A senior federal judge in Louisiana died Saturday, days before he was to preside over the trial of a private investigator accused of trying to get Donald Trump's tax returns illegally during the 2016 presidential campaign, court officials said. less
A senior federal judge in Louisiana died Saturday, days before he was to preside over the trial of a private investigator accused of trying to get Donald Trump's tax returns illegally during the 2016 ... more
Click through the slideshow to see the major developments from President Trump's first term in office.
Click through the slideshow to see the major developments from President Trump's first term in office.
Photo: Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Reince Priebus out, John Kelly in - July 28
After weeks of speculation, Trump announced on Twitter that he was reliving former GOP party head Reince Priebus from his position as the White House chief of staff and replacing him with Ret. Gen. John F. Kelly, the secretary of Homeland Security.
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Reince Priebus out, John Kelly in - July 28
After weeks of speculation, Trump announced on Twitter that he was reliving former GOP party head Reince Priebus from his position as the White House chief of staff
... more
Photo: DOUG MILLS, NYT
Health Care battle - July
Republican senators spent weeks working on a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Conservatives feared the Better Care Reconciliation Act (the Senate version of the original House bill) didn't go far enough to repeal Obamacare, and moderates felt it went too far. It ultimately failed in a 51-49 vote.
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Health Care battle - July
Republican senators spent weeks working on a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Conservatives feared the Better Care Reconciliation Act (the Senate version of the
... more
Photo: DOUG MILLS, NYT
Banning transgender individuals from serving in the military - July 26
In a series of tweets, Trump wrote: “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.
“Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you."
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Banning transgender individuals from serving in the military - July 26
In a series of tweets, Trump wrote: “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States
... more
Photo: Alex Brandon, Associated Press
Unveiling of Senate health care bill - June 22
Senate Republicans released their version of a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Reactions were mixed.
Unveiling of Senate health care bill - June 22
Senate Republicans released their version of a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Reactions were mixed.
Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, STF
Investigation for possible obstruction of justice - June 14
Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russia's role in 2016's presidential election, began interviewing senior intelligence officials as part of an investigation that now includes an looking into whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct justice, according to officials.
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Investigation for possible obstruction of justice - June 14
Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russia's role in 2016's presidential election, began interviewing senior intelligence officials as
... more
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords - June 1
President Trump announced his decision to exit the climate deal but stated that he would be open to re-entering the deal if it could be renegotiated. Trump's decision to exit the deal drew
heavy criticism.
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords - June 1
President Trump announced his decision to exit the climate deal but stated that he would be open to re-entering the deal if it could be renegotiated. Trump's
... more
Photo: DOUG MILLS, NYT
First foreign trip - May 20-27
Trump embarked on his first
foreign trip as president of the United States in late May. He visited Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome and Brussels.
First foreign trip - May 20-27
Trump embarked on his first
foreign trip as president of the United States in late May. He visited Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome and Brussels.
Photo: AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Leaking of classified information to Russian diplomats - May 15
The
Washington Post reported that President Trump revealed highly-classified information regarding the Islamic State to the Russian foreign minister and US ambassador during a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office. The information came from an unnamed ally who reportedly did not give the US permission to share it.
Leaking of classified information to Russian diplomats - May 15
The
Washington Post reported that President Trump revealed highly-classified information regarding the Islamic State to the Russian foreign
Photo: AFP / Russian Foreign Ministry
Firing of James Comey - May 9President Trump abruptly fired embattled FBI Director James Comey and admitted to NBC's Lester Holt that the firing came down to Comey's handling of the Russia probe. "When I decided to (fire Comey), I said to myself, I said you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story," Trump said.
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Firing of James Comey - May 9
President Trump abruptly fired embattled FBI Director James Comey and admitted to NBC's Lester Holt that the firing came down to Comey's handling of the Russia probe. "When I
... more
Photo: Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press
Revised American Health Care Act clears the House - May 4
A new version of the AHCA narrowly passed the House after earning the backing of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Some of the
new components of the bill include allowing states to opt out of Obamacare mandates (including one that prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions) and Medicaid cuts.
Revised American Health Care Act clears the House - May 4
A new version of the AHCA narrowly passed the House after earning the backing of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Some of the
new components of the
Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press
Unveiling of tax plan - April 26
The White House unveiled their highly-anticipated
tax plan, which includes reducing the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. It also reduces the number of tax brackets from seven to three.
Unveiling of tax plan - April 26
The White House unveiled their highly-anticipated
tax plan, which includes reducing the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. It also reduces the number of tax brackets from seven to
Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images
Proposed tariff on Canadian lumber - April 25The Trump administration is proposing 24% duties on "softwood" lumber imported from Canada. "People don't realize Canada's been very rough on the United States," President Trump stated. "Everyone thinks of Canada as being wonderful, and so do I. I love Canada. But they've outsmarted our politicians for many years."
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Proposed tariff on Canadian lumber - April 25
The Trump administration is proposing 24% duties on "softwood" lumber imported from Canada. "People don't realize Canada's been very rough on the United States,"
... more
Photo: Pool, Getty Images
Dropping the "mother of all bombs" on an ISIS-held tunnel in Afghanistan - April 13President Trump praised the strike, stating: "We have the greatest military in the world, and they've done a job as usual, so we have given them total authorization, and that's what they're doing. And, frankly, that's why they've been so successful lately. If you look at what's happened over the last eight weeks and compare that, really, to what's happened over the last eight years, you'll see there's a tremendous difference."
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Dropping the "mother of all bombs" on an ISIS-held tunnel in Afghanistan - April 13
President Trump praised the strike, stating: "We have the greatest military in the world, and they've done a job as usual, so
... more
Photo: US Air Force, TNS
Missile strike on Syria - April 6
Following the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on civilians, President Trump
authorized the firing of 50-60 tomahawk missiles on the Syrian airbase that launched the attack.
Missile strike on Syria - April 6
Following the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on civilians, President Trump
authorized the firing of 50-60 tomahawk missiles on the Syrian airbase that launched the
Photo: ROBERT S. PRICE, US Navy
American Health Care Act pulled from House floor - March 24
After facing too many defections from House Republicans, President Trump and Speaker Ryan were forced to
pull the American Health Care Act from the House floor. Moderate Republicans thought the bill went too far in removing health programs, and more conservative Republicans called the bill "Obamacare lite."
American Health Care Act pulled from House floor - March 24
... more
Photo: STEPHEN CROWLEY, NYT
Authorization of NASA funding, Mars exploration - March 21
President Trump signed
a bill that authorizes $19.5 billion in NASA spending for the 2018 fiscal year. This was the first authorization bill to reach the president's desk since 2010. The bill also makes the putting humans on Mars a "priority" for the agency.
Authorization of NASA funding, Mars exploration - March 21
President Trump signed
a bill that authorizes $19.5 billion in NASA spending for the 2018 fiscal year. This was the first authorization bill to reach
Photo: DOUG MILLS, STF / NYT
American Health Care Act reveal - March 7
President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan unveiled the American Health Care Act, the GOP-written bill to replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill has been criticized by both
Republicans and
Democrats.
American Health Care Act reveal - March 7
President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan unveiled the American Health Care Act, the GOP-written bill to replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill has been criticized
... more
Revised travel ban - March 6
After the previous travel ban was put on hold by a federal judge, the president signed a
revised executive order on immigration. Some of the major changes include: removing Iraq from the list of countries subject to the ban, changing the Syrian refugee waiting time from indefinitely to 90 days, and allowing green card holders to come and go as they please. The ban was
blocked by a Hawaii judge, who questioned the motivations of the ban.
Revised travel ban - March 6
After the previous travel ban was put on hold by a federal judge, the president signed a
revised executive order on immigration. Some of the major changes include: removing Iraq from
Photo: White House
Nomination of Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor- Feb. 16
President Trump
nominated Alexander Acosta, a former U.S. attorney in Miami and dean of Florida International University’s College of Law after Andy Puzder
withdrew his nomination for the position.
Nomination of Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor- Feb. 16
President Trump
nominated Alexander Acosta, a former U.S. attorney in Miami and dean of Florida International University’s College of Law after
Photo: Joe Raedle
New sanctions on Iran - Feb. 3
The Trump ordered new sanctions on Iran after the country conducted a ballistic missile test. “The days of turning a blind eye to Iran’s hostile and belligerent actions toward the United States and the world community are over,” Michael Flynn, President Trump’s national security adviser, said in a statement.
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The Trump ordered new sanctions on Iran after the country conducted a ballistic missile test. “The days of turning a blind eye to Iran’s hostile and belligerent actions toward
... more
Appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court - Feb. 1
President Trump
appointed federal judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat left by Antonin Scalia. Prior to his nomination, Gorsuch served as an appellate judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court - Feb. 1
... more
Photo: AL DRAGO, NYT
A call for a plan to defeat ISIS - Jan. 31
President Trump signed a presidential memorandum that commands Secretary of Defense James Mattis to develop a plan to
defeat ISIS within 30 days.
Pictured: Afghan Solidarity members burn an IS flag during a rally against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and the US Presence in Afghanistan.
lessA call for a plan to defeat ISIS - Jan. 31
President Trump signed a presidential memorandum that commands Secretary of Defense James Mattis to develop a plan to
defeat ISIS within 30 days.
Pictured: Afghan
... more
Immigration ban for seven majority Muslim countries - Jan. 27
The president's most controversial executive order suspending U.S. immigration and travel for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, until "new vetting measures" are established. Thousands of Americans took to airports to protest the order, which caused chaos as a number of travelers were held in limbo at airports.
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Immigration ban for seven majority Muslim countries - Jan. 27
The president's most controversial executive order suspending U.S. immigration and travel for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria
... more
Photo: Marcus Yam/LA Times Via Getty Images
"New vetting measures" for immigrants - Jan. 27
President Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 27 barring all refugees from entering the U.S. and calling for "new vetting measures." All refugees were not allowed to come to the U.S. for four months and those from war-ravaged Syria were indefinitely barred.
"I'm establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America. We don't want 'em here,"
Trump said. "We want to ensure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas. We only want to admit those into our country who will support our country and love deeply our people."
Photo: MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images
Strengthening ICE, deportation instructions and cracking down on sanctuary cities - Jan. 25President Trump signed an executive order that calls for the hiring of 10,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Also included in the order is a mandate for federal agencies to "step up" and deport undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime, charged with a crime, committed a chargeable offense, misrepresented themselves to the government, abused a welfare program, are under deportation order and who may “in the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security." The order also calls for the U.S Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to block federal grants to "sanctuary cities" that do not follow federal immigration laws.
Pictured: In this Aug. 17, 2015 file photo, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrest a man in San Antonio, Texas.
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Strengthening ICE, deportation instructions and cracking down on sanctuary cities - Jan. 25
President Trump signed an executive order that calls for the hiring of 10,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement
... more
Photo: John Davenport, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - Jan. 23
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Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - Jan. 23
... more
Photo: Pool
Judge dies days before trial of private eye over Trump taxes
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (AP) — A senior federal judge in Louisiana died Saturday, days before he was to preside over the trial of a private investigator accused of trying to get Donald Trump's tax returns illegally during the 2016 presidential campaign, court officials said.
Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson of Louisiana's Middle District said Saturday in a statement that Judge James J. Brady had died. Michael McConnell, clerk of court for the district, confirmed that Brady died Saturday at a Baton Rouge hospital after a brief illness.
Brady was to preside as jury selection began Monday in the trial of Jordan Hamlett. It was not immediately clear what would happen with the trial following Brady's death.
The 32-year-old Lafayette resident is charged with misusing a Social Security number in his attempts to access Trump's tax information through a government website. Authorities say Hamlett failed in his attempts to get Trump's tax returns several weeks before last year's presidential election.
ALSO: Trump returns to Palm Beach after trip to Mississippi (story continues below)
Hamlett's attorney says he didn't have "intent to deceive" — a key element of the charge he faces.
Every president since Jimmy Carter has released tax returns, in what has become an American tradition during presidential elections. Trump has refused to release his.
A biography on the court's website says Brady was nominated to the bench in 1999 by then-President Bill Clinton and assumed senior status in December 2013. Senior status is a form of semi-retirement for federal judges, who get lifetime appointments. It enables them to take reduced caseloads while continuing to draw a salary.
The district's chief judge said in his statement that Brady's fellow judges "mourn the loss of our esteemed colleague and friend." He continued, "Judge Brady's remarkable career as a federal judge was exemplary and his commitment to providing equal justice under the law resonated throughout his career as a lawyer and a judge. He will forever be remembered for his extraordinary integrity, compassion and devotion to the rule of law."
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement that Brady "represented honesty, fairness and integrity on the federal bench in Louisiana, and his wisdom in the courtroom will be sorely missed."
Acting U.S. Attorney Corey R. Amundson called him "a great man, and a dedicated jurist with tremendous compassion, integrity and ability."
http://www.timesunion.com/news/us/article/Judge-dies-days-before-trial-Donald-Trump-12419076.php
