Trump news – live: GOP admits no illegality by Bidens despite Trump rants about ‘crime family’

John Bowden and Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has railed against President Joe Biden’s family in a baseless new statement.

“What Congressmen James Comer and Jim Jordan have revealed about the Biden Crime Family would be Watergate times 10 if this News was revealed 10 years ago. Our Fake News Media is corrupt at a level never seen before!” Mr Trump said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mr Comer admitted in an interview that the GOP-led House Oversight Committee has only found things he feels “should be illegal” in their probes of the president’s family.

Elsewhere in Washington, a committee hearing on Capitol Hill with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas devolved into a screaming tantrum — courtesy of Trump acolyte Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Ms Greene was barred from speaking further during the panel’s meeting by the GOP chair of the committee due to her outburst.

Key Points

Will Donald Trump testify in the E Jean Carroll rape trial?

01:10 , Josh Marcus

Donald Trump’s legal team left open the possibility the former president would testify in person in an upcoming trial over allegations he raped writer E Jean Carroll in the 1990s.

In a letter to Manhattan federal court Judge Lewis Kaplan on Wednesday, attorney Joe Tacopina asked that jurors be instructed the following: “While no litigant is required to appear at a civil trial, the absence of the defendant in this matter, by design, avoids the logistical burdens that his presence, as the former president, would cause the courthouse and New York City. Accordingly, his presence is excused unless and until he is called by either party to testify.”

Mr Trump appears on the defence’s list of potential witnesses, but does not on that of Ms Carroll, who alleges the businessman-turned-politician raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan in the mid-1990s.

In a separate letter to the court on Wednesday, the writer’s attorney indicated they would probably ask a pre-taped deposition of Mr Trump be played for jurors in lieu of in-person testimony, writing that Ms Carroll “has a right to play Donald Trump’s deposition at trial” but that there’s “no need for him to testify live,” NBC News reports.

More details in our full story.

Donald Trump might testify in impending E Jean Carroll rape trial

Tent cities for rehabilitation and jail for those who refuse: Trump’s new homelessness policy

00:45 , John Bowden

Former President Donald Trump has released the outlines a new homelessness policy based on banning urban camping, setting up tent cities, and sending people who decline “treatment” to jail.

Mr Trump has increasingly focused in his current campaign for the White House on rising levels of homelessness in major cities and is taking a characteristically authoritian approach to dealing with them.

In a new video, Mr Trump proposes banning camping wherever possible; arresting anyone found sleeping in unsanctioned areas outdoors; and presenting people with a choice: either agree to enter treatment programmes or go to jail.

Abe Asher reports.

Trump reveals new homelessness policy: Tent cities and jail for those who refuse

Trump's former financial chief Weisselberg gets out of jail

00:15 , John Bowden

Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer at Donald Trump's company, got out of jail Wednesday but might not have freed himself from the legal morass surrounding the former president.

The 75-year-old emerged from New York City's Rikers Island jail complex facing the same pressures he was under three months ago, when he started serving time for tax evasion.

Read more in The Independent:

Trump's former financial chief Weisselberg gets out of jail

‘No one is above the law’: Former New York prosecutor on Trump case must comply with House GOP’s subpoena

23:42 , John Bowden

A federal judge in New York ruled on Wednesday that a former prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office that indicted Donald Trump must comply with a subpoena from Congress.

“No one is above the law,” District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil wrote in her ruling.

The ruling means that former Manhattan special assistant district attorney Mark Pomerantz may have to appear before the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee, which has launched an investigation into the Trump probe in Manhattan.

Current Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has called the effort to subpoena Mr Pomerantz and others connected to his office “an unprecedently brazen and unconstitutional attack by members of Congress” aimed at disrupting his prosecution of Donald Trump.

Former New York prosecutor on Trump case must comply with House GOP’s subpoena

Congressional hearing features Trump’s ‘greatest hits’ of Covid misinformation

22:52 , John Bowden

Florida Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz listed off a series of former president Donald Trump’s lies about Covid-19 during a House subcommittee hearing on the origins of the pandemic.

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic convened on Tuesday to discuss the origins, with Republicans largely focusing on the likelihood that a lab leak in the Wuhan province caused the virus to spread.

Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill.

Trump’s ‘greatest hits’ of Covid misinformation are read out at congressional hearing

VOICES: Trump eats Ron DeSantis’ lunch in the endorsement contest

22:05 , John Bowden

The Independent’s Washington correspondent Eric Garcia writes about Ron DeSantis’s visit to Washington:

“Mr DeSantis should have been greeted as a conquering hero. After serving in the House from 2013 to 2018 and as a founding member of the barn-burning House Freedom Caucus, he took his talents back to South Beach and ran for governor and served as a staunch conservative, mostly keeping the state open during the Covid-19, restricting abortion and targeting LGBT+ communities. That propelled him to win an overwhelming re-election this last November when other Republicans faltered.”

Instead, he was greeted by “a torrent of Republicans from his state’s congressional delegation lining up one after another behind former president Donald Trump.”

Read more:

Trump eats Ron DeSantis’ lunch in the endorsement contest

Trump touts poll claiming Bragg prosecution is motivated by politics

21:20 , John Bowden

On Wednesday afternoon Donald Trump released a video message to supporters on Truth Social; in it, he touted a recent poll from Quinnipiac University revealing that a majority of Americans believe Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to be primarily motivated by political reasons as he pursued a prosection of the former president.

He did not mention, however, that the motivation’s of a prosecutor have little bearing on the case itself, and will likely do little to dissuade a jury if evidence of criminality is presented.

Nor did he mention that in the same poll, a majority of Americans still said that they approved of the indictment.

Trump claims absence of evidence proving Biden’s criminality is really ‘Watergate'

20:44 , John Bowden

Donald Trump bizarrely claimed that James Comer’s admission of the GOP-led House Oversight Committee’s inability to find hard evidence of crimes committed by Joe Biden or his family on Tuesday was actually proof of a scandal bigger than the Watergate break-in.

He made the statement in a short tweet-like offering from his 2024 campaign, a sign that he still expects to be facing Mr Biden in the 2024 general election.

‘Damn it! I want my trial!’: Stephen Colbert shares frustration at Fox-Dominion settlement

20:00 , John Bowden

Stephen Colbert could barely contain his laughter as he discussed the news that Fox News has settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion for $787.5m (£633m).

Isobel Lewis watched The Late Show host’s reaction.

Stephen Colbert shares frustration at Fox-Dominion settlement

Marjorie Taylor Greene shut down by GOP committee chair after she calls Homeland Security Secretary a liar at hearing

19:36 , John Bowden

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Wednesday was blocked from further participation in a House Homeland Security Committee hearing after she broke House rules by calling Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas a “liar” while questioning him on the Biden administration’s border policies.

Her words were stricken from the record and she was barred from speaking further by the committee’s Republican chairman — a rare move.

Andrew Feinberg has the story:

MTG shut down by GOP committee chair after she calls Mayorkas a ‘liar’ at hearing

Cuomo aide says ‘nothing goes unaddressed’ in her memoir

19:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A memoir from the top aide to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the deadliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an investigation that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women, will come out in the fall.

Union Square & Co. will release “What’s Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics, and Crisis,” on Oct. 24.

Melissa DeRosa was secretary to the governor from 2017 until she resigned in August 2021, just before Cuomo announced his own resignation. She was the first woman to hold the powerful position — and was known for appearing at the governor’s side during his daily pandemic briefings, occasionally answering reporters’ detailed policy questions.

Read more:

In memoir, former Cuomo aide says 'nothing goes unaddressed'

Trump boasts about making $4.6m from bizarre NFT cards

18:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump released a second iteration of his NFT trading cards, leading to mockery online.

The former president announced on Tuesday 18 April that he was selling another series of the NFT trading cards he released this past December.

Ariana Baio has the story.

Trump mocked over ‘nightmare fuel’ NFT trading cards – all priced at $99

What you need to know about the E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

17:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Decades after she was allegedly raped by a New York real estate mogul who would go on to be the 45th President of the United States, E Jean Carroll is getting her day in court.

Andrew Feinberg explains the background to the case.

Trump facing trial: What to know about the E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Marjorie Taylor Greene claims she saw ‘marijuana zombies’ in NYC

17:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Republican lawmaker and conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene has again lashed out at New York City, claiming to have encountered “marijuana zombies” on her recent visit to the Big Apple.

The Georgia congresswoman was seen in Manhattan on 4 April when she attempted to address a rally staged by the New York Young Republicans Club in support of Donald Trump during his arraignment over alleged hush money payments, only to be drowned out by counter-demonstrators with whistles and drums.

Joe Sommerlad reports.

Marjorie Taylor Greene claims she saw ‘marijuana zombies’ on ill-fated NYC trip

Trump threatens federal workers with mandatory tests if he wins in 2024

17:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Former president Donald Trump said that if he returns to the White House in 2025, he will mandate that federal employes take a civil service test and workers who do not pass would be fired.

The former president made the remarks in a video released on Friday.

Eric Garcia reports.

Trump says he will make federal workers take political test and fire those who fail

Voices: Trump’s election lies cost Fox $787m... will it also cost him the White House in 2024

16:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, DC.

Trump’s election lies cost Fox $787m – will they also cost him 2024?

Trump remains silent on Fox’s settlement with Dominion

16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

But for how long?

Trump remains silent on Fox’s Dominion lawsuit settlement

CNN’s Jake Tapper struggles to keep a straight face as he reads Fox reaction to Dominion victory

16:15 , Oliver O'Connell

CNN anchor Jake Tapper couldn’t help but chuckle on Tuesday as he announced the news that Fox News averted a bruising defamation trial over false election claims by paying a $787.5m (£633m) settlement to voting machine manufacturer Dominion Voting Systems.

The host hesitated multiple times as he read a statement from Fox News, which framed the settlement as a sign of “Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards” and a move which “allows the country to move forward from these issues.”

Josh Marcus reports.

CNN’s Jake Tapper laughs as he reads Fox reaction to Dominion settlement

A Succession-worthy finale: The almost-trial of Dominion v Fox News

16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Mountains of evidence boxes were wheeled into a seventh-floor courtroom on Tuesday morning, moments before lawyers for Dominion Voting Systems planned to eviscerate Fox News and its Fox Corporation leadership for the volley of false claims about the company in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Later that morning, jurors were sworn in. They ordered lunch. Hours later, it was over.

Alex Woodward reports from Wilmington, Delaware.

The Succession-worthy finale of the Dominion v Fox nearly-trial

Congressional hearing features Trump’s ‘greatest hits’ of Covid misinformation

15:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Florida Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz listed off a series of former president Donald Trump’s lies about Covid-19 during a House subcommittee hearing on the origins of the pandemic.

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic convened on Tuesday to discuss the origins, with Republicans largely focusing on the likelihood that a lab leak in the Wuhan province caused the virus to spread.

Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill.

Trump’s ‘greatest hits’ of Covid misinformation are read out at congressional hearing

Premium: The Dominion settlement is not the end of the legal circus for Fox News

15:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Dominion settlement is not the end of the legal circus for Fox News | James Moore

House GOP readies border enforcement push

15:15 , Oliver O'Connell

House Republicans for months have railed against the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, holding hearings, visiting border communities and promising to advance legislation to clamp down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

But so far, they have failed to unify behind a plan, delaying efforts to pass legislation.

Now they are hoping to change that.

Read more:

House Republicans ready border enforcement push after delays

Tent cities for rehabilitation and jail for those who refuse: Trump’s new homelessness policy

14:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump has released the outlines a new homelessness policy based on banning urban camping, setting up tent cities, and sending people who decline “treatment” to jail.

Mr Trump has increasingly focused in his current campaign for the White House on rising levels of homelessness in major cities and is taking a characteristically authoritian approach to dealing with them.

In a new video, Mr Trump proposes banning camping wherever possible; arresting anyone found sleeping in unsanctioned areas outdoors; and presenting people with a choice: either agree to enter treatment programmes or go to jail.

Abe Asher reports.

Trump reveals new homelessness policy: Tent cities and jail for those who refuse

Mother and son who took zip ties into Senate on Jan 6 convicted

14:25 , Oliver O'Connell

A Tennessee man and his mother were convicted on Tuesday of charges that they stormed the Capitol, where they brought plastic zip-tie handcuffs into the Senate gallery as a mob attacked the building, court records show.

Read more:

Mom, son who took zip ties into Senate convicted in 1/6 riot

Trump says if elected he will force federal workers to pass a political test

13:45 , John Bowden

Former president Donald Trump said that if he returns to the White House in 2025, he will mandate that federal employes take a civil service test and workers who do not pass would be fired.

The former president made the remarks in a video released on Friday.

Eric Garcia has the story.

Trump says he will make federal workers take political test and fire those who fail

13:15 , John Bowden

Senator Chuck Schumer hit out at Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy over his debt ceiling speech delivered on Monday at the opening of the New York Stock Exchange.

“He went all the way to Wall Street and gave us no new details, no new facts, no new information at all,” said Mr Schumer, warning of a “Republican default crisis”.

“President Biden and I are happy to meet with the speaker when he has something to talk about — a plan.”

The senator added that without a House GOP debt plan “what are we going to talk about? The furniture?”

McCarthy hits Biden for not negotiating with GOP on debt limit

12:45 , John Bowden

The White House may be on track for a political victory over the debt limit as the GOP Speaker of the House looks at least somewhat unwilling to threaten America’s credit by blocking an increase to the debt limit.

But that didn’t stop Kevin McCarthy from hammering President Joe Biden on the issue of not negotiating with Republicans over spending decreases at all, as the White House has maintained that the president wants to see the GOP’s budget proposal in full before any such talks begin.

John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.

Kevin McCarthy hits Biden for not negotiating with GOP on debt limit

Dominion wins $787m from Fox as election lies lawsuit settled: ‘Lies have consequences’

12:15 , John Bowden

Moments before opening arguments in one of the biggest defamation trials in US history were set to begin, Fox News agreed to settle a lawsuit from a voting machine company that accused the network of spreading false statements about its business in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Fox settled for $787.5m, about half of Dominion’s original demand of $1.6bn.

Alex Woodward has the story:

Dominion wins $787m from Fox as election lies lawsuit settled

Donald Trump suggests Disney could ditch Florida as he mocks DeSantis over Reedy Creek humiliation

11:45 , John Bowden

Donald Trump mocked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday for the recent debate over changes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District by suggesting Walt Disney World could retaliate against the Florida Governor.

Mr DeSantis held a press conference this past week threatening Disney should they not cooperate. The ideas he raised in retaliation included potentially raising the park’s taxes, building a prison next door, or selling the land around Disney to a different theme park.

Read more:

Trump suggests Disney could ditch Florida as he mocks DeSantis over Reedy Creek

Earlier: Judge rejects Trump’s last-minute bid to delay rape and defamation trial

11:15 , John Bowden

A federal judge in New York City has rejected former president Donald Trump’s 11th-hour attempt to once again postpone his long-delayed civil defamation and rape trial on the grounds that publicity surrounding his recent indictment necessitated a “cooling-off” period to ensure an impartial jury.

Judge Lewis Kaplan on Monday ordered the trial, which stems from two civil lawsuits brought against the ex-president by writer E Jean Carroll, to commence on 25 April as previously scheduled.

Andrew Feinberg has the latest:

Judge rejects Trump’s last-minute bid to delay rape and defamation trial

Trump silent on Fox News Dominion settlement

10:45 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has remained silent on the settlement reached between Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems.

The former president is yet to comment on the news – despite the lawsuit being directly related to his election lies.

On Monday, Mr Trump had suggested Fox News should stand by his election fraud lies to weaken Dominion Voting System’s arguments in the case.

“If Fox would finally admit that there was large scale cheating & irregularities in the 2020 presidential election, which would be a good thing for them, & for America, the case against them, which should not have existed at all, would be greatly weakened,” he had claimed.

“Back up those patriots at Fox instead of throwing them under the bus - & they are right! There is sooo much proof, like mass ballot stuffing caught on government cameras, FBI colluding with Twitter & Facebook, state legislatures not used, etc.”

Trump returns to Instagram after two-year break

10:15 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has returned to Instagram for the first time since the January 6 Capitol riot – to plug his latest release of NFT trading cards.

The former president was banned from the social media platform back in January 2021 after a mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol in a riot that resulted in several deaths.

The social media platform allowed his account back earlier this year but Mr Trump was yet to post on it – instead continuing to post on his Truth Social platform instead.

On Tuesday, he finally made his return to Instagram with several posts pushing his new digital trading cards.

Trump returns to Instagram (Instagram)
Trump returns to Instagram (Instagram)

Fetterman puts hands over heart as he returns to Senate after six-week hospitalization for depression

09:45 , John Bowden

SenatorJohn Fetterman returned to the United States Senate on Monday after treatment for depression kept him away for six weeks.

Mr Fetterman exited his car in his trademark black hooded sweatshirt, gym shorts and sneakers and placed his hand over his heart as he returned to the chamber ahead of votes on Monday afternoon.

Mr Fetterman posted a photo of his return to the Senate.

“It’s good to be back,” he tweeted.

Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill.

John Fetterman returns to Senate after six-week hospitalization for depression

Trump whines about not getting enough credit for not overcharging people for NFTs

08:45 , John Bowden

Another one of Donald Trump’s Tuesday gripes on Truth Social centred around the issue of his “trading cards” — a set of digital NFTs marketed towards his supporters for his personal gain.

In a post, he made the bizarre complaint that media organisations were not patting him on the back for keeping the prices for the wholly purposeless “items” steady, despite, as he claimed, rising demand for the artistic offerings.

07:45 , John Bowden

Donald Trump revealed his thoughts about Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday as the former president sees his own platform for conservatives, Truth Social, face financial struggles.

The ex-president Donald Trump appears quite unhappy with SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s declaration that he voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Mr Musk admitted to having voted for the 46th president over the 45th during a recent interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

“I don’t believe Elon Musk voted for Biden, not for a minute! He told me that he voted for me, but who knows about that, and who cares? Elon is just trying to make friends with the absolutely horrible Biden Administration because of all the government subsidies he gets, and all the permits he needs. His space company, car company, battery company, tunnel company, and even Twitter, which was illegally controlled by the FBI, need government HELP & SUBSIDIES. HE IS JUST “MENDING FENCES!”

Read more from Andrew Feinberg:

Trump lashes out at Elon Musk after tech mogul says he voted for Biden

McConnell dodges questions about Trump’s criminal indictment

06:45 , John Bowden

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joked with reporters about responding to Donald Trump’s criminal indictment on Tuesday as he returned for his first regular press conference following his hospitalisation for a fall.

Dominion wins $787m from Fox as election lies lawsuit settled: ‘Lies have consequences’

05:45 , John Bowden

Moments before opening arguments in one of the biggest defamation trials in US history were set to begin, Fox News agreed to settle a lawsuit from a voting machine company that accused the network of spreading false statements about its business in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Fox settled for $787.5m, about half of Dominion’s original demand of $1.6bn.

Alex Woodward has the story:

Dominion wins $787m from Fox as election lies lawsuit settled

Elvis, BBQ chef, gold chess piece: Trump mocked over ‘nightmare fuel’ NFT trading cards – all priced at $99

04:45 , John Bowden

Donald Trump released a second iteration of his NFT trading cards, leading to mockery online.

The former president announced on Tuesday 18 April that he was selling another series of the NFT trading cards he released this past December.

“I am pleased to inform you that, due to the great success of my previously launched DIGITAL TRADING CARDS, we are doing it again, SERIES 2, AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW,” Mr Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The second series of cards consists of eight different NFTS, all priced at $99. But on Twitter, people mocked the new illustrations.

Read more:

Trump mocked over ‘nightmare fuel’ NFT trading cards – all priced at $99

George Santos puts forward bill named after Nicki Minaj as he announces re-election bid

03:45 , John Bowden

George Santos is officially running for re-election in 2024, even as he faces multiple investigations headed up by the House Ethics Committee, the FBI and local authorities.

And he’s marking his bid for a second term with a bill named in honour of Nicki Minaj, the New York-born rapper whose comments expressing skepticism about vaccines clearly resonated with the congressman as he seeks to prevent the federal government from mandating administration of any vaccine that hasn’t been on the market for a decade.

It would, however, carve out an exception for cases of a public health emergency – like the Covid-19 crisis.

Read more about New York’s scandal-plagued pro-Trump congressman:

George Santos introduces bill named for Nicki Minaj as he announces re-election bid

Nonprofits seek to disqualify Trump from 2024 ballot over January 6 riot

02:45 , John Bowden

Two nonprofit groups — including the group that challenged several GOP House members’ eligibility to serve because of their support for the January 6 attack on the Capitol — are looking to use the same provision of the US Constitution to keep Donald Trump off the ballot next year.

Mr Trump’s support for the attack, the groups say, would fall under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits any “officer of the United States” who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the country — after previously taking an oath to support the Constitution — from serving in any federal office.

It’s a longshot bid by the groups, but spells out the kind of resistance Mr Trump is going to face from even centrist-aligned organisations heading in to 2024, thanks to the chaos that was 2020 and early 2021.

Read more from Andrew Feinberg:

Trump could be banned from ever entering White House again using Civil War-era clause

Disney holds first ever Pride Night as DeSantis threatens company

01:45 , John Bowden

Disney announced it will hold its first ever "Pride Nite" event, a move that will no doubt drive a further wedge between the entertainment titan and Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis.

Hours before the announcement, Mr DeSantis held a press conference where he laid out a menu of potential retaliatory schemes he could undertake to get back at Disney for using an obscure property law to retain its self-governance.

Those plots included raising the park's taxes, building a prison next door, or selling the land surrounding Disney to another theme park. The governor also highlighted proposed legislation that would impose new inspection regulations on Disney.

Graig Graziosi has the story:

Disney holds first ever Pride Night as DeSantis threatens company

McCarthy hits Biden for not negotiating with GOP on debt limit

Wednesday 19 April 2023 00:45 , John Bowden

The White House may be on track for a political victory over the debt limit as the GOP Speaker of the House looks at least somewhat unwilling to threaten America’s credit by blocking an increase to the debt limit.

But that didn’t stop Kevin McCarthy from hammering President Joe Biden on the issue of not negotiating with Republicans over spending decreases at all, as the White House has maintained that the president wants to see the GOP’s budget proposal in full before any such talks begin.

John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.

Kevin McCarthy hits Biden for not negotiating with GOP on debt limit

George Santos campaign operating at a loss this year, according to election filings

Tuesday 18 April 2023 23:45 , John Bowden

As he officially announces his bid for reelection, George Santos has already run into his first snag.

The campaign finances of the Republican, who’s come under scrutiny for exagerrating or inventing numerous details of his backstory, are in rough shape. He’s operating at a loss of $3,000 this year, Axios reports.

Josh Marcus has more:

George Santos campaign operating at net loss of $3000 this year, according to filings

If news taints rape-trial jurors, Trump shares blame, says judge

Tuesday 18 April 2023 23:15 , John Bowden

Donald Trump’s rape trial will begin next week as scheduled after a federal judge on Monday rejected his lawyer’s request for a one-month delay, saying the former president cannot make public statements to promote pretrial publicity and then claim it’s prejudicial to him and reason to delay a trial.

Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan said the civil trial on claims against Trump by a longtime columnist, E Jean Carroll, will begin as scheduled on 25 April. Trump denies the rape happened or that he ever knew Carroll.

Read more...

Judge rejects Trump’s last-minute bid to delay rape and defamation trial

ICYMI: Protesters shout at Jim Jordan outside of House hearing in New York City

Tuesday 18 April 2023 22:45 , John Bowden

As Republican Representative Jim Jordan attempted to hold a House Judiciary Committee hearing in New York attacking Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, protesters could be heard shouting and chanting outside.

“Let the public in,” a group of protesters shouted from the hallway located directly outside of the room where Mr Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee held their meeting on Monday,

Outside of the Jacob Javits Federal Building in downtown Manhattan, another group of protesters chanted, “Hey hey, ho, ho, Jim Jordan’s got to go.”

Ariana Baio reports from New York City.

Protesters shout at Jim Jordan outside of House hearing in NYC on Alvin Bragg

Donald Trump suggests Disney could ditch Florida as he mocks DeSantis over Reedy Creek humiliation

Tuesday 18 April 2023 22:15 , John Bowden

Donald Trump mocked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday for the recent debate over changes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District by suggesting Walt Disney World could retaliate against the Florida Governor.

Mr DeSantis held a press conference this past week threatening Disney should they not cooperate. The ideas he raised in retaliation included potentially raising the park’s taxes, building a prison next door, or selling the land around Disney to a different theme park.

Read more:

Trump suggests Disney could ditch Florida as he mocks DeSantis over Reedy Creek

Dominion wins $787m from Fox as election lies lawsuit settled: ‘Lies have consequences’

Tuesday 18 April 2023 21:46 , John Bowden

Moments before opening arguments in one of the biggest defamation trials in US history were set to begin, Fox News agreed to settle a lawsuit from a voting machine company that accused the network of spreading false statements about its business in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Fox settled for $787.5m, about half of Dominion’s original demand of $1.6bn.

Alex Woodward has the story:

Dominion wins $787m from Fox as election lies lawsuit settled

George Santos puts forward bill named after Nicki Minaj as he announces re-election bid

Tuesday 18 April 2023 21:20 , John Bowden

George Santos is officially running for re-election in 2024, even as he faces multiple investigations headed up by the House Ethics Committee, the FBI and local authorities.

And he’s marking his bid for a second term with a bill named in honour of Nicki Minaj, the New York-born rapper whose comments expressing skepticism about vaccines clearly resonated with the congressman as he seeks to prevent the federal government from mandating administration of any vaccine that hasn’t been on the market for a decade.

It would, however, carve out an exception for cases of a public health emergency – like the Covid-19 crisis.

Read more about New York’s scandal-plagued pro-Trump congressman:

George Santos introduces bill named for Nicki Minaj as he announces re-election bid

McConnell dodges questions about Trump’s criminal indictment

Tuesday 18 April 2023 20:46 , John Bowden

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joked with reporters on Tuesday as he returned for his first regular press conference following his hospitalisation for a fall.

Elvis, BBQ chef, gold chess piece: Trump mocked over ‘nightmare fuel’ NFT trading cards – all priced at $99

Tuesday 18 April 2023 20:15 , John Bowden

Donald Trump released a second iteration of his NFT trading cards, leading to mockery online.

The former president announced on Tuesday 18 April that he was selling another series of the NFT trading cards he released this past December.

“I am pleased to inform you that, due to the great success of my previously launched DIGITAL TRADING CARDS, we are doing it again, SERIES 2, AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW,” Mr Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The second series of cards consists of eight different NFTS, all priced at $99. But on Twitter, people mocked the new illustrations.

Read more:

Trump mocked over ‘nightmare fuel’ NFT trading cards – all priced at $99

Stephen Colbert trolls Trump and Melania

Tuesday 18 April 2023 19:25 , John Bowden

Stephen Colbert trolled Donald and Melania Trump on his late-night show on Monday.

OnThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Melania – played by Laura Benanti – made an appearance, seeking to put to bed the rumours about why she has fallen quiet after her husband’s indictment.

The spoof Melania boasted she had been enjoying her life “spending time with my family, enjoying roped-off brunches at my live-in golf prison, and disposing of top secret documents”.

She was also spending time eating classified documents. “You can really taste the national security,” she said.

Trump whines about not getting enough credit for not overcharging people for NFTs

Tuesday 18 April 2023 18:55 , John Bowden

Another one of Donald Trump’s Tuesday gripes on Truth Social centred around the issue of his “trading cards” — a set of digital NFTs marketed towards his supporters for his personal gain.

In a post, he made the bizarre complaint that media organisations were not patting him on the back for keeping the prices for the wholly purposeless “items” steady, despite, as he claimed, rising demand for the artistic offerings.

Tuesday 18 April 2023 18:02 , John Bowden

Just yesterday, former President Donald Trump was hitting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over another favourite GOP issue — the Second Amendment.

The former president disputed Mr DeSantis’s claim in an ad that he was aligned with Democrats over the issue of gun rights.

”Wow, that’s like Democrat Disinformation!” he wrote, also claiming that “Ron DeSanctus” didn’t attend the NRA Convention over the weekend in person because he was concerned about being booed.

Here’s the full post:

And here’s what got him wound up:

Trump claims Elon Musk trying to ‘make friends’ with Joe Biden

Tuesday 18 April 2023 17:20 , John Bowden

Donald Trump revealed his thoughts about Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday as the former president sees his own platform for conservatives, Truth Social, face financial struggles.

“I don’t believe Elon Musk voted for Biden, not for a minute! He told me that he voted for me, but who knows about that, and who cares? Elon is just trying to make friends with the absolutely horrible Biden Administration because of all the government subsidies he gets, and all the permits he needs. His space company, car company, battery company, tunnel company, and even Twitter, which was illegally controlled by the FBI, need government HELP & SUBSIDIES. HE IS JUST “MENDING FENCES!”

Nonprofits seek to disqualify Trump from 2024 ballot over January 6 riot

Tuesday 18 April 2023 16:13 , John Bowden

Two nonprofit groups — including the group that challenged several GOP House members’ eligibility to serve because of their support for the January 6 attack on the Capitol — are looking to use the same provision of the US Constitution to keep Donald Trump off the ballot next year.

Mr Trump’s support for the attack, the groups say, would fall under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits any “officer of the United States” who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the country — after previously taking an oath to support the Constitution — from serving in any federal office.

It’s a longshot bid by the groups, but spells out the kind of resistance Mr Trump is going to face from even centrist-aligned organisations heading in to 2024, thanks to the chaos that was 2020 and early 2021.

Read more from Andrew Feinberg:

Trump could be banned from ever entering White House again using Civil War-era clause

Trump: DeSantis is being ‘destroyed by Disney'

Tuesday 18 April 2023 15:14 , John Bowden

Donald Trump speculated that Ron DeSantis would lose his political war against the Disney corporation on Tuesday.

The president issued his latest attempt in his now months-long campaign to bait the Florida governor, who has not yet announced whether he will run for president despite heavy speculation around the matter, into a fight with a post on Truth Social that went live Tuesday morning after the governor made what his aides later clarified was a joking threat to place a new state prison near the massive Disney World resort.

“DeSanctus is being absolutely destroyed by Disney,” Mr Trump claimed in the post. “His original P.R. plan fizzled, so now he’s going back with a new one in order to save face. Disney’s next move will be the announcement that no more money will be invested in Florida because of the Governor - In fact, they could even announce a slow withdrawal or sale of certain properties, or the whole thing. Watch! That would be a killer. In the meantime, this is all so unnecessary, a political STUNT! Ron should work on the squatter MESS!”

FEC filings show Trump made less than $200 from Truth Social

Tuesday 18 April 2023 14:37 , John Bowden

Donald Trump’s personal financial disclosure reports with the Federal Election Commission offer the first public glimpse into his earnings and financial state since leaving the White House in 2021.

Alex Woodward took a look at the details.

Donald Trump made less than $200 from Truth Social, filings show

ICYMI: Protesters shout at Jim Jordan outside of House hearing in New York City

Tuesday 18 April 2023 13:45 , Oliver O'Connell

As Republican Representative Jim Jordan attempted to hold a House Judiciary Committee hearing in New York attacking Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, protesters could be heard shouting and chanting outside.

