SPOILER

Vice President - Mike Pence

Het kabinet
Secretary of State - Mike Pompeo
Secretary of Treasury - Steven Mnuchin
Acting Secretary of Defense - Patrick M. Shanahan
Acting Attorney General - Matthew Whitaker
Secretary of the Interior - ???
Secretary of Agriculture - Sonny Perdue
Secretary of Commerce - Wilbur Ross
Secretary of Labor - Alexander Acosta
Secretary of Health and Human Services - Alex Azar
Secretary of Housing & Urban Development - Ben Carson
Secretary of Transportation - Elaine Chao
Secretary of Energy - Rick Perry
Secretary of Education - Betsy DeVos
Secretary of Veterans Affairs - Ronny Jackson??? Robert Wilkie (Acting)
Secretary of Homeland Security - Kirstjen Nielsen

Cabinet-level officials:
Acting White House Chief of Staff - Mick Mulvaney
Trade Representative - Robert Lighthizer
Director of National Intelligence - Dan Coats
Ambassador to the UN - ???
Director of the Office of Management & Budget - ???
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency - Gina Haspel
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency - ???
Administrator of the Small Business Administration - Linda McMahon

Andere kopstukken:
Ivanka Trump (Advisor to the President), Jared Kushner (Senior Adviser Strategic Planning), Stephen Miller (Senior Adviser Policy), John Bolton (National Security Adviser), Kellyanne Conway (Counselor), Donald McGahn (White House Counsel), Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Press Secretary), Christopher Wray (Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation), Robert Mueller (Special Counsel), Rod Rosenstein (United States Deputy Attorney General).

Verdwenen of voormalige kopstukken:
Kabinet: Tom Price (HHS), David Shulkin (VA), Rex Tillerson (State)
DOJ/FBI: Sally Yates, James Comey, Preet Bharara, Andrew McCabe
Communicatie WH: Mike Dubke, Sean Spicer, Anthony Scaramucci, Hope Hicks
Adviseurs enzo: Michael Flynn, Herbert McMaster, Reince Priebus, Rob Porter, Gary Cohn, Steve Bannon, John McEntee, General Jim 'Mad Dog' Mattis, Jeff Sessions. John F. Kelly, Ryan Zinke, Nikki Haley, Scott Pruitt

SPOILER

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Russia says it will build weapons previously banned under a nuclear disarmament treaty and will no longer initiate talks with the U.S. on any matters related to nuclear arms control. https://t.co/HhNtzEfMZc

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 11:40 schreef Ulx het volgende:

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Trump heeft zich heerlijk laten piepelen. Een beetje bluf van de Russen, een beetje paaien, een beetje kompromat en Trump zegt het INF verdrag op. Waarna Rusland dit direct aankondigt zonder dat de VS nog wat kan doen.

Mooi gespeeld, Vlad.

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 11:40 schreef Ulx het volgende:

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Trump heeft zich heerlijk laten piepelen. Een beetje bluf van de Russen, een beetje paaien, een beetje kompromat en Trump zegt het INF verdrag op. Waarna Rusland dit direct aankondigt zonder dat de VS nog wat kan doen.

Mooi gespeeld, Vlad.

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 16:30 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

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Wat wint Rusland er bij om in een kernwapenwedloop terecht te komen?

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 16:26 schreef crystal_meth het volgende:

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En na de val van het Oostblok heeft het voor ons weinig zin om zo'n wapens te plaatsen. In de jaren 70-80 was het probleem de geloofwaardigheid van MAD bij een conflict in Europa: de twijfel of de VS "New York zou opgeven voor Bonn". De kruisraketten losten dat op door West-Europa in een "use or lose" situatie te plaatsen: als de Sovjets hun SS-20s lanceren dan lanceren wij ook, voordat onze wapens vernietigd worden.
En als Sovjet troepen oprukken kunnen we Polen, Oost-Duitsland etc. nuken, en moeten de Sovjets beslissen of ze terugslaan en daarmee MAD triggeren, wat een onzinnige beslissing zou zijn. Maar dat "voordeel" zijn we kwijt nu Oost-Europa tot de NAVO behoort. De situatie is nu omgekeerd, wij zouden MAD triggeren als we intermediate range wapens inzetten, want die zijn noodzakelijkerwijze op Russisch grondgebied gericht, wat Rusland in een use or lose situatie plaatst.

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After a briefing in preparation for a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May, for example, the subject turned to the British Indian Ocean Territory of Diego Garcia. The island is home to an important airbase and a U.S. Naval Support Facility that are central to America’s ability to project power in the region, including in the war in Afghanistan.

The President, officials familiar with the briefing said, asked two questions: Are the people nice, and are the beaches good? “Some of us wondered if he was thinking about our alliance with the Brits and the security issues in an important area where the Chinese have been increasingly active, or whether he was thinking like a real estate developer,” one of the officials said wryly.

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 16:30 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

[..]

Wat wint Rusland er bij om in een kernwapenwedloop terecht te komen?

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No lie is too small. A senior Administration official says that Trump’s Rothko Orange glow is the result of “good genes”.

In the Pale of Winter, Trump’s Tan Remains a State Secret - The New York Times https://t.co/9LiJ4eHUSe

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 17:39 schreef Monolith het volgende:
Over non-issues gesproken.

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 18:15 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Het gaat natuurlijk om iets anders. Waarom gaat het WH zo opzichtig liegen over zoiets onbenulligs? Goede genen my ass natuurlijk. Maar dat snapte je ook wel.

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 18:47 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

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Omdat ze over alles liegen. Lijkt me een makkelijke vraag.

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 16:30 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

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Wat wint Rusland er bij om in een kernwapenwedloop terecht te komen?

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 22:47 schreef Tocadisco het volgende:

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Ten opzichte van de VS niets, maar zij kijken dan ook voornamelijk naar China. Dat land is immers geen verdragspartij en heeft dus zonder enige beperkingen hun capaciteit op dat gebied kunnen ontwikkelen.

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op zondag 03-02-2019 om 20:39:45 “Trump, an early riser, usually spends the first 5 hours of the day in Executive Time.” An unsurprising but still-remarkable chart from Axios: https://t.co/6MDhsHSGIU https://t.co/QgzOTvfibP reageer retweet

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op zondag 03-02-2019 om 21:05:12 Trump keeps lying that almost all human trafficking comes across the southern border. Most recent DOJ stats: "Most human-trafficking defendants charged in U.S. district court in 2015 were white (57%), followed by black (24%) and Hispanic defendants (17%)." https://t.co/4OyXsJCGWA https://t.co/lp2Dv8fqis reageer retweet

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 23:24 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op zondag 03-02-2019 om 20:39:45 “Trump, an early riser, usually spends the first 5 hours of the day in Executive Time.” An unsurprising but still-remarkable chart from Axios: https://t.co/6MDhsHSGIU https://t.co/QgzOTvfibP reageer retweet

[ afbeelding ]

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 00:58 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

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Executive time is gewoon eufemisme voor tv kijken, toch?

twitter:

madwest45 twitterde op zondag 03-02-2019 om 23:24:04 What a disgraceful breach of trust to leak schedules. What these don’t show are the hundreds of calls and meetings @realDonaldTrump takes everyday. This POTUS is working harder for the American people than anyone in recent history. https://t.co/n1HrxmCsiB reageer retweet

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Op zondag 3 februari 2019 23:26 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op zondag 03-02-2019 om 21:05:12 Trump keeps lying that almost all human trafficking comes across the southern border. Most recent DOJ stats: "Most human-trafficking defendants charged in U.S. district court in 2015 were white (57%), followed by black (24%) and Hispanic defendants (17%)." https://t.co/4OyXsJCGWA https://t.co/lp2Dv8fqis reageer retweet

[ afbeelding ]

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 01:42 schreef WammesWaggel het volgende:

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Dus? Blanke daders die importeren via de Zuidelijke grens.

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 02:02 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

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Maar die zijn al legaal

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 02:35 schreef WammesWaggel het volgende:

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Hun handelswaar niet die komt uit de gehele wereld

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 02:37 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

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Maar daar heb je geen muur voor nodig

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 02:43 schreef WammesWaggel het volgende:

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Jawel, anders lopen die meiden uit China en Rusland gewoon door de desert the land of the free and the home of the brave binnen.

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 02:46 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

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Nee joh die worden gekneveld en achter in de auto gegooid. Wel opletten he!

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 02:47 schreef WammesWaggel het volgende:

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Build a wall on the highway and stop all cars?
Stop building cars in Mexico anyway

quote:

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) called an unscheduled senior staff meeting Sunday night just before the start of the Super Bowl, as the governor considered resigning after two days of defiance amid a controversy over a racist photo in his medical school yearbook.

People familiar with the meeting said the governor had not reached a decision. It was unclear who was present, but the group included senior staffers of color. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D), who would become governor if Northam resigned, was not there, the people said.

Calling the Sunday night meeting was a clear signal of Northam’s effort to weigh support within the administration as he evaluates his options. Although he pledged on Saturday to stand his ground, he also said he would reconsider if he thought he could no longer be effective. Just a day later, resignation is an active consideration, the people said.

WP

twitter:

JeffBezos twitterde op maandag 04-02-2019 om 03:55:28 Grateful for the journalists at the @washingtonpost and around the world who do the work, no matter the risk or dangers they face.#democracydiesindarkness #SuperBowlAd https://t.co/faO74lvSs5 https://t.co/37PLrNLJe0 reageer retweet

Washington Post Super Bowl message: Democracy Dies in Darkness

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op maandag 04-02-2019 om 15:00:01 Surveys show overwhelming support for raising taxes on top earners. Politico/MC found 76% of voters believe the wealthiest Americans should pay more in taxes.A Fox News poll showed 70% favor raising taxes on the rich—including 54% of GOPers. https://t.co/O4OASKK5Lc reageer retweet

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 17:09 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:
Peilingen met Howard Schultz:

IOWA 2020 GE:
Trump 52% (+4) Warren 48% .
Trump 49% (+9) Warren 40% Schultz 11%

2020 National GE:
Biden 52% (+7) Trump 45%
Biden 49% (+5) Trump 44% Schultz 3%
Sanders 48% (+2) Trump 46%
Trump 45% (+2) Sanders 43% Schultz 7%
O'Rourke 47% (+1) Trump 46%
Trump 45% (+3) O'Rourke 42% Schultz 7%
Harris 47% (+1) Trump 46% .
Trump 45% (+2) Harris 43% Schultz 7%
Warren 47% (+1) Trump 46%
Trump 45% (+2) Warren 43% Schultz 6%

@ChangePolls 1/31-2/1

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 18:21 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

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Haha. Mag ik even lachen.

Uit dezelfde poll, de favorability ratings van Schultz (favorable/unfavorable):
D: 4/50
R: 4/43
I: 4/31

Ik schat zo in dat Adolf Hitler nog betere ratings zou scoren.

Als Schultz meedoet en 3 procent haalt eet ik hoogstpersoonlijk mijn pet op.

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 04:36 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

twitter:

JeffBezos twitterde op maandag 04-02-2019 om 03:55:28 Grateful for the journalists at the @washingtonpost and around the world who do the work, no matter the risk or dangers they face.#democracydiesindarkness #SuperBowlAd https://t.co/faO74lvSs5 https://t.co/37PLrNLJe0 reageer retweet

Washington Post Super Bowl message: Democracy Dies in Darkness

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 21:36 schreef Klopkoek het volgende:
Helaas is Nederland eveneens van koploper naar de onderste middenmoot van Europa gezakt qua levensverwachting... Echt waar

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here we go... Members of House Intel will gather on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to vote on the “transmission of Certain Committee Transcripts to the Department of Justice.” https://t.co/SLyBrjuOGa

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 21:43 schreef Janneke141 het volgende:

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Gelul.

Nederland is 14e wereldwijd, en 6e binnen de EU. De VS overigens 31e.

https://en.wikipedia.org/(...)s_by_life_expectancy

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Op maandag 4 februari 2019 22:01 schreef Monolith het volgende:
In Nederland stijgt de levensverwachting ook nog steeds gewoon, in tegenstelling tot de VS.

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Prosecutors in New York’s Southern District have reached out to Trump’s inauguration committee and plan to subpoena the organization for documents, sources with direct knowledge tell ABC News.
https://t.co/IvCss19g9U

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The subpoena is seeking documents related to:
* All of the inaugural committee's donors and event attendees
* Any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the president
* Federal disclosure filings
* Vendors
* Contracts
* And more https://t.co/bxcN4rIq2p

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President Trump’s inaugural committee was ordered on Monday to turn over documents about its donors, finances and activities to federal prosecutors in Manhattan, according to two people familiar with their investigation into the committee’s activities.

A lawyer working with the inaugural committee received a subpoena on Monday evening seeking documents related to all of the committee’s donors and event attendees; any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the president; federal disclosure filings; vendors; contracts; and more, one of the people said.

Prosecutors also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, as well as whether committee staff knew that such donations were illegal, asking for documents laying out legal requirements for donations. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to federal campaigns, political action committees and inaugural funds.

A spokesman for the inaugural committee said it was still reviewing the subpoena and intended to cooperate with the investigation. A spokesman for the United States attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment. ABC first reported that a subpoena was in the works.

SPOILER

The subpoena marked an escalation of the investigation, which the prosecutors opened late last year amid a flurry of scrutiny of the inaugural committee. The United States attorney’s office in Brooklyn is separately investigating whether foreigners illegally funneled donations to Mr. Trump’s inaugural committee using so-called straw donors to disguise their donations. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to inaugural committees.

As part of their inquiry, prosecutors in Manhattan have pursued the possibility that the inaugural committee made false statements to the Federal Election Commission, according to people familiar with the matter. It can be a crime to knowingly make false or fraudulent statements to a federal agency.

The inaugural committee disclosed a list of its donors to the F.E.C., and the prosecutors are examining whether that list is complete and accurate, the person said. If a donor was omitted from the report, prosecutors could take an interest in that as well.

The inaugural committee was chaired by Thomas J. Barrack, a close friend of the president. No one who worked for the committee, or donated to it, has been accused of wrongdoing, and a subpoena is an initial step in the inquiry.

The investigation into the inaugural committee grew out of the investigation into Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer. Mr. Cohen is due to begin a prison sentence next month after pleading guilty last year to a range of crimes, including one campaign finance-related charge, in which he implicated the president.

In raids of Mr. Cohen’s office, home and hotel room in April, F.B.I. agents seized his cellphones, which included nearly 200 voice recordings, mostly voice mail messages, according to people briefed on the seized material. On one recording, Mr. Trump spoke to Mr. Cohen about a payment to a woman who had claimed to have had an affair with Mr. Trump, which he has denied.

On another, Mr. Cohen spoke to Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who was a top official on the inaugural committee. Ms. Winston Wolkoff was fired as an adviser to the first lady, Melania Trump, in early 2018, after the inaugural committee released its financial disclosures showing that entities controlled by Ms. Winston Wolkoff were paid $26 million. The vast majority of those funds went to a subcontractor.

twitter:

kenvogel twitterde op dinsdag 05-02-2019 om 00:03:03 TANTALIZING NUGGET: RINAT AKHMETSHIN, the Russian-American lobbyist who attended the 2016 Trump Tower mtg with the lawyer promising dirt on @HillaryClinton, received $$$ from "a veteran Republican operator with ties to the TRUMP campaign," per @BuzzFeed. https://t.co/Le77hrzjlr reageer retweet

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A Russian-born lobbyist who attended the controversial Trump Tower meeting in June 2016 received a series of suspicious payments totaling half a million dollars before and after the encounter.

Documents reviewed by BuzzFeed News show that Rinat Akhmetshin, a Soviet military officer turned Washington lobbyist, deposited large, round-number amounts of cash in the months preceding and following the meeting, where a Russian lawyer offered senior Trump campaign officials dirt on Hillary Clinton.

The lobbyist also received a large payment that bank investigators deemed suspicious from Denis Katsyv, whose company Prevezon Holdings was accused by the US Justice Department of laundering the proceeds of a $230 million Russian tax fraud.

The Trump Tower meeting and those who attended it have become a focus of special counsel Robert Mueller’s inquiry into whether the president’s campaign colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election. As part of that inquiry, banks were asked to pull financial information on the meeting attendees, and investigators at Wells Fargo handed over documents on Akhmetshin to the US Treasury in 2017. Those records were passed to Mueller's team, but Peter Carr, a spokesperson for the special counsel, declined to say whether the transactions are under investigation. Congressional investigators also requested the financial information from the Treasury Department.

SPOILER

Just last month, Natalya Veselnitskaya, the Russian lawyer with whom Akhmetshin attended the meeting, was accused by US authorities of secretly coordinating with the Russian government while defending Katsyv in a money laundering case in New York.

Katsyv, the son of a powerful Russian figure, backed a lobbying campaign by Akhmetshin and Veselnitskaya against the Magnitsky Act, a US law imposing sanctions on a group of Russians officials connected to the suspected $230 million fraud.

In the months before and after the meeting with the Trump campaign, documents show that Akhmetshin made unexplained cash deposits totaling $40,000, and received a wire transfer of $100,000 directly from Katsyv along with $52,000 from a foundation funded by Katsyv and other wealthy Russians to try to undermine that law. Bankers examining the lobbyist’s accounts flagged these transactions for a variety of reasons, including the inability to explain them, their overseas origin, and a suspicion that they showed Akhmetshin had violated federal lobbying law.

A half-million dollars of payments to that nonprofit, the Human Rights Accountability Global Initiative Foundation, have also come under scrutiny. Wired by Katsyv and other backers, the payments came two months before the Trump Tower meeting. Investigators at Bank of America, where the foundation held an account, cited the transactions as potential evidence of corruption and bribery in the bid to overturn the sanctions law, and provided them to Treasury, documents show. Mueller is investigating the foundation, Bloomberg reported.

Bankers at Wells Fargo said the transactions raised concerns that Akhmetshin may have violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by failing to register as a foreign lobbyist for the network of clients whose money flowed his way. That accusation has been echoed by the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who in 2017 requested information on Akhmetshin from the Department of Justice, which enforces FARA. Akhmetshin told the Associated Press that the Justice Department had contacted him in April 2017 telling him he should have registered under FARA.

With a broad mandate to investigate any matters that arise during the Russia inquiry, the special counsel’s office has given that lobbying regulation new bite. Paul Manafort, the president’s former campaign chair, and his partner, Rick Gates, were both charged with violating it and pleaded guilty to charges that encompassed the unregistered foreign lobbying claims.

Beyond his work with Katsyv and Veselnitskaya, investigators discovered that Akhmetshin had received large, mostly unexplained wire transfers from companies in Latvia and Panama, and payments from longtime American political insiders, one of whom is a veteran Republican operator with ties to the Trump campaign.

Akhmetshin and his lawyers did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Reached on his doorstep, the lobbyist told BuzzFeed News, “Get the fuck out of here, okay?”

Veselnitskaya also declined to answer questions. “Don’t bother with questions,” she told BuzzFeed News in Russian. “Your article is paid for and you have your text ready. Don’t be distracted from what you consider the meaning of life.”

Wells Fargo and Bank of America declined to comment. The Treasury Department did not return a request for comment.

The Senate Intelligence Committee, which is leading the congressional probes into Russian election interference, has scrutinized Akhmetshin’s Magnitsky-related lobbying work, chair Richard Burr confirmed to BuzzFeed News. “Given that the June 9 meeting” — in Trump Tower, with senior campaign staff — “was about that, I think we’ve explored every possibility relative to that topic,” Burr said.

Asked if the committee has investigated the nonprofit that backed Akhmetshin’s lobbying efforts, Burr said: “I think everybody’s been of interest to us; every group, every individual that was tied to that.”

In testimony before another Senate committee, Akhmetshin downplayed his role in the Trump Tower meeting, saying he just happened to be in New York City to see a play, and he showed up in a t-shirt and jeans after receiving a last-minute invitation from Veselnitskaya.

But that invitation would thrust him to the center of the Trump-Russia investigation and shine a light on his highly secretive finances.

Akhmetshin says it was in late 2015 that he met Denis Katsyv and his lawyer Natalya Veselnitskaya. They wanted his help.

The US government had sued Katsyv’s company, Prevezon Holdings, and accused it of being part of a global money laundering machine. Federal prosecutors said Russian government officials and gangsters had stolen $230 million in a tax refund fraud and used Katsyv to funnel some of it through Manhattan real estate.

Akhmetshin is a well-established Washington power broker who has worked to advance the agendas of Kremlin apparatchiks and influential clients from former Soviet states. When they need someone to bend the ear of a US lawmaker, prod a reporter to write a favorable story, or launch a campaign to discredit their enemies, they turn to Akhmetshin — and pay him handsomely.

So when Prevezon hired a powerful US law firm, Akhmetshin was brought on to review documents, he testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The firm was BakerHostetler, which investigators at Wells Fargo found paid him $97,400 over five months. The payments were flagged along with the others in Akhmetshin’s account as evidence that he might have violated FARA. BakerHostetler did not return a request for comment.

Akhmetshin said an old friend was also working on the case: Ed Lieberman, a Washington attorney with a wealth of experience on matters related to Russia and post-Soviet states. Lieberman and Akhmetshin have known each other for more than two decades, Akhmetshin said, and the duo worked on behalf of organizations connected to a former Kazakh prime minister. Fusion GPS, the Washington research firm that commissioned the famous Trump dossier, was also hired to conduct research.

It was during this time that Katsyv and Veselnitskaya asked Akhmetshin to go a step further. They wanted him to help them change US legislation bearing the Magnitsky name.

The first Magnitsky law, passed in 2012, was named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian tax lawyer who was reportedly tortured to death in prison after uncovering the massive fraud. The law placed sanctions on powerful Russians for their involvement in Magnitsky’s death and the vast scheme that Katsyv stood accused of abetting. Now, the US Congress was set to pass a second Magnitsky Act targeting human rights abusers worldwide.

Akhmetshin said he told Katsyv and Veselnitskaya that he had discovered “inconsistencies” in Magnitsky’s story while working on the Prevezon case. “They asked me what was my advice, and as a long-time D.C. resident, I know there’s nothing better like taking these things to the Hill,” Akhmetshin told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Akhmetshin received his final check from BakerHostetler in March 2016. That same month, he deposited $20,000 cash into his account, the first in a series of cash deposits totaling $78,900 that his bank flagged as suspicious because there was no way to determine their origin or purpose.

In April, Akhmetshin registered to lobby — though not as a foreign agent — on behalf of the Human Rights Accountability Global Initiative Foundation, a Delaware nonprofit that rented office space in the same building as BakerHostetler’s Washington offices. Akhmetshin told congressional investigators the foundation was established by lawyers for Katsyv.

Akhmetshin wrote in his lobbying registration that he would be working on “international adoptions.” That innocent-sounding issue had become a battleground between Russia and the US, with Putin exacting revenge for the sanctions levied under the Magnitsky Act by blocking US adoptions of Russian children. Resuming the adoptions and criticizing the sanctions were among Veselnitskaya’s talking points at the Trump Tower meeting — to the disappointment of Trump campaign officials who had come in search of information about Clinton.

The same month Akhmetshin registered to lobby for the foundation, Katsyv and two of his business partners, plus a Russian bank executive and a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, sent a series of wire transfers totaling nearly $500,000 to the nonprofit’s account.

Examiners at Bank of America later turned a record of these transactions over to US Treasury officials, alerting them that the payments could be evidence of bribery or political corruption related to the Magnitsky Act. The examiners noted it was odd that all five of the deposits happened so close to one another — and not long before the Trump Tower meeting.

At Wells Fargo, officials noted that Akhmetshin received $52,686 from the foundation. The amount is at least $30,000 more than he declared earning on lobbying disclosure forms that year.

Akhmetshin canvassed Capitol Hill, telling lawmakers that the stories they heard about Magnitsky and Russian money-laundering were wrong. The foundation also hired Cozen O’Connor, a high-powered US lobbying firm, and the late Democratic Rep. Ron Dellums. A spokesperson for Cozen O’Connor did not answer questions from BuzzFeed News. "The substance of our brief engagement with HRAGIF is disclosed in our Lobbying Disclosure Act filings," the firm’s spokesperson said. Veselnitskaya says she worked as an advisor to the foundation, while Lieberman came on board as its legal advisor, Akhmetshin said.

Akhmetshin and Dellums spent May 2016 looking for sympathetic members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which was working on the new Magnitsky law. “I had a ton of people that the Russians sent through my office to feed me a bunch of bullshit,” Rep. Jim McGovern, a Democrat on the committee who worked on the legislation, told BuzzFeed News.

There was no talk of adoptions when Akhmetshin and Dellums got the attention of Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks, another member of the committee, outside his office. “This was Magnitsky,” Meeks said.

By the early summer, Veselnitskaya was working on a far more audacious approach. The lawyer was busy setting up a meeting in Manhattan with Trump’s top campaign officials, including his son Donald Trump Jr; his son-in-law, Jared Kushner; and his campaign chair Manafort.

Trump Jr. said that when he got to the Trump Tower meeting with the Russians, he quickly realized that Veselnitskaya had little of the promised dirt on Hillary Clinton. “It was clear to me that her real purpose in asking for the meeting all along was to discuss Russian adoptions and the Magnitsky Act,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2017. “I proceeded to quickly and politely end the meeting by telling Ms. Veselnitskaya that because my father was a private citizen there did not seem to be any point for having this discussion.”

Akhmetshin made the second large, round-number cash deposit into his account two months later, in August. Bank examiners flagged the $20,000 deposit as suspicious because they could not determine the origin of the funds. The lobbyist also received his final check from the Human Rights Accountability Global Initiative Foundation that month.

Efforts to change the new Magnitsky Act had failed. In December 2016, the US passed the expanded legislation, and a few days later, Akhmetshin filed paperwork saying he was no longer lobbying for the foundation. But payments from those connected to the foundation didn’t stop.

Akhmetshin continued receiving checks and wires from Wiles Consulting, a Florida-based company controlled by Lanny Wiles, a longtime Republican operator. Those payments, which began in January 2016, extended to April 2017, and totaled $72,500.

Investigators at Akhmetshin’s bank said the direction of the payments — from Wiles to Akhmetshin — contrasted with how their working relationship had been portrayed publicly. Investigators, citing unspecified public information, said Wiles claimed he was paid by Akhmetshin to work on the Magnitsky lobbying issue, not the other way around. The investigators did not cite their source, but a 2016 Politico article quoted Wiles saying he had been paid by Akhmetshin. Investigators at Bank of America did find that the foundation had issued checks to Wiles, but the amount is unclear. Wiles, whose wife was the chair of Trump’s Florida campaign, did not return messages seeking comment.

In the same Politico article, Wiles said he didn’t want to register as a foreign agent, but that Akhmetshin had told him it wouldn’t be necessary, as he would be working for BakerHostetler.

FARA offers several exemptions, including one for those representing foreign individuals or entities in a legal capacity. However, the exemption “has several technical requirements and has been interpreted by DOJ relatively narrowly in the past,” said Dan Pickard, a DC lawyer who specializes in FARA. Another exemption allows those representing foreigners to register under the less stringent Lobbying Disclosure Act, as Akhmetshin did. “However, this exemption is not applicable if the agent is working for a foreign principal that is either a government of a foreign country or a foreign political party,” Pickard said.

In August 2017, Akhmetshin made a third cash deposit into his account, this time for $22,900. Again, bank investigators could not readily explain the deposit. That same month, the Financial Times reported, Akhmetshin testified before a grand jury in Mueller’s investigation.

Akhmetshin received another wire transfer in October 2017 — this time directly from Katsyv, whose father, Pyotr Katsyv, is vice president of the state-owned Russian Railways and a former transportation minister. Representatives for Pyotr Katsyv did not return a detailed message.

Pyotr Katsyv was recently revealed to have been involved, at least peripherally, in his son’s US money laundering case. In December 2018, Veselnitskaya was indicted on obstruction of justice charges for allegedly helping the Russian government draft a document claiming that Magnitsky was the true perpetrator of the massive tax fraud. Prevezon, which Veselnitskaya defended, submitted the document in court as evidence. Veselnitskaya emailed drafts of the document to “a supervising Russian prosecutor in the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office,” the indictment says, and in one case copied the “father of the owner of Real Estate Company 1” — identifiable as the senior Katsyv.

The $100,000 from Denis Katsyv to Akhmetshin was listed only as payment for consulting work, the documents show. Given what was already known at the time about Akhmetshin’s work on the Magnitsky Act and Prevezon case, bankers listed the transaction as another example of his alleged undeclared foreign lobbying. Veselnitskaya, who has represented Katsyv, did not answer questions for the Prevezon owner.

Investigators at Wells Fargo reviewed the previous two years of Akhmetshin’s account activity in search of evidence that could be helpful to Mueller’s inquiry. One of the earliest transactions they flagged was a $30,000 wire from a company based in Latvia. Examiners said the transaction referenced a short-term loan, but they could find little information about the company. Bankers labelled the transaction, like other wires into Akhmetshin’s account, as suspicious because it came from overseas and could be connected to Akhmetshin’s alleged undeclared foreign lobbying.

The company was Laudato SIA, a firm connected to Igor Pobereschski, a Russian-German lobbyist who is reportedly wanted in Russia for failing to pay debts to a Moscow law firm. Pobereschski did not answer detailed questions from BuzzFeed News.

A couple months later, in July 2015, a Panamanian shell company called EGH International had wired Akhmetshin $17,774 for what it listed as travel expense reimbursement, examiners found. They could find little other public information about EGH International, either.

Investigators at Wells Fargo noted that beginning in January 2015, Akhmetshin began collecting checks from his old friend Lieberman as well, totaling $52,000 by June 2017. Investigators said one of the checks appeared to reference a rich Russian business owner. Lieberman did not return requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Akhmetshin cashed two checks, worth a total of $7,500, related to another foreign entity — one from an institute he told Congress is “centered around” the former Kazakh prime minister and another from a DC lawyer who has represented him in the US.

Wells Fargo and Bank of America submitted their findings to the Treasury Department in early November 2017. By then, Congress was scrutinizing Akhmetshin, too. The Senate Judiciary and House Intelligence committees questioned Akhmetshin that month. The Senate Intelligence Committee interviewed Akhmetshin in the fall of 2017, a source close to the committee confirmed to BuzzFeed News.

The Senate Intelligence and Judiciary committees both requested financial documents on Akhmetshin, but it’s unclear what, exactly, they have gotten. Burr, the Intelligence Committee chair, has said his panel has received “every financial document” requested from Treasury.

A source familiar with the House Intelligence Committee’s Russia investigation said Akhmetshin’s aggressive Hill lobbying came up during the probe, but was not looked at in great detail. Republicans on the committee shuttered its Russia investigation last year, but Democrats have retaken control of the House, allowing them to reopen the inquiry.

quote:

According to the subpoena, the investigation covers allegations of conspiracy against the US, false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, inaugural committee disclosure violations, & laws prohibiting contributions by foreign nations. https://t.co/OHPIJUjqhA

quote:

US investigating whether Saudi Arabia gave third parties American-made weapons: report

Saudi Arabia and its coalition gave al Qaeda, Salafi militias and other factions in Yemen weapons that were produced by the United States, CNN reported Monday.

The weapons have also reportedly been captured by Iranian-backed rebels groups fighting the coalition in Yemen, meaning they may be reverse-engineered for intelligence.

A Department of Defense official confirmed to CNN that the U.S. is investigating the issue, as transferring military equipment to a third party would violate U.S.-Saudi coalition arms agreements.

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 08:09 schreef crystal_meth het volgende:

[..]

https://thehill.com/polic(...)merican-made-weapons

Winning!

SPOILER

De Republikeinse senator Lindsey Graham heeft gewaarschuwd dat binnen zijn partij een "oorlog" kan uitbreken als president Donald Trump de noodtoestand gaat afkondigen om de financiering van een muur tussen de VS en Mexico af te dwingen.

Dat zei Graham maandag tijdens een persconferentie in South Carolina. Hij riep zijn partijgenoten op achter de president te blijven staan.

Partijcoryfee Graham stelde er niet in te geloven dat het Congres en het Witte Huis een akkoord kunnen bereiken over de financiering van de muur.

