Staff Writer

Andrew Egger

308 articles 2017–2018

Andrew Egger is a journalist who served as a staff writer at The Weekly Standard during its final years, contributing a prolific volume of reporting and analysis on politics, policy, and current events. He covered the Trump administration, congressional politics, polling, and national security issues for the magazine. He went on to become a writer at The Bulwark, continuing to cover conservative politics and the Republican Party.

What Could Manafort Gain By Lying to Mueller?

November 27, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Paul Manafort

New court filing alleging lies to the special counsel comes just ahead of report that Trump’s campaign manager met with Julian Assange in 2016. But there are several possible explanations.

New Missouri Poll Shows Hawley Opening Lead over McCaskill

October 28, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Polling

With the November midterms fast approaching, Missouri’s Democratic senator Claire McCaskill is doing her best to stave off a late surge from her Republican challenger, state attorney general Josh Hawley. But with under ten days to go until Decision Day, the latest polling shows that Hawley may have…

Flight of the "False Flag" Conservatives

October 26, 2018 · Web Only, Politics

This morning we learned the utterly unsurprising news that the loon who’s—allegedly—been mailing crude bombs to every Democratic politician and TV talking head he could think of is—allegedly—a gentleman named Cesar Sayoc, who seems to be devoted to Donald Trump. And since then a few ordinarily…

A Pollster’s Primer

October 14, 2018 · Web Only, Polling, Polls

Andrew Egger reviews ‘Where Did You Get This Number?: A Pollster's Guide to Making Sense of the World’

Upon This Rock

October 7, 2018 · Christianity, Evangelicals, rock n roll

Andrew Egger on the prickly street preacher who became the ‘father of Christian rock.’

Ford Requests Hearing Delay

September 19, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Brett Kavanaugh

Christine Blasey Ford wants the FBI to investigate before she appears in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Paul Manafort Throws in the Towel

September 14, 2018 · Politics, Web Only, Paul Manafort

Trump's former campaign manager pleads guilty to two different conspiracy counts before his second trial.

Sasse Rises Above

September 4, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Brett Kavanaugh

Amid the Kavanaugh hearing chaos, the Nebraska senator offers a much-needed civics lesson.

GOP Dodges Bullet With McSally Victory

August 29, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Kelli Ward

The establishment-backed former fighter pilot beat out two candidates who courted the lunatic fringe in Arizona's Senate primary.

Pecker Gets Protection

August 24, 2018 · Web Only, Donald Trump, Michael Cohen

Chairman of AMI, which publishes the National Enquirer, is cooperating with the feds against Michael Cohen.

Swamp Creatures

August 23, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Paul Manafort

Trump's defense of Manafort betrays his campaign's promise to crack down on lobbyists.

Cohen Plea Could Mean Trouble for Trump

August 21, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Donald Trump

The president's former fixer said illegal payment to Stormy Daniels was 'for the principal purpose of influencing the election.'

Manafort Guilty on Eight of 18 Charges

August 21, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Robert Mueller

Trump's former campaign adviser found guilty of tax fraud, bank fraud, and conspiring to hide foreign bank accounts.

All of the White House's Trump Tower Stories

August 6, 2018 · Web Only, Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr.

Two years after First Boy Donald Trump Jr. accepted a meeting with a Russian lawyer in the hopes of getting damaging information about Hillary Clinton, the story is continuing to give the White House headaches. The Washington Post reported this weekend that President Trump was worried Don Jr. might…

Pedaling to the Edge

July 29, 2018 · Books & Arts, Web Only, culture

Andrew Egger reviews Joe Mungo Reed’s ‘We Begin Our Ascent.’

Claire McCaskill Is in Trouble

July 12, 2018 · Politics, Web Only, Missouri

New polling shows Missouri Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley with a slight lead over Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill in what promises to be one of the country’s tightest and most consequential races.

It’s Kavanaugh

July 10, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, SCOTUS

The president chooses an originalist who would give conservatives a solid majority.

No Country for Old Centrists

July 5, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Susan Collins

For what seems like the hundredth time since President Trump took office, Sen. Susan Collins is in a bind. Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement has provided Trump with the opportunity to appoint another conservative to the Supreme Court—provided he can manage to get one through a closely-divided…

A Most Agreeable Man

June 29, 2018 · Features, Magazine, Politics

A dying breed of GOP moderate, Larry Hogan has handled the rise of Donald Trump better than any other Republican politician

Fake News From DHS

June 19, 2018 · Politics, Web Only, Immigration

As Americans continue to react with horror to stories of families being torn apart at the U.S.-Mexico border, the White House has struggled to assemble a defense for their new “zero tolerance” immigration policies which have created the problem.

Trump's Immigration Contradiction

June 15, 2018 · Web Only, Politics, Immigration

Back in February, President Donald Trump tried to use the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA—the Obama-era policy that provided legal protections to people brought to America illegally as children—to strong-arm his immigration agenda through a reluctant Congress. He…

Why Is Devin Nunes So Quiet?

May 25, 2018 · Politics, Donald Trump, Devin Nunes

In many ways, Thursday’s classified Justice Department briefing was the culmination of a year’s work for House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes. For months, Nunes has been demanding that the Justice Department turn over information documenting how and why they first began to investigate…

The Most Ambitious Crossover Event in History

May 21, 2018 · Netflix, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama

So here’s a crossover we didn’t see coming. After a year of keeping a low profile, Barack and Michelle Obama are stepping back into the public square to try their hand at a new enterprise: film production. The pair on Monday announced a multi-year production deal with streaming giant Netflix, which…

Trump's Mueller Meltdown

May 21, 2018 · Donald Trump, Robert Mueller, Russia investigation

Last week, for the first time in months, it looked like President Donald Trump and his legal team might be inching back toward a strategy of cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. According to presidential lawyer Rudy Giuliani,…

Manafort Goes to the Mattresses

May 18, 2018 · Donald Trump, Paul Manafort, Mueller probe

His legal arguments are tenuous, but they may be enough to convince the president.

Pence to Mueller: 'Wrap It Up'

May 10, 2018 · Mike Pence, Robert Mueller, Donald Trump

The vice president calls for an end to the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling.

TheRealMichael Cohen Scandal

May 10, 2018 · Donald Trump, Politics, Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen's alleged misdeeds are lamer than collusion—and worse.

Toxic Governor

May 4, 2018 · Josh Hawley, Missouri, Impeachment

Missouri’s Eric Greitens puts his fellow Republicans in a terrible spot.

Diamond and Silk Go to Washington

April 26, 2018 · House Judiciary Committee, Social Media, Politics

In an attempt to drum up even more attention for their 'censored' Facebook and YouTube accounts.

The McCabe Report Drops the Hammer

April 13, 2018 · Donald Trump, Politics, Andrew McCabe

When outgoing FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was fired on the eve of his retirement last month, many Democrats protested that he was being cheated out of his pension for purely political reasons. But the administration’s official line—that McCabe had been fired for “lack of candor” after lying…

Shocking: Trump Goes Off Script in Ohio

March 29, 2018 · Roseanne Barr, Democrats, Infrastructure

President Trump traveled to Ohio Thursday to give what was supposed to be a speech touting his administration's infrastructure plan, as the White House attempts this week to refocus on infrastructure for the umpteenth time since Trump's inauguration. But that effort ran aground Thursday for the…

Mueller Asserts Ties Between Trump Advisers and Russian Intelligence

March 28, 2018 · Person A, Skadden Arps, Donald Trump

As special counsel Robert Mueller prepares for a potential climactic interview with President Trump, his team continues to bore into potential links between Russian intelligence and Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. In new court documents filed Wednesday, Mueller is asserting the…

Missouri: Hawley Ties McCaskill to Hillary Clinton in New Ads

March 26, 2018 · Republican Party, Today's Blogs, Hillary Clinton

Two weeks after Hillary Clinton sparked an uproar by blaming backward-looking voters in middle America for her 2016 election loss, Republicans are already laying plans to turn her remarks into a major campaign talking point. Missouri Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday released two ads tying…

Trump Threatens to Veto Omnibus Spending Bill

March 23, 2018 · deferred action, Donald Trump, Paul Ryan

President Trump threw a potential wrench into congressional budget discussions Friday morning, threatening to veto the omnibus package that Republican leaders pushed to his desk just hours before to avoid a government shutdown.

Finding the Middle Ground on Andrew McCabe

March 19, 2018 · Robin Ashton, FBI, Donald Trump

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe—sacked on the eve of his retirement after allegedly leaking information to a reporter and then misleading investigators about it—has acquired a pair of wildly divergent reputations. In Trumpworld, McCabe is a hack whose partisan actions during the Clinton…

Trump Checks Out Border Wall Prototypes in San Diego

March 13, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Rex Tillerson

Hours after throwing Washington into a frenzy with his surprise decision to fire Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, President Trump skipped town Tuesday, traveling to San Diego to examine prototypes for his signature border wall that have been constructed at the U.S.-Mexico border.

White House Watch: Kim Jong-un and Trump?

March 9, 2018 · Tariffs, White House Watch, Donald Trump

Could we be on the brink of a thaw in U.S. relations with North Korea? The Trump administration is hoping so in the wake of a shocking message South Korean officials brought from North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un on Thursday: that Kim is “committed to denuclearization,” that the North will refrain…

Trump Signs Tariffs

March 8, 2018 · Tariffs, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

President Trump signed a controversial order implementing heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum Thursday, calling the action “a matter of necessity for our security” and saying it would help to revitalize fading American industry.

White House Watch: The Tariffs Are Coming

March 8, 2018 · Tariffs, Ted Cruz, Donald Trump

President Trump’s controversial plan to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum is about to become a reality, as Trump reportedly wants to sign the order establishing the new policy as early as Thursday afternoon.

White House Watch: Free Traders Down, Gary Cohn Out

March 7, 2018 · Tariffs, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

Another day, another high-profile White House departure. Gary Cohn, President Trump’s chief economic adviser, is leaving the Trump administration—a serious shakeup in a White House where protectionist economics are suddenly on the rise.

White House Watch: Nunberg Goes Off

March 6, 2018 · White House Watch, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

Despite opposition mounting in his own party, President Trump seems determined to stay the course on trade, saying Monday he’s “not backing down” on last week’s decision to implement new tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum.

Former Trump Adviser Nunberg: 'I'm Not Cooperating. Arrest Me.'

March 5, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Sam Nunberg, a former Trump aide recently subpoenaed by the Mueller probe, said Monday he would refuse to testify before the special counsel’s grand jury or turn over requested communications with other members of the Trump campaign.

White House Watch: Operation Chaos

March 5, 2018 · Tariffs, White House Watch, Robert Mueller

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on March 12.

White House Watch: He's the Decider

March 2, 2018 · Tariffs, White House Watch, Robert Mueller

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on March 12.

The Possibilities for Paul Manafort

March 1, 2018 · Jeffrey Toobin, Donald Trump, Trial Lawyers

Say what you will about Paul Manafort (and you can say a lot): He’s no quitter. Pundits proclaimed Manafort’s goose cooked last week after his former business partner and co-defendant Richard Gates fessed up to the battery of crimes of which special counsel Robert Mueller has accused them,…

White House Watch: Hope Hicks? She Gone.

March 1, 2018 · Thom Tillis, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on March 12.

Hope Hicks Leaving the Trump White House

February 28, 2018 · Donald Trump, Anthony Scaramucci, John Kelly

On Tuesday, White House communications director Hope Hicks told House investigators her job sometimes requires her to lie and refused to answer questions about her time in the Trump administration. One day later, the longtime Trump aide has announced she is leaving the White House, reportedly in…

White House Watch: Kushner Gets Downgraded

February 28, 2018 · White House Watch, Donald Trump, John Kelly

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner’s year of security clearance struggles finally caught up with him Tuesday, when White House chief of staff John Kelly officially downgraded his access to classified material from “top secret” to “secret,” barring the president’s son-in-law from accessing…

White House Watch: The DACA Deadline Dies

February 27, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

For recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, a sigh of relief: The Supreme Court on Monday effectively upheld a lower court’s ruling that the White House cannot end DACA, which provides legal status to people brought to America illegally as children, until challenges to the…

What Kelli Ward Wants From CPAC

February 23, 2018 · Arizona, Kelli Ward, Jeff Flake

She doesn’t say so, but 2018 has been a tricky year so far for Arizona Senate candidate Kelli Ward. After months of polling strongly as an uncompromising, Trump-loving alternative to unpopular incumbent Jeff Flake, the conservative firebrand now finds herself squeezed between two new challengers:…

Trump Wraps Up CPAC Speech by Announcing North Korea Sanctions

February 23, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, North Korea

President Donald Trump on Friday delivered a free-wheeling speech to CPAC, a campaign-style barnburner that went over well with the raucous crowd. And on his way out, he casually got around to the important stuff: major new sanctions on North Korea.

New Charges Filed Against Manafort, Gates

February 22, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Update, 9:36 p.m.: Manafort attorney Jason Maloni emails in the following statement "on behalf of Paul Manafort:

Mueller Reaches Plea Deal With Lawyer Who Has Ties to Russia

February 20, 2018 · Donald Trump, Ukraine, Today's Blogs

Four days after his surprise indictment of 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities for conspiracy against the United States, special counsel Robert Mueller revealed a new plea deal Tuesday, with Russia-connected lawyer Alex Van Der Zwaan. Mueller charges that Van Der Zwaan lied to FBI…

Mueller Indicts 13 Russians, 3 Groups for Election Meddling

February 16, 2018 · Mark Warner, Ted Cruz, Russian Propaganda

In his first public indictment of 2018, special counsel Robert Mueller on Friday announced charges against 13 Russian nationals and three organizations for conspiring in secret to destabilize America’s political institutions.

Trump Speaks Out About Florida School Shooter Nikolas Cruz

February 15, 2018 · School Shootings, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

President Trump on Thursday gave his first public comments after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead on Wednesday, pledging to take action “to secure our schools” and “tackle the difficult issue of mental health” to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Trump Backs Grassley Plan on Immigration

February 14, 2018 · deferred action, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

President Trump on Wednesday threw his weight behind Sen. Chuck Grassley’s immigration plan, urging the Senate to pass the “responsible and commonsense” proposal based on the White House’s immigration priorities and threatening to veto proposals that contain further Democratic concessions.

Will Corker Stay or Will He Go?

February 13, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Senator Bob Corker made headlines last October when he became the first GOP senator to announce he would not seek reelection in 2018—then quickly ignited a public spat with President Donald Trump, with the two trading barbs on Twitter. Over a period of weeks, Corker called the Trump White House “an…

Trump Warns Congress: 'Last Chance' for DACA

February 13, 2018 · deferred action, Donald Trump, John Cornyn

President Trump drew a line in the sand on immigration reform in a Tuesday morning tweet, telling Congress that the freewheeling negotiations that began Monday are “our last chance” to grant legal status to nearly 2 million people brought to America illegally as children.

Senators Call Out Susan Rice for 'Unusual Email'

February 12, 2018 · James Comey, Senate Judiciary Committee, Department of Justice

Two of the top Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee are calling on former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice to explain an “unusual email” she sent on the day of President Trump’s inauguration.

Trump Praises Rob Porter

February 9, 2018 · Donald Trump, John Kelly, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump on Friday offered words of praise and support for a disgraced former staffer who resigned earlier this week over allegations of domestic abuse.

64 Americans went to fight with ISIS. What do we do with them now?

February 7, 2018 · America, Iraq, FBI

When the young Muslim known as “Mo” decided he could no longer live in America, the Islamic State wasn’t his destination of choice. Initially, he said, he wanted to migrate to Saudi Arabia to study at the University of Medina—but he couldn’t get in. A diet of online propaganda convinced him the…

FBI Objects to Release of Secret GOP Memo

January 31, 2018 · Christopher Wray, FBI, Donald Trump

The FBI on Wednesday expressed “grave concerns” about the public release of a Republican-drafted memo that reportedly contains allegations of FBI partisanship and surveillance abuses, a rare display of public displeasure from the usually taciturn agency.

CDC Director Resigns After Tobacco Stock Purchase Revealed

January 31, 2018 · tobacco, Center for Disease Control, Today's Blogs

Brenda Fitzgerald, whom President Trump tapped as CDC director last year, announced her resignation Wednesday, one day after it was reported she had purchased stock in a tobacco company one month into her leadership last year.

Trump Invites Davos Crowd to 'Bring Your Business' to America

January 26, 2018 · Donald Trump, Globalization, Today's Blogs

Capping his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump on Friday declared America “open for business and competitive once again” in a speech that trumpeted the country’s economic strength under his administration.

Should Donald Trump Be 'Looking Forward' to an Interview With Robert Mueller?

January 25, 2018 · Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger, Mueller probe

Special counsel Robert Mueller spent much of 2017 making quiet progress in his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, but that has changed in the new year. Mueller’s team has interviewed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, will soon meet with former White House strategist Steve…

Cautious Optimism at the March for Life

January 20, 2018 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Considering they were protesting what they call “the greatest human rights violation of our time,” the crowd that gathered on the National Mall Friday morning for the March for Life was oddly upbeat. Church and school groups who had traveled across the country to show their opposition to 45 years…

Flake Condemns Trump for 'Shameful, Repulsive' Attacks on Media

January 17, 2018 · Jeff Flake, Donald Trump, Fake News

Retiring senator Arizona Jeff Flake accused President Donald Trump of reckless disregard for the truth Wednesday, saying that the White House had launched an “unrelenting daily assault on constitutionally protected free speech.”

Sanders Calls on Congress to Pass Continuing Resolution

January 16, 2018 · deferred action, Donald Trump, Continuing Resolution

As Washington stares down the barrel of a government shutdown, the White House is refusing to back down from its budget terms. Appearing on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning, press secretary Sarah Sanders said Congress must pass a continuing resolution now, then try to find a bipartisan deal on…

Ambassador to Panama Resigns, Sowing Confusion as to His Reasoning

January 12, 2018 · U.S. Embassy, Donald Trump, Diplomacy

U.S. diplomat John Feeley announced Thursday he would resign from his post as ambassador to Panama, the same day President Donald Trump provoked controversy by reportedly demeaning immigrants from central America and “shithole countries” in Africa.

Trump Lashes Out After Judge Issues Injunction Over Ending DACA

January 10, 2018 · deferred action, Donald Trump, THE WEEKLY STANDARD

President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. court system as “broken and unfair” on Wednesday, one day after a federal judge in San Francisco issued a temporary injunction to prevent the White House from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The Reckoning: Breitbart Chooses Trump Over Bannon

January 9, 2018 · Donald Trump, THE WEEKLY STANDARD, Today's Blogs

Steve Bannon, the bomb-throwing media figure and nationalist mascot who was once one of Donald Trump’s most trusted advisers, stepped down on Tuesday from his post as executive chairman of Breitbart.

Mueller Reportedly Seeks an Interview With Trump

January 8, 2018 · Robert Mueller, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election meddling is continuing to tighten, with NBC News reporting Monday that Mueller has informed the White House that he will seek an interview with the president.

Meet Robert Mueller's Legal Dream Team

December 27, 2017 · Robert Mueller, Today's Blogs, Conservative Newsstand

Special counsel Robert Mueller may be the most well-known figure in the special counsel's office (SCO), but the attorneys Mueller has assembled for his investigation into connections between the Trump campaign and Russian government during the 2016 election are a prosecutorial dream team. The SCO…

America 2017: Where Luke Skywalker Fights a Senator on Twitter

December 18, 2017 · Hollywood, Twitter, Today's Blogs

In its early, scrappy days, Twitter captured the hearts of Americans with a seductive promise: famous celebrities tweet, you can tweet back at them, and if you’re lucky, they might read your tweet. Such interactions seemed to offer a peek behind the curtain into the world of Hollywood spangle. We…

Trump: 'No, I'm Not' Considering Firing Mueller

December 18, 2017 · Donald Trump, Republican Party, Today's Blogs

President Trump told reporters Sunday evening that he is not considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, whose investigation into Russian election meddling has been a constant irritant to the White House. At the same time, however, Trump and his allies are stepping up their campaign to…

FCC Votes to End Net Neutrality Regulations

December 14, 2017 · Regulation, Deregulation, Today's Blogs

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 along party lines Thursday to reverse the Obama-era internet regulations known as “net neutrality,” arguing over dire Democratic warnings that the change would help consumers and promote competition among internet providers.

Where Is Roy Moore? Mostly Not on the Campaign Trail.

December 11, 2017 · Doug Jones, Donald Trump, Alabama

How does an accused sex offender go about getting elected to public office? With Alabama’s special Senate election taking place Tuesday, Republican Roy Moore has chosen to pursue a bold strategy: putting on the full armor of Trump and vanishing almost entirely from the voters’ view.

Did Paul Manafort Violate the Judge's Gag Order?

December 9, 2017 · Donald Trump, Ukraine, Today's Blogs

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s prosecutors filed evidence late Friday afternoon to demonstrate that Paul Manafort violated a court-mandated gag order by contributing to an op-ed defending himself in a Ukrainian newspaper.

Franken Goes Down Swinging

December 7, 2017 · Donald Trump, Roy Blunt, Today's Blogs

After a week spent limping along under the weight of accusations of sexual misconduct, Sen. Al Franken announced his resignation from the Senate Thursday morning.

ICE Announces a 25 Percent Decrease in Border Crossing Arrests

December 7, 2017 · Immigration, immigration reform, Donald Trump

Less than a week ago, Donald Trump’s former national security adviser was pleading guilty to lying to the FBI and cooperating with Robert Mueller’s investigation, but things might be looking up for the president. Both houses of Congress have now passed a version of his signature tax reform plan (or…

When Did Trump Find Out Flynn Lied to the FBI?

December 6, 2017 · FBI, John Dowd, Donald Trump

The White House is currently insisting that President Donald Trump did not know in January that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn lied to the FBI about his contacts with Russia, a felony for which he has pleaded guilty. But the administration’s own public statements, taken together,…

John Conyers Resigns From Congress Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

December 5, 2017 · House of Representatives, scandal, Today's Blogs

Congressman John Conyers of Michigan announced Tuesday he would retire from Congress effective immediately, making him the first sitting congressman to resign amid the wave of sexual misconduct allegations that has swamped the nation in recent months.

Trump Reduces the Size of Two Utah National Monuments

December 4, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

President Donald Trump on Monday announced his administration would reduce two vast national monuments in Utah, arguing that the monuments amounted to a federal land grab by past Democratic presidents.

It Depends on What the Definition of 'Lie' Is

December 4, 2017 · John Dowd, FBI, Mike Flynn

President Donald Trump was briefed that Michael Flynn had likely misled the FBI in late January, weeks before the former national security advisor was fired for lying about the extent of his contacts with a Russian diplomat, the president’s lawyer said Sunday.

Trump: 'I Feel Very Badly for General Flynn'

December 4, 2017 · Mike Flynn, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters he feels “very badly” for his former national security advisor Michael Flynn, days after Flynn pled guilty to obstruction of justice for lying to special counsel Robert Mueller’s team about his interactions with Russian officials before President…

Senate Passes Motion to Proceed on Tax Reform

November 30, 2017 · Donald Trump, John Cornyn, Today's Blogs

The GOP tax plan cleared its first major hurdle in the Senate Wednesday afternoon, after a motion to proceed to amendments passed on a 52-48 party line vote.

Trump Goes After NBC in the Wake of Matt Lauer's Firing

November 29, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Longtime Today host Matt Lauer was fired Wednesday morning after a complaint of sexual misconduct, the latest public figure to fall from grace during a remarkable moment of cultural reckoning. As NBC is one of President Donald Trump’s favorite punching bags, he wasted no time crowing about it.

Pelosi and Schumer Cancel Meeting With Trump to Discuss Shutdown

November 28, 2017 · Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, Continuing Resolution

President Trump was planning to meet with Democratic leaders Tuesday to discuss a deal to prevent a government shutdown next month. But Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer canceled the meeting Tuesday morning after Trump attacked them on Twitter and said he didn’t expect to strike a deal.

Moore Tries to Play to the Crowd While Avoiding Cameras at Rally

November 28, 2017 · Doug Jones, Alabama, Today's Blogs

Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore made his first public appearance in nearly two weeks Monday night, dodging press and refusing to take questions at a rally in Henagar, Alabama, as he railed against “malicious and false attacks which reflect the immorality of our time.”

Why Won't Al Franken Say Whether He Believes His Accusers?

November 27, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger, Sexual Assault

In the two weeks since sexual misconduct allegations began to surface against him, Senator Al Franken has repeatedly apologized to the four women who have accused him of groping them. He’s said he’s “embarrassed and ashamed,” and insisted that “we have to listen to women and respect what they say.”…

Mistrial for Bob Menendez

November 16, 2017 · Trial Lawyers, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

A federal judge declared a mistrial in the corruption case against Sen. Bob Menendez on Thursday after jurors informed him they were intractably deadlocked. The jurors had been deliberating since last week.

Trump Gives Self-Congratulatory Speech on His Asia Trip

November 15, 2017 · Donald Trump, Alabama, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump on Wednesday gave a speech that was long on self-congratulation, but thin on concrete diplomatic victories from his 12-day Asia trip—and silent on everyone’s most pressing question, whether Trump still supports Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Withdraws Support of Roy Moore

November 10, 2017 · Alabama, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

The Senate campaign arm of the Republican Party on Friday severed ties with Roy Moore, one day after the Washington Post reported that Moore had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and pursued inappropriate relationships with several other teenagers while he was a district attorney in his 30s.

Washington Post Drops Bombshell Allegations Against Roy Moore

November 9, 2017 · Alabama, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Senate candidate Roy Moore allegedly sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl when he was a 32-year-old assistant district attorney in Alabama, according to an explosive new report by the Washington Post.

Judge in Manafort Trial Issues Gag Order

November 9, 2017 · Robert Mueller, Federal Courts, Paul Manafort

The judge overseeing the federal case against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort on Wednesday issued a gag order to prevent lawyers, defendants, and witnesses from making public statements that could prejudice the jury.

'Trumpism Without Trump' Fails

November 8, 2017 · Donald Trump, Ed Gillespie, Today's Blogs

With a week to go before Virginia’s governor’s election, Democrats were wringing their hands.

GOP Finally Releases Tax Reform Plan

November 2, 2017 · child tax credit, Paul Ryan, Republican Party

Republicans finally released a full working draft of their mammoth tax reform plan on Thursday. The 400-page Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doesn’t deliver the full Christmas list of tax priorities the White House requested in April, but it’s still a massive reorganization of the tax code that includes huge…

Former Federal Prosecutor: 'These are very serious charges, and they're very disturbing'

October 31, 2017 · George Papadopoulos, Donald Trump, Rick Gates

Special prosecutor Robert Mueller’s indictments of Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, and George Papadopoulos turned the news cycle on its head Monday, with some trumpeting the news as the latest smoking gun for Russian collusion and others dismissing the story as the latest media nothing-burger. As the…

The Manafort Indictment: Papadopoulos and 'The Professor'

October 30, 2017 · George Papadopoulos, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

The indictment of Paul Manafort, Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, on charges of conspiracy and fraud was the big news from special prosecutor Robert Mueller’s investigation Monday morning. But court documents also implicate a lower-level aide who could prove an even bigger headache for the…

Report: Mueller Files Charges

October 28, 2017 · Robert Mueller, Russia, Donald Trump

Special prosecutor Robert Mueller has filed the first charges of his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, CNN reported Friday.

Trump Takes on Opioids

October 26, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

President Trump declared America’s opioid crisis a public health emergency Thursday, decrying the “scourge of drug addiction” that kills 175 Americans a day and pledging that “we can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic.”

House Narrowly Approves Senate Budget Proposal

October 26, 2017 · Republican Party, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

The House of Representatives narrowly approved a Senate budget proposal on Thursday, paving the way for the long-anticipated tax reform package Republicans hope to pass by the end of the year.

Jeff Flake Won't Seek Reelection in 2018

October 24, 2017 · Jeff Flake, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Arizona senator Jeff Flake announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2018, saying he could not secure victory without sacrificing his core principles.

Trump's Feud With Corker Reaches New Heights (or Depths)

October 24, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

After two weeks of dormancy, President Donald Trump’s ugly spat with Tennessee senator Bob Corker flared up again Tuesday after Corker insulted the president on the morning news, saying Trump was “unable to rise to the occasion” of his office and that he should “step aside” on tax reform and…

Gillespie Gains Ground in Virginia

October 17, 2017 · Virginia GOP, Virginia, Ed Gillespie

The race for the Virginia’s governor’s mansion is tightening with three weeks to go. A Monmouth University poll released Tuesday shows Republican Ed Gillespie with a razor-thin lead over Virginia’s Democratic lieutenant governor Ralph Northam, 48 percent to 47 percent, Politico reports:

President Trump Takes on Obamacare Via Executive Order

October 12, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Health Care Reform

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday aimed at expanding Americans’ access to health insurance choices, the first official step of his pledge to tackle health-care reform solo after repeated congressional failures to pass legislation repealing Obamacare.

Trump Talks Up Tax Reform, Says Americans Will Have 'So Much Money'

October 12, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

In a speech championing Republican tax reform efforts on Wednesday, President Donald Trump attempted to deflect criticism that the GOP tax plan disproportionately favors the wealthy with a novel argument: The rich don’t even want a tax cut.

Pro-Trump Super PAC Endorses Blackburn, Two Others for Senate

October 11, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

The pro-Trump super PAC Great America Alliance on Wednesday released its first slate of Senate endorsements for the 2018 election season, endorsing three conservative challengers who are attempting to flip blue seats next year.

Trump Poll: Only 31 Percent Agree that CNN Is "the Most Trusted Name in News"

October 10, 2017 · Donald Trump, CNN, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump has made accusations of “fake news” a regular tactic in his administration’s war against the media in general and CNN in particular. Now, the president’s allies are leaning into that assault with polling indicating popular distrust for CNN.

Trump Suggests He Has a Higher IQ Than Rex Tillerson

October 10, 2017 · Donald Trump, Intelligence, IQ

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson went into full damage-control mode last week after NBC News reported he had called President Donald Trump a “f—-ing moron,” denying the allegation and insisting the president was “smart.” But Trump never forgets a slight—and sooner or later, he always hits back. In…

Josh Hawley Running for Claire McCaskill's Missouri Senate Seat

October 10, 2017 · Attorney General, primary, Today's Blogs

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced Monday evening that he is running for Senate in 2018. The young Republican may prove the most formidable challenger yet to Claire McCaskill, who is widely seen as one of the Senate’s most vulnerable Democrats.

Corker and Trump Spar on Twitter

October 8, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

President Donald Trump and outgoing senator Bob Corker of Tennessee got into an unexpected and personal Twitter fight Sunday morning, the nastiest public conflict yet between the White House and Senate Republicans.

Rex Tillerson Denies He Considered Quitting in July

October 4, 2017 · Donald Trump, President, Boy Scouts

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Wednesday denied an NBC report that claimed he angrily considered quitting the administration in July before being dissuaded by Vice President Mike Pence.

U.S. Expels 15 Cuban Diplomats

October 3, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Diplomacy, Rex Tillerson

The United States has expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the country's embassy, less than a week after pulling its own embassy workers from Cuba in response to a series of apparent sonic attacks on American personnel.

Flake Defends Judicial Nominee Amy Barrett on Senate Floor

October 3, 2017 · Jeff Flake, Religious Freedom, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump’s judicial nomination of Amy Barrett has become a religious-liberty flashpoint in recent weeks, with Democratic senators arguing that her conservative Catholicism would interfere with her ability to uphold the law. Sen. Jeff Flake defended Barrett on the Senate floor Monday…

Price Resigns Amid Outcry Over Private Flights

September 29, 2017 · charter planes, Tom Price, Today's Blogs

Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price resigned Friday afternoon, amid reports that President Trump was considering firing him over his use of private jets for government business, which provoked a public outcry over misuse of public funds.

State Department Orders Half of Embassy Staff Out of Cuba

September 29, 2017 · Diplomacy, Today's Blogs, State Department

The State Department announced Friday that it would pull more than half its embassy staff out of Cuba after a series of apparent sonic attacks that left diplomats with a host of strange medical issues, from hearing loss to balance problems.

Strange vs. Moore: Which Brand of Trumpism Will Win?

September 26, 2017 · Luther Strange, Donald Trump, Alabama

Washington stands by to see which brand of Trumpism will carry the day in a Alabama's special election primary between Luther Strange and Roy Moore, a race that has become something of a proxy war for the Republican Party. Polls close at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday and THE WEEKLY STANDARD will be tracking…

Axios: Trump Expected to Slash Refugee Caps

September 25, 2017 · Refugees, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Axios’s Jonathan Swan reported Monday that the White House is expected to announce it will accept about 40,000 refugees in fiscal year 2018—a dramatic drop from the 110,000 refugees President Obama authorized for 2017, and a substantial reduction from the 50,000 quota Trump set in an executive…

SCOTUS Cancels Oral Arguments in Travel-Ban Case

September 25, 2017 · travel ban, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

The Supreme Court on Monday canceled scheduled oral arguments on President Donald Trump’s travel ban after the White House released new immigration standards that supersede it.

Weiner Faces Federal Prison Sentence for Sexting with a Teenager

September 25, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger, Anthony Weiner

Disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for exchanging lewd text messages with a 15-year-old girl, a case which sunk his marriage to Huma Abedin and rattled Hillary Clinton’s campaign in the weeks leading up to the 2016 election.

WSJ: Trump Scrapping Travel Ban in Favor of Targeted Restrictions

September 22, 2017 · department of homeland security, travel ban, Donald Trump

President Donald Trump is scrapping his controversial blanket ban on travel from six Muslim-majority countries in favor of placing individual targeted restrictions on more nations, the Wall Street Journal first reported Friday.

Differences Remain Between Congress and White House on Tax Reform

September 21, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger, Magazine

For months, GOP leadership from both houses of Congress along with Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin and NEC director Gary Cohn have huddled over Republican plans for tax reform, laying the groundwork for a plan each group could support.

March of the Juggalos

September 18, 2017 · culture, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Walking toward the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday afternoon, I could hear the speaker’s voice long before I picked him out among the crowd gathered by the Reflecting Pool. His voice crackled through the loudspeaker and rolled across the water as he led his audience in the refrain:

Kelli Ward: 'I absolutely trust President Trump'

September 14, 2017 · Arizona, Kelli Ward, Jeff Flake

One of the primary challengers to Donald Trump’s top Senate rival says she’s sticking with the president after his immigration deal with Democratic leaders.

Former CIA Deputy Director Quits Harvard Over Chelsea Manning Appointment

September 14, 2017 · CIA, Chelsea Manning, Harvard

Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell resigned Thursday from his position at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, one day after the school announced it would bring Chelsea Manning to its Institute of Politics as a visiting fellow for the upcoming year.

Democrats Say They Have an Agreement With Trump on DACA, Without a Wall

September 14, 2017 · Democrats, immigration reform, Donald Trump

Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi came away from their Wednesday White House dinner with a simple message: President Donald Trump is ready to reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and he doesn’t mind not getting a border wall in return.

Graham and Cassidy Unveil Their Last-Ditch Health Care Bill

September 13, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Obamacare replacement, Health Care Reform

Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy on Wednesday released a last-ditch health-care bill that aims to replace Obamacare’s architecture with a block grant given annually to states to defray individuals’ insurance costs.

Paul Ryan Plugs Away at Tax Reform

September 13, 2017 · Donald Trump, Paul Ryan, Today's Blogs

Despite a packed legislative calendar, House Speaker Paul Ryan says he’s still confident that Congress will have tax reform legislation on President Donald Trump’s desk before the end of 2017.

Administration Hints That Trump Would Work With Dems on DACA

September 12, 2017 · Immigration, immigration reform, Donald Trump

When the White House first announced its intent to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program last week, many speculated that President Donald Trump was planning to use the issue as part of a grand bargain to win additional funding for immigration enforcement and a border wall.

Luther Strange Is in Trouble

September 8, 2017 · Luther Strange, Roy Moore, Alabama

The best day of Sen. Luther Strange’s election campaign was Aug. 8, the day President Donald Trump tweeted that he had “done a great job representing the people of the Great State of Alabama” since being appointed to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions and giving his “complete and total…

Debt Ceiling Plan Passes Senate, Will Find More Resistance in the House

September 7, 2017 · Hurricane Harvey, Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi

One day after President Donald Trump shocked Washington by endorsing a Democratic debt ceiling plan that would fund the government for three months and provide money for hurricane relief, the Senate passed the plan by an 80-17 vote.

Ryan Trumpets Tax Reform in the Wake of Trump Siding With Democrats on Debt Ceiling

September 7, 2017 · Donald Trump, debt ceiling, Paul Ryan

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday voiced his disagreement with President Donald Trump’s decision to adopt the short-term timetable Democrats have advocated to raise the federal debt limit, a plan he called a “ridiculous idea” on Wednesday—but stopped short of criticizing the president himself.

Trump Sides With Democrats on Debt Ceiling and Government Funding

September 6, 2017 · Hurricane Harvey, Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi

On Wednesday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan called Democrats’ plans to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government for just three months “a ridiculous idea.” Hours later, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi announced that President Trump had agreed to help them do just that.

Trump Ends DACA, Calls on Congress to Act

September 5, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

The Trump administration will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the Obama-era directive that provided work permits and protection from deportation for illegal immigrants brought to the country as children, after a six-month window, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced…

Report: Trump to End DACA

September 4, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger, daca

President Donald Trump has decided to end the Obama-era program under which young illegal immigrants who came to the country as children could avoid deportation and receive work permits, Politico reported Sunday.

Republican Leaders Urge Trump to Leave DACA in Place

September 1, 2017 · Donald Trump, Paul Ryan, Today's Blogs

As the White House debates whether to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Republican congressional leaders are pressuring the president to keep the Obama-era protections for illegal immigrants who came to the country as minors.

U.S. Closes Three Russian Diplomatic Sites

August 31, 2017 · Russia, Diplomacy, Today's Blogs

The United States will close three Russian diplomatic facilities in retaliation for the Kremlin’s expulsion of American diplomats, the State Department announced Thursday.

Trump Touts Tax Reform, Pressures Democrats in Speech

August 30, 2017 · Budgets and Deficits, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump kicked off his party’s major push for tax reform with a speech in Springfield, Missouri, Wednesday, pledging to reduce the burden of taxation on America’s companies and workers and calling for Democratic support.

Beware Linda Sarsour's 'Harvey Hurricane Relief Fund'

August 30, 2017 · Charitable Giving, Hurricane Harvey, Today's Blogs

Controversial activist Linda Sarsour is being called out widely for her efforts to solicit donations for a leftist organizing group under the guise of Hurricane Harvey relief.

Trump Administration Announces 'Extreme Vetting' Plans

August 29, 2017 · Immigration, travel ban, Refugees

Donald Trump might be going nowhere with the implementation of his legislative agenda. But when it comes to executive-branch immigration policy, the administration continues to make real if typically glacial progress.

Trump Responds to Controversial Arpaio Pardon

August 29, 2017 · Arizona, Donald Trump, Joe Arpaio

President Donald Trump on Monday defended his pardon of Arizona’s Joe Arpaio, who as sheriff of Maricopa County defied a court order to stop his hardline immigration policing and earned a citation for contempt of court last month. Trump’s comments came at a joint press conference with the president…

Treasury Targets North Korea-Connected Companies

August 22, 2017 · Treasury, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

The Treasury Department on Tuesday unveiled new sanctions targeting Russian and Chinese entities it said have continued to aid North Korea following recent United Nations sanctions against the Kim regime.

Trump: U.S. 'Must Seek an Honorable and Enduring Outcome' in Afghanistan

August 22, 2017 · Military, Donald Trump, Terrorism

President Donald Trump announced a troop increase for the U.S. war in Afghanistan, promising Monday night that “our troops will fight to win” our nation’s longest-running conflict while acknowledging his own change of heart on U.S. foreign policy.

Can We Still Right Our Wrongs in Afghanistan?

August 18, 2017 · Donald Trump, Afghanistan, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump is meeting with his national security team at Camp David today to consider a thorny question: What course should the United States pursue for the conflict in Afghanistan, its longest-running war?

U.S. Takes Hard Stance During NAFTA Talks

August 16, 2017 · Canada, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

The representatives from Canada and Mexico who came to Washington on Wednesday to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement were greeted by U.S. officials taking a hard line on negotiations.

Trump Disbands Business Advisory Council as CEOs Flee

August 16, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

President Donald Trump’s business advisory council, which was hemorrhaging members following Trump’s series of responses to a white nationalist rally over the weekend, disbanded itself on Wednesday.

Trump: 'What About the Alt-Left?'

August 15, 2017 · Donald Trump, racism, Today's Blogs

In an explosive, combative Tuesday press conference, President Donald Trump blasted media coverage of white nationalism, defended groups who assembled to protest the removal of a Charlottesville statue of Robert E. Lee, drew an equivalence between “both sides” of protesters, and accused “alt-left”…

Trump Attacks Merck CEO for Resigning from a White House Manufacturing Council

August 14, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Conservative Newsstand, Andrew Egger

Two days after neo-Nazis marched openly in Virginia, President Donald Trump has yet to explicitly condemn their behavior. But the president found a different target to denounce Monday after a black CEO resigned in protest from the White House’s manufacturing council.

President Trump: Opioid Crisis a "National Emergency"

August 11, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Conservative Newsstand

President Donald Trump declared America’s opioid epidemic a “national emergency” Thursday, following the advice of his opioid commission after declining to do so two days prior.

Trump Ratchets Up Pressure on McConnell

August 10, 2017 · Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, Today's Blogs

President Donald Trump intensified his rhetorical assault on Sen. Mitch McConnell Thursday, days after the Senate’s most powerful Republican said Trump had put “excessive expectations” on Congress to pass his legislative agenda.

Tillerson: 'American People Should Sleep Well at Night'

August 9, 2017 · nuclear weapons, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

After President Donald Trump shocked his national security team with his off-the-cuff fire-and-fury remarks about North Korea on Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is trying to walk back his boss’s comments—without saying Trump was off base.

FBI Raided Manafort—Hours Before Trump Tweeted Complaints About McCabe

August 9, 2017 · Robert Mueller, Paul Manafort, FBI

Breaking news on the Russia investigation: FBI agents conducted a predawn raid on the home of Trump campaign operative Paul Manafort on July 26, according to a new report by the Washington Post. The agents had a warrant to seize documents and materials, although the significance of the documents…

Trump Declares War on Opioids

August 8, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

President Donald Trump knows America has an opioid problem. But it’s not clear that he knows what to do about it.

Cornyn Bill Would Beef Up Border Security But Leaves Out Trump's Wall

August 7, 2017 · Immigration, John Cornyn, Today's Blogs

Sen. John Cornyn thinks the White House will be on board with a bill he issued last week to beef up security along the U.S.-Mexico border. But that hasn’t stopped the majority whip from distancing himself from President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall.

Disrupting the Disruptors: How Uber's Drivers Are Gaming the System

August 4, 2017 · Apps, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

It has been a rocky year for ride-sharing conglomerate Uber. On the one hand, they’re still bringing in the revenue, to the tune of in $8.25 billion in the second quarter of 2017. On the other, the company has blundered through a series of corporate missteps and PR disasters, ultimately resulting…

Democratic Governor Jim Justice to Announce at Trump Rally He's a Republican, Report Says

August 3, 2017 · West Virginia, Donald Trump, Republican Party

West Virginia’s Democratic governor Jim Justice is expected to announce he is changing parties at a rally Thursday night with President Donald Trump, after Trump promised earlier in the day “a very big announcement” was to come during the event. The New York Times was first to report the news.

RealTalk on the Wall, with Donald Trump

August 3, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Conservative Newsstand

Donald Trump’s base swooned when he roared on the campaign trail that he would build a wall on the Mexican border, and that Mexico would pay for it.

Trump Gets Back to His Roots With Immigration Push

August 3, 2017 · David Perdue, Immigration, Donald Trump

President Donald Trump got away from his populist roots with his support of the deeply unpopular Obamacare repeal bill. But while the president continues to push that legislation despite its crash landing in the Senate, he is also returning to aa core campaign issue: immigration.

Hatch: 'Health care, as far as I'm concerned, is over'

August 2, 2017 · Obamacare repeal, Today's Blogs, Conservative Newsstand

Finance Committee chairman Orrin Hatch has insisted repeatedly that the window for health care has closed, and that the Senate’s time is better spent on other issues for now.

Trump Signs Russia Sanctions, Warns Congress

August 2, 2017 · John McCain, Russia sanctions, Donald Trump

President Donald Trump signed stiff Russia sanctions into law Wednesday morning, days after overwhelming congressional support for the bill painted the White House into a corner.

Graham Would Support 'Skinny Repeal' Only if the House Doesn't

July 27, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Health Care Reform, Andrew Egger

Republican senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Ron Johnson, and Bill Cassidy told reporters Thursday afternoon that they despise the idea of a “skinny” Obamacare repeal bill—but that they would vote for it on the condition health reform ends up being negotiated further between the House and…

GOP Leadership Touts Tax Reform Plan

July 27, 2017 · Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Today's Blogs

After months of private deliberations, GOP leadership and the White House announced Thursday that they are ready to move forward on tax reform.

GOP Senators Rally Around 'Beleaguered' Sessions

July 25, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Bipartisan agreement in the House on a Russia sanctions bill was the first sign this week that the alliance between President Donald Trump and the Republican Congress was growing shakier. On Tuesday, it grew shakier still, as multiple Republican senators spoke out in protest of Trump’s continued…

Anthony Scaramucci's Greatest Hits

July 21, 2017 · Donald Trump, Anthony Scaramucci, Today's Blogs

Hedge fund manager and new White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci has never held a press job before. But he has repeatedly demonstrated the key qualifying characteristics: a willingness and ability to carry water for the president.

How Trump's Battle for Tax Reform Will Be Fought

July 19, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

John McCain’s unexpected retreat to Arizona for eye surgery and the defections of Mike Lee and Jerry Moran have added yet another delay to the Senate’s health-care reform slog. But even as the most recent Senate health-care bill dies, Republicans are charging ahead to lay plans for their next…

Democratic Congressman Accuses Trump of Coordination With Putin

July 14, 2017 · Vladimir Putin, Natalia Veselnitskaya, Today's Blogs

The recent revelation of Donald Trump Jr.’s 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer is causing headaches for the Trump administration. But in their enthusiasm to decry Trump Jr. and the campaign, congressional Democrats are jumping to some shaky conclusions.

Pence Spokesman Tries to Avoid Russia Questions

July 12, 2017 · Mike Pence, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

A spokesman for Mike Pence on Wednesday repeatedly refused to answer whether the vice president ever met with representatives from Russia during last year’s campaign. Appearing on Fox News, Pence press secretary Marc Lotter was asked by host Bill Hemmer, “Did the vice president ever meet with…

What Was Donald Trump Jr. Trying to Accomplish By Releasing His Emails?

July 11, 2017 · email, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

On Tuesday morning, Donald Trump Jr. publicly released emails he sent in June 2016 to set up a meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer. The content of these leaves no doubt that at least some in the Trump campaign knew that Russia supported their candidate and welcomed electoral aid from a foreign…

White House Ethics Chief Walter Shaub Announces Resignation

July 6, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Walter M. Shaub, the head of the Office of Government Ethics who has repeatedly critiqued Donald Trump’s sustained connections to his private businesses, announced on Thursday that he will resign his post later this month.

Trump Challenges the West to Defend Its Values in Poland Address

July 6, 2017 · Values, Donald Trump, Today's Blogs

Speaking to the Polish people in Warsaw Thursday morning, President Donald Trump reaffirmed U.S. commitments to Europe and promised to work together with allies to defend the values of family, freedom, country, and God.

Trump's Travel Ban Takes Partial Effect

June 30, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on July 3.

Trump Goes After Joe and Mika

June 29, 2017 · Morning Joe, Donald Trump, Twitter

It’s been a stressful week for Donald Trump. Diplomacy with China is going nowhere fast. His party’s Obamacare replacement is floundering in the Senate. The constant irritation of a hostile press is rankling more than ever.

Trump Strikes Friendly Note with South Korea

June 29, 2017 · Today's Blogs, North Korea, Andrew Egger

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on July 3.

Frustrated, Trump Eyes China Tariffs

June 28, 2017 · Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger, White House Watch

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on July 3.

Video Games Aren't Good for You

June 27, 2017 · Video Games, Today's Blogs, Conservative Newsstand

For most of their history, video games were a fringe pastime, the loser kid brother to traditional entertainments like sports. Gamers were doughy nerds who subsisted on Doritos and Mountain Dew and feared women and sunshine.

Trump Rallies Senate Support for Health Care

June 26, 2017 · Trumpcare, White House Watch, AHCA

Michael Warren is on vacation this week, and Andrew Egger is filling in for him on White House Watch. Michael will be back in the saddle on July 3.

Trump Delivers for Veterans

June 23, 2017 · Donald Trump, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Following through on a campaign promise, President Donald Trump on Friday morning signed legislation aimed at reforming the famously dysfunctional Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA Secretary Discusses Cooperation With Private Hospitals

June 20, 2017 · Veterans Affairs, Today's Blogs, Andrew Egger

Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin on Tuesday morning defended the Trump administration’s 2018 budget and discussed his department’s plans to increase internal accountability and cooperation with private hospitals.

Trump Announces Cuba Sanctions

June 16, 2017 · Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Today's Blogs

President Trump announced Friday that the U.S. would strengthen economic and diplomatic sanctions on Cuba, undoing an Obama policy of more open relations with the Castro regime that Trump called "terrible and misguided."

Cutting the Red Tape

June 9, 2017 · Regulation, Regulatory Reform, Infrastructure

President Donald Trump on Friday announced plans to streamline and simplify the "dense thicket" of regulatory red tape that drives up costs and slows construction projects to a crawl.