cnbc--2020-01-29--Trump impeachment trial: Defense wraps up oral arguments, urges Senate to acquit the president

President Donald Trump 's lawyers on Tuesday completed their oral arguments in the Senate impeachment trial , bringing to a quick end a defense that attempted to discredit the evidence gathered by House Democrats in their initial probe .
The team used far fewer than its allotted 24 hours to make its case .
Deputy White House Counsel Pat Philbin began the day attempting to refute the House Democrats ' `` abuse of power '' charge by questioning whether the House could judge the president 's motives .
`` How do we tell under the House managers ' standard what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's an illicit motive ? ''
Philbin asked .
`` How are we supposed to get proof of what 's inside the president 's head ? ''
Philbin also argued that House Democrats ' reliance on the testimony of White House officials to frame their case was flawed .
Those officials testified during the House probe that a July 25 call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy — in which Trump pressed his counterpart to announce an investigation into his Democratic rivals while withholding congressionally approved military aid — was inappropriate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beholden to his subordinates ' suggestions or opinions .
Trump `` has the authority to set policies and make determinations regardless of what the staffers recommend , '' Philbin said .
The House voted last month to impeach Trump on articles of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in relation to his dealings with Ukraine .
Trump 's lawyer Jay Sekulow on Tuesday warned the Senate that `` to lower the bar of impeachment '' would weaken constitutional standards .
He also said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's decision to withhold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment contradicted the sense of urgency around the issue Democrats hoped to establish .
Getting the impeachment done in the House before Christmas `` was so critical , '' he said , but `` they never really answered the question on why they thought there was such a national emergency . ''
The oral arguments come two days after a bombshell report that Trump told former National Security Advisor John Bolton that he wanted to withhold military aid to Ukraine in exchange for investigations into political rivals , including former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday 's arguments , Trump 's lawyers ignored the news , based on an unpublished manuscript of Bolton 's forthcoming memoir .
But on Tuesday , Sekulow addressed the revelation on the Senate floor for the first time .
`` You can not impeach a president on an unsourced allegation , '' he said , calling the report `` inadmissible '' as evidence , though he did not deny the allegation .
In making his point , Sekulow relied heavily on Trump 's reaction to the news and commentary from acting chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not a witness to any talk about investigations between Trump and Zelenskiy .
Trump denied the reports on Monday tweeting that he `` NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats . ''
Following the Trump defense team 's arguments , Republican senators planned to huddle in the Capitol to discuss the next steps in the trial and assess where members of the caucus stood on the question of calling witnesses .
In light of the Bolton revelations , moderate Republicans such as Sens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Maine expressed more openness to calling for new testimony .
The GOP holds a 53-47 majority in the Senate .
Democrats need four Republicans to join with them in a vote to call new witnesses .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , after the proceedings on Tuesday said a preliminary vote count among senators indicated that the GOP does not have enough votes to block witnesses or additional documents .
Lead impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , made the case for calling Bolton after the day 's proceedings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to subpoena Bolton in its initial investigation but the president 's lawyers in a separate court case argued that `` the House may not sue in court to compel a witness to testify . ''
`` They come into the Senate , which they refer to as a court , and they say the House should have sued in court to enforce subpoenas on witnesses like John Bolton , and then they go to court and they say the House may not sue in court to compel a witness to testify , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal duplicity of the president 's team . ''
But even if Bolton testifies , it remains unlikely that the Senate will vote to convict and remove the president from office .
The Senate will have 16 hours beginning Wednesday to present written questions .
Afterward , the Senate will vote on whether to call witnesses or produce additional documents .

President Donald Trump's lawyers on Tuesday completed their oral arguments in the Senate impeachment trial, bringing to a quick end a defense that attempted to discredit the evidence gathered by House Democrats in their initial probe.
The team used far fewer than its allotted 24 hours to make its case.
Deputy White House Counsel Pat Philbin began the day attempting to refute the House Democrats' "abuse of power" charge by questioning whether the House could judge the president's motives.
"How do we tell under the House managers' standard what an illicit motive is, when there's an illicit motive?" Philbin asked. "How are we supposed to get proof of what's inside the president's head?"
Philbin also argued that House Democrats' reliance on the testimony of White House officials to frame their case was flawed. Those officials testified during the House probe that a July 25 call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy — in which Trump pressed his counterpart to announce an investigation into his Democratic rivals while withholding congressionally approved military aid — was inappropriate.
Philbin said the president is ultimately not beholden to his subordinates' suggestions or opinions.
Trump "has the authority to set policies and make determinations regardless of what the staffers recommend," Philbin said.
The House voted last month to impeach Trump on articles of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in relation to his dealings with Ukraine.
Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow on Tuesday warned the Senate that "to lower the bar of impeachment" would weaken constitutional standards. He also said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision to withhold the articles for a month after Trump's impeachment contradicted the sense of urgency around the issue Democrats hoped to establish.
Getting the impeachment done in the House before Christmas "was so critical," he said, but "they never really answered the question on why they thought there was such a national emergency."
The oral arguments come two days after a bombshell report that Trump told former National Security Advisor John Bolton that he wanted to withhold military aid to Ukraine in exchange for investigations into political rivals, including former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
In Monday's arguments, Trump's lawyers ignored the news, based on an unpublished manuscript of Bolton's forthcoming memoir. But on Tuesday, Sekulow addressed the revelation on the Senate floor for the first time.
Trump impeachment trial: Defense ignores Bolton bombshell about Ukraine aid for investigations
"You cannot impeach a president on an unsourced allegation," he said, calling the report "inadmissible" as evidence, though he did not deny the allegation.
In making his point, Sekulow relied heavily on Trump's reaction to the news and commentary from acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, whom Sekulow said was not a witness to any talk about investigations between Trump and Zelenskiy.
Trump denied the reports on Monday tweeting that he "NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats."
Trump tweet
Following the Trump defense team's arguments, Republican senators planned to huddle in the Capitol to discuss the next steps in the trial and assess where members of the caucus stood on the question of calling witnesses.
In light of the Bolton revelations, moderate Republicans such as Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine expressed more openness to calling for new testimony. The GOP holds a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Democrats need four Republicans to join with them in a vote to call new witnesses.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., after the proceedings on Tuesday said a preliminary vote count among senators indicated that the GOP does not have enough votes to block witnesses or additional documents.
Lead impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., made the case for calling Bolton after the day's proceedings, telling reporters that the House tried to subpoena Bolton in its initial investigation but the president's lawyers in a separate court case argued that "the House may not sue in court to compel a witness to testify."
"They come into the Senate, which they refer to as a court, and they say the House should have sued in court to enforce subpoenas on witnesses like John Bolton, and then they go to court and they say the House may not sue in court to compel a witness to testify," Schiff continued. "That is the legal duplicity of the president's team."
But even if Bolton testifies, it remains unlikely that the Senate will vote to convict and remove the president from office.
The Senate will have 16 hours beginning Wednesday to present written questions. Afterward, the Senate will vote on whether to call witnesses or produce additional documents.


cnbc--2020-01-29--Russian mercenaries, a CIA-linked general and lots of oil: Explaining Libya's war

Libya has seen its oil production slashed by 75 % in just one week as warring factions within the country attempt to use the key commodity to seize control .
Output from Africa 's third-largest oil producer has plummeted from around 1.2 million barrels per day ( bpd ) to just over 320,000 bpd , its state oil company said — an estimated loss of $ 256 million in revenue .
That 's thanks to pipeline closures and blockades of export terminals last week by rebel groups under the command of rogue general Khalifa Haftar , whose militias are battling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GNA ) in Tripoli to take control of the Libyan capital .
Fighting in Libya resurged over the weekend , torching a cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey in early January .
The move is a power play for Haftar , the charismatic leader whose fleet of Libyan militia groups , collectively known as the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) , launched an assault on Tripoli last April that 's taken thousands of lives and displaced more than 140,000 people .
The rabidly anti-Islamist Haftar is seen as the strongest power player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now involves several international powers — and his militias control the country 's east and much of its south .
The east is home to the lion 's share of Libya 's oil facilities .
The output drop in the OPEC state sent the price of Brent crude spiking last week and could be devastating for the Libyan economy .
But regional analysts are calling it a quick leverage grab and questioning how long it will last , while noting that ample global crude supply and fears over China 's coronavirus are keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 76-year-old commander , who is credited with a major role in defeating Islamic State militants in 2016 alongside U.S. airstrikes , also happens to be an American passport holder .
A rival of longtime Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi , Haftar lived in the Virginia suburbs for several years while working as a CIA asset to plot against the former leader .
After the Arab Spring , he apparently spent several years back in Virginia to `` enjoy his grandchildren , '' he told the New Yorker Magazine in a 2015 interview .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. A former ally , they ca n't exactly sideline him ; but his violent assault for power stands in the way of a democratic Libya that Washington had hoped for after its NATO intervention helped topple Gadhafi in 2011 during the Arab Spring .
Nine years after a U.S.-led coalition toppled Gadhafi , Libya remains a fractured state , ravaged by civil war and terrorism .
And a vast array of competing foreign interests have entered the Libyan arena , including Turkey , Russia , Qatar , France , Italy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lack of stability and outside influence has led some to call it the new Syria .
Russia has deployed a few hundred mercenaries from the paramilitary Wagner Group and others into the country to back up Haftar , while Turkey has sent in a few hundred military advisors to support the GNA .
The UAE is carrying out airstrikes in Libya , also to help Haftar .
`` We want to avoid Libya becoming the scene of proxy wars , '' German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in early January .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so we need rapidly to enter a political process , an agreement on an effective cease-fire and an arms embargo . ''
The major players do n't seem to be listening .
Haftar is now directing renewed fighting in Libya 's west after a German-brokered conference in Berlin last week ended with external nations calling for a cease-fire and pledging to end their interference in the war-torn country of 6.4 million .
The meeting concluded with Hafter storming out before making any agreements , and Haftar and GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With fresh violence and foreign fighters spilling into the country in the last week alone , the pledges of non-involvement appear to be falling apart .
Russian mercenaries and Emirati airstrikes : Who is backing who in Libya ?
Libya has become a near free-for-all for competing international powers : myriad countries are backing the disparate groups fighting on the ground to further their own ideological and financial interests .
Turkey , and to a lesser extent Qatar and Italy , support the U.N.-backed GNA — to the extent that Turkey earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops to the country at Tripoli 's request .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also flown some 2,000 mercenary fighters into Libya from the Syrian conflict , which are known to include radical Islamists , to combat Haftar 's forces .
Turkey 's support , analysts say , is tied to Ankara 's desire for access to Eastern Mediterranean gas drilling .
`` Because Berlin did n't manage to declare a ceasefire or deliver any substantive result , what seems to be happening is Erdogan has every intention to increase that number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 , '' Jalel Harchaoui , a Libya expert at The Netherlands Institute of International Relations , told CNBC via phone .
Meanwhile the United Arab Emirates , Egypt , France and more recently Russia back Haftar .
The UAE and Egypt oppose the GNA — which they see as a hotbed of Islamism and Muslim Brotherhood affiliates , something that 's anathema to their own governments — and have sent weapons and special forces troops to support Haftar 's fighters .
Experts name the UAE as the most powerful foreign player in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian mercenaries began appearing in Libya to support Haftar as well , mostly in logistical , support and intelligence roles .
For Russia , the move is viewed as a continuation of Moscow 's expansion and leverage over diplomatic channels in the Middle East and Africa .
`` Libya was always looked at ( by Moscow ) as the perfect passageway to Africa , '' Harchaoui said .
`` Russia is interested in any mechanism that allows it to undermine NATO and promote disunity within European bloc… Libya is perfect . ''

Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government arrive in Tajura, a coastal suburb of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on April 6, 2019, from their base in Misrata. Mahmud Turkia | AFP | Getty Images
Libya has seen its oil production slashed by 75% in just one week as warring factions within the country attempt to use the key commodity to seize control. Output from Africa's third-largest oil producer has plummeted from around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to just over 320,000 bpd, its state oil company said — an estimated loss of $256 million in revenue. That's thanks to pipeline closures and blockades of export terminals last week by rebel groups under the command of rogue general Khalifa Haftar, whose militias are battling the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli to take control of the Libyan capital. Fighting in Libya resurged over the weekend, torching a cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey in early January.
Who is rebel general Khalifa Haftar?
The move is a power play for Haftar, the charismatic leader whose fleet of Libyan militia groups, collectively known as the Libyan National Army (LNA), launched an assault on Tripoli last April that's taken thousands of lives and displaced more than 140,000 people. The rabidly anti-Islamist Haftar is seen as the strongest power player within Libya — whose nearly decade-long conflict now involves several international powers — and his militias control the country's east and much of its south. The east is home to the lion's share of Libya's oil facilities. The output drop in the OPEC state sent the price of Brent crude spiking last week and could be devastating for the Libyan economy. But regional analysts are calling it a quick leverage grab and questioning how long it will last, while noting that ample global crude supply and fears over China's coronavirus are keeping a heavy lid on oil prices.
Retired Libyan Army general Khalifa Haftar speaks during a press conference in the town of Abyar, 70 km southwest of Bengahzi, on May 17, 2014. AFP | Getty Images
The 76-year-old commander, who is credited with a major role in defeating Islamic State militants in 2016 alongside U.S. airstrikes, also happens to be an American passport holder. A rival of longtime Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, Haftar lived in the Virginia suburbs for several years while working as a CIA asset to plot against the former leader. After the Arab Spring, he apparently spent several years back in Virginia to "enjoy his grandchildren," he told the New Yorker Magazine in a 2015 interview. So Haftar poses a massive headache for the U.S. A former ally, they can't exactly sideline him; but his violent assault for power stands in the way of a democratic Libya that Washington had hoped for after its NATO intervention helped topple Gadhafi in 2011 during the Arab Spring.
'The new Syria'
Nine years after a U.S.-led coalition toppled Gadhafi, Libya remains a fractured state, ravaged by civil war and terrorism. And a vast array of competing foreign interests have entered the Libyan arena, including Turkey, Russia, Qatar, France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The lack of stability and outside influence has led some to call it the new Syria. Russia has deployed a few hundred mercenaries from the paramilitary Wagner Group and others into the country to back up Haftar, while Turkey has sent in a few hundred military advisors to support the GNA. The UAE is carrying out airstrikes in Libya, also to help Haftar. "We want to avoid Libya becoming the scene of proxy wars," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in early January. "Libya cannot become a second Syria and so we need rapidly to enter a political process, an agreement on an effective cease-fire and an arms embargo."
Russia is interested in any mechanism that allows it to undermine NATO and promote disunity within European bloc… Libya is perfect. Jalel Harchaoui Netherlands Institute of International Relations
The major players don't seem to be listening. Haftar is now directing renewed fighting in Libya's west after a German-brokered conference in Berlin last week ended with external nations calling for a cease-fire and pledging to end their interference in the war-torn country of 6.4 million. The meeting concluded with Hafter storming out before making any agreements, and Haftar and GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj refused to be in the same room. With fresh violence and foreign fighters spilling into the country in the last week alone, the pledges of non-involvement appear to be falling apart.
Russian mercenaries and Emirati airstrikes: Who is backing who in Libya?
Libya has become a near free-for-all for competing international powers: myriad countries are backing the disparate groups fighting on the ground to further their own ideological and financial interests. Turkey, and to a lesser extent Qatar and Italy, support the U.N.-backed GNA — to the extent that Turkey earlier this month began deploying its own advisory troops to the country at Tripoli's request. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also flown some 2,000 mercenary fighters into Libya from the Syrian conflict, which are known to include radical Islamists, to combat Haftar's forces. Turkey's support, analysts say, is tied to Ankara's desire for access to Eastern Mediterranean gas drilling. "Because Berlin didn't manage to declare a ceasefire or deliver any substantive result, what seems to be happening is Erdogan has every intention to increase that number (of mercenaries) to way beyond 2,000," Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya expert at The Netherlands Institute of International Relations, told CNBC via phone.
watch now
Meanwhile the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France and more recently Russia back Haftar. The UAE and Egypt oppose the GNA — which they see as a hotbed of Islamism and Muslim Brotherhood affiliates, something that's anathema to their own governments — and have sent weapons and special forces troops to support Haftar's fighters. Experts name the UAE as the most powerful foreign player in the country. In early 2017, Russian mercenaries began appearing in Libya to support Haftar as well, mostly in logistical, support and intelligence roles. For Russia, the move is viewed as a continuation of Moscow's expansion and leverage over diplomatic channels in the Middle East and Africa. "Libya was always looked at (by Moscow) as the perfect passageway to Africa," Harchaoui said. "Russia is interested in any mechanism that allows it to undermine NATO and promote disunity within European bloc… Libya is perfect."
No end in sight


cnbc--2020-01-29--China's Xi faces his 'greatest political challenge' with coronavirus outbreak, says analyst

Chinese President Xi Jinping is facing a major political crisis from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , experts said .
By the end of Tuesday , there were 5,974 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in mainland China , according to the country 's National Health Commission .
The death toll was 132 .
To contain the spread of the virus , Beijing is taking measures like locking down cities housing millions , restricting travel and extending the Lunar New Year holiday .
Economists expect the economic fallout to hit tourism and consumption in and outside China .
The rapid escalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first identified in late December likely made Xi realize that it was `` not just a public health crisis , '' said Allison Sherlock , China researcher at the Eurasia Group , a risk consultancy .
`` This is the probably the greatest political challenge that he 's faced since taking office in 2012 , '' Sherlock told CNBC 's `` Squawk Box . ''
`` At the central level , President Xi and his right-hand man , Premier Li Keqiang , I think they understand that the stakes are very high here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus did n't just lead to the rapid spread of the outbreak , it also eroded trust in the government .
And they 're going to try to do everything in their power to ensure that people start believing in their local officials again , '' she added .
Volker Stanzel , a former German ambassador to China , said the coronavirus outbreak is the biggest , foreseeable test for the Chinese Communist Party leadership this year .
A constant factor in the last 70 years of Communist China is that of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relentlessly and not giving in , '' said Stanzel , who is now a senior distinguished fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs , SWP .
Xi in particular has managed to consolidate power at the very top of the political ladder .
`` As soon as you have stress factors not fully managed in the way the Communist Party claims it will do it , then the authority of the Communist Party , and first of all , the person at the top of the Communist Party will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first symptoms of that not after ( the social unrest in ) Hong Kong , not after ( the elections in ) Taiwan , but as is reported in our media , you see it with the coronavirus , '' Stanzel said at a discussion on Tuesday to discuss China 's outlook for 2020 hosted by Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin .
China 's tightly controlled official media is reporting all-out government efforts to control the virus , but social media anger at how the outbreak has been handled has prevailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ censors .
`` Here , suddenly , obviously , it is not even possible anymore for the internet censors to control the cynical questions in the internet of the population whether the leadership is really managing this crisis in the right way , '' Stanzel said , according to a live stream of the discussion .
`` So here , we have the first time ... obviously and openly , for all to see who go on the internet , the authority of Xi Jinping is put into question , '' Stanzel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xi told the head of the WHO on Tuesday that the new coronavirus is a `` devil '' and that China is confident of winning the battle against it .

Chinese President Xi Jinping is facing a major political crisis from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, experts said.
By the end of Tuesday, there were 5,974 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in mainland China, according to the country's National Health Commission. The death toll was 132.
To contain the spread of the virus, Beijing is taking measures like locking down cities housing millions, restricting travel and extending the Lunar New Year holiday. Economists expect the economic fallout to hit tourism and consumption in and outside China.
The rapid escalation of the viral outbreak since it was first identified in late December likely made Xi realize that it was "not just a public health crisis," said Allison Sherlock, China researcher at the Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy.
"This is the probably the greatest political challenge that he's faced since taking office in 2012," Sherlock told CNBC's "Squawk Box." "At the central level, President Xi and his right-hand man, Premier Li Keqiang, I think they understand that the stakes are very high here."
"The mishandling of the virus didn't just lead to the rapid spread of the outbreak, it also eroded trust in the government. And they're going to try to do everything in their power to ensure that people start believing in their local officials again," she added.
Volker Stanzel, a former German ambassador to China, said the coronavirus outbreak is the biggest, foreseeable test for the Chinese Communist Party leadership this year.
A constant factor in the last 70 years of Communist China is that of the party holding onto power "ruthlessly, relentlessly and not giving in," said Stanzel, who is now a senior distinguished fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, SWP.
Xi in particular has managed to consolidate power at the very top of the political ladder.
"As soon as you have stress factors not fully managed in the way the Communist Party claims it will do it, then the authority of the Communist Party, and first of all, the person at the top of the Communist Party will be put into question and you see the first symptoms of that not after (the social unrest in) Hong Kong, not after (the elections in) Taiwan, but as is reported in our media, you see it with the coronavirus," Stanzel said at a discussion on Tuesday to discuss China's outlook for 2020 hosted by Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.
China's tightly controlled official media is reporting all-out government efforts to control the virus, but social media anger at how the outbreak has been handled has prevailed, often in coded terms to evade censors.
"Here, suddenly, obviously, it is not even possible anymore for the internet censors to control the cynical questions in the internet of the population whether the leadership is really managing this crisis in the right way," Stanzel said, according to a live stream of the discussion.
"So here, we have the first time ... obviously and openly, for all to see who go on the internet, the authority of Xi Jinping is put into question," Stanzel said.
On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Xi told the head of the WHO on Tuesday that the new coronavirus is a "devil" and that China is confident of winning the battle against it.


cnbc--2020-01-29--Trump impeachment trial: Senators seek answers on John Bolton, Ukraine aid timing and the president'

Trump impeachment trial: Senators seek answers on John Bolton, Ukraine aid timing and the president's motives

Senators in President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial peppered House Democrats and defense lawyers with questions Wednesday , ahead of a crucial vote on whether to allow new witnesses and documents into the proceedings .
The legal teams took turns fielding a range of pointed queries from the Senate as it weighs the ultimate question of whether to convict and remove Trump from office over his efforts to have Ukraine announce investigations into his political opponents .
The partisan climate on Capitol Hill could often be felt in the senators ' questions , which sometimes sounded less like earnest inquiries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to launch attacks against the other 's case .
The House voted to impeach Trump last month on articles of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
Democrats accuse Trump of withholding nearly $ 400 million in congressionally appropriated military aid to Ukraine while pressuring the country to announce probes into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son , as well as a debunked conspiracy theory about 2016 election interference .
It 's highly unlikely that two-thirds of the Senate will vote to throw a Republican president out of office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP could still change the trajectory of the impeachment trial , when the Senate votes on whether to call witnesses or subpoena additional documents .
That vote is expected to occur Friday , after the question-and-answer period of the trial ends .
House managers have spent much of the trial arguing that the Senate should hear new witnesses — especially former national security advisor John Bolton , who reportedly directly heard Trump tie the Ukraine aid to the political probes he sought .
The senators submitted their questions in writing to Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aloud in the chamber .
Roberts , who is presiding over the trial , alternated between Republicans and Democrats when posing the questions .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , asked the teams to keep their responses under five minutes each .
Here are the day 's top moments : Three GOP senators seen as crucial votes in Dems ' push for witnesses ask first question Three of the Republican senators seen as the most likely candidates to side with Democrats in favor of additional witnesses and documents posed the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal team .
Republican Sens .
Susan Collins of Maine , Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska jointly asked the defense lawyers how the Senate should assess the abuse of power charge against Trump if he had more than one motive in his dealings with Ukraine .
Attorney Patrick Philbin argued that if Trump had motives that served both a personal and a public interest , then `` that can not possibly be the basis for an impeachable offense '' under the terms that the House managers had established .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued , is that there is not a `` smidgen '' of legitimate public interest in investigating Hunter Biden 's membership on the board of a Ukrainian natural gas company while his father Joe Biden was vice president .
Trump and his allies have raised suspicions of corruption in then-vice president Biden 's efforts to have Ukraine fire a prosecutor there while his son was on the board of the company , Burisma Holdings .
The Bidens have not been credibly accused of wrongdoing .
Multiple witnesses testified in the House impeachment inquiry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. policy at the time , and that numerous other countries had also called on Ukraine to fire that prosecutor , who was himself accused of corruption .
There are no established standards of proof or concrete rules about the production of evidence in a Senate impeachment trial .
But Philbin argued that the House managers failed to live up to the absolutist standard of evidence they had established for themselves .
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate , meaning at least four GOP senators will have to break with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial for additional witnesses and documents .
Romney told reporters Wednesday that `` I 'm going to be one of those in favor of calling witnesses . ''
Democrats in Q & A keep pressure on Senate to subpoena Bolton Bolton 's possible testimony in the trial was a main focus from the start of the proceedings Wednesday .
In the first question directed to the House managers , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , asked if senators could possibly render `` a fully formed verdict in this case '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses , such as acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney .
`` The short answer to that question is no , '' leading House manager Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , said in response .
Bolton , who interacted with the president directly during his time in the White House , is `` plainly relevant '' as a witness , Schiff said .
To vote against hearing from Bolton , who vowed he was willing to testify if subpoenaed , goes against the Senate 's obligation to act as an `` impartial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued .
The House managers say that they have already made a compelling case for removing Trump .
But they have also pushed throughout the process for new witnesses and documents to be brought into the Senate , arguing Wednesday that the trial itself would be incomplete without testimony from key witnesses such as Bolton .
`` If you have any lingering questions about direct evidence … there is a way to shed additional light on it , '' Rep. Jason Crow , D-Colo. , told the Senate on Wednesday .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that question directly . ''
The White House refused to hand over any documents and pressured potential witnesses not to comply with the House during its impeachment probe .
But some of the witnesses who did comply described Bolton as being concerned about the president 's Ukraine dealings .
Ex-White House official Fiona Hill told the House that Bolton was so disturbed by the efforts to get Ukraine to announce investigations that he called it a `` drug deal . ''
And on Sunday , The New York Times reported Bolton 's claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Bolton he was tying a military aid package to Ukraine with the probes he sought .
After Schiff answered Schumer 's question , another senator simply asked Trump 's lawyers for a response , prompting chuckles from the chamber .
Philbin took to the podium , arguing that it was the House 's role , not the Senate 's , to coerce Bolton 's testimony .
`` They did n't even try to get his testimony , '' Philbin claimed , even though the House did ask Bolton to testify in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the House at that time ; he was not subpoenaed .
Philbin argued that the House 's rush-job would set a bad precedent for the Senate should have to deal with future impeachments .
Trump lawyer argues that , for Trump , getting reelected is 'in the public interest' One of the most head-turning moments of Wednesday 's questioning came from Alan Dershowitz , a member of Trump 's legal team .
Dershowitz argued that if Trump had agreed to release congressionally appropriated foreign aid to Ukraine in exchange for help in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the impeachment trial — then Trump 's actions still would not amount to an impeachable offense .
Dershowitz 's reasoning ?
If Trump believed his reelection was `` in the public interest , '' then anything he did to help achieve that — up to and including using foreign aid to force Ukraine to help his campaign — could not be considered corrupt .
`` Every public official that I know believes that his election is in the public interest .
And mostly , you 're right .
Your election is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Senate floor .
`` If a president does something which he believes will help him get elected , in the public interest , that can not be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment . ''
`` There are three possible motives that a political figure can have .
One , a motive in the public interest .
The second is in his own political interests .
And the third … would be his own financial interest , '' Dershowitz claimed .
It would only have been purely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had demanded a personal payment from Ukraine in order to release the U.S. government funds .
But Dershowitz saw Trump 's demand for help with his reelection campaign in exchange for releasing the taxpayer funds as `` a complex middle case . ''
Trump could hypothetically say to himself , `` ' I want to be elected .
I think I 'm a great president .
I think I 'm the greatest president there ever was .
If I 'm not elected the national interest will suffer greatly , ' and then act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national interest , '' Dershowitz said .
`` That can not be impeachable , '' he claimed .
His argument left Democrats scratching their heads .
`` All quid pro quos are not the same , '' Schiff said .
`` Some are legitimate and some are corrupt , and you do n't need to be a mind reader to figure out which is which . ''

President Donald Trump listens to a question while speaking to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Senators in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial peppered House Democrats and defense lawyers with questions Wednesday, ahead of a crucial vote on whether to allow new witnesses and documents into the proceedings. The legal teams took turns fielding a range of pointed queries from the Senate as it weighs the ultimate question of whether to convict and remove Trump from office over his efforts to have Ukraine announce investigations into his political opponents. The partisan climate on Capitol Hill could often be felt in the senators' questions, which sometimes sounded less like earnest inquiries than springboards for one of the teams to launch attacks against the other's case. The House voted to impeach Trump last month on articles of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Democrats accuse Trump of withholding nearly $400 million in congressionally appropriated military aid to Ukraine while pressuring the country to announce probes into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, as well as a debunked conspiracy theory about 2016 election interference. It's highly unlikely that two-thirds of the Senate will vote to throw a Republican president out of office. But a few key swing votes in the GOP could still change the trajectory of the impeachment trial, when the Senate votes on whether to call witnesses or subpoena additional documents. That vote is expected to occur Friday, after the question-and-answer period of the trial ends. House managers have spent much of the trial arguing that the Senate should hear new witnesses — especially former national security advisor John Bolton, who reportedly directly heard Trump tie the Ukraine aid to the political probes he sought. The senators submitted their questions in writing to Chief Justice John Roberts, who read them aloud in the chamber. Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, alternated between Republicans and Democrats when posing the questions. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., asked the teams to keep their responses under five minutes each. Here are the day's top moments:
Three GOP senators seen as crucial votes in Dems' push for witnesses ask first question
Three of the Republican senators seen as the most likely candidates to side with Democrats in favor of additional witnesses and documents posed the first question of the day to Trump's legal team. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska jointly asked the defense lawyers how the Senate should assess the abuse of power charge against Trump if he had more than one motive in his dealings with Ukraine.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) speaks to reporters as she arrives for the continuation of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol on January 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. Mario Tama | Getty Images
Attorney Patrick Philbin argued that if Trump had motives that served both a personal and a public interest, then "that cannot possibly be the basis for an impeachable offense" under the terms that the House managers had established. The standard Democrats must meet, Philbin argued, is that there is not a "smidgen" of legitimate public interest in investigating Hunter Biden's membership on the board of a Ukrainian natural gas company while his father Joe Biden was vice president. Trump and his allies have raised suspicions of corruption in then-vice president Biden's efforts to have Ukraine fire a prosecutor there while his son was on the board of the company, Burisma Holdings. The Bidens have not been credibly accused of wrongdoing. Multiple witnesses testified in the House impeachment inquiry that Joe Biden's actions aligned with U.S. policy at the time, and that numerous other countries had also called on Ukraine to fire that prosecutor, who was himself accused of corruption. There are no established standards of proof or concrete rules about the production of evidence in a Senate impeachment trial. But Philbin argued that the House managers failed to live up to the absolutist standard of evidence they had established for themselves. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning at least four GOP senators will have to break with their party in order to pass votes in the trial for additional witnesses and documents. Romney told reporters Wednesday that "I'm going to be one of those in favor of calling witnesses."
Democrats in Q&A keep pressure on Senate to subpoena Bolton
Bolton's possible testimony in the trial was a main focus from the start of the proceedings Wednesday. In the first question directed to the House managers, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., asked if senators could possibly render "a fully formed verdict in this case" without first hearing from Bolton and other witnesses, such as acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. "The short answer to that question is no," leading House manager Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said in response. Bolton, who interacted with the president directly during his time in the White House, is "plainly relevant" as a witness, Schiff said.
Then- National Security Advisor of the United States John Bolton holds a news conference during his visit to Ukraine, Kyiv, capital of Ukraine, August 24, 2018. Tarasov | Barcroft Media | Getty Images
To vote against hearing from Bolton, who vowed he was willing to testify if subpoenaed, goes against the Senate's obligation to act as an "impartial juror" in the trial, Schiff argued. The House managers say that they have already made a compelling case for removing Trump. But they have also pushed throughout the process for new witnesses and documents to be brought into the Senate, arguing Wednesday that the trial itself would be incomplete without testimony from key witnesses such as Bolton. "If you have any lingering questions about direct evidence … there is a way to shed additional light on it," Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., told the Senate on Wednesday. "You can subpoena Ambassador Bolton and ask him that question directly." The White House refused to hand over any documents and pressured potential witnesses not to comply with the House during its impeachment probe. But some of the witnesses who did comply described Bolton as being concerned about the president's Ukraine dealings. Ex-White House official Fiona Hill told the House that Bolton was so disturbed by the efforts to get Ukraine to announce investigations that he called it a "drug deal." And on Sunday, The New York Times reported Bolton's claim in his upcoming memoir that Trump himself told Bolton he was tying a military aid package to Ukraine with the probes he sought. After Schiff answered Schumer's question, another senator simply asked Trump's lawyers for a response, prompting chuckles from the chamber. Philbin took to the podium, arguing that it was the House's role, not the Senate's, to coerce Bolton's testimony. "They didn't even try to get his testimony," Philbin claimed, even though the House did ask Bolton to testify in its inquiry. Bolton refused to voluntarily appear before the House at that time; he was not subpoenaed. Philbin argued that the House's rush-job would set a bad precedent for the Senate should have to deal with future impeachments.
Trump lawyer argues that, for Trump, getting reelected is 'in the public interest'
One of the most head-turning moments of Wednesday's questioning came from Alan Dershowitz, a member of Trump's legal team. Dershowitz argued that if Trump had agreed to release congressionally appropriated foreign aid to Ukraine in exchange for help in his reelection campaign — the central allegation in the impeachment trial — then Trump's actions still would not amount to an impeachable offense. Dershowitz's reasoning? If Trump believed his reelection was "in the public interest," then anything he did to help achieve that — up to and including using foreign aid to force Ukraine to help his campaign — could not be considered corrupt.
In this screenshot taken from a Senate Television webcast, Legal Counsel for President Donald Trump, Alan Dershowitz speaks during impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol on January 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. Senate Television | Getty Images
"Every public official that I know believes that his election is in the public interest. And mostly, you're right. Your election is in the public interest," Dershowitz said on the Senate floor. "If a president does something which he believes will help him get elected, in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment." "There are three possible motives that a political figure can have. One, a motive in the public interest. The second is in his own political interests. And the third … would be his own financial interest," Dershowitz claimed. It would only have been purely corruption, Dershowitz said, if Trump had demanded a personal payment from Ukraine in order to release the U.S. government funds. But Dershowitz saw Trump's demand for help with his reelection campaign in exchange for releasing the taxpayer funds as "a complex middle case." Trump could hypothetically say to himself, "'I want to be elected. I think I'm a great president. I think I'm the greatest president there ever was. If I'm not elected the national interest will suffer greatly,' and then act, believing that he was acting in the national interest," Dershowitz said. "That cannot be impeachable," he claimed. His argument left Democrats scratching their heads. "All quid pro quos are not the same," Schiff said. "Some are legitimate and some are corrupt, and you don't need to be a mind reader to figure out which is which."


cnbc--2020-01-30--Russian mercenaries, a CIA-linked general and lots of oil: Explaining Libya's war


cnbc--2020-01-30--Trump says coronavirus outbreak is 'all under control' and a 'very small problem' in US

US President Donald Trump speaks about the United States - Mexico - Canada agreement , known as USMCA , during a visit to Dana Incorporated , an auto supplier manufacturer , in Warren , Michigan , January 30 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump said the U.S. government was working closely with China to contain the coronavirus outbreak that has killed at least 171 people , predicting `` a very good ending '' for the United States .
`` We are working very closely with China and other countries , and we think it 's going to have a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can assure you , '' Trump said Thursday while visiting a manufacturing plant for auto supplier Dana in Warren , Michigan , a suburb of Detroit .
Trump said U.S. officials believe `` we have it all under control , '' adding that it 's a `` very small problem in this country . ''
Trump 's comments come hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first human transmission of the virus in the U.S .
The World Health Organization declared the fast-spreading outbreak a global health emergency earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus came toward the end of a roughly 30-minute speech in the battleground state , much of which he used to celebrate the signing on Wednesday of a new North American trade deal .

US President Donald Trump speaks about the United States - Mexico - Canada agreement, known as USMCA, during a visit to Dana Incorporated, an auto supplier manufacturer, in Warren, Michigan, January 30, 2020.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. government was working closely with China to contain the coronavirus outbreak that has killed at least 171 people, predicting "a very good ending" for the United States.
"We are working very closely with China and other countries, and we think it's going to have a very good ending for us, that I can assure you," Trump said Thursday while visiting a manufacturing plant for auto supplier Dana in Warren, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
Trump said U.S. officials believe "we have it all under control," adding that it's a "very small problem in this country."
Trump's comments come hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first human transmission of the virus in the U.S. The World Health Organization declared the fast-spreading outbreak a global health emergency earlier Thursday.
Trump's assurance on containing the coronavirus came toward the end of a roughly 30-minute speech in the battleground state, much of which he used to celebrate the signing on Wednesday of a new North American trade deal.


cnbc--2020-01-30--Trump administration has yet to reveal details of Jared Kushner's secretive 2017 meeting in China

In November 2017 , CNBC had booked Hugo Shong , a prominent Chinese venture capitalist , to talk about bilateral business relations between the United States and China , as the first year of President Donald Trump 's tenure was nearing a close .
Trump was on a 12-day tour through Asia , his second major international trip since taking office .
On the agenda during his two-day stop in Beijing : bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Kequiang ; a `` meet-and-greet '' with U.S. Embassy staff ; a speech and business event at the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving line at a state dinner .
What was n't on the White House or State Department agendas : a meeting with private equity investors convened by Jared Kushner , the president 's son-in-law and senior advisor , and U.S .
Ambassador Terry Branstad .
During our conversation with Shong at the time , he revealed he had accepted the administration 's invitation for Chinese investors to offer advice in a small-group forum with the two U.S. officials as they worked to outline the administration 's policy .
`` Both sides , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Shong said of the meeting 's tenor , in our two-person interview setup in the lobby of the China World hotel .
`` From the investment point of view , I can see both sides can benefit a lot for the future investment opportunities . ''
At the time of the meeting , the Kushner family was under fire for its pursuit of overseas investors while Jared Kushner occupied a senior role advising the president on foreign policy ranging from Middle East peace to trade with China and Mexico .
Kushner reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his siblings took the reins of the business and its search for foreign investment .
In the months immediately prior to the meeting , Kushner 's sister Nicole Kushner Meyer referred to Jared at an event urging wealthy Chinese investors to buy $ 500,000 visas to come to the United States and participate in an upcoming New Jersey project .
The Washington Post and New York Times reported that investors at the Beijing sales pitch saw Jared Kushner 's celebrity status as a draw .
Meyer later issued a formal apology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use Jared to `` lure investors . ''
And then there was 666 Fifth Ave. , the Kushner Companies ' marquee New York property , with $ 1.4 billion in debt coming due and a search for a new owner coming up empty .
In 2016 , the company was forced to abandon a deal to sell a stake to China 's Anbang Insurance amid concerns of a conflict of interest , should Trump win the White House .
In August 2018 , Qatar-backed Brookfield Properties announced it would pay upfront for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erasing the Kushner Companies ' financial troubles .
CNBC sought to learn about the agenda at the private investor meeting convened by Jared Kushner in China , on the sidelines of the president 's official visit , and how the attendees were selected .
A White House official had subsequently confirmed the existence of the meeting to CNBC , but when pressed on attendees , the official would only say no real estate investors were present .
The White House and State Department did not respond to additional requests for information about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting had not been disclosed by the Trump administration , declined to provide additional information .
To get the information , CNBC filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act with the State Department , requesting online and analog communications among the officials present , as well as information about attendees .
The State Department acknowledged the request on Dec. 11 , 2017 , but suggested getting the information would take a long time because of the `` unusual circumstances '' around the request .
A former Beijing embassy official suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff may be one complicating factor .
Branstad himself had been in the job for several months , but his chief of staff and other aides had just been onboarded weeks , if not days , before the meeting .
Even so , the official said the embassy 's front office was staffed by career bureaucrats , who are known for keeping meticulous records .
The original filing requested `` expedited processing , '' granted in cases of newsworthiness or urgency .
CNBC reasoned this meeting possessed both qualities , and , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would participate in future business , there were urgent implications .
After being denied expedition the first time around , CNBC appealed .
In a May 2018 letter , the State Department again said in its denial that the request `` did not meet the established criteria '' for expedited processing .
For more than a year , CNBC e-mailed State regularly to check in on the status .
The department routinely cited the size of the backlog of requests as a reason it could not estimate when it would complete the request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided a date : July 23 , 2021 — 3½ years after the original filing .
Put another way : 1,323 days .
During the first two years of the Trump presidency , the State Department processed 83 % of `` complex '' requests in less than 400 days , according to analysis of public data available on FOIA.gov .
First Amendment attorneys for NBC News have made contact with the FOIA liaison at the State Department , who said that searches have been run , but not much material has turned up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington , said that requests touching the White House often require additional vetting , but that it 's `` patently absurd '' that State could require four years to fulfill the request .
`` Our experience is we do n't get an estimated date of completion until we sue , '' Weisman said .
`` That 's what it really takes to get State 's attention . ''
Another watchdog group , the Project on Government Oversight , stressed that citizens have a right to know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are entitled to these documents , and the executive branch has to release them unless there 's a good reason to withhold them , '' said Liz Hempowicz , public policy director at the Project on Government Oversight .
`` And if something is embarrassing or politically inconvenient , then that 's not a good reason . ''
How long does State take to complete a `` complex '' FOIA request ?
( Source : FOIA.gov )

watch now
In November 2017, CNBC had booked Hugo Shong, a prominent Chinese venture capitalist, to talk about bilateral business relations between the United States and China, as the first year of President Donald Trump's tenure was nearing a close. Trump was on a 12-day tour through Asia, his second major international trip since taking office. On the agenda during his two-day stop in Beijing: bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Kequiang; a "meet-and-greet" with U.S. Embassy staff; a speech and business event at the Great Hall of the People; and a receiving line at a state dinner. What wasn't on the White House or State Department agendas: a meeting with private equity investors convened by Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior advisor, and U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad. During our conversation with Shong at the time, he revealed he had accepted the administration's invitation for Chinese investors to offer advice in a small-group forum with the two U.S. officials as they worked to outline the administration's policy.
White House Senior adviser Jared Kushner attends bilateral meetings held by U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on November 9, 2017 in Beijing, China. Thomas Peter | Getty Images
"Both sides, of course, realize we have challenges," Shong said of the meeting's tenor, in our two-person interview setup in the lobby of the China World hotel. "From the investment point of view, I can see both sides can benefit a lot for the future investment opportunities." The meeting and its guest list, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to CNBC after this story was first published, was arranged by Wendi Deng Murdoch, a longtime friend of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. According to the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the meeting, the event was a "casual lunch" at which no official business – government or personal – was discussed. At the time of the meeting, the Kushner family was under fire for its pursuit of overseas investors while Jared Kushner occupied a senior role advising the president on foreign policy ranging from Middle East peace to trade with China and Mexico. Kushner reported divesting his stake in the family company, and his siblings took the reins of the business and its search for foreign investment.
The site of the One Journal Square luxury apartment project stands in Jersey City on May 9, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Getty Images
In the months immediately prior to the meeting, Kushner's sister Nicole Kushner Meyer referred to Jared at an event urging wealthy Chinese investors to buy $500,000 visas to come to the United States and participate in an upcoming New Jersey project. The Washington Post and New York Times reported that investors at the Beijing sales pitch saw Jared Kushner's celebrity status as a draw. Meyer later issued a formal apology, saying it was not her intention to use Jared to "lure investors." And then there was 666 Fifth Ave., the Kushner Companies' marquee New York property, with $1.4 billion in debt coming due and a search for a new owner coming up empty. In 2016, the company was forced to abandon a deal to sell a stake to China's Anbang Insurance amid concerns of a conflict of interest, should Trump win the White House. In August 2018, Qatar-backed Brookfield Properties announced it would pay upfront for a 99-year lease on the building, erasing the Kushner Companies' financial troubles.
Traffic passes outside 666 Fifth Avenue in New York. Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images


cnbc--2020-01-30--Bernie Sanders backed by 200,000-member postal workers union in 2020 primary

2020 Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and U.S .
Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during the Presidential Gun Sense Forum in Des Moines , Iowa , August 10 , 2019 .
Sen. Bernie Sanders notched a big national labor endorsement Thursday only days before the 2020 Democratic primary nominating contests start .
The more than 200,000-member American Postal Workers Union backed the Vermont senator , the latest in a growing list of U.S. labor unions to support a Democratic presidential candidate .
The endorsement comes only four days before the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses .
`` Bernie Sanders has proven he is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
He has opposed the closures of postal facilities and reduced service standards , '' said Mark Dimondstein , president of the APWU , which represents mostly U.S .
Postal Service employees and retirees .
In a statement Thursday , Sanders said he was `` honored '' to get the group 's endorsement .
He criticized the Trump administration 's reported efforts to privatize the U.S .
Postal Service , saying that `` when we defeat Donald Trump , we 're not going to privatize and cut the Postal Service .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postal Service and speed up the delivery of mail . ''
While only a handful of national unions have picked favorites in the 12-person Democratic field , more organizations have started to come off the sidelines as voters get closer to choosing the nominee .
So far , unions — a key Democratic constituency — have showed a preference for Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden .
The 130,000-member International Association of Bridge , Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers endorsed Biden earlier this month .
The International Association of Firefighters , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former vice president last year .
The more than 150,000-member National Nurses United got behind Sanders last year .
The Vermont independent has also notched endorsements from unions in the first two primary nominating states of Iowa and New Hampshire .

2020 Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during the Presidential Gun Sense Forum in Des Moines, Iowa, August 10, 2019.
Sen. Bernie Sanders notched a big national labor endorsement Thursday only days before the 2020 Democratic primary nominating contests start.
The more than 200,000-member American Postal Workers Union backed the Vermont senator, the latest in a growing list of U.S. labor unions to support a Democratic presidential candidate. The endorsement comes only four days before the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses.
"Bernie Sanders has proven he is a fierce advocate on the side of postal workers. He has opposed the closures of postal facilities and reduced service standards," said Mark Dimondstein, president of the APWU, which represents mostly U.S. Postal Service employees and retirees.
In a statement Thursday, Sanders said he was "honored" to get the group's endorsement. He criticized the Trump administration's reported efforts to privatize the U.S. Postal Service, saying that "when we defeat Donald Trump, we're not going to privatize and cut the Postal Service. We're going to expand and strengthen the Postal Service and speed up the delivery of mail."
While only a handful of national unions have picked favorites in the 12-person Democratic field, more organizations have started to come off the sidelines as voters get closer to choosing the nominee. So far, unions — a key Democratic constituency — have showed a preference for Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden.


cnbc--2020-01-31--House of Representatives passes two measures limiting Trump's ability to go to war with Iran

The Democratic-led House of Representatives voted on Thursday to approve two measures that will constrain President Donald Trump 's ability to go to war with Iran .
One of the measures would block funding for any use of offensive military force in or against Iran without congressional approval .
It passed 228-175 .
The other would repeal the 2002 resolution that authorized military force against the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq and has since been invoked by successive presidents pursuing fights against new enemies .
It passed 236-166 .
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are still high following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a top Iranian military official , earlier this month .
That strike prompted the Iranians to retaliate with missile attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq .
Democrats , wary of getting bogged down in a new Middle East conflict , have sought to require Trump to seek authorization for future uses of military force .
Trump has threatened to veto both measures , though on Wednesday he took to Twitter to urge members of both parties to `` vote their HEART . ''
The first measure passed on Thursday , sponsored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block the Trump administration from using any federal funds for military force in Iran unless Congress first declares war .
Presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a companion resolution in the Senate .
Khanna , alongside Rep. Matt Gaetz , R-Fla. , had proposed a similar amendment to the annual must-pass defense spending bill , but it was not included in the final version that Congress approved late last year .
`` The American government has spent trillions of taxpayer dollars fighting endless wars across the Middle East , '' Khanna said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Today , Congress passed two historic pieces of legislation to reassert our authority over matters of war and peace . ''
The second measure , to repeal the 2002 Iraq war authorization , was led by Rep. Barbara Lee , D-Calif. , and co-sponsored by 131 Democrats , two Republicans and the independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan .
After her resolution passed , Lee said in a statement that it was `` a historic step to reassert our Constitutional authority and stop our endless wars . ''
`` We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books indefinitely , '' she said .
`` It is past time for Congress to finally do our Constitutional duty and vote on matters of war and peace .
That extends beyond the 2002 AUMF – we must now work to repeal the overly broad 2001 AUMF . ''
The 2002 military force authorization is separate from the more expansive resolution passed in 2001 , just days after the September 11 attacks , which authorized force against all those who `` planned , authorized , committed , or aided '' the individuals who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been used as an authority for 41 operations in 19 countries , according to a 2019 report by the Friends Committee on National Legislation , an anti-war advocacy group .
The 2002 resolution was used by the Obama administration as an `` alternative statutory basis '' for the campaign against the Islamic State and by the Trump administration to assert authority for the use of force in `` Syria or elsewhere , '' the report found .
The Trump administration has vigorously opposed both resolutions , calling them `` misguided '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability of the United States to protect American citizens . ''
Referring to the Khanna amendment , the administration wrote the measure could `` perversely make violent conflict with Iran more likely '' by undermining American deterrence efforts .
It 's not likely that the measures will become law .
Besides the possibility of a veto , a Republican-held Senate could also stop them .
The GOP holds 53 seats of the 100-member body .
Republicans have for the most part lauded the president 's actions in Iran , and have also criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced the anti-war measures .
Rather than introduce the resolutions as standalone bills , the sponsors have tacked them on as amendments to legislating relating to commemorative WWII coins that has already passed in the Senate .
Republicans have accused Democrats of doing so to limit their ability to debate or amend the resolutions .
`` There is a difference between our two parties .
And there is no better example than the tactic used today , '' Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , said on the House floor ahead of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to declare war , but presidents in the modern era have largely sidestepped lawmakers .
The last congressional declaration of war was passed in 1942 , against Romania .

People participate in a protest in Times Square against military conflict with Iran on January 08, 2020 in New York. Spencer Platt | Getty Images
The Democratic-led House of Representatives voted on Thursday to approve two measures that will constrain President Donald Trump's ability to go to war with Iran. One of the measures would block funding for any use of offensive military force in or against Iran without congressional approval. It passed 228-175. The other would repeal the 2002 resolution that authorized military force against the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq and has since been invoked by successive presidents pursuing fights against new enemies. It passed 236-166. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are still high following the deadly American strike on Gen. Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian military official, earlier this month. That strike prompted the Iranians to retaliate with missile attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq. Democrats, wary of getting bogged down in a new Middle East conflict, have sought to require Trump to seek authorization for future uses of military force. Trump has threatened to veto both measures, though on Wednesday he took to Twitter to urge members of both parties to "vote their HEART." The first measure passed on Thursday, sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., would block the Trump administration from using any federal funds for military force in Iran unless Congress first declares war. Presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.
watch now
Khanna, alongside Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., had proposed a similar amendment to the annual must-pass defense spending bill, but it was not included in the final version that Congress approved late last year. "The American government has spent trillions of taxpayer dollars fighting endless wars across the Middle East," Khanna said in a statement after his measure passed. "Today, Congress passed two historic pieces of legislation to reassert our authority over matters of war and peace." The second measure, to repeal the 2002 Iraq war authorization, was led by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., and co-sponsored by 131 Democrats, two Republicans and the independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan. Lee tweet After her resolution passed, Lee said in a statement that it was "a historic step to reassert our Constitutional authority and stop our endless wars." "We cannot afford to leave outdated AUMFs on the books indefinitely," she said. "It is past time for Congress to finally do our Constitutional duty and vote on matters of war and peace. That extends beyond the 2002 AUMF – we must now work to repeal the overly broad 2001 AUMF." The 2002 military force authorization is separate from the more expansive resolution passed in 2001, just days after the September 11 attacks, which authorized force against all those who "planned, authorized, committed, or aided" the individuals who coordinated the strikes. The 2001 resolution has been used as an authority for 41 operations in 19 countries, according to a 2019 report by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, an anti-war advocacy group. The 2002 resolution was used by the Obama administration as an "alternative statutory basis" for the campaign against the Islamic State and by the Trump administration to assert authority for the use of force in "Syria or elsewhere," the report found.
Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) speaking about the situation in Iran and Iraq at a press conference organized by the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), Jan. 8, 2020. Michael Brochstein | Echoes Wire | Barcroft Media | Getty Images


cnbc--2020-01-30--State Department lets non-emergency employees leave embassy in Beijing as coronavirus spreads

NOVOSIBIRSK , RUSSIA - JANUARY 30 , 2020 : A Rospotrebnadzor ( Russian Federal Service for Consumer Protection and Welfare Supervision ) official uses thermal imaging devices to remotely measure temperature of passengers arriving at Novosibirsk International Airport from Sanya , China , in connection with the outbreak of a pneumonia-like coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 .
The State Department on Thursday authorized a departure of all non-emergency government employees from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing , along with their family members , as the deadly coronavirus continues to spread .
The authorization also extends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese cities of Chengdu , Guangzhou , Shanghai , and Shenyang , according to a State Department official .
`` The Department of State made the decision to put the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General on authorized departure status out of an abundance of caution related to logistical disruptions stemming from restricted transportation and availability of appropriate health care related to the novel coronavirus , '' the State Department said in a statement .
Both the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General will continue to provide consular services across China , as resources allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorization , which is not an order to leave the country , came just after the World Health Organization declared the spread of the virus a global health emergency .
Since first emerging about a month ago , the virus has infected more than 8,200 people , and has killed at least 171 people in China and has spread to at least 18 other countries , including the United States .
Earlier Thursday , the United States confirmed its first case of human-to-human transmission of the virus .
Almost two dozen other patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois .
Multiple people have contracted the virus through human-to-human transmission outside of China , according to a WHO official .
Earlier this week , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans to avoid all nonessential travel to China .
The State Department on Monday also raised its travel advisory for China from Level 2 to Level 3 , asking Americans to `` reconsider travel to China due to the novel coronavirus . ''

NOVOSIBIRSK, RUSSIA - JANUARY 30, 2020: A Rospotrebnadzor (Russian Federal Service for Consumer Protection and Welfare Supervision) official uses thermal imaging devices to remotely measure temperature of passengers arriving at Novosibirsk International Airport from Sanya, China, in connection with the outbreak of a pneumonia-like coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019.
The State Department on Thursday authorized a departure of all non-emergency government employees from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, along with their family members, as the deadly coronavirus continues to spread.
The authorization also extends to U.S. consulates general stationed in the Chinese cities of Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenyang, according to a State Department official.
"The Department of State made the decision to put the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General on authorized departure status out of an abundance of caution related to logistical disruptions stemming from restricted transportation and availability of appropriate health care related to the novel coronavirus," the State Department said in a statement.
Both the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General will continue to provide consular services across China, as resources allow, the State Department said.
The authorization, which is not an order to leave the country, came just after the World Health Organization declared the spread of the virus a global health emergency.
Since first emerging about a month ago, the virus has infected more than 8,200 people, and has killed at least 171 people in China and has spread to at least 18 other countries, including the United States.
Earlier Thursday, the United States confirmed its first case of human-to-human transmission of the virus. Almost two dozen other patients are being monitored for possible infections in Illinois.
Multiple people have contracted the virus through human-to-human transmission outside of China, according to a WHO official.
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans to avoid all nonessential travel to China.
The State Department on Monday also raised its travel advisory for China from Level 2 to Level 3, asking Americans to "reconsider travel to China due to the novel coronavirus."
Follow CNBC's coronavirus live updates here.


cnbc--2020-01-30--Sexual assault claims rose last year at US military service academies, Pentagon report says

Former U.S. Military Academy Cadet Stephanie Gross ( R ) , a survivor of sexual assault , testifies before the House Armed Services Committee 's Subcommittee on Military Personnel with Naval Academy Midshipman Second Class Shiela Craine ( L ) and Ariana Bullard in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill May 2 , 2017 in Washington , DC .
Sexual assault claims among cadets and midshipmen rose last year at U.S. military service academies , according to a new report on sexual harassment released Thursday .
In the 2018-19 school year , the academies received 149 reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year before .
The Department of Defense , which released the report , said the findings indicate more people are coming forward with claims of sexual assault .
`` We are encouraged that more cadets and midshipmen made reports of sexual assault this year , '' Nate Galbreath , acting director of the Pentagon 's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program , wrote in a statement on the heels of the report .
`` Our program empowers those who experience sexual assault to connect with restorative care .
Greater reporting by Service members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the creation of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program in 2005 , '' he added .
The report asks cadets and midshipmen to answer questions related to sexual assault and sexual harassment anonymously .
A report of sexual assault at the academies in 2019 showed an increase of nearly 50 % of unwanted sexual contact in the 2017-18 school year compared with the previous school year .
There were 747 instances of unwanted sexual contact in 2017-18 , according to last year 's report , with 15 % of women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting .
`` Our data last year , and the findings from this years ' report , reflect the progress we have made in some areas , and the significant work that remains , '' Elizabeth Van Winkle , executive director of the Office of Force Resiliency , said in a statement .
— CNBC 's Amanda Macias contributed to this report from Washington , D.C .

Former U.S. Military Academy Cadet Stephanie Gross (R), a survivor of sexual assault, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel with Naval Academy Midshipman Second Class Shiela Craine (L) and Ariana Bullard in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill May 2, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Sexual assault claims among cadets and midshipmen rose last year at U.S. military service academies, according to a new report on sexual harassment released Thursday.
In the 2018-19 school year, the academies received 149 reports of sexual assault, up from 117 the year before.
The Department of Defense, which released the report, said the findings indicate more people are coming forward with claims of sexual assault.
"We are encouraged that more cadets and midshipmen made reports of sexual assault this year," Nate Galbreath, acting director of the Pentagon's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, wrote in a statement on the heels of the report.
"Our program empowers those who experience sexual assault to connect with restorative care. Greater reporting by Service members has been a priority for the Department since the creation of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program in 2005," he added.
The report asks cadets and midshipmen to answer questions related to sexual assault and sexual harassment anonymously.
A report of sexual assault at the academies in 2019 showed an increase of nearly 50% of unwanted sexual contact in the 2017-18 school year compared with the previous school year.
There were 747 instances of unwanted sexual contact in 2017-18, according to last year's report, with 15% of women and 2.4% of men in the academies reporting.
"Our data last year, and the findings from this years' report, reflect the progress we have made in some areas, and the significant work that remains," Elizabeth Van Winkle, executive director of the Office of Force Resiliency, said in a statement.
— CNBC's Amanda Macias contributed to this report from Washington, D.C.


cnbc--2020-01-30--Trump releases a Super Bowl ad – and he's saving another one for the big game

President Donald Trump hands out pens during a signing ceremony for the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement ( USMCA ) on @ @ @ @ @ White House in Washington , January 29 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump released one @ @ @ @ @ Bowl ads Thursday , hours after presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg released his own Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ The spot is called `` Stronger , Safer , More Prosperous . ''
It makes @ @ @ @ @ of Trump 's presidency so far and encourages viewers to text for the latest news @ @ @ @ @ 's campaign said the other 30-second ad will not be released prior to the game @ @ @ @ @ in Miami .

President Donald Trump hands out pens during a signing ceremony for the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, January 29, 2020.
President Donald Trump released one of his two 30-second Super Bowl ads Thursday, hours after presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg released his own Super Bowl ad about gun control.
The spot is called "Stronger, Safer, More Prosperous." It makes various claims about the triumphs of Trump's presidency so far and encourages viewers to text for the latest news from the campaign.
Trump's campaign said the other 30-second ad will not be released prior to the game, which takes place Sunday in Miami.


cnbc--2020-01-30--Trump administration reportedly planning to reduce protections for birds

The Trump administration is set to finalize a regulation Thursday that will end penalties against oil , gas and construction businesses that `` incidentally '' cause the deaths of birds as a result of their work , The New York Times reported .
The regulation would reduce protections for birds offered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and only punish companies that kill birds with explicit intent .
Businesses would not be held accountable for the deaths of birds caused by oil spills , wind turbines or the use of illegal pesticides , according to the Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Trump administration has already advised local governments and businesses to not take steps to protect birds , and federal wildlife officials now rarely investigate bird deaths , according to internal agency documents obtained by the Times .
President Donald Trump has taken other actions to weaken environmental protections .
Last week , he reduced the types of waterways protected from pollution under federal law .
However , Trump has also spoken against bird deaths in the past .
He has repeatedly criticized wind farms for being `` bird killing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Times ' report .

The Trump administration is set to finalize a regulation Thursday that will end penalties against oil, gas and construction businesses that "incidentally" cause the deaths of birds as a result of their work, The New York Times reported.
The regulation would reduce protections for birds offered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and only punish companies that kill birds with explicit intent. Businesses would not be held accountable for the deaths of birds caused by oil spills, wind turbines or the use of illegal pesticides, according to the Times.
Though the legislation is not yet finalized, the Trump administration has already advised local governments and businesses to not take steps to protect birds, and federal wildlife officials now rarely investigate bird deaths, according to internal agency documents obtained by the Times.
President Donald Trump has taken other actions to weaken environmental protections. Last week, he reduced the types of waterways protected from pollution under federal law.
However, Trump has also spoken against bird deaths in the past. He has repeatedly criticized wind farms for being "bird killing."
Read more about the new legislation in the Times' report.


cnbc--2020-01-30--Trump impeachment trial: Senators ask final questions before crucial witness vote

House Democrats and defense lawyers face their final day of questioning Thursday in President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial , before the Senate holds a crucial vote on whether to consider new witnesses and documents .
Beginning at 1 p.m .
ET , senators will have approximately eight hours to submit questions in writing to Chief Justice John Roberts , who is presiding over the trial .
Roberts will read each question out loud , alternating between parties .
While Thursday 's questions still have the potential to elicit new information , outside the Senate chamber all eyes will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has been working all week to lock down enough votes within his 53-member caucus to block a Democratic attempt to admit additional evidence in the trial .
As of Thursday morning , McConnell 's efforts appeared to be paying off .
By most counts , Democrats did not yet have enough breakaway Republican votes to compel the chamber to allow new witnesses .
If Friday 's expected vote on new witnesses fails , the Senate could move forward with a final vote on whether to convict or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
The State of the Union speech is scheduled for Tuesday .
Asked on Thursday morning about his plans for Friday 's votes , McConnell played coy .
`` We 'll see what tomorrow brings , '' he told reporters in the Capitol .
Read more : Trump impeachment trial : Senators seek answers on John Bolton , Ukraine aid timing and the president 's motives On Wednesday , House impeachment managers and Trump 's legal team fielded a range of pointed queries from senators .
House impeachment managers led by Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expound on why additional witnesses and documents would be central in Trump 's impeachment trial .
On the other side , the defense , led by Trump 's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow , was primarily asked about the standards of impeachment and the possible consequences associated with it .
They were also pressed on the question of corrupt motives .
While it remains unlikely that the Senate will vote to convict and remove Trump from office , several moderate Republicans had voiced support for calling relevant witnesses and pulling in additional documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forceful case for what they see as the need to call Trump 's former national security advisor John Bolton to testify .
According to his forthcoming memoir , Bolton personally heard Trump say he wanted to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless the country helped him with investigations into Trump 's political rivals , notably former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter .
Trump was impeached by the House last month on charges that included abuse of power stemming from his decision to suspend congressionally mandated foreign aid to Ukraine last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's newly elected president .
He was also charged with obstruction of Congress , a charge predicated on the White House effort to stonewall a congressional probe of Trump 's Ukraine policy .
Thursday 's trial session was expected to last well into the evening .

House Democrats and defense lawyers face their final day of questioning Thursday in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, before the Senate holds a crucial vote on whether to consider new witnesses and documents.
Beginning at 1 p.m. ET, senators will have approximately eight hours to submit questions in writing to Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial. Roberts will read each question out loud, alternating between parties.
While Thursday's questions still have the potential to elicit new information, outside the Senate chamber all eyes will be on the Republican whip count.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has been working all week to lock down enough votes within his 53-member caucus to block a Democratic attempt to admit additional evidence in the trial.
As of Thursday morning, McConnell's efforts appeared to be paying off. By most counts, Democrats did not yet have enough breakaway Republican votes to compel the chamber to allow new witnesses.
If Friday's expected vote on new witnesses fails, the Senate could move forward with a final vote on whether to convict or acquit the president as early as Friday afternoon. The State of the Union speech is scheduled for Tuesday.
Asked on Thursday morning about his plans for Friday's votes, McConnell played coy. "We'll see what tomorrow brings," he told reporters in the Capitol.
Read more: Trump impeachment trial: Senators seek answers on John Bolton, Ukraine aid timing and the president's motives
On Wednesday, House impeachment managers and Trump's legal team fielded a range of pointed queries from senators.
House impeachment managers led by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., were asked to expound on why additional witnesses and documents would be central in Trump's impeachment trial.
On the other side, the defense, led by Trump's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, was primarily asked about the standards of impeachment and the possible consequences associated with it. They were also pressed on the question of corrupt motives.
While it remains unlikely that the Senate will vote to convict and remove Trump from office, several moderate Republicans had voiced support for calling relevant witnesses and pulling in additional documents.
Democratic House managers have made a forceful case for what they see as the need to call Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton to testify. According to his forthcoming memoir, Bolton personally heard Trump say he wanted to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless the country helped him with investigations into Trump's political rivals, notably former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
Trump was impeached by the House last month on charges that included abuse of power stemming from his decision to suspend congressionally mandated foreign aid to Ukraine last summer while he sought investigations from Ukraine's newly elected president. He was also charged with obstruction of Congress, a charge predicated on the White House effort to stonewall a congressional probe of Trump's Ukraine policy.
Thursday's trial session was expected to last well into the evening.


cnbc--2020-01-30--China's deadly coronavirus could be good for US jobs, manufacturing, says Trump Commerce Secretary W

China's deadly coronavirus could be good for US jobs, manufacturing, says Trump Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross

The fast-spreading coronavirus has infected thousands of people in China and raised fears about a global pandemic — and that could have a positive impact on the U.S. economy , Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said Thursday .
Ross said in a Fox Business Network interview that the disease , which Chinese officials say has more than 7,700 confirmed cases and has caused 170 deaths , will lead businesses to reconsider their supply chains .
That could help quicken the pace at which jobs and manufacturing are returning to the U.S. from overseas , he said .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lap over a very unfortunate , very malignant disease , '' Ross told Fox on Thursday morning .
`` But the fact is , it does give businesses another thing to consider when they go through their review of their supply chain . ''
The coronavirus is `` another risk factor that people need to take into account , '' Ross said .
`` I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America , '' he said .
`` Some to the U.S. , some to Mexico as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after Trump signed a `` phase one '' trade deal with China , which defused some tensions between the nations .
`` As Secretary Ross made clear the first step is to bring the virus under control and help the victims of this disease .
It is also important to consider the ramifications of doing business with a country that has a long history of covering up real risks to its own people and the rest of the world , '' a Commerce Department official told CNBC , when asked for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fortunately , the Department of Commerce is equipped to support the American people and our businesses to do both . ''
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Ross on Thursday added that companies such as Apple have taken steps to make up some of the production lost from their suppliers in China .
Apple CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday that his company has suppliers in Wuhan , the capital of China 's Hubei province and the epicenter of the disease .
`` I think there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it very , very likely [ that there will be ] more reshoring to the U.S. , and some reshoring to Mexico , '' Ross said on Fox .
Meanwhile , President Donald Trump 's trade advisor , Peter Navarro , suggested Wednesday on CNBC 's `` Closing Bell '' that U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports would not be lifted if the deadly coronavirus starts to weigh on China 's economy .
`` That 's a spin that 's coming right out of Wall Street , and it really , I think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis to bring that into the discussion , '' Navarro said .

The fast-spreading coronavirus has infected thousands of people in China and raised fears about a global pandemic — and that could have a positive impact on the U.S. economy, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said Thursday.
Ross said in a Fox Business Network interview that the disease, which Chinese officials say has more than 7,700 confirmed cases and has caused 170 deaths, will lead businesses to reconsider their supply chains.
That could help quicken the pace at which jobs and manufacturing are returning to the U.S. from overseas, he said.
"I don't want to talk about a victory lap over a very unfortunate, very malignant disease," Ross told Fox on Thursday morning. "But the fact is, it does give businesses another thing to consider when they go through their review of their supply chain."
The coronavirus is "another risk factor that people need to take into account," Ross said. "I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America," he said. "Some to the U.S., some to Mexico as well."
Ross made the comments weeks after Trump signed a "phase one" trade deal with China, which defused some tensions between the nations.
"As Secretary Ross made clear the first step is to bring the virus under control and help the victims of this disease. It is also important to consider the ramifications of doing business with a country that has a long history of covering up real risks to its own people and the rest of the world," a Commerce Department official told CNBC, when asked for further comment on Ross' remarks. "Fortunately, the Department of Commerce is equipped to support the American people and our businesses to do both."