Trump news: President asked about Ukraine 'investigations', impeachment hearings told as Democrats reject effort to force whistleblower testimony
Follow the latest updates from Capitol Hill
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The House impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump is beginning its first public hearings with Bill Taylor, acting US ambassador to Ukraine, and State Department official George Kent. Both witnesses delivered joint-testimony to Congress as the president derides the process as a “partisan sham”.
Mr Trump has meanwhile reportedly been threatening to fire his acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney over his recent blunders. He also previously considered axing Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the US intelligence community, over his handling of the whistle-blower complaint about his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to The Washington Post.
Meanwhile, as senior Republicans insist they will not be watching the hearings and Mr Trump hosts his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Wednesday, progressive Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is calling for the resignation of senior Trump aide Stephen Miller over racist emails he sent to the right-wing news site Breitbart, in which he advocated white nationalist ideologies.
Following a meeting between the two leaders, Mr Trump repeated to reporters at a press conference that the day's public impeachment hearings are a "witch hunt" and a "joke".
"I haven't watched, I haven't watched for one minute because I've been with the president which is much more important as far as I'm concerned," Mr Trump said.
But the leaders were at odds following their controversial summit, to which five Senators were invited, discussing Turkey's cease-fire against Kurdish forces in Syria, as well as a two-day $100b trade deal and Turkey's acquisition of Russian anti-aircraft weapons.
Please allow a moment for our live blog to load
Meanwhile, at the White House, the Turkish delegation has just arrived for a visit between Turkish president Recep Erdogan and Donald Trump.
Adam Schiff is speaking to reporters, making "a few observations about the hearing today".
He is thanking the two witnesses for their service to the United States, and said he thought their testimony was "very powerful."
Mr Trump is now conducting a joint press conference with Mr Erdogan.
Mr Schiff is still speaking in the Capitol.
Mr Trump bragging about "taking out" Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, and says Turkey cooperated in that effort.
Mr Trump notes that Turkey makes some weapons and jet parts for American companies.
Mr Erdogan now discussing Turkish efforts to fight terrorism in the Middle East, and to ensure that Isis fighters are kept as prisoners.
"You're talking about the witch hunt? ... I hear it's a joke. I haven't watched, I haven't watched for one minute because I've been with the president which is much more important as far as I'm concerned."
"This is a sham, and it shouldn't be allowed."
"I want to find out who is the whistle blower."
"I'm gonna be releasing I think on Thursday a second call which is actually I believe the first of the two," Mr Trump says.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments