to 30% in some bases. He recalled a staff sergeant at Fort Bragg who told him he had go to work every day at a base named after a man, Confederate general Braxton Bragg, who had enslaved his grandparents.
The Confederacy, Milley told the committee, “was an act of rebellion. It was an act of treason at the time, against the Union, against the Stars and Stripes, against the US Constitution, and those officers turned their back on their own.”The Confederacy, Milley told the committee, “was an act of rebellion. It was an act of treason at the time, against the Union, against the Stars and Stripes, against the US Constitution, and those officers turned their back on their own.”
The Republican national convention, which is scheduled to take place in Jacksonville, Florida, next month, could be moved to an outdoor venue, officials told the Washington Post.The Republican national convention, which is scheduled to take place in Jacksonville, Florida, next month, could be moved to an outdoor venue, officials told the Washington Post.
As coronavirus cases in Florida soar, organizers are reportedly looking into hosting the event at an outdoor sports stadium.As coronavirus cases in Florida soar, organizers are reportedly looking into hosting the event at an outdoor sports stadium.
The planning of the convention has been marked by uncertainty — it was moved from North Carolina to Florida after a disagreement between state leaders and convention organizers about safety measures. North Carolina governor Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles wouldn’t commit to allowing a full convention, even as Trump insisted he wanted a “packed” crowd.The planning of the convention has been marked by uncertainty — it was moved from North Carolina to Florida after a disagreement between state leaders and convention organizers about safety measures. North Carolina governor Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles wouldn’t commit to allowing a full convention, even as Trump insisted he wanted a “packed” crowd.
Several Republican leaders have said they would not attend the convention, including senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Mitt Romney of Utah.Several Republican leaders have said they would not attend the convention, including senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Mitt Romney of Utah.
Joe Biden on Thursday unveiled a $700bn proposal to grow American industry as the centerpiece of his presidential campaign pitch to lead the nation’s economic recovery in the wake of the devastating coronavirus pandemic.Joe Biden on Thursday unveiled a $700bn proposal to grow American industry as the centerpiece of his presidential campaign pitch to lead the nation’s economic recovery in the wake of the devastating coronavirus pandemic.
The ambitious “buy American” campaign is one pillar of a broader economic platform, titled “Build Back Better”, which Biden is expected to outline at a speech near his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday afternoon.The ambitious “buy American” campaign is one pillar of a broader economic platform, titled “Build Back Better”, which Biden is expected to outline at a speech near his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday afternoon.
Though Biden leads Donald Trump in national and battleground state polls, voters consistently say they trust the president’s stewardship of the economy.Though Biden leads Donald Trump in national and battleground state polls, voters consistently say they trust the president’s stewardship of the economy.
The proposal calls for the federal government to purchase $400bn worth of US goods and services and invest $300bn in research and development of technologies such as electric vehicles, 5G cellular networks and artificial intelligence. According to an outline provided by the campaign, the plan would create “at least 5m new jobs in manufacturing and innovation”.The proposal calls for the federal government to purchase $400bn worth of US goods and services and invest $300bn in research and development of technologies such as electric vehicles, 5G cellular networks and artificial intelligence. According to an outline provided by the campaign, the plan would create “at least 5m new jobs in manufacturing and innovation”.
“This will be the largest mobilization of public investments in procurement, infrastructure and [research and development] since WWII,” the proposal states.“This will be the largest mobilization of public investments in procurement, infrastructure and [research and development] since WWII,” the proposal states.
Other policies included in the plan are proposals to make it easier for workers to unionize and bargain collectively and to tighten enforcement of “buy American” laws that are designed to protect American industry but can be easily circumvented.Other policies included in the plan are proposals to make it easier for workers to unionize and bargain collectively and to tighten enforcement of “buy American” laws that are designed to protect American industry but can be easily circumvented.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The supreme court ruled a New York grand jury may receive the president’s financial records and tax returns. In a 7-2 decision, the court rejected Trump’s argument that he was categorically immune from tgrand jury subpoenas, delivering a victory for Manhattan district attorney Cy Vance. But Vance will still have to go back to court to have his subpoena enforced, which will delay the case.The supreme court ruled a New York grand jury may receive the president’s financial records and tax returns. In a 7-2 decision, the court rejected Trump’s argument that he was categorically immune from tgrand jury subpoenas, delivering a victory for Manhattan district attorney Cy Vance. But Vance will still have to go back to court to have his subpoena enforced, which will delay the case.
The supreme court said House committees could not receive Trump’s financial records for now. In another 7-2 decision, the justices sent the case back to a lower court for a more thorough review of the separation of powers issues in the case.The supreme court said House committees could not receive Trump’s financial records for now. In another 7-2 decision, the justices sent the case back to a lower court for a more thorough review of the separation of powers issues in the case.
