Apr 24, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Trump says he's against White House aides testifying before Congress

President Trump. Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

President Trump told The Washington Post Tuesday he's against White House aides — past and present — testifying before congressional panels following the Mueller report findings.

There is no reason to go any further, and especially in Congress where it’s very partisan — obviously very partisan."

Why it matters: Trump's comments indicate a further escalation in the White House's power struggle with House Democrats, who've stepped up investigations into his administration.

The big picture: The Trump administration has taken several steps to block oversight by House Democrats this week.

  • Earlier Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin informed House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) the department would decide by May 6 whether to release Trump's tax returns to Congress — effectively ignoring Neal's April 23 deadline.
  • On Monday, the president and the Trump Organization sued House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings in an attempt to block Cummings' subpoena of Trump's longtime accountant, Mazars USA LLP.
  • Also on Monday, the White House directed former security clearance official Carl Kline not to comply with an Oversight subpoena. Cummings is moving to hold Kline in contempt of Congress.
  • And the administration plans on fighting a House Judiciary subpoena of former White House counsel Don McGahn.

Go deeper

Axios
Updated 51 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 12:15 p.m. ET: 21,261,598 — Total deaths: 767,054— Total recoveries: 13,284,647 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 12:15 p.m. ET: 5,324,930 — Total deaths: 168,703 — Total recoveries: 1,796,326 — Total tests: 65,676,624 — Map.
  3. Health: The coronavirus-connected heart ailment that could lead to sudden death in athletes — Patients grow more open with their health data during pandemic.
  4. States: New York to reopen gyms, bowling alleys, museums.
  5. Business: How small businesses got stiffed — Unemployment starts moving in the right direction.
  6. Politics: Biden signals fall strategy with new ads.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Fadel Allassan
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Kamala Harris and the political rise of America's Indian community

Vice presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

When Democrats next week formally nominate the daughter of an Indian immigrant to be vice president, it'll be perhaps the biggest leap yet in the Indian American community's rapid ascent into a powerful political force.

Why it matters: Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing, wealthiest and most educated demographic groups in the U.S. Politicians work harder every year to woo them. And in Kamala Harris, they'll be represented in a major-party presidential campaign for the first time.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Bryan Walsh
6 hours ago - Health

The cardiac threat coronavirus poses to athletes

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Cardiologists are increasingly concerned that coronavirus infections could cause heart complications that lead to sudden cardiac death in athletes.

Why it matters: Even if just a tiny percentage of COVID-19 cases lead to major cardiac conditions, the sheer scope of the pandemic raises the risk for those who regularly conduct the toughest physical activity — including amateurs who might be less aware of the danger.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow