President Trump signs sweeping, "beyond bipartisan" criminal justice bill
WASHINGTON — With a government shutdown just hours away, President Donald Trump on Friday signed rare bipartisan legislation addressing concerns with the criminal justice system.President Trump called the bill "an incredible success for our country" and "beyond bipartisan" during an Oval Office signing ceremony.Lawmakers and advocates also hailed it as a hugely influential package and thanked the president for supporting the issue.The legislation will give judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders and will boost prisoner rehabilitation efforts, among other efforts.It received the rare support of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers as well as conservative and liberal groups that rarely work together.Playing a key role behind the scenes was President Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, whose father spent time in federal prison when he was younger.
WASHINGTON — With a government shutdown just hours away, President Donald Trump on Friday signed rare bipartisan legislation addressing concerns with the criminal justice system.President Trump called the bill "an incredible success for our country" and "beyond bipartisan" during an Oval Office signing ceremony.Lawmakers and advocates also hailed it as a hugely influential package and thanked the president for supporting the issue.The legislation will give judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders and will boost prisoner rehabilitation efforts, among other efforts.It received the rare support of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers as well as conservative and liberal groups that rarely work together.Playing a key role behind the scenes was President Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, whose father spent time in federal prison when he was younger.
Supreme Court rejects President Trump plea to enforce U.S.-Mexico border asylum ban
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won't let the Trump administration begin enforcing a ban on asylum for any immigrants who illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border.Chief Justice John Roberts joined his four more liberal colleagues Friday in ruling against the administration in the very case in which President Donald Trump had derided the "Obama judge" who first blocked the asylum policy.New Justice Brett Kavanaugh and three other conservative justices sided with the administration.There were no opinions explaining either side's votes.The court's order leaves in place lower court rulings that blocked President Trump's proclamation in November automatically denying asylum to people who enter the country from Mexico without going through official border crossings.President Trump said he was acting in response to caravans of migrants making their way to the border.The administration had also complained that the nationwide order preventing the policy from taking effect was too broad.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won't let the Trump administration begin enforcing a ban on asylum for any immigrants who illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border.Chief Justice John Roberts joined his four more liberal colleagues Friday in ruling against the administration in the very case in which President Donald Trump had derided the "Obama judge" who first blocked the asylum policy.New Justice Brett Kavanaugh and three other conservative justices sided with the administration.There were no opinions explaining either side's votes.The court's order leaves in place lower court rulings that blocked President Trump's proclamation in November automatically denying asylum to people who enter the country from Mexico without going through official border crossings.President Trump said he was acting in response to caravans of migrants making their way to the border.The administration had also complained that the nationwide order preventing the policy from taking effect was too broad.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urges Senate to approve wall funding
WASHINGTON -- The Senate has begun a procedural vote to take up a House-passed bill that would pay for President Donald Trump's border wall and avert a partial government shutdown.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged approval of the bill, which includes $5.7 billion President Trump wants for the southern border with Mexico.
WASHINGTON -- The Senate has begun a procedural vote to take up a House-passed bill that would pay for President Donald Trump's border wall and avert a partial government shutdown.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged approval of the bill, which includes $5.7 billion President Trump wants for the southern border with Mexico.
House GOP approves Pres. Trump's wall money as shutdown looms
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's demand for border wall funds hurled the federal government closer to a shutdown as the Republican-led House approved a package Thursday with his $5.7 billion request that is almost certain to be rejected by the Senate.The White House said President Trump will not travel to Florida on Friday for the Christmas holiday if the government is shutting down.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's demand for border wall funds hurled the federal government closer to a shutdown as the Republican-led House approved a package Thursday with his $5.7 billion request that is almost certain to be rejected by the Senate.The White House said President Trump will not travel to Florida on Friday for the Christmas holiday if the government is shutting down.
GoFundMe to build Pres. Trump's border wall raises more than $1M in 2 days
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With political parties at an impasse over the billions of dollars necessary to fund President Donald Trump's proposed border wall, a Florida veteran decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign – in just two days donations surpassed the $1.9 million mark, as of Wednesday evening.Brian Kolfage, 37, created the fundraiser titled "We The People Will Fund The Wall," which has a $1 billion goal.Kolfage is a senior airman who lost three limbs while while fighting in Iraq in 2004, according to his website.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With political parties at an impasse over the billions of dollars necessary to fund President Donald Trump's proposed border wall, a Florida veteran decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign – in just two days donations surpassed the $1.9 million mark, as of Wednesday evening.Brian Kolfage, 37, created the fundraiser titled "We The People Will Fund The Wall," which has a $1 billion goal.Kolfage is a senior airman who lost three limbs while while fighting in Iraq in 2004, according to his website.
President Trump pulling all US troops from Syria, declaring IS defeat
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is pulling all 2,000 U.S. troops out of Syria, officials announced Wednesday as the president suddenly declared victory over the Islamic State, contradicting his own experts' assessments and sparking surprise and outrage from his party's lawmakers who called his action rash and dangerous.The U.S. began airstrikes in Syria in 2014, and ground troops moved in the following year to battle the Islamic State, or ISIS, and train Syrian rebels in a country torn apart by civil war.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is pulling all 2,000 U.S. troops out of Syria, officials announced Wednesday as the president suddenly declared victory over the Islamic State, contradicting his own experts' assessments and sparking surprise and outrage from his party's lawmakers who called his action rash and dangerous.The U.S. began airstrikes in Syria in 2014, and ground troops moved in the following year to battle the Islamic State, or ISIS, and train Syrian rebels in a country torn apart by civil war.
President Trump signs order to create US Space Command
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump launched the Pentagon's new Space Command Tuesday, an effort to better organize and advance the military's vast operations in space that could cost as much as $800 million over the next five years.President Trump signed a one-page memorandum Tuesday authorizing the Department of Defense to create the new command.The goal is to set up a command to oversee and organize space operations, accelerate technical advances and find more effective ways to defend U.S. assets in space, including the vast constellations of satellites that American forces rely on for navigation, communications and surveillance.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump launched the Pentagon's new Space Command Tuesday, an effort to better organize and advance the military's vast operations in space that could cost as much as $800 million over the next five years.President Trump signed a one-page memorandum Tuesday authorizing the Department of Defense to create the new command.The goal is to set up a command to oversee and organize space operations, accelerate technical advances and find more effective ways to defend U.S. assets in space, including the vast constellations of satellites that American forces rely on for navigation, communications and surveillance.
Federal judge delays sentencing for former national security adviser Michael Flynn
WASHINGTON — A federal judge abruptly postponed the sentencing of President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, on Tuesday, saying he could not hide his disgust for Flynn's crime of lying to the FBI and warning that he could send the retired Army lieutenant general to prison.Lawyers for Flynn, who pleaded guilty last year to lying to the agency about his Russia contacts, requested the delay during a stunning hearing in which U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan gave Flynn a blistering rebuke."Arguably you sold your country out," Sullivan told Flynn, who was flanked by his attorneys.The judge added: "I can't hide my disgust, my disdain."Sullivan's harsh words raised the prospect that he could send Flynn to prison — an unexpected development since prosecutors have recommended against prison time, citing his cooperation in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe.The hearing came amid escalating legal peril for President Trump, who was implicated by federal prosecutors in New York this month in hush-money payments to cover up extramarital affairs.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge abruptly postponed the sentencing of President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, on Tuesday, saying he could not hide his disgust for Flynn's crime of lying to the FBI and warning that he could send the retired Army lieutenant general to prison.Lawyers for Flynn, who pleaded guilty last year to lying to the agency about his Russia contacts, requested the delay during a stunning hearing in which U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan gave Flynn a blistering rebuke."Arguably you sold your country out," Sullivan told Flynn, who was flanked by his attorneys.The judge added: "I can't hide my disgust, my disdain."Sullivan's harsh words raised the prospect that he could send Flynn to prison — an unexpected development since prosecutors have recommended against prison time, citing his cooperation in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe.The hearing came amid escalating legal peril for President Trump, who was implicated by federal prosecutors in New York this month in hush-money payments to cover up extramarital affairs.
James Comey calls GOP silence to Pres. Trump's attacks on Justice Dept. 'shameful'
WASHINGTON — Former FBI Director James Comey had harsh words for House Republicans on Monday, saying their silence in response to President Donald Trump's attacks on the Justice Department is "shameful."Comey said Republicans "have to have the courage to stand up and speak the truth, not be cowed by mean tweets or fear of their base."He was on Capitol Hill for a second closed-door interview with two Republican-led committees investigating what they say was bias at the Justice Department before the 2016 presidential election.
WASHINGTON — Former FBI Director James Comey had harsh words for House Republicans on Monday, saying their silence in response to President Donald Trump's attacks on the Justice Department is "shameful."Comey said Republicans "have to have the courage to stand up and speak the truth, not be cowed by mean tweets or fear of their base."He was on Capitol Hill for a second closed-door interview with two Republican-led committees investigating what they say was bias at the Justice Department before the 2016 presidential election.
President Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani: 'Over my dead body' will Mueller interview the president
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's attorney is categorically ruling out the possibility of a presidential interview with special counsel Robert Mueller.Rudy Giuliani told "Fox News Sunday" that an interview would happen "over my dead body."The special counsel, who is investigating possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, has continued to ask for an interview with the president.Last month, the White House sent written answers in response to the special counsel's questions about possible collusion.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's attorney is categorically ruling out the possibility of a presidential interview with special counsel Robert Mueller.Rudy Giuliani told "Fox News Sunday" that an interview would happen "over my dead body."The special counsel, who is investigating possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, has continued to ask for an interview with the president.Last month, the White House sent written answers in response to the special counsel's questions about possible collusion.
Trump administration pushes government closer to shutdown over border wall dispute
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Sunday pushed the federal government closer to the brink of a partial shutdown later this week, digging in on its demand for $5 billion to build a border wall as congressional Democrats stood firm against it."We will do whatever is necessary to build the border wall to stop this ongoing crisis of immigration," said White House senior adviser Stephen Miller.Asked if that meant having a government shutdown, he said: "If it comes to it, absolutely."President Trump said last week he'd be "proud" to have a shutdown to get Congress to approve a $5 billion down payment to fulfill his campaign promise to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Sunday pushed the federal government closer to the brink of a partial shutdown later this week, digging in on its demand for $5 billion to build a border wall as congressional Democrats stood firm against it."We will do whatever is necessary to build the border wall to stop this ongoing crisis of immigration," said White House senior adviser Stephen Miller.Asked if that meant having a government shutdown, he said: "If it comes to it, absolutely."President Trump said last week he'd be "proud" to have a shutdown to get Congress to approve a $5 billion down payment to fulfill his campaign promise to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
'I am done with the lying:' Michael Cohen claims President Trump knew hush money payments wrong
WASHINGTON — Shaken and facing a prison term, President Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer said Friday that President Trump directed him to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign because he was concerned their stories of alleged affairs with him "would affect the election." He says President Trump knew the payments were wrong.Michael Cohen — who for more than a decade was a key power player in the Trump Organization and a fixture in President Trump's political life — said he "gave loyalty to someone who, truthfully, does not deserve loyalty." Cohen spoke in an interview with ABC that aired Friday on "Good Morning America."Cohen said that "of course" President Trump knew it was wrong to make the hush-money payments, but he did not provide any specific evidence or detail in the interview.
WASHINGTON — Shaken and facing a prison term, President Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer said Friday that President Trump directed him to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign because he was concerned their stories of alleged affairs with him "would affect the election." He says President Trump knew the payments were wrong.Michael Cohen — who for more than a decade was a key power player in the Trump Organization and a fixture in President Trump's political life — said he "gave loyalty to someone who, truthfully, does not deserve loyalty." Cohen spoke in an interview with ABC that aired Friday on "Good Morning America."Cohen said that "of course" President Trump knew it was wrong to make the hush-money payments, but he did not provide any specific evidence or detail in the interview.
'We're out of time:' President Trump considers next move on border wall as government shutdown looms
WASHINGTON — Congress is racing to avoid a partial government shutdown next Friday over President Donald Trump's border wall.
WASHINGTON — Congress is racing to avoid a partial government shutdown next Friday over President Donald Trump's border wall.
'Get it done!' President Trump pushes Congress for new health law after court rules Obamacare 'unconstitutional'
WASHINGTON — After a federal judge ruled that the Obama-era health overhaul was "invalid," President Donald Trump is looking to congressional leaders to come up with a replacement even as the White House says the current law will remain in place for now."Get it done!" the president instructed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Rep.
WASHINGTON — After a federal judge ruled that the Obama-era health overhaul was "invalid," President Donald Trump is looking to congressional leaders to come up with a replacement even as the White House says the current law will remain in place for now."Get it done!" the president instructed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Rep.
President Trump names Mick Mulvaney acting chief of staff
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump announced Friday, Dec. 14 that budget director Mick Mulvaney will be his next chief of staff.Trump tweeted Friday that Mulvaney "has done an outstanding job" in his administration and would take over next year.Trump deemed Mulvaney his "acting chief of staff" but it was not immediately clear what that meant for the length of his tenure.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump announced Friday, Dec. 14 that budget director Mick Mulvaney will be his next chief of staff.Trump tweeted Friday that Mulvaney "has done an outstanding job" in his administration and would take over next year.Trump deemed Mulvaney his "acting chief of staff" but it was not immediately clear what that meant for the length of his tenure.
In plea deal, Russian woman admits to being a secret agent
WASHINGTON — A Russian gun-rights activist admitted Thursday that she was a secret agent for the Kremlin who tried to infiltrate conservative U.S. political groups as President Donald Trump rose to power.Maria Butina, 30, agreed to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge as part of a deal with federal prosecutors."Guilty," Butina said in a slight accent when asked how she wanted to plead.
WASHINGTON — A Russian gun-rights activist admitted Thursday that she was a secret agent for the Kremlin who tried to infiltrate conservative U.S. political groups as President Donald Trump rose to power.Maria Butina, 30, agreed to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge as part of a deal with federal prosecutors."Guilty," Butina said in a slight accent when asked how she wanted to plead.
Federal judge orders Stormy Daniels to pay Pres. Trump after defamation suit dismissed
LOS ANGELES — Porn star Stormy Daniels must pay President Donald Trump nearly $293,000 for his attorneys' fees and another $1,000 in sanctions after her defamation suit against him was dismissed, a federal judge in Los Angeles ordered Tuesday, Dec. 11.President Trump's attorney, Charles Harder, had requested nearly $390,000 in fees and equal amount in sanctions as a deterrent against a "repeat filer of frivolous defamation cases."Judge S.
LOS ANGELES — Porn star Stormy Daniels must pay President Donald Trump nearly $293,000 for his attorneys' fees and another $1,000 in sanctions after her defamation suit against him was dismissed, a federal judge in Los Angeles ordered Tuesday, Dec. 11.President Trump's attorney, Charles Harder, had requested nearly $390,000 in fees and equal amount in sanctions as a deterrent against a "repeat filer of frivolous defamation cases."Judge S.
President Trump escalates shutdown threat over border wall
WASHINGTON -- Bickering in public with Democratic leaders, President Donald Trump threatened repeatedly on Tuesday to shut down the government if Congress doesn't provide the money he says is needed to build a wall at the Mexican border.President Trump's comments came as he opened a contentious meeting with Democratic Senate and House leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, with a partial shutdown looming on Dec. 21 when funding for some agencies will expire.
WASHINGTON -- Bickering in public with Democratic leaders, President Donald Trump threatened repeatedly on Tuesday to shut down the government if Congress doesn't provide the money he says is needed to build a wall at the Mexican border.President Trump's comments came as he opened a contentious meeting with Democratic Senate and House leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, with a partial shutdown looming on Dec. 21 when funding for some agencies will expire.
Democrats: President Trump's illegal payments are 'impeachable offense' if proven
WASHINGTON — The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Sunday it would be an "impeachable offense" if it's proved that President Donald Trump directed illegal hush-money payments to women, stressing a need for continuing investigations and a deeper look by Congress into the extent of presidential misconduct.Rep.
WASHINGTON — The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Sunday it would be an "impeachable offense" if it's proved that President Donald Trump directed illegal hush-money payments to women, stressing a need for continuing investigations and a deeper look by Congress into the extent of presidential misconduct.Rep.