Top Republican Chuck Grassley will block Trump nominees until administration explains watchdog firings
4 years, 7 months ago

Top Republican Chuck Grassley will block Trump nominees until administration explains watchdog firings

CNN  

Washington CNN — Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said Thursday he will block two of President Donald Trump’s nominees from moving forward in the confirmation process until the administration provides “adequate reasons” for firing the inspectors general of the intelligence community and State Department. The move marks an escalation by Grassley after White House counsel Pat Cipollone chose not to explain why Trump had removed the two inspectors general last month, instead emphasizing the President’s legal authority to do so. Now, the Iowa Republican says he will refuse to allow two of Trump’s nominees to advance unless the White House provides details about why ICIG Michael Atkinson and State Department IG Steve Linick were removed earlier this year. “Grassley will not consider the nomination of Christopher C. Miller to be the director of the National Counterterrorism Center until the White House explains why Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson was terminated,” his office said in a statement Thursday.

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History of this topic

Wray Continues Pattern Of Honoring Institutions Even As Trump Burns Them Down
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Wray Continues Pattern Of Honoring Institutions Even As Trump Burns Them Down

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — FBI Director Chris Wray on Wednesday became the latest part of institutionalist Washington to act in the interest of the institution he led even as incoming President-elect Donald Trump makes clear he intends to burn them all to the ground. “If there was any question that going forward the position of director will change every …

FBI Director Chris Wray announces plans to resign
4 weeks, 2 days ago

FBI Director Chris Wray announces plans to resign

CNN  

CNN — FBI Director Chris Wray will resign at the end of the Biden administration, the agency said Wednesday, as it became clear he would be forced out by President-elect Donald Trump. “He invaded Mar-a-Lago.” Video Ad Feedback Hear Kash Patel’s plans for the FBI 01:41 - Source: CNN Wray made his announcement at a town hall in FBI headquarters …

Trump Taps Kash Patel For FBI Director, An Ally Who Would Aid In His Effort To Upend Law Enforcement
1 month, 1 week ago

Trump Taps Kash Patel For FBI Director, An Ally Who Would Aid In His Effort To Upend Law Enforcement

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate Kash Patel to serve as FBI director, turning to a fierce ally to upend America’s premier law enforcement agency and rid the government of perceived “conspirators.” It’s the latest bombshell Trump has thrown at the Washington establishment and a test for how far Senate Republicans will go in …

'I intend to defend them': Senate Republican warns Trump against government purge
1 month, 2 weeks ago

'I intend to defend them': Senate Republican warns Trump against government purge

Raw Story  

Sen. Chuck Grassley, despite being a staunch Donald Trump ally, is warning the president-elect against any plan to go on a mass firing spree of government inspectors general. In an interview with Politico, Grassley was asked whether Trump should do as some of his allies suggest and conduct a purge of inspectors general, who are responsible for investigating alleged wrongdoing …

Donald Trump seeks FBI director's resignation for ‘lying’ to Congress about Biden: ‘You sure as hell can’t…’
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Donald Trump seeks FBI director's resignation for ‘lying’ to Congress about Biden: ‘You sure as hell can’t…’

Hindustan Times  

Donald Trump has called for immediate resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray after Secret Service boss stepped down from her position following a contentious House hearing on assassination attempt on the former President. Donald Trump, who hired Wray for the top FBI spot in 2017, accused him of "lying to Congress" on his knowledge of Biden's physical and cognitive decline. …

FBI Director Chris Wray defends the ‘real FBI’ against criticism from House Republicans
1 year, 5 months ago

FBI Director Chris Wray defends the ‘real FBI’ against criticism from House Republicans

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Chris Wray defended the “real FBI” during a contentious congressional hearing Wednesday, rejecting a litany of grievances from angry Republicans who are harshly critical of the bureau, threatening to defund some operations and claiming the Justice Department is unfair to political conservatives, including Donald Trump. In testy exchanges with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, Wray …

Republicans frustrated with Oversight chair Comer for sticking his nose in their business: report
1 year, 9 months ago

Republicans frustrated with Oversight chair Comer for sticking his nose in their business: report

Raw Story  

House Oversight Chair James Comer's zeal to open multiple investigations into President Joe Biden and members of his administration is starting to rankle his GOP colleagues who want the Kentucky Republican to slow down and stay out of their work. As Punchbowl is reporting, "In a little more than two months as chair, Comer has launched a barrage of probes …

Merrick Garland, 'Do Your Job,' Says Frustrated Member Of House Panel Probing Capitol Riot
2 years, 9 months ago

Merrick Garland, 'Do Your Job,' Says Frustrated Member Of House Panel Probing Capitol Riot

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Members of the House select committee investigating last year’s riot at the U.S. Capitol expressed frustration Monday over an apparently inattentive and slow-moving Justice Department, with one lawmaker telling Attorney General Merrick Garland in a speech: “Do your job.” Members complained of a lack of support from the Justice Department and were annoyed that criminal contempt of …

Trump whines about 'Harassment Subpoenas' after Capitol riot committee demands his former aides testify
3 years, 3 months ago

Trump whines about 'Harassment Subpoenas' after Capitol riot committee demands his former aides testify

Raw Story  

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday put out a new statement complaining about the House select committee on the January 6th Capitol riots slapping four of his former administration officials with subpoenas. "The 'Unselect Committee' of highly partisan politicians, a similar group that perpetrated the now proven lie of Russia, Russia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine, Impeachment Hoax #1, Impeachment Hoax …

Former Trump counsel ‘shed new light’ on Russia probe: Democrats
3 years, 7 months ago

Former Trump counsel ‘shed new light’ on Russia probe: Democrats

Al Jazeera  

Don McGahn testified to Congress on Friday after being subpoenaed two years ago. President Donald Trump’s ex-White House counsel Don McGahn “shed new light” on the investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 US elections and the pressure the lawyer was under to stymie the federal probe, congressional Democrats said on Friday. McGahn, who served as Trump’s presidential lawyer for …

After 2-year battle, House panel to interview Trump counsel
3 years, 7 months ago

After 2-year battle, House panel to interview Trump counsel

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The House Judiciary Committee is poised to question former White …

Trump former counsel to testify to US Congress committee
3 years, 7 months ago

Trump former counsel to testify to US Congress committee

Al Jazeera  

Don McGahn’s testimony comes after two years of legal challenges and will be behind closed doors with transcript coming later. The US House Judiciary Committee is poised to question former White House counsel Don McGahn behind closed doors on Friday, two years after House Democrats originally sought his testimony as part of investigations into former President Donald Trump. House Democrats …

Trump investigation: Who is Don McGahn, and why is his testimony so important?
3 years, 7 months ago

Trump investigation: Who is Don McGahn, and why is his testimony so important?

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. According to the Mueller report, Mr McGahn is reported to have pushed back against …

CIA, FBI directors could be next on Trump firing line. Here’s why
4 years, 1 month ago

CIA, FBI directors could be next on Trump firing line. Here’s why

Hindustan Times  

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday fired a top cybersecurity official who had rejected his baseless claims of electoral fraud. Trump took to Twitter to announce that Chris Krebs has been “terminated” as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency chief for his “highly inaccurate” statement on the security of the elections. US media reports suggest that FBI director Christopher Wray …

‘Obamagate’: Senate hearing with former deputy AG Rosenstein gives glimpse into Republicans’ aggressive 2020 strategy
4 years, 7 months ago

‘Obamagate’: Senate hearing with former deputy AG Rosenstein gives glimpse into Republicans’ aggressive 2020 strategy

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ex-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on Wednesday found himself back in front of the …

Top Senate Republican demands Trump explain his "glaring conflict of interest"
4 years, 7 months ago

Top Senate Republican demands Trump explain his "glaring conflict of interest"

Salon  

In recent weeks, Democrats have been highly critical of President Donald Trump's decision to fire several inspectors general from their positions — asserting that Trump, true to form, is showing his contempt for checks and balances. The 86-year-old Iowa Republican, CBS News' Kathryn Watson reports, is demanding the Trump White House offer additional explanation for the president's decision to fire …

Chuck Grassley: GOP senator says he will ‘try to get to the bottom’ of Trump’s firing of State Department IG
4 years, 7 months ago

Chuck Grassley: GOP senator says he will ‘try to get to the bottom’ of Trump’s firing of State Department IG

CNN  

CNN — Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa told CNN on Monday he will “try to get to the bottom” of what happened with the firing last week of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, saying that “it’s not difficult for me to take on any President.” “That’s my reputation, Republican or Democrat,” Grassley told CNN, a reference to his …

Democratic Lawmakers To Probe Trump's Firing Of State Dept Watchdog
4 years, 7 months ago

Democratic Lawmakers To Probe Trump's Firing Of State Dept Watchdog

Huff Post  

Trump, in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi late Friday, said he no longer had confidence in Inspector General Steve Linick’s ability to serve. The Democratic-led House Foreign Relations Committee, along with colleagues in the Senate, in a statement questioned the timing and motivation of what they called an “unprecedented removal.” “We unalterably oppose the politically-motivated firing of inspectors …

Romney calls Trump’s IG firings ‘a threat to accountable democracy’
4 years, 7 months ago

Romney calls Trump’s IG firings ‘a threat to accountable democracy’

CNN  

Washington, DC CNN — Republican Sen. Mitt Romney on Saturday denounced President Donald Trump’s firings of internal government oversight officials, calling it a “threat to accountable democracy.” Romney’s comments came in response to Trump’s Friday firing of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick – the latest in a series of dismissals of independent government watchdogs that have come in the …

Trump’s acting intel chief flouts top Democrat’s demand for answers about watchdog firing
4 years, 8 months ago

Trump’s acting intel chief flouts top Democrat’s demand for answers about watchdog firing

CNN  

CNN — Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell sent a letter to Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff on Monday flouting the House Intelligence Committee chairman’s demand for information about the actions Grenell has taken since becoming the top US intelligence official last month. Grenell’s letter instead included a litany of charges against Schiff, accusing him of trying change his committee’s …

Trump fires intelligence community watchdog who told Congress about whistleblower complaint that led to impeachment
4 years, 9 months ago

Trump fires intelligence community watchdog who told Congress about whistleblower complaint that led to impeachment

CNN  

CNN — President Donald Trump on Friday fired Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson, who had told Congress about the whistleblower complaint that led to Trump’s impeachment, the President told Congress in a letter obtained by CNN. READ: Trump’s letter removing intelligence community inspector general Atkinson’s firing is the latest case of the Trump administration removing officials who took part …

Key Republican Sen. Richard Burr says he’ll back Trump’s controversial pick for intel chief
4 years, 10 months ago

Key Republican Sen. Richard Burr says he’ll back Trump’s controversial pick for intel chief

CNN  

Washington CNN — Sen. Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN Monday that he will back the nomination of President Donald Trump’s controversial pick to be the country’s next intelligence chief. I’m certainly not opposed to him but I want to see how he does before the committee and get a report from Chairman Burr …

Trump fired his intel chief because he wrongly believed Adam Schiff got a personal briefing on Russia
4 years, 10 months ago

Trump fired his intel chief because he wrongly believed Adam Schiff got a personal briefing on Russia

Raw Story  

President Donald Trump forced out his acting director of national intelligence because he believed -- wrongly -- that Rep. Adam Schiff had gotten a one-on-one briefing on Russian election interference. A senior U.S. intelligence official told the House Intelligence Committee last week that Russia wants the president to be re-elected and was taking active steps toward that goal, and Trump …

Senate floor belongs to Trump team as defense case opens
4 years, 11 months ago

Senate floor belongs to Trump team as defense case opens

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The floor of the U.S. Senate now belongs to President Donald Trump’s lawyers as they push the Republican-led chamber for an acquittal on charges that he abused his power and obstructed Congress. “She’s worth it.” Schiff closed Democrats’ case after three days of methodical and impassioned arguments detailing charges that Trump abused power by asking Ukraine for politically …

A closer look at the 7 House managers in Trump’s Senate trial
4 years, 11 months ago

A closer look at the 7 House managers in Trump’s Senate trial

LA Times  

Reps. Adam B. Schiff, Jerrold Nadler and Zoe Lofgren are among the House members who will prosecute President Trump during the Senate impeachment trial, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday. Politics House formally notifies Senate of impeachment articles against Trump Rep. Adam B. Schiff, lead House manager in the impeachment case against Trump, tells The Times he expects new evidence …

Donald Trump impeachment: With fresh evidence in hand, Chuck Schumer demands more emails and documents
5 years ago

Donald Trump impeachment: With fresh evidence in hand, Chuck Schumer demands more emails and documents

Firstpost  

Senator Chuck Schumer said on Monday that newly-released emails showing that military aid to Ukraine was suspended 90 minutes after President Donald Trump demanded “a favour” from Ukraine’s president were “explosive” Senator Chuck Schumer said on Monday that newly-released emails showing that military aid to Ukraine was suspended 90 minutes after President Donald Trump demanded “a favour” from Ukraine’s president …

House Committee Report: Trump Misused Power, Obstructed Congress
5 years, 1 month ago

House Committee Report: Trump Misused Power, Obstructed Congress

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump seriously misused the power of his office for personal political gain by seeking foreign intervention in the American election process and obstructed Congress by stonewalling efforts to investigate, a House report released Tuesday concluded in findings that form the basis for possible impeachment. The 300-page report from Democrats on the House Intelligence …

Former Pompeo aide testifies; Senate talks impeachment trial
5 years, 2 months ago

Former Pompeo aide testifies; Senate talks impeachment trial

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The swift-moving impeachment probe pushed onward Wednesday as a former top State Department aide testified that the Trump administration’s politicization of foreign policy contributed to his resignation, while the Senate GOP leader briefed colleagues on a possible Christmas impeachment trial. The day’s events, interrupted by an explosive meeting at the White House, churned as longtime State Department officials …

Trump, GOP push theories to discredit whistleblower
5 years, 3 months ago

Trump, GOP push theories to discredit whistleblower

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A deep state coup. Those are some of the theories President Donald Trump and some GOP leaders have used to discredit a CIA whistleblower’s complaint now at the center of a House impeachment inquiry. The Trump appointee has testified to Congress that he believes the whistleblower and inspector general who handled the complaint “have done everything by the …

Democrats move ahead with subpoenas, Trump impeachment
5 years, 3 months ago

Democrats move ahead with subpoenas, Trump impeachment

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — House Democrats took their first concrete steps in the impeachment investigation of President Donald Trump, issuing subpoenas demanding documents from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and scheduling legal depositions for other State Department officials. Trump, for his part, insisted anew that his actions and words have been “perfect” and the whistleblower’s complaint might well be the work of …

Adam Schiff opens door to impeachment hearings next week and threatens subpoenas
5 years, 3 months ago

Adam Schiff opens door to impeachment hearings next week and threatens subpoenas

CNN  

CNN — House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff is moving quickly to investigate allegations at the center of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, preparing for hearings, subpoenas and depositions as soon as next week as Democrats try to finish the probe this fall. “I think members of the Judiciary Committee are going to be conferring with each other …

Bombshell Whistleblower Complaint About Trump’s Ukraine Conduct Released
5 years, 3 months ago

Bombshell Whistleblower Complaint About Trump’s Ukraine Conduct Released

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Donald Trump abused his office “to advance his personal interests” and White House officials covered up the president’s misconduct, according to a bombshell whistleblower complaint released on Thursday. In the complaint, dated Aug. 12, the unnamed whistleblower wrote that White House officials alerted them of Trump’s July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and were …

Impeachment Fervor Starts Spreading To The Senate
5 years, 3 months ago

Impeachment Fervor Starts Spreading To The Senate

Huff Post  

“To use America’s global credibility as a casino token, to be cashed in for personal political gain, is an intolerable abuse of power and totally anathema to the rule of law,” Murphy said in a statement. Schatz said he supports accelerating the impeachment process “so that no future president of either party believes that it is possible, practicable, or wise …

Democrats’ only choice is to impeach Trump (opinion)
5 years, 3 months ago

Democrats’ only choice is to impeach Trump (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: In this weekly column “Cross-exam,” Elie Honig, a CNN legal analyst and former federal and state prosecutor, gives his take on the latest legal news and answers questions from readers. And Trump, by his own original statement, made clear he equates “corruption in Ukraine” with “investigate Biden” and little else: “All of the corruption taking place was largely …

