usatoday--2020-01-18--DOJ: Rod Rosenstein authorized release to news media of Strzok-Page texts about Trump

In a Friday court filing , the Justice Department said former Deputy Attorney Rod Rosenstein had made the decision to release text messages between FBI attorney Lisa Page and FBI agent Peter Strzok to members of the media in December 2017 .
Rosenstein said he authorized the release because he thought the messages would become public anyway the next day when he testified before the House Judiciary Committee .
The messages between Strzok and Page , who had been having an affair while serving as part of an FBI team investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election , became a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI and accused the agency of bias against him .
Among other criticism of then-candidate Trump , Strzok had referred to Trump as an `` idiot ' in the messages .
`` On December 12 , 2017 , with the express understanding that it would not violate the Privacy Act and that the text messages would become public by the next day in any event , I authorized OPA [ Office of Public Affairs ] to disclose to the news media the messages that were being disclosed to congressional committees , '' Rosenstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's filing .
The filing came in response to a lawsuit Strzok filed in August 2019 against the FBI for firing him , alleging a `` pressure '' campaign from Trump was a factor in his removal .
Strzok also alleged the Justice Department violated the Privacy Act , which covers the release of government records , in releasing the messages .
Rosenstein wrote in his filing the Justice Department had concluded the release of the messages did not violate the Privacy Act , and that `` law enforcement interests would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Rosenstein decided that the Justice Department 's release of the messages prior to his testimony would prevent congressional staff from releasing the messages before his testimony , which he thought would have the effect of `` exacerbating the adverse publicity for Mr. Strzok , Ms .
Page , and the Department . ''

DOJ: Rod Rosenstein authorized release to news media of Strzok-Page texts about Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Jury of 7 men, 5 women for Harvey Weinstein's rape trial A jury of seven men and five women was selected Friday for Harvey Weinstein's rape trial after an arduous two-week process, setting the stage for testimony to begin in the next week. (Jan. 17) AP
In a Friday court filing, the Justice Department said former Deputy Attorney Rod Rosenstein had made the decision to release text messages between FBI attorney Lisa Page and FBI agent Peter Strzok to members of the media in December 2017.
Rosenstein said he authorized the release because he thought the messages would become public anyway the next day when he testified before the House Judiciary Committee.
The messages between Strzok and Page, who had been having an affair while serving as part of an FBI team investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, became a focus of criticism as Trump assailed the FBI and accused the agency of bias against him. Among other criticism of then-candidate Trump, Strzok had referred to Trump as an "idiot' in the messages.
"On December 12, 2017, with the express understanding that it would not violate the Privacy Act and that the text messages would become public by the next day in any event, I authorized OPA [Office of Public Affairs] to disclose to the news media the messages that were being disclosed to congressional committees," Rosenstein wrote in a declaration attached to the government's filing.
More: Ex-FBI agent Peter Strzok challenges firing; accuses President Trump of waging 'pressure' campaign
More: FBI fires Peter Strzok, agent who sent anti-Trump text messages
The filing came in response to a lawsuit Strzok filed in August 2019 against the FBI for firing him, alleging a "pressure" campaign from Trump was a factor in his removal. Strzok also alleged the Justice Department violated the Privacy Act, which covers the release of government records, in releasing the messages.
Rosenstein wrote in his filing the Justice Department had concluded the release of the messages did not violate the Privacy Act, and that "law enforcement interests would not justify withholding the text messages from Congress."
Rosenstein decided that the Justice Department's release of the messages prior to his testimony would prevent congressional staff from releasing the messages before his testimony, which he thought would have the effect of "exacerbating the adverse publicity for Mr. Strzok, Ms. Page, and the Department."


usatoday--2020-01-18--As impeachment trial looms, senator-jurors look to get creative on the 2020 campaign trail

This story was updated on Jan. 18 Bob Graham knows what an impeachment does to a senator 's life .
When the former senator from Florida was serving in Congress , an average day meant about eight to 10 hours for committee meetings , working on legislation and just dealing with the business of the day .
But when President Bill Clinton was impeached at the end of 1998 , Graham 's days shifted dramatically .
Gone was any work that was n't tied explicitly to the impeachment trial .
Graham , 83 , describes that time as a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work that was not so easily left at the office .
“ I think anybody who has a job that requires a significant amount of intensity to properly carry out does n't leave work at the office , it 's there all the time , ” Graham told USA TODAY .
“ That would be particularly true during something as personal as an impeachment trial.
” Senators are the jurors in a president 's impeachment trial , and what Graham dealt with 30 years ago is again front and center with the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time around , there 's an additional complicating factor : Four of Trump 's jurors are also running for president .
Sens .
Michael Bennet , Amy Klobuchar , Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren will have to take precious time away from the 2020 campaign trail to participate in a Senate impeachment trial that by all accounts could last weeks .
`` Being stuck in Washington is not ideal , '' said Matt Bennett , the executive vice president of public affairs for Third Way , a center-left think tank .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two states ( Iowa and New Hampshire ) are highly retail in their focus and voters expect to be able to actually see these candidates in person . ''
Senators were sworn in Thursday for the trial and arguments will begin Tuesday , keeping several presidential hopefuls off the campaign trail at a critical time with the Iowa caucus scheduled for Feb. 3 followed by the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 11 .
What the senators ' plans are The senator-candidates have all vowed to be in D.C. for the impeachment trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more important than politics , and if we have an impeachment proceeding going on , I will be there , ” Warren told reporters last month in Rochester , New Hampshire .
When asked whether she ’ s worried it will hurt her campaign , Warren responded , “ This is not about politics.
” “ Impeachment is something I take very seriously .
I take no joy in this .
But this is about a constitutional oath that every single member of the Senate took to — uphold the Constitution of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message out on the campaign trail when she ca n't be , Klobuchar in early December said that she will deploy surrogates to help her campaign while she is in D.C. for her “ constitutional duty.
” “ I have the most endorsements of electeds and former electeds of any candidate , any of them in Iowa , ” she said during an interview on `` The View '' last month .
“ And that includes a number of people , including a former Republican legislator who changed parties last spring , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anymore .
“ So those people are going to be my surrogates , ” she added .
“ My husband loves to campaign .
My daughter loves to campaign ; she 's pretty good at it.
” Shannon Beckham , national press secretary for Bennet , said the Colorado senator ’ s “ duties , and his responsibility to uphold the Constitution and rule of law , come before any campaign.
” “ Every chance he gets , he will be on the campaign trail talking to early state voters , ” Beckham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more on the New Hampshire primary over the Iowa caucuses , is holding 50 town halls between December and the New Hampshire primary , his campaign said .

As impeachment trial looms, senator-jurors look to get creative on the 2020 campaign trail
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
This story was updated on Jan. 18
Bob Graham knows what an impeachment does to a senator's life.
When the former senator from Florida was serving in Congress, an average day meant about eight to 10 hours for committee meetings, working on legislation and just dealing with the business of the day.
But when President Bill Clinton was impeached at the end of 1998, Graham's days shifted dramatically. Gone was any work that wasn't tied explicitly to the impeachment trial. Graham, 83, describes that time as a “serious responsibility” – days filled with work that was not so easily left at the office.
“I think anybody who has a job that requires a significant amount of intensity to properly carry out doesn't leave work at the office, it's there all the time,” Graham told USA TODAY. “That would be particularly true during something as personal as an impeachment trial.”
Senators are the jurors in a president's impeachment trial, and what Graham dealt with 30 years ago is again front and center with the recent impeachment of President Donald Trump.
But this time around, there's an additional complicating factor: Four of Trump's jurors are also running for president.
Sens. Michael Bennet, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren will have to take precious time away from the 2020 campaign trail to participate in a Senate impeachment trial that by all accounts could last weeks.
"Being stuck in Washington is not ideal," said Matt Bennett, the executive vice president of public affairs for Third Way, a center-left think tank. "The biggest problem is that the first two states (Iowa and New Hampshire) are highly retail in their focus and voters expect to be able to actually see these candidates in person."
In Iowa: Democratic senators swarm Iowa, promise creative campaigning as impeachment trial looms
Senators were sworn in Thursday for the trial and arguments will begin Tuesday, keeping several presidential hopefuls off the campaign trail at a critical time with the Iowa caucus scheduled for Feb. 3 followed by the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 11.
Pelosi waiting for Senate on impeachment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is waiting for the Senate to indicate how it will handle the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump before she transmits them. Pelosi says she hopes "there would be a fair process," in the Senate. (Dec. 19) AP
What the senators' plans are
The senator-candidates have all vowed to be in D.C. for the impeachment trial.
“There are some things that are more important than politics, and if we have an impeachment proceeding going on, I will be there,” Warren told reporters last month in Rochester, New Hampshire.
When asked whether she’s worried it will hurt her campaign, Warren responded, “This is not about politics.”
“Impeachment is something I take very seriously. I take no joy in this. But this is about a constitutional oath that every single member of the Senate took to — uphold the Constitution of the United States."
To keep her message out on the campaign trail when she can't be, Klobuchar in early December said that she will deploy surrogates to help her campaign while she is in D.C. for her “constitutional duty.”
“I have the most endorsements of electeds and former electeds of any candidate, any of them in Iowa,” she said during an interview on "The View" last month. “And that includes a number of people, including a former Republican legislator who changed parties last spring, because he said he could not stomach it anymore.
“So those people are going to be my surrogates,” she added. “My husband loves to campaign. My daughter loves to campaign; she's pretty good at it.”
Shannon Beckham, national press secretary for Bennet, said the Colorado senator’s “duties, and his responsibility to uphold the Constitution and rule of law, come before any campaign.”
“Every chance he gets, he will be on the campaign trail talking to early state voters,” Beckham added. Bennet, who is focusing more on the New Hampshire primary over the Iowa caucuses, is holding 50 town halls between December and the New Hampshire primary, his campaign said.
Sanders: impeachment 'is what the House has to do' Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders told KESQ-TV in Palm Springs that, "nobody wants to be spending an enormous amount of time impeaching a president," but that President Trump's conduct has made impeachment necessary. (Dec. 17) AP
Contributing: Shelby Fleig of the Des Moines Register


usatoday--2020-01-18--Trump's impeachment legal team to include Ken Starr and Alan Dershowitz

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has tapped two of his longtime lawyers to lead his impeachment defense team in next week 's Senate trial – White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and private attorney Jay Sekulow – and added other well-known attorneys who have often defended him on television .
The latter group includes Alan Dershowitz , a noted Harvard law professor ; Kenneth Starr , the independent counsel who prosecuted the President Bill Clinton impeachment case , and Robert Ray , who replaced Starr as independent counsel and wrapped up the investigation of Clinton .
`` President Trump has done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team will defend him , the voters , and our democracy from this baseless , illegitimate impeachment , '' said White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham .
The Senate trial is expected to open Tuesday on two articles of impeachment passed by the House on Dec. 18 : abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
The allegations stem from Trump 's request that Ukraine investigate U.S. political rivals , including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter , who had business interests in the country .
Impeachment investigators accuse Trump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a White House meeting to pressure officials to investigate Biden and others .
In addition , House Democrats allege the White House 's refusal to allow testimony of key officials and provide documents illegally obstructed Congress ' investigation .
Here 's a look at the lawyers who will be defending Trump : 'Impartial justice '' : Can partisan senators serve as unbiased jurors in the Trump impeachment trial ?
Dershowitz has been criticized for his representation of Jeffrey Epstein , a financier and convicted sex offender who committed suicide in jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 plea deal in which Epstein pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges for roughly a year in a county jail .
The professor emeritus at Harvard Law School has had a slew of celebrity clients over the decades , including Claus von Bülow , O.J .
Simpson , and Mike Tyson .
Regarding Trump , Dershowitz issued a statement on Twitter on Friday saying he will `` present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal . ''
Dershowitz also said that he is `` non @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that he opposed Clinton 's impeachment .
He said he wants to defend Trump because he `` believes the issues at stake go to the heart of our enduring Constitution '' and wants `` to prevent the creation of a dangerous constitutional precedent . ''
Starr served as solicitor general and was considered a Supreme Court candidate during the presidency of George H.W .
Bush .
He was appointed independent counsel in 1994 to investigate Clinton over the Whitewater land deal and other matters .
Opponents criticized the way Starr handled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House intern Monica Lewinsky , saying he turned a private matter into a public prosecution – a group that included then-New York City businessman Donald Trump .
“ I think Ken Starr ’ s a lunatic , ” Trump said in a 1999 interview .
“ I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster.
” But Trump has welcomed Starr 's criticisms of the House impeachment case .
Critics also said that Starr lost his job as president of Baylor University because of the way the school handled sexual assault allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After replacing Starr as independent counsel , Ray completed a final report on the Whitewater investigation – and also negotiated an agreement with Clinton to avoid a possible perjury prosecution after he left office in early 2001 .
In exchange , Clinton agreed to give up his law license for 5 years , pay a fine of $ 25,000 to cover lawyers ’ fees , and acknowledge wrongdoing in his testimony on his relationship with Lewinsky .
More recently , Ray has appeared on Fox News to denounce impeachment as `` partisan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ team are attorneys he has worked with on previous matters , including the House impeachment investigation .
In his role as the White House 's top lawyer , Cipollone made the legal arguments to support the administration 's refusal to participate in the House impeachment inquiry .
Cipollone also worked to block administration officials from testifying before the House or providing documents to impeachment investigators , arguing that Congress is not entitled to information about internal deliberations within the executive branch – an argument he may continue to make during the Senate trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry violates all past historical precedent , basic due process rights , and fundamental fairness , '' Cipollone said in a letter to the House , saying the White House would not participate in the impeachment inquiry .
Rand Paul on Senate trial : ' I don ’ t think any Republicans are going to vote for impeachment' House Democrats protested what they called White House stonewalling , and made it part of an impeachment article accusing Trump of obstruction of Congress .
Sekulow , meanwhile , represented Trump during special counsel Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 presidential election .
Before his work with Trump , Sekulow was best known as a Supreme Court litigator who specialized in religious liberty cases .
He is also a frequent guest on television news programs and hosts a daily radio talk show .
Trump 's legal team also includes attorney Jane Raskin , who worked for Trump during the Mueller investigation , and Eric Herschmann , an attorney with the Kasowitz Benson Torres legal firm that has represented Trump on various cases for the last 15 years .
Pam Bondi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked with the White House during the impeachment inquiry , is also on Trump 's legal team for the trial .
Not on the team : Trump private attorney Rudy Giuliani .
As someone who has conducted his own investigation of Ukraine activities , Giuliani said he is a potential witness in the impeachment trial because `` I possess facts , '' “ I don ’ t think I ’ ll be called , but I will be ready in case , '' Giuliani said in a text message exchange with USA TODAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team as “ excellent , '' and said they are `` all friends and great lawyers with a great case . ''
Others could be added to Trump 's team later , including some House Republicans who participated in the impeachment inquiry .
The attorneys are already busy preparing a legal brief defending Trump against the impeachment charges .
It is due to be submitted to the Senate by noon on Monday .
The trial itself is set to begin Tuesday , though Trump himself is scheduled to watch his legal team 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at an international economic conference in Davos , Switzerland , on Tuesday and Wednesday .
'Never heard about this at all ' : Pompeo says he knew nothing about alleged Yovanovitch tracking The president 's lawyers are expected to mount an aggressive defense .
Trump and aides said he did not improperly pressure Ukraine , and that he only wanted the nation to address problems with corruption .
Concern about corruption is the reason the administration gave for holding up military aid to the nation that was finally released in September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in Senate arguments about whether to call witnesses in the trial .
Senate Democrats have said they will push for witnesses to talk about Trump 's dealings with Ukraine .
Their list includes former White House national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney .
Chief Justice John Roberts : His impeachment role is to speak softly , set a good example Trump and his attorneys are likely to oppose any testimony from a current employee like Mulvaney , saying his conversations with the president are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , the president and aides have said that if the Senate compels prosecution witnesses , they will seek to call witnesses , potentially including Hunter Biden and Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , one of the leaders of the impeachment inquiry in the House .
Trump himself suggested he may want to invoke executive privilege in the case of Bolton because his testimony would deal with matters discussed when he was in the White House .

