The UK’s largest cycling and triathlon exhibition, has announced that 22-time Grand Tour stage winner André Greipel will be attending the event, courtesy of Factor Bikes.
Advertisement
The UK’s largest cycling and triathlon exhibition, has announced that 22-time Grand Tour stage winner André Greipel will be attending the event, courtesy of Factor Bikes.
Advertisement
Greipel, one of the most prolific sprinters of the modern era boasting more than 150 career victories including 11 Tour de France stage wins, will meet and greet fans at the Factor Bikes stand during the London Bike Show on Friday 27 March. The Israel Start-Up Nation rider will return to the event on Saturday 28 March, taking to the Performance Theatre stage for a Q&A session, sharing his extensive insight into what life is like racing at the highest level.
The 2020 event will be the first time the London Bike Show, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, has welcomed cycling superstar André Greipel to the 3-day spectacular which takes place at ExCel London.
Advertisement
A full line-up of guest speakers for the London BikeShow and its sister event, TriathlonShow: London will be announced in the coming weeks. For further information or to purchase tickets, visitwww.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk
Newtimber Media, the organisers of the show, have released this statement:
Advertisement
“Sadly, it is with great regret that Newtimber Media have to announce today that the London Bike Show and Triathlon Show: London will be postponed until 3-5 July 2020 following the escalation of COVID-19 Coronavirus across Europe and the UK.
“The coronavirus outbreak has been labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The effects are becoming evident across all aspects of our lives here in the UK and across the world. We have been following UK government guidelines and working with the rolling advice from the public health authorities and other organisations, but it is now with reluctance that we have taken the decision to postpone the event at this time. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, exhibitors, visitors, partners and contractors is of the utmost importance to us, and therefore feel the protection and prevention of harm to the public has been paramount to this decision.
“We recognise that business has to continue and with this in mind we will continue to support and collaborate with exhibitors and visitors during this difficult period. The London Bike Show and Triathlon Show: London will be back stronger, full steam ahead in July! Thank you to everyone who has supported us at this time.
“Exhibitors – your booking will be transferred to the new show dates. Please contact your account manager if you require any further information.
“Visitors – your tickets will be automatically transferred to Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July, and will be valid on any day that you wish to attend – simply come along with your existing ticket to gain access. If you are unable to attend on any of the new dates, please contact https://www.seetickets.com/customerservice , they will be able to arrange a refund.
“Speakers – The Show Director will be in contact with you shortly to discuss the new dates.
“Thanks again for your support. We look forward to seeing you in July.”
Advertisement
The Team at Newtimber Media
In light of the developing situation surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19 we wanted to keep you updated regarding the measures we are taking to ensure we can continue to deliver your copy of 220 Triathlon magazine.
Advertisement
We are working closely with our suppliers to make sure that business continues as usual.
However, in the event that there is significant disruption, we will communicate with you via the following channels:
Email
Messages on buysubscriptions.com
On our phone lines;
UK: 03330 162 139*
US/Canada: 855 827 8639 (toll free)
Rest of World: +44(0)1604 973748
We will also put an announcement on our on social media channels.
If we are unable to deliver your magazine to you we will extend your subscription free of charge, so you won’t lose out. Also, if we have your email address we will send you a complimentary digital edition, so you can still enjoy the latest content.
Do we have your email address?
To ensure we can keep you updated on the latest developments please visit buysubscriptions.com/email to register your email address, and complete and submit the form.
Given the work we have done with our suppliers, we are not expecting any disruption in service, but we wanted to let you know how we will communicate with you should we need to.
We appreciate your patience and we hope you continue to enjoy your magazine in these unprecedented times.
With warmest regards,
The 220 Triathlon team
Advertisement
* Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute, depending on provider. Call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute, depending on provider, but are included in inclusive call packages. Lines are open 8am-6pm weekdays, and 9am-1pm Saturday, for orders only.
“We know that both our athletes and our communities want to be racing; we do too.
Advertisement
While The IRONMAN Group’s mission is to provide exceptional, life-changing race experiences for athletes of all levels, from their first step to the finish line, we can only accomplish this by providing the safest possible environment, and safeguarding the citizens of our host communities.
COVID-19 has substantially altered the global sports landscape and will have material impact on the mass participation industry in the immediate term. We want to reassure you that the health and well-being of our community is our primary concern. To this end, we are doing our part to communicate effectively and follow public health agencies and governmental authorities’ recommendations.
We expect that there are going to be substantial and widespread event postponements in the coming weeks and months. The decision to proceed, restrict, modify or postpone an event will be based on availability of community resources and ongoing event-specific risk assessment in coordination with the relevant healthcare and government authorities and the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, an independent medical advisory board focused on health and safety.
For events that will continue, The IRONMAN Group, along with the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, has outlined a series of pragmatic and practical actions designed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 or any other infectious agent to athletes and to members of our host communities. These steps will help athletes achieve their goals while allowing communities to secure the benefits of hosting mass participation sporting events. They will be implemented worldwide at all IRONMAN Group events beginning March 19 and will continue indefinitely.
Self-care and Risk Minimisation
Athletes who are sick or have been potentially exposed to an infectious agent must not compete or attend events, as this puts others at risk. As a community, we each have a personal responsibility to protect each other by complying with this rule.
We ask that all athletes, volunteers and partners follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus:
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Regularly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash your hands with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Practice good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of used tissues immediately and appropriately in a bin.
Providing Flexibility to Athletes
Certain races will be postponed or cancelled due to the outbreak and we will communicate these as soon as practical. Our goal will be to move the race to a date later in the year. We work in close partnership with the relevant public health authorities in the territories where the races take place and err on the side of safety for our athletes and the host community. If an event cannot occur on the scheduled date, we will take the following actions:
Postponement: Registered athletes for events that are postponed due to COVID-19 by the local health authorities are automatically transferred to the rescheduled date. For those that the new date does not work, we will allow deferrals into the same event the next year.
Cancellation: Registered athletes for events that are cancelled due to COVID-19 by the local health authorities are automatically deferred to the same race in 2021.
Other options: We are vetting other options to allow displaced athletes to race in 2020 and will communicate those in due course.
Athletes in Quarantined/Restricted Territories: For athletes in certain designated quarantine or restricted territories who have registered for races that take place before June 1, 2020 and have NOT been postponed or cancelled, we will aid in finding alternative races later in the season.
For those who are sick, feel unwell, or have been potentially exposed to an infectious agent in advance of a race that will take place, do not come to the race; instead seek medical care. Once you have done so, contact the relevant Athlete Services representative for your race and we will attempt to find you another solution.
Safe Event Experience
In order to provide the safest experience for our athletes, we are instituting the following at our races, effective March 19.
Reinforcing Social Distancing in all elements of the event
The hours of on-site event registration will be expanded.
Athletes will be allowed to pick up their athlete race kit/race bib and immediately exit expo area.
Athlete density will be decreased by increasing individual race space staging, corrals, etc.
No-handshake behaviour will be encouraged for the duration of the event.
Athlete briefing information will be available digitally only.
Non-core, high-contact services (e.g. wetsuit peeling) will be suspended.
Hygiene First
Staff and volunteers who are interacting with participants pre-race, on race day and post-race will be provided gloves.
Hand-washing stations and sanitation stations around the venue for athletes, volunteers and spectators will be increased
No-touch waste disposal stations and receptacles will be rolled out as available.
Frequently touched surfaces at race venue locations such as workstations, product distribution areas, tables and electronic devices will be cleaned regularly.
When possible, on-course food and fluid supplies will be single use/single serving closed packaging
Athletes planning to return home by airplane or rail are encouraged to avoid travel post-event for 24 hours allowing their immune system time to recover post-race.
No onsite interviews or press conference with professional athletes.
No handshake/contact on the race podium.
Printed document distribution will be eliminated.
Medical Service
Education and awareness training regarding signs and symptoms of COVID-19 will be provided to all medical and volunteer staff.
Frequent communication with health authorities and healthcare facilities will be implemented to assist in assessment, referral and initial management of suspected COVID-19 illness of staff, participants, volunteers, and spectators.
Advertisement
This is a highly dynamic situation and we will continue to adapt and adjust as appropriate. We appreciate your patience in the coming days and weeks. We recognise that this is a challenging time but our community will endure. We are inspired by your ambition, and endeavour to be worthy of your commitment. As further updates are available, they will be posted at www.ironman.com/updates and www.runrocknroll.com/updates in addition to our individual event sites and social media pages. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you the best in health and wellness.”
Neilson have created possibly the best job ever for a triathlete. They are searching for their 2020 Active Ambassador, a Chief Oomph Officer (COO),. And the perks that come with this role aren’t bad… from free beach and snow holidays, a bundle of active kit, to adrenalin-fuelled experiences AND a salary….
Advertisement
This exciting new job, with a package worth up to £50,000, allows you to:
Choose when you want to work – work around your day job when works for you
And where you work: around your usual day-to-day commitments, whether this be around the school-run/your full-time job/in your kitchen or on the beach
You spend your time simply writing or vlogging about the active things in life you love
Includes free holidays – package includes two holidays for you and up to 3 family members – relax as hard as you like with an exhilarating range of summer and winter holidays in the Alps, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Sardinia and Spain
Gives you all the gear you need – a new bike, a paddle board, tennis racquet, ski gear and active wear courtesy of our generous partners
Work for Neilson on a one-year contract with a salary of £15,000
The competition will be judged on votes first and foremost and the level of support garnered throughout participant’s campaigns to become Neilson’s COO, with the hashtag #GetYourActiveOn key to driving awareness.
The five candidates with the highest number of public votes will then be selected for final interviews at Neilson Active Holidays HQ.
To apply visit: https://www.neilson.co.uk/ambassador
David Taylor, CEO at Neilson Active Holidays said, “Activity, inspiration, health, encouraging people to try something new or spend more time doing things you love are all at the heart of what we do here at Neilson, therefore with the creation of this new role we really hope the successful candidate will ignite some oomph and look forward to this being the start of our mission in helping the UK to get active.”
Advertisement
Ryan Sosna-Bowd of RnR Sport comments “Hopefully, we can encourage some of the triathlon community to apply for this role, it’s a great chance to not only promote an active lifestyle but a multi-sport active lifestyle, and get more people inspired into swim-bike-run.”
Pfizer and BioNTech announced on Wednesday that they will supply the European Union (EU) with 200 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, which the companies said this week is more than 90 percent effective.
A joint statement from the two companies indicated that the European Commission would handle distribution throughout the EU, should their vaccine candidate be approved.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, Pfizer’s priority has been to develop a safe and effective vaccine, while simultaneously scaling up our manufacturing to deliver doses before the end of the year. This is an ambitious goal but critical to halting this global pandemic,” said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Today’s finalized supply agreement with the European Commission represents the largest initial order of vaccine doses for Pfizer and BioNTech to date and a major step toward our shared goal of making a COVID-19 vaccine available to vulnerable populations,” Bourla added.
Pfizer’s recent announcement about an initial analysis that showed the effectiveness of its vaccine candidate has raised hopes that a vaccine will be available for most Americans by the middle of 2021. The company’s Monday announcement also sent stocks soaring.
“With today’s news, we are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis,” Bourla said Monday while announcing the vaccine’s effectiveness. “We look forward to sharing additional efficacy and safety data generated from thousands of participants in the coming weeks.”
The U.S. this week passed more than 10 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and a new surge of cases is vexing health officials nationwide.
Former Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum MORE said in an interview published Monday that if his replacement is “a real yes man” then “God help us.”
In an interview last week with the Military Times, the now-former secretary said he decided to pick his fights with President TrumpDonald John TrumpPence to attend Senate GOP lunch on Tuesday Biden transition team to mull legal action over agency’s transition delays: reports Trump campaign lawyers worry about pushing lawsuits that could undermine election: report MORE while as the head of the Department of Defense, adding he had no regrets in how he handled himself.
“At the end of the day, it’s as I said — you’ve got to pick your fights,” he told the Military Times on Nov. 4. “I could have a fight over anything, and I could make it a big fight, and I could live with that —why? Who’s going to come in behind me? It’s going to be a real ‘yes man.’ And then God help us.”
ADVERTISEMENT
When asked if other Defense secretaries have spent as much time attempting to balance the president’s wishes with their potential national security effects, he said, “Probably not. I don’t know, I’ve only worked for a couple.”
Trump announced he had fired Esper over Twitter, two days after President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenPence to attend Senate GOP lunch on Tuesday Biden transition team to mull legal action over agency’s transition delays: reports Manchin shoots down chance that Senate Democrats nix filibuster, expand court MORE was projected to have won the presidential election. The president named Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, as acting secretary of Defense “effective immediately.”
“Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service,” the president posted.
Esper’s relationship with Trump had turned tense over the summer as the former secretary publicly spoke out against Trump’s plan to deploy troops to respond to racial justice protests. He told the Military Times that he had no intention of quitting but expected to be potentially terminated at an unknown time.
The former secretary told the news outlet he “absolutely” would have resigned if Trump overruled the Pentagon’s approval for Army Lt. Col. Alexander VindmanAlexander VindmanEsper: If my replacement is ‘a real yes man’ then ‘God help us’ Ukrainian president whose call with Trump sparked impeachment congratulates Biden Alexander Vindman congratulates Biden, Harris on election victory MORE’s promotion. Vindman, who testified at Trump’s impeachment inquiry, ultimately resigned from his commission and retired from the Army after his promotion was held up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Esper’s critics had labeled him as “Yesper” for allegedly going along with Trump’s plans, which the former secretary said he takes issue with.
“My frustration is I sit here and say, ‘Hm, 18 Cabinet members. Who’s pushed back more than anybody?’ Name another Cabinet secretary that’s pushed back,” he said. “Have you seen me on a stage saying, ‘Under the exceptional leadership of blah-blah-blah, we have blah-blah-blah-blah?’ “
But Esper told the Military Times he felt like he had to continue as secretary despite the tensions with Trump and the White House.
“Yeah, look, I mean ― my soldiers don’t get to quit,” he said. “So if I’m going to quit, it better be over something really, really big. And otherwise, look, I’m going to do what I’ve always done, which is try and shape it the best I can.”
Democratic lawmakers on Monday condemned President TrumpDonald John TrumpPence to attend Senate GOP lunch on Tuesday Biden transition team to mull legal action over agency’s transition delays: reports Trump campaign lawyers worry about pushing lawsuits that could undermine election: report MORE’s abrupt firing of Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum MORE, calling the move “destabilizing” and an attempt to “sow chaos” ahead of the presidential transition.
Trump earlier on Monday announced via Twitter that he fired Esper, only minutes after the Pentagon chief was himself notified of the decision. The move comes days after former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenPence to attend Senate GOP lunch on Tuesday Biden transition team to mull legal action over agency’s transition delays: reports Manchin shoots down chance that Senate Democrats nix filibuster, expand court MORE was projected to have won the presidential race, which Trump has refused to concede.
“Dismissing politically appointed national security leaders during a transition is a destabilizing move that will only embolden our adversaries and put our country at greater risk,” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam SmithDavid (Adam) Adam SmithOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper MORE (D-Wash.) said in response. “President Trump’s decision to fire Secretary Esper out of spite is not just childish, it’s also reckless. It has long been clear that President Trump cares about loyalty above all else, often at the expense of competence, and during a period of presidential transition competence in government is of the utmost importance.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Trump will replace Esper with Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Christopher Miller, “effective immediately,” Trump said in a series of tweets.
The firing of Esper — who had been seen as a dead man walking regardless of who won the election — now gives Trump a chance to use his executive powers in a last ditch effort to project strength amid his electoral defeat.
National security experts and some lawmakers have warned about the dangers of having a rudderless Pentagon during the presidential transition period if U.S. adversaries such as Russia, China and Iran try to cause trouble.
Lawmakers are now also alarmed at what actions Trump may try to push through in the 11 weeks he has left in office.
The timing of Esper’s firing “raises serious questions about Trump’s planned actions for the final days of his Administration,” House Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiArkansas police chief resigns after posts calling for ‘death’ to Democrats Overnight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ DeLauro racks up labor endorsements for Appropriations gavel MORE (D-Calif.) said in a statement.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rep. Elissa SlotkinElissa SlotkinOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Overnight Defense: How members of the Armed Services committees fared in Tuesday’s elections | Military ballots among those uncounted in too-close-to-call presidential race | Ninth US service member killed by COVID-19 MORE (D-Mich.), a former defense official and CIA analyst, tweeted that Trump may have fired Esper because he “wants to take actions that he believes his Secretary of Defense would refuse to take, which would be alarming.”
Lawmakers, many of whom worried that the dismissal was out of spite, also say the move can only hurt the country.
“Firing the Secretary of Defense in the waning weeks of the Administration undermines national security at a critical moment,” said Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack ReedJack ReedOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum MORE (D-R.I.).
Pelosi said she feared that Esper’s dismissal “is disturbing evidence that President Trump is intent on using his final days in office to sow chaos in our American Democracy and around the world.”
“It is disturbing and dangerous that, at this precarious moment, our military will now be led by an official who has not been confirmed for this position by the Senate,” she added.
Click Here: gws giants guernsey 2019
ADVERTISEMENT
House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Democrats erupt in jubilation over Biden-Harris victory MORE (D-Md.), said Trump’s decision “is nothing less than a temper tantrum by someone upset at being rejected by the majority of voters in this country.
“The removal of Secretary Esper presents real threats to our national security, as it comes in the middle of a presidential transition – already a moment when our adversaries are seeking to exploit any weakness and take advantage of any divisions or distractions for our government and military. … I pray that the consequences of [Trump’s] actions in this case are minimal.”
Sen. Tim KaineTimothy (Tim) Michael KaineDemocratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Let’s care for America’s health care workers like they care for us Biden wins Virginia MORE (D-Va.), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, said firing Esper “in the last weeks of a lame duck Presidency serves no purpose and only demonstrates an instability harmful to American national defense.”
Kaine added that Esper “has served this nation honorably despite the many challenges posed by this President,” and the nation owes a debt of gratitude to Esper “and the countless public servants at DOD that will have to work in the tumultuous remaining weeks ahead of the Trump presidency.”
Senate Intelligence Committee ranking member Mark WarnerMark Robert WarnerEsper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Hillicon Valley: Officials on alert for potential cyber threats after a quiet Election Day | Officials warn delayed vote count could lead to flood of disinformation | Facebook takes down massive ‘Stop the Steal’ group MORE (D-Va.), meanwhile, said he was “deeply troubled” by the firing, which comes at a time “our adversaries are already seeking vulnerabilities they can exploit.”
Other lawmakers took the moment to urge their colleagues as well as military leaders to uphold the Constitution, as there are fears Trump could use the tumultuous period before he is ousted to act without pushback.
Trump was reportedly angered and wanted to fire Esper this summer when the Pentagon chief resisted the president’s threat to deploy active-duty troops to quell nationwide racial justice protests. Esper responded by holding a press conference at the Pentagon announcing his opposition to deploying troops.
But with Miller now at the helm, it remains to be seen what the new acting Defense secretary will offer as far as resistance to controversial moves.
“Donald Trump fired someone who wouldn’t order U.S. troops to attack peaceful protesters and is replacing him with someone he may think will carry out those orders,” Sen. Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum What were we thinking in 1996 when we approved Section 230? MORE (D-Ore.) said in a statement. “I opposed Chris Miller’s nomination earlier this year, because he refused to promise that intelligence agencies wouldn’t target Americans based on their political views. He should remember that anyone who carries out an illegal order from Donald Trump will be held fully accountable under the law.”
Former Marine Rep. Seth MoultonSeth MoultonOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Trump slight against Gold Star families adds to military woes MORE (D-Mass.) said he has “no doubt” that Esper was fired for being critical of Trump’s policies. He said he hopes the commander in chief does nothing between now and Biden’s inauguration that puts the Joint Chiefs of Staff “in a position where they will need to make a partisan decision on a civilian, political matter.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“We are now going through a political transition period in our country where the civilian leadership will insulate the military’s leaders from having to weigh in on partisan issues which could irreparably erode the American people’s trust in our Armed Forces,” Moulton said.
“I hope that my Republican colleagues in Congress, especially those who have served in uniform as I have, will take their duty to provide a check on the executive branch seriously and recommit themselves to civilian leadership of our military,” he said.
Slotkin, who said she worked with Miller during her at the Pentagon, and more recently during his time at the National Counterterrorism Center, said on twitter that “it is critical that he, and all senior Pentagon leaders, remember that they swore an oath to the Constitution, not any one man.”
