Aug 17, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Robert Gates joins intelligence leaders condemning Trump for Brennan slap

Photo: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

Dr. Robert Gates has added his name to a stunning list of former intelligence officials who signed a letter criticizing President Trump's decision to revoke former CIA director John Brennan's security clearance.

Why it matters: Gates has served eight presidents, including stints as CIA director, and later as Defense Secretary for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. In the the letter, the former officials state that "decisions on security clearances should be based on national security concerns and not political views." They also call the decision "ill-considered and unprecedented."

Other signees:

  • William H. Webster, former director of Central Intelligence (1987-1991)
  • George J. Tenet, former director of Central Intelligence (1997-2004)
  • Porter J. Goss, former director of Central Intelligence (2005-2006)
  • General Michael V. Hayden, USAF, Ret., former director of the CIA (2006-2009)
  • Leon E. Panetta, former director of the CIA (2009-2011)
  • General David H. Petraeus, USA, Ret., former director of the CIA (2011-2012)
  • James R. Clapper, former deputy director of the CIA (2010-2017)
  • John E. McLaughlin, former deputy director of the CIA (2000-2004)
  • Stephen R. Kappes, former deputy director of the CIA (2006-2010)
  • Michael J. Morell, former deputy director of the CIA (2010-2013)
  • Avril Haines, former deputy director of the CIA (2013-2015)
  • David S. Cohen, former deputy director of the CIA (2015-2017)

Go deeper

Orion Rummler
9 hours ago - Health

15 states broke single-day coronavirus records this week

Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 9 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
  3. States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
  4. Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
  5. Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
  6. World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
  7. Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
  8. 1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Rashaan Ayesh
10 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow