Communications between president Trumps Campaign aides and russians known to u. S. Intelligence. The president himself didnt address the issue as he spoke to the annual conservative conference, known as cpac. Instead he promoted his aggressive agenda and launched new attacks on the news media saying dishonest reporters do, quote, a tremendous disservice to our country. Shortly after the president s speech, media organizations including cnn and the New York Times, were blocked from attending an offcamera white house briefing. The move is believed to be unprecedented in modern times and prompted some other news os to boycott the press briefing. Also tonight the Police Malaysia say one of the fastest acting chemical agent was used to kill the brother of kim jongun. It was banned under a 1993 comme chemical weapons agreement. Including joe kin castro. Our experts and analysts also standing by. Lets begin with exclusive communications between the Trump Campaign and russians known to u. S. I
More worthy opponent. And words of hope and encouragement across the political world for senator john mccain diagnosed with brain cancer. We have reporters this morning in washington, virginia and nevada on all of these top stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with senator john mccain this morning. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who sacrificed more for their country. Toughest goi out there. Welcome to early start. This is thursday, july 20th, 4 00 a. M. In the east. Lets begin with the president. President trump lashing out at a trio of top current and former officials with connections to the russia investigations. In an interview with the New York Times the president says he would have pick ed someone else to be attorney general if he knew Jeff Sessions would accuse himself on russiarelated matters. The president attacking james comey saying he tried to leverage a a das ya of compromising material in order to keep his job. Robert mueller saying it would be what he called a v
It is pretty outrageous. I love how democrats are saying if it does it doesnt mean anything. They use argument after argument. It doesnt really stand up. We are live in West Palm Beach florida near the president s maralago estate where he is spending this weekend. Hello phil. Hello julie. House Intelligence Committee on the controversial report. The memo summarizing the viewpoints. While they want to release their own memo. A 10 page memo that they say will summarize the democrats opinion from what the committee has learned. They will renew their pledge this week to get the memo released. Some republicans in d. C. This weekend say they welcome that as far as lets let the public see everything. As for the president , he has erected five hours on his Trump International golf course. And now returned to his winter white house at maralago in palm beach. As is often the case, supporters stood along the route. And one Person Holding a sign saying, we love trump and another says investigate t
Explosive story from steve bannon in alabama. Well talk more about the mitt romney tirade. And new details on the president s overnight call with romney. Talk about timing as we wait for the president s sign to show up on capitol hill. He left the trump hotel minutes ago. Hes talking with the House Intelligence Committee there as part of the russia investigation. So youre going to want to hear about the exclusive nbc news reporting on his trump tower meeting with the russian lawyer. Went to start here in washington with our team of reporters spread out. Kristen welker is over at the white house. When we talk about the jerusalem argument, this boils down to the president saying the status quo has not worked so far. This was a key campaign promise. I just spoke with a senior official who underscored that point, but also those who made the point that you just raised which is what we have been doing has not worked. So why not take this step, which by the way past president s said they were
Of war. This one involving america versus its allies. Chief White House Correspondent john roberts starts us off tonight. To hear trump tell it, trade wars are easy to win. Others believe theyre best avoid. In the oval office today with israels Prime Minister, President Trump was standing his ground on imposing tariffs. Were not backing down. We lost 800 billion a year on trade. Not going to happen. We got to get it back. Opposition to the plan is growing. Today paul ryan voiced his concern to the statement from his press aide saying, were worried about the consequences of a trade war and are urging the white house to not advance with this plan. The tax reform plan boosted the economy and we dont want to jeopardize those gains. We have a great relationship with the speaker. We dont agree on everything. Trump denied a trade war. I dont think well have a trade war. He warned americans trading partners, he would punitive action. If they want to do something, well tax their cars that they