David Choi

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former attorney, likened the extent of his financial crimes to that of rapper Earl Simmons, otherwise known as DMX, to federal prosecutors amid his guilty plea.

Attorneys for Cohen, who pleaded guilty to eight counts of financial crimes and campaign violations, pushed for a sentencing of time served, which would drastically reduce his sentence to "a matter of hours," prosecutors said. The result would equate to a sentence 99.5% lower than the recommendation from the US Sentencing Commission.

Cohen's attorneys <a id="f7941bb3-d810-30a3-a579-8bb5fab7452d" href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000167-6c55-de33-a177-fe77ffb70000"> pointed to </a> a "disparity in treatment" and claimed their client "may have been selected for criminal prosecution to set an example." The attorneys compared Cohen's circumstance to that of Simmons, who received a sentence of just one year, rather than the recommended guideline of four to five years.

In the 2018 tax evasion case US v. Earl Simmons, Judge Jed Rakoff stressed that imposing prison terms in tax evasion cases, "regardless of complexity," posed as a general deterrent for potential criminals.

"People who are considering tax evasion ... greatly exaggerate their chances of getting away with it ... That is why prison is important," Judge Jed Rakoff said at the time, according to the Southern District of New York prosecutors.

Simmons was sentenced to one year in prison, after he was charged with evading income taxes and attempting to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service. Prosecutors in Simmons' case argued he owed $1.7 million to the government between 2002 and 2005, and had failed to file taxes from 2010 to 2015.

Cohen's attorneys argued their client's sentencing should be similar to that of notable celebrities charged with tax evasion, including actors John Travolta and Chris Tucker, musician Willie Nelson, and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The attorneys defended their assertion by claiming Cohen was "a prominent American and attorney" and also "a well-known public figure."

SDNY prosecutors called the request "meritless" and advised the court to view it with "great skepticism." Prosecutors agreed that although Simmons' tax evasion scheme was "more complex" than Cohen's, both defendants had "made the calculated decision that they could get away with not paying taxes."

Prosecutors also noted that tax evasion was just one of Cohen's crimes, in addition to campaign finance violations and bank fraud.

Cohen also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress, a crime that typically faces around six months in jail, as part of a plea deal with the special counsel. In a separate sentencing recommendation, Mueller suggested Cohen serve a concurrent sentence to that of the SDNY's recommendation of a 3.5 year sentence.

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<ul><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mueller-sentencing-memos-manafort-cohen-flynn-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Mueller is about to drop major new details about 3 of the most important players in the Russia probe</a> </li><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-avenatti-bio-lawyer-representing-stormy-daniels-2018-3?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Meet Michael Avenatti, the high-profile lawyer and professional sports car driver who represents Stormy Daniels and has ruled out a 2020 presidential bid</a> </li><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mueller-flynn-sentencing-memo-takeaways-implications-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Mueller sent a clear message — and a warning — with Flynn's sentencing memo</a> </li></ul>

SEE ALSO: Trump fires off late-night tweetstorm on the eve of a landmark moment in the Russia investigation

Michael Cohen's lawyers compare him to rapper DMX, prosecutors call it 'meritless'

President Donald Trump fired off a series of tweets on topics that ranged from the Russia investigation and border security on Thursday evening, the night before the special counsel Robert Mueller is expected to submit several important filings related to the Russia probe.

Trump fired off two tweets relating to a Fox Business segment with anchor Trish Regan, in which she sought to cast doubt on the FBI's <a id="b6ebf087-c9b4-3463-a37a-8eb54001c8c7" href="https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/419901-fbi-email-chain-may-provide-most-damning-evidence-of-fisa-abuses-yet"> justification </a> for obtaining a FISA warrant to surveil former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.

Regan referenced the infamous Democratic-funded dossier, which was reportedly used as justification for the FISA warrant, and suggested "the FBI was weaponized in order to take down President Donald Trump."

"Is this really America," Trump tweeted, referring to Regan's comments questioning the FISA warrant's legitimacy. "Witch Hunt!"

In another tweet one minute later, <a id="1f324bae-08d3-38d2-a864-95a9fbf4b97a" href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1070877666654519297"> Trump revived his go-to attack on the news media. </a>

Trump went on to mention Arizona, which he claimed was "bracing for a massive surge at a NON-WALLED area."

Trump appeared to be <a id="69153881-a83a-3717-a754-e3ca9a2f9fc5" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/port-nogales-conducted-readiness-exercise-today"> referring </a> to the Customs and Border Patrol's training exercise in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday, where agents prepared "to deal with the potential of large crowds and assaultive behavior by caravan members, should a situation arise."

