usatoday--2020-01-06--Donald Trump threatens Iraq with sanctions, says US won't leave unless 'they pay us back' for air ba

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened to impose deep sanctions on Iraq if it moves to expel U.S. troops and said Sunday he would not withdraw entirely unless the military is compensated for the `` extraordinarily expensive air base '' there .
Trump 's remarks came on the same day that Iraq 's Parliament voted to support expelling the U.S. military from its country over mounting anger about a drone strike the president ordered last week that killed Iran 's Qasem Soleimani and earlier U.S. airstrikes in the country .
The vote was nonbinding .
`` We 've spent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington after spending the holidays at his Florida resort , Mar-a-Lago .
`` We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that ’ s there .
It cost billions of dollars to build .
... We ’ re not leaving unless they pay us back for it . ''
The president added that if Iraqi officials try to kick the United States out the country it would not leave on a `` very friendly basis . ''
The U.S. invasion of Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will charge them sanctions like they ’ ve never seen before ever , '' Trump said .
`` It ’ ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame . ''
Iraq 's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi told lawmakers that a timetable for the withdrawal of all foreign troops , including those from the U.S. , was required `` for the sake of our national sovereignty . ''
About 5,000 American troops are in various parts of Iraq .
Mahdi described the strike authorized by Trump as a `` political assassination '' and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave . ''
Withdrawing U.S. troops from the Middle East has been a central component of Trump 's foreign policy ; however , he has been forced to deploy additional soldiers to region to respond to several crises .
Iran has promised 'severe revenge ' : Iraq votes to expel US troops after Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani 's killing '' So with Iraq , I told you , Iraq , was the worst decision , going into the Middle East was the worst decision ever made in the history of our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But we went in and we 're there and we 're pulling out , pulling out of a lot of different areas . ''
Trump did not specify which air base he was referring to , but the president flew into Al Asad Air Base during a surprise visit with troops there in 2018 .
Iraq has been caught in the middle of increasing tensions between Washington and Iran .
The U.S. Embassy in Iraq was the site of violent protests last week following a series of U.S. airstrikes ordered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilian contractor killed in a rocket attack last month .
Those tensions were further inflamed by the killing of Soleimani near the airport in Baghdad .
Iran has promised retaliation and Iraq has said the U.S. attacks violate their sovereignty .
Trump also reiterated a threat to target Iranian cultural sites if Tehran launches an attack in retaliation for Soleimani .
The president has said a U.S. response to such an attack could be `` disproportionate . ''

Donald Trump threatens Iraq with sanctions, says US won't leave unless 'they pay us back' for air base
Show Caption Hide Caption US and Iraq: Timeline of 7 days of violence In one week, the U.S.-Iranian confrontation heated up and ended with a top Iranian general's death. Ramon Padilla and George Petras, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened to impose deep sanctions on Iraq if it moves to expel U.S. troops and said Sunday he would not withdraw entirely unless the military is compensated for the "extraordinarily expensive air base" there.
Trump's remarks came on the same day that Iraq's Parliament voted to support expelling the U.S. military from its country over mounting anger about a drone strike the president ordered last week that killed Iran's Qasem Soleimani and earlier U.S. airstrikes in the country. The vote was nonbinding.
"We've spent a lot of money in Iraq," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington after spending the holidays at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. "We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. ... We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it."
Retaliation: Trump threatens 'disproportionate' military response if Iran launches attack
The president added that if Iraqi officials try to kick the United States out the country it would not leave on a "very friendly basis." The U.S. invasion of Iraq took place in 2003.
"We will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever," Trump said. "It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame."
Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi told lawmakers that a timetable for the withdrawal of all foreign troops, including those from the U.S., was required "for the sake of our national sovereignty." About 5,000 American troops are in various parts of Iraq.
Mahdi described the strike authorized by Trump as a "political assassination" and said it was "time for American troops to leave." Withdrawing U.S. troops from the Middle East has been a central component of Trump's foreign policy; however, he has been forced to deploy additional soldiers to region to respond to several crises.
Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Iran has promised 'severe revenge': Iraq votes to expel US troops after Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani's killing
"So with Iraq, I told you, Iraq, was the worst decision, going into the Middle East was the worst decision ever made in the history of our country," Trump told reporters on Sunday. "But we went in and we're there and we're pulling out, pulling out of a lot of different areas."
Trump did not specify which air base he was referring to, but the president flew into Al Asad Air Base during a surprise visit with troops there in 2018.
Iraq has been caught in the middle of increasing tensions between Washington and Iran. The U.S. Embassy in Iraq was the site of violent protests last week following a series of U.S. airstrikes ordered in retaliation for the death of an American civilian contractor killed in a rocket attack last month.
Those tensions were further inflamed by the killing of Soleimani near the airport in Baghdad. Iran has promised retaliation and Iraq has said the U.S. attacks violate their sovereignty.
Trump also reiterated a threat to target Iranian cultural sites if Tehran launches an attack in retaliation for Soleimani. The president has said a U.S. response to such an attack could be "disproportionate."
Contributing: David Jackson, Courtney Subramanian and Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY.


usatoday--2020-01-06--Pompeo says Trump will only hit 'lawful' targets after threat to Iran cultural sites derided as 'war

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday insisted the administration would `` behave lawfully '' after critics accused President Donald Trump of threatening to commit a `` war crime '' when he warned Iran that he would include cultural sites in the list of targets he would strike if Iran took action against the U.S. after the killing its top general last week .
Trump approved the airstrike that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani , the leader of Iran 's elite Quds Force , on a road near the Baghdad airport on Thursday .
Iran has vowed to retaliate and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action or war .
Trump 's tweets promising to `` hit them harder than they have ever been hit before '' if they retaliate have amplified those concerns .
`` Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans , or American assets , we have targeted 52 Iranian sites ( representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago ) , some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture , and those targets , and Iran itself , WILL BE HIT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said in a pair of tweets on Saturday .
`` He does n't know international law .
He does n't recognize U.N. resolutions either .
Basically he is a veritable gangster and a gambler , '' Iranian Maj. Gen. Hossein Dehghan , a senior military adviser to Iran 's supreme leader , told CNN .
Nuke deal no more : Iran abandons commitments to nuclear deal after Gen. Qasem Soleimani killing Iraq : Parliament votes to expel U.S. troops after Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani 's killing '' I ’ m really sorry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the president of the biggest so-called superpower still doesn ’ t know that attacking cultural sites is a war crime , ” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told reporters in Tehran .
`` This is a war crime , '' tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. `` Threatening to target and kill innocent families , women and children – which is what you ’ re doing by targeting cultural sites – does not make you a 'tough guy . '
It does not make you 'strategic . '
It makes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Minn. , said Trump was `` threatening to commit war crimes on Twitter . ''
`` God help us all ! ''
she tweeted , adding # 25thAmendment , which implies the president is unfit to serve .
Iran was home to some of the earliest civilizations in human history , and there are two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites , 22 of them cultural ones , within its borders .
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict makes it a war crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty , created in the aftermath of World War II , says , `` Damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind . ''
And , according to the International Red Cross , because such sites are `` normally civilian in nature , the general provisions of humanitarian law protecting civilian property apply . ''
In response to the intentional demolition of several historic monuments and relics by the Islamic State , the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday , George Stephanopoulos , the host of ABC News ' `` This Week , '' asked Pompeo about Trump 's threat .
`` As you know , the Geneva Conventions outlaw attacks on cultural objects and places of worship .
Our own DOD war manual discusses the protection of cultural property , '' Stephanopoulos said .
`` So , why is the president threatening Iran with war crimes ? ''
`` We ’ ll behave lawfully .
We ’ ll behave inside the system .
We always have and we always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Pompeo replied .
Stephanopoulos asked if that meant Trump was wrong about cultural sites being included in the list of potential targets .
`` I ’ ve seen what we are planning in terms of the target set .
I ’ m sure the Department of Defense is continuing to develop options , '' Pompeo said .
`` The American people should know that every target that we strike will be a lawful target , and it will be a target designed with a singular mission , of protecting and defending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-Va. , said Sunday on NBC 's `` Meet the Press '' that Pompeo was trying to deescalate the budding conflict .
`` I ’ m not sure the president by his kind of taunting tweets is necessarily trying to deescalate , '' he said . '
I want to have peace ' : How Trump went from a vow to avoid conflict to an order to kill Iran general

Pompeo says Trump will only hit 'lawful' targets after threat to Iran cultural sites derided as 'war crime'
Show Caption Hide Caption Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday insisted the administration would "behave lawfully" after critics accused President Donald Trump of threatening to commit a "war crime" when he warned Iran that he would include cultural sites in the list of targets he would strike if Iran took action against the U.S. after the killing its top general last week.
Trump approved the airstrike that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, on a road near the Baghdad airport on Thursday. Iran has vowed to retaliate and many fear the response could trigger further military action or war. Trump's tweets promising to "hit them harder than they have ever been hit before" if they retaliate have amplified those concerns.
"Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD," Trump said in a pair of tweets on Saturday.
"He doesn't know international law. He doesn't recognize U.N. resolutions either. Basically he is a veritable gangster and a gambler," Iranian Maj. Gen. Hossein Dehghan, a senior military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told CNN.
"Targeting cultural sites is a WAR CRIME," tweeted Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.
Nuke deal no more: Iran abandons commitments to nuclear deal after Gen. Qasem Soleimani killing
Iraq: Parliament votes to expel U.S. troops after Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani's killing
A reminder to those hallucinating about emulating ISIS war crimes by targeting our cultural heritage:
Through MILLENNIA of history, barbarians have come and ravaged our cities, razed our monuments and burnt our libraries.
Where are they now?
We’re still here, & standing tall. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 5, 2020
"I’m really sorry that we are living in a world where the president of the biggest so-called superpower still doesn’t know that attacking cultural sites is a war crime,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told reporters in Tehran.
"This is a war crime," tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. "Threatening to target and kill innocent families, women and children – which is what you’re doing by targeting cultural sites – does not make you a 'tough guy.' It does not make you 'strategic.' It makes you a monster."
This is a war crime.
Threatening to target and kill innocent families, women and children - which is what you’re doing by targeting cultural sites - does not make you a “tough guy.”
It does not make you “strategic.”
It makes you a monster. https://t.co/IjkNO8BD07 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 5, 2020
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said Trump was "threatening to commit war crimes on Twitter."
"God help us all!" she tweeted, adding #25thAmendment, which implies the president is unfit to serve.
The President of the United States is threatening to commit war crimes on Twitter.
God help us all! #25thAmendment https://t.co/nYZSvpo8rG — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 5, 2020
Someone better let the President know he's threatening war crimes.
- 52 sites for purely symbolic reasons would be a war crime.
- Striking cultural sites without military necessity would be a war crime
- Striking in revenge is a war crime
- Targeting civilians is a war crime — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 4, 2020
Certain war crimes under international law—in particular, attacking cultural sites with resulting death—would constitute capital offenses under the criminal code of the United States of America. https://t.co/j8b4QHUhtb — George Conway (@gtconway3d) January 5, 2020
The UN Security Council is on record declaring cultural destruction as a war crime. Our president is threatening the same cultural attacks perpetrated by ISIS against monuments of antiquity. Unthinkable that an American president could do this. https://t.co/x4t0SQHdCq — Richard Stengel (@stengel) January 5, 2020
Iran was home to some of the earliest civilizations in human history, and there are two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 22 of them cultural ones, within its borders.
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict makes it a war crime to target cultural sites. The international treaty, created in the aftermath of World War II, says, "Damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind."
And, according to the International Red Cross, because such sites are "normally civilian in nature, the general provisions of humanitarian law protecting civilian property apply."
In response to the intentional demolition of several historic monuments and relics by the Islamic State, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution in 2017 condemning the destruction of heritage sites.
Pompeo: Secretary of state blames Iran situation on 'Obama administration’s appeasement'
On Sunday, George Stephanopoulos, the host of ABC News' "This Week," asked Pompeo about Trump's threat.
"As you know, the Geneva Conventions outlaw attacks on cultural objects and places of worship. Our own DOD war manual discusses the protection of cultural property," Stephanopoulos said. "So, why is the president threatening Iran with war crimes?"
"We’ll behave lawfully. We’ll behave inside the system. We always have and we always will, George. You know that," Pompeo replied.
Stephanopoulos asked if that meant Trump was wrong about cultural sites being included in the list of potential targets.
"I’ve seen what we are planning in terms of the target set. I’m sure the Department of Defense is continuing to develop options," Pompeo said. "The American people should know that every target that we strike will be a lawful target, and it will be a target designed with a singular mission, of protecting and defending America."
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that Pompeo was trying to deescalate the budding conflict.
"I’m not sure the president by his kind of taunting tweets is necessarily trying to deescalate," he said.
Contributing: The Associated Press
'I want to have peace': How Trump went from a vow to avoid conflict to an order to kill Iran general
More: US government website hacked with pro-Iranian messages, image of bloodied Trump


usatoday--2020-01-05--Trump defends Soleimani killing in formal notice to Congress, warns Iran against retaliation

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Saturday gave Congress a defense of his decision to kill an Iranian general , even as he warned Iran the U.S. would strike them again if they retaliate for the drone attack that has drawn protests in the United States and threats of revenge from Iran .
`` Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans , or American assets , we have targeted 52 Iranian sites '' and they `` WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD , '' Trump tweeted .
`` The USA wants no more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own threat , his administration submitted a document required under the War Powers Act of 1973 , which requires formal notification to Congress within 48 hours of military-style action .
Three government officials confirmed that the notice was delivered late Saturday , speaking on condition of anonymity because the still-secret document is classified .
A senior Democratic aide told USA TODAY it was unclear if the White House would release an unclassified version .
The White House has said the strike was legally justified because Iran Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani 's organization had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq .
Trump and other officials have also argued that Soleimani was planning future attacks on U.S. interests in the region .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said the administration provided little justification for the strike , and she called on Trump to provide more information about why the action was taken .
`` This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing , manner and justification of the Administration ’ s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran , '' Pelosi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iran `` continues to put service members , diplomats and citizens of America and our allies in danger . ''
Trump himself stayed largely out of the public eye Saturday as supporters and detractors argued over his decision to approve the attack on Soleimani – though he did issue his latest threat the U.S. would strike again if they retaliate .
Terrorism threat bulletin : Department of Homeland Security sends out new terrorism threat bulletin in wake of Soleimani killing '' Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their terrorist leader who had just killed an American , & badly wounded many others , not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime , '' Trump said .
Meanwhile , in Iran and in parts of Iraq , mourners shouted that `` revenge is coming '' to the United States for the drone attack that killed Soleimani , the leader of Iran ’ s elite Quds Force .
`` The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime , '' tweeted President Hassan Rouhani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the `` end of US malign presence in West Asia has begun . ''
In his tweet , Trump said the U.S. has identified 52 targets because they represent the 52 hostages the Iranians detained at the old U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979-80 .
In the United States , critics questioned the Trump administration 's reasoning behind what some called an `` assassination '' of Soleimani , saying the president and his aides have provided no concrete evidence that he was planning an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack exposes the United States to reprisals from Iran , and could also undermine its relationship with Iraq , critics said .
Some suggested Trump was seeking to divert attention from his upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate . '
I want to have peace . '
: How Trump went from a vow to avoid conflict to an order to kill Iran general Rep. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. , said in a tweet that `` Iran is full of malevolent evildoers , and Soleimani was the worst of them , '' but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` And the reason the U.S. does n't kill leaders of other countries is because once you normalize assassinations , it 's hard to put the genie back in the bottle , '' Murphy said .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , said when Congress returns to session this month , its priority should be `` to take immediate steps to restrain President Trump from plunging our nation into yet another endless war . ''
Trump and aides said he began considering the operation after last week 's rocket attack by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contractor in Iraq .
The U.S. responded last weekend with strikes on militia camps that killed at least two dozen people .
Qasem Soleimani : The Pentagon had tracked Iranian general for years before he was killed Iranian supporters responded to that attack this past week by storming the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad , Iraq , burning facilities and threatening to breech the embassy itself .
Speaking with reporters Friday from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach , Florida , Trump described the strike against the Iranian general as a defensive measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel , '' Trump said .
`` But we caught him in the act and terminated him . ''
Trump has spent the end-of-the-year holidays at Mar-a-Lago , and is expected to return to Washington , D.C. , on Sunday .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continued to make calls to foreign leaders to discuss the attack that he described as a `` defensive action . ''
Flagging his call with Iraqi President Barham Salih , Pompeo said in a tweet that `` I reaffirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Trump defends Soleimani killing in formal notice to Congress, warns Iran against retaliation
Show Caption Hide Caption Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Saturday gave Congress a defense of his decision to kill an Iranian general, even as he warned Iran the U.S. would strike them again if they retaliate for the drone attack that has drawn protests in the United States and threats of revenge from Iran.
"Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites" and they "WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD," Trump tweeted. "The USA wants no more threats!"
As Trump tweeted his own threat, his administration submitted a document required under the War Powers Act of 1973, which requires formal notification to Congress within 48 hours of military-style action.
Three government officials confirmed that the notice was delivered late Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the still-secret document is classified. A senior Democratic aide told USA TODAY it was unclear if the White House would release an unclassified version.
'High alert': Iran general’s death stirs fear of wide fallout
The White House has said the strike was legally justified because Iran Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani's organization had been declared terrorists and carried out a number of attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump and other officials have also argued that Soleimani was planning future attacks on U.S. interests in the region.
....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the administration provided little justification for the strike, and she called on Trump to provide more information about why the action was taken.
"This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said.
Pelosi said Trump's continuing confrontation of Iran "continues to put service members, diplomats and citizens of America and our allies in danger."
Trump himself stayed largely out of the public eye Saturday as supporters and detractors argued over his decision to approve the attack on Soleimani – though he did issue his latest threat the U.S. would strike again if they retaliate.
Terrorism threat bulletin: Department of Homeland Security sends out new terrorism threat bulletin in wake of Soleimani killing
"Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, & badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime," Trump said.
As hard as I work, & as successful as our Country has become with our Economy, our Military & everything else, it is ashame that the Democrats make us spend so much time & money on this ridiculous Impeachment Lite Hoax. I should be able to devote all of my time to the REAL USA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020
Meanwhile, in Iran and in parts of Iraq, mourners shouted that "revenge is coming" to the United States for the drone attack that killed Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
"The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime," tweeted President Hassan Rouhani.
Citing the crowds of protesters, Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the "end of US malign presence in West Asia has begun."
In his tweet, Trump said the U.S. has identified 52 targets because they represent the 52 hostages the Iranians detained at the old U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979-80.
In the United States, critics questioned the Trump administration's reasoning behind what some called an "assassination" of Soleimani, saying the president and his aides have provided no concrete evidence that he was planning an imminent attack on U.S. interests.
The attack exposes the United States to reprisals from Iran, and could also undermine its relationship with Iraq, critics said. Some suggested Trump was seeking to divert attention from his upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate.
'I want to have peace.': How Trump went from a vow to avoid conflict to an order to kill Iran general
Rep. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in a tweet that "Iran is full of malevolent evildoers, and Soleimani was the worst of them," but it is also "a nation state."
"And the reason the U.S. doesn't kill leaders of other countries is because once you normalize assassinations, it's hard to put the genie back in the bottle," Murphy said.
Democratic presidential candidates also expressed concern.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said when Congress returns to session this month, its priority should be "to take immediate steps to restrain President Trump from plunging our nation into yet another endless war."
Trump and aides said he began considering the operation after last week's rocket attack by an Iran-backed militia that killed an American contractor in Iraq . The U.S. responded last weekend with strikes on militia camps that killed at least two dozen people.
Qasem Soleimani: The Pentagon had tracked Iranian general for years before he was killed
Iranian supporters responded to that attack this past week by storming the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, burning facilities and threatening to breech the embassy itself.
Speaking with reporters Friday from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described the strike against the Iranian general as a defensive measure.
"Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel," Trump said. "But we caught him in the act and terminated him."
Trump has spent the end-of-the-year holidays at Mar-a-Lago, and is expected to return to Washington, D.C., on Sunday.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continued to make calls to foreign leaders to discuss the attack that he described as a "defensive action." Flagging his call with Iraqi President Barham Salih, Pompeo said in a tweet that "I reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to de-escalation."
Contributing: Nicholas Wu


usatoday--2020-01-04--Department of Homeland Security sends out new terrorism threat bulletin in wake of Soleimani killing

The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin in the wake of top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani 's killing in an airstrike ordered by President Donald Trump .
Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf wrote in a tweet that the new bulletin was intended to `` inform & reassure the American public , state/local governments & private partners that DHS is actively monitoring & preparing for any specific , credible threat , should one arise . ''
The bulletin cites the killing of Soleimani as the catalyst for increased threats of retaliation from Iran , though `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information indicating a specific , credible threat to the Homeland .
Iran and its partners , such as Hizballah , have demonstrated the intent and capability to conduct operations in the United States . ''
The bulletin cites Iran 's cyberwarfare capabilities and other previous homeland-based plots as potential threats .
The bulletins are the replacement for the Department of Homeland Security 's previous color-coded terrorism threat system , which drew criticism for its lack of clarity .
A bulletin indicates `` current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' or `` imminent threat . ''
Iran has vowed `` harsh retaliation '' for those responsible for Soleimani 's killing , and the Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations said `` the response for a military action is military action . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday Soleimani 's killing was ordered ahead of an `` imminent threat '' in the region .
The death of the general has sparked fears about a broader conflict in the Middle East amid escalated tensions between the United States and Iran .

Department of Homeland Security sends out new terrorism threat bulletin in wake of Soleimani killing
Show Caption Hide Caption Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin in the wake of top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani's killing in an airstrike ordered by President Donald Trump.
Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf wrote in a tweet that the new bulletin was intended to "inform & reassure the American public, state/local governments & private partners that DHS is actively monitoring & preparing for any specific, credible threat, should one arise."
The bulletin cites the killing of Soleimani as the catalyst for increased threats of retaliation from Iran, though "at this time, we have no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the Homeland. Iran and its partners, such as Hizballah, have demonstrated the intent and capability to conduct operations in the United States."
The bulletin cites Iran's cyberwarfare capabilities and other previous homeland-based plots as potential threats.
The new @DHSgov NTAS Bulletin on the threat landscape was issued to inform & reassure the American public, state/local governments & private partners that DHS is actively monitoring & preparing for any specific, credible threat, should one arise. pic.twitter.com/iNnHU1TI9A — Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) January 4, 2020
The bulletins are the replacement for the Department of Homeland Security's previous color-coded terrorism threat system, which drew criticism for its lack of clarity. A bulletin indicates "current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism," as opposed to an "elevated threat" or "imminent threat."
Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for those responsible for Soleimani's killing, and the Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations said "the response for a military action is military action."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday Soleimani's killing was ordered ahead of an "imminent threat" in the region. The death of the general has sparked fears about a broader conflict in the Middle East amid escalated tensions between the United States and Iran.


usatoday--2020-01-07--U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper speaks to reporters about potential war with Iran

Defense Secretary answers question if U.S. is going to war with Iran Defense Secretary Mark Esper speaks to reporters for @ @ @ @ @ row about potential war with Iran and their movements .

Defense Secretary answers question if U.S. is going to war with Iran
Defense Secretary Mark Esper speaks to reporters for the second day in a row about potential war with Iran and their movements.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-01-07--Rep. Duncan Hunter will resign from Congress, effective Jan. 13

WASHINGTON – Rep. Duncan Hunter , R-Calif. , submitted his letter of resignation from Congress on Tuesday after pleading guilty last month to a campaign finance charge .
The letter of resignation addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and also sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom , is effective Jan. 13 .
`` It has been an honor to serve the people of California 's 50th District , and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years , '' Hunter concluded in his letter .
Hunter told local television station KUSI on Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charge to avoid a public trial and for the benefit of his family .
His `` only hope is that the judge does not sentence my wife to jail . ''
`` It 's been a privilege to serve in Congress , '' he said .
In June 2019 , Hunter 's wife Margaret Hunter pled guilty to a single corruption count and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify against her husband .
More : Prosecutors say Rep. Duncan Hunter used campaign funds to pay for affairs with lobbyists and aides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 counts of campaign finance violations by federal prosecutors in August 2018 .
Prosecutors alleged that he and Margaret Hunter skirted federal campaign finance laws from 2009 to 2016 by using more than $ 250,000 in campaign funds to pay for personal vacations , bills , and in Duncan Hunter ’ s case , affairs with three lobbyists , a congressional aide , and one of his staffers .
The California Republican ’ s case had drawn attention from President Donald Trump , who had tweeted in Hunter ’ s defense in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era '' investigations and had slammed the `` Jeff Sessions Justice Department '' for indicting Hunter and Rep. Chris Collins , R-N.Y. Hunter and Collins had been some of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump .
Duncan Hunter ’ s lawyers had previously slammed his indictment as “ politically motivated.
” Through his attorneys , Hunter had blamed the transgressions on his wife , citing her position as the treasurer of his campaign .
Federal prosecutors , however , argued that Hunter had also acted of his own accord to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After he was stripped of his committee assignments in August 2018 , Hunter served in the House without being able to participate in most legislative proceedings .
Hunter was first elected to his San Diego-area congressional district in 2008 , succeeding his father , Rep. Duncan Hunter Sr .
Despite his indictment , Hunter narrowly won re-election in 2018 against Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar .

Rep. Duncan Hunter will resign from Congress, effective Jan. 13
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: 'Saved a lot of lives' in Soleimani attack President Donald Trump defended his decision to target and kill top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, insisting his decision saved American lives. Trump also backed down from his threats to target Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliates. (Jan. 7) AP
WASHINGTON – Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., submitted his letter of resignation from Congress on Tuesday after pleading guilty last month to a campaign finance charge.
The letter of resignation addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and also sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom, is effective Jan. 13.
"It has been an honor to serve the people of California's 50th District, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years," Hunter concluded in his letter.
Hunter told local television station KUSI on Dec. 2 that he would plead guilty to the charge to avoid a public trial and for the benefit of his family. His "only hope is that the judge does not sentence my wife to jail."
"It's been a privilege to serve in Congress," he said.
In June 2019, Hunter's wife Margaret Hunter pled guilty to a single corruption count and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify against her husband.
It’s been my honor to serve, thank you. pic.twitter.com/X8xmw41yBH — Rep. Duncan Hunter (@Rep_Hunter) January 7, 2020
More: Prosecutors say Rep. Duncan Hunter used campaign funds to pay for affairs with lobbyists and aides
More: Rep. Duncan Hunter indictment: Amazing allegations include $462.46 for 30 shots of tequila
Hunter and his wife were indicted on 60 counts of campaign finance violations by federal prosecutors in August 2018. Prosecutors alleged that he and Margaret Hunter skirted federal campaign finance laws from 2009 to 2016 by using more than $250,000 in campaign funds to pay for personal vacations, bills, and in Duncan Hunter’s case, affairs with three lobbyists, a congressional aide, and one of his staffers.
The California Republican’s case had drawn attention from President Donald Trump, who had tweeted in Hunter’s defense in September 2018. Trump slammed the "Obama era" investigations and had slammed the "Jeff Sessions Justice Department" for indicting Hunter and Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y.
Two long running, Obama era, investigations of two very popular Republican Congressmen were brought to a well publicized charge, just ahead of the Mid-Terms, by the Jeff Sessions Justice Department. Two easy wins now in doubt because there is not enough time. Good job Jeff...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2018
Hunter and Collins had been some of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump.
Duncan Hunter’s lawyers had previously slammed his indictment as “politically motivated.” Through his attorneys, Hunter had blamed the transgressions on his wife, citing her position as the treasurer of his campaign.
Federal prosecutors, however, argued that Hunter had also acted of his own accord to use campaign funds for his own personal gain.
After he was stripped of his committee assignments in August 2018, Hunter served in the House without being able to participate in most legislative proceedings.
Hunter was first elected to his San Diego-area congressional district in 2008, succeeding his father, Rep. Duncan Hunter Sr.
Despite his indictment, Hunter narrowly won re-election in 2018 against Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar.


usatoday--2020-01-07--As Soleimani killing jolts presidential race, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders seize the moment

After months of debates on `` Medicare for All '' and taxes on billionaires , the Democratic presidential primary has been upended by questions on Iran , foreign policy and who is best fit to lead the country in a time of crisis .
Two of the race 's leading candidates are seizing on that shift .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , who built their campaigns appealing to opposite ends of the Democratic voter spectrum , sharpened their focus on world affairs after a U.S. airstrike killed top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran and Iraq and raised worries about whether the United States is again on the brink of a war in the Middle East .
During campaign stops in Iowa over the weekend , Biden and Sanders criticized President Donald Trump for the airstrike .
Both spent several days canvassing the state that will kick off the Democratic primary with the first-in-the-nation caucuses in 27 days .
Before the airstrike , 33 % of voters rated foreign policy as an important issue affecting their choice for president , according to a poll by Suffolk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below the economy , health care , immigration and gun control but ahead of impeachment and climate change .
Biden delivered a special address Tuesday in New York on the situation with Iran .
Standing in front of American flags , Biden said the airstrike proved Trump to be `` dangerously incompetent . ''
He accused the president of a `` haphazard decision process '' and a `` reckless disregard of the consequences that would surely follow . ''
He added that Trump has failed to provide a `` sober-minded explanation '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put the U.S. and Iran on `` a collision course . ''
Joe Biden : The 2020 candidate shares his views on foreign policy , the economy and more '' All we 've heard from this administration is shifting explanations , evasive answers , repeated assertions of an imminent threat without the necessary evidence to support that conclusion , '' he said in a nearly 20-minute speech .
“ The only way out of this crisis is through diplomacy , ” Biden said .
Sanders , an independent from Vermont , has increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling his record `` weak '' and placing foreign policy atop his critique .
`` Joe Biden voted and helped lead the effort for the war in Iraq – the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country , '' Sanders said in an interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper on Monday night .
For Biden , the tension in the Middle East provides a chance to play up his foreign policy experience , both as vice president and as a longtime member and former chair of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN in October found 56 % of Democratic voters said Biden is best equipped to handle foreign policy .
Speaking to caucusgoers at a hotel Sunday in Grinnell , Iowa , Biden argued that the killing of Soleimani turned the Iranian military leader into a hero .
He pointed to the thousands of mourners packing the streets of Iran .
`` They expect literally hundreds of thousands of supporters who were initially opposed to the government in Tehran now solidified around the leadership in Tehran , '' Biden said .
More : Campaigning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominance in the Middle East after Soleimani 's death , Iraqi vote Biden said Iran is `` in the driver 's seat '' in the Middle East , noting the Iraqi parliament 's vote to remove U.S. forces from the nation .
He said Iran will speed up its efforts to build a nuclear weapon .
He predicted Iranian leaders will become more popular in their own country as its citizens rally behind them after the attack .
`` This is a crisis totally of Donald Trump 's making , '' Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shares his views on foreign policy , climate change and more Sanders , who has long run on an anti-war platform , used the Iran question to remind Democrats about his vote in the Senate against the war in Iraq .
That 's in contrast to Biden , whose record on the conflict could make him vulnerable among the more liberal wing of the party .
Since October , Sanders has separated himself in polls from Sen. Elizabeth Warren , the other top Democrat in the liberal lane , solidifying himself in second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He overcome a heart attack that month and pundits who had written off his campaign .
If the Democratic primary is as drawn out as it was in 2016 , Sanders could set up his foreign policy differences with Biden as an issue for the months ahead as both men battle for votes .
Saturday , Sanders opened a campaign event in Dubuque , Iowa , by calling for immediate congressional action to stop Trump from launching a war with Iran .
`` Our founding fathers gave the responsibility over war not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders said .
`` That is very clear in the Constitution .
And in my view , Congress must , must act in the face of a president who has shown time and time again that he can not be relied upon to tell us the truth or to make well thought out decisions . ''
More : Bernie Sanders , campaigning in Iowa , says 'if Congress wants to go to war , let Congress have the guts to vote for war' The day before , Sanders gave his first public statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he called an `` assassination '' and a `` dangerous escalation . ''
He told a crowd in Anamosa , Iowa , that `` Trump promised to end endless wars , '' but `` tragically , his actions now put us on the path to another war , potentially one that could be even worse than before . ''
`` I have consistently opposed this dangerous path to war with Iran .
But we need to do more than just stop the potential of a war .
We need to firmly commit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East , in an orderly manner , not through a tweet . ''
What do voters say ?
Kenn Bowen , 69 , a Sanders supporter from Iowa City , applauded the senator 's remarks : `` He made no bones about it .
He ’ s against it , and he thinks this is wrong .
“ I ’ ve seen the cost of war , both in money and lives , ” said Bowen , wearing a Vietnam veteran hat and a denim vest with a peace logo sewn on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried that a war with Iran would spiral and pull in other world powers , such as China and Russia .
Biden supporter Richard Marsh of Cedar Falls , Iowa , cited the former vice president 's foreign policy experience as one reason for his support .
Marsh , who was at Biden 's headquarters in Waterloo on Saturday morning , said Biden ’ s connections with other world leaders will create more stable relations in areas such as the Middle East .
Marsh said he 's worried the United States is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden would not have ordered the strike that killed Soleimani .
`` He would have sat down and talked to them , ” Marsh said .
More : Timeline : How tensions escalated with Iran since Trump withdrew US from nuclear deal The White House said the president ordered the strike because Soleimani plotted attacks that endangered American troops and officials .
The Trump campaign said in a statement Monday that the president is `` cleaning up Joe Biden 's Iran 's mess . ''
On Sunday , Iran effectively backed out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it would no longer abide by `` operational restrictions '' on its enrichment of uranium .
The Trump administration withdrew from the agreement , which was negotiated by President Barack Obama , in May 2018 .
Hostilities between Tehran and Washington have escalated since Trump 's withdrawal .
The Trump administration blames Iran for a series of provocations in the region .
Iraq 's parliament voted to expel the U.S. military from the country , prompting Trump to threaten deep sanctions against Iraq on Sunday .
What other leading Democratic candidates say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , slammed Trump 's airstrike before the Iowa caucuses .
Warren , campaigning in Iowa on Sunday , said she questions the Trump administration 's justification for the strike .
She said the United States is not safer than it was a week ago .
`` Immediately after they announced that they had killed this general , they had multiple different stories on why – they could n't keep their story straight , '' she said .
`` They pointed in all different directions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the brink of war . ''
Warren , who also called the airstrike an `` assassination , '' said the United States needs a president `` who is calm and steady-handed '' and who `` understands the importance of de-escalating and getting out of conflict – not someone who moves us closer and closer to the brink . ''
Trump 's tweets about attacks do n't count as congressional notice , Warren says in Iowa Buttigieg , who served as a naval intelligence officer in Afghanistan , said on MSNBC 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has `` no interest '' in keeping or adding ground troops in Iraq and that the United States should not have invaded Iraq in the first place .
He said Soleimani has `` blood on his hands '' and was a `` bad actor in the region , '' but he questioned whether the Trump administration had a plan .
`` What we 've seen here is no evidence that there 's been proper consultation with Congress , and more importantly and more dangerously , no evidence that they 've really thought about @ @ @ @

As Soleimani killing jolts presidential race, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders seize the moment
Show Caption Hide Caption Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
After months of debates on "Medicare for All" and taxes on billionaires, the Democratic presidential primary has been upended by questions on Iran, foreign policy and who is best fit to lead the country in a time of crisis.
Two of the race's leading candidates are seizing on that shift.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who built their campaigns appealing to opposite ends of the Democratic voter spectrum, sharpened their focus on world affairs after a U.S. airstrike killed top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.
The killing inflamed tensions with Iran and Iraq and raised worries about whether the United States is again on the brink of a war in the Middle East.
During campaign stops in Iowa over the weekend, Biden and Sanders criticized President Donald Trump for the airstrike. Both spent several days canvassing the state that will kick off the Democratic primary with the first-in-the-nation caucuses in 27 days.
Before the airstrike, 33% of voters rated foreign policy as an important issue affecting their choice for president, according to a poll by Suffolk University/USA TODAY in December. It ranked below the economy, health care, immigration and gun control but ahead of impeachment and climate change.
Biden delivered a special address Tuesday in New York on the situation with Iran. Standing in front of American flags, Biden said the airstrike proved Trump to be "dangerously incompetent." He accused the president of a "haphazard decision process" and a "reckless disregard of the consequences that would surely follow." He added that Trump has failed to provide a "sober-minded explanation" for the airstrike, which he said has put the U.S. and Iran on "a collision course."
Joe Biden: The 2020 candidate shares his views on foreign policy, the economy and more
"All we've heard from this administration is shifting explanations, evasive answers, repeated assertions of an imminent threat without the necessary evidence to support that conclusion," he said in a nearly 20-minute speech.
“The only way out of this crisis is through diplomacy,” Biden said.
Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has increasingly gone on the attack against Biden, calling his record "weak" and placing foreign policy atop his critique.
"Joe Biden voted and helped lead the effort for the war in Iraq – the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country," Sanders said in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper on Monday night.
"Joe Biden voted, and helped lead the effort for the war in Iraq. Joe Biden voted for the disastrous trade agreements like NAFTA and PNTR. Joe Biden has been on the floor of the Senate talking about the need to cut Social Security. Joe Biden pushed a bankruptcy bill" pic.twitter.com/p2zdxdU3K9 — People for Bernie (@People4Bernie) January 7, 2020
How Biden, Sanders approach the Iran question
For Biden, the tension in the Middle East provides a chance to play up his foreign policy experience, both as vice president and as a longtime member and former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. A poll by CNN in October found 56% of Democratic voters said Biden is best equipped to handle foreign policy.
Speaking to caucusgoers at a hotel Sunday in Grinnell, Iowa, Biden argued that the killing of Soleimani turned the Iranian military leader into a hero. He pointed to the thousands of mourners packing the streets of Iran.
"They expect literally hundreds of thousands of supporters who were initially opposed to the government in Tehran now solidified around the leadership in Tehran," Biden said.
More: Campaigning in Iowa, Joe Biden predicts Iranian dominance in the Middle East after Soleimani's death, Iraqi vote
Biden said Iran is "in the driver's seat" in the Middle East, noting the Iraqi parliament's vote to remove U.S. forces from the nation. He said Iran will speed up its efforts to build a nuclear weapon. He predicted Iranian leaders will become more popular in their own country as its citizens rally behind them after the attack.
"This is a crisis totally of Donald Trump's making," Biden said.
Hey @realDonaldTrump, do you think the American people want another war in the Middle East? Des Moines certainly doesn’t. pic.twitter.com/uFgQuqg1oL — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 5, 2020
Bernie Sanders: The 2020 candidate shares his views on foreign policy, climate change and more
Sanders, who has long run on an anti-war platform, used the Iran question to remind Democrats about his vote in the Senate against the war in Iraq. That's in contrast to Biden, whose record on the conflict could make him vulnerable among the more liberal wing of the party.
Since October, Sanders has separated himself in polls from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the other top Democrat in the liberal lane, solidifying himself in second in recent national polls behind Biden. He overcome a heart attack that month and pundits who had written off his campaign. If the Democratic primary is as drawn out as it was in 2016, Sanders could set up his foreign policy differences with Biden as an issue for the months ahead as both men battle for votes.
Saturday, Sanders opened a campaign event in Dubuque, Iowa, by calling for immediate congressional action to stop Trump from launching a war with Iran.
"Our founding fathers gave the responsibility over war not to the president but to Congress," Sanders said. "That is very clear in the Constitution. And in my view, Congress must, must act in the face of a president who has shown time and time again that he cannot be relied upon to tell us the truth or to make well thought out decisions."
More: Bernie Sanders, campaigning in Iowa, says 'if Congress wants to go to war, let Congress have the guts to vote for war'
The day before, Sanders gave his first public statement on the killing of Soleimani, which he called an "assassination" and a "dangerous escalation." He told a crowd in Anamosa, Iowa, that "Trump promised to end endless wars," but "tragically, his actions now put us on the path to another war, potentially one that could be even worse than before."
"I have consistently opposed this dangerous path to war with Iran. But we need to do more than just stop the potential of a war. We need to firmly commit to ending the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, in an orderly manner, not through a tweet."
What do voters say?
Kenn Bowen, 69, a Sanders supporter from Iowa City, applauded the senator's remarks: "He made no bones about it. He’s against it, and he thinks this is wrong.
“I’ve seen the cost of war, both in money and lives,” said Bowen, wearing a Vietnam veteran hat and a denim vest with a peace logo sewn on the back. He said he's worried that a war with Iran would spiral and pull in other world powers, such as China and Russia.
Biden supporter Richard Marsh of Cedar Falls, Iowa, cited the former vice president's foreign policy experience as one reason for his support. Marsh, who was at Biden's headquarters in Waterloo on Saturday morning, said Biden’s connections with other world leaders will create more stable relations in areas such as the Middle East.
Marsh said he's worried the United States is on a path toward another war and believes Biden would not have ordered the strike that killed Soleimani.
"He would have sat down and talked to them,” Marsh said.
More: Timeline: How tensions escalated with Iran since Trump withdrew US from nuclear deal
The White House said the president ordered the strike because Soleimani plotted attacks that endangered American troops and officials.
The Trump campaign said in a statement Monday that the president is "cleaning up Joe Biden's Iran's mess."
On Sunday, Iran effectively backed out of a nuclear deal with world powers, saying it would no longer abide by "operational restrictions" on its enrichment of uranium. The Trump administration withdrew from the agreement, which was negotiated by President Barack Obama, in May 2018.
Hostilities between Tehran and Washington have escalated since Trump's withdrawal. The Trump administration blames Iran for a series of provocations in the region.
Iraq's parliament voted to expel the U.S. military from the country, prompting Trump to threaten deep sanctions against Iraq on Sunday.
More: Iran abandons commitments to nuclear deal after Gen. Qasem Soleimani killing
What other leading Democratic candidates say
Other Democrats, including Warren and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, slammed Trump's airstrike before the Iowa caucuses.
Warren, campaigning in Iowa on Sunday, said she questions the Trump administration's justification for the strike. She said the United States is not safer than it was a week ago.
"Immediately after they announced that they had killed this general, they had multiple different stories on why – they couldn't keep their story straight," she said. "They pointed in all different directions, and now the president has taken us to the brink of war."
Warren, who also called the airstrike an "assassination," said the United States needs a president "who is calm and steady-handed" and who "understands the importance of de-escalating and getting out of conflict – not someone who moves us closer and closer to the brink."
Buttigieg, who served as a naval intelligence officer in Afghanistan, said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Monday that he has "no interest" in keeping or adding ground troops in Iraq and that the United States should not have invaded Iraq in the first place.
He said Soleimani has "blood on his hands" and was a "bad actor in the region," but he questioned whether the Trump administration had a plan.
"What we've seen here is no evidence that there's been proper consultation with Congress, and more importantly and more dangerously, no evidence that they've really thought about the consequences."
Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY; Nick Coltrain, Tyler Jett and Kim Norvell, Des Moines Register
Reach Joey Garrison and on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-01-07--Elizabeth Warren on 'The View': 'Of course' Soleimani was a terrorist

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren added to her public comments about the U.S.-ordered airstrike that killed Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani after she was pressed by `` The View '' co-host Meghan McCain to acknowledge him as a `` terrorist . ''
`` Of course he was , '' Warren said after a tense back-and-forth with McCain , who asked the question multiple times .
The Democratic top-tier presidential hopeful addressed recent criticism that her message on the Soleimani killing ordered by President Donald Trump appeared to have changed , because she referred to him once as a `` murderer '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was `` assassinated . ''
Both are true , Warren said Tuesday .
`` Soleimani was a murderer , responsible for the deaths of thousands , including hundreds of Americans , '' Warren tweeted after news of the airstrike surfaced .
`` But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict .
Our priority must be to avoid another costly war . ''
Warren on the issues : The 2020 candidate shares her views on foreign policy , climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later tweet , Warren said that Trump had `` escalated tensions '' with Iran .
`` Now he ’ s assassinated a senior foreign military official .
He ’ s been marching toward war with Iran since his first days in office—but the American people won ’ t stand for it . ''
`` I believe you respect the military and you respect our troops , '' McCain told Warren before reciting the multiple public statements .
`` I do n't understand the flip-flop .
I do n't understand why it was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` This is n't a change .
They 're true , '' Warren said .
`` The question is , what is the response that the president of the United States should make , and what advances the interests of the United States of America . ''
McCain interrupted to ask Warren whether Soleimani was a terrorist .
`` He 's part of a group that 's been designated -- , '' Warren said before being interrupted .
`` But is he a terrorist ? ''
McCain interjected .
Warren began giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` So he 's not a terrorist ? ''
`` Of course he is , '' Warren said .
`` He 's part of a group that our federal government has designated as a terrorist .
The question , though , is what 's the right response ?
And the response that Donald Trump has picked is the most incendiary and has moved us to the edge of war . ''
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , also a 2020 contender , used the word `` assassination '' to refer to Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 2020 Democrat , former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg , called that characterization `` outrageous . ''
`` This is a guy who had an awful lot of American blood on his hands , '' Bloomberg said in response to Sanders ' statement .
Trump ordered the killing of the influential Iranian figure late last week , which the Defense Department labeled a `` defensive action , '' and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained it as preventing an `` imminent '' threat against American diplomats and soldiers .
Warren has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike , suggesting it is a `` reasonable question to ask '' whether Trump is trying to distract from impeachment in an interview with CNN on Sunday .
`` People are asking , why in this moment ? ''
Warren said .
`` The president of the United States could be facing an impeachment trial in the Senate .
We know that he 's deeply upset about that , '' she said .
`` My take on this is , Soleimani was a bad guy , but the question is , what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on The View .
Warren also hit Trump for his tweet suggesting the United States would target Iranian cultural sites if the regime retaliated for Soleimani 's killing .
`` It would be a war crime if the United States did that , '' Warren said .
The president has since backed off that statement , saying Tuesday , `` I like to obey the law . ''
`` But think of it : They kill our people , they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK with it , '' Trump said .
`` He has moved us close to the edge of war .
He 's put our country on the edge of going to war .
We know that the Iranians are going to respond , '' Warren said .
`` The job of the president of the United States is to keep America safe , to have a coherent , long-term strategy , not to make compulsive decisions . ''
More : Trump backs off threat to attack Iranian cultural sites amid rising tensions after @ @

Elizabeth Warren on 'The View': 'Of course' Soleimani was a terrorist
Show Caption Hide Caption Iranian Americans in LA speak out on death of General Qasem Soleimani Iranian Americans in Los Angeles discuss Qasem Soleimani's death. Editor’s note: The video was edited to remove a family who mistakenly appeared on camera. Allison Zaucha, for USA TODAY
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren added to her public comments about the U.S.-ordered airstrike that killed Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani after she was pressed by "The View" co-host Meghan McCain to acknowledge him as a "terrorist."
"Of course he was," Warren said after a tense back-and-forth with McCain, who asked the question multiple times.
The Democratic top-tier presidential hopeful addressed recent criticism that her message on the Soleimani killing ordered by President Donald Trump appeared to have changed, because she referred to him once as a "murderer" and then later as a government official who was "assassinated." Both are true, Warren said Tuesday.
"Soleimani was a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans," Warren tweeted after news of the airstrike surfaced. "But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict. Our priority must be to avoid another costly war."
Soleimani was a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans. But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict. Our priority must be to avoid another costly war. — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 3, 2020
Warren on the issues: The 2020 candidate shares her views on foreign policy, climate change, health care and more
In a later tweet, Warren said that Trump had "escalated tensions" with Iran. "Now he’s assassinated a senior foreign military official. He’s been marching toward war with Iran since his first days in office—but the American people won’t stand for it."
"I believe you respect the military and you respect our troops," McCain told Warren before reciting the multiple public statements. "I don't understand the flip-flop. I don't understand why it was so hard to call him a terrorist."
"This isn't a change. They're true," Warren said. "The question is, what is the response that the president of the United States should make, and what advances the interests of the United States of America."
McCain interrupted to ask Warren whether Soleimani was a terrorist.
"He's part of a group that's been designated--," Warren said before being interrupted.
"But is he a terrorist?" McCain interjected. Warren began giving the same response, when McCain again said, "So he's not a terrorist?"
Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"Of course he is," Warren said. "He's part of a group that our federal government has designated as a terrorist. The question, though, is what's the right response? And the response that Donald Trump has picked is the most incendiary and has moved us to the edge of war."
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, also a 2020 contender, used the word "assassination" to refer to Soleimani's killing in a statement. But another 2020 Democrat, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, called that characterization "outrageous."
"This is a guy who had an awful lot of American blood on his hands," Bloomberg said in response to Sanders' statement.
Candidates respond: 2020 presidential contenders react to killing of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani
Trump ordered the killing of the influential Iranian figure late last week, which the Defense Department labeled a "defensive action," and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained it as preventing an "imminent" threat against American diplomats and soldiers.
Warren has questioned the president's timing for the strike, suggesting it is a "reasonable question to ask" whether Trump is trying to distract from impeachment in an interview with CNN on Sunday. "People are asking, why in this moment?" Warren said.
"The president of the United States could be facing an impeachment trial in the Senate. We know that he's deeply upset about that," she said.
Election 2020: As Soleimani killing jolts presidential race, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders seize the moment
"My take on this is, Soleimani was a bad guy, but the question is, what's the right response?" Warren said on The View.
Warren also hit Trump for his tweet suggesting the United States would target Iranian cultural sites if the regime retaliated for Soleimani's killing. "It would be a war crime if the United States did that," Warren said.
The president has since backed off that statement, saying Tuesday, "I like to obey the law."
"But think of it: They kill our people, they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions. But I'm OK with it," Trump said.
"He has moved us close to the edge of war. He's put our country on the edge of going to war. We know that the Iranians are going to respond," Warren said. "The job of the president of the United States is to keep America safe, to have a coherent, long-term strategy, not to make compulsive decisions."
More: Trump backs off threat to attack Iranian cultural sites amid rising tensions after Soleimani death


usatoday--2020-01-07--'Biggest point is getting under Trump's skin': Michael Bloomberg to spend millions on Super Bowl ad

WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is spending millions on an advertisement during the 2020 Super Bowl , which is one of the most watched broadcast television events of the year .
The former New York City Mayor will have a 60-second ad run during the annual sporting event , the Bloomberg campaign confirmed to USA TODAY .
The Super Bowl will take place on Feb. 2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens , Fla .
According to the New York Times , the ad will target President Donald Trump , who will also be advertising during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is getting under Trump ’ s skin , ” Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier told the New York Times .
“ We have the means to raise a national campaign unlike any other candidate.
” Although the Bloomberg campaign would not disclose how much the ad cost , Seth Winter , Fox ’ s executive vice president of sports sales , told Variety in November that 30-second ads cost `` north of $ 5 million . ''
A 60-second ad would likely cost double that amount .
Several hours after news broke that Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on advertising , news broke that Trump ’ s campaign is also expected to drop at least $ 10 million in advertising at the Super Bowl .
According to Politico , Trump ’ s campaign has purchased 60 seconds of commercial time , but it ’ s unclear whether it will be a single 60-second commercial or a pair of 30-second ads .
The ad time is expected to to run early in the game .
“ Super Bowl ad is an indicator that the @ realDonaldTrump campaign is ramping up as 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign communications director wrote in a tweet , sharing the Politico article .
“ Also big plans to spend on outreach to women , blacks , Latinos & religious voters .
The President ’ s record and unprecedented fundraising make this possible.
” Since announcing his candidacy in November , Bloomberg has spent more than $ 100 million on advertising .
The ad will come a day before the Iowa caucuses , which is the start of 2020 primary elections .
Bloomberg , however , is not competing in the early states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Super Tuesday .

'Biggest point is getting under Trump’s skin': Michael Bloomberg to spend millions on Super Bowl ad
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is spending millions on an advertisement during the 2020 Super Bowl, which is one of the most watched broadcast television events of the year.
The former New York City Mayor will have a 60-second ad run during the annual sporting event, the Bloomberg campaign confirmed to USA TODAY. The Super Bowl will take place on Feb. 2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
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According to the New York Times, the ad will target President Donald Trump, who will also be advertising during the game.
“The biggest point is getting under Trump’s skin,” Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier told the New York Times. “We have the means to raise a national campaign unlike any other candidate.”
Although the Bloomberg campaign would not disclose how much the ad cost, Seth Winter, Fox’s executive vice president of sports sales, told Variety in November that 30-second ads cost "north of $5 million." A 60-second ad would likely cost double that amount.
Several hours after news broke that Bloomberg’s campaign was spending that amount on advertising, news broke that Trump’s campaign is also expected to drop at least $10 million in advertising at the Super Bowl.
According to Politico, Trump’s campaign has purchased 60 seconds of commercial time, but it’s unclear whether it will be a single 60-second commercial or a pair of 30-second ads. The ad time is expected to to run early in the game.
“Super Bowl ad is an indicator that the @realDonaldTrump campaign is ramping up as 2020 begins,” Tim Murtaugh, Trump campaign communications director wrote in a tweet, sharing the Politico article. “Also big plans to spend on outreach to women, blacks, Latinos & religious voters. The President’s record and unprecedented fundraising make this possible.”
Since announcing his candidacy in November, Bloomberg has spent more than $100 million on advertising. The ad will come a day before the Iowa caucuses, which is the start of 2020 primary elections. Bloomberg, however, is not competing in the early states and instead is focusing on later elections such as Super Tuesday.


usatoday--2020-01-07--Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks on Iran and the 'crisis totally of Trump's making'

Joe Biden speaks on the 'crisis totally of Donald Trump 's making' Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks on the @ @ @ @ @ for the U.S. criticizing his actions .

Joe Biden speaks on the 'crisis totally of Donald Trump's making'
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks on the 'crisis' President Trump created for the U.S. criticizing his actions.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-01-07--McConnell: GOP will move on without Democrats to set rules for Senate impeachment trial of Trump

WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the GOP-led Senate would move forward on establishing rules for President Donald Trump'simpeachment trial without Democrats .
“ We have the votes , once the impeachment trial has begun , to pass a resolution essentially , very same , similar ” to the one establishing rules passed for the first phase of President Bill Clinton 's impeachment trial , McConnell said .
These rules would establish `` phase one '' of the trial , which involves `` arguments from the prosecution , arguments from the defense and a period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A decision on witnesses would be made during the trial , rather than before it began , he said .
For weeks , McConnell , R-Ky. , and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , attempted to come to an agreement on how the trial should operate .
McConnell pointed to precedent , arguing the trial should operate like Clinton 's in 1999 .
Schumer argued the presentation of witnesses and documents should be agreed to beforehand , saying the Trump administration blocked information and testimony important to impeachment .
The information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light on the allegations at the heart of impeachment : that the president asked Ukraine for investigations that would have helped him politically while delaying military aid to the country and a White House meeting .
In Clinton 's impeachment trial , witnesses and other sticky issues were decided in the middle of the trial .
Senators decided to establish basic rules and procedures for the trial , which passed 100-0 , and to take up more contentious issues later .
John Bolton : Bolton says he will testify in Trump 's impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feds recommend prison sentence of up to six months for ex-Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn Schumer pointed to comments made by McConnell signaling that after opening arguments , the Senate could vote and move forward on other issues without additional witnesses .
The back-and-forth between Schumer and McConnell combined with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , refraining from transmitting the articles to the Senate left the trial and Trump ’ s fate in a state of limbo .
Pelosi said she worried the Senate would not hold a fair trial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House would operate in before naming house managers , which are lawmakers who will act as prosecutors in the trial .
McConnell will not introduce a resolution outlining impeachment trial rules until the articles are transmitted to the Senate .
Pelosi and House Democrats have not given any indication when they may pass them over .
Sen. John Barrasso , R-Wyo.
, said the House and Senate need to move forward .
“ It ’ s time for Speaker Pelosi to get on with it or get out of the way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement , some Democrats said the best way to move forward was for Pelosi to send over articles and wait until the trial to argue for witnesses .
`` I think our best leverage at this point is likely votes on the floor of the Senate , '' said Sen. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. `` Pelosi 's going to make her own decision , but I think that at this point , our best leverage to get witnesses and document production is inside the confines of the trial . ''
Schumer would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but pointed out that `` the speaker has said all along that she wanted to see the arena in which she was playing in when it came to a trial , so she could appoint impeachment managers . ''
He said she has `` some idea '' how the trial will work and applauded Pelosi for holding the articles , saying she helped prevent the trial from being dismissed .
The delay allowed for a `` cascade '' of new information that bolsters the case for witnesses to testify , Schumer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ security adviser and a key figure in the Ukraine controversy , announced Monday he is `` prepared to testify '' in the impeachment trial if he 's subpoenaed .
Bolton 's statement – after he played coy for weeks about what he knows – may help Democrats in pressuring Republicans to include witnesses in the trial .
Sen. Susan Collins : 'It is inappropriate ' for Mitch McConnell , Democrats to prejudge impeachment trial If Senate Republicans refuse to subpoena Bolton and other witnesses , `` they would make absolutely clear they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A majority of 51 senators could vote to call for testimony or documents during the trial , something Schumer said Democrats would force .
`` We are telling our Republican colleagues you can run but you can ’ t hide , '' Schumer said Tuesday .
`` There will be votes on the four witnesses we ’ ve asked for .
There will be votes on the three sets of documents we ’ ve requested . ''
Several moderate Republicans could hold the key to whether witnesses and new information are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , signaled on Monday that he was open to hearing from Bolton .
`` I 'd like to hear what he has to say , '' Romney said .

McConnell: GOP will move on without Democrats to set rules for Senate impeachment trial of Trump
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WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the GOP-led Senate would move forward on establishing rules for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial without Democrats.
“We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution essentially, very same, similar” to the one establishing rules passed for the first phase of President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial, McConnell said.
But the announcement wasn't enough to move House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has refrained from sending articles of impeachment to the Senate, leaving the trial in a state of limbo. Pelosi, in a letter to Democratic colleagues Tuesday evening, indicated that she would continue to hold articles, saying that she wanted to see a Senate resolution that will outline the procedures for the trial.
"It is important that [McConnell] immediately publish this resolution, so that, as I have said before, we can see the arena in which we will be participating, appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate.
McConnell said the resolution would establish "phase one" of the trial, which involves "arguments from the prosecution, arguments from the defense and a period of written questions." A decision on witnesses would be made during the trial, rather than before it began, he said.
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For weeks, McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., attempted to come to an agreement on how the trial should operate. McConnell pointed to precedent, arguing the trial should operate like Clinton's in 1999.
Schumer argued the presentation of witnesses and documents should be agreed to beforehand, saying the Trump administration blocked information and testimony important to impeachment. The information, he said, would shed more light on the allegations at the heart of impeachment: that the president asked Ukraine for investigations that would have helped him politically while delaying military aid to the country and a White House meeting.
In Clinton's impeachment trial, witnesses and other sticky issues were decided in the middle of the trial. Senators decided to establish basic rules and procedures for the trial, which passed 100-0, and to take up more contentious issues later.
John Bolton: Bolton says he will testify in Trump's impeachment trial if Senate subpoenas him
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Schumer pointed to comments made by McConnell signaling that after opening arguments, the Senate could vote and move forward on other issues without additional witnesses.
Pelosi has said she worried the Senate would not hold a fair trial and said she wanted to know the arena the House would operate in before naming house managers, which are lawmakers who will act as prosecutors in the trial.
McConnell said the resolution outlining impeachment trial rules would be unveiled after the articles are transmitted to the Senate, leaving McConnell and Pelosi at another stalemate.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said the House and Senate need to move forward.
“It’s time for Speaker Pelosi to get on with it or get out of the way,” he said.
After McConnell's announcement, some Democrats said the best way to move forward was for Pelosi to send over articles and wait until the trial to argue for witnesses.
"I think our best leverage at this point is likely votes on the floor of the Senate," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. "Pelosi's going to make her own decision, but I think that at this point, our best leverage to get witnesses and document production is inside the confines of the trial."
Schumer would not say whether Pelosi should send over articles but pointed out that "the speaker has said all along that she wanted to see the arena in which she was playing in when it came to a trial, so she could appoint impeachment managers."
He said she has "some idea" how the trial will work and applauded Pelosi for holding the articles, saying she helped prevent the trial from being dismissed. The delay allowed for a "cascade" of new information that bolsters the case for witnesses to testify, Schumer said.
But several House Democrats backed Pelosi's decision to continue holding the articles until assurances are given that ensure a fair trial.
“It’s hard to take Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham and that whole kangaroo court over there seriously at this point. They are in the pocket of President Donald Trump,” Rep Hakeem Jeffries said. “I support her decision to hold the Articles of Impeachment until we get some clarity on what exactly the kangaroo court is going to look like.”
John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser and a key figure in the Ukraine controversy, announced Monday he is "prepared to testify" in the impeachment trial if he's subpoenaed.
Bolton's statement – after he played coy for weeks about what he knows – may help Democrats in pressuring Republicans to include witnesses in the trial.
Sen. Susan Collins: 'It is inappropriate' for Mitch McConnell, Democrats to prejudge impeachment trial
Asked at the White House on Tuesday whether he’d be OK with Bolton testifying in the Senate impeachment trial, Trump left it up to the Senate and his lawyers.
"That's going to be up to the lawyers. It'll be up to the Senate, and we'll see how they feel. He would know nothing about what we're talking about," the president said.
If Senate Republicans refuse to subpoena Bolton and other witnesses, "they would make absolutely clear they are participating in a cover-up," Schumer said.
A majority of 51 senators could vote to call for testimony or documents during the trial, something Schumer said Democrats would force.
"We are telling our Republican colleagues you can run but you can’t hide," Schumer said Tuesday. "There will be votes on the four witnesses we’ve asked for. There will be votes on the three sets of documents we’ve requested."
Several moderate Republicans could hold the key to whether witnesses and new information are part of the trial.
One of them, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, signaled on Monday that he was open to hearing from Bolton. "I'd like to hear what he has to say," Romney said.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu and Michael Collins