Trump news – live: Michigan official speaks to 2020 election probe as Christie mocks Trump ‘fantasy situation’

Justice Department investigators have interviewed Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson as part of their investigation into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Ms Benson’s meeting with prosecutors working for special counsel Jack Smith took place last month and lasted for “several hours”, a source told CNN on Wednesday.

Michigan was one of the crucial battleground states targeted by the former president and his allies as he tried to overturn Joe Biden’s legal victory.

This comes as Mr Trump’s legal troubles are heating up with a grand jury sworn in Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the investigation into his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating Mr Trump after he called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in early 2021 and urged him to “find 11,780 votes”.

Meanwhile, rival Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie spoke out about the criminal case around Mr Trump’s handling of classified documents.

Mr Christie told CNN he thinks Mr Trump’s “fantasy situation” is that the trial is delayed until after the 2024 election, he is elected president and then manages to block the investigation.

Key points

• Special counsel has interviewed senior state official in Michigan in Trump probe, report says

• Trump fumes about ‘crooked’ DOJ after losing immunity in E Jean Carroll case

• DeSantis not interested in being Trump running mate

• Georgia grand jury sworn in to consider Trump charges over attempts to upend 2020 election

• Judge sets date for first classified documents hearing

Fox News and Tucker Carlson sued by Ray Epps for ‘defamatory attacks’ after January 6

09:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The man at the center of a right-wing conspiracy theory surrounding January 6 and the attack on the US Capitol has filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News and Tucker Carlson for amplifying a “fantastical” story alleging he is an undercover federal agent who incited a riot.

A lawsuit from Ray Epps follows a cease-and-desist letter sent to the network earlier this year, demanding that Carlson retract his “false and defamatory” statements about him and deliver a “formal on-air apology” for the “lies” he promoted.

Alex Woodward has the details.

Ray Epps sues Fox News and Tucker Carlson for ‘defamatory attacks’ after January 6

After white nationalist comments, Tuberville says he can’t be racist because he’s a football coach

08:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) denied that he is a racist based on the premise that he coached college football for years and worked with many people of colour even as he faces criticisms about his comments regarding white nationalism.

Mr Tuberville served as head coach of four major Division I NCAA football teams, including the University of Mississippi, the University of Cincinnati, Texas Tech University and Auburn University, which is based in Alabama.

A reporter for NBC News asked him about his previous comments about white nationalism.

Here’s what he said:

GOP senator now says he can’t be racist because he’s a football coach

FBI director Christopher Wray shoots down ‘ludicrous’ January 6 conspiracy theory

07:15 , Oliver O'Connell

FBI director Christopher Wray has rejected a far-reaching conspiracy theory that undercover federal agents orchestrated or encouraged rioters to storm the halls of Congress on January 6.

In his sworn testimony to the House Judiciary Committee on 12 July, Mr Wray shot down claims that have been invoked by members of a far-right gang, pundit Tucker Carlson, Republican officials and right-wing conspiracy theorists who have alleged that a deadly riot at the US Capitol was instigated by federal informants and agents.

Alex Woodward reports.

FBI director shoots down ‘ludicrous’ January 6 conspiracy theory

ICYMI: Trump suggests Hunter Biden should get ‘a death sentence’

06:15 , Oliver O'Connell

As a grand jury in Georgia convened to potentially consider criminal charges against him, and as a partisan investigation into his political enemies appears to have imploded, Donald Trump lashed out on his Truth Social with a series of unhinged posts suggesting President Joe Biden’s son should get the death sentence and that a “crackhead” is running the White House.

No, really. He did.

Trump suggests Hunter should get ‘a death sentence’ in unhinged Truth Social attacks

Georgia grand jury sworn in to consider Trump 2020 election charges

05:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A grand jury in Georgia has been sworn in to consider charges against Donald Trump and his allies in their attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.

The office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has helmed the investigation into the former president and his allies for more than two years, following Mr Trump’s pressure campaign targeting state officials to reject the results.

Alex Woodward reports.

Grand jury sworn in to decide if Trump is charged over 2020 election

Executives who helped create Fox News say network has become dangerous ‘disinformation machine’

04:42 , Graeme Massie

In a blog post on Wednesday, Preston Padden, a former lobbyist for the company, Ken Solomon, a former distribution executive, and Bill Reyner, a former lawyer for the then-nascent cable network, all offered a mea culpa.

Executives who helped create Fox News say network has become ‘disinformation machine’

Jan 6 rioter who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge sentenced

04:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A North Carolina man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while awaiting trial for shooting a teenager in the head was sentenced on Tuesday to more than three years in prison for attacking police officers with a flagpole during the riot.

Matthew Jason Beddingfield, 22, was free on pretrial release for an attempted murder charge in Johnston County, North Carolina, when he joined the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Outside the Capitol, Beddingfield flashed a Nazi-style salute after attacking police officers with a pole attached to an American flag, according to federal prosecutors.

Read on...

Man who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge gets over 3 years in prison for riot

GOP congressman accuses Biden of having had ‘so much plastic surgery’

03:39 , Graeme Massie

Rep Greg Murphy of North Carolina was speaking about the president’s upcoming re-election bid on Fox News.

GOP congressman accuses Biden of having had ‘so much plastic surgery’

Mike Lindell is auctioning off MyPillow equipment

03:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Republicans interested in the art of pillow making may be in for a treat this week as MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has had to turn to auctioning off his company’s equipment to make money.

Mr Lindell — who on top of running the pillow company also unofficially serves as Donald Trump‘s number one election denier and booster — announced he would auction off more than 800 items, including personal possessions and equipment from his factories, according to Insider.

Graig Graziosi has the details.

Mike Lindell is auctioning off MyPillow equipment after retailers cut ties

White House warns reporter who yells over colleagues about his behaviour

02:43 , Graeme Massie

Simon Ateba of Today News has said he’s a victim of “discrimination and attacks.”

White House warns reporter who yells over colleagues about his behaviour

GOP presidential candidates jump to defend Iowa governor from Trump attacks

02:15 , Oliver O'Connell

After Donald Trump launched a public attack on Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, other GOP presidential candidates have come to her defence – just six months before the Iowa caucus is set to take place.

In a Truth Social post, Mr Trump objected to Ms Reynolds’ decision to remain “neutral”, believing he is owed an endorsement because he backed her when she was running for governor.

Ariana Baio has the story.

Republican presidential candidates jump to defend Iowa governor from Trump attacks

Special counsel has interviewed senior state official in Michigan in Trump probe, report says

01:51 , Graeme Massie

Michigan was one of the crucial battleground states targeted by the former president and his allies.

Special counsel has interviewed senior state official in Michigan in Trump probe

ICYMI: Jack White hits out at ‘disgusting’ celebrities who spoke with Trump at UFC event

01:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Jack White has lashed out at the celebrities spotted cosying up to Donald Trump at UFC 290 over the weekend.

The former US president was in Las Vegas on Saturday (8 July) night after a volunteer event for his Nevada primary campaign.

While there, the former president attended the mixed martial arts event at the T-Mobile Arena and met celebrities including Mark Wahlberg, American restaurateur Guy Fieri, controversial podcast host Joe Rogan, and Mel Gibson.

Tom Murray reports.

Jack White hits out at ‘disgusting’ Mark Wahlberg over Donald Trump meeting

Bob Woodward says Trump sees democracy as ‘enemy territory’

Thursday 13 July 2023 00:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Longtime Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward said he believes former President Donald Trump “looks at democracy as enemy territory” during an interview on MSNBC.

“The problem with Trump is, I think he looks at democracy as enemy territory, to be quite frank,” Mr Woodward told the network’s Ari Melber on Tuesday.

Mr Woodward knows a thing or two about scandal-plagued presidents. He and Carl Bernstein’s reporting on Watergate at the Washington Post helped end Richard Nixon’s presidency more than five decades ago.

Abe Asher has the story.

Trump sees democracy as ‘enemy territory’ says journalist who helped bring down Nixon

Giuliani blames ‘deep state’ after Washington DC panel recommends he be disbarred

Thursday 13 July 2023 00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Days after a disciplinary committee in Washington DC recommended that Rudy Giuliani be disbarred for his spurious campaign to overturn 2020 election results, the former attorney to Donald Trump suggested that the panel is conspiring to prevent any lawyers from representing the former president in the many cases against him.

Alex Woodward has the story.

Giuliani blames ‘deep state’ after Washington DC panel recommends he be disbarred

January 6 trials: Former 'Jesus Christ Superstar' actor with Oath Keepers ties acquitted

Wednesday 12 July 2023 23:45 , Oliver O'Connell

A former “Jesus Christ Superstar” actor was acquitted Wednesday of conspiring with members of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group to obstruct Congress in the 6 January 2021, US Capitol attack.

James Beeks — a Florida resident who was playing Judas in the travelling production of the musical when he was arrested — was cleared of conspiracy to obstruct Congress’ certification of the 2020 election and civil disorder after a trial in federal court. US District Judge Amit Mehta convicted Beeks’ co-defendant, Ohio resident Donovan Crowl, of the same charges after hearing evidence without a jury.

Read on...

Former 'Jesus Christ Superstar' actor with Oath Keepers ties acquitted of all charges in Jan. 6 riot

Bannon ordered to pay nearly $500K in unpaid legal bills

Wednesday 12 July 2023 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Steve Bannon must pay nearly $500,000 in outstanding legal fees to his former attorneys, a New York judge ruled.

Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump and far-right strategist, was sued earlier this year for allegedly stiffing the Manhattan law firm that has defended him against a cascade of legal troubles in recent years.

In her six-page order released this week, Judge Arlene Bluth found that Bannon paid just $375,000 of more than $850,000 in legal fees he owed to Davidoff, Hutcher & Citron LLP.

Read more...

Steve Bannon ordered to pay nearly $500K in unpaid legal bills

Asa Hutchinson 2024 event in Iowa appears to draw just six people

Wednesday 12 July 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Asa Hutchinson’s longshot campaign for the Republican nomination for president appears to be struggling to generate interest in Iowa.

A photograph shared on Twitter of Mr Hutchinson’s event on Tuesday in the small Iowa town of Nevada appeared to show just six people in the audience as the former Arkansas governor spoke. The photograph was tweeted by Nevada Mayor Brett Barker, who also serves as a senior policy adviser for the Iowa Pharmacy Association.

Abe Asher reports.

Event by White House hopeful Asa Hutchinson in Iowa appears to draw just six people

After white nationalist comments, Tuberville says he can’t be racist because he’s a football coach

Wednesday 12 July 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) denied that he is a racist based on the premise that he coached college football for years and worked with many people of colour even as he faces criticisms about his comments regarding white nationalism.

Mr Tuberville served as head coach of four major Division I NCAA football teams, including the University of Mississippi, the University of Cincinnati, Texas Tech University and Auburn University, which is based in Alabama.

A reporter for NBC News asked him about his previous comments about white nationalism.

Read on...

GOP senator now says he can’t be racist because he’s a football coach

FBI director shoots down ‘ludicrous’ January 6 conspiracy theory

Wednesday 12 July 2023 21:45 , Oliver O'Connell

FBI director Christopher Wray has rejected a far-reaching conspiracy theory that undercover federal agents orchestrated or encouraged rioters to storm the halls of Congress on January 6.

In his sworn testimony to the House Judiciary Committee on 12 July, Mr Wray shot down claims that have been invoked by members of a far-right gang, pundit Tucker Carlson, Republican officials and right-wing conspiracy theorists who have alleged that a deadly riot at the US Capitol was instigated by federal informants and agents.

Alex Woodward has the full story.

FBI director shoots down ‘ludicrous’ January 6 conspiracy theory

Everything you need to know about Ray Epps and why he is suing Fox News

Wednesday 12 July 2023 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

When Ray Epps, now 61, arrived in Washington DC in early January, 2021, he believed he was answering the call of his president.

Mr Epps was one of the thousands of MAGA loyalists who believed former President Donald Trump‘s lie that the 2020 election had been stolen. He also thought he and a throng of conservative allies would protest the election’s certification.

The night before the Capitol riot on Jan 6, Mr Epps told a crowd of fellow Trump supporters that they should enter the Capitol. This exchange was caught on video. He did not call for violence, and later claimed that he was encouraging a peaceful protest inside the building.

Nearly 900 people have been arrested for their participation in the failed insurrection that occurred the following day. Though Mr Epps is not among that number, he has nonetheless become the focus of a MAGA-world conspiracy theory placing the blame for the entire debacle squarely on his shoulders.

Graig Graziosi breaks down the conspiracy.

Everything we know about Ray Epps and the Jan 6 conspiracy theory surrounding him

DeSantis not interested in being Trump running mate

Wednesday 12 July 2023 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantis said that he would not be interested in running as Donald Trump’s vice president if the former president wins the 2024 nomination.

“I’m not a number two,” Mr DeSantis said, answering a question during an appearance on the Wisconsin Right Now podcast.

“I think I’m a leader. Governor of Florida, I’ve been able to accomplish a lot. I think I probably could do more staying there than being VP, which doesn’t really have any authority.”

The Trump campaign was quick to respond: “Ron DeSantis isn’t anybody’s guy. He’s not ‘the guy.’ He’s just ‘a guy,’” Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Mr Trump said in a statement. “Ron is just there, sullen and sad, because his numbers are as tiny as him.”

Full story: Trump fumes about ‘crooked’ DOJ after losing immunity in E Jean Carroll case

Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump reacted with fury to news that the US Department of Justice no longer considers him immune from a defamation lawsuit from E Jean Carroll.

Ms Caroll is suing Mr Trump for denying that he sexually assaulted her in Manhattan during the 1990s. In 2019, while serving as president, Mr Trump said that Ms Carroll was “not my type,” and that the alleged assault “never happened.”

Abe Asher has the full story.

Trump fumes about DOJ after losing immunity in E Jean Carroll case

Search inventory of Jan 6 defendant who parked van outside Obama home released

Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The search inventory of the van belonging to January 6 defendant Taylor Taranto has been released. He parked it near the Obamas’ home in Washington DC after he got the address from a social media post by Donald Trump.

Among the contents of the van were two .9mm pistols, 581 rounds of 9mm ammo, 13 magazines, and a machete.

Ray Epps sues Fox News and Tucker Carlson for ‘defamatory attacks’

Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The man at the centre of a right-wing conspiracy theory surrounding January 6 and the attack on the US Capitol has filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News and Tucker Carlson for amplifying a “fantastical” story alleging he is an undercover federal agent who incited a riot.

Alex Woodward reports on this developing story.

Ray Epps sues Fox News and Tucker Carlson for ‘defamatory attacks’ after January 6

FBI director Christopher Wray and Matt Gaetz tussle over trust in bureau

Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and FBI Director Christopher Wray got into a testy exchange about trust in the FBI on Wednesday.

Mr Wray appeared before the House Judiciary Committee as part of the committee’s oversight of the bureau. Republicans have repeatedly criticised Mr Wray, whom former president Donald Trump nominated in 2017 after he fired former director James Comey.

Mr Gaetz criticised Mr Wray for his tenure leading the FBI, a law enforcement agency that was once revered by members of the GOP.

Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill.

Christopher Wray hits back at Gaetz after Republican presses him on trust in the FBI

Who is Gal Luft?

Wednesday 12 July 2023 19:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Gal Luft claimed to have dirt on the Bidens, but now the Department of Justice say he’s a Chinese spy.

Andrew Feinberg explains.

Gal Luft claimed he had dirt on the Bidens – now he’s facing charges

Jan 6 suspect arrested near Obama's home will remain jail until trial, judge rules

Wednesday 12 July 2023 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A man charged in the Capitol riot who had guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his van when he was arrested near former President Barack Obama‘s Washington home will remain in jail while he awaits trial, a federal magistrate judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui agreed with federal prosecutors that Taylor Taranto represents a danger to the community if he is released. Taranto’s lawyer said the judge’s decision will be appealed.

Read more...

Capitol riot suspect arrested near Obama's home will remain jail until trial, judge rules

Virginia GOP rolls out early and absentee voting push

Wednesday 12 July 2023 18:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Virginia Republicans on Tuesday launched an early and absentee voting push ahead of this fall’s critical legislative elections, an initiative intended to boost ballot access measures that GOP lawmakers in the state have sought to roll back in recent years.

Read more...

Virginia Republicans roll out early and absentee voting push ahead of legislative elections

Jan 6 rioter who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge is sentenced

Wednesday 12 July 2023 17:30 , Oliver O'Connell

A North Carolina man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while awaiting trial for shooting a teenager in the head was sentenced on Tuesday to more than three years in prison for attacking police officers with a flagpole during the riot.

Matthew Jason Beddingfield, 22, was free on pretrial release for an attempted murder charge in Johnston County, North Carolina, when he joined the riot on 6 January 2021.

Man who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge gets over 3 years in prison for riot

Watch: Christie says Trump will ‘bend over’ for Putin and give up Ukraine

Wednesday 12 July 2023 17:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Democrats want probe into whether Gal Luft made claims about Biden to help China

Wednesday 12 July 2023 17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A pair of top Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are asking Chairman James Comer to look into whether the accused foreign agent who claims to be a “whistleblower” against President Joe Biden and his son was acting to further Chinese interests when he accused the Bidens of crimes.

Andrew Feinberg has the latest.

Dems call for probe into whether Gal Luft made claims about Biden to help China

Watch: FBI Director Christopher Wray denies January 6 conspiracy theories

Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Judge orders Taylor Taranto detained until trial

Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:42 , Oliver O'Connell

A judge has ordered that Taylor Taranto be detained until his trial.

Mr Taranto is the Trump supporter and January 6 defendant who showed up at the Obamas’ home in Washington, DC with guns and ammo in his van after Trump posted the address on social media.

Judge Zia Farriqui says there is clear and convincing evidence Mr Taranto poses a danger but is not concerned he is a “flight risk”.

ICYMI: Trump suggests Hunter Biden should get ‘a death sentence’

Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

...and then he claimed a “crackhead” is running the White House.

Just another Tuesday on Truth Social.

Trump suggests Hunter should get ‘a death sentence’ in unhinged Truth Social attacks

Watch: FBI Director Christopher Wray denies Mar-a-Lago search was a “raid"

Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Murdoch wants Youngkin in GOP race, report says

Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

With the shine coming off the Ron DeSantis campaign and reservations over another Trump candidacy, media mogul Rupert Murdoch reportedly has his sights on Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Per The New York Times:

Mr Murdoch has privately told people that he would still like to see Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia enter the race, according to a person with knowledge of the remarks. And he has made clear in private discussions over the last two years that he thinks Mr Trump, despite his popularity with Fox News viewers, is unhealthy for the Republican Party.

Full story: White House cheers ‘Bidenomics’ as inflation rises by only 0.2%

Wednesday 12 July 2023 15:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation ticked up by only 0.2 per cent in June and had its lowest 12-month increase in more than two years, in a welcome turn of events for President Joe Biden.

Eric Garcia reports from Washington, DC.

White House cheers ‘Bidenomics’ as inflation rises by only 0.2%

Trump reacts to DoJ decision to not defend him in E Jean Carroll case

Wednesday 12 July 2023 14:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is predictably not happy after the Department of Justice told a federal judge in New York that it will no longer defend him in a defamation case brought by writer E Jean Carroll.

In a letter to the attorneys for Mr Trump and Ms Carroll, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton said the department would now decline to certify that Mr Trump was acting in the scope of his job as President of the United States when he denied attacking Ms Carroll in June 2019 and accused her of fabricating a sexual assault claim against him to boost book sales.

Here’s how the former president reacted on Truth Social this morning (yes, he’s doing the “Page 1” thing again on his posts):

Page 1: The DOJ will not defend me in the E. Jean Carroll civil case, which is all part of the political Witch Hunt, lawyered up by a political operative who I just beat in another case, financed by a big political funder, and “judged” by a Clinton appointee who truly hates “TRUMP.” The statements that I made about Carroll are all true. I didn’t Rape her (I won that at trial) and other than for this case, I have NO IDEA WHO SHE IS, WHAT SHE LOOKS LIKE, OR ANYTHING ABOUT HER….

Page 2: The Carroll civil case against me is a Miscarriage of Justice and a total Scam. The trial was very unfair, with the other side being able to do and present virtually anything they wanted, and our side being largely and wrongfully shut down by an absolutely hostile, biased, and out of control judge. My lawyers, due to their respect for the Office of the President and the incredulity of the case, did not want me to testify, or even be at the trial…..

Page 3: The net result of this horrible INJUSTICE, where a completely unknown to me woman made up a ridiculous story, wrote it in a book to increase publicity and sales, I correctly disputed the story and got sued for Defamation, whereupon a hostile Judge and Jury shockingly awarded a woman who I don’t know, have never known, and don’t want to know, $5,000,000, while at the same time throwing out the Fake Rape claim. WE ARE STRONGLY APPEALING THIS TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE!!!

Here’s Andrew Feinberg’s report on the Justice Department’s decision:

Justice Dept won’t defend Trump in E Jean Carroll defamation suit

Tuberville says white nationalists are racists after weeks of declining to say so

Wednesday 12 July 2023 14:35 , Oliver O'Connell

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday backed off his defence of white nationalists, telling reporters in the Capitol that white nationalists “are racists.”

This took weeks...

Alabama senator says white nationalists are racists after weeks of declining to say so