Trump also referenced minority leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who railroaded Trump's plans for a $5 billion down payment on the controversial wall between the US-Mexico border.

"WE WILL NOT LET THEM THROUGH," Trump tweeted. "Big danger. [Rep. Nancy Pelosi] and [Sen. Chuck Schumer] must approve Boarder Security and the Wall!"

Trump's rapid-fire tweets come the night before Mueller's deadline to submit documents <a id="f1bc4ef0-baa1-3e75-af05-363e41c0a4a6" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/us/politics/mueller-paul-manafort-cooperation.html"> outlining </a> former campaign chairman Paul Manafort's "crimes and lies," which includes the alleged violations he made from his plea deal with the special counsel. Manafort pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of conspiracy against the US in September.

The special counsel is also expected to submit its sentencing recommendation for former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to financial crimes and lying to Congress.

Mueller's recommendation follows a <a id="44619597-22c7-3fdc-ae4a-22cf90c46a92" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-flynn-sentence-mueller-recommendation-for-lying-to-the-fbi-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> similar one filed for former national security adviser Michael Flynn </a> , who was found to have lied to federal investigators about his contacts with Russian officials.

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SEE ALSO: 'SPECIAL WHATEVER': Rudy Giuliani downplays Mueller's latest memo, calls it 'bupkis'

Trump fires off late-night tweetstorm on the eve of a landmark moment in the Russia investigation

Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's attorney and former mayor of New York City, suggested his Twitter account was compromised after his account unintentionally tweeted a link to an anti-Trump website.

"Twitter allowed someone to invade my text with a disgusting anti-President message," Giuliani said on Twitter.

Giuliani appeared to be referring to a previous tweet sent on Fridayabout special counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing Russia probe. The investigation reached a milestone on Tuesday after <a id="5b476b2f-6435-3764-a051-918da9e5a6ac" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-flynn-sentence-mueller-recommendation-for-lying-to-the-fbi-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Mueller filed a memo </a> recommending no prison time for former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

In his tweet, the president's attorney railed against Mueller for the timing of the special counsel's legal moves, two of which were issued while Trump was traveling abroad.

Giuliani referenced Trump's trip to the G-20 summit in Argentina last week, which followed former Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleading guilty; and Trump's Helsinki summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July, which came days after 12 Russian military officials were indicted for hacking Democratic Party operatives' computers.

"Mueller filed an indictment just as the President left for G-20.In July he indicted the Russian who will never come here just before he left for Helsinki.Either could have been done earlier or later. Out of control!Supervision please?" Giuliani tweeted earlier on Tuesday.

Giuliani appears to have neglected to include an additional space at the end of his sentences, causing his tweet to link to the website "G-20.In," a website with a domain from India.

The website itself shows a terse message:

Read more : <a id="5409d396-2811-37df-a466-30f5024d8be9" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-covfefe-tweet-2017-5?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> 'Covfefe': Trump lit up Twitter with one misspelled word — and then made a joke about it </a>

Giuliani suggested without evidencethat Twitter may have been involved in linking his tweet to the apparent anti-Trump website.

"The same thing-period no space-occurred later and it didn't happen," Giuliani said in his tweet. "Don't tell me they are not committed cardcarrying [sic] anti-Trumpers. Time Magazine also may fit that description. FAIRNESS PLEASE."

The tweet has since received around 16,000 retweets and 43,000 "likes," making it one of the most-circulated messages on his account.

Giuliani has also made several gaffes on Twitter in recent days. On Friday, he tweeted "Kimim ° has f," prompting the Twitterverse to speculate on what he intended to type.

In recent weeks, the social media platform banned numerous political operatives, including conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and far-right provocateur Laura Loomer. Twitter's decision sparked backlash from both sides of the political aisle, worrying some who fear that the company will be taking a more active role in censoring its content.

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SEE ALSO: 'Covfefe': Trump lit up Twitter with one misspelled word — and then made a joke about it

'FAIRNESS PLEASE': Rudy Giuliani blasts Twitter after typo links to a 'disgusting anti-President message'

In a sentencing memo, the special counsel Robert Mueller's office recommended that former national security adviser Michael Flynn not to be incarcerated after he was found to have lied to federal investigators about his contacts with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

"Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range — including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration — is appropriate and warranted," the memo said, according to The Atlantic writer Natasha Bertrand.

After delaying Flynn's case numerous times this year, prosecutors signaled in September that the case was ready to move forward with sentencing. Mueller's office kept a tight lip on the case and <a id="391b0b5b-6c7a-34db-afe9-4f619d5a8a85" href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/04/politics/michael-flynn-russia-investigation-court-sentence-plea/index.html"> reportedly </a> recommended to the judge that it and Flynn's counsel not reveal any new information about any developments or the extent of Flynn's cooperation, prior to the 2018 midterm elections in November.

Flynn is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18. Mueller's memo is widely expected to provide a closer look at the progress of the Russia probe, and at the very least, shed some light on the extent of Flynn's crimes.

<h1> Flynns denial of Russian contacts </h1>

Despite having denied discussing US sanctions against Russia with Kislyak, Flynn was discovered to have had done so in late 2016.

In December 2016, Flynn contacted the Kremlin to push for a block on a United Nations Security Council resolution on settlements in Israel, after he appeared to be <a id="65401f4a-cfc3-3e5c-a8e2-0e566ccb02ef" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-flynn-timeline-contacts-with-russia-ouster-guilty-plea/"> instructed </a> by White House senior adviser and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

That same month, Flynn reached out to Kislyak again. Following then-President Barack Obama's fresh sanctions against Russia in response to interfering in US elections, Flynn reportedly spoke with Kislyak numerous times, and <a id="1834fd09-4be9-3077-af96-bc553534a08f" href="https://www.justice.gov/file/1015126/download"> advised </a> "not escalate the situation and only respond to the US Sanctions in a reciprocal manner," according court filings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin would later release a statement suggesting he would not retaliate against the US, and Kislyak informed Flynn of Russia's decision. Flynn would go on to discuss his interactions with the Kremlin with senior members of Trump's transition team.

The former three-star US Army general and director of the Defense Intelligence Agency had ardently supported President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, eventually landing a role in the White House as Trump's national security advisor.

Read more : <a id="266c4e68-201d-32c7-a937-557662808bc3" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mueller-sentencing-memos-manafort-cohen-flynn-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Mueller is about to drop major new details about 3 of the most important players in the Russia probe </a>

Following news of Flynn's Russia contacts, Vice President Mike Pence was caught in a crossroad after saying Flynn did not discuss sanctions. Trump declined to act for weeks after news of Flynn's conversations came to light, despite warnings from then-acting attorney general Sally Yates that Flynn misled investigators.

Trump fired Flynn for lying to the FBI in February, but remained adamant that he did not do anything unlawful.

"I had to fire General Flynn because he lied to the Vice President and the FBI," Trump tweeted in December 2017. "He has pled guilty to those lies. It is a shame because his actions during the transition were lawful. There was nothing to hide!"

"The president was very concerned that Gen. Flynn had misled the vice president and others," then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, following Flynn's firing.

"The president must have complete and unwavering trust for the person in that position," Spicer added. "The evolving and eroding level of trust as a result of this situation in a series of other questionable instances is what led the president to ask for Gen. Flynn's resignation."

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators in December, the first of numerous senior Trump officials, and he has since cooperated with Mueller's office in relation to its investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen have also pleaded guilty to a litany of crimes, including lying to Congress and investigators, and are believed to be cooperating with the special counsel.

In December 2017, Trump did not rule out pardoning Flynn and accused the Justice Department of wrongdoing.

"I don't want to talk about pardons with Michael Flynn yet," Trump <a id="0a3b4371-4cb3-3848-afce-5dbc10db3e57" href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/15/politics/donald-trump-michael-flynn-pardon/index.html"> said </a> . "We'll see what happens, let's see."

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SEE ALSO: Mueller is about to drop major new details about 3 of the most important players in the Russia probe

Mueller filing reveals Michael Flynn interviewed with special counsel or DOJ 19 times, recommends no jail time

Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's attorney, downplayed any concerns following a legal memo that indicated former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador, had extensively cooperated with prosecutors on the Russia investigation and an unspecified criminal investigation.

"Wow big crime for a SPECIAL WHATEVER," Giuliani said in a text message to <a id="b170738e-b9fb-33f9-ad09-e9e4694cb9f1" href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/04/mueller-michael-flynn-report-1045360"> Politico </a> , adding that "maybe a group of Angry Bitter Hillary Supporters who are justifying themselves by the goal justifies the means."

Giuliani also described the latest developments as "over the top In ethical [sic] behavior," according to Politico.

In an interview with <a id="e6a14894-f320-3492-a660-9cc53dbf73c1" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/special-counsel-robert-mueller-s-office-recommends-little-no-jail-n943446"> NBC News </a> , he referred to Flynn and said, "if he had information to share with Mueller that hurt the president, you would know it by now."

"There's a Yiddish word that fits," Giuliani said. "They don't have bupkis."

Read more : <a id="0fbd23ee-3e25-3df3-aa67-899b467b93d7" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-flynn-sentence-mueller-recommendation-for-lying-to-the-fbi-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Mueller filing reveals Michael Flynn interviewed with investigators 19 times, recommends no jail time </a>

In a heavily redacted addendum attached to the memo released on Tuesday night, special counsel Robert Mueller's office recommended no jail time for Flynn, who had assisted in the investigation "on a range of issues" and "provided firsthand information" on the ongoing Russia investigation and a criminal investigation.

"Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range — including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration — is appropriate and warranted," the court filings said.

Flynn is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18 for misleading the FBI on his contacts with Russia. Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators in December 2017, the first of numerous Trump officials, including former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen.

<ul><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-flynn-sentence-mueller-recommendation-for-lying-to-the-fbi-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Mueller filing reveals Michael Flynn interviewed with investigators 19 times, recommends no jail time</a> </li><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rudy-giuliani-twitter-account-hacked-g20-website-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest">'FAIRNESS PLEASE': Rudy Giuliani blasts Twitter after typo links to a 'disgusting anti-President message'</a> </li><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mueller-sentencing-memos-manafort-cohen-flynn-2018-12?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Mueller is about to drop major new details about 3 of the most important players in the Russia probe</a> </li></ul>

SEE ALSO: Mueller filing reveals Michael Flynn interviewed with investigators 19 times, recommends no jail time

'SPECIAL WHATEVER': Rudy Giuliani downplays Mueller's latest memo, calls it 'bupkis'

Following the death of <a id="f75b795c-7938-3773-a0dc-0d329ce3d080" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-hw-bush-dead-obituary-2018-4?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> former President George H.W. Bush </a> on Friday, people with knowledge of the funeral plans say the proceeding will focus on the late president's life, rather than becoming a politically-charged event, according to a <a id="d59f4cf3-8564-3d65-a326-febe1132d233" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/bush-family-seeks-to-steer-clear-of-anti-trump-sentiment-at-41st-presidents-funeral/2018/12/03/1bfe5828-f738-11e8-8c9a-860ce2a8148f_story.html?utm_term=.759255c47f82"> Washington Post </a> report published Monday.

Bush's funeral on Wednesday at the Washington National Cathedral, which President Donald Trump is expected to attend, will reportedly contrast with Republican Sen. John McCain's, who died three months ago. The late senator's funeral was extensively planned by McCain prior to his death and was widely viewed as a ceremony with political undertones.

Although Trump and his name were absent during eulogies for McCain in September, the president's presence appeared to resonate through the emotionally charged speeches from many of the late senator's mourners, including McCain's daughter.

"We gather here to mourn the passing of American greatness," Meghan McCain said. "The real thing, not cheap rhetoric from men who will never come near the sacrifice he gave so willingly, nor the opportunistic appropriation of those who lived lives of comfort and privilege while he suffered and served."

Read more : <a id="a043cef5-6423-3d3d-a262-72242e76f167" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-hw-bush-dead-obituary-2018-4?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94 </a>

Meghan also appeared to rebuke Trump's campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" in her eulogy: "The America of John McCain has no need to be great again because America was always great," Meghan said.

Trump was intensely concerned about the political rhetoric during McCain's funeral, three current and former White House officials said to The Post, with one senior official saying Trump's reaction was "almost paralyzing for a week."

People familiar with Bush's funeral plans played down the possibility of a divide between Trump and Bush, according to The Post. Bush, who reportedly invited Trump to his funeral last summer, would not have wanted "anyone there to feel uncomfortable, including the incumbent president," one person said.

"It's interesting, though, that praising the Bushes or McCain risks sounding critical of Trump even when Trump's in no way part of the thinking," the person added to The Post.

One former senior White House official added that "there is no particular animosity at all toward the elder Bush."

Despite the glowing remarks he made in his statements and tweets after Bush's death, Trump has publicly derided the Bush's and their leadership.

"The World Trade Center came down during your brother's reign," Trump <a id="56b5a17f-d1da-34dc-a392-aba5f4ff047f" href="https://apnews.com/845c72bc007c4216960029d6583d77c0"> said </a> to then-candidate Jeb Bush, Bush's son, during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Read more : <a id="7fcd7381-c410-3a51-af59-666db289154e" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-hw-bush-us-navy-rescued-after-plane-shot-down-2018-11?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Watch George H.W. Bush being rescued by the US Navy after his plane was shot down by Japanese forces in WWII </a>

Trump also appeared to take a direct swipe at Bush by alluding to a phrase Bush coined during his acceptance speech in 1988 at the Republican National Convention.

"I want a kinder, gentler nation," Bush said at the time. "We are a nation of communities, of thousands, and tens of thousands, of ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional, and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique ... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky."

During a campaign rally in Montana in July, Trump referenced his Republican predecessor's speech:

"The thousand points of light, what the hell was that by the way," Trump said. "Thousand points of light, what did that mean, does anyone know? I know one thing, Make America Great Again we understand. Putting America first, we understand. Thousand points of light, I never quite got that one. What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? And it was put out by a Republican, wasn't it?"

In a statement on Saturday, Trump again referenced the Bush's "thousand points of light" speech and said the former president "inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service."

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SEE ALSO: Watch George H.W. Bush being rescued by the US Navy after his plane was shot down by Japanese forces in WWII

President George H.W. Bush's funeral expected to set aside political bickering, focus on his life

Eric Trump, an executive of the Trump Organization and President Donald Trump's son, railed against attorney George Conway, husband of White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, in a tweet and called his <a id="2cc829c0-ab7a-39b4-a5a6-bb96c045976d" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-conway-on-trump-white-house-kellaynne-husband-skullduggery-podcast-2018-11?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> frequent musings </a> against the president "horrible."

"Of all the ugliness in politics, the utter disrespect George Conway shows toward his wife, her career, place of work, and everything she has fought SO hard to achieve, might top them all," Trump tweeted Monday. "[Kellyanne] is great person and frankly his actions are horrible."

George Conway has been <a id="5f33ed06-0f6d-3799-a03e-57053ab9e675" href="https://abovethelaw.com/2018/08/oh-youd-better-believe-george-conway-has-thoughts-on-all-this/"> described </a> by some as "America's favorite tweeting lawyer" and has routinely tweeted messages that broadly conflict with the Trump administration's agenda.

"That the President doesn't necessarily know what he's talking about or isn't necessarily telling the truth obviously *has* to be the government's position, because, well, facts are facts," Conway <a id="ff53a6af-2ac8-332a-af46-9c3ce27f33ea" href="https://twitter.com/gtconway3d/status/1068644734812475398"> tweeted </a> on Friday, referring to a court filing from the Justice Department on the veracity of Trump's tweets.

Conway, who previously identified as a Republican, said he was unsure about the direction the GOP is heading towards during the Trump administration.

"I don't feel comfortable being a Republican anymore," Conway said in a <a id="41ada971-a475-3c61-ac75-5c0ba1eac2c8" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-conway-on-trump-white-house-kellaynne-husband-skullduggery-podcast-2018-11?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> podcast </a> in November. "I think the Republican Party has become something of a personality cult."

"I'm watching this thing, and it's like the administration is like a s---show in a dumpster fire," Conway added. "And I'm like, 'I don't want to do that. I don't know.'"

Read more : <a id="89a97957-b831-3ec5-a9d7-d1c87ea0d9eb" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kellyanne-conway-marriage-george-conway-trump-2018-8?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Kellyanne Conway opens up about how the president is affecting her marriage </a>

As a front-runner candidate to lead the Justice Department's civil division during Trump's presidency, Conway reportedly declined the offer in 2017 and has since been billed as an agitator of the Trump White House — where his wife can be seen fiercely defending the president amid an avalanche of unflattering news.

Eric is not the only Trump to have publicly slammed Conway. The president appears to be aware of some of Conway's criticism, many of which are publicly available on Twitter, where his nearly 180,000 followers can view legal analyses and pictures of <a id="a968766f-495e-3211-a988-1e59b1c1742f" href="https://twitter.com/OhMyCorgi/status/1064685258384293894"> corgis </a> .

"You mean, Mr. Kellyanne Conway?" the president said to reporters in November, after Conway criticized his appointment of acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker. "He's trying to get publicity for himself."

"Why don't you do this: why don't you ask Kellyanne that question, alright?" he continued. "She might know him better than me. I really don't know the guy."

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SEE ALSO: 'A s---show in a dumpster fire': Attorney George Conway, husband of Kellyanne Conway, rails against the Trump administration

George Conway's 'actions are horrible': Eric Trump goes off against Kellyanne Conway's husband after fiery criticism

Prior to his presidency, George H.W. Bush <a id="2ecae88a-2958-3ed7-aaf0-7747db55af08" href="https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-b/bush-george-h-w.html"> served </a> in the US Navy as a pilot, and he flew on bombing missions against the Japanese during World War II.

Bush learned of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as a teen, and six months later, on his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve. He went on to become one of the youngest aviators in the Navy and was assigned a photographic officer with a torpedo squadron.

During an attack against Chichi Jima, a heavily fortified island that Japanese forces used for communications and supplies, Bush's aircraft, a <a id="70d2abaa-3745-3162-a78f-0f320dbb9fcf" href="http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=tbm_avenger"> TBM Avenger </a> , was hit with anti-aircraft fire. Bush's two crewmembers were killed in the attack.

With the aircraft's engine on fire, Bush released his payload against his target, which was a radio tower. He then ejected from his aircraft, parachuted into the ocean, and waited on an inflatable raft for four hours. Bush was eventually rescued by the USS Finback, a lifeguard submarine.

Following Japan's surrender in 1945, Bush was honorably discharged from active duty and went on to attend Yale University.

<a id="bb3b3dc8-3d21-39fc-a53c-6f8245d4792d" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-hw-bush-dead-obituary-2018-4?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> Bush died at 94 </a> , on Friday night. He is survived by his five children, 17 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two siblings. The White House's flags were lowered to half staff.

The aircraft carrier <a id="b0cee8df-adef-377b-a8da-85ac9bf07a9f" href="https://www.public.navy.mil/AIRFOR/cvn77/Pages/Ship.aspx"> USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) </a> was christened in honor of Bush in 2006.

"His legacy lives on in those who don the cloth of our great nation and in the mighty warship which bears his name, [CVN 77 George H.W. Bush]," the US Naval Air Forces said in a tweet. "May he Rest In Peace."

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SEE ALSO: Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94

Watch George H.W. Bush being rescued by the US Navy after his plane was shot down by Japanese forces in WWII

Former President George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died Friday at 94.

He is survived by his five children, 17 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two siblings.

Bush was <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/george-hw-bush-hospitalized-2018-4?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest" id="07913e9f-5bbb-37d6-a61c-c0a3dee14703"> admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital </a> in April after "contracting an infection that spread to his blood," according to a statement from Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath.

Bush suffered from a form of Parkinson's disease and had been hospitalized several times in recent years. The former commander-in-chief was treated for pneumonia and was temporarily placed on a ventilator in 2017.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/george-h-w-bush/" id="5d1c0e83-d3e8-32e7-a300-6b0ccac2a142"> Bush </a> served as president from 1989 to 1993. Before that, he served as vice president under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989.

Bush's death follows the passing of his wife, former first lady <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/barbara-bush-dies-at-92-2018-4?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest" id="137af662-f1e2-3825-ae1e-9c8358d49eb2"> Barbara Bush </a> , who died on April 17. Barbara, 92, suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure. The two <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/barbara-george-bush-marriage-secrets-photos-2018-4?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest" id="0e525c23-18b4-3c2f-a2be-3389a70542c7"> had been married for 73 years </a> .

Bush, a Massachusetts native, joined the US armed forces on his 18th birthday in 1942 and eventually became the youngest naval pilot at the time. He flew a total of 58 combat missions during World War II, including one where he was shot down by Japanese forces.

"George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for," former President and son George W. Bush said in a statement. "The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens."

President Donald Trump also released a statement following news of Bush's death: "Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night."

"Our hearts ache with his loss, and we, with the American people, send our prayers to the entire Bush family, as we honor the life and legacy of 41," Trump added.

<h1> From the Ivy League to the oil business, and then public service </h1>

After graduating from Yale University and venturing into the oil business, Bush jumped into politics and eventually became a congressman, representing the 7th Congressional District in Texas. He made two unsuccessful runs for Senate, but would later serve in various political capacities — including as the US ambassador the United Nations, Republican National Committee chair, and CIA director.

Bush decided to run for president in 1980; however, failed to secure the Republican Party's nomination during the primaries. Reagan soon chose Bush as his running mate and vice presidential nominee.

He ran for president again with Sen. Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, and won, in 1988.

During his time in office, Bush oversaw major foreign-policy decisions that would have lasting effects on the global stage.

As one of his first major decisions, Bush decided to remove Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega — a former US ally turned international drug lord — from power. Around 23,000 US troops took part part in " <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/14302/operation_just_cause_the_invasion_of_panama_december_1989" id="d2e973ba-c2fe-3a49-acbe-595133b846bd"> Operation Just Cause </a> " and invaded Panama. Noriega eventually surrendered to the US and although the operation was seen as a US victory, it was also viewed as a violation of international law.

As the sitting president during the demise of the Soviet Union, Bush held summits with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and advocated for the reduction of nuclear weapons while cultivating US-Soviet ties. When the Soviet Union finally fell, Bush <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/26/world/end-soviet-union-text-bush-s-address-nation-gorbachev-s-resignation.html" id="cd274fe6-3cf7-342b-a8f7-8a01133d391a"> heralded </a> it as a "victory for democracy and freedom" but held back on implementing a US-centric policy on the confederation of nations that emerged.

On August 2, 1990, Bush faced what was arguably his greatest test. Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait after accusing it of stealing oil and conspiring to influence oil prices. Bush formed a coalition of nations, including the Soviet Union, to denounce Hussein's actions and liberate Kuwait in "Operation Desert Shield" and eventually "Operation Desert Storm." Around 425,000 US troops and 118,000 coalition forces were mobilized for weeks of aerial strikes and a <a href="https://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/the-gulf-war-25-year-anniversary/100-hours" id="c2c31a95-2abd-3e80-ab34-fe444644d723"> 100-hour ground battle </a> .

Despite his achievements beyond the US border, Bush was less successful back home. He fell short in his bid for reelection in 1992, during a time of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-economy-under-george-hw-bush-2012-7?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest" id="6795a3ea-f641-31d3-affc-294c09b4ca33"> high unemployment rates </a> and continued deficit spending. Bush pulled in only 168 electoral votes that year, compared to Bill Clinton — then the governor of Arkansas — who collected 370 electoral votes.

Following his presidency, the Bushes relocated to Houston, Texas, where they settled down and became <a href="http://abc13.com/3338658/" id="4a1429d6-1f58-3abb-a761-5fdedc0144f4"> active in the community </a> .

Bush received several accolades after his presidency, including receiving a knighthood at Buckingham Palace, and having the US Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), named after him.

In 2017, several women <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/president-george-hw-bush-sexual-assault-actress-2017-10?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest" id="98055776-6520-388c-afe5-20c520d8ac13"> accused </a> Bush of sexual misconduct and telling lewd jokes. Bush's representatives released a statement at the time, saying that he occasionally "patted women's rears in what he intended to be a good-natured manner."

Bush is survived by his sons, former President George W. Bush, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, Marvin Bush, and daughter Dorothy Bush Koch.

"Some see leadership as high drama and the sound of trumpets calling, and sometimes it is that," Bush said during his <a href="http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=16610" id="96b88360-ffd0-32aa-a112-3153afdddd37"> inaugural address </a> on January 20, 1989. "But I see history as a book with many pages, and each day we fill a page with acts of hopefulness and meaning."

Bush continued: "The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds. And so, today a chapter begins, a small and stately story of unity, diversity, and generosity — shared, and written, together."

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Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94

A North Korean soldier reportedly defected to South Korea at around 7:56 a.m. local time on Saturday, according to South Korean news reports.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military detected the defector crossing the military demarcation line separating the border, according to <a id="6f4c2154-38fc-39fc-a36c-c5d0f82cab70" href="https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20181201001700315"> Yonhap News </a> .

"Related agencies plan to investigate him regarding the details of how he came to the South," the Joint Chiefs said in a message.

The Joint Chief's added that there were no "unusual" North Korean troops movements in the neighboring area following the incident.

The incident marks the first military defection from North Korea since the two countries agreed to take several steps to lower tensions. In October, both countries agreed to withdraw firearms, dismantle guard posts at the border, and share surveillance information.

President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in briefly met at the G20 summit in Argentina on Friday, where Trump reaffirmed his intention to hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Defections into South Korea have incensed North Korea, which typically rekindles tensions between the two countries and the UN Command. Although some defectors have difficulty in adjusting to life in South Korea, they are offered education, meals, and jobs from the government.

According to <a id="252e43fc-1643-39aa-a31b-148c02558675" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45697236"> one estimate </a> from South Korea's Ministry of Unification, the number of defections under Kim's rule have dropped — from 2,706 in 2011 to 1,127 in 2017. Over 30,000 North Koreans have defected since the Korean War armistice ended hostilities in 1953.

Another North Korean soldier defected to South Korea, <a id="2cbbcd37-7af7-3422-a898-da4ab529a642" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-defector-video-2017-11?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> under a hail of gunfire </a> , across the military demarcation line in November 2017.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

SEE ALSO: Watch a North Korean defector make a daring escape under heavy gunfire

North Korean soldier defects to South Korea amid peace efforts

In alate-night tweet on Tuesday, President Donald Trump referenced a meme circulated by conservative groups and took aim at Brenda Snipes, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections in Florida.

"Brenda Snipes, in charge of voting in Broward County, Florida, was just spotted wearing a beautiful dress with 300 I VOTED signs on it," Trump tweeted Friday.

"Just kidding, she is a fine, very honorable and highly respected voting tactician!," he added.

Trump appeared to be referring to a meme that was circulated by conservative personalities, including former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee:

Read more : <a id="b4bbc8ef-b01f-3053-a531-5af015c6cd79" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/broward-county-florida-election-boss-brenda-snipes-resigns-2018-11?utm_source=intl&amp;utm_medium=ingest"> The Broward County, Florida election boss reportedly resigned hours after the closely-watched recount </a>

The meme alluded to rumors of voter fraud in Florida during the 2018 gubernatorial race, where Republican Ron DeSantis faced off with Democrat Andrew Gillum, and Republican Rick Scott challenged Democrat Bill Nelson in the US Senate race.

Voting in Florida, which was infamously beset with high-profile election mishaps in the 2000 presidential election, was under the spotlight again this year, after Gillum and Nelson began cutting into DeSantis' and Scott's leads, respectively. Both races were close, triggering recounts.

Broward County, in particular, was singled out after it was slow to report its vote counts and was unable to account for more than 2,000 misplaced ballots.Snipes, the leading election official in the county, was accused by right-wing personalities of rigging the system to benefit Democratic candidates.

"Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day, now they 'found' many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes," Trump claimed, days after the ballots were cast. "'The Broward Effect.' How come they never find Republican votes?"

"They are here to change the results of election," Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida alleged in a tweet. "[Broward County] is where they plan to do it."

Republican candidates and the party at large pushed unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud during the 2018 midterms. Trump previously claimed, without evidence, that due to three to five million illegal votes, he lost the popular vote in the 2016 US presidential election to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

"We should be careful what we say," Florida Circuit Chief Judge Jack Tuter said to <a id="d2d69790-b2ee-35a3-ae1b-7b40781e143f" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-calls-for-halting-recounts-in-florida-races-for-governor-and-senate/2018/11/12/15a7c98a-e628-11e8-bbdb-72fdbf9d4fed_story.html?utm_term=.7e8a7a4030dd"> The Washington Post </a> , after finding no evidence of voter fraud in his state.

"These words mean things these days, as everybody in the room knows."

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'Just kidding': Trump takes aim at Broward County official and fires off a late-night Twitter meme

The White House does not appear to be certain on how it will implement Space Force, President Donald Trump's highly anticipated sixth branch of the military, and was still mulling the possibility of it operating under the wings of the Air Force, according to memos reviewed by <a id="12cb0bca-76ad-3a60-ac9a-adf0d8b4f761" href="https://www.defenseone.com/politics/2018/11/white-house-seeks-alternatives-independent-space-force/153119/"> Defense One </a> .

As recently as October 26, the White House reportedly asked the Pentagon for its expertise in the "organizational construct to meet [the President's] intent" and asked for alternative recommendations for the Space Force's structure — despite Trump touting it as an independent military branch in numerous statements and campaign speeches.

In the memo, White House officials solicited advice on whether the US military was "best served" if the Space Force remained separate from the other naval, ground, and air branches.

"We are going to have the Air Force and we are going to have the Space Force: separate but equal," Trump said at a National Space Council meeting in June.

Defense officials have reportedly come up with several plans on how to implement a "distinct branch of the Armed Forces for Space."

These plans ranged from a space-focused corps under the Air Force's purview, to an independent Space Force that includes Air Force, Army, Navy, and intelligence community assets, according to a defense official cited in the report.

The possibility of housing a potential Space Corps under the Air Force — similar to how the Marine Corps and Navy operates — was previously proposed by Congress as part of its annual national defense policy bill. The provision in the National Defense Authorization Act was later shot down in 2017 and 2018 — a result the White House has taken into account in asking the Pentagon for suggestions, military officials told Defense One.

The memo reportedly did not explicitly mention a Space Corps.

The question of establishing an autonomous Space Force has divided many in the Defense Department and White House. While military experts generally agree that adversaries like China and Russia pose a threat to the US in space, not all are convinced and point to the Space Force or Space Corps' <a id="e1f92356-8791-34cb-afde-41424c630ebd" href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-much-will-space-force-cost"> potential cost </a> .

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