Former President Donald Trump seeks to distance himself from a lawyer who he previously claimed worked for him during his legal troubles in Georgia, while maintaining his denial of any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidates for 2024 weigh in on the Israel-Hamas conflict, urging the White House to take more action while resisting a proposal to tie aid for Ukraine and Israel together.
Here are the key takeaways from the Sunday campaign trail.
From ‘wonderful lawyer’ to ‘NOT MY ATTORNEY’
After Sidney Powell, an attorney who ardently supported Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud, pled guilty last week in the Georgia election subversion case, Trump took to social media to assert that she was never his attorney and continued to propagate false claims about the 2020 race.
“Contrary to Fake News reports and without even bothering to ask the Trump Campaign, MS. POWELL WAS NOT MY ATTORNEY, AND NEVER WAS,” declared Trump on social media.
This statement contradicts Trump’s November 2020 announcement, where he named Powell as part of his legal team. On November 14, 2020, he tweeted that Powell was “added to our other wonderful lawyers and representatives.”
Powell has admitted to six misdemeanor charges related to her efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia. As part of her agreement, she must provide truthful testimony about any co-defendants involved in the case. Trump, who is also a co-defendant, has pleaded not guilty to his own charges.
Untangling Ukraine and Israel?
Tim Scott, the only federal officeholder running for the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination, expressed his opposition to the White House’s legislative package that combines military aid for Ukraine and Israel. While he supports providing assistance to both countries, he believes that linking them together with a funding amount of $60 billion for Ukraine is excessive. Scott argues for a singular focus on supporting Israel and highlights the ongoing war it faces. He suggests that the resources and attention of the nation should be immediately directed towards Israel and emphasizes the need for accountability and responsibility in providing resources for Ukraine.
The White House’s proposal includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $7 billion for Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific allies, $9 billion for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, and $14 billion for southern border security with Mexico.
Christie calls for more help for Americans in Gaza
Chris Christie, a Republican presidential contender, believes that the White House should prioritize assisting American citizens in evacuating the Gaza Strip before Israel initiates its expected invasion. Christie questions why it’s proving difficult for the President to facilitate the safe departure of U.S. citizens from the region, particularly when members of Congress are able to enter and exit Israel. The State Department emphasizes that the safety of American citizens abroad is of utmost importance.
Christie further asserts that he does not think the U.S. should accept refugees from the territory, a sentiment shared by other 2024 candidates. He suggests that there are plenty of regional entities that should be willing to provide assistance if needed, but believes it should not be the responsibility of the U.S.
Down, but not out
Former Vice President Mike Pence acknowledges the challenges he faces in the GOP presidential primary polls but does not reveal whether he intends to drop out of the race. He expresses his commitment to qualifying for the next debate in Miami and encourages supporters to visit Mikepence2024.com and contribute to meet the requirements. Pence highlights his experience as the reason for his candidacy, despite having less financial support compared to other contenders like Trump.
According to FiveThirtyEight, Pence has consistently polled in the low single digits both nationally and at the state level. Financial disclosures indicate that his campaign funds are significantly lower than other candidates.
This report includes contributions from Libby Cathey, Abby Cruz, Lalee Ibssa, Soo Rin Kim, and Olivia Rubin.
