cnbc--2020-08-08--U.S. intelligence report on Trump-Biden election meddling reveals who Russia, China and Iran want to

U.S. intelligence report on Trump-Biden election meddling reveals who Russia, China and Iran want to win

`` We are all in this together as Americans , '' Evanina said in the statement .
`` Our election should be our own .
Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy . ''
He warned that `` foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway U.S. voters ' preferences and perspectives , shift U.S. policies , increase discord in the United States , and undermine the American people 's confidence in our democratic process '' ahead of the Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have views on who should hold the White House , `` We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activity by China , Russia , and Iran , '' Evanina said .
The analysis of the three U.S. adversaries ' alleged interference efforts came in a statement from William Evanina , director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , who said he released the information to help Americans `` play a critical role in safeguarding our election . ''
Russia is trying to `` undermine '' presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are against President Donald Trump 's reelection , a leading U.S. intelligence official said Friday .
William Evanina , Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , answers a reporters question in Washington , DC .
At a press conference Friday evening , Trump himself pushed back on the findings of his own intelligence agencies .
`` It could be , '' Trump began when a reporter asked if he believed the assessment that Russia was attempting to meddle in the election against Biden .
But he quickly added : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see in office is Donald Trump . ''
When the reporter noted that the statement from U.S. intelligence in fact says the opposite , Trump shot back , `` Well , I do n't care what anybody says . ''
`` Nobody with any common sense would say '' that Russia wanted him to win , Trump said .
Asked what he planned to do about the alleged interference , Trump said , `` Well , we 're going to look at it very closely . ''
The alleged preferences of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Biden have talked about them on the campaign trail .
Trump in nearly every recent speaking appearance has criticized Beijing for its handling of the coronavirus , which first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
The virus has since grown to a pandemic that has taken an immense toll on the United States : More than 4.88 million cases and at least 160,111 deaths from Covid-19 have been reported in the U.S. , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
The Trump administration has also regularly condemned Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , meanwhile , has slammed Trump for failing to address Russian threats abroad – and his campaign continued that line of attack in response to Evanina 's statement .
`` Donald Trump has publicly and repeatedly invited , emboldened , and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections , '' longtime Biden advisor Tony Blinken said in the response .
Evanina 's statement said that China wants Trump to lose in part because Beijing sees him as `` unpredictable . ''
`` China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment in the United States , pressure political figures it views as opposed to China 's interests , and deflect and counter criticism of China , '' it said .
On Russia , U.S. intelligence assesses that the Kremlin `` is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment . '
'' Russian officials are `` spreading claims about corruption '' to try to `` undermine '' Biden and the Democratic Party , the statement said .
`` Some Kremlin-linked actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's candidacy on social media and Russian television , '' it said .
Evanina 's statement also says that Iran `` seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions , President Trump , and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections . ''
Iran is likely focusing on online influence operations , including social-media disinformation campaigns and promulgating anti-American content .
`` Tehran 's motivation to conduct such activities is , in part , driven by a perception that President Trump 's reelection would result in a continuation of U.S. pressure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , '' Evanina said .
In response to the intelligence assessment , National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said the U.S. `` will not tolerate foreign interference in our electoral processes and will respond to malicious foreign threats that target our democratic institutions . ''
`` The United States is working to identify and disrupt foreign influence efforts targeting our political system , including efforts designed to suppress voter turnout or undermine public confidence in the integrity of our elections , '' Ullyot said .
The Trump campaign used the report as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do n't need or want foreign interference , and President Trump will beat Joe Biden fair and square , '' said campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh .

"We are all in this together as Americans," Evanina said in the statement. "Our election should be our own. Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy."
He warned that "foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway U.S. voters' preferences and perspectives, shift U.S. policies, increase discord in the United States, and undermine the American people's confidence in our democratic process" ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
While many foreign actors have views on who should hold the White House, "We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activity by China, Russia, and Iran," Evanina said.
The analysis of the three U.S. adversaries' alleged interference efforts came in a statement from William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, who said he released the information to help Americans "play a critical role in safeguarding our election."
Russia is trying to "undermine" presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden's candidacy, while China and Iran are against President Donald Trump 's reelection, a leading U.S. intelligence official said Friday.
William Evanina, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, answers a reporters question in Washington, DC.
At a press conference Friday evening, Trump himself pushed back on the findings of his own intelligence agencies.
"It could be," Trump began when a reporter asked if he believed the assessment that Russia was attempting to meddle in the election against Biden.
But he quickly added: "I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump."
When the reporter noted that the statement from U.S. intelligence in fact says the opposite, Trump shot back, "Well, I don't care what anybody says."
"Nobody with any common sense would say" that Russia wanted him to win, Trump said.
Asked what he planned to do about the alleged interference, Trump said, "Well, we're going to look at it very closely."
The alleged preferences of Russia, China and Iran reflect how Trump and Biden have talked about them on the campaign trail.
Trump in nearly every recent speaking appearance has criticized Beijing for its handling of the coronavirus, which first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The virus has since grown to a pandemic that has taken an immense toll on the United States: More than 4.88 million cases and at least 160,111 deaths from Covid-19 have been reported in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
The Trump administration has also regularly condemned Iran and attacked it with punishing economic sanctions.
Biden, meanwhile, has slammed Trump for failing to address Russian threats abroad – and his campaign continued that line of attack in response to Evanina's statement.
"Donald Trump has publicly and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections," longtime Biden advisor Tony Blinken said in the response.
Evanina's statement said that China wants Trump to lose in part because Beijing sees him as "unpredictable."
"China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," it said.
On Russia, U.S. intelligence assesses that the Kremlin "is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.'" Russian officials are "spreading claims about corruption" to try to "undermine" Biden and the Democratic Party, the statement said.
"Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump's candidacy on social media and Russian television," it said.
Evanina's statement also says that Iran "seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections."
Iran is likely focusing on online influence operations, including social-media disinformation campaigns and promulgating anti-American content.
"Tehran's motivation to conduct such activities is, in part, driven by a perception that President Trump's reelection would result in a continuation of U.S. pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change," Evanina said.
In response to the intelligence assessment, National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said the U.S. "will not tolerate foreign interference in our electoral processes and will respond to malicious foreign threats that target our democratic institutions."
"The United States is working to identify and disrupt foreign influence efforts targeting our political system, including efforts designed to suppress voter turnout or undermine public confidence in the integrity of our elections," Ullyot said.
The Trump campaign used the report as fodder for another attack on Biden. "We don't need or want foreign interference, and President Trump will beat Joe Biden fair and square," said campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh.


cnbc--2020-08-07--U.S. sanctions Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for carrying out Chinese 'policies of suppression'

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration will impose a fresh round of sanctions on 11 individuals , including Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam , as tensions between the United States and China accelerate .
The Treasury Department designated Lam for her role in overseeing and `` implementing Beijing 's policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes . ''
According to the department , Lam , the city 's chief executive , pushed last year to allow for extradition to mainland China , setting off a series of massive anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong .
`` The United States stands with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy , '' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a release Friday announcing the sanctions .
The Trump administration has been critical of Beijing 's recent decision to pass a sweeping national security law aimed at limiting Hong Kong 's autonomy and banning literature critical of the Chinese Communist Party .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has described the new law as an `` Orwellian move '' and an assault `` on the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo said : `` The Chinese Communist Party has made clear that Hong Kong will never again enjoy the high degree of autonomy that Beijing itself promised to the Hong Kong people and the United Kingdom for 50 years .
President Trump has made clear that the United States will therefore treat Hong Kong as 'one country , one system , ' and take action against individuals who have crushed the Hong Kong people 's freedoms . ''
Along with Lam , Treasury is also sanctioning Chris Tang , Stephen Lo , John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsang , Xia Baolong , Zhang Xiaoming , Luo Huining , Zheng Yanxiong , and Eric Chan .
`` As a result of today 's action , all property and interests in property of the individuals named above , and of any entities that are owned , directly or indirectly , 50 percent or more by them , individually , or with other blocked persons , that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons , are blocked and must be reported to OFAC , '' according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office of Foreign Assets Control .
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .
The new security law is the latest issue to cloud relations between Washington and Beijing .
The Trump administration has blamed China for the health crisis caused by the coronavirus and has criticized Beijing for its territorial claims in the South China Sea , calling them illegal .
The world 's two largest economies are also struggling to mend trade relations , with intellectual property theft proving to be a major sticking @ @

