Trump news – Armed groups dwarfed by security at state capitals as president’s approval at new low
The latest updates from the White House and beyond on 17 January 2021
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Washington Bureau Chief
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low as the US leader prepares to exit the White House.
In the wake of the deadly Capitol riots on 6 January, the president has seen his approval rating dive, with the change in perception being largely among Republicans.
The worst polling came from Pew Research Center, which found Mr Trump’s disapproval rating to be at 68 per cent, with his approval rating falling to 29 per cent, the lowest yet, in a poll of 5,360 adults conducted between 8-12 January.
The findings come as states across the US brace for the possibility of inauguration week violence as President-Elect Joe Biden prepares to take office on Wednesday. Small armed groups appeared at statehouses on Sunday, but the size of the gatherings appeared dwarfed by the security presence.
On Sunday, former FBI director James Comey warned of the “very serious” risk of violence breaking out around the inauguration following deadly riots at the US Capitol last week.
Biden to deploy FEMA and National Guard for vaccine delivery
Joe Biden has pledged to deploy the US National Guard and FEMA resources to distribute Covid-19 vaccines across the US as part of a vaccine plan aimed at rapidly speeding up inoculations after a stalled rollout under Donald Trump’s administration that fell significantly short of its goals.
Alex Woodward reports for The Independent.
Biden to deploy FEMA and National Guard for expanded vaccine rollout
President-elect has pledged to issue 100 million vaccines in first 100 days
National Guard troops in Capitol now have cots
Julie Tsirkin of NBC News reports that the troops guarding the Capitol, who were initially seen sleeping on cold, marble floors, now have cots.
She confirms that it is still a surreal sight.
Three lawmakers worked together to secure the cots for the troops.
Pence to visit troops at Fort Drum
Vice President Mike Pence will make a second visit to service personnel this afternoon when he makes remarks to troops at Fort Drum in New York.
Here are the Pences yesterday on a visit to California:
The best (and worst) Inauguration Day moments in US history
George W Bush struggling with a poncho was a pretty special moment.
The best (and worst) Inauguration Day moments in US history
The best (and worst) Inauguration Day moments in US history
Man arrested at inauguration checkpoint with gun and ammo says he was lost
A Virginia man arrested by law enforcement in Washington DC after trying to pass through an inauguration security checkpoint carrying an unregistered pistol and ammunition said he had gotten lost and did not mean to be in the capital.
Graig Graziosi reports for The Independent.
Man arrested at inauguration checkpoint with gun and ammo says he was lost and did not intend to carry weapon in DC
The man said he got lost driving around Washington DC
FBI asks for help identifying rioters that assaulted police officer
Graham wants Schumer to dismiss impeachment
Senator Lindsey Graham is urging new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to hold a vote dismissing the article of impeachment against President Trump passed by the House of Representatives.
Mr Graham wrote in a letter to Mr Schumer on Sunday that the Democrat is seeking “vengenance and political retaliation” in his first act as majority leader instead of beginning the process of “national healing”.
The senator from South Carolina believes that the impeachment trial of a former president is unconstitutional.
In an appearance on Fox News, Mr Graham warned the GOP against convicting Trump. “It would destroy our party ... impeaching him after he leaves office would be disastrous for our country and our party.”
Former Democrat senator Claire McCaskill probably sums up the reaction of many of her fellow party members:
Marjorie Taylor Greene suspended from Twitter
Newly-elected Republican representative for Georgia Marjorie Taylor Greene, an ardent backer of President Trump, QAnon supporter, and believer in widespread voter fraud, has been temporarily suspended from Twitter.
The lawmaker tweeted that she blamed the defeat of Senate GOP candidates in the Georgia runoff on state leadership for failing to “fix out elections”.
While suspended a user can still browse Twitter but cannot tweet, retweet, or like posts.
The suspension will reportedly last for 12 hours.
Ms Greene was recently mocked for wearing a masked that read “censored” while speaking on live television.
QAnon congresswoman mocked for wearing mask saying ‘censored’ while speaking to the nation on live TV
Georgia lawmaker defended Donald Trump and attacked Black Lives Matter
General McMaster: Trump has hurt reputation of US democracy around the world
The former National Security Adviser McMaster says despots around the world feel emboldened by Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
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