De Democraten, die sinds begin januari een meerderheid in het Huis van Afgevaardigden hebben, weigeren Trump zijn zin te geven. Zij zien het nut en de noodzaak van de muur niet in en zeggen dat de president feiten verdraait om zijn plan erdoor te duwen.
De ruzie over de muur veroorzaakte een 'shutdown'

Door de ruzie tussen het Congres en het Witte Huis zat de Amerikaanse overheid de hele maand januari 'op slot'. Deze zogenoemde 'shutdown' leidde ertoe dat veel overheidsdiensten niet of niet volledig functioneerden en 800.000 ambtenaren geen salaris kregen.

Door een tijdelijk akkoord werd de overheid vorige week weer opengegooid. Maar als er op 15 februari geen definitieve overeenkomst is gesloten, dreigt een nieuwe 'shutdown'.
Trump heeft gedreigd met de noodtoestand

Trump heeft al meerdere malen gedreigd met het uitroepen van de noodtoestand. Op deze manier kan hij zijn financiering voor de muur door het Congres drukken zonder toestemming van het Congres. Maar dit besluit zullen de Democraten direct voor de rechter gaan aanvechten. Het uitroepen van de noodtoestand wordt meestal gebruikt in het geval van oorlogen of grote natuurrampen.

"Ik ben niet erg optimistisch dat er een definitief akkoord komt", stelde Graham. "Maar als de president de noodtoestand uitroept, gaat dat leiden tot een oorlog binnen de Republikeinse partij."
Bij de Republikeinen groeit de weerstand

Onder de Republikeinen in de Senaat, waar deze partij nog de meerderheid heeft, groeit weerstand tegen de dreigementen van Trump om de noodtoestand uit te roepen. Als genoeg Republikeinse senatoren de Democraten steunen, kan de Senaat de noodtoestand van Trump blokkeren. Dit besluit kan de president dan in theorie negeren. Mitch McConnell, de leider van de Republikeinen in de Senaat, heeft Trump echter al laten weten dat dit geen verstandige zet zou zijn.

Graham waarschuwde deze mogelijk opstandige Republikeinen tijdens de persconferentie. "Iedere Republikein die de president zijn recht om op te treden als Commander-in-Chief ontzegt, krijgt een groot probleem met de partij", aldus Graham.
Graham wil dat alle partijgenoten achter Trump staan

De senator noemde de slepende strijd over de grensmuur "het bepalende moment" van het presidentschap van Trump. Het aanleggen van de muur, waarmee de president de naar eigen zeggen enorme stroom illegalen wil terugdringen, was een van zijn belangrijkste verkiezingsbeloftes. Tijdens zijn campagne herhaalde Trump overigens doorlopend dat hij Mexico zelf voor deze muur zou laten betalen.

"Het is heel belangrijk dat wij als partij achter onze Commander-in-Chief gaan staan", aldus Graham. "Ik zou zeer, zeer teleurgesteld in mijn collega's in de Senaat zijn als zij niet begrijpen dat de president het recht en de verantwoordelijkheid heeft om deze stap te ondernemen om de kapotte grens te repareren."

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 09:55 schreef icecreamfarmer_NL het volgende:

[..]

Dat is toch niets nieuws? Al had ik begrepen dat de VS eist dat ze video's per lancering laten zien voordat ze nieuwe krijgen.

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 10:51 schreef crystal_meth het volgende:

[..]

Dat de Saudis Amerikaanse wapens aan Al Qaeda leveren is niets nieuws?

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 10:30 schreef Beathoven het volgende:
Lindsey Graham waarschuwt voor "oorlog" binnen de partij.

SPOILER

De Republikeinse senator Lindsey Graham heeft gewaarschuwd dat binnen zijn partij een "oorlog" kan uitbreken als president Donald Trump de noodtoestand gaat afkondigen om de financiering van een muur tussen de VS en Mexico af te dwingen.

Dat zei Graham maandag tijdens een persconferentie in South Carolina. Hij riep zijn partijgenoten op achter de president te blijven staan.

Partijcoryfee Graham stelde er niet in te geloven dat het Congres en het Witte Huis een akkoord kunnen bereiken over de financiering van de muur.

De Democraten, die sinds begin januari een meerderheid in het Huis van Afgevaardigden hebben, weigeren Trump zijn zin te geven. Zij zien het nut en de noodzaak van de muur niet in en zeggen dat de president feiten verdraait om zijn plan erdoor te duwen.
De ruzie over de muur veroorzaakte een 'shutdown'

Door de ruzie tussen het Congres en het Witte Huis zat de Amerikaanse overheid de hele maand januari 'op slot'. Deze zogenoemde 'shutdown' leidde ertoe dat veel overheidsdiensten niet of niet volledig functioneerden en 800.000 ambtenaren geen salaris kregen.

Door een tijdelijk akkoord werd de overheid vorige week weer opengegooid. Maar als er op 15 februari geen definitieve overeenkomst is gesloten, dreigt een nieuwe 'shutdown'.
Trump heeft gedreigd met de noodtoestand

Trump heeft al meerdere malen gedreigd met het uitroepen van de noodtoestand. Op deze manier kan hij zijn financiering voor de muur door het Congres drukken zonder toestemming van het Congres. Maar dit besluit zullen de Democraten direct voor de rechter gaan aanvechten. Het uitroepen van de noodtoestand wordt meestal gebruikt in het geval van oorlogen of grote natuurrampen.

"Ik ben niet erg optimistisch dat er een definitief akkoord komt", stelde Graham. "Maar als de president de noodtoestand uitroept, gaat dat leiden tot een oorlog binnen de Republikeinse partij."
Bij de Republikeinen groeit de weerstand

Onder de Republikeinen in de Senaat, waar deze partij nog de meerderheid heeft, groeit weerstand tegen de dreigementen van Trump om de noodtoestand uit te roepen. Als genoeg Republikeinse senatoren de Democraten steunen, kan de Senaat de noodtoestand van Trump blokkeren. Dit besluit kan de president dan in theorie negeren. Mitch McConnell, de leider van de Republikeinen in de Senaat, heeft Trump echter al laten weten dat dit geen verstandige zet zou zijn.

Graham waarschuwde deze mogelijk opstandige Republikeinen tijdens de persconferentie. "Iedere Republikein die de president zijn recht om op te treden als Commander-in-Chief ontzegt, krijgt een groot probleem met de partij", aldus Graham.
Graham wil dat alle partijgenoten achter Trump staan

De senator noemde de slepende strijd over de grensmuur "het bepalende moment" van het presidentschap van Trump. Het aanleggen van de muur, waarmee de president de naar eigen zeggen enorme stroom illegalen wil terugdringen, was een van zijn belangrijkste verkiezingsbeloftes. Tijdens zijn campagne herhaalde Trump overigens doorlopend dat hij Mexico zelf voor deze muur zou laten betalen.

"Het is heel belangrijk dat wij als partij achter onze Commander-in-Chief gaan staan", aldus Graham. "Ik zou zeer, zeer teleurgesteld in mijn collega's in de Senaat zijn als zij niet begrijpen dat de president het recht en de verantwoordelijkheid heeft om deze stap te ondernemen om de kapotte grens te repareren."

nu.nl

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 11:25 schreef klappernootopreis het volgende:

[..]

Hoe serieus moeten we Graham nemen? Zoals een kasteelheer vroeger zei: Als de teckels blaffen, draait de baanderheer zich nog even om, maar als de jachthond bast, grijpt hij naar de wapenen.

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 11:25 schreef klappernootopreis het volgende:

[..]

Hoe serieus moeten we Graham nemen? Zoals een kasteelheer vroeger zei: Als de teckels blaffen, draait de baanderheer zich nog even om, maar als de jachthond bast, grijpt hij naar de wapenen.

quote:

https://twitter.com/th3j35t3r/status/1092642084203327488?s=19

quote:

This is real, I do the taxes of all my family and friends, we are all getting less, I usually get around $3,000 in a refund. I made $9,000 less this year than last year and I owe almost a grand in federal taxes and getting $1,000 less in my state refund. Trump & GOP are done!

quote:

We usually get around $3,500 to $4,000. We owe $621. We pay a ton in taxes here in Connecticut. I maxed my deduction so quickly my head spun. It’s disgusting. We are paying for rich people to buy more toys! SMFH!

quote:

Thanks to @realDonaldTrump and @GOP tax bill, my family was just hit with the largest tax increase in our lives by them getting rid of itemized deductions like mortgage interest on federal taxes.

I’ve been a loyal conservative, voting Republican since I could vote.

What a joke!

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 11:51 schreef Beathoven het volgende:

[..]

Het is meer een indicator dat er scheuren zichtbaar worden.

Het land zou zich overigens evenveel zorgen moeten maken om het volgende:

Onder de Republikeinen in de Senaat, waar deze partij nog de meerderheid heeft, groeit weerstand tegen de dreigementen van Trump om de noodtoestand uit te roepen. Als genoeg Republikeinse senatoren de Democraten steunen, kan de Senaat de noodtoestand van Trump blokkeren. Dit besluit kan de president dan in theorie negeren. Mitch McConnell, de leider van de Republikeinen in de Senaat, heeft Trump echter al laten weten dat dit geen verstandige zet zou zijn.

Maak daar maar een 90% zekerheid van dat Trump dit in de praktijk gewoon gaat negeren.

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 15:18 schreef AnneX het volgende:
Hóe laat onze tijd, de Sotu?

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 15:23 schreef Genesisfan het volgende:

[..]

Vannacht om 03:00.

quote:

In the final weeks leading up to the inauguration, the inaugural committee's deputy chairman, Rick Gates, asked several vendors if they'd be willing to accept payment directly from donors, or through channels outside the inaugural committee, WSJ reports. https://t.co/iRftXtWWiZ

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op dinsdag 05-02-2019 om 16:40:07 Trump is attacking Chuck Schumer on Twitter just hours before he delivers what his aides keep claiming will be a message of unity. reageer retweet

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 11:58 schreef klappernootopreis het volgende:

[..]

Dat de republikeinen in een soort van vrije val zijn geraakt is maar al te duidelijk. Maar dit is al een tijdje aan de hand. Zelfs vóór Trump. Waar de GOP nog het meest berucht op is, is het feit dat ze alleen nog met kunstgrepen (Gerrymandering, voter suppression, electoral college) nog aan de bak kunnen komen. En de democraten beginnen het spelletje nu zo langzamerhand door te krijgen. Ze hebben ook door dat er getalsmatig op het moment té weinig republikeinen zijn. De GOP leunt nu té veel op swingstates, maar kunnen nu geen potten meer breken daar.

quote:

The new House Democratic majority is widely expected to test one of Donald Trump’s ultimate red lines by demanding the president’s personal tax returns — and the Trump administration has been gearing up for months to fight back hard.

Trump's Treasury Department is readying plans to drag the expected Democratic request for Trump’s past tax filings, which he has closely guarded, into a quagmire of arcane legal arguments.

At the same time, officials intend to publicly cast the request as a nakedly partisan exercise. The two-pronged scheme was developed by a handful of top political appointees and lawyers inside the department — with the ultimate goal of keeping the president’s past returns private, according to four people familiar with the administration’s approach.

The strategy will hinge on an argument that politically motivated Democrats will inevitably leak Trump’s tax information — a felony in and of itself — if the IRS hands over the documents. So because Democrats can’t be trusted to keep the documents private, they shouldn’t get them in the first place, officials will insist. Treasury officials have been waiting since early January for a top Democrat to make the request.

[..]

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 11:56 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Men moet in de VS nu ongeveer de belastingaangifte doen. Op Twitter stikt het nu van de boze mensen die ondanks de taxcut veel minder terugkrijgen dan vorig jaar.

[..]

Wat reacties op die tweet:

[..]

[..]

[..]

Verder weinig 'Itoldyouso' berichten. Mensen over het hele spectrum lijken zich aardig genaaid te voelen.

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 18:32 schreef Peligrosso het volgende:

[..]

Wat een huilies. Eerst stoer voor conman Trump stemmen en dan huilen dat hij je geld afpakt.
Mooi op de blaren zitten

quote:

Sarah Sanders: Corruption in Trump’s inauguration has ‘nothing to do with the White House’ https://t.co/YmZdXtmzh9

twitter:

justinhendrix twitterde op dinsdag 05-02-2019 om 15:32:02 Receipts from @BuzzFeedNews: Secret Files Show How Trump Moscow Talks Unfolded While Trump Heaped Praise On Putin https://t.co/TvyT0v4xJS via @azeen reageer retweet

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 18:32 schreef Peligrosso het volgende:

[..]

Wat een huilies. Eerst stoer voor conman Trump stemmen en dan huilen dat hij je geld afpakt.
Mooi op de blaren zitten

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 16:16 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Dat gezwets over een enorme crisis terwijl hij drie dagen eerder op de golfbaan stond skip ik ook.

quote:

Op dinsdag 5 februari 2019 15:23 schreef Genesisfan het volgende:

[..]

Vannacht om 03:00.

quote:

Hey, she is a WOMAN and a person of COLOR.
Not surprised at Bernie’s lack of respect here.
Not at all.

quote:

Beto O'Rourke tells Oprah Winfrey he will make his decision on running by 2020 "really soon...by the end of this month"

twitter:

JustinElliott twitterde op dinsdag 05-02-2019 om 23:56:51 NEW: Confidential memo shows company of Trump Inaugural chair Tom Barrack sought to profit from connections to Trump administration and foreignershttps://t.co/wn3ch98Yvv with @ilyamarritz reageer retweet

twitter:

WashTimes twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 01:40:33 Elizabeth Warren claimed 'American Indian' race on State Bar of Texas registration card https://t.co/9n8IMW491S https://t.co/hWYKibqAF6 reageer retweet

twitter:

AsteadWesley twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 01:32:36 Warren offers another apology to @AnnieLinskey and the Washington Post after they find she filled out a 1986 State Bar of Texas form claiming Indian heritage. https://t.co/frbs5vQuZD reageer retweet

twitter:

BNONews twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 02:04:18 BREAKING: Trump will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a two-day summit in Vietnam on February 27 and 28 - Politico reageer retweet

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 02:25:39 Chuck Schumer: "If he calls for unity tonight, we'll have to say, 'let's see what happens tomorrow and the day after and the day after.' Because in the past he's called for unity and he's forgotten about it by the next morning." https://t.co/2sfiCJFdeI reageer retweet

twitter:

damianpaletta twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 02:39:28 As Trump revives campaign call for $1 trillion infrastructure plan, worth remembering he rejected proposals from aides over how to pay for it. He liked idea of pure govt borrowing, while NEC wanted public-private deal. New roads and bridges sounds great but it’s all about the $$$ reageer retweet

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 02:45:16 De "designated survivor" dit jaar is Minister van Energie Rick Perry. #StateOfTheUnion2019 reageer retweet

twitter:

svdate twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 02:22:28 White House claims Trump wants to offer a unifying message. So he will start out with the trolly, right-wing talk radio insult name for the Democratic Party? https://t.co/tQTo4hXvHv reageer retweet

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:09:32 Yes indeed, Trump said "Democrat agenda" in the opening unity pitch. reageer retweet

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:15:47 “We must reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise and the common good." - Donald J. Trump reageer retweet

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:16:46 Trump warns against "vengeance." He loves vengeance! He is America's leading vengeance advocate. reageer retweet

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:30:22 President Trump krijgt kamerbreed applaus voor zijn inzet om het Amerikaanse strafrechtsysteem te hervormen. Met name zwarte Amerikanen worden buitenproportioneel gestraft voor kleine vergrijpen. De vrouw die clementie van Trump kreeg zit in de zaal, in tranen. #SOTU2019 reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 03:31 schreef Houtenbeen het volgende:

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:30:22 President Trump krijgt kamerbreed applaus voor zijn inzet om het Amerikaanse strafrechtsysteem te hervormen. Met name zwarte Amerikanen worden buitenproportioneel gestraft voor kleine vergrijpen. De vrouw die clementie van Trump kreeg zit in de zaal, in tranen. #SOTU2019 reageer retweet

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:50:24 Trump benadrukt dat, 100 jaar nadat vrouwen stemrecht kregen, nu meer vrouwen dan ooit werken EN in het Congres zitten. Groot applaus. Alle vrouwen staan op en vieren, ook de Democratische die speciaal om deze reden in het wit zijn gekleed. reageer retweet

twitter:

SethAbramson twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:47:00 I'm not going to say that Nancy's necklace (two red balls on a blue necklace) is a metaphoric trolling of Trump accomplished live on TV but wow do a number of people messaging me think so reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 03:50 schreef Houtenbeen het volgende:

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:50:24 Trump benadrukt dat, 100 jaar nadat vrouwen stemrecht kregen, nu meer vrouwen dan ooit werken EN in het Congres zitten. Groot applaus. Alle vrouwen staan op en vieren, ook de Democratische die speciaal om deze reden in het wit zijn gekleed. reageer retweet

twitter:

TimOBrien twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:50:32 https://t.co/GBZPEZGnIZ reageer retweet

twitter:

taragolshan twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:53:25 A bunch of Republicans clapping for tariffs is a weird sight. reageer retweet

twitter:

byrdinator twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:55:29 Joni Ernst -- an outspoken critic of Trump's prior tariffs -- stood and applauded for the US Reciprocal Trade Act https://t.co/F1w927qR7u reageer retweet

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 04:04:23 President Trump vraagt om een wet die een einde maakt aan late termijn abortus. Hij komt daarmee heel conservatief Amerika tegemoet. Groot applaus aan Republikeinse kant. Alle Democraten blijven zitten. #SOTU2019 reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 04:04 schreef Houtenbeen het volgende:

twitter:

WouterZwart twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 04:04:23 President Trump vraagt om een wet die een einde maakt aan late termijn abortus. Hij komt daarmee heel conservatief Amerika tegemoet. Groot applaus aan Republikeinse kant. Alle Democraten blijven zitten. #SOTU2019 reageer retweet

twitter:

ddale8 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 04:02:08 It is almost comical how different Trump sounds in this one speech a year than in every other speech and appearance that does not follow a tragedy. reageer retweet

twitter:

SethAbramson twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 04:11:21 Democrats want to turn your baby into a socialist is the new "War on Christmas" #SOTU reageer retweet

twitter:

SethAbramson twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 04:12:57 Trump Saved Me From Nuclear Winter is almost short enough to fit on a bumper sticker for stupid people everywhere reageer retweet

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 05:10:02 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: "The president was unprepared. I don't think that he did his homework ... There was no plan. There was no plan to address our opioid crisis, there was no plan to address the cost of health care, there was no plan to increase wages." @MSNBC reageer retweet

quote:

"An economic miracle is taking place in the US and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations."

