Jan 10, 2018

Trump: Feinstein released dossier transcript in a "possibly illegal way"

California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is the latest target of Trump's tweets. "The fact that Sneaky Dianne Feinstein ... would release testimony in such an underhanded and possibly illegal way, totally without authorization, is a disgrace. Must have tough Primary!" he wrote.

Our thought bubble: Feinstein is expected to face a primary challenge from Kevin de León, who is mounting a campaign as a more progressive alternative. Ironically, Trump's attacks on Feinstein could actually help position her as a stronger opponent to the president, which is what de León and progressives have been pressuring her to be.

The backdrop: Sen. Feinstein unilaterally released the controversial transcript of Fusion GPS founder Glenn Simpson about his firm's findings on Russia's interference in the 2016 election, as well as damning (but unsubstantiated) information on Trump's campaign. This could further strain her relationship with the top Republican member on the committee (Sen. Chuck Grassley), who previously declined to release this transcript.

Go deeper: Read excerpts from the transcript of Simpson's testimony.

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Trump threatens to move Republican convention from North Carolina if capacity reduced

President Trump on stage during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Ohio. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images

President Trump threatened in a series of Monday tweets to move this summer's Republican National Convention from Charlotte if North Carolina's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, doesn't allow the event to be held at full capacity.

The state of play: Mandy Cohen, the state's health and human services secretary, said last week that the GOP should "plan for the worst" as mass gatherings will be a "very big challenge" if the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to increase, per NPR.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow12 mins ago - Politics & Policy

The wreckage of summer

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

We usually think of Memorial Day as the start of the summer, with all of the fun and relaxation that goes with it — but this one is just going to remind us of all of the plans that have been ruined by the coronavirus.

Why it matters: If you thought it was stressful to be locked down during the spring, just wait until everyone realizes that all the traditional summer activities we've been looking forward to are largely off-limits this year.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow2 hours ago - Economy & Business

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 8 a.m. ET: 5,428,605 — Total deaths: 345,375 — Total recoveries — 2,179,408 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 8 a.m. ET: 1,643,499 — Total deaths: 97,722 — Total recoveries: 366,736 — Total tested: 14,163,915 — Map.
  3. World: White House announces travel restrictions on Brazil — Over 100 cases in Germany tied to single day of church services.
  4. Public health: Officials are urging Americans to wear masks over Memorial Day.
  5. Economy: White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett says it's possible the unemployment rate could still be in double digits by November's election.
  6. Federal government: Trump attacks a Columbia University study that suggests earlier lockdown could have saved 36,000 American lives.
  7. What should I do? Hydroxychloroquine questions answered — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  8. 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 6 hours ago - Politics & Policy