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'GAME OVER,' Trump declares, as old Bolton, Schiff videos surface amid Senate impeachment trial
A string of newly resurfaced video clips of former national security adviser John Bolton spurred President Trump and his supporters Wednesday to highlight what they described as serious credibility questions -- raised by both Democrats and Republicans -- amid the Senate impeachment trial, as the president tweeted, "GAME OVER!"
In his tweet, Trump linked to an interview of Bolton in August 2019 where he discusses Ukraine policy. In the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty interview clip, Bolton makes no mention of any illicit quid pro quo, and acknowledges, as Republicans have claimed, that combating "corruption" in Ukraine was a "high priority" for the Trump administration.
Bolton also calls Trump's communications with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "warm and cordial," without mentioning any misconduct. The video seemingly contradicts reported assertions in Bolton's forthcoming book, “The Room Where It Happened,” that Trump explicitly told him he wanted to tie military aid to Ukraine to an investigation into Joe and Hunter Biden.
Separately, Fox News has identified clips of Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., now the lead House impeachment manager, in which he says Bolton had a distinct "lack of credibility" and was prone to "conspiracy theories." This week, Schiff said Bolton needed to testify in the impeachment trial as an important and believable witness. Click here for more on our top story.
Other developments in Trump's Senate impeachment trial:
- Justice Roberts blocks Sen. Rand Paul from naming whistleblower, source says -- and Paul may force the issue
- White House told Bolton to remove classified material from manuscript before publication
- Dershowitz mounts unconventional defense of Trump
- Schiff denies knowing Trump whistleblower
Hillary Clinton ‘intimidated’ by Tulsi Gabbard's $50M lawsuit, won’t accept legal documents, lawyer claims: report
Hillary Clinton or her representatives have, on at least two occasions, declined to accept legal papers delivered in connection with Tulsi Gabbard’s lawsuit against her, Gabbard’s attorney claims.
Gabbard, a Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who is seeking the party's 2020 presidential nomination, filed a $50 million lawsuit against Clinton last week over the former secretary of state’s insinuation that Gabbard was a “Russian asset.” Click here for more.
Vanessa Bryant gives first statement on deaths of Kobe, Gianna
Vanessa Bryant, widow of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, gave her first public statement Wednesday on the deaths of her husband, their 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash Sunday, posting a photo of the complete family with their four children.
"My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them," Bryant wrote in part.
Vanessa Bryant's statement came as the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner confirmed Wednesday that all nine victims in Sunday's crash had been identified. Click here for more.
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SOME PARTING WORDS
Sean Hannity says President Trump's acquittal at his Senate impeachment trial is assured: "This thing is over. It's finished. Everything else will be a mere formality."
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Fox News First is compiled by Fox News' Bryan Robinson. Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Enjoy your day! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday morning.