Facebook Tells Congress It Sold $100,000 Worth Of Ads To Russian 'Troll Farm' During Election, And Other Trump News From Wednesday
Wednesday, September 6th. Day 230.
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Facebook Sold Ads To Russian Troll Farm During 2016 Election
The Washington Post reports that Facebook has told congressional investigators that it sold $100,000 worth of ads (3,300 units) to a Russian "troll farm" with a history of pushing Kremlin propaganda. Some of the ads specifically mentioned Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and were targeted to people based on their interests in political pages pertaining to the LGBT community, black social issues, the Second Amendment and immigration.
The spread of fake news through targeted advertising on social media has long been suspected as a primary form of political interference used by the Russian government to affect the 2016 US election. Facebook has largely attempted to wipe its hands of any responsibility for the election, while introducing tools to combat fake news.
15 States And DC Sue Trump Over DACA Repeal
15 states and DC are suing President Trump over his repeal of DACA, claiming that the action was motivated by a bias against Mexicans, and that not allowing for a public comment period violated federal law.
Trump Sides With Democrats To Avoid Shutdown
After a bi-partisan meeting that included Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell, Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer announced that they had made a deal with President Trump to pass Harvey relief along with an increase to the debt-ceiling and a funding bill that would keep the government working until mid-December. The announcement aligns Trump with Democrats on the issue, who are in favor of continuing to increase the debt ceiling to fund the government. Many Republicans have oppose growing the national debt.
In the face of growing Republican opposition to the proposition of such a package deal, Trump was expected to make a statement today arguing for the legislation.
Earlier today, The House has passed a Harvey relief bill of $7.85 billion that does not include an increase to the debt ceiling.
Administration Memo Urges DACA Beneficiaries To Prepare To Leave
A Trump administration memo paints a much bleaker picture for DACA beneficiaries than Trump's press team made yesterday after he announced he would rescind the protection for DREAMers. CNN reports that a memo containing talking points for supporters circulated by the administration tells DACA recipients to "use the time remaining on their work authorizations to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United States[.]" Yesterday, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders repeatedly told reporters that the administration was confident that Congress would "do their job" and pass a replacement.
Trump Jr. Speaking To Senate Panel In Closed-Door Session Today
CNN reports that Donald Trump Jr. is meeting with the Senate judiciary committee today to discuss his Trump Tower meeting with a Russian attorney and lobbyist. Trump Jr. has reportedly already provided the committee with documents, and is cooperating with their inquiry.
Political Operatives Joining Trump Golf Clubs For Access
USA Today reports that at least 50 executives whose companies have federal contracts and 21 lobbyists have joined one of Trump's golf clubs and two-thirds have played on one of the days when Trump is there. Members pay up to $100,000 for initiation, and thousands more every year for their dues. The money will eventually go to Trump when he is no longer president.
Betsy DeVos Ends Agreement To Enforce Student Loan Fraud
Education secretary Betsy DeVos has ended the department's agreement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to patrol student loan fraud. The department claims that the Bureau violated the agreement by handling complaints themselves rather than referring them to the department of education. The bureau says they have never heard these complaints from the department of education.
Trump Properties Threatened By Hurricane Irma
The Washington Post reports that multiple Trump properties are in the path of destruction of Hurricane Irma. One of Trump's properties, Plum Bay, is on the waterfront of St. Martin, where officials say their "most solid buildings" have been destroyed. In south Florida, where the hurricane is expected to make landfall on Sunday, lies Trump's notorious Mar-A-Lago club.