“I did not always agree with Secretary Esper but I always knew that he cared deeply for our men and women in uniform. … All leaders must decide what they will do in the next 72 days. I strongly urge Acting Secretary Miller to remember that the country and the military he has dedicated his life to are counting on him to do the right thing,” Slotkin wrote in a series of tweets
In contrast, Congressional Republicans seemed reluctant to chastise Trump for Esper’s firing. Several offered statements that praised the former Pentagon chief but did not mention the president.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Mark Esper has served the nation well under very challenging circumstances,” said House Armed Services Committee ranking member Rep. Mac ThornberryWilliam (Mac) McClellan ThornberryOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Overnight Defense: How members of the Armed Services committees fared in Tuesday’s elections | Military ballots among those uncounted in too-close-to-call presidential race | Ninth US service member killed by COVID-19 MORE (R-Texas), who is retiring when his term ends in January. “He has helped lead the Department of Defense toward being more efficient and better prepared to deter peer adversaries. He has been an effective advocate for the men and women in uniform and their families. He deserves the gratitude of every American.”
Fellow committee member Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio) only said that Esper “was an outstanding Secretary of Defense” and that “his leadership had the support of our military and the American people.”
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman James InhofeJames (Jim) Mountain InhofeOvernight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ Democratic lawmakers lambast Trump over Esper firing as GOP remains mum Lisa Gordon-Hagerty resigns as chief of nuclear weapons agency MORE (R-Okla.) offered a similar response to the leadership change, thanking Esper for his service.
Inhofe also said he had recently spoken with Miller, and looks “forward to working with him to ensure that these priorities remain paramount and to working with President Trump to maintain stability at the Pentagon, particularly as we work to enact the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act.”
TikTok’s parent company ByteDance filed a petition Tuesday asking the courts to extend a Thursday deadline for the company to divest the popular video-sharing app as outlined in an executive order from President TrumpDonald John TrumpFeds charge Staten Island man over threat to Schumer, FBI Pence cancels vacation in Florida: report Romney shoots down serving in Biden Cabinet MORE.
In the petition filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Beijing-based ByteDance asks for an extension since a proposed deal tentatively approved by Trump in September has yet to be finalized, according to reports. The proposed deal would establish a U.S.-headquartered TikTok Global with partial U.S.-based owners, Oracle and Walmart.
“Facing continual new requests and no clarity on whether our proposed solutions would be accepted, we requested the 30-day extension that is expressly permitted in the August 14 order,” TikTok said in a statement to Reuters.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Without an extension in hand, we have no choice but to file a petition in court to defend our rights,” the company added.
Trump’s executive order targeting TikTok alleged the company posted national security concerns. TikTok has denied such allegations.
The Trump administration’s push to overhaul the use of TikTok in the U.S. is part of a larger pushback on Chinese-owned tech companies, including messaging platform WeChat, amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The executive order calling for ByteDance to divest TikTok is just one of the ways the administration is placing pressure on the popular app. In another order, the administration tried to ban the app from being downloaded on U.S. app stores.
The order has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge, but the Department of Commerce said earlier this month it would continue to “vigorously defend” it.
Spokespeople for TikTok and the White House were not immediately available for comment.
Almost half of the respondents in a poll released Wednesday said they would be very likely to stay at home for a month if officials order a lockdown due to COVID-19, with support for the measure falling since the spring.
Gallup found that 49 percent would now be willing to shelter in place should officials order it.
The percentage has fallen from similar polls taken throughout the spring, when majorities of people asked said they’d comply with a lockdown. Gallup found that support for lockdowns has been trending downward since peaking at 67 percent in March and April.
ADVERTISEMENT
Another 18 percent said in the new poll that they would somewhat agree to a lockdown, while the remaining third said they’d refuse to shelter-in-place — double the amount from the spring.
Republicans represented the majority of respondents who told pollsters that they have changed their mind about agreeing to another lockdown. Whereas 74 percent said in the spring that they would comply, now only 40 percent said they would. Support from Democrats remains high, with 87 percent agreeing compared to 91 percent previously, Gallup noted.
Overall, Americans said they feel more safe being out in public than before, with about 82 percent reporting being somewhat or very confident in not contracting the virus while out and about.
The new figures come as officials warn that fatigue over COVID-19 could be dangerous as cases rise across the country. The U.S. set a record for coronavirus-related hospitalizations Tuesday, and has already passed 1 million new cases for the month of November.
The latest Gallup poll of 2,985 adults was conducted between Oct. 19 and Nov. 1. Its results have a margin of error of 3 percentage points.