http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Trump-s-revised-travel-ban-get-another-appeals-11147264.php
Updated 12:05 pm, Monday, May 15, 2017
FILE – In this Dec. 6, 2010 file photo, Senior Circuit Judge Michael Daly Hawkins hears arguments during a hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Calif . Daly Hawkins is one of three judges appointed by President Bill Clinton that will hear the Trump administration’s appeal of Hawaii’s so-far successful challenge to the president’s travel ban that targets six predominantly Muslim countries. less
FILE – In this Dec. 6, 2010 file photo, Senior Circuit Judge Michael Daly Hawkins hears arguments during a hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Calif . Daly Hawkins is one of three … more
Photo: Eric Risberg, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Click through to see previous Trump Today items and updates on the president’s actions so far.
Click through to see previous Trump Today items and updates on the president’s actions so far.
APRIL 6, 2017: Nunes steps aside from House probe into Russia ties
Rep. Devin Nunes, under attack from Democrats for his handling of the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into possible ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016, said on Thursday, April 6 that he was temporarily stepping aside from heading the panel’s probe. The Tulare Republican said in a statement that he was standing down while the House Ethics Committee looks into complaints filed against him by “several left-wing activist groups.” Those groups allege that Nunes broke federal law and House ethics rules by disclosing classified information about the possibility that U.S. intelligence agencies “incidentally” monitored Trump transition team members after the election. MORE HERE less
Rep. Devin Nunes, under attack from Democrats for his handling of the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into possible ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016, said on Thursday, April 6 that he was temporarily stepping aside from heading the panel’s probe. The Tulare Republican said in a statement that he was standing down while the House Ethics Committee looks into complaints filed against him by “several left-wing activist groups.” Those groups allege that Nunes broke federal law and House ethics rules by disclosing classified information about the possibility that U.S. intelligence agencies “incidentally” monitored Trump transition team members after the election. MORE HERE less
APRIL 6, 2017: Nunes steps aside from House probe into Russia ties
Rep. Devin Nunes, under attack from Democrats for his handling of the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into possible ties between … more
Rep. Devin Nunes, under attack from Democrats for his handling of the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into possible ties between … more
Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM, AFP/Getty Images
MARCH 31, 2017: Flynn seeks immunity, Trump blames Dems and media
President Trump lashed out at Democrats and the media in a tweet Friday, March 31, blaming them for a “witch hunt” that’s pushed his former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn to seek immunity in exchange for interviewing with House and Senate investigators on the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. “Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE less
President Trump lashed out at Democrats and the media in a tweet Friday, March 31, blaming them for a “witch hunt” that’s pushed his former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn to seek immunity in exchange for interviewing with House and Senate investigators on the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. “Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE less
MARCH 31, 2017: Flynn seeks immunity, Trump blames Dems and media
President Trump lashed out at Democrats and the media in a tweet Friday, March 31, blaming them for a “witch hunt” that’s pushed his former … more
President Trump lashed out at Democrats and the media in a tweet Friday, March 31, blaming them for a “witch hunt” that’s pushed his former … more
Photo: Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press
MARCH 23, 2017: Wiener calls president a ‘Manchurian candidate’ on Senate floor
A San Francisco lawmaker’s claim that President Trump is a “Manchurian candidate” set off a heated partisan debate Thursday, March 23 on the floor of the California Senate. “This is an issue about the integrity of our government,” said Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who made the reference to the 1959 novel “The Manchurian Candidate” to say that Trump is a puppet of the Russian government. Republican state Senators said Democrats need to “move on” instead of continuing to attack the president. “Manchurian candidate? Folks that’s way over the top,” said Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber (Tehama County). “If we want to have heated rhetoric and diminish the collegiality in this house, then let’s just keep up this almost daily and weekly tirade against the president.” MORE HERE less
A San Francisco lawmaker’s claim that President Trump is a “Manchurian candidate” set off a heated partisan debate Thursday, March 23 on the floor of the California Senate. “This is an issue about the integrity of our government,” said Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who made the reference to the 1959 novel “The Manchurian Candidate” to say that Trump is a puppet of the Russian government. Republican state Senators said Democrats need to “move on” instead of continuing to attack the president. “Manchurian candidate? Folks that’s way over the top,” said Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber (Tehama County). “If we want to have heated rhetoric and diminish the collegiality in this house, then let’s just keep up this almost daily and weekly tirade against the president.” MORE HERE less
MARCH 23, 2017: Wiener calls president a ‘Manchurian candidate’ on Senate floor
A San Francisco lawmaker’s claim that President Trump is a “Manchurian candidate” set off a heated partisan debate … more
A San Francisco lawmaker’s claim that President Trump is a “Manchurian candidate” set off a heated partisan debate … more
Photo: Chris Kaufman, Special To The Chronicle
MARCH 20, 2017: FBI Director debunks president’s wiretapping claims
On Monday, March 20, FBI Director James Comey debunked assertions on Twitter by President Trump that President Obama wiretapped him at his residence at Trump Tower before the election. While testifying before the House Intelligence Committee, Comey said, “I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI.” Comey added that the Department of Justice “has no information that supports those tweets.” Comey was referring to Trump’s March 4 tweet saying, “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my ‘wires tapped’ in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!” MORE HERE less
On Monday, March 20, FBI Director James Comey debunked assertions on Twitter by President Trump that President Obama wiretapped him at his residence at Trump Tower before the election. While testifying before the House Intelligence Committee, Comey said, “I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI.” Comey added that the Department of Justice “has no information that supports those tweets.” Comey was referring to Trump’s March 4 tweet saying, “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my ‘wires tapped’ in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!” MORE HERE less
MARCH 20, 2017: FBI Director debunks president’s wiretapping claims
On Monday, March 20, FBI Director James Comey debunked assertions on Twitter by President Trump that President Obama wiretapped him at his … more
On Monday, March 20, FBI Director James Comey debunked assertions on Twitter by President Trump that President Obama wiretapped him at his … more
Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press
MARCH 16, 2017: President issues disaster declaration for California
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration Thursday, March 16 that will trigger federal funding for California following an estimated $113 million in damage from late January storms in the state. Gov. Jerry Brown sought the presidential disaster declaration, marking the third granted by the president in just over a month. Trump previously approved Brown’s request for aid for the Oroville Dam spillway damage and mass evacuations and to help the state deal with the widespread effects storms in early January. MORE HERE
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration Thursday, March 16 that will trigger federal funding for California following an estimated $113 million in damage from late January storms in the state. Gov. Jerry Brown sought the presidential disaster declaration, marking the third granted by the president in just over a month. Trump previously approved Brown’s request for aid for the Oroville Dam spillway damage and mass evacuations and to help the state deal with the widespread effects storms in early January. MORE HERE
MARCH 16, 2017: President issues disaster declaration for California
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration Thursday, March 16 that will trigger federal funding for California following an estimated
Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
MARCH 15, 2017: President no fan of Snoop Dogg’s new video
President Trump took to Twitter Wednesday, March 15 to pan Snoop Dogg’s latest music video, which depicts the West Coast rapper shooting a prank gun at a clown resembling Trump. Trump took time to criticize Snoop between a tweet calling NBC News “Fake news” for MSNBC revealing two pages of his 2005 income tax returns, and another tweet about revitalizing car production in Detroit. Trump tweeted: “Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @SnoopDogg , failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!” The video in question is for the song “Lavendar,” a collaboration between Snoop Dogg and the Canadian group BADBADNOTGOOD, which denounces officer-involved shootings. MORE HERE less
President Trump took to Twitter Wednesday, March 15 to pan Snoop Dogg’s latest music video, which depicts the West Coast rapper shooting a prank gun at a clown resembling Trump. Trump took time to criticize Snoop between a tweet calling NBC News “Fake news” for MSNBC revealing two pages of his 2005 income tax returns, and another tweet about revitalizing car production in Detroit. Trump tweeted: “Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @SnoopDogg , failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!” The video in question is for the song “Lavendar,” a collaboration between Snoop Dogg and the Canadian group BADBADNOTGOOD, which denounces officer-involved shootings. MORE HERE less
MARCH 15, 2017: President no fan of Snoop Dogg’s new video
President Trump took to Twitter Wednesday, March 15 to pan Snoop Dogg’s latest music video, which depicts the West Coast rapper shooting a prank gun … more
President Trump took to Twitter Wednesday, March 15 to pan Snoop Dogg’s latest music video, which depicts the West Coast rapper shooting a prank gun … more
Photo: Nicholas Kamm / Getty Images, Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images / /
MARCH 8, 2017: Former Utah governor, Bay Area native tapped for Russian ambassador
Former Utah Gov. and onetime Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. is being vetted for the job of U.S. ambassador to Russia, according to media reports. The former ambassador to China and Singapore, and native of the Bay Area, was critical of President Trump in last year’s campaign, even calling for the businessman’s withdrawal, but he still won Trump’s nomination for the post. Huntsman, 56, was officially offered the position earlier this week, Politico reported Wednesday, and is in the process of submitting paperwork to take the job. MORE HERE less
Former Utah Gov. and onetime Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. is being vetted for the job of U.S. ambassador to Russia, according to media reports. The former ambassador to China and Singapore, and native of the Bay Area, was critical of President Trump in last year’s campaign, even calling for the businessman’s withdrawal, but he still won Trump’s nomination for the post. Huntsman, 56, was officially offered the position earlier this week, Politico reported Wednesday, and is in the process of submitting paperwork to take the job. MORE HERE less
MARCH 8, 2017: Former Utah governor, Bay Area native tapped for Russian ambassador
Former Utah Gov. and onetime Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. is being vetted for the job of U.S. ambassador … more
Former Utah Gov. and onetime Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. is being vetted for the job of U.S. ambassador … more
Photo: David Goldman
MARCH 7, 2017: President tweets at Fox and Friends, blames Obama
President Trump spent part of his morning firing off a wide-ranging barrage of tweets — many attacking former President Barack Obama — while apparently watching his favorite cable news talk show Fox and Friends. As he’s prone to do in his spur-of-the-moment tweeting, the president ignored some basic facts while taking shots at his predecessor and the media. Trump also referenced the “wonderful” plan to repeal and replace Obama’s signature health care legislation introduced Monday, March 6 by Congressional Republicans. MORE HERE less
President Trump spent part of his morning firing off a wide-ranging barrage of tweets — many attacking former President Barack Obama — while apparently watching his favorite cable news talk show Fox and Friends. As he’s prone to do in his spur-of-the-moment tweeting, the president ignored some basic facts while taking shots at his predecessor and the media. Trump also referenced the “wonderful” plan to repeal and replace Obama’s signature health care legislation introduced Monday, March 6 by Congressional Republicans. MORE HERE less
MARCH 7, 2017: President tweets at Fox and Friends, blames Obama
President Trump spent part of his morning firing off a wide-ranging barrage of tweets — many attacking former President Barack Obama — while … more
President Trump spent part of his morning firing off a wide-ranging barrage of tweets — many attacking former President Barack Obama — while … more
MARCH 6, 2017: Carson refers to slaves as ‘immigrants’
In his first remarks to his staff Monday, March 6, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson referred to slaves trafficked across the Atlantic to the United States as “immigrants.” Carson’s comments were delivered as he outlined his vision for housing policy that would play “no favorites” when it comes to public assistance, The Washington Post reported. In describing America as that “land of dreams and opportunity,” Carson made the parallel between slaves and immigrants, video of the speech shows. “There were other immigrants who came here in the bottom of slave ships, worked even longer, even harder for less,” Carson said. “But they, too, had a dream that one day their sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandsons, great-granddaughters, might pursue prosperity and happiness in this land.” MORE HERE
MARCH 6, 2017: Carson refers to slaves as ‘immigrants’
In his first remarks to his staff Monday, March 6, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson referred to slaves trafficked across the
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
MARCH 6, 2017: President signs revised travel order
President Trump signed a revised travel order Monday, March 6 morning behind closed doors in the Oval Office that takes Iraq off the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States for 90 days. People from Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Libya — with one notable exception, Iraq — will be banned from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days unless they already have a valid visa. Iraq was removed from the list of banned countries after the government reached an agreement with the Trump administration to cooperate with the U.S. government on the vetting of its citizens. MORE HERE less
President Trump signed a revised travel order Monday, March 6 morning behind closed doors in the Oval Office that takes Iraq off the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States for 90 days. People from Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Libya — with one notable exception, Iraq — will be banned from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days unless they already have a valid visa. Iraq was removed from the list of banned countries after the government reached an agreement with the Trump administration to cooperate with the U.S. government on the vetting of its citizens. MORE HERE less
MARCH 6, 2017: President signs revised travel order
President Trump signed a revised travel order Monday, March 6 morning behind closed doors in the Oval Office that takes Iraq off the list of countries whose … more
President Trump signed a revised travel order Monday, March 6 morning behind closed doors in the Oval Office that takes Iraq off the list of countries whose … more
Photo: MANDEL NGAN, Staff / AFP/Getty Images
MARCH 6, 2017: SCOTUS passes on transgender bathroom case
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday, March 6 that it would not hear a Virginia transgender student’s case to use the boys’ bathroom in school — kicking it back to a lower court to come up with an analysis and an opinion on the case. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a lower court in Richmond, Virginia, will instead make a ruling in the title IX case and determine how it applies to transgender students. The decision comes after President Trump reversed a federal directive enacted by former President Barack Obama that included bathroom rights for transgender students under title IX and advised schools to allow students to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with. Since the reversal, no appeals court has conducted an analysis of how title IX will impact transgender students. MORE HERE less
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday, March 6 that it would not hear a Virginia transgender student’s case to use the boys’ bathroom in school — kicking it back to a lower court to come up with an analysis and an opinion on the case. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a lower court in Richmond, Virginia, will instead make a ruling in the title IX case and determine how it applies to transgender students. The decision comes after President Trump reversed a federal directive enacted by former President Barack Obama that included bathroom rights for transgender students under title IX and advised schools to allow students to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with. Since the reversal, no appeals court has conducted an analysis of how title IX will impact transgender students. MORE HERE less
MARCH 6, 2017: SCOTUS passes on transgender bathroom case
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday, March 6 that it would not hear a Virginia transgender student’s case to use the boys’ bathroom in school — … more
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday, March 6 that it would not hear a Virginia transgender student’s case to use the boys’ bathroom in school — … more
Photo: Jose Luis Magana, FRE
MARCH 3, 2017: 3rd time’s a charm for Trump to spell ‘hereby’ right
Hear by. Hearby. Hereby. The third time was the charm for President Trump on Twitter Friday, March 3, as he took three tweets over a span of 15 minutes to land on the correct spelling of “hereby” in calling for an investigation of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for her own meeting with the Russian ambassador to the United States. MORE HERE less
Hear by. Hearby. Hereby. The third time was the charm for President Trump on Twitter Friday, March 3, as he took three tweets over a span of 15 minutes to land on the correct spelling of “hereby” in calling for an investigation of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for her own meeting with the Russian ambassador to the United States. MORE HERE less
MARCH 3, 2017: 3rd time’s a charm for Trump to spell ‘hereby’ right
Hear by. Hearby. Hereby. The third time was the charm for President Trump on Twitter Friday, March 3, as he took three tweets over a … more
Hear by. Hearby. Hereby. The third time was the charm for President Trump on Twitter Friday, March 3, as he took three tweets over a … more
Photo: Alex Brandon
MARCH 3, 2017: Schwarzenegger bows out of ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
President Trump’s prayers weren’t answered. Or maybe they were. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday, March 3 that he will terminate himself from hosting “Celebrity Apprentice.” The one-time Mr. Universe bodybuilder said the “baggage” resulting from Trump’s ascendance from the boardroom to the White House was too heavy for him to lift the show out of a slump. Schwarzenegger’s decision came a month after Trump asked attendees at the National Prayer Breakfast to pray for the “Terminator” star amid low ratings. MORE HERE less
President Trump’s prayers weren’t answered. Or maybe they were. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday, March 3 that he will terminate himself from hosting “Celebrity Apprentice.” The one-time Mr. Universe bodybuilder said the “baggage” resulting from Trump’s ascendance from the boardroom to the White House was too heavy for him to lift the show out of a slump. Schwarzenegger’s decision came a month after Trump asked attendees at the National Prayer Breakfast to pray for the “Terminator” star amid low ratings. MORE HERE less
MARCH 3, 2017: Schwarzenegger bows out of ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
President Trump’s prayers weren’t answered. Or maybe they were. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday, March 3 … more
President Trump’s prayers weren’t answered. Or maybe they were. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday, March 3 … more
Photo: Jordan Strauss
MARCH 3, 2017: President praises book slamming Obama on immigration
President Trump praised merit-based immigration Friday, March 3 as he endorsed an Australian author’s latest book, which criticizes the immigration system under the Obama administration.
The president tweeted Friday morning, “Nick Adams new book, Green Card Warrior, is a must read. The merit-based system is the way to go. Canada, Australia! @foxandfriends ”
In Adams’ book, subtitled My Quest for Legal Immigration in an Illegals’ System, he outlines his efforts to obtain a green card in what he called “the enormous difficulty of legal immigration with the red-carpet welcome of illegal immigration.” MORE HERE less
MARCH 3, 2017: President praises book slamming Obama on immigration
President Trump praised merit-based immigration Friday, March 3 as he endorsed an Australian author’s latest book, which criticizes the … more
Photo: Evan Vucci /Associated Press
MARCH 2, 2017: Sessions recuses himself from Russia investigations
Facing growing criticism following revelations that he did not disclose speaking with on two occasions Russia’s ambassador to the United States, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday, March 2 that he would recuse himself from any investigations related to the 2016 campaign. That includes federal investigations into Russian interference with the U.S. presidential election. The Washington Post first reported that Sessions had twice met with Sergey Kislyak, Russia’s U.S. ambassador. “Let me be clear,” Sessions told reporters at an afternoon news conference. “I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign.” MORE HERE less
Facing growing criticism following revelations that he did not disclose speaking with on two occasions Russia’s ambassador to the United States, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday, March 2 that he would recuse himself from any investigations related to the 2016 campaign. That includes federal investigations into Russian interference with the U.S. presidential election. The Washington Post first reported that Sessions had twice met with Sergey Kislyak, Russia’s U.S. ambassador. “Let me be clear,” Sessions told reporters at an afternoon news conference. “I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign.” MORE HERE less
MARCH 2, 2017: Sessions recuses himself from Russia investigations
Facing growing criticism following revelations that he did not disclose speaking with on two occasions Russia’s ambassador to the United … more
Facing growing criticism following revelations that he did not disclose speaking with on two occasions Russia’s ambassador to the United … more
Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM, AFP/Getty Images
MARCH 2, 2017: Sessions calls Russian contact claims ‘false’
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired back Thursday, March 2, calling reports that he spoke with Russia’s ambassador to the United States twice during the presidential elections about campaign issues “unbelievable” and “false.” Officials from the Justice Department told The Washington Post that Sessions did not disclose his encounters with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak from September in the then-senator’s office. On CNN, Sessions’ said that, “Those remarks are unbelievable to me and false.” When asked whether he would recuse himself from investigating Russian interference in the presidential elections, Sessions said, “I have said that whenever it’s appropriate, I will recuse myself.” Sen. Nancy Pelosi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, accused Sessions of lying under oath and demanded his resignation. MORE HERE less
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired back Thursday, March 2, calling reports that he spoke with Russia’s ambassador to the United States twice during the presidential elections about campaign issues “unbelievable” and “false.” Officials from the Justice Department told The Washington Post that Sessions did not disclose his encounters with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak from September in the then-senator’s office. On CNN, Sessions’ said that, “Those remarks are unbelievable to me and false.” When asked whether he would recuse himself from investigating Russian interference in the presidential elections, Sessions said, “I have said that whenever it’s appropriate, I will recuse myself.” Sen. Nancy Pelosi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, accused Sessions of lying under oath and demanded his resignation. MORE HERE less
MARCH 2, 2017: Sessions calls Russian contact claims ‘false’
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired back Thursday, March 2, calling reports that he spoke with Russia’s ambassador to the United States … more
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired back Thursday, March 2, calling reports that he spoke with Russia’s ambassador to the United States … more
Photo: Susan Walsh, STF
MARCH 1, 2017: President delays signing new travel ban
President Trump has decided to delay signing a modified travel ban following his well-received address to a joint session of Congress, senior administration officials told multiple media outlets. Trump was expected to sign the reworked executive order banning some travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries on Wednesday March 1, but delayed the move so he can continue riding to wave of favorable coverage, following the speech. The address to congress was softer and more unifying than Trump’s previous speeches that often had a bleak vision of America. An administration official told CNN that the White House delayed signing the executive order so it would “have its own moment.” MORE HERE less
President Trump has decided to delay signing a modified travel ban following his well-received address to a joint session of Congress, senior administration officials told multiple media outlets. Trump was expected to sign the reworked executive order banning some travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries on Wednesday March 1, but delayed the move so he can continue riding to wave of favorable coverage, following the speech. The address to congress was softer and more unifying than Trump’s previous speeches that often had a bleak vision of America. An administration official told CNN that the White House delayed signing the executive order so it would “have its own moment.” MORE HERE less
MARCH 1, 2017: President delays signing new travel ban
President Trump has decided to delay signing a modified travel ban following his well-received address to a joint session of Congress, senior administration … more
President Trump has decided to delay signing a modified travel ban following his well-received address to a joint session of Congress, senior administration … more
Photo: Aude Guerrucci, Bloomberg
FEB. 28, 2017: President rolls back Obama-era gun regulations
President Trump signed a bill Tuesday, Feb. 28 repealing an Obama-era regulation that made it more difficult for people with certain mental health issues, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, to purchase guns. The bill wipes out a rule that mandated the Social Security Administration to report people who receive disability benefits for mental-health conditions to the FBI’s background check system — which would ultimately determine whether someone was eligible to buy a gun. The regulation would have added 75,000 people who get Social Security benefits for mental health issues to the national background check database. MORE HERE less
President Trump signed a bill Tuesday, Feb. 28 repealing an Obama-era regulation that made it more difficult for people with certain mental health issues, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, to purchase guns. The bill wipes out a rule that mandated the Social Security Administration to report people who receive disability benefits for mental-health conditions to the FBI’s background check system — which would ultimately determine whether someone was eligible to buy a gun. The regulation would have added 75,000 people who get Social Security benefits for mental health issues to the national background check database. MORE HERE less
FEB. 28, 2017: President rolls back Obama-era gun regulations
President Trump signed a bill Tuesday, Feb. 28 repealing an Obama-era regulation that made it more difficult for people with certain mental health … more
President Trump signed a bill Tuesday, Feb. 28 repealing an Obama-era regulation that made it more difficult for people with certain mental health … more
Photo: Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press
FEB. 28, 2017: Executive order takes aim at Obama-era water rule
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to review federal water regulations aimed to protect 60 percent of the bodies of water in the United States from pollution, including wetlands and rivers. “I am directing the EPA to take action paving the way for the elimination of this very destructive and horrible rule,” Trump said as he signed the executive order. MORE HERE less
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to review federal water regulations aimed to protect 60 percent of the bodies of water in the United States from pollution, including wetlands and rivers. “I am directing the EPA to take action paving the way for the elimination of this very destructive and horrible rule,” Trump said as he signed the executive order. MORE HERE less
FEB. 28, 2017: Executive order takes aim at Obama-era water rule
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to review federal water regulations … more
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to review federal water regulations … more
Photo: Zach Gibson
FEB. 28, 2017: Historically Black Colleges now White House priority
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 that intends to bolster the federal government’s support for the nation’s historically black colleges and universities. The order will transfer Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from the Department of Education to the White House for direct oversight. “This executive order will make HBCUs a priority in the White house, an absolute priority,” Trump said Tuesday. “A lot of people are going to be angry that they are not a priority, but that’s OK.” The move intends to pave the way for partnerships with government agencies and allows for the leaders of HBCUs to serve as strategic partners under Trump’s “urban agenda” to create jobs and make inner cities safer. MORE HERE less
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 that intends to bolster the federal government’s support for the nation’s historically black colleges and universities. The order will transfer Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from the Department of Education to the White House for direct oversight. “This executive order will make HBCUs a priority in the White house, an absolute priority,” Trump said Tuesday. “A lot of people are going to be angry that they are not a priority, but that’s OK.” The move intends to pave the way for partnerships with government agencies and allows for the leaders of HBCUs to serve as strategic partners under Trump’s “urban agenda” to create jobs and make inner cities safer. MORE HERE less
FEB. 28, 2017: Historically Black Colleges now White House priority
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 that intends to bolster the federal government’s support for the nation’s … more
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28 that intends to bolster the federal government’s support for the nation’s … more
Photo: Pool, Getty Images
FEB. 24, 2017: Newsom calls Spicer’s marijuana take ‘grossly uninformed’
The day after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer warned states of “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana use by President Trump’s Justice Department, Lt. Gavin Newsom called Spicer’s comments “grossly uninformed.” In a letter to Trump on Friday, Feb. 24, Newsom urged the president to allow California and the seven other states and Washington, D.C., that have legalized recreational marijuana to enforce their own laws governing its use. “The government must not strip the legal and publicly supported industry of its business, and hand it back to drug cartels and criminals,” Newsom wrote. MORE HERE less
