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Biden has ‘complete confidence’ in top general after Woodward revelations – live Biden has ‘complete confidence’ in top general after Woodward revelations – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden salutes his leadership, patriotism and fidelity to constitution after general reportedly took steps to stop Trump starting a warBiden salutes his leadership, patriotism and fidelity to constitution after general reportedly took steps to stop Trump starting a war
The White House has dismissed Republican criticism of Gen Mark Milley, arguing the chairman’s reported actions were understandable given that he was working with Donald Trump, who had incited a deadly insurrection at the US Capitol.
“This current president, who follows the constitution, who’s not fomenting an insurrection, who follows the rule of law, has complete confidence in Chairman Milley and him continuing to serve in his role,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said this afternoon.
“I don’t think the president is looking for the guidance of members of Congress who stood by while the president of the United States and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent.”
Joe Biden’s comments about Gen Mark Milley come as some Republicans have called on the president to fire the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff over his reported efforts to put guardrails on Donald Trump’s behavior during his final days in office.Joe Biden’s comments about Gen Mark Milley come as some Republicans have called on the president to fire the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff over his reported efforts to put guardrails on Donald Trump’s behavior during his final days in office.
Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate intelligence committee, sent Biden a letter arguing that Milley’s reported actions represented “a treasonous leak of classified information to the Chinese Communist Party”.Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate intelligence committee, sent Biden a letter arguing that Milley’s reported actions represented “a treasonous leak of classified information to the Chinese Communist Party”.
“You must immediately dismiss General Milley,” Rubio told Biden. “America’s national security and ability to lead in the world are at stake.”“You must immediately dismiss General Milley,” Rubio told Biden. “America’s national security and ability to lead in the world are at stake.”
Joe Biden said he still has “great confidence” in Gen Mark Milley, following a report that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff took steps to prevent Donald Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China during his final days in office.Joe Biden said he still has “great confidence” in Gen Mark Milley, following a report that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff took steps to prevent Donald Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China during his final days in office.
“I have great confidence in General Milley,” Biden told reporters during a pool spray as he met with business and academic leaders to discuss the US response to the coronavirus pandemic.“I have great confidence in General Milley,” Biden told reporters during a pool spray as he met with business and academic leaders to discuss the US response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some Republican lawmakers have criticized Milley over the report, arguing the top military official’s actions contradicted his constitutional duty to the commander-in-chief.Some Republican lawmakers have criticized Milley over the report, arguing the top military official’s actions contradicted his constitutional duty to the commander-in-chief.
But the White House has given no indication that it plans to reprimand Milley over the incident, which was revealed in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book.But the White House has given no indication that it plans to reprimand Milley over the incident, which was revealed in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book.
“The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said of Milley.“The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said of Milley.
Joe Biden has framed Gavin Newsom’s defeat of attempts to recall him from his California governorship and replace him with a Republican as a victory for a firm, nonpartisan approach to getting the coronavirus pandemic under control.Joe Biden has framed Gavin Newsom’s defeat of attempts to recall him from his California governorship and replace him with a Republican as a victory for a firm, nonpartisan approach to getting the coronavirus pandemic under control.
Despite Newsom’s mixed record and notable embarrassments over the pandemic, Biden issued congratulations on Wednesday and focused on Covid-19.Despite Newsom’s mixed record and notable embarrassments over the pandemic, Biden issued congratulations on Wednesday and focused on Covid-19.
Biden’s statement reads: “This vote is a resounding win for the approach he and I share to beating the pandemic: strong vaccine requirements, strong steps to reopen schools safely and strong plans to distribute real medicines - not fake treatments - to help those who get sick.”Biden’s statement reads: “This vote is a resounding win for the approach he and I share to beating the pandemic: strong vaccine requirements, strong steps to reopen schools safely and strong plans to distribute real medicines - not fake treatments - to help those who get sick.”
“The fact that votes in both traditionally Democratic and traditionally Republican parts of the state rejected the recall shows that Americans are unifying behind taking these steps to get the pandemic behind us.”“The fact that votes in both traditionally Democratic and traditionally Republican parts of the state rejected the recall shows that Americans are unifying behind taking these steps to get the pandemic behind us.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden still has “complete confidence” in Gen Mark Milley, the White House said. Press secretary Jen Psaki was asked to respond to revelations from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff took steps to prevent Donald Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China during his final days in office. “The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.Joe Biden still has “complete confidence” in Gen Mark Milley, the White House said. Press secretary Jen Psaki was asked to respond to revelations from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff took steps to prevent Donald Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China during his final days in office. “The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.
Celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman testified before the Senate judiciary committee on the FBI’s failings to properly investigate sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar. Getting emotional while delivering her opening statement, Biles told members of the committee, “To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse.”Celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman testified before the Senate judiciary committee on the FBI’s failings to properly investigate sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar. Getting emotional while delivering her opening statement, Biles told members of the committee, “To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse.”
California governor Gavin Newsom easily defeated an effort to remove him from office. With about 70% of ballots counted, only 36% of California voters supported recalling Newsom, well short of the 50% needed to remove the governor from his post.California governor Gavin Newsom easily defeated an effort to remove him from office. With about 70% of ballots counted, only 36% of California voters supported recalling Newsom, well short of the 50% needed to remove the governor from his post.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
A spokesperson for Gen Mark Milley defended his actions in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency, saying the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff had acted “within his authority”.A spokesperson for Gen Mark Milley defended his actions in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency, saying the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff had acted “within his authority”.
“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs regularly communicates with Chiefs of Defense across the world, including with China and Russia. These conversations remain vital to improving mutual understanding of U.S. national security interests, reducing tensions, providing clarity and avoiding unintended consequences or conflict,” spokesperson Dave Butler said.“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs regularly communicates with Chiefs of Defense across the world, including with China and Russia. These conversations remain vital to improving mutual understanding of U.S. national security interests, reducing tensions, providing clarity and avoiding unintended consequences or conflict,” spokesperson Dave Butler said.
“His calls with the Chinese and others in October and January were in keeping with these duties and responsibilities conveying reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability. All calls from the Chairman to his counterparts, including those reported, are staffed, coordinated and communicated with the Department of Defense and the interagency.”“His calls with the Chinese and others in October and January were in keeping with these duties and responsibilities conveying reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability. All calls from the Chairman to his counterparts, including those reported, are staffed, coordinated and communicated with the Department of Defense and the interagency.”
Butler concluded, General Milley continues to act and advise within his authority in the lawful tradition of civilian control of the military and his oath to the Constitution.”Butler concluded, General Milley continues to act and advise within his authority in the lawful tradition of civilian control of the military and his oath to the Constitution.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki has taken multiple questions about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book, again expressing confidence in Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.White House press secretary Jen Psaki has taken multiple questions about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book, again expressing confidence in Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.
Psaki drew a sharp distinction between the chairman’s relationship with Donald Trump, who incited a deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, and his relationship with Joe Biden.Psaki drew a sharp distinction between the chairman’s relationship with Donald Trump, who incited a deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, and his relationship with Joe Biden.
“This current president, who follows the constitution, who’s not fomenting an insurrection, who follows the rule of law, has complete confidence in Chairman Milley and him continuing to serve in his role,” Psaki said.“This current president, who follows the constitution, who’s not fomenting an insurrection, who follows the rule of law, has complete confidence in Chairman Milley and him continuing to serve in his role,” Psaki said.
Regarding Republican criticism of Milley, Psaki said, “I don’t think the president is looking for the guidance of members of Congress who stood by while the president of the United States and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent.”Regarding Republican criticism of Milley, Psaki said, “I don’t think the president is looking for the guidance of members of Congress who stood by while the president of the United States and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki is now holding her daily briefing, and she was asked about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book on the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency.White House press secretary Jen Psaki is now holding her daily briefing, and she was asked about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book on the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency.
According to Woodward and Costa, Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, took steps to prevent Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China in the days before Joe Biden was sworn in.According to Woodward and Costa, Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, took steps to prevent Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China in the days before Joe Biden was sworn in.
The revelations have led some Republicans to call for Milley’s resignation, accusing him of undermining the constitution by trying to put guardrails on Trump’s behavior during his final days in office.The revelations have led some Republicans to call for Milley’s resignation, accusing him of undermining the constitution by trying to put guardrails on Trump’s behavior during his final days in office.
“The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.“The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.
The press secretary urged Americans to consider the “key context” in which Milley allegedly took these steps, referring to Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of a free and fair election.The press secretary urged Americans to consider the “key context” in which Milley allegedly took these steps, referring to Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of a free and fair election.
Simone Biles and McKayla Maroney exited the Capitol together after testifying about the FBI’s failures to properly investigate the sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar.Simone Biles and McKayla Maroney exited the Capitol together after testifying about the FBI’s failures to properly investigate the sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar.
The two Olympic gymnasts held hands as they walked away from the room where the Senate judiciary committee is holding its hearing.The two Olympic gymnasts held hands as they walked away from the room where the Senate judiciary committee is holding its hearing.
FBI director Christopher Wray and DOJ inspector general Michael Horowitz are now testifying before the panel.FBI director Christopher Wray and DOJ inspector general Michael Horowitz are now testifying before the panel.
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman told the Senate judiciary committee about the systemic failures that allowed Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse to continue even after young women came forward with their allegations.Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman told the Senate judiciary committee about the systemic failures that allowed Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse to continue even after young women came forward with their allegations.
“Over the past few years, it has become painfully clear how a survivor’s healing is affected by the handling of their abuse,” Raisman said in her testimony. “And it disgusts me that we are still fighting for the most basic answers and accountability over six years later.”“Over the past few years, it has become painfully clear how a survivor’s healing is affected by the handling of their abuse,” Raisman said in her testimony. “And it disgusts me that we are still fighting for the most basic answers and accountability over six years later.”
She later added, “My reports of abuse were not only buried by USAG and USOPC, but they were also mishandled by federal law enforcement officers who failed to follow their most basic duties.”She later added, “My reports of abuse were not only buried by USAG and USOPC, but they were also mishandled by federal law enforcement officers who failed to follow their most basic duties.”
Follow the Guardian’s separate live blog for more updates from the hearing:Follow the Guardian’s separate live blog for more updates from the hearing:
Pope Francis warned bishops against allowing politics to determine who is offered communion, as Catholic leaders in the US debate whether Joe Biden should be reprimanded for supporting abortion rights.Pope Francis warned bishops against allowing politics to determine who is offered communion, as Catholic leaders in the US debate whether Joe Biden should be reprimanded for supporting abortion rights.
The AP reports from “aboard the papal plane,” per the outlet’s dateline:The AP reports from “aboard the papal plane,” per the outlet’s dateline:
Biden himself has downplayed the possibility that he may be denied communion, saying in June, “That’s a private matter, and I don’t think that’s going to happen.”Biden himself has downplayed the possibility that he may be denied communion, saying in June, “That’s a private matter, and I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
The US treasury department released a report today that said the country’s childcare system fails to serve families because of market failures that make it too expensive for families and force providers to keep costs low, leaving workers barely able to make ends meet.The US treasury department released a report today that said the country’s childcare system fails to serve families because of market failures that make it too expensive for families and force providers to keep costs low, leaving workers barely able to make ends meet.
The report found that the average family with at least one child under age 5 would need to devote about 13% of their income to pay for child care. It also highlighted the burden on people who work in early childhood education and care - one in every 110 US workers and one in every 55 working women.The report found that the average family with at least one child under age 5 would need to devote about 13% of their income to pay for child care. It also highlighted the burden on people who work in early childhood education and care - one in every 110 US workers and one in every 55 working women.
“While the benefits of child care and early childhood education are myriad and well-documented, the United States invests woefully little in early childhood education and care,” the report said.“While the benefits of child care and early childhood education are myriad and well-documented, the United States invests woefully little in early childhood education and care,” the report said.
Treasury secretary Janet Yellen is holding an event with Kamala Harris at 4pm ET today to discuss how the proposed $3.5tn spending bill could help alleviate burdens like the cost of child care.Treasury secretary Janet Yellen is holding an event with Kamala Harris at 4pm ET today to discuss how the proposed $3.5tn spending bill could help alleviate burdens like the cost of child care.