Here's what's making headlines in the political world Wednesday, August 1, 2018:
Trump calls on AG Sessions to end Mueller probe
-- President Trump once again took aim at U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, asking him to put an end to the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
In a series of tweets Wednesday morning, Trump quoted a statement made by attorney Alan Dershowitz during a recent appearance on Fox News:
“FBI Agent Peter Strzok (on the Mueller team) should have recused himself on day one. He was out to STOP THE ELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP. He needed an insurance policy. Those are illegal, improper goals, trying to influence the Election. He should never, ever been allowed to........ remain in the FBI while he himself was being investigated. This is a real issue. It won’t go into a Mueller Report because Mueller is going to protect these guys. Mueller has an interest in creating the illusion of objectivity around his investigation.”
“FBI Agent Peter Strzok (on the Mueller team) should have recused himself on day one. He was out to STOP THE ELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP. He needed an insurance policy. Those are illegal, improper goals, trying to influence the Election. He should never, ever been allowed to........
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2018
.....remain in the FBI while he himself was being investigated. This is a real issue. It won’t go into a Mueller Report because Mueller is going to protect these guys. Mueller has an interest in creating the illusion of objectivity around his investigation.” ALAN DERSHOWITZ....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2018
Trump then urged Sessions to end the “Rigged Witch Hunt right now, before it continues to stain our country any further.”
..This is a terrible situation and Attorney General Jeff Sessions should stop this Rigged Witch Hunt right now, before it continues to stain our country any further. Bob Mueller is totally conflicted, and his 17 Angry Democrats that are doing his dirty work are a disgrace to USA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2018
In May 2017, Sessions recused himself from all investigations that involve the 2016 presidential campaign. Following his decision, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein selected Robert Mueller to lead the Russia probe.
The president later tweeted:
"Russian Collusion with the Trump Campaign, one of the most successful in history, is a TOTAL HOAX. The Democrats paid for the phony and discredited Dossier which was, along with Comey, McCabe, Strzok and his lover, the lovely Lisa Page, used to begin the Witch Hunt. Disgraceful!”
Russian Collusion with the Trump Campaign, one of the most successful in history, is a TOTAL HOAX. The Democrats paid for the phony and discredited Dossier which was, along with Comey, McCabe, Strzok and his lover, the lovely Lisa Page, used to begin the Witch Hunt. Disgraceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2018
The president also commented on his ex-campaign manager, Paul Manafort, who is on trial on numerous fraud allegations.
“Paul Manafort worked for Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and many other highly prominent and respected political leaders. He worked for me for a very short time. Why didn’t government tell me that he was under investigation. These old charges have nothing to do with Collusion - a Hoax!”
Paul Manafort worked for Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and many other highly prominent and respected political leaders. He worked for me for a very short time. Why didn’t government tell me that he was under investigation. These old charges have nothing to do with Collusion - a Hoax!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2018
Trump’s voter ID comments raise eyebrows
-- During a rally in Tampa, Florida, Tuesday night, President Trump spoke on the need for voters to display an identification card at the polls, but he stated that the ID was necessary for citizens to buy groceries.
As Trump addressed non-American citizens voting in elections, he told the audience that ID is a requirement for other actions except voting.
President Trump, telling his supporters why he wanted Americans to be required to show identification before casting their votes, claimed that they needed to have IDs "to buy groceries." He did not elaborate. https://t.co/iYSYzA2XxM pic.twitter.com/H4DGjZVYxy
— CNN (@CNN) August 1, 2018
While photo IDs are required to buy alcohol, cigarettes and certain types of medication, they are not required when purchasing general, everyday items.
The president’s remarks spurred reaction -- mostly sarcastic -- on social media.
Trump: "If you go out and you want to buy groceries, you need a picture on a card. You need ID."
This man has never bought a carton of milk in his life, has he?
— Kaili Joy Gray (@KailiJoy) July 31, 2018
Of course Trump is the guy who writes a check when buying groceries https://t.co/am2cifIYTB
— Tyler Cralle (@tylercralle) August 1, 2018
Trump just claimed at a rally in Florida that you need to 'show ID' in order to buy groceries. This is what happens when you ask Rudy Giuliani for advice on how normal people shop.
— Rory Tingle (@RoryTingle1) July 31, 2018
You need an ID to buy groceries? How out of touch can you be? How much does a loaf of bread cost Trump? Do you know?
— Gayla (@gayla5son) August 1, 2018
