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Biden inauguration: Trump expected to issue flurry of pardons before leaving office – live Biden inauguration: Trump expected to issue flurry of pardons before leaving office – live
(32 minutes later)
Washington DC prepares for Biden inauguration with unprecedented number of troops on street – follow all the latest politics newsWashington DC prepares for Biden inauguration with unprecedented number of troops on street – follow all the latest politics news
True to form Donald Trump toyed with the idea of some kind of grand sendoff for his departure from Washington D.C. on Wednesday.
The Washington Post’s Josh Dawsey, one of the best White House reporters covering Trump, has aides getting invites to see Trump leave from Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday.
That’s hardly on par with the level of attention Trump would prefer (something like the coronation of Aragorn in The Return of The King or Caesar coming to Rome) but it is a more realistic indication of the situation. Trump is leaving office with under water approval ratings and he’s going on his own two feet.
And it appears Trump and his family are planning on resettling in Florida. CNN’s Kaitlin Collins noted some of the pics out there suggesting the Trumps are on the way.
Daniel Strauss taking the baton from my colleague Lauren now.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris formally submitted her letter of resignation from the Senate today ahead of her swearing-in tomorrow. She penned a Medium post about the expected resignation:
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has already picked Harris’s replacement, secretary of state Alex Padilla. Harris will be sworn in as vice-president by the supreme court justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to sit on the court. She will be sworn in on two Bibles, one owned by Thurgood Marshall, the first Black supreme court justice and one owned by Regina Shelton, a surrogate mother of sorts to Harris and her sister Maya.
Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, will not be a part of Trump’s defense team during the Senate trial for his second impeachment, the New York Times is reporting.Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, will not be a part of Trump’s defense team during the Senate trial for his second impeachment, the New York Times is reporting.
An anonymous source told Times reporter Maggie Haberman that Giuliani had met with Trump on Saturday night at the White House, and by Sunday was telling people that he will not be a part of the defense team. Giuliani himself told ABC News late Sunday that he will not be a part of the team even though he initially said that he was.An anonymous source told Times reporter Maggie Haberman that Giuliani had met with Trump on Saturday night at the White House, and by Sunday was telling people that he will not be a part of the defense team. Giuliani himself told ABC News late Sunday that he will not be a part of the team even though he initially said that he was.
Lawyers have been privately declining to represent Trump during his impeachment trial as the president refuses to acknowledge his role in inciting the Capitol’s insurrection, even as top advisers believe he should take some responsibility.Lawyers have been privately declining to represent Trump during his impeachment trial as the president refuses to acknowledge his role in inciting the Capitol’s insurrection, even as top advisers believe he should take some responsibility.
Steve Cohen, a Democratic US representative from Tennessee, told CNN that his Republican colleague Lauren Boebert, a representative from Colorado, was seen giving tours to a large group of people in the days leading up to the breach of the Capitol on January 6.Steve Cohen, a Democratic US representative from Tennessee, told CNN that his Republican colleague Lauren Boebert, a representative from Colorado, was seen giving tours to a large group of people in the days leading up to the breach of the Capitol on January 6.
Cohen said that he said Boebert “taking a group of people for a tour sometime after the 3rd and before the 6th of January”. He noted that it could have been coincidental, but noted that “it was clear that… she’s not on the home team, she was with the visitors.” Cohen said that he is uncertain whether any members of the tour group were a part of the mob.Cohen said that he said Boebert “taking a group of people for a tour sometime after the 3rd and before the 6th of January”. He noted that it could have been coincidental, but noted that “it was clear that… she’s not on the home team, she was with the visitors.” Cohen said that he is uncertain whether any members of the tour group were a part of the mob.
During the insurrection, Boebert tweeted that House speaker Nancy Pelosi was no longer in the House chambers, causing people to question whether she was trying to broadcast Pelosi’s whereabouts as lawmakers were going into hiding.During the insurrection, Boebert tweeted that House speaker Nancy Pelosi was no longer in the House chambers, causing people to question whether she was trying to broadcast Pelosi’s whereabouts as lawmakers were going into hiding.
Boebert, who is only days into her first term as a US representative, was one of the Republican who voted against counting the Electoral College votes for Joe Biden. She has referenced support for conspiracy group QAnon and has made a name for herself as a pro-gun activist, declaring that she will carry her handgun with her in DC.Boebert, who is only days into her first term as a US representative, was one of the Republican who voted against counting the Electoral College votes for Joe Biden. She has referenced support for conspiracy group QAnon and has made a name for herself as a pro-gun activist, declaring that she will carry her handgun with her in DC.
