Thursday, July 13, 2017

Trump Watch 2017 July 13

Welcome to today's Trump Watch

Although Donald Trump Jr.'s email scandal is making headlines around the country I'd like to start off with a smaller story. Its easy to forget about these smaller but also questionable violations. Trump's State Department booked almost 20 rooms at a hotel in Vancouver for a trip whose details are not being disclosed. Guess which hotel it was? The the new Trump hotel in Vancouver. Guess how much they spent? Over $15,000 USD. The Washington Post reports that Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany were there with lots of security for a opening party. Although this might not be technically illegal it is certainly a conflict of interest and raises ethical issues. 


Ok on to the main headlines. President Trump returned from Russia to even more Russia! Donald Trump Jr.’s emails were reviewed by authorities and found to have even more connections to the Russian involvement in the 2016 elections. 

Specifically, they show that Donald Trump Jr. was contacted by representatives of the Russian Government and that Trump Jr. was enthusiastically accepting the help. Natalia Veselnitskaya, the lawyer who contacted Trump Jr.,  has ties to both the Kremlin and Russian business leaders. 

Read more at The New York Times: "Rancor at the White House...
Read more at The Guardian:  "Who is Natalia Veselnitskaya: low-level lawyer or Kremlin power broker?"

One of the most significant stories that hit the papers today is about the big "I" word. The Representative, Brad Sherman of California filed articles of impeachment against President Trump. USA Today reported that Sherman stated "I believe his conversations with, and subsequent firing of, FBI Director Comey constitute obstruction of justice...The Constitution does not provide for the removal of a president for impulsive, ignorant incompetence. It does provide for the removal of a president for high crimes and misdemeanors."  Some think its highly unlikelihood that the impeachment will gain much traction since the House is run by a Republican-majority. 

Read more at USA Today:  "Democratic lawmaker files articles of impeachment against President Trump"

Random note: Does anyone have any suggestions for good books to read?

No comments: