US President Donald Trump nominated former Attorney General William Barr to head the Justice Department, the US leader announced on Friday. Barr will replace Jeff Sessions, who was forced to resign by Trump last month over displeasure with his performance and over the Russian election interference investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. In announcing the nomination, Trump described Barr as "a terrific man, a terrific person." "He was my first choice from day one.... respected by Republicans, respected by Democrats," he told reporters. Read more: Michael Cohen plea signals 'blockbuster indictment,' says Watergate prosecutor Barr critical of Russia probe The conservative lawyer served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993 under the late President George H.W. Bush. The 68-year-old has defended Trump's controversial decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey in May 2017 when Comey was leading the Russia investigation, which is also looking into whether there was … [Read more...] about Donald Trump names William Barr as next attorney general
Julian assange dead
Donald Trump fires US Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned on Wednesday, pushed out by President Donald Trump. Matthew Whitaker, Session's chief of staff, will become acting attorney general and oversee the Mueller probe into Russian collusion with Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. What we know Sessions gave Trump an undated resignation letter. The letter says the resignation was at Trump's "request." Trump announced Sessions' departure on Twitter and wrote: "We wish him well." Whitaker will be acting attorney general until Trump names a permanent replacement. Whitaker has previously criticized the Mueller probe, once musing about whether an attorney general could undermine the investigation by cutting its budget. What did Sessions write in his resignation letter? In his undated letter, Sessions wrote he was "submitting his resignation" at the request of the president. Sessions said he had advanced Trump's political objectives during … [Read more...] about Donald Trump fires US Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Donald Trump willing to be questioned ‘under oath’ in Russia probe
Following reports that special counsel Robert Mueller is seeking to soon interview US President Donald Trump, the president himself said on Wednesday he would be willing to answer questions. "I'm looking forward to it, actually," Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said about a possible interview with Mueller. "I would do it under oath," he added. Read more: Steve Bannon 'subpoenaed as part of Robert Mueller's Trump-Russia investigation' Mueller, who is investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election, is also examining whether Trump tried to obstruct the Russia probe in his firing of former FBI Director James Comey. A timeline of the Russia investigation 2013: Mr. Trump goes to Russia June 18, 2013. Donald Trump tweeted: "The Miss Universe Pageant will be broadcast live from MOSCOW, RUSSIA on November 9. A big deal that will bring our countries together!" He later added: "Do you think Putin will be going - if so, will he become my … [Read more...] about Donald Trump willing to be questioned ‘under oath’ in Russia probe
Two North Carolina towns cancel Christmas parades after plan to fly Confederate flag sparks protests
A second North Carolina town has canceled its Christmas parade over concerns about possible protests by 'extremists' on both sides of the debate about waving the Confederate flag. Leaders in Wake Forest had said last week that the town's parade would go on and include the Sons & Daughters of the Confederacy despite a planned demonstration. The Sons & Daughters of the Confederacy are an organization made up of people who say they are descendants of soldiers who fought in the Confederacy during the American Civil War. On its Facebook page, the group calls itself a ‘historical, patriotic, and non-political organization dedicated to ensuring that a true history of the 1861-1865 period is preserved.’ The Sons & Daughters of the Confederacy, an organization made up of descendants of Confederate soldiers, was planning to participate in this year's Christmas parades in Garner and Wake Forest, North Carolina. The group is seen in last year's Christmas parade in … [Read more...] about Two North Carolina towns cancel Christmas parades after plan to fly Confederate flag sparks protests
Kamala Harris exits Democratic race – but who could still face Trump in 2020?
Kamala Harris has dropped out of the battle for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 US presidential election.Despite being several points ahead in the polls of several of her rivals, she told supporters in a letter, in a subtle dig towards at least two of the other Democratic nomination candidates, that she was not a billionaire and did not have the personal funds to keep the campaign going.Her dropping out will sadden those who thought her entry into the race in January provided youth and diversity to the list of those vying to take on Donald Trump.With just over a month before the first of the primaries and caucuses get underway, Ms Harris' departure leaves 16 Democrats running for the nomination.Sky News looks at who President Donald Trump could be fighting against in the 2020 presidential election. Advertisement Elizabeth WarrenAge: 70 More from US Four dead, several injured as gunman opens fire at Florida navy base Blind killer Lee Hall who set fire to … [Read more...] about Kamala Harris exits Democratic race – but who could still face Trump in 2020?