Aug 29, 2018

Trump falsely told Christian leaders he revoked a political endorsement law

Trump at a meeting with Evangelical leaders. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Speaking to Christian leaders Monday evening, President Trump said he revoked a law prohibiting charities and churches from giving formal political endorsements, NBC News reports citing recorded excerpts.

"Now one of the things I'm most proud of is getting rid of the Johnson Amendment... That was a disaster for you."

— President Trump to Christian leaders

Why it matters: Despite Congress' attempts to rid the law, per NBC, it remains in effect. Trump warned the Christian leaders they were "one election away from losing everything" they have as conservative Christians, and warned that their opponents were "violent people."

Go deeper

Axios

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 766,336 — Total deaths: 36,873 — Total recoveries: 160,001.
U.S.: Leads the world in confirmed cases. Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 153,246 — Total deaths: 2,828 — Total recoveries: 5,545.
Federal government latest: The White House will extend its social distancing guidelines until April 30 — Rep. Nydia Velázquez diagnosed with "presumed" coronavirus infection.
State updates: Virginia and Maryland issued stay-at-home orders to residents, joining 28 other states — Florida megachurch pastor arrested for refusing to call off mass services.
World updates: Italy reports 1,590 recoveries from the virus, its highest ever.
In photos: Navy hospital ship arrives in Manhattan
What should I do? Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk
Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Keep ReadingUpdated 1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Fadel Allassan

Cuomo: Engaging in politics during coronavirus crisis is "anti-American"

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a Monday press briefing that he won't get into a political tussle with President Trump — calling it "counterproductive" and "anti-American" — as his state deals with the most confirmed coronavirus cases in the country.

The backdrop: Trump said during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" earlier Monday that Cuomo has received high polling numbers during the outbreak because New York has received federal aid.

Go deeper2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Marisa Fernandez

Maryland and Virginia issue coronavirus stay-at-home orders

Data: Axios reporting; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued stay-at-home orders on Monday, with exceptions for residents engaged in essential services, including health care and government functions.

The big picture: The states are the latest to announce policies to enforce social distancing, which have affected almost 250 million Americans. More than 1.5 billion people worldwide had been asked to stay home as of last week.

Go deeperUpdated 3 hours ago - Health