'A matter of national security:' Pres. Trump says he's signed $1.3T budget bill
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he's signed a $1.3 trillion spending measure averting a government shutdown just hours after saying he was considering a veto.President Trump has been fuming because the package does not include protections for "Dreamer" immigrants and doesn't provide enough money for his promised border wall.But President Trump is pointing to major increases in military spending included in the bill.He says, "my highest duty is to keep America safe" and that he's signed it "as a matter of national security."
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he's signed a $1.3 trillion spending measure averting a government shutdown just hours after saying he was considering a veto.President Trump has been fuming because the package does not include protections for "Dreamer" immigrants and doesn't provide enough money for his promised border wall.But President Trump is pointing to major increases in military spending included in the bill.He says, "my highest duty is to keep America safe" and that he's signed it "as a matter of national security."
Pres. Trump says he is "considering" veto of $1.3 trillion budget
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump cast doubt on whether he would back a $1.3 trillion spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown Friday, saying he was "considering" a veto over concerns about young "Dreamer" immigrants and border wall money.Hours before funding for the government expires and with Congress already on recess, President Trump said on Twitter that he was weighing a veto "based on the fact that the 800,000 plus DACA recipients have been totally abandoned by the Democrats (not even mentioned in Bill) and the BORDER WALL, which is desperately needed for our National Defense, is not fully funded."The tweet was at odds with comments Thursday by President Trump's supporters.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump cast doubt on whether he would back a $1.3 trillion spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown Friday, saying he was "considering" a veto over concerns about young "Dreamer" immigrants and border wall money.Hours before funding for the government expires and with Congress already on recess, President Trump said on Twitter that he was weighing a veto "based on the fact that the 800,000 plus DACA recipients have been totally abandoned by the Democrats (not even mentioned in Bill) and the BORDER WALL, which is desperately needed for our National Defense, is not fully funded."The tweet was at odds with comments Thursday by President Trump's supporters.
President Trump orders huge tariffs on China, raises trade war worries
WASHINGTON — Primed for economic combat, President Donald Trump set in motion tariffs on as much as $60 billion in Chinese imports to the U.S. on Thursday and accused the Chinese of high-tech thievery, picking a fight that could push the global heavyweights into a trade war.China threatened retaliation, and Wall Street cringed, recording one of the biggest drops of Trump's presidency.
WASHINGTON — Primed for economic combat, President Donald Trump set in motion tariffs on as much as $60 billion in Chinese imports to the U.S. on Thursday and accused the Chinese of high-tech thievery, picking a fight that could push the global heavyweights into a trade war.China threatened retaliation, and Wall Street cringed, recording one of the biggest drops of Trump's presidency.
John Dowd, lead Trump lawyer in Russia probe, leaves team
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's lead lawyer in the Russia investigation has left the legal team.Attorney John Dowd is confirming his decision in an email to The Associated Press.Dowd says he "loves the president" and wishes him well.Another President Trump's lawyer, Jay Sekulow, also is confirming Dowd's departure.The move comes several days after President Trump added a new lawyer to the team — former U.S. attorney Joseph diGenova.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's lead lawyer in the Russia investigation has left the legal team.Attorney John Dowd is confirming his decision in an email to The Associated Press.Dowd says he "loves the president" and wishes him well.Another President Trump's lawyer, Jay Sekulow, also is confirming Dowd's departure.The move comes several days after President Trump added a new lawyer to the team — former U.S. attorney Joseph diGenova.
Spending talks nearly done, $1.3 trillion bill soon to be unveiled
WASHINGTON — Negotiators on a $1.3 trillion government spending bill officially dropped protections for so-called Dreamer immigrants and gave President Donald Trump only a partial victory on funding for his U.S.-Mexico border wall as talks entered the final stage on Wednesday.GOP aides said that President Trump would win $1.6 billion for a border wall and physical barriers along the border, which would construct older wall designs and repair existing segments.
WASHINGTON — Negotiators on a $1.3 trillion government spending bill officially dropped protections for so-called Dreamer immigrants and gave President Donald Trump only a partial victory on funding for his U.S.-Mexico border wall as talks entered the final stage on Wednesday.GOP aides said that President Trump would win $1.6 billion for a border wall and physical barriers along the border, which would construct older wall designs and repair existing segments.
Stormy Daniels polygraph report released
Stormy Daniels was "truthful about having unprotected vaginal intercourse with Donald Trump in July 2006," according to a polygraph test report from 2011.The report states that the "probability of deception was measured to be less than 1%." It was given to CNN by Michael Avenatti, Daniels' attorney and contains three pertinent questions: "Around July 2006, did you have vaginal intercourse with Donald Trump?," "Around July 2006, did you have unprotected sex with Donald Trump?" and "Did Trump say you would get on 'The Apprentice?'"Daniels replied yes to all three questions.
Stormy Daniels was "truthful about having unprotected vaginal intercourse with Donald Trump in July 2006," according to a polygraph test report from 2011.The report states that the "probability of deception was measured to be less than 1%." It was given to CNN by Michael Avenatti, Daniels' attorney and contains three pertinent questions: "Around July 2006, did you have vaginal intercourse with Donald Trump?," "Around July 2006, did you have unprotected sex with Donald Trump?" and "Did Trump say you would get on 'The Apprentice?'"Daniels replied yes to all three questions.
Pres. Trump calls for death penalty to 'get tough' on drug pushers: 'The thing they most fear'
WASHINGTON -- Unveiling a long-awaited plan to combat the national scourge of opioid drug addiction, President Donald Trump called Monday for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including embracing a tactic employed by some of the global strongmen he admires: the death penalty."Toughness is the thing that they most fear," President Trump said.The president traveled to New Hampshire, a state ravaged by opioids and which is also an early marker for the re-election campaign he has already announced.
WASHINGTON -- Unveiling a long-awaited plan to combat the national scourge of opioid drug addiction, President Donald Trump called Monday for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including embracing a tactic employed by some of the global strongmen he admires: the death penalty."Toughness is the thing that they most fear," President Trump said.The president traveled to New Hampshire, a state ravaged by opioids and which is also an early marker for the re-election campaign he has already announced.
Frustrated Pres. Trump lashes out at Mueller; White House says he's 'not considering, discussing' firing him
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday took out his frustrations over the intensifying Russia investigation by lashing out at special counsel Robert Mueller, signaling a possible shift away from a strategy of cooperating with a probe he believes is biased against him.In a series of weekend tweets naming Mueller for the first time, President Trump criticized the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and raised fresh concerns about the objectivity and political leanings of the members of Mueller's team.President Trump also challenged the honesty of Andrew McCabe, the newly fired FBI deputy director, and James Comey, the bureau's former director whom President Trump fired last year over the Russia probe.The president's aggressive stance followed a call Saturday by his personal lawyer for Rod Rosenstein, whom President Trump appointed as deputy attorney general and who now oversees Mueller's inquiry, to "bring an end" to that investigation.Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee, which spent the past year conducting a parallel investigation, recently said they had drafted a report concluding no collusion or coordination between President Trump's campaign and Russia.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday took out his frustrations over the intensifying Russia investigation by lashing out at special counsel Robert Mueller, signaling a possible shift away from a strategy of cooperating with a probe he believes is biased against him.In a series of weekend tweets naming Mueller for the first time, President Trump criticized the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and raised fresh concerns about the objectivity and political leanings of the members of Mueller's team.President Trump also challenged the honesty of Andrew McCabe, the newly fired FBI deputy director, and James Comey, the bureau's former director whom President Trump fired last year over the Russia probe.The president's aggressive stance followed a call Saturday by his personal lawyer for Rod Rosenstein, whom President Trump appointed as deputy attorney general and who now oversees Mueller's inquiry, to "bring an end" to that investigation.Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee, which spent the past year conducting a parallel investigation, recently said they had drafted a report concluding no collusion or coordination between President Trump's campaign and Russia.
Pres. Trump's opioid plan includes death penalty for drug traffickers
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's plan to combat opioid drug addiction calls for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including the death penalty where it's appropriate under current law.Administration officials say President Trump also wants Congress to pass legislation reducing the amount of drugs necessary to trigger mandatory minimum sentences on traffickers who knowingly distribute certain illicit opioids.The president is scheduled to unveil his plan Monday in New Hampshire, a state hard-hit by the crisis.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's plan to combat opioid drug addiction calls for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including the death penalty where it's appropriate under current law.Administration officials say President Trump also wants Congress to pass legislation reducing the amount of drugs necessary to trigger mandatory minimum sentences on traffickers who knowingly distribute certain illicit opioids.The president is scheduled to unveil his plan Monday in New Hampshire, a state hard-hit by the crisis.
McCabe kept memos on Pres. Trump dealings; Mueller now has them
WASHINGTON -- Andrew McCabe, the onetime FBI deputy director long scorned by President Donald Trump and just fired by the attorney general, kept personal memos detailing interactions with the president that have been provided to the special counsel's office and are similar to the notes compiled by dismissed FBI chief James Comey, The Associated Press has learned.The memos could factor into special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as his team examines President Trump campaign ties to Russia and possible obstruction of justice.McCabe's memos include details of his own interactions with the president, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation who wasn't authorized to discuss the notes publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
WASHINGTON -- Andrew McCabe, the onetime FBI deputy director long scorned by President Donald Trump and just fired by the attorney general, kept personal memos detailing interactions with the president that have been provided to the special counsel's office and are similar to the notes compiled by dismissed FBI chief James Comey, The Associated Press has learned.The memos could factor into special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as his team examines President Trump campaign ties to Russia and possible obstruction of justice.McCabe's memos include details of his own interactions with the president, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation who wasn't authorized to discuss the notes publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pres. Trump lauds firing of ex-top FBI official as 'great day'
WASHINGTON — In what President Donald Trump called "a great day for Democracy," Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired Andrew McCabe, a former FBI deputy director long scorned by President Trump, two days before McCabe's scheduled retirement date, acting on the recommendation of bureau disciplinary officials.McCabe suggested the move was part of the Trump administration's "war on the FBI." President Trump tweeted in praise of Sessions' announcement Friday night, asserting without elaboration that McCabe "knew all about the lies and corruption going on at the highest levels off the FBI!"An upcoming inspector general's report is expected to conclude that McCabe, a confidant of fired FBI Director James Comey, authorized the release of information to the media and was not forthcoming with the watchdog office as it examined the bureau's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation."The FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability," Sessions said in a statement.McCabe said his credibility had been attacked as "part of a larger effort not just to slander me personally" but also the FBI and law enforcement."It is part of this administration's ongoing war on the FBI and the efforts of the special counsel investigation, which continue to this day," he added, referring to Robert Mueller's probe into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. "Their persistence in this campaign only highlights the importance of the special counsel's work."President Trump's personal lawyer, John Dowd, cited the "brilliant and courageous example" by Sessions and the FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility and said in a statement Saturday that the No. 2 Justice Department official, Rod Rosenstein, should "bring an end" to the Russia investigation "manufactured" by Comey.Dowd told The Associated Press that he neither was calling on Rosenstein, the deputy attorney government overseeing Mueller's inquiry, to fire the special counsel immediately nor had discussed with Rosenstein the idea of dismissing Mueller or ending the probe.McCabe asserted he was singled out because of the "role I played, the actions I took, and the events I witnessed in the aftermath" of Comey's fired by President Trump last May.Mueller is investigating whether President Trump's actions, including Comey's ouster, constitute obstruction of justice.
WASHINGTON — In what President Donald Trump called "a great day for Democracy," Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired Andrew McCabe, a former FBI deputy director long scorned by President Trump, two days before McCabe's scheduled retirement date, acting on the recommendation of bureau disciplinary officials.McCabe suggested the move was part of the Trump administration's "war on the FBI." President Trump tweeted in praise of Sessions' announcement Friday night, asserting without elaboration that McCabe "knew all about the lies and corruption going on at the highest levels off the FBI!"An upcoming inspector general's report is expected to conclude that McCabe, a confidant of fired FBI Director James Comey, authorized the release of information to the media and was not forthcoming with the watchdog office as it examined the bureau's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation."The FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability," Sessions said in a statement.McCabe said his credibility had been attacked as "part of a larger effort not just to slander me personally" but also the FBI and law enforcement."It is part of this administration's ongoing war on the FBI and the efforts of the special counsel investigation, which continue to this day," he added, referring to Robert Mueller's probe into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. "Their persistence in this campaign only highlights the importance of the special counsel's work."President Trump's personal lawyer, John Dowd, cited the "brilliant and courageous example" by Sessions and the FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility and said in a statement Saturday that the No. 2 Justice Department official, Rod Rosenstein, should "bring an end" to the Russia investigation "manufactured" by Comey.Dowd told The Associated Press that he neither was calling on Rosenstein, the deputy attorney government overseeing Mueller's inquiry, to fire the special counsel immediately nor had discussed with Rosenstein the idea of dismissing Mueller or ending the probe.McCabe asserted he was singled out because of the "role I played, the actions I took, and the events I witnessed in the aftermath" of Comey's fired by President Trump last May.Mueller is investigating whether President Trump's actions, including Comey's ouster, constitute obstruction of justice.
Lawyer: Porn star who alleges Pres. Trump affair has faced threats
LOS ANGELES — A porn actress who said she had sex with Donald Trump before he became president has been threatened with physical harm, her attorney said Friday.Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has been seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she signed days before the 2016 presidential election in order to discuss their relationship, which she said began in 2006 and continued for about a year.Clifford's attorney, Michael Avenatti, told The Associated Press his client had been "physically threatened," but he didn't provide details.
LOS ANGELES — A porn actress who said she had sex with Donald Trump before he became president has been threatened with physical harm, her attorney said Friday.Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has been seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she signed days before the 2016 presidential election in order to discuss their relationship, which she said began in 2006 and continued for about a year.Clifford's attorney, Michael Avenatti, told The Associated Press his client had been "physically threatened," but he didn't provide details.
Rex Tillerson out as secretary of state, to be replaced by CIA Director Mike Pompeo
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump unceremoniously dumped Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday — by tweet — and picked CIA Director Mike Pompeo to take his place, abruptly ending Tillerson's turbulent tenure as America's top diplomat and escalating the administration's chaotic second-year shake-up.Tillerson was ousted barely four hours after he returned from an Africa mission and with no face-to-face conversation with the president, the latest casualty of an unruly White House that has seen multiple top officials depart in recent weeks.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump unceremoniously dumped Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday — by tweet — and picked CIA Director Mike Pompeo to take his place, abruptly ending Tillerson's turbulent tenure as America's top diplomat and escalating the administration's chaotic second-year shake-up.Tillerson was ousted barely four hours after he returned from an Africa mission and with no face-to-face conversation with the president, the latest casualty of an unruly White House that has seen multiple top officials depart in recent weeks.
President Trump examines prototypes for border wall amid protests
SAN DIEGO — President Donald Trump on Tuesday eagerly inspected prototypes on display in California for his "big beautiful border wall" amid peaceful protests but growing tensions between his administration and the state over immigration enforcement.Chanting "No ban!
SAN DIEGO — President Donald Trump on Tuesday eagerly inspected prototypes on display in California for his "big beautiful border wall" amid peaceful protests but growing tensions between his administration and the state over immigration enforcement.Chanting "No ban!
Hillary Clinton: US did not 'deserve' Trump presidency
MUMBAI, India — Hillary Clinton told an audience in India that the United States did not "deserve" Donald Trump's presidency and these are "perilous times."The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate spoke over the weekend at India Today Conclave 2018, in Mumbai.Clinton said the Republican president has "quite an affinity for dictators" and said President Trump "really likes their authoritarian posturing and behavior." But she said she thinks it's "more than that" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia.Clinton was critical of President Trump's reality campaign tactics and questioned whether she should have provided more entertainment to voters who responded to President Trump's brash style.She also believes former FBI director James Comey's Oct. 28, 2016, letter to Congress about her private email server cost her support from white women voters.Clinton had difficulty navigating some stone steps at the Jahaz Mahal palace in Mandu.
MUMBAI, India — Hillary Clinton told an audience in India that the United States did not "deserve" Donald Trump's presidency and these are "perilous times."The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate spoke over the weekend at India Today Conclave 2018, in Mumbai.Clinton said the Republican president has "quite an affinity for dictators" and said President Trump "really likes their authoritarian posturing and behavior." But she said she thinks it's "more than that" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia.Clinton was critical of President Trump's reality campaign tactics and questioned whether she should have provided more entertainment to voters who responded to President Trump's brash style.She also believes former FBI director James Comey's Oct. 28, 2016, letter to Congress about her private email server cost her support from white women voters.Clinton had difficulty navigating some stone steps at the Jahaz Mahal palace in Mandu.
Economics expert: Tariffs on foreign steel could hurt Harley-Davidson 3 ways
MILWAUKEE -- Good for some, bad for others.
MILWAUKEE -- Good for some, bad for others.
Calm before the storm? North Korea still mum on Pres. Trump summit
TOKYO — News of the planned summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent shockwaves around the globe.
TOKYO — News of the planned summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent shockwaves around the globe.
White House releases plan to combat school shootings; critics say it doesn't go far enough
WASHINGTON — Not two weeks ago, President Donald Trump wagged his finger at a Republican senator and scolded him for being "afraid of the NRA," declaring that he would stand up to the powerful gun lobby and finally get results on quelling gun violence following last month's Florida school shooting.On Monday, President Trump struck a very different tone as he backpedaled from his earlier demands for sweeping reforms and bowed to Washington reality.
WASHINGTON — Not two weeks ago, President Donald Trump wagged his finger at a Republican senator and scolded him for being "afraid of the NRA," declaring that he would stand up to the powerful gun lobby and finally get results on quelling gun violence following last month's Florida school shooting.On Monday, President Trump struck a very different tone as he backpedaled from his earlier demands for sweeping reforms and bowed to Washington reality.
President Trump recognizes World Series champion Houston Astros
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump recognized the Houston Astros on Monday for their first World Series win, an "incredible victory" that President Trump said was even more special following the devastation Hurricane Harvey wrought on the Texas city.Houston defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 last year to clinch the title.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump recognized the Houston Astros on Monday for their first World Series win, an "incredible victory" that President Trump said was even more special following the devastation Hurricane Harvey wrought on the Texas city.Houston defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 last year to clinch the title.
US officials: No more conditions imposed on North Korea for talks
NORTH KOREA -- Trump administration officials said Sunday there will be no more conditions imposed on North Korea before a first-ever meeting of the two nation's leaders beyond the North's promise not to resume nuclear testing and missile flights or publicly criticize U.S.-South Korean military exercises.The officials' comments followed the surprise announcement last week that President Donald Trump has agreed to meet the North's Kim Jong Un by May."This potential meeting has been agreed to, there are no additional conditions being stipulated, but, again they — they cannot engage in missile testing, they cannot engage in nuclear testing and they can't publicly object to the U.S.-South Korea planned military exercises," deputy White House spokesman Raj Shah said.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the summit would give President Trump a chance "to sit down and see if he can cut a deal" with Kim over the North's nuclear program. "The president has been very clear in what the objective is here.
NORTH KOREA -- Trump administration officials said Sunday there will be no more conditions imposed on North Korea before a first-ever meeting of the two nation's leaders beyond the North's promise not to resume nuclear testing and missile flights or publicly criticize U.S.-South Korean military exercises.The officials' comments followed the surprise announcement last week that President Donald Trump has agreed to meet the North's Kim Jong Un by May."This potential meeting has been agreed to, there are no additional conditions being stipulated, but, again they — they cannot engage in missile testing, they cannot engage in nuclear testing and they can't publicly object to the U.S.-South Korea planned military exercises," deputy White House spokesman Raj Shah said.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the summit would give President Trump a chance "to sit down and see if he can cut a deal" with Kim over the North's nuclear program. "The president has been very clear in what the objective is here.