Former national security officials, both Republican and Democrat, have announced they will be voting for Joe Biden for president in November in a letter released hours before the former vice president accepts the Democratic nomination for president. In the letter, officials accused Donald Trump of damaging America's position as a world leader and being "unfit to lead during a national crisis".
The released letter comes after Mr Trump's former adviser Steve Bannon has been arrested and indicted on Thursday on money laundering charges relating to a crowdfunding border wall scheme. Mr Bannon, who worked as the president's 2016 campaign chairman and White House chief strategist, will appear in federal court later on Thursday.
When speaking to poll reporters on Thursday, the president distanced himself from Mr Bannon by saying he has not spoken with his former adviser in a "long time". Mr Trump also said he thought the crowdfunding campaign was "inappropriate" and "done for showboating reasons".
The bad news continued for the president as a judge dismissed Mr Trump's second attempt to block criminal investigations into his business dealings. A Manhattan prosecutor is seeking eight years of the president's tax filings, something Mr Trump has consistently fought.
Trump praises 'incredible people' at Pennsylvania rally for defying state 'shutdown' orders
Donald Trump praised supporters on Thursday as "incredible people" for defying the state's "shutdown" orders and social distancing guidelines while gathered for a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, a key swing state he boldly predicted he will win come Election Day.
"Based on the crowd outside it looks to me like we're going to win this thing," the president said near Scranton, eliciting a round of loud cheers and whistles.
"I think, by the way, by a lot. But your governor has you in a shutdown. Like, what's going on?" he said of Democratic Governor Tom Wolf.
"How did they all get out there?" Mr Trump asked, pointing off stage to his left, in the direction of supporters who had gathered for his rally speech outside the venue in the town of Old Forge. "And they were not socially distanced, I can tell you. We'll have to -- on the way back, they'll still be there. Because they're incredible people."
As the president continues his counter-programming tour of official events and campaign rallies in swing states such as Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, he and his backers have grown increasingly cavalier about observing health guidelines such as wearing masks and socially distancing -- though cameras did catch some of the Thursday attendees with masks over their noses and mouths.
Griffin Connolly reports.
BREAKING: Steve Bannon blames fraud charge on people trying to stop border wall as he leaves court
Steve Bannon has claimed that federal charges brought against him and three other men in an allegedly fraudulent crowdfunding campaign are an attempt to "stop people who want to build" a US-Mexico border wall supported by Donald Trump.
"This entire fiasco is to stop people who want to build the wall," the president's former adviser said as he left US District Court in New York, where he pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering on Thursday. He faces up to 40 years in prison, if convicted.
Follow the story as it unfolds.
Steve Bannon has claimed that federal charges brought against him and three other men in an allegedly fraudulent crowdfunding campaign are an attempt to "stop people who want to build" a US-Mexico border wall supported by Donald Trump.
"This entire fiasco is to stop people who want to build the wall," the president's former adviser said as he left US District Court in New York, where he pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering on Thursday. He faces up to 40 years in prison, if convicted.
Follow the story as it unfolds.
Republican senator Bill Cassidy tests positive for coronavirus
Republican senator Bill Cassidy has tested positive for Covid-19, after he was exposed to someone infected with the virus.
On Thursday, Mr Cassidy's office announced that he had become just the second senator to have contracted coronavirus, after Republican Rand Paul tested positive for Covid-19 in April, according to CNBC.
The senator confirmed that he will now quarantine for 14 days and notify anyone he has been in contact with recently, but the 62-year-old did not reveal the severity of his symptoms.
In a statement, Mr Cassidy, who represents Louisiana, said: "I am strictly following the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same."
James Crump reports.
Republican senator Bill Cassidy has tested positive for Covid-19, after he was exposed to someone infected with the virus.
On Thursday, Mr Cassidy's office announced that he had become just the second senator to have contracted coronavirus, after Republican Rand Paul tested positive for Covid-19 in April, according to CNBC.