Impeachment pressure grows as new reports link Trump to holdup of Ukraine aid
5 years, 3 months ago

Impeachment pressure grows as new reports link Trump to holdup of Ukraine aid

LA Times  

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would move forward on a bipartisan basis to examine the whistleblower’s complaint. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate Intelligence Committee would look into the whistleblower complaint that reportedly alleges Trump tried to pressure the Ukrainian leader to help him politically. Sen. Mitt Romney called it “a very serious matter” and …

New Kavanaugh allegation unlikely to prompt impeachment
5 years, 3 months ago

New Kavanaugh allegation unlikely to prompt impeachment

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — As several Democratic presidential candidates called for the impeachment of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, newly disclosed allegations are reviving questions about the rush to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee at the height of the #MeToo movement. McConnell opened the Senate on Monday saying the new round of allegations against Kavanaugh “felt a little like Groundhog Day.” He …

House moves closer to impeaching Trump after passing key vote
5 years, 3 months ago

House moves closer to impeaching Trump after passing key vote

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Democratic-controlled House Judiciary Committee has passed a vote to …

House to vote on holding Barr, McGahn in contempt next week
5 years, 7 months ago

House to vote on holding Barr, McGahn in contempt next week

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A top Democrat announced Monday that the House will vote next week on whether to hold Attorney General William Barr and former White House counsel Don McGahn in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with congressional subpoenas. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said in a statement that the Trump administration’s “systematic refusal to provide Congress with answers and …

James Comey blasts William Barr’s defense of Trump — and says there is enough evidence to charge him
5 years, 8 months ago

James Comey blasts William Barr’s defense of Trump — and says there is enough evidence to charge him

Salon  

Two years after his firing by President Donald Trump, former FBI Director James Comey sat down with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Thursday night for a town hall discussion about the Russia investigation and related matters. “That’s just crazy and a recipe for lawlessness.” He later added that Barr’s public discussions about the report have been “less than honorable” and that …

House chairman issues subpoena to former White House lawyer
5 years, 8 months ago

House chairman issues subpoena to former White House lawyer

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A House chairman subpoenaed former White House counsel Don McGahn as Democratic leaders moved to deepen their investigation of President Donald Trump while bottling up talk among their rank-and-file of impeaching him. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged divided Democrats to focus on fact-finding rather than the prospect of any impeachment proceedings after the damning details of special counsel …

Dem leaders stress more Trump probes, downplay impeachment
5 years, 8 months ago

Dem leaders stress more Trump probes, downplay impeachment

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A House chairman on Monday subpoenaed former White House Counsel Don McGahn as Democratic leaders moved to deepen their investigation of President Donald Trump while bottling up talk among their rank-and-file of impeaching him. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged divided Democrats to focus on fact-finding rather than the prospect of any impeachment proceedings after the damning details of …

US House panel chair subpoenas ex-White House lawyer Don McGahn
5 years, 8 months ago

US House panel chair subpoenas ex-White House lawyer Don McGahn

Al Jazeera  

Mueller’s redacted report said Trump asked McGahn to tell then-acting attorney general that Mueller had to be removed. The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed former White House Counsel Don McGahn for testimony in the United States following the release of the redacted report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller. “Instead of looking at material that Attorney General Barr …

Judiciary chair lays out 4 charges against Bill Barr — that sound like Articles of Impeachment
5 years, 8 months ago

Judiciary chair lays out 4 charges against Bill Barr — that sound like Articles of Impeachment

Raw Story  

House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler blasted Attorney General Bill Barr at a hastily-called Wednesday evening press conference. "And now, the evening before the report's scheduled release, the Department of Justice has informed the committee that it will receive a copy between 11:00 and noon -- well after the Attorney General's 9:30 a.m. press conference," Nadler said. "The Department of Justice …

White House Whistleblower Tells All On Trump Administration Security Clearance
5 years, 9 months ago

White House Whistleblower Tells All On Trump Administration Security Clearance

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A Trump official has come forward with major concerns about security at the White House, according to a House Oversight and Reform Committee report. Tricia Newbold, the adjudications manager in the Personnel Security Office, came forward with what the committee is calling “grave breaches of national security” at the White House that she has witnessed over the …

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