inquisitr--2020-05-15--Donald Trump Faces Backlash For Saying It’s ‘Beautiful’ To Watch Health Workers ‘Running Into Death’

President Donald Trump is facing backlash for comments he made about health care workers during a speech at a medical equipment distribution center in Allentown , Pennsylvania , Common Dreams reported .
“ They ’ re running into death just like soldiers run into bullets , in a true sense , ” he said .
“ I see that with the doctors and the nurses and so many other people .
They go into those hospitals , it ’ s incredible to see .
It ’ s a beautiful thing to see .
But I really call them ‘ warriors.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone in our country is a warrior.
” Trump ’ s comments didn ’ t sit well with medical professionals , who appeared to feel that he was glorifying the deadly risk that comes with their job , especially during the coronavirus pandemic .
As noted by Common Dreams , Trump ’ s comments come as he continues to face criticism for failing to ensure health care workers have adequate personal protective equipment .
“ Donald Trump should be ashamed to suggest that we healthcare workers ‘ running into death ’ is beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an emergency care physician and executive director of the Committee to Protect Medicare .
“ What it ’ s saying is , ‘ We don ’ t care .
We don ’ t care about protecting people ’ s lives , ' ” said Dr. Rich Besser , a pediatrician and public health expert .
In the past , Trump has glamorized health care workers while facing criticism for failing to provide them with adequate support .
One nurse accused him of leaving them on the “ battlefield ” with no protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nurses United , echoed these sentiments while speaking with CNN last week .
“ You throw us out onto a battlefield without armor , ” she said .
As noted by News 18 , U.S. hospitals face shortages of PPE as the number of coronavirus cases in the country continues to rise .
The source pointed out that some nurses have expressed acceptance that their death is inevitable , and their lives are viewed as expendable , a stark contrast to the beauty Trump spoke of in his recent speech .
Per The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently advised against calling U.K. National Health Service staff “ angels ” or “ heroes.
” According to the journal , these words can fuel psychological strain in such workers .
According to Dr. Esther Murray , who contributed to the recommendations , such words suggest that health care workers entered their profession to die “ like a hero does , ” even though many did not sign up for such a fate .
Trump ’ s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to The Lancet , a respected British medical journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president in 2020 .


inquisitr--2020-05-15--Law Firm Hackers Say They Found A ‘Ton Of Dirty Laundry’ On Donald Trump, Demand $42 Million

A New York law firm was hacked by a group of people calling themselves REvil , and they say they ’ ve unearthed a wealth of compromising information on President Donald Trump that they ’ re willing to release unless they ’ re paid $ 42 million by the firm they stole the data from .
According to a report from Page Six , attorney Allen Grubman , who represents Madonna , Lady Gaga , Mariah Carey , Bruce Springsteen , Bette Midler , U2 , Nicki Minaj , Drake , and Priyanka Chopra , was hacked recently .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s servers and obtained 756 gigabytes of data containing confidential information .
Until late last night , the group was demanding $ 21 million or they would release details about Grubman ’ s celebrity clients .
But on Thursday night , the hackers claimed that they ’ d discovered information about Trump in the documents that could be damaging to him , and doubled their demand .
They also called on Trump to intervene or risk having his information revealed as well .
“ Mr .
Trump , if you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the guys , otherwise you may forget this ambition forever .
And to you voters , we can let you know that after such a publication , you certainly don ’ t want to see him as president … The deadline is one week.
” Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks confirmed the attack and demand in a statement , but the firm doesn ’ t appear to be willing to negotiate with the hackers .
They called the attack a “ despicable and illegal ” attack and said that numerous companies these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Goldman Sachs , and even the United States Department of Defense .
Paying the ransom is illegal , the law firm says , and likely wouldn ’ t result in the information staying private .
“ We have been informed by the experts and the FBI that negotiating with or paying a ransom to terrorists is a violation of federal criminal law , ” they said .
They added that many times even after people have paid ransoms , the hacked material is still leaked .
One analyst told Page Six that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose-lose situation .
If they pay the ransom , the data may not be destroyed and the hackers may return to demand more money .
Trump , who is facing criticism for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , hasn ’ t commented on the matter as of the time of reporting .

A New York law firm was hacked by a group of people calling themselves REvil, and they say they’ve unearthed a wealth of compromising information on President Donald Trump that they’re willing to release unless they’re paid $42 million by the firm they stole the data from.
According to a report from Page Six, attorney Allen Grubman, who represents Madonna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, U2, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Priyanka Chopra, was hacked recently. The group obtained access to the law firm’s servers and obtained 756 gigabytes of data containing confidential information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OwhA79bL0U
Until late last night, the group was demanding $21 million or they would release details about Grubman’s celebrity clients. But on Thursday night, the hackers claimed that they’d discovered information about Trump in the documents that could be damaging to him, and doubled their demand.
They also called on Trump to intervene or risk having his information revealed as well.
“Mr. Trump, if you want to stay president, poke a sharp stick at the guys, otherwise you may forget this ambition forever. And to you voters, we can let you know that after such a publication, you certainly don’t want to see him as president … The deadline is one week.”
Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks confirmed the attack and demand in a statement, but the firm doesn’t appear to be willing to negotiate with the hackers. They called the attack a “despicable and illegal” attack and said that numerous companies these days are facing cyberterrorism, including HBO, Goldman Sachs, and even the United States Department of Defense.
Paying the ransom is illegal, the law firm says, and likely wouldn’t result in the information staying private.
“We have been informed by the experts and the FBI that negotiating with or paying a ransom to terrorists is a violation of federal criminal law,” they said.
They added that many times even after people have paid ransoms, the hacked material is still leaked.
“We are working directly with federal law enforcement and continue to work around the clock with the world’s leading experts to address this situation.”
One analyst told Page Six that companies who are hacked are in a lose-lose situation. If they pay the ransom, the data may not be destroyed and the hackers may return to demand more money.
Trump, who is facing criticism for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, hasn’t commented on the matter as of the time of reporting.


inquisitr--2020-05-15--Medical Journal Calls On Americans To Replace Donald Trump Over COVID-19 Response

A widely respected British medical journal called on Americans to replace President Donald Trump in the upcoming election , due to his COVID-19 response .
The unsigned editorial in The Lancet criticized the president and his administration for not giving more credence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in a move that was branded dangerous for the United States and the world .
The president declared a nationwide state of emergency March 13 .
Two months later , there have been 1.4 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States and an estimated 86,000 deaths , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
According to The Lancet editorial , the CDC ’ s role being minimized caused it to become “ an ineffective and nominal adviser in the response to contain the spread of the virus.
” The journal outlined the CDC ’ s previous work with the World Health Organization and highlighted its role in the discovery of new viruses and the tests needed to detect them .
According to the editorial , Republican administrations have traditionally “ resisted ” urging for additional funding for the CDC and the Trump administration has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have reduced the CDC ’ s staff and recalled officers from China in the summer of 2019 .
“ There is no doubt that the CDC has made mistakes , especially on testing in the early stages of the pandemic , ” The Lancet admitted , but went on to explain the reason for the CDC ’ s COVID-19 testing problems .
Despite their early missteps , the publication admonished that “ marginalising and hobbling ” the agency isn ’ t the answer .
According to the anonymous authors , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic and international health threats and a president more understanding of that mission would likely bolster the agency ’ s influence .
The president previously called out the CDC for not doing more to streamline its testing process in the case of a pandemic .
Trump frustrated many medical experts when he suggested that coronavirus testing was “ overrated ” and pointed to the nation ’ s increased testing as the cause for the highest rates of COVID-19 , as The Inquisitr previously reported .
The United States has administered over 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .

Oops! Page Not Found
The page you were looking for doesn’t exist,
isn’t available or was loaded incorrectly.


inquisitr--2020-05-15--Tara Reade’s Lawyer Says Joe Biden Should Open Up His Senate Record If He Doesn’t Remember Her

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden recently suggested that people who believe Tara Reade ‘ s sexual assault accusations should not vote for him .
In response , Reade ’ s lawyer , Douglas Wigdor , said in a telephone interview with Breitbart News that Biden ’ s comments indicate that the former vice president should release his Senate records housed at the University of Delaware , which he has thus far refused to do .
Wigdor said that Biden “ hasn ’ t been that sharp ” on many issues , including not being able to remember Reade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1993 , when she says the alleged assault took place .
For this reason , Wigdor says Biden should consent to a review of said records .
“ We ’ re starting to now see , as the attacks change from her being some sort of a Russian sympathizer , to there being no record of her working there , to [ writing ] bad checks , to now it ’ s sort of changed — I ’ ve seen things about work performance and even the clothing that she was wearing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged Biden to sit down with NBC ’ s Megyn Kelly , who Reade recently spoke to about the accusations .
He also noted the difference in the media ’ s response to Reade ’ s accusations and those leveled against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh by Christine Blasey Ford .
“ It ’ s a complete and utter double standard that ’ s going on , ” he said .
Wigdor also revealed that Reade would have an announcement in the coming days , one that will follow the Democratic National Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation into her allegations .
In his recent interview on The Last Word with Laurence O ’ Donnell , Biden said he believes that Reade ’ s claim — as with any accusations of abuse or harassment — should be thoroughly vetted .
Despite this claim , Biden has continued to refuse the release of his Senate records at the University of Delaware , which he said may be taken out of context .
According to The Independent , Biden ’ s documents include records of private conversations with world leaders , transcripts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , and daily schedules of meetings and events .
The files will reportedly be held for two years after Biden retires from public life .
Thus far , in addition to Reade , both Republicans and Democrats have called on Biden to release the documents in order to allow the press to independently examine them for connections to Reade ’ s allegations .


inquisitr--2020-05-15--Donald Trump’s Coronavirus Talk Compared To Other World Leaders In New Supercut

A new video from The Atlantic compared the things that President Donald Trump has said throughout the coronavirus pandemic compared with other world leaders , like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , German Chancellor Angela Merkel , New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern , and French President Emmanuel Macron , among others .
The publication called the supercut , “ A Study in Leadership.
” The more-than-three-minute-long video from The Atlantic begins with Donald Trump ’ s late February rally speech , where he said that the coronavirus concern was the Democrat ’ s new hoax .
Next , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 should be treated like the flu , and he stated that it was going to be fine .
That cut contrasted with Trudeau explaining straightforwardly how the leadership in Canada would make reasoned decisions to keep Canadians safe .
Throughout the various clips , Trump is shown arguing with reporters .
At one point , it shows the president announcing that the Center for Disease Control recommended the voluntary use of cloth face coverings to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Then he went off the prepared comments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a face covering , and he said he probably wouldn ’ t wear one .
Meanwhile , other leaders urged citizens to work together for the good of their countries .
Today , CNN reported that 100 health experts have asked governors to mandate masks across the U.S. because the latest studies revealed that they help stop the spread of the virus , protecting the community from individuals who might be infected from spreading it before they are symptomatic .
Later in the video , a reporter asked President Trump about not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several veterans , who were in the high-risk category due to their ages , for a VE Day celebration .
The president responded that he didn ’ t wear a mask because he was far away from them , and the wind was blowing in a direction that would keep “ the plague ” from reaching them .
At another point , President Trump announced plans to stop funding the World Health Organization amid the pandemic , which contrasted with Prime Minister Trudeau calling for international coordination to help stop the worldwide pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump talked at length about the possibility of light or disinfectant therapies to help treat people who became ill. That contrasted with Trudeau explaining what the Canadian government was doing to help create vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus .
According to The HuffPost , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also downplayed the threat of the virus initially , but the supercut did not include any of his comments alongside Trump ’ s .


inquisitr--2020-05-15--Joe Biden Says He Doesn’t Remember Tara Reade, Voters ‘Probably Shouldn’t Vote For Me’ If They Belie

Joe Biden Says He Doesn’t Remember Tara Reade, Voters ‘Probably Shouldn’t Vote For Me’ If They Believe Her

Biden sharpened his criticism of Reade 's assault claim during an interview on Thursday .
Joe Biden said he doesn ’ t remember Tara Reade .
In an interview on The Last Word with Laurence O ’ Donnell Thursday night , the presumed Democratic presidential nominee said that voters “ probably shouldn ’ t vote for me ” if they believe Reade ’ s allegation of sexual assault .
“ I wouldn ’ t vote for me if I believed Tara Reade , ” Biden explained .
The former vice president said that voters should “ vote their heart.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Senate office , and she said that , in 1993 , Biden assaulted her .
Biden first addressed the allegations earlier this month , saying that they were untrue .
In his interview with O ’ Donnell , he went further , saying that he didn ’ t remember Reade being a part of his Senate staff .
“ But let me get something clear , when a woman makes a claim that she has been harassed or abused , and this claim has changed… she should be taken seriously , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued , saying that claims should be heard and thoroughly vetted but that what ultimately matters most is the truth .
In this case , Biden said that the alleged incident never happened .
O ’ Donnell then pointed to a New York Times opinion piece that argued that those who believed Tara Reade should still vote for Biden .
The host asked Biden what he would say to women who were ready to vote for Biden until the allegation came out .
After explaining that women who believe the allegation shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Reade ’ s story around the allegation had changed .
He continued , explaining that he didn ’ t want to question Reade ’ s motives , but that the claim had been refuted by several members of his staff at the time .
“ This is just totally , thoroughly , completely out of character .
And the idea that in a public place , in a hallway I would assault a woman ?
I mean , it ’ s just- I- anyway , I promise you .
It never happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interview , Biden also discussed whether he would pardon President Donald Trump if he was elected president .
He said that he would commit to not pardoning Trump and said that no one is above the law .
Biden also addressed the FBI investigation into Michael Flynn , saying that he was one of several officials who had asked for the identity of the unnamed American who was speaking to Russians .
That unnamed American turned out to be Flynn .
Biden said that he was never part of a criminal investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any knowledge of such an investigation .


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Newly Passed $3T Coronavirus Stimulus Would Give $1,200 Check To Americans, Hazard Pay To Essential

Newly Passed $3T Coronavirus Stimulus Would Give $1,200 Check To Americans, Hazard Pay To Essential Workers

The newly passed $ 3 trillion coronavirus relief package approved Friday by the House would include $ 1,200 payments to all eligible American households and hazard pay for essential workers , though it will likely face an uphill battle to make it through the Senate .
As Fox News reported , the House narrowly approved the relief bill late on Friday , making it the most expensive piece of legislation ever passed by the body .
The bill passed by a 208-199 vote , with several Democrats from vulnerable districts voting against it and retiring Republican Congressman Peter King voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package contains a number of measures meant to dull the effects of the coronavirus crisis including help for local governments and a new round of stimulus checks for Americans .
That includes $ 915 billion in state and local aid meant to prevent layoffs in critical areas , including first responders and teachers , Fox News reported .
It also included a $ 200 billion “ heroes ” fund that would provide hazard pay for essential workers .
That idea has gotten some bipartisan support , with Utah Senator Mitt Romney offering his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 12 per hour pay boost .
Romney ’ s office called his plan “ Patriot Pay , ” and a one-page summary of the plan said it would give the hazard pay to all those on the front line during the pandemic — including health care professionals , grocery story employees , food processors , and many others .
The newly passed plan also contained a second round of stimulus payments to Americans , sending $ 1,200 checks for each person in a household , up to $ 6,000 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
As Fox News noted , the bill is expected to be met with resistance in the Senate , where some Republicans have already spoken out against it .
“ So much of what ’ s in this bill simply has nothing at all to do with the current crisis , ” said Republican Tom Cole from Oklahoma .
“ It ’ s more like a liberal Christmas… wish list .
It would make more sense… to just send it straight to Santa Claus than to send it to the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of becoming law that way.
” Others expressed dismay at the stimulus checks , which could be given to some eligible undocumented immigrants .
The White House had also threatened to veto the $ 3 trillion relief plan .
But the report added that Democrats have framed the bill as the opening of negotiations with Republicans , who have expressed support for a number of the provisions included in it .


inquisitr--2020-05-16--‘Art Of The Deal’ Co-Author Says Donald Trump ‘Has No Conscience’

In an interview with MSNBC broadcast on Friday , Art of the Deal co-author Tony Schwartz said that President Donald Trump “ has no conscience , ” Mediaite reported .
Schwartz weighed in on Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic , telling anchor Ari Melber that although the president is motivated by the praise he receives , the “ deeper motivation is domination , is to win.
” “ And that is a function of the fact that he has no conscience , ” Schwartz posited .
The author argued that Trump does not care about the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died from issues associated with COVID-19 , claiming that the president ’ s number one priority is self-preservation .
Melber reminded his guest of radio host Howard Stern ’ s recent remarks .
Stern said that Trump “ despises ” working class Americans , many of whom are his supporters .
Stern also called on Trump to resign , suggesting that the best move for the president would be to admit that he is not up to task .
In fact , resigning would be “ patriotic , ” the radio host said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump at Mar-a-Lago to express gratitude .
According to Schwartz , Stern is right .
The author said that Trump “ sees the world in terms of winners and losers , ” which is why he believes world leaders such as Russia ’ s Vladimir Putin and North Korea ’ s Kim Jong Un are winners , while ordinary working people are losers .
“ If you now take someone who — a working class person who is out of a job or has a drug problem and you say that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , the last thing on Earth Trump wants to do is be anywhere near that person , ” Schwartz said .
The Art Of The Deal co-author also discussed Trump ’ s push to reopen the economy , arguing that the president has been calling for a reopening because he believes that would help him defeat Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee .
Schwartz said that Trump does not care about the health and well-being of those affected by the coronavirus , but “ he cares about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to vote for him would rather resume normal activity and get back to work than have their states stay under lockdown .
The public seems to be relatively happy with how Trump has handled the coronavirus pandemic .
According to a Gallup poll released on Friday , Trump ’ s approval rating is 49 percent .
In comparison , Congress ’ job approval rating is 31 percent .


inquisitr--2020-05-15--Hillary Clinton Says Armed Protests Against Stay-At-Home Orders In Michigan Are ‘Domestic Terrorism’

Hillary Clinton is taking aim at the armed protesters who gathered at the Michigan state capitol to demonstrate against the state ’ s stay-at-home orders are “ domestic terrorists.
” The former secretary of state took to Twitter to share a Newsweek story about the state being forced to close its capitol building and canceled legislative session after Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer faced death threats online .
Clinton had harsh words for the individuals who came to the capitol building for planned protests against Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home order — the latest in a series of demonstrations against the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storming a legislature to disrupt its democratic proceedings is domestic terrorism .
It can not be tolerated , ” Clinton wrote .
The tweet attracted some viral interest , but also pushback among some defenders of President Donald Trump , whom critics have accused of encouraging the protests with previous tweets to “ liberate ” a series of states with Democratic governors .
“ It is not domestic terrorism , Hillary , ” tweeted former Republican congressional candidate DeAnna Lorraine , who had gained attention for a past tweet calling for the firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci that was retweeted by Trump .
As The Hill noted , many of those who showed up to this week ’ s protest were armed with rifles , and one demonstrator was seen carrying an American flag with a doll hanging from a noose .
The protests have disrupted the Michigan state capitol in the past .
As The Inquisitr reported , some lawmakers donned bulletproof vests amid another April demonstration called “ American Patriot Rally ” that also featured a number of armed protesters .
Others described a frightening scene , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the protesters boiled over into shouting .
Michigan Sen. Dayna Polehanki took to Twitter to recount how some lawmakers were frightened at the scene unfolding around them .
“ Directly above me , men with rifles yelling at us .
Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof [ sic ] vests are wearing them .
I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today , ” she wrote .
Recent protests have targeted a number of states , calling on leadership to lift restrictions put in place to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start going back to work .
Many of these have taken a partisan tilt , with participants often carrying signs supporting Trump and taking aim at his political opponents .


inquisitr--2020-05-17--Republicans Reportedly Want To Weaponize Michael Flynn Case Against Joe Biden

Republicans have embarked on an effort to weaponize the Michael Flynn case against former Vice President Joe Biden , The Hill reported on Saturday .
Biden is now being investigated for his role in the Flynn case by two Senate committees — the Homeland Security panel and the Judiciary Committee — as the GOP probes his role in the “ unmasking ” of Flynn .
According to the National Security Agency , 39 former Obama administration officials — including Biden — requested to know the identity of an American who held conversations with Sergey Kislyak , Russia ’ s former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly believe the investigations will damage Biden and help President Donald Trump win the 2020 presidential election .
The GOP-launched investigation of Hillary Clinton is thought to have harmed her chances of winning the election , and Republicans apparently want to repeat the same strategy in 2020 .
“ You ’ re starting to see a pattern that the Trump campaign would like to make , and that is Biden is a fraud and a hypocrite who is not up to the task of being president , ” Republican strategist Ford O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies have long claimed that former President Barack Obama and other Democrats were seeking to undermine his presidency even before he took office .
Trump has repeatedly referred to the scandal as “ Obamagate , ” going as far as to urge South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham to call on Obama to testify before the United States Congress .
Graham has said that he has no plans to summon the former president to testify , but some Republicans believe that the alleged scandal will pose an issue for Biden moving forward .
Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn case is “ something that probably dogs Biden and his campaign for a while.
” “ I think the optics of it are pretty bad for Biden and for the Obama administration , ” he said .
According to The Hill , Republicans fear that they could lose the Senate majority as well , which seems as an additional reason for them to try and weaponize the Flynn case against the Democratic Party .
Democrats need only four seats to flip the Senate .
According to reports , GOP insiders are alarmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ standing in their states .
In a statement , Biden ’ s spokesman Andrew Bates dismissed the investigations as an attempt to distract the public from Trump ’ s bungling of the response to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Donald Trump ’ s attempt at dishonest media manipulation to distract from his response to the worst public health crisis in 100 years has backfired , ” he said .

Republicans have embarked on an effort to weaponize the Michael Flynn case against former Vice President Joe Biden, The Hill reported on Saturday.
Biden is now being investigated for his role in the Flynn case by two Senate committees, the Homeland Security panel and the Judiciary Committee, as the GOP probes his role in the “unmasking” of Flynn. According to the National Security Agency, 39 former Obama administration officials — including Biden — requested to know the identity of an American who held conversations with Sergey Kislyak, Russia’s former Ambassador to the U.S.
Republicans reportedly believe the investigations will damage Biden and help President Donald Trump win the 2020 presidential election. The GOP-launched investigation of Hillary Clinton is thought to have harmed her chances of winning the election, and Republicans apparently want to repeat the same strategy in 2020.
“You’re starting to see a pattern that the Trump campaign would like to make, and that is Biden is a fraud and a hypocrite who is not up to the task of being president,” Republican strategist Ford O’Connell explained.
Trump and his GOP allies have long claimed that former President Barack Obama and other Democrats were seeking to undermine his presidency even before he took office. Trump has repeatedly referred to the scandal as “Obamagate,” going as far as to urge South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham to call on Obama to testify before Congress.
Graham has said that he has no plans to summon the former president to testify, but some Republicans believe that the alleged scandal will pose an issue for Biden moving forward. Senate Republican Whip John Thune said that the Flynn case is “something that probably dogs Biden and his campaign for a while.”
“I think the optics of it are pretty bad for Biden and for the Obama administration,” he said.
According to The Hill, Republicans fear that they could lose the Senate majority as well, which seems as an additional reason for them to try and weaponize the Flynn case against the Democratic Party.
Democrats need only four seats to flip the Senate. According to reports, GOP insiders are alarmed about Sens. Susan Collins and Thom Tillis’ standing in their states.
In a statement, Biden spokesman Andrew Bates dismissed the investigations as an attempt to distract the public from Trump’s bungling of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Donald Trump’s attempt at dishonest media manipulation to distract from his response to the worst public health crisis in 100 years has backfired,” he said.


inquisitr--2020-05-17--Donald Trump’s Administration Accused Of Seizing 50,000 N95 Respirators Intended For Medical Workers

In a Saturday op-ed for USA Today , Bob Bland , the founder of Masks for America , accused Donald Trump ‘ s administration of diverting personal protective equipment ( PPE ) shipments that were intended for medical workers at risk of contracting coronavirus .
According to Bland , the Trump administration seized shipments that Masks for America was delivering to frontline workers in hard-hit areas of America like New York City , Detroit , and Washington D.C .
In particular , Bland says the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) seized 50,000 N95 respirators that the group ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to why or where they were going .
Such seizures allegedly took place in at least six states , including New York , New Jersey , and San Francisco .
As Bland noted , the seizures run in contrast to the Trump administration ’ s decision to pressure states and cities to secure their own PPE instead of relying on the federal government .
Although Bland noted that the seizures are not illegal thanks to the Defense Production Act , she highlighted what she perceived as a concerning lack of transparency in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE and medical supplies isn ’ t just a failure of leadership in our government but also an unsustainable supply chain issue that has been bubbling just under the surface for years , ” she wrote , referring to America ’ s reliance on China for the majority of its PPE .
Bland ended her piece by calling on Congress to wrest PPE supply lines from China , who received medical supplies from the U.S. back in February , and return manufacturing to the United States .
“ Otherwise , we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat the deadly missteps of this pandemic , ” she concluded .
A Vanity Fair report from earlier this month echoed Bland ’ s experiences and highlighted other alleged instances of the federal government seizing PPE .
According to the report , FEMA has denied involvement in such seizures — a narrative that conflicts with stories from a number of hospital workers .
Bland ’ s report comes as frontline workers continue to raise the alarm about the lack of PPE .
As reported by CBS News , Sophia Thomas , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , earlier this month told Trump that many nurses are reusing their PPE due to a “ sporadic ” supply .
In response , Trump suggested that Thomas ’ complaint was not universal to nurses around the country .
“ Sporadic for you , but not sporadic for a lot of other people , ” he said .


inquisitr--2020-05-17--Donald Trump Jr. Doubles Down On ‘Pedophile’ Charge Against Joe Biden

Hours after “ joking ” about former Vice President Joe Biden being a pedophile , Donald Trump Jr. doubled down on his insinuations , Raw Story reported .
On Saturday , responding to The New York Times — which first reported on the story — President Donald Trump ‘ s eldest son tweeted a video compilation of Biden showing affection to children .
“ All the touching & hair sniffing is TOTALLY APPROPRIATE & 100 % NORMAL .
Everyone does it !
, ” he wrote .
Earlier in the day , Trump Jr. posted an image of Biden saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” accompanied with a picture of an alligator responding , “ In a while , pedophile.
” Journalists were quick to take note of the post , and Trump responded that he was only “ joking around ” when he posted the pictures .
The videos Trump Jr. posted a few hours later show Biden touching , kissing , and hugging children during swearing-in ceremonies at the Capitol .
As Raw Story noted , accusations that the former vice president abuses children are part of the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign ’ s broader strategy .
In recent weeks , Trump and his allies have intensified their attacks on Biden , going as far as to run advertisement campaigns that insinuate Biden is experiencing cognitive decline .
The attacks come amid the coronavirus pandemic and as polls show Biden with an advantage in key battleground states .
In a statement , Biden ’ s spokesman Andrew Bates suggested that the onslaught of attacks is an attempt to distract the public from the fact that Trump has bungled the response to the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactic will change the subject from how almost 90,000 Americans have paid for Donald Trump ’ s coronavirus negligence with their lives and how the booming economy he inherited from the Obama-Biden Administration is now suffering from depression-level job losses , ” Bates told the NYT .
Trump Jr. , a prominent surrogate of the president ’ s 2020 campaign , has spent months spreading similar insinuations about Biden , frequently describing the Democrat as “ creepy.
” The president ’ s eldest son has also questioned Biden ’ s cognitive health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump off the campaign trail , but the president ’ s team has invested in advertisements attacking the Democrat over his mental health , and over his record on China .
Some Democratic insiders reportedly fear that Biden is letting Trump define him in the eyes of the electorate .
Longtime adviser and spokesman to Hillary Clinton Philippe Reines , former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party Basil Smikle , and Democratic strategist Brad Bannon have all argued that Biden needs a change of strategy if he wants to @ @ @ @ @


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Chuck Grassley Says Donald Trump’s Rationale For Firing State Department IG ‘Not Sufficient’

Sen. Chuck Grassley became the first Republican lawmaker to address Donald Trump ‘ s firing of a State Department Inspector General on Saturday .
Grassley issued an official statement that Politico reporter Andrew Desiderio posted on Twitter , calling the rationale for the firing of Steve Linick “ not sufficient.
” “ Here again , ” the statement began , “ inspectors general are crucial in correcting the accountability that the American People deserve .
Mr. Linick led the State Dept .
IG ’ s office after the position had been intentionally left vacant for the first four years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement then went on to allege Linick failed to fully evaluate the role the State Department took in advancing the “ debunked ” Russian collusion investigation .
The Republican then went on to say even if Linick did not do enough to show the investigation was debunked , it didn ’ t give the Trump administration enough reason to fire him .
Grassley ’ s statement closed by saying “ a general lack of confidence simply is not sufficient detail to satisfy congress.
” The statement added this wasn ’ t the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a written explanation to Congress for firings of this type .
Desiderio also tweeted out Grassley has still not received any explanation or response to a similar statement the Senator made when the president fired a different Inspector General last month .
The Iowa senator led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter to Trump last month , asking for a detailed explanation as to why the president fired Intel IG Michael Atkinson .
Desiderio reported that letter was sent April 13 – over a month ago – and appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As The Inquisitr reported earlier on Saturday , Trump fired Linick shortly after the State Dept .
IG opened an investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
The report further states Pompeo signed off on the firing .
Grassley ’ s statement comes just hours after the congressional Democrats demanded president Trump turn over all documents in regards to Linick ’ s firings .
They also said that if Pompeo had a hand in the decision to fire the IG , it could be seen as an illegal act of retaliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez both sent letters to the White House announcing an official investigation into why Linick was fired , according to Matthew Lee of the Associated Press via the Minnesota Star Tribune .
Grassley has not called for an official investigation .
The statement issued on Saturday did not ask for a response from Trump or Pompeo .
It ’ s not clear if the Republican Senator might take further steps to get answers on either IG firing .

Sen. Chuck Grassley became the first Republican lawmaker to address Donald Trump‘s firing of a State Department Inspector General on Saturday. Grassley issued an official statement that Politico reporter Andrew Desiderio posted on Twitter, calling the rationale for firing Steve Linick “not sufficient.”
“Here again,” the statement began, “inspectors general are crucial in correcting the accountability that the American People deserve. Mr. Linick led the State Dept. IG’s office after the position had been intentionally left vacant for the first four years of the Obama administration.”
Grassley’s statement then went on to allege Linick failed to fully evaluate the role the State Department took in advancing the “debunked” Russian collusion investigation. The Republican then went on to say even if Linick did not do enough to show the investigation was debunked, it didn’t give the Trump administration enough reason to fire him.
Grassley’s statement closed by saying “a general lack of confidence simply is not sufficient detail to satisfy congress.”
The statement added that this wasn’t the first time Grassley has told Trump of the need for a written explanation to Congress for firings of this type. Desiderio also tweeted out that Grassley has still not received any explanation or response to a similar statement the senator made when the president fired a different inspector general last month.
The Iowa senator led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter to Trump last month, asking for a detailed explanation as to why the president fired Inspector General Michael Atkinson. Desiderio reported that the letter was sent on April 13, over a month ago, and appears to have been ignored by the White House.
As The Inquisitr reported earlier on Saturday, Trump fired Linick shortly after the State Department opened an investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The report further states Pompeo signed off on the firing.
Grassley’s statement comes just hours after congressional Democrats demanded President Trump turn over all documents in regards to Linick’s firings. They also said that if Pompeo had a hand in the decision to fire the inspector general, it could be seen as an illegal act of retaliation.
New York Rep. Eliot Engel and New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez both sent letters to the White House announcing an official investigation into why Linick was fired, according the Minnesota Star Tribune. Grassley has not called for an official investigation. The statement issued on Saturday did not ask for a response from Trump or Pompeo. It’s not clear if the Republican senator might take further steps to get answers on either firing.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Roger Waters Says Mike Pence And Mike Pompeo ‘Will Kill Every Living Thing On This Planet’

Pink Floyd ’ s Roger Waters , who has been outspoken about his criticism of Donald Trump ‘ s administration , recently took aim at Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
As reported by Breitbart , Waters addressed the pair in a podcast with documentary filmmaker Michael Moore that was released on Friday .
“ There ’ s no heroes and villains , really , in any of this , ” Waters began .
“ You get to the real villains .
Mike Pompeo , Mike Pence .
Yeah .
Those are real villains , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all if they get a chance .
They will kill every living thing on this planet .
They will have a nuclear war with Russia or China if they get the chance.
” Waters ’ sentiments were echoed by Adam Weinstein in a piece for The New Republic , in which the writer argued that Pompeo is the most dangerous person in the world .
Weinstein pointed to Pompeo ’ s alleged role in leading Trump into “ war footing ” with Iran and the purported lies that he used to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Inquisitr previously reported , CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel accused Pompeo of being the person responsible for the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
Pompeo allegedly wanted the general dead for over a decade and made it a goal to achieve before he retires from public service .
Outside of the Trump administration , Waters , who is from England , used his talk with Moore to praise socialism and suggested that he has mixed feelings about the United States as a whole .
Nevertheless , Waters called it “ shocking ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ subverted ” by propaganda .
As reported by Rolling Stone in February , Waters previously delved into his thoughts on the Trump administration at a New York screening of his concert film , Us + Them .
In particular , he called Trump a “ tyrant ” and “ mass destroyer ” and called America a “ fool ’ s hell.
” According to Waters , the most significant battle in the world is the one between propaganda and love .
Echoing his recent interview with Moore , Waters claimed that propaganda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing such information are “ sociopathic f*ckers.
” Despite his hatred of Trump and his allies , Waters is no fan of presumptive Democratic nominee , Joe Biden , either .
In an April interview with Rolling Stone , Waters suggested Biden would lose to the president in November .

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, who has been outspoken about his criticism of Donald Trump‘s administration, recently took aim at Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. As reported by Breitbart, Waters addressed the pair in a podcast with documentary filmmaker Michael Moore that was released on Friday.
“There’s no heroes and villains, really, in any of this,” Waters began.
“You get to the real villains. Mike Pompeo, Mike Pence. Yeah. Those are real villains, because they’re going to kill us all if they get a chance. They will kill every living thing on this planet. They will have a nuclear war with Russia or China if they get the chance.”
Waters’ sentiments were echoed by Adam Weinstein in a piece for The New Republic, in which the writer argued that Pompeo is the most dangerous person in the world. Weinstein pointed to Pompeo’s alleged role in leading Trump into “war footing” with Iran and the purported lies that he used to push America into a precarious position.
As The Inquisitr previously reported, CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel accused Pompeo of being the person responsible for the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Pompeo allegedly wanted the general dead for more than a decade and made it a goal to achieve before he retires from public service.
Outside of the Trump administration, Waters, who is from England, used his talk with Moore to praise socialism and suggested that he has mixed feelings about the United States as a whole.
“I have this real love-hate relationship with this great country and it is a great country. And I love the people. At heart, the American people are such good people.”
Nevertheless, Waters called it “shocking” that Americans have let their goodwill be “subverted” by propaganda.
Roger Waters put Trump and Tillerson in his concert video for "Money." Less thematically obvious to me why Sessions has a cameo too. pic.twitter.com/BNSr8dg9PJ — Charlie Savage (@charlie_savage) August 6, 2017
As reported by Rolling Stone in February, Waters previously delved into his thoughts on the Trump administration at a New York screening of his concert film, Us + Them. In particular, he called Trump a “tyrant” and “mass destroyer” and called America a “fool’s hell.” According to Waters, the most significant battle in the world is the one between propaganda and love. Echoing his recent interview with Moore, Waters claimed that propaganda is currently winning, and the people pushing such information are “sociopathic f*ckers.”
Despite his hatred of Trump and his allies, Waters is no fan of presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, either. In an April interview with Rolling Stone, Waters suggested Biden would lose to the president in November.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Former Hillary Clinton Adviser Warns Joe Biden’s 2020 Strategy May Not Work

In an interview with The Hill published on Saturday , longtime adviser and spokesman to Hillary Clinton Philippe Reines discussed former Vice President Joe Biden ‘ s strategy for the 2020 presidential election .
Reines warned that Biden can not rely on name recognition and high approval ratings to beat President Donald Trump in November .
The coronavirus pandemic has made traditional campaigning impossible , but Trump ’ s team has launched a number of controversial attacks on Biden .
The president ’ s campaign has gone as far as to run advertisements alleging that the Democrat is experiencing cognitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also alleged that Biden is close to the Chinese government , and that he — along with former President Barack Obama — attempted to undermine Trump as soon as he took office .
According to Reines , Biden can not let Trump define him .
“ There will be two names on the ballot .
SARS-CoV-2 isn ’ t one of them .
Donald Trump won ’ t lose in a vacuum , ” he said .
The former Clinton adviser argued that the Biden campaign should not view the 2020 presidential election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , the former vice president needs to fight against Trump ’ s attacks .
Reines stated that Biden has to aggressively “ fight every attempt by the right to reintroduce him as someone he ’ s not.
” Reines stressed that Biden needs to find a way to push back against Trump ’ s accusations and insinuations .
“ You have to hold serve .
If you can , it ’ s game , set , match .
If you can ’ t , it ’ s Gore , Kerry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some Democratic appear to share Reines ’ concerns .
They are reportedly worried that Biden could win the popular vote , but lose the electoral college .
Democratic strategist Brad Bannon argued that Biden is making the same mistakes Clinton made in 2016 .
Namely , he appears to be letting Trump define the conversation .
Furthermore , according to Basil Smikle , former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party , the former vice president needs to assert control over the narrative and go on the offensive .
A Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concerns , claiming that Trump ’ s attacks have not not been successful .
In recent weeks , Trump ’ s onslaught against Biden has only intensified .
On Saturday , the president tweeted that Biden is “ not even a factor ” in the 2020 election , arguing that he is not actually running against Biden , but against the media .

In an interview with The Hill published on Saturday, longtime adviser and spokesman to Hillary Clinton Philippe Reines discussed former Vice President Joe Biden‘s strategy for the 2020 presidential election.
Reines warned that Biden cannot rely on name recognition and high approval ratings to beat President Donald Trump in November.
“Hard to think of a president who won after letting their opponent do all the talking. Yes, he was vice president. Yes, his approval numbers are high. No, you can’t glide to November on that alone.”
The coronavirus pandemic has made traditional campaigning impossible, but Trump’s team has launched a number of controversial attacks on Biden. The president’s campaign has gone as far as to run advertisements alleging that the Democrat is experiencing cognitive decline.
Trump and his allies have also alleged that Biden is close to the Chinese government and that he — along with former President Barack Obama — attempted to undermine Trump as soon as he took office. According to Reines, Biden cannot let Trump define him.
“There will be two names on the ballot. SARS-CoV-2 isn’t one of them. Donald Trump won’t lose in a vacuum,” he said.
The former Clinton adviser argued that the Biden campaign should not view the 2020 presidential election as a referendum on Trump. Instead, he said, the former vice president needs to fight against Trump’s attacks. Reines stated that Biden has to aggressively “fight every attempt by the right to reintroduce him as someone he’s not.”
Reines stressed that Biden needs to find a way to push back against Trump’s accusations and insinuations. “You have to hold serve. If you can, it’s game, set, match. If you can’t, it’s Gore, Kerry, Clinton,” he said.
Some Democratic appear to share Reines’ concerns. They are reportedly worried that Biden could win the popular vote, but lose the electoral college.
Democratic strategist Brad Bannon argued that Biden is making the same mistakes Clinton made in 2016. Namely, he appears to be letting Trump define the conversation. Furthermore, according to Basil Smikle, the former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party, the former vice president needs to assert control over the narrative and go on the offensive.
A Biden ally who spoke to The Hill dismissed the concerns, claiming that Trump’s attacks have not been successful.
In recent weeks, Trump’s onslaught against Biden has only intensified. On Saturday, the president tweeted that Biden is “not even a factor” in the 2020 election, arguing that he is not actually running against Biden, but against the media.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Republican Lawmaker From Alaska Compares Coronavirus Screening At State Capitol To Nazi Germany

Alaskan State Representative Ben Carpenter compared the coronavirus screening measures required by the state Capitol building for all returning lawmakers to Nazi Germany , Anchorage Daily News reported on Friday .
When Alaskan lawmakers return to the state capitol building on Monday , they will be required to wear stickers that indicate they have been screened for coronavirus and do not have symptoms .
Carpenter expressed his displeasure at being required to wear a sticker in an email to 40 of his fellow legislators .
“ How about an armband that won ’ t fall off like a sticker will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If my sticker falls off , do I get a new one , or do I get public shaming too ?
Are the stickers available as a yellow Star of David ?
” Carpenter ’ s comments were immediately criticized by some of his colleagues , according to Anchorage Daily News .
Two members of the Alaskan House , who are both Jewish , emailed Carpenter back , condemning his remarks .
Rep. Grier Hopkins , a Democrat in the House called his comments “ disgusting ” and asked Carpenter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rep. Andy Josephson , another House Democrat , compared the stickers to needing a boarding pass to get through security at the airport and made it clear that it was nothing like being singled out to be “ shipped to a concentration camp.
” However , not all of Carpenter ’ s colleagues disagreed with him , per Anchorage Daily News .
Another Republican legislator , Sarah Vance , said that lawmakers should not be “ labeled as non compliant ” for not wanting to wear the sticker proving they ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sticker a “ badge of compliance.
” In a phone interview with Anchorage Daily News , Carpenter said that it was not his intention to upset people .
He insisted that he does not have any issues with the Jewish faith or Jewish people .
Carpenter emphasized that his comments were meant to illustrate what he believes in an overreaction to the coronavirus pandemic by Alaskan officials .
He pointed out that only ten people have died from COVID-19 in Alaska , which is much lower than their annual death rate from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News that he believes Alaska is no longer in danger from the coronavirus pandemic .
He went on to say that he believes Alaska is in more danger from the shutdown of the economy than the virus .
Carpenter admitted that some people may get sick and die if they reopen the economy , but that “ but our way of life will continue.
” The state representative stressed that because of the restrictions the state is putting on people “ our way of life is in jeopardy.
” According to Anchorage Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the precedent being set by forcing people to comply with screening measures .
He pondered whether “ COVID-19 patients will be rounded up and taken somewhere , ” again alluding to Nazi Germany .
Carpenter pointed out that Nazi Germany didn ’ t start with concentration camps , it started with fear .
Rep. Vance clarified that she agreed with Carpenter that Alaskan officials were overreacting to the pandemic , but said that she would not respond to his comparisons to Nazi Germany .
State House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt later told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s comments were not appropriate and that “ he should apologize .
”


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Donald Trump Jr. Suggests Joe Biden Is A Pedophile In ‘Joking’ Instagram Post

Donald Trump Jr. , who previously joked that Hillary Clinton poisoned Jeffrey Epstein , is now taking aim at presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
As reported by Jonathan Martin in The New York Times , Trump Jr. posted an Instagram picture on Saturday that appears to accuse Biden of being a pedophile .
Not long after , Trump Jr. said on Twitter that he was just “ joking around ” — a tactic that Martin said is often used by Donald Trump .
“ Yet in the same Twitter post , he also reprised his original insinuation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former vice president of ‘ unwanted touching ’ alongside a collage of photographs of Mr. Biden showing affection for children.
” According to Martin , the “ misleading images ” are from public swearing-in ceremonies at the Capitol — images that are often used as evidence of Biden ’ s habit of touching women inappropriately .
While Biden has faced accusations of inappropriate behavior and faces a sexual assault allegation from Tara Reade , he has never been accused of misconduct with a child .
The recent accusation , Martin says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of November , when he will — if nominated by the Democratic Party — take on Trump .
Trump Jr. previously admitted that Trump sometimes calls him and tells him his attacks are “ too aggressive , ” which he believes stems from jealousy .
“ He just wanted the material , ” Trump Jr. said .
“ He was mad I beat him to the punch.
” Trump Jr. is no stranger to controversial attacks .
In April , Trump Jr. suggested that Clinton was responsible for the death of Epstein , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in January , he fantasized about Clinton ‘ s imprisonment on Instagram .
As reported by Business Insider , Biden has been accused by eight women of touching them inappropriately or violating their personal space .
He has also faced criticism for his comments toward women on the campaign trail , as well as for his refusal to apologize for his controversial pattern of behavior .
Sofie Karasek , a then-22-year-old sexual assault survivor who appeared at the 2016 Academy Awards , notably said Biden violated her personal space .
Although Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he didn ’ t explicitly apologize and did not acknowledge that all interactions are a “ two-way street .
”


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Barack Obama Takes Veiled Jab At Donald Trump During Commencement Address

Former President Barack Obama spoke at a virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday afternoon that addressed graduates of 74 historically black colleges and universities across America , The Washington Post reported .
At one point , Obama took the opportunity to take a veiled jab at Donald Trump and his administration ’ s leadership amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ You ’ re being asked to find your way in the world in the middle of a devastating pandemic and terrible recession , ” Obama said of the crisis and the resulting economic damage it has wreaked on the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideal , ” he added .
Obama continued to note that diseases such as COVID-19 highlight the “ underlying inequalities and extra burdens ” historically experienced by black communities in the country .
He pointed to the reportedly disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on communities of color and referenced the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery before turning his attention to Trump and his administration .
Obama claimed that the graduates are part of a generation that realizes that the “ status quo ” is in need of repair and understands that the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer effective .
He promoted a message of unity and empathy for others — things he suggested are vital to American society and democracy .
As reported by CNBC , Obama ’ s veiled attack on Trump comes after reports of a private phone call in which he allegedly called the president ’ s response to the coronavirus an “ absolute chaotic disaster.
” Conversely , Trump has blamed the Obama administration for various parts of the current pandemic response , including a lack of tests and the absence of a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a set of circumstances , and we were given rules , regulations and specifications from a different time , ” Trump said of his administration ’ s response after shirking responsibility for its purported failures .
The former president ’ s comments come after facing a series of attacks from Trump over the past week .
As The Inquisitr reported , some pundits believe that Trump ’ s fixation on Obama stems from the discrepancy in the respect each of them receives .
As noted by Matthew Miller , the former director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department , Obama often receives praise for his leadership from Americans and others around the world — something Miller believes gets under Trump ’ s skin .

Former President Barack Obama spoke at a virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday afternoon that addressed graduates of 74 historically black colleges and universities across America, The Washington Post reported. At one point, Obama took the opportunity to take a veiled jab at Donald Trump and his administration’s leadership amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“You’re being asked to find your way in the world in the middle of a devastating pandemic and terrible recession,” Obama said of the crisis and the resulting economic damage it has wreaked on the United States economy. “The timing is not ideal,” he added.
Obama continued to note that diseases such as COVID-19 highlight the “underlying inequalities and extra burdens” historically experienced by black communities in the country. He pointed to the reportedly disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on communities of color and referenced the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery before turning his attention to Trump and his administration.
“More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge. “
Obama claimed that the graduates are part of a generation that realizes that the “status quo” is in need of repair and understands that the “old ways of doing things” are no longer effective. He promoted a message of unity and empathy for others — things he suggested are vital to American society and democracy.
Thank you @BarackObama for your support for HBCUs—and for believing in the Class of 2020 as they set out to change the world. #ShowMeYourWalk pic.twitter.com/dqgqvbmksS — UNCF (@UNCF) May 16, 2020
As reported by CNBC, Obama’s veiled attack on Trump comes after reports of a private phone call in which he allegedly called the president’s response to the coronavirus an “absolute chaotic disaster.” Conversely, Trump has blamed the Obama administration for various parts of the current pandemic response, including a lack of tests and the absence of a vaccine.
“Because we were given a — a set of circumstances, and we were given rules, regulations and specifications from a different time,” Trump said of his administration’s response after shirking responsibility for its purported failures.
The former president’s comments come after facing a series of attacks from Trump over the past week. As The Inquisitr reported, some pundits believe that Trump’s fixation on Obama stems from the discrepancy in the respect each of them receives. As noted by Matthew Miller, the former director of the office of public affairs at the Justice Department, Obama often receives praise for his leadership from Americans and others around the world — something Miller believes gets under Trump’s skin.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--New Report Details ‘Growing Sense Of Mistrust And Animosity’ Between White House And CDC

Tensions are brewing between President Donald Trump ’ s White House and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , according to a CNN report published on Saturday .
According to the report , there is a “ growing sense of mistrust and animosity ” between White House and CDC officials over how the United States should reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force Dr. Deborah Birx is reportedly in the epicenter of the alleged conflict .
Two senior administration officials told CNN that Birx has “ become increasingly critical ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health agency , butting heads with its director Robert Redfield .
The two have known each other for decades and Birx has publicly defended her colleague against criticism , but she is “ more than frustrated ” with how the agency is handling the COVID-19 outbreak .
Earlier this week , the CDC released new guidelines to help businesses and schools decide whether they are ready to reopen .
The release of the brief , six-page document is reportedly seen as a sign that Birx is an influential voice in the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has had disagreements with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci , but not with Birx .
Birx has reportedly become increasingly frustrated with the CDC ’ s data collection system .
She has allegedly argued that the agency is not able to track COVID-19 cases and deaths in real-time .
CDC officials who spoke to CNN confirmed that there are indeed issues with the system .
According to one official , the delay is “ part of the problem , we don ’ t know how far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there definitely is a lag.
” The Washington Post was the first to report on the alleged tensions between Birx and the CDC .
The publication ’ s sources said that Birx and other White House officials believe the CDC ’ s data is unreliable .
During a recent meeting with Redfield , Birx reportedly said that “ there is nothing from the CDC that I can trust.
” Trump has long insisted that the economy needs to reopen as soon as possible .
During a press conference on Friday , the commander-in-chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a way to “ fight through ” the coronavirus pandemic , whether a vaccine is developed or not .


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Lindsey Graham Says Senate Will Confirm Supreme Court Justice This Year If There’s A Vacancy

Lindsey Graham said the Republican-led Senate would work to confirm a Supreme Court nominee this year should a vacancy arise .
The senator from South Carolina reportedly added that the situation is different from the Merrick Garland issue that occurred during President Barack Obama ’ s final year in office , according to The Hill .
Republicans blocked Garland from confirmation in 2016 , specifically pointing to it being an election year as the reason .
This time around , Graham said the situation is different because it ’ s a Republican president and a Republican majority in the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one party nominating , and you had the Senate in the hands of the other party .
A situation where you ’ ve got them both would be different .
I don ’ t want to speculate , but I think appointing judges is a high priority for me in 2020 , ” Graham said in an interview on Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren set to air on Sunday .
Graham added there had not been an instance where a Supreme Court justice was confirmed in a divided government in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is slightly different from the ones Republicans were making in 2016 .
That year , Graham and others argued the incoming president should be allowed to chose the nominee .
Republicans added their argument would be the same whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton won the 2016 presidential election .
Judicial nominations have been a hot-button issue between Democrats and Republicans for years , according to Raw Story .
In recent weeks , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made it clear he wanted to ram through several judicial nominees .
Politico recently reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear he wanted to fill a Supreme Court seat in 2020 if one becomes open .
He made those comments knowing there are some political analysts who believe the Democrats could win a majority of seats in November ’ s election .
“ If you thought the Kavanaugh hearing was contentious this would probably be that on steroids , ” said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas .
“ Nevertheless , if the president makes a nomination then it ’ s our responsibility to take it up.
” John Barrasso , a Republican from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt the Senate would work to fill any vacancy .
“ With Justice Scalia… people might not have thought he was the one because he wasn ’ t the oldest at the time .
You just never know.
” Graham ’ s comments about filling a Supreme Court seat in 2020 is a reversal from just two years ago .
In 2018 , the South Carolina senator said if an opening came up in an election year , he ’ d advocate for waiting until the following year .

Lindsey Graham said the Republican-led Senate would work to confirm a Supreme Court nominee this year should a vacancy arise. The senator from South Carolina reportedly added that the situation is different from the Merrick Garland issue that occurred during President Barack Obama’s final year in office, according to The Hill.
Republicans blocked Garland from confirmation in 2016, specifically pointing to it being an election year as the reason. This time around, Graham said the situation is different because it’s a Republican president and a Republican majority in the Senate.
“You had the president of one party nominating, and you had the Senate in the hands of the other party. A situation where you’ve got them both would be different. I don’t want to speculate, but I think appointing judges is a high priority for me in 2020,” Graham said in an interview on Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren set to air on Sunday.
Graham added there had not been an instance where a Supreme Court justice was confirmed in a divided government in the country’s history. The argument is slightly different from the ones Republicans were making in 2016. That year, Graham and others argued the incoming president should be allowed to chose the nominee.
Republicans added their argument would be the same whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton won the 2016 presidential election.
Judicial nominations have been a hot-button issue between Democrats and Republicans for years, according to Raw Story. In recent weeks, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made it clear he wanted to ram through several judicial nominees.
Politico recently reported that McConnell and other Republicans also made it clear he wanted to fill a Supreme Court seat in 2020 if one becomes open. He made those comments knowing there are some political analysts who believe the Democrats could win a majority of seats in November’s election.
“If you thought the Kavanaugh hearing was contentious this would probably be that on steroids,” said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. “Nevertheless, if the president makes a nomination then it’s our responsibility to take it up.”
John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, told the site he had no doubt the Senate would work to fill any vacancy.
“With Justice Scalia… people might not have thought he was the one because he wasn’t the oldest at the time. You just never know.”
Graham’s comments about filling a Supreme Court seat in 2020 is a reversal from just two years ago. In 2018, the South Carolina senator said if an opening came up in an election year, he’d advocate for waiting until the following year.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Former George W. Bush Press Secretary Blasts Joe Biden

In an interview with Fox News broadcast on Friday night , former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer weighed in on former Vice President Joe Biden ‘ s presidential campaign .
Fleischer discussed Biden ’ s most recent “ gaffes , ” apparently suggesting that the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee may be experiencing cognitive decline “ The real question is , is something going on that ’ s getting worse ?
And this is where I do regret the fact that all the candidates are stuck at home , ” Fleischer said , adding that voters should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well Biden performs under stress .
“ Lots of people get mixed up on words , get statistics or numbers wrong .
It does happen , ” Fleischer , who served in former President George W. Bush ‘ s White House , said .
Biden made what is being described as a gaffe earlier this week .
The former vice president seemed to fumble his figures when discussing the number of COVID-19 cases and unemployment numbers in the U.S. , saying that 85,000 Americans are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also tried to cast doubt on Biden ’ s mental fitness .
Trump ’ s campaign manager , Brad Parscale , has publicly suggested that Biden is experiencing cognitive decline and the president has made a number of similar remarks .
The Trump campaign is reportedly split on this issue , with some advisers calling for a more cautious approach , and others urging the president to ramp up the attacks .
But , according to Fleischer , the main problem with Biden is that he is “ running to the far-left.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out that Biden put New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez — a self-described democratic socialist — on his campaign ’ s climate change committee .
Fleischer said that Ocasio-Cortez ’ s appointment is a “ terrible signal ” and “ an indication ” that Biden is moving left .
The former Bush official concluded that Biden is caving to pressure from the Democratic Party ’ s left flank .
According to Fleischer , Biden has “ walked away ” from his moderate record .
Left-leaning lawmakers and activists have criticized Biden for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hill reported , Jeff Weaver , a top adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign , recently released a memo warning the Democratic Party about the lack of enthusiasm for Biden ’ s candidacy .
Weaver stated that the former vice president faces a “ clear and dangerous trend ” that could lead to Trump ’ s victory .
The operative said that Biden is struggling with young and working class voters , arguing that he needs to expand his coalition to win .

In an interview with Fox News broadcast on Friday night, former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer weighed in on former Vice President Joe Biden‘s presidential campaign.
Fleischer discussed Biden’s most recent “gaffes,” apparently suggesting that the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee may be experiencing cognitive decline
“The real question is, is something going on that’s getting worse? And this is where I do regret the fact that all the candidates are stuck at home,” Fleischer said, adding that voters should be given the opportunity to see how well Biden performs under stress.
“It is only right and proper for the American people to see these people in the thick of a campaign where their mettle is tested. Let’s see what Joe Biden’s got. Let’s see if this is just minor things.”
“Lots of people get mixed up on words, get statistics or numbers wrong. It does happen,” Fleischer, who served in former President George W. Bush‘s White House, said.
Biden made what is being described as a gaffe earlier this week. The former vice president seemed to fumble his figures when discussing the number of COVID-19 cases and unemployment numbers in the U.S., saying that 85,000 Americans are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic.
President Donald Trump and his allies have also tried to cast doubt on Biden’s mental fitness. Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, has publicly suggested that Biden is experiencing cognitive decline and the president has made a number of similar remarks. The Trump campaign is reportedly split on this issue, with some advisers calling for a more cautious approach, and others urging the president to ramp up the attacks.
But, according to Fleischer, the main problem with Biden is that he is “running to the far-left.” The former White House press secretary pointed out that Biden put New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez — a self-described democratic socialist — on his campaign’s climate change committee.
Fleischer said that Ocasio-Cortez’s appointment is a “terrible signal” and “an indication” that Biden is moving left. The former Bush official concluded that Biden is caving to pressure from the Democratic Party’s left flank. According to Fleischer, Biden has “walked away” from his moderate record.
Left-leaning lawmakers and activists have criticized Biden for not embracing a more progressive agenda. As The Hill reported, Jeff Weaver, a top adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, recently released a memo warning the Democratic Party about the lack of enthusiasm for Biden’s candidacy.
Weaver stated that the former vice president faces a “clear and dangerous trend” that could lead to Trump’s victory. The operative said that Biden is struggling with young and working class voters, arguing that he needs to expand his coalition to win.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Justin Amash Decides Against Running For President In 2020

Rep. Justin Amash announced on Twitter on Saturday that he is dropping his plans to run for president in 2020 .
The former Republican-turned-Independent congressman had been considering a run as the Libertarian Party candidate .
Amash went on in a lengthy Twitter thread to explain he ’ d spent the last three weeks looking at the reality of a campaign .
He said he ’ d spent the time making media appearances , talking to potential donors , and watching the Libertarian ’ s convention plans unfold .
After taking everything into account , he decided he wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful ” and was shelving plans for the immediate future , at least .
Amash went on to say his dropping out of the election was a difficult decision after watching his grassroots supporters put so much effort into the campaign in a short time .
While he is abandoning the campaign , he added he believes there is a need for a presidential candidate that isn ’ t a member of either the Democratic or Republican party .
The congressman pointed to “ polarization ” being at an “ all-time high ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about running for the office in the first place .
He said that electoral success requires an audience that is willing to consider other options .
He also claimed one of the reasons the public is so polarized these days is because the media is only giving airtime to Democratic and Republican voices .
Since announcing he was considering joining the presidential race , Amash has lobbed attacks at both Joe Biden and Donald Trump .
Despite being critical of both major party candidates , analysts have said it ’ s likely a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take more votes away from the Democrat than the Republican .
While saying he didn ’ t believe he would be allowed to get his message out , Amash also said he believed the unusual circumstances surrounding this election would hurt his chances as well .
Amash added he has been talking to Libertarian leaders over the last few weeks and still believes the party can be a real player in U.S. politics in the near future .
While most of his social media followers told the congressman they appreciated his decision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libertarian Party .
“ Maybe , it ’ s time to open your eyes .
A lot of people like you got played .
You thought the Libertarians had morals .
Limits .
They do not .
They worship selfishness and power .
Time to disown them , ” the user wrote on Twitter .

Rep. Justin Amash announced on Twitter on Saturday that he is dropping his plans to run for president in 2020. The former Republican-turned-Independent congressman had been considering a run as the Libertarian Party candidate.
“After much reflection, I’ve concluded that circumstances don’t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate.”
Amash went on in a lengthy Twitter thread to explain he’d spent the last three weeks looking at the reality of a campaign. He said he’d spent the time making media appearances, talking to potential donors, and watching the Libertarian’s convention plans unfold. After taking everything into account, he decided he wouldn’t have the ability to “be successful” and was shelving plans for the immediate future, at least.
Amash went on to say his dropping out of the election was a difficult decision after watching his grassroots supporters put so much effort into the campaign in a short time. While he is abandoning the campaign, he added he believes there is a need for a presidential candidate that isn’t a member of either the Democratic or Republican party.
The congressman pointed to “polarization” being at an “all-time high” as one of the reasons he thought about running for the office in the first place. He said that electoral success requires an audience that is willing to consider other options. He also claimed one of the reasons the public is so polarized these days is because the media is only giving airtime to Democratic and Republican voices.
Since announcing he was considering joining the presidential race, Amash has lobbed attacks at both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Despite being critical of both major party candidates, analysts have said it’s likely a campaign that lasted until election day would take more votes away from the Democrat than the Republican.
While saying he didn’t believe he would be allowed to get his message out, Amash also said he believed the unusual circumstances surrounding this election would hurt his chances as well.
“Lingering uncertainty regarding ratification of online voting, the feasibility of 50-state ballot access and related legal challenges, and unity after the nomination have also weighed heavily on me. We must address these issues as a party to ensure we maximize our potential.”
Amash added he has been talking to Libertarian leaders over the last few weeks and still believes the party can be a real player in U.S. politics in the near future. While most of his social media followers told the congressman they appreciated his decision, one supporter was quite critical of the Libertarian Party.
“Maybe, it’s time to open your eyes. A lot of people like you got played. You thought the Libertarians had morals. Limits. They do not. They worship selfishness and power. Time to disown them,” the user wrote on Twitter.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Donald Trump Blasted For Calling Rumored New Weapon A ‘Super Duper’ Missile

On Friday , U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. military was developing a new weapon that he says is extremely fast .
He told reporters at the White House that he called it the “ super-duper missile.
” While the Pentagon won ’ t give any details on the rumored missile , as CNN reported , people on social media are weighing in on the president ’ s choice of words — and the reviews aren ’ t kind .
“ We are building , right now , incredible military equipment at a level that nobody has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have to do it with the adversaries we have out there .
We have a – I call it the ‘ super-duper missile.
’ And I heard the other night , 17 times faster than what they have right now , ” Trump said on Friday .
“ I know we ’ ve played this game before but just imagine how Hannity and Tucker and Judge Jeanine and Laura Ingraham would have reacted if Obama had called a new military capability the ‘ super duper missile , ' ” wrote Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a “ smart president ” and criticized Trump ’ s IQ .
Several commenters recalled Rex Tillerson ’ s reported description of the president as a “ f*cking moron , ” saying that the fired secretary of state was right all along .
New York Times author Rick Wilson noted that he couldn ’ t wait to hear Trump ’ s supporters refer to the weapon with a “ straight face.
” Chief political analyst at ABC News Matthew Dowd joked that the name sounded like a porn star from the 80s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting to reveal the flag for the Space Force , an arm of the U.S. military formed by the Trump administration , as The Inquisitr previously reported .
The new representation features a dark blue background with white accents to represent outer space .
Some Star Trek fans noted that the center shape looked similar to the logo used by the series .
During the reveal , Trump was accompanied by Defense Secretary Mark Esper and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley .
Some reports suggested that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak about the missile during the press conference , and White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany didn ’ t reveal any further details about it .
A Pentagon spokesperson did , however , tweet that the United States is developing missiles that can travel at five times the speed of sound .
They are calling the missiles “ hypersonic.
” The spokesperson didn ’ t say whether or not this hypersonic missile was the weapon Trump referenced during his speech .

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. military was developing a new weapon that he says is extremely fast. He told reporters at the White House that he called it the “super-duper missile.”
While the Pentagon won’t give any details on the rumored missile, as CNN reported, people on social media are weighing in on the president’s choice of words — and the reviews aren’t kind.
“We are building, right now, incredible military equipment at a level that nobody has ever seen before. We have no choice. We have to do it with the adversaries we have out there. We have a – I call it the ‘super-duper missile.’ And I heard the other night, 17 times faster than what they have right now,” Trump said on Friday.
“I call it the super duper missile.” An actual quote by the sitting president of the United States. pic.twitter.com/LqoC589W9k — Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) May 15, 2020
“I know we’ve played this game before but just imagine how Hannity and Tucker and Judge Jeanine and Laura Ingraham would have reacted if Obama had called a new military capability the ‘super duper missile,'” wrote Brian Klaas.
Others lamented the days of having a “smart president” and criticized Trump’s IQ. Several commenters recalled Rex Tillerson’s reported description of the president as a “f*cking moron,” saying that the fired secretary of state was right all along.
New York Times author Rick Wilson noted that he couldn’t wait to hear Trump’s supporters refer to the weapon with a “straight face.” Chief political analyst at ABC News Matthew Dowd joked that the name sounded like a porn star from the 80s.
Billions spent in research & development, what shall we call it? Trump: “Super Duper Missile” pic.twitter.com/ak2SyfIIV3 — nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) May 15, 2020
Trump’s comments came during a meeting to reveal the flag for the Space Force, an arm of the U.S. military formed by the Trump administration, as The Inquisitr previously reported. The new representation features a dark blue background with white accents to represent outer space. Some Star Trek fans noted that the center shape looked similar to the logo used by the series.
During the reveal, Trump was accompanied by Defense Secretary Mark Esper and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley.
Some reports suggested that the president wasn’t meant to speak about the missile during the press conference, and White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany didn’t reveal any further details about it.
A Pentagon spokesperson did, however, tweet that the United States is developing missiles that can travel at five times the speed of sound. They are calling the missiles “hypersonic.” The spokesperson didn’t say whether or not this hypersonic missile was the weapon Trump referenced during his speech.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Donald Trump’s Late-Night IG Firing Is Part Of His ‘Dangerous Pattern Of Retaliation,’ Says Nancy Pe

Donald Trump’s Late-Night IG Firing Is Part Of His ‘Dangerous Pattern Of Retaliation,’ Says Nancy Pelosi

Friday night , Donald Trump announced he wanted to fire the State Department Inspector General because he no longer had full faith in Steve Linick to do the job , BBC News reported .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi spoke out about the president ’ s move to get rid of the IG .
Linick had recently opened an investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , and Pelosi accused the president of retaliating against the IG and other public servants in the U.S. government for doing their jobs .
“ The late-night , weekend firing of State Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President ’ s dangerous pattern of retaliation against the patriotic public servants charged with conducting oversight on behalf of the American people , ” she tweeted .
The Speaker also linked to her press release on the matter .
In it , she said that the IG had honorably performed his duty to the country by upholding the Constitution , and the president punished him for it .
Pelosi also noted that the House had passed the Heroes Act , and the State Department IG oversees how the funds allotted to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are spent .
According to a report from The Inquisitr , the Secretary of State is the one who recommended that Trump fire Linick .
Linick was appointed by former President Barack Obama and oversaw spending to ensure that state department funds weren ’ t mismanaged .
Before that , Linick served as a Justice Department official under George W. Bush .
Although the full details of the investigation that Linick opened into Pompeo aren ’ t available , anonymous sources said it was to look into claims that the Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal business .
Senator Chris Murphy , a Democrat from Connecticut , called for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to get to the bottom of Trump firing Linick .
Murphy also said that the Senate could not let the action stand if Trump fired the IG in retaliation .
Trump also previously fired Michael Atkinson , who was the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community .
Atkinson brought forward the whistleblower complaint about Trump ’ s withholding of funds to Ukraine , which ultimately led to the House of Representatives investigating and impeaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove Trump from office earlier this year .

Friday night, Donald Trump announced he wanted to fire the State Department Inspector General because he no longer had full faith in Steve Linick to do the job, BBC News reported. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi spoke out about the president’s move to get rid of the IG. Linick had recently opened an investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Pelosi accused the president of retaliating against the IG and other public servants in the U.S. government for doing their jobs.
“The late-night, weekend firing of State Department IG Steve Linick is an acceleration of the President’s dangerous pattern of retaliation against the patriotic public servants charged with conducting oversight on behalf of the American people,” she tweeted.
The Speaker also linked to her press release on the matter. In it, she said that the IG had honorably performed his duty to the country by upholding the Constitution, and the president punished him for it. Pelosi also noted that the House had passed the Heroes Act, and the State Department IG oversees how the funds allotted to help the country recover from the coronavirus pandemic are spent.
“The President must cease his pattern of reprisal and retaliation against the public servants who are working to keep Americans safe, particularly during this time of global emergency.”
According to a report from The Inquisitr, the Secretary of State is the one who recommended that Trump fire Linick. Linick was appointed by former President Barack Obama and oversaw spending to ensure that state department funds weren’t mismanaged. Before that, Linick served as a Justice Department official under George W. Bush. Although the full details of the investigation that Linick opened into Pompeo aren’t available, anonymous sources said it was to look into claims that the Secretary of State had improperly asked staff members to do personal business.
Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, called for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to get to the bottom of Trump firing Linick. Murphy also said that the Senate could not let the action stand if Trump fired the IG in retaliation.
Trump also previously fired Michael Atkinson, who was the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community. Atkinson brought forward the whistleblower complaint about Trump’s withholding of funds to Ukraine, which ultimately led to the House of Representatives investigating and impeaching the president. The Senate chose not to remove Trump from office earlier this year.


inquisitr--2020-05-16--Donald Trump Calls On Mitch McConnell To Make Democrats ‘Pay A Big Price’ Over Russia Investigations

In the middle of a Saturday tweetstorm , President Donald Trump posted on Twitter that he wanted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to make the Democrats “ pay a big price ” for what the president claims his opponents did to the country .
Trump retweeted a post by Sean Davis of The Federalist , who wrote an article calling for McConnell to punish his political rivals for carrying out what he termed the “ Russian hoax.
” In the retweet , Trump said Davis was right , and that time was running out .
“ Mitch , I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true .
Time is running out .
Get tough and move quickly , or it will be too late .
The Dems are vicious , but got caught .
They MUST pay a big price for what they have done to our Country .
Don ’ t let them get away with this !
” The crux of Davis ’ post centered on what McConnell must do if he ’ s going to help the Republicans retain the majority in the Senate .
The writer believes McConnell has been largely ignoring the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it didn ’ t happen .
Davis and Trump apparently believe it ’ s time for conservatives in Congress to launch full-scale investigations into what Democrats supposedly did — and why they took action like launching an impeachment investigation against the president .
This is at least the second time in the last few weeks Trump has called for an investigation into certain Democrats .
He ’ s been more vocal about wanting “ the left ” looked at after charges against retired general Michael Flynn were dropped by the Justice department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Flynn pleaded guilty to them in open court last year .
Since the case against Flynn was dropped , Republicans have said former President Barack Obama needed to be investigated for his role in “ setting up ” Trump ’ s one-time Director of National Intelligence .
The current president fired Flynn as DNI early in his administration after it was revealed he lied to the FBI about his ties to foreign interests .
In the post addressed at McConnell , Trump included Senator Lindsey Graham ’ s Twitter account .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham to subpoena Obama to appear in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee and answer questions regarding the “ unmasking ” of Flynn .
Not only did Graham not commit to granting Trump ’ s request , but he made a public comment that Trump should be careful what he wishes for when it comes to making Obama talk about the issue in public .
As The Inquisitr reported earlier this week , some analysts believe Trump ’ s continued attacks on Obama and other Democrats aren ’ t about supposed crimes being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is more respected by the media and the public .

In the middle of a Saturday tweetstorm, President Donald Trump posted on Twitter that he wanted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to make the Democrats “pay a big price” for what the president claims his opponents did to the country. Trump retweeted a post by Sean Davis of The Federalist, who wrote an article calling for McConnell to punish his political rivals for carrying out what he termed the “Russian hoax.”
In the retweet, Trump said Davis was right, and that time was running out.
“Mitch, I love you, but this is 100% true. Time is running out. Get tough and move quickly, or it will be too late. The Dems are vicious, but got caught. They MUST pay a big price for what they have done to our Country. Don’t let them get away with this!”
The crux of Davis’ post centered on what McConnell must do if he’s going to help the Republicans retain the majority in the Senate. The writer believes McConnell has been largely ignoring the “Russian hoax” and acting as though it didn’t happen. Davis and Trump apparently believe it’s time for conservatives in Congress to launch full-scale investigations into what Democrats supposedly did — and why they took action like launching an impeachment investigation against the president.
This is at least the second time in the last few weeks Trump has called for an investigation into certain Democrats. He’s been more vocal about wanting “the left” looked at after charges against retired general Michael Flynn were dropped by the Justice department. Those charges were dropped despite the fact that Flynn pleaded guilty to them in open court last year.
Since the case against Flynn was dropped, Republicans have said former President Barack Obama needed to be investigated for his role in “setting up” Trump’s one-time Director of National Intelligence. The current president fired Flynn as DNI early in his administration after it was revealed he lied to the FBI about his ties to foreign interests.
In the post addressed at McConnell, Trump included Senator Lindsey Graham’s Twitter account. Earlier this month, the president called on Graham to subpoena Obama to appear in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee and answer questions regarding the “unmasking” of Flynn.
Not only did Graham not commit to granting Trump’s request, but he made a public comment that Trump should be careful what he wishes for when it comes to making Obama talk about the issue in public.
As The Inquisitr reported earlier this week, some analysts believe Trump’s continued attacks on Obama and other Democrats aren’t about supposed crimes being committed but because he feels the former president is more respected by the media and the public.