Trump's impeachment legal team to include Ken Starr and Alan Dershowitz
Show Caption Hide Caption The Senate impeachment trial begins with articles move to the Senate The Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump has officially begun, with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding, and much yet to decide. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has tapped two of his longtime lawyers to lead his impeachment defense team in next week's Senate trial – White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and private attorney Jay Sekulow – and added other well-known attorneys who have often defended him on television.
The latter group includes Alan Dershowitz, a noted Harvard law professor; Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel who prosecuted the President Bill Clinton impeachment case, and Robert Ray, who replaced Starr as independent counsel and wrapped up the investigation of Clinton.
"President Trump has done nothing wrong and is confident that this team will defend him, the voters, and our democracy from this baseless, illegitimate impeachment," said White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham.
.
The Senate trial is expected to open Tuesday on two articles of impeachment passed by the House on Dec. 18: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The allegations stem from Trump's request that Ukraine investigate U.S. political rivals, including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who had business interests in the country.
Impeachment investigators accuse Trump of holding up military aid to Ukraine as well as a White House meeting to pressure officials to investigate Biden and others. In addition, House Democrats allege the White House's refusal to allow testimony of key officials and provide documents illegally obstructed Congress' investigation.
Here's a look at the lawyers who will be defending Trump:
Why a president can be impeached and remain in office Impeaching a U.S. president might not be the be-all-end-all for their career. We explain why this is the case. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
'Impartial justice'': Can partisan senators serve as unbiased jurors in the Trump impeachment trial?
Alan Dershowitz
Dershowitz has been criticized for his representation of Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender who committed suicide in jail in August. He worked on the 2008 plea deal in which Epstein pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges for roughly a year in a county jail.
The professor emeritus at Harvard Law School has had a slew of celebrity clients over the decades, including Claus von Bülow, O.J. Simpson, and Mike Tyson.
Regarding Trump, Dershowitz issued a statement on Twitter on Friday saying he will "present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal."
Dershowitz also said that he is "non partisan" on this issue, and noted that he opposed Clinton's impeachment. He said he wants to defend Trump because he "believes the issues at stake go to the heart of our enduring Constitution" and wants "to prevent the creation of a dangerous constitutional precedent."
Ken Starr
Starr served as solicitor general and was considered a Supreme Court candidate during the presidency of George H.W. Bush. He was appointed independent counsel in 1994 to investigate Clinton over the Whitewater land deal and other matters.
Opponents criticized the way Starr handled the investigation of Clinton and his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, saying he turned a private matter into a public prosecution – a group that included then-New York City businessman Donald Trump.
“I think Ken Starr’s a lunatic,” Trump said in a 1999 interview. “I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster.”
But Trump has welcomed Starr's criticisms of the House impeachment case.
Critics also said that Starr lost his job as president of Baylor University because of the way the school handled sexual assault allegations against members of the football team.
Robert Ray
After replacing Starr as independent counsel, Ray completed a final report on the Whitewater investigation – and also negotiated an agreement with Clinton to avoid a possible perjury prosecution after he left office in early 2001.
In exchange, Clinton agreed to give up his law license for 5 years, pay a fine of $25,000 to cover lawyers’ fees, and acknowledge wrongdoing in his testimony on his relationship with Lewinsky.
More recently, Ray has appeared on Fox News to denounce impeachment as "partisan."
Pat Cipollone and Jay Sekulow
The leaders of Trump's legal team are attorneys he has worked with on previous matters, including the House impeachment investigation.
In his role as the White House's top lawyer, Cipollone made the legal arguments to support the administration's refusal to participate in the House impeachment inquiry.
Cipollone also worked to block administration officials from testifying before the House or providing documents to impeachment investigators, arguing that Congress is not entitled to information about internal deliberations within the executive branch – an argument he may continue to make during the Senate trial.
"This baseless and highly partisan inquiry violates all past historical precedent, basic due process rights, and fundamental fairness," Cipollone said in a letter to the House, saying the White House would not participate in the impeachment inquiry.
Rand Paul on Senate trial: 'I don’t think any Republicans are going to vote for impeachment'
House Democrats protested what they called White House stonewalling, and made it part of an impeachment article accusing Trump of obstruction of Congress.
Sekulow, meanwhile, represented Trump during special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Before his work with Trump, Sekulow was best known as a Supreme Court litigator who specialized in religious liberty cases. He is also a frequent guest on television news programs and hosts a daily radio talk show.
Jane Raskin, Eric Herschmann, Pam Bondi
Trump's legal team also includes attorney Jane Raskin, who worked for Trump during the Mueller investigation, and Eric Herschmann, an attorney with the Kasowitz Benson Torres legal firm that has represented Trump on various cases for the last 15 years.
Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who worked with the White House during the impeachment inquiry, is also on Trump's legal team for the trial.
Not on the team: Trump private attorney Rudy Giuliani.
As someone who has conducted his own investigation of Ukraine activities, Giuliani said he is a potential witness in the impeachment trial because "I possess facts."
“I don’t think I’ll be called, but I will be ready in case," Giuliani said in a text message exchange with USA TODAY.
Giuliani described the president's legal team as “excellent," and said they are "all friends and great lawyers with a great case."
Others could be added to Trump's team later, including some House Republicans who participated in the impeachment inquiry.
Preparing a defense
The attorneys are already busy preparing a legal brief defending Trump against the impeachment charges. It is due to be submitted to the Senate by noon on Monday.
The trial itself is set to begin Tuesday, though Trump himself is scheduled to watch his legal team's work from afar: He plans to be at an international economic conference in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
'Never heard about this at all': Pompeo says he knew nothing about alleged Yovanovitch tracking
The president's lawyers are expected to mount an aggressive defense.
Trump and aides said he did not improperly pressure Ukraine, and that he only wanted the nation to address problems with corruption. Concern about corruption is the reason the administration gave for holding up military aid to the nation that was finally released in September.
Trump's legal team will likely be involved in Senate arguments about whether to call witnesses in the trial.
Senate Democrats have said they will push for witnesses to talk about Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Their list includes former White House national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.
Chief Justice John Roberts: His impeachment role is to speak softly, set a good example
Trump and his attorneys are likely to oppose any testimony from a current employee like Mulvaney, saying his conversations with the president are subject to executive privilege.
At the same time, the president and aides have said that if the Senate compels prosecution witnesses, they will seek to call witnesses, potentially including Hunter Biden and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., one of the leaders of the impeachment inquiry in the House.
Trump himself suggested he may want to invoke executive privilege in the case of Bolton because his testimony would deal with matters discussed when he was in the White House.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-01-18--Impeachment week ahead: House, Trump to file written arguments before Senate trial resumes Tuesday

WASHINGTON – Before the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins in earnest Tuesday , House Democrats and White House lawyers file written arguments in the case during the holiday weekend .
As the trial resumes , Trump is scheduled to travel to an annual economic conference in Davos , Switzerland , on Tuesday and Wednesday .
`` I ’ m going to be going to Davos , '' Trump said Thursday at the White House .
`` I ’ ll be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world ; getting them to come here .
I 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Here are when some highlights expected during the next week : The Senate set a deadline of 5 p.m. for the seven House managers , who will prosecute the case against Trump , to file a brief summarizing their argument .
The articles of impeachment accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival , former vice president Joe Biden , while withholding $ 391 million in military aid .
The White House then directed aides and agencies to defy subpoenas for testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House brief will likely echo reports from the Intelligence and Judiciary committees summarizing their investigations .
Two of the managers , Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , and Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. , each gave speeches summarizing the case before the House approved the articles Dec. 18 .
The Senate set a deadline of noon Monday for White House lawyers to file a brief outlining their argument .
Trump has repeatedly declared the investigation a partisan hoax .
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump has done nothing wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think it should go very quickly , '' Trump said Thursday of the impeachment trial .
`` This is a hoax .
It 's a shame . ''
While the White House has attacked how the House conducted its inquiry , this will be the first time Trump 's lawyers provide a formal reply to the charges against him .
`` He has n't had a chance to make his case .
He will have that chance in the Senate , '' Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him and I think the Congress owes that to the country .
We ca n't just have a one sided process that suddenly ends . ''
The Senate set a deadline of noon Tuesday for the House to respond in writing to the White House brief .
Then the trial resumes at 1 p.m .
The Senate is expected to debate a resolution setting rules for how the trial will be conducted , such as when and for how they will meet each day .
One of the most contentious issues is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather additional evidence .
Democrats advocate witnesses , but some Republicans said they would be unnecessary .
A 51-vote majority of senators will set the rules in a chamber with 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said he has the votes to delay a decision on witnesses until after hearing opening arguments from the House managers and White House lawyers and after senators submit written questions to both sides .
But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , has urged subpoenas for four witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney .
Schumer said Thursday that votes on witnesses are expected Tuesday , bolstered by new evidence from Lev Parnas , an associate of Trump 's personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani .
`` We expect that we will have votes on these witnesses on Tuesday , but we ca n't be sure until we see the resolution that McConnell has put together , '' Schumer said .
But even GOP senators open to hearing witnesses have said they would wait to decide until after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell suggested .
`` While I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered , I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful , '' said Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , who supported calling witnesses in the 1999 trial for President Bill Clinton .
`` Prior to hearing the statement of the case and the senators asking questions , I will not support any attempts by either side to subpoena documents or witnesses . ''
The Senate will vote Tuesday on rules for how the trial will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convene at 1 p.m. each weekday .

Impeachment week ahead: House, Trump to file written arguments before Senate trial resumes Tuesday
Show Caption Hide Caption The Senate impeachment trial begins with articles move to the Senate The Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump has officially begun, with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding, and much yet to decide. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Before the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins in earnest Tuesday, House Democrats and White House lawyers file written arguments in the case during the holiday weekend.
As the trial resumes, Trump is scheduled to travel to an annual economic conference in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"I’m going to be going to Davos," Trump said Thursday at the White House. "I’ll be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world; getting them to come here. I'll also be meeting with foreign leaders."
Here are when some highlights expected during the next week:
Saturday: House files written argument
The Senate set a deadline of 5 p.m. for the seven House managers, who will prosecute the case against Trump, to file a brief summarizing their argument.
The articles of impeachment accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival, former vice president Joe Biden, while withholding $391 million in military aid. The White House then directed aides and agencies to defy subpoenas for testimony and documents during the inquiry.
'Impartial justice': Can partisan senators be unbiased in Trump trial?
The House brief will likely echo reports from the Intelligence and Judiciary committees summarizing their investigations. Two of the managers, Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., each gave speeches summarizing the case before the House approved the articles Dec. 18.
Monday: White House files brief
The Senate set a deadline of noon Monday for White House lawyers to file a brief outlining their argument.
Trump has repeatedly declared the investigation a partisan hoax. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump has done nothing wrong and would be exonerated at trial.
"I think it should go very quickly," Trump said Thursday of the impeachment trial. "This is a hoax. It's a shame."
While the White House has attacked how the House conducted its inquiry, this will be the first time Trump's lawyers provide a formal reply to the charges against him.
"He hasn't had a chance to make his case. He will have that chance in the Senate," Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said of the trial. "The Senate owes that to him and I think the Congress owes that to the country. We can't just have a one sided process that suddenly ends."
Trump denies knowing Parnas as impeachment begins President Donald Trump denies knowing a close associate of his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who is publicly claiming Trump was directly involved in the effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden. (Jan. 16) AP
Tuesday: Senate trial resumes
The Senate set a deadline of noon Tuesday for the House to respond in writing to the White House brief. Then the trial resumes at 1 p.m.
The Senate is expected to debate a resolution setting rules for how the trial will be conducted, such as when and for how they will meet each day. One of the most contentious issues is whether to subpoena witnesses and documents to gather additional evidence. Democrats advocate witnesses, but some Republicans said they would be unnecessary. A 51-vote majority of senators will set the rules in a chamber with 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he has the votes to delay a decision on witnesses until after hearing opening arguments from the House managers and White House lawyers and after senators submit written questions to both sides.
But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has urged subpoenas for four witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.
Schumer said Thursday that votes on witnesses are expected Tuesday, bolstered by new evidence from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.
"We expect that we will have votes on these witnesses on Tuesday, but we can't be sure until we see the resolution that McConnell has put together," Schumer said.
But even GOP senators open to hearing witnesses have said they would wait to decide until after opening statements and written questions, as McConnell suggested.
"While I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who supported calling witnesses in the 1999 trial for President Bill Clinton. "Prior to hearing the statement of the case and the senators asking questions, I will not support any attempts by either side to subpoena documents or witnesses."
Wednesday through Saturday: Trial continues
The Senate will vote Tuesday on rules for how the trial will be conducted, but it is expected to convene at 1 p.m. each weekday.


usatoday--2020-01-19--Joe Biden accuses Bernie Sanders' campaign of misrepresenting his Social Security record by sharing

INDIANOLA , Iowa — Joe Biden is accusing Bernie Sanders ' presidential campaign of sharing a `` doctored video '' that Biden says incorrectly reflects his stance on Social Security .
At a campaign stop at Simpson College in Indianola on Saturday , a woman in the crowd asked the former vice president about his stance on Social Security .
She said people have called her to express concerns about it .
Biden and Sanders are among the top-polling candidates ahead of the Iowa caucuses , which are less than three weeks away .
`` Well , let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I ’ m not going to blame anybody , but — well , let me just say the facts .
There is a little doctored video going around . ''
He said a Sanders adviser has been sharing a clip that seems to suggest Biden agrees with former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan , a Wisconsin Republican , in wanting to cut Social Security and Medicaid .
The clip is a portion of an address Biden gave to the Brookings Institution in 2018 that Biden campaign officials say was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press — it 's a flat lie , '' Biden said .
PolitiFact rated the claim false , and Biden 's campaign told PolitiFact this month that Biden was mocking Ryan 's position .
`` I have been a gigantic supporter of Social Security from the beginning , '' Biden said on Saturday .
He referenced his plan for Social Security , which his website calls `` the bedrock of American retirement . ''
It would provide additional money for the program by making higher earners pay a higher share of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
It would also increase benefits , including giving more to older beneficiaries , and protect people from losing benefits when a spouse dies .
Biden criticized the Sanders campaign for sharing the video .
`` I 'm looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it , but they haven ’ t done it yet , '' Biden said .
In a statement Saturday , Sanders ' campaign manager , Faiz Shakir , accused Biden of dodging questions about his record .
`` Joe Biden should be honest with voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public record of consistently and repeatedly trying to cut Social Security .
The facts are very clear : Biden not only pushed to cut Social Security — he is on tape proudly bragging about it on multiple occasions , '' Shakir said in the statement .
The claim is n't the only criticism the Sanders campaign has of Biden 's record on Social Security .
Earlier this month , Sanders shared a video of himself on CNN in which he criticized Biden 's record on trade , bankruptcy laws and the Iraq War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the floor of the Senate talking about the need to cut Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid , '' Sanders says in the clip .
A Sanders campaign newsletter this month shared a clip of Biden on the Senate floor in 1995 talking about advocating for a freeze in federal spending .
`` When I argued that we should freeze federal spending , I meant Social Security , as well .
I meant Medicare and Medicaid .
I meant veterans ' benefits .
I meant every single solitary thing in the government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register .
He can be reached by email at sgrubermil @ registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169 .
Follow him on Twitter at @ sgrubermiller .

Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register

Joe Biden accuses Bernie Sanders' campaign of misrepresenting his Social Security record by sharing 'doctored video'
Show Caption Hide Caption Social Security funding, explained With a rapidly growing aging population, securing Social Security funds is now more crucial than ever. But how did we get here in the first place? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Joe Biden is accusing Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign of sharing a "doctored video" that Biden says incorrectly reflects his stance on Social Security.
At a campaign stop at Simpson College in Indianola on Saturday, a woman in the crowd asked the former vice president about his stance on Social Security. She said people have called her to express concerns about it. Biden and Sanders are among the top-polling candidates ahead of the Iowa caucuses, which are less than three weeks away.
"Well, let’s get the record straight," Biden said. "I’m not going to blame anybody, but — well, let me just say the facts. There is a little doctored video going around."
He said a Sanders adviser has been sharing a clip that seems to suggest Biden agrees with former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, in wanting to cut Social Security and Medicaid. The clip is a portion of an address Biden gave to the Brookings Institution in 2018 that Biden campaign officials say was deceptively edited.
"Ask anybody in the press — it's a flat lie," Biden said.
Democratic debate: Candidates tout Commander-in-Chief potential In the final debate before Democratic primary voting begins, six leading candidates make the case for their qualifications to be Commander-in-Chief, USA TODAY
PolitiFact rated the claim false, and Biden's campaign told PolitiFact this month that Biden was mocking Ryan's position.
"I have been a gigantic supporter of Social Security from the beginning," Biden said on Saturday. He referenced his plan for Social Security, which his website calls "the bedrock of American retirement." It would provide additional money for the program by making higher earners pay a higher share of their earnings into the program than they currently do. It would also increase benefits, including giving more to older beneficiaries, and protect people from losing benefits when a spouse dies.
Biden criticized the Sanders campaign for sharing the video.
"I'm looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it, but they haven’t done it yet," Biden said.
In a statement Saturday, Sanders' campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, accused Biden of dodging questions about his record.
"Joe Biden should be honest with voters and stop trying to doctor his own public record of consistently and repeatedly trying to cut Social Security. The facts are very clear: Biden not only pushed to cut Social Security — he is on tape proudly bragging about it on multiple occasions," Shakir said in the statement.
The claim isn't the only criticism the Sanders campaign has of Biden's record on Social Security. Earlier this month, Sanders shared a video of himself on CNN in which he criticized Biden's record on trade, bankruptcy laws and the Iraq War.
"Joe Biden has been on the floor of the Senate talking about the need to cut Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid," Sanders says in the clip.
A Sanders campaign newsletter this month shared a clip of Biden on the Senate floor in 1995 talking about advocating for a freeze in federal spending.
"When I argued that we should freeze federal spending, I meant Social Security, as well. I meant Medicare and Medicaid. I meant veterans' benefits. I meant every single solitary thing in the government," Biden says in the 1995 clip.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.


usatoday--2020-01-19--'Everybody brings some negatives': Sanders says gender an obstacle for female candidates

After denying in a Democratic debate last week that he told Sen. Elizabeth Warren a woman could not be elected president , Sen. Bernie Sanders said Sunday that he thinks gender can be a problem for female candidates seeking to occupy the White House .
Sanders said during a forum on New Hampshire Public Radio that he did n't want to discuss his `` private '' 2018 conversation with Warren '' Let me just say this : It is hard for me to imagine how anybody in the year 2020 could not believe that a woman could become president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check my record , I 've been saying that for 30 years , '' Sanders said .
NHPR reporter Casey McDermott asked Sanders if he thought `` gender is still an obstacle for female politicians . ''
`` The answer is yes , '' Sanders replied .
`` But I think everybody has their own sets of problems .
I ’ m 78 years of age .
That ’ s a problem . ''
The Vermont independent compared the hesitancy some voters feel about his age to other candidates ' `` negatives '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 candidates : Who is running for president ?
An interactive guide '' If you 're looking at Buttigieg , he 's a young guy and people will say , 'Well , he 's too young to be president . '
You look at this one , she 's a woman .
Everybody brings some negatives , if you like , '' Sanders said .
`` I would just hope very much that the American people look at the totality of a candidate .
Not at their gender , not at their sexuality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at everything . ''
Sanders said that while gender might spark anxiety about electability among some voters , it was important to remember that `` as a country , we have come a long way . ''
He said 25 years ago most people could not imagine an African-American becoming president or an openly gay man being a serious candidate but those assumptions were upended by Barack Obama and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg .
`` I think the American people have moved very significantly in trying to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , '' Sanders said .
After Sanders denied in the debate that he made the remark Warren attributed to him about a woman 's electability , Warren accused him of calling her `` a liar on national TV . ''
When asked about Sanders ' comments on Sunday , Warren said she did not wish to comment .
`` I have no further comment on this , '' she said .
`` I have been friends with Bernie for a long time . ''
Opinion : Is presidency out of reach for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insidious myth 'Democrats have to do better ' : Van Jones says no one in 'dispiriting ' debate looked ready to beat Trump

'Everybody brings some negatives': Sanders says gender an obstacle for female candidates
Show Caption Hide Caption Elizabeth Warren says Bernie didn't think a woman could beat Trump Elizabeth Warren confirmed reporting that Bernie Sanders in 2018 "disagreed" that a woman could beat President Trump to become president. USA TODAY
After denying in a Democratic debate last week that he told Sen. Elizabeth Warren a woman could not be elected president, Sen. Bernie Sanders said Sunday that he thinks gender can be a problem for female candidates seeking to occupy the White House.
Sanders said during a forum on New Hampshire Public Radio that he didn't want to discuss his "private" 2018 conversation with Warren
"Let me just say this: It is hard for me to imagine how anybody in the year 2020 could not believe that a woman could become president of the United States. And if you check my record, I've been saying that for 30 years," Sanders said.
NHPR reporter Casey McDermott asked Sanders if he thought "gender is still an obstacle for female politicians."
"The answer is yes," Sanders replied. "But I think everybody has their own sets of problems. I’m 78 years of age. That’s a problem."
The Vermont independent compared the hesitancy some voters feel about his age to other candidates' "negatives," such as youth or gender.
The 2020 candidates: Who is running for president? An interactive guide
Michael Moore: Elizabeth Warren 'chose to stick a knife in Bernie's back'
"If you're looking at Buttigieg, he's a young guy and people will say, 'Well, he's too young to be president.' You look at this one, she's a woman. Everybody brings some negatives, if you like," Sanders said. "I would just hope very much that the American people look at the totality of a candidate. Not at their gender, not at their sexuality, not at their age, but at everything."
Sanders said that while gender might spark anxiety about electability among some voters, it was important to remember that "as a country, we have come a long way."
He said 25 years ago most people could not imagine an African-American becoming president, or an openly gay man being a serious candidate, but those assumptions were upended by Barack Obama and Pete Buttigieg.
"I think the American people have moved very significantly in trying to look at candidates based on what they stand for," Sanders said.
After Sanders denied in the debate that he made the remark Warren attributed to him about a woman's electability, Warren accused him of calling her "a liar on national TV."
When asked about Sanders' comments on Sunday, Warren said she did not wish to comment.
"I have no further comment on this," she said. "I have been friends with Bernie for a long time."
Opinion: Is presidency out of reach for women? Warren-Sanders tiff ends silence on insidious myth
'Democrats have to do better': Van Jones says no one in 'dispiriting' debate looked ready to beat Trump


usatoday--2020-01-19--Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown 'fine' with Hunter Biden testifying in Trump impeachment trial

As the Senate prepares for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , one Democratic senator says he is open to former Vice President Joe Biden 's son , Hunter , testifying if that is what it takes to allow witnesses .
`` Fine , '' Sen. Sherrod Brown said Sunday on CNN 's `` State of the Union '' when asked if he was prepared for Hunter Biden to testify .
`` I understand both sides get to call witnesses . ''
It remains an open question whether new witnesses can be called in the trial that will determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeached in the Democratic-controlled House on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , delayed sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate to try to get Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to commit to a `` fair '' trial , which she said would have to include relevant new witnesses and evidence .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. – has said there are four witnesses Democrats would still like to hear from , including acting White House Chief of Staff Mick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton , who said he would testify if subpoenaed by the Senate .
Several Republicans who oppose new witnesses say House Democrats rushed the process and should have subpoenaed the witnesses during the inquiry while others say they are open to more testimony .
More : Graham , Dershowitz say effort to dismiss articles of impeachment 'dead ' as they prepare for trial Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas , has said if new witnesses are called , there should be `` reciprocity . ''
`` That means , if the prosecution gets a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Cruz said Sunday on Fox News .
`` That means , if the prosecution gets to call John Bolton , then the president gets to call Hunter Biden . ''
Cruz said he believes Democrats are `` terrified '' of Hunter Biden 's testimony `` because they do n't want to hear evidence of actual corruption '' that `` occurred during the Obama administration . ''
But Brown said some Senate Republicans have told him in private they see the call to have the former vice president 's son testify as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what Hunter Biden has to do with the phone call that was made , '' Brown said , referring to a July 25 conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
`` The point is , we need witnesses , '' Brown said .
`` I do n't understand how you can – to the American public – make the case that this is a real trial if there are no witnesses and there is no new evidence . ''
Trump is accused of using military aid to pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could benefit him politically : one into a conspiracy theory alleging Ukraine , not Russia , interfered in the 2016 election , and the other into Biden 's role in his son 's appointment to the executive board of Burisma , a Ukrainian natural gas company .
Though officials in the U.S. and Ukraine previously said they found no evidence of wrongdoing , Trump and his supporters have accused the former vice president of corruption in connection to his son 's lucrative seat on Burisma 's board .
The president said he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he wished to combat corruption .
Democrats say he was trying to politically damage Biden , who is a top candidate in the Democratic primary .
Democrats outline allegations : House Democrats call Trump a 'danger ' to U.S. national security in formal argument for his removal Democrats are particularly eager to hear from Bolton because officials testified in the House inquiry that he was opposed to leveraging military aid to pressure Ukraine and disparaged the effort as a `` drug deal . ''
`` Any Republican senator who says there should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses should be negotiated , is part of the cover-up , '' said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. , Sunday on CBS News ' `` Face the Nation . ''
Nadler said testimony from Hunter Biden would be irrelevant because `` he has no knowledge of the accusations against the president . ''
He said Trump 's supporters only want the former vice president 's son to testify to `` smear '' the Bidens exactly how Trump hoped Ukraine would .
Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas , said on `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will vote Tuesday on a resolution outlining how the trial will be conducted .
He said it would mirror the format for the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton by having both sides present their cases before deciding if additional testimony was needed .
`` We have a two-phase deal here , like we did under the Clinton trial .
First , we 're going to hear from the managers and arguments on both sides and see what kind of case they have , '' said Sen. Richard Shelby , R-Ala. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , said on `` Meet the Press '' that Democrats do n't know what McConnell will propose on Tuesday but warned `` the American people expect a real trial to have real witnesses and evidence . ''
`` The Senate itself is on trial , as far as I 'm concerned , and the jury 's the American people , '' Durbin said .
`` The question is whether or not we are going to have a fair trial , whether the members of the Senate are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the president . ''
Durbin said he thought Republicans were still debating among themselves whether calling Hunter Biden as a witness `` is really in their best interest '' or if it would be `` more theater than it should be . ''
Defense attorney Alan Dershowitz , who is part of Trump 's legal team , said on `` This Week '' that calling witnesses `` will delay the trial considerably . ''
`` The president will invoke executive privilege as to people like John Bolton .
That will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to have a resolution of that before the trial continues , '' Dershowitz warned .

Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown 'fine' with Hunter Biden testifying in Trump impeachment trial
Show Caption Hide Caption McConnell: Impeachment trial to start next Tuesday Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the impeachment trial could start this week, but significant proceedings would launch next Tuesday after the holiday break. (Jan. 14) AP
As the Senate prepares for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, one Democratic senator says he is open to former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, testifying if that is what it takes to have new witnesses called.
"Fine," Sen. Sherrod Brown said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" when asked if he was prepared for Hunter Biden to testify. "I understand both sides get to call witnesses."
It remains an open question whether new witnesses can be called in the trial that will determine whether Trump remains in office after being impeached in the Democratic-controlled House on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., delayed sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate to try to get Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to commit to a "fair" trial, which she said would have to include relevant new witnesses and evidence. McConnell refused to make any commitment and said the Senate would independently determine how it proceeds.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said there are four witnesses Democrats would still like to hear from, including acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton, who said he would testify if subpoenaed by the Senate.
Several Republicans who oppose new witnesses say House Democrats rushed the process and should have subpoenaed the witnesses during the inquiry, while others say they are open to more testimony.
Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Impeachment week ahead: House, Trump to file written arguments before Senate trial resumes Tuesday
More: Graham, Dershowitz say effort to dismiss articles of impeachment 'dead' as they prepare for trial
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has said if new witnesses are called, there should be "reciprocity."
"That means, if the prosecution gets a witness, the defense gets a witness," Cruz said Sunday on Fox News. "That means, if the prosecution gets to call John Bolton, then the president gets to call Hunter Biden."
Cruz said he believes Democrats are "terrified" of Hunter Biden's testimony "because they don't want to hear evidence of actual corruption" that "occurred during the Obama administration."
But Brown said some Senate Republicans have told him in private they see the call to have the former vice president's son testify as a "distraction."
"I don't know what Hunter Biden has to do with the phone call that was made," Brown said, referring to a July 25 conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"The point is, we need witnesses," Brown said. "I don't understand how you can – to the American public – make the case that this is a real trial if there are no witnesses and there is no new evidence."
Trump is accused of using military aid to pressure Ukraine into opening two investigations he thought could benefit him politically: One into a conspiracy theory alleging Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 election, and the other into Biden's role in his son's appointment to the executive board of Burisma, a Ukrainian natural gas company.
Though officials in the U.S. and Ukraine previously said they found no evidence of wrongdoing, Trump and his supporters have accused the former vice president of corruption in connection to his son's lucrative seat on Burisma's board.
The president said he wanted Ukraine to look into the matter strictly because he wished to combat corruption. Democrats say he was trying to politically damage Biden, who is a top candidate in the Democratic primary.
Democrats outline allegations: House Democrats call Trump a 'danger' to U.S. national security in formal argument for his removal
Democrats are particularly eager to hear from Bolton because officials testified in the House inquiry that he was opposed to leveraging military aid to pressure Ukraine and disparaged the effort as a "drug deal."
"Any Republican senator who says there should be no witnesses, or even that witnesses should be negotiated, is part of the cover-up," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., Sunday on CBS News' "Face the Nation."
Nadler said testimony from Hunter Biden would be irrelevant because "he has no knowledge of the accusations against the president." He said Trump's supporters only want the former vice president's son to testify to "smear" the Bidens exactly how Trump hoped Ukraine would.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said on "Face the Nation" that the Senate will vote Tuesday on a resolution outlining how the trial will be conducted. He said it would mirror the format for the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton by having both sides present their cases before deciding if additional testimony was needed.
"We have a two-phase deal here like we did under the Clinton trial. First, we're going to hear from the managers and arguments on both sides and see what kind of case they have," said Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., on "This Week."
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said on "Meet the Press" that Democrats don't know what McConnell will propose on Tuesday, but warned "the American people expect a real trial to have real witnesses and evidence."
"The Senate itself is on trial, as far as I'm concerned, and the jury's the American people," Durbin said. "The question is whether or not we are going to have a fair trial, whether the members of the Senate are going to be loyal to the Constitution or loyal to the president."
Durbin said he thought Republicans were still debating among themselves whether calling Hunter Biden as a witness "is really in their best interest" or if it would be "more theater than it should be."
Defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, who is part of Trump's legal team, said on "This Week" that calling witnesses "will delay the trial considerably."
"The president will invoke executive privilege as to people like John Bolton. That will have to go to the court and we'll have to have a resolution of that before the trial continues," Dershowitz warned.


usatoday--2020-01-19--Trade war and peace: Trump declares victory in China, Mexico-Canada deals, but doubts persist

President Donald Trump ’ s trade deal with China last week opened up export opportunities for American farmers , manufacturers and energy producers .
And his trade pact with Canada and Mexico , approved Thursday by the Senate , could help restore some auto production in the United States .
Yet perhaps more than anything , last week ’ s twin breakthroughs on trade provided a breather from two chaotic years of Trumpian policymaking — involving threats , truces and heavy U.S. tariffs imposed on friend and foe alike on a scale unseen since the 1930s .
The uncertainty had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay investments until they knew how the trade turmoil would shake out .
“ We got trade peace , ’ ’ said Mary Lovely , an economist who studies trade at Syracuse University .
At least for now .
Trump trade deals : Trump to promote China , Mexico-Canada trade deals at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention What trade deal means to you : Americans won ’ t get a total reprieve after China trade deal as effects of lost factory jobs , pricier goods linger But Lovely and other critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unresolved most of the toughest and most complicated issues dividing the world ’ s two biggest economies and that progress could unravel over time .
They also caution that the new North American trade pact , though it might spur some job growth , will likely make American-built cars more expensive and less competitive globally .
Whatever the outcome , the president ’ s approach to trade marks a clear break with seven decades of U.S. policy that had favored ever-freer world commerce .
Rather than seek to tear down trade barriers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the administration unabashedly embraced an America First agenda .
Armed with tariffs , threats and combative rhetoric , it sought to force concessions out of China , Mexico and Canada .
“ Previous presidents would have said it ’ s about win-win , it ’ s about trade liberalization , it ’ s about global growth , ” said William Reinsch , a former U.S. trade official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies .
“ Trump would say : ‘ ‘ No , it ’ s not .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for America ’ ...
This is essentially : Might makes right .
We ’ re big and important , so we can push other countries around.
’ ’ Free trade has long been a mutually accepted priority for the world ’ s major industrialized economies .
Many trade experts say they worry that in the long run , Trump ’ s relentlessly confrontational stance and eager embrace of tariffs could pose risks to both the U.S. and global economies .
And even as tensions ease at least temporarily with China , the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union over subsidies to the aviation giant Airbus and on France over a digital services tax that targets U.S. tech giants like Google and Amazon .
Here is a closer look at Trump ’ s recent record on trade : Senators voted 89-10 Thursday to approve Trump ’ s U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement , a month after the House had passed it 385-41 .
The so-called USMCA replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement , which had eliminated most trade barriers among the United States , Canada and Mexico .
NAFTA , which took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in trade among the three countries .
And it created a regional manufacturing bloc to compete with East Asia and Europe .
But Trump and other critics argued that NAFTA cost the United States jobs by encouraging factories to move south to capitalize on low-wage Mexican laborers , who were largely prevented from forming independent unions .
Trump ’ s top trade negotiator , Robert Lighthizer , crafted a replacement trade agreement that is intended , most of all , to return some factory production to the United States .
To qualify for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must derive 75 % of their production content from within North America — up from 62.5 % under NAFTA .
That means more auto content would have to be homegrown in higher-wage North America , not imported more cheaply from China and elsewhere .
At least 40 % of vehicles would also have to originate in places where workers earn at least $ 16 an hour .
That would benefit the United States or Canada — not Mexico , where auto assembly workers are paid a fraction of that amount .
After sealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lighthizer had to negotiate with Democrats , who had taken control of the House in the 2018 midterm elections .
He ended up drawing overwhelming bipartisan support by agreeing to Democratic demands .
These included calls to strengthen language meant to ensure that Mexico adopts labor reforms that will encourage unions .
“ The new content requirements will raise production costs , resulting in higher auto prices , reduced U.S. demand , lower auto exports , and more rapid substitution of machines for workers , ’ ’ Syracuse ’ s Lovely and Jeffrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economics concluded in a report last month .
After 18 months of trade combat , the United States and China agreed to an interim truce Wednesday .
Under the so-called Phase 1 deal , Trump scrapped his plan to impose tariffs on $ 160 billion in Chinese imports , and he halved his import taxes on an additional $ 110 billion worth .
( The administration still maintains tariffs on $ 360 billion in Chinese products , and Beijing has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S .
exports . )
In return , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property and to curb its practice of forcing foreign companies to hand over trade secrets as the price of admission to the Chinese market .
But the centerpiece of the deal was China ’ s vow to buy an extra $ 200 billion worth of U.S. manufacturing , energy and farm exports this year and next .
The mandated purchases are unusual for modern trade agreements .
Trade pacts now usually set the rules for commerce but let customer demand sort out who buys how much of what .
Trump ’ s deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quality anymore , ’ ’ Lovely said .
“ We ’ re using our market power to force purchases.
’ ’ Critics wonder whether China is really capable of meeting the targets .
Under the deal , for instance , China is supposed to buy $ 40 billion in U.S. agricultural products a year — a wildly ambitious goal considering that it ’ s never bought more than $ 26 billion a year and that during the trade war it has redirected some of its farm purchases to other exporting countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States decides China isn ’ t living up to its commitments .
In an unusual move , the two countries did not arrange to let any disputes go to a neutral arbitrator .
Instead , they will try to work out their differences in a series of consultations .
If they can ’ t , the United States could impose tariffs — and the deal could unravel .
Perhaps most significantly , the Phase 1 deal did nothing about the U.S. key complaint that China uses illicit trade practices in its drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced technologies as robotics and quantum computing .
Specifically , it didn ’ t address Beijing ’ s massive subsidies for its own tech companies .
Those issues are expected to be taken up in future talks — talks that aren ’ t likely to go anywhere until after November ’ s U.S. election .

Trade war and peace: Trump declares victory in China, Mexico-Canada deals, but doubts persist
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's tariffs: the good, the bad and the ugly President Trump's 'America First' approach has relied on slapping tariffs on countries, such as China and Mexico, which have led to current trade wars. What is a tariff and how do they work? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump’s trade deal with China last week opened up export opportunities for American farmers, manufacturers and energy producers. And his trade pact with Canada and Mexico, approved Thursday by the Senate, could help restore some auto production in the United States.
Yet perhaps more than anything, last week’s twin breakthroughs on trade provided a breather from two chaotic years of Trumpian policymaking — involving threats, truces and heavy U.S. tariffs imposed on friend and foe alike on a scale unseen since the 1930s. The uncertainty had been clouding the economy, causing businesses to delay investments until they knew how the trade turmoil would shake out.
“We got trade peace,’’ said Mary Lovely, an economist who studies trade at Syracuse University.
At least for now.
Trump trade deals: Trump to promote China, Mexico-Canada trade deals at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention
What trade deal means to you: Americans won’t get a total reprieve after China trade deal as effects of lost factory jobs, pricier goods linger
But Lovely and other critics warn that the deal with China leaves unresolved most of the toughest and most complicated issues dividing the world’s two biggest economies and that progress could unravel over time. They also caution that the new North American trade pact, though it might spur some job growth, will likely make American-built cars more expensive and less competitive globally.
Whatever the outcome, the president’s approach to trade marks a clear break with seven decades of U.S. policy that had favored ever-freer world commerce. Rather than seek to tear down trade barriers and pursue rules designed to benefit all countries, the administration unabashedly embraced an America First agenda. Armed with tariffs, threats and combative rhetoric, it sought to force concessions out of China, Mexico and Canada.
“Previous presidents would have said it’s about win-win, it’s about trade liberalization, it’s about global growth,” said William Reinsch, a former U.S. trade official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Trump would say: ‘‘No, it’s not. It’s about what’s good for America’ ... This is essentially: Might makes right. We’re big and important, so we can push other countries around.’’
Free trade has long been a mutually accepted priority for the world’s major industrialized economies. Many trade experts say they worry that in the long run, Trump’s relentlessly confrontational stance and eager embrace of tariffs could pose risks to both the U.S. and global economies.
And even as tensions ease at least temporarily with China, the Trump administration is readying tariffs on the European Union over subsidies to the aviation giant Airbus and on France over a digital services tax that targets U.S. tech giants like Google and Amazon.
Here is a closer look at Trump’s recent record on trade:
Revamping North American trade
Senators voted 89-10 Thursday to approve Trump’s U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement, a month after the House had passed it 385-41.
The so-called USMCA replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement, which had eliminated most trade barriers among the United States, Canada and Mexico.
NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, triggered a surge in trade among the three countries. And it created a regional manufacturing bloc to compete with East Asia and Europe. But Trump and other critics argued that NAFTA cost the United States jobs by encouraging factories to move south to capitalize on low-wage Mexican laborers, who were largely prevented from forming independent unions.
Trump’s top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, crafted a replacement trade agreement that is intended, most of all, to return some factory production to the United States.
To qualify for USMCA’s duty-free benefits, automakers must derive 75% of their production content from within North America — up from 62.5% under NAFTA. That means more auto content would have to be homegrown in higher-wage North America, not imported more cheaply from China and elsewhere.
At least 40% of vehicles would also have to originate in places where workers earn at least $16 an hour. That would benefit the United States or Canada — not Mexico, where auto assembly workers are paid a fraction of that amount.
After sealing a deal with Canada and Mexico, Lighthizer had to negotiate with Democrats, who had taken control of the House in the 2018 midterm elections. He ended up drawing overwhelming bipartisan support by agreeing to Democratic demands. These included calls to strengthen language meant to ensure that Mexico adopts labor reforms that will encourage unions.
But USMCA could produce negative side effects.
“The new content requirements will raise production costs, resulting in higher auto prices, reduced U.S. demand, lower auto exports, and more rapid substitution of machines for workers,’’ Syracuse’s Lovely and Jeffrey Schott of the Peterson Institute for International Economics concluded in a report last month.
A cease-fire with C
After 18 months of trade combat, the United States and China agreed to an interim truce Wednesday.
Under the so-called Phase 1 deal, Trump scrapped his plan to impose tariffs on $160 billion in Chinese imports, and he halved his import taxes on an additional $110 billion worth. (The administration still maintains tariffs on $360 billion in Chinese products, and Beijing has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports.) In return, China agreed to do more to protect intellectual property and to curb its practice of forcing foreign companies to hand over trade secrets as the price of admission to the Chinese market.
But the centerpiece of the deal was China’s vow to buy an extra $200 billion worth of U.S. manufacturing, energy and farm exports this year and next. The mandated purchases are unusual for modern trade agreements. Trade pacts now usually set the rules for commerce but let customer demand sort out who buys how much of what.
Trump’s deal is “not about competing on price and quality anymore,’’ Lovely said. “We’re using our market power to force purchases.’’
Critics wonder whether China is really capable of meeting the targets. Under the deal, for instance, China is supposed to buy $40 billion in U.S. agricultural products a year — a wildly ambitious goal considering that it’s never bought more than $26 billion a year and that during the trade war it has redirected some of its farm purchases to other exporting countries.
And things could get nasty if the United States decides China isn’t living up to its commitments. In an unusual move, the two countries did not arrange to let any disputes go to a neutral arbitrator. Instead, they will try to work out their differences in a series of consultations. If they can’t, the United States could impose tariffs — and the deal could unravel.
Perhaps most significantly, the Phase 1 deal did nothing about the U.S. key complaint that China uses illicit trade practices in its drive to surpass the United States in such advanced technologies as robotics and quantum computing. Specifically, it didn’t address Beijing’s massive subsidies for its own tech companies.
Those issues are expected to be taken up in future talks — talks that aren’t likely to go anywhere until after November’s U.S. election.


usatoday--2020-01-19--Space is pitch black, so why will US Space Force members wear camo uniforms?