US Secret Service just tweeted confirmation that there is no threat to the public following a small fire under a bridge near the US Capitol that triggered a lockdown of the Capitol Complex.US Secret Service just tweeted confirmation that there is no threat to the public following a small fire under a bridge near the US Capitol that triggered a lockdown of the Capitol Complex.
The scene around the US Capitol has been tense as Joe Biden’s inauguration approaches. The National Guard has been deployed in the area following multiple threats of violence on Inauguration Day. The presence of armed soldiers surrounding the Capitol is at a scale not seen since the civil war. Some have described the scene as looking like a militarized zone.The scene around the US Capitol has been tense as Joe Biden’s inauguration approaches. The National Guard has been deployed in the area following multiple threats of violence on Inauguration Day. The presence of armed soldiers surrounding the Capitol is at a scale not seen since the civil war. Some have described the scene as looking like a militarized zone.
A spokesperson for Washington DC’s fire department said that a small fire involving a tent entailed a “very minimal” response and was “pretty much a non-incident”, according to CNN’s Manu Raju.A spokesperson for Washington DC’s fire department said that a small fire involving a tent entailed a “very minimal” response and was “pretty much a non-incident”, according to CNN’s Manu Raju.
A statement from US Capitol Police said that the active chief police of the force took an “abundance of caution” and ordered a shutdown of the Capitol Complex after the small fire under a nearby bridge. People in the building are still being asked to shelter in place as the incident is being investigated.A statement from US Capitol Police said that the active chief police of the force took an “abundance of caution” and ordered a shutdown of the Capitol Complex after the small fire under a nearby bridge. People in the building are still being asked to shelter in place as the incident is being investigated.
The US Capitol has been put under a “no entry or exit” order after an “external security threat” under a nearby freeway overpass. Capitol Police have told people in the Capitol that they can move freely within the building but warned people to stay away from windows and doors.The US Capitol has been put under a “no entry or exit” order after an “external security threat” under a nearby freeway overpass. Capitol Police have told people in the Capitol that they can move freely within the building but warned people to stay away from windows and doors.
Meanwhile, participants in Joe Biden’s inauguration rehearsal, which was taking place outside the Capitol, have been evacuated.Meanwhile, participants in Joe Biden’s inauguration rehearsal, which was taking place outside the Capitol, have been evacuated.
Though Capitol Police did not specify what the threat was, multiple reporters on Capitol Hill are seeing smoke underneath the overpass emanating from what appears to be a homeless encampment.Though Capitol Police did not specify what the threat was, multiple reporters on Capitol Hill are seeing smoke underneath the overpass emanating from what appears to be a homeless encampment.
A Texas real estate agent who was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol is continuing to insist on her innocence even as she faces charges for breaching the Capitol.A Texas real estate agent who was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol is continuing to insist on her innocence even as she faces charges for breaching the Capitol.
“I have no guilt in my heart,” Ryan told the Today Show. “I’m glad I was there because I witnessed history. And I’ll never get the chance to do that again.”“I have no guilt in my heart,” Ryan told the Today Show. “I’m glad I was there because I witnessed history. And I’ll never get the chance to do that again.”
Ryan posted a slate of public social media posts of her participating in the insurrection, including a picture of her posing next to a broken window at the Capitol and a video of her saying “we’re armed and dangerous. This is just the beginning.” A Facebook live stream that she posted, which have been documented by authorities, show her entering the Capitol building. “We’re going to f---ing go in here. Life or death,” she said.Ryan posted a slate of public social media posts of her participating in the insurrection, including a picture of her posing next to a broken window at the Capitol and a video of her saying “we’re armed and dangerous. This is just the beginning.” A Facebook live stream that she posted, which have been documented by authorities, show her entering the Capitol building. “We’re going to f---ing go in here. Life or death,” she said.
Ryan, along with other members of the mob, have pleaded with Trump to pardon them as they face federal charges. “I listen to my president who told me to go to the Capitol,” she said in another interview.Ryan, along with other members of the mob, have pleaded with Trump to pardon them as they face federal charges. “I listen to my president who told me to go to the Capitol,” she said in another interview.
It is unclear whether Trump will include any of the rioters in his list of about 100 people that he plans to pardon on his last day in office. The White House met on Sunday to finalize the list, which will likely include white-collar criminals and high-profile rapper, among others, according to CNN.It is unclear whether Trump will include any of the rioters in his list of about 100 people that he plans to pardon on his last day in office. The White House met on Sunday to finalize the list, which will likely include white-collar criminals and high-profile rapper, among others, according to CNN.
Joe Biden plans to slowly unroll Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies, making it gradually easier for people to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border and extend protections for immigrants already living in the US. But that change may take some time.Joe Biden plans to slowly unroll Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies, making it gradually easier for people to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border and extend protections for immigrants already living in the US. But that change may take some time.
Here’s more from CBS News, which spoke to people who have been briefed on Biden’s immigration plans:Here’s more from CBS News, which spoke to people who have been briefed on Biden’s immigration plans:
After dozens of rioters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 were allowed to leave the building with no immediate consequences, people have been helping officials identify those who were a part of the mob through photos and videos of the insurrection.After dozens of rioters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 were allowed to leave the building with no immediate consequences, people have been helping officials identify those who were a part of the mob through photos and videos of the insurrection.
One Pennsylvania woman now has a criminal court case against her for storming the Capitol and for potentially stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop with plans to sell it to Russia, according to CNN.One Pennsylvania woman now has a criminal court case against her for storming the Capitol and for potentially stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop with plans to sell it to Russia, according to CNN.
Court filings indicate an ex-boyfriend of Riley June Williams identified her in videos from the Capitol, including one where Williams can be seen directing people to Pelosi’s office. The person also told the FBI that he had spoken to friends of hers who claimed that Williams “intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia’s foreign intelligence service”.Court filings indicate an ex-boyfriend of Riley June Williams identified her in videos from the Capitol, including one where Williams can be seen directing people to Pelosi’s office. The person also told the FBI that he had spoken to friends of hers who claimed that Williams “intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia’s foreign intelligence service”.
Williams has been charged by the FBI with “violent entry” and disorderly conduct at the Capitol. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.Williams has been charged by the FBI with “violent entry” and disorderly conduct at the Capitol. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.
This is Lauren Aratani taking over for Martin Belam. Joe Biden fell short of offering cabinet position to the progressive counterparts he ran against, senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, but his picks for key roles regulating Wall Street are both allies of Warren.
Rohit Chopra was tapped to be the next director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He previously helped Warren establish the agency in 2011. Meanwhile, Gary Gensler, former chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under Barack Obama, will be heading the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In a series of tweets this morning, the Massachusetts senator praised Biden’s picks, noting that she has worked with both during the Great Recession.
“For too long, our banking regulators have behaved like they work for the financial institutions they regulate – not the American people,” she wrote. “But big change is coming.”
Vice president-elect Kamala Harris has written an op-ed for the San Francisco Chronicle this morning, about her time as a Senator, and looking ahead to the Biden-Harris administration which starts on Wednesday. She writes:
Of her future, she writes:
Read more here: San Francisco Chronicle – Kamala Harris – Serving as California’s senator has been an honor. But this is not a goodbye
Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally, has appealed to the president not to pardon anyone involved in the Capitol attack on 6 January, saying to do so would “destroy President Trump”.
Five people died after a mob incited by Trump stormed the Capitol, ransacking offices, some reportedly seeking to kidnap lawmakers and kill them.
Trump was impeached for inciting the riot, an act which could lead to criminal charges once he leaves power. After 10 House Republicans made the impeachment the most bipartisan ever, Trump will face another Senate trial. Conviction there could bar him from running for office again.
Out of office, Trump will also be vulnerable to prosecution from federal and state authorities over his actions in office and regarding his business empire.
Presidential pardons do not imply innocence – a fact President Gerald Ford clung to in the face of lasting opprobrium for his pardon of Richard Nixon, his predecessor who resigned in disgrace in 1974, over the Watergate scandal.
On Sunday the New York Times reported on intensive lobbying for pardons as the Trump era draws to a close. Among startling details, an unnamed associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani reportedly told an ex-CIA officer a pardon was “going to cost $2m”. Giuliani is also seen as a potential pardon recipient.
Some good news for Sen. Josh Hawley – his book is saved. Simon & Schuster terminated their contract for “The Tyranny of Big Tech” in the wake of Hawley being pictured giving a clenched fist greeting to the mob that was later to storm the US Capitol 6 January, and his subsequent continuation of his plan to dispute Joe Biden’s election in Congress.
Hawley cited it as an example of “cancel culture”, saying “Simon & Schuster is canceling my contract because I was representing my constituents, leading a debate on the Senate floor on voter integrity, which they have now decided to redefine as sedition.”
Regnery’s president and publisher Thomas Spence said of Simon & Schuster: “It’s discouraging to see them cower before the ‘woke mob,’ as Senator Hawley correctly calls it. Regnery is proud to stand in the breach with him. And the warning in his book about censorship obviously couldn’t be more urgent.”
Somewhat awkwardly the international distribution for Regnery Publishing is handled by … drum roll … none other than Simon & Schuster
Talking of using Twitter, secretary of state Mike Pompeo is again using his taxpayer-fund official US government account to promote himself today, although to be honest his opening assertion that “There are nearly as many Foreign Service Officers today as there were in January 2017” isn’t perhaps quite the stunning knock-back to the argument that the department is in a worse place than it was under the Obama administration he thinks it is.
You’ll like this one from Bill Bostock over at Business Insider this morning:
The last time I checked, the president of the United States of America was still able to call press conferences, release videos on the official White House website, use his own campaign website, and issue the proclamations and executive orders that go with the office, but it is true I suppose that he can’t post on Twitter or Facebook.
Brendan O’Connor, the author of Blood Red Lines: How Nativism Fuels the Right, writes for us this morning:
Already a picture of the individuals, organizations, and institutions who lent their weight to the movement that stormed Congress has begun to emerge. Last year, the secretive and influential Center for National Policy (CNP), which author Anne Nelson describes as “connecting the manpower and media of the Christian right with the finances of Western plutocrats and the strategy of right-wing Republican political operatives,” called for state legislators in six swing states to reject Joe Biden’s election victory. CNP leaders were scheduled to speak at the rally on the morning of 6 January, where Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol.
Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, which has contributed millions to the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), listed as one of the participating organizations in the rally. RAGA’s fundraising arm, the Rule of Law Defense Fund, sent robocalls encouraging Trump supporters to march on the Capitol ahead of the 6 January rally, at which the former chairman of RAGA, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, spoke. But major donors to RAGA include not only rightwing bogeymen like Koch Industries, Walmart, or the Adelson family but also household corporate names like Comcast, Amazon and TikTok.
Investigative journalists will continue to trace and disentangle the funding networks that facilitated 6 January. The list of names will grow longer; the sum of individual and corporate contributions greater. But already it is clear that what happened at the Capitol was not just the unintended consequence of specific capitalists’ ill-advised campaign donations; it was an expression of a deeper, ongoing crisis of capitalism, and the ruling class’s (sometimes contradictory) attempts to manage that crisis.
Read more here: Brendan O’Connor – The Capitol riot wasn’t a fringe ‘uprising’. It was enabled by very deep pockets
The Biden-Harris transition team have announced a raft of new key appointments to the administration this morning. They include Elizabeth Klein as Deputy secretary of the Interior; Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, as Deputy secretary of Agriculture; Andrea Palm as Deputy secretary of Health and Human Services; Polly Trottenberg as Deputy secretary of Transportation; Cindy Marten as Deputy secretary of Education; Rohit Chopra as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB); and Gary Gensler as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a statement, the president-elect says:
At CNN, Stephen Collinson has this analysis of the Covid crisis that awaits the Biden administration.
Read more here: CNN – The Biden era beckons after Trump’s lies and insurrection
Donald Trump is expected to issue more than 100 presidential pardons on Tuesday, during his final hours in the White House, but may not pardon himself or his immediate family, it was reported on Monday.
White House officials say Trump has privately debated with aides whether he should take the extraordinary step of issuing a pardon for himself. Some administration insiders have reportedly warned against a self-pardon, arguing that it would make Trump look guilty.
Some scholars believe a self-pardon would go against the US constitution, since it violates the basic principle that nobody should be able to judge their own case. But the issue has never been tested.
It is not clear whether Trump will act to pardon members of his inner circle. They include Steve Bannon, who has been charged with defrauding individuals who donated to a wall project on the US-Mexico border. Another possible name is Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s longtime personal lawyer, who led attempts to overturn the result of November’s election. Trump and Giuliani are said to have recently fallen out over unpaid legal bills.
CNN reported on Monday that the final batch of clemency actions was expected to feature criminal justice reform-minded pardons as well as more controversial ones for political allies and friends. Dr Salomon Melgen, a prominent eye doctor from Palm Beach who is in prison after being convicted on dozens of counts of healthcare fraud, is expected to be on the clemency list, CNN said.
Trump has already given pardons to 94 people, most to prominent figures caught up in the investigation by special prosecutor Robert Mueller into conspiracy with Russia. They include Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, longtime crony Roger Stone and ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn, who admitted lying to the FBI.
Read Luke Harding’s full report here: Trump has been warned against self-pardon, say White House officials