usatoday--2020-05-21--Trump wants to bring G-7 gathering of world leaders back to Camp David for in-person meeting

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he may invite world leaders to the United States for an in-person meeting of the G-7 next month , a move intended to signal the country is reopening but that drew lukewarm responses from his counterparts .
Trump canceled the in-person meeting , which had been scheduled to take place next month at Camp David , at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
At the time , the White House said the meeting would likely take place by video conference instead .
But the president , who has pressed for a return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurgence of the virus , indicated that rescheduling the annual meeting would send a powerful symbol to the world that the USA and other countries are on the mend .
`` I am considering rescheduling the G-7 , on the same or similar date , '' Trump wrote on Twitter , adding that the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland would be the ideal site .
`` It would be a great sign to all – normalization ! ''
'Frustrated ' : Ousted health official dismisses Trump 's claim he is disgruntled More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip , but coronavirus got in the way Trump 's G-7 counterparts remained noncommittal .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that world leaders need more detail before deciding whether to meet in person .
He said it ’ s important that the leaders meet in June in some capacity so they can discuss the coronavirus pandemic as well as restoring global economic activity .
`` We need to keep meeting as leaders .
Whether that 's virtual or in person we will certainly take a look at what the U.S. is proposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what kind of measures will be in place to keep people safe , what kind of recommendations the experts are giving in terms of how that might function , '' Trudeau said .
The White House said Trump also raised the idea with French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call on Wednesday .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany declined to characterize the response Trump had received from other world leaders or to discuss the logistics of putting an in-person meeting back on the calendar .
`` The president really wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The G-7 meeting is an annual gathering , usually scheduled in the summer , of leaders from the world 's largest industrialized economies : The United States , Italy , Japan , France , the United Kingdom , Canada and Germany .
The leaders most recent met together in August in the resort town of Biarritz , France , last year .
White House officials initially announced they would hold the meeting at the president 's Doral golf resort in Miami , but then backed off after the decision prompted ethical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican lawmakers .

Trump wants to bring G-7 gathering of world leaders back to Camp David for in-person meeting
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump addresses not wearing mask at Honeywell plant Clarification: A previous headline unclearly attributed comments about Trump wearing a mask at a Honeywell manufacturing plant. Honeywell officials had not commented on the matter. Trump addressed criticism that he was not seen wearing a mask while touring the Honeywell manufacturing plant. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he may invite world leaders to the United States for an in-person meeting of the G-7 next month, a move intended to signal the country is reopening but that drew lukewarm responses from his counterparts.
Trump canceled the in-person meeting, which had been scheduled to take place next month at Camp David, at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the White House said the meeting would likely take place by video conference instead.
But the president, who has pressed for a return to normalcy despite warnings of a possible resurgence of the virus, indicated that rescheduling the annual meeting would send a powerful symbol to the world that the USA and other countries are on the mend.
"I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date," Trump wrote on Twitter, adding that the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland would be the ideal site. "It would be a great sign to all – normalization!"
'Frustrated': Ousted health official dismisses Trump's claim he is disgruntled
More: Pence aimed to project normalcy during trip, but coronavirus got in the way
Trump's G-7 counterparts remained noncommittal. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that world leaders need more detail before deciding whether to meet in person. He said it’s important that the leaders meet in June in some capacity so they can discuss the coronavirus pandemic as well as restoring global economic activity.
"We need to keep meeting as leaders. Whether that's virtual or in person we will certainly take a look at what the U.S. is proposing as host of the G-7 to see what kind of measures will be in place to keep people safe, what kind of recommendations the experts are giving in terms of how that might function," Trudeau said.
The White House said Trump also raised the idea with French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call on Wednesday. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany declined to characterize the response Trump had received from other world leaders or to discuss the logistics of putting an in-person meeting back on the calendar.
"The president really wants to see the G-7 happen," she said.
The G-7 meeting is an annual gathering, usually scheduled in the summer, of leaders from the world's largest industrialized economies: The United States, Italy, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. The leaders most recent met together in August in the resort town of Biarritz, France, last year.
White House officials initially announced they would hold the meeting at the president's Doral golf resort in Miami, but then backed off after the decision prompted ethical questions and swift condemnation from Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-05-22--Michael Flynn was never 'masked' in transcript of calls with Russian ambassador, reports say

WASHINGTON – Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn 's identity was never `` masked '' in a report on his communication with the Russian ambassador , according to The Washington Post and Fox News .
President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill have pointed to the `` unmasking '' of Flynn , and subsequent leaking of his name to the news media , as evidence of a campaign by top members of former President Barack Obama 's White House to undermine the incoming administration .
But unnamed sources told Fox News and The Post that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from an unredacted transcript of his communication with then-Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak .
When a conversation by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a foreign individual who is being monitored is incidentally captured by an intelligence agency – usually the FBI or National Security Agency – their identity is normally kept hidden , or masked .
If an official thinks the identity of the U.S. citizen is important or relevant to the intelligence , he or she can request to have that person `` unmasked . ''
On May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Republican senators , acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified a list of Obama-era officials who asked to unmask Flynn , who was referred to in an `` NSA intelligence report , '' between Nov. 8 , 2016 , and Jan. 31 , 2017 .
The list included former DNI chief James Clapper , former CIA Director John Brennan , Obama 's Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and former Vice President Joe Biden .
'Dishonest accusations ' : Susan Rice responds to allegations after email about Obama meeting on Flynn declassified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-S.C. , sent a letter to Grenell and Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday asking if unmasking requests were made for other members of Trump 's campaign or transition team .
And Graham asked for `` an explanation as to why the list '' did n't `` contain a record showing who unmasked General Flynn 's phone call with Ambassador Kislyak . ''
Flynn 's Dec. 29 , 2016 phone calls with Kislyak first became public in a Jan. 12 , 2017 , column by The Washington Post 's David Ignatius , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Those conversations took place just after the Obama administration announced sanctions and the expulsion of Russian officials in retaliation for Russian election interference .
Then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence told CBS News three days later that Flynn assured him the sanctions were not discussed and the timing of the call `` was strictly coincidental . ''
But on Feb. 9 , The Post reported that Flynn had discussed the sanctions with Kislyak , and Flynn resigned on Feb. 13 , saying he had `` inadvertently briefed '' Pence `` with incomplete information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador . ''
The next day , the White House said Trump had asked for Flynn 's resignation after losing trust in him .
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the phone calls , though he later tried to withdraw that guilty plea .
The Justice Department under Barr has argued the FBI did not have `` a legitimate investigative basis '' to interview Flynn in the first place and asked for the case to be dismissed .
It was an intelligence report on those same Dec. 29 , 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unredacted name .
Most of those requests to unmask Flynn were made before the Dec. 29 calls , meaning they were likely in response to other intelligence reports in which Flynn 's identity was masked .
The officials making the unmasking requests may not have known Flynn was the unidentified individual in those reports .
Trump has long accused Obama of unspecified crimes related to unsubstantiated allegations he `` spied '' on Trump 's campaign and opened the Russia investigation , which he calls a `` hoax , '' in order to weaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revived those claims in recent weeks , decrying what he refers to as `` Obamagate '' following Biden 's rise as his presumptive 2020 Democratic opponent and Obama 's increasing public criticisms of Trump .
But former Obama administration officials insist the investigation was conducted properly and that there was were legitimate reasons for concern that the Trump campaign might be colluding with Russians meddling in the 2016 election .
The FBI began its counterintelligence investigation into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government in July 2016 .
On Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community said in a statement that it was confident the Russian government was behind the theft and dissemination of Democratic National Committee emails with the intent to `` interfere with the US election process . ''
The investigation was later handed to special counsel Robert Mueller whose team did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign , though it did find `` numerous links between the Russian government '' and the campaign , which `` expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led to the inspector general 's report on the origins of the Russia probe Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia , the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee , sent Grenell a letter Wednesday requesting he explain why it was necessary to release the list of unmasking requests `` given the potential compromise to sources and methods . ''
He also asked Grenell to give the Intelligence Committee the reports in which Flynn was masked and to make public any report on his conversations with Kislyak .
`` Selective declassification for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for protecting classified information , undermines the Intelligence Community ’ s credibility , and erodes public trust in institutions critical to protecting the nation , '' Warner told Grenell .
Warner said unmasking was routine , with thousands of requests normally made every year .
This was no different during the Trump administration , he said .
In 2017 , 9,529 identities were unmasked , jumping to 16,721 in 2018 and 10,012 in 2019 , according to tWarner .
On Wednesday , interim Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that stuff '' like Flynn 's conversation with Kisltyak `` not be put out in the public domain to further political narratives . ''
`` At the end of the day , elements of a phone call between Mr. Flynn and the Ambassador from Russia at the time were leaked to the press , '' Rubio said .
`` Someone broke the law .
Someone took that information , gave it to members of the press and broke the law . ''
Barr appointed Connecticut U.S. Attorney John Durham in May 2019 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Monday , Barr said Obama and Biden were not under investigation .
`` Our concern over potential criminality is focused on others , '' Barr said .

