usatoday--2020-02-15--Barr appoints outside prosecutor to review criminal case against Michael Flynn

WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr has appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn , who is awaiting sentencing in federal court after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI , an official familiar with the matter said Friday .
Barr has tapped Jeffrey Jensen , the chief federal prosecutor in St. Louis nominated by President Donald Trump in 2017 , to conduct the review .
The official , who was not authorized to comment publicly , said Jensen was selected weeks ago .
As part of his review , Jensen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's defense team about the investigation of the former Army general .
Flynn and his attorneys have sought to withdraw his guilty plea , claiming the FBI and federal prosecutors engaged in misconduct .
But Jensen 's review is not to be considered an attempt to undermine Flynn 's prosecution , the official said .
“ This should not be taken as a signal that there is an investigation of the prosecutors .
They are working together , ” the official said .
Flynn 's case was one of the first criminal charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of his investigation into Russia 's interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible ties to the Trump campaign .
Defender-in-chief : With DOJ 's intervention in Roger Stone case , William Barr cements his role as Trump 's ally Barr 's decision to review the case , first reported by The New York Times , caps off a contentious week for the Justice Department .
The department already faces allegations of succumbing to political pressure from Trump ; the development in the Flynn case is certain to raise more questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department unleashed an uproar earlier this week after it intervened to reduce its recommended prison sentence for Roger Stone , a longtime friend and ally of Trump who was convicted of seven felonies , including lying to Congress .
Career prosecutors who handled the case had asked for a sentence of seven to nine years in prison , which Trump said was a `` miscarriage of justice . ''
The Justice Department overruled the attorneys , saying the prison recommendation was too harsh .
The prosecutors withdrew from Stone 's case in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department .
In an interview with ABC News , Barr pushed back against criticism that he was doing Trump 's bidding .
The president `` has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case , '' he said .
But the developments have placed the Justice Department 's leadership , particularly Barr , under a harsh spotlight .
Democrats have accused Barr of meddling in criminal cases for political purposes and have called him to testify before Congress .
With a new prosecution team assigned to Stone 's case and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not immediately clear how many other cases would be pulled for additional scrutiny .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communication with Sergey Kislyak , a former Russian ambassador to the U.S. , in the weeks before Trump took office .
Barr speaks out : Trump 's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job' Flynn 's case has been stalled in federal court for two years as his defense team alleges he was framed in a government conspiracy .
Last month , Flynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of acting in `` bad faith '' during their investigation .
His defense team , led by conservative lawyer and Fox News commentator Sidney Powell , declared his innocence .
Flynn 's attorneys accused the government of forcing him to admit to crimes he did n't commit and hiding evidence that would 've exonerated him .
A federal judge has rejected those claims .
In court filings this week , prosecutors said Flynn has failed to identify any specific government misconduct that would call for his case to be dismissed .
Flynn 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment Friday .
The government initially recommended Flynn be sentenced to six months in prison , citing his attempts to `` thwart '' prosecutors and his `` apparent failure to accept responsibility . ''
Federal prosecutors later softened their position , suggesting that probation is also an `` appropriate '' sentence for Flynn .
Roger Stone : Four career prosecutors are the target of Trump 's anger .
Here 's how they came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone .
Barr 's decision to tap Jensen to review the case comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged inquiry into the origins of the Russia probe , which cast a cloud over the first years of the Trump presidency .
That inquiry , which Barr launched last year , focuses on whether federal investigators abused their surveillance authority in the initial stages of the Russia investigation .
John Durham , Connecticut 's chief federal prosecutor , is leading the review .
Jensen served as an FBI agent for 10 years and as an assistant U.S. attorney for another 10 years before going into private practice in 2009 .
Trump nominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal prosecutor in July 2017 .
He was confirmed by the Senate in October 2017 .
Meanwhile , Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee , has asked Barr to make Justice Department employees available for interviews as part of the committee 's investigation into the origins of the Russia probe and the FBI 's surveillance of former Trump campaign aide Carter Page .
In a letter to Barr on Friday , Graham listed several FBI and Justice Department officials the committee wants to interview .
Also this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to file criminal charges against former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe , one of several former FBI officials who have been the target of Trump 's attacks .
The investigation into McCabe stemmed from a Justice Department inspector general ’ s report that found he improperly authorized a leak about a federal investigation into the Clinton Foundation in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign .
Investigators concluded he displayed a lack of candor when asked about the leak .

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Barr appoints outside prosecutor to review criminal case against Michael Flynn
Show Caption Hide Caption William Barr: Trump's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job' Attorney General Barr claims he makes his own decisions and President Trump does not intervene in criminal cases, including Roger Stone's case. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr has appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is awaiting sentencing in federal court after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI, an official familiar with the matter said Friday.
Barr has tapped Jeffrey Jensen, the chief federal prosecutor in St. Louis nominated by President Donald Trump in 2017, to conduct the review.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, said Jensen was selected weeks ago. As part of his review, Jensen will look into concerns raised by Flynn's defense team about the investigation of the former Army general.
Flynn and his attorneys have sought to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming the FBI and federal prosecutors engaged in misconduct. But Jensen's review is not to be considered an attempt to undermine Flynn's prosecution, the official said.
“This should not be taken as a signal that there is an investigation of the prosecutors. They are working together,” the official said.
Flynn's case was one of the first criminal charges brought by former special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible ties to the Trump campaign.
Defender-in-chief: With DOJ's intervention in Roger Stone case, William Barr cements his role as Trump's ally
Barr's decision to review the case, first reported by The New York Times, caps off a contentious week for the Justice Department. The department already faces allegations of succumbing to political pressure from Trump; the development in the Flynn case is certain to raise more questions about the agency's independence.
The Justice Department unleashed an uproar earlier this week after it intervened to reduce its recommended prison sentence for Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of Trump who was convicted of seven felonies, including lying to Congress.
Career prosecutors who handled the case had asked for a sentence of seven to nine years in prison, which Trump said was a "miscarriage of justice."
The Justice Department overruled the attorneys, saying the prison recommendation was too harsh. The prosecutors withdrew from Stone's case in apparent protest. One resigned from the Justice Department.
In an interview with ABC News, Barr pushed back against criticism that he was doing Trump's bidding. The president "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case," he said.
But the developments have placed the Justice Department's leadership, particularly Barr, under a harsh spotlight. Democrats have accused Barr of meddling in criminal cases for political purposes and have called him to testify before Congress.
With a new prosecution team assigned to Stone's case and Flynn's prosecution under review, it was not immediately clear how many other cases would be pulled for additional scrutiny.
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communication with Sergey Kislyak, a former Russian ambassador to the U.S., in the weeks before Trump took office.
Barr speaks out: Trump's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job'
Flynn's case has been stalled in federal court for two years as his defense team alleges he was framed in a government conspiracy. Last month, Flynn withdrew his guilty plea, accusing prosecutors of acting in "bad faith" during their investigation.
His defense team, led by conservative lawyer and Fox News commentator Sidney Powell, declared his innocence. Flynn's attorneys accused the government of forcing him to admit to crimes he didn't commit and hiding evidence that would've exonerated him.
A federal judge has rejected those claims. In court filings this week, prosecutors said Flynn has failed to identify any specific government misconduct that would call for his case to be dismissed.
Flynn's attorneys did not respond to calls seeking comment Friday.
The government initially recommended Flynn be sentenced to six months in prison, citing his attempts to "thwart" prosecutors and his "apparent failure to accept responsibility."
Federal prosecutors later softened their position, suggesting that probation is also an "appropriate" sentence for Flynn.
Roger Stone: Four career prosecutors are the target of Trump's anger. Here's how they came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone.
Barr's decision to tap Jensen to review the case comes as the Justice Department conducts another politically charged inquiry into the origins of the Russia probe, which cast a cloud over the first years of the Trump presidency.
That inquiry, which Barr launched last year, focuses on whether federal investigators abused their surveillance authority in the initial stages of the Russia investigation. John Durham, Connecticut's chief federal prosecutor, is leading the review.
Jensen served as an FBI agent for 10 years and as an assistant U.S. attorney for another 10 years before going into private practice in 2009. Trump nominated him to be St. Louis' top federal prosecutor in July 2017. He was confirmed by the Senate in October 2017.
Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has asked Barr to make Justice Department employees available for interviews as part of the committee's investigation into the origins of the Russia probe and the FBI's surveillance of former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.
In a letter to Barr on Friday, Graham listed several FBI and Justice Department officials the committee wants to interview.
Also this week, the Justice Department decided not to file criminal charges against former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, one of several former FBI officials who have been the target of Trump's attacks.
The investigation into McCabe stemmed from a Justice Department inspector general’s report that found he improperly authorized a leak about a federal investigation into the Clinton Foundation in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. Investigators concluded he displayed a lack of candor when asked about the leak.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Phoenix to host Democratic presidential primary debate on March 15

Phoenix has been selected to host a Democratic presidential primary debate on Sunday , March 15 , two days before voting ends in Arizona ’ s primary election , the Arizona Republic has confirmed .
The selection by the Democratic National Committee , which will be made public later Friday , underscores the state ’ s importance as a presidential battleground and the efforts by Democrats to carry a state in November they have won only once since 1952 .
On Monday , DNC Chairman Tom Perez is scheduled to be in Phoenix with Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Felecia Rotellini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump 's proposed budget .
It 's another sign of how committed the national party is to competing in Arizona .
The debate next month will be sponsored by CNN and Univision and is in partnership with CHC Bold , the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus .
The location of the debate in Phoenix was not immediately confirmed .
Other details , such as the format , moderators or the criteria for participation , were not yet available .
Defense Secretary Esper : US has reached a deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of candidates also will be in flux , depending on how the Democratic field looks after the March 3 `` Super Tuesday '' primaries that feature 14 states , including California and Texas .
`` Arizona is a battleground state and it 's clear Democrats can win here at every level of the ballot , '' Perez said .
`` After historic Democratic victories in 2018 , we 're putting the Republicans on defense in the Grand Canyon State .
This debate will showcase our Democratic presidential candidates , highlight Trump 's record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Democrats are fighting to give Arizonans a better future . ''
For more than a year , Arizona Democrats have been vying behind the scenes to bring a presidential debate to metro Phoenix .
They have pitched the state as a showcase for the party ’ s diversity and its return to competitiveness nationally .
Rep. Ruben Gallego , D-Ariz. was a driving force behind keeping Phoenix in the top tier of cities under consideration by party leaders .
The effort began in earnest in January 2019 after Sen. Kyrsten Sinema became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona .
Roger Stone case : Trump claims he has 'legal right ' to intervene in criminal cases , including Roger Stone's In 2018 , Sinema defeated Republican Martha McSally , who later was appointed to the state ’ s other Senate seat and faces election this year .
While Gallego and others sought the debate for months , the effort was complicated by other considerations , such as the traditional primary schedule , which features states such as Iowa and New Hampshire , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nevada ’ s caucus three days later .
Also , Arizona ’ s primary , technically called a presidential preference election , ends the same night as primaries in Florida , Illinois and Ohio , states with more population and significant electoral clout of their own .
Because most Arizona voters cast their ballots by mail , the Phoenix debate likely will have little impact on the final results .
But it also will come at a time when any candidates still in the running will be making an intense push to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure the party ’ s nomination .
Perez touted the success Democrats made in Arizona during the 2018 elections during a July 2019 interview with The Republic ’ s political podcast , `` The Gaggle . ''
`` Arizona is an important battleground , '' he said .
`` Look at what ’ s happening across the state .
We have a huge presidential election and we have another pick-up opportunity in the United States Senate .
Not only that , we have opportunities in the statehouse .
In the House all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House , a few more to flip the Senate . ''
`` When I look at Arizona , I see opportunity up and down the ballot . ''
' A plan to fight back ' : How Elizabeth Warren stumbled in New Hampshire and her plan for 'the long haul' President Donald Trump won Arizona in 2016 by 3.5 percentage points over his Democratic rival , Hillary Clinton .
Democrats are revving up efforts to turn out more left-leaning voters in hopes of closing that margin .
They are eyeing the hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latinos and disaffected nonvoters .
Arizona last hosted a presidential debate in February 2012 , when four Republican candidates gathered in Mesa .
That debate included Mitt Romney , who went on to win the GOP nomination , as well as Rick Santorum , Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul .
Before that , Arizona State University in Tempe hosted an October 2004 general election debate between President George W. Bush and Democratic nominee John Kerry .
Reach the reporters at yvonne.wingett @ arizonarepublic.com and ronald.hansen @ arizonarepublic.com .
Follow them on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, The Republic | azcentral.com

Phoenix to host Democratic presidential primary debate on March 15
Show Caption Hide Caption Here's how the DNC chair says Democrats will flip Arizona blue in 2020 DNC chair Tom Perez sat down with Arizona Republic reporters on Democrat's plan to flip Arizona blue in the 2020 elections. Democrats see the U.S. Senate seat as a top pick-up Diana Payan, The Republic | azcentral.com
Phoenix has been selected to host a Democratic presidential primary debate on Sunday, March 15, two days before voting ends in Arizona’s primary election, the Arizona Republic has confirmed.
The selection by the Democratic National Committee, which will be made public later Friday, underscores the state’s importance as a presidential battleground and the efforts by Democrats to carry a state in November they have won only once since 1952.
On Monday, DNC Chairman Tom Perez is scheduled to be in Phoenix with Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Felecia Rotellini and several state lawmakers to discuss President Donald Trump's proposed budget. It's another sign of how committed the national party is to competing in Arizona.
The debate next month will be sponsored by CNN and Univision and is in partnership with CHC Bold, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The location of the debate in Phoenix was not immediately confirmed. Other details, such as the format, moderators or the criteria for participation, were not yet available.
Defense Secretary Esper: US has reached a deal with the Taliban to reduce deadly attacks
The number of candidates also will be in flux, depending on how the Democratic field looks after the March 3 "Super Tuesday" primaries that feature 14 states, including California and Texas.
"Arizona is a battleground state and it's clear Democrats can win here at every level of the ballot," Perez said. "After historic Democratic victories in 2018, we're putting the Republicans on defense in the Grand Canyon State. This debate will showcase our Democratic presidential candidates, highlight Trump's record of broken promises and make it clear that Democrats are fighting to give Arizonans a better future."
For more than a year, Arizona Democrats have been vying behind the scenes to bring a presidential debate to metro Phoenix. They have pitched the state as a showcase for the party’s diversity and its return to competitiveness nationally.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. was a driving force behind keeping Phoenix in the top tier of cities under consideration by party leaders. The effort began in earnest in January 2019 after Sen. Kyrsten Sinema became the first Democrat in 30 years to win a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona.
Roger Stone case: Trump claims he has 'legal right' to intervene in criminal cases, including Roger Stone's
In 2018, Sinema defeated Republican Martha McSally, who later was appointed to the state’s other Senate seat and faces election this year.
While Gallego and others sought the debate for months, the effort was complicated by other considerations, such as the traditional primary schedule, which features states such as Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as a Wednesday debate in Las Vegas ahead of Nevada’s caucus three days later.
Also, Arizona’s primary, technically called a presidential preference election, ends the same night as primaries in Florida, Illinois and Ohio, states with more population and significant electoral clout of their own.
Because most Arizona voters cast their ballots by mail, the Phoenix debate likely will have little impact on the final results. But it also will come at a time when any candidates still in the running will be making an intense push to get the upper hand on delegates needed to secure the party’s nomination.
Perez touted the success Democrats made in Arizona during the 2018 elections during a July 2019 interview with The Republic’s political podcast, "The Gaggle."
"Arizona is an important battleground," he said. "Look at what’s happening across the state. We have a huge presidential election and we have another pick-up opportunity in the United States Senate. Not only that, we have opportunities in the statehouse. In the House all we need are two seats to flip the House, a few more to flip the Senate."
"When I look at Arizona, I see opportunity up and down the ballot."
'A plan to fight back': How Elizabeth Warren stumbled in New Hampshire and her plan for 'the long haul'
President Donald Trump won Arizona in 2016 by 3.5 percentage points over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.
Democrats are revving up efforts to turn out more left-leaning voters in hopes of closing that margin. They are eyeing the hundreds of thousands of Arizona transplants, young Latinos and disaffected nonvoters.
Arizona last hosted a presidential debate in February 2012, when four Republican candidates gathered in Mesa. That debate included Mitt Romney, who went on to win the GOP nomination, as well as Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul.
Before that, Arizona State University in Tempe hosted an October 2004 general election debate between President George W. Bush and Democratic nominee John Kerry.
Reach the reporters at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com and ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com. Follow them on Twitter @yvonnewingett and @ronaldjhansen.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Nevada's powerful Culinary Union won't endorse in Democratic presidential primary

LAS VEGAS – Nevada 's most politically powerful labor union is staying out of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominating race .
The Culinary Union on Thursday announced it would not back a contender in the wide-open race to challenge President Donald Trump .
Union Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline revealed the decision in a press conference streamed live on Facebook .
`` We 've worked really hard to make sure members know what 's going on with the candidates , and we 're not stopping that , '' she said .
`` We 're going to endorse our goals , what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to endorse a political candidate .
`` We 're going to make sure people vote and we 're going to work really hard to defeat President Trump . ''
The announcement deals a blow to longtime Nevada poll-leader Joe Biden , whose campaign is reeling from unexpectedly poor support in the nation ’ s first two presidential nominating contests .
The former vice president was once considered the frontrunner for a Culinary endorsement , especially after securing early backing from Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela , the union ’ s influential former political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with political kingmaker and ex-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , though Reid , too , has sworn off of a pre-caucus endorsement .
Related : Klobuchar , Buttigieg , Steyer to campaign to Culinary Union in Las Vegas Progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was also thought to be a top contender for the union ’ s backing , but her own lackluster showings in Iowa and New Hampshire appear to have scuttled that possibility .
Thursday ’ s decision may come as a relief to fellow New England progressive Sanders , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses worried about his plan to provide Medicare to all Americans .
Culinary members fear the proposal would immediately dismantle the union ’ s top-tier private insurance plan .
Their decision to stay out of the race spares Sanders a potentially devastating , union-orchestrated campaign to nominate a more moderate contender .
The Culinary Union represents 60,000 housekeepers , porters and bartenders working in Las Vegas casinos .
Unite Here , the parent of the Culinary Union , announced in January that it is not planning to endorse a candidate in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the more influential forces in Democratic politics in the state .
Democratic candidates have been aggressive in courting the group 's support .
But the local sat out the 2016 Democratic primary after a divisive endorsement eight years earlier undermined its image as a well-oiled political machine .
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state .
In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 .
Nevada ’ s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Nov. 3 .

Ed Komenda and James DeHaven, Reno Gazette-Journal

Nevada's powerful Culinary Union won't endorse in Democratic presidential primary The move comes just two days before ballots are cast in Nevada's closely watched caucus
Show Caption Hide Caption Super PACs explained: How big money is affecting US elections Super PACs are some of the biggest players in American politics. Here's how they affect elections in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
LAS VEGAS – Nevada's most politically powerful labor union is staying out of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominating race.
The Culinary Union on Thursday announced it would not back a contender in the wide-open race to challenge President Donald Trump.
Union Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline revealed the decision in a press conference streamed live on Facebook.
"We've worked really hard to make sure members know what's going on with the candidates, and we're not stopping that," she said. "We're going to endorse our goals, what we're doing. We're not going to endorse a political candidate.
"We're going to make sure people vote and we're going to work really hard to defeat President Trump."
The announcement deals a blow to longtime Nevada poll-leader Joe Biden, whose campaign is reeling from unexpectedly poor support in the nation’s first two presidential nominating contests.
The former vice president was once considered the frontrunner for a Culinary endorsement, especially after securing early backing from Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela, the union’s influential former political director. Biden also has a longstanding relationship with political kingmaker and ex-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, though Reid, too, has sworn off of a pre-caucus endorsement.
More: Nevada's most powerful labor union warns workers of Bernie Sanders' health care plan
Related: Klobuchar, Buttigieg, Steyer to campaign to Culinary Union in Las Vegas
Progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was also thought to be a top contender for the union’s backing, but her own lackluster showings in Iowa and New Hampshire appear to have scuttled that possibility.
Thursday’s decision may come as a relief to fellow New England progressive Sanders, who had become a top target for union bosses worried about his plan to provide Medicare to all Americans.
Culinary members fear the proposal would immediately dismantle the union’s top-tier private insurance plan. Their decision to stay out of the race spares Sanders a potentially devastating, union-orchestrated campaign to nominate a more moderate contender.
The Culinary Union represents 60,000 housekeepers, porters and bartenders working in Las Vegas casinos. Unite Here, the parent of the Culinary Union, announced in January that it is not planning to endorse a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary.
The Culinary is considered one of the more influential forces in Democratic politics in the state. Democratic candidates have been aggressive in courting the group's support.
But the local sat out the 2016 Democratic primary after a divisive endorsement eight years earlier undermined its image as a well-oiled political machine.
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state. In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. Nevada’s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3.
Contributing: The Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Trump says he may stop allowing aides to listen to foreign leader calls following infamous Ukraine c

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Thursday he is considering ending the practice of allowing aides and administration officials to listen in on calls with foreign leaders , after a whistleblower complaint over his phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky triggered his impeachment .
`` That ’ s what they ’ ve done over the years when you call a foreign leader , people listen , '' he told Geraldo Rivera in a radio interview that aired Thursday .
`` I may end the practice entirely . ''
The White House has long allowed aides , National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the intelligence community to sit in on the president 's calls with world leaders to take notes and prepare a summary that serves as an official record of the call .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was among the administration officials who sat in on Trump 's July 25 call with Zelensky , in which Trump solicited his Ukrainian counterpart to publicly announce investigations that would politically benefit him .
The call prompted an anonymous whistleblower to file a complaint about the call , which launched a House impeachment inquiry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ records kept for the president 's conversations with world leaders ?
His comments came in response to a question about last week 's White House dismissal of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , a Ukraine expert on the National Security Council who provided pivotal testimony in the House impeachment inquiry last fall .
Vindman was among several aides who listened to Trump ’ s call with Zelensky .
At the time , Vindman reported concerns to superiors that Trump requested investigations of Biden and his son Hunter , who had business interests in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's actions as `` insubordinate '' and said that after he was escorted from the White House Friday , `` many people in the building started applauding . ''
In the week since his acquittal on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , Trump has looked to settle the score with those who testified against him during the impeachment saga .
Vindman and his brother Yevgeny , who worked as a lawyer an ethics official at the NSC , were fired on the same day .
Trump also dismissed Gordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union who became a high-profile witness during the impeachment inquiry .

Trump says he may stop allowing aides to listen to foreign leader calls following infamous Ukraine call
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's Ukraine phone call: U.S. and Ukraine relationship, explained U.S. and Ukraine relations go further back than the now infamous phone call between Trump and Zelensky. We explain their relationship. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Thursday he is considering ending the practice of allowing aides and administration officials to listen in on calls with foreign leaders, after a whistleblower complaint over his phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky triggered his impeachment.
"That’s what they’ve done over the years when you call a foreign leader, people listen," he told Geraldo Rivera in a radio interview that aired Thursday. "I may end the practice entirely."
The White House has long allowed aides, National Security Council personnel, top State Department officials and members of the intelligence community to sit in on the president's calls with world leaders to take notes and prepare a summary that serves as an official record of the call.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was among the administration officials who sat in on Trump's July 25 call with Zelensky, in which Trump solicited his Ukrainian counterpart to publicly announce investigations that would politically benefit him. The call prompted an anonymous whistleblower to file a complaint about the call, which launched a House impeachment inquiry.
Trump's Ukraine call: How are records kept for the president's conversations with world leaders?
His comments came in response to a question about last week's White House dismissal of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Ukraine expert on the National Security Council who provided pivotal testimony in the House impeachment inquiry last fall. Vindman was among several aides who listened to Trump’s call with Zelensky. At the time, Vindman reported concerns to superiors that Trump requested investigations of Biden and his son Hunter, who had business interests in the country.
Trump said he viewed Vindman's actions as "insubordinate" and said that after he was escorted from the White House Friday, "many people in the building started applauding."
In the week since his acquittal on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, Trump has looked to settle the score with those who testified against him during the impeachment saga.
Vindman and his brother Yevgeny, who worked as a lawyer an ethics official at the NSC, were fired on the same day. Trump also dismissed Gordan Sondland, the ambassador to the European Union who became a high-profile witness during the impeachment inquiry.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Nevada Democrats to use 'caucus calculators' in latest bid to avoid repeat of Iowa fiasco

RENO — The Nevada State Democratic Party plans to use a “ caucus calculator ” during the state ’ s crucial presidential nominating contest .
Party officials on Thursday sent a memo to campaigns explaining the calculator will be downloaded to party-purchased iPads and only available for use by precinct chairs charged with completing sometimes complicated caucus math .
It will also help caucus organizers incorporate early vote totals into the results tallied on Caucus Day .
The missive marks officials ’ latest effort to avoid a repeat of Iowa ’ s tech-troubled caucus .
The state party last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed for that fiasco .
It has since confirmed that Nevada ’ s early voters will fill out paper ballots that will later be sent to party-run “ processing hubs ” for scanning and storage .
More : Nevada Democrats turn to Scantron-style paper ballots after Caucus Day chaos in Iowa A copy of a Monday caucus memo obtained by the Reno Gazette Journal says early caucusgoers will check in at their voting precinct on a “ PDF voter roll ” downloaded to party-purchased iPads .
Voters will then be handed a card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to correctly fill out a Google Form that will help “ track participants and streamline data collection.
” Officials said paper sign-in sheets will be available if needed .
Thursday ’ s update offers new details on how the party plans to count those results while preventing an Iowa-style pileup on caucus phone lines .
Officials say they will implement a two-source verification process where Caucus Day data is reported “ through a secure hotline to a trained operator ” and verified by paper vote reporting sheets or the caucus calculator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of three different vote tallies on Feb 22 : raw votes from the first alignment of caucusgoers , raw votes from the final alignment , and a tally of county delegates that roughly corresponds with the first two results .
Silver State Democrats have long since committed to retaining a raft of new voter-friendly changes meant to supercharge participation in the state ’ s typically low-turnout presidential nominating contest .
Those tweaks include the addition of new workplace caucus sites on the Las Vegas Strip , an expanded , four-day early caucusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spanish and Tagalog .
“ We understand just how important it is that we get this right and protect the integrity of Nevadans ’ votes , ” Alana Mounce , the state party 's executive director , wrote in Thursday 's memo .
“ We are confident in our backup plans and redundancies .
“ In choosing the best path forward our guiding principles have been security , efficiency and simplicity .
To ensure that we fulfill these principles , we are strengthening our processes to address the main challenges that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said last-minute wrinkles added to Nevada 's caucus process have been tested by security experts `` of varying backgrounds , experienced volunteers , first-time precinct chairs and community leaders . ''
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state .
In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 .
Nevada ’ s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3 .
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Nevada Legislature and everything in between .
Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here .

Nevada Democrats to use 'caucus calculators' in latest bid to avoid repeat of Iowa fiasco Nevada Democrats unveil another late twist in preparations for closely watched caucus
Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: The three things that led to the Iowa caucus disaster Three things led to a disastrous caucus night for Democrats. The Des Moines Register
RENO — The Nevada State Democratic Party plans to use a “caucus calculator” during the state’s crucial presidential nominating contest.
Party officials on Thursday sent a memo to campaigns explaining the calculator will be downloaded to party-purchased iPads and only available for use by precinct chairs charged with completing sometimes complicated caucus math. It will also help caucus organizers incorporate early vote totals into the results tallied on Caucus Day.
The missive marks officials’ latest effort to avoid a repeat of Iowa’s tech-troubled caucus. The state party last week ditched the cell phone app software widely blamed for that fiasco.
It has since confirmed that Nevada’s early voters will fill out paper ballots that will later be sent to party-run “processing hubs” for scanning and storage.
But Nevada Democrats aren’t completely abandoning caucus day technology.
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
More: Nevada Democrats turn to Scantron-style paper ballots after Caucus Day chaos in Iowa
A copy of a Monday caucus memo obtained by the Reno Gazette Journal says early caucusgoers will check in at their voting precinct on a “PDF voter roll” downloaded to party-purchased iPads.
Voters will then be handed a card with a “voter PIN” number needed to correctly fill out a Google Form that will help “track participants and streamline data collection.” Officials said paper sign-in sheets will be available if needed.
Thursday’s update offers new details on how the party plans to count those results while preventing an Iowa-style pileup on caucus phone lines.
Officials say they will implement a two-source verification process where Caucus Day data is reported “through a secure hotline to a trained operator” and verified by paper vote reporting sheets or the caucus calculator.
The party plan to proceed with the release of three different vote tallies on Feb 22: raw votes from the first alignment of caucusgoers, raw votes from the final alignment, and a tally of county delegates that roughly corresponds with the first two results.
Silver State Democrats have long since committed to retaining a raft of new voter-friendly changes meant to supercharge participation in the state’s typically low-turnout presidential nominating contest.
Those tweaks include the addition of new workplace caucus sites on the Las Vegas Strip, an expanded, four-day early caucusing period and caucus materials printed in English, Spanish and Tagalog.
“We understand just how important it is that we get this right and protect the integrity of Nevadans’ votes,” Alana Mounce, the state party's executive director, wrote in Thursday's memo. “We are confident in our backup plans and redundancies.
“In choosing the best path forward our guiding principles have been security, efficiency and simplicity. To ensure that we fulfill these principles, we are strengthening our processes to address the main challenges that have arisen in the primary process.”
They said last-minute wrinkles added to Nevada's caucus process have been tested by security experts "of varying backgrounds, experienced volunteers, first-time precinct chairs and community leaders."
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state. In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. Nevada’s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3.
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal. He covers campaigns, the Nevada Legislature and everything in between. Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Eight Republicans join Democrats to pass Senate measure to limit President Trump's war powers agains

WASHINGTON – Eight Senate Republicans broke with President Donald Trump on Thursday – joining all the chamber 's Democrats to support legislation that would restrict the president 's ability to wage war with Iran .
The 55-45 vote marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump 's powers and underscored lawmakers ' concerns that U.S. tensions with Iran could escalate into a full-fledged war .
Democrats said Congress had to act to rein in an unpredictable president , arguing Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran when he green-lighted a deadly strike targeting Tehran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qasem Soleimani .
“ I fear that the president ’ s erratic decision-making , his lack of strategy , his inability to control his impulses may bumble us into a war … even if he doesn ’ t intend it , ” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , said during Thursday ’ s debate .
Schumer said Thursday 's vote was `` a clear shot across the bow '' to Trump that Congress will not support another `` endless war '' in the Middle East .
Sen. Todd Young , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's decision to target Soleimani but said lawmakers have an obligation to debate the use of U.S. military force .
`` For nearly two decades , Congress has been AWOL on certain matters of national security and attempted to pass the buck to our commander in chief when things go wrong , '' Young said .
`` It ’ s time for us to do our job . ''
Most of the Senate 's 53 Republicans voted against the measure , which would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ” unless explicitly authorized by Congress .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Thursday that she would bring the Senate measure up for a House vote this month .
Even if it passes the House , Trump is almost certain to veto it .
There 's little chance that proponents of the measure could get the two-thirds House and Senate supermajority needed to override a veto .
`` It is very important for our Country ’ s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness . ''
Republican opponents said the Senate proposal would severely limit the Pentagon 's ability to defend the USA against threats posed by Iran .
They blasted Democrats for their criticism of the Soleimani killing .
`` This was not some reckless act .
It was a calculated and limited response to a significant , growing threat of attack against U.S. personnel in Iraq by an emboldened adversary , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Trump 's decision , he said , restored deterrence and reduced the risk of war .
The chief sponsor of the measure , Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , said the debate was less about Trump ’ s Iran strategy and more about Congress exercising its constitutional responsibilities to declare war .
`` An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote .
This should not be a controversial proposition , '' Kaine said during Wednesday 's debate .
`` If we 're to order our young men and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and war , it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people 's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person . ''
Kaine conceded he did n't have enough support to override a veto but said he hoped Trump would be influenced by the congressional vote .
`` We ’ re listening to our constituents , and we ’ re telling him blundering into another war '' would be a mistake , Kaine said .
In addition to Young , the other Republicans who voted “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sens .
Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , Bill Cassidy of Louisiana , Susan Collins of Maine , Mike Lee of Utah , Rand Paul of Kentucky , Jerry Moran of Kansas and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska .
Lee dismissed criticism from his fellow GOP lawmakers that the measure would tie Trump 's hands or signal `` weakness '' on the part of the United States .
`` We don ’ t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law , '' Lee said Wednesday .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Eight Republicans join Democrats to pass Senate measure to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran
Show Caption Hide Caption Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Eight Senate Republicans broke with President Donald Trump on Thursday – joining all the chamber's Democrats to support legislation that would restrict the president's ability to wage war with Iran.
The 55-45 vote marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump's powers and underscored lawmakers' concerns that U.S. tensions with Iran could escalate into a full-fledged war.
Democrats said Congress had to act to rein in an unpredictable president, arguing Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran when he green-lighted a deadly strike targeting Tehran’s most powerful military leader, Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
“I fear that the president’s erratic decision-making, his lack of strategy, his inability to control his impulses may bumble us into a war … even if he doesn’t intend it,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said during Thursday’s debate.
Schumer said Thursday's vote was "a clear shot across the bow" to Trump that Congress will not support another "endless war" in the Middle East.
Sen. Todd Young, an ex-Marine and conservative Indiana Republican, praised Trump's decision to target Soleimani but said lawmakers have an obligation to debate the use of U.S. military force.
"For nearly two decades, Congress has been AWOL on certain matters of national security and attempted to pass the buck to our commander in chief when things go wrong," Young said. "It’s time for us to do our job."
Most of the Senate's 53 Republicans voted against the measure, which would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. military force engaged in “hostilities against Iran” unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday that she would bring the Senate measure up for a House vote this month. Even if it passes the House, Trump is almost certain to veto it. There's little chance that proponents of the measure could get the two-thirds House and Senate supermajority needed to override a veto.
"It is very important for our Country’s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution," Trump tweeted Wednesday. "We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness."
Republican opponents said the Senate proposal would severely limit the Pentagon's ability to defend the USA against threats posed by Iran. They blasted Democrats for their criticism of the Soleimani killing.
"This was not some reckless act. It was a calculated and limited response to a significant, growing threat of attack against U.S. personnel in Iraq by an emboldened adversary," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a Senate floor speech this week. Trump's decision, he said, restored deterrence and reduced the risk of war.
The chief sponsor of the measure, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the debate was less about Trump’s Iran strategy and more about Congress exercising its constitutional responsibilities to declare war.
"An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote. This should not be a controversial proposition," Kaine said during Wednesday's debate. "If we're to order our young men and women ... to risk their lives in health and war, it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person."
Kaine conceded he didn't have enough support to override a veto but said he hoped Trump would be influenced by the congressional vote.
"We’re listening to our constituents, and we’re telling him blundering into another war" would be a mistake, Kaine said.
In addition to Young, the other Republicans who voted “yes” on the resolution were: Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Jerry Moran of Kansas and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
Lee dismissed criticism from his fellow GOP lawmakers that the measure would tie Trump's hands or signal "weakness" on the part of the United States.
"We don’t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law," Lee said Wednesday. "That's a message of strength."


usatoday--2020-02-16--Joe Biden: I'm 'disappointed' in Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday morning that he is `` disappointed '' in Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , for bowing to political pressure .
Speaking to NBC 's Chuck Todd on Meet the Press , Biden said he `` would be willing talk to '' Graham because he 'd `` want to know '' why the senator took part in attacks .
Graham , who has become one of President Donald Trump 's staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill , was critical of Biden during Trump 's impeachment trial and after the acquittal , saying last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is coming for congressional and Senate oversight of Joe Biden . ''
Trump 's allies attempted to pivot the focus from the impeachment to their theory that Biden tried to use his office to help his son , who sat on the board of a Ukrainian company that was once the focus of a probe .
They believe that Biden pushed for the firing of a top Ukrainian prosecutor while he was vice president in order to benefit his son .
Biden opposed the prosecutor because he was weak on tackling corruption cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups .
.
Biden said Sunday morning that he was `` stunned '' by how Graham `` responded under pressure '' when Trump attacked the late Sen. John McCain .
The two Republican Senators were friends .
More : From the Chicago cop to the crying businessman , Trump ’ s anecdotes often change with each telling Trump has long been critical of the Arizona Senator and claimed he “ didn ’ t get a ‘ thank-you ’ ” for giving McCain “ the kind of funeral that he wanted.
” Trump did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family 's request .
Graham responded to Trump 's comments on McCain by saying he did n't `` like what he says about John McCain .
But when we play golf , it ’ s fun .
And I think he ’ s seen my ability to help him , that I can actually help put deals together.
” '' I 'm disappointed , '' Biden said .
`` He was friends with Jill , he was friends with Beau , he was friends with Hunter . ''
Dr. Jill Biden said earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham a friend .
Graham , the Senate Judiciary chairman , said late last year that his push for investigating the Bidens `` has nothing to do with friendship . ''
Graham was responding to Joe Biden 's criticism after he requested documents from the State Department pertaining to Biden 's interactions with Ukrainian officials .
Trump was impeached by the House on Dec. 18 , then acquitted by the Senate earlier this month over allegations he invited foreign influence in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to gather dirt on Biden .

Joe Biden: I'm 'disappointed' in Lindsey Graham
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Dept. won't confirm Biden investigation The Department of Justice would not confirm if there is an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden's or his son Hunter's dealings with Ukraine. (Feb. 10) AP
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday morning that he is "disappointed" in Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., for bowing to political pressure.
Speaking to NBC's Chuck Todd on Meet the Press, Biden said he "would be willing talk to" Graham because he'd "want to know" why the senator took part in attacks.
Graham, who has become one of President Donald Trump's staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill, was critical of Biden during Trump's impeachment trial and after the acquittal, saying last week that "the day of reckoning is coming for congressional and Senate oversight of Joe Biden."
Trump's allies attempted to pivot the focus from the impeachment to their theory that Biden tried to use his office to help his son, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian company that was once the focus of a probe.
They believe that Biden pushed for the firing of a top Ukrainian prosecutor while he was vice president in order to benefit his son. Biden opposed the prosecutor because he was weak on tackling corruption cases, an opinion shared by international anti-corruption groups. .
More: Just after Trump acquittal, Republican senators requested Hunter Biden's travel records
Biden said Sunday morning that he was "stunned" by how Graham "responded under pressure" when Trump attacked the late Sen. John McCain. The two Republican Senators were friends.
More: From the Chicago cop to the crying businessman, Trump’s anecdotes often change with each telling
Trump has long been critical of the Arizona Senator and claimed he “didn’t get a ‘thank-you’” for giving McCain “the kind of funeral that he wanted.” Trump did not attend McCain's funeral at the family's request.
Graham responded to Trump's comments on McCain by saying he didn't "like what he says about John McCain. But when we play golf, it’s fun. And I think he’s seen my ability to help him, that I can actually help put deals together.”
Biden said Graham's comments weren't surprising.
"I'm disappointed," Biden said. "He was friends with Jill, he was friends with Beau, he was friends with Hunter."
Dr. Jill Biden said earlier this month that she no longer considers Graham a friend.
Graham, the Senate Judiciary chairman, said late last year that his push for investigating the Bidens "has nothing to do with friendship." Graham was responding to Joe Biden's criticism after he requested documents from the State Department pertaining to Biden's interactions with Ukrainian officials.
Trump was impeached by the House on Dec. 18, then acquitted by the Senate earlier this month over allegations he invited foreign influence in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to gather dirt on Biden.
2020 Democratic candidates on the issues: Here's where they stand on health care, climate change and more
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci


usatoday--2020-02-15--Trump, William Barr and Roger Stone made for a turbulent week at DOJ: Here's what you need to know

WASHINGTON – William Barr was sworn in as the 85th attorney general of the United States exactly one year ago .
But the week of his one-year anniversary was a turbulent one .
Roger Stone 's sentencing recommendation – coupled with President Donald Trump 's critical tweets – caused a shakeup in the prosecution team and appeared to rattle the attorney general .
Then Barr 's Justice Department decided not to charge former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe , a favorite Trump target .
Here 's everything you need to know about a crazy week at the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's ally Roger Stone to serve seven to nine years in prison after he was found guilty in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his presidential campaign .
The 67-year-old longtime GOP operative is the latest Trump ally to be convicted in cases stemming from former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation into Russia 's interference in the 2016 presidential election .
Shortly after the recommendation , Trump claimed that the sentencing recommendation was `` very unfair . ''
Soon after , the DOJ backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a matter of hours , four attorneys who worked on Stone 's case and prepared the sentencing recommendation abruptly quit the prosecution team .
One quit the DOJ entirely . '
I do n't think that 's appropriate ' : Trump 's involvement in Roger Stone case draws criticism from GOP senators Though a DOJ official said the about-face was not influenced by Trump , it raised new questions about the politicization of the agency , and Democrats called for an investigation , accusing the department of political meddling in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's how they came up with a stiff sentence for Stone The four career prosecutors who quit the prosecution team , Jonathan Kravis , Aaron Zelinsky , Adam Jed and Michael Marando , became the target of Trump 's anger .
`` Prosecutorial Misconduct ? ''
Trump tweeted Tuesday night .
He followed up Wednesday morning : `` Rogue prosecutors maybe ? ''
However , legal experts said the original sentencing recommendation for Stone was n't unreasonable for the crimes for which he was found guilty .
More : Four career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger .
Here 's how they came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone .
In Stone 's case , prosecutors considered several aggravating factors : threatening to harm someone , interfering with the administration of justice , engaging in a crime that spans years , and obstructing the prosecution .
Also , the prosecutors argued that Stone 's conduct after he was indicted in January 2019 amounted to obstruction as he repeatedly violated the judge 's order not to speak publicly about the case .
Stone was supposed to be sentenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday to seek a new trial could delay the sentencing .
The motion was filed after Trump tweeted that one of the jurors was `` significantly biased . ''
Trump was attacking a woman who revealed on Facebook that she had been the forewoman of the jury that convicted Stone last year .
Following the DOJ 's intervention in the Stone case , Barr cemented his role as Trump 's defender-in-chief .
From the White House there was warm acknowledgement from an appreciative Trump .
`` Congratulations to Attorney General Bill Barr for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally out of control and perhaps should not have even been brought , '' the president tweeted Wednesday , a day after the prosecutors withdrew from the Stone case in apparent protest .
Read More : With DOJ 's intervention in Roger Stone case , William Barr cements his role as Trump 's defender-in-chief Barr : Trump 's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job' Barr , in an unusual break with Trump , said Thursday that the president 's habit of tweeting about criminal cases has made it `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
During an interview with ABC News , Barr asserted that the president `` has never asked me to to anything in a criminal case , '' including Stone 's .
Trump reacted in a tweet that he has 'legal right ' to intervene in criminal cases , including Stone 's , brushing aside the criticism from his own attorney general .
But White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump `` was n't bothered '' by what Barr said .
AG Barr : Trump 's tweets make it 'impossible for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that the attorney general serves at his pleasure .
He fired Barr 's predecessor , Jeff Sessions , after a public dispute over Sessions ' decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation .
More : Trump claims he has 'legal right ' to intervene in criminal cases , including Roger Stone's Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee said Wednesday that Barr will be testifying before them on March 31st .
In a Wednesday letter to Barr , the committee said he would be questioned about “ the misuse of our criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was confirming his “ agreement to testify.
” Democrats laid out multiple issues they felt have been `` dangerous for our democracy and unacceptable to the House Judiciary Committee , '' including the Roger Stone case .
More : Attorney General William Barr will testify before members of Congress in March The DOJ will not file criminal charges in a leak investigation of McCabe , ending an investigation that has hung over the former deputy FBI director for two years .
Trump has called for the prosecution of several former FBI officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation into Trump in 2017 , after the president fired FBI director James Comey .
The investigation into McCabe , who became acting FBI director after Trump fired Comey , stemmed from a Justice Department Inspector General ’ s report that found he improperly authorized a leak about a federal investigation into the Clinton Foundation in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign .
Investigators concluded he displayed a lack of candor when asked about the leak .
`` Based on the totality of the circumstances and all of the information known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we consider the matter closed , '' the U.S. attorney 's office for the District of Columbia told McCabe 's attorneys in a letter Friday .
Barr appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case against Michael Flynn , Trump 's former national security adviser , who is awaiting sentencing in federal court after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI .
More : Barr appoints outside prosecutor to review criminal case against Michael Flynn Flynn and his attorneys have now sought to withdraw his guilty plea , claiming the FBI and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has tapped Jeffrey Jensen , the chief federal prosecutor in St. Louis nominated by Trump in 2017 , to conduct the review .
Jensen was selected weeks ago to look into concerns raised by Flynn 's defense team .
Flynn 's case was one of the first criminal charges brought by Mueller as part of his investigation into Russia 's interference in the 2016 presidential election .

Trump, William Barr and Roger Stone made for a turbulent week at DOJ: Here's what you need to know
Show Caption Hide Caption Roger Stone: Prosecutors quit case against Donald Trump ally In a short period, the Justice Department changed their prison recommendation for Roger Stone while four attorneys abruptly quit the prosecution team. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – William Barr was sworn in as the 85th attorney general of the United States exactly one year ago. But the week of his one-year anniversary was a turbulent one.
Roger Stone's sentencing recommendation – coupled with President Donald Trump's critical tweets – caused a shakeup in the prosecution team and appeared to rattle the attorney general. Then Barr's Justice Department decided not to charge former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe, a favorite Trump target.
Here's everything you need to know about a crazy week at the Department of Justice:
ROGER STONE DRAMA
Sentencing recommendation and fall out
Federal prosecutors wanted Trump's ally Roger Stone to serve seven to nine years in prison after he was found guilty in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his presidential campaign.
The 67-year-old longtime GOP operative is the latest Trump ally to be convicted in cases stemming from former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Shortly after the recommendation, Trump claimed that the sentencing recommendation was " very unfair."
This is a horrible and very unfair situation. The real crimes were on the other side, as nothing happens to them. Cannot allow this miscarriage of justice! https://t.co/rHPfYX6Vbv — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 11, 2020
Soon after, the DOJ backed away from the sentence recommended for Stone. In a matter of hours, four attorneys who worked on Stone's case and prepared the sentencing recommendation abruptly quit the prosecution team. One quit the DOJ entirely.
'I don't think that's appropriate': Trump's involvement in Roger Stone case draws criticism from GOP senators
Though a DOJ official said the about-face was not influenced by Trump, it raised new questions about the politicization of the agency, and Democrats called for an investigation, accusing the department of political meddling in a criminal prosecution.
Trump targets career prosecutors. Here's how they came up with a stiff sentence for Stone
The four career prosecutors who quit the prosecution team, Jonathan Kravis, Aaron Zelinsky, Adam Jed and Michael Marando, became the target of Trump's anger.
"Prosecutorial Misconduct?" Trump tweeted Tuesday night. He followed up Wednesday morning: "Rogue prosecutors maybe?"
However, legal experts said the original sentencing recommendation for Stone wasn't unreasonable for the crimes for which he was found guilty.
More: Four career prosecutors are the target of Trump's anger. Here's how they came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone.
In Stone's case, prosecutors considered several aggravating factors: threatening to harm someone, interfering with the administration of justice, engaging in a crime that spans years, and obstructing the prosecution.
Also, the prosecutors argued that Stone's conduct after he was indicted in January 2019 amounted to obstruction as he repeatedly violated the judge's order not to speak publicly about the case.
Stone asks for a new trial
Stone was supposed to be sentenced next week, but a motion filed Friday to seek a new trial could delay the sentencing.
The motion was filed after Trump tweeted that one of the jurors was "significantly biased." Trump was attacking a woman who revealed on Facebook that she had been the forewoman of the jury that convicted Stone last year.
Now it looks like the fore person in the jury, in the Roger Stone case, had significant bias. Add that to everything else, and this is not looking good for the “Justice” Department. @foxandfriends @FoxNews — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 13, 2020
BARR'S ROLE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL
Trump congratulates the AG
Following the DOJ's intervention in the Stone case, Barr cemented his role as Trump's defender-in-chief.
From the White House there was warm acknowledgement from an appreciative Trump.
"Congratulations to Attorney General Bill Barr for taking charge of a case that was totally out of control and perhaps should not have even been brought," the president tweeted Wednesday, a day after the prosecutors withdrew from the Stone case in apparent protest.
Read More: With DOJ's intervention in Roger Stone case, William Barr cements his role as Trump's defender-in-chief
Barr: Trump's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job'
Barr, in an unusual break with Trump, said Thursday that the president's habit of tweeting about criminal cases has made it "impossible for me to do my job."
During an interview with ABC News, Barr asserted that the president "has never asked me to to anything in a criminal case," including Stone's.
Trump reacted in a tweet that he has 'legal right' to intervene in criminal cases, including Stone's, brushing aside the criticism from his own attorney general. But White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump "wasn't bothered" by what Barr said.
AG Barr: Trump's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job'
Trump has repeatedly noted that the attorney general serves at his pleasure. He fired Barr's predecessor, Jeff Sessions, after a public dispute over Sessions' decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation.
More: Trump claims he has 'legal right' to intervene in criminal cases, including Roger Stone's
Barr to testify before Congress
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee said Wednesday that Barr will be testifying before them on March 31st.
In a Wednesday letter to Barr, the committee said he would be questioned about “the misuse of our criminal justice system for political purposes” and was confirming his “agreement to testify.”
Democrats laid out multiple issues they felt have been "dangerous for our democracy and unacceptable to the House Judiciary Committee," including the Roger Stone case.
More: Attorney General William Barr will testify before members of Congress in March
Andrew McCabe, former FBI deputy director, won't face criminal charges
The DOJ will not file criminal charges in a leak investigation of McCabe, ending an investigation that has hung over the former deputy FBI director for two years.
Trump has called for the prosecution of several former FBI officials, including McCabe, who opened a counterintelligence investigation into Trump in 2017, after the president fired FBI director James Comey.
More: Andrew McCabe, former FBI deputy director, won't face criminal charges
The investigation into McCabe, who became acting FBI director after Trump fired Comey, stemmed from a Justice Department Inspector General’s report that found he improperly authorized a leak about a federal investigation into the Clinton Foundation in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. Investigators concluded he displayed a lack of candor when asked about the leak.
"Based on the totality of the circumstances and all of the information known to the Government at this time, we consider the matter closed," the U.S. attorney's office for the District of Columbia told McCabe's attorneys in a letter Friday.
DOJ will review case of Trump ally, Michael Flynn
Barr appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case against Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who is awaiting sentencing in federal court after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.
More: Barr appoints outside prosecutor to review criminal case against Michael Flynn
Flynn and his attorneys have now sought to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming the FBI and federal prosecutors engaged in misconduct.
Barr has tapped Jeffrey Jensen, the chief federal prosecutor in St. Louis nominated by Trump in 2017, to conduct the review. Jensen was selected weeks ago to look into concerns raised by Flynn's defense team.
Flynn's case was one of the first criminal charges brought by Mueller as part of his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson, Kristine Phillips, Bart Jansen, John Fritze, Dennis Wagner


usatoday--2020-02-15--Bernie Sanders endorsed by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio ahead of Nevada caucuses

WASHINGTON – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , for president , and will be working as a surrogate of the campaign , a source familiar told USA TODAY Friday .
The New York Times was first to report the endorsement .
De Blasio had a short stint of his own on the campaign trail running for president in 2019 when he sought the Democratic nomination .
However , he ended his bid just a few months after announcing his candidacy , saying , `` I feel like I 've contributed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's clearly not my time so I 'm going to end my presidential campaign . ''
' A plan to fight back ' : How Elizabeth Warren stumbled in New Hampshire and her plan for 'the long haul' The mayor will be traveling to Nevada with the Sanders ' campaign this weekend , ahead of next week 's caucuses , including at a Sunday event in Carson City .
The source also told USA TODAY that the plan is for de Blasio to travel with the campaign to other parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undetermined '' at the moment .
In a statement obtained originally by CNN , Sen. Sanders said of the endorsement , `` Jane and I grew up in Brooklyn and we are so proud to have the support of a New York City Mayor fighting every day to improve the lives of New Yorkers .
Bill is a leading example of what bringing the Democratic Party together around so-called 'radical ideas ' like universal pre-K , paid family and sick leave , and defending immigrant neighbors can do for our country . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for the Democratic nomination , De Blasio said he thought Sanders would have won the presidential election in 2016 if he were the party 's nominee instead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton .
`` In my heart , yeah , '' the mayor answered to POLITICO at the time .
`` You know , hindsight ’ s 20/20 , but I think when we look at it now , that was a moment where there was such desire for change . ''
A statement sent to supports from the Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` standing with Bernie because he stands with working families , and always has.
” '' New Yorkers know all too well the damage caused by Donald Trump ’ s xenophobia , bigotry and recklessness , and Bernie is the candidate to take him on and take him down .
I have called for a bold , progressive agenda , and that ’ s exactly what Senator Sanders has championed for decades .
I am proud to endorse a true progressive leader who will fight for working New Yorkers and families across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two have kept in communication since the mayor ended his campaign in September , and have had a public relationship the past few years .
In 2018 , de Blasio was sworn in for his final term with Sanders administering the oath of office .
The endorsement of Sanders comes on the heels of the Vermont senator having strong showings in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary .

Bernie Sanders endorsed by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio ahead of Nevada caucuses
Show Caption Hide Caption How the DNC changed its rules since Sanders, Clinton in 2016 The primaries are here! How does one get elected in the first place and what is in store for the Democratic National Convention in 2020? We explain. Just the FAQs
WASHINGTON – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for president, and will be working as a surrogate of the campaign, a source familiar told USA TODAY Friday.
The New York Times was first to report the endorsement.
De Blasio had a short stint of his own on the campaign trail running for president in 2019 when he sought the Democratic nomination.
However, he ended his bid just a few months after announcing his candidacy, saying, "I feel like I've contributed all I can to this primary election and it's clearly not my time so I'm going to end my presidential campaign."
'A plan to fight back': How Elizabeth Warren stumbled in New Hampshire and her plan for 'the long haul'
The mayor will be traveling to Nevada with the Sanders' campaign this weekend, ahead of next week's caucuses, including at a Sunday event in Carson City.
The source also told USA TODAY that the plan is for de Blasio to travel with the campaign to other parts of the country, but those places are "undetermined" at the moment.
In a statement obtained originally by CNN, Sen. Sanders said of the endorsement, "Jane and I grew up in Brooklyn and we are so proud to have the support of a New York City Mayor fighting every day to improve the lives of New Yorkers. Bill is a leading example of what bringing the Democratic Party together around so-called 'radical ideas' like universal pre-K, paid family and sick leave, and defending immigrant neighbors can do for our country."
In 2019, while he was still running for the Democratic nomination, De Blasio said he thought Sanders would have won the presidential election in 2016 if he were the party's nominee instead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"In my heart, yeah," the mayor answered to POLITICO at the time. "You know, hindsight’s 20/20, but I think when we look at it now, that was a moment where there was such desire for change."
A statement sent to supports from the Sanders' campaign said that de Blasio is "standing with Bernie because he stands with working families, and always has.”
"New Yorkers know all too well the damage caused by Donald Trump’s xenophobia, bigotry and recklessness, and Bernie is the candidate to take him on and take him down. I have called for a bold, progressive agenda, and that’s exactly what Senator Sanders has championed for decades. I am proud to endorse a true progressive leader who will fight for working New Yorkers and families across the country,” the statement continued.
The two have kept in communication since the mayor ended his campaign in September, and have had a public relationship the past few years. In 2018, de Blasio was sworn in for his final term with Sanders administering the oath of office.
The endorsement of Sanders comes on the heels of the Vermont senator having strong showings in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.


usatoday--2020-02-17--California to issue an official apology for World War II Japanese internment

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19 , 1942 , ushering in one of the darkest eras in United States history .
More than 120,000 men , women and children of Japanese descent were forced to leave their homes and businesses and were crowded into 10 concentration camps scattered across the West .
Thursday marks the 78th anniversary of the Japanese internment , a day that has come to be known as a Day of Remembrance — but this year , California lawmakers are hoping to do more than just remember .
The California Legislature is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official apology “ for its past actions in support of the unjust exclusion , removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II , and for its failure to support and defend the civil rights and civil liberties of Japanese Americans during this period.
” Introduced by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi , D-Torrance , who was born in Japan , the resolution details the history of racism in the state that preceded internment and the war , including the California Alien Land Law of 1913 that barred anyone of Japanese ancestry and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or leasing land .
In 1945 , lawmakers issued a $ 200,000 grant to the attorney general ’ s office to prosecute Japanese Americans who may have violated the land law .
Along with highlighting past injustices , the resolution emphasizes parallels with current policies .
`` Given recent national events , '' the legislation reads , `` it is all the more important to learn from the mistakes of the past and to ensure that such an assault on freedom will never again happen to any community in the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and does n't include compensation or restitution .
But it serves as an attempt at accountability for the role California played .
Two of the 10 camps — Manzanar and Tule Lake — were located in the state , and California officials at the time pushed for the crackdown .
Muratsuchi , who each year introduces a resolution to memorialize the day , said that he hopes this will help his state lead by example .
`` While our nation ’ s capital is hopelessly divided along party lines and President Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Muratsuchi told the Pacific Citizen , a news outlet published by the Japanese American Citizens League , `` the California Legislature , with HR 77 will be issuing an official , bipartisan measure for its own actions taken that led to the incarceration of over 120,000 loyal Americans of Japanese ancestry behind barbed wire .
”

California to issue an official apology for World War II Japanese internment
Show Caption Hide Caption Pain of Japanese Internment Still Felt 75 Years Later Today, some Japanese Americans are drawing a comparison between the period of internment and President Donald Trump's travel ban on seven majority-Muslim countries. Wochit
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942, ushering in one of the darkest eras in United States history. More than 120,000 men, women and children of Japanese descent were forced to leave their homes and businesses and were crowded into 10 concentration camps scattered across the West.
Thursday marks the 78th anniversary of the Japanese internment, a day that has come to be known as a Day of Remembrance — but this year, California lawmakers are hoping to do more than just remember. The California Legislature is planning to pass a resolution issuing an official apology “for its past actions in support of the unjust exclusion, removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, and for its failure to support and defend the civil rights and civil liberties of Japanese Americans during this period.”
All California, all the time: A newsletter that wraps up all things on the Golden State
Introduced by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, who was born in Japan, the resolution details the history of racism in the state that preceded internment and the war, including the California Alien Land Law of 1913 that barred anyone of Japanese ancestry and those from other parts of Asia from purchasing or leasing land. In 1945, lawmakers issued a $200,000 grant to the attorney general’s office to prosecute Japanese Americans who may have violated the land law.
I introduced HR 77, an official apology by the Assembly for legislation actions that led to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. I will be introducing the H.R. on Feb 20th as part of the annual Day of Remembrance celebrations.https://t.co/xCpkQsKT8R — Asm. Al Muratsuchi (@AsmMuratsuchi) February 10, 2020
Along with highlighting past injustices, the resolution emphasizes parallels with current policies.
"Given recent national events," the legislation reads, "it is all the more important to learn from the mistakes of the past and to ensure that such an assault on freedom will never again happen to any community in the United States."
The resolution is only an apology and doesn't include compensation or restitution. But it serves as an attempt at accountability for the role California played. Two of the 10 camps — Manzanar and Tule Lake — were located in the state, and California officials at the time pushed for the crackdown.
Muratsuchi, who each year introduces a resolution to memorialize the day, said that he hopes this will help his state lead by example.
"While our nation’s capital is hopelessly divided along party lines and President Trump is putting immigrant families and children in cages," Muratsuchi told the Pacific Citizen, a news outlet published by the Japanese American Citizens League, "the California Legislature, with HR 77 will be issuing an official, bipartisan measure for its own actions taken that led to the incarceration of over 120,000 loyal Americans of Japanese ancestry behind barbed wire.”
More: George Takei compares separation policy to Japanese internment camps


usatoday--2020-02-17--Trump's campaign manager deletes photo of Air Force One at Daytona 500 after users point out it was

President Donald Trump 's 2020 campaign manager , Brad Parscale , apparently deleted a tweet with a photo of Air Force One amid a large crowd at the Daytona 500 race after users pointed out the photo was actually from 2004 , when George W. Bush attended .
Trump served as the grand marshal of the Daytona 500 , which opens the 2020 NASCAR season .
He is the second president to attend as grand marshal .
`` .realDonaldTrump won the # Daytona500 before the race even started , '' Parscale wrote in the now-deleted tweet , according to CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferrey in 2004 and available on Getty Images , shows Air Force One taking off with Bush aboard after his visit Feb. 15 , 2004 .
Grand Marshal Trump : President Trump delivers the command to start the Daytona 500 to loud cheers '' I am unfortunately not there today , but apparently I won the Daytona 500 photography before the race even started , '' Ferrey told CNN after it reported on Parscale 's tweet .
Parscale later tweeted a new photo of Air Force One from Sunday with the same caption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more sparse than in the 2004 photo .
Trump gave pre-race remarks with first lady Melania Trump at his side , closing with , `` Rubber will burn , fans will scream and the great American race will begin '' as the crowd chanted `` USA '' and his symbolic 2016 campaign song , “ You Can ’ t Always Get What You Want , '' played .
As grand marshal , Trump also opened the event Sunday with the traditional command `` Gentlemen , start your engines . ''
Trump 's motorcade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track ahead of the race , which was ultimately interrupted and postponed because of bad weather .
It was set to resume Monday afternoon .

Trump's campaign manager deletes photo of Air Force One at Daytona 500 after users point out it was from 2004
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump campaign manager deletes Air Force One photo from 2004 President Trump's campaign manager deleted a tweet of Air Force One at Daytona 500 after Twitter users pointed out the photo was from 2004. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign manager, Brad Parscale, apparently deleted a tweet with a photo of Air Force One amid a large crowd at the Daytona 500 race after users pointed out the photo was actually from 2004, when George W. Bush attended.
Trump served as the grand marshal of the Daytona 500, which opens the 2020 NASCAR season. He is the second president to attend as grand marshal.
".realDonaldTrump won the #Daytona500 before the race even started," Parscale wrote in the now-deleted tweet, according to CNN.
The photo, taken by Jonathan Ferrey in 2004 and available on Getty Images, shows Air Force One taking off with Bush aboard after his visit Feb. 15, 2004.
Grand Marshal Trump: President Trump delivers the command to start the Daytona 500 to loud cheers
Trump serves as grand marshal for Daytona 500 President Trump served as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500 auto race and gave the command for drivers to start their engines in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sunday. (Feb. 17) AP
"I am unfortunately not there today, but apparently I won the Daytona 500 photography before the race even started," Ferrey told CNN after it reported on Parscale's tweet.
Parscale later tweeted a new photo of Air Force One from Sunday with the same caption, with the race track stands looking more sparse than in the 2004 photo.
.@realDonaldTrump won the #Daytona500 before the race even started. pic.twitter.com/nzZXK6Gww6 — Brad Parscale - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@parscale) February 16, 2020
Trump gave pre-race remarks with first lady Melania Trump at his side, closing with, "Rubber will burn, fans will scream and the great American race will begin" as the crowd chanted "USA" and his symbolic 2016 campaign song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want," played.
As grand marshal, Trump also opened the event Sunday with the traditional command "Gentlemen, start your engines."
Trump's motorcade also took a lap on the 2.5-mile track ahead of the race, which was ultimately interrupted and postponed because of bad weather. It was set to resume Monday afternoon.
Contributing: Michelle R. Martinelli


usatoday--2020-02-17--Army Secretary: No investigation into Vindman, Army aide and impeachment witness fired by Trump

WASHINGTON – Army Sec .
Ryan McCarthy said Friday that Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , the former National Security Council staffer who testified in President Donald Trump 's impeachment inquiry , is not under investigation , a stance seemingly at odds with the White House .
Trump directed his wrath at Vindman after the Ukraine expert testified before Congress about concerns with Trump 's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
That conversation triggered Trump 's impeachment .
Last week , Trump tweeted that he had ousted Vindman , whom he described as `` insubordinate . ''
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that he `` did a lot of bad things '' and that the military would review his performance .
That does not appear to be the case , according to McCarthy , the Army 's senior civilian official .
`` There is no investigation into him , '' McCarthy said .
What did he say ?
: Takeaways from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman 's impeachment testimony McCarthy told an audience at the National Press Club Friday that Vindman will complete an interim assignment before he enrolls at a senior service war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers to schools such as the Army 's War College to prepare them for promotion to more senior posts .
Vindman 's interim job will be in the Washington , D.C.-area , according to a Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly about personnel matters .
Vindman , along with other White House staffers , listened to Trump ’ s July 25 call with Zelensky .
Vindman reported his concerns to the council 's top lawyer about Trump demanding investigations of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the witnesses in the impeachment inquiry , and what did they say ?
“ I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen , and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government ’ s support of Ukraine , ” Vindman said .
`` It does n't take a rocket scientist to see where the gain would be for the president in investigating the son of a political opponent . ''
After his acquittal in the Senate , Trump fired Vindman and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the national security staff .
He also fired the U.S. ambassador to the European Union , Gordon Sondland , who also had testified in the impeachment inquiry .

Army Secretary: No investigation into Vindman, Army aide and impeachment witness fired by Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Impeachment: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman denounces character attacks Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, one of the National Security Council staff who listened to Trump's call with Zelensky, begins public impeachment testimony USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Army Sec. Ryan McCarthy said Friday that Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the former National Security Council staffer who testified in President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry, is not under investigation, a stance seemingly at odds with the White House.
Trump directed his wrath at Vindman after the Ukraine expert testified before Congress about concerns with Trump's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That conversation triggered Trump's impeachment.
Last week, Trump tweeted that he had ousted Vindman, whom he described as "insubordinate." On Tuesday, Trump continued to rail against Vindman, saying that he "did a lot of bad things" and that the military would review his performance.
That does not appear to be the case, according to McCarthy, the Army's senior civilian official.
"There is no investigation into him," McCarthy said.
What did he say?: Takeaways from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's impeachment testimony
McCarthy told an audience at the National Press Club Friday that Vindman will complete an interim assignment before he enrolls at a senior service war college. The military sends its promising officers to schools such as the Army's War College to prepare them for promotion to more senior posts.
Vindman's interim job will be in the Washington, D.C.-area, according to a Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly about personnel matters.
Vindman, along with other White House staffers, listened to Trump’s July 25 call with Zelensky. Vindman reported his concerns to the council's top lawyer about Trump demanding investigations of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
Post-impeachment: Clinton was 'humbled.' Trump unloaded on a 'phony, rotten deal.'
Meet the witnesses: Who were the witnesses in the impeachment inquiry, and what did they say?
“I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen, and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government’s support of Ukraine,” Vindman said. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where the gain would be for the president in investigating the son of a political opponent."
After his acquittal in the Senate, Trump fired Vindman and his twin brother Yevgeny, another Army officer on the national security staff. He also fired the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondland, who also had testified in the impeachment inquiry.


usatoday--2020-02-17--President Trump's campaign manager tweets out 2004 photo of Air Force One

Trump campaign manager deletes Air Force One photo from 2004 President Trump 's campaign manager deleted a tweet of Air @ @ @ @ @ after Twitter users pointed out the photo was from 2004 .

Trump campaign manager deletes Air Force One photo from 2004
President Trump's campaign manager deleted a tweet of Air Force One at Daytona 500 after Twitter users pointed out the photo was from 2004.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-17--Joe Biden: I'm 'disappointed' in Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday morning that he is `` disappointed '' in Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , for bowing to political pressure .
Speaking to NBC 's Chuck Todd on Meet the Press , Biden said he `` would be willing talk to '' Graham because he 'd `` want to know '' why the senator took part in attacks .
Graham , who has become one of President Donald Trump 's staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill , was critical of Biden during Trump 's impeachment trial and after the acquittal , saying last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is coming for congressional and Senate oversight of Joe Biden . ''
Trump 's allies attempted to pivot the focus from the impeachment to their theory that Biden tried to use his office to help his son , who sat on the board of a Ukrainian company that was once the focus of a probe .
They believe that Biden pushed for the firing of a top Ukrainian prosecutor while he was vice president in order to benefit his son .
Biden opposed the prosecutor because he was weak on tackling corruption cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups .
.
Biden said Sunday morning that he was `` stunned '' by how Graham `` responded under pressure '' when Trump attacked the late Sen. John McCain .
The two Republican Senators were friends .
More : From the Chicago cop to the crying businessman , Trump ’ s anecdotes often change with each telling Trump has long been critical of the Arizona Senator and claimed he “ didn ’ t get a ‘ thank-you ’ ” for giving McCain “ the kind of funeral that he wanted.
” Trump did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family 's request .
Graham responded to Trump 's comments on McCain by saying he did n't `` like what he says about John McCain .
But when we play golf , it ’ s fun .
And I think he ’ s seen my ability to help him , that I can actually help put deals together.
” '' I 'm disappointed , '' Biden said .
`` He was friends with Jill , he was friends with Beau , he was friends with Hunter . ''
Dr. Jill Biden said earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham a friend .
Graham , the Senate Judiciary chairman , said late last year that his push for investigating the Bidens `` has nothing to do with friendship . ''
Graham was responding to Joe Biden 's criticism after he requested documents from the State Department pertaining to Biden 's interactions with Ukrainian officials .
Trump was impeached by the House on Dec. 18 , then acquitted by the Senate earlier this month over allegations he invited foreign influence in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to gather dirt on Biden .
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