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn't work that way!"

twitter:

RVAwonk twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 03:36:34 Watch @RepAdamSchiff's face when Trump tries to threaten Congress/feds/intel agencies not to investigate him. #SOTU https://t.co/DbNVROy2wx reageer retweet

twitter:

PhilipRucker twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 05:34:02 Just now on Fox...Eric Trump: "This country's winning."Sean Hannity: "I'm not tired of it yet." reageer retweet

twitter:

BoKnowsNews twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 05:53:04 Pelosi says she liked President Trump acknowledging the women in Congress BUT that he forgot to mention they were mostly Democrats https://t.co/Z9FG9hvtNz reageer retweet

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 07:36 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:
Dus Trump wil Amerika aidsvrij maken, maar heeft als adjudant bij die nobele missie een vicepresident die in zijn eigen staat een aidsepidemie heeft veroorzaakt?

Hij wil zich eind februari nog een keer laten piepelen door Kim?

Stuurt een heel regiment soldaten naar de grens om een fantoomprobleem 'aan te pakken'?

Komt met een campagne om medicijnprijzen te verlagen terwijl hij de meest corrupte en door lobbyisten geïnfiltreerde overheid ooit runt?

Pleit voor eenheid terwijl hij voor, tijdens en na zijn speech doorging met kinderachtige feuds met Democraten?

Lijkt me al met al bezien een typische Trump speech, woorden, heel veel woorden, maar in daad precies het tegenovergestelde.

Trump rips New York abortion law at State of the Union

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 07:52 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

[..]



En hij wil het executeren van baby's verbieden

Trump rips New York abortion law at State of the Union

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 07:52 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

[..]



En hij wil het executeren van baby's verbieden

Trump rips New York abortion law at State of the Union

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 08:11 schreef Vader_Aardbei het volgende:

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Lijkt mij een goed idee, gezien wat er nu in New York gaande is.

Of vind jij het aborteren van 9 maanden oude babies wel chill?

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 06:20 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:
Filmpje in tweet

twitter:

BoKnowsNews twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 05:53:04 Pelosi says she liked President Trump acknowledging the women in Congress BUT that he forgot to mention they were mostly Democrats https://t.co/Z9FG9hvtNz reageer retweet

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And then, we had the case of the Governor of Virginia where he stated he would execute a baby after birth

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Tyson alleges that Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him during an encounter at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. According to a profile of Fairfax on the website of his alma mater, Columbia Law School, the future lieutenant governor was working as a so-called "body man" for vice presidential nominee John Edwards. Fairfax has denied any wrongdoing and described the encounter as consensual.

SPOILER

Virginia has had one of the craziest weeks in state politics. First, the Democratic governor had to explain why there was a photo of two person, one dressed in Ku Klux Klan garb and the other in blackface, on his medical school yearbook page. Now the lieutenant governor is trying to get rid of an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2004.

Democrats in the state quickly condemned Gov. Ralph Northam for the racist image from 1984. The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, in particular, was a catalyst in the state party’s abandonment of the governor.

But so far, Democratic members of the state legislature, known as the General Assembly, have been far more reluctant to discuss the allegation against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

“We’re going to wait to see how that information evolves,” said Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas, a black senior Democrat who spoke to reporters in the Capitol rotunda in Richmond on Tuesday to reiterate her calls for Northam to resign.

“I have lots of thoughts ― but not for you,” said state Del. Chris Hurst (D), before abruptly walking through a side door off the House of Delegates floor.

State Sen. Chap Petersen, vice chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, declined to comment on the matter altogether.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, a bloc of African-American state delegates and senators, issued a statement on Monday ― but it was just to say that it didn’t have anything to say about the allegation against Fairfax, who is Virginia’s second-ever statewide black elected official.

https://www.huffingtonpos(...)eec1e4b00187b555c4b2

twitter:

GeoffRBennett twitterde op dinsdag 05-02-2019 om 21:02:34 NBC News is now naming the woman who accuses Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault -- a claim he categorically denies. Vanessa Tyson, an associate professor of politics at Scripps College, has provided permission to identify her, per source close to her legal team. reageer retweet

Academic History
MA and PhD in Political Science, University of Chicago
BA in Politics, Princeton University
Certificate in African American Studies, Princeton University

Biography
Tyson’s first book manuscript Twists of Fate: Multiracial Coalitions and Minority Representation in the U.S. House (under contract with Oxford University Press) explores structural inequality in the United States and how members of Congress have formed multiracial coalitions as a strategy to provide for their diverse constituencies. Having worked on political campaigns since she was 12 years old, she carefully considers how political dynamics affect policy formulation and consequent outcomes. Tyson also spent years working as an advocate for sexual violence awareness and prevention.

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 08:12 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

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Wat een polariserende bullshit weer. Abortus na 24 weken is in New York alleen toegestaan als een dokter dat noodzakelijk acht voor de gezondheid van de moeder of als de feutus niet levensvatbaar is. Blijkbaar heb jij liever dat vrouwen sterven omdat ze al dode babies uit zich moeten persen.

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 08:16 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

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Maar zo zie je maar, mensen trappen er gewoon in

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 04:21 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

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SethAbramson twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 04:11:21 Democrats want to turn your baby into a socialist is the new "War on Christmas" #SOTU reageer retweet

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 08:16 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:
Overigens wel grappig hoe dat gaat. Normaal gesproken veinzen Republikeinen helemaal voor libertarisme en minder overheid te zijn. Maar als het over abortus gaat, vliegt de persoonlijke vrijheid de deur uit en moeten vrouwen ineens op leven of dood niet levensvatbare feutussen uit zich gaan persen omdat het van vadertje Staat moet.

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 09:09 schreef DrParsifal het volgende:

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In het geval van een niet levensvatbare feutus heb je natuurlijk helemaal gelijk. Verder denk ik dat dit debat is vergiftigd door het onjuist weergeven van de tegenpartij. Veel tegenstanders van abortus zien de feutus als een mens dat mensenrechten behoort te hebben en bescherming verdiend (wat prima past binnen de minimale taken van een overheid in een liberale samenleving). Terwijl voorstanders van abortusrechten het embryo volledig ondergeschikt aan de vrouw achten en de hele keus aan de vrouw overlaten.

Zo kunnen debatten tussen dierenrechtenactivisten en boeren ook mislopen. Of in het verleden tussen tegenstanders van slavernij en slavenhouders. Het gaat allemaal om de vraag wie recht heeft op bescherming van de overheid. Een feutus? Een koe? Een slaaf?

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 09:16 schreef Klopkoek het volgende:

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Dat hele 'minimale taken' mantra is natuurlijk sowieso dubieus. Ze geven maar wat graag even 700 miljard aan banken, omdat het kan, en zo zijn er wel meer zaken.

Republikeinse staten geven ook vaker subsidies aan sportorganisaties (of betalen het stadion) dan waar Democraten de scepter zwaaien. Dat is gewoon nu eenmaal zo.

En net zoals in veel Europese landen (waaronder Nederland) zijn het de 'linksere' gebieden waar het geld wordt verdiend.

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 08:10 schreef Vader_Aardbei het volgende:
Het was een geweldige speech, volgens meer dan driekwart van de kijkers!

[ afbeelding ]

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 08:16 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:
Overigens wel grappig hoe dat gaat. Normaal gesproken veinzen Republikeinen helemaal voor libertarisme en minder overheid te zijn. Maar als het over abortus gaat, vliegt de persoonlijke vrijheid de deur uit en moeten vrouwen ineens op leven of dood niet levensvatbare feutussen uit zich gaan persen omdat het van vadertje Staat moet.

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BREAKING: New GAO report shows President Trump spends tens of millions of dollars to travel to Mar-a-Lago at taxpayer expense – including government funds paid directly to his own business. Trump’s first 4 trips cost $13.6 million, including $60,000 paid directly to Mar-a-Lago. https://t.co/QgYrMr8myb

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Presidential Travel: Secret Service and DOD Need to Ensure That Expenditure Reports Are Prepared and Submitted to Congress https://t.co/W7hDb9z4zT

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Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 10:21 schreef Ulx het volgende:

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US Government Accountability Office:

[..]

Binnenkort gaat de GOP Trump feliciteren omdat hij toch maar mooi een eind maakte aan de corruptie in zijn eerste twee jaar in het Witte Huis.

SPOILER

Trump: Thank you very much madam speaker, vice president, members of Congress, the first lady of the United States. [applause]

And my fellow Americans. We meet tonight at a moment of unlimited potential, as we begin a new Congress, I stand here ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans. Millions of our fellow citizens are watching us, gathered in this great chamber, hoping we will govern not as two parties, but as one nation. [applause]

The agenda I will lay out this evening is not a Republican agenda or Democrat agenda, it is the agenda of the American people. Many of us have campaigned on the same core promises, to defend American jobs and demand fair trade for American workers, to rebuild and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure, to reduce the price of health care and prescription drugs, to create an immigration system that is safe, lawful, modern and secure, and to pursue a foreign policy that puts America’s interests first.

There is a new opportunity in American politics, if only we have the courage together to seize it. [applause] victory is not winning for our party, victory is winning for our country. [applause] this year, America will recognize two important anniversaries that show us the majesty of America’s vision and the power of American pride.

In June we marked 75 years since the start of what general Dwight Eisenhower called “the great crusade,” the allied liberation of Europe in world war ii. [applause] on d-day, June 6, 1944, 15,000 young American men jumped from the skies, and 60,000 more stormed in from the sea to save our civilization from tyranny. Here with us tonight are three of those incredible heroes. Private first class Joseph Riley, staff sergeant Erving Walker — and sergeant Hartman Zeitcheck. [applause]

Gentlemen, we salute you. In 2019 we also celebrate 50 years since brave young pilots flew 1/4 of one million miles through space the plants of American flag on the face of the moon. Half a century later, we are joined by one of the Apollo 11 astronauts who planted that flag, Buzz Aldrin. [applause] thank you, buzz. This year, American astronauts will go back to space in American rockets. [applause]

In the 20th century, America saved freedom, transformed science, redefined the middle class, and when you get down to it, there is nothing anywhere in the world that can compete with America. [applause] now we must step boldly and bravely into the next chapter of this great American adventure. We must create a new standard of living for the 21st century.

SPOILER

An amazing quality of life for all of our citizens is within reach. We can make our communities safer, our families stronger, our culture richer, our faith deeper, and our middle class and more prosperous than ever before. [applause] but we must reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution, and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good. [applause]

Together we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge all divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future. The decision is ours to make. We must choose between greatness or gridlock, results or resistance, vision or vengeance, incredible progress or pointless destruction. Tonight, I ask you to choose greatness. [applause]

SPOILER

Over the last two years, my administration has moved with a urgency and historic speed to confront problems neglected by leaders of both parties over many decades. In just over two years since the election, we have launched an unprecedented economic boom, a boom that has rarely been seen before. There has been nothing like it. We have created 5.3 million new jobs, and importantly, added 600,000 new manufacturing jobs, something which almost everyone said was impossible to do, but the fact is, we are just getting started. [applause]

Wages are rising at the fastest pace in decades, and growing for blue-collar workers, who I promise to fight for. They are growing faster than anyone else. Nearly 5 million Americans have been lifted off food stamps. [applause] the U.S. Economy is growing almost twice as fast today as when I took office, and we are considered far and away the hottest economy anywhere in the world. Not even close. [applause] unemployment has reached the lowest rate in over half a century. [applause] african-american, hispanic American, and asian-american unemployment have all reached their lowest levels ever recorded.

Unemployment for Americans with disabilities has also reached an all-time low. [applause] more people are working now than at any time in the history of our country. 157 million people at work. We passed a massive tax cut for working families and double the child tax credit. [applause] we have virtually ended the estate tax, or death tax that is — as it is called, for small businesses, ranches and family farms. [applause] we eliminated the very unpopular Obamacare individual mandate penalty. [applause] and to give critically ill patients access to life-saving cures, we passed very importantly, right to try.

My administration has cut more regulations in a short period of time than any other administration during its entire tenure. companies are coming back to our country in large numbers, thanks to our historic reductions in taxes and regulations. [applause] and we have unleashed a revolution in American energy. The United States is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. [applause] and now, for the first time in 65 years, we are a net exporter of energy. [applause] after 24 months of rapid progress, our economy is the envy of the world. Our military is the most powerful on Earth, by far, and America — [applause] America is again winning each and every day. members of Congress, the state of our union is strong. [applause] [crowd chanting usa]

pres. Trump: That sounds so good. [laughter] pres.

Trump: Our country is vibrant and our economy is thriving like never before. Friday it was announced we added another 304,000 jobs last month alone, almost double the number expected. [applause] an economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous, partisan investigations. [applause] if there is going to be peace in legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just does not work that way.

SPOILER

We must be united at home to defeat our adversaries abroad. this new era of cooperation can start with finally confirming the more than 300 highly qualified nominees who are still stuck in the Senate, in some cases years and years waiting — not right. [applause]

The Senate has failed to act on these nominations, which is unfair to the nominees, and very unfair to our country. Now is the time for bipartisan action. Believe it or not, we have already proven that is possible. In the last Congress, both parties came together to pass unprecedented legislation to confront the opioid crisis, a sweeping new farm bill, historic v.a. Reforms, and after four decades of rejection, we passed a v.a. Accountability, so we can finally terminate those who mistreat our wonderful veterans. [applause] and just weeks ago, all parties united for groundbreaking criminal justice reform. They said it couldn’t be done.

last year, I heard through friends, the story of alice johnson. I was deeply moved. In 1997, alice was sentenced to life in prison as a first time, nonviolent drug offender. Over the next 22 years, she became a prison minister, inspiring others to choose a better path. She had a big impact on that prison population and far beyond. Alice’s story underscores the disparities and unfairness that can exist in criminal sentencing, and the need to remedy this total injustice. She served almost that 22 years, and had expected to be in prison for the remainder of her life. In June, I commuted alice’s sentence. When I saw alice’s beautiful family greet her at the prison gates, hugging and kissing and crying and laughing, I knew I did something right. Alice is with us tonight, and she is a terrific woman. Terrific. Alice, please.

Alice, thank you for reminding us that we always have that howard to shape — the power to shape our own destiny. Thank you very much. [applause] pres.

Inspired by stories like alice’s, my administration worked closely with members of both parties to sign the first step act into law. Big deal. That is a big deal. [applause] pres. This legislation reformed sentencing laws that have wrongly and disproportionately harmed the african-american community.

The first step act gives nonviolent offenders the chance to reenter society as productive, law-abiding citizens. Now, states across the country are following our lead. America is a nation that believes in redemption. We are also joined tonight by matthew charles from tennessee. In 1996, at the age of 30, matthew was sentenced to 35 years for selling drugs and related offenses. Over the next two decades, he completed more than 30 Bible studies, became a law clerk, and mentored many of his fellow inmates. Now, matthew was the very first person to be released from prison under the first step act.

Matthew, please. [applause] pres. Thank you, matthew. Welcome home. [applause] pres.

SPOILER

Now, Republicans and Democrats must join forces again to confront an urgent national crisis. Congress has 10 days left to pass a bill that will fund our government, protect our homeland, and secure are very dangerous southern border. Now is the time for Congress to show the world that America is committed to ending illegal immigration and putting the ruthless coyotes, cartels, drug dealers, and human traffickers out of business. [applause] pres.

As we speak, large, organized caravans are on the March to the United States. We have just heard that Mexican cities, in order to remove the illegal immigrants from their communities, are getting trucks and buses to bring them up to our country in areas where there is little border protection. I have ordered another 3750 troops to our southern border to prepare for this tremendous onslaught. This is a moral issue. The lawless state of our southern border is a threat to the safety, security, and financial well-being of all Americans. We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens. This includes our obligation to the millions of immigrants living here today who follow the rules and respected our laws. Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways. [applause]

I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally. Tonight, I’m asking you to defend are very dangerous southern border out of love and devotion to our fellow citizens and our country. No issue better illustrates the divide between America’s working-class and America’s political class than illegal immigration. Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders, while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards.

Meanwhile, working-class Americans are left to pay the price for mass illegal immigration, reduced to jobs, lower wages, overburdened schools, hospitals that are so crowded you can’t get in, increased crime, and a depleted social safety net. Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate, it is actually very cruel.

One in three women is sexually assaulted on the long journey north. Smugglers use migrant children as human pawns to exploit our laws and gain access to our country. Human traffickers and sex traffickers take advantage of the wide-open areas between our ports of entry to smuggle thousands of young girls and women into the United States and to sell them into prostitution and modern-day slavery.

Tens of thousands of innocent Americans are killed by lethal drugs that cross our border and flood into our cities, including meth, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. The savage gang Ms 13 now operates in at least 20 different American states and they almost all come through our southern border. Just yesterday, an ms-13 gang member was taken into custody for a fatal shooting on a subway platform in New York city. We are removing these gang members by the thousands, but until we secure our border, they are going to keep streaming right back in. Year after year, countless Americans are murdered by criminal illegal aliens. I’ve gotten to know many wonderful angel moms and dads and families. No one should ever have to suffer the horrible heartache that they have had to endure. Here tonight is deborah bissell, just three weeks ago her parents were burglarized and shot to death in their reno, nevada, home by an illegal alien. They were in their 80’s and are survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Also here tonight are gerald and sharon’s granddaughter heather and great-granddaughter madison. To debroah, heather, madison, please stand. Few can understand your pain. Thank you and thank you for being here. Very much. [applause]

I will never forget and I will fight for the memory of gerald and sharon, that it should never happen again. Not one more American life should be lost because our nation failed to control it’s very dangerous border. In the last two years, our brave

ICE officers made 266,000 arrests of criminal aliens, including those charged or convicted of nearly 100,000 assaults. 30,000 sex crimes, and 4000 killings or murders. We are joined tonight by one of those law enforcement heroes, ice special agent elvin hernandez.

Thank you. Well elvin was a boy, the end his family legally immigrated to the United States from the dominican republic. At the age of eight, he told his dad he wanted to become a special agent. Today, he leads investigations into the scores of international sex trafficking. He says that if I can make sure these young girls get their justice, I’ve really done my job. Thanks to his work work and thaf his incredible colleagues, more than 300 women and girls have been rescued from the horror of this terrible situation and more than 1500 sadistic traffickers have been put behind bars.

We will always support the brave men and women of law enforcement and I pledge to you tonight that I will never abolish our heroes from ice. Thank you. My administration has sent to the Congress a commonsense proposal to end the crisis on our southern border. It includes humanitarian assistance, more law enforcement, drug detection at our ports, closing loopholes that enable child smuggling, and plans for a new physical barrier, or wall, to secure the vast areas between our ports of entry. In the past, most of the people in this room voted for a wall — but the proper wall never got built. I’ll get it built.

This is a smart, strategic, see-through steel barrier — not just a simple concrete wall. It will be deployed in the areas identified by border agents as having the greatest need, and as these agents will tell you, where walls go up, illegal crossings go way down. San diego used to have the most illegal border crossings in the country. In response, a strong security wall was put in place. This powerful barrier almost completely ended illegal crossings. The border city of el paso, texas, used to have extremely high rates of violent crime — one of the highest in the country, and considered one of our nation’s most dangerous cities. Now, immediately upon its building, with a powerful barrier in place, el paso is one of our safest cities. Simply put, walls work and walls save lives.

So let’s work together, compromise, and reach a deal that will truly make America safe. As we work to defend our people’s safety, we must also ensure our economic resurgence continues at a rapid pace. No one has benefitted more from our thriving economy than women, who have filled 58% of the new jobs created in the last year.

SPOILER

You were not supposed to do that. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. All Americans can be proud that we have more women in the workforce than ever before. Don’t sit yet. You are going to like this.

And exactly one century after the Congress passed the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, we also have more women serving in the Congress than ever before.

[chanting “u.s.a.”]

Trump: That’s great. Very great. And congratulations. That’s great. As part of our commitment to improving opportunity for women everywhere, this Thursday we are launching the first ever government-wide initiative focused on economic empowerment for women in developing countries.

SPOILER

To build on our incredible economic success, one priority is paramount — reversing decades of calamitous trade policies. So bad. We are now making it clear to China that after years of targeting our industries, and stealing our intellectual property, the theft of American jobs and wealth has come to an end. Therefore, we recently imposed tariffs on $250 billion of chinese goods — and now our treasury is receiving billions of dollars a month from — but I don’t blame China for taking advantage of us. I blame our leaders and representatives for allowing this travesty to happen. I have great respect for president xi, and we are now working on a new trade deal with China. But it must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices, reduce our chronic trade deficit, and protect American jobs.

Another historic trade blunder was the catastrophe known as nafta. I have met the men and women of michigan, ohio, pennsylvania, indiana, new hampshire, and many other states whose dreams were shattered by nafta. For years, politicians promised them they would negotiate for a better deal. But no one ever tried — until now. Our new u.s.-mexico-canada agreement — or usmca — will replace nafta and deliver for American workers like they have not had delivered to for a long time. I hope you can pass the usmca into law so we can bring back our manufacturing jobs in greater numbers, expand American agriculture, protect intellectual property, and ensure that more cars are proudly stamped with four beautiful words — made in the U.S.A.

Tonight, I am also asking you to pass the United States reciprocal trade act, so that if another country places an unfair tariff on an American product, we can charge them the exact same tariff on the same product that they sell to us.

Both parties should be able to unite for a great rebuilding of America’s crumbling infrastructure. I know that the Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill — and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment, including investments in the cutting edge industries of the future. This is not an option. This is a necessity. The next major priority for me, and for all of us, should be to lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs — and to protect patients with pre-existing conditions.

Already, as a result of my administration’s efforts, in 2018 drug prices experienced their single largest decline in 46 years. But we must do more. It is unacceptable that Americans pay vastly more than people in other countries for the exact same drugs, often made in the exact same place. This is wrong, unfair, and together we can stop it. And we will stop it fast.

I am asking the Congress to pass legislation that finally takes on the problem of global freeloading and delivers fairness and price transparency for American patients. Finally.

We should also require drug companies, insurance companies, and hospitals to disclose real prices to foster competition and bring costs down. No force in history has done more to advance the human condition than American freedom.

In recent years we have made remarkable progress in the fight against hiv and aids. Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach. My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the hiv epidemic in the United States within 10 years. We have made incredible strides. Incredible.

Together, we will defeat aids in America. And beyond.

Tonight, I am also asking you to join me in another fight that all Americans can get behind — the fight against childhood cancer. Joining Melania in the gallery this evening is a very brave 10-year-old girl, grace eline.

Hi, grace. [laughter] pres.

Every birthday since she was 4, grace asked her friends to donate to st. Jude children’s research hospital. She did not know that one day she might be a patient herself. That is what happened. Last year, grace was diagnosed with brain cancer. Immediately, she began radiation treatment. At the same time, she rallied her community and raised more than $40,000 for the fight against cancer.

When grace completed treatment last fall, her doctors and nurses cheered — they love to her, they still love her. With tears in their eyes as she hung up a poster that read, “last day of chemo.”

Thank you, grace. You are a great inspiration to everyone in this room. Thank you very much. Many childhood cancers have not seen new therapies in decades. My budget will ask the Congress for $500 million over the next 10 years to fund this critical life-saving research. To help support working parents, the time has come to pass school choice for America’s children.

I am also proud to be the first president to include in my budget a plan for nationwide paid family leave — so that every new parent has the chance to bond with their newborn child.

There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our nation saw in recent days. Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mother’s womb moments before birth. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world. And then, we had the case of the governor of virginia where he stated he would execute a baby after birth. To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother’s womb. Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life.

SPOILER

And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth — all children — born and unborn — are made in the holy image of God. The final part of my agenda is to protect America’s national security. Over the last 2 years, we have begun to fully rebuild the United States military — with $700 billion last year and $716 billion this year. We are also getting other nations to pay their fair share. Finally.

For years, the United States was being treated very unfairly by friends of ours, by members of nato, but now we have secured a $100 billion increase in defense spending from nato allies. They said it could not be done. As part of our military build-up, the United States is developing a state-of-the-art missile defense system. Under my administration, we will never apologize for advancing America’s interests. For example, decades ago the United States entered into a treaty with Russia in which we agreed to limit and reduce our missile capabilities. While we followed the agreement and the rules to the letter, Russia repeatedly violated its terms. It has been going on for many years. That is why I announced that the United States is officially withdrawing from the intermediate-range nuclear forces treaty, or inf treaty.

We really have no choice. Perhaps we can negotiate a different agreement, adding China and others, or perhaps we can’t - in which case, we will outspend and out-innovate all others by far. As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the korean peninsula. Our hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in 15 months. If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with north korea.

Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with kim jong un is a good one. Chairman kim and I will meet again on February 27 and 28 in vietnam. Two weeks ago, the United States officially recognized the legitimate government of venezuela, and its new interim president, juan guaido.

We stand with the venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom — and we condemn the brutality of the maduro regime, whose socialist policies have turned that nation from being the wealthiest in south America into a state of abject poverty and despair. [applause] pres.

Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country. America was founded on liberty and independence - not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free.

Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country. One of the most complex set of challenges we face and have for many years is in the middle east. Our approach is based on principled realism — not discredited theories that have failed for decades to yield progress. For this reason, my administration recognized the true capital of Israel — and proudly opened the American embassy in jerusalem.

Our brave troops have now been fighting in the middle east for almost 19 years. In afghanistan and iraq, nearly 7,000 American heroes have given their lives. More than 52,000 Americans have been badly wounded. We have spent more than $7 trillion in the middle east. As a candidate for president, I loudly pledged a new approach. Great nations do not fight endless wars. When I took office, ISIS controlled more than 20,000 square miles in iraq and syria. Just two years ago. Today, we have liberated virtually all of that territory from the grip of these bloodthirsty killers. Now, as we work with our allies to destroy the remnants of ISIS, it is time to give our brave warriors in syria a warm welcome home. I have also accelerated our negotiations to reach a political settlement in afghanistan. The opposing side is also very happy to be negotiating. Our troops have fought with unmatched valor — and thanks to their bravery, we are now able to pursue a political solution to this long and bloody conflict.

In Afghanistan, my administration is holding constructive talks with a number of afghan groups, including the Taliban. As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troop presence and focus on counter-terrorism. And we will indeed focus on counterterrorism. We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement — but we do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace. And the other side would like to do the same thing. It is time.

Above all, friend and foe alike must never doubt this nation’s power and will to defend our people. 18 years ago, violent terrorists attacked the uss cole — and last month American forces killed one of the leaders of the attack. We are honored to be joined tonight by Tom Wibberley, whose son, navy seaman Craig Wibberley, was one of the 17 sailors we tragically lost. Tom, we vow to always remember he heroes of the uss cole.

My administration has acted decisively to confront the world’s leading state sponsor of terror — the radical regime in iran. It is a radical regime. They do bad, bad things. To ensure this corrupt dictatorship never acquires nuclear weapons, I withdrew the United States from the disastrous iran nuclear deal. And last fall, we put in place the toughest sanctions ever imposed on a country. We will not avert our eyes from a regime that chants death to America and threatens genocide against the jewish people.

SPOILER

We must never ignore the vile poison of anti-semitism, or those who spread its venomous creed. With one voice, we must confront this hatred anywhere and everywhere it occurs.

Just months ago, 11 jewish-americans were viciously murdered in an anti-semitic attack on the tree of life synagogue in pittsburgh. Swat officer timothy Matson raced into the gunfire and was shot seven times chasing down the killer. And he was very successful. Timothy has just had his 12th surgery and he is going in for many more, but he made the trip to be here with us tonight. Officer Matson, please.

Thank you. We are forever grateful. Thank you very much. Tonight, we are also joined by pittsburgh survivor judah samet. He arrived at the synagogue as the massacre began. But not only did judah narrowly escape death last fall — more than seven decades ago, he narrowly survived the nazi concentration camps. Today is judah’s 81st birthday.

They would not do that for me, judah.

Judah says he can still remember the exact moment, nearly 75 years ago, after 10 months in a concentration camp, when he and his family were put on a train, and told they were going to another camp. Suddenly the train screeched to a halt. A soldier appeared. Judah’s family braced for the worst. Then, his father cried out with joy, “it’s the Americans.”

Thank you. A second holocaust survivor who is here tonight, joshua kaufman, was a prisoner at dachau. He remembers watching through a hole in the wall of a cattle car as American soldiers rolled in with tanks. “to me,” joshua recalls, “the American soldiers were proof that God exists, and they came down from the sky.” they came down from heaven. I began this evening by honoring three soldiers who fought on d-day in the second world war. One of them was herman zeitchik. But there is more to herman’s story. A year after he stormed the beaches of normandy, herman was one of those American soldiers who helped liberate dachau.

He was one of the Americans who helped rescue joshua from that hell on Earth. Almost 75 years later, herman and joshua are both together in the gallery tonight — seated side-by-side, here in the home of American freedom. Herman and joshua, your presence this evening is very much appreciated. Thank you very much.

Thank you. When American soldiers set out beneath the dark skies over the english channel in the early hours of d-day, 1944, they were just young men of 18 and 19, hurtling on fragile landing craft toward the most momentous battle in the history of war. They did not know if they would survive the hour. They did not know if they would grow old. But they knew that America had to prevail. Their cause was this nation, and generations yet unborn. Why did they do it? They did it for America — they did it for us. Everything that has come since — our triumph over communism, our giant leaps of science and discovery, our unrivaled progress toward equality and justice — all of it is possible thanks to the blood and tears and courage and vision of the Americans who came before. Think of this capitol — think of this very chamber, where lawmakers before you voted to end slavery, to build the railroads and the highways, to defeat fascism, to secure civil rights, to face down an evil empire. Here tonight, we have legislators from across this magnificent republic. You have come from the rocky shores of maine and the volcanic peaks of hawaii, from the snowy woods of wisconsin and the red deserts of arizona, from the green farms of kentucky and the golden beaches of california. Together, we represent the most extraordinary nation in all of history.

What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered? I ask the men and women of this Congress, look at the opportunities before us. Our most thrilling achievements are still ahead.

Our most exciting journeys still await. Our biggest victories are still to come. We have not yet begun to dream. We must choose whether we are defined by our differences — or whether we dare to transcend them. We must choose whether we will squander our inheritance — or whether we will proudly declare that we are Americans. We do the incredible. We defy the impossible. We conquer the unknown. This is the time to re-ignite the American imagination. This is the time to search for the tallest summit, and set our sights on the brightest star.

This is the time to rekindle the bonds of love and loyalty and memory that link us together as citizens, as neighbors, as patriots. This is our future — our fate — and our choice to make. I am asking you to choose greatness. No matter the trials we face, no matter the challenges to come, we must go forward together. We must keep America first in our hearts. We must keep freedom alive in our souls. And we must always keep faith in America’s destiny — that one nation, under God, must be the hope and the promise and the light and the glory among all the nations of the world! Thank you. God bless you, God bless America. Thank you very much.

quote:

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation." - Trump's SOTU, 2019

"I believe the time has come to bring that investigation and the other investigations of this matter to an end. One year of Watergate is enough." - Nixon's SOTU, 1974

SPOILER

If there is going to be peace and legislation, there must be Mueller and defenestration. #SOTU

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 14:26 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Wat vonden jullie eigenlijk van Pelosi die een daverend en welgemeend applaus gaf? En daarna zo blij was met Trump's geniale speech dat er zelfs een lach verscheen op haar gezicht?

There's video of the clapping. https://t.co/3i7MYftPUK

https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1093132243390906368?s=19

twitter:

benshapiro twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 06:11:56 Trump's #SOTU was the strongest speech of his presidency. It may not change the math much overall -- there's not a lot of give in his numbers -- but it's a reminder that when he's on-script, his depiction of an America that is essentially good is still compelling. reageer retweet

twitter:

FrankLuntz twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 06:30:50 These numbers are especially good for Trump when you look at party breakdown of #SOTU viewers:• 43% Republican (97% approve)• 24% Democratic (30% approve)• 30% Independent (82% approve) https://t.co/aYQXGaVrNN reageer retweet

quote:

In related news, House Intel is voting shortly to send 50+ witness interview transcripts to Mueller "so that he consider whether additional perjury charges are warranted."

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:29 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:
Een goede speech van Trump, al denk ik dat er weinig gaat veranderen. De democraten graven zich in en willen Trump geen goede beurt gunnen door zijn beleid te steunen, waar ze vroeger soms zelf ook voor waren. Maar ik denk dat Trump nu wel weer alle republikeinen in het gareel heeft.

Voormalig neverTrump:

twitter:

benshapiro twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 06:11:56 Trump's #SOTU was the strongest speech of his presidency. It may not change the math much overall -- there's not a lot of give in his numbers -- but it's a reminder that when he's on-script, his depiction of an America that is essentially good is still compelling. reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:36 schreef KoosVogels het volgende:

[..]

Dus Trump dient overladen te worden met lof omdat hij in staat is om tijdens de SotU zich aan het script te houden en niet, zoals hij normaal gesproken doet, een wazige toespraak afsteekt waarbij hij alles en iedereen aanvalt?

De lat ligt wel verdomd laag.

Dat is alsof we de koning complimenteren met het feit dat hij in staat is om de troonrede foutloos van een papiertje te lezen.

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:42 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:

[..]

Ik heb Willem nog nooit zijn troonrede foutloos horen oplezen

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 14:51 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Ik had zelf eerder het idee dat het een soort "Lekker kukkuk daan op het potje! Ja grote jongen! Lekker kukkie-bah gedaan, helemaal zelf!" applaus was.

En de lach kwam wat schamper over.

Of vergis ik me?

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:29 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:
Een goede speech van Trump, al denk ik dat er weinig gaat veranderen. De democraten graven zich in en willen Trump geen goede beurt gunnen door zijn beleid te steunen, waar ze vroeger soms zelf ook voor waren. Maar ik denk dat Trump nu wel weer alle republikeinen in het gareel heeft.

Voormalig neverTrump:

twitter:

benshapiro twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 06:11:56 Trump's #SOTU was the strongest speech of his presidency. It may not change the math much overall -- there's not a lot of give in his numbers -- but it's a reminder that when he's on-script, his depiction of an America that is essentially good is still compelling. reageer retweet

Cijfers gebaseerd op CBS peiling:

In general, did you approve or disapprove of the President’s speech tonight?
Approve 76% Disapprove 24%
Gop 97% approve
Independent 82% approve
Democrat 30% approve

Looking ahead, do you think the President’s speech will do more to...?
Unite the country 56% Divide the country 8% Won’t change things much 36%

The ideas you heard from the President on immigration:
Favor 72% Oppose 28% .

The President’s proposals for U.S. troops and the Middle East:
Favor 74% Oppose 26%

From what you heard, is a second Trump-Kim summit a...
Good Idea 78% Bad idea 22%

@YouGovUS/@CBSNews poll, Among Sotu Watchers

twitter:

FrankLuntz twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 06:30:50 These numbers are especially good for Trump when you look at party breakdown of #SOTU viewers:• 43% Republican (97% approve)• 24% Democratic (30% approve)• 30% Independent (82% approve) https://t.co/aYQXGaVrNN reageer retweet

twitter:

NatashaBertrand twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 15:39:18 JUST IN: Michael Cohen's House Intel testimony has been postponed. “In the interests of the investigation, Michael Cohen’s testimony has been postponed until February 28th," says @RepAdamSchiff. reageer retweet

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 17:00:03 As the Trump campaign announces a rally in El Paso next week, a reminder of what El Paso Sheriff Richard Wiles said to NBC in response to Trump's State of the Union last night. https://t.co/H99AD2tqDP reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 17:29 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:
Ook bij CNN zijn ze positief:

What was your overall reaction to President Trump’s speech tonight?
Positive 76% Negative 23%
"59% very positive. 17% somewhat positive. 23% negative."

@CNN poll, Among #SOTU watchers

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 17:43 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:
Meanwhile in Virginia...... Nadat eerder al gouverneur Northam in opspraak raakte vanwege blackface, daarop de adjudant gouverneur in opspraak raakte vanwege een beschuldiging van seksueel wangedrag (overigens niet verder onderbouwd), is nu ook de derde in lijn, de staatsaanklager Herring, in opspraak vanwege blackface. M.a.w. we zijn nu voor de opvolging van Northam aangekomen bij de nummer 4, parlementsvoorzitter Cox, en... een Republikein. Als die ook zou moeten opstappen staat in de grondwet van Virginia: ??????????????.

https://twitter.com/connortryan/status/1093186928638414852?s=19

Toch wel een van de meest fascinerende politieke schandalen van het jaar tot dusver.

quote:

Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Richmond), chairman of the caucus, looked sullen. Asked to explain what was happening, Bagby said, “I imagine we’re not praying enough.”

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 17:43 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:
Meanwhile in Virginia...... Nadat eerder al gouverneur Northam in opspraak raakte vanwege blackface, daarop de adjudant gouverneur in opspraak raakte vanwege een beschuldiging van seksueel wangedrag (overigens niet verder onderbouwd), is nu ook de derde in lijn, de staatsaanklager Herring, in opspraak vanwege blackface. M.a.w. we zijn nu voor de opvolging van Northam aangekomen bij de nummer 4, parlementsvoorzitter Cox, en... een Republikein. Als die ook zou moeten opstappen staat in de grondwet van Virginia: ??????????????.

https://twitter.com/connortryan/status/1093186928638414852?s=19

Toch wel een van de meest fascinerende politieke schandalen van het jaar tot dusver.

twitter:

markberman twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 17:44:54 So, to recap:Va's governor admitted he wore blackface. The lt gov is facing a sexual assault allegation. The AG says he too wore blackface. The House Speaker is next in line. He has that job because an election was tied and a name picked out of a bowl https://t.co/Yr1SCwPheR reageer retweet

twitter:

jonallendc twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 17:47:16 Justin Fairfax said “fuck that bitch” as he tried to discredit his accuser during a private meeting Monday night, sources tell @NBCNews’ @GeoffRBennett and me. reageer retweet

twitter:

asymmetricinfo twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 17:49:38 3 observations:1) If true, this is obviously a an orchestrated dump2) It is the most masterful operation of its kind I've ever seen3) Its purpose is not so much to install a GOP gov as to put Dems in an awful position: accept a GOP gov, or say blackface isn't so bad. https://t.co/RQtR6WHuuY reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:48 schreef Hexagon het volgende:

[..]

Kan natuurlijk ook nog zijn dat Pelosi inziet dat Trump de aandachtspanne van een peuter heeft en dat hij haar nu ineens weer tof vind, en ze op die manier weer een deal kan sluiten.

quote:

NEW: The House Intelligence Committee has voted to send dozens of witness interview transcripts from its Russia investigation to Robert Mueller for possible perjury charges.

It's the first act of the panel under the leadership of Chairman Adam Schiff. https://t.co/EhfDcfktMq

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:36 schreef KoosVogels het volgende:

[..]

Dus Trump dient overladen te worden met lof omdat hij in staat is om tijdens de SotU zich aan het script te houden en niet, zoals hij normaal gesproken doet, een wazige toespraak afsteekt waarbij hij alles en iedereen aanvalt?

De lat ligt wel verdomd laag.

Dat is alsof we de koning complimenteren met het feit dat hij in staat is om de troonrede foutloos van een papiertje te lezen.

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 16:48 schreef Hexagon het volgende:

[..]

Kan natuurlijk ook nog zijn dat Pelosi inziet dat Trump de aandachtspanne van een peuter heeft en dat hij haar nu ineens weer tof vind, en ze op die manier weer een deal kan sluiten.

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 18:33 schreef Bernhard.von.Galen het volgende:
Kan iemand mij uitleggen wat er zo goed aan die speech was? Kan me er niks bij voorstellen.

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 18:12 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:

[..]

twitter:

markberman twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 17:44:54 So, to recap:Va's governor admitted he wore blackface. The lt gov is facing a sexual assault allegation. The AG says he too wore blackface. The House Speaker is next in line. He has that job because an election was tied and a name picked out of a bowl https://t.co/Yr1SCwPheR reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 19:39 schreef Monolith het volgende:
Die aantijgingen jegens de lt. Governor zijn overigens ook al een jaar oud en volgens mij konden ze niet echt geverifieerd worden.

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 18:19 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]

Wat voor deal zou Pelosi dan willen sluiten met Trump?

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 21:55 schreef Hexagon het volgende:

[..]

Geld voor iets dat de Democraten belangrijk vinden ofzo

quote:

Special counsel will receive House Intel Cmte. transcripts from interviews with:

-Kushner
-Parscale
-Sessions
-Bannon
-Hicks
-Lewandowski
-Podesta
-Wasserman-Schultz
-Trump Jr.
-Cohen
-Erik Prince
-Page
-Brennan
-Lynch
-Yates
-McCabe
-Rice
-Clapper

and many more - @mikememoli

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 18:22 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Yeah.....

[..]



Wanneer is het vrijdag?

quote:

In a statement, Schiff said House investigators will broaden the scope of the Russia probe by looking into whether Trump or his associates “have sought to influence U.S. government policy in service of foreign interests” and “whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates.”

SPOILER

twitter:

matthewamiller twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 19:24:58 This part seems key - not just limited to Russia, but could include all the outreach from UAE and other Middle Eastern countries, including the extremely suspicious George Nader/Elliott Broidy thread. https://t.co/VJBR98Df6E reageer retweet

twitter:

matthewamiller twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 19:26:44 I don't have a complete understanding of the Nader/Broidy stuff, but I'm fairly convinced there is a massive scandal waiting to explode there, either due to Mueller/DOJ or something Congress uncovers. reageer retweet

twitter:

AshaRangappa_ twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 19:04:32 @rossgarber @AdamSchiff Huh? If you watch the clip, Manu says that the scope is "expanding," meaning that it will include not ONLY Trump's financial interests in Russia, but in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Suggests to me that they believe that Russia is part of something even bigger. reageer retweet

twitter:

SethAbramson twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 22:17:21 Asha is exactly right. Readers of this feed will know all about where the probe's heading, as we've been discussing it here (me/readers) for a long time. And soon a book will be coming out that catches everyone else up to speed (and greatly expands on what I've said on the feed). https://t.co/V9jHnVvTco reageer retweet

twitter:

SethAbramson twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 22:19:26 SPOILER: The Russia story *is* the Saudi Arabia/UAE/Israel/Egypt/Bahrain story and vice versa. These *aren't* two separate stories; the latter is part of a broader story that *entwines* with Trump-Russia collusion at every point and is at *many* points factually the *same story*. reageer retweet

quote:

Jerry Nadler tells Matt Whitaker that, because he has not provided any notification to the Committee regarding executive privilege, "my understanding is that you will provide full and complete answers to these questions when they are asked at your hearing this Friday." https://t.co/gSdAof2Ksk

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 23:40:27 Air Force Maj. Gen. Jim Hecker, the Pentagon’s Joint Staff vice director for operations, told the House Armed Services Committee today that he is "not aware of a single terrorist in" the latest migrant caravan. https://t.co/y61wTSopfE reageer retweet

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 18:03 schreef Whiskers2009 het volgende:
Pelosi is gewoon sarcastisch met haar geklap

twitter:

sfpelosi twitterde op woensdag 06-02-2019 om 17:05:03 #waybackwednesday - oh yes that clap took me back to the teen years. She knows. And she knows that you know. And frankly she’s disappointed that you thought this would work. But here’s a clap. #youtriedit https://t.co/vUCX2uAUvv reageer retweet

SPOILER

quote:

Paul Erickson, the American political operative and boyfriend of admitted Russian agent Maria Butina, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in South Dakota on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

The U.S. attorney for the district of South Dakota is handling the prosecution, which is separate from the case that was lodged against Butina in Washington, D.C.

Erickson, 56, was arrested on Tuesday and entered a plea of not guilty at an arraignment, according to the court filings.

The indictment alleges that Erickson ran a criminal scheme from 1996 to 2018 using a chain of assisted living homes called Compass Care. Erickson also allegedly defrauded investors through a company called Investing with Dignity that claimed to be “in the business of developing a wheelchair that allowed people to go to the bathroom without being lifted out of the wheelchair.” The indictment says he also ran a fraudulent scheme that claimed to be building homes in the Bakken oil fields of North Dakota.

Lawyers for Erickson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SPOILER

Erickson, a well-known conservative operative who shuttled between D.C. and South Dakota, struck up a relationship with Butina, 29, in 2013.

Butina, originally from Russia and an avid activist for gun rights, attended American University and worked closely with Russian central bank official Alexander Torshin to influence American politics, according to court records.

Butina pleaded guilty in December to a conspiracy charge as part of a cooperation agreement with federal prosecutors and is likely to be deported.

Throughout the Butina court documents, federal investigators mention a “U.S. Person 1”—an individual Butina worked with, dated and used to make connections with “an extensive network” of right-wing political figures. That person, who documents say is closely tied to the National Rifle Association, is/was largely believed to be Erickson.

Erickson’s arrest comes after several months of investigation by federal and state law enforcement officials, according to court documents and individuals with direct knowledge of the probe.

quote:

Virginia's embattled lieutenant governor, who is facing accusations of sexual assault, has hired the law firm that previously represented now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh

quote:

Op woensdag 6 februari 2019 21:37 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:
Als ze allemaal aftreden verzinnen ze wel een constructie waarbij bijvoorbeeld de lt. gov. eerst aftreedt, vervangen wordt en op die manier gouverneur wordt als de rest aftreedt.

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 08:48 schreef Tocadisco het volgende:

[..]

In Virginia wordt de lt. gov. ook verkozen (los van de gouverneur), hem zomaar even vervangen lijkt me dus geen optie.

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 09:52 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

[..]

Als de lt. gov. opstapt mag de gouverneur een vervanger benoemen tot de volgende verkiezingen.

quote:

So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment....

quote:

The boyfriend of Maria Butina has been charged with fraud in South Dakota, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Wednesday. https://t.co/9FSE97Ydx8

quote:

Within the past 24 hours, France, Russia, & the US have all conducted test launches of unarmed nuclear missiles.
France: 1 missile launch from a warplane
Russia: 1 ICBM Yars from Plesetsk Cosmodrome
US: 1 Minuteman III from Vandenberg AFB

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 15:03 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Licht zorgwekkend:

[..]

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 14:57 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Trump zweet peentjes.

[..]

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 13:39 schreef martijnde3de het volgende:

[..]

Na goedkeuring van het congres van Virginia.

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 15:03 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Within the past 24 hours, France, Russia, & the US have all conducted test launches of unarmed nuclear missiles.

quote:

Trump says that some of America's greatest accomplishments, including the "abolition of civil rights," have been led by people of faith. Via Fox https://t.co/Gqa8e74jLz

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 09:31 schreef klappernootopreis het volgende:
[ afbeelding ]

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 16:12 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Trump zegt de waarheid. Zo, nu niet meer zeuren dat ik alleen maar negatief over hem ben.

[..]

quote:

NEW: @TMobile execs -- who need approval from @realDonaldTrump's govt for a big merger -- booked at least 52 nights at Trump's hotel after the merger was announced. That's even more than we'd previously thought. One paid $2,246 per night. https://t.co/2jvjatJgbN

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 16:12 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Trump zegt de waarheid. Zo, nu niet meer zeuren dat ik alleen maar negatief over hem ben.

[..]

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 17:18 schreef Ulx het volgende:
GOP leader joins Trump in calling for end to Dem investigations

Ze zijn echt bang.

quote:

BREAKING: House Judiciary Committee votes to authorize a subpoena of Attorney General Matt Whitaker if he refuses to discuss his conversations with Trump and his oversight of Mueller’s probe in testimony before the committee Friday https://t.co/ZXNwLrUl8P https://t.co/zUwDvGG5rN

quote:

New: Nearly nine in 10 Americans say Robert Mueller's investigators should produce a full, public report on their findings, a sentiment that crosses party lines -new CNN poll https://t.co/AKB1ZKymPd

twitter:

CNBCnow twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 17:30:06 BREAKING: Trump is 'highly unlikely' to meet Chinese President Xi before March 1 trade deadline, sources say. (via @KaylaTausche) https://t.co/beRLCVNjBh reageer retweet

twitter:

CNBCnow twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 17:35:24 @kaylatausche BREAKING: Stocks extend drop, Dow off 360 points, after sources tell CNBC that Trump and Xi are 'highly unlikely' to meet before March 1. https://t.co/Z5DZFWq48L https://t.co/wQc8Bs1Cmo reageer retweet

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 17:56 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

twitter:

CNBCnow twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 17:30:06 BREAKING: Trump is 'highly unlikely' to meet Chinese President Xi before March 1 trade deadline, sources say. (via @KaylaTausche) https://t.co/beRLCVNjBh reageer retweet

twitter:

CNBCnow twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 17:35:24 @kaylatausche BREAKING: Stocks extend drop, Dow off 360 points, after sources tell CNBC that Trump and Xi are 'highly unlikely' to meet before March 1. https://t.co/Z5DZFWq48L https://t.co/wQc8Bs1Cmo reageer retweet

twitter:

virginianpilot twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 18:40:28 Breaking: Virginia Sen. Tommy Norment was an editor for VMI yearbook filled with racist photos and slurshttps://t.co/S3Tcj5qIF2 reageer retweet

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 19:13 schreef ExtraWaskracht het volgende:

twitter:

virginianpilot twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 18:40:28 Breaking: Virginia Sen. Tommy Norment was an editor for VMI yearbook filled with racist photos and slurs[ afbeelding ]https://t.co/S3Tcj5qIF2 reageer retweet

Senate majority leader in Virginia.

quote:

New: Acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker said he will not appear before Congress Friday without assurances he won't be subpoenaed — giving Democrats a deadline of 6 p.m. Thursday to respond. https://t.co/VSTdxcxjMg

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 19:27 schreef Monolith het volgende:

[..]

Is er dan echt helemaal niemand normaal daar?

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 19:27 schreef Monolith het volgende:

[..]

Is er dan echt helemaal niemand normaal daar?

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Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 19:33 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]

"Ik wil best komen getuigen, als ik dan maar niet verplicht ben de waarheid te vertellen."

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 20:32 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Florida city commissioner resigns following complaints she licked men's faces, groped them

twitter:

BreakingNLive twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 22:29:04 BREAKING NEWS: US Speaker Nancy Pelosi now says she will accept a bipartisan deal on border security and is open to $5.7 billion wall fundingDeveloping... reageer retweet

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 22:32 schreef Infection het volgende:

twitter:

BreakingNLive twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 22:29:04 BREAKING NEWS: US Speaker Nancy Pelosi now says she will accept a bipartisan deal on border security and is open to $5.7 billion wall fundingDeveloping... reageer retweet

twitter:

RyanAFournier twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 22:24:00 Nancy Pelosi now says she will accept a bipartisan deal on border security and is open to $5.7 billion wall funding.We are winning! 🇺🇸 reageer retweet

quote:

Op donderdag 7 februari 2019 22:40 schreef ExtraWaskracht het volgende:

[..]

Waarom zou je dat twitter-account uberhaupt volgen? Die heeft dat van een account zonder echte credentials, met slechts deze tweet:

twitter:

RyanAFournier twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 22:24:00 Nancy Pelosi now says she will accept a bipartisan deal on border security and is open to $5.7 billion wall funding.We are winning! 🇺🇸 reageer retweet

Maar als er echt een bipartisan deal is, ben ik benieuwd wat het is.

Edit: Nog iets verder speurwerk levert dit NYTimes artikel op van gisteren: Pelosi Says She Will Back a Bipartisan Border Deal, Putting the Onus on Trump, waarin ze zegt dat als er een bipartisan deal is, ze dat zou steunen, maar over welke deal heb je het Infection?

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Some Democrats have said they’re open to money for new border fencing, which may satisfy Trump’s demand. Details have yet to be resolved, and a deal could hinge on the type of fencing and how many miles would be funded. Bloomberg

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The newly released transcript of a sealed hearing held earlier this week reveals for the first time that former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort continued working for at least one political client in Ukraine into 2018, after he had already been indicted in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

During the sealed hearing, which was held to discuss Manafort's alleged lies to the special counsel, Prosecutor Andrew Weissman referred to "2018 work that he did with respect to polling in Ukraine," according to the redacted transcript.

Manafort was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. in October 2017. He and partner Rick Gates, who also worked for the Trump campaign, were charged with money laundering, bank fraud and conspiracy against the U.S.

After Manafort was convicted on federal charges in a related case in Virginia in 2018, he agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors on the D.C. charges, pleading guilty to conspiracy and witness tampering.

As part of the deal, he agreed to cooperate with Mueller's team. He was interviewed by prosecutors for 12 days and testified before a grand jury for two days.

In November 2018, Mueller's office said that Manafort had lied repeatedly to prosecutors and violated the plea agreement.

The transcript of the hearing released Thursday, which describes some of the alleged lies, is 143 pages long.

SPOILER

One of the alleged misstatements to prosecutors, according to the transcript, is related to Manafort's discussions with Konstantin Kilimnik, a person identified by the FBI as being associated with Russian intelligence. According to prosecutors, the discussions occurred on Aug. 2, 2016, while Manafort was Trump campaign chair, and continued through 2018.

According to prosecutors, Manafort and Kilimnik had a discussion that referenced a "backdoor."

The reference to a "backdoor" comes after the discussion of Manafort's work in the Ukraine, specifically work for a potential candidate there and polls Manafort had arranged.

The details of the discussion are redacted, so the transcript does not make clear who the candidate would be, what the polling was about, or what "backdoor" means. It does not say anything about the backdoor being related to the Trump campaign, Russia, or any of the hacking and interference efforts that occurred in the 2016 campaign.

The transcript also shows that Manafort's attorney, Richard Westling, told the judge that Manafort was under significant strain when he decided to cooperate.

He told Judge Amy Berman Jackson, "I think the situation that we want to be sure the Court is aware of — we know that it is — is just the challenges of anyone who is, you know, facing some of the physical and emotional challenges Mr. Manafort was; the situation of his confinement, the focus, really for the last months before this, really on just the trial issues on the case, and then shifting, almost immediately, to: Let's open the world to everything you remember over the last several years, and well before that."

Federal prosecutors countered by pointing out that the bulk of their questions had to do with the evidence they had already gathered and provided to Manafort prior to his trial in Virginia during the summer of 2018.

twitter:

RepJerryNadler twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 23:33:58 My response to Acting AG Whitaker regarding the use of a subpoena for tomorrow's @HouseJudiciary hearing. https://t.co/x6whDtaVX8 reageer retweet

SPOILER

Senate Intel chair Richard Burr speaks to CBS News on Russia probe

twitter:

SethAbramson twitterde op donderdag 07-02-2019 om 18:03:31 (THREAD) CBS just spoke to the REPUBLICAN chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee—now entering its third year of investigating Trump-Russia ties—and what Richard Burr has to tell America should decimate any lingering skepticism about Mueller. I hope you'll read on and retweet. https://t.co/k91JqVYzds reageer retweet

twitter:

yashar twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 00:04:23 HOLY COW. In a medium post, @JeffBezos says that David Pecker and AMI threatened to release embarrassing photos unless Bezos agreed to stop investigating them and released a statement saying he didn’t have anything on them! He included emails in the post. https://t.co/811QBShZd7 reageer retweet

twitter:

maxwellstrachan twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 00:20:49 I would urge you to think of people much less wealthy than Bezos who found themselves in a similar situation with a tabloid -- they are left feeling scared, alone and like they have no other choice but to capitulate to the demands, whatever they are.https://t.co/x8RcUVsq4z reageer retweet

twitter:

bradheath twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 01:20:23 18 U.S.C. § 875(d) makes it a federal crime to send an interstate communication with the extent to extort a thing of value from someone by threatening to injure his "property or reputation." https://t.co/USiIaFZ5V3 reageer retweet

SPOILER

twitter:

bradheath twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 01:24:39 Is a public statement a thing of value? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯But the 8th Cir. has held that an apology can be a thing of value under the statute if the person demanding it wants it badly enough. https://t.co/hXtYyXRxwj reageer retweet

SPOILER

twitter:

bradheath twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 01:30:11 That was a case in which a guy created fake social media accounts portraying a woman who'd spurned him as a prostitute and exotic dancer. He said this was protected speech. The court said it was stalking. https://t.co/cSioBMISD1 reageer retweet

twitter:

bradheath twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 01:37:33 The National Enquirer's parent company specifically promised the Justice Department last year that it would "commit no crimes whatsoever." https://t.co/mhB6CAMbId reageer retweet

twitter:

RepJerryNadler twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 01:57:25 CONFIRMED: Acting Attorney General Whitaker will appear tomorrow morning at 9:30am. https://t.co/dIuVOJt1G9 reageer retweet

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 00:19 schreef ExtraWaskracht het volgende:

twitter:

yashar twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 00:04:23 HOLY COW. In a medium post, JeffBezos says that David Pecker and AMI threatened to release embarrassing photos unless Bezos agreed to stop investigating them and released a statement saying he didn’t have anything on them! He included emails in the post. https://t.co/811QBShZd7 reageer retweet

AMI is onder andere de eigenaar van de National Enquirer.

De post van Bezos: https://medium.com/jeffre(...)-pecker-146e3922310f

En kunnen we ook allen, appreciëren dat hij dit niet via The Washington Post doet?

En kunnen we ook allen, appreciëren wat voor engnekken aan de andere kant zitten?

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 02:57 schreef Barbusse het volgende:

[..]

Erm...ben niet een grote fan van Bezos, maar is dit niet gewoon chantage en strafbaar als zodanig?

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 03:31 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

[..]

Als hier een misdaad is begaan kunnen ze ook alsnog aangeklaagd worden voor evt misdaden begaan in de Trump/ Daniels-zaak. Dan zijn de voorwaarden van de non-prosecution deal geschonden.

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 03:40:08 New: Supreme Court has temporarily blocked abortion restrictions in Louisiana that critics complained were virtually identical to those struck down by the justices in 2016.The vote was 5-4. Chief Justice Roberts joined the four liberals on the court.https://t.co/tn7Jphnh8N reageer retweet

twitter:

ZoeTillman twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 03:53:52 New tonight: Former Roger Stone associate Jerome Corsi (aka "Person 1" in Stone's indictment) is suing ... Roger Stone, accusing Stone of defamation for repeatedly saying that Corsi lied https://t.co/p4JLz5aSsR https://t.co/zXKWfHofUd reageer retweet

twitter:

ndrew_lawrence twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 04:37:10 Washington Posts @RoigFranzia says Bezos' team thinks it's possible that the text leaks were politically motivated and that a "government entity" accessed the Bezos texts and hoo boy that's certainly something https://t.co/MQuzNFbCed reageer retweet

twitter:

nycjim twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 02:41:17 Not to be lost in the Jeff Bezos story is the fact that the publisher of the National Enquirer is very very afraid of the information that Bezos's investigator had uncovered. https://t.co/neX0lAAIE4 reageer retweet

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 04:33 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

twitter:

kylegriffin1 twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 03:40:08 New: Supreme Court has temporarily blocked abortion restrictions in Louisiana that critics complained were virtually identical to those struck down by the justices in 2016.The vote was 5-4. Chief Justice Roberts joined the four liberals on the court.https://t.co/tn7Jphnh8N reageer retweet

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 03:31 schreef Kijkertje het volgende:

[..]

Als hier een misdaad is begaan kunnen ze ook alsnog aangeklaagd worden voor evt misdaden begaan in de Trump/ Daniels-zaak. Dan zijn de voorwaarden van de non-prosecution deal geschonden.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 07:52 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Bezos grabs Pecker by the balls.

quote:

EXCLUSIVE: Saudi Crown Prince told a top aide he would use "a bullet" on Jamal Khashoggi, according to intercepted communications
https://t.co/yXwb0puai9

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 08:01 schreef Beathoven het volgende:

[..]

Het enige wat 'm prive zou kunnen beschadigen is een relatie als hij deze heeft (ik volg dat niet).

Als strateeg heeft hij het goed weten te verbuigen want hetgeen waar hij mee afgeperst wordt is ten eerste niet strafbaar, maar ook helemaal niet controversieel. De meeste mensen die zo "gesnapt" zijn, zijn er in publieke zin nooit echt slechter uitgekomen.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 01:21 schreef speknek het volgende:
HOLY SHIT dat Bezos verhaal. En Stupid Watergate zinkt nog dieper. Nu de baas van de National Enquirer ook al bezig met federale misdrijven.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 09:05 schreef speknek het volgende:
Pecker zijn relaties met Saudi-Arabië waren volgens de geruchten al in het vizier van Mueller gekomen bij de uitbreiding van het onderzoek, dus dit lijkt inderdaad de volgende stap.

Ik bedoel we wisten al dat Trump een maffiabaas was, maar toch is het elke keer weer schokkend hoe ver (zijn cronies) hij gaat.

twitter:

jkbjournalist twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 04:17:18 New: Washington Post reporter just said that Bezos’ investigator suspects that “a government agency” intercepted Bezos’ text messages. reageer retweet

twitter:

realDonaldTrump twitterde op maandag 14-01-2019 om 02:45:10 So sorry to hear the news about Jeff Bozo being taken down by a competitor whose reporting, I understand, is far more accurate than the reporting in his lobbyist newspaper, the Amazon Washington Post. Hopefully the paper will soon be placed in better & more responsible hands! reageer retweet

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 07:55 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Ik hoop dat Anthony Weiner ook betrokken is bij dit verhaal.