The void of space is pitch black with pinpoints of distant light .
So why will some members of the newly-formed U.S. Space Force be clothed in green and brown camouflage ?
It 's a question that many asked on social media after the Space Force tweeted a photo of its utility uniform on Friday .
`` Camo in space ? ''
one commenter wrote , musing about wasted taxpayer dollars .
The Space Force had a quick answer : The service members wearing the uniform will be working on the ground , and using existing uniform designs is saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official Space Force Twitter account said the uniforms will be worn by Space Operators , working from Earth alongside service members in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army .
Watch : Gen. Raymond sworn in as Chief of Space Operations The Space Force was established in December after President Donald Trump had long said it was a necessary part of the U.S. military , citing threats from China and Russia and the nation ’ s reliance on satellites for defense operations .
`` Space Com will defend America 's vital interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Trump told reporters in August .
`` The dangers to our country constantly evolve , and so must we . ''
Trump said U.S. adversaries are weaponizing `` Earth 's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites . ''

Space is pitch black, so why will US Space Force members wear camo uniforms?
Show Caption Hide Caption Gen. Raymond sworn in as Chief of Space Operations Vice President Mike Pence officiated over the swearing in ceremony Tuesday of the first ever Chief of Space Operations for the new U.S. Space Force, Gen. John Raymond. (Jan. 14) AP
The void of space is pitch black with pinpoints of distant light. So why will some members of the newly-formed U.S. Space Force be clothed in green and brown camouflage?
It's a question that many asked on social media after the Space Force tweeted a photo of its utility uniform on Friday.
"Camo in space?" one commenter wrote, musing about wasted taxpayer dollars.
The Space Force had a quick answer: The service members wearing the uniform will be working on the ground, and using existing uniform designs is saving taxpayer dollars.
In another explanation, the official Space Force Twitter account said the uniforms will be worn by Space Operators, working from Earth alongside service members in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army.
Watch: Gen. Raymond sworn in as Chief of Space Operations
Background: Trump signs defense bill that creates Space Force
The Space Force was established in December after President Donald Trump had long said it was a necessary part of the U.S. military, citing threats from China and Russia and the nation’s reliance on satellites for defense operations.
"Space Com will defend America's vital interest in space, the next war-fighting domain," Trump told reporters in August. "The dangers to our country constantly evolve, and so must we."
Trump said U.S. adversaries are weaponizing "Earth's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites."
Contributing: John Fritze


usatoday--2020-01-19--Trump's impeachment legal team to include Ken Starr and Alan Dershowitz

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has tapped two of his longtime lawyers to lead his impeachment defense team in next week 's Senate trial – White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and private attorney Jay Sekulow – and added other well-known attorneys who have often defended him on television .
The latter group includes Alan Dershowitz , a noted Harvard law professor ; Kenneth Starr , the independent counsel who prosecuted the President Bill Clinton impeachment case , and Robert Ray , who replaced Starr as independent counsel and wrapped up the investigation of Clinton .
`` President Trump has done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team will defend him , the voters , and our democracy from this baseless , illegitimate impeachment , '' said White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham .
The Senate trial is expected to open Tuesday on two articles of impeachment passed by the House on Dec. 18 : abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
The allegations stem from Trump 's request that Ukraine investigate U.S. political rivals , including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter , who had business interests in the country .
Impeachment investigators accuse Trump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a White House meeting to pressure officials to investigate Biden and others .
In addition , House Democrats allege the White House 's refusal to allow testimony of key officials and provide documents illegally obstructed Congress ' investigation .
Here 's a look at the lawyers who will be defending Trump : 'Impartial justice '' : Can partisan senators serve as unbiased jurors in the Trump impeachment trial ?
Dershowitz has been criticized for his representation of Jeffrey Epstein , a financier and convicted sex offender who committed suicide in jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 plea deal in which Epstein pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges for roughly a year in a county jail .
The professor emeritus at Harvard Law School has had a slew of celebrity clients over the decades , including Claus von Bülow , O.J .
Simpson , and Mike Tyson .
Regarding Trump , Dershowitz issued a statement on Twitter on Friday saying he will `` present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal . ''
Dershowitz also said that he is `` non @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that he opposed Clinton 's impeachment .
He said he wants to defend Trump because he `` believes the issues at stake go to the heart of our enduring Constitution '' and wants `` to prevent the creation of a dangerous constitutional precedent . ''
Starr served as solicitor general and was considered a Supreme Court candidate during the presidency of George H.W .
Bush .
He was appointed independent counsel in 1994 to investigate Clinton over the Whitewater land deal and other matters .
Opponents criticized the way Starr handled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House intern Monica Lewinsky , saying he turned a private matter into a public prosecution – a group that included then-New York City businessman Donald Trump .
“ I think Ken Starr ’ s a lunatic , ” Trump said in a 1999 interview .
“ I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster.
” But Trump has welcomed Starr 's criticisms of the House impeachment case .
Critics also said that Starr lost his job as president of Baylor University because of the way the school handled sexual assault allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After replacing Starr as independent counsel , Ray completed a final report on the Whitewater investigation – and also negotiated an agreement with Clinton to avoid a possible perjury prosecution after he left office in early 2001 .
In exchange , Clinton agreed to give up his law license for 5 years , pay a fine of $ 25,000 to cover lawyers ’ fees , and acknowledge wrongdoing in his testimony on his relationship with Lewinsky .
More recently , Ray has appeared on Fox News to denounce impeachment as `` partisan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ team are attorneys he has worked with on previous matters , including the House impeachment investigation .
In his role as the White House 's top lawyer , Cipollone made the legal arguments to support the administration 's refusal to participate in the House impeachment inquiry .
Cipollone also worked to block administration officials from testifying before the House or providing documents to impeachment investigators , arguing that Congress is not entitled to information about internal deliberations within the executive branch – an argument he may continue to make during the Senate trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry violates all past historical precedent , basic due process rights , and fundamental fairness , '' Cipollone said in a letter to the House , saying the White House would not participate in the impeachment inquiry .
Rand Paul on Senate trial : ' I don ’ t think any Republicans are going to vote for impeachment' House Democrats protested what they called White House stonewalling , and made it part of an impeachment article accusing Trump of obstruction of Congress .
Sekulow , meanwhile , represented Trump during special counsel Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 presidential election .
Before his work with Trump , Sekulow was best known as a Supreme Court litigator who specialized in religious liberty cases .
He is also a frequent guest on television news programs and hosts a daily radio talk show .
Trump 's legal team also includes attorney Jane Raskin , who worked for Trump during the Mueller investigation , and Eric Herschmann , an attorney with the Kasowitz Benson Torres legal firm that has represented Trump on various cases for the last 15 years .
Pam Bondi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked with the White House during the impeachment inquiry , is also on Trump 's legal team for the trial .
Not on the team : Trump private attorney Rudy Giuliani .
As someone who has conducted his own investigation of Ukraine activities , Giuliani said he is a potential witness in the impeachment trial because `` I possess facts . ''
“ I don ’ t think I ’ ll be called , but I will be ready in case , '' Giuliani said in a text message exchange with USA TODAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team as “ excellent , '' and said they are `` all friends and great lawyers with a great case . ''
Others could be added to Trump 's team later , including some House Republicans who participated in the impeachment inquiry .
The attorneys are already busy preparing a legal brief defending Trump against the impeachment charges .
It is due to be submitted to the Senate by noon on Monday .
The trial itself is set to begin Tuesday , though Trump himself is scheduled to watch his legal team 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at an international economic conference in Davos , Switzerland , on Tuesday and Wednesday .
'Never heard about this at all ' : Pompeo says he knew nothing about alleged Yovanovitch tracking The president 's lawyers are expected to mount an aggressive defense .
Trump and aides said he did not improperly pressure Ukraine , and that he only wanted the nation to address problems with corruption .
Concern about corruption is the reason the administration gave for holding up military aid to the nation that was finally released in September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in Senate arguments about whether to call witnesses in the trial .
Senate Democrats have said they will push for witnesses to talk about Trump 's dealings with Ukraine .
Their list includes former White House national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney .
Chief Justice John Roberts : His impeachment role is to speak softly , set a good example Trump and his attorneys are likely to oppose any testimony from a current employee like Mulvaney , saying his conversations with the president are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , the president and aides have said that if the Senate compels prosecution witnesses , they will seek to call witnesses , potentially including Hunter Biden and Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , one of the leaders of the impeachment inquiry in the House .
Trump himself suggested he may want to invoke executive privilege in the case of Bolton because his testimony would deal with matters discussed when he was in the White House .