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As it happenedended

Trump news: White House human rights plan leaves 'no reason to be hopeful', as impeachment threat grows

Follow the latest updates from Washington

Clark Mindock
New York
,Joe Sommerlad
Friday 31 May 2019 15:26 EDT
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Donald Trump talks of 'ridiculous' immigration laws ahead of announcing Mexico tariffs

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Donald Trump has announced he will be imposing a five percent tariff on all goods incoming from Mexico that will gradually increase unless America’s southern neighbour moves to bring an end to US-bound illegal immigration.

Ahead of his visit to the UK next week, Mr Trump has praised Conservative leadership contender Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as “good guys” and said he “may” meet with them in London.

The president has meanwhile continued his criticism of outgoing FBI special counsel Robert Mueller and accused him of nurturing a personal vendetta while also contradicting the White House regarding the USS John S McCain, a US Navy destroyer he denies asking to have moved “out of sight” in Japan during his recent tour as a snub to the late war hero the vessel is named after.

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The Trump administration plans to launch a new human rights panel with a focus on “natural law”, sparking fear among experts it could be an attempt to upend a host of protections, including for women and LGBTQ+ people. 

Titled the Commission on Unalienable Rights, the new body will provide Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, with advice and recommendations concerning international human rights issues. 

Read more from reporter Tom Embury-Dennis here: 

Lucy Anna Gray31 May 2019 18:01

In the last several hours Trump has posted several tweets railing against Mexico following his announcement to impose new tariffs on America's southern neighbour.

Followed by...

Lucy Anna Gray31 May 2019 18:18

Donald Trump has paid tribute to former New Mexico senator John Pinto, who died last week. 

Lucy Anna Gray31 May 2019 19:11

After Trump announced he would impose tariffs on Mexico over immigration at the border, businesses have been among many to push back.

US manufacturers said the tariff, set to take effect June 10, would have devastating consequences on them and American consumers. 

"Imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico is exactly the wrong move," said Neil Bradley, executive vice president of the US Chamber of Commerce, which is exploring legal action in response to the tariffs. "These tariffs will be paid by American families and businesses without doing a thing to solve the very real problems at the border. Instead, Congress and the president need to work together to address the serious problems at the border." 

Lucy Anna Gray31 May 2019 20:19

That's all for our live coverage of today in US politics. Thanks for following along.

Lucy Anna Gray31 May 2019 20:25

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