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House will send article of impeachment against Trump to Senate on Monday – live House will send article of impeachment against Trump to Senate on Monday – live
(32 minutes later)
Senate will start holding a trial after article is sent, to determine whether Trump should be convicted and blocked from seeking office againSenate will start holding a trial after article is sent, to determine whether Trump should be convicted and blocked from seeking office again
The Senate has confirmed Lloyd Austin as the next defense secretary, making the retired general the first African American to lead the Pentagon.
The final vote was 93 to 2, with only two Republicans -- Mike Lee and Josh Hawley -- opposing Austin’s nomination.
The confirmation comes one day after the House and the Senate passed a waiver to allow Austin to be confirmed. Because Austin retired from the military less than seven years ago, he needed a waiver before the Senate could confirm him.
Austin is the second of Joe Biden’s cabinet nominees to be confirmed by the Senate. Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, was confirmed on Wednesday, and she was sworn in by Vice-President Kamala Harris yesterday.
Joe Biden may have more two more permanent cabinet secretaries by the end of the day. The Senate is voting on Lloyd Austin’s nomination as defense secretary now, and 93 senators have already voted “yes”.
The Senate finance committee also unanimously supported the nomination of Janet Yellen this morning, setting up a final confirmation vote. Republican senator John Cornyn said Yellen would likely be confirmed later today.
The Senate vote on Lloyd Austin’s nomination as defense secretary is still underway, but more than 50 “yes” votes have now been cast.The Senate vote on Lloyd Austin’s nomination as defense secretary is still underway, but more than 50 “yes” votes have now been cast.
Assuming no one changes their vote, Austin will be confirmed, and he will become the first African American to lead the defense department.Assuming no one changes their vote, Austin will be confirmed, and he will become the first African American to lead the defense department.
Austin will be the second of Biden’s cabinet nominees to be confirmed, after Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, was confirmed on Wednesday.Austin will be the second of Biden’s cabinet nominees to be confirmed, after Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, was confirmed on Wednesday.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell also indicated he would support the nomination of Lloyd Austin as defense secretary.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell also indicated he would support the nomination of Lloyd Austin as defense secretary.
McConnell emphasized that Austin, a retired general, must commit to overseeing the Pentagon as a civilian leader rather than as a former member of the military.McConnell emphasized that Austin, a retired general, must commit to overseeing the Pentagon as a civilian leader rather than as a former member of the military.
Austin’s nomination, which the Senate is currently voting on, is expected to easily pass. If confirmed, Austin will be the first African American to lead the defense department.Austin’s nomination, which the Senate is currently voting on, is expected to easily pass. If confirmed, Austin will be the first African American to lead the defense department.
In his floor comments, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell also once again defended the filibuster and demanded that Democrats preserve it.In his floor comments, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell also once again defended the filibuster and demanded that Democrats preserve it.
McConnell’s insistence that Democrats commit to keeping the filibuster is holding up the power-sharing agreement between the minority and majority leaders. (The agreement is necessary because the Senate is evenly split, 50-50).McConnell’s insistence that Democrats commit to keeping the filibuster is holding up the power-sharing agreement between the minority and majority leaders. (The agreement is necessary because the Senate is evenly split, 50-50).
Majority leader Chuck Schumer said before McConnell took the floor, “Leader McConnell’s proposal is unacceptable, and it won’t be accepted. And the Republican leader knew that when he first proposed it.”Majority leader Chuck Schumer said before McConnell took the floor, “Leader McConnell’s proposal is unacceptable, and it won’t be accepted. And the Republican leader knew that when he first proposed it.”
A growing number of Democrats are calling on Schumer to scrap the filibuster, which would eliminate Republicans’ best mechanism for blocking Joe Biden’s agenda. If the filibuster is eliminated, every bill would need 51 Senate votes, rather than 60 votes, to pass.A growing number of Democrats are calling on Schumer to scrap the filibuster, which would eliminate Republicans’ best mechanism for blocking Joe Biden’s agenda. If the filibuster is eliminated, every bill would need 51 Senate votes, rather than 60 votes, to pass.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he had hoped the House would transmit the article of impeachment next Thursday.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he had hoped the House would transmit the article of impeachment next Thursday.
“But that’s apparently going to be next Monday,” the Republican leader said on the Senate floor.“But that’s apparently going to be next Monday,” the Republican leader said on the Senate floor.
McConnell added, “Senate Republicans strongly believe we need a full and fair process where the former president can mount a defense.”McConnell added, “Senate Republicans strongly believe we need a full and fair process where the former president can mount a defense.”
The news that Nancy Pelosi will transmit the article of impeachment on Monday sets a deadline for when McConnell and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer must agree on rules for Donald Trump’s trial.The news that Nancy Pelosi will transmit the article of impeachment on Monday sets a deadline for when McConnell and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer must agree on rules for Donald Trump’s trial.
Unless Schumer and McConnell can reach an agreement otherwise, the impeachment trial would begin on Tuesday.Unless Schumer and McConnell can reach an agreement otherwise, the impeachment trial would begin on Tuesday.
McConnell has said he wants the trial to be delayed until February to give Trump more time to prepare his defense.McConnell has said he wants the trial to be delayed until February to give Trump more time to prepare his defense.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said that House speaker Nancy Pelosi would transmit the article of impeachment on Monday.Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said that House speaker Nancy Pelosi would transmit the article of impeachment on Monday.
Once the article is sent, the Senate will start holding a trial to determine whether Donald Trump should be convicted of incitement of insurrection.Once the article is sent, the Senate will start holding a trial to determine whether Donald Trump should be convicted of incitement of insurrection.
If Trump is convicted, he could be blocked from seeking federal office again.If Trump is convicted, he could be blocked from seeking federal office again.
“Make no mistake: a trial will be held in the United States Senate, and there will be a vote on whether to convict,” Schumer said. “It will be a full trial. It will be a fair trial.”“Make no mistake: a trial will be held in the United States Senate, and there will be a vote on whether to convict,” Schumer said. “It will be a full trial. It will be a fair trial.”
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has proposed delaying the trial until February to give Trump more time to prepare his defense.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has proposed delaying the trial until February to give Trump more time to prepare his defense.
The Senate is now in session and will soon vote on Lloyd Austin’s nomination to become defense secretary, which is expected to pass.The Senate is now in session and will soon vote on Lloyd Austin’s nomination to become defense secretary, which is expected to pass.
The House and the Senate both approved a waiver for Austin to be confirmed yesterday. Because Austin left the military less than seven years ago, Congress needed to pass the waiver before the retired general could be confirmed.The House and the Senate both approved a waiver for Austin to be confirmed yesterday. Because Austin left the military less than seven years ago, Congress needed to pass the waiver before the retired general could be confirmed.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer kicked off the session by criticizing the moving of National Guard troops to a Senate parking lot, calling it “utterly unacceptable”.Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer kicked off the session by criticizing the moving of National Guard troops to a Senate parking lot, calling it “utterly unacceptable”.
The troops were moved back to the Capitol amid outcry over photos of service members sleeping on concrete as they protected lawmakers.The troops were moved back to the Capitol amid outcry over photos of service members sleeping on concrete as they protected lawmakers.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer met with National Guard troops guarding the Capitol this morning and thanked them for their service during Joe Biden’s inauguration.Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer met with National Guard troops guarding the Capitol this morning and thanked them for their service during Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Schumer also apologized after some National Guard troops were moved from a Capitol cafeteria into a Senate parking lot, sparking outrage. The move was quickly reversed after photos of the soldiers sleeping on concrete circulated online.Schumer also apologized after some National Guard troops were moved from a Capitol cafeteria into a Senate parking lot, sparking outrage. The move was quickly reversed after photos of the soldiers sleeping on concrete circulated online.
“What happened was an outrage and it will never happen again,” Schumer told the troops.“What happened was an outrage and it will never happen again,” Schumer told the troops.
Dr Anthony Fauci said this morning that Donald Trump’s falsehoods about coronavirus “very likely” cost American lives last year.Dr Anthony Fauci said this morning that Donald Trump’s falsehoods about coronavirus “very likely” cost American lives last year.
“Particularly when you’re in the situation of almost being in a crisis with the number of cases and hospitalizations and deaths that we have -- when you start talking about things that make no sense medically and no sense scientifically, that clearly is not helpful,” the infectious disease expert told CNN.“Particularly when you’re in the situation of almost being in a crisis with the number of cases and hospitalizations and deaths that we have -- when you start talking about things that make no sense medically and no sense scientifically, that clearly is not helpful,” the infectious disease expert told CNN.
Asked by CNN anchor Berman if Trump’s lack of candor cost lives, Fauci replied, “You know, it very likely did.”Asked by CNN anchor Berman if Trump’s lack of candor cost lives, Fauci replied, “You know, it very likely did.”
The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier this week, and Joe Biden said yesterday that the number would likely pass 500,000 next monthThe US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier this week, and Joe Biden said yesterday that the number would likely pass 500,000 next month
During his final year in office, Trump consistently made false claims about coronavirus, telling Americans that the virus would simply disappear, an assertion that was contradicted by every major public health expert.During his final year in office, Trump consistently made false claims about coronavirus, telling Americans that the virus would simply disappear, an assertion that was contradicted by every major public health expert.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Fauci said it was “liberating” to be able to “let the science speak” now that Trump is out of office.Speaking to reporters yesterday, Fauci said it was “liberating” to be able to “let the science speak” now that Trump is out of office.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
Here’s what the blog is keeping an eye on today: Joe Biden will deliver remarks about aiding the struggling US economy amid the coronavirus pandemic at 2:45 pm ET.Here’s what the blog is keeping an eye on today: Joe Biden will deliver remarks about aiding the struggling US economy amid the coronavirus pandemic at 2:45 pm ET.
The president is expected to sign executive orders aimed at expanding the food stamp program and expediting the delivery of stimulus checks to Americans.The president is expected to sign executive orders aimed at expanding the food stamp program and expediting the delivery of stimulus checks to Americans.
Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, but it’s unclear whether it can get through the evenly split Senate, especially with Republicans generally voicing opposition to another massive relief bill.Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, but it’s unclear whether it can get through the evenly split Senate, especially with Republicans generally voicing opposition to another massive relief bill.
Those remarks are still coming up, so stay tuned.Those remarks are still coming up, so stay tuned.
I mentioned earlier that the Anywhere but Washington video features an interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar. Here’s some more on that interview from Oliver Laughland:I mentioned earlier that the Anywhere but Washington video features an interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar. Here’s some more on that interview from Oliver Laughland:
Representative Ilhan Omar began to fear for her life as soon as the evacuation began. She takes long pauses as she recalls the details.Representative Ilhan Omar began to fear for her life as soon as the evacuation began. She takes long pauses as she recalls the details.
“It was a very traumatizing experience, and all of us will be traumatized by it for a really long time,” she says. “The face of the Capitol will forever be changed. They didn’t succeed in stopping the functions of democracy, but I do believe they succeeded in ending the openness of our democracy.”“It was a very traumatizing experience, and all of us will be traumatized by it for a really long time,” she says. “The face of the Capitol will forever be changed. They didn’t succeed in stopping the functions of democracy, but I do believe they succeeded in ending the openness of our democracy.”
The 38-year-old who was first elected in 2018, was placed in the same room as the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, along with other senior figures from both parties.The 38-year-old who was first elected in 2018, was placed in the same room as the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, along with other senior figures from both parties.
“Leaders from both sides seemed to be terrorised by what was taking place,” she says. “I don’t think any of them ever expected to be witnessing an insurrection against our government. And I think that watching the response from the president was completely unsettling for them as well … I think the fear of what we were dealing with grew and you could see that in the faces of all of them.”“Leaders from both sides seemed to be terrorised by what was taking place,” she says. “I don’t think any of them ever expected to be witnessing an insurrection against our government. And I think that watching the response from the president was completely unsettling for them as well … I think the fear of what we were dealing with grew and you could see that in the faces of all of them.”
“There’s a set of expectations in functioning as a part of a long-existing democracy, and to have allowed a president to degrade our traditions and norms, make a mockery of our laws, our constitution and oaths of office. And then to still deal with people who are ‘two-siding’ every conversation, who don’t have an ability to understand the gravity of what we are dealing with … is pretty exhausting.”“There’s a set of expectations in functioning as a part of a long-existing democracy, and to have allowed a president to degrade our traditions and norms, make a mockery of our laws, our constitution and oaths of office. And then to still deal with people who are ‘two-siding’ every conversation, who don’t have an ability to understand the gravity of what we are dealing with … is pretty exhausting.”
Read more of Oliver Laughland’s interview here: ‘I didn’t know if I would make it out that day’ – Ilhan Omar on the terror of the Capitol attackRead more of Oliver Laughland’s interview here: ‘I didn’t know if I would make it out that day’ – Ilhan Omar on the terror of the Capitol attack
Despite the pandemic, the NFL is still planning for Super Bowl LV on Sunday 7 February, to be hosted at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.Despite the pandemic, the NFL is still planning for Super Bowl LV on Sunday 7 February, to be hosted at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
This morning the NFL have announced that 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers will be invited to the game as guests to thank them for their service during the pandemic.This morning the NFL have announced that 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers will be invited to the game as guests to thank them for their service during the pandemic.
In a statement NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said:In a statement NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said:
The NFL say that the workers, who will need to have received two doses of the vaccine, will be selected from hospitals and the healthcare systems in the Tampa and central Florida area. There are set to be 14,500 additional fans in attendance at the showpiece event.The NFL say that the workers, who will need to have received two doses of the vaccine, will be selected from hospitals and the healthcare systems in the Tampa and central Florida area. There are set to be 14,500 additional fans in attendance at the showpiece event.
We have this op-ed from David Sirota this morning – To achieve a real legacy, Biden will have to be more radical and ready to fight:We have this op-ed from David Sirota this morning – To achieve a real legacy, Biden will have to be more radical and ready to fight:
The fervor of the pro-Trump forces whipped up by the outgoing president could prove problematic for incoming President Joe Biden as he seeks to unite a divided nation.The fervor of the pro-Trump forces whipped up by the outgoing president could prove problematic for incoming President Joe Biden as he seeks to unite a divided nation.
“We would not have Trump as president if the Democrats had remained the party of the working class,” University of California-Irvine professor Bernard Grofman recently told the New York Times. “[Obama] responded to the housing crisis with bailouts of the lenders and interlinked financial institutions, not of the folks losing their homes. And the stagnation of wages and income for the middle and bottom of the income distribution continued under Obama.”“We would not have Trump as president if the Democrats had remained the party of the working class,” University of California-Irvine professor Bernard Grofman recently told the New York Times. “[Obama] responded to the housing crisis with bailouts of the lenders and interlinked financial institutions, not of the folks losing their homes. And the stagnation of wages and income for the middle and bottom of the income distribution continued under Obama.”
A decade later, it’s unclear what Biden gleaned from his experience with Obama.A decade later, it’s unclear what Biden gleaned from his experience with Obama.
At some moments, he appears to finally be leaning away from his decades-long record as a budget-cutting fiscal hawk, instead campaigning to expand Social Security, then embracing the idea of $2,000 stimulus checks and most recently declaring that “we should be investing in deficit spending in order to generate economic growth”.At some moments, he appears to finally be leaning away from his decades-long record as a budget-cutting fiscal hawk, instead campaigning to expand Social Security, then embracing the idea of $2,000 stimulus checks and most recently declaring that “we should be investing in deficit spending in order to generate economic growth”.
And yet at other moments he has done the opposite. He initially urged Democratic lawmakers to accept a stimulus plan with no stimulus checks. And tellingly, eight days after a violent rightwing uprising at the US Capitol had eviscerated the Republican party, he resuscitated and rewarded the party by signaling that – even though he needs no Republican votes – he would rather cut a deal with them on his first stimulus legislation than use ruthless legislative tactics to pass a more robust bill with only Democratic support.And yet at other moments he has done the opposite. He initially urged Democratic lawmakers to accept a stimulus plan with no stimulus checks. And tellingly, eight days after a violent rightwing uprising at the US Capitol had eviscerated the Republican party, he resuscitated and rewarded the party by signaling that – even though he needs no Republican votes – he would rather cut a deal with them on his first stimulus legislation than use ruthless legislative tactics to pass a more robust bill with only Democratic support.
Read more here: David Sirota – To achieve a real legacy, Biden will have to be more radical and ready to fightRead more here: David Sirota – To achieve a real legacy, Biden will have to be more radical and ready to fight
Stephen Collinson at CNN offers his analysis of what Joe Biden is hoping to achieve with the launch of his Covid strategy. First off, Collinson points out that this isn’t some radical option:Stephen Collinson at CNN offers his analysis of what Joe Biden is hoping to achieve with the launch of his Covid strategy. First off, Collinson points out that this isn’t some radical option:
However, he warns that there are some obstacles in the way that are deep-rooted in the way the US has handled the pandemic to date – and the question of fatigue setting in among the public:However, he warns that there are some obstacles in the way that are deep-rooted in the way the US has handled the pandemic to date – and the question of fatigue setting in among the public:
Read more here: CNN – The huge stakes of Biden’s new Covid-19 planRead more here: CNN – The huge stakes of Biden’s new Covid-19 plan
Speaking of DC, today we’ve published the latest in our Anywhere but Washington video series, which sees Oliver Laughland and Tom Silverstone travel to *checks notes* Washington DC. Huh?Speaking of DC, today we’ve published the latest in our Anywhere but Washington video series, which sees Oliver Laughland and Tom Silverstone travel to *checks notes* Washington DC. Huh?
OK, there’s a very good reason why Anywhere but Washington is actually coming from Washington for once – it was the week of Joe Biden’s inauguration and the pair arrived to find a downtown area under what is essentially military occupation and a city coming to terms with the trauma of Donald Trump’s final days in office.OK, there’s a very good reason why Anywhere but Washington is actually coming from Washington for once – it was the week of Joe Biden’s inauguration and the pair arrived to find a downtown area under what is essentially military occupation and a city coming to terms with the trauma of Donald Trump’s final days in office.
They speak to lifelong residents in the outer suburbs as well the US congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who tells of her harrowing experience of the 6 January riot. Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton meanwhile rails against criticisms of the Republican administration’s handling of the domestic terrorism threat. You can watch it here:They speak to lifelong residents in the outer suburbs as well the US congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who tells of her harrowing experience of the 6 January riot. Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton meanwhile rails against criticisms of the Republican administration’s handling of the domestic terrorism threat. You can watch it here:
Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has also tweeted this morning about bringing the national guard troops under his command back from DC.Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has also tweeted this morning about bringing the national guard troops under his command back from DC.
Some Governors are making a bold public show of this decision, after pictures emerged of troops being forced to sleep in a parking lot which have sparked outrage. Former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany earlier tweeted “THIS IS SICK” about the situation, before deleting the tweet.Some Governors are making a bold public show of this decision, after pictures emerged of troops being forced to sleep in a parking lot which have sparked outrage. Former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany earlier tweeted “THIS IS SICK” about the situation, before deleting the tweet.
The National Guard Bureau has said of the nearly 26,000 troops deployed for the Biden inauguration, 10,600 had remained on duty, with many already having headed home. The bureau said the guard was helping states with coordination and logistics.The National Guard Bureau has said of the nearly 26,000 troops deployed for the Biden inauguration, 10,600 had remained on duty, with many already having headed home. The bureau said the guard was helping states with coordination and logistics.
Of the situation with the troops, Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, tweeted last night: “Just made a number of calls and have been informed Capitol police have apologized to the guardsmen and they will be allowed back into the complex tonight. I’ll keep checking to make sure they are.”Of the situation with the troops, Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, tweeted last night: “Just made a number of calls and have been informed Capitol police have apologized to the guardsmen and they will be allowed back into the complex tonight. I’ll keep checking to make sure they are.”
After midnight, Duckworth tweeted an update: “Troops are now all out of the garage. Now I can go to bed.” Politico reported they had been allowed back into the Capitol.After midnight, Duckworth tweeted an update: “Troops are now all out of the garage. Now I can go to bed.” Politico reported they had been allowed back into the Capitol.
Joe Biden’s new administration is faced with a monumental task in curbing the deadliest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic so far in a race against time before a new, more contagious coronavirus variant threatens already strained US health resources.Joe Biden’s new administration is faced with a monumental task in curbing the deadliest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic so far in a race against time before a new, more contagious coronavirus variant threatens already strained US health resources.
The Biden administration has mere weeks to speed vaccine deployment, and convince more Americans to wear masks, wash hands and social distance. And it must be done amid a rocky transition, critical supply shortfalls, widespread new infections, shaky public trust and a vaccine rollout that “has been a dismal failure so far”.The Biden administration has mere weeks to speed vaccine deployment, and convince more Americans to wear masks, wash hands and social distance. And it must be done amid a rocky transition, critical supply shortfalls, widespread new infections, shaky public trust and a vaccine rollout that “has been a dismal failure so far”.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now issued stark warnings about a more infectious new variant of Covid-19, called B117.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now issued stark warnings about a more infectious new variant of Covid-19, called B117.
Various scenarios could play out. In one model, Covid-19 infections decline in March, only to crest again in late April and early May driven by B117 infections. This model assumed there was no widespread community vaccination. In another model, B117 still overtakes current strains, but it declines alongside current dominant strains. The decline would take place in an environment of overall reduced transmission, because people maintain social distance and vaccines are distributed to about 1 million a day.Various scenarios could play out. In one model, Covid-19 infections decline in March, only to crest again in late April and early May driven by B117 infections. This model assumed there was no widespread community vaccination. In another model, B117 still overtakes current strains, but it declines alongside current dominant strains. The decline would take place in an environment of overall reduced transmission, because people maintain social distance and vaccines are distributed to about 1 million a day.
This endpoint can be reached, CDC modelers said, but only if people curb the spread of Covid-19 and vaccine uptake is high. Biden has repeatedly pledged to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 100 days, which would roughly match modeling by the CDC.This endpoint can be reached, CDC modelers said, but only if people curb the spread of Covid-19 and vaccine uptake is high. Biden has repeatedly pledged to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 100 days, which would roughly match modeling by the CDC.
“We need to ask average Americans to do their part,” said Jeff Zients, the White House Covid-19 response director. “Defeating the virus requires a coordinated nationwide effort.”“We need to ask average Americans to do their part,” said Jeff Zients, the White House Covid-19 response director. “Defeating the virus requires a coordinated nationwide effort.”
Read more of Jessica Glenza’s report here: Biden team in race against time as new strain threatens to intensify Covid waveRead more of Jessica Glenza’s report here: Biden team in race against time as new strain threatens to intensify Covid wave
A key conservative doctors’ group pushing misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines faces growing fire from medical experts about its woeful scientific grounding, while its leader, Dr Simone Gold, was charged early this week for taking part in the 6 January attack on the Capitol.A key conservative doctors’ group pushing misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines faces growing fire from medical experts about its woeful scientific grounding, while its leader, Dr Simone Gold, was charged early this week for taking part in the 6 January attack on the Capitol.
Gold, who founded America’s Frontline Doctors last spring with help from the Tea Party Patriots organization, was arrested on Monday in Beverly Hills, where she lives, and faces charges of entering a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct.Gold, who founded America’s Frontline Doctors last spring with help from the Tea Party Patriots organization, was arrested on Monday in Beverly Hills, where she lives, and faces charges of entering a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct.
Prior to her arrest, a headshot of Gold holding a bullhorn that she used to give a talk inside the Capitol appeared on an FBI flyer headlined “Seeking Information” about suspects in the Capitol attack. Gold first acknowledged her presence at the Capitol and voiced “regret” to the Washington Post, after a video surfaced of her walking inside the Capitol.Prior to her arrest, a headshot of Gold holding a bullhorn that she used to give a talk inside the Capitol appeared on an FBI flyer headlined “Seeking Information” about suspects in the Capitol attack. Gold first acknowledged her presence at the Capitol and voiced “regret” to the Washington Post, after a video surfaced of her walking inside the Capitol.
Last May, Gold’s group gained fast attention as several allied rightwing organizations, including Tea Party Patriots and the FreedomWorks Foundation, began a well-funded publicity drive attacking state lockdowns and downplaying the risks of the pandemic.Last May, Gold’s group gained fast attention as several allied rightwing organizations, including Tea Party Patriots and the FreedomWorks Foundation, began a well-funded publicity drive attacking state lockdowns and downplaying the risks of the pandemic.
Gold and her fledgling group attacked policies advocated by top scientists like Dr Anthony Fauci and other national experts on the pandemic, and they promoted misinformation at rallies in Los Angeles and Washington and on rightwing media outlets owned by Salem Radio and Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network.Gold and her fledgling group attacked policies advocated by top scientists like Dr Anthony Fauci and other national experts on the pandemic, and they promoted misinformation at rallies in Los Angeles and Washington and on rightwing media outlets owned by Salem Radio and Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network.
Gold’s mission has included touting the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, a phoney Covid- 19 cure that Donald Trump endorsed which carries serious health risks, and suggesting that the lockdown’s mental health effects were more harmful than the Covid-19 virus.Gold’s mission has included touting the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, a phoney Covid- 19 cure that Donald Trump endorsed which carries serious health risks, and suggesting that the lockdown’s mental health effects were more harmful than the Covid-19 virus.
Last July, Gold delivered her message at a well-publicized rally her group hosted in front of the supreme court, which drew about 10 doctors, including two ophthalmologists. Gold, who had been working at two hospitals before the rally, was fired afterwards and quickly tapped the conservative attorney and Trump ally Lin Wood to represent her.Last July, Gold delivered her message at a well-publicized rally her group hosted in front of the supreme court, which drew about 10 doctors, including two ophthalmologists. Gold, who had been working at two hospitals before the rally, was fired afterwards and quickly tapped the conservative attorney and Trump ally Lin Wood to represent her.
Read more of Peter Stone’s report here: ‘Wilful ignorance’: doctor who joined Capitol attack condemned for Covid falsehoodsRead more of Peter Stone’s report here: ‘Wilful ignorance’: doctor who joined Capitol attack condemned for Covid falsehoods