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White House directs FBI to interview anyone necessary in Kavanaugh probe

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The White House has directed the FBI to interview any witness it deems relevant to the investigation of sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh as long as the probe is wrapped up by Friday, reports the New York Times.

Why it matters: During a press conference today, President Trump said that he wants a "comprehensive" investigation, but that he will ultimately defer to Senate Republicans to determine the scope. He also tweeted on Saturday that the FBI should interview "whoever they deem appropriate," contradicting an earlier NBC News report that the White House had created a list of potential witnesses for the FBI.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
59 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Stalemate over filibuster freezes Congress

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell's inability to quickly strike a deal on a power-sharing agreement in the new 50-50 Congress is slowing down everything from the confirmation of President Biden's nominees to Donald Trump's impeachment trial.

Why it matters: Whatever final stance Schumer takes on the stalemate, which largely comes down to Democrats wanting to use the legislative filibuster as leverage over Republicans, will be a signal of the level of hardball we should expect Democrats to play with Republicans in the new Senate.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Dave Lawler, author of World
1 hour ago - World

Biden opts for five-year extension of New START nuclear treaty with Russia

Putin at a military parade. Photo: Valya Egorshin/NurPhoto via Getty

President Biden will seek a five-year extension of the New START nuclear arms control pact with Russia before it expires on Feb. 5, senior officials told the Washington Post.

Why it matters: The 2010 treaty is the last remaining constraint on the arsenals of the world's two nuclear superpowers, limiting the number of deployed nuclear warheads and the bombers, missiles and submarines which can deliver them.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Sara Fischer, author of Media Trends
Updated 2 hours ago - Technology

Facebook refers Trump ban to independent Oversight Board for review

Photo: Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

Facebook's independent Oversight Board has accepted a referral from the platform to review its decision to indefinitely suspend former President Trump.

Why it matters: While Trump critics largely praised the company's decision to remove the then-president's account for potential incitement of violence, many world leaders and free speech advocates pushed back on the decision, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for free speech moving forward.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow