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Portland mayor teargassed as calls mount for Trump to withdraw federal agents – live Portland mayor teargassed as calls mount for Trump to withdraw federal agents – live
(32 minutes later)
City’s Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, teargassed at protest hours after Trump announced he would send agents to more cities despite mayors’ objectionsCity’s Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, teargassed at protest hours after Trump announced he would send agents to more cities despite mayors’ objections
US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said Michael Cohen should be released from prison by 2 pm tomorrow.
Trump’s former lawyer was taken back into federal custody on July 9, a week after he tweeted that he was nearing completion of his book on the president.
Probation officials said Cohen’s home confinement was revoked after he refused to sign a form banning him from publishing his book or publicly communicating in other forums.
In May, Cohen was released from prison early due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus among inmates.
A federal judge has ruled Michael Cohen, the president’s former lawyer and fixer, should be released from prison.
US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said Cohen should be allowed to return to home confinement, concluding that his imprisonment was “retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights.”
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the administration earlier this week, arguing Cohen had been imprisoned because of his plans to write a book about Trump.
“He is being held in retaliation for his protected speech,” the ACLU lawsuit said, “including drafting a book manuscript that is critical of the president – and recently making public his intention to publish that book soon, shortly before the upcoming election about President Trump.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated she is against a short-term extension of additional unemployment benefits, which are set to expire next week.
“We cannot piecemeal this,” the Democratic speaker said at her weekly press conference, as Republicans work to craft their own proposal for the next coronavirus relief package.
Democrats have pushed for extending the additional unemployment benefits at their current level of $600 per week, but their Republican colleagues are looking to reduce the benefits in the next relief bill.
Chuck Schumer appeared alongside Pelosi at her press conference, and the Senate minority leader was asked whether he thought Congress could pass a bill by the end of next week.
“I hope so, but they’re so divided, and there’s no leadership from the president,” Schumer said.
Joe Biden has shared his full conversation with Barack Obama, a day after his presidential campaign released teasers from the two politicians’ discussion about the coronavirus pandemic.Joe Biden has shared his full conversation with Barack Obama, a day after his presidential campaign released teasers from the two politicians’ discussion about the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the course of the 16-minute socially distanced conversation, the former president and former vice president sharply criticized Trump’s response to the pandemic.Over the course of the 16-minute socially distanced conversation, the former president and former vice president sharply criticized Trump’s response to the pandemic.
Biden specifically chastized the president’s administration for continuing its legal battle against the Affordable Care Act amid a global pandemic. “I don’t think he has any sense of empathy,” Biden said of Trump.Biden specifically chastized the president’s administration for continuing its legal battle against the Affordable Care Act amid a global pandemic. “I don’t think he has any sense of empathy,” Biden said of Trump.
Obama noted, “You can’t separate out the public health crisis, from the economy. If you want the economy growing again, people have to feel safe.”Obama noted, “You can’t separate out the public health crisis, from the economy. If you want the economy growing again, people have to feel safe.”
Obama also described the ACA, a key part of his presidential legacy, as the first building block of strengthening the American healthcare system.Obama also described the ACA, a key part of his presidential legacy, as the first building block of strengthening the American healthcare system.
“I always used to say the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, it’s like a starter house,” Obama said. “It’s the first house you get, and it’s not the end of the process. It’s the beginning of the process.”“I always used to say the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, it’s like a starter house,” Obama said. “It’s the first house you get, and it’s not the end of the process. It’s the beginning of the process.”
The former president closed the conversation by making a values-based pitch for electing Biden in November.The former president closed the conversation by making a values-based pitch for electing Biden in November.
Obama said, “For all the specific policies that we’re going to need, more than anything it’s just that basic decency and an understanding about what’s best in America that I think people are going to be hungry for. I’m looking forward to working with you.”Obama said, “For all the specific policies that we’re going to need, more than anything it’s just that basic decency and an understanding about what’s best in America that I think people are going to be hungry for. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
Biden replied, “Thank you, and I have faith in the American people.”Biden replied, “Thank you, and I have faith in the American people.”
Progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a searing floor speech about one of her Republican colleagues, Ted Yoho, accosting her on the Capitol steps earlier this week.Progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a searing floor speech about one of her Republican colleagues, Ted Yoho, accosting her on the Capitol steps earlier this week.
“In front of reporters, Representative Yoho called me, and I quote, ‘a fucking bitch,’” Ocasio-Cortez said, referencing a report from the Hill.“In front of reporters, Representative Yoho called me, and I quote, ‘a fucking bitch,’” Ocasio-Cortez said, referencing a report from the Hill.
“These were the words that Representative Yoho levied against a congresswoman -- a congresswoman who represents not just New York’s 14th congressional district but every congresswoman and every woman in this country because all of us have had to deal with this in some form, some way, some shape at some point in our lives.”“These were the words that Representative Yoho levied against a congresswoman -- a congresswoman who represents not just New York’s 14th congressional district but every congresswoman and every woman in this country because all of us have had to deal with this in some form, some way, some shape at some point in our lives.”
Ocasio-Cortez said Yoho’s words were “not deeply hurtful or piercing” because she has heard them far too many times before.Ocasio-Cortez said Yoho’s words were “not deeply hurtful or piercing” because she has heard them far too many times before.
“This is not new, and that is the problem,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “This issue is not about one incident. It is cultural. It is a culture of lack of impunity; of accepting of violence and violent language against women; and an entire structure of power that supports that.”“This is not new, and that is the problem,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “This issue is not about one incident. It is cultural. It is a culture of lack of impunity; of accepting of violence and violent language against women; and an entire structure of power that supports that.”
Ocasio-Cortez also criticized Yoho for using his wife and daughters as “shields for poor behavior” to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.Ocasio-Cortez also criticized Yoho for using his wife and daughters as “shields for poor behavior” to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.
“I am two years younger than Mr Yoho’s youngest daughter. I am someone’s daughter, too,” Ocasio-Cortez said, getting choked up as she reflected on her gratitude that her father was not alive to hear Yoho’s words.“I am two years younger than Mr Yoho’s youngest daughter. I am someone’s daughter, too,” Ocasio-Cortez said, getting choked up as she reflected on her gratitude that her father was not alive to hear Yoho’s words.
The congresswoman added, “I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men.”The congresswoman added, “I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men.”
Trump has insisted that a cognitive test he took recently was “difficult”, using the example of a question in which the patient is asked to remember and repeat five words.Trump has insisted that a cognitive test he took recently was “difficult”, using the example of a question in which the patient is asked to remember and repeat five words.
“Person, woman, man, camera, TV,” Trump explained, saying that listing the words in order was worth “extra points”, and that he found the task easy.“Person, woman, man, camera, TV,” Trump explained, saying that listing the words in order was worth “extra points”, and that he found the task easy.
“They said nobody gets it in order, it’s actually not that easy. But for me it was easy. And that’s not an easy question,” he told Fox News medical analyst and New York University professor of medicine Marc K Siegel in an interview that aired last night.“They said nobody gets it in order, it’s actually not that easy. But for me it was easy. And that’s not an easy question,” he told Fox News medical analyst and New York University professor of medicine Marc K Siegel in an interview that aired last night.
Trump said that a year ago he asked former White House physician Ronny Jackson whether there was “some kind of cognitive test” he could take, he said, “Because I’ve been hearing about it. Because I want to shut these people up. They’re fake news. They’re making up stories.’”Trump said that a year ago he asked former White House physician Ronny Jackson whether there was “some kind of cognitive test” he could take, he said, “Because I’ve been hearing about it. Because I want to shut these people up. They’re fake news. They’re making up stories.’”
Trump went on to explain the test, saying that after several questions, the doctor returned to the list of words, asking Trump to repeat them. “And you go, ‘person, woman, man, camera, TV.’ They say, ‘That’s amazing. How did you do that?’ ‘I do it because I have like a good memory? Because I’m cognitively there.’”Trump went on to explain the test, saying that after several questions, the doctor returned to the list of words, asking Trump to repeat them. “And you go, ‘person, woman, man, camera, TV.’ They say, ‘That’s amazing. How did you do that?’ ‘I do it because I have like a good memory? Because I’m cognitively there.’”
The president then went on to suggest that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should take the test.The president then went on to suggest that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should take the test.
Trump will do another coronavirus briefing today at 5 pm ET, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany just told Fox News.Trump will do another coronavirus briefing today at 5 pm ET, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany just told Fox News.
This will mark the president’s third briefing in as many days, as Trump seeks to reverse his sinking approval and polling numbers.This will mark the president’s third briefing in as many days, as Trump seeks to reverse his sinking approval and polling numbers.
The past two briefings have not been quite as eventful as the president’s April briefings, when Trump infamously suggested Americans could protect themselves from contracting coronavirus by ingesting disinfectants. (That is dangerously false.)The past two briefings have not been quite as eventful as the president’s April briefings, when Trump infamously suggested Americans could protect themselves from contracting coronavirus by ingesting disinfectants. (That is dangerously false.)
However, this week’s briefings have included some of the president’s traditional exaggerations about his achievements in office.However, this week’s briefings have included some of the president’s traditional exaggerations about his achievements in office.
Yesterday, for example, Trump once again claimed he had “done more for black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln,” who ended slavery.Yesterday, for example, Trump once again claimed he had “done more for black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln,” who ended slavery.
Trump lashed out against former secretary of the department of homeland security Tom Ridge, who has criticized the president’s decision to send federal agents to Portland to crack down on recent protests against racism.Trump lashed out against former secretary of the department of homeland security Tom Ridge, who has criticized the president’s decision to send federal agents to Portland to crack down on recent protests against racism.
“Recently watched failed RINO Tom Ridge, former head of Homeland Security, trying to justify his sudden love of the Radical Left Mayor of Portland, who last night was booed & shouted out of existence by the agitators & anarchists. Love watching pathetic Never Trumpers squirm!” Trump said in a tweet.“Recently watched failed RINO Tom Ridge, former head of Homeland Security, trying to justify his sudden love of the Radical Left Mayor of Portland, who last night was booed & shouted out of existence by the agitators & anarchists. Love watching pathetic Never Trumpers squirm!” Trump said in a tweet.
Ridge, who served as the first DHS secretary under Republican president George W Bush, said yesterday, “The department was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president’s personal militia.”Ridge, who served as the first DHS secretary under Republican president George W Bush, said yesterday, “The department was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president’s personal militia.”
The former Pennsylvania governor added, “Had I been governor even now, I would welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime and lawlessness in any of the cities, but ... it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an unilateral, uninvited intervention in one of my cities.”The former Pennsylvania governor added, “Had I been governor even now, I would welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime and lawlessness in any of the cities, but ... it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an unilateral, uninvited intervention in one of my cities.”
Ridge’s comments came as protests continued in Portland over the presence of federal agents in the city. Portland’s Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, participated in last night’s protests and was teargassed, but he also faced criticism from some of the demonstrators for not defunding the local police.Ridge’s comments came as protests continued in Portland over the presence of federal agents in the city. Portland’s Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, participated in last night’s protests and was teargassed, but he also faced criticism from some of the demonstrators for not defunding the local police.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin previewed the Republican coronavirus relief bill in a CNBC interview this morning.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin previewed the Republican coronavirus relief bill in a CNBC interview this morning.
“The president’s priority is about kids and jobs,” Mnuchin said of the Republican proposal, which has not yet been released.“The president’s priority is about kids and jobs,” Mnuchin said of the Republican proposal, which has not yet been released.
Mnuchin acknowledged additional unemployment beenfits would be reduced in the bill, saying Republicans hoped to give unemployed Americans a “reasonable wage replacement” that will be based on “approximately 70%” of their usual paycheck.Mnuchin acknowledged additional unemployment beenfits would be reduced in the bill, saying Republicans hoped to give unemployed Americans a “reasonable wage replacement” that will be based on “approximately 70%” of their usual paycheck.
The additional unemployment benefits are set to expire next week, and Democrats have called for continuing them at their current level of $600 per week.The additional unemployment benefits are set to expire next week, and Democrats have called for continuing them at their current level of $600 per week.
The treasury secretary also confirmed the president’s payroll tax cut, which has attracted little Republican support, will not be in the “base bill” of the next relief package.The treasury secretary also confirmed the president’s payroll tax cut, which has attracted little Republican support, will not be in the “base bill” of the next relief package.
“We think the payroll tax cut is a very good, pro-growth policy, but the president’s focus is, he wants to get money into people’s pockets now because we need to reopen the economy,” Mnuchin said.“We think the payroll tax cut is a very good, pro-growth policy, but the president’s focus is, he wants to get money into people’s pockets now because we need to reopen the economy,” Mnuchin said.
“The president’s preference is to make sure that we send out direct payments quickly, so that in August, people get more money.”“The president’s preference is to make sure that we send out direct payments quickly, so that in August, people get more money.”
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week rose again last week after four months of falls as the surge in coronavirus cases led states, including California and Texas, to pause the reopening of businesses shuttered to slow the coronavirus’s spread.The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week rose again last week after four months of falls as the surge in coronavirus cases led states, including California and Texas, to pause the reopening of businesses shuttered to slow the coronavirus’s spread.
The labor department announced on Thursday that 1.4m claims had been received last week, up 109,000 from the previous week. The previous week’s figure was also revised up by 7,000.The labor department announced on Thursday that 1.4m claims had been received last week, up 109,000 from the previous week. The previous week’s figure was also revised up by 7,000.
The latest proof of Covid 19’s devastating impact on the US job market comes as Congress debates an extension to a $600 a week lifeline for those on benefits that experts argue has kept many in their homes amid a wave of unemployment unseen in decades.The latest proof of Covid 19’s devastating impact on the US job market comes as Congress debates an extension to a $600 a week lifeline for those on benefits that experts argue has kept many in their homes amid a wave of unemployment unseen in decades.
Claims for unemployment have dropped sharply since the shutdown orders in March which triggered more than 6m claims in just one week. But they remain stubbornly high and in recent weeks have hovered around 1.3m a week, twice as high as the pre-pandemic record of 695,000 set in 1982.Claims for unemployment have dropped sharply since the shutdown orders in March which triggered more than 6m claims in just one week. But they remain stubbornly high and in recent weeks have hovered around 1.3m a week, twice as high as the pre-pandemic record of 695,000 set in 1982.
