U.S. House Democrats target Trump-Putin talks, obstruction

[webfact]

U.S. House Democrats target Trump-Putin talks, obstruction

By David Morgan and Sarah N. Lynch

 

U.S. President Donald Trump waves after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) annual meeting at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S., March 2, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in Congress unleashed a slew of demands in their investigations of President Donald Trump on Monday, seeking information about his communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin and documents from 81 sources in an obstruction probe.

 

The chairmen of the House Intelligence, Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees wrote to the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seeking documents and interviews with personnel about Trump's conversations with Putin.

 

The lawmakers expressed concern about media reports that Trump seized notes on at least one meeting with the Russian leader and tried to destroy records about those talks.

 

"These allegations, if true, raise profound national security, counterintelligence, and foreign policy concerns, especially in light of Russia's ongoing active measures campaign to improperly influence American elections," Chairmen Adam Schiff, Elliot Engel and Elijah Cummings wrote in their letter.

 

The request followed the powerful House Judiciary Committee's demand for documents from a who’s who of Trump’s turbulent world, targeting 81 people, government agencies and other groups in an investigation into possible obstruction of justice or abuse of power.

 

The Republican president faces investigations from several congressional committees, as well as the 22-month-long federal special counsel probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether the Trump campaign worked with Moscow to sway the outcome.

 

When they took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in January, Democrats promised investigations on multiple fronts involving Trump, saying their Republican counterparts had ignored red flags coming out of the White House.

 

The Judiciary Committee listed Trump family members, current and former business employees, Republican campaign staffers and former White House aides, as well as the FBI, White House and WikiLeaks were listed as recipients of documents requests.

 

The panel also named the president's sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, White House aide and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg, former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former White House counsel Don McGahn.

 

"We have seen the damage done to our democratic institutions in the two years that the Congress refused to conduct responsible oversight," said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler, Judiciary Committee chairman. "Congress must provide a check on abuses of power."

 

TRUMP: IT'S A 'HOAX

At the White House, Trump was asked if he would cooperate with Nadler's probe. "I cooperate all the time with everybody," he said before adding: "You know the beautiful thing? No collusion. It's all a hoax ... It's a political hoax.”

 

A committee lawyer told reporters the immediate aim is to amass a large trove of evidence to guide the investigation and help decide which witnesses to approach. The panel is prepared to use its subpoena power if needed, the lawyer said.

 

Among the committee's aims is determining whether Trump obstructed justice by ousting perceived enemies at the Justice Department, such as former FBI Director James Comey, and abused his presidential power by possibly offering pardons or tampering with witnesses.

 

Comey was leading an investigation into Russian activities in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and possible collusion with Trump's campaign when the president fired him in May 2017.

 

The investigation was subsequently taken over by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is expected to end his investigation and report his findings in coming weeks.

 

The Judiciary Committee also is looking at whether Trump has used the White House for personal enrichment in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause.

 

Representatives for the White House and Justice Department said the requests are being reviewed.

 

Republicans in Congress accuse Democrats of pursuing an impeachment agenda against Trump as part of a political strategy to reclaim the White House in the 2020 election.

 

Democrats say talk of impeachment is premature. They say the first step is to initiate proper investigations, which were missing in the first two years of Trump's presidency, when his fellow Republicans controlled the House of Representatives.

 

Some of those the committee is seeking documents from are among the dozens charged by Mueller. They include former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former Trump adviser Roger Stone and Cohen.

 

Also on the committee's list are others who worked on Trump's 2016 campaign or in the White House, such as Hope Hicks, Steve Bannon, Reince Priebus and Sean Spicer; Rhona Graff, a long-time executive assistant at the Trump Organization; and David Pecker, chief executive of American Media Inc, which publishes the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer.

 

Trump maintains that his campaign did not collude with Russia and has repeatedly attacked the investigation on Twitter.

 

Democrats say Cohen's testimony before the House Oversight Committee last week directly implicated Trump in various crimes including campaign finance violations.

 

(Reporting by David Morgan and Sarah N. Lynch; Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton and Steve Holland; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Bill Trott and Bill Berkrot)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-03-05

[NanLaew]

Queue another "disgusting witch hunt" tantrum in 3,.. 2,.. 1,..

[helpisgood]

I am old enough to recall the Nixon Administration and the Watergate Scandal.  I was not among Nixon's fans.  Still, I remember how horrified we were with how Nixon and his people had subverted the rule of law.  He may have been a hardball politician, but that was beyond the pale.  

 

However, never would we have even raised as an issue as to whether our president, or any other president, had a conflict of interest with the Kremlin or any other less-than-friendly foreign power.  (Okay, maybe Iran-Contra was something of an exception, but that may be getting off topic).  Anyway, it was just unthinkable...at that time.

 

Meanwhile, people are cheering Trump on despite reports like the following:

 

34 minutes ago, webfact said:

The lawmakers expressed concern about media reports that Trump seized notes on at least one meeting with the Russian leader and tried to destroy records about those talks. 

What in the world are you hiding, Mr. President?  It is obvious even to a child that this is suspicious behavior, especially since it is with Russia which was where you had wanted to build a hotel.  Time to ask some serious questions.  I am sure supporters of Trump will used the tired expression of no "smoking gun," which I think originated during Watergate.  Yet, we should not even have this as an issue.  Sad.

Edited March 5, 2019 by helpisgood
typo grammar

[Tug]

4 minutes ago, helpisgood said:

I am old enough to recall the Nixon Administration and the Watergate Scandal.  I was not among Nixon's fans.  Still, I remember how horrified we were with how Nixon and his people had subverted the rule of law.  He may have been a hardball politician, but that was beyond the pale.  

 

However, never would we have even raised as an issue whether our president, or any other president, had a conflict of interest with the Kremlin or any other less-than-friendly foreign power.  (Okay, maybe Iran-Contra was something of an exception, but that may be getting off topic).  Anyway, it was just unthinkable...at that time.

 

Meanwhile, people are cheering Trump on despite reports like the following:

 

What in the world are you hiding, Mr. President?  It is obvious even to a child that this is suspicious behavior, especially since it is with Russia which was where you had wanted to build a hotel.  Time to ask some serious questions.  I am sure supporters of Trump will used the tired expression of no "smoking gun," which I think originated during Watergate.  Yet, we should not even have this as an issue.  Sad.

What surprises me is that after this the attacks on our allies children pows instutions ect ect how in the name of god can people back this dumpster fire 

[mtls2005]

24 minutes ago, Tug said:

What surprises me is that after this the attacks on our allies children pows instutions ect ect how in the name of god can people back this dumpster fire 

 

Nixon won in 1972 in a landslide, all states except MA (and DC), 538 Electoral College votes.

 

He enjoyed broad public support (Silent Majority) and COngressional Republican support right up until the end.

 

Hardly surprising this is happening again, the Base and Republicans are all-in with trump. Once you push all your chips in, holding a two and an eight, you can't pull your chips back.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

The House has a lot of catching up to do, for two whole years House Republicans refused to hold the President accountable.

 

What a difference a House Majority makes.

[Baerboxer]

4 hours ago, helpisgood said:

I am old enough to recall the Nixon Administration and the Watergate Scandal.  I was not among Nixon's fans.  Still, I remember how horrified we were with how Nixon and his people had subverted the rule of law.  He may have been a hardball politician, but that was beyond the pale.  

 

However, never would we have even raised as an issue as to whether our president, or any other president, had a conflict of interest with the Kremlin or any other less-than-friendly foreign power.  (Okay, maybe Iran-Contra was something of an exception, but that may be getting off topic).  Anyway, it was just unthinkable...at that time.

 

Meanwhile, people are cheering Trump on despite reports like the following:

 

What in the world are you hiding, Mr. President?  It is obvious even to a child that this is suspicious behavior, especially since it is with Russia which was where you had wanted to build a hotel.  Time to ask some serious questions.  I am sure supporters of Trump will used the tired expression of no "smoking gun," which I think originated during Watergate.  Yet, we should not even have this as an issue.  Sad.

 

I'm not American but was appalled at Nixon's disregard and disrespect for the law. 

 

But to be fair, Clinton lying to the government and people, and appearing on TV lying, and managing somehow to avoid impeachment (and he would never have considered resigning) was also appalling. 

 

It seems American politics are full of liars and cheats - just like most everywhere else!

[Basil B]

Lot of talk about Nixon and Watergate but Trumps actions makes that look like a misdemeanor compared to his crimes.

[Berkshire]

21 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

But to be fair, Clinton lying to the government and people, and appearing on TV lying, and managing somehow to avoid impeachment (and he would never have considered resigning) was also appalling.

This is a prime example of "false equivalence."  What Clinton did was infinitesimal compared to what Trump has done and continues to do, both as President and as a businessman.  Clinton lied about an affair.  Trump has lied about his affair(s)...and obstructed justice, abuse his power, profited from his position, sacrificed our environment and international standing, committed all manners of fraud, divide America, lie constantly to the American people....the list is endless. 

[Dumbastheycome]

9 hours ago, Berkshire said:

This is a prime example of "false equivalence."  What Clinton did was infinitesimal compared to what Trump has done and continues to do, both as President and as a businessman.  Clinton lied about an affair.  Trump has lied about his affair(s)...and obstructed justice, abuse his power, profited from his position, sacrificed our environment and international standing, committed all manners of fraud, divide America, lie constantly to the American people....the list is endless. 

You have simply defined " The American  Way". with one  simple exception. Not only the American people But it has  taken only the American people too long  to  recognize  the  fact. The  rest of the  cognitive  world has endured  patient  sufferance !

Times  up !

[Ulic]

7 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

 

I'm not American but was appalled at Nixon's disregard and disrespect for the law. 

 

But to be fair, Clinton lying to the government and people, and appearing on TV lying, and managing somehow to avoid impeachment (and he would never have considered resigning) was also appalling. 

 

It seems American politics are full of liars and cheats - just like most everywhere else!

Hardly the same, one president actively breaking the law, another lying about a sexual (one of many) indiscretion. Apples and oranges really. That said, politicians around the world are not perfect. I would even say most are hypocrites when it comes to morals and ethics.

[quandow]

Ohhhhhhhhhhh,

 

It's starting to smell a lot like Nixon . . .

[spidermike007]

Does anyone remember the days when a president was dignified, did not vilify all of his critics, had thick skin like a real man, could take an insult or a joke, had some grace and elegance, were smart, read up on issues, listened to the intelligence experts, did not vilify the FBI and the other important agencies responsible for security and law and order, did not spew hatred on anyone with brown skin, did not defend white supremacists, had normal hair, did not collude with foreign enemies, and behaved in a respectable manner?

 

Remember when US presidents worked hand in hand with close allies, to forge relationships and trade deals? Remember when US presidents DID NOT coddle and compliment dictators? Remember when presidents did not lie hundreds of times each week? Remember when they were skillful enough to negotiate deals? Remember when they were real men, and not emotional adolescents? Those sure were the days.

 

[tlandtday]

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Does anyone remember the days when a president was dignified, did not vilify all of his critics, had thick skin like a real man, could take an insult or a joke, had some grace and elegance, were smart, read up on issues, listened to the intelligence experts, did not vilify the FBI and the other important agencies responsible for security and law and order, did not spew hatred on anyone with brown skin, did not defend white supremacists, had normal hair, did not collude with foreign enemies, and behaved in a respectable manner?

 

Remember when US presidents worked hand in hand with close allies, to forge relationships and trade deals? Remember when US presidents DID NOT coddle and compliment dictators? Remember when presidents did not lie hundreds of times each week? Remember when they were skillful enough to negotiate deals? Remember when they were real men, and not emotional adolescents? Those sure were the days.

 

 

Does anyone remember a day when the government was not corrupt and did not require a shake up? 

 

Of course everyone is nice and polite when they are in pocket.  No need to attack the President when he has been vetted and passed the puppet test. Trump failed that test and his loose cannon approach has a lot of Washington insiders very frightened.

 

The Sioux tribe used to judge a man not by his friends but by his enemies.  If Trump has the banks, mainstream media and political insiders (many from his own party) pissed off he must be doing something right. 

 

Keep shaking that tree and rattling that cage until we break free of this corrupt two party system.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

52 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

 

Does anyone remember a day when the government was not corrupt and did not require a shake up? 

 

Of course everyone is nice and polite when they are in pocket.  No need to attack the President when he has been vetted and passed the puppet test. Trump failed that test and his loose cannon approach has a lot of Washington insiders very frightened.

 

The Sioux tribe used to judge a man not by his friends but by his enemies.  If Trump has the banks, mainstream media and political insiders (many from his own party) pissed off he must be doing something right. 

 

Keep shaking that tree and rattling that cage until we break free of this corrupt two party system.

 

 

“The Sioux tribe used to judge a man not by his friends but by his enemies.”

 

I don’t know if we have any members of the ‘Sioux tribe’ here on TVF.

 

So let’s make do by looking at Trump’s friends.

[earlinclaifornia]

On 3/5/2019 at 11:45 AM, Baerboxer said:

 

I'm not American but was appalled at Nixon's disregard and disrespect for the law. 

 

But to be fair, Clinton lying to the government and people, and appearing on TV lying, and managing somehow to avoid impeachment (and he would never have considered resigning) was also appalling. 

 

It seems American politics are full of liars and cheats - just like most everywhere else!

Seems you are the one lying: 

Although proceedings were delayed due to the bombing of Iraq, on the passage of H. Res. 611, Clinton was impeached on December 19, 1998, by the House of Representatives on grounds of perjury to a grand jury (by a 228–206 vote) and obstruction of justice (by a 221–212 vote).

[spidermike007]

23 hours ago, tlandtday said:

 

Does anyone remember a day when the government was not corrupt and did not require a shake up? 

 

Of course everyone is nice and polite when they are in pocket.  No need to attack the President when he has been vetted and passed the puppet test. Trump failed that test and his loose cannon approach has a lot of Washington insiders very frightened.

 

The Sioux tribe used to judge a man not by his friends but by his enemies.  If Trump has the banks, mainstream media and political insiders (many from his own party) pissed off he must be doing something right. 

 

Keep shaking that tree and rattling that cage until we break free of this corrupt two party system.

 

 

 

It is quite amusing when you see or hear a supporter who bought into the "outsider" slogans, and still believes in them, and the possibility that there is a noble motive in Trump's bag of tricks. Even after he has appointed dozens of Goldman Sacks executives, a former oil industry lobbyist to lead the interior department, and has attempted to scrap nearly all of the environmental protections that Obama and his predecessors have put into place. It is as if the planet is secondary, to Trumps agenda, and it does not matter. What the hell. We can always find another planet, if we need one. There are millions of them out there! Let's abuse this one as much as we can, and make out industry partners richer!

 

One wonders what it would take to shake up a Trump supporter. How many indictments? How many investigations? How many revelations? 

 

It is not the loose cannon approach that has people scared. It is the mentally unhinged approach. It is the complete, total, and utter inability to negotiate a deal to save his life. It is the alienation of our closest allies, and the coddling and supporting of murderous dictators. Yes, that has some level headed people very scared. You should be too. And how about the massive tax hikes, in the form of tariffs? 

 

You should also be scared of his epic mismanagement of the economy. 

 

The US trade deficit has hit a 10-year high, it was revealed on Wednesday in a government announcement, as Donald Trump’s trade wars appeared to be backfiring.

US trade gap hits 10-year high as Trump's trade war backfires - The deficit jumped nearly 19% in December, pushing the trade imbalance for all of 2018 to widen to a decade-long high of $621bn.

The commerce department said the gap between what the US sells and what it buys from other countries rose to $59.8bn in December from $50.3bn in November.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/06/us-trade-deficit-hits-10-year-high-as-trump-trade-wars-backfire?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
 

Edited March 7, 2019 by spidermike007

[billd766]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

 

It is quite amusing when you see or hear a supporter who bought into the "outsider" slogans, and still believes in them, and the possibility that there is a noble motive in Trump's bag of tricks. Even after he has appointed dozens of Goldman Sacks executives, a former oil industry lobbyist to lead the interior department, and has attempted to scrap nearly all of the environmental protections that Obama and his predecessors have put into place. It is as if the planet is secondary, to Trumps agenda, and it does not matter. What the hell. We can always find another planet, if we need one. There are millions of them out there! Let's abuse this one as much as we can, and make out industry partners richer!

 

One wonders what it would take to shake up a Trump supporter. How many indictments? How many investigations? How many revelations? 

 

It is not the loose cannon approach that has people scared. It is the mentally unhinged approach. It is the complete, total, and utter inability to negotiate a deal to save his life. It is the alienation of our closest allies, and the coddling and supporting of murderous dictators. Yes, that has some level headed people very scared. You should be too. And how about the massive tax hikes, in the form of tariffs? 

 

You should also be scared of his epic mismanagement of the economy. 

 

The US trade deficit has hit a 10-year high, it was revealed on Wednesday in a government announcement, as Donald Trump’s trade wars appeared to be backfiring.

US trade gap hits 10-year high as Trump's trade war backfires - The deficit jumped nearly 19% in December, pushing the trade imbalance for all of 2018 to widen to a decade-long high of $621bn.

The commerce department said the gap between what the US sells and what it buys from other countries rose to $59.8bn in December from $50.3bn in November.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/06/us-trade-deficit-hits-10-year-high-as-trump-trade-wars-backfire?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
 

From the BBC News website dated yesterday.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47472282