National

Former Vice President Mike Pence said former President Trump demonstrated "profoundly poor judgment" in having dinner with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye but maintained that he is not an antisemite in a Monday appearance on NewsNation's "On Balance with Leland Vittert."

Why it matters: Fuentes has been labeled a "white supremacist" by the Justice Department and frequently promotes racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories, but Axios' Jonathan Swan reports that Trump "seemed very taken" and impressed with Fuentes at the dinner, which occurred one week after he declared his 2024 candidacy.

What he's saying: "Antisemitism is a very real issue in the world today, and there's a rising tide of antisemitism in many countries," Pence said when asked about the dinner. 

"President Trump was wrong to give a white nationalist, an antisemite and a Holocaust denier a seat at the table," he said. "I think he should apologize for it and he should denounce those individuals and their hateful rhetoric without qualification."

"With that being said ... I don't believe Donald Trump is an antisemite. I don't believe he's a racist or a bigot," Pence added. "People often forget that the president's daughter converted to Judaism, his son-in-law is a devout Jew, his grandchildren are Jewish."

"And so the broad brush of attack that media leveled at him — I think the president demonstrated profoundly poor judgment in giving those individuals a seat at the table."

Worth noting: Trump has sought to play down the dinner, claiming in posts on Truth Social that he didn't know Fuentes and that Ye "expressed no antisemitism."

He later blamed Ye for Fuentes' presence, claiming the rapper brought Fuentes along unbidden.

Fuentes said on his podcast after the dinner that he wasn't sure Trump knew who he was initially.

The big picture: Pence, who is on a book tour for his new memoir, is one of several Republicans to have criticized the move.

Many have said Fuentes' brand of hate has no place in the party.

Don't forget: This is far from the first time Trump has been accused of antisemitism.

He has also failed to explicitly condemn white nationalism and right-wing violence in the past.

Pence: Trump isn’t antisemitic, but should apologize for Fuentes dinner

"President Trump was wrong to give a white nationalist, an antisemite and a Holocaust denier a seat at the table."

Former Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks at the Republican Jewish Coalition meeting in Las Vegas on Nov. 18. Photo: Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Mike Pence

Donald Trump

Former Vice President Mike Pence said former President Trump demonstrated &quot;profoundly poor judgment&quot; in having dinner with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="white nationalist Nick Fuentes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/25/trump-nick-fuentes-ye-kanye" data-vars-content-id="22791908-e1c4-46ae-8eaf-adc6f4d70b56" data-vars-headline="Pence: Trump isn’t antisemitic, but should apologize for Fuentes dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/25/trump-nick-fuentes-ye-kanye" target="_self">white nationalist Nick Fuentes</a> and rapper Ye but maintained that he is not an antisemite in a Monday appearance on NewsNation&#x27;s &quot;On Balance with Leland Vittert.&quot;Why it matters: Fuentes has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="labeled a &quot;white supremacist&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/case-multi-defendant/file/1367791/download" data-vars-content-id="22791908-e1c4-46ae-8eaf-adc6f4d70b56" data-vars-headline="Pence: Trump isn’t antisemitic, but should apologize for Fuentes dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/case-multi-defendant/file/1367791/download" target="_blank">labeled a &quot;white supremacist&quot;</a> by the Justice Department and frequently promotes racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories, but Axios&#x27; Jonathan Swan reports that Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;seemed very taken&quot; and impressed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/25/trump-nick-fuentes-ye-kanye" data-vars-content-id="22791908-e1c4-46ae-8eaf-adc6f4d70b56" data-vars-headline="Pence: Trump isn’t antisemitic, but should apologize for Fuentes dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/25/trump-nick-fuentes-ye-kanye" target="_self">&quot;seemed very taken&quot; and impressed</a> with Fuentes at the dinner, which occurred one week after he declared his 2024 candidacy.

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

Over a dozen religious rights groups urged the Senate on Monday to codify federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriage, calling the freedom to marry who one loves "a matter of human dignity."

Why it matters: The letter, addressed to  Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), comes after senators announced a bipartisan amendment to strengthen religious liberty protections in the Respect for Marriage Act.

What they're saying: "Within our communities, we approach matters of marriage, family, and identity differently. This bill recognizes this diversity of belief while ensuring that same-sex and interracial couples are treated with equal respect by federal and state governments," the letter states.

"As faith-based organizations, we recognize that the First Amendment right to religious freedom is a cornerstone of our democracy."

The amendment "protects the right to believe as we choose while leaving intact the core mission of the legislation to respect marriages," the letter notes. "The freedom to marry who one loves is a matter of human dignity and supported by a majority of almost every major religious tradition in the United States."

"We urge the Senate to adopt the bipartisan amendment in full, without further amendment needed to protect religious freedom."

Signees include the Interfaith Alliance, Anti-Defamation League, Hindu American Foundation and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Worth noting: The bill cleared a major procedural hurdle in the Senate earlier this month after garnering enough support from Senate Republicans.

The big picture: Majorities of most major religious groups back same-sex marriage, according to a March poll by the Public Religion Research Institute. That includes 83% of Jewish Americans, over 70% of Catholics and Protestants, and more than 50% of Muslims. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has also notably expressed support for the bill.

Over 20 religious groups call on Senate to codify same-sex marriage

"The freedom to marry who one loves is ... supported by a majority of almost every major religious tradition in the United States."

Two men, one wearing an American flag and one wearing a LGBTQ rainbow flag, hold hands.

Robert Oliver (left) and Mark Heller celebrate the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, in West Hollywood, Calif. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

Same-sex marriage

Policymaking

Over a dozen religious rights groups urged the Senate on Monday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="codify federal protections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/18/congress-repeal-defense-marriage-act" data-vars-content-id="9659c60e-7ce1-45ae-8943-aedeb11595a9" data-vars-headline="Over 20 religious groups call on Senate to codify same-sex marriage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/18/congress-repeal-defense-marriage-act" target="_self">codify federal protections</a> for same-sex and interracial marriage, calling the freedom to marry who one loves &quot;a matter of human dignity.&quot;Why it matters: The letter, addressed to Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), comes after senators announced a bipartisan amendment to strengthen religious liberty protections in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Respect for Marriage Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/14/same-sex-marriage-law-senators-deal" data-vars-content-id="9659c60e-7ce1-45ae-8943-aedeb11595a9" data-vars-headline="Over 20 religious groups call on Senate to codify same-sex marriage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/14/same-sex-marriage-law-senators-deal" target="_self">Respect for Marriage Act</a>.

The South Carolina Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling ordering former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to testify before a Georgia grand jury investigating efforts to overturn 2020 election results.

Why it matters: Meadows, a close ally to former President Trump, could be a key witness in the investigation. He and other Trump allies sought to avoid testifying after the grand jury issued subpoenas.

Meadows, who currently lives in South Carolina, had argued that he cannot be compelled to testify, claiming the special grand jury is not a criminal probe. 

What they're saying: "We have reviewed the arguments raised by Appellant and find them to be manifestly without merit," South Carolina’s Supreme Court justices wrote.

Don't forget: Meadows was on the line during a January 2021 phone call when Trump told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find 11,780 votes."

A top aide to Meadows also testified to the Jan. 6 committee earlier this year that he warned Jan. 6 "might get real, real bad" in the days prior, suggesting he was aware of the risk of violence.

The big picture: Giuliani appeared before the grand jury in August after an unsuccessful attempt to avoid giving testimony.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also testified last week after a failed legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately rejected his bid to block the grand jury's subpoena.

Go deeper: Meadows sought pardon after Jan. 6, his former top aide testifies

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. 

Mark Meadows must testify in Georgia election probe, S.C. Supreme Court rules

Meadows, a close ally to former President Trump, could be a key witness in the investigation.

Photo of Mark Meadows holding his glasses

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks during a forum at FreedowmWorks headquarters on Nov. 14 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images

Mark Meadows (North Carolina politician)

2020 election

The South Carolina Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lower court ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/26/mark-meadows-georgia-probe-2020-election" data-vars-content-id="9991803d-f2aa-4f92-8ae0-73824b78f4e8" data-vars-headline="Mark Meadows must testify in Georgia election probe, S.C. Supreme Court rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/26/mark-meadows-georgia-probe-2020-election" target="_self">lower court ruling</a> ordering former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to testify before a Georgia grand jury investigating efforts to overturn 2020 election results.Why it matters: Meadows, a close ally to former President Trump, could be a key witness in the investigation. He and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other Trump allies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/09/rudy-giuliani-fulton-trump" data-vars-content-id="9991803d-f2aa-4f92-8ae0-73824b78f4e8" data-vars-headline="Mark Meadows must testify in Georgia election probe, S.C. Supreme Court rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/09/rudy-giuliani-fulton-trump" target="_self">other Trump allies</a> sought to avoid testifying after the grand jury issued subpoenas.

Generate

Axios Generate

A significant outbreak of severe thunderstorms, including a "few strong tornadoes," is unfolding for the Mississippi Valley, mid-South and parts of the Southeast Tuesday into Tuesday night.

Threat level: The storm threat is highest — at "moderate risk" or a level 4 out of 5 on the National Weather Service's (NWS) scale — in Mississippi. About 40 million people across the South are at risk for severe weather from this event, per the National Weather Service. 

The latest: In Mississippi, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office told WTVA-TV that they've received reports of people trapped and structural damage from a suspected tornado approximately 13 miles north of Columbus, but could not yet confirm injuries.

In Louisiana, the NWS confirmed a tornado in Caldwell Parish caused structural damage approximately six miles southeast of Clarks, KNOE-TV reports.

The National Weather Service has extended its tornado watch for southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana and central Mississippi through 2 am CT. The watch was originally meant to expire at 7 pm CT.

The NWS noted the expectation of "Numerous tornadoes... with a few intense tornadoes likely" within the watch area as thunderstorms develop throughout the afternoon and early evening. 

The watch contains the text: "Scattered supercells will persist through early tonight, with a continued threat for a few strong tornadoes, damaging gusts and large hail." Additional development of strong thunderstorms is also expected overnight "as a cold front approaches from the northwest."

Other tornado watches, though without the heightened alert language, have been issued for portions of southeastern Mississippi and western Alabama, including Tuscaloosa, through 11 pm CT. 

Multiple radar-confirmed and storm spotter-indicated tornadoes have been reported in Mississippi and Louisiana. 

The big picture: The Weather Service is highlighting the threat for tornadoes, very large hail and damaging straight-line winds for parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio.

The storms are developing in a region of warm, humid air flowing north from the Gulf of Mexico, ahead of a cold front and low-pressure area moving into the Plains and Midwest. The associated dip in the jet stream and upper-level winds are aiding in storm development and intensification.

Another front lifting north from Louisiana and Texas is also playing a role in triggering severe weather, including establishing strong winds that vary in speed and/or direction, known as wind shear.

Between the lines: Wind shear is a key ingredient for tornado formation, and the NWS notes that the tornado threat will be highest across Mississippi, possibly extending into surrounding states.

An online NWS discussion states: "Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms -- some capable of long-tracked tornadoes with EF3+ damage potential — will be possible this afternoon into tonight over parts of the lower Mississippi Valley region and Mid-South."

About 5 million people are at the greatest risk of severe weather, in areas either at "enhanced" or "moderate" risk on the NWS' threat level scale.  

Tornadoes of that intensity tend to cause the greatest damage and account for the most fatalities during the course of a year.

Cities that may see severe weather include: Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee, as well as Jackson and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Alexandria, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Birmingham, Alabama.

Context: Nighttime tornadoes tend to be especially dangerous, because people can lack ways to get severe weather warnings, and owners of mobile homes may not have easy access to storm shelters.

Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches are likely to begin being issued by early afternoon local time across portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and other states, with the outbreak reaching its peak during the evening into early overnight hours.

While tornado season traditionally runs during the spring and summer months, there is a fall tornado season in the Southeast, and in years like this one when a La Niña is present in the tropical Pacific Ocean, the South and Southeast can be prone to tornado outbreaks well into the winter.

Editor's note: This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

Tornado outbreak underway across southern U.S., with 40 million at risk

Some "strong tornadoes" are possible, particularly in Mississippi, the NWS warns.

Map showing the area under threat for a severe weather outbreak. 

Map showing the areas at risk for a severe weather outbreak, with red inidcating the "moderate risk" area. (NOAA/FEMA)

extreme weather

Extreme weather

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="significant outbreak of severe thunderstorms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/science/extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="b6046be8-45a3-448f-8d61-ccb4ce7f37d4" data-vars-headline="Tornado outbreak underway across southern U.S., with 40 million at risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/science/extreme-weather" target="_self">significant outbreak of severe thunderstorms</a>, including a &quot;few strong tornadoes,&quot; is unfolding for the Mississippi Valley, mid-South and parts of the Southeast Tuesday into Tuesday night.Threat level: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html" data-vars-content-id="b6046be8-45a3-448f-8d61-ccb4ce7f37d4" data-vars-headline="Tornado outbreak underway across southern U.S., with 40 million at risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html" target="_blank">storm threat</a> is highest — at &quot;moderate risk&quot; or a level 4 out of 5 on the National Weather Service&#x27;s (NWS) scale — in Mississippi. About 40 million people across the South are at risk for severe weather from this event, per the National Weather Service.

Ominous forecasts about the impact of climate change serve as the backdrop for the world — led by U.S. lawmakers and companies — to debate big action on the problem, which could upend energy systems and our way of life.

Energy & Environment

A look at the scientific breakthroughs changing the world, explorations in space and in worlds beyond our own and the threats posed to us by our own planet, both out of our control and of our own making.

Science

Former President Trump insulted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, calling him a "loser for our nation" after McConnell appeared to criticize his decision to have dinner with white supremacist Nick Fuentes and antisemitic rapper Ye.

Why it matters: The dinner has divided the GOP, with some playing it down and others denouncing the move. McConnell said Tuesday that anyone who meets with antisemites or white supremacists is "highly unlikely to ever be elected president of the United States."

What he's saying: "Mitch is a loser for our nation and for the Republican Party who would not have been re-elected in Kentucky without my endorsement, which he begged me for because he was going down," Trump told Fox News. 

"His well-financed opponent had $93 million ready to spend when I drove him from two points down to 21 points up in a matter of days."

Trump again claimed that he had "never heard of Nick Fuentes" before the dinner. 

"I had no idea what his views were, and they weren’t expressed at the table in our very quick dinner, or it wouldn't have been accepted."

"Nobody has to prove or be defensive of me and Israel," he added. "They have acknowledged that I’m the best friend and president to Israel."

Yes, but: Axios' Jonathan Swan reports that Trump "seemed very taken" and impressed with Fuentes at the dinner, which occurred one week after he declared his 2024 candidacy.

Fuentes has espoused several racist conspiracy theories and is a Holocaust denier.

Ye, whom Trump says brought Fuentes to the dinner unbidden, has also come under fire in recent weeks for antisemitic remarks.

The big picture: McConnell is one of several Republicans to take a clear stance against the dinner. Former Vice President Mike Pence also criticized Trump on Monday and said he should apologize, though he argued the former president isn't antisemitic.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has said Fuentes has no place in the GOP but falsely claimed that Trump condemned Fuentes after they met at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump calls McConnell "loser for our nation" after he condemns Fuentes dinner

McConnell had said that anyone who meets with antisemites or white supremacists is "highly unlikely to ever be elected president."

Photo of Mitch McConnell speaking on the left and Donald Trump smiling on the right

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (left) and former President Trump. Photos: Al Drago/Bloomberg  and Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Former President Trump insulted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, calling him a &quot;loser for our nation&quot; after McConnell <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appeared to criticize his decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/29/mitch-mcconnell-antisemites-2024-election" data-vars-content-id="d415d0be-4aa7-4493-9fe6-ede8f42c500e" data-vars-headline="Trump calls McConnell &quot;loser for our nation&quot; after he condemns Fuentes dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/29/mitch-mcconnell-antisemites-2024-election" target="_self">appeared to criticize his decision</a> to have dinner with white supremacist Nick Fuentes and antisemitic rapper Ye.Why it matters: The dinner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has divided the GOP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/29/gop-response-trump-fuentes-dinner" data-vars-content-id="d415d0be-4aa7-4493-9fe6-ede8f42c500e" data-vars-headline="Trump calls McConnell &quot;loser for our nation&quot; after he condemns Fuentes dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/29/gop-response-trump-fuentes-dinner" target="_self">has divided the GOP</a>, with some playing it down and others denouncing the move. McConnell said Tuesday that anyone who meets with antisemites or white supremacists is &quot;highly unlikely to ever be elected president of the United States.&quot;

Shawna Chen

Stories

Tornado outbreak underway across southern U.S., with 40 million at risk

Trump calls McConnell "loser for our nation" after he condemns Fuentes dinner

Mark Meadows must testify in Georgia election probe, S.C. Supreme Court rules

Pence: Trump isn’t antisemitic, but should apologize for Fuentes dinner

Over 20 religious groups call on Senate to codify same-sex marriage