Ad trolls Trump over January 6 committee developments
Donald Trump has hailed Russian President Vladimir Putin as “savvy” and called his move on Ukraine “genius” in a new interview.
Mr Putin’s steps towards a possible full-on invasion of Ukraine have seen a number of Republicans seeking to blame the crisis on Joe Biden, arguing that Russia did not invade any countries while Mr Trump was president – despite the fact that he repeatedly sided with Mr Putin over the US’s military and intelligence agencies, disdained Nato, and attempted to extort the Ukrainian government into investigating the Biden family.
Mr Trump initially broke his silence on the Russia-Ukraine crisis on Tuesday morning through a tweet posted by his spokesperson in which he claimed that his relationship with Putin would have prevented the crisis.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki last night laid into Mr Trump over his description of Mr Putin, saying at her briefing: “As a matter of policy, we try not to take advice from anyone who praises President Putin and his military strategy, which I believe is what happened there.”
On concerns that Mr Trump’s comments could help turn the Russian invasion into a wedge issue in American politics, she remarked: “You know, I think that is up to members of the Republican Party to make the decision, to make the determination.”
Several members of the party have since spoken out about the president’s comments.
Jon Stewart brands Trump’s view of Putin ‘f****** bonkers’
Jon Stewart has branded Donald Trump’s reaction to Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine “f****** bonkers”.
Stewart directed the same criticism toward Fox News, tweeting on Wednesday, 23 February: “The Trump/Fox axis isn’t soft-pedaling Putin’s actions… they agree with them. They are political allies. They believe in the same things. To them, the American Left and most of Europe are the Evil Empire.”
In a follow-up tweet, Stewart added: “It is f****** bonkers.”
Clémence Michallon reports.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 22:30
Report: Giuliani getting closer to Jan 6 cooperation
According to reporting from Capitol Hill, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani is getting closer to coming in for an interview with the committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 21:30
Five times Donald Trump looked to side with Russia against the US
Former President Donald Trump has a history of eyebrow-raising statements about Russia that resurfaced this week as he finally moved to break his weeks-long silence about the growing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.
As the 45th president aims criticism at Joe Biden for supposedly failing to reign in Vladimir Putin, his critics and members of the media have questioned how his claim that he would stand up to Mr Putin and Russia’s aggression gels with the often friendly tone he struck during the 2016 campaign and throughout his presidency.
John Bowden looks five times the former president sided with Russia.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 21:18
Ivanka Trump in talks about cooperating with Jan 6 committee
Ivanka Trump is in talks with the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot about the possibility of cooperating with the panel, The New York Timesreports, citing two people familiar with the discussions.
It is not known if the “preliminary” negotiations would result in former President Donald Trump’s eldest daughter and senior adviser providing substantive information to the panel or whether it may be a stalling tactic.
This is the latest example of the committee contacting Mr Trump’s inner circle from his time in the White House to ascertain his actions as his supporters stormed Congress.
Ms Trump is widely reported to be one of several people close to the then-president who tried to persuade him to call an end to the violence that day.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 21:00
Right-wing radio host says he was censored by Truth Social
Conspiracy theorist and radio host Stew Peters appeared to learn the hard way after his call for US government officials to be executed was censored on Truth Social.
“Free speech isn’t free,” he added without apparent irony.
Gino Spocchia reports.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 20:45
Biden sanctioning company behind Nord Stream 2 pipeline
The $11bn pipeline, owned by Russia’s state-run oil company Gazprom, would double the flow of gas into Germany if it becomes operational, representing a significant source of revenue for the Russian government.
Josh Marcus reports.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 20:30
State Department left speechless over Trump and Pompeo praise of Putin
Asked for his reaction to the accolades for Putin’s cleverness, strength and smartness, Price said he had “no response”.
“In fact, I have no words,” Price said.
Justin Vallejo reports for The Independent.
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 20:22
Statement by President Biden on Nord Stream 2
Since Russia began deploying troops to the Ukrainian border, the United States has worked closely with our Allies and partners to deliver a strong, unified response. As I said when I met with Chancellor Scholz earlier this month, Germany has been a leader in that effort, and we have closely coordinated our efforts to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia further invaded Ukraine.
Yesterday, after further close consultations between our two governments, Germany announced that it would halt certification of the pipeline. Today, I have directed my administration to impose sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG and its corporate officers. These steps are another piece of our initial tranche of sanctions in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. As I have made clear, we will not hesitate to take further steps if Russia continues to escalate.
Through his actions, President Putin has provided the world with an overwhelming incentive to move away from Russian gas and to other forms of energy. I want to thank Chancellor Scholz for his close partnership and continued dedication to holding Russia accountable for its actions.
The White House
Oliver O’Connell23 February 2022 20:17
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