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Trump admin. releases 'Kremlin report,' but no new sanctions

Dave Lawler, author of World

Photo: Mikhail Svetlov / Getty Images

The Treasury Department has released a much anticipated list of Russian oligarchs and political figures as mandated under a sanctions law passed by Congress last year, but has not leveled any new sanctions. Vladimir Putin called the list's publication a "hostile act," but said he would "refrain" from taking any steps in response.

Why it matters: The list was ostensibly intended to name and shame those who were benefiting from their relationships with Putin. But all it offers is publicly available information, without repercussions. So don't be surprised if it doesn't lead any of the oligarchs to change their behavior.

The details: The political list seems to have been taken wholesale from the Kremlin's website, while the 96 oligarchs listed are simply the Russians classified by Forbes as billionaires, per the AP. As former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul points out, some of those listed can hardly be considered close Putin allies.

Our thought bubble: The list may reflect an internal compromise between administration factions supporting a hard line and another, aligning with President Trump, that prefers backing away from the sanctions regime.

Go deeper: Meet Putin's oligarchs

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Kellyanne Conway's parting power pointers

Kellyanne Conway addresses the 2020 Republican National Convention. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Kellyanne Conway has seen power exercised as a pollster, campaign manager and senior counselor to President Trump. Now that his term in office has concluded, she shared her thoughts with Axios.

Why it matters: If there's a currency in this town, it's power, so we've asked several former Washington power brokers to share their best advice as a new administration and new Congress settle in.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

GOP holdouts press on with plans to crush Cheney

Screenshot of emails to a member of Congress from individuals who signed an Americans for Limited Government petition against Rep. Liz Cheney. Photo obtained by Axios

Pro-Trump holdouts in the House are forging ahead with an uphill campaign to oust Rep. Liz Cheney as head of the chamber's Republican caucus even though Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told them to back down.

Why it matters: What happens next will be a test of McCarthy's party control and the sincerity of his opposition to the movement. Cheney (R-Wyo.) is seen as a potential leadership rival to the California Republican.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Lachlan Markay
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Democrats aim to punish House GOP for Capitol riot

Speaker Nancy Pelosi passes through a newly installed metal detector at the House floor entrance Thursday. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

House Democrats plan to take advantage of corporate efforts to cut funding for Republicans who opposed certifying the 2020 election results, with a plan to target vulnerable members in the pivotal 2022 midterms for their role in the Jan. 6 violence.

Why it matters: It's unclear whether the Democrats' strategy will manifest itself in ads or earned media in the targeted races or just be a stunt to raise money for themselves. But the Capitol violence will be central to the party's messaging as it seeks to maintain its narrow majorities in Congress.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow