inquisitr--2020-12-24--Donald Trump Is Planning A War With Iran To Prevent Joe Biden’s Presidency, Author Says

Author Trita Parsi , founder and former president of the National Iranian American Council , believes that President Donald Trump ’ s recent warnings to Iran are signs of a disturbing plan to thwart President-elect Joe Biden ’ s inauguration .
“ Make no mistake : Trump has already moved B52s , submarines , and other military assets to the Persian Gulf , ” he tweeted .
The comments come in the wake of Trump ’ s threats following a rocket attack on a U.S. Embassy in Baghdad , Iraq earlier in the week , The Hill reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is linked to Iran — damaged the compound and killed at least one Iraqi civilian .
“ Some friendly health advice to Iran : If one American is killed , I will hold Iran responsible .
Think it over , ” Trump tweeted .
U.S. Central Command head Gen. Frank McKenzie claimed that it ’ s still unclear “ the degree to which Iran is complicit.
” The attack included missiles believed to be supplied by the Middle East country , although no evidence reveals if it was planned by a Tehran or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters , Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed Trump ’ s allegations that Tehran was behind the rocket attack .
Zarif suggested that Trump ’ s claims were an attempt to “ divert attention ” from his “ catastrophic failures ” as president of the United States .
Zarif pointed to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that was driven by false claims and noted the many American casualties and trillions of dollars spent on the engagement .
Parsi ’ s claim was not supported by everyone .
Political scientist Ian Bremmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent Biden ’ s inauguration with military action against Iran .
Elsewhere , Shervan Fashandi , board member of Iranian Americans for Liberty , highlighted the author ’ s many previous warnings about war with the Middle East country that never came true .
“ Hey look , # TritaTheTraitor has been warning us about the “ imminent ” war with Iran for almost 20 years , particularly over the last 4 years with Trump in power , ” he tweeted .
As reported by Vox , Trump made comments about Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echo Parsi ’ s warnings .
In November 2011 , Trump accused Obama of planning to start a war with Persia to get re-elected .
He claimed that the former head of state lacked the “ ability to negotiate ” and called him “ weak ” and “ ineffective.
” According to the real estate mogul , Obama knew the only way for him to get re-elected is through military action against Iran .

Author Trita Parsi, founder and former president of the National Iranian American Council, believes that President Donald Trump’s recent warnings to Iran are signs of a disturbing plan to thwart President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
“Make no mistake: Trump has already moved B52s, submarines, and other military assets to the Persian Gulf,” he tweeted.
“He is planning to start a war with Iran on bogus charges in order to prevent Biden from taking office. Iran is not the real target. American democracy is.”
The comments come in the wake of Trump’s threats following a rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, earlier in the week, The Hill reported. The strike — which the United States suggested is linked to the Western Asia country — damaged the compound and killed at least one Iraqi civilian.
“Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over,” Trump tweeted.
U.S. Central Command head Gen. Frank McKenzie claimed that it’s still unclear “the degree to which Iran is complicit.” The attack included missiles believed to be supplied by the Middle East country, although no evidence reveals if it was planned by a Tehran or an Iran-linked group.
As reported by Reuters, Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed Trump’s allegations that Tehran was behind the rocket attack. Zarif suggested that Trump’s claims were an attempt to “divert attention” from his “catastrophic failures” as president of the United States. Zarif pointed to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that was driven by false claims and noted the many casualties and trillions of dollars spent on the engagement.
Parsi’s claim was not supported by everyone. Political scientist Ian Bremmer suggested there was no clear way to prevent Biden’s inauguration with military action against Iran. Elsewhere, Shervan Fashandi, board member of Iranian Americans for Liberty, highlighted the author’s many previous warnings about war with the Middle East nation that never came true.
“Hey look, #TritaTheTraitor has been warning us about the ‘imminent’ war with Iran for almost 20 years, particularly over the last 4 years with Trump in power,” he tweeted.
As reported by Vox, Trump made comments about Barack Obama’s potential war with Iran that echo Parsi’s warnings. In November 2011, Trump accused Obama of planning to start a war with Persia to get re-elected. He claimed that the former head of state lacked the “ability to negotiate” and called him “weak” and “ineffective.” According to the real estate mogul, Obama knew the only way for him to get re-elected was through military action against the Western Asia country.


inquisitr--2020-12-24--History Will Judge Donald Trump As ‘Failed’ President, Half Of Voters Say In New Poll

Half of registered voters believe history will judge President Donald Trump as a “ failed ” president , according to a USA Today/Suffolk University poll released Thursday .
Only 16 percent of respondents said they believe Trump will be viewed as a “ great ” leader and 13 percent said they believe he will be seen as a “ good ” commander-in-chief .
Trump ’ s ratings are more negative than his predecessor Barack Obama ’ s , who was also a polarizing figure .
After Obama left office , a quarter of Americans predicted that he would be viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Republicans believe Democrat Joe Biden did not win the 2020 presidential election legitimately , according to the survey .
Nonetheless , Biden ’ s standing has improved since he won the presidency , with his favorability ratings increasing .
A plurality of respondents said that Biden should focus on tackling the coronavirus pandemic , while a quarter of them said he should focus on improving the economy and a minority stated that improving healthcare should be his priority .
Democrats and Republicans agree on some issues , the poll suggested , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly dismantle Trump ’ s legacy .
Furthermore , a majority in both groups said that Trump should attend Biden ’ s inauguration , which will take place on January 20 next year .
Even though a plurality of voters think history won ’ t be kind to Trump , most Republicans would like him to run again in 2024 .
A strong majority of conservative-leaning voters said that they would support him if he was the GOP nominee , but slightly less than half said they expect him to launch a comeback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News survey found that most of those who voted for Trump believe the election was stolen and would like him to run again in four years .
In a November column , The Washington Post ‘ s Matt Bai wrote that he expects future generations to view Trump as someone who shook up the Washington establishment .
“ They will say that if the 20th century belonged to two enduring parties and their loyalists , then the 21st belonged to a series of ‘ pop-up parties ’ centered on celebrities , athletes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
He noted that there is a possibility Trump-like candidates in the future “ ennoble ” American politics , writing that “ there are ways in which a reform-minded , independent leader , freed from inherited orthodoxies , might ultimately modernize government and restore a sense of national purpose .
”

Half of registered voters believe history will judge President Donald Trump as a “failed” president, according to a USA Today/Suffolk University poll released Thursday.
Only 16 percent of respondents said they believe Trump will be viewed as a “great” leader and 13 percent said they believe he will be seen as a “good” commander-in-chief.
Trump’s ratings are more negative than his predecessor Barack Obama’s, who was also a polarizing figure. After Obama left office, a quarter of Americans predicted that he would be viewed as a failure.
The vast majority of Republicans believe Democrat Joe Biden did not win the 2020 presidential election legitimately, according to the survey. Nonetheless, Biden’s standing has improved since he won the presidency, with his favorability ratings increasing.
A plurality of respondents said that Biden should focus on tackling the coronavirus pandemic, while a quarter of them said he should focus on improving the economy and a minority stated that improving healthcare should be his priority.
Democrats and Republicans agree on some issues, the poll suggested, with both saying that they expect Biden to significantly dismantle Trump’s legacy.
Furthermore, a majority in both groups said that Trump should attend Biden’s inauguration, which will take place on January 20 next year.
Even though a plurality of voters think history won’t be kind to Trump, most Republicans would like him to run again in 2024.
A strong majority of conservative-leaning voters said that they would support him if he was the GOP nominee, but slightly less than half said they expect him to launch a comeback presidential bid.
Similarly, a recent Fox News survey found that most of those who voted for Trump believe the election was stolen and would like him to run again in four years.
In a November column, The Washington Post‘s Matt Bai wrote that he expects future generations to view Trump as someone who shook up the Washington establishment.
“History will say that Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, represented only a short-term correction — that the trend toward personality-based politics exploded in the years after Trump, creating a disorderly political landscape that would have been unrecognizable to previous generations.”
“They will say that if the 20th century belonged to two enduring parties and their loyalists, then the 21st belonged to a series of ‘pop-up parties’ centered on celebrities, athletes, activists and businesspeople,” Bai wrote.
He noted that there is a possibility Trump-like candidates in the future “ennoble” American politics, writing that “there are ways in which a reform-minded, independent leader, freed from inherited orthodoxies, might ultimately modernize government and restore a sense of national purpose.”


inquisitr--2020-12-25--Donald Trump Is ‘Destroying’ The Republican Party On His Way Out Of Office, Former Clinton Official

Donald Trump Is ‘Destroying’ The Republican Party On His Way Out Of Office, Former Clinton Official Says

In a Friday op-ed for CNN , Joe Lockhart , who served as White House press secretary for former President Bill Clinton ’ s administration , claimed that Donald Trump is “ destroying ” the Republican Party as his presidency comes to an end .
The columnist ’ s comment comes in the wake of the president ’ s attacks on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his pushback against the 78-year-old politician ’ s $ 900 billion coronavirus aid package .
As The Inquisitr reported , progressive commentator Sam Seder claimed that some people are speculating that Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a signal to Georgia voters to turn on the U.S. leader — which would harm Republican Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in the region ’ s runoff elections .
“ McConnell , David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler all stood on the Senate floor in February and acquitted Trump on charges he abused his power in office and obstructed Congress , ” Lockhart wrote .
“ But now that it ’ s time for Trump to return the favor , our self-absorbed President seems to be doing everything he can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and perhaps giving the Democrats the gift of control of the Senate as he leaves office.
” The columnist argued that Trump has been harming the GOP ’ s chances in the Georgia race for months with his attacks on the integrity of the presidential election .
Post-election , the former Clinton official contended that the head of state ’ s refusal to accept his loss has continued to create an obstacle for the Republican Party as it vies to retain control of the upper chamber .
In particular , Trump lawyer Lin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairness of the forthcoming Georgia elections and has urged the commander-in-chief ’ s supporters to stay home .
According to Lockhart , Trump will continue to wield influence in the Republican Party after he leaves the White House .
“ But his actions this week should remind Republicans that Trump has no loyalty to the GOP , ” he wrote at the conclusion of his piece .
At the Million MAGA March in Washington , D.C. , earlier this month , Trump supporters voiced their support of destroying the GOP .
Notably , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford Fischer suggested at the time that the head of state ’ s supporters were growing increasingly frustrated with the Republican Party for not offering enough support for his battle against the results of the 2020 election .
Trump has also reportedly floated the idea of a 2024 presidential run .
As reported by Raw Story , former Republican lawmaker David Jolly claimed in an MSNBC appearance last month that such a presidential bid would destroy the party in its current state .

In a Friday op-ed for CNN, Joe Lockhart, who served as White House press secretary for former President Bill Clinton’s administration, claimed that Donald Trump is “destroying” the Republican Party as his presidency comes to an end.
The columnist’s comment comes in the wake of the president’s attacks on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his pushback against the 78-year-old politician’s $900 billion coronavirus aid package. As The Inquisitr reported, progressive commentator Sam Seder claimed that some people are speculating that Trump’s opposition to McConnell’s legislation is a signal to Georgia voters to turn on the U.S. leader — which would harm Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in the region’s runoff elections.
“McConnell, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler all stood on the Senate floor in February and acquitted Trump on charges he abused his power in office and obstructed Congress,” Lockhart wrote.
“But now that it’s time for Trump to return the favor, our self-absorbed President seems to be doing everything he can to make it harder for all three — and perhaps giving the Democrats the gift of control of the Senate as he leaves office.”
The columnist argued that Trump has been harming the GOP’s chances in the Georgia race for months with his attacks on the integrity of the presidential election. Post-election, the former Clinton official contended that the head of state’s refusal to accept his loss has continued to create an obstacle for the Republican Party as it vies to retain control of the upper chamber. In particular, Trump lawyer Lin Wood continues to cast doubt on the fairness of the forthcoming Georgia elections and has urged the commander-in-chief’s supporters to stay home.
According to Lockhart, Trump will continue to wield influence in the Republican Party after he leaves the White House.
“But his actions this week should remind Republicans that Trump has no loyalty to the GOP,” he wrote at the conclusion of his piece.
At the Million MAGA March in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, Trump supporters voiced their support of destroying the GOP. Notably, videos shared by News 2 Share producer Ford Fischer suggested at the time that the head of state’s supporters were growing increasingly frustrated with the Republican Party for not offering enough support for his battle against the results of the 2020 election.
Trump has also reportedly floated the idea of a 2024 presidential run. As reported by Raw Story, former Republican lawmaker David Jolly claimed in an MSNBC appearance last month that such a presidential bid would destroy the party in its current state.


inquisitr--2020-12-25--Hours After White House Said Donald Trump Was ‘Working Tirelessly’ On Christmas Eve, CNN Found Him G

Hours After White House Said Donald Trump Was ‘Working Tirelessly’ On Christmas Eve, CNN Found Him Golfing

On Christmas Eve , the White House released a statement saying Donald Trump would be working tirelessly during the day with meetings and phone calls .
Hours later , CNN cameras caught Trump on the golf course .
Reporter Kaitlan Collins shared pictures of his golf trip on Twitter , showing the president wearing a polo shirt and a red “ Keep America Great ” hat as he played a round on his company ’ s course .
Trump and his family traveled to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to spend the holiday .
The president ’ s latest trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny , given the urgency to pass a new coronavirus relief bill amid a surge in cases and deaths across the United States .
Just before departing for Florida , Trump released a statement saying that the $ 600 direct payments included in the package were not enough , calling on lawmakers to increase that amount to $ 2,000 .
But a unanimous consent vote seeking to increase the value of relief checks failed when Republicans objected , leaving the future of the measure in doubt .
As the Guardian noted , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when the entire package could be at risk .
“ After tossing a grenade that threatens to blow up a massive Covid relief and government funding bill and force a government shutdown in the midst of a pandemic , Donald Trump was golfing on Christmas for a second straight day , ” the outlet wrote .
Trump has long faced criticism for his frequent golf trips , especially after he had regularly attacked Barack Obama for his golfing habits and claimed during the 2016 campaign that he would not have time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , Trump has reported visited the links far more frequently than Obama did , and nearly all of the trips have been to properties owned by his company .
Critics said that this has funneled millions of dollars in taxpayer money back into his company .
The White House has also been scrutinized for what critics see as obfuscation about his schedule , often claiming he is hard at work when he is actually spending leisure time .
According to The Independent , the schedule for Christmas Eve suggested that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
“ As the Holiday season approaches , President Trump will continue to work tirelessly for the American People .
His schedule includes many meetings and calls , ” the White House said in a statement .

On Christmas Eve, the White House released a statement saying Donald Trump would be working tirelessly during the day with meetings and phone calls.
Hours later, CNN cameras caught Trump on the golf course. Reporter Kaitlan Collins shared pictures of his golf trip on Twitter, showing the president wearing a polo shirt and a red “Keep America Great” hat as he played a round on his company’s course. Trump and his family traveled to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to spend the holiday.
After the White House went out of its way to say President Trump had many meetings and calls today, without listing any, @petermorrisCNN got video of him on the golf course. pic.twitter.com/x3jtrUOMmH — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) December 24, 2020
The president’s latest trip to the links has come under intense scrutiny, given the urgency to pass a new coronavirus relief bill amid a surge in cases and deaths across the United States. Just before departing for Florida, Trump released a statement saying that the $600 direct payments included in the package were not enough, calling on lawmakers to increase that amount to $2,000. But a unanimous consent vote seeking to increase the value of relief checks failed when Republicans objected, leaving the future of the measure in doubt.
As the Guardian noted, Trump’s trip came at a difficult time when the entire package could be at risk.
“After tossing a grenade that threatens to blow up a massive Covid relief and government funding bill and force a government shutdown in the midst of a pandemic, Donald Trump was golfing on Christmas for a second straight day,” the outlet wrote.
“Failure to agree on the bill could deny checks to millions of Americans on the brink.”
Trump has long faced criticism for his frequent golf trips, especially after he had regularly attacked Barack Obama for his golfing habits and claimed during the 2016 campaign that he would not have time to go golfing if he were to win. Instead, Trump has reported visited the links far more frequently than Obama did, and nearly all of the trips have been to properties owned by his company. Critics said that this has funneled millions of dollars in taxpayer money back into his company.
The White House has also been scrutinized for what critics see as obfuscation about his schedule, often claiming he is hard at work when he is actually spending leisure time. According to The Independent, the schedule for Christmas Eve suggested that he had a busy slate of work to do.
“As the Holiday season approaches, President Trump will continue to work tirelessly for the American People. His schedule includes many meetings and calls,” the White House said in a statement.


inquisitr--2020-12-25--Mike Pence Could Remove Donald Trump From Office On Sunday, Law Professor Says

In a Wednesday piece for New York Magazine ’ s Intelligencer , law professor and columnist Paul Campos argued that Vice President Mike Pence could use the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office .
Campos pointed in particular to Section Four of the modification , which allows the vice president to work with a majority of the cabinet to begin a motion to remove a commander-in-chief deemed to be too unstable for their position .
“ If the vice-president and the majority of the Cabinet decide that , for whatever reason , the president has become unfit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office and they transmit a letter to Congress to that effect , then the vice-president becomes the acting president and remains so unless and until Congress refuses to allow that transfer of power to stand.
” According to Campos , members of Trump ’ s administration considered invoking the 25th Amendment in the early days of his presidency .
However , they were allegedly stifled by the requirement of support from two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate .
Now , he noted , this mechanic is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boulder faculty member claimed that Pence could become acting president as soon as Sunday if he decided to take advantage of the unique constitutional power .
After gaining the support with the simple majority of one chamber of Congress and submitting a letter that would make him temporary head of state , Trump could contest Pence ’ s actions .
If the commander-in-chief chose to do so , it would fall on the Democrat-controlled lower chamber to vote on whether the decline to act on the dispute for the remaining 21 days until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This , in effect , means that Pence could become acting president on Sunday , December 27 , and would remain in the position for the rest of the current administration ’ s term in office , as long as House Democrats acceded to the new status quo , ” the author wrote .
The law professor also noted that legal scholars believe that the framers of the U.S. Constitution drafted Section Four using open-ended language to ensure that it could be implemented in a wide range of situations .
House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Jamie Raskin on legislation for a commission centered around the 25th Amendment .
The bill would determine whether the head of state is fit for their duties and was allegedly driven by Trump ’ s erratic behavior following his coronavirus diagnosis .
However , Pelosi claimed the law was not explicitly targeted at the commander-in-chief .
According to Trump , Pelosi ’ s legislation was allegedly part of a plan to remove President-elect Joe Biden from power and replace him with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris .

In a Wednesday piece for New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, law professor and columnist Paul Campos argued that Vice President Mike Pence could use the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office.
Campos pointed in particular to Section Four of the modification, which allows the vice president to work with a majority of the cabinet to begin a motion to remove a commander-in-chief deemed to be too unstable for their position.
“If the vice-president and the majority of the Cabinet decide that, for whatever reason, the president has become unfit to carry out the powers and duties of the office and they transmit a letter to Congress to that effect, then the vice-president becomes the acting president and remains so unless and until Congress refuses to allow that transfer of power to stand.”
According to Campos, members of Trump’s administration considered invoking the 25th Amendment in the early days of his presidency. However, they were allegedly stifled by the requirement of support from two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Now, he noted, this mechanic is set to be removed.
The University of Colorado Boulder faculty member claimed that Pence could become acting president as soon as Sunday if he decided to take advantage of the unique constitutional power. After gaining the support with the simple majority of one chamber of Congress and submitting a letter that would make him temporary head of state, Trump could contest Pence’s actions. If the commander-in-chief chose to do so, it would fall on the Democrat-controlled lower chamber to vote on whether the decline to act on the dispute for the remaining 21 days until the end of Trump’s term.
“This, in effect, means that Pence could become acting president on Sunday, December 27, and would remain in the position for the rest of the current administration’s term in office, as long as House Democrats acceded to the new status quo,” the author wrote.
The law professor also noted that legal scholars believe that the framers of the U.S. Constitution drafted Section Four using open-ended language to ensure that it could be implemented in a wide range of situations.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently worked with Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin on legislation for a commission centered around the 25th Amendment. The bill would determine whether the head of state is fit for their duties and was allegedly driven by Trump’s erratic behavior following his coronavirus diagnosis. However, Pelosi claimed the law was not explicitly targeted at the commander-in-chief.
According to Trump, Pelosi’s legislation was allegedly part of a plan to remove President-elect Joe Biden from power and replace him with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.


inquisitr--2020-12-24--Andrew Yang’s Nonprofit Has Reportedly Spoken To Joe Biden’s Administration About Recurring Checks

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang ’ s nonprofit , Humanity Forward , has been in talks with President-elect Joe Biden ’ s administration about recurring checks , Business Insider reported .
The publication received the news from the nonprofit ’ s press secretary , Greg Nasif .
“ I don ’ t want to give away too many details , but we have discussed with them our support for direct recurring economic relief , ” he said .
Yang , who is now making a play for mayor of New York City , founded the organization with the goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential campaign — in particular , his signature proposal of a universal basic income .
Although it ’ s unclear if Biden ’ s administration would support recurring economic relief beyond the second round of stimulus checks currently in negotiation , Nasif said the incoming White House team is a “ group open to new ideas.
” “ I think our mission right now is to demonstrate to lawmakers that this is a really popular idea and it has bipartisan appeal , and it can really help our economy , starting with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Yang ’ s Humanity Forward announced in May that it would be giving 20 residents of Hudson , New York , who make less than $ 35,000 yearly recurring payments of $ 500 per month for five years .
The nonprofit will track how each of the residents spends their money and analyze the results to determine the promise of UBI .
The movement previously doled out $ 1 million in $ 1,000 cash payments to 1,000 Bronx households .
Congress is currently in the process of negotiating stimulus money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first wave of checks was valued at $ 1,200 each , and it appeared that the second would be just $ 600 each .
But Donald Trump blew up negotiations this week by demanding $ 2,000 per check — an amount that has been supported by progressive lawmakers and UBI advocates like Yang .
Yang and Humanity Forward previously connected with Trump ’ s White House about direct cash assistance to Americans .
Business Insider reported that the team is now focused on ensuring that the president ’ s recent demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruition by connecting with allies in Congress .
Susan Kang , a political-science professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice , previously told The New York Times that Yang ’ s mayoral bid could resonate with voters due to the relevance of his platform ’ s universal programs amid the coronavirus pandemic .

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang’s nonprofit, Humanity Forward, has been in talks with President-elect Joe Biden’s administration about recurring checks, Business Insider reported.
The publication received the news from the nonprofit’s press secretary, Greg Nasif.
“I don’t want to give away too many details, but we have discussed with them our support for direct recurring economic relief,” he said.
Yang, who is now making a play for mayor of New York City, founded the organization with the goal of promoting and implementing policies from his presidential campaign — in particular, his signature proposal of a universal basic income. Although it’s unclear if Biden’s administration would support recurring economic relief beyond the second round of stimulus checks currently in negotiation, Nasif said the incoming White House team is a “group open to new ideas.”
“I think our mission right now is to demonstrate to lawmakers that this is a really popular idea and it has bipartisan appeal, and it can really help our economy, starting with the people who need it most,” he said.
“And I think if the Biden administration sees that, then I think we’re going to keep moving the ball forward on economic relief for the American people.”
Yang’s Humanity Forward announced in May that it would be giving 20 residents of Hudson, New York, who make less than $35,000 yearly recurring payments of $500 per month for five years. The nonprofit will track how each of the residents spends their money and analyze the results to determine the promise of UBI. The movement previously doled out $1 million in $1,000 cash payments to 1,000 Bronx households.
Congress is currently in the process of negotiating stimulus money for the next round of coronavirus aid. The first wave of checks was valued at $1,200 each, and it appeared that the second would be just $600 each. But Donald Trump blew up negotiations this week by demanding $2,000 per check — an amount that has been supported by progressive lawmakers and UBI advocates like Yang.
Yang and Humanity Forward previously connected with Trump’s White House about direct cash assistance to Americans. Business Insider reported that the team is now focused on ensuring that the president’s recent demand of $2,000 per American comes to fruition by connecting with allies in Congress.
Susan Kang, a political-science professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, previously told The New York Times that Yang’s mayoral bid could resonate with voters due to the relevance of his platform’s universal programs amid the coronavirus pandemic.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Sidney Powell Blasts GOP For Not Backing Donald Trump’s Election Challenges: ‘The Republican Party I

Sidney Powell Blasts GOP For Not Backing Donald Trump’s Election Challenges: ‘The Republican Party Is History’

Trump-supporting lawyer Sidney Powell is going after the Republican Party for failing to back the president ’ s attempts to challenge the election results .
Powell , who has led a number of cases challenging results in several states and raising accusations of fraud , took to Twitter to quote a story about the Republican Party opposing incoming Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville from joining an attempt to suspend the tally of the Electoral College vote next month .
“ WOW .
The # Republican party is history , ” Powell tweeted .
“ It committed suicide So out of touch-they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not # GOP Patriots will create a new one soon or take it over .
The @ RNC is part of problem—the uni-party .
# WeThePeople are reclaiming our country.
” As The Hill reported , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was planning to reach out to Tuberville in an attempt to dissuade him from joining the effort to challenge the Electoral College tally , which was seen as a futile and pointless effort .
The report added that Senate GOP Whip John Thune was going to speak to Tuberville as well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could end up being damaging to Republicans .
“ Ultimately every senator will have to make their own decision about that but I think there will be people , yeah , reaching out him just to kind of find out ” his plans for the vote , Thune said .
“ I ’ m hoping in the end that all senators will conclude that this election needs to be over with and it ’ s time to move on , ” he added .
McConnell had already broken from Trump in congratulating Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Trump and allies have vowed to continue fighting , moving forward with a series of court cases seeking to overturn the voting outcome in a number of states .
Nearly all of the cases have lost , with judges saying there is no evidence to back the claims of widespread fraud and often ruling that they do not have standing to challenge the outcome .
As The Inquisitr reported , some close to Trump say he has raised the idea of Vice President Mike Pence challenging the Electoral College next month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tallying process in his role as president of the U.S. Senate , though Trump had reportedly pressed for him to refuse to certify the process , not understanding that he did not have the power to change the outcome .
“ Sources say Trump in recent days has brought the matter up to the vice president and has been ‘ confused ’ as to why Pence can ’ t overturn the results of the election on January 6 , ” CNN reported .

Trump-supporting lawyer Sidney Powell is going after the Republican Party for failing to back the president’s attempts to challenge the presidential election results.
Powell, who has led a number of cases challenging the results in several states and raising accusations of fraud, took to Twitter to quote a story about the Republican Party opposing incoming Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville from joining an attempt to suspend the tally of the Electoral College vote next month.
“WOW. The #Republican party is history,” Powell tweeted. “It committed suicide So out of touch-they don’t get #TrumpWon. Not #GOP Patriots will create a new one soon or take it over. The @RNC is part of problem—the uni-party. #WeThePeople are reclaiming our country.”
As The Hill reported, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was planning to reach out to Tuberville in an attempt to dissuade him from joining the effort to challenge the Electoral College tally, which was seen as a futile and pointless effort. The report added that Senate GOP Whip John Thune was going to speak to Tuberville as well, trying to convince him that the challenge could end up being damaging to Republicans.
“Ultimately every senator will have to make their own decision about that but I think there will be people, yeah, reaching out him just to kind of find out” his plans for the vote, Thune said.
“I’m hoping in the end that all senators will conclude that this election needs to be over with and it’s time to move on,” he added.
McConnell had already broken from Trump in congratulating Biden and acknowledging him as the winner. But Trump and his allies have vowed to continue fighting, moving forward with a series of court cases seeking to overturn the voting outcome in a number of states. Nearly all of the cases have lost, with judges saying there is no evidence to back the claims of widespread fraud and often ruling they do not have standing to challenge the outcome.
As The Inquisitr reported, some close to Trump say he has raised the idea of Vice President Mike Pence challenging the Electoral College next month. Pence is set to oversee the formal tallying process in his role as president of the U.S. Senate, though Trump had reportedly pressed for him to refuse to certify the process, not understanding that he did not have the power to change the outcome.
“Sources say Trump in recent days has brought the matter up to the vice president and has been ‘confused’ as to why Pence can’t overturn the results of the election on January 6,” CNN reported.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Donald Trump Reportedly Ignorant Of Electoral College Process, Upset That Mike Pence Won’t Declare H

Donald Trump Reportedly Ignorant Of Electoral College Process, Upset That Mike Pence Won’t Declare Him Winner

Donald Trump is reportedly ignorant of how the Electoral College works and upset that Mike Pence won ’ t simply name him as the next president when he oversees the certification of voting results in January , a report claims .
Trump has continued to press his unfounded claims of voter fraud and court challenges seeking to overturn the outcome of the election , even after states have sealed their Electoral College votes and Joe Biden has moved deep into the transition process .
As CNN reported , Trump met with his vice president for an hour in the Oval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message calling for him to “ act ” and stop the Electoral College from ratifying Joe Biden ’ s win .
As the report noted , Trump has told some people close to him that he is upset Pence isn ’ t doing more to fight to overturn the election , and has become interested in the idea that Pence could change the outcome .
Sources told the outlet that he is ignorant about the process that will take place next month , when Pence will preside over the proceedings as Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winner .
As a result , some people close to Trump have had to step in to explain that Pence does not actually have the power to change the results , CNN reported .
“ Sources say Trump in recent days has brought the matter up to the vice president and has been ‘ confused ’ as to why Pence can ’ t overturn the results of the election on January 6 , ” the report said .
Trump ’ s campaign and his allies have already exhausted a number of different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a series of now-failed court challenges seeking to void voting totals in several states .
There could be legal consequences waiting once he does leave the White House .
As The Inquisitr reported , his former personal lawyer , Michael Cohen , said this week that prosecutors have enough evidence against Trump and his business empire that he could face charges in the coming months .
Trump has continued to insist that he was the real winner of the 2020 race , saying that the victory was stolen from him through massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a number of allies , including some members of Congress who have said they will challenge the certification when it comes up for a vote next month .
As The Hill reported , a growing number of GOP members have expressed support for the idea , with some saying they will pressure other Republicans to join in .

Donald Trump is reportedly ignorant of how the Electoral College works and upset that Mike Pence won’t simply name him as the next president when he oversees the certification of voting results in January, a CNN report claims.
Trump has continued to press his unfounded claims of voter fraud and court challenges seeking to overturn the outcome of the election, even after states have sealed their Electoral College votes and Joe Biden has continued the transition process. As reported, Trump met with his vice president for an hour in the Oval Office this week and later tweeted a message that called for him to “act” and stop the Electoral College from ratifying Joe Biden’s win.
As the report noted, Trump has told some people close to him that he is upset Pence isn’t doing more to fight to overturn the election. He has also reportedly become interested in the idea that Pence could change the outcome. Sources told the outlet the president is ignorant about the process that will take place next month, when Pence will preside over the proceedings of Congress as it certifies the outcome and formally makes Biden the winner.
As a result, some people close to Trump have had to step in to explain that Pence does not actually have the power to change the results, CNN reported.
“Sources say Trump in recent days has brought the matter up to the vice president and has been ‘confused’ as to why Pence can’t overturn the results of the election on January 6,” the report said.
Trump’s campaign and his allies have already exhausted a number of different avenues attempting to invalidate voting totals, including a series of now-failed court challenges seeking to void voting totals in several states.
Trump has continued to insist he was the real winner of the 2020 race, saying the victory was stolen from him through massive fraud. He continues to be backed by a number of allies, including some members of Congress who have said they will challenge the certification when it comes up for a vote next month. As The Hill reported, a growing number of GOP members have expressed support for the idea, with some saying they will pressure other Republicans to join in.
Some believe the president is fighting to stay in office to avoid the legal consequences that could be awaiting him once he leaves the White House. As The Inquisitr reported, his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, said this week that prosecutors have enough evidence against Trump and his business empire that he could face charges in the coming months.


inquisitr--2020-12-27--Democratic Party Leader Warns Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Not To Primary Chuck Schumer

Jay Jacobs , the Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee , issued on Saturday a stern warning to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
In an interview with The New York Post , Jacobs warned the congresswoman against launching a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer .
Jacobs argued that a race between Ocasio-Cortez and Schumer would harm both candidates ’ careers and described Schumer as a “ progressive.
” “ I think it would be a primary driven by ambition more than by need .
Chuck Schumer has been a progressive force in the state for decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ocasio-Cortez would “ absolutely ” lose a race against Schumer and added that he would be open to meeting with the congresswoman .
“ We ’ ve never met .
I would look forward to doing that .
I am open to that at any time , ” he stated .
It has long been speculated that Ocasio-Cortez is thinking about challenging Schumer in 2022 .
The rumors intensified earlier this year after she refused to rule out the possibility .
In an October interview with Vanity Fair , Ocasio-Cortez suggested that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Representatives .
Furthermore , earlier this month , Ocasio-Cortez — a rising left-wing star who supported Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the presidential race — said that she would like to see “ new leadership in the Democratic Party.
” Schumer has spent years leading Senate Democrats .
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California has led their colleagues in the lower chamber .
Interestingly , President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Ocasio-Cortez could oust Schumer in the near future , once saying that she would “ kick his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has faced intense pressure from left-wing activists .
Comedian and political commentator Jimmy Dore launched a campaign urging the congresswoman to withhold her vote for Pelosi as speaker unless Pelosi agrees to bring Medicare for All for a vote .
Dore and others claimed that now is the time to put pressure on Democratic leaders , because millions of Americans have lost their jobs and health insurance amid the coronavirus pandemic , which has devastated the economy .
Ocasio-Cortez pushed back against the idea , suggesting that forcing a vote on single-payer legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that House progressives should focus on other issues and push for legislation that would increase the minimum wage at the federal level .

Jay Jacobs, the Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee, issued on Saturday a stern warning to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In an interview with the New York Post, Jacobs warned the congresswoman against launching a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Jacobs argued that a race between Ocasio-Cortez and Schumer would harm both candidates’ careers and also described Schumer as a “progressive.”
“I think it would be a primary driven by ambition more than by need. Chuck Schumer has been a progressive force in the state for decades,” he said.
“She has a constituency that admires her and supports her, and they’re in her community, and I think it would be a loss for them if she were to do that.”
Jacobs said that Ocasio-Cortez would “absolutely” lose a race against Schumer and added that he would not mind having a meeting with the congresswoman.
“We’ve never met. I would look forward to doing that. I am open to that at any time,” he stated.
It has long been speculated that Ocasio-Cortez is thinking about challenging Schumer in 2022. The rumors intensified earlier this year after she refused to rule out the possibility.
In an October interview with Vanity Fair, she suggested that her ambitions extend beyond representing her district in the House of Representatives.
Furthermore, earlier this month, Ocasio-Cortez — a rising left-wing star who supported Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the presidential race — said that she would like to see “new leadership in the Democratic Party.”
Schumer has spent years leading Senate Democrats. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California has led their colleagues in the lower chamber.
Interestingly, President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Ocasio-Cortez could oust Schumer in the near future, once saying that she would “kick his a**.”
In recent weeks, Ocasio-Cortez has faced intense pressure from left-wing activists. Comedian and political commentator Jimmy Dore launched a campaign urging the congresswoman to withhold her vote for Pelosi as speaker unless she agrees to bring Medicare for All for a vote.
Dore and others claimed that now is the time to put pressure on Democratic leaders because millions of Americans have lost their jobs and health insurance amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has devastated the economy.
Ocasio-Cortez pushed back against the idea, suggesting that forcing a vote on single-payer legislation would not accomplish much. She said that House progressives should focus on other issues and push for legislation that would increase the minimum wage at the federal level.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger Slams Donald Trump For Throwing ‘Tempter Tantrum’ Over Election Results

On Saturday , Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois slammed President Donald Trump for refusing to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election .
Democrat Joe Biden convincingly won both the Electoral College and the popular vote , but Trump has not yet conceded , insisting that widespread voter fraud enabled the Democratic Party to oust him from the White House .
In a tweet , Kinzinger wrote that there is “ no evidence ” of voted fraud and ripped into Trump for throwing a tempter tantrum instead of acknowledging the results and congratulating his opponent .
Kinzinger was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the day .
The president slammed the Department of Justice ( DOJ ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) for refusing to intervene in the electoral process and claimed that there is concrete evidence of fraud .
He also called on his supporters to attend the Jan. 6 protest in Washington , D.C .
In a follow-up tweet , Kinzinger suggested that Trump and his allies realize nothing can be done to reverse the results but continue to push absurd and unfounded allegations in order to “ scam ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ All this talk about Jan 6th from @ realDonaldTrump and other congressional grifters is simply explained : they will raise money and gain followers by blaming everyone else knowing full well they can ’ t do anything .
It ’ s sad , and an utter scam , ” Kinzinger wrote .
Kinzinger used the hashtag “ restoreourgop , ” which apparently angered Congresswoman-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia , who tweeted that tens of millions of Trump supports know the 2020 race was “ stolen ” by the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sentiments he expressed are shared by Democrats and progressives , but not by Republican voters .
Trump spent his Saturday morning attacking GOP politicians , law enforcement agencies and the courts via Twitter .
In one of the tweets , the commander-in-chief slammed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other lawmakers for refusing to “ fight ” for him .
In another one , he described the Supreme Court as “ incompetent and weak ” for not ruling in his campaign ’ s favor .
“ We have absolute PROOF , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it – No ‘ standing ’ , they say .
If we have corrupt elections , we have no country , ” he wrote .
According to former White House official Omarosa Manigault Newman , Trump is undergoing a “ psychotic episode ” because he is not able to cope with the fact that Biden will be inaugurated on January 20 next year .

On Saturday, Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois slammed President Donald Trump for refusing to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Democrat Joe Biden convincingly won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, but Trump has not yet conceded, insisting that widespread voter fraud enabled the Democratic Party to oust him from the White House.
In a tweet, Kinzinger wrote that there is “no evidence” of voted fraud and ripped into Trump for throwing a temper tantrum instead of acknowledging the results and congratulating his opponent.
“My God. Trying to burn the place down on the way out because you can’t handle losing. No evidence, nothing but your temper tantrum and crazy conspiracies. Embarrassing.”
Kinzinger was responding to a message Trump posted earlier in the day.
The president slammed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for refusing to intervene in the electoral process and claimed that there is concrete evidence of fraud. He also called on his supporters to attend the January 6 protest in Washington, D.C.
In a follow-up tweet, Kinzinger suggested that Trump and his allies realize nothing can be done to reverse the results. He accused them of pushing unfounded allegations in order to “scam” their followers and solicit donations from them.
“All this talk about Jan 6th from @realDonaldTrump and other congressional grifters is simply explained: they will raise money and gain followers by blaming everyone else knowing full well they can’t do anything. It’s sad, and an utter scam,” he wrote.
Kinzinger used the hashtag “restoreourgop,” which apparently angered Congresswoman-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who tweeted that tens of millions of Trump supporters know the 2020 race was “stolen” by the Democratic Party.
Greene ripped Kinzinger, saying that the sentiments he expressed are shared by Democrats and progressives, but not by Republican voters.
Trump spent his Saturday morning attacking GOP politicians, law enforcement agencies and the courts via Twitter.
In one of the tweets, the commander-in-chief slammed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other lawmakers for refusing to “fight” for him. In another one, he described the Supreme Court as “incompetent and weak” for not ruling in his campaign’s favor.
“We have absolute PROOF, but they don’t want to see it – No ‘standing’, they say. If we have corrupt elections, we have no country,” he wrote.
According to former White House official Omarosa Manigault Newman, Trump is undergoing a “psychotic episode” because he is not able to cope with the fact that Biden will be inaugurated on January 20 next year.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Republicans Could Steal House Speaker Title From Nancy Pelosi In COVID-19 ‘Nightmare Scenario,’ Repo

Republicans Could Steal House Speaker Title From Nancy Pelosi In COVID-19 ‘Nightmare Scenario,’ Report Says

Republicans may be able to steal the title of House Speaker from Nancy Pelosi in what one report calls a “ nightmare scenario ” brought on by COVID-19 .
The California Democrat is building support to maintain her position for another term , but The Hill noted that the pandemic could provide a potential wild card that would allow the GOP to take the position from her .
As the report noted , Pelosi appears to have lighter support this term , especially after Democrats lost seats in November ’ s election , giving her a smaller margin of error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of coronavirus among Democratic representatives were to thin out their numbers on the January 3 vote , it could allow the GOP to gather enough support to make one of their own the speaker , the report noted .
Democrats have already been struck by the virus , with the outlet noting that five representatives tested positive for COVID-19 this week .
Some members of the Democratic caucus have already discussed what the outlet called the “ nightmare scenario ” where Pelosi is taken out of power .
“ Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six or eight people out with Covid and the Republicans have none .
They probably could elect [ Kevin ] McCarthy , ” said Rep. John Yarmuth , a Democrat from Kentucky .
A number of top elected officials have been infected in the months since the pandemic first started , including President Donald Trump .
Many have been Republicans , with critics saying the lack of proper precautions have led to the infections .
But some of Pelosi ’ s allies have expressed worry that an outbreak would leave them incredibly vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care crisis , right ?
No one can get sick .
That ’ s the X-factor here , ” another anonymous Democrat told The Hill .
“ We need everyone to be healthy… .
That ’ s the big fear.
” It would not be clear just how the dynamic would play out , as Democrats would still hold the majority and power to push through legislation .
The makeup of the Senate remains unclear , with two pending runoff races in Georgia that could bring the upper house to a 50-50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both races .
That would allow incoming Vice President Kamala Harris to break ties , giving the Democratic caucus control of both the House and Senate along with the presidency .
With the Senate under Republican control , Sen. Mitch McConnell has been able to thwart any Democratic-led legislation from coming through and pushed through a number of judicial nominations for Donald Trump after having thwarted them under Barack Obama .

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


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Donald Trump Has ‘No Secret Legal Maneuver Left’ To Stop Joe Biden, Legal Historian Says

Amid reports that Donald Trump is hoping that Vice President Mike Pence will stop the certification of Democrat Joe Biden ’ s victory in January , Law & Crime reported that legal historian Jed Shugerman claimed that the head of state is out of licit options to overturn the outcome of the election .
“ There is no secret legal maneuver left to stop a Biden presidency , ” he tweeted on Christmas Day .
“ Pence & [ Mitch ] McConnell understand these rules & are in an awkward political position of their own sad making .
Any drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merely a pathetic show of Trump loyalty/cowardice.
” As noted by Law & Crime , legal experts claim that Pence does not have any authority to prevent the ratification of Electoral College votes in January .
Although the U.S. Constitution ’ s 12th Amendment states that Pence must oversee a joint session in Congress that will formally certify Biden ’ s victory , the publication called his role “ ceremonial ” and without the authority to alter or prevent the outcome .
“ Implicitly , Congress does the counting , ” Krugman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of the word “ shall ” when describing vote counting .
According to the Electoral Count Act of 1887 , Pence ’ s role will be to open the papers and certificates of the votes , which will be presented and then “ acted upon in the alphabetical order ” of each American state .
Trump allegedly met with Pence before the two each went on their respective holidays .
CNN noted that the head of state recently complained that Pence isn ’ t doing enough to help him and his supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2020 referendum .
Elsewhere , the commander-in-chief retweeted a call from one of his supporters , who pushed for Pence to refuse to ratify the results of the political battle .
A person familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump has not given up hope that he could still pull off a victory .
Despite Trump ’ s perseverance , sources told CNN that Pence and White House aides have attempted to explain to Trump that the vice president has no power to alter the election ’ s results on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a formality .
Still , Pence has continued to support the White House ’ s bid to contest the election while at the same time encouraging Republican voters to turn out for the crucial Georgia Senate runoffs that will determine the fate of the Senate , The Hill reported .
“ We can fight for our president , and we can fight for more Republicans in the United States Senate at the same time , ” he said .

Amid reports that President Donald Trump is hoping that Vice President Mike Pence will stop the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in January, Law & Crime reported legal historian Jed Shugerman’s claim that the head of state is out of licit options to overturn the outcome of the election.
“There is no secret legal maneuver left to stop a Biden presidency,” he tweeted on Christmas Day.
“Pence & [Mitch] McConnell understand these rules & are in an awkward political position of their own sad making. Any drama before or on Jan 6 will be merely a pathetic show of Trump loyalty/cowardice.”
As noted by Law & Crime, legal experts claim that Pence does not have any authority to prevent the ratification of Electoral College votes in January. Although the U.S. Constitution’s 12th Amendment states that Pence must oversee a joint session in Congress that will formally certify Biden’s victory, the publication called his role “ceremonial” and without the authority to alter or prevent the outcome.
“Implicitly, Congress does the counting,” Krugman said, point to the Constitution’s use of the word “shall” when describing vote counting.
According to the Electoral Count Act of 1887, Pence’s role will be to open the papers and certificates of the votes, which will be presented and then “acted upon in the alphabetical order” of each American state.
Trump allegedly met with Pence before the two went on their respective holidays. CNN noted that the head of state recently complained that Pence isn’t doing enough to help him and his supporters in their battle to overturn the results of the 2020 referendum. Elsewhere, the commander-in-chief retweeted a call from one of his supporters, who pushed for Pence to refuse to ratify the results of the political battle.
A person familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump has not given up hope that he could still pull off a victory.
“He’s very resolute in continuing to want to fight the Electoral College. And he still thinks it’s not over.”
Despite Trump’s perseverance, sources told CNN that Pence and White House aides have attempted to explain to Trump that the vice president has no power to alter the election’s results on January 6 and oversees the counting as a formality.
Still, Pence has continued to support the White House’s bid to contest the election while at the same time encouraging Republican voters to turn out for the crucial Georgia Senate runoffs that will determine the fate of the Senate, The Hill reported.
“We can fight for our president, and we can fight for more Republicans in the United States Senate at the same time,” he said.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Donald Trump Is Having A ‘Psychotic Episode’ Due To Election Loss, Former Administration Official Sa

Donald Trump Is Having A ‘Psychotic Episode’ Due To Election Loss, Former Administration Official Says

Omarosa Manigault Newman , who worked in Donald Trump ’ s White House in 2017 , appeared on MSNBC on Saturday and claimed that the president is undergoing a “ psychotic episode , ” Mediaite reported .
“ I think Donald Trump is going through a psychotic episode , ” she said .
“ I think that he has come to terms with his loss , but his arrogance , his ego will not allow him to accept that he is not going to be President come January.
” Newman compared Trump ’ s attacks on the 2020 election results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he is trying to “ produce a moment ” in the same way he often did on the hit television show .
Newman claimed that Trump will direct the anger he has over his loss at the individuals around him , including Vice President Mike Pence .
According to the former Apprentice contestant , the U.S. leader ’ s “ wrath ” is “ erratic , ” “ intense , ” and often “ makes absolutely no sense.
” The former Trump official ’ s claims echo others who have expressed concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind in the wake of his election loss .
After Trump ’ s interview with Fox News ’ Maria Bartiromo last month , Mediaite reported that The View host Sunny Hostin claimed at the time that the U.S. leader was “ in a psychosis.
” She continued to argue that the people around the head of state should stage an “ intervention ” to stop him from damaging the Republican Party more than he already has .
As reported by Salon , a group of psychiatrists and mental health professionals — which included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank , and David Reiss — previously argued that Trump ’ s 2019 letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi showed evidence of his psychosis .
Frank said that the letter exemplified Trump ’ s “ psychotic mind , ” while Lee warned that his purported mental issues could be a danger to the individuals around him .
“ You start taking on the person ’ s symptoms in a phenomenon called ‘ shared psychosis , ' ” she said .
Critics of professionals diagnosing Trump point to the Goldwater Rule , which deems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional opinion on the mental health of public figures they have not personally examined .
Conversely , experts in the documentary # Unfit argued that the rule was not meant to be a strict directive that prevents psychological health professionals from voicing their worries about people they believe are exhibiting dangerous and potentially harmful behavior .

Omarosa Manigault Newman, who worked in Donald Trump’s White House in 2017, appeared on MSNBC on Saturday and claimed the president is undergoing a “psychotic episode,” Mediaite reported.
“I think Donald Trump is going through a psychotic episode,” she said. “I think that he has come to terms with his loss, but his arrogance, his ego will not allow him to accept that he is not going to be President come January.”
Newman compared Trump’s attacks on the 2020 election results to her time on The Apprentice and said he is trying to “produce a moment” in the same way he often did on the hit television show.
“But this is not The Apprentice, this is not a reality show. The American people need true leadership, not a reality TV host, which Donald Trump is reverting to.”
Newman claimed Trump will direct the anger he has over his loss at the individuals around him, including Vice President Mike Pence. According to the former Apprentice contestant, the U.S. leader’s “wrath” is “erratic,” “intense,” and often “makes absolutely no sense.”
The former Trump official’s claims echo others who have expressed concern with the commander-in-chief’s state of mind in the wake of his election loss. After Trump’s interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo last month, Mediaite reported The View host Sunny Hostin claimed at the time the U.S. leader was “in a psychosis.” She continued to argue that the people around the head of state should stage an “intervention” to stop him from damaging the Republican Party more than he already has.
As reported by Salon, a group of psychiatrists and mental health professionals — which included Bandy Lee, Lance Dodes, Justin Frank, and David Reiss — previously argued Trump’s 2019 letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi showed evidence of his psychosis. Frank said the letter exemplified Trump’s “psychotic mind,” while Lee warned his purported mental issues could be a danger to the individuals around him.
“You start taking on the person’s symptoms in a phenomenon called ‘shared psychosis,'” she said.
Critics of professionals diagnosing Trump point to the Goldwater Rule, which deems it unethical for psychiatrists to offer their professional opinion on the mental health of public figures they have not personally examined. Conversely, experts in the documentary #Unfit argued the rule was not meant to be a strict directive that prevented psychological health professionals from voicing their worries about people they believe are exhibiting dangerous and potentially harmful behavior.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Washington Talking Heads Are Reportedly Curating Their Bookshelves For Zoom Backdrops

Washington talking heads have been using a service from Maryland-based bookseller Wonder Book to curate bookshelves for their Zoom chats , Politico reported .
According to the publication , Books by the Foot — which has allegedly seen steady business over the years of Democratic and Republican administrations — has been increasingly catering to bookshelves for the remote viewing sessions that are now common for political talking heads no longer in the studio as often .
“ When the coronavirus pandemic arrived , Books by the Foot had to adapt to a downturn in office- and hotel-decor business—and an uptick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class , ” the piece read .
Chuck Roberts , owner of Books by the Foot , said that the coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of residential orders as compared to commercial requests .
Before the COVID-19 crisis , residential shelves were just 20 percent of the business .
Now , they account for 40 percent of the company ’ s orders .
Interestingly , he said there has been an increase in smaller quantities of books that appear to be ideal for filling the background space on a Zoom call from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a piece for The New York Times earlier this year , Amanda Hess touched on the phenomenon , which she called the “ credibility bookcase.
” According to the writer , the pandemic has forced certain groups of people to craft their homes not just for living but also to present themselves to the outside world .
Still , the Wonder Books staff reportedly doesn ’ t try to “ pry too much ” into the political objectives of their clients , who the company ’ s manager , Jessica Bowman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politico claimed that the bookshelves are arranged with care similar to a florist ’ s when creating a bouquet of flowers .
Bowman told the publication that she sometimes sees the company ’ s work in the homes of politicians .
“ We see a lot of them , ” she said .
The revelations in the Politico piece were not well-received by some , including Washington Examiner reporter Jerry Dunleavy .
“ This might be the worst thing I ’ ve ever learned about Washington D.C. , ” he tweeted .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been basically writing furniture , ” wrote researcher Kabir Taneja .
As The Inquisitr reported , the age of Zoom calls pushed CNN to warn staff and guests that they are required to wear pants during meetings .
The warning came after network legal contributor Jeffrey Toobin was allegedly caught masturbating at a work-related Zoom call .


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Fox News’ Pete Hegseth Convinced Donald Trump To Pardon Blackwater Mercenaries, Political Scientist

Fox News’ Pete Hegseth Convinced Donald Trump To Pardon Blackwater Mercenaries, Political Scientist Claims

Political scientist Norman Ornstein claimed on Saturday that Fox News host Pete Hegseth is behind Donald Trump ’ s recent pardons for the Blackwater mercenaries convicted of killing Iraqi civilians in Nisour Square , Baghdad , in 2007 .
“ It was Pete Hegseth who convinced Trump to pardon the Blackwater war criminals .
May he burn in Hell , ” he tweeted .
Nicholas Slatten , Paul Slough , Evan Liberty , and Dustin Heard were all convicted for their role in the notorious massacre , which lead to the deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians , including two boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mediaite , Hegseth has lobbied Trump for years to help U.S. soldiers who are convicted or accused of war crimes .
Hegseth , who was mentioned by name in the White House announcement of the Blackwater pardons , celebrated the controversial move on Wednesday and lauded Trump for his “ courage.
” “ I would note , also , that Blackwater contractors — and you look at that story of Raven 23 and how it was misconstrued against those guys .
God bless the president for having the courage , which a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to pardon those men .
Those veterans who were there defending diplomats put in an impossible situation.
” Defenders of the Blackwater mercenaries point to alleged issues with the investigation and prosecution and believe that the group received unjust punishment for their crimes .
As reported by Media Matters for America , Hegseth argued last year that the group was prosecuted harshly due to Democrats Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton , who he accused of playing politics about Iraq .
Producer Gina Keating spoke to Hegseth about the massacre at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilian vehicle for a car bomb .
She suggested that the team was not aware that the occupants of the vehicle were pedestrians .
Prosecutors of the Blackwater case claimed that Slatten told members of his team that Iraqi lives “ are not worth anything ” and said they are more animal than human .
According to Media Matters for America , Slatten ’ s September 2017 interview with USA Today exhibited his lack of remorse for the murders .
The non-profit organization noted that the former felon said the legal action against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of justice ” and called himself “ a POW in my own country.
” Hegseth previously lobbied for Trump to pardon Eddie Gallagher , a Navy SEAL who was accused of killing a captured Islamic State fighter and shooting civilians .
Trump later pardoned Gallagher of his war crimes and restored his rank in the military , which was reduced for misconduct .


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Donald Trump Was A ‘Virtual Dictator’ Who Pretended To Be An ‘Anti-Corruption Crusader,’ Columnist S

Donald Trump Was A ‘Virtual Dictator’ Who Pretended To Be An ‘Anti-Corruption Crusader,’ Columnist Says

In a Saturday piece for The Intercept , columnist Murtaza Hussain argued that Donald Trump lead like a “ virtual dictator ” who played the character of an “ anti-corruption crusader ” through the duration of his presidency .
“ Although uninspiring and weak as a politician , a job that he scarcely seemed interested in anyway , Trump delivered on his persona as a virtual dictator — to either be adulated or , on the part of his liberal opponents , defeated , ” he wrote .
Conversely , the reporter claimed that Trump ’ s opponents on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ counternarrative ” that drew from the rhetoric seen in recent resistance movements to totalitarianism .
The purported exaggeration of Trump ’ s authoritarian power was previously noted by journalist Glenn Greenwald , who claimed that the president has not come close to the moral evil perpetrated by George W. Bush and Barack Obama .
In particular , Greenwald pointed to Bush ’ s Iraq War and the Obama administration ’ s aggressive stance on press freedom .
According to Hussain , Trump understood the “ psychological needs ” of the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid the boredom of modern society .
In the absence of an ability to provide good governance , the reporter said the head of state began to focus on a “ constant rhetorical embellishment of reality ” that appeased the public ’ s “ insatiable hunger for extreme psychological experiences.
” The columnist doesn ’ t believe that Trump is the only one who feeds an American narrative .
With President-elect Joe Biden set to take Trump ’ s place , Hussain claimed that the Democrat will shift the narrative back to where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mogul ’ s 2016 win .
“ To put it another way , the channel is being changed from The Apprentice back to The West Wing , ” he said .
While the head of state might be on his way out of the White House , he reportedly has his sights set on a Trump television network that would keep him in the limelight .
In an op-ed for NBC News , Robyn Autry , chair of the Sociology Department at Wesleyan University , argued that a Trump channel could allow him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing the narratives that have defined his presidency and post-election time in the Oval Office .
Autry opined that Trump ’ s presidency was focused more on creating a spectacle akin to a reality television show and pointed to his frequent connection with fans on social media and in-person events .

In a Saturday piece for The Intercept, columnist Murtaza Hussain argued that Donald Trump led like a “virtual dictator” who played the character of an “anti-corruption crusader” throughout his presidency.
“Although uninspiring and weak as a politician, a job that he scarcely seemed interested in anyway, Trump delivered on his persona as a virtual dictator — to either be adulated or, on the part of his liberal opponents, defeated,” he wrote.
Conversely, the reporter claimed Trump’s opponents on the other side of the political spectrum created a “counternarrative” that drew from the rhetoric seen in recent resistance movements to totalitarianism.
“On both sides, the reality was significantly less dramatic than the stories being told. An actual fascist dictator cannot be beaten by simply being voted out.”
The purported exaggeration of Trump’s authoritarian power was previously noted by journalist Glenn Greenwald, who claimed the president has not come close to the moral evil perpetrated by George W. Bush and Barack Obama. In particular, Greenwald pointed to Bush’s Iraq War and the Obama administration’s aggressive stance on press freedom.
According to Hussain, Trump understood the “psychological needs” of the American public, who he suggested desire excitement amid the boredom of modern society. In the absence of an ability to provide good governance, the reporter said the head of state began to focus on a “constant rhetorical embellishment of reality” that appeased the public’s “insatiable hunger for extreme psychological experiences.”
The columnist doesn’t believe Trump is the only one who feeds the American narrative. With President-elect Joe Biden set to take Trump’s place, Hussain claimed the Democrat will shift the narrative back to where it was prior to Trump’s 2016 win.
“To put it another way, the channel is being changed from The Apprentice back to The West Wing,” he said.
While the head of state might be on his way out of the White House, he reportedly has his sights set on a Trump television network that would keep him in the limelight. In an op-ed for NBC News, Robyn Autry, chair of the Sociology Department at Wesleyan University, argued that the creation of such a channel could allow the president to harness his many fans and continue pushing the narratives that have defined his presidency and post-election time in the Oval Office.
Autry opined that Trump’s presidency was focused more on creating a spectacle akin to a reality television show and pointed to his frequent connection with fans on social media and in-person events as evidence of such.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Donald Trump Might Turn To Rudy Giuliani & Sidney Powell For Self-Pardon Advice, Ex-DOJ Official Say

Donald Trump Might Turn To Rudy Giuliani & Sidney Powell For Self-Pardon Advice, Ex-DOJ Official Says

Michael Bromwich , the former Department of Justice inspector general , believes that Donald Trump will likely lean on lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell for advice on a possible self-pardon , The Guardian reported .
Bromwich made the comments while speaking on the possibility Trump would pressure acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen for what the publication called “ big and potentially risky political and legal favors.
” “ I doubt whether he [ Trump ] will feel the need to obtain such an opinion , ” the former DOJ official said .
Nevertheless , Bromwich said that Rosen would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ go on an extended vacation.
” Giuliani and Powell are two of the most prominent supporters of Trump ’ s claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election .
Notably , the president has allegedly discussed the creation of a special counsel focused on election fraud that would be headed by Powell .
As Trump ’ s time in the White House nears its end , the debate over whether he can offer himself a pardon continues .
In an op-ed for The Hill , law professor Jonathan Turley claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the debate , which he noted has been going on for decades .
“ In my view , the main obstacle is political , not constitutional , ” he said , continuing to claim that American attorney Andrew Weissmann is attempting to remove this barrier .
Turley , who testified during Trump ’ s impeachment trial in favor of the president , previously argued that while the U.S. Constitution doesn ’ t explicitly prohibit self-pardons , the act would be an abuse of power on a great scale than former President Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As reported by Law & Crime , Powell , Giuliani , and Trump ’ s campaign are being sued by Dr. Eric Coomer , an employee of Dominion Voting Systems , for the trio ’ s involvement in what the publication calls an “ unsubstantiated and baseless conspiracy theory.
” In particular , the group is involved in claims that the company was part of a plot to steal the election from the head of state .
Coomer ’ s lawsuit claims that the theory has led to “ severe ” emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ traitor ” and subjected to death threats .

Michael Bromwich, the former Department of Justice inspector general, believes Donald Trump will likely lean on lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell for advice on a possible self-pardon, The Guardian reported.
Bromwich made the comments while speaking on the possibility of Trump pressuring acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen for what the publication called “big and potentially risky political and legal favors.”
“I doubt whether he [Trump] will feel the need to obtain such an opinion,” the former DOJ official said.
“He will choose instead to rely on the legal advice of Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and the rest of the legal misfits he has surrounded himself with.”
Nevertheless, Bromwich said Rosen would be wise to change his phone number and “go on an extended vacation.”
“If that’s not possible, he should make it clear that he won’t do anything that violates his oath to the constitution, or his fundamental sense of right and wrong.”
Giuliani and Powell are two of the most prominent supporters of Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Notably, the president has allegedly discussed the creation of a special counsel focused on election fraud that would be headed by Powell.
As Trump’s time in the White House nears its end, the debate over whether he can offer himself a pardon continues. In an op-ed for The Hill, law professor Jonathan Turley claimed there is merit to both sides of the debate, which he noted has been going on for decades.
“In my view, the main obstacle is political, not constitutional,” he said, continuing to claim that American attorney Andrew Weissmann is attempting to remove this barrier.
Turley, who testified during Trump’s impeachment trial in favor of the president, previously argued that while the U.S. Constitution doesn’t explicitly prohibit self-pardons, the act would be an abuse of power on a great scale than former President Bill Clinton’s purported abuse of pardons.
As reported by Law & Crime, Powell, Giuliani, and Trump’s campaign are being sued by Dr. Eric Coomer, an employee of Dominion Voting Systems, for the trio’s involvement in what the publication calls an “unsubstantiated and baseless conspiracy theory.” In particular, the group is involved in claims that the company was part of a plot to steal the election from the head of state. Coomer’s lawsuit claims the theory has led to “severe” emotional distress due to him being branded as a “traitor” and subjected to death threats.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--After Donald Trump Asked Sidney Powell To Investigate Voter Fraud, W.H. Aides Are Reportedly Freezin

After Donald Trump Asked Sidney Powell To Investigate Voter Fraud, W.H. Aides Are Reportedly Freezing Her Out

White House aides are reportedly blocking lawyer Sidney Powell from contacting Donald Trump after he had raised the idea that she serve as a special counsel to investigate election fraud .
As The Daily Mail reported , Powell met with Trump in the Oval Office this week as a group of the president ’ s closest allies discussed strategies to overturn the results of the election and keep Trump in the White House .
It was at this meeting that Trump reportedly brought up the idea of Powell serving as a special counsel to investigate allegations of election fraud .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacting Trump since then .
She said in an interview with Zenger News this week that top aides had been freezing her out since that meeting .
“ ‘ I ’ ve been blocked from speaking to or communicating with the president since I left the Oval Office… by apparently everyone around him , ” she said , via The Daily Mail .
Powell went on to explain that — after Trump made a verbal offer for her to lead an investigation — senior officials from the Office of White House Counsel have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary to make it official .
Powell has brought forward a number of court cases seeking to reverse the outcome of the presidential election and invalidate the voting results , but was unsuccessful in the attempts .
Many of the lawsuits have come under intense scrutiny , with judges slamming the unfounded claims and legal experts mocking the many errors and incorrect statements in them .
As The Inquisitr reported , one filing claimed to have uncovered illegal voting in Edison County , Michigan , a place that does not exist .
Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Queen Mary University of London , analyzed Powell ’ s so-called “ Kraken ” lawsuit for The Bulwark and wrote it was filled with grammatical and spelling errors and was “ way dumber than you realize.
” The arguments were torn apart by judges , he noted .
“ Their case was such complete nonsense that two courts and four judges decided it was too dumb to fix , ” Dunford wrote .
Trump has continued to press claims that the victory was stolen from him and reports say he raised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certify the Electoral College results when he oversees the vote tally next month .
As The Inquisitr reported , some top aides have had to explain to Trump that Pence ’ s role is mostly symbolic as president of the U.S. Senate and he does not actually have the power to stop Joe Biden from being named the winner .

White House aides are reportedly blocking lawyer Sidney Powell from contacting Donald Trump after he had raised the idea that she serve as a special counsel to investigate election fraud.
As The Daily Mail reported, Powell met with Trump in the Oval Office this week as a group of the president’s closest allies discussed strategies to overturn the results of the election and keep Trump in the White House. It was at this meeting that Trump reportedly brought up the idea of Powell serving as a special counsel to investigate allegations of election fraud.
But Powell has reportedly been blocked from contacting Trump since then. She said in an interview with Zenger News this week that top aides had been freezing her out since that meeting.
“‘I’ve been blocked from speaking to or communicating with the president since I left the Oval Office… by apparently everyone around him,” she said, via The Daily Mail.
Powell went on to explain that — after Trump made a verbal offer for her to lead an investigation — senior officials from the Office of White House Counsel have stopped her from giving Trump the paperwork necessary to make it official.
Powell has brought forward a number of court cases seeking to reverse the outcome of the presidential election and invalidate the voting results, but was unsuccessful in the attempts. Many of the lawsuits have come under intense scrutiny, with judges slamming the unfounded claims and legal experts mocking the many errors and incorrect statements in them. As The Inquisitr reported, one filing claimed to have uncovered illegal voting in Edison County, Michigan, a place that does not exist.
Mike Dunford, lawyer and intellectual property researcher at Queen Mary University of London, analyzed Powell’s so-called “Kraken” lawsuit for The Bulwark and wrote it was filled with grammatical and spelling errors and was “way dumber than you realize.” The arguments were torn apart by judges, he noted.
“Their case was such complete nonsense that two courts and four judges decided it was too dumb to fix,” Dunford wrote.
Trump has continued to press claims that the victory was stolen from him and reports say he raised the idea of having Mike Pence refuse to certify the Electoral College results when he oversees the vote tally next month. As The Inquisitr reported, some top aides have had to explain to Trump that Pence’s role is mostly symbolic as president of the U.S. Senate and he does not actually have the power to stop Joe Biden from being named the winner.


inquisitr--2020-12-26--Donald Trump Slams Republicans & Supreme Court, Calls Joe Biden ‘Fake President’

On Saturday morning , President Donald Trump posted a series of tweets attacking Republican Party politicians and several American institutions and claimed that he , not Democrat Joe Biden , won the 2020 presidential election .
In his first tweet of the day , Trump alleged that there is “ proof ” of widespread electoral fraud and said that Democrats would “ fight to the death ” if their presidential candidate was cheated .
He slammed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans for refusing to fight for him .
In a follow-up tweet , Trump attacked the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investigation ( FBI ) for refusing to intervene in the electoral process .
The commander-in-chief said that the agencies “ should be ashamed ” and invited his supporters to participate in the January 6 protest in Washington , D.C .
In a third Twitter message , Trump called on U.S. Attorney John Durham to release his much-anticipated report about the 2016 presidential contest , accusing Democrats of conspiring with Russia and other foreign nations to derail his presidency and “ steal ” the 2020 race .
Trump also took aim at the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally incompetent and weak ” for refusing to take up his campaign ’ s voter fraud cases .
“ We have absolute PROOF , but they don ’ t want to see it – No ‘ standing ’ , they say .
If we have corrupt elections , we have no country !
” he wrote .
Trump added that an American official stationed in Afghanistan has told him that the country ’ s elections are more secure than the ones in the United States .
He described Biden as a “ fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to commit unprecedented fraud because of the increase in mail-in voting .
“ A young military man working in Afghanistan told me that elections in Afghanistan are far more secure and much better run than the USA ’ s 2020 Election .
Ours , with its millions and millions of corrupt Mail-In Ballots , was the election of a third world country .
Fake President !
” he tweeted .
Despite Trump ’ s attempts to overturn the results , the Electoral College certified Biden ’ s victory earlier this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign ’ s lawsuits .
Notably , the conservative-leaning Supreme Court recently rejected a controversial lawsuit filed by the state of Texas .
Trump ’ s three appointees — Justices Neil Gorsuch , Amy Coney Barret and Brett Kavanaugh — voted against hearing the case .
This prompted the Texas Republican Party to call for secession and a new union of red states .
Several prominent Republicans dismissed and condemned the idea .

On Saturday morning, President Donald Trump posted a series of tweets attacking Republican Party politicians and several American institutions and claimed that he, not Democrat Joe Biden, won the 2020 presidential election.
In his first tweet of the day, Trump alleged that there is “proof” of widespread electoral fraud and said that Democrats would “fight to the death” if their presidential candidate was cheated. He slammed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans for refusing to fight for him.
“Mitch & the Republicans do NOTHING, just want to let it pass. NO FIGHT!”
In a follow-up tweet, Trump attacked the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for refusing to intervene in the electoral process. The commander-in-chief said that the agencies “should be ashamed” and invited his supporters to participate in the January 6 protest in Washington, D.C.
In a third Twitter message, Trump called on U.S. Attorney John Durham to release his much-anticipated report about the 2016 presidential contest, accusing Democrats of conspiring with Russia and other foreign nations to derail his presidency and “steal” the 2020 race.
Trump also took aim at the Supreme Court, tweeting that it is “totally incompetent and weak” for refusing to take up his campaign’s voter fraud cases. “We have absolute PROOF, but they don’t want to see it – No ‘standing’, they say. If we have corrupt elections, we have no country!” he wrote.
Trump added that an American official stationed in Afghanistan has told him that the country’s elections are more secure than the ones in the United States. He described Biden as a “fake President,” suggesting that Democrats were able to commit unprecedented fraud because of the increase in mail-in voting.
“A young military man working in Afghanistan told me that elections in Afghanistan are far more secure and much better run than the USA’s 2020 Election. Ours, with its millions and millions of corrupt Mail-In Ballots, was the election of a third world country. Fake President!” he tweeted.
Despite Trump’s attempts to overturn the results, the Electoral College certified Biden’s victory earlier this month. Courts across the nation have rejected the Trump campaign’s lawsuits. Notably, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court recently rejected a controversial lawsuit filed by the state of Texas.
Trump’s three appointees — Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barret and Brett Kavanaugh — voted against hearing the case. This prompted the Texas Republican Party to call for secession and a new union of red states. Several prominent Republicans dismissed and condemned the idea.


inquisitr--2020-12-27--Donald Trump Could Face Criminal Charges For His ‘Corrupt Pardons,’ Harvard Law Professor Claims

Donald Trump ’ s controversial use of his pardoning power could land him in some legal hot water and even lead to potential criminal charges , a legal expert claims .
In an op-ed for the Financial Times , Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe noted that Trump has handed out a number of “ corrupt pardons.
” As he wrote , this includes both ones that were given to people who have engaged in corruption — including Blackwater private military contractors pardoned after being convicted of killing Iraqi civilians — and others that place him above the law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close associates who may have helped to cover up crimes committed by Trump .
“ Mr Trump ’ s grants of clemency to close advisers Paul Manafort and Roger Stone belong to a distinct and far more dangerous category , ” he wrote .
“ These pardons appear to be the latest steps taken which may in effect have hindered inquiries into crimes that Mr Trump ’ s close associates have been convicted of committing .
Put plainly , these pardons could potentially amount to criminal obstruction of justice or bribery.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of his own party have spoken out against his pardoning close political allies .
Sen. Ben Sasse criticized him for pardoning Manafort and Stone , saying that the actions were “ rotten to the core.
” He had also come under scrutiny for pardoning Charles Kushner , the father of his son-in-law who had been convicted on several counts of tax fraud .
Tribe went on to say that Trump may ultimately try to pardon himself to protect against potential prosecution , and that the only way to limit this improper use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a president who uses it in this way .
Many others have speculated that Trump may ultimately try to use the power on himself , especially as he reportedly faces a number of potential civil and criminal investigations after leaving office and the de facto immunity that comes with the White House .
As The Inquisitr noted , some have also called on Joe Biden to reverse any pardon that Trump would give to himself , setting a precedent that a president can not use the power on themselves in the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Constitution and president of Duquesne University , wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post that it would be important for Biden to “ take a stand against this dangerous precedent ” and reverse any pardon Trump were to give to himself .

U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial use of his pardoning power could land him in some legal hot water and even lead to potential criminal charges, a legal expert claims.
In an op-ed for the Financial Times, Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe noted that Trump has handed out a number of “corrupt pardons.” As he wrote, this includes both ones that were given to people who have engaged in corruption — including Blackwater private military contractors pardoned after being convicted of killing Iraqi civilians — and others that place him above the law. Tribe said that this includes those given to close associates who may have helped to cover up crimes committed by Trump.
“Mr Trump’s grants of clemency to close advisers Paul Manafort and Roger Stone belong to a distinct and far more dangerous category,” he wrote.
“These pardons appear to be the latest steps taken which may in effect have hindered inquiries into crimes that Mr Trump’s close associates have been convicted of committing. Put plainly, these pardons could potentially amount to criminal obstruction of justice or bribery.”
As The Inquisitr reported, even some members of his own party have spoken out against his pardoning political allies. Sen. Ben Sasse criticized him for pardoning Manafort and Stone, saying that the actions were “rotten to the core.” He had also come under scrutiny for pardoning Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, who had been convicted on several counts of tax fraud.
Tribe went on to say that Trump may ultimately try to pardon himself to protect against prosecution and that the only way to limit this improper use in the future could be to prosecute a president who uses it in this way. Many others have speculated that Trump may ultimately try to use the power on himself, especially as he reportedly faces a number of civil and criminal investigations after leaving office and the de facto immunity that comes with the White House.
As The Inquisitr noted, some have also called on Joe Biden to reverse any pardon that Trump would give to himself, setting a precedent that a president cannot use the power on themselves in the future. Ken Gormley, an expert on the U.S. Constitution and president of Duquesne University, wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post that it would be important for Biden to “take a stand against this dangerous precedent” and reverse any pardon Trump were to give to himself.