Another 1.3 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week. The figure marks a slight decrease from a week before, but unemployment numbers remain alarmingly high as many states report increases in new cases of coronavirus.Another 1.3 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week. The figure marks a slight decrease from a week before, but unemployment numbers remain alarmingly high as many states report increases in new cases of coronavirus.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, was taken back into federal custody. Cohen was expected to sign papers related to his home confinement today, several weeks after being released from prison, but federal authorities took him back into custody for unclear reasons.Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, was taken back into federal custody. Cohen was expected to sign papers related to his home confinement today, several weeks after being released from prison, but federal authorities took him back into custody for unclear reasons.
Former US attorney Geoffrey Berman told the House judiciary committee that attorney general Wiliam Barr repeatedly urged him to resign. In a copy of his prepared opening statement obtained by several news outlets, Berman said Barr told him he would be fired if he did not resign and warned that a firing would “not be good for [his] resume or future job prospects.” Berman refused to resign and was ultimately fired after a public spat with Barr and the president.Former US attorney Geoffrey Berman told the House judiciary committee that attorney general Wiliam Barr repeatedly urged him to resign. In a copy of his prepared opening statement obtained by several news outlets, Berman said Barr told him he would be fired if he did not resign and warned that a firing would “not be good for [his] resume or future job prospects.” Berman refused to resign and was ultimately fired after a public spat with Barr and the president.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
More from the Guardian’s Mario Koran in California:More from the Guardian’s Mario Koran in California:
The silver lining about this wildfire season, said California governor Gavin Newsom, is that while the number of wildfires are on the rise — a fact he attributed to both climate change and man-made disasters brought on by state utility company PG&E — crews are handling fires more effectively, containing them to under 10 acres.The silver lining about this wildfire season, said California governor Gavin Newsom, is that while the number of wildfires are on the rise — a fact he attributed to both climate change and man-made disasters brought on by state utility company PG&E — crews are handling fires more effectively, containing them to under 10 acres.
PG&E in June pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges stemming from a devastating 2018 wildfire that killed 84 people and wiped out the northern California town of Paradise. The utility company emerged from bankruptcy and will face new requirements earlier this month.PG&E in June pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges stemming from a devastating 2018 wildfire that killed 84 people and wiped out the northern California town of Paradise. The utility company emerged from bankruptcy and will face new requirements earlier this month.
“None of us were shy about our condemnation of PG&E ”, said Newsom. “But they’re coming out (of bankruptcy) a new company, with new expectations and accountability. And new criteria, that if they don’t perform, California can intervene in ways we couldn’t in the past.”“None of us were shy about our condemnation of PG&E ”, said Newsom. “But they’re coming out (of bankruptcy) a new company, with new expectations and accountability. And new criteria, that if they don’t perform, California can intervene in ways we couldn’t in the past.”
The threat comes also from individual actors. Already this year, CalFire arrested 45 arsonists setting blazes, said the governor.The threat comes also from individual actors. Already this year, CalFire arrested 45 arsonists setting blazes, said the governor.
Another challenge presented by the pandemic: Inmate crews, long a mainstay in the state’s response to fires, have been depleted due to isolation and safety precautions.Another challenge presented by the pandemic: Inmate crews, long a mainstay in the state’s response to fires, have been depleted due to isolation and safety precautions.
This week, state prison officials said they had placed 12 of the state’s 43 inmate fire camps on lockdown due to a massive outbreak at a Northern California prison in Lassen County that serves as the training center for fire crews, SacBee reported. The state is looking to bring in hundreds of temporary responders to fill in the vacancies.This week, state prison officials said they had placed 12 of the state’s 43 inmate fire camps on lockdown due to a massive outbreak at a Northern California prison in Lassen County that serves as the training center for fire crews, SacBee reported. The state is looking to bring in hundreds of temporary responders to fill in the vacancies.
Inmates will be allowed to work alongside staff firefighters, risking their lives for several dollars a day, but will not mingle with them outside of work and meals, Newsom said.Inmates will be allowed to work alongside staff firefighters, risking their lives for several dollars a day, but will not mingle with them outside of work and meals, Newsom said.
The Guardian’s Mario Koran reports from California:The Guardian’s Mario Koran reports from California:
California is entering peak wildfire season just as coronavirus cases and fatalities reach record highs. The conditions create a two-sided battlefront that will tax resources, stretch the state’s capacity to provide medical care, and pose new challenges should residents need to seek shelter if wildfires lay waste to their communities.California is entering peak wildfire season just as coronavirus cases and fatalities reach record highs. The conditions create a two-sided battlefront that will tax resources, stretch the state’s capacity to provide medical care, and pose new challenges should residents need to seek shelter if wildfires lay waste to their communities.
