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Trump retains private lawyer in Russia probe

Andrew Theodorakis, POOL via AP

President Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz, his long-time attorney, in the Russia probe, Axios has confirmed.

This comes at a pivotal moment for Trump, with special prosecutor Robert Mueller now leading the federal investigation into ties between his associates and Russia. A White House source says Trump feels comfortable with Kasowitz, who will be lead attorney, and that other names could be added to his legal team.

Key points about Kasowitz:

  • He has represented Trump in various instances over the past 15 years relating to everything from Trump's divorces to a threat to sue the New York Times.
  • The Russia connection: One of his clients is Russia's largest state-run bank, OJSC Sberbank of Russia.
  • The O'Reilly connection: Kasowitz was Bill O'Reilly's lead attorney during the former Fox host's sexual harassment scandal.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
5 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
5 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
5 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

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