“Let the public in,” a group of protesters shouted from the hallway located directly outside of the room where Mr Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee held their meeting on Monday,

Outside of the Jacob Javits Federal Building in downtown Manhattan, another group of protesters chanted, “Hey hey, ho, ho, Jim Jordan’s got to go.”

Ariana Baio reports from New York City.

Protesters shout at Jim Jordan outside of House hearing in NYC on Alvin Bragg

McCarthy hits Biden for not negotiating with GOP on debt ceiling

Tuesday 18 April 2023 13:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The White House may be on track for a political victory over the debt limit as the GOP Speaker of the House looks at least somewhat unwilling to threaten America’s credit by blocking an increase to the debt limit.

But that didn’t stop Kevin McCarthy from hammering President Joe Biden on the issue of not negotiating with Republicans over spending decreases at all, as the White House has maintained that the president wants to see the GOP’s budget proposal in full before any such talks begin.

Mr McCarthy spoke Monday morning at the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange, before sitting down for a Q&A with the NYSE’s president.

John Bowden reports.

Kevin McCarthy hits Biden for not negotiating with GOP on debt limit

Stephen Colbert trolls Trump and Melania

Tuesday 18 April 2023 12:45 , Rachel Sharp

Stephen Colbert trolled Donald and Melania Trump on his late-night show on Monday.

OnThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Melania – played by Laura Benanti – made an appearance, seeking to put to bed the rumours about why she has fallen quiet after her husband’s indictment.

The spoof Melania boasted she had been enjoying her life “spending time with my family, enjoying roped-off brunches at my live-in golf prison, and disposing of top secret documents”.

She was also spending time eating classified documents. “You can really taste the national security,” she said.

George Santos puts forward bill named after Nicki Minaj as he announces re-election bid

Tuesday 18 April 2023 22:00 , John Bowden

George Santos is officially running for re-election in 2024, even as he faces multiple investigations headed up by the House Ethics Committee, the FBI and local authorities.

And he’s marking his bid for a second term with a bill named in honour of Nicki Minaj, the New York-born rapper whose comments expressing skepticism about vaccines clearly resonated with the congressman as he seeks to prevent the federal government from mandating administration of any vaccine that hasn’t been on the market for a decade.

It would, however, carve out an exception for cases of a public health emergency – like the Covid-19 crisis.

Read more about New York’s scandal-plagued pro-Trump congressman:

George Santos introduces bill named for Nicki Minaj as he announces re-election bid

Trump could be banned from office over Jan 6

Tuesday 18 April 2023 12:15 , John Bowden

Donald Trump could be banned from ever entering the White House again due to his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

Two nonprofit groups argue that a Civil War-era rule disqualifies any “officer of the United States” from entering office in future after they have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the US.

They claim Mr Trump’s role before and during the riot proves he engaged in an insurrection and so, under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, cannot run for president in 2024.

The groups have sent letters to state election officials asking them to block Mr Trump from going on the ballot, reported The Washington Post.

Trump takes Truth Social shot at DeSantis over Second Amendment record

Tuesday 18 April 2023 11:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Monday lunchtime on Truth Social, and former President Donald Trump has hit out at his favourite foe, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

This time the topic was the Second Amendment, with the former president disputing Mr DeSantis’s claim in an ad that he was aligned with Democrats over the issue of gun rights.

”Wow, that’s like Democrat Disinformation!” he wrote, also claiming that “Ron DeSanctus” didn’t attend the NRA Convention over the weekend in person because he was concerned about being booed.

Here’s the full post:

And here’s what got him wound up:

George Santos announces re-election bid

Tuesday 18 April 2023 10:45 , Oliver O'Connell

It’s happening, GOP Rep George Santos is officially running for re-election in New York’s 3rd District.

The controversial congressman made the announcement on Twitter on Monday afternoon. He is the subject of ongoing investigations at the local, state, and federal levels, and there have been numerous calls for him to resign.

If news taints rape-trial jurors, Trump shares blame, says judge

Tuesday 18 April 2023 09:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump’s rape trial will begin next week as scheduled after a federal judge on Monday rejected his lawyer’s request for a one-month delay, saying the former president cannot make public statements to promote pretrial publicity and then claim it’s prejudicial to him and reason to delay a trial.

Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan said the civil trial on claims against Trump by a longtime columnist, E Jean Carroll, will begin as scheduled on 25 April. Trump denies the rape happened or that he ever knew Carroll.

Read more...

Judge: If news taints rape-trial jurors, Trump shares blame

Advertisement