Already this season, more than 4,000 wildfires have erupted, topping the average for this time of year by more than 1,500, said California governor Gavin Newsom.Already this season, more than 4,000 wildfires have erupted, topping the average for this time of year by more than 1,500, said California governor Gavin Newsom.
“We are in peak fire season”, said CalFire Chief Thom Porter. “That means that fires aren’t just going to go out as the sun goes down”, he said.“We are in peak fire season”, said CalFire Chief Thom Porter. “That means that fires aren’t just going to go out as the sun goes down”, he said.
Fire officials say the pandemic will add new challenges to the state’s response. Should wildfires rip through communities and destroy homes, officials plan to modify shelter conditions, creating additional space for Covid-positive patients, and switching from buffet-style dinners to Meals Ready to Eat, individually packaged meals that US soldiers eat.Fire officials say the pandemic will add new challenges to the state’s response. Should wildfires rip through communities and destroy homes, officials plan to modify shelter conditions, creating additional space for Covid-positive patients, and switching from buffet-style dinners to Meals Ready to Eat, individually packaged meals that US soldiers eat.
Trump has just signed an exectuive order establishing the Hispanic Prosperity Initiative in the Rose Garden.Trump has just signed an exectuive order establishing the Hispanic Prosperity Initiative in the Rose Garden.
In his remarks before signing the order, the president reiterated his demand that US schools reopen next month, despite concerns about the spread of coronavirus once in-person instruction restarts.In his remarks before signing the order, the president reiterated his demand that US schools reopen next month, despite concerns about the spread of coronavirus once in-person instruction restarts.
“We have to open our schools,” Trump said. “Open our schools. Stop this nonsense.”“We have to open our schools,” Trump said. “Open our schools. Stop this nonsense.”
Earlier today, Trump’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said the president supports reopening all US schools, even those located in coronavirus hot spots where hospitalizations are on the rise.Earlier today, Trump’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said the president supports reopening all US schools, even those located in coronavirus hot spots where hospitalizations are on the rise.
After signing the order, the president left the Rose Garden without taking any questions from reporters.After signing the order, the president left the Rose Garden without taking any questions from reporters.
Trump expressed displeasure with today’s supreme court rulings during a White House roundtable with leaders in the Hispanic community.Trump expressed displeasure with today’s supreme court rulings during a White House roundtable with leaders in the Hispanic community.
“It’s a political witch hunt, the likes of which nobody’s ever seen before,” the president said, according to a White House pool report.“It’s a political witch hunt, the likes of which nobody’s ever seen before,” the president said, according to a White House pool report.
“It’s a pure witch hunt, it’s a hoax, just like the Mueller investigation was a hoax that I won, and this is another hoax. This is purely political.”“It’s a pure witch hunt, it’s a hoax, just like the Mueller investigation was a hoax that I won, and this is another hoax. This is purely political.”
The president similarly complained this morning that he was being held to a different standard than his predecessor, Barack Obama.The president similarly complained this morning that he was being held to a different standard than his predecessor, Barack Obama.
But interestingly, the president’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, described today’s rulings as a “big win” for Trump, an assessment that he does not appear to agree with.But interestingly, the president’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, described today’s rulings as a “big win” for Trump, an assessment that he does not appear to agree with.
The latest request in the Michael Flynn case, or one could say saga, emerged even as defense secretary Mark Esper and top military brass Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs, are on Capitol Hill testifying essentially about boundaries blurring between the role of the US Army in domestic law enforcement, as our colleague Julian Borger is reporting.The latest request in the Michael Flynn case, or one could say saga, emerged even as defense secretary Mark Esper and top military brass Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs, are on Capitol Hill testifying essentially about boundaries blurring between the role of the US Army in domestic law enforcement, as our colleague Julian Borger is reporting.
The Flynn saga has become about boundaries blurring between the Department of Justice and the White House when someone like the attorney general intervenes in a criminal case ie Michael Flynn’s.The Flynn saga has become about boundaries blurring between the Department of Justice and the White House when someone like the attorney general intervenes in a criminal case ie Michael Flynn’s.
Last month, as my colleague Joan Greve reported at the time in this blog, a federal appeals court ordered the prosecution of Flynn to be dismissed.Last month, as my colleague Joan Greve reported at the time in this blog, a federal appeals court ordered the prosecution of Flynn to be dismissed.
