Jun 7, 2017

Trump's word against Comey's over Flynn request

When asked if President Trump stands by his statement that he didn't ask former FBI Director James Comey for his loyalty, or ask him to stop investigating Michael Flynn, Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters she "can't imagine the president not standing by his own statement."

As for whether Trump has read Comey's opening statement for tomorrow's testimony? Sanders said she wasn't sure, but "I did find the timing of the release a little bit interesting."

Other highlights from her press gaggle aboard Air Force One.

Does Trump plan on live tweeting the Comey hearing? Sanders said she's "not aware of any specific plans for that" but knows the president has a full day tomorrow.
Does the president have confidence in Sessions? "I haven't had a chance to have an extensive conversation with him today, but I certainly plan to ask him that," said Sanders. It's the second straight day the White House declined to answer.
Did Trump consult with Sessions about his new FBI pick? "I don't know about the final decision, but I do know Christopher Wray met with the DOJ, and they vetted and referred candidates, including Wray, to the president."
How frustrated is Trump with the Russia probe? "The president is very focused on his agenda... he's not letting distractions get in the way of that."

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Axios

There are warning signs that Nevada could be Iowa all over again

Former Sen. Harry Reid (D) lines up to cast an early vote for the upcoming Nevada Democratic presidential caucus. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The alarms are increasingly sounding over Nevada's Democratic caucus, which is just five days away.

Why it matters: Similar issues to the ones that plagued Iowa's caucus seem to be rearing their ugly heads, the WashPost reports.

Go deeper2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Axios

China tries to contain coronavirus, as Apple warns of earnings impact

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins, the CDC, and China's NHC; Note: China refers to mainland China and the Diamond Princess is the cruise ship offshore Yokohama, Japan. Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

As China pushes to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — placing around 780 million people under travel restrictions, per CNN — the economic repercussions continue to be felt globally as companies like Apple warn of the impact from the lack of manufacturing and consumer demand in China.

The big picture: COVID-19 has now killed at least 1,775 people and infected more than 70,000 others, mostly in mainland China. There are some signs that new cases are growing at a slower rate now, although the World Health Organization said Monday it's "too early to tell" if this will continue.

Go deeperUpdated 4 hours ago - Health

Ina Fried

Apple will miss quarterly earnings estimates due to coronavirus

Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple issued a rare earnings warning on Monday, saying it would not meet quarterly revenue expectations due to the impact of the coronavirus, which will limit iPhone production and limit product demand in China.

Why it matters: Lots of companies rely on China for production, but unlike most U.S. tech companies, Apple also gets a significant chunk of its revenue from sales in China.

Go deeper5 hours ago - Technology