usatoday--2020-07-23--Democratic lawyer: Setbacks, stonewalls and hope in our year of impeaching Donald Trump

While I was special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during an eventful year of investigation , impeachment and trial of President Donald Trump , you won ’ t be surprised to hear that the late Rep. John Lewis told me something that has resonated ever since : Impeach Trump , but do it with love .
What might surprise you is that the year , with all its ups and downs , was informed by that spirit of love and hope for our country .
For our Constitution .
And for our values .
I am optimistic that come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that same spirit finish the job that the Senate left undone , as I explain in my new book about the impeachment .
Don ’ t get me wrong .
I understand why so many Americans look at that same year of impeachment and feel hopeless .
Stonewalled .
Stymied .
We faced constant challenges : the tragically cautious report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller ; the way it was reduced , redacted and distorted by Attorney General William Barr ; Mueller ’ s disappointing performance during his testimony ; the failure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Counsel Don McGahn to show up ; the long litigation process ( still ongoing ) to force Barr to release key information and McGahn to testify .
When we finally did impeach on Ukraine , our original 10 impeachment articles had been reduced to two — and instead of bipartisanship , we met partisan resistance in the House and the Senate to what any reasonable legislator should have agreed was a high crime and misdemeanor .
To take one example , we suffered a blow on Jan. 31 , 2020 , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By that morning we had learned that two of the Republicans we had hoped to win over to call witnesses — Sens .
Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — would be voting against calling a single one .
With only 47 senators in the Democratic caucus , that meant we would not secure the 51-vote majority needed to call witnesses even if undecided Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine sided with us .
We were strangely cheerful nonetheless .
None of the Democrats had come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , and we were hearing that we would hold all three of our red-state Democrats ( Alabama ’ s Doug Jones , Arizona ’ s Kyrsten Sinema and West Virginia ’ s Joe Manchin ) on the witness subpoena votes , and would pick up Romney and Collins on at least some of them .
We had some help that day with breaking news as well : A tidbit from former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s then-unpublished book that Trump had advanced his pressure campaign against Ukraine during an Oval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , and Trump was now denying the conversation had happened .
That put the factual dispute front and center just in time for our Senate argument about the Bolton subpoena .
I leaned over to a fellow counsel and whispered , “ There is a God.
” One after another , impeachment managers hammered away at the sheer absurdity of the Republicans ’ position , and of their refusal to hear from a single witness when there had been a previous average of 33 witnesses at Senate impeachment trials .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1940 novel of Stalinist justice .
Or maybe Kafka surrealism was the better comparison .
It was just so ludicrous you had to laugh .
The combination of seeing the absurdity of it all and knowing we had held on to all of our Democrats buoyed our morale .
We had come oh so close to getting Bolton and perhaps other witnesses , and possibly breaking things open .
It was not meant to be , but we had helped convince about three-quarters of Americans that it was wrong for the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to poll after poll after poll .
Whatever the Senate did , the country was listening , and that mattered .
Rep. Adam Schiff , the House Intelligence Committee chairman and lead House impeachment manager , had articulated it well behind closed doors to the trial team the night before : “ Now we ’ re going to make our argument straight to the American people.
” Then he sent everyone home to get some rest .
System failure : After appalling Roger Stone commutation , do n't let Donald Trump break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as everyone knows , we failed to win a conviction .
But when I left Capitol Hill after the trial , I did so infused with hope .
Because for every one of those setbacks there was also progress.The Mueller report did establish crimes by Trump — at least five counts of obstruction of justice ; Barr ’ s lies about that report were gradually exposed ; we scored initial wins in both of our court cases ( to obtain McGahn ‘ s testimony and Mueller ’ s underlying evidence withheld by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House will ultimately prevail , setting important precedents .
Most important of all , the daunting earlier work on impeachment paid off when the Ukraine revelations blew up in September .
As I detail in my book , the impeachment infrastructure we had built was ready and the House was able to move quickly .
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler even prevailed in his insistence on including Trump 's full pattern of abuse and obstruction as part of our two impeachment articles , broadening their scope to include the events in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best captures why I emerged hopeful — and the meaning of impeaching with love — came when I entered the floor of the Senate at about 2 p.m. on Feb. 5 , 2020 for the very last hours of the impeachment trial .
I was there to listen to Romney ’ s emotional justification of his vote to place country above political party , and convict the president on the first article of impeachment .
Romney , the Republican Party ’ s 2012 presidential nominee , had wanted Trump ’ s job badly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the Senate floor , he acknowledged that judging the president and leader of his own party was the most difficult decision he had ever faced .
He went on to dissect the case , concluded that “ the president is guilty of an appalling abuse of the public trust , ” and ended on a note I trust will resound with all Americans who will soon decide on the fate of our country : “ We ’ re all footnotes at best in the annals of history .
But in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation conceived in liberty and justice , that distinction is enough for any citizen.
” I was witnessing the first American in the 231-year history of our constitutional republic who voted to convict a president of his own party in a Senate trial .
Schiff thought Romney ’ s vote was one of the greatest acts of political courage in the last century .
We ca n't wait : As COVID cases top 3 million , it 's past time to end the catastrophic Trump presidency We were inspired as well by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones was coming up for reelection in the heart of Trump country , making his vote perhaps even more difficult to cast than Romney ’ s .
Manchin ’ s vote wavered so much that he brought two speeches : one to acquit and one to convict .
In the end , he followed his conscience .
And Sinema did the same in a statement that underscored her ultimate fealty to the Constitution and concluded : “ It is our duty as Americans to … remember who we are — a diverse people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of freedom , and of liberty.
” There it was , the Lewis credo .
When Congressman Lewis made public his feelings about impeachment , he said on the House floor , “ There comes a time when you have to be moved by the spirit of history to take action to protect and preserve the integrity of our nation.
” On Nov. 3 ( and the weeks of voting leading up to it ) , we as Americans will all be called upon to take that action — for the integrity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves .
It is our duty to resuscitate our hope , actively , by casting our ballots to convict and remove Trump in his ultimate impeachment trial , this time with all of us as judge and jury .
We must do so with love for all our nation has accomplished and for the bright future we will have — if we make the right choice .
Norman Eisen , who served as President Barack Obama 's ethics czar and Ambassador to the Czech Republic , was the special impeachment counsel to House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 2020 .
Parts of this column are adapted from `` A Case for the American People : The United States v. Donald J. Trump , '' which will be published Tuesday .
Follow him on Twitter @ NormEisen

Setbacks, stonewalls and hope in my year of impeaching Donald Trump: House lawyer Trump's ultimate impeachment trial comes on Election Day. As judge and jury, it is our chance to restore America's integrity and our faith in ourselves.
While I was special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during an eventful year of investigation, impeachment and trial of President Donald Trump, you won’t be surprised to hear that the late Rep. John Lewis told me something that has resonated ever since: Impeach Trump, but do it with love.
What might surprise you is that the year, with all its ups and downs, was informed by that spirit of love and hope for our country. For our Constitution. And for our values. I am optimistic that come November, the American people will in that same spirit finish the job that the Senate left undone, as I explain in my new book about the impeachment.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand why so many Americans look at that same year of impeachment and feel hopeless. Stonewalled. Stymied. We faced constant challenges: the tragically cautious report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller; the way it was reduced, redacted and distorted by Attorney General William Barr; Mueller’s disappointing performance during his testimony; the failure of other witnesses like Barr and former White House Counsel Don McGahn to show up; the long litigation process (still ongoing) to force Barr to release key information and McGahn to testify.
When we finally did impeach on Ukraine, our original 10 impeachment articles had been reduced to two — and instead of bipartisanship, we met partisan resistance in the House and the Senate to what any reasonable legislator should have agreed was a high crime and misdemeanor.
Strangely cheerful despite setbacks
To take one example, we suffered a blow on Jan. 31, 2020, as the end of the Senate trial neared. By that morning we had learned that two of the Republicans we had hoped to win over to call witnesses — Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — would be voting against calling a single one. With only 47 senators in the Democratic caucus, that meant we would not secure the 51-vote majority needed to call witnesses even if undecided Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine sided with us.
We were strangely cheerful nonetheless. None of the Democrats had come out against us on the ultimate conviction vote, and we were hearing that we would hold all three of our red-state Democrats (Alabama’s Doug Jones, Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema and West Virginia’s Joe Manchin) on the witness subpoena votes, and would pick up Romney and Collins on at least some of them.
We had some help that day with breaking news as well: A tidbit from former national security adviser John Bolton’s then-unpublished book that Trump had advanced his pressure campaign against Ukraine during an Oval Office conversation with Bolton in early May 2019, and Trump was now denying the conversation had happened. That put the factual dispute front and center just in time for our Senate argument about the Bolton subpoena. I leaned over to a fellow counsel and whispered, “There is a God.”
One after another, impeachment managers hammered away at the sheer absurdity of the Republicans’ position, and of their refusal to hear from a single witness when there had been a previous average of 33 witnesses at Senate impeachment trials. It was like “Darkness at Noon,” the 1940 novel of Stalinist justice. Or maybe Kafka surrealism was the better comparison. It was just so ludicrous you had to laugh. The combination of seeing the absurdity of it all and knowing we had held on to all of our Democrats buoyed our morale.
We had come oh so close to getting Bolton and perhaps other witnesses, and possibly breaking things open. It was not meant to be, but we had helped convince about three-quarters of Americans that it was wrong for the Senate not to hear from those witnesses, according to poll after poll after poll. Whatever the Senate did, the country was listening, and that mattered. Rep. Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee chairman and lead House impeachment manager, had articulated it well behind closed doors to the trial team the night before: “Now we’re going to make our argument straight to the American people.” Then he sent everyone home to get some rest.
System failure: After appalling Roger Stone commutation, don't let Donald Trump break us, America.
In the end, as everyone knows, we failed to win a conviction. But when I left Capitol Hill after the trial, I did so infused with hope. Because for every one of those setbacks there was also progress.The Mueller report did establish crimes by Trump — at least five counts of obstruction of justice; Barr’s lies about that report were gradually exposed; we scored initial wins in both of our court cases (to obtain McGahn‘s testimony and Mueller’s underlying evidence withheld by Barr) and I am confident that the House will ultimately prevail, setting important precedents.
Most important of all, the daunting earlier work on impeachment paid off when the Ukraine revelations blew up in September. As I detail in my book, the impeachment infrastructure we had built was ready and the House was able to move quickly. House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler even prevailed in his insistence on including Trump's full pattern of abuse and obstruction as part of our two impeachment articles, broadening their scope to include the events in the Mueller report.
Trump's ultimate impeachment trial
Perhaps the moment that best captures why I emerged hopeful — and the meaning of impeaching with love — came when I entered the floor of the Senate at about 2 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2020 for the very last hours of the impeachment trial. I was there to listen to Romney’s emotional justification of his vote to place country above political party, and convict the president on the first article of impeachment.
Romney, the Republican Party’s 2012 presidential nominee, had wanted Trump’s job badly and had come close to getting it. On the Senate floor, he acknowledged that judging the president and leader of his own party was the most difficult decision he had ever faced. He went on to dissect the case, concluded that “the president is guilty of an appalling abuse of the public trust,” and ended on a note I trust will resound with all Americans who will soon decide on the fate of our country: “We’re all footnotes at best in the annals of history. But in the most powerful nation on earth, the nation conceived in liberty and justice, that distinction is enough for any citizen.”
I was witnessing the first American in the 231-year history of our constitutional republic who voted to convict a president of his own party in a Senate trial. Schiff thought Romney’s vote was one of the greatest acts of political courage in the last century.
We can't wait: As COVID cases top 3 million, it's past time to end the catastrophic Trump presidency
We were inspired as well by the bravery of our own Democratic senators. Jones was coming up for reelection in the heart of Trump country, making his vote perhaps even more difficult to cast than Romney’s. Manchin’s vote wavered so much that he brought two speeches: one to acquit and one to convict. In the end, he followed his conscience. And Sinema did the same in a statement that underscored her ultimate fealty to the Constitution and concluded: “It is our duty as Americans to … remember who we are — a diverse people united in our love of country, of freedom, and of liberty.”
There it was, the Lewis credo.
When Congressman Lewis made public his feelings about impeachment, he said on the House floor, “There comes a time when you have to be moved by the spirit of history to take action to protect and preserve the integrity of our nation.” On Nov. 3 (and the weeks of voting leading up to it), we as Americans will all be called upon to take that action — for the integrity of America, and to restore faith in ourselves. It is our duty to resuscitate our hope, actively, by casting our ballots to convict and remove Trump in his ultimate impeachment trial, this time with all of us as judge and jury. We must do so with love for all our nation has accomplished and for the bright future we will have — if we make the right choice.
Norman Eisen, who served as President Barack Obama's ethics czar and Ambassador to the Czech Republic, was special impeachment counsel to House Judiciary Committee Democrats from February 2019 to February 2020. Parts of this column are adapted from "A Case for the American People: The United States v. Donald J. Trump," which will be published Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @NormEisen


usatoday--2020-07-23--Marine assigned to Trump's helicopter unit tests positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON – A Marine assigned to the military unit that flies Marine One tested positive for coronavirus but did not have direct contact with President Donald Trump or his presidential helicopter , the Marine Corps said Thursday .
`` The Marine , who had been in Bedminster , New Jersey , prior to Trump ’ s travel there , did not have direct contact with Marine One , the president ’ s helicopter , '' the Marine Corps said in a statement .
`` The Marine is asymptomatic .
Contact tracing is being conducted with the White House , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infected Marine have been removed from the unit , '' the statement read .
The aircraft in the presidential unit are being sanitized and Trump 's weekend trip to his golf club in Bedminster on Friday is not expected to be affected .
A senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed `` the individual did not have contact with the president or any administration personnel . ''
The incident is the latest example of the coronavirus pandemic affecting White House operations as the administration grapples with a surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials reported Thursday that 4 million people in the U.S. had been infected with the virus , but federal data suggests the true rates of infection of COVID-19 could be more than 10 times higher than the number of cases reported across the country from late March to early May .
Meanwhile , almost 150,000 people in the U.S. have died from the coronavirus .
More : U.S. hits 4 million cases of COVID-19 : A look at the milestones and setbacks The White House is reportedly conducting contact tracing after an employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eatery at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building tested positive for the coronavirus this week , according to multiple media reports .
The eatery and cafeteria , where staffers frequently dine , have been closed out of precaution .
One of the president 's personal military valets and a senior member of Vice President Mike Pence 's staff , Katie Miller , who is married to the president 's senior aide Stephen Miller , both tested positive for COVID-19 in May .
More recently , Kimberly Guilfoyle , the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive just before the president 's Mount Rushmore speech over the July 4 holiday weekend .
The pair left the event and immediately went into quarantine .
The president and vice president are tested for the virus routinely , and people who come into contact with them are also screened for coronavirus .

Courtney Subramanian, Tom Vanden Brook and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Marine assigned to Trump's helicopter unit tests positive for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump announces surge of federal law enforcement to communities President Donald Trump announces a surge of federal law enforcement into communities "plagued by violent crime." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A Marine assigned to the military unit that flies Marine One tested positive for coronavirus but did not have direct contact with President Donald Trump or his presidential helicopter, the Marine Corps said Thursday.
"The Marine, who had been in Bedminster, New Jersey, prior to Trump’s travel there, did not have direct contact with Marine One, the president’s helicopter," the Marine Corps said in a statement.
"The Marine is asymptomatic. Contact tracing is being conducted with the White House, and Marines who may have had contact with the infected Marine have been removed from the unit," the statement read.
The aircraft in the presidential unit are being sanitized and Trump's weekend trip to his golf club in Bedminster on Friday is not expected to be affected.
A senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed "the individual did not have contact with the president or any administration personnel."
Trump defends his response to coronavirus in Fox News interview President Trump defended his response to coronavirus, including his claims that COVID-19 will "disappear." USA TODAY
The incident is the latest example of the coronavirus pandemic affecting White House operations as the administration grapples with a surge in cases across the country.
Public health officials reported Thursday that 4 million people in the U.S. had been infected with the virus, but federal data suggests the true rates of infection of COVID-19 could be more than 10 times higher than the number of cases reported across the country from late March to early May. Meanwhile, almost 150,000 people in the U.S. have died from the coronavirus.
More:U.S. hits 4 million cases of COVID-19: A look at the milestones and setbacks
The White House conducted contact tracing earlier this week after an employee for a cafeteria vendor at the two eateries inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building tested positive for the coronavirus.
The building, which is located just across from the West Wing, was forced to close the eateries frequented by many White House staff, according to Pamela Pennington, press secretary for U.S. General Services Administration
"It was a single person who tested positive. That person was in both cafeterias and therefore both cafes had to be closed," she said in a statement.
"All proper protocols were in place by the vendor including masks, gloves, plastic shielding at check out, and no dine-in service. The White House Medical Unit has done contact tracing and determined that the risk of retransmission is low."
One of the president's personal military valets and a senior member of Vice President Mike Pence's staff, Katie Miller, who is married to the president's senior aide Stephen Miller, both tested positive for COVID-19 in May.
More recently, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr. and a senior Trump campaign aide, tested positive just before the president's Mount Rushmore speech over the July 4 holiday weekend. The pair left the event and immediately went into quarantine.
The president and vice president are tested for the virus routinely, and people who come into contact with them are also screened for coronavirus.


usatoday--2020-07-24--Dr. Anthony Fauci throws first pitch at Nationals-Yankees MLB opener

WASHINGTON — In an appropriate intersection of the world we ’ ve lived in the past five months and the way we would like it to be , celebrated immunologist Anthony Fauci climbed to the mound at Nationals Park on Thursday night and lobbed the first pitch of the 2020 Major League Baseball season , a campaign delayed since March , when the novel coronavirus that Fauci is helping to fight shut down most of the globe .
Fauci , a member of the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , has been a comforting presence for a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 years .
Deaths caused by COVID-19 have now topped 144,000 in the USA and 626,000 worldwide .
The sport grinded to a halt on March 12 , shutting down spring training and pushing back the March 26 Opening Day to a date unknown .
TRUMP 'S PITCH : President to throw first pitch at Yankee Stadium Fauci , who has served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 , is a Nationals fan by proximity , even if his longtime allegiances run toward Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Yankees .
Fauci , 79 , grew up in post-war Brooklyn , idolizing Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle but eventually carving his own niche on the basketball court .
He captained Regis High School ’ s 1958 squad , but now runs point on infectious diseases .
He has used sports as a conduit to the general public in the time of COVID-19 , co-hosting an Instagram Live program with two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry and joining Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman on a handful of video chats .
Zimmerman was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of 14 players to opt out of this season for personal reasons .
Ideally , Fauci and his ilk will make it safer for him to return in 2020 .
Thursday , Fauci ’ s form left a bit to be desired .
Fauci ’ s pitch veered far to the right of Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle , his designated catcher , who cheerfully retrieved it and shook his hand .
No matter .
The man has far greater concerns than throwing strikes .

Dr. Anthony Fauci throws first pitch at Nationals-Yankees MLB opener
Show Caption Hide Caption October madness: How the 16-team MLB postseason will work What I'm Hearing: October baseball just went into overdrive . Bob Nightengale explains how the 16-team postseason will work for MLB. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — In an appropriate intersection of the world we’ve lived in the past five months and the way we would like it to be, celebrated immunologist Anthony Fauci climbed to the mound at Nationals Park on Thursday night and lobbed the first pitch of the 2020 Major League Baseball season, a campaign delayed since March, when the novel coronavirus that Fauci is helping to fight shut down most of the globe.
Fauci, a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, has been a comforting presence for a country suffering through its first pandemic in more than 100 years. Deaths caused by COVID-19 have now topped 144,000 in the USA and 626,000 worldwide.
The sport grinded to a halt on March 12, shutting down spring training and pushing back the March 26 Opening Day to a date unknown.
TRUMP'S PITCH: President to throw first pitch at Yankee Stadium
Fauci, who has served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, is a Nationals fan by proximity, even if his longtime allegiances run toward Washington’s opponent Thursday night, the New York Yankees.
Fauci, 79, grew up in post-war Brooklyn, idolizing Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle but eventually carving his own niche on the basketball court. He captained Regis High School’s 1958 squad, but now runs point on infectious diseases.
He has used sports as a conduit to the general public in the time of COVID-19, co-hosting an Instagram Live program with two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry and joining Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman on a handful of video chats.
Zimmerman was not at Nationals Park on Thursday, one of 14 players to opt out of this season for personal reasons. Ideally, Fauci and his ilk will make it safer for him to return in 2020.
Thursday, Fauci’s form left a bit to be desired. Fauci’s pitch veered far to the right of Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle, his designated catcher, who cheerfully retrieved it and shook his hand.
No matter. The man has far greater concerns than throwing strikes.


usatoday--2020-07-23--Facebook bumps up offer to $650 million to settle facial recognition class action

Facebook has agreed to pay $ 650 million – $ 100 million more than before – to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit over its use of facial recognition technology .
“ We are focused on settling as it is in the best interest of our community and our shareholders to move past this matter , ” Facebook said in a statement .
Three Illinois residents sued Facebook under a state law , the Biometric Information Privacy Act , which allows residents who have had their faces scanned for data without written consent to sue .
The lawsuit , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering facial data for a Facebook feature that suggests the name of people in users ’ photos and could have exposed Facebook to billions in damages .
The problem with AI ?
Study says it 's too white and male , calls for more women , minorities Facial recognition software is courting more controversy in the wake of nationwide protests over police brutality .
Amazon , Microsoft and IBM are suspending or limiting law enforcement ’ s access to the technology , which frequently misidentifies African Americans and other people of color .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 550 million in January , which would have resulted in payouts of between $ 150 to $ 300 a person , was hailed by the law firms representing Facebook users as the largest cash settlement ever to resolve a privacy-related lawsuit .
It was rejected by U.S. District Judge James Donato of California as too paltry .
`` It 's $ 550 million .
That 's a lot .
But the question is , is it really a lot ? ''
Donato asked lawyers for both sides in a court hearing last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPR .

Facebook bumps up offer to $650 million to settle facial recognition class action
Show Caption Hide Caption Facebook offers a $650 million payout to settle facial recognition lawsuit Facebook has been under fire both in the public and in court over the company’s use of facial recognition. And now, the social media giant has offered to pay $650 million to pay a class-action lawsuit. Buzz60
Facebook has agreed to pay $650 million – $100 million more than before – to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit over its use of facial recognition technology.
“We are focused on settling as it is in the best interest of our community and our shareholders to move past this matter,” Facebook said in a statement.
Three Illinois residents sued Facebook under a state law, the Biometric Information Privacy Act, which allows residents who have had their faces scanned for data without written consent to sue.
The lawsuit, which was certified as a class action, involved gathering facial data for a Facebook feature that suggests the name of people in users’ photos and could have exposed Facebook to billions in damages.
The problem with AI? Study says it's too white and male, calls for more women, minorities
Facebook reaches settlement: $550 million in facial recognition class action lawsuit
Facial recognition software is courting more controversy in the wake of nationwide protests over police brutality. Amazon, Microsoft and IBM are suspending or limiting law enforcement’s access to the technology, which frequently misidentifies African Americans and other people of color.
Facebook's original settlement offer of $550 million in January, which would have resulted in payouts of between $150 to $300 a person, was hailed by the law firms representing Facebook users as the largest cash settlement ever to resolve a privacy-related lawsuit.
It was rejected by U.S. District Judge James Donato of California as too paltry. "It's $550 million. That's a lot. But the question is, is it really a lot?" Donato asked lawyers for both sides in a court hearing last month, according to a transcript reviewed by NPR.


usatoday--2020-07-23--Washington's NFL team to be called 'Washington Football Team' in 2020 with new nickname and logo on

It appears Washington 's NFL team wo n't have a new name or logo anytime soon .
The franchise announced Thursday that it has decided call itself the `` Washington Football Team '' throughout the upcoming season as it continues to finalize a replacement name and logo for `` Redskins , '' which will be formally retired once the games begin .
The team will keep its burgundy and gold color scheme but play with new jerseys when the season kicks off Sept. 13 .
The Indian head logo on the helmets will be replaced with players ' jersey numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logo earlier this month amid continued pressure from key sponsors and activists , who had long criticized the name as racist .
The change also follows decades of simmering frustration from many Native Americans and activists , who have criticized the name as either insensitive or racist .
The team has not publicly revealed a timeline for its formal rebranding process or when a new name might be revealed .
What we know : Latest on possible replacement names for Washington 's NFL franchise Brennan : Allegations against Washington NFL team nothing new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CFL team drops 'Eskimos ' : Will determine new name in future '' The decision to use 'Washington Football Team ' for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player , alumni , fan , community , and sponsor input , '' the franchise announced in a statement .
`` To date , we have been pleased to see so many people putting forward their vision of what the new name and design should be on their social media channels and we look forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progresses . ''
`` Warriors , '' `` Red Tails '' and `` Red Wolves '' are among the possible replacement names that have been floated by fans .
The move to formally adopt an interim name and branding signals that the process of picking a new moniker will take longer than initially planned .
New head coach Ron Rivera had told The Washington Post that he hoped a new name would be announced before the start of training camp .
The process of rebranding an NFL team , however , is complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domain names and the production of new merchandise , among other issues .
While several of the team 's key players expressed support on social media for the team 's temporary look , others were perplexed .
`` Just waking back up from my pregame nap to see about The Washington Football team ?
?
? ''
NBA star LeBron James , a fan of the rival Dallas Cowboys , wrote on Twitter .
`` Is that real ?
?
No way !
Oh man they had a thorough intense long board meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Schad at tschad @ usatoday.com or on Twitter @ Tom_Schad

Washington's NFL team to be called 'Washington Football Team' in 2020 with new nickname and logo on hold
Show Caption Hide Caption After 87 years, Washington is changing the name of its NFL team Sports Pulse: Mackenzie Salmon reports on how Washington is finally changing their NFL team name after financial pressure from sponsors. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
It appears Washington's NFL team won't have a new name or logo anytime soon.
The franchise announced Thursday that it has decided call itself the "Washington Football Team" throughout the upcoming season as it continues to finalize a replacement name and logo for "Redskins," which will be formally retired once the games begin.
The team will keep its burgundy and gold color scheme but play with new jerseys when the season kicks off Sept. 13. The Indian head logo on the helmets will be replaced with players' jersey numbers.
Washington dropped its old name and logo earlier this month amid continued pressure from key sponsors and activists, who had long criticized the name as racist.
The change also follows decades of simmering frustration from many Native Americans and activists, who have criticized the name as either insensitive or racist.
The team has not publicly revealed a timeline for its formal rebranding process or when a new name might be revealed.
What we know: Latest on possible replacement names for Washington's NFL franchise
Brennan: Allegations against Washington NFL team nothing new – it happened to me, too
CFL team drops 'Eskimos': Will determine new name in future
"The decision to use 'Washington Football Team' for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player, alumni, fan, community, and sponsor input," the franchise announced in a statement.
"To date, we have been pleased to see so many people putting forward their vision of what the new name and design should be on their social media channels and we look forward to including their feedback as this process progresses."
"Warriors," "Red Tails" and "Red Wolves" are among the possible replacement names that have been floated by fans.
The move to formally adopt an interim name and branding signals that the process of picking a new moniker will take longer than initially planned.
New head coach Ron Rivera had told The Washington Post that he hoped a new name would be announced before the start of training camp. The process of rebranding an NFL team, however, is complex — involving the acquisition of trademarks and domain names and the production of new merchandise, among other issues.
While several of the team's key players expressed support on social media for the team's temporary look, others were perplexed.
"Just waking back up from my pregame nap to see about The Washington Football team???" NBA star LeBron James, a fan of the rival Dallas Cowboys, wrote on Twitter. "Is that real?? No way! Oh man they had a thorough intense long board meeting about that one huh."
Just waking back up from my pregame nap to see about The Washington Football team??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Is that real?? No way! Oh man they had a thorough intense long board meeting about that one huh. 🥴🤦🏾♂ — LeBron James (@KingJames) July 23, 2020
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad


usatoday--2020-07-23--Derek Chauvin, ex-Minneapolis officer charged with killing George Floyd, now facing tax evasion char

The former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd was hit with tax evasion charges Wednesday as prosecutors alleged Derek Chauvin and his wife did n't report their incomes from various jobs over several years .
Chauvin and his wife , Kellie May Chauvin , who filed for divorce after Floyd 's death , were each charged in Washington County with nine felony counts of filing false tax returns or failing to file tax returns .
Chauvin and his wife are accused of underreporting their joint income in state tax returns by $ 464,433 from 2014 through 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his work as an off-duty security guard that was not reported .
`` When you fail to fulfill the basic obligation to file and pay taxes , you are taking money from the pockets of citizens of Minnesota .
Our office has and will continue to file these charges when presented .
Whether you are a prosecutor or police officer , or you are doctor or a realtor , no one is above the law , '' Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said in a statement .
Chauvin is one of four former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later charged in connection to the death of Floyd .
Floyd , a Black man , was held to the ground as Chauvin , who is white , pressed his knee into Floyd 's neck for more than eight minutes .
Floyd repeatedly told the officers he could not breathe .
Autopsy reports ruled his death a homicide , and Chauvin faces second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter charges .
The investigation into Chauvin and his wife 's taxes began in June after the Minnesota Department of Revenue received information about suspicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chauvins did not report all of their income when filing their state taxes in 2014 and 2015 .
From 2016 through 2018 , they did not file state taxes .
The Chauvins this year did file tax returns for 2016 through 2019 , but they underreported their income in those years , too , the complaint says .
The Chauvins owe $ 37,868 to the state .
Chauvin worked off-duty security at a variety of locations in addition to his work as a Minneapolis police officer .
He was required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while off-duty .
The criminal complaint says Chauvin worked almost every weekend at El Nuevo Rodeo restaurant from from January 2014 through December 2019 .
He earned roughly $ 220 a night , and a total of $ 95,920 was allegedly not reported on state taxes .
His wife , a real estate agent and photographer , is accused of not reporting $ 66,472.75 from 340 checks received at her photography business in 2014 and 2015 .
The Chauvins also allegedly did not pay proper taxes on the sale of a rental home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 100,000 BMW in 2018 , prosecutors said .
The Associated Press reported that Chauvin 's attorney in the murder case declined to comment while his wife 's attorney in the divorce did not respond to a request for comment .
Neither had attorney listed in the tax case .

Derek Chauvin, ex-Minneapolis officer charged with killing George Floyd, now facing tax evasion charges
Show Caption Hide Caption George Floyd's family sues Minneapolis for 'wrongful death' Floyd family attorney Benjamin Crump announces the wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and its police department. USA TODAY
The former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd was hit with tax evasion charges Wednesday as prosecutors alleged Derek Chauvin and his wife didn't report their incomes from various jobs over several years.
Chauvin and his wife, Kellie May Chauvin, who filed for divorce after Floyd's death, were each charged in Washington County with nine felony counts of filing false tax returns or failing to file tax returns.
Chauvin and his wife are accused of underreporting their joint income in state tax returns by $464,433 from 2014 through 2019. Chauvin earned more than $95,000 for his work as an off-duty security guard that was not reported.
"When you fail to fulfill the basic obligation to file and pay taxes, you are taking money from the pockets of citizens of Minnesota. Our office has and will continue to file these charges when presented. Whether you are a prosecutor or police officer, or you are doctor or a realtor, no one is above the law," Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said in a statement.
Chauvin is one of four former Minneapolis police officers who were fired and later charged in connection to the death of Floyd. Floyd, a Black man, was held to the ground as Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes. Floyd repeatedly told the officers he could not breathe. Autopsy reports ruled his death a homicide, and Chauvin faces second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
The investigation into Chauvin and his wife's taxes began in June after the Minnesota Department of Revenue received information about suspicious filings.
According to a criminal complaint, the Chauvins did not report all of their income when filing their state taxes in 2014 and 2015. From 2016 through 2018, they did not file state taxes. The Chauvins this year did file tax returns for 2016 through 2019, but they underreported their income in those years, too, the complaint says. The Chauvins owe $37,868 to the state.
Chauvin worked off-duty security at a variety of locations in addition to his work as a Minneapolis police officer. He was required to pay taxes on the income he earned while off-duty.
The criminal complaint says Chauvin worked almost every weekend at El Nuevo Rodeo restaurant from from January 2014 through December 2019. He earned roughly $220 a night, and a total of $95,920 was allegedly not reported on state taxes.
His wife, a real estate agent and photographer, is accused of not reporting $66,472.75 from 340 checks received at her photography business in 2014 and 2015.
The Chauvins also allegedly did not pay proper taxes on the sale of a rental home in 2017 and the purchase of a $100,000 BMW in 2018, prosecutors said.
The Associated Press reported that Chauvin's attorney in the murder case declined to comment while his wife's attorney in the divorce did not respond to a request for comment. Neither had attorney listed in the tax case.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller


usatoday--2020-07-23--'A handshake is a handshake': Friends split $22M Powerball jackpot, honoring years-old agreement

When Tom Cook and Joe Feeney agreed to split their future lottery winnings years ago , the friends did n't think their handshake would mark a multimillion-dollar agreement .
But last month , Cook checked the numbers for his June 10 Powerball ticket and discovered he had won $ 22 million .
He did n't hesitate .
`` A handshake is a handshake , man , '' Cook said of the arrangement in an interview with the Wisconsin Lottery .
The Lottery confirmed Thursday that Cook and Feeney are splitting the prize .
Their pact is so old that Feeney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He guessed it dated back about 20 years .
In a release , the Lottery traced the deal to 1992 , when the lottery game was first offered in Wisconsin .
`` We said whenever the big winner comes , we 're going to split it , so we buy every week ... not really thinking it would happen , '' Feeney said .
The win came against steep odds : Currently , the chance of hitting the Powerball 's grand prize is 1 in 292,201,338 .
The pair laughed when Feeney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you jerking my bobber ? ''
the avid fisherman said to Cook .
Cook and Feeney are taking a cash payout of $ 16.7 million , and each will get about $ 5.7 million after taxes , the Wisconsin Lottery says .
The two did n't report any particularly extravagant plans for spending the money to the Wisconsin Lottery .
Cook quit his job and is planning to spend more time with family and travel stress-free .
He 's still playing the Powerball , he said .

'A handshake is a handshake': Friends split $22M Powerball jackpot, honoring years-old agreement
When Tom Cook and Joe Feeney agreed to split their future lottery winnings years ago, the friends didn't think their handshake would mark a multimillion-dollar agreement.
But last month, Cook checked the numbers for his June 10 Powerball ticket and discovered he had won $22 million. He didn't hesitate.
"A handshake is a handshake, man," Cook said of the arrangement in an interview with the Wisconsin Lottery. The Lottery confirmed Thursday that Cook and Feeney are splitting the prize.
Their pact is so old that Feeney couldn't remember exactly when it started. He guessed it dated back about 20 years. In a release, the Lottery traced the deal to 1992, when the lottery game was first offered in Wisconsin.
"We said whenever the big winner comes, we're going to split it, so we buy every week ... not really thinking it would happen," Feeney said.
The win came against steep odds: Currently, the chance of hitting the Powerball's grand prize is 1 in 292,201,338.
The pair laughed when Feeney recalled learning the news: "Are you jerking my bobber?" the avid fisherman said to Cook.
Cook and Feeney are taking a cash payout of $16.7 million, and each will get about $5.7 million after taxes, the Wisconsin Lottery says.
The two didn't report any particularly extravagant plans for spending the money to the Wisconsin Lottery. Cook quit his job and is planning to spend more time with family and travel stress-free. He's still playing the Powerball, he said.


usatoday--2020-07-23--Severe storms brought lightning strikes near the Statue of Liberty

Massive lightning strike occurs near Statue of Liberty
As severe storms swept over NYC, lightning lit up the sky and appeared to nearly strike the Statue of Liberty. Nyclarity/Michael Calabrese via storyful.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-07-23--Soldier sneaks up on football player son

During his homecoming football game at The Citadel , Tereis Drayton 's dad , Staff Sgt .
Demond Drayton , @ @ @ @ @ a homecoming surprise .

Soldier sneaks up on football player son
During his homecoming football game at The Citadel, Tereis Drayton's dad, Staff Sgt. Demond Drayton, sneaked up behind him for a homecoming surprise.
Militarykind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-23--DC inspection finds Trump Hotel in compliance with coronavirus rules

An Investigator for the city of Washington inspected the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday and found it in compliance with the district 's coronavirus regulations days after President Donald Trump was seen in the lobby without a mask .
, in an apparent violation of Mayor Muriel Bowser 's order mandating them .
`` During the inspection , guests and staff were observed to be wearing face masks and coverings in compliance with the Mayor ’ s Order , '' Jared Powell , a spokesman for the city 's Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration .
Two days before the inspection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hotel .
Video shared on social media showed the president and several top Republicans –including White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina – gathered in the lobby without masks .
There they greeted Madison Cawthorn , who recently won a primary upset in North Carolina in the race to fill the House seat left vacant by Meadows .
Cawthorn was also without a mask in the video .
Some of those clustered around Cawthorn were wearing masks , while others were not .
Former New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wearing a mask , shook Cawthorn 's hand in greeting .
`` You can touch me , '' Giuliani said , extending his hand .
He continued to speak but the rest of what he said was indiscernible over the other voices .
Hours before the event , Trump tweeted a photo of himself wearing a mask .
`` We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus , and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can ’ t socially distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , your favorite President ! ''
he wrote .
ABC News reported that guests not wearing masks was a regular occurrence at the Trump International Hotel .
One example cited was an invitation posted on Facebook for a `` NO MASKS ALLOWED '' birthday party .
Bowser 's order requires all businesses permitted to open to require their employees , customers , visitors and guests to wear masks .
People without masks are supposed to be denied entry .
On Wednesday , she expanded the mandate to require outdoor use when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
Though Trump and others were clearly seen without masks Powell told USA TODAY that ABRA only issues reports `` when violations are observed in person by an investigator . ''
`` ABRA will continue to monitor the establishment for compliance , '' Powell said .
ABRA inspected the hotel for possible Phase Two violations , which carry fines of up to $ 2,000 .
Repeat offenders are sent before the Alchohol Beverage Control Board for review .
Patricia Tang , sales and marketing director for the Trump International Hotel , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inspection .
`` We were inspected just like every other establishment in the city .
And we comply with all laws and regulations , as the report indicated , '' said Tang .
Tang referred USA TODAY to the city of Washington when asked if Trump 's maskless appearance might have prompted the inspection , adding the property is not treated differently than any other hotel in the city .
Eric Trump , executive vice president of the Trump organization and the president 's second son , said in response to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Very proud of our amazing team – you are constantly harassed but you ALWAYS win and come out on top !
Great job ! ''
A spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee told The Washington Post , which first reported the story , that people attending the fundraiser had to be tested for COVID-19 the same day , have their temperature taken and answer a wellness questionnaire .
The president rarely wears a mask in public , explaining he is tested constantly for the disease .
But he recently donned one during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has started to more ardently endorse their use .
`` We 're asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance , wear a mask , get a mask , '' Trump said Tuesday .
`` Whether you like the mask or not , they have an impact , they 'll have an effect .
We need everything we can get . ''
During an appearance on Fox News Wednesday , `` America ’ s Newsroom '' host Martha MacCallum asked White House counselor Kellyanne Conway why Trump did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` when it might have made even more of a difference . ''
`` We have these studies now that prove what we suspected : which is that masks help prevent you from spreading it , '' Conway said .
But while medical experts were not initially united in calling for the use of masks , by April 3 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its guidance to recommend their use .

DC inspection finds Trump Hotel in compliance with coronavirus rules
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump urges mask wearing: 'If you can, use the mask' President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has "no problem" wearing a mask and urged Americans to wear theirs, too. The comments are a major change in tone for the president, who spent months resisting wearing a mask in public. (July 21) AP
An Investigator for the city of Washington inspected the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday and found it in compliance with the district's coronavirus regulations days after President Donald Trump was seen in the lobby without a mask. , in an apparent violation of Mayor Muriel Bowser's order mandating them.
"During the inspection, guests and staff were observed to be wearing face masks and coverings in compliance with the Mayor’s Order," Jared Powell, a spokesman for the city's Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.
Two days before the inspection, Trump attended a Republican Party fundraiser at the hotel. Video shared on social media showed the president and several top Republicans –including White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina – gathered in the lobby without masks.
There they greeted Madison Cawthorn, who recently won a primary upset in North Carolina in the race to fill the House seat left vacant by Meadows. Cawthorn was also without a mask in the video.
Some of those clustered around Cawthorn were wearing masks, while others were not. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was wearing a mask, shook Cawthorn's hand in greeting.
"You can touch me," Giuliani said, extending his hand. He continued to speak but the rest of what he said was indiscernible over the other voices.
Hours before the event, Trump tweeted a photo of himself wearing a mask.
"We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!" he wrote.
We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2020
ABC News reported that guests not wearing masks was a regular occurrence at the Trump International Hotel. One example cited was an invitation posted on Facebook for a "NO MASKS ALLOWED" birthday party.
Bowser's order requires all businesses permitted to open to require their employees, customers, visitors and guests to wear masks. People without masks are supposed to be denied entry. On Wednesday, she expanded the mandate to require outdoor use when people are likely to come in contact with others.
Though Trump and others were clearly seen without masks Powell told USA TODAY that ABRA only issues reports "when violations are observed in person by an investigator."
"ABRA will continue to monitor the establishment for compliance," Powell said.
ABRA inspected the hotel for possible Phase Two violations, which carry fines of up to $2,000. Repeat offenders are sent before the Alchohol Beverage Control Board for review.
Patricia Tang, sales and marketing director for the Trump International Hotel, told USA TODAY there was nothing unusual about the inspection.
"We were inspected just like every other establishment in the city. And we comply with all laws and regulations, as the report indicated," said Tang.
Tang referred USA TODAY to the city of Washington when asked if Trump's maskless appearance might have prompted the inspection, adding the property is not treated differently than any other hotel in the city.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump organization and the president's second son, said in response to a CNN report on the inspection, "Very proud of our amazing team – you are constantly harassed but you ALWAYS win and come out on top! Great job!"
Must have been a difficult article for @CNN to write. Very proud of our amazing team - you are constantly harassed but you ALWAYS win and come out on top! Great job! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
DC investigator finds NO Covid-related violations at Trump International Hotel - CNN https://t.co/ATb4gRwdEG — Eric Trump (@EricTrump) July 23, 2020
A spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee told The Washington Post, which first reported the story, that people attending the fundraiser had to be tested for COVID-19 the same day, have their temperature taken and answer a wellness questionnaire.
The president rarely wears a mask in public, explaining he is tested constantly for the disease. But he recently donned one during a visit to the Walter Reed Medical Center and has started to more ardently endorse their use.
"We're asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask, get a mask," Trump said Tuesday. "Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact, they'll have an effect. We need everything we can get."
During an appearance on Fox News Wednesday, "America’s Newsroom" host Martha MacCallum asked White House counselor Kellyanne Conway why Trump did not advocate their use two months ago, "when it might have made even more of a difference."
"We have these studies now that prove what we suspected: which is that masks help prevent you from spreading it," Conway said. But while medical experts were not initially united in calling for the use of masks, by April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its guidance to recommend their use.


usatoday--2020-07-23--Is it legal for Department of Homeland Security to send federal agents to cities?

The law that allows DHS to send federal agents to cities like Portland The Trump administration sends federal agents in @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Homeland Security .
Here is breakdown on the law .

The law that allows DHS to send federal agents to cities like Portland
The Trump administration sends federal agents in cities like Portland by citing the Department of Homeland Security. Here is breakdown on the law.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-23--Senate defies Trump by overwhelmingly backing removal of Confederate names from military bases

WASHINGTON – The Senate overwhelmingly passed a massive defense bill Thursday that includes the removal of Confederate names from military bases , defying President Donald Trump , who opposes renaming the bases .
The bill passed by a lopsided count of 86 to 14 , well above the number that would be needed to override a presidential veto .
The bill , which authorizes $ 736.9 billion in military spending , includes a provision to form a commission that would devise a plan for renaming the bases over the next three years .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , calling it the `` product of exhaustive , bipartisan effort . ''
Senate Armed Services Committee Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. , said in a statement the bill `` sends a message of support to our troops by providing them with a pay raise , giving them the necessary equipment and resources , and caring for their families . ''
The bill , among other provisions , authorizes a 3 % pay increase for military service members and purchases of new military equipment .
It would also implement cybersecurity recommendations for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the bill by a veto-proof majority earlier this week , and the two chambers will next work together to reconcile differences and draft a final version of the text .
The White House threatened to veto the House 's version of the bill , pointing to `` several provisions that present serious concern , '' including the renaming of bases .
The Trump administration called the provision `` part of a sustained effort to erase from the history of the Nation those who do not meet an ever-shifting standard of conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban Confederate flags from military bases last week , and top military leaders have signaled their willingness to rename the bases .

Senate defies Trump by overwhelmingly backing removal of Confederate names from military bases
Show Caption Hide Caption House lawmakers pay tribute to Rep. John Lewis House lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle remembered Rep. John Lewis, who died last Friday, as the "conscience of the Congress." (July 22) AP
WASHINGTON – The Senate overwhelmingly passed a massive defense bill Thursday that includes the removal of Confederate names from military bases, defying President Donald Trump, who opposes renaming the bases.
The bill passed by a lopsided count of 86 to 14, well above the number that would be needed to override a presidential veto.
The bill, which authorizes $736.9 billion in military spending, includes a provision to form a commission that would devise a plan for renaming the bases over the next three years.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the bill on the Senate floor earlier this week, calling it the "product of exhaustive, bipartisan effort."
Senate Armed Services Committee Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said in a statement the bill "sends a message of support to our troops by providing them with a pay raise, giving them the necessary equipment and resources, and caring for their families."
The bill, among other provisions, authorizes a 3% pay increase for military service members and purchases of new military equipment. It would also implement cybersecurity recommendations for the Pentagon.
The House passed its own version of the bill by a veto-proof majority earlier this week, and the two chambers will next work together to reconcile differences and draft a final version of the text.
The White House threatened to veto the House's version of the bill, pointing to "several provisions that present serious concern," including the renaming of bases.
The Trump administration called the provision "part of a sustained effort to erase from the history of the Nation those who do not meet an ever-shifting standard of conduct."
The Pentagon moved to effectively ban Confederate flags from military bases last week, and top military leaders have signaled their willingness to rename the bases.
More: Defense Secretary Mark Esper bans Confederate flags from military bases, rejects 'divisive symbols'


usatoday--2020-07-23--Federal prison in Lompoc failed to isolate symptomatic prisoner, allowed staff to work despite COVID

Corrections & Clarifications : The article has been updated to say the correct number of prisoners at the Lompoc prison compound , as well as the number of inmates who have tested positive and died from COVID-19 .
WASHINGTON – Prison officials in the Lompoc , California , compound failed to isolate and test at least one symptomatic prisoner and allowed staffers to show up for work despite having symptoms , contributing to a surge in coronavirus cases in one of the hardest-hit facilities in the federal prison system .
A report released Thursday by Justice Department Inspector General Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease prison population through home confinement , despite an order by Attorney General William Barr to expedite the release of vulnerable prisoners at heavily affected facilities .
Only eight prisoners have been moved to home confinement at the time of the investigation in April and May , according to the report .
The Lompoc compound has 2,700 prisoners .
The Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that it already made efforts to remedy the problems even before the inspector general 's investigation .
`` These findings must be placed in context @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BOP , along with the rest of the country , was learning about how to treat and manage this novel virus , '' the statement said .
During virtual inspections conducted in April and May , the inspector general 's office found that two symptomatic staff members came to work despite having COVID-19 symptoms .
One staff member was experiencing symptoms that were not included in the prison 's screening guidelines and were not detected , the investigation found .
The other , who continued working for seven days after he first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
`` In addition , numerous Lompoc staff ... raised concerns about the effectiveness of staff screenings , '' the report says .
`` Several Lompoc staff reported that nonmedical staff was conducting at least some of the screenings and that the institution was not always examining for COVID-19 symptoms other than fever . ''
Further , the report found that Lompoc officials did not test and isolate a prisoner who informed them in March that he was experiencing several symptoms , including nausea , vomiting and coughing .
By the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that month , he had been allowed to stay in the general population for several days , the report says .
More : Michael Cohen was sent back to prison as a retaliatory act over tell-all book about Trump , federal judge rules Prison officials said the two staff members were not showing symptoms when they were screened for COVID-19 , and the prisoner was experiencing gall bladder issues .
Testing for prisoners and staff was also limited even as the outbreak began in March .
Lompoc officials later began testing all prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where 77 % of inmates tested positive .
Overall , more than 900 Lompoc prisoners have tested positive as of May .
To date , four prisoners have died .
By early May , only 53 out of 416 staffers had been tested , and about 60 % of those employees had tested positive , according to the report .
In late March , Barr authorized the Bureau of Prisons to reduce the federal prison population by moving vulnerable prisoners to home confinement .
Barr followed up with another order in April directing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home confinement transfers .
But the investigation found that prison officials ' use of this option was `` extremely limited . ''
The inspector general 's office estimated that more than 900 prisoners were potentially eligible for home confinement under prison guidelines .
A separate assessment by the Bureau of Prisons ' central office listed a little over 500 prisoners for home confinement consideration .
But officials have released only a small handful of prisoners to home confinement .
The report also found that long-standing staffing shortages were `` among the biggest challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Staffers were burdened with screening prisoners and other employees for COVID-19 symptoms while also providing routine medical care .
The absence of permanent leadership , shortage of protective personal equipment and hygiene supplies and lack of space to quarantine symptomatic prisoners contributed to the facility 's inability to contain the virus , the investigation found .
Prison officials denied having such shortages , saying medical personnel had N-95 masks , and prisoners and other staffers were each given two surgical masks .
They also said they added about 700 more beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Justice Department is conducting separate inquiries into the conditions at coronavirus-plagued prisons .
A group of senior advisers conducted in-person inspections at the hardest hit prisons in Louisiana , Ohio and North Carolina .
A virtual inspection was scheduled at the Lompoc facility .
Systemwide , about 4,300 Bureau of Prisons inmates and nearly 400 staffers have tested positive for coronavirus as of Wednesday .
Ninety-nine prisoners have died .

Federal prison in Lompoc failed to isolate symptomatic prisoner, allowed staff to work despite COVID-19 symptoms
Show Caption Hide Caption William Barr speeds release of vulnerable inmates as coronavirus surges Attorney General William Barr has ordered the release of vulnerable inmates from three federal prisons. Buzz60
Corrections & Clarifications: The article has been updated to say the correct number of prisoners at the Lompoc prison compound, as well as the number of inmates who have tested positive and died from COVID-19.
WASHINGTON – Prison officials in the Lompoc, California, compound failed to isolate and test at least one symptomatic prisoner and allowed staffers to show up for work despite having symptoms, contributing to a surge in coronavirus cases in one of the hardest-hit facilities in the federal prison system.
A report released Thursday by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz also found that officials there failed to ease prison population through home confinement, despite an order by Attorney General William Barr to expedite the release of vulnerable prisoners at heavily affected facilities.
Only eight prisoners have been moved to home confinement at the time of the investigation in April and May, according to the report. The Lompoc compound has 2,700 prisoners.
The Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that it already made efforts to remedy the problems even before the inspector general's investigation.
"These findings must be placed in context, as these were unique circumstances where the BOP, along with the rest of the country, was learning about how to treat and manage this novel virus," the statement said.
During virtual inspections conducted in April and May, the inspector general's office found that two symptomatic staff members came to work despite having COVID-19 symptoms. One staff member was experiencing symptoms that were not included in the prison's screening guidelines and were not detected, the investigation found. The other, who continued working for seven days after he first experienced symptoms, simply did not report them.
"In addition, numerous Lompoc staff ... raised concerns about the effectiveness of staff screenings," the report says. "Several Lompoc staff reported that nonmedical staff was conducting at least some of the screenings and that the institution was not always examining for COVID-19 symptoms other than fever."
Further, the report found that Lompoc officials did not test and isolate a prisoner who informed them in March that he was experiencing several symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and coughing. By the time the prisoner tested positive for COVID-19 later that month, he had been allowed to stay in the general population for several days, the report says.
More: Michael Cohen was sent back to prison as a retaliatory act over tell-all book about Trump, federal judge rules
Prison officials said the two staff members were not showing symptoms when they were screened for COVID-19, and the prisoner was experiencing gall bladder issues.
Testing for prisoners and staff was also limited even as the outbreak began in March. Lompoc officials later began testing all prisoners at one facility in the compound, where 77% of inmates tested positive.
Overall, more than 900 Lompoc prisoners have tested positive as of May. To date, four prisoners have died.
By early May, only 53 out of 416 staffers had been tested, and about 60% of those employees had tested positive, according to the report.
In late March, Barr authorized the Bureau of Prisons to reduce the federal prison population by moving vulnerable prisoners to home confinement. Barr followed up with another order in April directing prison officials to "immediately maximize" home confinement transfers.
But the investigation found that prison officials' use of this option was "extremely limited." The inspector general's office estimated that more than 900 prisoners were potentially eligible for home confinement under prison guidelines. A separate assessment by the Bureau of Prisons' central office listed a little over 500 prisoners for home confinement consideration.
But officials have released only a small handful of prisoners to home confinement.
The report also found that long-standing staffing shortages were "among the biggest challenges" in limiting the spread of the virus. Staffers were burdened with screening prisoners and other employees for COVID-19 symptoms while also providing routine medical care.
The absence of permanent leadership, shortage of protective personal equipment and hygiene supplies and lack of space to quarantine symptomatic prisoners contributed to the facility's inability to contain the virus, the investigation found.
Prison officials denied having such shortages, saying medical personnel had N-95 masks, and prisoners and other staffers were each given two surgical masks. They also said they added about 700 more beds to allow inmates to socially distance.
The Justice Department is conducting separate inquiries into the conditions at coronavirus-plagued prisons. A group of senior advisers conducted in-person inspections at the hardest hit prisons in Louisiana, Ohio and North Carolina. A virtual inspection was scheduled at the Lompoc facility.
Systemwide, about 4,300 Bureau of Prisons inmates and nearly 400 staffers have tested positive for coronavirus as of Wednesday. Ninety-nine prisoners have died.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-07-23--'Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.': Trump says 'difficult' cognitive test was 'easy for me'

President Donald Trump again boasted about his performance on a cognitive test and disputed critics who said passing the test was not a great accomplishment because the questions are designed to help identify signs of dementia or cognitive impairment .
`` The first questions are very easy , '' Trump conceded in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday .
But , he said , `` The last questions are much more difficult .
Like a memory question .
It 's like , you 'll go , 'Person , woman , man , camera , TV . '
So they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' '' `` And you go , 'Person , woman , man , camera TV . '
They say , 'That 's amazing .
How did you do that ? '
'' Trump and his campaign have said the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , 77 , is showing signs of cognitive decline .
The president , 74 , has said Biden could not pass the same cognitive test he passed in 2018 amid rampant speculation that he was himself mentally unfit to lead the country .
Election 2020 : President Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfitbecomes a gamble '' He can not pass the test I 'aced , ' '' Trump tweeted on July 2 .
`` He should give it a try !
!
! ''
`` He should take the same exact test , a very standard test , '' Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity on July 9 .
`` I took it at Walter Reed Medical Center in front of doctors and they were very surprised .
They said , 'That ’ s an unbelievable thing .
Rarely does anyone do what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that the test Trump took , the Montreal Cognitive Assessment , consists of one page and features very basic questions .
A version available online includes exercises like drawing a clock and identifying the letter `` A . ''
`` Fox News Sunday '' host Chris Wallace told Trump he took the test himself and chuckled as he recounted the questions .
`` It 's not that hardest test , '' Wallace said .
`` There 's a picture and it says , 'What 's that ? '
and it 's an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` all misrepresentation . ''
'The test I aced ' : What we know about the president 's cognitive test '' Yes , the first few questions are easy , '' Trump said .
`` But I 'll bet you could n't even answer the last five questions .
I 'll bet you could n't .
They get very hard , the last five questions . ''
`` Well , one of them was count back from 100 by seven , '' Wallace replied .
On Wednesday , Trump told Dr. Marc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that Wallace was a `` tough cookie . ''
Siegel asked Trump what voters should know about Biden 's health .
Trump said a president needs `` stamina '' and `` mental health '' because `` you have so much fake news . ''
`` First , they 'd say , he wants to take over the world .
He 's going to take over the world .
He 's a dictator .
The next day , they 'll say , he is crazy .
The next day , they 'll say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The next day , they 'll say something , '' he said . '
I do n't think I 'm fake news ' : Highlights from Chris Wallace 's contentious interview with Trump He explained he asked former White House physician Ronny Jackson to give him the MoCA test in 2018 because he wanted to `` shut these people up . ''
Jackson said Trump got a perfect score .
Trump spoke at length on the `` memory '' and `` delayed recall '' portion of the test , which he considered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five names , and you have to repeat them , and that 's OK , '' he said .
`` But then when you go back about 20 to 25 minutes later , and they say go back to that question , then I 'll tell you this – go back to that question and repeat them . ''
`` Can you do it ? ''
he challenged Siegel .
In , the version of the test available online , the subject is asked to repeat a list of five words .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the words again and asked to repeat them a second time .
The person administering the test then advises the subject they will be asked to recall the words again at the end of the test .
Though Trump said he had to go back and answer the questions `` 20 to 25 minutes later , '' the test time is listed as taking `` approximately 10 minutes . ''
While he claims `` you get extra points '' if you repeated the words in order , the test instructions include a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject , `` It doesn ’ t matter in what order you say them . ''
Trump said he was able to pass the test `` because I have , like , a good memory , because I 'm cognitively there . ''
`` Now , Joe should take that test because something is going on .
And I say this with respect .
I mean , it 's going to probably happen to all of us , right ?
You know , it 's going to happen , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance of it happening when you 're dealing with Russia . ''
Several recent polls have shown that Trump 's attempts to paint Biden as unfit have not been very successful with voters .
A Fox News poll published Sunday found 39 % thought Biden lacked the `` mental soundness to serve effectively as president , '' compared to a 51 % majority who said the same of Trump .
Trump was widely mocked on social media for his repetition of the `` person , woman , man , camera , TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 'Person , Woman , Man , Camera , TV ' was the title of my third album .
It had a Talking Heads vibe , '' tweeted David Corn of Mother Jones .
`` I believe in free health care for every person , woman , man , camera , TV , '' said actor Will Arnett .
`` Barack Obama had to be a double Ivy League graduate , President of the Harvard Law Review , a constitutional law professor , a bestselling author , and a United States Senator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ order , '' tweeted CNN contributor Keith Boykin .

'Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.': Trump says 'difficult' cognitive test was 'easy for me'
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump announces surge of federal law enforcement to communities President Donald Trump announces a surge of federal law enforcement into communities "plagued by violent crime." USA TODAY
President Donald Trump again boasted about his performance on a cognitive test and disputed critics who said passing the test was not a great accomplishment because the questions are designed to help identify signs of dementia or cognitive impairment.
"The first questions are very easy," Trump conceded in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. But, he said, "The last questions are much more difficult. Like a memory question. It's like, you'll go, 'Person, woman, man, camera, TV.' So they say, 'Could you repeat that?'"
"And you go, 'Person, woman, man, camera TV.' They say, 'That's amazing. How did you do that?'"
Trump and his campaign have said the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, 77, is showing signs of cognitive decline. The president, 74, has said Biden could not pass the same cognitive test he passed in 2018 amid rampant speculation that he was himself mentally unfit to lead the country.
Election 2020: President Trump's campaign to paint Joe Biden as mentally unfit becomes a gamble
FDR: “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”
Kennedy: “ask not what your country can do for you”
Trump: “person, woman, man, camera, TV” pic.twitter.com/Zlg6SC9ulr — Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) July 23, 2020
"He cannot pass the test I 'aced,'" Trump tweeted on July 2. "He should give it a try!!!"
"He should take the same exact test, a very standard test," Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity on July 9. "I took it at Walter Reed Medical Center in front of doctors and they were very surprised. They said, 'That’s an unbelievable thing. Rarely does anyone do what you just did.'"
Critics pointed out that the test Trump took, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, consists of one page and features very basic questions. A version available online includes exercises like drawing a clock and identifying the letter "A."
"Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace told Trump he took the test himself and chuckled as he recounted the questions.
"It's not that hardest test," Wallace said. "There's a picture and it says, 'What's that?' and it's an elephant."
Trump told Wallace that was "all misrepresentation."
'The test I aced': What we know about the president's cognitive test
"Yes, the first few questions are easy," Trump said. "But I'll bet you couldn't even answer the last five questions. I'll bet you couldn't. They get very hard, the last five questions."
"Well, one of them was count back from 100 by seven," Wallace replied.
On Wednesday, Trump told Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News medical contributor, that Wallace was a "tough cookie."
Siegel asked Trump what voters should know about Biden's health.
Trump said a president needs "stamina" and "mental health" because "you have so much fake news."
"First, they'd say, he wants to take over the world. He's going to take over the world. He's a dictator. The next day, they'll say, he is crazy. The next day, they'll say, oh, he is incompetent. The next day, they'll say something," he said.
'I don't think I'm fake news': Highlights from Chris Wallace's contentious interview with Trump
He explained he asked former White House physician Ronny Jackson to give him the MoCA test in 2018 because he wanted to "shut these people up." Jackson said Trump got a perfect score.
Trump spoke at length on the "memory" and "delayed recall" portion of the test, which he considered the challenging part.
"They give you five names, and you have to repeat them, and that's OK," he said. "But then when you go back about 20 to 25 minutes later, and they say go back to that question, then I'll tell you this – go back to that question and repeat them."
"Can you do it?" he challenged Siegel.
In, the version of the test available online, the subject is asked to repeat a list of five words. When that is done, the subject is given the words again and asked to repeat them a second time. The person administering the test then advises the subject they will be asked to recall the words again at the end of the test.
Though Trump said he had to go back and answer the questions "20 to 25 minutes later," the test time is listed as taking "approximately 10 minutes." While he claims "you get extra points" if you repeated the words in order, the test instructions include a script to be read, which tells the subject, "It doesn’t matter in what order you say them."
Trump said he was able to pass the test "because I have, like, a good memory, because I'm cognitively there."
"Now, Joe should take that test because something is going on. And I say this with respect. I mean, it's going to probably happen to all of us, right? You know, it's going to happen," he said. "But we can't take a chance of it happening when you're dealing with Russia."
Several recent polls have shown that Trump's attempts to paint Biden as unfit have not been very successful with voters. A Fox News poll published Sunday found 39% thought Biden lacked the "mental soundness to serve effectively as president," compared to a 51% majority who said the same of Trump.
Trump was widely mocked on social media for his repetition of the "person, woman, man, camera, TV" mantra in Wednesday's interview.
"'Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV' was the title of my third album. It had a Talking Heads vibe," tweeted David Corn of Mother Jones.
"I believe in free health care for every person, woman, man, camera, TV," said actor Will Arnett.
"Barack Obama had to be a double Ivy League graduate, President of the Harvard Law Review, a constitutional law professor, a bestselling author, and a United States Senator. Trump had to remember five words in order," tweeted CNN contributor Keith Boykin.
It’s an hour later and I’d just like to say this: person woman man camera tv
Am I President yet? — Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) July 23, 2020


usatoday--2020-07-23--Biden says 'racists' have sought the U.S. presidency before but Trump is first one elected

Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that racists have run for president in the past , but that President Donald Trump was the first to win the nation ’ s highest office .
In a question-and-answer session with the Service Employees International Union , Biden accused Trump of spreading racism by blaming the Chinese for the coronavirus pandemic .
`` What President Trump has done in his spreading of racist – the way he deals with people based on the color of their skin , their national origin , where they ’ re from – is absolutely sickening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with union members .
`` No sitting president has ever done this .
Never , never , never , '' Biden added .
`` No Republican president has done this .
No Democratic president .
We ’ ve had racists , and they ’ ve existed , they ’ ve tried to get elected president .
He ’ s the first one that has . ''
When asked about Biden 's comments , Trump said Wednesday his administration overhauled the criminal justice system , which he said Biden and former President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in urban areas .
Unemployment rates were low among nearly all groups of racial minorities `` prior to the China plague coming in – floating in – coming into our country and really doing terrible things all over the world , '' Trump said .
`` I ’ ve done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible exception of Abraham Lincoln , '' Trump said .
`` Nobody has even been close .
History does not support Biden 's suggestion that Trump is the first racist to win the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slaves – including eight who owned slaves while in office .
Many early presidents held racist views .
Although he signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves , President Abraham Lincoln said before the Civil War that he did not think Blacks and whites could coexist and favored sending freed slaves back to Africa .
Such views did not disappear with slavery .
President Woodrow Wilson infamously held a White House screening of `` Birth of the Nation , '' which depicts the Ku Klux Klan members as heroes who saved the South from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recordings revealed that President Richard Nixon regularly used racist slurs in his conversations .
Biden ’ s comments came in response to questions about his proposal to spend $ 775 billion over the next decade on caregivers for children , the elderly and disabled .
Suk Kim , a home care provider for SEIU Local 2015 in California , said Trump blaming Asians for the pandemic is part of the reason for racial tensions in her community .
Other customers in a store recently looked at her as if she were some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` They made me uncomfortable and very upset , '' said Kim , who immigrated from South Korea .
“ We are working so hard to support our families , like everybody else . ''
Trump has routinely referred to the coronavirus as a virus from China and even as a “ Kung Flu , ” phrases that have been criticized as racist and that stigmatize Asian Americans .
“ Kung flu .
COVID .
COVID-19 , ” Trump said in Phoenix on June 23 .
“ Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 – give me the – 'COVID-19 . '
I said , 'That ’ s an odd name . '
I could give you many , many names .
Some people call it the ‘ Chinese flu , ’ the ‘ China flu.
’ Right ?
” Katrina Pierson , a Trump campaign spokeswoman , said the president “ loves all people ” and “ works hard to empower all Americans.
” Pierson called Biden 's comments and `` an insult to the intelligence of Black voters . ''
Biden accused Trump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win reelection from his partisans .
“ He ’ s just using it as a wedge , ” Biden said .
“ He ’ s trying to shift the blame.
” Biden ’ s voice rose as he talked of supporting immigration , mentioned that his great-grandfather sailed to the U.S. from Ireland .
“ I ’ m sorry to get so worked up about it .
It makes me so angry when I find that people , based on the color of their skin or their national origin , are somehow viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Look what ( Trump 's ) doing now .
He ’ s blaming everything on China .
He ’ s blaming everything on the Chinese.
” “ We really appreciate your passion , ” Henry said .

Biden says 'racists' have sought the U.S. presidency before but Trump is first one elected
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden snags support from Muslim American community Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, got support from Muslim Americans during an online summit Monday. (July 20) AP
Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that racists have run for president in the past, but that President Donald Trump was the first to win the nation’s highest office.
In a question-and-answer session with the Service Employees International Union, Biden accused Trump of spreading racism by blaming the Chinese for the coronavirus pandemic.
"What President Trump has done in his spreading of racist – the way he deals with people based on the color of their skin, their national origin, where they’re from – is absolutely sickening," Biden said in a virtual chat with union members.
"No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never," Biden added. "No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We’ve had racists, and they’ve existed, they’ve tried to get elected president. He’s the first one that has."
When asked about Biden's comments, Trump said Wednesday his administration overhauled the criminal justice system, which he said Biden and former President Barack Obama were unable to accomplish, and spurred investment in urban areas. Unemployment rates were low among nearly all groups of racial minorities "prior to the China plague coming in – floating in – coming into our country and really doing terrible things all over the world," Trump said.
"I’ve done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible exception of Abraham Lincoln," Trump said. "Nobody has even been close.
History does not support Biden's suggestion that Trump is the first racist to win the White House. At least 12 presidents owned slaves – including eight who owned slaves while in office. Many early presidents held racist views.
Although he signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves, President Abraham Lincoln said before the Civil War that he did not think Blacks and whites could coexist and favored sending freed slaves back to Africa.
Such views did not disappear with slavery. President Woodrow Wilson infamously held a White House screening of "Birth of the Nation," which depicts the Ku Klux Klan members as heroes who saved the South from Black domination.
More recently, audio recordings revealed that President Richard Nixon regularly used racist slurs in his conversations.
Biden’s comments came in response to questions about his proposal to spend $775 billion over the next decade on caregivers for children, the elderly and disabled.
Suk Kim, a home care provider for SEIU Local 2015 in California, said Trump blaming Asians for the pandemic is part of the reason for racial tensions in her community. Other customers in a store recently looked at her as if she were some kind of germ or "wasn't human," she said.
"They made me uncomfortable and very upset," said Kim, who immigrated from South Korea. “We are working so hard to support our families, like everybody else."
Trump has routinely referred to the coronavirus as a virus from China and even as a “Kung Flu,” phrases that have been criticized as racist and that stigmatize Asian Americans.
“Kung flu. COVID. COVID-19,” Trump said in Phoenix on June 23. “Some people can’t explain what the 19 – give me the – 'COVID-19.' I said, 'That’s an odd name.' I could give you many, many names. Some people call it the ‘Chinese flu,’ the ‘China flu.’ Right?”
Katrina Pierson, a Trump campaign spokeswoman, said the president “loves all people” and “works hard to empower all Americans.”Pierson called Biden's comments and "an insult to the intelligence of Black voters."
Biden accused Trump of trying to divide the country, to win reelection from his partisans.
“He’s just using it as a wedge,” Biden said. “He’s trying to shift the blame.”
Biden’s voice rose as he talked of supporting immigration, mentioned that his great-grandfather sailed to the U.S. from Ireland.
“I’m sorry to get so worked up about it. It makes me so angry when I find that people, based on the color of their skin or their national origin, are somehow viewed in a different way,” Biden said. “Look what (Trump's) doing now. He’s blaming everything on China. He’s blaming everything on the Chinese.”
Mary Kay Henry, international president of SEIU, welcomed Biden's support.
“We really appreciate your passion,” Henry said.