Feb 2, 2017 - Politics & Policy

Trump to Mexican President: deal with the “bad hombres”

Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

The AP got a copy of the conversation Trump and Pena Nieto had over the phone last Friday. The quote making news:

You have a bunch of bad hombres down there…You aren't doing enough to stop them. I think your military is scared. Our military isn't, so I just might send them down to take care of it.

A similar report appeared in a Mexican newspaper Tuesday, but Mexico's foreign relations department said it was "based on absolute falsehoods." The White House has denied the AP's report.

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Sara Fischer, Neal Rothschild

40 mins ago - Economy & Business

"Hamilton" is a streaming hit for Disney+

Data: Google Trends; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

The debut of "Hamilton" on Disney+ last Friday sent downloads of the app soaring over the weekend.

Why it matters: With theaters closed until 2021, "Hamilton" is the biggest litmus test for whether Broadway will ever be able to successfully transition some of its iconic hits.

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Dion Rabouin

59 mins ago - Economy & Business

Wall Street is no longer betting on Trump

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Betting markets have turned decisively toward an expected victory for Joe Biden in November — and asset managers at major investment banks are preparing for not only a Biden win, but potentially a Democratic sweep of the Senate and House too.

Why it matters: Wall Street had its chips on a Trump win until recently — even in the midst of the coronavirus-induced recession and Biden's rise in the polls.

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Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian

1 hour ago - World

With new security law, China outlaws global activism

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

The draconian security law that Beijing forced upon Hong Kong last week contains an article making it illegal for anyone in the world to promote democratic reform for Hong Kong.

Why it matters: China has long sought to crush organized dissent abroad through quiet threats and coercion. Now it has codified that practice into law — potentially forcing people and companies around the world to choose between speaking freely and ever stepping foot in Hong Kong again.