Trump cupboard picks focused in ‘swatting’ incidents; Biden condemns ‘threats of political violence’: Live
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox
Get our free Inside Washington email
Get our free Inside Washington email
The Trump-Vance transition team says that several of the president-elect’s nominees and appointees have been victims of bomb threats and swatting incidents.
In a statement, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said: “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.”
The FBI is now investigating and President Joe Biden has unequivocally condemned threats of political violence.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump named a string of nominations for his incoming administration opting for loyalty over experience, including some critical of agencies they are supposed to lead.
On Tuesday, Trump picked Jamieson Greer as US trade representative, Jim O’Neill as deputy secretary of Health and Human Services, Jay Bhattacharya as National Institutes of Health director, Kevin Hassett as National Economic Council director, Vince Haley as Domestic Policy Council chief and John Phelan as Navy secretary.
Bhattacharya, a Covid-19 lockdown skeptic, called for reduced powers of the 27 institutes and centers that constitute the NIH. Phelan, a businessman and Republican megadonor, has no military experience.
Grier will be charged with “reining in the country’s massive trade deficit,” in light of Trump vowing to impose massive tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico – exacerabting fears of a bitter global trade war.
How Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China could impact U.S. consumers
Trump has announced that Canada and Mexico could soon see a 25 percent tariff added to all imported goods while China could face an additional 10 percent – something Trump says is part of an effort to curtail “crime and drugs” coming into the U.S. and slow the number of illegal border crossings.
Though tariffs are designed to promote domestic production and purchasing by taxing imported goods, the increase in cost typically falls on consumers, not foreign governments. Numerous economic experts have warned that Trump’s tariffs on goods from those three countries could lead to price spikes and inflation – a concern shared by many voters who said they backed Trump.
The U.S. imports a host of goods from Canada, Mexico and China directly as well as supplies for products made in America. Here Here’s what resources, materials or products come from those countries:
House task force on Trump assassination attempt sets public hearing
Full story: Trump cabinet picks targeted by bomb threats and swatting
Matt Gaetz, former nominee for attorney general, and Elise Stefanik, Trump’s choice to be his next U.N. ambassador, are among those said to have been subjected to threats that are now being investigated by the FBI.
Gustaf Kilander reports.
Biden briefed on swatting of Trump nominees, condemns threats of political violence
A White House spokesperson says President Joe Biden has been briefed on the bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting nominees and appointees of the incoming Trump administration.
The president and his administration “unequivocally condemn threats of political violence.”
The President has been briefed. The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect’s team, and continues to monitor the situation closely. Federal law enforcement’s response, alongside state and local authorities, remains ongoing. The President and the Administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence.
Watch: Carville attacks Harris staffers for preventing Joe Rogan interview
Brooke Rollins also targeted in spate of threats against Trump admin picks
Brook Rollins, Donald Trump’s choice to be secretary of Agriculture, revealed on social media that she had faced a threat against her family and Texas home. After the area was cleared by Fort Worth police, they could return to the residence, she said.
D.C. residents want Airbnb blackout for Trump inauguration
Residents are calling on Airbnb hosts to either blackout the dates around Trump’s inauguration or increase the prices and donate the proceeds to liberal causes, The Washington Post reports. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president on January 20.
Katie Hawkinson has the story.
Speaker Johnson to host Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at Capitol
Speaker Mike Johnson will host Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, soon to be co-heads of the Department of Government Efficiency, on Capitol Hill on December 5.
He posted on X: “Looking forward to hosting Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy next week on Capitol Hill to discuss major reform ideas to achieve regulatory rescissions, administrative reductions, and cost savings—& revive the principle of limited government! Donald Trump has made this possible!”
As GOP majority shaved further down, Marjorie Taylor Greene accuses Democrats of ‘stealing’ House race
Incumbent John Duarte, a Republican, is facing off against Democratic challenger Adam Gray in northern California. As election workers count the ballots, Gray has pulled into a slight lead 22 days on.
Now, Greene has baselessly claimed Gray’s lead is due to “stealing.”
Katie Hawkinson reports.
ICYMI: Giuliani rages in court as judge warns he could face sanctions in defamation case
Alex Woodward filed this report from the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday:
Rudy Giuliani lashed out in a federal courtroom after a judge admonished the cash-strapped former New York City mayor for failing to keep up with court orders after he defamed two women with his 2020 election lies.
Giuliani then interrupted the judge, speaking out from the defense table after shaking his head and clicking his pen in frustration.
Read on…
Source: independent.co.uk
