National

A viable Twitter deal is "not out of the question" at a lower price, Elon Musk said at the 2022 All-In Summit Monday, as he's continued to express skepticism about the company's estimate of spam and fake accounts.

State of play: Musk recently put his deal to buy Twitter "temporarily on hold" as he seeks out more information about spam and fake accounts.

Driving the news: In a series of tweets Monday, Twitter’s chief executive Parag Agrawal defended the company's estimate of "well under 5%" fake accounts and bots and laid out how it arrived at the figure.

Musk replied to Agrawal's tweet and responded with the poop emoji.

Musk went further at the All-In Summit, saying without providing evidence that it "seems beyond unreasonable" that Twitter's number of human accounts is at over 95%.

"Does anyone have that experience?" Musk asked.

Musk said that there is probably four to five times the number of bots compared to what Twitter said. The lowest estimate, he said, is that Twitter is 20% full of bots.

Per Bloomberg, Musk said that a viable deal for Twitter at a lower price is not “out of the question.” 

Our thought bubble, via Axios' Scott Rosenberg: Every Twitter user's experience varies based on who you follow and who follows you. Musk is a highly atypical user with a massive public profile, 90 million followers, and deep ties to the crypto world, where bots run rampant. 

No doubt he encounters tons of bots all the time! Most of us don't, and have little reason to question the company's calculations.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show Musk replied to Agrawal's tweet, he did not quote-tweet it.

Musk: Twitter deal at lower price "not out of the question"

Musk has continued to express skepticism about the company's estimate of spam and fake accounts.

Elon Musk

Technology

Abbott Nutrition said Monday it has reached an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration to reopen its infant formula plant, paving the way for increased baby formula supply amid the ongoing shortage.

Why it matters: The U.S. has faced a massive baby formula shortage because of supply chain issues compounded by the closure of Abbott's facility in Sturgis, Michigan due to an FDA recall. Reopening the facility means more baby formula could hit store shelves soon.

Driving the news: Abbott said in a statement Monday that it can restart operating the site in two weeks. It will take another six to eight weeks before the baby formula can make its way onto shelves.

Abbott said that an investigation between the FDA, Abbott and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found "no conclusive evidence to link Abbott's formulas to these infant illnesses."

A federal court in Western Michigan approved the consent decree from the Department of Justice on Monday, which requires Abbott to seek outside expert help to keep the Michigan facility in proper condition.

Details: The FDA said Abbott agreed to make corrections to its facility following the recall that will "ultimately result in an increase of infant formula products."

The FDA said that Abbott will have to meet FDA standards when the facility reopens.

If any contamination is found, Abbott must tell the FDA about it and "conduct a root-cause investigation before resuming production," the FDA said.

What they're saying: "Our No. 1 priority is getting infants and families the high-quality formulas they need, and this is a major step toward re-opening our Sturgis facility so we can ease the nationwide formula shortage," said Robert Ford, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott. 

"We look forward to working with the FDA to quickly and safely re-open the facility.

"We know millions of parents and caregivers depend on us and we're deeply sorry that our voluntary recall worsened the nationwide formula shortage. We will work hard to re-earn the trust that moms, dads and caregivers have placed in our formulas for more than 50 years."

The other side: "The public should rest assured that the agency will do everything possible to continue ensuring that infant and other specialty formulas produced by the company meet the FDA’s safety and quality standards, which American consumers have come to expect and deserve,” FDA commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement Monday.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the Department of Justice "will vigorously enforce the laws ensuring the safety of our food and other essential consumer products, and we will work alongside our partners across government to help make sure those products are available to the American people.”

What we're watching: Califf also told the "Today" show Monday morning the agency does not expect the baby formula shortage "to last to the end of the year, by any means."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details throughout.

Abbott reaches deal with FDA to reopen baby formula plant linked to shortage

Reopening the facility means more baby formula could hit store shelves soon.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abbott Nutrition" data-vars-click-url="https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2022-05-16-Abbott-Enters-into-Consent-Decree-with-U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration-for-its-Sturgis,-Mich-,-Plant-Agreement-Creates-Pathway-to-Reopen-Facilityhttps://www.axios.com/2022/05/13/white-house-abbott-baby-formula-wic" data-vars-content-id="aaa6d88a-466c-4ad5-a433-133f719263fe" data-vars-headline="Abbott reaches deal with FDA to reopen baby formula plant linked to shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2022-05-16-Abbott-Enters-into-Consent-Decree-with-U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration-for-its-Sturgis,-Mich-,-Plant-Agreement-Creates-Pathway-to-Reopen-Facilityhttps://www.axios.com/2022/05/13/white-house-abbott-baby-formula-wic" target="_self">Abbott Nutrition</a> said Monday it has reached an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2022-05-16-Abbott-Enters-into-Consent-Decree-with-U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration-for-its-Sturgis,-Mich-,-Plant-Agreement-Creates-Pathway-to-Reopen-Facility" data-vars-content-id="aaa6d88a-466c-4ad5-a433-133f719263fe" data-vars-headline="Abbott reaches deal with FDA to reopen baby formula plant linked to shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2022-05-16-Abbott-Enters-into-Consent-Decree-with-U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration-for-its-Sturgis,-Mich-,-Plant-Agreement-Creates-Pathway-to-Reopen-Facility" target="_blank">agreement</a> with the Food and Drug Administration to reopen its infant formula plant, paving the way for increased baby formula supply amid the ongoing shortage.Why it matters: The U.S. has faced a massive baby formula shortage because of supply chain issues compounded by the closure of Abbott&#x27;s facility in Sturgis, Michigan due to an FDA recall. Reopening the facility means more baby formula could hit store shelves soon.

The U.S. faces a range of health care flashpoints — unaffordable drugs, opioids, vaping — as we debate whether to adopt universal care. For now, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, but Republicans want to issue it a final death blow.

Health

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday that will make protesting outside of a person's home illegal.

Why it matters: The law comes after some Americans have protested outside the homes of Supreme Court justices following the leak of a draft opinion indicating the court is prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Driving the news: The Florida law bans residential picketing and picketing or protesting before or about a dwelling of a person with specified intent."

The law "requires specified warning before arrest." DeSantis said it will keep people safe amid widespread protests.

What he said: “Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in a statement. 

“This bill will provide protection to those living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

The big picture: The U.S. Senate passed a bill last week that would extend protections from the Supreme Court Police to the immediate family members of Supreme Court justices. It awaits approval from the House before heading to President Biden's desk.

Yes, but: Some top Democrats have dismissed the risk posed by protests outside Supreme Court justices' homes because there hasn't been any violence, Axios' Andrew Solender writes.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would be comfortable with protests outside his home if they remain peaceful.

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier this month that protests "should never include violence, threats or vandalism."

Tampa Bay

Picture of the Tampa Bay skyline with TPA written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Ben Montgomery.

Axios Tampa Bay

Axios Tampa Bay Thought Bubble

DeSantis signs law banning protests outside private homes

The new law comes as people continue to protest at Supreme Court Justices's homes over the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Photo: Paul Hennessy via Getty Images

Protests

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signed a bill" data-vars-click-url="https://flgov.com/2022/05/16/governor-ron-desantis-protects-floridians-from-protests-outside-their-homes/" data-vars-content-id="b863ed91-6cbc-4350-a28c-76c4234ee11f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis signs law banning protests outside private homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flgov.com/2022/05/16/governor-ron-desantis-protects-floridians-from-protests-outside-their-homes/" target="_blank">signed a bill</a> Monday that will make protesting outside of a person&#x27;s home illegal.Why it matters: The law comes after some Americans have protested outside the homes of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court justices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/03/roe-v-wade-abortion-rights-protest-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="b863ed91-6cbc-4350-a28c-76c4234ee11f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis signs law banning protests outside private homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/03/roe-v-wade-abortion-rights-protest-supreme-court" target="_self">Supreme Court justices</a> following the leak of a draft opinion indicating the court is prepared to overturn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roe v. Wade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/roe-v-wade-supreme-court-leak-stuns-nation-7488063e-69e5-4de7-b371-6c472e7c4e9d.html" data-vars-content-id="b863ed91-6cbc-4350-a28c-76c4234ee11f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis signs law banning protests outside private homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/roe-v-wade-supreme-court-leak-stuns-nation-7488063e-69e5-4de7-b371-6c472e7c4e9d.html" target="_self">Roe v. Wade</a>.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Kathy Barnette described a recent robocall in which former President Trump campaigns for Dr. Mehmet Oz as "unfortunate" and a bad move by his advisers.

State of play: Barnette has been a longtime supporter for Trump, who has endorsed her opponent Oz in the Senate GOP primary race.

Driving the news: Fox News Channel's "Special Report" played snippets of a robocall in which Trump says that Barnette "wanted to build a statue to Barack Hussein Obama and attacked the father of our country, George Washington. That's no good."

Barnette responded to the robocalls, saying "that is unfortunate that the president would say that," Barnette said. "Again, I'm going to chalk it up to he has bad advisers on that one. It is very clear. "

Context: Barnette said on Fox News Channel's "Special Report"  on Monday that she was marching on Jan. 6 to support former President Trump.

"We had a wonderful time. We prayed. We listened to what the president had to say. We hung out," Barnette told anchor Brett Baier.

"We walked and sang songs, and then we got on our bus and left and came back home."

 "I was out there because I wanted to hear what the president had to say."

The photos in a recent NBC News report, she said, were evidence that "the media is smearing my name and sowing seeds of disinformation in order to suppress my vote and steal this election from me. "

The big picture: Barnette has recently gained traction among the Republican base in the Pennsylvania primary race which has been largely seen as a battle between David McCormick and Oz.

Barnette's rise triggered surprise among influential Republicans in Washington, Axios' Jonathan Swan, Lachlan Markay and Andrew Solender previously reported.

Barnette has faced tremendous scrutiny and criticism amid her surge in the polls. Several past tweets included anti-Muslim and anti-LGBTQ comments, as well as conspiracy theories against former President Obama.

Former President Trump also questioned her past, warning that she has "not been properly explained or vetted." 

Kathy Barnette reacts to “unfortunate” Trump robocall

Barnette has been longtime supporter for Trump, who has endorsed her opponent Oz in the Senate GOP primary race.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Kathy Barnette speaks at a rally.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Kathy Barnette. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Republican Party

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kathy Barnette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/12/gop-panics-pa-senate-wild-card-kathy-barnette" data-vars-content-id="db502d92-cbc0-430e-a170-f0bf2431faef" data-vars-headline="Kathy Barnette reacts to “unfortunate” Trump robocall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/12/gop-panics-pa-senate-wild-card-kathy-barnette" target="_self">Kathy Barnette</a> described a recent robocall in which former President Trump campaigns for Dr. Mehmet Oz as &quot;unfortunate&quot; and a bad move by his advisers.State of play: Barnette has been a longtime supporter for Trump, who has endorsed her opponent Oz in the Senate GOP primary race.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday hinted the state would take control over Disney World's self-governing district, instead of handing it over to local governments if it is dissolved next year, WTSP reports.

Why it matters: DeSantis has been at war with Disney over the company's criticism of the state's controversial Parental Rights in Education Law — dubbed by critics the "Don't Say Gay" law. 

Catch up quick: Back in late April, DeSantis signed into law a bill that would revoke the special status of Disney's Reedy Creek District, Axios' Erin Doherty writes.

Reedy Creek, which was created in 1967, allowed Disney to self-govern its own location. Disney can collect taxes and provide emergency services in the district, NBC News reports.

The new law — which eliminates Disney's Reedy Creek district and a handful of other ones — is expected to take effect in June 2023, per The New York Times.

The latest: DeSantis said Monday at a news conference that local governments — like nearby Orange and Osceola counties — won't assume control over Disney's district if it is dissolved.

Rather, it is "more likely that the state will simply assume control and make sure that we’re able to impose the law and make sure we're collecting the taxes," he said per WTSP.

“Obviously with Reedy Creek, the path forward is Disney will not control its own government in the state of Florida,” the governor said. 

The big picture: Dissolving the district would force Orange and Osceola counties to provide local services that Disney currently offers, per CNBC.

The revenue the state receives from the Reedy Creek district (estimated at $105 million annually) would also be gone, which would mean local taxpayers would have to pay for the local services that Disney previously provided, CNBC reports.

Yes, but: DeSantis has pushed back on the idea that taxpayers would be responsible for these expenses.

“Disney will have to follow the same law that every other company has to follow in the state of Florida," he said. "They will pay their fair share of taxes and they will be responsible for paying the debts.”

What to watch: DeSantis said he is working on a proposal that could be ready by November.

Go deeper: DeSantis declares war on Disney

DeSantis suggests Florida could take over Disney's special district

The Florida governor suggested local taxpayers wouldn't face hurdles if Disney's district is dissolved.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during a recent speech.

Disney

Florida Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ron DeSantis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/16/trump-privately-slams-desantis" data-vars-content-id="f3c4b01c-705c-416f-9a5c-99fbf3a620d7" data-vars-headline="DeSantis suggests Florida could take over Disney&#x27;s special district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/16/trump-privately-slams-desantis" target="_self">Ron DeSantis</a> on Monday hinted the state would take control over Disney World&#x27;s self-governing district, instead of handing it over to local governments if it is dissolved next year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WTSP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/desantis-reedy-creek-disney-state-takeover/67-63dbfca0-a50a-4892-b911-08bc22527e2a" data-vars-content-id="f3c4b01c-705c-416f-9a5c-99fbf3a620d7" data-vars-headline="DeSantis suggests Florida could take over Disney&#x27;s special district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/desantis-reedy-creek-disney-state-takeover/67-63dbfca0-a50a-4892-b911-08bc22527e2a" target="_blank">WTSP</a> reports.Why it matters: DeSantis has been at war with Disney over the company&#x27;s criticism of the state&#x27;s controversial Parental Rights in Education Law — dubbed by critics the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Don&#x27;t Say Gay&quot; law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/dont-say-gay-bill-desantis-578593fc-5d6e-4098-b69a-c838b017ce24.html" data-vars-content-id="f3c4b01c-705c-416f-9a5c-99fbf3a620d7" data-vars-headline="DeSantis suggests Florida could take over Disney&#x27;s special district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/dont-say-gay-bill-desantis-578593fc-5d6e-4098-b69a-c838b017ce24.html" target="_self">&quot;Don&#x27;t Say Gay&quot; law</a>.

Sections

Axios Local

Axios gets you smarter, faster with news & information that matters.

About

Subscribe

Herb Scribner

Stories

Kathy Barnette reacts to “unfortunate” Trump robocall

DeSantis signs law banning protests outside private homes

Abbott reaches deal with FDA to reopen baby formula plant linked to shortage

Musk: Twitter deal at lower price "not out of the question"

DeSantis suggests Florida could take over Disney's special district