Jan 4, 2017

Tillerson’s $180 million payday

The feds blessed a $180 million retirement package for former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, just ahead of his confirmation battle to become Trump's Secretary of State.

Why it matters: If he hadn't cashed out his Exxon stake, he would've been tied to the company for hundreds of millions of dollars, similar to the way Cheney was tied to Halliburton. This deflated that concern. He still faces a tense debate about his cozy relationship with Putin.

Between the lines

  • Forfeits $11 million in Exxon stocks and bonuses
  • Prohibited from working in industry for 10 years

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Jonathan Swan
5 mins ago - Axios on HBO

Ted Cruz doesn't think the Hunter Biden attacks are working

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz told "Axios on HBO" he doesn't think the Trump campaign's focus on the Biden family's business dealings are having any sway with voters.

The big picture: After watching the Trump-Biden debate with "Axios on HBO" on Thursday night, Cruz said he thought Trump had done very well. But when asked whether he thought voters were moved by the release of the Hunter Biden emails, Cruz replied, "I don't think it moves a single voter."

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Alexi McCammond
16 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Ilhan Omar: The Squad expects liberal turn from Biden after election

Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Axios on HBO" that given the way progressives have shaped Joe Biden's policy platform, she and other members of "The Squad" expect a liberal turn from him if he's elected.

Why it matters: Progressives have largely refrained from publicly criticizing Biden in the lead-up to the election, even though he hasn't signed on to their most far-reaching policies. Instead, they're focusing solely on beating Trump.

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Fadel Allassan
Updated 1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Amy Coney Barrett sworn in as Supreme Court justice

Amy Coney Barrett took the constitutional oath to serve as a Supreme Court justice at a White House ceremony Monday night, soon after the Senate voted to confirm her nomination to the high court in a 52-48 vote.

The state of play: Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath. The Supreme Court wrote in a statement that Barrett will take the judicial oath on Tuesday, at which point she will be able to begin her work on the court.

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