Dec 19, 2017

White House blames media for Trump's low approval ratings

Sanders takes a question at a briefing. Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP

Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that the media's "negative" coverage of President Trump is the reason for his low job approval ratings, which have remained at about 40% or lower throughout his term.

  • On how judicial nominee Matthew Peterson, who withdrew his nomination, made it through the vetting process: "Every administration has individuals that don't make it through the process."
  • On whether the president will personally benefit from the tax legislation: Trump "will likely take a big hit" on the personal side. "On the business side, he could benefit ... but the focus remains on the middle class."

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How Disney World could host the NBA

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

After weeks of speculation, the NBA announced Saturday that it is in early discussions to resume its season in late July at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

What they're saying: The NBA's most well-sourced reporter, Adrian Wojnarowski, says "everything is pointing toward" this happening, and that teams could start recalling players as soon as next week for a two-week quarantine period and formal training camp.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow4 mins ago - Sports

U.S.-China trade tensions are escalating again

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

As the coronavirus pandemic appears to be subsiding in China, it's becoming clear that its targets for the phase one trade deal with the U.S. are unrealistic and there is so far no sign of a plan for renegotiation.

What's happening: White House National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said Thursday the trade deal was "intact, and China has every intent of implementing it."

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow12 mins ago - Economy & Business

Husband of deceased Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to delete baseless Trump claims

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The husband of Lori Klausutis, an aide to Joe Scarborough when he was member of Congress who died in 2001, asked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to take down President Trump's tweets baselessly accusing the MSNBC host of murdering her, according to a letter obtained by the New York Times' Kara Swisher.

The state of play: Timothy Klausutis asked Dorsey to delete the tweets because Trump "has taken something that does not belong him — the memory of my dead wife and perverted it for perceived political gain."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow14 mins ago - Politics & Policy