Aug 13, 2017

McMaster addresses the Bannon rumors

Evan Vucci / AP

During an interview with Chuck Todd on Meet The Press this morning on NBC News, H.R. McMaster addressed the Steve Bannon rumors, specifically whether or not they can work together despite Trump's suspicions of Bannon leaking. Todd asked McMaster if he and Bannon could continue working in the same White House: "I am ready to work with anybody who will help advance the president's agenda and advance the security, prosperity of the American people."

  • On Charlottesville: "I think what terrorism is, is the use of violence to incite terror and fear. And, of course, it was terrorism."
  • On Tillerson: "Well, we should always take Secretary of State Tillerson at his word. He is a tremendously talented leader and diplomat."
  • On North Korea: "The president doesn't draw red lines. What he does is he asks us to make sure that we have viable options for him."

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Coronavirus dashboard

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  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 6 p.m. ET: 5,653,821 — Total deaths: 353,414 — Total recoveries — 2,325,989 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 6 p.m. ET: 1,694,599 — Total deaths: 100,047 — Total recoveries: 384,902 — Total tested: 14,907,041 — Map.
  3. Public health: Fauci says data is "really quite evident" against hydroxychloroquine — Nearly half of Americans say someone in their household has delayed medical care.
  4. Business: African American business owners have seen less relief from PPP, Goldman Sachs says — Disney plans phased reopening on July 11 — Author Ann Patchett says bookstores are innovating to stay connected with customers.
  5. Tech: AI will help in the pandemic — but it might not be in time for this one.
  6. 1 🎶 thing: Local music venues get rocked by coronavirus.
  7. 🎧 Podcast: Trump vs. Twitter ... vs. Trump.
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  9. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

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Updated 46 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Trump administration to eliminate nuclear waivers tied to Iran deal

Pompeo testifies on Iran in February. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The U.S. is ending waivers that had allowed foreign companies to work at Iran's civilian nuclear facilities, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday.

Why it matters: This will eliminate most elements of U.S. sanctions relief still in place two years after President Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Pompeo said "continued nuclear escalation" made the move necessary, but critics warn it will encourage further Iranian enrichment.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow46 mins ago - World

Top Senate Democrat says State Dept. is working on new Saudi arms deal

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo briefs reporters on May 20. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/pool/AFP via Getty Images

Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) wrote in a CNN op-ed on Wednesday that he learned that the State Department is currently working to sell thousands of additional precision-guided bombs to Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters: Democrats say that Steve Linick, the State Department inspector general who was ousted on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recommendation, was investigating the administration's previous effort to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia without congressional approval.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow54 mins ago - Politics & Policy