Pres. Trump says he doesn't plan to fire special counsel Robert Mueller
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is not considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller even as his administration was again forced to grapple with the growing Russia probe that has shadowed the White House for much of his initial year in office.President Trump returned to the White House from Camp David and was asked if he was considering triggering the process to dismiss Mueller, who is investigating whether the president's Republican campaign coordinated with Russian officials during last year's election.The president answered: "No, I'm not."But he did add to the growing conservative criticism of Mueller's move to gain access to thousands of emails sent and received by President Trump officials before the start of his administration, yielding attacks from transition lawyers and renewing chatter that President Trump may act to end the investigation."It's not looking good.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is not considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller even as his administration was again forced to grapple with the growing Russia probe that has shadowed the White House for much of his initial year in office.President Trump returned to the White House from Camp David and was asked if he was considering triggering the process to dismiss Mueller, who is investigating whether the president's Republican campaign coordinated with Russian officials during last year's election.The president answered: "No, I'm not."But he did add to the growing conservative criticism of Mueller's move to gain access to thousands of emails sent and received by President Trump officials before the start of his administration, yielding attacks from transition lawyers and renewing chatter that President Trump may act to end the investigation."It's not looking good.
Special counsel obtains thousands of President Trump's transition emails
WASHINGTON — Special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian contacts with President Donald Trump's campaign has gained access to thousands of emails sent and received by President Trump officials before the start of his administration, according to several people familiar with President Trump's transition organization.But the investigators did not directly request the records from President Trump's still-existing transition group, Trump for America, and instead obtained them from a separate federal agency that stored the material, according to those familiar with the Trump transition organization.A transition attorney sent letters Saturday to two congressional committees saying the General Services Administration had improperly provided the transition records to Mueller's investigators.
WASHINGTON — Special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian contacts with President Donald Trump's campaign has gained access to thousands of emails sent and received by President Trump officials before the start of his administration, according to several people familiar with President Trump's transition organization.But the investigators did not directly request the records from President Trump's still-existing transition group, Trump for America, and instead obtained them from a separate federal agency that stored the material, according to those familiar with the Trump transition organization.A transition attorney sent letters Saturday to two congressional committees saying the General Services Administration had improperly provided the transition records to Mueller's investigators.
President Trump defends tax cuts as good for middle class
President Donald Trump is defending the Republicans' tax cut plan, pushing back against criticism that it will benefit the wealthy more than the middle class.Speaking to reporters at the White House Saturday before leaving for Camp David, President Trump said the middle class will benefit because the tax cut will draw companies back from overseas, creating jobs.The GOP plans to muscle the bill through Congress next week.President Trump touted the nation's economy, predicting that it would "start to rock" once the bill is passed.President Trump also predicted that economic growth could go from the current 3 percent to "4, 5 and maybe even 6 percent ultimately."Many economists doubt that even a sustained 4 percent growth rate is achievable.
President Donald Trump is defending the Republicans' tax cut plan, pushing back against criticism that it will benefit the wealthy more than the middle class.Speaking to reporters at the White House Saturday before leaving for Camp David, President Trump said the middle class will benefit because the tax cut will draw companies back from overseas, creating jobs.The GOP plans to muscle the bill through Congress next week.President Trump touted the nation's economy, predicting that it would "start to rock" once the bill is passed.President Trump also predicted that economic growth could go from the current 3 percent to "4, 5 and maybe even 6 percent ultimately."Many economists doubt that even a sustained 4 percent growth rate is achievable.
GOP says it's got a deal on taxes; cuts coming for next year
WASHINGTON — Confident congressional Republicans forged an agreement Wednesday on a major overhaul of the nation's tax laws that would provide generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans — President Donald Trump among them — and deliver the first major legislative accomplishment to the GOP president.Middle- and low-income families would get smaller tax cuts, though President Trump and GOP leaders have billed the package as a huge benefit for the middle class.
WASHINGTON — Confident congressional Republicans forged an agreement Wednesday on a major overhaul of the nation's tax laws that would provide generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans — President Donald Trump among them — and deliver the first major legislative accomplishment to the GOP president.Middle- and low-income families would get smaller tax cuts, though President Trump and GOP leaders have billed the package as a huge benefit for the middle class.
Pres. Trump says Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand 'would do anything' for cash
WASHINGTON — Pushing into the sexual harassment debate, President Donald Trump laced into Sen.
WASHINGTON — Pushing into the sexual harassment debate, President Donald Trump laced into Sen.
President Trump signs $700 billion military budget into law
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes a $700 billion budget for the military, including additional spending on missile defense programs to counter North Korea's growing nuclear weapons threat.But there's a catch.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes a $700 billion budget for the military, including additional spending on missile defense programs to counter North Korea's growing nuclear weapons threat.But there's a catch.
President Trump pays tribute to civil rights heroes amid protests
JACKSON, Miss. — President Donald Trump paid tribute Saturday to the leaders and foot soldiers of the civil rights movement whose sacrifices help make the United States a fairer and more just country, though protests surrounding his visit to Mississippi laid bare the stark divisions among Americans about his commitment to that legacy.As President Trump gazed at an exhibit on Freedom Riders at the new Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, demonstrators near the site held up signs that said "Make America Civil Again" and "Lock Him Up." Some shouted "No Trump, no hate, no KKK in the USA."President Trump spent about 30 minutes at the museums, gave a 10-minute speech to select guests inside and then flew back to his Florida estate, skipping the public schedule of the dedication ceremony held outside on a chilly day.
JACKSON, Miss. — President Donald Trump paid tribute Saturday to the leaders and foot soldiers of the civil rights movement whose sacrifices help make the United States a fairer and more just country, though protests surrounding his visit to Mississippi laid bare the stark divisions among Americans about his commitment to that legacy.As President Trump gazed at an exhibit on Freedom Riders at the new Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, demonstrators near the site held up signs that said "Make America Civil Again" and "Lock Him Up." Some shouted "No Trump, no hate, no KKK in the USA."President Trump spent about 30 minutes at the museums, gave a 10-minute speech to select guests inside and then flew back to his Florida estate, skipping the public schedule of the dedication ceremony held outside on a chilly day.
Pres. Trump says US 'cannot afford' Roy Moore loss in Alabama
PENSACOLA, Florida — President Donald Trump on Friday urged voters to elect a Republican Senate candidate in Alabama who has been dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct, warning that America "cannot afford" to have a Democrat win the hard-fought campaign instead.President Trump gave a boost to the campaign of GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore during a raucous campaign rally in the Florida panhandle, near the state line with Alabama."Get out and vote for Roy Moore.
PENSACOLA, Florida — President Donald Trump on Friday urged voters to elect a Republican Senate candidate in Alabama who has been dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct, warning that America "cannot afford" to have a Democrat win the hard-fought campaign instead.President Trump gave a boost to the campaign of GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore during a raucous campaign rally in the Florida panhandle, near the state line with Alabama."Get out and vote for Roy Moore.
President Trump says fines for Wells Fargo will not be dropped
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump weighed in on an investigation into scandal-plagued Wells Fargo, tweeting Friday that fines and penalties against the bank would not be dropped, and may actually be "substantially increased."President Trump's statement comes a day after Reuters reported that Mick Mulvaney, the president's budget director and now acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was weighing whether the bank should have to pay tens of millions in fines already levied against it for mortgage lending abuses.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump weighed in on an investigation into scandal-plagued Wells Fargo, tweeting Friday that fines and penalties against the bank would not be dropped, and may actually be "substantially increased."President Trump's statement comes a day after Reuters reported that Mick Mulvaney, the president's budget director and now acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was weighing whether the bank should have to pay tens of millions in fines already levied against it for mortgage lending abuses.
President Trump signs 2-week spending bill to avoid shutdown
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown and keep the federal government running through Dec. 22.The president signed the two-week spending bill at the White House after the House and Senate acted to prevent a government shutdown this weekend.The White House and congressional leaders are negotiating a longer-term agreement.The measure funds government agencies from the Defense Department to the IRS.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown and keep the federal government running through Dec. 22.The president signed the two-week spending bill at the White House after the House and Senate acted to prevent a government shutdown this weekend.The White House and congressional leaders are negotiating a longer-term agreement.The measure funds government agencies from the Defense Department to the IRS.
Gov. Walker support's Pres. Trump's declaring Jerusalem as capital
MADISON — Wisconsin Gov.
MADISON — Wisconsin Gov.
Pres. Trump declares Jerusalem Israeli capital, smashing US policy
WASHINGTON — Defying dire, worldwide warnings, President Donald Trump on Wednesday broke with decades of U.S. and international policy and formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital.Despite urgent appeals from Arab and European leaders and the risk of anti-American protests and violence, President Trump declared it was time for a new approach to Mideast peace after decades of failure.
WASHINGTON — Defying dire, worldwide warnings, President Donald Trump on Wednesday broke with decades of U.S. and international policy and formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital.Despite urgent appeals from Arab and European leaders and the risk of anti-American protests and violence, President Trump declared it was time for a new approach to Mideast peace after decades of failure.
Pres. Trump will recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Donald Trump will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Wednesday despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition to a move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests.President Trump will instruct the State Department to begin the multi-year process of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Donald Trump will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Wednesday despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition to a move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests.President Trump will instruct the State Department to begin the multi-year process of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
Senate confirms Kirstjen Nielsen to head Homeland Security
WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen as President Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security.Senators approved Nielsen's nomination, 62-37, on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen as President Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security.Senators approved Nielsen's nomination, 62-37, on Tuesday.
President Trump offers full support for embattled Republican Roy Moore
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump gave embattled GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore a vigorous formal endorsement Monday, looking past allegations of sexual misconduct with Alabama teenagers as Republican leaders in Washington, once appalled by Moore's candidacy, began to come to grips with the ever-clearer possibility of his victory.Buoyed by the taste of his own success in Congress as the Republican tax bill inches closer to passage, President Trump telephoned Moore to offer encouragement as well as support and also argued in a pair of tweets that Moore's vote was badly needed to push the president's policies forward.In addition, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who was initially among several national Republicans to urge Moore to drop out of the race, said Sunday it was up to Alabama voters to decide whether the former state Supreme Court chief justice should be elected.Weeks ago, when accusations of sexual misconduct with teenagers first surfaced, President Trump's spokesman had said the president believed Moore would "do the right thing and step aside" if the allegations were true.Top Republicans vowed to expel him from the Senate if he won his Dec. 12 special election.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump gave embattled GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore a vigorous formal endorsement Monday, looking past allegations of sexual misconduct with Alabama teenagers as Republican leaders in Washington, once appalled by Moore's candidacy, began to come to grips with the ever-clearer possibility of his victory.Buoyed by the taste of his own success in Congress as the Republican tax bill inches closer to passage, President Trump telephoned Moore to offer encouragement as well as support and also argued in a pair of tweets that Moore's vote was badly needed to push the president's policies forward.In addition, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who was initially among several national Republicans to urge Moore to drop out of the race, said Sunday it was up to Alabama voters to decide whether the former state Supreme Court chief justice should be elected.Weeks ago, when accusations of sexual misconduct with teenagers first surfaced, President Trump's spokesman had said the president believed Moore would "do the right thing and step aside" if the allegations were true.Top Republicans vowed to expel him from the Senate if he won his Dec. 12 special election.
Prosecutors: Paul Manafort wrote op-ed with colleague in Russia; drafted as late as last week
WASHINGTON — In an attempt to burnish his public image and leave no fingerprints behind, President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort recently enlisted a longtime Russian colleague to help him ghostwrite an op-ed.The attempt to publish the op-ed under someone else's name now has prosecutors working for special counsel Robert Mueller pushing for Manafort to remain on house arrest and GPS monitoring for the time being.In a court filing , prosecutors say Manafort and the colleague sought to publish the op-ed to influence public opinion about his political consulting in Ukraine, work at the heart of the criminal case against him.
WASHINGTON — In an attempt to burnish his public image and leave no fingerprints behind, President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort recently enlisted a longtime Russian colleague to help him ghostwrite an op-ed.The attempt to publish the op-ed under someone else's name now has prosecutors working for special counsel Robert Mueller pushing for Manafort to remain on house arrest and GPS monitoring for the time being.In a court filing , prosecutors say Manafort and the colleague sought to publish the op-ed to influence public opinion about his political consulting in Ukraine, work at the heart of the criminal case against him.
"Public lands for public use:" Pres. Trump takes unprecedented step to reduce national monuments
SALT LAKE CITY — President Donald Trump on Monday took the unprecedented step of scaling back two sprawling national monuments in Utah, declaring that "public lands will once again be for public use," in a move cheered by Republican leaders who had lobbied him to undo protections they considered overly broad.The decision marks the first time in a half century that a president has undone these types of land protections.
SALT LAKE CITY — President Donald Trump on Monday took the unprecedented step of scaling back two sprawling national monuments in Utah, declaring that "public lands will once again be for public use," in a move cheered by Republican leaders who had lobbied him to undo protections they considered overly broad.The decision marks the first time in a half century that a president has undone these types of land protections.
Supreme Court allows full enforcement of Pres. Trump travel ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to fully enforce a ban on travel to the United States by residents of six mostly Muslim countries.The justices say in an order Monday that the policy can take full effect even as legal challenges against it make their way through the courts.The ban applies to travelers from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to fully enforce a ban on travel to the United States by residents of six mostly Muslim countries.The justices say in an order Monday that the policy can take full effect even as legal challenges against it make their way through the courts.The ban applies to travelers from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
"Another Comey lie!" President Trump says he never asked Comey to stop Flynn probe
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says on Twitter that he never asked former FBI director James Comey to stop investigating his ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn.Comey testified before Congress in June that President Trump asked him if could see to "letting Flynn go." Comey said that request came a day after President Trump forced Flynn to resign his White House post.President Trump said in Sunday's early morning tweet, "I never asked Comey to stop investigating Flynn.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says on Twitter that he never asked former FBI director James Comey to stop investigating his ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn.Comey testified before Congress in June that President Trump asked him if could see to "letting Flynn go." Comey said that request came a day after President Trump forced Flynn to resign his White House post.President Trump said in Sunday's early morning tweet, "I never asked Comey to stop investigating Flynn.
Tax bill clears Senate in big boost for President Trump, GOP
WASHINGTON — Republicans muscled the largest tax overhaul in 30 years through the Senate early Saturday, taking a big step toward giving President Donald Trump his first major legislative triumph after months of false starts and frustration on other fronts."Just what the country needs to get growing again," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in an interview after a final burst of negotiation closed in on a nearly $1.5 trillion package that impacts the breadth of American society.He shrugged off polls finding scant public enthusiasm for the measure, saying the legislation would prove its worth. "Big bills are rarely popular," he said. "You remember how unpopular 'Obamacare' was when it passed?"President Trump on Saturday tweeted his thanks to Senate and House Republicans as they now begin trying to reconcile differences in legislation passed by both chambers, a behind-closed-doors process that is expected to move swiftly.
WASHINGTON — Republicans muscled the largest tax overhaul in 30 years through the Senate early Saturday, taking a big step toward giving President Donald Trump his first major legislative triumph after months of false starts and frustration on other fronts."Just what the country needs to get growing again," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in an interview after a final burst of negotiation closed in on a nearly $1.5 trillion package that impacts the breadth of American society.He shrugged off polls finding scant public enthusiasm for the measure, saying the legislation would prove its worth. "Big bills are rarely popular," he said. "You remember how unpopular 'Obamacare' was when it passed?"President Trump on Saturday tweeted his thanks to Senate and House Republicans as they now begin trying to reconcile differences in legislation passed by both chambers, a behind-closed-doors process that is expected to move swiftly.