In a surprise ruling, the DC circuit court of appeals Judge Sullivan and has ordered him to accept the justice department’s motion (highly unusual aka outrageous to many) to dismiss the criminal case against Flynn.In a surprise ruling, the DC circuit court of appeals Judge Sullivan and has ordered him to accept the justice department’s motion (highly unusual aka outrageous to many) to dismiss the criminal case against Flynn.
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017, but the justice department filed a motion in May to dismiss the criminal charges against him, prompting accusations of political bias.Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017, but the justice department filed a motion in May to dismiss the criminal charges against him, prompting accusations of political bias.
This prompted accusations of political bias against the AG, coming after Trump repeatedly accused federal investigators of unfairly targeting his former adviser.This prompted accusations of political bias against the AG, coming after Trump repeatedly accused federal investigators of unfairly targeting his former adviser.
Secretary of defence Mark Esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, were both asked repeatedly at the House armed services committee hearing about intelligence reports indicating Russian military intelligence offered bounties to Taliban fighters to kill American soldiers.Secretary of defence Mark Esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, were both asked repeatedly at the House armed services committee hearing about intelligence reports indicating Russian military intelligence offered bounties to Taliban fighters to kill American soldiers.
Esper said Milley and head of US Central Command, Gen Kenneth McKenzie, were first briefed on the reports in January, and Esper became aware in February.Esper said Milley and head of US Central Command, Gen Kenneth McKenzie, were first briefed on the reports in January, and Esper became aware in February.
Esper said that defence department intelligence agencies, which account for nine of the total 19 agencies in the “intelligence community”, had not corroborated the reports as yet.Esper said that defence department intelligence agencies, which account for nine of the total 19 agencies in the “intelligence community”, had not corroborated the reports as yet.
Milley said: “That is a unique discrete piece of information that is not corroborated. You’ve all been briefed on it. I have too, and I and the Secretary and many others are taking it seriously. We’re going to get to the bottom of it. ... And if it is true, we will take action.”Milley said: “That is a unique discrete piece of information that is not corroborated. You’ve all been briefed on it. I have too, and I and the Secretary and many others are taking it seriously. We’re going to get to the bottom of it. ... And if it is true, we will take action.”
The judge hearing the criminal prosecution against Donald Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Thursday asked an appeals court to reconsider a recent decision dismissing the case.The judge hearing the criminal prosecution against Donald Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Thursday asked an appeals court to reconsider a recent decision dismissing the case.
US District Judge Emmet Sullivan asked the entire US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reconsider the June 24 decision that directed him to drop the Flynn case, Reuters reports.US District Judge Emmet Sullivan asked the entire US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reconsider the June 24 decision that directed him to drop the Flynn case, Reuters reports.
More to follow...More to follow...
Some wondered if New York City mayor Bill de Blasio would somehow chicken out of allowing Black Lives Matter to be painted on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue right outside Trump Tower - but they would be wrong.Some wondered if New York City mayor Bill de Blasio would somehow chicken out of allowing Black Lives Matter to be painted on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue right outside Trump Tower - but they would be wrong.
De Blasio, flanked by his wife Chirlane McCray, and the city’s civil rights leader Al Sharpton, grabbed a roller earlier today and took part in the creation of the street mural, one of several in the city but surely the most provocative right outside Donald Trump’s previous gilded abode/office/shopping complex.De Blasio, flanked by his wife Chirlane McCray, and the city’s civil rights leader Al Sharpton, grabbed a roller earlier today and took part in the creation of the street mural, one of several in the city but surely the most provocative right outside Donald Trump’s previous gilded abode/office/shopping complex.
The president’s race-baiting bullhorn was in full working order last week when he tweeted that the street mural would be “a symbol of hate.”The president’s race-baiting bullhorn was in full working order last week when he tweeted that the street mural would be “a symbol of hate.”
As the paint rolled, activists watching chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets!” TheAP reported.As the paint rolled, activists watching chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets!” TheAP reported.
Ding-dong:Ding-dong:
Rahima Torrence, 20, who was taking part in the creation of the mural said it was “the beginning of something more” than a symbol.Rahima Torrence, 20, who was taking part in the creation of the mural said it was “the beginning of something more” than a symbol.
She said the location in front of Trump’s own skyscraper “shows that we matter and it shows to him that you can’t ignore us.”Washington was the first US city to get a giant yellow “Black Lives Matter” mural across a thoroughfare when Mayor Muriel Bowser had it painted on the street leading to the White House.She said the location in front of Trump’s own skyscraper “shows that we matter and it shows to him that you can’t ignore us.”Washington was the first US city to get a giant yellow “Black Lives Matter” mural across a thoroughfare when Mayor Muriel Bowser had it painted on the street leading to the White House.
Bowser said the painting was intended to show solidarity with Americans outraged over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Bowser said the painting was intended to show solidarity with Americans outraged over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Earlier today, De Blasio said: “When we say ‘Black Lives Matter,’ there is no more American statement, there is no more patriotic statement because there is no America without Black America. We are acknowledging the truth of ourselves as Americans by saying ‘Black Lives Matter.’ We are righting a wrong.”Earlier today, De Blasio said: “When we say ‘Black Lives Matter,’ there is no more American statement, there is no more patriotic statement because there is no America without Black America. We are acknowledging the truth of ourselves as Americans by saying ‘Black Lives Matter.’ We are righting a wrong.”
Some Trump supporters heckled those creating the mural.Some Trump supporters heckled those creating the mural.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has just concluded her briefing, during which she was repeatedly pressed on Trump’s demands that schools reopen.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has just concluded her briefing, during which she was repeatedly pressed on Trump’s demands that schools reopen.
McEnany said the president “absolutely” wants to see all of America’s schools reopen next month, including those in coronavirus hot spots where hospitalizations are on the rise.McEnany said the president “absolutely” wants to see all of America’s schools reopen next month, including those in coronavirus hot spots where hospitalizations are on the rise.
Trump has criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to schools on safely reopening, describing the guidance as too restrictive.Trump has criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to schools on safely reopening, describing the guidance as too restrictive.
However, even as the administration sends mixed signals on how schools should reopen, Trump continues to demand that school officials observe his timeline for bringing students back.However, even as the administration sends mixed signals on how schools should reopen, Trump continues to demand that school officials observe his timeline for bringing students back.
The Guardian’s David Smith is at today’s White House briefing, and he asked press secretary Kayleigh McEnany about a recent rise in new coronavirus cases in Tulsa, Oklahoma.The Guardian’s David Smith is at today’s White House briefing, and he asked press secretary Kayleigh McEnany about a recent rise in new coronavirus cases in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A top health official in Tulsa has said the president’s recent rally there is at least partly to blame for the increase in new cases.A top health official in Tulsa has said the president’s recent rally there is at least partly to blame for the increase in new cases.
Asked whether the president regrets moving ahead with the widely criticized rally, McEnany said, “We have not seen data to reflect that, and we do not regret holding the rally.”Asked whether the president regrets moving ahead with the widely criticized rally, McEnany said, “We have not seen data to reflect that, and we do not regret holding the rally.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany dodged a question about Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the Trump impeachment inquiry who announced his retirment yesterday.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany dodged a question about Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the Trump impeachment inquiry who announced his retirment yesterday.
In a statement from his lawyer, Vindman said he chose to retire because a retaliation campaign spearheaded by the White House had limited his career options.In a statement from his lawyer, Vindman said he chose to retire because a retaliation campaign spearheaded by the White House had limited his career options.
“I’m not going to focus or comment on a former junior employee,” McEnany said.“I’m not going to focus or comment on a former junior employee,” McEnany said.
Vindman served as the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council before he was fired in February.Vindman served as the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council before he was fired in February.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insisted today’s supreme court rulings were a “big win” for the president.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insisted today’s supreme court rulings were a “big win” for the president.
When a reporter noted Trump did not appear to consider the decisions a victory in his tweets this morning, McEnany replied, “The president was making a general point about deference.”When a reporter noted Trump did not appear to consider the decisions a victory in his tweets this morning, McEnany replied, “The president was making a general point about deference.”
The press secretary also deflected a question about when the president would release his tax returns, as he promised to do during the 2016 campaign.The press secretary also deflected a question about when the president would release his tax returns, as he promised to do during the 2016 campaign.
“For four years, the president has said the same thing: his taxes are under audit. When they are no longer under audit, he will release them,” McEnany said.“For four years, the president has said the same thing: his taxes are under audit. When they are no longer under audit, he will release them,” McEnany said.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany argued that today’s supreme court decisions do not represent a defeat for Trump.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany argued that today’s supreme court decisions do not represent a defeat for Trump.
“The justices did not rule against him,” McEnany said, insiting the court provided “a roadmap for the president” on how to continue fighting the subpoenas from House committees and New York prosecutors.“The justices did not rule against him,” McEnany said, insiting the court provided “a roadmap for the president” on how to continue fighting the subpoenas from House committees and New York prosecutors.
The court sent both cases back to lower courts. However, in a 7-2 decision, the court dismissed the president’s argument that he was categorically immune from grand jury subpoenas.The court sent both cases back to lower courts. However, in a 7-2 decision, the court dismissed the president’s argument that he was categorically immune from grand jury subpoenas.