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U.S. Ambassador contradicts Trump over criticism of London mayor

Dave Lawler, author of World

London Mayor Sadiq Khan (Matt Dunham / AP)

The acting U.S. ambassador to the U.K. has commended the Mayor of London for his handling of Saturday's terrorist attacks — hours after President Trump criticized the mayor's response.

What Trump said: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"

What Lewis Lukens said, from the embassy twitter account: "Commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack."

What Mayor Sadiq Khan actually said: That Londoners shouldn't be alarmed by increased security. Trump took his words out of context.

Not Trump's man: Lukens is a career diplomat, serving as acting ambassador until Trump fills the role. Trump has indicated he will select Woody Johnson, the NY Jets owner, but has not yet nominated him.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
45 mins ago - Politics & Policy

McConnell drops filibuster demand, paving way for power-sharing deal

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (R) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attend a joint session of Congress. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has abandoned his demand that Democrats state, in writing, that they would not abandon the legislative filibuster.

Between the lines: McConnell was never going to agree to a 50-50 power sharing deal without putting up a fight over keeping the 60-vote threshold. But the minority leader ultimately caved after it became clear that delaying the organizing resolution was no longer feasible.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Ashley Gold
2 hours ago - Technology

Scoop: Google won't donate to members of Congress who voted against election results

Sen. Ted Cruz led the group of Republicans who opposed certifying the results. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Google will not make contributions from its political action committee this cycle to any member of Congress who voted against certifying the results of the presidential election, following the deadly Capitol riot.

Why it matters: Several major businesses paused or pulled political donations following the events of Jan. 6, when pro-Trump rioters, riled up by former President Trump, stormed the Capitol on the day it was to certify the election results.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
3 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Minority Mitch still setting Senate agenda

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Chuck Schumer may be majority leader, yet in many ways, Mitch McConnell is still running the Senate show — and his counterpart is about done with it.

Why it matters: McConnell rolled over Democrats unapologetically, and kept tight control over his fellow Republicans, while in the majority. But he's showing equal skill as minority leader, using political jiujitsu to convert a perceived weakness into strength.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow