WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his push to use a coronavirus relief package to fund a new FBI headquarters near his Washington hotel despite opposition from fellow Republicans, citing his background as a real estate developer.
The bill, which is being negotiated in the Senate before the expiration of a number of provisions aimed at helping Americans stave off financial losses amid the coronavirus pandemic, is on rough ground with the White House at odds with both Democrats and Trump’s own Republicans over the measure.
Trump at first did not directly answer questions about whether he would drop his demand for $1.8 billion to fund a new FBI headquarters in downtown Washington. He later said the provision ‘should stay’.
‘Republicans should go back to school and learn’, he told reporters at the White House, referring to opposition from conservative lawmakers. ‘I’m very good at real estate’.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel, asked about the provision this week, referred questions to the White House.
The Trump administration’s abrupt reversal of a years-long plan to relocate the FBI’s main office from the heart of the nation’s capital to the surrounding suburbs has drawn scrutiny since Trump scuttled the move in late 2017.
The FBI’s current headquarters is one block from the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, and Democrats have accused Trump of seeking to prevent the sale of the site to a private developer and possible competitor. The matter is currently under review by the Department of Justice.
Trump, who still owns his company but has said his sons run its day-to-day operations, became disqualified from buying the FBI site when he became president in 2017. His ownership of the hotel as president has also faced lawsuits.
The Unites States on Thursday imposed a boar array of sanctions on Russia to punish it for election interference, cyber – hacking, bullying Ukraine and other ‘malign’ acts. The measures blacklisted Russian companies, expelled Russian diplomats and placed limits on the Russian sovereign debt market in steps sure to anger Moscow. Among the actions, President … More U.S. Imposes Wide Array Of Sanctions On Russia For ‘Malign’ Actions
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth return to royal duties on Tuesday, four days after the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in an event to mark the retirement of her household’s most senior official, PA Media reported. The queen hosted a ceremony as the Earl Peel stepped down as Lord Chamberlain, the report added. Philip, who has … More Queen Elizabeth Returns To Royal Duties Four Days After Her Husband’s Death – PM Media
The Arab coalition destroyed a Houthi explosive – laden drone launched toward Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Al – Ekhbariya reported. The drone targeting Jazan is the latest in a long line of attacks against the Kingdom by the Iran – back Houthi militia. The coalition said the attack is a continuation of the Houthi’s systematic … More Arab Coalition Destroys Houthi Drone Targeting Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with a wide selection of cultural events and interactive activities. Ithra is offering visitors a chance to take part in events focused on national traditions and Saudi Arabian heritage, as well as different interactive workshops. The centre’s Ramadan program also includes a collection … More Saudi Arabia’s Ithra Celebrates Ramadan With Cultural Events, Activities
Reuters News has name one of its top editors, Alessandra Galloni, as it its next editor-in-chief, the first woman to lead the global – spanning news agency in its 170-year history. A native of Rome, Galloni, 47, will replace Stephen J. Adler, who is retiring this month after leading the newsroom for the past decade. … More Reuters Names Alessandra Galloni As Its Next Editor – In – Chief