Trump news today: Michael Cohen’s hush-moon testimony before grand jury to be completed as Trump attorney in on-air spat
Donald Trump promises to stay in the 2024 race if prosecuted
The FBI has officially dismissed a claim last year by former President Donald Trump that he allegedly used law enforcement to help Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the weeks following his 2018 election victory.
The bureau’s response came as a result of a FOIA request from NBC News seeking information about the alleged plan to use U.S. attorneys and FBI agents to stop the ballot “theft” allegedly taking place in Florida’s Broward County .
Exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, an ally of far-right activist and former Trump aide Steve Bannon, has been arrested and charged by federal prosecutors in connection with a sprawling fraud case.
He owned the 152-foot yacht on which Bannon was arrested in August 2020 and helped start a media group, which is also subject to a separate federal investigation.
Meanwhile, New York federal prosecutors are also investigating Truth Social’s parent company, Trump Media, over two $8 million loans that appear to have been tied to an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In addition, investigators are intensifying investigations into hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.
Steve Bannon’s billionaire Chinese ally Guo Wengui has been arrested by the FBI
Exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, an ally of far-right activist and former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, has been arrested and charged by federal prosecutors in connection with a broad fraud case.
He owned the 152-foot yacht on which Bannon was arrested in August 2020 and helped start a media group, which is also subject to a separate federal investigation.
Alex Woodwart has the latest from New York.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 6:20 p.m
In the most recent poll, Biden defeated both Trump and DeSantis
The latest poll from Quinnipiac University shows former President Donald Trump overtaking Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a potential GOP primary, but if either is up against President Joe Biden, the incumbent has the best of them
Biden has a 49-45 lead over Trump and a slim margin that borders on a dead heat to DeSantis 47-46.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 6:08 p.m
DeSantis camp says “inappropriate to use state ethics for partisan purposes”
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 6:02 p.m
Ethics allegations against DeSantis show Trumpworld is ‘nervous’
Former Trump official Ken Cuccinelli, who now heads a PAC for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, says the ethical allegations leveled at the governor are a sign Trumpworld is “nervous” that he is against the former president run for office
“The President Trump that I knew would never have played those kinds of establishment games. I am shocked but not surprised,” says Mr. Cuccinelli.
“DeSantis is leading the fight against the Awakened Left, but Trump wants him removed from office because DeSantis’ book has sold better than Trump’s book. In the words of President Trump: SAD!”
John Bowden got the whole story here:
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 6:00 p.m
Michael Cohen is expected to complete his testimony today
Former Donald Trump fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify before a grand jury in Manhattan today hearing evidence against the former president.
Mr Cohen, who first appeared before the panel on Monday, is believed to be one of the last witnesses called by prosecutors in their investigation.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 5:55 p.m
Trump attorney launches into on-air spat over hush money case papers on MSNBC host
Trump attorney Joseph Tacopina grabbed MSNBC host Ari Melber’s papers live as they argued over the former president’s hush money case involving porn actor Stormy Daniels.
Mr Melber read from a transcript of Mr Trump’s and said he was unaware of the hush money payment made to Ms Daniels during the 2016 campaign to prevent her from using her allegation that she had an affair with Mr Trump in 2006 to go public.
Gustav Kilander reports on the irritated encounter.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 5:30 p.m
The FBI denies Trump’s claim that he “sent” FBI agents to help DeSantis stop voter fraud in 2018
The FBI has officially dismissed a claim last year by former President Donald Trump that he allegedly used law enforcement to help Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the weeks following his 2018 election victory.
The bureau’s response came as a result of a FOIA request from NBC News seeking information about the alleged plan to use U.S. attorneys and FBI agents to stop the ballot “theft” allegedly taking place in Florida’s Broward County .
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 5:05 p.m
Chip Roy endorses Ron DeSantis for President
Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas sent an email endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.
Governor DeSantis has not officially announced his candidacy.
Tell Mr. Roy in the email, “The next President of the United States must be a vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision and courage to chart a new course. America needs a leader who will truly defend it and empower the people against the destructive force of rampant government and corporate excesses, lavish spending and awakened cultural indoctrination.”
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 4:55 p.m
Trump-appointed judge to preside over a high-profile abortion drug case
A forthcoming decision by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk to potentially even temporarily bar access to mifepristone could turn access to medical abortion nationwide, even in states where access to medical care is protected by law. Abortion rights advocates protest the challenge in a series of demonstrations in Texas.
Alex Woodwart follows the story.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 4:40 p.m
When is a lie not a lie?
Donald Trump’s lawyer has defended the former president, saying he lied about payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels to avoid breaching a confidentiality agreement.
In an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday, Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, was asked to reach out to the former president, who declined to make a $130,000 payment to Ms. Daniels during the 2016 presidential election to buy her silence over an alleged affair .
“He lied about it,” MSNBC host Ari Melber said, referring to the hush payment allegedly made to Ms Daniels.
Mr. Tacopina replied that a lie is only one when told under oath.
Sravasti Dasgupta Reports:
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 15, 2023 4:15 p.m
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-pence-desantis-finances-latest-news-b2301234.html Trump news today: Michael Cohen’s hush-moon testimony before grand jury to be completed as Trump attorney in on-air spat
