1 Trump: I Never Said Mexico Would Write A Check
President Trump says increased border security is common sense. Visiting a border region in Texas yesterday, Trump said a border wall or other physical barrier is the right thing to do. But he also said something that left a lot of folks gobsmacked: “The fake news likes to say it. When…during the campaign, I would say, ‘Mexico is going to pay for it.’ Obviously, I never said this and I never meant they’re going to write out a check.” Thing is, he absolutely said it – more than once – and in fact, even referred to it on his campaign website (in a memo you can read HERE) where there is an explicit mention of a “one-time payment of $5-10 billion to ensure that $24 billion continues to flow into their country year after year.” Either way, Mr. Trump is now saying that Mexico is paying for the wall through the recently renegotiated trade deal. The wall has been a central piece of the President’s border security plans – which has him at odds with Democrats, who say they’re not giving him a dime (and hence, the partial government shutdown). As such, the drumbeat is getting louder about Trump declaring a national emergency at the border. He said yesterday that he’ll make a decision soon.
2 Cohen To Testify In House Hearing Next Month
Before heading off to the clink, Michael Cohen will appear voluntarily and publicly before the House Oversight Committee. The news isn’t terribly surprising as Democrats took over the House on January 3rd and promised vigorous oversight of President Trump and his administration. Oversight Committe Chairman Elijah Cummings said the panel has no interest in "interfering with any ongoing criminal investigations" and noted that his staff is consulting with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's [[MULL-ers]] office. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen was recently sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraud, banking fraud and violating campaign finance laws. The campaign finance charge related to hush money payments that Cohen arranged for two women – adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal – who said they had affairs with Trump, which he has denied. Cohen has said he spent years covering up Trump's "dirty deeds."
3 More Than 70 Members Of Congress Giving Up Pay During Shutdown
As “Day 21” of the partial government shutdown arrives…and paychecks for hundreds of thousands federal employees do not, a number of folks in Congress are stepping up. So far, 71 of the 535 Representatives and Senators have said they will either delay or donate their pay for the duration of the shutdown. And this isn’t a one-sided deal. There are 39 Republicans and 32 Democrats who have announced they will not receive a paycheck for as long as the shutdown lasts. While most of the members are in the House, 13 Senators are also not getting paychecks. At last check, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are not on the list compiled by CNN. Meanwhile, entertainment legend Cher is urging Speaker Pelosi to approve the money President Trump wants to build a wall on the border with Mexico – though not because she supports Mr. Trump. She noted, in part, " FOR TRUMP THIS IS POLITICAL...BUT REAL PPL ARE REALLY SUFFERING!"