thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Spy chief team told House that Russia supports Trump reelection

Intelligence officials warned members of the House Intelligence Committee last week the Russians were attempting to interfere in the 2020 presidential contest with the goal of helping Trump win reelection , according to reports .
The briefing was conducted by Shelby Pierson , the Intelligence Community election threats executive under outgoing acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire .
During the meeting , Pierson warned that “ Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected , ” according to five people familiar with the matter cited by the New York Times .
Russian interference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been publicly confirmed by the U.S. Intelligence Community .
CNN 's Jake Tapper cited a national security official “ I know and trust ” who rejected the framing of the story along with “ others with firsthand knowledge . ''
“ What 's been articulated in the news is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again , ” the official said .
“ But the intelligence does n't say that.
” Tapper ’ s source said “ the problem is Shelby said they developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference , it 's a step short of that .
It 's more that they understand the president is someone they can work with , he 's a dealmaker .
But not that they prefer him over Sanders or Buttigieg or anyone else .
So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby.
” Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded last year the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election in a “ sweeping and systematic ” fashion , but he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin and the Trump campaign .
Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Attorney John Durham are leading an internal inquiry into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation .
The day after last Thursday 's briefing , the report claimed Trump “ berated ” Maguire for letting it happen , also alleging Trump “ cited the presence in the briefing ” of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “ as a particular irritant.
” In a separate piece on Thursday , the Washington Post cited sources who claimed Trump “ erroneously believed ” Pierson had given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump thought “ it would be helpful to Democrats if released publicly.
” That report cited an anonymous source who claimed “ there was a dressing down ” of Maguire by Trump and “ that was the catalyst ” that led Trump to replace him with Trump ally and U.S .
Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell on Wednesday .
The New York Times cited two administration officials who cast doubt on the notion that Trump was irritated at Maguire because of the briefing , saying that “ the timing was coincidental , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in discussions with the administration about taking on new roles , ” and that “ Mr .
Trump had never felt a personal kinship with Mr. Maguire.
” The national security official cited by Tapper also said “ the president was upset that he had to hear about an intelligence conclusion from a member of the House Republicans rather than from the intelligence community , so he was out of joint with Maguire on that process.
” Former Rep. Trey Gowdy said the buzz on Capitol Hill is that Trump was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My sources on the Hill tell me he was not upset with Maguire , that this was a move that was coming anyway , '' Gowdy said on Fox News .
Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he “ would like to thank Joe Maguire for the wonderful job he has done ” and said , “ We look forward to working with him closely , perhaps in another capacity within the Administration !
” Grenell tweeted early Thursday to say he would only be the “ Acting ” head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will announce the Nominee ( not me ) sometime soon.
” The ambassador , a longtime Russia hawk , has been a forceful and effective advocate for Trump ’ s foreign policy agenda .
Grenell has taken on an outsize role in pressuring NATO to increase spending , criticizing Germany for getting too cozy with Russian energy endeavors , and pushing for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality .
“ Members on both sides participated , including ranking member Nunes , and heard the exact same briefing from experts across the Intelligence Community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post said about last week ’ s briefing .
“ No special or separate briefing was provided to one side or to any single member , including the chairman.
” The New York Times also said , `` Mr. Trump ’ s allies challenged the conclusions , arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia and strengthened European security '' during the briefing .
The national security official who talked with Tapper said “ both Democrats and Republicans were challenging this at the briefing . ''
Beyond the indictments against members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller , the Trump administration has imposed a number of significant sanctions against Russia and has built up the U.S. military ’ s presence in Eastern Europe .
Its push for increased spending by NATO member countries has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in increased military expenditures to confront an increasingly combative Russia .
Jack Langer , the communications director for Rep. Devin Nunes , the ranking member on the committee , told the Washington Examiner he could not divulge details about classified briefings .
A spokesperson for the Office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Examiner : “ Thank you for your query ; we have nothing for you at this time.
” Neither the White House nor Schiff ’ s office immediately responded to a request for comment .
Trump has a history of speaking out against members of the intelligence and law enforcement communities , including former FBI Director James Comey .
He called Mueller 's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election a `` witch hunt . ''
Earlier this month , when Rep. Eric Swalwell pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray about whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , Wray deflected .
“ I ’ d have to think about whether or not I can say anything in an open setting like that , ” Wray told the House Judiciary Committee .
“ But I would say , in general , that the efforts to sow discord on both sides of an issue and to generate controversy and to generate distrust in our democratic institutions on our election process , that is very much ongoing.
” Pierson told WTOP earlier this month that “ election security remains a top priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole ” and said , “ We have significantly evolved since 2016 , and I don ’ t imagine we ’ ll decelerate anytime soon.
” She acknowledged last month the extent of Russian interference in 2016 but emphasized that other countries pose challenges .
“ We do not assess that any other country influenced the United States election in 2016 on the scale of what the Russians did , ” Pierson said on CBS News ’ s Intelligence Matters podcast , adding that , when it comes to 2020 , “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not just a Russia-only problem .
”

Intelligence officials warned members of the House Intelligence Committee last week the Russians were attempting to interfere in the 2020 presidential contest with the goal of helping Trump win reelection, according to reports.
The briefing was conducted by Shelby Pierson, the Intelligence Community election threats executive under outgoing acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire. During the meeting, Pierson warned that “Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected,” according to five people familiar with the matter cited by the New York Times.
Russian interference on behalf of Trump in 2020 has not been publicly confirmed by the U.S. Intelligence Community.
CNN's Jake Tapper cited a national security official “I know and trust” who rejected the framing of the story along with “others with firsthand knowledge."
“What's been articulated in the news is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again,” the official said. “But the intelligence doesn't say that.”
Tapper’s source said “the problem is Shelby said they developed a preference for Trump” and “a more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference, it's a step short of that. It's more that they understand the president is someone they can work with, he's a dealmaker. But not that they prefer him over Sanders or Buttigieg or anyone else. So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby.”
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded last year the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election in a “sweeping and systematic” fashion, but he did not establish any criminal conspiracy between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Attorney John Durham are leading an internal inquiry into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.
The day after last Thursday's briefing, the report claimed Trump “berated” Maguire for letting it happen, also alleging Trump “cited the presence in the briefing” of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “as a particular irritant.”
In a separate piece on Thursday, the Washington Post cited sources who claimed Trump “erroneously believed” Pierson had given intelligence “exclusively” to Schiff and that Trump thought “it would be helpful to Democrats if released publicly.” That report cited an anonymous source who claimed “there was a dressing down” of Maguire by Trump and “that was the catalyst” that led Trump to replace him with Trump ally and U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell on Wednesday.
The New York Times cited two administration officials who cast doubt on the notion that Trump was irritated at Maguire because of the briefing, saying that “the timing was coincidental," that “Mr. Grenell had been in discussions with the administration about taking on new roles,” and that “Mr. Trump had never felt a personal kinship with Mr. Maguire.”
The national security official cited by Tapper also said “the president was upset that he had to hear about an intelligence conclusion from a member of the House Republicans rather than from the intelligence community, so he was out of joint with Maguire on that process.”
Former Rep. Trey Gowdy said the buzz on Capitol Hill is that Trump was not angry with Maguire before announcing his exit. "My sources on the Hill tell me he was not upset with Maguire, that this was a move that was coming anyway," Gowdy said on Fox News.
Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he “would like to thank Joe Maguire for the wonderful job he has done” and said, “We look forward to working with him closely, perhaps in another capacity within the Administration!”
Grenell tweeted early Thursday to say he would only be the “Acting” head of the Intelligence Community and that “the President will announce the Nominee (not me) sometime soon.”
The ambassador, a longtime Russia hawk, has been a forceful and effective advocate for Trump’s foreign policy agenda. Grenell has taken on an outsize role in pressuring NATO to increase spending, criticizing Germany for getting too cozy with Russian energy endeavors, and pushing for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.
“Members on both sides participated, including ranking member Nunes, and heard the exact same briefing from experts across the Intelligence Community,” a committee official cited by the Washington Post said about last week’s briefing. “No special or separate briefing was provided to one side or to any single member, including the chairman.”
The New York Times also said, "Mr. Trump’s allies challenged the conclusions, arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia and strengthened European security" during the briefing. The national security official who talked with Tapper said “both Democrats and Republicans were challenging this at the briefing."
Beyond the indictments against members of Russian military intelligence handed down by Mueller, the Trump administration has imposed a number of significant sanctions against Russia and has built up the U.S. military’s presence in Eastern Europe. Its push for increased spending by NATO member countries has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in increased military expenditures to confront an increasingly combative Russia.
Jack Langer, the communications director for Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking member on the committee, told the Washington Examiner he could not divulge details about classified briefings.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told the Washington Examiner: “Thank you for your query; we have nothing for you at this time.”
Neither the White House nor Schiff’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.
Trump has a history of speaking out against members of the intelligence and law enforcement communities, including former FBI Director James Comey. He called Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election a "witch hunt."
Earlier this month, when Rep. Eric Swalwell pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray about whether the Russians were actively helping any specific campaign, Wray deflected.
“I’d have to think about whether or not I can say anything in an open setting like that,” Wray told the House Judiciary Committee. “But I would say, in general, that the efforts to sow discord on both sides of an issue and to generate controversy and to generate distrust in our democratic institutions on our election process, that is very much ongoing.”
Pierson told WTOP earlier this month that “election security remains a top priority for the U.S. federal government as a whole” and said, “We have significantly evolved since 2016, and I don’t imagine we’ll decelerate anytime soon.”
She acknowledged last month the extent of Russian interference in 2016 but emphasized that other countries pose challenges.
“We do not assess that any other country influenced the United States election in 2016 on the scale of what the Russians did,” Pierson said on CBS News’s Intelligence Matters podcast, adding that, when it comes to 2020, “We see a more complicated threat landscape. This is not just a Russia-only problem.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--National security official discredits NYT report on Russia helping Trump in 2020

Leaks about last week ’ s secretive briefing given to the House Intelligence Committee about Russia ’ s intentions in 2020 sparked contradictions and denials in the nation 's capital .
A national security official cited by CNN ’ s Jake Tapper disputed the framing of stories from the New York Times and other outlets on Thursday that spoke of an intelligence assessment finding Russia is attempting to interfere in 2020 's election to benefit President Trump .
The source , who Tapper said “ I know and trust ” and was in agreement with “ others with firsthand knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims from sources cited by the Washington Post that Trump is removing former Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire because the spy chief ’ s team briefed members of Congress about the assessment .
The classified briefing happened last Thursday and was conducted by Shelby Pierson , the Intelligence Community election threats executive under Maguire .
During the meeting , Pierson warned that “ Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected , ” according to five people cited by the New York Times .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again .
But the intelligence does n't say that , ” Tapper ’ s source said .
“ The problem is Shelby said they developed a preference for Trump .
A more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference , it 's a step short of that.
” The national security official added that “ it 's more that they understand the president is someone they can work with , he 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him over ” his Democratic opponents .
“ So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby , ” Tapper ’ s source said .
`` Another misinformation campaign is being launched by Democrats in Congress saying that Russia prefers me to any of the Do Nothing Democrat candidates , ” Trump tweeted Friday .
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded the Russian government interfered in 2016 's election in a “ sweeping and systematic ” fashion to help Trump , but did not establish any criminal conspiracy between the Kremlin and Trump 's campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 has never been claimed publicly by the U.S. intelligence community .
The New York Times said , `` Mr. Trump ’ s allies challenged the conclusions , arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia '' during the briefing .
The national security official who talked with Tapper said that “ both Democrats and Republicans were challenging '' the assessment `` at the briefing . ''
CBS News 's Catherine Herridge tweeted her source “ said briefers had none to offer '' when pressed for details about whether there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s 2020 preference .
The day after the briefing , the New York Times reported Trump “ berated ” Maguire for letting it happen and said Trump “ cited the presence in the briefing ” of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “ as a particular irritant.
” The Washington Post cited a source who claimed the briefing “ was the catalyst ” that led Trump to replace him with U.S .
Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell on Wednesday .
The New York Times cited two administration officials who said that “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Tapper said , “ The president was upset that he had to hear about an intelligence conclusion from a member of the House Republicans rather than from the intelligence community , so he was out of joint with Maguire on that process.
” [ Opinion : Why the Trump-Russia intelligence report does n't quite add up ]

Leaks about last week’s secretive briefing given to the House Intelligence Committee about Russia’s intentions in 2020 sparked contradictions and denials in the nation's capital.
A national security official cited by CNN’s Jake Tapper disputed the framing of stories from the New York Times and other outlets on Thursday that spoke of an intelligence assessment finding Russia is attempting to interfere in 2020's election to benefit President Trump.
The source, who Tapper said “I know and trust” and was in agreement with “others with firsthand knowledge," also added context to disputed claims from sources cited by the Washington Post that Trump is removing former Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire because the spy chief’s team briefed members of Congress about the assessment.
The classified briefing happened last Thursday and was conducted by Shelby Pierson, the Intelligence Community election threats executive under Maguire. During the meeting, Pierson warned that “Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected,” according to five people cited by the New York Times.
“What's been articulated in the news is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again. But the intelligence doesn't say that,” Tapper’s source said. “The problem is Shelby said they developed a preference for Trump. A more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference, it's a step short of that.”
The national security official added that “it's more that they understand the president is someone they can work with, he's a dealmaker. But not that they prefer him over” his Democratic opponents.
“So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby,” Tapper’s source said.
Trump disputed it too.
"Another misinformation campaign is being launched by Democrats in Congress saying that Russia prefers me to any of the Do Nothing Democrat candidates,” Trump tweeted Friday.
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded the Russian government interfered in 2016's election in a “sweeping and systematic” fashion to help Trump, but did not establish any criminal conspiracy between the Kremlin and Trump's campaign.
Russian interference on behalf of Trump in 2020 has never been claimed publicly by the U.S. intelligence community.
The New York Times said, "Mr. Trump’s allies challenged the conclusions, arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia" during the briefing. The national security official who talked with Tapper said that “both Democrats and Republicans were challenging" the assessment "at the briefing."
CBS News's Catherine Herridge tweeted her source “said briefers had none to offer" when pressed for details about whether there was signals intelligence to back up claims about Russia’s 2020 preference.
The day after the briefing, the New York Times reported Trump “berated” Maguire for letting it happen and said Trump “cited the presence in the briefing” of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “as a particular irritant.” The Washington Post cited a source who claimed the briefing “was the catalyst” that led Trump to replace him with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell on Wednesday.
The New York Times cited two administration officials who said that “the timing was coincidental.”
The official cited by Tapper said, “The president was upset that he had to hear about an intelligence conclusion from a member of the House Republicans rather than from the intelligence community, so he was out of joint with Maguire on that process.”
[Opinion: Why the Trump-Russia intelligence report doesn't quite add up]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Trump says four people being considered for spy chief nomination

President Trump said four people are under consideration to be his nominee for director of national intelligence after two potential candidates said they would not take the position .
Trump said Friday a decision on his pick would be made in the coming weeks .
Joseph Maguire has been in the position in an acting capacity since August after Dan Coats stepped down .
Maguire is obligated to leave the post by March 11 because federal law limits how long he can serve in the position in an acting capacity .
Trump appointed U.S .
Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grenell said Thursday that Trump won ’ t nominate him to serve as the intelligence chief permanently .
The president floated Georgia Rep. Doug Collins as a contender to fill the position on Thursday , but Collins said he would not accept the nomination .
`` This is not a job that interests me .
At this time , it 's not one that I would accept because I 'm running a Senate race down here in Georgia , ” Collins said Friday during an interview with Mornings with Maria on Fox Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to be a top contender , according to the New York Times .
National security adviser Robert O ’ Brien has encouraged Trump to nominate Stewart , who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee and is interested in the position .

President Trump said four people are under consideration to be his nominee for director of national intelligence after two potential candidates said they would not take the position.
Trump said Friday a decision on his pick would be made in the coming weeks.
Four great candidates are under consideration at DNI. Decision within next few weeks! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2020
Joseph Maguire has been in the position in an acting capacity since August after Dan Coats stepped down. Maguire is obligated to leave the post by March 11 because federal law limits how long he can serve in the position in an acting capacity.
Trump appointed U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to replace Maguire earlier this week. Grenell said Thursday that Trump won’t nominate him to serve as the intelligence chief permanently.
The president floated Georgia Rep. Doug Collins as a contender to fill the position on Thursday, but Collins said he would not accept the nomination.
"This is not a job that interests me. At this time, it's not one that I would accept because I'm running a Senate race down here in Georgia,” Collins said Friday during an interview with Mornings with Maria on Fox Business Network.
Utah Rep. Chris Stewart is said to be a top contender, according to the New York Times. National security adviser Robert O’Brien has encouraged Trump to nominate Stewart, who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee and is interested in the position.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Crowd erupts into 'USA!' chants as Trump honors Iwo Jima veterans

President Trump recognized and honored three veterans who fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima at his Colorado rally .
“ This month , we mark a very special anniversary , ” Trump Thursday night .
“ 75 years ago this week , our brave United States Marines landed on the shores of Iwo Jima and began one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War .
It was a rough one .
Tonight , it ’ s our great privilege to be joined by three of the heroes of the battle of Iwo Jima : James Blaine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The three men stood and waved to the crowd while chants of “ USA !
USA !
USA !
” erupted .
Wednesday marked 75 years since 70,000 Marines and sailors launched an assault on the small Pacific island of Iwo Jima , Japan , which was the bloodiest campaign in American history per square mile , according to the Pentagon .
The five-week battle claimed the lives of 7,000 American troops and more than 20,000 Japanese troops .
“ Seventy-five years later , we pay tribute to the immeasurable sacrifice of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we honor the heroic efforts of all who took part in one of the most costly and significant battles in our country ’ s history , ” a White House statement read .
“ The fighting on Iwo Jima was some of the bloodiest and most costly in all of World War II , but it also gave rise to some of the greatest examples of patriotism and heroism in our Nation ’ s history , inspiring Admiral Chester Nimitz ’ s famous statement that ‘ uncommon valor was a common virtue.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rally to honor a Pearl Harbor veteran who had died days earlier .
“ Tonight , we also honor the life of an extraordinary American hero , one of the last known survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th , 1941 , ” Trump said .
“ Donald Stratton , well-known , just passed away .
Sadly , he passed away just a few days ago , he was great .
I have a beautiful picture of him right outside , and we are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great , great gentleman .
We were going to have four , we have three , I want to thank you all , thank you .
Because America is truly a land of heroes .
”

President Trump recognized and honored three veterans who fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima at his Colorado rally.
“This month, we mark a very special anniversary,” Trump said to a sold-out crowd Thursday night. “75 years ago this week, our brave United States Marines landed on the shores of Iwo Jima and began one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War. It was a rough one. Tonight, it’s our great privilege to be joined by three of the heroes of the battle of Iwo Jima: James Blaine, Donald Whipple, and John Thurman.”
The three men stood and waved to the crowd while chants of “USA! USA! USA!” erupted.
Wednesday marked 75 years since 70,000 Marines and sailors launched an assault on the small Pacific island of Iwo Jima, Japan, which was the bloodiest campaign in American history per square mile, according to the Pentagon.
The five-week battle claimed the lives of 7,000 American troops and more than 20,000 Japanese troops.
“Seventy-five years later, we pay tribute to the immeasurable sacrifice of those killed in action on Iwo Jima, and we honor the heroic efforts of all who took part in one of the most costly and significant battles in our country’s history,” a White House statement read. “The fighting on Iwo Jima was some of the bloodiest and most costly in all of World War II, but it also gave rise to some of the greatest examples of patriotism and heroism in our Nation’s history, inspiring Admiral Chester Nimitz’s famous statement that ‘uncommon valor was a common virtue.’”
Trump also took time at the rally to honor a Pearl Harbor veteran who had died days earlier.
“Tonight, we also honor the life of an extraordinary American hero, one of the last known survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, 1941,” Trump said. “Donald Stratton, well-known, just passed away. Sadly, he passed away just a few days ago, he was great. I have a beautiful picture of him right outside, and we are going to honor him and his family. Great, great gentleman. We were going to have four, we have three, I want to thank you all, thank you. Because America is truly a land of heroes.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--White House aide asks Cabinet liaisons to identify 'deep state' officials opposed to Trump

The new White House personnel chief asked liaisons from Cabinet agencies to identify political appointees across the federal government who @ @ @ @ @ .
Johnny McEntee told staff that those who were determined to be biased against President @ @ @ @ @ promotions by shifting them around agencies , according to Axios .
Trump gave McEntee the @ @ @ @ @ bad people ” and “ deep state . ''
Several political appointees have been shuffled @ @ @ @ @ ’ s acquittal by the Senate .
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , a national security @ @ @ @ @ House during the impeachment investigation , was removed from his role at the National Security @ @ @ @ @ the White House shortly after the impeachment saga ended .
U.S .
Ambassador to the @ @ @ @ @ a Trump donor who also testified , was recalled the same day .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ loyalists , including McEntee , who was fired in 2018 by then-chief of staff John @ @ @ @ @ communications director Hope Hicks is also returning to the White House .

The new White House personnel chief asked liaisons from Cabinet agencies to identify political appointees across the federal government who are believed to be anti-Trump.
Johnny McEntee told staff that those who were determined to be biased against President Trump would no longer get promotions by shifting them around agencies, according to Axios. Trump gave McEntee the power to purge the “bad people” and “deep state."
Several political appointees have been shuffled around or fired after Trump’s acquittal by the Senate.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a national security official who testified to the House during the impeachment investigation, was removed from his role at the National Security Council and escorted out of the White House shortly after the impeachment saga ended. U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, a Trump donor who also testified, was recalled the same day.
Trump is bringing back people he considers loyalists, including McEntee, who was fired in 2018 by then-chief of staff John Kelly. Former White House communications director Hope Hicks is also returning to the White House.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Mulvaney cites $20K as reason to remain acting chief of staff

White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said he had not removed the `` acting '' part of his title because he makes a higher salary that way .
Mulvaney , who is also the director of the Office of Management and Budget , talked about keeping multiple positions during a Wednesday night speech at the Oxford Union .
“ Because it ’ s a $ 20,000 pay cut , ” he said about leaving the OMB position , according to the New York Times .
Mulvaney 's deputy , Russell Vought , took on the role of acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Through OMB , Mulvaney makes $ 203,500 a year .
That salary is set by law .
The position also requires Senate confirmation .
Reince Priebus and John Kelly , President Trump 's first two chiefs of staff , earned $ 179,700 apiece , according to the Wall Street Journal .
The maximum salary allowed for a White House aide is $ 183,000 .
That 's what senior adviser Kellyanne Conway and Larry Kudlow , the president 's top economic adviser , make .
If Mulvaney were to remove the temporary part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept a decreased salary at or below that $ 183,000 marker .

White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said he had not removed the "acting" part of his title because he makes a higher salary that way.
Mulvaney, who is also the director of the Office of Management and Budget, talked about keeping multiple positions during a Wednesday night speech at the Oxford Union.
“Because it’s a $20,000 pay cut,” he said about leaving the OMB position, according to the New York Times. Mulvaney's deputy, Russell Vought, took on the role of acting director of OMB in early 2019.
Through OMB, Mulvaney makes $203,500 a year. That salary is set by law. The position also requires Senate confirmation.
Reince Priebus and John Kelly, President Trump's first two chiefs of staff, earned $179,700 apiece, according to the Wall Street Journal. The maximum salary allowed for a White House aide is $183,000. That's what senior adviser Kellyanne Conway and Larry Kudlow, the president's top economic adviser, make.
If Mulvaney were to remove the temporary part of his title, he'd be forced to accept a decreased salary at or below that $183,000 marker.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Mick Mulvaney: I disagree with Trump 'every single day'

President Trump ’ s chief of staff Mick Mulvaney rejected the notion that the president only likes to surround himself with people who agree with him .
“ I disagree with the president every single day , ” Mulvaney said .
“ You just don ’ t hear about it — that ’ s not my job.
” “ The president looks for people who disagree with him and disagree with each other , ” he said , adding that Trump “ will sit back and watch ” as his aides “ go at it.
” He said the assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fueled by aides declining to express their conflicting views in public .
“ It ’ s our job to agree with the president all the time publicly , ” he said .
“ Disagree with him privately.
” Mulvaney made the comments at a private gathering in England on Wednesday .
Audio of the comments was provided to the New York Times .
He pointed to Trump ’ s top economic adviser , Larry Kudlow , who has clashed with the president over tariffs .
Kudlow rose in prominence as “ being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , ” Mulvaney said .
“ He ’ s now on TV regularly defending our tariff positions .
”

President Trump’s chief of staff Mick Mulvaney rejected the notion that the president only likes to surround himself with people who agree with him.
“I disagree with the president every single day,” Mulvaney said. “You just don’t hear about it — that’s not my job.”
“The president looks for people who disagree with him and disagree with each other,” he said, adding that Trump “will sit back and watch” as his aides “go at it.”
He said the assessment that Trump lives in an echo chamber is fueled by aides declining to express their conflicting views in public.
“It’s our job to agree with the president all the time publicly,” he said. “Disagree with him privately.”
Mulvaney made the comments at a private gathering in England on Wednesday. Audio of the comments was provided to the New York Times.
He pointed to Trump’s top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, who has clashed with the president over tariffs.
Kudlow rose in prominence as “being one of the foremost free traders in the country,” Mulvaney said. “He’s now on TV regularly defending our tariff positions.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Maxine Waters: Crips and Bloods gangsters have ‘more integrity’ than Trump

The violent members of California ’ s street gangs have “ more integrity ” than President Trump , according to Rep. Maxine Waters .
Waters , a California Democrat , is one of the biggest critics of Trump and has called for impeachment throughout most of his presidency .
During an interview on Showtime 's Desus and Mero , Waters justified her opposition to Trump by claiming that members of the Crips and Bloods have “ more integrity ” than the president .
“ This guy is a street player , ” Waters explained .
“ I mean , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks , he has flirted with gangsters .
I have worked in some of the toughest communities .
I ’ ve worked with gangs .
I ’ ve worked with Crips .
I ’ ve worked with Bloods .
And there ’ s more integrity in many of these young people in the hood than this man has.
” Waters said it blew her mind that Trump has stayed in office .
He was impeached by the Democratic-led House late last year for Ukraine-related charges but was acquitted by the GOP-controlled Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ ve never seen anything like this , '' Waters said .
The Crips and the Bloods are two that have fought each other for decades , leaving as many as in a single year .
Both of the gangs are based in Los Angeles and became nationally known for their brutal territorial feud .
Each gang required its members to sport the gang ’ s colors , which was blue for the Crips and red for the Bloods .
Both gangs are still active in Los Angeles .
As recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival gang members over his ties to the Crips .
Waters has previously said she doesn ’ t believe it would be “ enough ” to impeach Trump , but rather he should be thrown in prison and “ placed in solitary confinement .
”

The violent members of California’s street gangs have “more integrity” than President Trump, according to Rep. Maxine Waters.
Waters, a California Democrat, is one of the biggest critics of Trump and has called for impeachment throughout most of his presidency. During an interview on Showtime's Desus and Mero, Waters justified her opposition to Trump by claiming that members of the Crips and Bloods have “more integrity” than the president.
“This guy is a street player,” Waters explained. “I mean, he’s a guy that has conned folks, he has flirted with gangsters. I have worked in some of the toughest communities. I’ve worked with gangs. I’ve worked with Crips. I’ve worked with Bloods. And there’s more integrity in many of these young people in the hood than this man has.”
Waters said it blew her mind that Trump has stayed in office. He was impeached by the Democratic-led House late last year for Ukraine-related charges but was acquitted by the GOP-controlled Senate.
“This is a flawed character, and I’ve never seen anything like this," Waters said.
The Crips and the Bloods are two rival gangs that have fought each other for decades, leaving as many as 800 dead in a single year. Both of the gangs are based in Los Angeles and became nationally known for their brutal territorial feud. Each gang required its members to sport the gang’s colors, which was blue for the Crips and red for the Bloods.
Both gangs are still active in Los Angeles. As recently as Wednesday, rapper Pop Smoke was murdered by rival gang members over his ties to the Crips.
Waters has previously said she doesn’t believe it would be “enough” to impeach Trump, but rather he should be thrown in prison and “placed in solitary confinement.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Former GOP lawmaker disputes Katie Hill claim about why she resigned

Former GOP Rep. Ryan Costello said he does n't buy Democratic Rep. Katie Hill 's explanation for her resignation .
Hill resigned while facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into the alleged affair with a member of her congressional office , but during a Friday appearance on The View , she said that was n't the reason she ultimately stepped down .
Costello took exception with her version of events .
Hill said the `` slow processes '' of the investigation would have been `` incredibly invasive to my staff and to my entire office . ''
`` It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad I was able to take the pressure off of my staff by resigning so that they didn ’ t have to worry about that , '' she said .
`` But why did I decide to step down ?
I realized the impact that I was having on my colleagues .
I did not want to be a distraction during the time that we were coming up on the impeachment inquiry vote .
I didn ’ t want to be used as a tool against my fellow freshmen who were coming from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on The View came a day after she claimed `` biphobia '' was the reason behind her resignation , and that 's where Costello pushed back .
`` Not wanting to deal with an Ethics investigation led to resignation , '' he said on social media .
`` Same as straight , male , GOP members who didn ’ t want the scrutiny their actions earned .
End of story . ''
Photos of Hill , 32 , were published in October that showed her naked in a hotel room , brushing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on her 2018 congressional campaign .
Additional photos were later published that showed her holding a bong while undressed .
She apologized and admitted she had an affair with the female campaign aide but denied another alleged affair with a staffer and resigned days later .
Hill , who revealed she struggled with suicidal thoughts after resigning , recently launched an organization dedicated to helping young people and women to political office .

Former GOP Rep. Ryan Costello said he doesn't buy Democratic Rep. Katie Hill's explanation for her resignation.
Hill resigned while facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into the alleged affair with a member of her congressional office, but during a Friday appearance on The View, she said that wasn't the reason she ultimately stepped down. Costello took exception with her version of events.
Hill said the "slow processes" of the investigation would have been "incredibly invasive to my staff and to my entire office."
"It’s also something that I’m glad I was able to take the pressure off of my staff by resigning so that they didn’t have to worry about that," she said. "But why did I decide to step down? I realized the impact that I was having on my colleagues. I did not want to be a distraction during the time that we were coming up on the impeachment inquiry vote. I didn’t want to be used as a tool against my fellow freshmen who were coming from these swing districts."
Her comments on The View came a day after she claimed "biphobia" was the reason behind her resignation, and that's where Costello pushed back.
Not wanting to deal with an Ethics investigation led to resignation. Same as straight, male, GOP members who didn’t want the scrutiny their actions earned. End of story. https://t.co/EQPYcAZDZ1 — Ryan Costello (@RyanCostello) February 21, 2020
"Not wanting to deal with an Ethics investigation led to resignation," he said on social media. "Same as straight, male, GOP members who didn’t want the scrutiny their actions earned. End of story."
Photos of Hill, 32, were published in October that showed her naked in a hotel room, brushing the hair of a female campaign staffer who worked on her 2018 congressional campaign. Additional photos were later published that showed her holding a bong while undressed. She apologized and admitted she had an affair with the female campaign aide but denied another alleged affair with a staffer and resigned days later.
Hill, who revealed she struggled with suicidal thoughts after resigning, recently launched an organization dedicated to helping young people and women to political office.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Will the real fiscal conservatives please stand up?

When acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tore into Republicans for hypocritically voting to increase spending for the past three years after railing against high deficits during the Obama years , he was simply echoing a sentiment deeply held for years by the grassroots .
Citing the “ extremely disturbing ” $ 1 trillion deficit , Mulvaney hit the nail on the head .
In his pointed attack against congressional Republicans , Mulvaney correctly observed that “ the worst thing in the whole world is deficits when Barack Obama was the president.
” Yet as soon as President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending cuts , became president , the party became “ a lot less interested ” in deficit reduction .
Practically every Republican currently sitting in either the House or Senate campaigned on fiscal responsibility .
They all claimed to be dedicated to fighting against the rising deficit .
Yet when appropriations season rolls around , the GOP loses its backbone .
Only a few members , such as Sens .
Rand Paul and Mike Lee and a number of those in the House Freedom Caucus , have remained steadfast in their commitment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to blame our current fiscal situation entirely on the Obama administration and congressional Democrats .
But Democrats only bear some of the blame for our eye-popping debt .
It ’ s important to remember that it was congressional Republicans ’ insatiable thirst for more defense spending that led them time and time again to break the hard-won spending caps achieved during the Obama years .
In fact , they finally shredded the final vestiges of these spending restraints last year , with defense spending expected to exceed $ 724 billion this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 billion just three years ago ) .
Former Speaker Paul Ryan is , perhaps , the best example of the hypocrisy permeating the modern GOP .
Although Ryan nearly held total control of the budget process , deficits increased each and every year of his tenure .
As chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2011 , Ryan talked the typical talk , constantly emphasizing that “ we are driving our country and our economy off a cliff ” and that “ we can ’ t keep spending money we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held the reins and could have used his power to decrease unnecessary spending significantly , Ryan chose instead to “ keep spending money we don ’ t have ” at even higher rates than before .
Then , after retiring from Congress in 2018 , Ryan had the audacity to claim that his biggest regret was failing to decrease the national debt .
Such lamentation from one of the few people who had the power to influence the budget process for the better is simply too little , too late .
But Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame for the lack of fiscal restraint .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , the man who reportedly stated that “ no politician [ has ] ever lost office for spending more money , ” and much of his conference must also be held accountable for their failure to uphold conservative principles .
According to a recent analysis by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget , if the current fiscal trajectory of our country is not corrected , we face trillion-dollar deficits forever .
The Congressional Budget Office projections show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased by a single penny , we will still add an estimated $ 12.8 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade .
It doesn ’ t take a Ph.D. in economics to see that this path is unsustainable and must be rectified before it ’ s too late .
Mulvaney is right .
Trillion-dollar deficits are “ extremely disturbing.
” The only thing more disturbing is that few self-professed “ conservative ” members of Congress seem willing to do anything about it .
Mulvaney has been lambasted in both the liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Congressional Republicans have , thus far , neglected their campaign promises and abdicated their responsibility to the nation .
Republicans owe it not only to themselves but to future generations to get our fiscal house in order .
But in order to do that , congressional Republicans will have to begin following the principles that they preach on the campaign trail .
The grassroots are watching , and the “ party of small government ” needs to start acting like it .
Adam Brandon ( @ adam_brandon ) is a contributor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is president and CEO of FreedomWorks .

When acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tore into Republicans for hypocritically voting to increase spending for the past three years after railing against high deficits during the Obama years, he was simply echoing a sentiment deeply held for years by the grassroots. Citing the “extremely disturbing” $1 trillion deficit, Mulvaney hit the nail on the head.
In his pointed attack against congressional Republicans, Mulvaney correctly observed that “the worst thing in the whole world is deficits when Barack Obama was the president.” Yet as soon as President Trump, who has expressed openness to spending cuts, became president, the party became “a lot less interested” in deficit reduction.
Practically every Republican currently sitting in either the House or Senate campaigned on fiscal responsibility. They all claimed to be dedicated to fighting against the rising deficit. Yet when appropriations season rolls around, the GOP loses its backbone. Only a few members, such as Sens. Rand Paul and Mike Lee and a number of those in the House Freedom Caucus, have remained steadfast in their commitment to conservative principles.
Some on the Right like to blame our current fiscal situation entirely on the Obama administration and congressional Democrats. But Democrats only bear some of the blame for our eye-popping debt. It’s important to remember that it was congressional Republicans’ insatiable thirst for more defense spending that led them time and time again to break the hard-won spending caps achieved during the Obama years. In fact, they finally shredded the final vestiges of these spending restraints last year, with defense spending expected to exceed $724 billion this year alone (up from just under $600 billion just three years ago).
Former Speaker Paul Ryan is, perhaps, the best example of the hypocrisy permeating the modern GOP. Although Ryan nearly held total control of the budget process, deficits increased each and every year of his tenure. As chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2011, Ryan talked the typical talk, constantly emphasizing that “we are driving our country and our economy off a cliff” and that “we can’t keep spending money we don’t have.”
However, when he held the reins and could have used his power to decrease unnecessary spending significantly, Ryan chose instead to “keep spending money we don’t have” at even higher rates than before. Then, after retiring from Congress in 2018, Ryan had the audacity to claim that his biggest regret was failing to decrease the national debt. Such lamentation from one of the few people who had the power to influence the budget process for the better is simply too little, too late.
But Ryan doesn’t deserve all of the blame for the lack of fiscal restraint. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the man who reportedly stated that “no politician [has] ever lost office for spending more money,” and much of his conference must also be held accountable for their failure to uphold conservative principles.
According to a recent analysis by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, if the current fiscal trajectory of our country is not corrected, we face trillion-dollar deficits forever. The Congressional Budget Office projections show that even if spending levels aren’t increased by a single penny, we will still add an estimated $12.8 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade. It doesn’t take a Ph.D. in economics to see that this path is unsustainable and must be rectified before it’s too late.
Mulvaney is right. Trillion-dollar deficits are “extremely disturbing.” The only thing more disturbing is that few self-professed “conservative” members of Congress seem willing to do anything about it. Mulvaney has been lambasted in both the liberal and conservative media for preaching the truth.
Congressional Republicans have, thus far, neglected their campaign promises and abdicated their responsibility to the nation. Republicans owe it not only to themselves but to future generations to get our fiscal house in order. But in order to do that, congressional Republicans will have to begin following the principles that they preach on the campaign trail.
The grassroots are watching, and the “party of small government” needs to start acting like it.
Adam Brandon (@adam_brandon) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog. He is president and CEO of FreedomWorks.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Catholic bishops call on senators to support 'born-alive' legislation set for vote

Catholic bishops urged senators on Friday to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act , a bill that will be placed to a vote next week .
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City , Kansas , wrote in an from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that the bill is necessary to hold abortion doctors “ accountable ” for denying care to children who survive abortion procedures .
A 2002 version of the legislation provides protection to any infant born with heartbeat , respiration , or voluntary movements .
The updated version , introduced by Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that same care to babies who survive attempted abortions .
Naumann wrote that the “ urgency ” has “ increased ” for the passage of the act , especially as states such as New York and Illinois have removed protections for babies who survive abortions .
In January 2019 , Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam stirred a debate over born-alive protections when he infanticide on a radio show .
`` We have the evidence of both medical personnel and survivors of abortion attempts who have testified to babies being wrapped in blankets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffocated in plastic bags , '' Naumann wrote .
Naumann concluded his letter by saying that although the act does not protect unborn babies , it prevents the extension of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade from affecting children who have been born .
`` Until the Court 's own thinking changes or a constitutional amendment can be passed , no child in the womb will have meaningful legal protection , '' Naumann wrote .
`` Our immediate task , then , is to ensure that the lethal mentality of Roe does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beings struggling for their lives outside the womb . ''
The Sasse legislation to advance in the Senate last February in a 53-44 vote .
Three Democrats , Bob Casey of Pennsylvania , Joe Manchin of West Virginia , and Doug Jones of Alabama , joined Republicans in favor .
At the time , President Trump criticized Democrats for failing to join Republicans in passing the act .
“ Senate Democrats just voted against legislation to prevent the killing of newborn infant children , ” he tweeted .
“ The Democrat position on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t mind executing babies AFTER birth .
This will be remembered as one of the most shocking votes in the history of Congress .
If there is one thing we should all agree on , it ’ s protecting the lives of innocent babies .
”

Catholic bishops urged senators on Friday to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill that will be placed to a vote next week.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, wrote in an open letter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that the bill is necessary to hold abortion doctors “accountable” for denying care to children who survive abortion procedures.
A 2002 version of the legislation provides protection to any infant born with heartbeat, respiration, or voluntary movements. The updated version, introduced by Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, will require abortion doctors to provide that same care to babies who survive attempted abortions.
Naumann wrote that the “urgency” has “increased” for the passage of the act, especially as states such as New York and Illinois have removed protections for babies who survive abortions. In January 2019, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam stirred a debate over born-alive protections when he seemingly endorsed infanticide on a radio show.
"We have the evidence of both medical personnel and survivors of abortion attempts who have testified to babies being wrapped in blankets and set aside to die or babies being suffocated in plastic bags," Naumann wrote.
Naumann concluded his letter by saying that although the act does not protect unborn babies, it prevents the extension of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade from affecting children who have been born.
"Until the Court's own thinking changes or a constitutional amendment can be passed, no child in the womb will have meaningful legal protection," Naumann wrote. "Our immediate task, then, is to ensure that the lethal mentality of Roe does not claim new victims — vulnerable human beings struggling for their lives outside the womb."
The Sasse legislation failed to advance in the Senate last February in a 53-44 vote. Three Democrats, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and Doug Jones of Alabama, joined Republicans in favor.
At the time, President Trump criticized Democrats for failing to join Republicans in passing the act.
“Senate Democrats just voted against legislation to prevent the killing of newborn infant children,” he tweeted. “The Democrat position on abortion is now so extreme that they don’t mind executing babies AFTER birth. This will be remembered as one of the most shocking votes in the history of Congress. If there is one thing we should all agree on, it’s protecting the lives of innocent babies.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--AOC endorses wave of liberal women in quest for 'progressive majority in Congress'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 's `` squad '' could get a lot bigger with the wave of female congressional candidates she endorsed on Friday .
The socialist surprised many by defeating Rep. Joe Crowley , a high-ranking incumbent , in a primary race in New York in 2018 .
Now , she ’ s looking to find more women to follow in her footsteps to replace centrist incumbents with younger , more liberal candidates .
After teasing a `` big announcement '' late Thursday , the 30-year-old congresswoman revealed the slate of candidates she is supporting with her political action committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incumbents throughout the United States .
Ocasio-Cortez also revealed she is backing a few liberal candidates who are facing off against establishment picks for races that do not have a Democratic incumbent , such as the Senate race in Texas .
`` It ’ s time to elect a progressive majority in Congress accountable to strong , grassroots movements that push support for issues like Medicare for All , a Green New Deal , racial justice , & more , '' Ocasio-Cortez tweeted .
`` It ’ s time to elect public servants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One of our primary goals is to reward political courage in Congress and also to help elect a progressive majority in the House of Representatives , ” Ocasio-Cortez New York Times .
“ There ’ s kind of a dual nature to this : One is opening the door to newcomers , and the other is to reward members of Congress that are exhibiting very large amounts of political courage.
” Ocasio-Cortez said she does not view this as a symbolic effort to back liberal candidates .
“ One of the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning , '' she said .
“ It ’ s important for us to create mechanisms of support because so much of what is happening in Washington is driven by fear of loss , ” Ocasio-Cortez explained .
“ We can really create an ecosystem that makes people more comfortable into making the leap to make politically courageous choices.
” The congresswoman chose races throughout the country and did not focus on just one region or type of state .
Some of the centrist Democrats Ocasio-Cortez is hoping to oust include Texas Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon .
Many of these congressmen hold views Ocasio-Cortez opposes .
They include Lipinski , who opposes abortion , and Cuellar , who has one of the highest ratings from the National Rifle Association .
In a fundraising pitch , Courage to Change condemned the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for valuing wealthy candidates rather than candidates that carry liberal values .
The group said , “ When community leaders , activists , and working-class candidates try to run for office , organizations like the D.C.C.C .
discourage them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ Can you raise $ 300,000 from your friends and family ?
If not , don ’ t bother trying.
’ ” Ocasio-Cortez raised $ 1.4 million for her campaign in January alone .
Despite her influence , the congressman admitted she feels lonely in the position and wants more liberal members to join her in Congress as she reshapes the Democratic Party .
“ While I think sometimes a lot of people see this as a huge amassing of influence or power or money or what have you , my personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can feel very lonely , ” Ocasio-Cortez said .
“ I think my ambition right now is to be a little less lonely in Congress.
” Ocasio-Cortez has since taking office .
After she endorsed Bernie Sanders for the 2020 presidential race , she argued that she and Joe Biden would not even be in the same political party if they lived in another country .
She claimed the party has “ too big of a tent .
”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "squad" could get a lot bigger with the wave of female congressional candidates she endorsed on Friday.
The socialist surprised many by defeating Rep. Joe Crowley, a high-ranking incumbent, in a primary race in New York in 2018. Now, she’s looking to find more women to follow in her footsteps to replace centrist incumbents with younger, more liberal candidates.
After teasing a "big announcement" late Thursday, the 30-year-old congresswoman revealed the slate of candidates she is supporting with her political action committee Courage to Change as they primary Democratic incumbents throughout the United States. Ocasio-Cortez also revealed she is backing a few liberal candidates who are facing off against establishment picks for races that do not have a Democratic incumbent, such as the Senate race in Texas.
"It’s time to elect a progressive majority in Congress accountable to strong, grassroots movements that push support for issues like Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, racial justice, & more," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. "It’s time to elect public servants with the Courage to Change."
It’s time to elect a progressive majority in Congress accountable to strong, grassroots movements that push support for issues like Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, racial justice, & more.
It’s time to elect public servants with the Courage to Change: https://t.co/K6JXmCH2Vh — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 21, 2020
“One of our primary goals is to reward political courage in Congress and also to help elect a progressive majority in the House of Representatives,” Ocasio-Cortez told the New York Times. “There’s kind of a dual nature to this: One is opening the door to newcomers, and the other is to reward members of Congress that are exhibiting very large amounts of political courage.”
Ocasio-Cortez said she does not view this as a symbolic effort to back liberal candidates. “One of the things that is really important to us is winning," she said.
“It’s important for us to create mechanisms of support because so much of what is happening in Washington is driven by fear of loss,” Ocasio-Cortez explained. “We can really create an ecosystem that makes people more comfortable into making the leap to make politically courageous choices.”
The congresswoman chose races throughout the country and did not focus on just one region or type of state. Some of the centrist Democrats Ocasio-Cortez is hoping to oust include Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, Illinois Rep. Daniel Lipinski, and Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon. Many of these congressmen hold views Ocasio-Cortez opposes. They include Lipinski, who opposes abortion, and Cuellar, who has one of the highest ratings from the National Rifle Association.
In a fundraising pitch, Courage to Change condemned the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for valuing wealthy candidates rather than candidates that carry liberal values. The group said, “When community leaders, activists, and working-class candidates try to run for office, organizations like the D.C.C.C. discourage them. These potential progressive leaders are asked: ‘Can you raise $300,000 from your friends and family? If not, don’t bother trying.’”
Ocasio-Cortez raised $1.4 million for her campaign in January alone. Despite her influence, the congressman admitted she feels lonely in the position and wants more liberal members to join her in Congress as she reshapes the Democratic Party.
“While I think sometimes a lot of people see this as a huge amassing of influence or power or money or what have you, my personal experience does not feel that way — it can feel very lonely,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “I think my ambition right now is to be a little less lonely in Congress.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-21--Trump eyes Doug Collins for intelligence chief nominee

Georgia Rep. Doug Collins is one of the people President Trump is considering to permanently fill the position of director of national intelligence .
During a flight on Air Force One late Thursday , Trump told reporters that he is considering the Republican congressman after it was revealed that his latest pick for acting director , Richard Grenell , would not .
Collins , the outgoing ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee , was one of Trump ’ s closest allies in the House throughout the impeachment process .
He will soon have to leave his leadership positions after announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate in Georgia against the Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler .
Collins told Fox Business on Friday morning that he would not accept the nomination for the position if Trump were to make a formal offer .
He explained the decision to anchor Maria Bartiromo , saying , `` This is not a job that interests me , at this time it 's not one that I would accept because I 'm running a Senate race down here in Georgia . ''
The director of national intelligence , sometimes referred to as the spy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the individual that oversees the intelligence community .
Grenell , who was the U.S. ambassador to Germany , is the first openly gay individual to .
Trump has not made his final decision as to who will fill the opening left when Dan Coats vacated the position .
Joseph Maguire had been the acting director of national security for the past several months .

Georgia Rep. Doug Collins is one of the people President Trump is considering to permanently fill the position of director of national intelligence.
During a flight on Air Force One late Thursday, Trump told reporters that he is considering the Republican congressman after it was revealed that his latest pick for acting director, Richard Grenell, would not fill the position permanently .
Collins, the outgoing ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, was one of Trump’s closest allies in the House throughout the impeachment process. He will soon have to leave his leadership positions after announcing that he would be running for U.S. Senate in Georgia against the Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
Collins told Fox Business on Friday morning that he would not accept the nomination for the position if Trump were to make a formal offer. He explained the decision to anchor Maria Bartiromo, saying, "This is not a job that interests me, at this time it's not one that I would accept because I'm running a Senate race down here in Georgia."
The director of national intelligence, sometimes referred to as the spy chief, is a Cabinet position for the individual that oversees the intelligence community. Grenell, who was the U.S. ambassador to Germany, is the first openly gay individual to serve in the president’s Cabinet .
Trump has not made his final decision as to who will fill the opening left when Dan Coats vacated the position. Joseph Maguire had been the acting director of national security for the past several months.