There are signs that claims could rise higher as more states report increases in infections and reconsider their reopening plans. In the week ending 11 July the largest increases were in California, Florida and Georgia, all states struggling with rising infection rates, the labor department announced.There are signs that claims could rise higher as more states report increases in infections and reconsider their reopening plans. In the week ending 11 July the largest increases were in California, Florida and Georgia, all states struggling with rising infection rates, the labor department announced.
The president has already tweeted dozens of times this morning, and one of his messages took aim at congresswoman Liz Cheney, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference.The president has already tweeted dozens of times this morning, and one of his messages took aim at congresswoman Liz Cheney, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference.
“Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars,” Trump said.“Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars,” Trump said.
Trump’s tweet came two days after Cheney was sharply criticized by her colleagues during a closed-door meeting of House Republicans.Trump’s tweet came two days after Cheney was sharply criticized by her colleagues during a closed-door meeting of House Republicans.
During the meeting, some of Trump’s most loyal congressional allies, including congressman Matt Gaetz, went after Cheney for breaking with the president on foreign policy and defending Dr Anthony Fauci.During the meeting, some of Trump’s most loyal congressional allies, including congressman Matt Gaetz, went after Cheney for breaking with the president on foreign policy and defending Dr Anthony Fauci.
Some Republicans, including Gaetz, have since called on Cheney to step down as the party’s third-ranking House leader, arguing the caucus would be better served by a conference chair “who doesn’t chide our President.”Some Republicans, including Gaetz, have since called on Cheney to step down as the party’s third-ranking House leader, arguing the caucus would be better served by a conference chair “who doesn’t chide our President.”
But House minority leader Kevin McCarthy has defended Cheney and the “amazing job” she has done as conference chair.But House minority leader Kevin McCarthy has defended Cheney and the “amazing job” she has done as conference chair.
However, with the president himself now weighing in on the issue, it’s likely McCarthy will feel more pressure to respond to complaints about Cheney, and Republicans who challenge Trump have paid dearly for it in the past.However, with the president himself now weighing in on the issue, it’s likely McCarthy will feel more pressure to respond to complaints about Cheney, and Republicans who challenge Trump have paid dearly for it in the past.
Good morning, live blog readers, and greetings from Washington.Good morning, live blog readers, and greetings from Washington.
The protests continued last night in Portland, as residents of the Oregon city called on Donald Trump to recall the federal agents that have been sent to crack down on recent demonstrations against racism.The protests continued last night in Portland, as residents of the Oregon city called on Donald Trump to recall the federal agents that have been sent to crack down on recent demonstrations against racism.
The city’s Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, was actually teargassed during last night’s protest. The AP reports:The city’s Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, was actually teargassed during last night’s protest. The AP reports:
The protest came hours after the president announced he would send federal agents to two more Democratic-controlled cities – Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico – to supposedly help fight violent crime.The protest came hours after the president announced he would send federal agents to two more Democratic-controlled cities – Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico – to supposedly help fight violent crime.
But Democratic mayors are trying to fight back against Trump’s tactics, denouncing the federal agents’ deployment in a letter sent to attorney general William Barr and acting secretary of the department of homeland security Chad Wolf earlier this week.But Democratic mayors are trying to fight back against Trump’s tactics, denouncing the federal agents’ deployment in a letter sent to attorney general William Barr and acting secretary of the department of homeland security Chad Wolf earlier this week.
“These are tactics we expect from authoritarian regimes – not our democracy,” wrote the group of mayors, which included Wheeler and Chicago’s Lori Lightfoot.“These are tactics we expect from authoritarian regimes – not our democracy,” wrote the group of mayors, which included Wheeler and Chicago’s Lori Lightfoot.
“Unilaterally deploying these paramilitary-type forces into our cities is wholly inconsistent with our system of democracy and our most basic values.”“Unilaterally deploying these paramilitary-type forces into our cities is wholly inconsistent with our system of democracy and our most basic values.”
Here’s what else is going on today:Here’s what else is going on today:
Trump has no events on his public schedule, but White House officials could still add a coronavirus briefing to his schedule, as they did yesterday.Trump has no events on his public schedule, but White House officials could still add a coronavirus briefing to his schedule, as they did yesterday.
Joe Biden will share his recent conversation with Barack Obama at 10am ET.Joe Biden will share his recent conversation with Barack Obama at 10am ET.
The Louisville Metro Council will discuss a resolution to probe the handling of the police shooting of Breonna Taylor at 6pm ET.The Louisville Metro Council will discuss a resolution to probe the handling of the police shooting of Breonna Taylor at 6pm ET.
That’s all still coming up, so stay tuned.That’s all still coming up, so stay tuned.