Jun 3, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Kushner, for first time, claims he never discussed security clearance with Trump

Photo: "Axios on HBO"

Jared Kushner denied on "Axios on HBO" that he discussed his top-secret security clearance with his father-in-law, even though President Trump is said to have personally ordered the clearance over the advice of his own staff. This is first time Kushner has denied it on the record.

Why it matters: Trump and Kushner talk constantly about key decisions. This gives House committees a new marker as they continue their investigation of White House security clearances.

  • Bonus: Kushner also said he wasn't aware of the allegedly suspicious transactions that a former Deutsche Bank anti-money laundering specialist says she found between Kushner's family company and Russian individuals.

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Alayna Treene, Hans Nichols
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

The apocalypse scenario

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Democratic lawyers are preparing to challenge any effort by President Trump to swap electors chosen by voters with electors selected by Republican-controlled legislatures. One state of particular concern: Pennsylvania, where the GOP controls the state house.

Why it matters: Trump's refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, together with a widely circulated article in The Atlantic about how bad the worst-case scenarios could get, is drawing new attention to the brutal fights that could jeopardize a final outcome.

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Axios
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Federal judge rules Trump administration can't end census early

Census workers outside Lincoln Center in New York. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images

A federal judge ruled late Thursday that the Trump administration could not end the 2020 census a month early.

Why it matters: The decision states that an early end — on Sept. 30, instead of Oct. 31 — would likely produce inaccuracies and thus impact political representation and government funding around the country.

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Caitlin Owens, author of Vitals
2 hours ago - Health

Where bringing students back to school is most risky

Data: Coders Against COVID; Note: Rhode Island and Puerto Rico did not meet minimum testing thresholds for analysis. Values may not add to 100% due to rounding; Cartogram: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

Schools in Southern and Midwestern states are most at risk of coronavirus transmission, according to an analysis by Coders Against COVID that uses risk indicators developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The big picture: Thankfully, schools have not yet become coronavirus hotspots, the Washington Post reported this week, and rates of infection are lower than in the surrounding communities. But that doesn't mean schools are in the clear, especially heading into winter.

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