Jun 18, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Katie Gorka tapped for Customs and Border Protection spokesperson post

U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo. Photo: The Washington Post/Getty Images

Katie Gorka was named a spokeswoman for Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, NBC reports.

Why it matters: Gorka is the spouse of former White House adviser Sebastian Gorka. Both have been vocal in their controversial views on Islam and counterterrorism. The White House continues to harden its immigration staff ahead of the election, in an appeal to Trump's base.

Details: Katie Gorka previously served in the DHS Office of Policy, and was overlooked to lead the re-branded Office for Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention at least in part because of her views, DHS officials tell NBC. In her new position, Gorka will manage communications for CBP as the agency faces a surge of undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border.

Go deeper: 2019 already has the highest number of migrant arrests in a decade

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Gigi Sukin
8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Robert Mueller speaks out on Roger Stone commutation

Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testifies before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on Capitol Hill on Wednesday July 24, 2019. Photo: The Washington Post / Contributor

Former special counsel Robert Mueller responded to claims from President Trump and his allies that Roger Stone was a "victim" in the Justice Department's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, writing in a Washington Post op-ed published Saturday: "He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so."

Why it matters: The rare public comments by Mueller come on the heels of President Trump's move to commute the sentence of his longtime associate, who was sentenced in February to 40 months in prison for crimes stemming from the Russia investigation. The controversial decision brought an abrupt end to the possibility of Stone spending time behind bars.

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Jacob Knutson
9 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Trump dons face mask during Walter Reed visit

Trump wearing a face mask in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on July 11. Photo: Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump wore a face mask during his Saturday visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, according to AP.

Why it matters: This is the first known occasion the president has appeared publicly with a facial covering as recommended by health officials since the coronavirus pandemic began, AP writes.

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Axios
Updated 9 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 5:30 p.m. ET: 12,607,510 — Total deaths: 562,338 — Total recoveries — 6,948,863 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 5:30 p.m. ET: 3,228,884 — Total deaths: 134,600 — Total recoveries: 983,185 — Total tested: 38,919,421 — Map.
  3. Public health: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: "Please wear a mask to save lives" — Fauci hasn't briefed Trump on the coronavirus pandemic in at least two months — We're losing the war on the coronavirus.
  4. Food: How the coronavirus pandemic boosted alternative meat.
  5. Sports: Charge of "money grab" by college football.
  6. World: India reimposes lockdowns as coronavirus cases soar.
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