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration will impose a fresh round of sanctions on 11 individuals, including Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, as tensions between the United States and China accelerate.
The Treasury Department designated Lam for her role in overseeing and "implementing Beijing's policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes."
According to the department, Lam, the city's chief executive, pushed last year to allow for extradition to mainland China, setting off a series of massive anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong.
"The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and we will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a release Friday announcing the sanctions.
The Trump administration has been critical of Beijing's recent decision to pass a sweeping national security law aimed at limiting Hong Kong's autonomy and banning literature critical of the Chinese Communist Party.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has described the new law as an "Orwellian move" and an assault "on the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong."
In a statement Friday, Pompeo said: "The Chinese Communist Party has made clear that Hong Kong will never again enjoy the high degree of autonomy that Beijing itself promised to the Hong Kong people and the United Kingdom for 50 years. President Trump has made clear that the United States will therefore treat Hong Kong as 'one country, one system,' and take action against individuals who have crushed the Hong Kong people's freedoms."
Along with Lam, Treasury is also sanctioning Chris Tang, Stephen Lo, John Lee Ka-chiu, Teresa Cheng, Erick Tsang, Xia Baolong, Zhang Xiaoming, Luo Huining, Zheng Yanxiong, and Eric Chan.
"As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the individuals named above, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC," according to the announcement, referring to the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
The new security law is the latest issue to cloud relations between Washington and Beijing. The Trump administration has blamed China for the health crisis caused by the coronavirus and has criticized Beijing for its territorial claims in the South China Sea, calling them illegal.
The world's two largest economies are also struggling to mend trade relations, with intellectual property theft proving to be a major sticking point.


cnbc--2020-08-07--Buy American? Trump makes over $1 million from store that sells products with foreign, unknown origi

Buy American? Trump makes over $1 million from store that sells products with foreign, unknown origins

People shop in the Trump Store in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan .
President Donald Trump has made close to $ 1.5 million in income over the past three years from an online retail store that is owned by the company he founded , according to financial disclosure records reviewed by CNBC .
While dozens of the Trump-branded products sold by the store are listed as having been made in the United States , a sizable chunk are made in foreign countries or are from an unknown origin — which would appear to run contrary to the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of Friday , there are currently over 100 products under the `` Made in America '' collection on the online Trump Store , where they are marked as either `` Made in America '' or `` Made in the USA , '' according to a CNBC review .
Yet , at least another 180 items that CNBC reviewed are labeled as having been made in Scotland , France or Italy , are labeled as `` Decorated in the USA '' or have no country of origin listed at all .
That means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the items in the online Trump Store are described as officially made in the United States .
There is also an in-person Trump Store located in New York 's Trump Tower .
The Trump Organization online subsidiary is titled on the disclosure reports as T Retail LLC .
USA Today first spotted the discrepancy and noted that the president made more than $ 107,000 off that business when it launched in 2017 .
Trump 's latest disclosure report shows that he took in just over $ 930,000 from the online retail business last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's latest financial disclosure shows he made at least $ 440 million overall in 2019 .
Trump has come under scrutiny for his company 's business dealings since he became president .
More than $ 17 million in payments have been made to use Trump properties for campaign events by his own reelection team , the Republican National Committee and other GOP-led groups .
The president still owns the Trump Organization , but it is currently being run by the president 's older sons , Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to repeated requests for comment , including detailed questions on where the Trump Store 's products were made .
Representatives for the White House also did not respond to emails seeking comment .
Ethics experts say that while it 's not illegal for the president to be making money from this piece of the company he still owns , it certainly is not on par with how past presidents behaved .
`` The president profiting personally off of the sale of merchandise bearing his name may not violate the law , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'd expect from our country 's most prominent public servant , '' Brendan Fischer , a director at ethics watchdog group the Campaign Legal Center , said in an email .
Fischer also noted that while the Trump Organization has sold name-branded items in the past , the fact that the company launched this online store the year he became president suggests the business could be profiting off of his presidency .
`` It does seem like yet another example of Trump blurring the lines between public service and his personal financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off of the presidency , '' he said .
`` The Trump Organization may have been selling Trump-branded merchandise before Trump became president , but it only set up this online retail store after Trump took office , and after the name 'Trump ' became synonymous with the prestige of the White House . ''
The president has repeatedly pushed an `` America First '' and `` Buy American '' agenda .
Trump recently signed an executive order that called on the U.S. government to develop a list of essential medicines and buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. companies instead of from foreign countries such as China .
In 2017 , Trump signed an executive order that would crack down on the awarding of visas to foreign workers as part his of `` Buy American , Hire American '' initiative .
Last year , Trump signed another executive order to extend his `` Buy American , Hire American '' policy initiatives .
At the time , White House advisor Peter Navarro said it was meant to `` extend the coverage for 'Buy American , ' not just to things like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also to cement and other manufactured products . ''
This type of agenda has also turned into a political wedge issue between Trump and his opponent , presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
The former vice president released his own `` Buy American '' proposal , which calls for a $ 400 billion , four-year increase in government purchasing of U.S.-based goods and services plus $ 300 billion in new research and development in U.S. technology concerns .

President Donald Trump has made close to $1.5 million in income over the past three years from an online retail store that is owned by the company he founded, according to financial disclosure records reviewed by CNBC.
While dozens of the Trump-branded products sold by the store are listed as having been made in the United States, a sizable chunk are made in foreign countries or are from an unknown origin — which would appear to run contrary to the president's "Buy American" agenda.
As of Friday, there are currently over 100 products under the "Made in America" collection on the online Trump Store, where they are marked as either "Made in America" or "Made in the USA," according to a CNBC review. Yet, at least another 180 items that CNBC reviewed are labeled as having been made in Scotland, France or Italy, are labeled as "Decorated in the USA" or have no country of origin listed at all.
That means a little more than a third of the items in the online Trump Store are described as officially made in the United States. There is also an in-person Trump Store located in New York's Trump Tower.
The Trump Organization online subsidiary is titled on the disclosure reports as T Retail LLC. USA Today first spotted the discrepancy and noted that the president made more than $107,000 off that business when it launched in 2017.
Trump's latest disclosure report shows that he took in just over $930,000 from the online retail business last year. Reports say that the president's latest financial disclosure shows he made at least $440 million overall in 2019.
Trump has come under scrutiny for his company's business dealings since he became president. More than $17 million in payments have been made to use Trump properties for campaign events by his own reelection team, the Republican National Committee and other GOP-led groups.
The president still owns the Trump Organization, but it is currently being run by the president's older sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
A spokeswoman for the Trump Organization did not respond to repeated requests for comment, including detailed questions on where the Trump Store's products were made. Representatives for the White House also did not respond to emails seeking comment.
Ethics experts say that while it's not illegal for the president to be making money from this piece of the company he still owns, it certainly is not on par with how past presidents behaved.
"The president profiting personally off of the sale of merchandise bearing his name may not violate the law, but it does defy the norms of behavior we'd expect from our country's most prominent public servant," Brendan Fischer, a director at ethics watchdog group the Campaign Legal Center, said in an email.
Fischer also noted that while the Trump Organization has sold name-branded items in the past, the fact that the company launched this online store the year he became president suggests the business could be profiting off of his presidency.
"It does seem like yet another example of Trump blurring the lines between public service and his personal financial interest, and of Trump successfully profiting off of the presidency," he said. "The Trump Organization may have been selling Trump-branded merchandise before Trump became president, but it only set up this online retail store after Trump took office, and after the name 'Trump' became synonymous with the prestige of the White House."
The president has repeatedly pushed an "America First" and "Buy American" agenda.
Trump recently signed an executive order that called on the U.S. government to develop a list of essential medicines and buy them as well as medical supplies from U.S. companies instead of from foreign countries such as China.
In 2017, Trump signed an executive order that would crack down on the awarding of visas to foreign workers as part his of "Buy American, Hire American" initiative.
Last year, Trump signed another executive order to extend his "Buy American, Hire American" policy initiatives. At the time, White House advisor Peter Navarro said it was meant to "extend the coverage for 'Buy American,' not just to things like iron and steel and aluminum, but also to cement and other manufactured products."
This type of agenda has also turned into a political wedge issue between Trump and his opponent, presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
The former vice president released his own "Buy American" proposal, which calls for a $400 billion, four-year increase in government purchasing of U.S.-based goods and services plus $300 billion in new research and development in U.S. technology concerns.


cnbc--2020-08-07--Canada to impose tariffs on $2.7 billion in U.S. goods after Trump reignites trade feud

Canada 's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland attends a news conference as efforts continue to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) in Ottawa , Ontario , Canada March 23 , 2020 .
Freeland said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will spend the next 30 days consulting with Canadian citizens and businesses on a broad list of aluminum-containing products .
Canada 's new duties on U.S. imports , she said , will total 3.6 billion Canadian dollars ( $ 2.7 billion ) .
`` We will impose dollar-for-dollar countermeasures in a balanced and perfectly reciprocal retaliation , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalate and we will not back down . ''
`` Canada will respond swiftly and strongly , '' Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said at a news conference .
Canada said Friday it will slap retaliatory tariffs on $ 2.7 billion worth of U.S. goods , the latest development in a new trade feud sparked by President Donald Trump 's decision to reimpose aluminum duties on the U.S. ally .
Trump , during a speech Thursday at a Whirlpool manufacturing plant in Ohio , announced that he had signed a proclamation reimposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada that had been lifted more than a year earlier .
The president complained that Canada was putting American workers in the aluminum industry at a disadvantage .
`` The aluminum business was being decimated by Canada , '' he said .
Trudeau vowed to enact countermeasures against the U.S. just hours after Trump 's announcement .
Neither the White House nor the Commerce Department immediately responded to CNBC 's requests for comment on Canada 's actions .
The text of Trump 's proclamation says that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross informed Trump that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the months after the decision to lift the tariffs in mid-2019 .
That so-called surge `` threatens to harm domestic aluminum production and capacity utilization , '' the proclamation said .
Freeland on Friday lambasted that assertion , arguing that the tariffs will hurt American consumers already suffering from the economic devastation inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` In imposing these tariffs , the United States has taken the absurd decision to harm its own people at a time when its economy is suffering the deepest crisis since the Great Depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs are unnecessary , unwarranted and entirely unacceptable , '' she added .
`` They should not be imposed .
Let me be clear : Canadian aluminum is in no way a threat to U.S. national security , which remains the ostensible reason for these tariffs , and that is a ludicrous notion . ''
Freeland also noted that the new tariffs come just over a month after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement – the Trump-backed trade pact that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement , or NAFTA – went into effect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ North American economic competitiveness , not to hinder it , '' she said .

Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland attends a news conference as efforts continue to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 23, 2020.
Freeland said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will spend the next 30 days consulting with Canadian citizens and businesses on a broad list of aluminum-containing products. Canada's new duties on U.S. imports, she said, will total 3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion).
"We will impose dollar-for-dollar countermeasures in a balanced and perfectly reciprocal retaliation," she said. "We will not escalate and we will not back down."
"Canada will respond swiftly and strongly," Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said at a news conference.
Canada said Friday it will slap retaliatory tariffs on $2.7 billion worth of U.S. goods, the latest development in a new trade feud sparked by President Donald Trump 's decision to reimpose aluminum duties on the U.S. ally .
Trump, during a speech Thursday at a Whirlpool manufacturing plant in Ohio, announced that he had signed a proclamation reimposing 10% tariffs on aluminum imports from Canada that had been lifted more than a year earlier. The president complained that Canada was putting American workers in the aluminum industry at a disadvantage.
"The aluminum business was being decimated by Canada," he said.
Trudeau vowed to enact countermeasures against the U.S. just hours after Trump's announcement.
Trudeau TWEET
Neither the White House nor the Commerce Department immediately responded to CNBC's requests for comment on Canada's actions.
The text of Trump's proclamation says that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross informed Trump that Canadian aluminum imports "increased substantially" in the months after the decision to lift the tariffs in mid-2019.
That so-called surge "threatens to harm domestic aluminum production and capacity utilization," the proclamation said.
Freeland on Friday lambasted that assertion, arguing that the tariffs will hurt American consumers already suffering from the economic devastation inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic.
"In imposing these tariffs, the United States has taken the absurd decision to harm its own people at a time when its economy is suffering the deepest crisis since the Great Depression," Freeland said.
"These tariffs are unnecessary, unwarranted and entirely unacceptable," she added. "They should not be imposed. Let me be clear: Canadian aluminum is in no way a threat to U.S. national security, which remains the ostensible reason for these tariffs, and that is a ludicrous notion."
Freeland also noted that the new tariffs come just over a month after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement – the Trump-backed trade pact that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA – went into effect.
"Now is the time to advance North American economic competitiveness, not to hinder it," she said.


cnbc--2020-08-07--McConnell and Pelosi expect a coronavirus relief deal — but huge differences remain

The two most powerful lawmakers in Washington told CNBC on Thursday they believe Congress will strike a coronavirus relief agreement but said major differences must be resolved during an increasingly bitter process .
`` Exactly when that deal comes together I ca n't tell you , but I think it will at some point in the near future , '' Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on `` Squawk on the Street . ''
Speaking to CNBC shortly after McConnell , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , also said she expects an agreement to boost an economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Negotiators have struggled to craft an aid bill that could pass both chambers of Congress as Democrats and Republicans try to hash out a bevy of disputes .
The sides have to decide how to extend extra federal unemployment insurance , continue a moratorium on evictions from federally backed housing , help schools educate students safely and offer relief to cash-strapped state and local governments .
Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have repeatedly cited progress after a series of meetings with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach an accord .
The four officials plan to meet again at 5 p.m .
ET on Thursday , NBC News reported .
`` Will we find a solution ?
We will , '' Pelosi told CNBC .
`` Will we have an agreement ?
We will . ''
But illustrating the election-year tensions at work as officials slog toward a bill , Pelosi took a shot at Republicans and their priorities .
Asked why she could not work with the GOP by explaining that legislation would help people of color and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi responded , `` Perhaps you mistook [ Republicans ] for somebody who gives a damn . ''
Democrats and the White House have apparently started to yield ground on issues including unemployment insurance and funding for the U.S .
Postal Service .
They still appear far from any consensus as millions of people face the prospect of slipping into poverty .
On Wednesday , Meadows said the sides `` continue to be trillions of dollars apart '' on legislation .
Last week , the GOP proposed a roughly $ 1 trillion relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach than House Democrats , who passed a $ 3 trillion package in May .
McConnell met with Trump at the White House on Thursday morning , he told NBC News .
He said they talked `` a little bit about everything . ''
Meadows has indicated the Trump administration could pull out of talks and try to address jobless benefits and the eviction moratorium by executive action if the sides fail to reach an agreement by Friday .
Schumer insisted Wednesday that Democrats `` are not walking away '' from talks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can accomplish through unilateral action , as he needs Congress to approve funding for programs .
Even so , Pelosi said she hopes Trump takes steps himself to stop evictions .
`` He can extend the moratorium , and I hope that he does , '' she said .
But she noted that a moratorium is only so effective if people lack the money to pay their rent .
Democrats have pushed for rental and mortgage assistance funds in the bill .
Republicans did not include money for housing payment aid in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 1 trillion more in aid for states and municipalities and strengthened Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to be included .
McConnell told CNBC that `` the argument is over how much [ aid ] is appropriate at this particular juncture . ''
The Senate Republican leader has previously said he is `` prepared to support '' whatever deal Democrats and the Trump administration strike , even if he does not like parts of it .
McConnell will likely have to rely on Democrats and the least conservative Republicans to pass a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP senators oppose even the $ 1 trillion bill .
`` I 've got members … who think we 've done enough , but that 's not my view , '' he told CNBC .
Lawmakers face pressure to approve more relief after a $ 600 per week enhanced federal unemployment benefit expired at the end of July .
Millions of people who lost jobs because of the pandemic have relied on the payments and now face a sudden and sharp loss of income .
Democrats want to extend the extra unemployment benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
In their legislation , Senate Republicans called to continue the payments at $ 200 per week through September , then set the benefit at 70 % wage replacement .

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The two most powerful lawmakers in Washington told CNBC on Thursday they believe Congress will strike a coronavirus relief agreement but said major differences must be resolved during an increasingly bitter process. "Exactly when that deal comes together I can't tell you, but I think it will at some point in the near future," Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on "Squawk on the Street." Speaking to CNBC shortly after McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also said she expects an agreement to boost an economy and health-care system devastated by the pandemic. Negotiators have struggled to craft an aid bill that could pass both chambers of Congress as Democrats and Republicans try to hash out a bevy of disputes. The sides have to decide how to extend extra federal unemployment insurance, continue a moratorium on evictions from federally backed housing, help schools educate students safely and offer relief to cash-strapped state and local governments. Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have repeatedly cited progress after a series of meetings with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. But they have failed to reach an accord. The four officials plan to meet again at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, NBC News reported. "Will we find a solution? We will," Pelosi told CNBC. "Will we have an agreement? We will."
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But illustrating the election-year tensions at work as officials slog toward a bill, Pelosi took a shot at Republicans and their priorities. Asked why she could not work with the GOP by explaining that legislation would help people of color and other Americans who face structural barriers, Pelosi responded, "Perhaps you mistook [Republicans] for somebody who gives a damn." Democrats and the White House have apparently started to yield ground on issues including unemployment insurance and funding for the U.S. Postal Service. They still appear far from any consensus as millions of people face the prospect of slipping into poverty. On Wednesday, Meadows said the sides "continue to be trillions of dollars apart" on legislation. Last week, the GOP proposed a roughly $1 trillion relief plan. Republicans took a more narrow approach than House Democrats, who passed a $3 trillion package in May. McConnell met with Trump at the White House on Thursday morning, he told NBC News. He said they talked "a little bit about everything." Meadows has indicated the Trump administration could pull out of talks and try to address jobless benefits and the eviction moratorium by executive action if the sides fail to reach an agreement by Friday. Schumer insisted Wednesday that Democrats "are not walking away" from talks. It is unclear what President Donald Trump can accomplish through unilateral action, as he needs Congress to approve funding for programs. Even so, Pelosi said she hopes Trump takes steps himself to stop evictions. "He can extend the moratorium, and I hope that he does," she said.
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But she noted that a moratorium is only so effective if people lack the money to pay their rent. Democrats have pushed for rental and mortgage assistance funds in the bill. Republicans did not include money for housing payment aid in their plan. Democrats have also pushed for nearly $1 trillion more in aid for states and municipalities and strengthened Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to be included. McConnell told CNBC that "the argument is over how much [aid] is appropriate at this particular juncture." The Senate Republican leader has previously said he is "prepared to support" whatever deal Democrats and the Trump administration strike, even if he does not like parts of it. McConnell will likely have to rely on Democrats and the least conservative Republicans to pass a bill in the Senate, as many GOP senators oppose even the $1 trillion bill. "I've got members … who think we've done enough, but that's not my view," he told CNBC. Lawmakers face pressure to approve more relief after a $600 per week enhanced federal unemployment benefit expired at the end of July. Millions of people who lost jobs because of the pandemic have relied on the payments and now face a sudden and sharp loss of income. Democrats want to extend the extra unemployment benefits at $600 a week into next year. In their legislation, Senate Republicans called to continue the payments at $200 per week through September, then set the benefit at 70% wage replacement.
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The White House offered Democrats a short-term extension of the enhanced insurance. Pelosi and Schumer rejected it. New economic data released Thursday show the extent to which people still rely on the benefits in a floundering economy. Another 1.2 million people filed initial jobless claims last week. Continuing claims, or people getting benefits for two straight weeks, came in at 16.1 million. Democrats have repeatedly accused Republicans of moving too slowly to offer more relief during the pandemic. The GOP did not release its offer countering the Democratic bill until last week, giving the parties only a few days to strike an agreement before financial lifelines expired. He argued that Congress needed to wait to see how the U.S. recovered after lawmakers passed more than $2.5 trillion in aid earlier this year. The economy appeared to lose momentum in July as Covid-19 outbreaks around the country forced states to pause or roll back their economic reopening. McConnell said it is "not too late" to pass more aid. "This is the perfect time to look at it," he said. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Trump signs orders aimed at extending some pandemic relief after Congress fails to reach a deal

President Donald Trump on Saturday signed a series of executive orders expanding coronavirus economic relief to Americans struggling during the pandemic .
The president 's four orders extend unemployment benefits , provide a payroll tax holiday , defer student loan payments through 2020 and extend the federal moratorium on evictions .
Trump 's orders will quickly face a legal challenge , as continuing the programs would require federal funding , which Congress controls .
`` We 're going to save American jobs and provide relief to the American workers , '' Trump said during a press conference at his private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump said he will establish a payroll tax holiday through the end of the year to Americans earning less than $ 100,000 per year and instruct the Treasury Department to allow employers to defer payment of the employee portion of certain payroll taxes .
However , there 's no guarantee workers will receive that money .
Trump added that if re-elected in November , he would look to extend the deferral and `` terminate '' the tax , which funds Social Security and Medicare programs .
The president 's orders also extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of $ 400 per week , instead of the $ 600 per week federal unemployment insurance that was approved in March and expired at the end of July .
Trump said states will need to cover 25 % of the $ 400 weekly benefits .

President Donald Trump on Saturday signed a series of executive orders expanding coronavirus economic relief to Americans struggling during the pandemic.
The president's four orders extend unemployment benefits, provide a payroll tax holiday, defer student loan payments through 2020 and extend the federal protections from evictions.
Trump's orders will quickly face a legal challenge, as continuing the programs would require federal funding, which Congress controls.
"We're going to save American jobs and provide relief to the American workers," Trump said during a press conference at his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Trump said he will establish a payroll tax holiday through the end of the year to Americans earning less than $100,000 per year and instruct the Treasury Department to allow employers to defer payment of the employee portion of certain payroll taxes. However, there's no guarantee workers will receive that money.
Trump added that if re-elected in November, he would look to extend the deferral and "terminate" the tax, which funds Social Security and Medicare programs.
The president's orders also extend the weekly unemployment bonus at a reduced level of $400 per week, instead of the $600 per week federal unemployment insurance that was approved in March and expired at the end of July. Trump said states will need to cover 25% of the $400 weekly benefits.


cnbc--2020-08-10--China to sanction Rubio, Cruz, and others over U.S. action on Hong Kong

Senator Ted Cruz and Sen. Marco Rubio ( R ) attend a signing ceremony for S442 , the NASA transition authorization act , with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington , U.S. , March 21 , 2017 .
China said it would apply sanctions against 11 U.S. citizens including officials from Monday in response to Washington 's move on Friday to impose sanctions on 11 Hong Kong and Chinese officials whom it accused of curtailing political freedoms in the city .
Among those targeted were Senators Ted Cruz , Marco Rubio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toomey and Representative Chris Smith , as well as individuals at non-profits and rights groups .
`` In response to those wrong U.S. behaviors , China has decided to impose sanctions on individuals who have behaved egregiously on Hong Kong-related issues , '' Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press briefing on Monday .
He did not specify what the sanctions entail .
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated over issues ranging from trade to Hong Kong and China 's handling of Covid-19 .
Beijing 's move is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between China and the United States over allegations of rights abuses and interference .
Washington on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam as well as the city 's current and former police chiefs , under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump .
Those sanctions freeze any U.S. assets owned by the officials and generally bar Americans from doing business with them .
The U.S. lawmakers targeted by Beijing on Monday have been vocal critics of a new national security law that expands Beijing 's authority in Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against Cruz , Rubio , Smith and other U.S. officials after Washington penalized senior Chinese officials over the treatment of Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region .
Beijing 's latest measure also includes new sanctions against the heads of the U.S.-based campaign groups Freedom House and Human Rights Watch .
Both had were been subjected to sanctions in December in relation to Hong Kong .
It also imposed sanctions on the heads of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the International Republican Institute .

China imposed sanctions on 11 U.S. citizens including legislators on Monday in response to the U.S. imposition of sanctions on 11 Hong Kong and Chinese officials accused of curtailing political freedoms in the former British colony.
Among those targeted were Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton, Josh Hawley and Pat Toomey and Representative Chris Smith, as well as individuals at non-profit and rights groups.
"In response to that wrong U.S. behaviour, China has decided to impose sanctions on individuals who have behaved egregiously on Hong Kong-related issues," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press briefing on Monday.
He did not specify what the sanctions entail.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply in recent months over issues ranging from trade, to Hong Kong and China's handling of the novel coronavirus.
China's sanctions of the 11 U.S. citizens is the latest in a tit-for-tat round of measures between China and the United States over accusations of rights abuses and interference.
The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam as well as the city's current and former police chiefs, under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
Those sanctions freeze any U.S. assets owned by those people and generally bar Americans from doing business with them.
The U.S. lawmakers targeted by China on Monday have been vocal critics of a new national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in late June, expanding its authority in the financial hub.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Pelosi slams Trump's executive actions on coronavirus relief: 'Absurdly unconstitutional'

U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , speaks to reporters in the U.S. Capitol in Washington , July 29 , 2020 .
Top Democrats on Sunday criticized President Donald Trump 's executive actions on coronavirus relief as `` absurdly unconstitutional '' and `` way off base . ''
The measures , which Trump signed on Saturday and sidestep Congress after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on Friday , provide an additional $ 400 per week unemployment benefits among other relief measures such as a temporary payroll tax cut .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the benefits with disaster relief money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
He also called on states , many of which are already suffering from budget shortfalls due to the pandemic , to cover a quarter of the cost .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , lambasted the move in interviews with `` Fox News Sunday '' and CNN 's `` State Of The Union . ''
`` While he says he 's going to do the payroll tax , what he 's doing is undermining Social Security and Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said on `` Fox News Sunday . ''
Social Security and Medicare are funded through payroll taxes , which Trump on Saturday also vowed to slash permanently if he 's re-elected .
In an interview on CNN , Pelosi called the measures `` absurdly unconstitutional '' but she would not say whether Democrats would mount a legal challenge as they previously indicated .
`` Something 's wrong , '' she said .
`` Either the president does n't know what he 's talking about ... or something 's very wrong here about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time . ''
In an interview on `` This Week '' on ABC , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , declined to discuss whether he thought Trump 's move was illegal , saying instead that `` it does n't do the job . ''
`` The president 's executive orders , described in one word , could be paltry , in three words , unworkable , weak , and far too narrow , '' Schumer said , adding that they are `` a big show , but it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the payroll tax cut was `` way off base . ''
`` Employers are just going to continue to withhold the money — I 've talked to some — because they do n't want their employees to be stuck with a huge bill in December , '' Schumer said .
`` So it 's not going to pump money into the economy . ''
In an interview with MNSBC on Sunday , 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton called Trump 's actions `` a stunt '' that would hurt `` every American .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's no doubt about it , '' she said .
`` It 's most likely ... unconstitutional , bypassing Congress to spend money that he has no authority to direct . ''
Clinton also criticized the effect that a payroll tax cut would have on Social Security and Medicare , which are significantly funded through those taxes .
`` It 's going to hurt not just elderly Americans but every American , '' she said .

U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaks to reporters in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, July 29, 2020.
Top Democrats on Sunday criticized President Donald Trump's executive actions on coronavirus relief as "absurdly unconstitutional" and "way off base."
The measures, which Trump signed on Saturday and sidestep Congress after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on Friday, provide an additional $400 per week unemployment benefits among other relief measures such as a temporary payroll tax cut.
Trump said the federal government would fund most of the benefits with disaster relief money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He also called on states, many of which are already suffering from budget shortfalls due to the pandemic, to cover a quarter of the cost.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., lambasted the move in interviews with "Fox News Sunday" and CNN's "State Of The Union."
Pelosi called the president's actions "unconstitutional slop," referencing a statement made a day earlier by Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.
"While he says he's going to do the payroll tax, what he's doing is undermining Social Security and Medicare, so these are illusions," she said on "Fox News Sunday." Social Security and Medicare are funded through payroll taxes, which Trump on Saturday also vowed to slash permanently if he's re-elected.
In an interview on CNN, Pelosi called the measures "absurdly unconstitutional" but she would not say whether Democrats would mount a legal challenge as they previously indicated.
"Something's wrong," she said. "Either the president doesn't know what he's talking about ... or something's very wrong here about meeting the needs of the American people at this time."
In an interview on "This Week" on ABC, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., declined to discuss whether he thought Trump's move was illegal, saying instead that "it doesn't do the job."
"The president's executive orders, described in one word, could be paltry, in three words, unworkable, weak, and far too narrow," Schumer said, adding that they are "a big show, but it doesn't do anything."
Schumer also said the payroll tax cut was "way off base."
"Employers are just going to continue to withhold the money — I've talked to some — because they don't want their employees to be stuck with a huge bill in December," Schumer said. "So it's not going to pump money into the economy."
In an interview with MNSBC on Sunday, 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton called Trump's actions "a stunt" that would hurt "every American."
"It's a stunt, there's no doubt about it," she said. "It's most likely ... unconstitutional, bypassing Congress to spend money that he has no authority to direct."
Clinton also criticized the effect that a payroll tax cut would have on Social Security and Medicare, which are significantly funded through those taxes.
"It's going to hurt not just elderly Americans but every American," she said.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Trump evacuated from briefing after shooting outside White House

President Donald Trump was abruptly evacuated from a press briefing on Monday evening just minutes after he began speaking because of a shooting outside the White House .
`` There was an actual shooting , and somebody has been taken to the hospital .
I do n't know the condition of the person , '' Trump told reporters after returning to the White House briefing room about nine minutes later .
`` It was the suspect that was shot , '' Trump added .
He said that no one else was injured but that it was his understanding that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place near the White House fence , Trump said .
Law enforcement officials later said that an unidentified man was shot in the chest by a Secret Service uniformed division officer .
Officials did not say why the man was shot , or whether he was armed .
The man was taken to George Washington University Hospital while unconscious , according to officials .
The Secret Service in a statement said that it could `` confirm there has been an officer involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Law enforcement officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency , which is responsible for protecting the president and his family , said more information would be released .
The briefing room was placed on lockdown immediately after the president exited , according to a pool report .
The press conference was interrupted almost as soon as it began after an aide approached the president and appeared to tell him that he would have to step outside .
Trump followed the aide out of the room and sheltered in the Oval Office , he said .
`` I feel very safe with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they 're the best of the best , they 're highly trained , '' the president said .
Trump said that he was not shaken by the incident .
`` I do n't know , do I seem rattled ? ''
he said when a reporter asked if he was rattled .
`` The world has been , you look back over the centuries , the world has been a dangerous place , a very dangerous place . ''
The president then returned to briefing reporters on the state of the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touting the rising stock market .

President Donald Trump was abruptly evacuated from a press briefing at the White House on Monday evening after a man who claimed he had a weapon was shot by a U.S. Secret Service officer just outside the White House complex.
"There was an actual shooting, and somebody has been taken to the hospital. I don't know the condition of the person," Trump told reporters after returning to the White House briefing room about nine minutes after he was asked to leave that room by a Secret Service officer.
"It was the suspect that was shot," Trump added.
He said that no one else was injured, but also said that it was his understanding that the suspect had been armed.
The shooting took place near the White House fence, Trump said.
The Secret Service hours later said that a 51-year-old man approached a Secret Service officer at the officer's post on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House complex, and told the officer that he had a weapon.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Bill O'Reilly is on the verge of landing a new show on radio station owned by a Trump ally

Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly is in talks with a radio station owned by a longtime ally of President Donald Trump to host a new show that would place him in a programming lineup heavily populated by leading conservative pundits .
O'Reilly , according to his attorney Fred Newman , is in the final stages of contract negotiations with New York-based radio station 77 WABC to host a show that is expected to debut in the fall .
That network is owned by John Catsimatidis , who also owns the Gristedes grocery chain and is a vocal advocate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final stages of a contract and a program should be on in the fall , '' Newman told CNBC through his assistant .
O'Reilly 's representative also confirmed the talks were being held with 77 WABC .
Catsimatidis confirmed the ongoing negotiations to CNBC .
`` I wll confirm that , and I think he is one common-sense American , '' Catsimatidis said of O'Reilly .
He declined to comment further .
The New York businessman bought the radio station from Cumulus Media in June .
He is currently exploring a run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 and recently told the New York Post that he would be willing to spend $ 100 million if he decides to get into the race .
Catsimatidis ran for mayor in 2013 but ended up losing in the Republican primary .
The show would mark the latest stage of O'Reilly 's attempted comeback since he left Fox News under controversial circumstances .
O'Reilly , 70 , has been accused by multiple former Fox News employees of sexual harassment .
The network ended his show in 2017 after the revelation of several expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he left the network , his show had been a major ratings driver since 1996 .
Since his departure from Fox , O'Reilly called reporting of the accusations and settlements by The New York Times a `` smear '' and has moved on from his `` O'Reilly Factor '' into a show called `` No Spin News . ''
It airs on his website , YouTube , and on a conservative OTT streaming network known as `` The First . ''
The channel streams on several platforms , including Pluto TV , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He already makes appearances on the radio network , including for a segment titled `` The O'Reilly Update . ''
There , he gives his take on a wide range of political topics that often revolve around Trump .
The update , according to the magazine Radio Ink , can be heard on over 200 radio stations .
O'Reilly has also interviewed Trump himself after leaving Fox News .
If he seals the deal to appear on 77 ABC , O'Reilly will be joining several other conservative hosts with just under 90 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Joe Biden .
The other hosts include Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani , Fox News host Brian Kilmeade and Mark Levin .
Some of these hosts have their shows syndicated on other stations .

Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly is in talks with a radio station owned by a longtime ally of President Donald Trump to host a new show that would place him in a programming lineup heavily populated by leading conservative pundits.
O'Reilly, according to his attorney Fred Newman, is in the final stages of contract negotiations with New York-based radio station 77 WABC to host a show that is expected to debut in the fall. That network is owned by John Catsimatidis, who also owns the Gristedes grocery chain and is a vocal advocate for the president.
"We are in the final stages of a contract and a program should be on in the fall," Newman told CNBC through his assistant. O'Reilly's representative also confirmed the talks were being held with 77 WABC. Catsimatidis confirmed the ongoing negotiations to CNBC.
"I wll confirm that, and I think he is one common-sense American," Catsimatidis said of O'Reilly. He declined to comment further.
The New York businessman bought the radio station from Cumulus Media in June 2019. He is currently exploring a run for mayor of New York City in 2021 and recently told the New York Post that he would be willing to spend $100 million if he decides to get into the race. Catsimatidis ran for mayor in 2013 but ended up losing in the Republican primary.
The show would mark the latest stage of O'Reilly's attempted comeback since he left Fox News under controversial circumstances. O'Reilly, 70, has been accused by multiple former Fox News employees of sexual harassment. The network ended his show in 2017 after the revelation of several expensive settlements for the alleged harassment. Before he left the network, his show had been a major ratings driver since 1996.
Since his departure from Fox, O'Reilly called reporting of the accusations and settlements by The New York Times a "smear" and has moved on from his "O'Reilly Factor" into a show called "No Spin News." It airs on his website, YouTube, and on a conservative OTT streaming network known as "The First." The channel streams on several platforms, including Pluto TV, an internet television service owned by ViacomCBS.
He already makes appearances on the radio network, including for a segment titled "The O'Reilly Update." There, he gives his take on a wide range of political topics that often revolve around Trump. The update, according to the magazine Radio Ink, can be heard on over 200 radio stations.
O'Reilly has also interviewed Trump himself after leaving Fox News.
If he seals the deal to appear on 77 ABC, O'Reilly will be joining several other conservative hosts with just under 90 days until Trump faces the presumptive Democratic nominee in Joe Biden.
The other hosts include Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, Fox News host Brian Kilmeade and Mark Levin. Some of these hosts have their shows syndicated on other stations.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Susan Pompeo, already under scrutiny, will join husband on official State Department trip to Europe

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , escorted by his wife Susan , disembark from the plane upon landing in the Lebanese capital Beirut on March 22 , 2019 , on the final stop of his regional tour .
WASHINGTON — Susan Pompeo will join her husband , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , on an official trip to Europe this week while she is already under scrutiny over her use of federal resources .
The State Department confirmed that she would be on the trip , which was set to begin Monday .
Despite having no official State Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be accompanied by personal control officers – U.S. Embassy officials who will organize her travel and tend to her needs – during her time in each of the four nations she is set to visit , according to a person with knowledge of the trip 's planning .
Susan Pompeo 's travel plans , revealed as most Americans remain largely barred from traveling to Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic , mark the latest instance of her involvement in her husband 's official government duties .
Her attendance could draw increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which previously sparked an investigation by a State Department internal watchdog .
The State Department on Monday said ethics and legal advisors cleared Susan Pompeo 's participation in the European trip .
`` The State Department 's legal and ethics team determined that Mrs. Pompeo 's role on this trip will advance our country 's foreign policy goals , '' a State Department spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement to CNBC .
`` Mrs. Pompeo provides tremendous lift to our diplomatic mission by meeting with spouses of new foreign service officers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assignments , and making sure that foreign diplomats and their spouses are always treated with kindness and warmth , reflecting the finest tradition of America . ''

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, escorted by his wife Susan, disembark from the plane upon landing in the Lebanese capital Beirut on March 22, 2019, on the final stop of his regional tour.
WASHINGTON — Susan Pompeo will join her husband, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on an official trip to Europe this week while she is already under scrutiny over her use of federal resources.
The State Department confirmed that she would be on the trip, which was set to begin Monday.
Despite having no official State Department position, Susan Pompeo has nevertheless requested and will be accompanied by personal control officers – U.S. Embassy officials who will organize her travel and tend to her needs – during her time in each of the four nations she is set to visit, according to a person with knowledge of the trip's planning.
Susan Pompeo's travel plans, revealed as most Americans remain largely barred from traveling to Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic, mark the latest instance of her involvement in her husband's official government duties. Her attendance could draw increased scrutiny toward her use of federal resources, which previously sparked an investigation by a State Department internal watchdog.
The State Department on Monday said ethics and legal advisors cleared Susan Pompeo's participation in the European trip.
"The State Department's legal and ethics team determined that Mrs. Pompeo's role on this trip will advance our country's foreign policy goals," a State Department spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement to CNBC.
"Mrs. Pompeo provides tremendous lift to our diplomatic mission by meeting with spouses of new foreign service officers, speaking to families headed overseas for first-time assignments, and making sure that foreign diplomats and their spouses are always treated with kindness and warmth, reflecting the finest tradition of America."


cnbc--2020-08-10--Trump says, 'Play College Football!' amid reports that Big Ten is expected to cancel season due to c

Trump says, 'Play College Football!' amid reports that Big Ten is expected to cancel season due to coronavirus

Running back Elijah Collins # 24 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27 , 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City .
President Donald Trump on Monday tweeted that the college football season this fall should not be canceled , even as heads of the colleges in the premiere Big Ten conference reportedly decided not to play any games due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The student-athletes have been working too hard for their season to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump wrote in a tweet that replied to Clemson University football quarterback Trevor Lawrence 's Twitter post with that same hashtag .
Trump 's tweets came as The Detroit Free Press , citing multiple sources , reported that the presidents of the universities that comprise the Big Ten conference agreed on Sunday , by a 12-2 margin , to cancel the 2020 college football season .
The vote covers other fall sports programs in that conference .
A formal vote is expected later Monday , according to the newspaper .
The Big Ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent college football conferences in the United States .
The conference , which despite its name contains 14 universities , includes the University of Michigan , Michigan State University , Penn State , Wisconsin , Nebraska and Minnesota , among other schools .
The Free Press reported that the Big Ten presidents `` are trying to figure out how all this fits with other conferences and they want athletic directors to handle logistics of determining if spring season is possible . ''
`` The situation reportedly is changing by the hour , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made its announcement official , '' the newspaper reported .
CNBC has reached out for comment to the Big Ten .
The Big Ten 's reported decision increases the already widespread speculation that nearly all or all major conferences will cancel or postpone football this fall .
TMZ.com reported Monday that another major conference , the Pac-12 , is looking to postpone its season until next spring .
The Pac-12 is composed of western U.S. schools including the University of Southern California , University of California at Los Angeles , Stanford , Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pac-12 did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC .
The Mid-American Conference on Saturday became the first Football Bowl Subdivision conference to cancel its season due to the Covid-19 outbreak .
The University of Connecticut last week canceled its college football season .
UConn is an independent program for football and is not aligned with a conference .

Running back Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
President Donald Trump on Monday tweeted that the college football season this fall should not be canceled, even as heads of the colleges in the premiere Big Ten conference reportedly decided not to play any games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"The student-athletes have been working too hard for their season to be cancelled. #WeWantToPlay," Trump wrote in a tweet that replied to Clemson University football quarterback Trevor Lawrence's Twitter post with that same hashtag.
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Trump soon after tweeted, "Play College Football!"
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Trump's tweets came as The Detroit Free Press, citing multiple sources, reported that the presidents of the universities that comprise the Big Ten conference agreed on Sunday, by a 12-2 margin, to cancel the 2020 college football season. The vote covers other fall sports programs in that conference. A formal vote is expected later Monday, according to the newspaper.
The Big Ten is one of the oldest and most prominent college football conferences in the United States. The conference, which despite its name contains 14 universities, includes the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Penn State, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Minnesota, among other schools.
The Free Press reported that the Big Ten presidents "are trying to figure out how all this fits with other conferences and they want athletic directors to handle logistics of determining if spring season is possible."
"The situation reportedly is changing by the hour, which is why the Big Ten has not made its announcement official," the newspaper reported.
CNBC has reached out for comment to the Big Ten.
The Big Ten's reported decision increases the already widespread speculation that nearly all or all major conferences will cancel or postpone football this fall.
TMZ.com reported Monday that another major conference, the Pac-12, is looking to postpone its season until next spring. The Pac-12 is composed of western U.S. schools including the University of Southern California, University of California at Los Angeles, Stanford, Oregon and Colorado.
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A spokesman for the Pac-12 did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
The Mid-American Conference on Saturday became the first Football Bowl Subdivision conference to cancel its season due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The University of Connecticut last week canceled its college football season. UConn is an independent program for football and is not aligned with a conference.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Mnuchin is open to restarting virus relief talks: 'We're prepared to put more money on the table'

The Trump administration is open to resuming coronavirus aid talks with Democratic leaders and would offer more aid money to try to reach a compromise , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday .
`` The president is determined to spend what we need to spend .
... We 're prepared to put more money on the table , '' he told CNBC 's `` Squawk on the Street . ''
Mnuchin declined to say when he and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows would restart discussions with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the Democratic leaders seemed `` willing to compromise '' as the sides stand trillions of dollars apart in what they want to spend to combat the pandemic 's damage to Americans ' health and wallets .
`` Again , if we can get a fair deal we 're willing to do it this week , '' Mnuchin said .
Later Monday , he told reporters he has not spoken to the Democratic leaders since Friday .
The Treasury secretary spoke after President Donald Trump tried to offer coronavirus aid through executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington do not see the president 's actions as a permanent fix , as they are limited in scope and constitutionally questionable .
Only legislation from Congress , which controls federal spending , would unquestionably enshrine lifelines designed to boost the U.S. health-care system and economy .
Trump 's orders would extend extra federal unemployment insurance , which expired at the end of July , at a reduced level of $ 400 per week .
The federal government would cover 75 % of the payment with disaster relief funds , while states would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have enough money to cover their share of the cost , even though many face budget crunches due to the pandemic .
Democrats have pushed to extend the jobless benefit at the previous $ 600 per week .

The Trump administration is open to resuming coronavirus aid talks with Democratic leaders and would offer more aid money to try to reach a compromise, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday.
"The president is determined to spend what we need to spend. ... We're prepared to put more money on the table," he told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street."
Mnuchin declined to say when he and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows would restart discussions with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after negotiations ground to a halt on Friday. He said the Democratic leaders seemed "willing to compromise" as the sides stand trillions of dollars apart in what they want to spend to combat the pandemic's damage to Americans' health and wallets.
"Again, if we can get a fair deal we're willing to do it this week," Mnuchin said. Later Monday, he told reporters he has not spoken to the Democratic leaders since Friday.
The Treasury secretary spoke after President Donald Trump tried to offer coronavirus aid through executive order over the weekend. Officials in Washington do not see the president's actions as a permanent fix, as they are limited in scope and constitutionally questionable.
Only legislation from Congress, which controls federal spending, would unquestionably enshrine lifelines designed to boost the U.S. health-care system and economy.
Trump's orders would extend extra federal unemployment insurance, which expired at the end of July, at a reduced level of $400 per week. The federal government would cover 75% of the payment with disaster relief funds, while states would cover the rest. Mnuchin contended states would have enough money to cover their share of the cost, even though many face budget crunches due to the pandemic.
Democrats have pushed to extend the jobless benefit at the previous $600 per week.


cnbc--2020-08-10--Manhattan DA Vance 'still fishing for ways to justify' harassment of Trump over tax records, lawyers

Manhattan DA Vance 'still fishing for ways to justify' harassment of Trump over tax records, lawyers claim

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference amid the spread of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , at his golf resort in Bedminster , New Jersey , August 8 , 2020 .
Lawyers for President Donald Trump on Monday accused Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. of `` still fishing for a way to justify his harassment of the President '' in a court battle over Trump 's income tax records .
Trump 's lawyers , in a new legal filing , asked Manhattan federal Judge Victor Marrero to reject Vance 's recent request that the judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury subpoena .
That subpoena seeks eight years of the president 's tax returns and other financial documents from his accountants .
The filing accuses Vance of trying to avoid defending Trump 's challenge to the subpoena by suggesting without a sound basis that his office is investigating the president and his company for significantly more serious crimes than the accounting for hush money payments to women facilitated by the president 's then-lawyer Michael Cohen in 2016 .
The filing also argues , as the lawyers previously have done , that the subpoena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm Mazars USA is `` overbroad in relation to an investigation '' of the hush money payments .
A spokesman for Vance , when asked for comment on the filing by Trump 's lawyers , said , `` We will respond in court papers . ''
Trump 's lawyers in the past year have repeatedly failed to block the subpoena , both at the trial court level and appeals court level .
The U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled that presidents do not have blanket immunity from being criminally investigated by state authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus could not use that argument to thwart the subpoena .
But the Supreme Court allowed Trump to raise new arguments against the subpoena at the trial court level .
The president 's lawyers did so in late July with a second lawsuit that argued to Marrero that the subpoena was too broad and that Vance had sought it in bad faith .
Vance in turn last week asked Marrero to dismiss that lawsuit .
His office in that filing said the lawsuit `` merely regurgitates allegations and arguments this Court has rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but did not explicitly say , that Vance is eyeing Trump and the Trump Organization for bank and insurance fraud in connection with how it valued real estate assets at different times .
That filing , which cited newspaper articles detailing claims of misvaluation by Trump 's company , was the first time that the DA 's office had suggested that its probe was that expansive and that serious .
Trump 's lawyers , in their rebuttal filed Monday , themselves suggested that Vance was trying to short circuit that case by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly after ruling on `` factual disputes over the scope of the investigation and the reason why he copied a congressional subpoena '' that had demanded the same information sought by the grand jury 's subpoena .
The lawyers said that federal rules of civil procedure bar such an inquiry at this stage of the litigation over the new suit .
Those same rules `` forbid reliance on extrinsic evidence in deciding a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim , '' the lawyers argued .
`` Yet the District Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitted by a member of his staff and an assortment of newspaper articles .
In short , the District Attorney inappropriately asks this Court to ignore the Federal Rules at every turn . ''
The lawyers went on to say that , `` At no point — in this motion or in any public filing — has the District Attorney ever claimed that the topics discussed in these reports were the impetus for his investigation or are otherwise related to it . ''
They added : `` Lobbing incendiary articles into the record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news cycle , but such misdirection falls woefully short of what is needed for dismissal . ''
`` If anything , it shows that the District Attorney is still fishing for a way to justify his harassment of the President . ''
Vance 's `` motion to dismiss should be denied , '' Trump 's lawyers wrote .
`` The President plausibly alleges that the subpoena is overbroad and was issued in bad faith .
That is the only issue before the Court at this stage .
The District Attorney 's attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , including his reliance on extrinsic evidence , should be rejected . ''
Trump 's lawyers in a second court filing on Monday told Marrero that if he does consider the suggestion by Vance 's office that prosecutors are investigating Trump for bank and insurance fraud , the judge should compel prosecutors to outline in general terms the scope of the grand jury probe and show that the records sought bear some relation to that investigation .
Vance 's prosecutors have argued to Marrero that Trump 's suit opposing the subpoena `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's investigation . ''
The prosecutors in court filings have said , `` Every day that goes by is another day Plaintiff effectively achieves the 'temporary absolute immunity ' that was rejected by this Court , the Court of Appeals , and the Supreme Court . ''
The DA 's office also argued that further delay increases the chance of loss of evidence and of the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain crimes .

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, August 8, 2020.
Lawyers for President Donald Trump on Monday accused Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. of "still fishing for a way to justify his harassment of the President" in a court battle over Trump's income tax records.
Trump's lawyers, in a new legal filing, asked Manhattan federal Judge Victor Marrero to reject Vance's recent request that the judge dismiss Trump's challenge to a grand jury subpoena. That subpoena seeks eight years of the president's tax returns and other financial documents from his accountants.
The filing accuses Vance of trying to avoid defending Trump's challenge to the subpoena by suggesting without a sound basis that his office is investigating the president and his company for significantly more serious crimes than the accounting for hush money payments to women facilitated by the president's then-lawyer Michael Cohen in 2016.
The filing also argues, as the lawyers previously have done, that the subpoena for Trump's financial records from the firm Mazars USA is "overbroad in relation to an investigation" of the hush money payments.
A spokesman for Vance, when asked for comment on the filing by Trump's lawyers, said, "We will respond in court papers."
Trump's lawyers in the past year have repeatedly failed to block the subpoena, both at the trial court level and appeals court level.
The U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled that presidents do not have blanket immunity from being criminally investigated by state authorities while in the White House, and thus could not use that argument to thwart the subpoena.
But the Supreme Court allowed Trump to raise new arguments against the subpoena at the trial court level.
The president's lawyers did so in late July with a second lawsuit that argued to Marrero that the subpoena was too broad and that Vance had sought it in bad faith.
Vance in turn last week asked Marrero to dismiss that lawsuit.
His office in that filing said the lawsuit "merely regurgitates allegations and arguments this Court has rejected before."
The filing also hinted, but did not explicitly say, that Vance is eyeing Trump and the Trump Organization for bank and insurance fraud in connection with how it valued real estate assets at different times.
That filing, which cited newspaper articles detailing claims of misvaluation by Trump's company, was the first time that the DA's office had suggested that its probe was that expansive and that serious.
Trump's lawyers, in their rebuttal filed Monday, themselves suggested that Vance was trying to short circuit that case by improperly asking Marrero to dismiss the lawsuit quickly after ruling on "factual disputes over the scope of the investigation and the reason why he copied a congressional subpoena" that had demanded the same information sought by the grand jury's subpoena.
The lawyers said that federal rules of civil procedure bar such an inquiry at this stage of the litigation over the new suit.
Those same rules "forbid reliance on extrinsic evidence in deciding a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim," the lawyers argued.
"Yet the District Attorney's motion heavily relies on a declaration submitted by a member of his staff and an assortment of newspaper articles. In short, the District Attorney inappropriately asks this Court to ignore the Federal Rules at every turn."
The lawyers went on to say that, "At no point — in this motion or in any public filing — has the District Attorney ever claimed that the topics discussed in these reports were the impetus for his investigation or are otherwise related to it."
They added: "Lobbing incendiary articles into the record may be sufficient to trigger a breathless news cycle, but such misdirection falls woefully short of what is needed for dismissal."
"If anything, it shows that the District Attorney is still fishing for a way to justify his harassment of the President."
Vance's "motion to dismiss should be denied," Trump's lawyers wrote.
"The President plausibly alleges that the subpoena is overbroad and was issued in bad faith. That is the only issue before the Court at this stage. The District Attorney's attempt to prematurely litigate the merits at the pleadings stage, including his reliance on extrinsic evidence, should be rejected."
Trump's lawyers in a second court filing on Monday told Marrero that if he does consider the suggestion by Vance's office that prosecutors are investigating Trump for bank and insurance fraud, the judge should compel prosecutors to outline in general terms the scope of the grand jury probe and show that the records sought bear some relation to that investigation.
Vance's prosecutors have argued to Marrero that Trump's suit opposing the subpoena "merely serves to delay the grand jury's investigation."
The prosecutors in court filings have said, "Every day that goes by is another day Plaintiff effectively achieves the 'temporary absolute immunity' that was rejected by this Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court."
The DA's office also argued that further delay increases the chance of loss of evidence and of the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain crimes.