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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 streetWashington DC prepares for Biden inauguration with unprecedented number of troops on street
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
Also bowing out of office this week is vice president Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence. Yesterday they made their final official appearance together, with a visit to Fort Drum, where they thanked the 10th Mountain Division and their families for their service.Also bowing out of office this week is vice president Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence. Yesterday they made their final official appearance together, with a visit to Fort Drum, where they thanked the 10th Mountain Division and their families for their service.
“I’m here to deliver a very simple message to each and every one of you on behalf of your commander and chief, and every American,” Pence said. “Thank you for your service. And to the 1st Brigade combat team, welcome home.” The 1st Brigade recently returned from Afghanistan.“I’m here to deliver a very simple message to each and every one of you on behalf of your commander and chief, and every American,” Pence said. “Thank you for your service. And to the 1st Brigade combat team, welcome home.” The 1st Brigade recently returned from Afghanistan.
Associated Press report that Karen Pence, speaking before her husband took the podium, became emotional and briefly faltered as she addressed the troops. “It is such an honor to be with you for our very last trip as vice president and second lady of the United States,” she said.Associated Press report that Karen Pence, speaking before her husband took the podium, became emotional and briefly faltered as she addressed the troops. “It is such an honor to be with you for our very last trip as vice president and second lady of the United States,” she said.
Overnight Pence has also boasted on social media that the Trump administration is “the first administration in decades that did not get America into a new war.”Overnight Pence has also boasted on social media that the Trump administration is “the first administration in decades that did not get America into a new war.”
As you can imagine, there are more than a few replies to Pence’s tweet pointing out that in the final year of the administration, the death toll from Covid under his watch has vastly exceeded the American death toll of nearly every war the US has ever fought.As you can imagine, there are more than a few replies to Pence’s tweet pointing out that in the final year of the administration, the death toll from Covid under his watch has vastly exceeded the American death toll of nearly every war the US has ever fought.
A reminder from Bernice King on this 18 January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.A reminder from Bernice King on this 18 January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Michael Warren at Associated Press reports on a new initiative launched today – a $40 million scholarship program from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. It is intended to support a new generation of civil rights lawyers, dedicated to pursuing racial justice across the South.Michael Warren at Associated Press reports on a new initiative launched today – a $40 million scholarship program from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. It is intended to support a new generation of civil rights lawyers, dedicated to pursuing racial justice across the South.
With the gift from a single anonymous donor, the fund plans to put 50 students through law schools around the country. In return, they must commit to eight years of racial justice work in the South, starting with a two-year post-graduate fellowship in a civil rights organization.With the gift from a single anonymous donor, the fund plans to put 50 students through law schools around the country. In return, they must commit to eight years of racial justice work in the South, starting with a two-year post-graduate fellowship in a civil rights organization.
“The donor came to us,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “The donor very much wanted to support the development of civil rights lawyers in the South. And we have a little bit of experience with that.”“The donor came to us,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “The donor very much wanted to support the development of civil rights lawyers in the South. And we have a little bit of experience with that.”
The NAACP chose Martin Luther King Day to announce the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program, named for the Supreme Court justice and for Constance Baker Motley, who was an LDF attorney just a few years out of Columbia University Law School when she wrote the initial complaint that led to the court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling outlawing racial segregation in public schools. She later became the first Black woman federal judge.The NAACP chose Martin Luther King Day to announce the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program, named for the Supreme Court justice and for Constance Baker Motley, who was an LDF attorney just a few years out of Columbia University Law School when she wrote the initial complaint that led to the court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling outlawing racial segregation in public schools. She later became the first Black woman federal judge.
Joel Motley, the late judge’s son, said he’s delighted that his mother’s legacy will live on through “well-trained and committed litigators” who “will defend the rights of Black people across the South, dismantling the structures of white supremacy.”Joel Motley, the late judge’s son, said he’s delighted that his mother’s legacy will live on through “well-trained and committed litigators” who “will defend the rights of Black people across the South, dismantling the structures of white supremacy.”
The LDF has been backing civil rights lawyers ever since its founding by Thurgood Marshall in 1940, during an era when Black people rarely had effective legal representation and Black students were turned away from southern universities. It funded the creation of Black and interracial law firms in several southern states in the 1960s and 1970s, and has built a network of lawyers since then.The LDF has been backing civil rights lawyers ever since its founding by Thurgood Marshall in 1940, during an era when Black people rarely had effective legal representation and Black students were turned away from southern universities. It funded the creation of Black and interracial law firms in several southern states in the 1960s and 1970s, and has built a network of lawyers since then.
The fund has set an application deadline of 16 February, giving incoming first-year law school students less than a month to make their cases for the opportunity.The fund has set an application deadline of 16 February, giving incoming first-year law school students less than a month to make their cases for the opportunity.
It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, and in the New York Times On Politics newsletter this morning, Giovanni Russonello writes:It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, and in the New York Times On Politics newsletter this morning, Giovanni Russonello writes:
Russonello goes on to quote King’s 1967 book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”Russonello goes on to quote King’s 1967 book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”
US defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, prompting the FBI to vet all 25,000 national guard troops coming into Washington for the event.US defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, prompting the FBI to vet all 25,000 national guard troops coming into Washington for the event.
The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington following the deadly 6 January insurrection at the US Capitol by rioters incited by Donald Trump. And it underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs.The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington following the deadly 6 January insurrection at the US Capitol by rioters incited by Donald Trump. And it underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs.
Army secretary Ryan McCarthy said officials were conscious of the potential threat, and warned commanders to be on the lookout for problems within their ranks. So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn’t flagged any issues that they were aware of.Army secretary Ryan McCarthy said officials were conscious of the potential threat, and warned commanders to be on the lookout for problems within their ranks. So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn’t flagged any issues that they were aware of.
“We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill. He said guard members were also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats.“We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill. He said guard members were also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats.
While the military routinely reviews service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening is in addition to any previous monitoring.While the military routinely reviews service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening is in addition to any previous monitoring.
FBI vetting would involve running peoples’ names through databases and watchlists, looking for involvement in prior investigations or terrorism-related concerns, said David Gomez, a former FBI supervisor in Seattle.FBI vetting would involve running peoples’ names through databases and watchlists, looking for involvement in prior investigations or terrorism-related concerns, said David Gomez, a former FBI supervisor in Seattle.
Read more here: US defense officials fear insider attack on Biden inaugurationRead more here: US defense officials fear insider attack on Biden inauguration
If you fancy something to listen to, then can I recommend our Audio Long Read on US voting rights today? It’s based on Gary Younge’s piece on how Republicans applied old school racism to new demographics – and lost.If you fancy something to listen to, then can I recommend our Audio Long Read on US voting rights today? It’s based on Gary Younge’s piece on how Republicans applied old school racism to new demographics – and lost.
Listen to it here: Trump’s defeat and the death throes of the Civil War – podcastListen to it here: Trump’s defeat and the death throes of the Civil War – podcast
Julia Ainsley reports for NBC News this morning on criticism of Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials for having their focus on immigration rather than domestic terror in recent years, leading to the scenes in the US Capitol on 6 January:Julia Ainsley reports for NBC News this morning on criticism of Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials for having their focus on immigration rather than domestic terror in recent years, leading to the scenes in the US Capitol on 6 January:
Read more here: NBC News – Capitol riot exposed flaws of Trump’s DHS, focused on immigration and not extremists, say ex-officialsRead more here: NBC News – Capitol riot exposed flaws of Trump’s DHS, focused on immigration and not extremists, say ex-officials
Some news unlikely to cheer up the outgoing president as he heads for the White House door, Reuters report that one London’s most popular museums will become the permanent home for a blimp depicting Donald Trump as a snarling, nappy-wearing orange baby.Some news unlikely to cheer up the outgoing president as he heads for the White House door, Reuters report that one London’s most popular museums will become the permanent home for a blimp depicting Donald Trump as a snarling, nappy-wearing orange baby.
The helium-filled balloon, originally paid for through crowdfunding, first took to the skies over London during protests against Trump’s visit in 2018 and has flown in other locations including France, Argentina, Ireland and Denmark.The helium-filled balloon, originally paid for through crowdfunding, first took to the skies over London during protests against Trump’s visit in 2018 and has flown in other locations including France, Argentina, Ireland and Denmark.
Gladly accepting the donation, the Museum of London said the blimp would join its protest collection, which includes artefacts from the Suffragette movement as well as climate change and peace rallies.Gladly accepting the donation, the Museum of London said the blimp would join its protest collection, which includes artefacts from the Suffragette movement as well as climate change and peace rallies.
“By collecting the baby blimp, we can mark the wave of feeling that washed over the city that day and capture a particular moment of resistance,” said Sharon Ament, the museum’s director.“By collecting the baby blimp, we can mark the wave of feeling that washed over the city that day and capture a particular moment of resistance,” said Sharon Ament, the museum’s director.
“From the Suffragettes of the early 20th century to the anti-austerity marches, free speech and Black Lives Matter most recently, the capital has always been the place to have your say.”“From the Suffragettes of the early 20th century to the anti-austerity marches, free speech and Black Lives Matter most recently, the capital has always been the place to have your say.”
The creators of the blimp said they hoped it served as a reminder of the fight against the “politics of hate”.The creators of the blimp said they hoped it served as a reminder of the fight against the “politics of hate”.
“While we’re pleased that the Trump Baby can now be consigned to history along with the man himself, we’re under no illusions that this is the end of the story,” said the organisers, who include Leo Murray, a climate change activist.“While we’re pleased that the Trump Baby can now be consigned to history along with the man himself, we’re under no illusions that this is the end of the story,” said the organisers, who include Leo Murray, a climate change activist.
“We hope the baby’s place in the museum will stand as a reminder of when London stood against Trump - but will prompt those who see it to examine how they can continue the fight.”“We hope the baby’s place in the museum will stand as a reminder of when London stood against Trump - but will prompt those who see it to examine how they can continue the fight.”
For months, Donald Trump has refused to acknowledge Biden as the legitimate winner of the election – a belief shared by legions of his supporters. The inauguration ceremony will have a heavy military presence because of threats of violence. Trump isn’t bothering attending.For months, Donald Trump has refused to acknowledge Biden as the legitimate winner of the election – a belief shared by legions of his supporters. The inauguration ceremony will have a heavy military presence because of threats of violence. Trump isn’t bothering attending.
While Trump has accelerated this dangerous moment, it’s been shaped by a deliberate Republican strategy to undermine faith in elections to make it harder to vote. The myth of voter fraud and repeated allusions to elections being stolen have moved from fringe theories to the center of Republican ideology over the last several decades.While Trump has accelerated this dangerous moment, it’s been shaped by a deliberate Republican strategy to undermine faith in elections to make it harder to vote. The myth of voter fraud and repeated allusions to elections being stolen have moved from fringe theories to the center of Republican ideology over the last several decades.
“Donald Trump was definitely the spark and he had many enablers and facilitators, but the kindling had all been laid,” said Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy program at the Brennan Center for Justice. “The strategy has been to slowly, steadily, undermine Americans’ faith in the security of elections, increase their belief in the existence of widespread voter fraud so as to enable them to accept what would otherwise be perceived as a really illegitimate and anti-democratic agenda of restricting access to voting.”“Donald Trump was definitely the spark and he had many enablers and facilitators, but the kindling had all been laid,” said Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy program at the Brennan Center for Justice. “The strategy has been to slowly, steadily, undermine Americans’ faith in the security of elections, increase their belief in the existence of widespread voter fraud so as to enable them to accept what would otherwise be perceived as a really illegitimate and anti-democratic agenda of restricting access to voting.”
For years, Republicans have used misleading and faulty data to suggest that elections are at risk of fraud. By 2016, when Trump claimed that voter fraud cost him the popular vote, it fitted neatly into the narrative the Republican party was beginning to embrace.For years, Republicans have used misleading and faulty data to suggest that elections are at risk of fraud. By 2016, when Trump claimed that voter fraud cost him the popular vote, it fitted neatly into the narrative the Republican party was beginning to embrace.
Two years later, there were signs that questioning election results were moving to Republican orthodoxy. Paul Ryan, then serving as speaker of the House, said it was “bizarre” and “weird” that Republicans fell behind in California races as more mail-in ballots were counted after election night. When Trump started making similar claims last spring and summer that mail-in ballots would lead to fraud and cost him the election, few Republicans objected.Two years later, there were signs that questioning election results were moving to Republican orthodoxy. Paul Ryan, then serving as speaker of the House, said it was “bizarre” and “weird” that Republicans fell behind in California races as more mail-in ballots were counted after election night. When Trump started making similar claims last spring and summer that mail-in ballots would lead to fraud and cost him the election, few Republicans objected.
The party began to attack ballot drop boxes and mail-in voting, something Republicans long relied on. When Trump claimed there was something amiss as states continued to count ballots after election day, Republicans – with a few exceptions – supported him too. The rhetoric began to have real consequences, as supporters started protesting at vote counting sites and harassing workers trying to count ballots during November’s election.The party began to attack ballot drop boxes and mail-in voting, something Republicans long relied on. When Trump claimed there was something amiss as states continued to count ballots after election day, Republicans – with a few exceptions – supported him too. The rhetoric began to have real consequences, as supporters started protesting at vote counting sites and harassing workers trying to count ballots during November’s election.
And by the time of electoral college certification, the effort to undermine faith in the vote had gone so far that it made it possible for two-thirds of the House Republican caucus and a dozen senators to back the idea of throwing out the election results entirely.And by the time of electoral college certification, the effort to undermine faith in the vote had gone so far that it made it possible for two-thirds of the House Republican caucus and a dozen senators to back the idea of throwing out the election results entirely.
Read more of Sam Levine’s report here: How the Republican voter fraud lie paved the way for Trump to undermine Biden’s presidencyRead more of Sam Levine’s report here: How the Republican voter fraud lie paved the way for Trump to undermine Biden’s presidency
Overnight the Washington Post has reported more details of Donald Trump’s plans to issue pardons, which they say have come from people familiar with the discussion. They report:Overnight the Washington Post has reported more details of Donald Trump’s plans to issue pardons, which they say have come from people familiar with the discussion. They report:
Read more here: Washington Post – Trump prepares to offer clemency to more than 100 people in his final hours in officeRead more here: Washington Post – Trump prepares to offer clemency to more than 100 people in his final hours in office