May 10, 2017

Clinton staffers alarmed by Comey firing

Alayna Treene

Patrick Semansky / AP

Hillary Clinton's former aides aren't known for their affection toward James Comey. In fact many of them blamed him for Clinton's election loss, but tonight they were quick to criticize President Trump's decision to fire Comey:

  • Senator Tim Kaine, Clinton's former running mate: "Trump firing Comey shows how frightened the Admin is over Russia investigation... Comey firing part of a growing pattern by White House to cover-up the truth."
  • John Podesta, former chairman of the Clinton campaign, in reference to former President Richard Nixon's 1973 "Saturday Night Massacre": "@realDonaldTrump Didn't you know you're supposed to wait til Saturday night to massacre people investigating you?"
  • Robby Mook, Clinton's former campaign manager who has been outwardly critical of Comey since the election: "Twilight zone. I was as disappointed and frustrated as anyone at how the email investigation was handled. But this terrifies me... Surprised I'm saying this, but I don't see how this bodes well for the Russia investigation."
  • Brian Fallon, Clinton's former press secretary: "I'm not shedding any tears for Comey personally -he hurt FBI's reputation- but I do worry whether we ever get to the bottom of Russia now."
  • Glen Caplin, former Clinton spokesman who now works as a senior adviser for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: "I am no Comey fan, but POTUS firing FBI Director conducting investigation into campaign is indefensible. Need independent investigation ASAP... Flynn out, Sessions had to recuse himself, Nunes had to step aside, Epshteyn shipped out of the WH, Comey fired...notice any similarities?"

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Axios

Acting Navy secretary resigns over handling of virus-infected ship

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned Tuesday after apologizing for comments he made about Capt. Brett Crozier, who was removed after a letter he wrote pleading with the Navy to address the coronavirus outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt was leaked to the press. The resignation was first reported by Politico.

Why it matters: The controversy over Crozier's removal was exacerbated after audio leaked of Modly's address to the crew, in which he said Crozier was either "too naive or too stupid to be a commanding officer of a ship like this." After initially backing Modly's decision, President Trump said at a briefing Monday that he would "get involved."

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Axios

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 4 p.m. ET: 1,407,123— Total deaths: 81,103 — Total recoveries: 297,934 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 4 p.m. ET: 386,800 — Total deaths: 12,285 — Total recoveries: 20,191 — Map.
  3. Trump admin latest: Trump removes watchdog overseeing rollout of $2 trillion coronavirus bill.
  4. Federal government latest: Senate looks to increase coronavirus relief for small businesses this week — Testing capacity is still lagging far behind demand.
  5. World update: China reopens Wuhan after 10-week coronavirus lockdown.
  6. Wisconsin primary in photos: Thousands gathered to cast ballots in-person during the height of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S.
  7. What should I do? Pets, moving and personal health. Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Keep ReadingArrowUpdated 7 mins ago - Politics & Policy
Fadel Allassan

Pelosi calls for removal of acting Navy secretary

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for the firing or resignation of acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, following his decision to relieve Capt. Brett Crozier from his command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt last week.

Why it matters: Pelosi said Modly "showed a serious lack of the sound judgment and strong leadership" in firing Crozier, who wrote a letter pleading for help in battling a coronavirus outbreak onboard the ship. The letter was leaked to the press, leading to Crozier's ouster.

Go deeperArrow1 hour ago - Politics & Policy