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 10:22 schreef Ludachrist het volgende:
Bezos chanteren met een paar naaktfoto's . Dan ben je ook wel hemeltergend dom hoor.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 10:22 schreef Ludachrist het volgende:
Bezos chanteren met een paar naaktfoto's . Dan ben je ook wel hemeltergend dom hoor.

twitter:

RonanFarrow twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 02:57:06 I and at least one other prominent journalist involved in breaking stories about the National Enquirer’s arrangement with Trump fielded similar “stop digging or we’ll ruin you” blackmail efforts from AMI. (I did not engage as I don’t cut deals with subjects of ongoing reporting.) https://t.co/kHQdWIkVjV reageer retweet

twitter:

RonanFarrow twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 05:54:19 In light of Bezos’s claims, worth returning to this story we did at @NewYorker, breaking the news that the same Enquirer editor Bezos dealt with was also behind a secret collaboration with Harvey Weinstein to dig up dirt on accusers: https://t.co/lPJM0cPc5n https://t.co/D6jxc88zDl reageer retweet

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 10:57 schreef Eyjafjallajoekull het volgende:

[..]

Zo stond er bijvoorbeeld in dat er foto's zijn van zijn naakte onderlichaam en een selfie waarop hij alleen een onderbroek aanheeft

boh! Een onderbroek! Als ik Bezos was zou ik gewoon een naakte fotoshoot doen in een of ander tijdschrift. Als je de rijkste man op aarde bent, wat kan jou het schelen.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 11:53 schreef AnneX het volgende:
Zojuist hoorde ik trump bestudeerd ‘bedachtzaam’ spreken en het deed mij sterk denken aan Marlon Brando in the Godfather.
#randomobservatie

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 13:21 schreef DustPuppy het volgende:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claims terror threat as cause for U.S. action in Venezuela

Get ready to wag that dog!

quote:

Chairmen Cummings, Nadler, Pallone, and Schiff tell Matthew Whitaker that they have new records indicating that "he failed to return thousands of dollars that would have been distributed to the victims of [World Patent Marketing's] alleged scam." https://t.co/BPcSIwH76R

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 12:27 schreef klappernootopreis het volgende:

[..]

Hij doet me ook wel eens aan een gladde makelaar denken, zo een die je glimlachend een lekkend krot met een rotte fundering aan wil smeren.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 15:07 schreef DuizendGezichten het volgende:
https://m.huffpost.com/us(...)tm_source=reddit.com

Ooh, she DOES mean business!

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez Discovers No Ethics Laws Apply to the President

twitter:

rgoodlaw twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 16:14:48 #Whitaker's opening statement says he will not discuss matters that "MAY" be subject to executive privilege -- sounds like this maintains Trump officials not actually invoking the privilege, but delaying tactic.(for more on this, read @:AndyMcCanse's analysis) reageer retweet

LIVE: Acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker testifies before the House Judiciary Committee

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 16:40 schreef Re het volgende:

[..]

had hem net gezien... lekker recht door zee

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez Discovers No Ethics Laws Apply to the President

quote:

Save this for the future: Matthew Whitaker says that he has not talked to Trump or senior White House officials about the Special Counsel's investigation.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 07:35 schreef westwoodblvd het volgende:

[..]

Ik denk dat Roberts naar links gaat opschuiven in een poging wat legitimiteit voor het SC te bewaren.

twitter:

RVAwonk twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 05:59:51 Here's Susan Collins in September, saying Brett Kavanaugh would respect precedent by upholding Roe v. Wade, despite his entire career indicating he that wouldn't.And in his #SCOTUS dissent today, he showed he would do exactly what we all said he would: Try to undermine Roe. https://t.co/LEiJpQQt5y reageer retweet

twitter:

maggieNYT twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 17:28:36 "In his sharpest criticism, McCabe writes that after firing Comey, Trump and the White House counsel, Don McGahn, acted like mobsters by in effect offering McCabe protection in return for loyalty." https://t.co/pEYBwEqF0V reageer retweet

twitter:

maggieNYT twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 17:31:27 "The president and his men were trying to work me the way a criminal brigade would operate," McCabe writes, recalling an Oval Office meeting soon after his elevation to acting FBI director." https://t.co/pEYBwEqF0V reageer retweet

quote:

The deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, privately complained that he was ordered by president Donald Trump to write the notorious memo justifying the firing of the FBI director James Comey, according to Comey’s former deputy.

Andrew McCabe writes in a new book that Rosenstein, who has publicly defended the memo, lamented that the president had directed him to rationalise Comey’s dismissal, which is now the subject of inquiries into whether Trump obstructed justice.

Rosenstein made his remarks in a private meeting at the justice department on 12 May 2017, according to McCabe’s memoir, which also accuses Trump of operating like a criminal mob boss and of unleashing a “strain of insanity” in American public life.

McCabe recalls Rosenstein being “glassy-eyed”, visibly upset and sounding emotional after coming to believe the White House was using him as a scapegoat for Comey’s dismissal.

“He said it wasn’t his idea. The president had ordered him to write the memo justifying the firing,” McCabe writes. Rosenstein said he was having trouble sleeping, McCabe writes. “There’s no one here that I can trust,” he is quoted as saying.

McCabe’s book, The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump, is due on sale later this month. A copy was obtained by the Guardian prior to its release.

The account supports reports last year that Rosenstein was left “shaken” by his role in Comey’s firing. It provides the strongest indication so far that Rosenstein’s private view on the memo clashed with his testimony to Congress saying: “I wrote it. I believe it. I stand by it.”

SPOILER

His memo was cited by Trump as a reason to fire Comey over his handling of the FBI inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s email use as secretary of state. Trump later said that he in fact fired Comey for pursuing the investigation into his presidential campaign’s links with Russia.

At the time, the White House flatly denied that Trump had directed Rosenstein to write a justification for firing Comey. “It was all him,” Sean Spicer, the then press secretary, said of Rosenstein.

Five days after his emotional remarks, Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller, the special counsel, to take over the inquiry into whether Trump’s team coordinated with Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. US authorities concluded Russia aimed to help Trump.

Mueller is also known to be investigating whether Trump sought to obstruct justice by firing Comey and taking other steps to impede the investigation.

McCabe, a 22-year FBI veteran who was fired after internal investigators said he had been dishonest, is scathing about a president he views as posing a threat to the country. He accuses Trump of undermining the FBI out of fear and diminishing the rule of law.

In his sharpest criticism, McCabe writes that after firing Comey, Trump and the White House counsel, Don McGahn, acted like mobsters by in effect offering McCabe protection in return for loyalty.

“The president and his men were trying to work me the way a criminal brigade would operate,” McCabe writes, recalling an Oval Office meeting soon after his elevation to acting FBI director.

He confirms reports that Trump asked him how he voted in 2016. Having been a lifelong registered Republican, McCabe writes, he did not cast a vote for president that year. McCabe was later publicly attacked by Trump, who abused him and his wife in tweets.

McCabe portrays Trump and his senior aides as frequently distracted by TV news and suspicions of leakers in the White House. He is also sharply critical of Jeff Sessions, Trump’s first attorney general, saying he had trouble focusing, frequently flew into red-faced rages and confused classified intelligence with things he had read in the media.

He accuses Trump of using the tactics and rhetoric of totalitarian dictators in persuading loyal “shock troops” that anyone who disagrees with them is a traitor.

Trump’s “heedless bullying” and refusal to tolerate any view other than his own is “nurturing a strain of insanity in public dialogue” that is then further amplified by online media, McCabe writes.

The book does not reveal new findings from the Trump-Russia investigation but gives a tantalizing detail within what McCabe says is a “hypothetical” that explains FBI protocol.

If the bureau learns that someone from a US political campaign and a high-ranking foreign official discussed “possibly colluding”, he writes, then the FBI would be obliged to investigate.

twitter:

Fahrenthold twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 16:34:07 NEW: @:realdonaldtrump’s Bedminster golf course employed so many undocumented immigrants that there’s an entire town in Costa Rica built on Trump paychecks. We found it. “My whole town practically lived there,” one said of the Trump course.https://t.co/IzI1aVEMVr reageer retweet

quote:

Good morning!

Per Congressional request, President Trump’s admin has until *today* to report on Saudi Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s role in Jamal #khashoggi’s killing.

Today, we will see if Trump will let Saudi Arabia get away with murdering a @:washingtonpost writer.

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 13:21 schreef DustPuppy het volgende:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claims terror threat as cause for U.S. action in Venezuela

Get ready to wag that dog!

quote:

He added, "Today we tried to deliver humanitarian assistance from… the United States and Colombia into Venezuela and the Venezuelan military under the direction of Mr. Maduro stopped that. This is horrific stuff."

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 17:54 schreef Eyjafjallajoekull het volgende:
Wanneer gaat de shutdown nou in principe weer van start? Dat moet toch alweer ergens volgende week zijn toch?

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 17:54 schreef Eyjafjallajoekull het volgende:
Wanneer gaat de shutdown nou in principe weer van start? Dat moet toch alweer ergens volgende week zijn toch?

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 19:11 schreef archito het volgende:

[..]

Bizar dat intussen de approval ratings van Trump weer hersteld zijn. Hoe kort is het geheugen van die groep Amerikanen?

quote:

Federal prosecutors in New York are probing whether the National Enquirer's parent company violated a cooperation agreement in its handling of the story regarding Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
https://t.co/kGZ2eJ2T49

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 19:11 schreef archito het volgende:

[..]

Bizar dat intussen de approval ratings van Trump weer hersteld zijn. Hoe kort is het geheugen van die groep Amerikanen?

quote:

Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 11:53 schreef AnneX het volgende:
Zojuist hoorde ik trump bestudeerd ‘bedachtzaam’ spreken en het deed mij sterk denken aan Marlon Brando in the Godfather.
#randomobservatie

quote:

Trump's campaign has spent nearly $100,000 of donor money to pay legal bills to the firm representing Jared Kushner, the latest campaign finance records show, according to ABC News. https://t.co/hFaMMuz61S

quote:

ProPublic and WNYC confirm that Trump's Inaugural Committee paid the Trump's D.C. hotel a rate of $175,000 per day for event space — if the committee is found to have paid an above-market rate, that could violate tax laws prohibiting self-dealing. https://t.co/wqG9MBbbhr

quote:

@:tedlieu just established thru Whitaker testimony that 1) no member of the Trump family (including Trump) is constitutionally protected from criminal prosecution ✅ and 2) there is no emergency at the southern border ✅. Very impressive use of his time. Well done.

quote:

Fire from Jamie Raskin when Whitaker tries to challenge him: "I control this time, Mr. Whitaker ... This is my time. Mr. Whitaker, you don't run this committee! You don't run the Congress of the United States, and you don't run the Judiciary Committee." Via ABC https://t.co/tdf3nAYqX4

quote:

LIEU: There’s no sentence in the US Constitution that says the sitting President cannot be indicted, correct?

WHITAKER: Congressman, because that is the opinion of the office.

LIEU: I don’t actually care what DOJ policy is, I’m asking you about the Constitution. Via CSPAN https://t.co/X4aXkqE97i

quote:

Whitaker says the only person in the briefings on Special Counsel investigation was:
US Atty for Eastern D. of CA Greg Scott, covering Fresno.
Guess who Fresno's Congressman is?
@:DevinNunes. What a coincidence.

quote:

WATCH: Acting AG Whitaker answers yes to Rep. Lieu’s questions about potentially indicting various people based on the Constitution, but refers to DOJ policy when asked about potentially indicting a sitting president.

Lieu submitted the Constitution for congressional record. https://t.co/5B9PFOdpba

twitter:

jmartNYT twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 22:21:06 NEW: Another woman comes forward to accuse Fairfax of sexual assault, this time in 2000 > https://t.co/NHNiYx8mLV reageer retweet

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KFILE twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 22:29:27 Eight former staffers for Amy Klobuchar told BuzzFeed she ran an office “controlled by fear, anger, and shame” & that she “demeaned and berated her staff almost daily, subjecting them to bouts of explosive rage and regular humiliation within the office.” https://t.co/frLT2uxxYn reageer retweet

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 22:39 schreef crystal_meth het volgende:
Nieuwe beschuldiging tegen Fairfax:

twitter:

jmartNYT twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 22:21:06 NEW: Another woman comes forward to accuse Fairfax of sexual assault, this time in 2000 > https://t.co/NHNiYx8mLV reageer retweet

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[ afbeelding ]

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 22:41 schreef ExtraWaskracht het volgende:

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KFILE twitterde op vrijdag 08-02-2019 om 22:29:27 Eight former staffers for Amy Klobuchar told BuzzFeed she ran an office “controlled by fear, anger, and shame” & that she “demeaned and berated her staff almost daily, subjecting them to bouts of explosive rage and regular humiliation within the office.” https://t.co/frLT2uxxYn reageer retweet

Spijtig als dit persisteert. Ik gaf haar wel een goede kans... in ieder geval tegen Trump, want ik denk dat ze van de Democraten best wel goed in staat zou zijn "middle America" te winnen, wat echt een landslide had opgeleverd.

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Jeff Bezos 'blackmail' claim puts focus on National Enquirer links to Trump

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Bezos himself, laying out his allegations in an extraordinary 2,000-word blogpost, noted that Pecker and AMI have been “investigated for various actions they’ve taken on behalf of the Saudi Government”. He added that “for reasons still to be better understood, the Saudi angle seems to hit a particularly sensitive nerve”.

It was not immediately clear why Bezos made the Saudi connection, but political commentators were quick to recall that Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi government, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, focusing often critical attention on Trump’s cosy relationship with the kingdom.

PEN America, which promotes freedom of expression, condemned AMI’s actions and Trump’s possible links. Suzanne Nossel, its chief executive, said: “Coming against the backdrop of credible reports of past coordination between President Donald Trump and National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, these revelations assume a truly sinister cast.

“If indeed AMI’s threats and acts of intimidation toward the press were coordinated with the president or done at his request, it would represent a perilous escalation of the president’s war on the first amendment and the role of a free press. Congress should act immediately to investigate these serious allegations.”

The intrigue, which has shaken the worlds of New York media and Washington politics, began on 9 January when Bezos announced on Twitter that he was getting divorced from his wife of 25 years, novelist MacKenzie Bezos.

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Bezos, meanwhile, hired a team of private investigators to find out how the tabloid acquired the texts and photos. Bezos writes in his blogpost on Medium that he learned Pecker was “apoplectic” about the investigation. AMI later approached Bezos’s representatives with an offer. “They said they had more of my text messages and photos that they would publish if we didn’t stop our investigation,” he wrote.

Bezos also wrote that this week, the tabloid’s editor, Dylan Howard, emailed a lawyer for Bezos’s longtime security consultant to describe photos including a “below-the-belt selfie” of Bezos and him in tight boxer shorts and wearing only a towel, as well as several revealing photos of Sanchez.

According to the emails released by Bezos, AMI offered a formal deal: the tabloid would agree to not publish the photos if Bezos and his investigators would release a public statement “affirming that they have no knowledge or basis” to suggest the Enquirer’s coverage was “politically motivated or influenced by political forces”.

But in a move that has earned widespread public praise, Bezos said he decided to publish the emails sent to his team “rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail”, despite the “personal cost and embarrassment they threaten”.

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From the pool report as Trump leaves Walter Reed for his annual physical: "Hogan Gidley came into the hold room briefly. He didn't have a explanation for how President Trump was tweeting during his physical."

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 23:29 schreef Ulx het volgende:
En Trump had zijn medische check.

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Op vrijdag 8 februari 2019 23:34 schreef Szura het volgende:

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Ah krijgen we nu ook weer zo’n persco waarin we horen dat het de fitste president ooit ever in the universe is?

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.@:chucktodd: "What did you learn" from Whitaker's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee?

.@:davidcicilline "I think we learned, first of all, that Mr. Whitaker clearly had no business being appointed as Acting Attorney General of the United States." #MTPDaily

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Robert Mueller wants to know more about a secret $1 million loan made to Paul Manafort's family in the days after the FBI raided his home, according to Bloomberg. It's unclear right now who actually funded the loan.
https://t.co/C9dJmZ7OnY

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Op zaterdag 9 februari 2019 00:16 schreef Szura het volgende:
Ik ben er nog altijd niet uit of (team) Manafort nou gewoon ontzettend schaamteloos is of hemeltergend dom.

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Op zaterdag 9 februari 2019 00:15 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Bloomberg, via Kyle Griffin.

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Dafuq? Wat is dit nou weer?

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North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, will become a great Economic Powerhouse. He may surprise some but he won’t surprise me, because I have gotten to know him & fully understand how capable he is. North Korea will become a different kind of Rocket - an Economic one!

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Op zaterdag 9 februari 2019 08:12 schreef Ulx het volgende:

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