Republicans are fuming at the Trump administration's plans to offer $12 billion in emergency aid to farmers hurt by retaliatory tariffs — with several lawmakers calling the funds "gold crutches," and comparing the proposal to something out of Soviet Russia.
Why it matters: This mass dissension from the right calls into question the overall effect of Trump's trade war. Agricultural groups and Democrats have also been critical of package.
Cox Enterprises, the Atlanta-based conglomerate that owns newspapers, television stations and radio stations, says it plans to sell 14 TV stations across the country through mergers or a partnership with a large ownership group.
Why it matters: In a note to employees, Cox Media Group President Kim Guthrie says that the decision "will likely mean that we will no longer solely control our existing TV portfolio."
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Tuesday unveiled details of an emergency plan to extend $12 billion in aid to farmers hit by retaliatory tariffs caused by President Trump’s escalating trade war.
Why it matters: The plan has received backlash from farm-state conservatives who advocate for free market economics. Earlier this year, Axios reported that Trump floated a similar idea of creating subsidy payments for farmers, but it was shot down by Republican lawmakers.
Ivanka Trump is closing her namesake fashion brand, the First Daughter announced in a statement Tuesday, roughly a year after stepping down from her role at the company to take on a senior position at the White House.
"After 17 months in Washington, I do not know when or if I will ever return to the business, but I do know that my focus for the foreseeable future will be the work I am doing here in Washington, so making this decision now is the only fair outcome for my team and partners."
Axios Business Editor Dan Primack talks with media reporter Sara Fischer about the future of print media. Dan also talks about how former Uber employees are joining together to launch new startups, and Blue Apron's fundamental mistake.
The Trump administration will propose a "temporary relief" plan this afternoon to farmers who have been hit hard by retaliatory tariffs, a source with direct knowledge told Axios.
The Washington Post reported earlier that the plan will include $12 billion in emergency aid, but we haven't been able to confirm the figure.
Why it matters: This an idea that conservatives will hate. The proposal — put forth by the Department of Agriculture, not the White House — is the very opposite of free market economics. Earlier this year, Axios reported that Trump floated a similar idea of creating subsidy payments for farmers, but it was shot down by Republican lawmakers.
House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters Tuesday that he doesn't think tariffs are "the right answer," that he wouldn't invite Vladimir Putin to a joint session with Congress — "that’s something we reserve for allies"— and that Trump was "just trolling" in his threats to remove former intelligence officials' security clearance on Tuesday.
Why it matters: These three statements seem to be in conflict with recent actions and tweets by President Trump. Earlier today, Trump tweeted that "Tariffs are the greatest!" and he announced earlier this month that he would host Putin at the White House.
Why it matters: Returning to a localized message — which Dems tried to do in 2010 and failed — could also be impossible in the Trump era when lawmakers and candidates are forced to answer for every national controversy coming out of Washington.