Michael Flynn was never 'masked' in transcript of calls with Russian ambassador, reports say
Show Caption Hide Caption Explaining the 'unmasking' process in intelligence reports There is a common, legal process in intelligence agencies known as "unmasking," but more Americans are learning what it means in light of U.S. President Donald Trump making the term a major talking point. (May 15) AP
WASHINGTON – Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's identity was never "masked" in a report on his communication with the Russian ambassador, according to The Washington Post and Fox News.
President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill have pointed to the "unmasking" of Flynn, and subsequent leaking of his name to the news media, as evidence of a campaign by top members of former President Barack Obama's White House to undermine the incoming administration.
But unnamed sources told Fox News and The Post that Flynn's name was given to reporters from an unredacted transcript of his communication with then-Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak.
When a conversation by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a foreign individual who is being monitored is incidentally captured by an intelligence agency – usually the FBI or National Security Agency – their identity is normally kept hidden, or masked. If an official thinks the identity of the U.S. citizen is important or relevant to the intelligence, he or she can request to have that person "unmasked."
On May 13, in response to a request from Republican senators, acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified a list of Obama-era officials who asked to unmask Flynn, who was referred to in an "NSA intelligence report," between Nov. 8, 2016, and Jan. 31, 2017. The list included former DNI chief James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, Obama's Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and former Vice President Joe Biden.
'Dishonest accusations': Susan Rice responds to allegations after email about Obama meeting on Flynn declassified
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., sent a letter to Grenell and Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday asking if unmasking requests were made for other members of Trump's campaign or transition team. And Graham asked for "an explanation as to why the list" didn't "contain a record showing who unmasked General Flynn's phone call with Ambassador Kislyak."
Flynn's Dec. 29, 2016 phone calls with Kislyak first became public in a Jan. 12, 2017, column by The Washington Post's David Ignatius, who cited a "senior U.S. government official." Those conversations took place just after the Obama administration announced sanctions and the expulsion of Russian officials in retaliation for Russian election interference.
Then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence told CBS News three days later that Flynn assured him the sanctions were not discussed and the timing of the call "was strictly coincidental." But on Feb. 9, The Post reported that Flynn had discussed the sanctions with Kislyak, and Flynn resigned on Feb. 13, saying he had "inadvertently briefed" Pence "with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian Ambassador." The next day, the White House said Trump had asked for Flynn's resignation after losing trust in him.
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the phone calls, though he later tried to withdraw that guilty plea. The Justice Department under Barr has argued the FBI did not have "a legitimate investigative basis" to interview Flynn in the first place and asked for the case to be dismissed.
It was an intelligence report on those same Dec. 29, 2016 calls with Kislyak that contained Flynn's unredacted name.
Most of those requests to unmask Flynn were made before the Dec. 29 calls, meaning they were likely in response to other intelligence reports in which Flynn's identity was masked. The officials making the unmasking requests may not have known Flynn was the unidentified individual in those reports.
Trump has long accused Obama of unspecified crimes related to unsubstantiated allegations he "spied" on Trump's campaign and opened the Russia investigation, which he calls a "hoax," in order to weaken and discredit his administration. He has revived those claims in recent weeks, decrying what he refers to as "Obamagate" following Biden's rise as his presumptive 2020 Democratic opponent and Obama's increasing public criticisms of Trump.
But former Obama administration officials insist the investigation was conducted properly and that there was were legitimate reasons for concern that the Trump campaign might be colluding with Russians meddling in the 2016 election.
The FBI began its counterintelligence investigation into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government in July 2016. On Oct. 7, 2016, the U.S. intelligence community said in a statement that it was confident the Russian government was behind the theft and dissemination of Democratic National Committee emails with the intent to "interfere with the US election process."
The investigation was later handed to special counsel Robert Mueller whose team did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign, though it did find "numerous links between the Russian government" and the campaign, which "expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts."
Timeline: The events that led to the inspector general's report on the origins of the Russia probe
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent Grenell a letter Wednesday requesting he explain why it was necessary to release the list of unmasking requests "given the potential compromise to sources and methods." He also asked Grenell to give the Intelligence Committee the reports in which Flynn was masked and to make public any report on his conversations with Kislyak.
"Selective declassification for political purposes undermines the integrity of our system for protecting classified information, undermines the Intelligence Community’s credibility, and erodes public trust in institutions critical to protecting the nation," Warner told Grenell.
Warner said unmasking was routine, with thousands of requests normally made every year. This was no different during the Trump administration, he said. In 2017, 9,529 identities were unmasked, jumping to 16,721 in 2018 and 10,012 in 2019, according to tWarner .
On Wednesday, interim Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told Fox News it is "really important that stuff" like Flynn's conversation with Kisltyak "not be put out in the public domain to further political narratives."
"At the end of the day, elements of a phone call between Mr. Flynn and the Ambassador from Russia at the time were leaked to the press," Rubio said. "Someone broke the law. Someone took that information, gave it to members of the press and broke the law."
Barr appointed Connecticut U.S. Attorney John Durham in May 2019 to investigate the origins of the Russia investigation. On Monday, Barr said Obama and Biden were not under investigation.
"Our concern over potential criminality is focused on others," Barr said.


usatoday--2020-05-22--Joe Biden says black voters who support Trump "ain't black."

In an interview with Charlamagne tha God on 'The Breakfast Club , '' Joe Biden says that black voters who @ @ @ @ @ ai n't black . ''

Joe Biden says black voters who support Trump "ain't black."
In an interview with Charlamagne tha God on 'The Breakfast Club," Joe Biden says that black voters who may support Donald Trump "ain't black."
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-22--Birx: FDA 'has been very clear' on its concerns about using hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment

WASHINGTON – Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus task force coordinator , underscored a U.S. Food and Drug Administration 's warning about using hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 in the same week President Donald Trump revealed he had been taking it ward off the virus .
`` I think the FDA has been very clear on their website about their concerns about hydroxychloroquine , particularly when it 's combined with a macrolide , '' she told reporters Friday at a White House press briefing , referring to a class of antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin .
Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game changer , '' said Monday he had been taking the drug daily for about a week and a half as an added measure to avoid getting the coronavirus .
He also said he was taking zinc and had taken an initial dose of azithromycin .
The president , who said he 's tested negative for COVID-19 , said Wednesday he would finish taking the drug `` in a day or two . ''
The FDA has cautioned against the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine , a related drug , for COVID-19 treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the risk of life-threatening heart problems .
Hydroxychloroquine is FDA-approved to treat or prevent malaria as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis .
Birx 's comments came in response to a question about a new study showing COVID-19 patients who took hydroxychloroquine had a higher risk of death than those who were not given the drug .
The study , published Friday in the medical journal The Lancet , also found that COVID-19 patients were more likely to develop serious heart arrhythmias if treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroxychloroquine had higher risk of death , study shows Arrhythmias can lead to a sudden cardiac death , according to researchers , but the report did not associate the study ’ s fatalities with adverse cardiac affects .
The study found a 34 % increase in risk of mortality and a 137 % increase in risk of a serious heart arrhythmia for patients who were given hydroxychloroquine .
Patients who received hydroxychloroquine and an antiobiotic , similar to the regimen Trump said he was taking , saw a 411 % increase in risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprises of 96,000 coronavirus patients from six different countries who were hospitalized between Dec. 20 and April 14 .
Nearly 15,000 patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine alone or in combination with an antibiotic '' It clearly shows the comorbidity that puts individuals at more risk , '' Birx said of the study , referring to patients with underlying health conditions .
`` I think it was one of our clearest studies because there were so many thousands – tens of thousands – of individuals involved that the doctors clearly annotated who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you can see dramatically the increased risks for that . ''
Birx added there are still controlled trials looking at use of the drugs as a prophylaxis against the coronavirus as well as using them in a hospital setting .
She also urged millennials to check to see if their parents have any of the conditions mentioned in the study to help `` protect them '' amid the coronavirus pandemic .
More : Coronavirus , diabetes , obesity and other underlying conditions : Which patients are most at risk ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently discussing anecdotal evidence of its impact from the podium during White House briefings .
His administration stockpiled 29 million doses of the drug earlier in the pandemic .
Trump 's revelation that he had been taking the drug stunned doctors , health experts and politicians , who were quick to issue warnings about hydroxychloroquine 's long list of potentially dangerous side effects and its ineffectiveness against the coronavirus in recent studies .
`` You 'd be surprised about how many people are taking it , especially the front line workers , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday before revealing he was among those taking the drug .
The president said he began taking the regimen after two aides tested positive for COVID-19 and three members of the coronavirus task force entered quarantine over concerns they attended meetings with one of the staff members diagnosed with the virus .

Birx: FDA 'has been very clear' on its concerns about using hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment
Show Caption Hide Caption Birx offers Memorial Day weekend virus guidance Dr. Deborah Birx is offering Americans guidance on how they can enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, the traditional kickoff to summer. She urges people to enjoy the outdoors, but remain mindful of the virus and the need to stay socially distant. (May 22) AP
WASHINGTON – Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, underscored a U.S. Food and Drug Administration's warning about using hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 in the same week President Donald Trump revealed he had been taking it ward off the virus.
"I think the FDA has been very clear on their website about their concerns about hydroxychloroquine, particularly when it's combined with a macrolide," she told reporters Friday at a White House press briefing, referring to a class of antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin.
Trump, who has promoted hydroxychloroquine as a "game changer," said Monday he had been taking the drug daily for about a week and a half as an added measure to avoid getting the coronavirus. He also said he was taking zinc and had taken an initial dose of azithromycin. The president, who said he's tested negative for COVID-19, said Wednesday he would finish taking the drug "in a day or two."
The FDA has cautioned against the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, a related drug, for COVID-19 treatment outside of hospitals or clinical trials due to the risk of life-threatening heart problems. Hydroxychloroquine is FDA-approved to treat or prevent malaria as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Birx's comments came in response to a question about a new study showing COVID-19 patients who took hydroxychloroquine had a higher risk of death than those who were not given the drug. The study, published Friday in the medical journal The Lancet, also found that COVID-19 patients were more likely to develop serious heart arrhythmias if treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.
More: Coronavirus patients who took hydroxychloroquine had higher risk of death, study shows
Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness. USA TODAY
Arrhythmias can lead to a sudden cardiac death, according to researchers, but the report did not associate the study’s fatalities with adverse cardiac affects.
The study found a 34% increase in risk of mortality and a 137% increase in risk of a serious heart arrhythmia for patients who were given hydroxychloroquine. Patients who received hydroxychloroquine and an antiobiotic, similar to the regimen Trump said he was taking, saw a 411% increase in risk of serious heart arrhythmias.
The study comprises of 96,000 coronavirus patients from six different countries who were hospitalized between Dec. 20 and April 14. Nearly 15,000 patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine alone or in combination with an antibiotic
"It clearly shows the comorbidity that puts individuals at more risk," Birx said of the study, referring to patients with underlying health conditions.
"I think it was one of our clearest studies because there were so many thousands – tens of thousands – of individuals involved that the doctors clearly annotated who had heart disease and who had obesity, and you can see dramatically the increased risks for that."
Birx added there are still controlled trials looking at use of the drugs as a prophylaxis against the coronavirus as well as using them in a hospital setting. She also urged millennials to check to see if their parents have any of the conditions mentioned in the study to help "protect them" amid the coronavirus pandemic.
More: Coronavirus, diabetes, obesity and other underlying conditions: Which patients are most at risk?
The president had touted hydroxychloroquine for weeks, frequently discussing anecdotal evidence of its impact from the podium during White House briefings. His administration stockpiled 29 million doses of the drug earlier in the pandemic.
Trump's revelation that he had been taking the drug stunned doctors, health experts and politicians, who were quick to issue warnings about hydroxychloroquine's long list of potentially dangerous side effects and its ineffectiveness against the coronavirus in recent studies.
"You'd be surprised about how many people are taking it, especially the front line workers, before you catch it," Trump said Monday before revealing he was among those taking the drug.
The president said he began taking the regimen after two aides tested positive for COVID-19 and three members of the coronavirus task force entered quarantine over concerns they attended meetings with one of the staff members diagnosed with the virus.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez


usatoday--2020-05-22--'We need answers': VA has given hydroxychloroquine to 1,300 vets with COVID-19 amid troubling studie

WASHINGTON – Democrats are raising concerns over the Department of Veterans Affairs using hydroxychloroquine to treat veterans diagnosed with COVID-19 , a path of treatment that has been shown to increase mortality in some patients .
The VA , in response to questions from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said it had used the drug on about 1,300 of the 10,000 veterans who they are treating for the coronavirus and said the administration `` will continue to do so . ''
`` We need to know what the basis was for using this drug against the consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its effectiveness in treating COVID-19 , '' Schumer said in a statement Friday .
`` We also need to know who is authorizing these new trials , what facilities are participating and what families are being told . ''
The VA purchased a bulk order of hydroxychloroquine over the last few months totaling more than 6.3 million tablets of the drug .
Schumer wrote earlier this month to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie , questioning to the bulk order , the department 's use of the drug and its impacts on veterans .
Wilkie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the drug to treat patients infected with coronavirus , despite a number of studies and the Food and Drug Administration 's warning that the drug has n't been proven to work and has potentially deadly side effects .
More : Trump says he 's taking hydroxychloroquine , the drug he touted as coronavirus treatment , despite FDA warnings More : Coronavirus patients who took hydroxychloroquine had higher risk of death , study shows Wilkie , in a letter to Schumer , noted that the FDA authorized physicians to use the drug for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance from the FDA and is aware of the potential side effects , especially for those with preexisting conditions or who take the drug in combination with others .
`` There is much misinformation in the national media about VA 's use of this pharmaceutical , '' Wilkie said in his letter .
`` The immediate concern is that veterans are being discouraged from seeking life-saving treatment at the VA as the result of false implications that VA is recklessly experimenting on veterans with this drug . ''
He said the drug was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is largely being used `` at the final stages of a veteran 's life in the hope that it has some positive effect . ''
Wilkie added that the department 's primary use of the drug , which is used to treat or prevent malaria as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis , has not been to treat COVID-19 patients .
The VA also told the New York Democrat that the department is planning several studies to examine the effectiveness of the drug , including one scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be useless or even harmful for COVID-19 patients , but the VA continues to administer it to hundreds of vets , '' Schumer said on Twitter .
`` Why are we just learning this ?
We need answers NOW ! ''
More : Hydroxychloroquine and coronavirus : Everything to know about the drug Trump says he 's taking More : COVID-19 treatment : FDA says hydroxychloroquine touted by Trump is not safe or effective President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he was taking hydroxychloroquine daily for about a week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid getting the coronavirus , a revelation that stunned health experts .
The president had touted the drug for weeks , frequently discussing anecdotal evidence of its impact from the podium during daily White House briefings .
His administration stockpiled 29 million doses of the drug earlier in the pandemic .
Two recent observational studies of coronavirus patients suggested the drug has little impact in treating the disease .
The studies , while not the same as a clinical trial , suggested that the drug did not significantly reduce complications from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will finish his hydroxychloroquine regimen 'in a day or two '

'We need answers': VA has given hydroxychloroquine to 1,300 vets with COVID-19 amid troubling studies
Show Caption Hide Caption FDA: Hydroxychloroquine will not prevent COVID-19 Despite President Trump's thoughts, drug and disease experts seem to agree that hydroxychloroquine is not a proven preventative measure for COVID-19. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Democrats are raising concerns over the Department of Veterans Affairs using hydroxychloroquine to treat veterans diagnosed with COVID-19, a path of treatment that has been shown to increase mortality in some patients.
The VA, in response to questions from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said it had used the drug on about 1,300 of the 10,000 veterans who they are treating for the coronavirus and said the administration "will continue to do so."
"We need to know what the basis was for using this drug against the consensus of science, which called into question its effectiveness in treating COVID-19," Schumer said in a statement Friday. "We also need to know who is authorizing these new trials, what facilities are participating and what families are being told."
The VA purchased a bulk order of hydroxychloroquine over the last few months totaling more than 6.3 million tablets of the drug. Schumer wrote earlier this month to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, questioning to the bulk order, the department's use of the drug and its impacts on veterans.
Wilkie responded by defending the department's use of the drug to treat patients infected with coronavirus, despite a number of studies and the Food and Drug Administration's warning that the drug hasn't been proven to work and has potentially deadly side effects.
More: Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine, the drug he touted as coronavirus treatment, despite FDA warnings
More: Coronavirus patients who took hydroxychloroquine had higher risk of death, study shows
This shows the original VA study on hydroxychloroquine everyone was concerned over is just the beginning
This drug may be useless or even harmful for COVID-19 patients, but the VA continues to administer it to hundreds of vets
Why are we just learning this? We need answers NOW! https://t.co/7HXaIL9EDo — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 22, 2020
Wilkie, in a letter to Schumer, noted that the FDA authorized physicians to use the drug for patients and the VA is following the guidance from the FDA and is aware of the potential side effects, especially for those with preexisting conditions or who take the drug in combination with others.
"There is much misinformation in the national media about VA's use of this pharmaceutical," Wilkie said in his letter. "The immediate concern is that veterans are being discouraged from seeking life-saving treatment at the VA as the result of false implications that VA is recklessly experimenting on veterans with this drug."
He said the drug was being prescribed in "certain circumstances" and is largely being used "at the final stages of a veteran's life in the hope that it has some positive effect." Wilkie added that the department's primary use of the drug, which is used to treat or prevent malaria as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, has not been to treat COVID-19 patients.
The VA also told the New York Democrat that the department is planning several studies to examine the effectiveness of the drug, including one scheduled for review this month.
Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness. USA TODAY
"This drug may be useless or even harmful for COVID-19 patients, but the VA continues to administer it to hundreds of vets," Schumer said on Twitter. "Why are we just learning this? We need answers NOW!"
More: Hydroxychloroquine and coronavirus: Everything to know about the drug Trump says he's taking
More: COVID-19 treatment: FDA says hydroxychloroquine touted by Trump is not safe or effective
President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he was taking hydroxychloroquine daily for about a week and a half as an added measure to avoid getting the coronavirus, a revelation that stunned health experts.
The president had touted the drug for weeks, frequently discussing anecdotal evidence of its impact from the podium during daily White House briefings. His administration stockpiled 29 million doses of the drug earlier in the pandemic.
Two recent observational studies of coronavirus patients suggested the drug has little impact in treating the disease. The studies, while not the same as a clinical trial, suggested that the drug did not significantly reduce complications from the virus or death.
Contributing: Courtney Subramanian and John Fritze
More: Trump says he will finish his hydroxychloroquine regimen 'in a day or two'


usatoday--2020-05-22--'Dear Mr. President, please stay home!': Baltimore mayor asks Trump not to visit city amid lockdown

WASHINGTON – The mayor of Baltimore is asking President Donald Trump to stay home ahead of a planned trip to Fort McHenry for Memorial Day , calling it `` not a smart thing to do '' as the city remains on lockdown over the coronavirus .
`` That President Trump is deciding to pursue non-essential travel sends the wrong message to our residents , many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus , '' Mayor Bernard `` Jack '' Young said in a statement Thursday .
Trump is scheduled on Monday to visit the city 's Fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been closed to all visitors since late March due to the coronavirus .
While Maryland began phasing out its statewide `` stay-at-home '' order last week , the city of Baltimore 's is still in place .
Young told CNN on Friday he got no heads-up about Trump 's visit .
`` Dear Mr. President @ realDonaldTrump , please stay home ! ''
Young said on Twitter Thursday .
The office of Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , however , said it was an honor that the president and first lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday is also the governor 's birthday , his office said , which he plans to spend with family .
`` Although Marylanders are encouraged not to gather in large numbers this year – now more than ever – it ’ s important to reflect on the American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom , '' his office said in a statement , according to CBS Baltimore .
Young urged the president to honor the sacrifices of military personnel from Washington instead .
A spokesperson for the White House , Judd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump will not stay home .
`` The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the President will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our Nation ’ s history , '' Deere said .
Young said personnel and equipment for the president 's visit will come with `` a price tag that our City , which is still dealing with the loss of roughly $ 20 million in revenue per month , simply can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallout : Trump attacks Michigan AG after she calls him a 'petulant child ' over mask dispute '' I 'm asking the president to rethink his trip .
It sends a bad message to the citizens of Baltimore because I 'm asking them to stay home and only come out for an essential reason , and we have a president that 's coming to a city that he just berated over a year ago , '' Young told CNN .
Last July , Trump took to Twitter to go after the late Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump called Baltimore a `` rodent infested mess '' and `` a dangerous & filthy place , '' prompting an outcry from Democratic lawmakers who called his remarks racist .
`` No human being would want to live there , '' Trump said .
At the time , Young called Trump `` a disappointment to the people of Baltimore , our country , and to the world . ''
Trump honors victims : Trump to order US flags lowered to honor coronavirus victims as death toll approaches 100,000 Now , Young says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't personal , but that he is concerned over the spread of the coronavirus in Baltimore .
The city has had over 200 deaths due to the virus , Young said .
It has seen over 4,000 cases , according to Maryland data .
`` I 'm just hoping the president will rethink this , because it 's not a smart thing to do , '' Young said Friday .

'Dear Mr. President, please stay home!': Baltimore mayor asks Trump not to visit city amid lockdown
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The mayor of Baltimore is asking President Donald Trump to stay home ahead of a planned trip to Fort McHenry for Memorial Day, calling it "not a smart thing to do" as the city remains on lockdown over the coronavirus.
"That President Trump is deciding to pursue non-essential travel sends the wrong message to our residents, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus," Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young said in a statement Thursday.
Trump is scheduled on Monday to visit the city's Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which has been closed to all visitors since late March due to the coronavirus. While Maryland began phasing out its statewide "stay-at-home" order last week, the city of Baltimore's is still in place. Young told CNN on Friday he got no heads-up about Trump's visit.
"Dear Mr. President @realDonaldTrump, please stay home!" Young said on Twitter Thursday.
Dear Mr. President @realDonaldTrump, please stay home! The City of Baltimore is currently under a Stay at Home order for the safety of our residents, who have been hit hard by #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/7FwrHIHyeX — Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young (@mayorbcyoung) May 21, 2020
The office of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, however, said it was an honor that the president and first lady are scheduled to visit Fort McHenry. Monday is also the governor's birthday, his office said, which he plans to spend with family.
"Although Marylanders are encouraged not to gather in large numbers this year – now more than ever – it’s important to reflect on the American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom," his office said in a statement, according to CBS Baltimore.
Young urged the president to honor the sacrifices of military personnel from Washington instead. A spokesperson for the White House, Judd Deere, said in a statement that Trump will not stay home.
"The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the President will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our Nation’s history," Deere said.
Young said personnel and equipment for the president's visit will come with "a price tag that our City, which is still dealing with the loss of roughly $20 million in revenue per month, simply can’t afford to shoulder."
Michigan trip fallout: Trump attacks Michigan AG after she calls him a 'petulant child' over mask dispute
"I'm asking the president to rethink his trip. It sends a bad message to the citizens of Baltimore because I'm asking them to stay home and only come out for an essential reason, and we have a president that's coming to a city that he just berated over a year ago," Young told CNN.
Last July, Trump took to Twitter to go after the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died in October. Trump called Baltimore a "rodent infested mess" and "a dangerous & filthy place," prompting an outcry from Democratic lawmakers who called his remarks racist.
"No human being would want to live there," Trump said.
At the time, Young called Trump "a disappointment to the people of Baltimore, our country, and to the world."
Trump honors victims: Trump to order US flags lowered to honor coronavirus victims as death toll approaches 100,000
Now, Young says his disapproval of Trump's city visit isn't personal, but that he is concerned over the spread of the coronavirus in Baltimore. The city has had over 200 deaths due to the virus, Young said. It has seen over 4,000 cases, according to Maryland data.
"I'm just hoping the president will rethink this, because it's not a smart thing to do," Young said Friday.


usatoday--2020-05-22--Joe Biden: I 'honest to God don't know who' VP pick will be

Former Vice President Joe Biden said in a Thursday television interview he had not yet decided on a running mate , saying on CBS ’ s “ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , '' `` I honest to God don ’ t know who '' he would pick .
Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , said he had discussed the issue with former President Barack Obama , though he declined to cite names under consideration .
Recalling his own selection as vice president , Biden said he and Obama had talked about being `` in complete alignment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreed on tactics .
Biden said he had also been picked for his experience on foreign policy and long tenure in the Senate .
Biden said he was looking for someone whose attributes would `` complement '' his own .
Asked if Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , had undergone a deep background check by his team , Biden said `` no one has been vetted yet . ''
A team had gone out to ask `` preliminary '' vice-presidential candidates a list of questions about their interest in the job , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
Biden called vetting a `` very invasive '' process of looking at `` every vote they 've ever taken , '' financial statements , and health records .
He told Colbert he would not discuss who is under consideration because if someone were not cited as being on the list , the `` presumption is not necessarily true that there must be something wrong.
” Biden said he had been advised by a former Obama aide to `` ‘ think to yourself .
You ’ ve got an important decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ want in the Oval Office to talk to you ?
’ ” Veepstakes : More contenders emerge on short list for Biden 's running mate and undergo vetting Gretchen Whitmer : I had 'conversation ' with Biden campaign about vice presidency Biden has said he wants a woman to be his running mate .
He announced his vice presidential selection committee last month , which is being chaired by former U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd ; U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester ; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ; and Cynthia Hogan , former White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several media outlets reported Thursday Klobuchar and Rep. Val Demings , D-Fla. , had been asked by the Biden campaign to begin the formal vetting process .
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday on the `` Today '' show she had `` a conversation with some folks '' on the Biden campaign about being his running mate .
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham , another subject of vice presidential speculation , announced her endorsement of Biden for president on Friday .

Joe Biden: I 'honest to God don't know who' VP pick will be
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate: 6 possibilities The former vice president will soon begin the process of selecting a running mate as the Democratic primary nears its end. USA TODAY
Former Vice President Joe Biden said in a Thursday television interview he had not yet decided on a running mate, saying on CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," "I honest to God don’t know who" he would pick.
Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, said he had discussed the issue with former President Barack Obama, though he declined to cite names under consideration.
Recalling his own selection as vice president, Biden said he and Obama had talked about being "in complete alignment" on strategic issues even if they disagreed on tactics. Biden said he had also been picked for his experience on foreign policy and long tenure in the Senate.
Biden said he was looking for someone whose attributes would "complement" his own.
Asked if Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., had undergone a deep background check by his team, Biden said "no one has been vetted yet."
A team had gone out to ask "preliminary" vice-presidential candidates a list of questions about their interest in the job, Biden said, adding the vetting would begin later. Biden called vetting a "very invasive" process of looking at "every vote they've ever taken," financial statements, and health records.
He told Colbert he would not discuss who is under consideration because if someone were not cited as being on the list, the "presumption is not necessarily true that there must be something wrong.”
Biden said he had been advised by a former Obama aide to "‘think to yourself. You’ve got an important decision. Who’s the last person you want in the Oval Office to talk to you?’”
Veepstakes: More contenders emerge on short list for Biden's running mate and undergo vetting
Gretchen Whitmer: I had 'conversation' with Biden campaign about vice presidency
Biden has said he wants a woman to be his running mate.
He announced his vice presidential selection committee last month, which is being chaired by former U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd; U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; and Cynthia Hogan, former White House and Senate counsel to Biden.
Several media outlets reported Thursday Klobuchar and Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., had been asked by the Biden campaign to begin the formal vetting process.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday on the "Today" show she had "a conversation with some folks" on the Biden campaign about being his running mate.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, another subject of vice presidential speculation, announced her endorsement of Biden for president on Friday.


usatoday--2020-05-22--Joe Biden talks coronavirus response, gets emotional discussing grief with Stephen Colbert

Joe Biden is n't mincing words on how he thinks President Donald Trump is handling the coronavirus pandemic .
The former vice president sat down virtually with Stephen Colbert for a lengthy interview on Thursday night 's `` The Late Show , '' criticizing the president for his response to the ongoing crisis , and even getting emotional at points talking about grief for those who have died from COVID-19 .
Biden , who Colbert said is his final guest from the late night show 's at-home telecast , showed off his mask at the start of the interview , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants him to put the mask on `` so she does n't hear me speak . ''
When Colbert asked if Biden is `` going to beat this guy , '' the answer was a resounding `` yes . ''
`` The American people fully understand what ’ s at stake here , '' Biden said .
`` This is the most important election in anybody ’ s life , not because I ’ m running , but because of the circumstances . ''
Biden said Trump is `` willing to anything '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic `` without paying nearly enough attention to what everyone from Dr. Fauci to scientists all over the country have said … that we really have to worry about whether there 's going to be a considerable rebound of this disease . ''
He criticized the time it took for Trump to get personal protective equipment to those who need it , as well as what he views to be a lack of available COVID-19 testing for people across the country .
`` Why don ’ t you start to tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re tough .
They can handle it , '' Biden said .
`` And tell them what ’ s going to happen and tell them how you ’ re going to get these things done .
He ’ s done none of that . ''
Biden leads Trump by 11 points in new national poll as approval of coronavirus response ticks down '' While we all know we 're in a crisis , not just nationally but globally , not enough attention is being paid to the necessity for grief right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to 100,000 people so far .
There has n't been a public expression from the top of that grief , which helps guide the country 's soul in times of crisis like this , '' Colbert said nearing the end of the interview .
`` What can you say to those people who are worried about the future , and have no outlet right now nationally and collectively for their grief ? ''
`` If I were president of the United States , I would be lowering the flag to half mast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` So many families , every one of those 90,000 have lost someone , left behind a family , left behind somebody with a broken heart . ''
Biden , whose son Beau died in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer , described losing a loved one as a `` big black hole you seem to get sucked into . ''
`` You ’ ve got to remember , over time , that they ’ re still part of you , they ’ re your heart , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are , it ’ s this connection that is real , and the only way I know for me how to get through it is to find purpose , '' Biden said . ''
`` What would the person you lost – what would they want you to be doing ? ''
Biden said .
`` What can you do to make it better ? ''
The former vice president got visibly emotional as he remember a promise he made to his son before his death .
`` My Beau , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me make a promise , '' Biden said , choking up .
`` He said 'Dad , I know no one in the world loves me more than you do .
But , Dad , I promise you , I ’ m going to be OK .
But , Dad , promise me you ’ re going to be OK. ' `` Biden continued : `` He was worried I would withdraw .
I would go inside , because mourning in public is a lot different than being able to mourn in private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay engaged .
… Every morning I get up , I ask myself , is he proud of me ?
Am I meeting the requirement that I promised him I would do ? ''
Colbert ended the interview with a final question : `` Are we going to be alright ? ''
`` Yes , we are , '' Biden said .
`` I promise you , we will get through this and we ’ re going to come out stronger . ''
Staying Apart , Together : A newsletter about how to @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden talks coronavirus response, gets emotional discussing grief with Stephen Colbert
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden says you 'shouldn't vote for me' if you believe Tara Reade Presidential candidate Joe Biden said in an interview with Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC that people who believe Tara Reade "shouldn't vote for me." USA TODAY
Joe Biden isn't mincing words on how he thinks President Donald Trump is handling the coronavirus pandemic.
The former vice president sat down virtually with Stephen Colbert for a lengthy interview on Thursday night's "The Late Show," criticizing the president for his response to the ongoing crisis, and even getting emotional at points talking about grief for those who have died from COVID-19.
Biden, who Colbert said is his final guest from the late night show's at-home telecast, showed off his mask at the start of the interview, joking that wife Dr. Jill Biden sometimes wants him to put the mask on "so she doesn't hear me speak."
When Colbert asked if Biden is "going to beat this guy," the answer was a resounding "yes."
"The American people fully understand what’s at stake here," Biden said. "This is the most important election in anybody’s life, not because I’m running, but because of the circumstances."
Biden said Trump is "willing to anything" to help the country rebound economically from the pandemic "without paying nearly enough attention to what everyone from Dr. Fauci to scientists all over the country have said … that we really have to worry about whether there's going to be a considerable rebound of this disease."
He criticized the time it took for Trump to get personal protective equipment to those who need it, as well as what he views to be a lack of available COVID-19 testing for people across the country.
"Why don’t you start to tell the American people the truth? They’re tough. They can handle it," Biden said. "And tell them what’s going to happen and tell them how you’re going to get these things done. He’s done none of that."
Biden leads Trump by 11 points in new national poll as approval of coronavirus response ticks down
"While we all know we're in a crisis, not just nationally but globally, not enough attention is being paid to the necessity for grief right now. For the grief for the loss of close to 100,000 people so far. There hasn't been a public expression from the top of that grief, which helps guide the country's soul in times of crisis like this," Colbert said nearing the end of the interview. "What can you say to those people who are worried about the future, and have no outlet right now nationally and collectively for their grief?"
"If I were president of the United States, I would be lowering the flag to half mast in the White House," Biden said. "So many families, every one of those 90,000 have lost someone, left behind a family, left behind somebody with a broken heart."
Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel fire back after Trump slams 'no talent' late-night hosts
Biden, whose son Beau died in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer, described losing a loved one as a "big black hole you seem to get sucked into."
"You’ve got to remember, over time, that they’re still part of you, they’re your heart, they’re your soul. It’s who you are, it’s this connection that is real, and the only way I know for me how to get through it is to find purpose," Biden said."
"What would the person you lost – what would they want you to be doing?" Biden said. "What can you do to make it better?"
The former vice president got visibly emotional as he remember a promise he made to his son before his death.
"My Beau, my son, before he died he made me make a promise," Biden said, choking up. "He said 'Dad, I know no one in the world loves me more than you do. But, Dad, I promise you, I’m going to be OK. But, Dad, promise me you’re going to be OK.' "
Biden continued: "He was worried I would withdraw. I would go inside, because mourning in public is a lot different than being able to mourn in private. And he made me promise to stay engaged. … Every morning I get up, I ask myself, is he proud of me? Am I meeting the requirement that I promised him I would do?"
Colbert ended the interview with a final question: "Are we going to be alright?"
"Yes, we are," Biden said. "I promise you, we will get through this and we’re going to come out stronger."
Staying Apart, Together: A newsletter about how to cope with the coronavirus pandemic


usatoday--2020-05-22--Wear a mask in public? Sure. Majority of Democrats, Republicans say they have, survey shows

WASHINGTON – Despite high-profile incidents of Americans refusing to wear face masks , an overwhelming majority of Americans say they have worn a face covering due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to a new survey .
More than four out of five Americans — 84 % — said they have worn a mask in public in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
And while reopening economies and wearing a mask have at times become partisan talking points , the vast majority of Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask in public .
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate .
Throughout the 2020 election cycle , the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates .
This survey was conducted between May 7 to 14 , with 4,576 Americans surveyed .
There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points .
Eighty-nine percent of Democrats and 81 % of Republicans say they have worn a mask in public , according to the survey .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with younger people having been slightly less likely to have worn a mask in public .
Roughly three out of four ( 78 % ) Americans ages 18 to 29 say they 've worn a face mask in public , while 90 % of Americans 65 and above say they have .
Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group , said that although there 's a narrative that there 's `` some sort of cultural war '' about wearing masks , the data does not show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sizable portion of the population who 's somehow violently opposed to this behavior that public health officials are advising just does n't seem to line up , '' he said .
Over the past several weeks , there have been several reports and viral videos of people refusing to wear face masks in public areas , such as stores and restaurants .
Earlier this month , security guard Calvin Munerlyn was fatally shot after turning away a customer for trying to enter a Family Dollar in Michigan without a mask .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police officer after an altercation with a Walmart employee who asked her to wear a mask in the store .
Most recently , a video of a verbal altercation between a Costco customer and employee in Colorado went viral after the customer was asked to leave the store because he was not wearing a mask .
More : The CDC says coronavirus 'does not spread easily ' on surfaces or objects .
Here 's what we know .
President Donald Trump has also declined to wear a mask in public .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain ( e.g.
, grocery stores and pharmacies ) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission . ''
Although there are some differences along demographic lines , the majorities of all groups have worn a mask in public , according to an analysis from Nationscape Insights , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA , and USA TODAY .
More : New nationwide study shows where Americans agree – and where Democrats differ headed into November But there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks when it comes to what activities they are willing to participate in if restrictions were lifted .
The biggest gap was between people who would and would not attend a professional sporting event .
Among people who said they would attend a sporting event if restrictions were lifted , 75 % said they had worn a mask in public .
But among those who said they would not attend a professional sporting event , 92 % said they have worn a mask in public .
The next largest gap came between those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those who would n't .
Of those who said they would go to a stadium concert , 76 % said they 've worn a face mask in public .
But among those who say they would not go to a stadium concert , 91 % said they 've worn a face mask in public .
Griffin said there is a clear relationship where the people most likely to wear a mask `` are also the folks who are going , 'hey , I 'm going to be more cautious about this even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not certain I 'll actually engage in them at all . '
`` Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation .
’

Wear a mask in public? Sure. Majority of Democrats, Republicans say they have, survey shows
Show Caption Hide Caption Restaurants and bars reopened around the country drawing crowds Many restaurants and bars around the country reopened this past weekend, and they turned out to be very busy. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – Despite high-profile incidents of Americans refusing to wear face masks, an overwhelming majority of Americans say they have worn a face covering during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey.
More than four out of five Americans – 84% – say they have worn a mask in public in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project.
Although reopening economies and wearing a mask have become partisan talking points, the majority of Democrats and Republicans say they have worn a mask in public.
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate. Throughout the 2020 election cycle, the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates. This survey of 4,576 Americans was conducted May 7 to 14. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
Eighty-nine percent of Democrats and 81% of Republicans say they have worn a mask in public, according to the survey. There is a small disparity among age groups: Younger people are slightly less likely to have worn a mask in public. Roughly three out of four (78%) Americans ages 18 to 29 say they've worn a face mask in public, and 90% of Americans 65 and older say they have.
Coronavirus live updates: US bets $1.2 billion on new vaccine
Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, said that although there's a narrative of "some sort of cultural war" about wearing masks, the data does not show that.
"The idea that there is a sizable portion of the population who's somehow violently opposed to this behavior that public health officials are advising just doesn't seem to line up," he said.
Over the past several weeks, there have been several reports and viral videos of people refusing to wear face masks in public areas, such as stores and restaurants.
This month, security guard Calvin Munerlyn was fatally shot after turning away a customer for trying to enter a Family Dollar in Michigan without a mask. A woman in Alabama was taken down by a police officer after an altercation with a Walmart employee who asked her to wear a mask in the store. Most recently, a video of a verbal altercation between a Costco customer and employee in Colorado went viral after the customer was asked to leave the store because he was not wearing a mask.
Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
More: The CDC says coronavirus 'does not spread easily' on surfaces or objects. Here's what we know.
President Donald Trump has also declined to wear a mask in public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends "wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission."
Although there are some differences along demographic lines, the majorities of all groups have worn a mask in public, according to an analysis from Nationscape Insights, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY.
More: New nationwide study shows where Americans agree – and where Democrats differ headed into November
There is a gap among people who have worn masks when it comes to what activities they are willing to participate in if restrictions were lifted.
The biggest gap is between people who would and would not attend a professional sporting event. Among people who say they would attend a sporting event if restrictions were lifted, 75% say they had worn a mask in public.
Among those who say they would not attend a professional sporting event, 92% say they have worn a mask in public.
The next largest gap comes between those who would go to a stadium concert and those who wouldn't.
Of those who say they would go to a stadium concert, 76% say they've worn a face mask in public. Among those who say they would not go to a stadium concert, 91% say they've worn a face mask in public.
Griffin said there is a clear relationship where the people most likely to wear a mask "are also the folks who are going, 'Hey, I'm going to be more cautious about this even if things do reopen, and I'm not certain I'll actually engage in them at all.' "
Want to talk more about politics? Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’


usatoday--2020-05-23--'You should drop out': Trump spars with ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions amid battle for Alabama Se

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Saturday encouraged former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to drop out of the race for his old Alabama Senate seat as the two engaged in a bitter war of words on Twitter during the Memorial Day weekend .
`` Jeff , you had your chance & you blew it , '' Trump posted on Twitter , responding to a tweet hours earlier in which Sessions took the unusual step of pushing back on the president 's long-standing criticism .
`` You had no courage , & ruined many lives . ''
Trump was reacting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which his former attorney general criticized the president , asserting that his decision to recuse himself in the early stages of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election was `` required by law '' and that he did his `` duty '' and that `` you 're damn fortunate I did . ''
Sessions , a former Alabama senator who left the Trump administration in late 2018 , is running for his old seat and is facing a runoff for the Republican nomination against former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the race , despite the president 's repeated recriminations .
Trump , who has long criticized Sessions for a recusal that opened the door for the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller , urged Alabamans to `` not trust Jeff Sessions '' in a tweet Friday , writing that he `` let our Country down . ''
Sessions countered by arguing that the investigation ultimately led to Trump 's exoneration .
The Mueller probe found no proof the Trump campaign conspired with Russia but left unresolved whether Trump 's actions and intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In any case , the probe consumed much of the first two years of the Trump 's presidency .
`` Your personal feelings do n't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator , the people of Alabama do , '' Sessions posted in his tweet on Friday .
`` Recused yourself ON DAY ONE ( you never told me of a problem ) , and ran for the hills , '' Trump shot back on Saturday .
`` The dirty cops , & others , got caught by better & stronger people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay a big ... price .
You should drop out of the race . ''

'You should drop out': Trump spars with ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions amid battle for Alabama Senate seat
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump claims to wear mask during Ford plant tour President Donald Trump says he wore a mask and goggles out of view of reporters while he was touring a Ford plant in Michigan. (May 21) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Saturday encouraged former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to drop out of the race for his old Alabama Senate seat as the two engaged in a bitter war of words on Twitter during the Memorial Day weekend.
"Jeff, you had your chance & you blew it," Trump posted on Twitter, responding to a tweet hours earlier in which Sessions took the unusual step of pushing back on the president's long-standing criticism. "You had no courage, & ruined many lives."
Trump was reacting to a tweet from Sessions on Friday in which his former attorney general criticized the president, asserting that his decision to recuse himself in the early stages of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election was "required by law" and that he did his "duty" and that "you're damn fortunate I did."
Sessions, a former Alabama senator who left the Trump administration in late 2018, is running for his old seat and is facing a runoff for the Republican nomination against former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville. Sessions has sought to embrace Trump in the race, despite the president's repeated recriminations.
.@realdonaldtrump Look, I know your anger, but recusal was required by law. I did my duty & you're damn fortunate I did. It protected the rule of law & resulted in your exoneration. Your personal feelings don't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator, the people of Alabama do. https://t.co/QQKHNAgmiE — Jeff Sessions (@jeffsessions) May 23, 2020
Trump, who has long criticized Sessions for a recusal that opened the door for the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller, urged Alabamans to "not trust Jeff Sessions" in a tweet Friday, writing that he "let our Country down."
Sessions countered by arguing that the investigation ultimately led to Trump's exoneration.
The Mueller probe found no proof the Trump campaign conspired with Russia but left unresolved whether Trump's actions and intent could be viewed as obstruction of justice. In any case, the probe consumed much of the first two years of the Trump's presidency.
"Your personal feelings don't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator, the people of Alabama do," Sessions posted in his tweet on Friday.
Jeff, you had your chance & you blew it. Recused yourself ON DAY ONE (you never told me of a problem), and ran for the hills. You had no courage, & ruined many lives. The dirty cops, & others, got caught by better & stronger people than you. Hopefully this slime will pay a big... https://t.co/AJPUBTPCnT — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2020
"Recused yourself ON DAY ONE (you never told me of a problem), and ran for the hills," Trump shot back on Saturday. "The dirty cops, & others, got caught by better & stronger people than you. Hopefully this slime will pay a big...price. You should drop out of the race."
Sessions responded late Saturday.
"I will never apologize for following the law and serving faithfully and with honor," he tweeted. "Neither of us knew about the phony investigation into our campaign until after I was sworn in."
'Petulant child': Trump, Michigan AG spar over face mask dispute after Ford visit
Voting: Republicans, Democrats embrace absentee voting despite Trump criticism


usatoday--2020-05-24--'You should drop out': Trump spars with ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions amid battle for Alabama Se

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Saturday encouraged former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to drop out of the race for his old Alabama Senate seat as the two engaged in a bitter war of words on Twitter during the Memorial Day weekend .
`` Jeff , you had your chance & you blew it , '' Trump posted on Twitter , responding to a tweet hours earlier in which Sessions took the unusual step of pushing back on the president 's long-standing criticism .
`` You had no courage , & ruined many lives . ''
Trump was reacting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which his former attorney general criticized the president , asserting that his decision to recuse himself in the early stages of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election was `` required by law '' and that he did his `` duty '' and that `` you 're damn fortunate I did . ''
Sessions , a former Alabama senator who left the Trump administration in late 2018 , is running for his old seat and is facing a runoff for the Republican nomination against former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the race , despite the president 's repeated recriminations .
Trump , who has long criticized Sessions for a recusal that opened the door for the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller , urged Alabamans to `` not trust Jeff Sessions '' in a tweet Friday , writing that he `` let our Country down . ''
Sessions countered by arguing that the investigation ultimately led to Trump 's exoneration .
The Mueller probe found no proof the Trump campaign conspired with Russia but left unresolved whether Trump 's actions and intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In any case , the probe consumed much of the first two years of the Trump 's presidency .
`` Your personal feelings do n't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator , the people of Alabama do , '' Sessions posted in his tweet on Friday .
`` Recused yourself ON DAY ONE ( you never told me of a problem ) , and ran for the hills , '' Trump shot back on Saturday .
`` The dirty cops , & others , got caught by better & stronger people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay a big ... price .
You should drop out of the race . ''
`` I will never apologize for following the law and serving faithfully and with honor , '' he tweeted .
`` Neither of us knew about the phony investigation into our campaign until after I was sworn in . ''


usatoday--2020-05-25--'As one nation, we mourn.' Trump marks Memorial Day during coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON – Amid a pandemic on the brink of claiming 100,000 American lives , President Donald Trump made Memorial Day visits to a military cemetery and a historic fort on Monday – and paid homage to service members responding to the coronavirus .
`` I stand before you at this noble fortress of American liberty to pay tribute to the immortal souls who fought and died to keep us free , '' Trump said at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore , where he and first lady Melania Trump held their hands over their hearts as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anthem .
`` Tens of thousands of service members and national guardsmen are on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus , '' Trump said .
`` As one nation , we mourn alongside every single family that has lost loved ones , including the families of our great Veterans . ''
A few hundred people gathered outside at the fort , which was decorated with red , white and blue banners .
Earlier , as a military bugler played taps , Trump followed tradition by placing a wreath at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arlington National Cemetery .
The brief ceremony honored `` those who have died for our great Nation while serving in the US Armed Forces , '' the White House said in a statement .
This Memorial Day comes as the United States braces to pass the 100,000 mark in deaths from the coronavirus that has forced the shutdown of state economies and limited public events .
More than 1.6 million Americans have tested positive for the virus and nearly 98,000 have died as of midday Monday , according to Johns Hopkins University .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldiers at Fort McHenry defended Baltimore from attack by the British .
The raising of a large American flag at the fort inspired the poem that turned into the national anthem , `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “ Jack ” Young criticized Trump 's visit to his city amid the pandemic , saying the president is not setting a good example .
“ That President Trump is deciding to pursue nonessential travel sends the wrong message to our residents , ” the Democratic mayor said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judd Deere said : `` The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the president will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our Nation ’ s history . ''
More : Biden makes first in-person appearance in more than 2 months for Memorial Day remembrance Former Vice President Joe Biden , who is running against Trump in this year 's presidential election , also marked the day , making his first public appearance in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden placed a wreath at a veterans park near his Delaware home .
`` Never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made , '' Biden said during a brief exchange with reporters .
`` Never , ever , forget . ''

'As one nation, we mourn.' Trump marks Memorial Day during coronavirus pandemic
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump makes double Memorial Day appearances President Donald Trump made his second appearance to mark Memorial Day at Baltimore's Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. (May 25) AP
WASHINGTON – Amid a pandemic on the brink of claiming 100,000 American lives, President Donald Trump made Memorial Day visits to a military cemetery and a historic fort on Monday – and paid homage to service members responding to the coronavirus.
"I stand before you at this noble fortress of American liberty to pay tribute to the immortal souls who fought and died to keep us free," Trump said at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, where he and first lady Melania Trump held their hands over their hearts as a fife and drum corps played the national anthem.
"Tens of thousands of service members and national guardsmen are on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus," Trump said. "As one nation, we mourn alongside every single family that has lost loved ones, including the families of our great Veterans."
A few hundred people gathered outside at the fort, which was decorated with red, white and blue banners.
Coronavirus live updates: Trump visits Arlington amid restrictions, Memorial Day crowds ignore warnings, deaths near
Coronavirus constrains DC Memorial Day hotspots Memorial Day destinations around Washington DC are promoting new ways to honor fallen soldiers during the holiday while restricting in-person visits to keep staff and the public safe during the coronavirus pandemic. (May 22) AP
Earlier, as a military bugler played taps, Trump followed tradition by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The brief ceremony honored "those who have died for our great Nation while serving in the US Armed Forces," the White House said in a statement.
This Memorial Day comes as the United States braces to pass the 100,000 mark in deaths from the coronavirus that has forced the shutdown of state economies and limited public events. More than 1.6 million Americans have tested positive for the virus and nearly 98,000 have died as of midday Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
During the War of 1812, American soldiers at Fort McHenry defended Baltimore from attack by the British. The raising of a large American flag at the fort inspired the poem that turned into the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young criticized Trump's visit to his city amid the pandemic, saying the president is not setting a good example.
“That President Trump is deciding to pursue nonessential travel sends the wrong message to our residents,” the Democratic mayor said in a statement.
In response, White House spokesman Judd Deere said: "The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the president will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our Nation’s history."
Trump marks Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery President Donald Trump began Memorial Day by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. (May 25) AP
More: Biden makes first in-person appearance in more than 2 months for Memorial Day remembrance
Former Vice President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump in this year's presidential election, also marked the day, making his first public appearance in more than two months. Wearing a black mask, Biden placed a wreath at a veterans park near his Delaware home.
"Never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made," Biden said during a brief exchange with reporters. "Never, ever, forget."
Contributing: John Fritze


usatoday--2020-05-27--'Contain potentially misleading information': Twitter fact-checks Trump's tweets

WASHINGTON – Twitter fact-checked and labeled some of President Donald Trump 's posts as misleading on Tuesday .
Trump responded by saying Twitter was `` interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election . ''
Twitter , which has been Trump 's favorite platform to post unfiltered views to his millions of followers , added a warning phrase underneath two of his tweets in which the president reiterated unsubstantiated claims about mail-in ballots , calling them “ fraudulent ” while also predicting that “ mail boxes will be robbed . ''
The warning phrase reads , “ Get the facts about mail-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens a Twitter “ moments ” page that includes news stories and fact checks about Trump ’ s claims .
More : Republicans , Democrats push ahead on absentee voting even as Trump blasts Michigan over it The header reads : `` Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to ' a Rigged Election . '
However , fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud . ''
`` Trump falsely claimed that California will send mail-in ballots to 'anyone living in the state , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got there . '
In fact , only registered voters will receive ballots .
Though Trump targeted California , mail-in ballots are already used in some states , including Oregon , Utah and Nebraska . ''
Twitter spokesperson Katie Rosborough told USA TODAY that the two tweets `` contain potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots .
This decision is in line with the approach we shared earlier this month . ''
More:20 Republican lawmakers file lawsuit against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform previously stated that they would start using these `` labels and warning messages to provide additional explanations or clarifications in situations where the risks of harm associated with a Tweet are less severe but where people may still be confused or misled by the content . ''
Rosborough said this is the first time Twitter has labeled any of Trump 's posts as misleading .
More : HHS watchdog Christi Grimm defends coronavirus report on PPE shortages criticized by Trump Trump said the social media site is `` saying my statement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive corruption and fraud , is incorrect , based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post ... ... ..Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH , and I , as President , will not allow it to happen ! ''
Trump 's labeled tweets on mail-in ballots specifically target California , and come a few days after the Republican Party launched a legal battle to block California Gov .
Gavin Newsom from sending all voters in his state mail-in ballots for the general election , arguing the move is unconstitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Committee , National Republican Congressional Committee and California Republican Party filed a lawsuit Sunday against Newsom and Secretary of State Alex Padilla in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California .
More : Republicans sue to block California Gov .
Newsom from mailing ballots to all voters In response to Twitter 's decision , Brad Parscale , Trump 's 2020 campaign manager wrote in a statement , “ We always knew that Silicon Valley would pull out all the stops to obstruct and interfere with President Trump getting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biased fake news media ‘ fact checkers ’ is only a smoke screen Twitter is using to try to lend their obvious political tactics some false credibility . ''
`` There are many reasons the Trump campaign pulled all our advertising from Twitter months ago , and their clear political bias is one of them , “ he continued .
More : Widower of late Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to remove Trump tweets , Twitter says no Twitter 's decision to label the tweets came shortly after the social media site received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove posts by Trump seeking to link his wife 's death in 2001 to talk show host Joe Scarborough , a prominent Trump critic .
Twitter responded with a statement saying it is “ deeply sorry about the pain these statements , and the attention they are drawing , are causing the family , '' but indicated it would not delete any of Trump 's tweets .
The social media site has ramped up the warning labels with questionable information during the coronavirus pandemic .

'Contain potentially misleading information': Twitter fact-checks Trump's tweets
Show Caption Hide Caption AP-NORC Poll: Virus woes push mail voting approval Americans’ support for mail-in voting jumps amid safety concerns during the virus pandemic. As Ohio holds its virtually all-mail primary Tuesday, a new AP-NORC poll finds Dems more likely than the GOP to support elections exclusively by mail. (April 27) AP
WASHINGTON – Twitter fact-checked and labeled some of President Donald Trump's posts as misleading on Tuesday.
Trump responded by saying Twitter was "interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election" and threatening to "strongly regulate" or even shut down the social media platform.
Twitter, which has been Trump's favorite platform to post unfiltered views to his millions of followers, added a warning phrase underneath two of his tweets in which the president reiterated unsubstantiated claims about mail-in ballots, calling them “fraudulent” while also predicting that “mail boxes will be robbed."
The warning phrase reads, “Get the facts about mail-in ballots.” When clicked upon, that opens a Twitter “moments” page that includes news stories and fact checks about Trump’s claims.
....living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there, will get one. That will be followed up with professionals telling all of these people, many of whom have never even thought of voting before, how, and for whom, to vote. This will be a Rigged Election. No way! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2020
More: Republicans, Democrats push ahead on absentee voting even as Trump blasts Michigan over it
The header reads: "Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to 'a Rigged Election.' However, fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud."
"Trump falsely claimed that California will send mail-in ballots to 'anyone living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there.' In fact, only registered voters will receive ballots. Though Trump targeted California, mail-in ballots are already used in some states, including Oregon, Utah and Nebraska."
Twitter spokesperson Katie Rosborough told USA TODAY that the two tweets "contain potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots. This decision is in line with the approach we shared earlier this month."
More: 20 Republican lawmakers file lawsuit against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over new proxy voting system
The social media platform previously stated that they would start using these "labels and warning messages to provide additional explanations or clarifications in situations where the risks of harm associated with a Tweet are less severe but where people may still be confused or misled by the content."
Rosborough said this is the first time Twitter has labeled any of Trump's posts as misleading.
More: HHS watchdog Christi Grimm defends coronavirus report on PPE shortages criticized by Trump
Trump said the social media site is "saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post........Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH, and I, as President, will not allow it to happen!"
Trump asserted that social media platforms "totally silence" conservatives, adding: "We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen."
Trump's Secretary of State blasted government-imposed Internet blackouts and censorship in his own tweet just two hours later. "The U.S. stands against, and will not tolerate, government-imposed Internet shutdowns and other forms of censorship during or after this pandemic," Mike Pompeo posted in a tweet expressing support for an international coalition promoting Internet freedom.
.@Twitter is now interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election. They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2020
Trump's labeled tweets on mail-in ballots specifically target California, and come a few days after the Republican Party launched a legal battle to block California Gov. Gavin Newsom from sending all voters in his state mail-in ballots for the general election, arguing the move is unconstitutional and invites voter fraud.
The Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee and California Republican Party filed a lawsuit Sunday against Newsom and Secretary of State Alex Padilla in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
More: Republicans sue to block California Gov. Newsom from mailing ballots to all voters
In response to Twitter's decision, Brad Parscale, Trump's 2020 campaign manager wrote in a statement, “We always knew that Silicon Valley would pull out all the stops to obstruct and interfere with President Trump getting his message through to voters. Partnering with the biased fake news media ‘fact checkers’ is only a smoke screen Twitter is using to try to lend their obvious political tactics some false credibility."
"There are many reasons the Trump campaign pulled all our advertising from Twitter months ago, and their clear political bias is one of them,“ he continued.
More: Widower of late Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to remove Trump tweets, Twitter says no
Widower of Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to pull Trump’s tweets about wife’s death Twitter reacts to a request from the widower of one of Joe Scarborough’s staffers, accusing President Trump of perverting the memory of his dead wife. Buzz60
Twitter's decision to label the tweets came shortly after the social media site received criticism following a widower asking them to remove posts by Trump seeking to link his wife's death in 2001 to talk show host Joe Scarborough, a prominent Trump critic.
Twitter responded with a statement saying it is “deeply sorry about the pain these statements, and the attention they are drawing, are causing the family," but indicated it would not delete any of Trump's tweets.
The social media site has ramped up the warning labels with questionable information during the coronavirus pandemic.
Contributing: William Cummings, David Jackson, Nicholas Wu, Joey Garrison