Trump news – live: 35 Republicans defy ex-president to back Capitol riot commission

Donald Trump has hit out at the New York attorney general after the civil investigation into the Trump Orginasation became a criminal investigation.

Trump railed against AG Letitia James as a political opponent using her office to take out her enemies, saying its investigation was "based on a lying, discredited low life".

Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen responded to the big news about New York’s criminal investigation by sharing a photoshopped photo of his old boss behind bars.

It comes as Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he will oppose the creation of a commission to investigate the Capitol riot on 6 January.

“After careful consideration. I’ve made the decision to oppose the House Democrats slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January the 6th,” he said on the Senate floor.

European Union countries, meanwhile, agreed on Wednesday to ease Covid travel restrictions on US visitors ahead of the summer tourist season – although only to those with full vaccinations.

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