The day after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer warned states of “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana use by President Trump’s Justice Department, Lt. Gavin Newsom called Spicer’s comments “grossly uninformed.” In a letter to Trump on Friday, Feb. 24, Newsom urged the president to allow California and the seven other states and Washington, D.C., that have legalized recreational marijuana to enforce their own laws governing its use. “The government must not strip the legal and publicly supported industry of its business, and hand it back to drug cartels and criminals,” Newsom wrote. MORE HERE less
FEB. 24, 2017: Newsom calls Spicer’s marijuana take ‘grossly uninformed’
The day after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer warned states of “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana … more
The day after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer warned states of “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana … more
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
FEB. 24, 2017: Some news outlets blocked from White House ‘gaggle’
Journalists from a number of news outlets were blocked from entering a White House press briefing on Friday, Feb. 24 — just hours after President Trump’s railed against “fake news” and reiterated charges that the media are the “enemy of the people” during a speech to the Conservative Political Action Committee. Reporters from the New York Times, CNN, Buzzfeed and Los Angeles Times were among the outlets that were banned from the off-camera gaggle with Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary. MORE HERE less
Journalists from a number of news outlets were blocked from entering a White House press briefing on Friday, Feb. 24 — just hours after President Trump’s railed against “fake news” and reiterated charges that the media are the “enemy of the people” during a speech to the Conservative Political Action Committee. Reporters from the New York Times, CNN, Buzzfeed and Los Angeles Times were among the outlets that were banned from the off-camera gaggle with Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary. MORE HERE less
FEB. 24, 2017: Some news outlets blocked from White House ‘gaggle’
Journalists from a number of news outlets were blocked from entering a White House press briefing on Friday, Feb. 24 — just hours after … more
Journalists from a number of news outlets were blocked from entering a White House press briefing on Friday, Feb. 24 — just hours after … more
Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein, Getty Images
FEB. 24, 2017: Executive order takes aim at “excessive” regulations
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Feb. 24 that aims to curb “excessive” regulations that he says are driving businesses and jobs out of the country. This order will direct each federal agency to establish a regulatory reform task force, which will recommend which regulations can be simplified or eliminated. MORE HERE less
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Feb. 24 that aims to curb “excessive” regulations that he says are driving businesses and jobs out of the country. This order will direct each federal agency to establish a regulatory reform task force, which will recommend which regulations can be simplified or eliminated. MORE HERE less
FEB. 24, 2017: Executive order takes aim at “excessive” regulations
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Feb. 24 that aims to curb “excessive” regulations that he says are driving … more
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Feb. 24 that aims to curb “excessive” regulations that he says are driving … more
Photo: DOUG MILLS, NYT
FEB. 24, 2017: President slams FBI over leaked reports to media
President Trump bashed the FBI’s inability to “stop the national security leakers” on Friday, Feb. 24 — a day after a report emerged that the bureau rejected a White House request to publicly “knock down” claims that Trump’s advisers were in frequent contact with Russian intelligence officials during the presidential campaign. “The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security ‘leakers’ that have permeated our government for a long time. They can’t even find the leakers within the FBI itself. Classified information is being given to media that could have a devastating effect on U.S. FIND NOW,” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE less
President Trump bashed the FBI’s inability to “stop the national security leakers” on Friday, Feb. 24 — a day after a report emerged that the bureau rejected a White House request to publicly “knock down” claims that Trump’s advisers were in frequent contact with Russian intelligence officials during the presidential campaign. “The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security ‘leakers’ that have permeated our government for a long time. They can’t even find the leakers within the FBI itself. Classified information is being given to media that could have a devastating effect on U.S. FIND NOW,” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE less
FEB. 24, 2017: President slams FBI over leaked reports to media
President Trump bashed the FBI’s inability to “stop the national security leakers” on Friday, Feb. 24 — a day after a report emerged that … more
President Trump bashed the FBI’s inability to “stop the national security leakers” on Friday, Feb. 24 — a day after a report emerged that … more
Photo: Susan Walsh, Associated Press
FEB. 23, 2017: Press secretary warns of more pot enforcement
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that states should expect to see “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana use under the Trump administration’s Justice Department. Addressing reporters at a press conference Thursday, Feb. 23, Spicer suggested that the administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions would be taking a hard look at states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Those include California, where sales of marijuana for recreational use are set to start next year. MORE HERE less
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that states should expect to see “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana use under the Trump administration’s Justice Department. Addressing reporters at a press conference Thursday, Feb. 23, Spicer suggested that the administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions would be taking a hard look at states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Those include California, where sales of marijuana for recreational use are set to start next year. MORE HERE less
FEB. 23, 2017: Press secretary warns of more pot enforcement
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that states should expect to see “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana use under … more
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that states should expect to see “greater enforcement” of federal laws against marijuana use under … more
Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM
FEB. 22, 2017: Obama policy on transgender school bathrooms repealed
The Trump administration reversed an Obama-era federal policy Wednesday, Feb. 22 that said transgender students at public schools should be allowed to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their gender identity. The new directive leaves it up to individual states and school districts to decide whether federal sex discrimination law applies to gender identity. California passed a law in 2013 allowing public school students to use the restroom and participate in the sports of their choice. Several school districts, including San Francisco Unified, have had such policies for years. MORE HERE less
The Trump administration reversed an Obama-era federal policy Wednesday, Feb. 22 that said transgender students at public schools should be allowed to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their gender identity. The new directive leaves it up to individual states and school districts to decide whether federal sex discrimination law applies to gender identity. California passed a law in 2013 allowing public school students to use the restroom and participate in the sports of their choice. Several school districts, including San Francisco Unified, have had such policies for years. MORE HERE less
FEB. 22, 2017: Obama policy on transgender school bathrooms repealed
The Trump administration reversed an Obama-era federal policy Wednesday, Feb. 22 that said transgender students at public schools should be … more
The Trump administration reversed an Obama-era federal policy Wednesday, Feb. 22 that said transgender students at public schools should be … more
Photo: Sara D. Davis /Getty Images
FEB. 21, 2017: Anne Frank Center says Trump “too little, too late”
Shortly after President Trump denounced the rise of anti-Semitic incidents sweeping the nation on Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect dismissed the overture as “too little, too late.” In a statement, Steven Goldstein, the organization’s executive director, said Trump’s statement Tuesday morning at the National Museum of African America History and Culture was a “Band-Aid on the cancer of Antisemitism that has infected his own Administration.” MORE HERE less
Shortly after President Trump denounced the rise of anti-Semitic incidents sweeping the nation on Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect dismissed the overture as “too little, too late.” In a statement, Steven Goldstein, the organization’s executive director, said Trump’s statement Tuesday morning at the National Museum of African America History and Culture was a “Band-Aid on the cancer of Antisemitism that has infected his own Administration.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 21, 2017: Anne Frank Center says Trump “too little, too late”
Shortly after President Trump denounced the rise of anti-Semitic incidents sweeping the nation on Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Anne Frank Center … more
Shortly after President Trump denounced the rise of anti-Semitic incidents sweeping the nation on Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Anne Frank Center … more
Photo: Andrew Burton, Getty Images
FEB. 21, 2017: Beefed-up Border Patrol, more lockups for undocumented immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security issued two memos Tuesday, Feb. 21 outlining how it will implement President Trump’s executive orders on illegal immigration — calling on federal agents to remove from the country undocumented immigrants convicted of any criminal offense. The memos also direct the Department of Homeland Security to immediately hire 5,000 new Border Patrol agents and 500 air and marine officers. They direct the agency to create more detention facilities for undocumented immigrants swept up in raids, and to establish an office under the umbrella of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to help families of those killed by undocumented immigrants. MORE HERE
FEB. 21, 2017: Beefed-up Border Patrol, more lockups for undocumented immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security issued two memos Tuesday, Feb. 21 outlining how it will implement President Trump’s
Photo: BILLY CALZADA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
FEB. 21, 2017: President condemns wave of anti-Semitic threats
President Trump spoke out Tuesday, Feb. 21 against a wave of threats against Jewish community centers around the country. During a speech at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Trump called the threats “a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil.” His comments come after the latest wave of bomb threats at Jewish community centers across the country on Monday, Feb. 20 and major vandalism over the previous weekend at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis. Eleven community centers across the United States received bomb threats on Monday. Those threats come after dozens of similar bomb threats in January 2017, including at two Bay Area locations. MORE HERE less
President Trump spoke out Tuesday, Feb. 21 against a wave of threats against Jewish community centers around the country. During a speech at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Trump called the threats “a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil.” His comments come after the latest wave of bomb threats at Jewish community centers across the country on Monday, Feb. 20 and major vandalism over the previous weekend at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis. Eleven community centers across the United States received bomb threats on Monday. Those threats come after dozens of similar bomb threats in January 2017, including at two Bay Area locations. MORE HERE less
FEB. 21, 2017: President condemns wave of anti-Semitic threats
President Trump spoke out Tuesday, Feb. 21 against a wave of threats against Jewish community centers around the country. During a speech at the … more
President Trump spoke out Tuesday, Feb. 21 against a wave of threats against Jewish community centers around the country. During a speech at the … more
Photo: AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEBSAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images / /
FEB. 17, 2017: Report that Guard could be used to round up immigrants is ‘false’
The White House on Friday, Feb. 17 labeled as “false” a memo reportedly drafted by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly that indicated the Trump administration was considering using up to 100,000 National Guard troops to round up undocumented immigrants. White House press secretary Sean Spicer issued a statement saying the report was “100 percent not true.” “It is false,” Spicer told reporters on Air Force One. “It is irresponsible to be saying this.” He added that the memo, obtained by the Associated Press, “is not a White House document.” However, a unidentified Homeland Security official told Cox Media Group that the memo was a “very early, pre-decisional draft.” The official added that the suggestion was “never seriously considered by the department.” MORE HERE less
The White House on Friday, Feb. 17 labeled as “false” a memo reportedly drafted by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly that indicated the Trump administration was considering using up to 100,000 National Guard troops to round up undocumented immigrants. White House press secretary Sean Spicer issued a statement saying the report was “100 percent not true.” “It is false,” Spicer told reporters on Air Force One. “It is irresponsible to be saying this.” He added that the memo, obtained by the Associated Press, “is not a White House document.” However, a unidentified Homeland Security official told Cox Media Group that the memo was a “very early, pre-decisional draft.” The official added that the suggestion was “never seriously considered by the department.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 17, 2017: Report that Guard could be used to round up immigrants is ‘false’
The White House on Friday, Feb. 17 labeled as “false” a memo reportedly drafted by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly … more
The White House on Friday, Feb. 17 labeled as “false” a memo reportedly drafted by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly … more
Photo: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
FEB. 16, 2017: President’s PAC emails ‘media accountability survey’
In the first solo press conference of his presidency, President Trump said Thursday, Feb. 16 that the”media doesn’t get it” and repeatedly said the press was “out of control.” Shortly after he finished speaking at the White House, the Trump Make American Great Again Committee blasted out an email asking its followers to take a “Mainstream Media Accountability Survey.” The committee is a joint fundraising venture made up of Trump’s presidential campaign PAC, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republican National Committee. It was composed to help fund Trump’s general election campaign, and it now acts as a mouthpiece for the administration. The survey contains 25 multiple-choice questions, leading off with, “Do you believe that the mainstream media has reported unfairly on our movement?” MORE HERE less
In the first solo press conference of his presidency, President Trump said Thursday, Feb. 16 that the”media doesn’t get it” and repeatedly said the press was “out of control.” Shortly after he finished speaking at the White House, the Trump Make American Great Again Committee blasted out an email asking its followers to take a “Mainstream Media Accountability Survey.” The committee is a joint fundraising venture made up of Trump’s presidential campaign PAC, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republican National Committee. It was composed to help fund Trump’s general election campaign, and it now acts as a mouthpiece for the administration. The survey contains 25 multiple-choice questions, leading off with, “Do you believe that the mainstream media has reported unfairly on our movement?” MORE HERE less
FEB. 16, 2017: President’s PAC emails ‘media accountability survey’
In the first solo press conference of his presidency, President Trump said Thursday, Feb. 16 that the”media doesn’t get it” and … more
In the first solo press conference of his presidency, President Trump said Thursday, Feb. 16 that the”media doesn’t get it” and … more
Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press
FEB. 16, 2017: Justice Department drops travel ban, plans new one
President Trump’s administration withdrew its legal defense Thursday, Feb. 16 of its ban on travel to the United States and said the president would submit a new order to meet the objections of a federal appeals court. The executive order banning anyone from seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the U.S. was signed by Trump on Jan. 27 and was blocked a week later by a federal judge in Seattle, whose ruling was left intact Feb.9 by a panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Both courts said the order, issued without warning, likely violated the constitutional rights of immigrants and refugees. MORE HERE less
President Trump’s administration withdrew its legal defense Thursday, Feb. 16 of its ban on travel to the United States and said the president would submit a new order to meet the objections of a federal appeals court. The executive order banning anyone from seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the U.S. was signed by Trump on Jan. 27 and was blocked a week later by a federal judge in Seattle, whose ruling was left intact Feb.9 by a panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Both courts said the order, issued without warning, likely violated the constitutional rights of immigrants and refugees. MORE HERE less
FEB. 16, 2017: Justice Department drops travel ban, plans new one
President Trump’s administration withdrew its legal defense Thursday, Feb. 16 of its ban on travel to the United States and said the president … more
President Trump’s administration withdrew its legal defense Thursday, Feb. 16 of its ban on travel to the United States and said the president … more
Photo: AL DRAGO/NYT
FEB. 16, 2017: Alexander Acosta, Florida dean, nominated for Labor
President Trump nominated Alexander Acosta, a former U.S. attorney in Miami and dean of Florida International University’s College of Law, as labor secretary on Thursday, Feb. 16. Acosta, a son of Cuban immigrants, was South Florida’s top federal prosecutor during the second term of the Bush administration, according to the Miami Herald. Acosta has more government experience than many of Trump’s other nominees. He is a member of the National Labor Relations Board and is a former clerk for Justice Samuel Alito (he has a degree from Harvard Law school). He has been through the Senate confirmation process three times. MORE HERE less
President Trump nominated Alexander Acosta, a former U.S. attorney in Miami and dean of Florida International University’s College of Law, as labor secretary on Thursday, Feb. 16. Acosta, a son of Cuban immigrants, was South Florida’s top federal prosecutor during the second term of the Bush administration, according to the Miami Herald. Acosta has more government experience than many of Trump’s other nominees. He is a member of the National Labor Relations Board and is a former clerk for Justice Samuel Alito (he has a degree from Harvard Law school). He has been through the Senate confirmation process three times. MORE HERE less
FEB. 16, 2017: Alexander Acosta, Florida dean, nominated for Labor
President Trump nominated Alexander Acosta, a former U.S. attorney in Miami and dean of Florida International University’s College of Law, as … more
President Trump nominated Alexander Acosta, a former U.S. attorney in Miami and dean of Florida International University’s College of Law, as … more
Photo: Joe Raedle
FEB. 16, 2017: President slams ‘low-life leakers’
President Trump ranted on Twitter Thursday, Feb. 16, calling anyone disclosing classified information to news organizations “low-life leakers” and accusing Democrats of concocting stories about Russia to explain their loss in the presidential election. Alternating between calling recent controversies consuming his administration “fake news” and “leaks,” the president shared a storm of tweets. “Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE less
President Trump ranted on Twitter Thursday, Feb. 16, calling anyone disclosing classified information to news organizations “low-life leakers” and accusing Democrats of concocting stories about Russia to explain their loss in the presidential election. Alternating between calling recent controversies consuming his administration “fake news” and “leaks,” the president shared a storm of tweets. “Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE less
FEB. 16, 2017: President slams ‘low-life leakers’
President Trump ranted on Twitter Thursday, Feb. 16, calling anyone disclosing classified information to news organizations “low-life leakers” and … more
President Trump ranted on Twitter Thursday, Feb. 16, calling anyone disclosing classified information to news organizations “low-life leakers” and … more
Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press
FEB. 15, 2017: Pick for labor secretary withdraws nomination
President Trump’s pick for labor secretary withdrew his nomination Wednesday, Feb. 15, one day before his confirmation hearing was scheduled to begin, after a number of GOP senators expressed doubts about supporting him. Andrew Puzder, the CEO of CKE Restaurants — the parent company to Carl’s Jr., La Salsa, Hardee’s and other popular fast-food chains — came under fire after admitting to hiring an undocumented housekeeper and allegations that he physically abused his former wife. MORE HERE less
President Trump’s pick for labor secretary withdrew his nomination Wednesday, Feb. 15, one day before his confirmation hearing was scheduled to begin, after a number of GOP senators expressed doubts about supporting him. Andrew Puzder, the CEO of CKE Restaurants — the parent company to Carl’s Jr., La Salsa, Hardee’s and other popular fast-food chains — came under fire after admitting to hiring an undocumented housekeeper and allegations that he physically abused his former wife. MORE HERE less
FEB. 15, 2017: Pick for labor secretary withdraws nomination
President Trump’s pick for labor secretary withdrew his nomination Wednesday, Feb. 15, one day before his confirmation hearing was scheduled to begin, … more
President Trump’s pick for labor secretary withdrew his nomination Wednesday, Feb. 15, one day before his confirmation hearing was scheduled to begin, … more
Photo: Al Seib /Los Angeles Times /TNS
FEB. 15, 2017 President says Russian phone call leaks ‘un-American’
In a series of tweets and statements on Wednesday, Feb. 15, President Trump railed about the “real scandal,” appearing to accuse U.S. intelligence officials of leaking information about intercepted phone calls between his aides — including his onetime campaign manager — and Russian operatives. Trump’s Twitter storm came after the New York Times reported that the intercepted communications showed that his campaign advisers were in repeated contact with Russian intelligence officials during his presidential campaign. Those conversations came as Russians were attempting to disrupt the U.S. presidential election by hacking into the Democratic National Committee, according to U.S. intelligence officials. MORE HERE less
In a series of tweets and statements on Wednesday, Feb. 15, President Trump railed about the “real scandal,” appearing to accuse U.S. intelligence officials of leaking information about intercepted phone calls between his aides — including his onetime campaign manager — and Russian operatives. Trump’s Twitter storm came after the New York Times reported that the intercepted communications showed that his campaign advisers were in repeated contact with Russian intelligence officials during his presidential campaign. Those conversations came as Russians were attempting to disrupt the U.S. presidential election by hacking into the Democratic National Committee, according to U.S. intelligence officials. MORE HERE less
FEB. 15, 2017 President says Russian phone call leaks ‘un-American’
In a series of tweets and statements on Wednesday, Feb. 15, President Trump railed about the “real scandal,” appearing to accuse U.S. … more
In a series of tweets and statements on Wednesday, Feb. 15, President Trump railed about the “real scandal,” appearing to accuse U.S. … more
Photo: Mandel Ngan/Agence France-Presse
FEB. 14, 2017: Another win for big oil
American oil and mining companies won’t need to report payments to foreign governments after President Trump signed legislation wiping out a regulation staunchly opposed by the petroleum industry. The legislation, House Joint Resolution 41, eliminated a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission June regulation that would have forced extractive industries to report payments they make to governments abroad for access to natural resources. Supporters saw the new rule as a key way to fight corruption in resource-rich countries. The rule was developed under the sweeping 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reforms. MORE HERE less
American oil and mining companies won’t need to report payments to foreign governments after President Trump signed legislation wiping out a regulation staunchly opposed by the petroleum industry. The legislation, House Joint Resolution 41, eliminated a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission June regulation that would have forced extractive industries to report payments they make to governments abroad for access to natural resources. Supporters saw the new rule as a key way to fight corruption in resource-rich countries. The rule was developed under the sweeping 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reforms. MORE HERE less
FEB. 14, 2017: Another win for big oil
American oil and mining companies won’t need to report payments to foreign governments after President Trump signed legislation wiping out a regulation staunchly opposed … more
American oil and mining companies won’t need to report payments to foreign governments after President Trump signed legislation wiping out a regulation staunchly opposed … more
Photo: DOUG MILLS, NYT
FEB. 14, 2017: White House ‘keeping close eye’ on Oroville crisis
The White House addressed the emergency at Lake Oroville for the first time since nearly 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate on Feb. 12, 2017. Press Secretary Sean Spicer, during his daily press briefing, said “the president is keeping a close eye on the Oroville Dam situation.” Spicer also said the disaster is a “text book example” on why the government needs to pursue a major infrastructure package in Congress. On Feb. 13, Gov. Jerry Brown asked the Trump administration for a federal disaster declaration. An estimated 188,000 people remain under evacuation orders in Butte, Sutter and Yuba counties as officials work to secure the emergency spillway near the Oroville Dam. MORE HERE
FEB. 14, 2017: White House ‘keeping close eye’ on Oroville crisis
The White House addressed the emergency at Lake Oroville for the first time since nearly 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate on Feb. 12,
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
FEB 14, 2017: President says Flynn resigning not ‘the real story’
Addressing the public for the first time since National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned, President Trump said the controversy wasn’t “the real story.” Instead of focusing on the revelation that Flynn discussed US sanctions against Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United States and then misled Vice President Mike Pence, Trump suggested attention should instead be paid to leaks coming out of Washington. “The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington? Will these leaks be happening as I deal on N.Korea etc?” Trump tweeted. MORE HERE
FEB 14, 2017: President says Flynn resigning not ‘the real story’
Addressing the public for the first time since National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned, President Trump said the controversy
Photo: Olivier Douliery, MBR
FEB. 9, 2017: Trump signs executive orders on crime and safety
President Trump signed three executive orders Thursday afternoon focused on crime reduction, public safety and violence toward cops. Only one of the orders was posted on the White House website immediately after the signing. The order has two main points: It commits the government to “enforcing the law and developing policies that comprehensively address illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime,” and also commissions the Department of Justice to take the lead on federal actions to support nationwide law enforcement efforts on the local and state level. MORE HERE less
President Trump signed three executive orders Thursday afternoon focused on crime reduction, public safety and violence toward cops. Only one of the orders was posted on the White House website immediately after the signing. The order has two main points: It commits the government to “enforcing the law and developing policies that comprehensively address illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime,” and also commissions the Department of Justice to take the lead on federal actions to support nationwide law enforcement efforts on the local and state level. MORE HERE less
FEB. 9, 2017: Trump signs executive orders on crime and safety
President Trump signed three executive orders Thursday afternoon focused on crime reduction, public safety and violence toward cops. Only one of … more
President Trump signed three executive orders Thursday afternoon focused on crime reduction, public safety and violence toward cops. Only one of … more
Photo: Aude Guerrucci
FEB. 9, 2017: Kellyanne Conway tells people to ‘go buy Ivanka’s stuff’
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway gave Ivanka Trump’s fashion line a “free commercial” on national television from a West Wing briefing room, encouraging viewers to buy from Ivanka Trump’s online fashion line.
In response to Nordstrom’s decision to drop the first daughter’s clothing line, Conway said on Fox & Friends, “Go buy Ivanka’s stuff. I hate shopping, but I’m going to get some myself today. It’s a wonderful line. I own some of it. I’m going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it everybody. You can find it online.” Conway was put through counseling after her comments. MORE HERE less
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway gave Ivanka Trump’s fashion line a “free commercial” on national television from a West Wing briefing room, encouraging viewers to buy from Ivanka Trump’s online fashion line.
In response to Nordstrom’s decision to drop the first daughter’s clothing line, Conway said on Fox & Friends, “Go buy Ivanka’s stuff. I hate shopping, but I’m going to get some myself today. It’s a wonderful line. I own some of it. I’m going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it everybody. You can find it online.” Conway was put through counseling after her comments. MORE HERE less
FEB. 9, 2017: Kellyanne Conway tells people to ‘go buy Ivanka’s stuff’
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway gave Ivanka Trump’s fashion line a “free commercial” on national television from a West … more
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway gave Ivanka Trump’s fashion line a “free commercial” on national television from a West … more
Photo: Charles Krupa, Associated Press
FEB. 8, 2017: Steph Curry has witty response to Under Armour CEO’s pro-Trump comment
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shot back on Feb. 8 at praise heaped on President Trump by Under Armour boss Kevin Plank. Plank, the Under Armour CEO, said in an interview with CNBC’s “Fast Halftime Report” on Tuesday that “to have such a pro-business president is something that is a real asset for the country. People can really grab that opportunity.” Curry, who has a sponsorship deal with Under Armour, said in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News that he was surprised at Plank’s comments. “I agree with that description,” Curry said, “if you remove the ‘et’ from asset.” MORE HERE less
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shot back on Feb. 8 at praise heaped on President Trump by Under Armour boss Kevin Plank. Plank, the Under Armour CEO, said in an interview with CNBC’s “Fast Halftime Report” on Tuesday that “to have such a pro-business president is something that is a real asset for the country. People can really grab that opportunity.” Curry, who has a sponsorship deal with Under Armour, said in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News that he was surprised at Plank’s comments. “I agree with that description,” Curry said, “if you remove the ‘et’ from asset.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 8, 2017: Steph Curry has witty response to Under Armour CEO’s pro-Trump comment
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shot back on Feb. 8 at praise heaped on President Trump by Under Armour boss Kevin … more
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shot back on Feb. 8 at praise heaped on President Trump by Under Armour boss Kevin … more
Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press
FEB. 8, 2017: Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch calls the president’s tweets ‘demoralizing’ and ‘disheartening’
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch called President Trump’s tweets criticizing the federal judiciary “demoralizing” and “disheartening” during a Feb. 8 meeting with Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, CNN reported. Trump called US District Judge James Robart of Seattle a “so-called judge” when he suspended the president’s executive order banning travelers and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries. MORE HERE less
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch called President Trump’s tweets criticizing the federal judiciary “demoralizing” and “disheartening” during a Feb. 8 meeting with Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, CNN reported. Trump called US District Judge James Robart of Seattle a “so-called judge” when he suspended the president’s executive order banning travelers and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries. MORE HERE less
FEB. 8, 2017: Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch calls the president’s tweets ‘demoralizing’ and ‘disheartening’
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch called President Trump’s tweets criticizing the federal … more
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch called President Trump’s tweets criticizing the federal … more
Photo: AL DRAGO, NYT
FEB. 8, 2017: No ruling from 9th Circuit Court on travel ban
There was no ruling Feb. 8 on whether to reinstate President Trump’s ban on travel to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard arguments by telephone Tuesday, said at midday that no decision would be issued by the end of the day. MORE HERE less
FEB. 8, 2017: No ruling from 9th Circuit Court on travel ban
There was no ruling Feb. 8 on whether to reinstate President Trump’s ban on travel to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim countries. … more
Photo: Photos By Alex Clausen, US Court Of Appeals Office Of Circuit Executive
FEB. 8, 2017: Trump and Intel CEO announce new $7 billion factory in Arizona
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich and President Trump announced that the company will invest $7 billion to complete an existing factory space in Arizona that has been idle for the past few years.
The Chandler, Ariz. manufacturing plant, where Arizona has long had manufacturing operations, will be used to make computer chips. In a statement, Intel said the opening of the factory will lead to 3,000 “high-tech, high-wage jobs” and will create more than 10,000 long-term jobs in Arizona. MORE HERE less
FEB. 8, 2017: Trump and Intel CEO announce new $7 billion factory in Arizona
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich and President Trump announced that the company will invest $7 billion to complete an existing factory … more
Photo: Pool, Getty Images
FEB. 8, 2017: President sounds off on 9th Circuit Court judges
The president leaned on the judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in San Francisco, anticipating they will uphold a ruling against his executive order banning travel to the United States by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. “If these judges wanted to – in my opinion – help the court in terms of respect for the court, they’d do what they should be doing. I mean, It’s so sad,” Trump said at a meeting with the National Sheriffs’ Association. MORE HERE
FEB. 8, 2017: President sounds off on 9th Circuit Court judges
The president leaned on the judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in San Francisco, anticipating they will uphold a
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
FEB. 3, 2017: 2 Bay Area college students sue over travel ban
A UC Berkeley student and a Stanford student, both Muslims, joined forces and filed a lawsuit against President Trump over his executive order banning travelers entry to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim counties. The suit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleges that Trump’s executive order, which affects even those with valid visas, is an “unconstitutional and discriminatory ban” against Muslims. In their suit, filed on their behalf by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, Stanford student Hadil Al-Mowafak, a national of Yemen, said Trump’s order prevents her from returning to the United States to continue her studies if she goes to Yemen to visit her husband, as she had planned. MORE HERE less
A UC Berkeley student and a Stanford student, both Muslims, joined forces and filed a lawsuit against President Trump over his executive order banning travelers entry to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim counties. The suit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleges that Trump’s executive order, which affects even those with valid visas, is an “unconstitutional and discriminatory ban” against Muslims. In their suit, filed on their behalf by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, Stanford student Hadil Al-Mowafak, a national of Yemen, said Trump’s order prevents her from returning to the United States to continue her studies if she goes to Yemen to visit her husband, as she had planned. MORE HERE less
FEB. 3, 2017: 2 Bay Area college students sue over travel ban
A UC Berkeley student and a Stanford student, both Muslims, joined forces and filed a lawsuit against President Trump over his executive order … more
A UC Berkeley student and a Stanford student, both Muslims, joined forces and filed a lawsuit against President Trump over his executive order … more
Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press
FEB. 3, 2017: Tech companies oppose travel ban
The country’s tech giants — including Bay Area bigs Google, Facebook, Apple and Uber — joined forces in a letter penned to President Trump opposing his travel ban on seven majority-Muslim countries. A draft of the letter obtained by the website Recode expressed concerns to Trump that his executive order signed last week “will affect many visa holders who work hard here in the United States and contribute to our countries success.” The letter also states that, “As entrepreneurs and business leaders, our ability to grow our companies and create jobs depends on the contributions of immigrants from all backgrounds.” MORE HERE less
The country’s tech giants — including Bay Area bigs Google, Facebook, Apple and Uber — joined forces in a letter penned to President Trump opposing his travel ban on seven majority-Muslim countries. A draft of the letter obtained by the website Recode expressed concerns to Trump that his executive order signed last week “will affect many visa holders who work hard here in the United States and contribute to our countries success.” The letter also states that, “As entrepreneurs and business leaders, our ability to grow our companies and create jobs depends on the contributions of immigrants from all backgrounds.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 3, 2017: Tech companies oppose travel ban
The country’s tech giants — including Bay Area bigs Google, Facebook, Apple and Uber — joined forces in a letter penned to President Trump opposing his travel … more
The country’s tech giants — including Bay Area bigs Google, Facebook, Apple and Uber — joined forces in a letter penned to President Trump opposing his travel … more
Photo: Tsering Topgyal, AP
FEB. 2, 2017: Falwell selected for education deregulation task force
President Trump has chosen a leader for a new federal task force he is creating to deregulate the nation’s colleges and universities: Jerry Falwell Jr., president of a Christian university in Virginia, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Falwell, 54, son of the late conservative televangelist and Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell, heads Liberty University, a religious school founded by his father. In 2009, the school barred students from forming a College Democratic Club because the Democratic Party platform supports abortion and gay rights. MORE HERE less
President Trump has chosen a leader for a new federal task force he is creating to deregulate the nation’s colleges and universities: Jerry Falwell Jr., president of a Christian university in Virginia, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Falwell, 54, son of the late conservative televangelist and Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell, heads Liberty University, a religious school founded by his father. In 2009, the school barred students from forming a College Democratic Club because the Democratic Party platform supports abortion and gay rights. MORE HERE less
FEB. 2, 2017: Falwell selected for education deregulation task force
President Trump has chosen a leader for a new federal task force he is creating to deregulate the nation’s colleges and universities: Jerry … more
President Trump has chosen a leader for a new federal task force he is creating to deregulate the nation’s colleges and universities: Jerry … more
Photo: DAMON WINTER, NYT
FEB. 2, 2017: Assemblyman David Chiu hosts forum on immigrants
San Francisco’s Democratic Assemblyman David Chiu invited immigration advocates to tell the public personal stories about the lives of tenants who are in the country illegally. “Tenants who are undocumented know their landlords have the power to destroy their lives with a single phone call to ICE,” the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, said Chiu’s announcement of the event. MORE HERE
FEB. 2, 2017: Assemblyman David Chiu hosts forum on immigrants
San Francisco’s Democratic Assemblyman David Chiu invited immigration advocates to tell the public personal stories about the lives of
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
FEB. 2, 2017: Protest at UC Berkeley prompts funding threat
President Trump threatened to eliminate federal funds from UC Berkeley, prompting an outcry from city and university officials, the morning after police shut down an event featuring the right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos when destructive demonstrations erupted at the campus. “If UC Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view – NO FEDERAL FUNDS?” the president tweeted. UC Berkeley received $370 million in federal grants from 2014 to 2015. The federal dollars went toward funding multiyear research projects and other expenditures, according to the university’s website. MORE HERE less
President Trump threatened to eliminate federal funds from UC Berkeley, prompting an outcry from city and university officials, the morning after police shut down an event featuring the right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos when destructive demonstrations erupted at the campus. “If UC Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view – NO FEDERAL FUNDS?” the president tweeted. UC Berkeley received $370 million in federal grants from 2014 to 2015. The federal dollars went toward funding multiyear research projects and other expenditures, according to the university’s website. MORE HERE less
FEB. 2, 2017: Protest at UC Berkeley prompts funding threat
President Trump threatened to eliminate federal funds from UC Berkeley, prompting an outcry from city and university officials, the morning after … more
President Trump threatened to eliminate federal funds from UC Berkeley, prompting an outcry from city and university officials, the morning after … more
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
FEB. 2, 2017: Rep. Lee wants Bannon booted from the National Security Council
Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee wants Stephen Bannon, the White House chief strategist, booted from his permanent position on the National Security Council, an unprecedented appointment by President Trump. “By placing Steve Bannon – a man who has promoted the alt-right and white nationalism – at the center of our nation’s most senior diplomatic and intelligence council, President Trump has placed our national security in grave danger,” Lee said in a letter addressed to Trump. “There is no place for such inexperience and bigotry at the center of America’s national security apparatus.” MORE HERE less
Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee wants Stephen Bannon, the White House chief strategist, booted from his permanent position on the National Security Council, an unprecedented appointment by President Trump. “By placing Steve Bannon – a man who has promoted the alt-right and white nationalism – at the center of our nation’s most senior diplomatic and intelligence council, President Trump has placed our national security in grave danger,” Lee said in a letter addressed to Trump. “There is no place for such inexperience and bigotry at the center of America’s national security apparatus.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 2, 2017: Rep. Lee wants Bannon booted from the National Security Council
Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee wants Stephen Bannon, the White House chief strategist, booted from his permanent position on the … more
Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee wants Stephen Bannon, the White House chief strategist, booted from his permanent position on the … more
Photo: Paul Morigi, Getty Images For The Elizabeth T
FEB. 2, 2017: Peter Thiel confidant appointed to NSC staff
Kevin Harrington, a longtime associate of Trump adviser Peter Thiel, has been appointed to a senior staff position at the National Security Council, the White House announced. Harrington, who was previously managing director and head of research for Thiel Macro, a hedge fund, will be deputy assistant to the president for strategic planning. While President Trump has a fondness for reality television, Harrington should not be confused with the similarly named investor who has appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” MORE HERE
FEB. 2, 2017: Peter Thiel confidant appointed to NSC staff
Kevin Harrington, a longtime associate of Trump adviser Peter Thiel, has been appointed to a senior staff position at the National Security
Photo: Albin Lohr-Jones, Bloomberg
FEB. 2, 2017: President trashes Schwarzenegger’s TV ratings
President Trump kicked off a National Prayer Breakfast by asking everyone to pray for former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, saying “The Celebrity Apprentice” host has suffered lower ratings since replacing him on the reality TV show.
The “Terminator” star quickly shot back by suggesting that he and Trump switch jobs “so people can finally sleep comfortably again.”
Trump began his speech at the annual Washington D.C. religious event by prioritizing prayer for Schwarzenegger, who took over the NBC reality competition show after Trump, who is still an executive producer on the program, did 186 episodes. MORE HERE less
FEB. 2, 2017: President trashes Schwarzenegger’s TV ratings
President Trump kicked off a National Prayer Breakfast by asking everyone to pray for former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, saying … more
Photo: Jordan Strauss, Associated Press
FEB. 1, 2017: California Senators vote against Tillerson confirmation
Former Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson has been confirmed as Secretary of State by a 56-43 vote, with both of California’s senators opposing the move. Shortly after the confirmation, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., tweeted that she voted against Tillerson. Tillerson has no formal diplomatic experience, and was seen as a widely controversial pick for the position. “I voted against Rex Tillerson’s nomination. We need a Secretary of State who will put America’s national security first,” she wrote. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., also voted against his confirmation, according to a spokesman. She had strongly opposed Tillerson’s nomination, saying Exxon has a history of “undermining American policy.” MORE HERE less
Former Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson has been confirmed as Secretary of State by a 56-43 vote, with both of California’s senators opposing the move. Shortly after the confirmation, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., tweeted that she voted against Tillerson. Tillerson has no formal diplomatic experience, and was seen as a widely controversial pick for the position. “I voted against Rex Tillerson’s nomination. We need a Secretary of State who will put America’s national security first,” she wrote. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., also voted against his confirmation, according to a spokesman. She had strongly opposed Tillerson’s nomination, saying Exxon has a history of “undermining American policy.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 1, 2017: California Senators vote against Tillerson confirmation
Former Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson has been confirmed as Secretary of State by a 56-43 vote, with both of California’s … more
Former Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson has been confirmed as Secretary of State by a 56-43 vote, with both of California’s … more
Photo: Cliff Owen, Associated Press
FEB. 1: 2017: California lawmakers to confer with Planned Parenthood
California Democratic senators met with Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards and former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder Jr. during an annual policy retreat in Sacramento as lawmakers map out strategies to resist policies pushed by President Trump and his administration.
Richards spoke to Democratic senators about how to preserve access to health care nationwide at a time when congressional Republicans are working to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal the Affordable Care Act. MORE HERE less
FEB. 1: 2017: California lawmakers to confer with Planned Parenthood
California Democratic senators met with Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards and former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder Jr. during an … more
Photo: Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press
FEB. 1: 2017: Speier nominates Sally Yates for courage award
Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, nominated Sally Yates for the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award the day after President Trump fired her as acting Attorney General.
Yates was canned after she refused to defend Trump’s executive order temporarily banning citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and all refugees from entering the United States. MORE HERE less
FEB. 1: 2017: Speier nominates Sally Yates for courage award
Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, nominated Sally Yates for the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award the day after President Trump fired her as … more
Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press
FEB. 1: 2017: Travel ban? Depends on what the meaning of ‘ban’ is
President Trump rolled back some of terms of his quickly written order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries — including banning residents with green cards. After calling the order a ban for several days, both Trump and White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday began insisting the order was actually not a ban. Trump seems to have abandoned what had essentially turned into a semantic dispute. “Everybody is arguing whether or not it is a BAN,” Trump tweeted. “Call it what you want, it is about keeping bad people (with bad intentions) out of the country!” MORE HERE less
President Trump rolled back some of terms of his quickly written order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries — including banning residents with green cards. After calling the order a ban for several days, both Trump and White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday began insisting the order was actually not a ban. Trump seems to have abandoned what had essentially turned into a semantic dispute. “Everybody is arguing whether or not it is a BAN,” Trump tweeted. “Call it what you want, it is about keeping bad people (with bad intentions) out of the country!” MORE HERE less
FEB. 1: 2017: Travel ban? Depends on what the meaning of ‘ban’ is
President Trump rolled back some of terms of his quickly written order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries — including … more
President Trump rolled back some of terms of his quickly written order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries — including … more
Photo: Evan Vucci, STF
FEB. 1, 2017: Trump praises ‘amazing job’ by Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass, who has been dead for 121 years, is an “example of someone who’s done an amazing job,” according to comments by President Trump. It was not immediately known if Trump believed that Douglass, the great 19th century abolitionist, was still alive. But several people listening to the president’s comment thought so. In rambling remarks during a ceremony in Washington to kick off Black History Month, Trump said: “I am very proud now that we have a museum on the National Mall where people can learn about Reverend King, so many other things, Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice. Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and millions more black Americans who made America what it is today. Big impact.” MORE HERE less
Frederick Douglass, who has been dead for 121 years, is an “example of someone who’s done an amazing job,” according to comments by President Trump. It was not immediately known if Trump believed that Douglass, the great 19th century abolitionist, was still alive. But several people listening to the president’s comment thought so. In rambling remarks during a ceremony in Washington to kick off Black History Month, Trump said: “I am very proud now that we have a museum on the National Mall where people can learn about Reverend King, so many other things, Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice. Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and millions more black Americans who made America what it is today. Big impact.” MORE HERE less
FEB. 1, 2017: Trump praises ‘amazing job’ by Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass, who has been dead for 121 years, is an “example of someone who’s done an amazing job,” according to comments by … more
Frederick Douglass, who has been dead for 121 years, is an “example of someone who’s done an amazing job,” according to comments by … more
Photo: File Photo, ST
As a federal appeals court considered President Trump’s second attempt to ban U.S. entry of anyone from selected nations with overwhelmingly Muslim populations Monday, a judge on the panel compared it to another president’s order sending all Japanese-Americans to U.S. internment camps as supposed threats to national security.
“Would the (World War II) executive order pass muster under your test today? Why not?” Judge Richard Paez of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals asked the government’s lawyer at a hearing in Seattle.
If that order was before the court, “I wouldn’t be standing here and the United States wouldn’t be defending it,” replied acting U.S. Solicitor General Richard Wall. Trump’s order, he insisted, is far different from the order that led to the incarceration of Japanese-Americans.
Paez countered that the order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt was “facially neutral” but was targeted at Japanese-Americans — just as challengers to Trump’s order contends it was aimed at excluding Muslims. Federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland have blocked the March 6 order from taking effect, citing Trump’s call for a ban on Muslim immigration as a presidential candidate, his selection of the six nations and comments by some of his advisers.
But Wall said Trump’s order was “neutral on its face and neutral in operation,” applying to entrants from nations that Congress has found to pose a heightened threat of terrorism. Courts should not use Trump’s campaign statements to engage in “second-guessing” his supposed motives, “which they’re not equipped to do,” he said.
Another panel member, Judge Michael Hawkins, asked whether Trump “ever disavowed his campaign statements” calling for the Muslim ban. The statements remained on Trump’s campaign website until they were taken down last Monday, the same day another appeals court in Virginia heard arguments on the government’s appeal of the Maryland ruling.
But Hawkins also asked Neal Katyal, lawyer for the state of Hawaii, “Why shouldn’t we be deferential to the office of president of the United States” on his intentions in issuing the order.
Trump’s words, Katyal replied, should be understood from the perspective of an “objective observer” — who, he argued, would interpret them as an unconstitutional ban on entry by Muslims.
Monday’s 70-minute hearing focused on the government’s appeal of the Hawaii ruling. The panel’s three judges questioned lawyers for both sides extensively and did not say how, or when, they intended to rule. The U.S. Supreme Court will have the last word, perhaps by the end of this year.
Trump’s order would bar entry by residents of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, and would also halt for 120 days all U.S. admission of refugees fleeing violence and hardship in their homelands. Unlike his first executive order, which federal courts blocked, it would exempt holders of U.S. visas and allow consular officers to issue individual exemptions in hardship cases. It would also reduce overall U.S. admission of refugees from 110,000 to 50,000 for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @egelko