The Hill's Morning Report: Takeaways from Trump’s pardons

By Jonathan Easley and Alexis Simendinger - 06/01/18 07:05 AM EDT
 

 

Welcome to The Hill's Morning Report, TGIF and it’s June already! This daily email, a successor to The Hill’s Tipsheet, is reported by Jonathan Easley and Alexis Simendinger to get you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. (CLICK HERE to subscribe!)

Washington, D.C., will host its first Stanley Cup finals game in 20 years on Saturday night. The Washington Capitals return home with the series tied 1-1 against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The teams will square off at 8 p.m. tomorrow night at Capital One Arena. It’s going to be crazy downtown …

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Pardon me, Mr. President! 

President TrumpDonald John TrumpJoint Chiefs chairman denies report that US is planning to keep 1K troops in Syria Kansas Department of Transportation calls Trump 'delusional communist' on Twitter Trump has privately voiced skepticism about driverless cars: report MORE on Thursday pardoned Dinesh D’Souza, the conservative writer, filmmaker and commentator who was serving five years probation for illegally using straw donors to support a Republican Senate candidate in 2012.

The president also invited headlines while musing about pardoning TV personality Martha Stewart and commuting the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D).

The surprise pardon for D’Souza came one day after the president met with reality television star Kim Kardashian, who visited the White House to discuss prison reform and to advocate for pardoning Alice Marie Johnson, a 65-year-old woman who has served 20 years of a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense.

The Memo: Trump flexes power of the pardon.

Let’s look at the dynamics around the men Trump has pardoned…

  • Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, now a GOP candidate for the Senate in Arizona, convicted of criminal contempt for disobeying a federal judge's order on detaining individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.

  • I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, once a top aide to former Vice President Dick Cheney in the George W. Bush White House, convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in the investigation of the leak of CIA officer Valerie Plame’s identity.

  • Navy sailor Kristian Saucier, convicted and imprisoned for mishandling classified information and photos of a submarine.

  • Late African-American boxer Jack Johnson, convicted of transporting a white woman across state lines "for immoral purposes;” charges widely viewed as racially motivated.

What do they have in common?

The takeaway: Several of Trump’s allies – Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen and Paul ManafortPaul John ManafortBharara: 'Doesn't seem' Mueller's investigation 'ending any time soon' Dems fear Trump is looking at presidential pardons The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump condemns 'horrible' New Zealand mosque shootings MORE, among them — are facing serious federal charges or ongoing investigations. Democrats are already accusing Trump of sending signals that if those men remain loyal to him, presidential mercy could be their reward.

Those interested in presidential pardons can read up here. Trump has not used the Justice Department’s formal pardon-review process, sparking criticism that he’s exercising his constitutional powers to serve personal political motives.

 

LEADING THE DAY

TARIFFS: The U.S. decision Thursday to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union sparked swift rebukes from trading partners, lawmakers, businesses and economists who predicted “trade wars” and rising consumer costs for thousands of products, according to The Hill’s Vicki Needham and Niv Elis. 

The president, however, has been telling his advisers and everyone else for months that “reciprocal” trade is fair trade, believing that U.S. tariffs could force concessions and rebalance the equation where gaps with the United States exist.

Following a crescendo of global criticism, the president late Thursday dispatched this statement, aimed at Canada:

“The United States has been taken advantage of for many decades on trade. Those days are over. Earlier today, this message was conveyed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada: The United State will agree to a fair deal, or there will be no deal at all.”

The arguments in a nutshell:

“[S]teel and aluminum tariffs have already had major, positive effects on steel and aluminum workers and jobs and will continue to do so long into the future.” — White House statement.

“Tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are a tax hike on Americans and will have damaging consequences for consumers, manufacturers and workers.” — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin HatchOrrin Grant HatchNY's political prosecution of Manafort should scare us all Congress must break its addiction to unjust tax extenders The FDA crackdown on dietary supplements is inadequate MORE (R-Utah), in a statement.

Speaker Paul RyanPaul Davis RyanPaul Ryan says Trump will win reelection because of 'record of accomplishment' Pence loses House office space Dem budget chair: Trump 2020 proposal 'cruel-hearted' MORE (R-Wis.) joined Hatch and other leading Republicans in assailing the administration’s decision as wrong for jobs and for consumers. “Instead of addressing the real problems in the international trade of these products, [the] action targets American allies [instead of] the unfair trading practices of countries like China,” he said in a statement.

Reactions from allies

U.S. trading partners pledged immediate retaliation and complained about mistreatment by the Trump administration after months spent in negotiations to try to avert a clash.

The Hill: Mexico’s response? New duties to be imposed on steel products, lamps, pork, sausages and food preparations, apples, grapes, blueberries and cheeses, to name a few.

The Hill: The European Union’s reaction? Equivalent retaliatory tariffs on goods to the United States.

The Globe and Mail: Canada is the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the United States; its retaliation plan will slap tariffs on $16.6 billion worth of the two metals, as well as other products going to the U.S. market. The confrontation heightens tensions ahead of this month’s summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, to take place in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada, in a week.

Market reactions

Bloomberg: Any optimism investors might have had about the economic outlook was quickly dashed when the Trump administration announced it was imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

What next?

Trump’s tariffs decision hit the headlines as he swung through Texas during a series of political fundraisers in Houston and Dallas. The Dallas Morning News reported that Texas would feel the brunt of the steel and aluminum tariffs more than any other state.

Some Texas Republicans, including House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin BradyKevin Patrick BradySmaller tax refunds put GOP on defensive Key author of GOP tax law joins Ernst and Young Lawmakers beat lobbyists at charity hockey game MORE, said the administration’s policy placed “American workers and families at risk.”

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INTERNATIONAL: North Korea: Diplomacy is not easy or swift, and Trump and Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoPompeo open to future Senate run: 'The Lord will get me to the right place' Overnight Defense: Trump issues first veto over 'reckless' emergency resolution | Pompeo moves to restrict international court probing war crimes | Trump taps Air Force general for NATO commander The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump condemns 'horrible' New Zealand mosque shootings MORE conceded as much while talking about North Korea on Thursday. The focus since March on one summit between two leaders has become a series of meetings, a flurry of envoys and a letter of reply from Kim Jong Un to the president, to be delivered today at the White House.

The Hill: Trump awaits a letter from the North Korean leader as an on-again, off-again June 12 summit remains in limbo. “I look forward to seeing what’s in the letter,” Trump told reporters.

The Hill: Still hopeful for a historic summit, the president also downplayed expectations. “It doesn’t mean it gets all done at one meeting. Maybe you have to have a second or a third. And maybe we’ll have none,” the president said.

Pompeo, who spent two days with North Korean senior official Kim Yong Chol in New York, described “real progress,” and told reporters, “This is going to be a process that will take days and weeks to work our way through.”

North Korea’s visit to the White House today is the first by a high-level official from that country since 2000, when Jo Myong Rok, then a senior official, met former President Bill ClintonWilliam (Bill) Jefferson ClintonGOP lawmaker defends Chelsea Clinton after confrontation over New Zealand attacks As global order collapses, American leadership is critical Trump Jr. defends Chelsea Clinton after confrontation at vigil for New Zealand attacks MORE, according to Reuters.

IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES

➔ White House & Administration: Trump on Thursday tweeted that he didn’t fire Comey over the Russia investigation — a tweet that is at odds with the president’s prior statements.

From The Hill’s Jordan Fabian:

“Comey’s firing is a focal point of Mueller’s probe into whether Trump obstructed the investigation into ties between his campaign and Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election. Trump and his allies have offered a series of changing explanations for his decision to fire Comey, which has complicated investigators’ effort to determine his intent.”

At Axios, Jonathan Swan reports that the president pressured Sessions on at least four occasions to retake control of the Russia investigation after the attorney general recused himself. 

The Washington Post: Prosecutors interviewed Comey as part of the investigation into his former deputy, Andrew McCabeAndrew George McCabeGraham says he'll probe Rosenstein's 25th Amendment remarks The damning proof of innocence that FBI likely withheld in Russian probe Delaney jabs at Trump, says he believes US intel community over Putin MORE.

NBC News: Jared KushnerJared Corey KushnerA question of privilege: How Trump could still gut the Mueller report Ex-White House ethics chief compares Ivanka, Kushner security clearances to college admissions scandal Nadler: Half of Trump probe targets likely to comply with document requests MORE’s close friend is under scrutiny from Mueller’s team.

➔ Campaigns: Can Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenO'Rourke faces pressure from left on 'Medicare for all' O'Rourke says he won't use 'f-word' on campaign trail O'Rourke not planning, but not ruling out big fundraisers MORE (D-Mass.) bridge the divide between establishment Democrats and the grass roots? The Hill’s Amie Parnes reports that some supporters of Hillary Clinton view Warren as the alternative to Sen. Bernie SandersBernard (Bernie) SandersO'Rourke faces pressure from left on 'Medicare for all' O'Rourke says he won't use 'f-word' on campaign trail O'Rourke not planning, but not ruling out big fundraisers MORE (I-Vt.). There is still deep bitterness between the Clinton and Sanders camps, so the 2020 Democratic primary is shaping up to be a fascinating ride (The Hill).

Speaking of 2020, former Attorney General Eric HolderEric Himpton HolderPress: Which way do Dems go in 2020? Sunday shows preview: 2020 field begins to take shape Supreme Court race sets up new battle for Wisconsin MORE will speak at the Politics & Eggs breakfast at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire today. That’s a popular forum for aspiring presidential candidates, and Holder has not ruled out a bid for the Democratic nomination.

Quotes of the day:

"There is no Republican Party. There’s a Trump party. Republican Party is kinda taking a nap somewhere." — former Speaker John BoehnerJohn Andrew BoehnerBoehner says it's Democrats' turn for a Tea Party movement House Republicans find silver lining in minority Alaskan becomes longest serving Republican in House history MORE (R-Ohio), BoehnerJohn Andrew BoehnerBoehner says it's Democrats' turn for a Tea Party movement House Republicans find silver lining in minority Alaskan becomes longest serving Republican in House history MORE-there-is-no-republican-party-theres-a-trump-party">at a policy conference in Michigan on Thursday.

“The Republican Party has gone dormant.” – Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), speaking on CNN.

Roundup from the campaign trail and the hill… House Dems launch 2018 anti-poverty tour (The Hill) …  Sen. Dianne FeinsteinDianne Emiel FeinsteinOvernight Health Care — Presented by PCMA — FDA issues proposal to limit sales of flavored e-cigs | Trump health chief gets grilling | Divisions emerge over House drug pricing bills | Dems launch investigation into short-term health plans The Hill's Morning Report - Boeing crisis a test for Trump administration Trump faces growing pressure over Boeing safety concerns MORE (D-Calif.) plans to introduce legislation to prevent the separation of immigrant children from their parents at the U.S. Mexico border (The Hill) ...The White House is demanding House Minority Leader Nancy PelosiNancy Patricia D'Alesandro PelosiMulvaney: Military projects impacted by wall funding haven't been decided yet Left-wing Dems in minority with new approach to spending Julian Castro hints at brother Joaquin's Senate run MORE (D-Calif.) condemn a Democratic candidate who compared Trump to Osama bin Laden (The Hill) ... Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), who is running for Senate, is visiting Puerto Rico for the sixth time since Hurricane Maria struck last year (The Tampa Bay Times).

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The Morning Report is created by journalists Jonathan Easley jeasley@thehill.com & Alexis Simendinger asimendinger@thehill.com. Suggestions? Tips? We want to hear from you! Share The Hill’s reporting and newsletters, and encourage others to SUBSCRIBE!

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OPINION

America cannot allow summit to trump substance on North Korea, by Michael Fuchs and Abby Bard, opinion contributors to The Hill. https://bit.ly/2slDPta

Save the International Space Station, by Art Harman, opinion contributor to The Hill. https://bit.ly/2L7wvID

WHERE AND WHEN

Congress is in recess until next week. 

The president today participates in the U.S. Coast Guard change-of-command ceremony. In the afternoon, Trump will meet with Secretary Pompeo and expects to receive a letter from Kim Jong Un. In the afternoon, he’ll depart the White House for Camp David. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics at 8:30 a.m. reports key employment data for May. Some analysts are projecting the economy added 205,000 jobs last month.

ELSEWHERE

> Anthony ScaramucciAnthony ScaramucciThe five Trump communications directors who have come and gone White House spokeswoman leaving to join PR firm White House announces changes in press office MORE, a former Trump communications director (10 days in that White House role) will be C-SPAN’s Washington Journal guest on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., taking viewer calls with moderator Steve Scully.

> Battle takes shape over the future of sports betting, by Megan R. Wilson, The Hill.

> Google has ignored warnings about pro-ISIS content on Google Plus, its social media platform, by Ali Breland, The Hill.

> The number of opioid prescriptions issued in the United States falls for the fifth straight year, according to a new report from the American Medical Association. The organization also issued proposals to help curb the epidemic, by Peter Sullivan, The Hill.

> A federal assessment identified shortfalls preventing the energy sector from improving its responses to any major cyber attack to the nation’s power grid, by Morgan Chalfant, The Hill.

> It’s Amy Walter’s first day as Friday host of The Takeaway, which will air at 9 a.m. on WNYC AM 820 and 3 p.m. on WNYC 93.9 FM. Sen. Patty MurrayPatricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayJury orders Johnson & Johnson to pay M to woman who claimed baby powder gave her cancer Overnight Health Care - Presented by Kidney Care Partners - FDA chief Scott Gottlieb resigns | House Dems to take up drug pricing bills next week | Planned Parenthood, doctors group sue over Trump abortion rule Insurance group urges Congress to boost ObamaCare subsidies MORE (D-Wash.) will be a guest.

THE CLOSER

It’s already June, and the season for leisurely beach reading has arrived. Suddenly, political selections are stacking up:

Journalist Kate Andersen Brower’s new nonfiction book hits stores next week. Vanity Fair and The Hill obtained excerpts, adapted from “First in Line: Presidents, Vice Presidents, and the Pursuit of Power,” published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Brower reports that Joe BidenJoseph (Joe) Robinette BidenBeto could give Biden and Bernie a run for their money Biden: 'I have the most progressive record of anybody running ... anybody who would run' H.R. 1 falls short of real reform MORE and Mike PenceMichael (Mike) Richard PenceButtigieg says campaign gained enough donors to be on debate stage Harris slams Pence for saying he won't have meetings alone with women Pence hosts openly gay Irish prime minister and his partner for breakfast MORE talk at least once a month, and her book, which includes insights from interviews with every living former vice president, unpacks Biden’s unease in 2016 with Hillary Clinton’s retelling of her advice to President Obama leading up to the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan.

READ: Hillary Clinton’s “ass-covering” on bin Laden raid “rattled” Biden.

Also out next week is Ben Rhodes’s “The World as It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House.” A former speechwriter and national security adviser to former President Obama for eight years, Rhodes writes with the kind of inside-the-Oval-Office storytelling that prompted The New York Times to dissect his former boss’s musings about Trump’s election. 

Bill Clinton was a notorious inhaler of mystery novels while he was president, so the notion that he partnered with James Patterson to co-create “The President is Missing,” which will be in bookstores Monday, should come as no surprise. The duo will appear together at a book convention in New York City on Sunday, and will sit down Tuesday on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (The Hill).

Appearances and television interviews designed to sell books, however, open doors to all manner of unscripted questions. During a CBS “Sunday Morning” interview to air this weekend, Clinton talks about sexual harassment in its 2018 context and defends his decision as president to challenge impeachment following his untruthful statements about a sexual relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky (The Hill). “It was a fight I was glad to undertake,” he says.   

 

And finally … The Hill’s Morning Report will miss Jonathan next week (he’s taking a much-needed vacation break from Washington!), but we’ll see everyone else on Monday morning!

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