Donald Trump's appointed postmaster general Louis DeJoy has said he will suspend any changes he makes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) until after the election to avoid accusations that the agency, at the president's behest, has interfered with November elections.
This decision comes just one day after Mr DeJoy agreed to speak before the House Oversight Committee on 24 August to address budget and service changes in the USPS, following growing national outcry and cuts to service. House Speaker Nance Pelosi announced on Tuesday that the House will carry out a vote on Saturday to boost the agency with $25 billion after she declared Mr DeJoy's latest move an "insufficient first step" to address the crisis.
Mr Trump has also responded to former First Lady Michelle Obama, who declared him "in over his head" in a passionate attack against the president during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. He insisted that his administration has saved "millions of lives" despite the coronavirus death toll surpassing 170,000 this week.
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Trump again pushes 'idea' that 'Amazon' should 'pay for' USPS
Donald Trump again on Tuesday pushed an idea he says would rescue the United States Postal Service from its financial tumult: Charge online retailers like Amazon more per package.
The president spoke to reporters during a trip to Arizona about an hour after Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House will move ahead with a Saturday vote on a bill that would give the post office $25bn more to deal with a massive influx of mail-in ballots as states prepare to send them out to coronavirus-fearing voters. Mr Trump earlier in the day did not directly answer a question about whether he supports that bill.
But when asked again about the postal scandal, hours after his hand-picked postmaster general announced he would freeze policies Democrats said were aimed at suppressing votes in the fall for former Vice President Joe Biden, that party's presumptive presidential nominee, the president had another plan.
John T Bennett reports:
John T Bennett reports:
Trump attacks 'birth tourism' and 'anchor babies'
Speaking at his anti-immigration campaign stop in Yuma, Arizona, Donald Trump slammed what he called "birth tourism" enabling "anchor babies" in the US. One of his supporters yelled out "Kamala Harris," after the president's campaign refused to disavow a widely condemned and legally bunk racist argument that she is not eligible to serve because her parents were not citizens when she was born in Oakland.
Speaking at his anti-immigration campaign stop in Yuma, Arizona, Donald Trump slammed what he called "birth tourism" enabling "anchor babies" in the US. One of his supporters yelled out "Kamala Harris," after the president's campaign refused to disavow a widely condemned and legally bunk racist argument that she is not eligible to serve because her parents were not citizens when she was born in Oakland.
Trump claims he's installing a 'toll' at US-Mexico border, blames migrant child detention centres on Obama despite not stopping the policy
Donald Trump said his administration will reach 300 miles of border wall by next week, though most of that construction is replacing already-existing barriers.
He also claimed, without offering any details, that he'll put a "toll" on cars coming into the US from Mexico.
"They're going to pay at the border, at the gate, cars going through," he said. "We're going to do a toll or we may do a toll for money being sent back and forth ... Doesn't matter whether they pay now or over the next 12 months."
He also criticised Barack Obama's immigration policy, which saw surges in deportations, despite the president amplifying that policy, and blamed his predecessor for the separation of families at the border and placing children into detention centres – which the president did. A former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security has claimed that the president sought to extend that policy.
He also claimed, without offering any details, that he'll put a "toll" on cars coming into the US from Mexico.
"They're going to pay at the border, at the gate, cars going through," he said. "We're going to do a toll or we may do a toll for money being sent back and forth ... Doesn't matter whether they pay now or over the next 12 months."
He also criticised Barack Obama's immigration policy, which saw surges in deportations, despite the president amplifying that policy, and blamed his predecessor for the separation of families at the border and placing children into detention centres – which the president did. A former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security has claimed that the president sought to extend that policy.
Trump accuses pastor of saying America will 'go to hell' without open borders. That's not what he said
Donald Trump said a speaker at last night's DNC said America will "go to hell" if borders aren't opened. That's not what he said.
During a Black Caucus Faith Event, Rev Freddie Haynes said Democrats will be judged how the party treats others, including immigrants, per the teachings of Jesus Christ.
He said: “I was a stranger. And you had the nerve to build a wall, while at the same time you have in the harbor there in New York, the Statue of Liberty saying, ‘Give me your tired, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'"
"Jesus will say, ‘America, if you don’t get your act together, you may well go to hell.’ Why? Because inasmuch as you do it to the least of these my sisters and brothers, you also doing it unto me," he added.
Donald Trump said a speaker at last night's DNC said America will "go to hell" if borders aren't opened. That's not what he said.
During a Black Caucus Faith Event, Rev Freddie Haynes said Democrats will be judged how the party treats others, including immigrants, per the teachings of Jesus Christ.
He said: “I was a stranger. And you had the nerve to build a wall, while at the same time you have in the harbor there in New York, the Statue of Liberty saying, ‘Give me your tired, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'"
"Jesus will say, ‘America, if you don’t get your act together, you may well go to hell.’ Why? Because inasmuch as you do it to the least of these my sisters and brothers, you also doing it unto me," he added.
'We'll probably be entitled to another four more years after that': Trump opens Arizona speech doubling down on remarks to stay in the White House
Donald Trump arrived onstage in Yuma, Arizona following an introduction from border agents to chants of U-S-A and "four more years."
He immediately accused Barack Obama and "Sleepy Joe" Biden of spying on his 2016 campaign, to which he said: "'We'll probably be entitled to another four more years after that."
"We had a great election a little while ago," he said. "These people are sick."
He again claimed that the US would turn into "Venezuela on steroids" and accused Mr Biden of being a "puppet" for socialism.
"I guess his new boss is Bernie Sanders, can you believe that?" he said.
Donald Trump arrived onstage in Yuma, Arizona following an introduction from border agents to chants of U-S-A and "four more years."
He immediately accused Barack Obama and "Sleepy Joe" Biden of spying on his 2016 campaign, to which he said: "'We'll probably be entitled to another four more years after that."
"We had a great election a little while ago," he said. "These people are sick."
He again claimed that the US would turn into "Venezuela on steroids" and accused Mr Biden of being a "puppet" for socialism.
"I guess his new boss is Bernie Sanders, can you believe that?" he said.
ICYMI – 'His only pre-existing condition was trusting Trump': Woman shares heartbreaking story of father's Covid-19 death during DNC
An Arizona woman whose father died within weeks of his coronavirus diagnosis said his "only pre-existing condition was trusting Donald Trump, and for that, he paid with his life".
An Arizona woman whose father died within weeks of his coronavirus diagnosis said his "only pre-existing condition was trusting Donald Trump, and for that, he paid with his life".
Speaking at the opening night of the Democratic National Committee's virtual 2020 convention, Kristin Urquiza said her "healthy 65-year-old" father Mark Anthony Urquiza was hospitalised a few weeks after visiting a karaoke bar with friends after the state's stay-at-home order was lifted in May.
"A few weeks later, he was put on a ventilator," she said. "After five agonising days, he died alone in the ICU with a nurse holding his hand."
Jennifer Stavros: 'Trump's pardon for Susan B Anthony is a slap in the face to all American women'
Jennifer Stavros writes: "The 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment today was symbolic to many throughout the United States. However, it seems that, just like most everything with the country’s “beloved” spokesman-in-chief, it was merely a theatrical grab at the potential votes from white suburban housewives."
Jennifer Stavros writes: "The 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment today was symbolic to many throughout the United States. However, it seems that, just like most everything with the country’s “beloved” spokesman-in-chief, it was merely a theatrical grab at the potential votes from white suburban housewives."
Trump and Russia: 6 key takeaways from the Senate's scathing report
The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday released the fifth and final volume of its report on Russian election interference that claims the Trump administration obstructed its investigation and embraced and encouraged help from the Russians in 2016.
Griffin Connolly with his full analysis of the Senate Intelligence Committee's probe:
A bipartisan Senate committee led by Republican Marco Rubio of Florida pulled no punches in its damning conclusions about the ethical dubiousness of the 2016 Trump campaign's relationship with Russia.
The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday released the fifth and final volume of its report on Russian election interference that claims the Trump administration obstructed its investigation and embraced and encouraged help from the Russians in 2016.
Griffin Connolly with his full analysis of the Senate Intelligence Committee's probe:
Trump and Russia: 6 key takeaways from the Senate's scathing report
Analysis: From allegations of Russian kompromat on Trump, to a campaign chairman who presented a 'grave counterintelligence threat,' the bipartisan Senate panel was unsparing against the president's inner circle
'Not enough': Pelosi demands USPS vote despite postmaster general suspending changes
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House will carry on with a planned Saturday vote on a bill to give the United States Postal Service a $25bn infusion to help with mail-in ballots, calling the Donald Trump-appointed postmaster general's move to suspend efforts Democrats saw as trying to tilt the presidential election an "insufficient first step."
More on the breaking news here:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House will carry on with a planned Saturday vote on a bill to give the United States Postal Service a $25bn infusion to help with mail-in ballots, calling the Donald Trump-appointed postmaster general's move to suspend efforts Democrats saw as trying to tilt the presidential election an "insufficient first step."
More on the breaking news here:
USPS vote to go ahead despite postmaster general suspending changes
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House will carry on with a planned Saturday vote on a bill to give the United States Postal Service a $25bn infusion.Trump's lawyer takes picture with mental disorder book while claiming he is doing research for 'major expose'
Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani shared a picture of himself holding a book about mental disorders in a tweet on Tuesday.
He claimed he was doing research into a "major expose" that would shake up the 2020 presidential election.
The lawyer provided no other information, but it appeared to allude to claims made by Trump allies and other Republicans that Joe Biden would not be mentally fit for the office of the presidency. Mr Trump has faced similar claims on the other side of the aisle.
The lawyer provided no other information, but it appeared to allude to claims made by Trump allies and other Republicans that Joe Biden would not be mentally fit for the office of the presidency. Mr Trump has faced similar claims on the other side of the aisle.
'He knows how to destroy a company': Inside Donald Trump's campaign to sabotage the postal service and steal the election
The Independent's Richard Hall takes a look into the United States Postal Service (USPS) amid concerns its services could impact the 2020 election.
This is how Donald Trump plans to sabotage the postal service and steal the election
Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented attack on the postal service in an effort to influence the 2020 election, writes Richard Hall
'Sleepy Joe' Biden set a trap for Republicans – and they just walked right into it
George Ajjan with his analysis:
George Ajjan with his analysis:
'Sleepy Joe' Biden set a trap for Republicans — and they just walked right into it
As a political strategist and former Republican candidate for Congress myself, I can see the useful idiots in the GOP who have unwittingly helped Biden out with his campaignTrump claims blackouts in California will spread across the US
Donald Trump has claimed the blackouts in California will be implemented across the US as a way to stoke fear in his supporters about what's to come if Joe Biden were to win the presidency.
He said the new energy plan Mr Biden has pushed forward that would cost $2tn and promote clean energy resources could cause more blackouts across the US. These claims are unfounded.
Hundreds of thousands of California residents were impacted on Friday and Saturday when blackouts occurred amid a heatwave.
The cause for these blackouts remain under investigation, which has encouraged politicians and experts to point fingers at each other.
Increased demand, inadequate transmissions, and an overreliance on renewable and clean energy were all listed as potential causes of the rolling blackouts the state is experiencing.
Previously, California experienced rolling blackouts as a form of wildfire prevention. But this was the first time since 2001 it's experienced blackouts due to supply.
Officials have warned residents that they might expect more blackouts throughout the week as the heatwave continues.
Kanye West qualifies as presidential candidate in Utah
The rapper will appear on the state's ballot in November as an unaffiliated presidential candidate, an election official said on Monday.
Utah State Elections also confirmed the presidential bid on Twitter, announcing Mr West on the list of candidates filed with the office.
Louise Hall reports:
Kanye West has qualified as a presidential candidate in Utah after receiving 1,000 signatures from registered voters.
The rapper will appear on the state's ballot in November as an unaffiliated presidential candidate, an election official said on Monday.
Utah State Elections also confirmed the presidential bid on Twitter, announcing Mr West on the list of candidates filed with the office.
Louise Hall reports:
Kanye West qualifies as presidential candidate in Utah
Rapper's campaign received the necessary 1,000 signatures from registered voters, official saysTrump has a strategy for dealing with the Democratic Convention. It's probably going to backfire
Andrew Feinberg with his latest analysis for The Independent:
Trump has a strategy for dealing with the Democratic Convention. It's going to backfire
'The fundamental problem with Trump is he’s over-exposed, and he needs to make this race about anything other than Donald Trump, and he’s just incapable'
Trump implores Democrats to exert 'law and order' in cities
A tweet by Donald Trump on Tuesday pushed his "law and order" messaging in cities like New York, Portland, and Chicago.
A tweet by Donald Trump on Tuesday pushed his "law and order" messaging in cities like New York, Portland, and Chicago.
These cities have experienced daily protests and unrest since the death of George Floyd in May.
The president, who has pushed for an end to the protests, has accused lawmakers in these cities of not exerting enough force to stop the unrest.
Breaking news: Trump's postmaster general says he will postpone controversial changes to USPS after intense backlash
Donald Trump's postmaster general has announced he will postpone policy changes to the US Postal Service "to avoid even the appearance of any impact" on the November election after critics said they would cause a delay in mail services.
Chris Riotta has the story:
Donald Trump's postmaster general has announced he will postpone policy changes to the US Postal Service "to avoid even the appearance of any impact" on the November election after critics said they would cause a delay in mail services.
Chris Riotta has the story:
Trump's postmaster general says he will postpone controversial changes to USPS
Donald Trump’s postmaster general has announced he will postpone policy changes to the US Postal Service "to avoid even the appearance of any impact” on the November election after critics said they would cause a delay in mail services
'You elected a reality TV star': Marco Rubio roasted after criticising DNC for choosing Eva Longoria as host
The actress, who has a long history of political activism, kicked off proceedings on day one of the convention, which concluded with a speech from former first lady Michelle Obama.
Matt Mathers reports:
Republican senator Marco Rubio has been widely mocked on social media after he criticised Democrats for choosing Eva Longoria to host the party's national convention.
The actress, who has a long history of political activism, kicked off proceedings on day one of the convention, which concluded with a speech from former first lady Michelle Obama.
Matt Mathers reports:
Marco Rubio roasted after criticising DNC for choosing Eva Longoria as host
Eva Longoria has a long history of political activism
Schedule, speakers, and how to watch the Democratic National Convention works
The Democratic National Convention continues on Tuesday night with Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former President Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden's wife, Dr Jill Biden, scheduled to all speak.
More details about the convention here:
The Democratic National Convention continues on Tuesday night with Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former President Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden's wife, Dr Jill Biden, scheduled to all speak.
More details about the convention here:
Full schedule and how to watch the DNC
How and when the party will nominate its presidential candidate
Trump claims he has ‘never heard of’ ex-Homeland Security chief who called him ‘terrifying’ and endorsed Biden
Louise Hallwith more details into Donald Trump's claim he does not know Miles Taylor, the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chief of staff.
Louise Hallwith more details into Donald Trump's claim he does not know Miles Taylor, the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chief of staff.