The senator confirmed that he will now quarantine for 14 days and notify anyone he has been in contact with recently, but the 62-year-old did not reveal the severity of his symptoms.
In a statement, Mr Cassidy, who represents Louisiana, said: "I am strictly following the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same."
James Crump reports.
'It's all riding on Wisconsin', says Pelosi on final day of the Democratic convention
Nancy Pelosi had an ominous warning for more than 100 Democrats on the last day of the party's national convention: "No pressure, it's all riding on Wisconsin," she said. "No pressure."
Pelosi was speaking during a virtual meeting alongside former attorney general Eric Holder, who echoed the sentiment.
"The road to the presidency runs through Wisconsin," Mr Holder said. "The fate of the United States, the fate of the western world, is on your shoulders. Not too much pressure."
Nancy Pelosi had an ominous warning for more than 100 Democrats on the last day of the party's national convention: "No pressure, it's all riding on Wisconsin," she said. "No pressure."
Pelosi was speaking during a virtual meeting alongside former attorney general Eric Holder, who echoed the sentiment.
"The road to the presidency runs through Wisconsin," Mr Holder said. "The fate of the United States, the fate of the western world, is on your shoulders. Not too much pressure."
BREAKING: Trump vows to pull troops from Iraq 'shortly;
Donald Trump told the new prime minister of Iraq that the US would withdraw troops from the country "shortly".
"We were there, and now we're getting out. We'll be leaving shortly," Trump told reporters at the White House, according to The Hill.
"We have been taking our troops out of Iraq fairly rapidly, and we look forward to the day when we don't have to be there."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added that the would be withdrawn "as soon as we can complete the mission".
"The president has made very clear he wants to get our forces down to the lowest level as quickly as we possibly can. That's the mission he's given us, and we're working with Iraqis to achieve that," Pompeo said.
Donald Trump told the new prime minister of Iraq that the US would withdraw troops from the country "shortly".
"We were there, and now we're getting out. We'll be leaving shortly," Trump told reporters at the White House, according to The Hill.
"We have been taking our troops out of Iraq fairly rapidly, and we look forward to the day when we don't have to be there."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added that the would be withdrawn "as soon as we can complete the mission".
"The president has made very clear he wants to get our forces down to the lowest level as quickly as we possibly can. That's the mission he's given us, and we're working with Iraqis to achieve that," Pompeo said.
'This is private enterprise at its finest': Video shows Trump Jr backing Bannon's crowdfunding campaign as father scrambles to distance himself
Donald Trump Jr praised the "We Build the Wall" crowdfunding campaign in a clip that has resurfaced following the arrest of its founder Brian Kolfage - as the White House attempts to distance his father from the group.
On Thursday, Kolfage was arrested and indicted along with three others, including former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering while raising money for the campaign to build the US-Mexico border wall.
Bannon, Andrew Badolato, and Timothy Shea have been accused of funnelling "hundreds of thousands of dollars" from the online fundraising campaign to Kolfage.
The campaign founder then allegedly took "more than $350,000 (£265,336) in funds" that had been "donated to 'We Build The Wall' for his personal use," the criminal complaint reads.
In a clip from 2018, that was posted on Twitter on Thursday by CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski, the president's eldest child praised Kolfage and the campaign.
"Brian thanks so much for all your sacrifices, doing this and showing really what capitalism's all about," he said. "This is private enterprise at its finest. Doing it better, faster, cheaper than anything else.
Final night of Democratic National Convention previews drop from Yang, Buttigieg
As with every day of the Democratic convention, the DNC is slowly dripping out some previews of tonight's speakers. First off the docket today is former presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg and Andrew Yang, one-time VP hopeful Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta, and Senator Tammy Baldon.
In a shocking turn of events, not one has so far mentioned Donald Trump. At least not in these preview remarks. That's a complete turnaround from the first three nights' speakers, who wallowed in the "existential crisis" of Donald Trump's presidency and winning back the lost "soul of America".
All heavy stuff.
If these previews are anything to go by, the final night, titled "America's Promise", may be more hopeful and forward looking.
ANDREW YANG
"You might know me as the guy who ran for President talking about math and the future. Unfortunately for all of us, that future is now."
"I have gotten to know both Joe and Kamala on the trail over the past year --the way you really get to know a person when the cameras are off, the crowds are gone, and it's just you and them. They understand the problems we face. They are parents and patriots who want the best for our country. And if we give them the chance, they will fight for us and our families every single day."
FORMER MAYOR PETE BUTTIGIEG (South Bend, Indiana)
"Just over ten years ago, I joined a military where firing me because of who I am wasn't just possible--it was policy. Now in 2020, it is unlawful in America to fire anyone because of who they are or who they love. The very ring on my finger reflects how this country can change."
"Every American must now decide. Can America be a place where faith is about healing and not exclusion? Can we become a country that lives up to the truth that Black lives matter? Will we handle questions of science and medicine by turning to scientists and doctors? What will we do to make America into a land where no one who works full time can live in poverty?"
MAYOR KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS (Atlanta, Georgia)
"People often think they can't make a difference like our Civil Rights icons, but every person in the movement mattered--those who made the sandwiches, swept the church floors, stuffed the envelopes. They, too, changed America."
"We have cried out for justice, we have gathered in our streets to demand change, and now, we must pass on the gift John Lewis sacrificed to give us, we must register and we must vote."
As with every day of the Democratic convention, the DNC is slowly dripping out some previews of tonight's speakers. First off the docket today is former presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg and Andrew Yang, one-time VP hopeful Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta, and Senator Tammy Baldon.
In a shocking turn of events, not one has so far mentioned Donald Trump. At least not in these preview remarks. That's a complete turnaround from the first three nights' speakers, who wallowed in the "existential crisis" of Donald Trump's presidency and winning back the lost "soul of America".
All heavy stuff.
If these previews are anything to go by, the final night, titled "America's Promise", may be more hopeful and forward looking.
ANDREW YANG
"You might know me as the guy who ran for President talking about math and the future. Unfortunately for all of us, that future is now."
"I have gotten to know both Joe and Kamala on the trail over the past year --the way you really get to know a person when the cameras are off, the crowds are gone, and it's just you and them. They understand the problems we face. They are parents and patriots who want the best for our country. And if we give them the chance, they will fight for us and our families every single day."
FORMER MAYOR PETE BUTTIGIEG (South Bend, Indiana)
"Just over ten years ago, I joined a military where firing me because of who I am wasn't just possible--it was policy. Now in 2020, it is unlawful in America to fire anyone because of who they are or who they love. The very ring on my finger reflects how this country can change."
"Every American must now decide. Can America be a place where faith is about healing and not exclusion? Can we become a country that lives up to the truth that Black lives matter? Will we handle questions of science and medicine by turning to scientists and doctors? What will we do to make America into a land where no one who works full time can live in poverty?"
MAYOR KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS (Atlanta, Georgia)
"People often think they can't make a difference like our Civil Rights icons, but every person in the movement mattered--those who made the sandwiches, swept the church floors, stuffed the envelopes. They, too, changed America."
"We have cried out for justice, we have gathered in our streets to demand change, and now, we must pass on the gift John Lewis sacrificed to give us, we must register and we must vote."
SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN (Wisconsin)
"We all have stories like this. Stories about a time when the system was rigged against us. When we were counted out, left out, pushed out. Just think of what we've heard these past four days."
"That's the America we will be with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House. A nation that plans. A nation that builds. A nation that builds back."
Six convictions, one arrest, and one impeachment: Who's who in the web of White House criminality
Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon has been arrested, becoming the second leader from the president's 2016 election campaign to face criminal charges.
However, Mr Bannon is only one in a line of associates to the president to run afoul of the law since Mr Trump took office.
Following the controversy, Republican anti-trump Political Action Committee (PAC) The Lincoln Project released a scathing tweet pointing out just how many associates of Mr Trump have been convicted or arrested, many in connection with the Mueller investigation and election interference, which quickly went viral online.
But who are the men affiliated with the president? And what did they do to land themselves in dispute with the US justice system?
Louise Hall reports.
Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon has been arrested, becoming the second leader from the president's 2016 election campaign to face criminal charges.
However, Mr Bannon is only one in a line of associates to the president to run afoul of the law since Mr Trump took office.
Following the controversy, Republican anti-trump Political Action Committee (PAC) The Lincoln Project released a scathing tweet pointing out just how many associates of Mr Trump have been convicted or arrested, many in connection with the Mueller investigation and election interference, which quickly went viral online.
But who are the men affiliated with the president? And what did they do to land themselves in dispute with the US justice system?
Louise Hall reports.
ICYMI: 'Karma is a b****': Roger Stone responds to Steve Bannon's arrest
Former political consultant for the Trump campaign, Roger Stone, replied "karma is a b****" when he was asked his reaction to Steve Bannon's arrest.
Stone, a veteran Republican operative who has a tattoo of Richard Nixon on his back, served as an adviser to Mr Trump during the 2016 campaign. He has been accused of collaborating with WikiLeaks to discredit Hillary Clinton in the build up to that election.
In November 2019, following Robert Mueller's investigation into the Trump campaign's involvement in Russia hacking the 2016 election, Stone was indicted by federal prosecutors on seven counts, including witness tampering and lying to federal investigators.
He was found guilty and sentenced to 40 months in federal prison, but on 10 July 2020, Mr Trump commuted Stone's sentence after he publicly pleaded for him to do so.
Bannon, who previously served as the president's campaign chairman in 2016, was indicted on Thursday, alongside two others, for allegedly funnelling "hundreds of thousands of dollars" from the "We Build the Wall" online fundraising campaign to the founder of the organisation
Brian Kolfage, who was also indicted.
"We Build the Wall" started as a GoFundMe campaign in 2018, and was created to help raise money from public funding to go directly towards building the the US-Mexico border wall at a time when the president was struggling with Congress pushback.
James Crump reports.
Former political consultant for the Trump campaign, Roger Stone, replied "karma is a b****" when he was asked his reaction to Steve Bannon's arrest.
Stone, a veteran Republican operative who has a tattoo of Richard Nixon on his back, served as an adviser to Mr Trump during the 2016 campaign. He has been accused of collaborating with WikiLeaks to discredit Hillary Clinton in the build up to that election.
In November 2019, following Robert Mueller's investigation into the Trump campaign's involvement in Russia hacking the 2016 election, Stone was indicted by federal prosecutors on seven counts, including witness tampering and lying to federal investigators.
He was found guilty and sentenced to 40 months in federal prison, but on 10 July 2020, Mr Trump commuted Stone's sentence after he publicly pleaded for him to do so.
Bannon, who previously served as the president's campaign chairman in 2016, was indicted on Thursday, alongside two others, for allegedly funnelling "hundreds of thousands of dollars" from the "We Build the Wall" online fundraising campaign to the founder of the organisation
Brian Kolfage, who was also indicted.
"We Build the Wall" started as a GoFundMe campaign in 2018, and was created to help raise money from public funding to go directly towards building the the US-Mexico border wall at a time when the president was struggling with Congress pushback.
James Crump reports.
Meanwhile, in Kanye Westworld
The rapper submitted his petition on Thursday to appear on Tennessee's presidential ballot as an unaffiliated candidate.
In Montana, however, West fell short of the signatures needed to qualify.
Signatures have been submitted to Minnesota and he is also in the process of getting on the ballot Wyoming, while he has already secured a spot on the ballot in Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Ohio, Vermont and Arkansas, according to the Associated Press.
The rapper submitted his petition on Thursday to appear on Tennessee's presidential ballot as an unaffiliated candidate.
In Montana, however, West fell short of the signatures needed to qualify.
Signatures have been submitted to Minnesota and he is also in the process of getting on the ballot Wyoming, while he has already secured a spot on the ballot in Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Ohio, Vermont and Arkansas, according to the Associated Press.
WATCH: 'Well I have no idea': Trump stumped when asked why so many of his aides linked to criminal acts
Trump wishes Biden well for his VP nomination acceptance speech tonight
"He's going to make a speech tonight, it's going to be very interesting to see how he does. And I hope he does well, I'll be honest I do, I hope he does well, I really hope he does well," Trump said.
"But I also want him to tell the truth, he's got to tell the truth about things and he's going to do a lot better if he does, but hopefully not well enough."
"He's going to make a speech tonight, it's going to be very interesting to see how he does. And I hope he does well, I'll be honest I do, I hope he does well, I really hope he does well," Trump said.
"But I also want him to tell the truth, he's got to tell the truth about things and he's going to do a lot better if he does, but hopefully not well enough."
BUILD THE WALL -- and by wall, Trump means himself. Trump is the wall now.
"Me, we, we're the wall between the American dream and total insanity and the destruction of the greatest country in the history of the world, we're all that stands, we're all that stands," Trump said. "And a typical Republican probably wouldn't get there but I think I'm, very Republican in many ways, but your typical Republican would not be able to win.
"Me, we, we're the wall between the American dream and total insanity and the destruction of the greatest country in the history of the world, we're all that stands, we're all that stands," Trump said. "And a typical Republican probably wouldn't get there but I think I'm, very Republican in many ways, but your typical Republican would not be able to win.
WATCH: Trump claims New Zealand have 'massive breakout' of coronavirus after cases increase by 5
Trump says he tuned into DNC convention last night to watch Kamala Harris
"I watched Kamala last night and I said, I'll take Mike, I'll take Mike by a lot. He's been a great vice president actually," Trump said.
"I watched Kamala last night and I said, I'll take Mike, I'll take Mike by a lot. He's been a great vice president actually," Trump said.
BREAKING: Steve Bannon pleads not guilty to fraud in first court appearance
Former Trump aide Steve Bannon pleaded not guilty to an alleged scheme to defraud a crowdfunding campaign that pledged to build a portion of the US-Mexico border wall.
Bond was set $5 million, with $1.75 million secured in cash and property.
Follow the story as it unfolds.
'Rich people' like Elon Musk like sending up rockets for "whatever reason", Trump says
Trump today said the US was happy to collect a little rent to renew Nasa and send US astronauts back up to space, which was a "field of weeds.
"We're now sending rockets up. And a lot of those rockets are paid by rich people. They like sending up rockets for whatever reason, they like it. I say go ahead you can use, pay us a little rent, and you can use our property," Trump said.
Trump today said the US was happy to collect a little rent to renew Nasa and send US astronauts back up to space, which was a "field of weeds.
"We're now sending rockets up. And a lot of those rockets are paid by rich people. They like sending up rockets for whatever reason, they like it. I say go ahead you can use, pay us a little rent, and you can use our property," Trump said.
Trump attack's Kamala Harris's prosecutorial record during campaign rally
At his campaign rally in Pennsylvania today, Donald Trump attacked newly-minted VP candidate Kamala Harris over her prosecutorial record in "deadly sanctuary cities".
"As district attorney in San Francisco, Kamala put a drug dealing illegal alien into a job and jobs program instead of into prison. Four months later the illegal alien robbed a 29-year-old woman, mowed her down in an SUV, fracturing her skull and ruining her life. We believe our country should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans not for a criminal alien," Trump said.
At his campaign rally in Pennsylvania today, Donald Trump attacked newly-minted VP candidate Kamala Harris over her prosecutorial record in "deadly sanctuary cities".
"As district attorney in San Francisco, Kamala put a drug dealing illegal alien into a job and jobs program instead of into prison. Four months later the illegal alien robbed a 29-year-old woman, mowed her down in an SUV, fracturing her skull and ruining her life. We believe our country should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans not for a criminal alien," Trump said.
WATCH: Trump repeats claim that election is rigged if he loses
WATCH: Trump claims Biden 'abandoned Scranton' when family moved 50 years ago
