cnbc--2020-05-22--The Pentagon won't talk about Saudi arms deals at center of Pompeo scandal involving State Departmen

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at the U.S. State Department January 07 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon referred questions Thursday to the State Department about American arms deals with Saudi Arabia , amid a controversy over an internal watchdog who was fired while reportedly investigating the agreements .
`` I 'm not going to talk about the interagency process on that and there 's obviously a lot of scrutiny and interest in this .
I would refer you over to State Department , who handled the announcement on this , '' Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Foreign military sales are an important part of what the department does and how we work with our allies and partners , '' he added , saying that `` with regard to that particular transaction I 'm just gon na have to refer you over to the State Department I 'm not going to discuss the interagency conversations . ''
In a statement Thursday night , a State Department spokesperson wrote that `` the Department met the requirements of the law and followed relevant practice in invoking this emergency authority , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department Inspector General Steve Linick was looking into what role Secretary of State Mike Pompeo played in the potential fast-tracking of an $ 8 billion foreign military sale to the kingdom .
Linick was also looking into other matters , such as whether Pompeo and his wife , Susan , had a State Department staffer walk their dog , pick up dry cleaning and perform other personal tasks .
Pompeo urged President Donald Trump to Linick last week , and Trump complied .
The nation 's top diplomat told reporters on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissal sooner , but did not elaborate on reasons as to why .
`` There are claims that this was for retaliation for some investigation that the inspector general 's office here was engaged in .
Patently false , '' Pompeo said .
Saudi Arabia is America 's top weapons buyer , and the world 's largest arms importer .
Between 2015 and 2019 , Riyadh imported 73 % of its arms from Washington , according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute .
In March 2018 , Trump praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met with the nation 's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed at the White House — and pushed for even more .
`` Saudi Arabia is a very wealthy nation , and they 're going to give the United States some of that wealth , hopefully , in the form of jobs , in the form of the purchase of the finest military equipment anywhere in the world , '' Trump said at the time .
While Congress discussed the possibility of placing some restrictions on weapons exports to Saudi Arabia in 2019 , deliveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guided bombs continued throughout the year .


cnbc--2020-05-22--Trump administration warms up to sending out more coronavirus relief money

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he departs the White House in Washington , DC , on May 21 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump and his advisors showed more support for a new round of coronavirus relief spending this week as economic damage from the pandemic mounts .
The president on Thursday said , `` I think we 're going to be helping people out '' and `` getting some money for them '' as tens of millions of Americans lose paychecks and businesses struggle to survive with public health restrictions still in place in much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. could take `` one more nice shot '' at stimulus .
Trump 's advisors have echoed his sentiment .
On Friday morning , economic advisor Kevin Hassett told CNN that another round of aid is `` pretty likely , '' saying he believes `` it 's coming sooner rather than later . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he sees a `` strong likelihood '' the U.S. will need more stimulus .
Support has mounted in the White House as Congress fails to strike a consensus on how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight of the pandemic .
More than 38 million people have filed jobless claims since the crisis started , and second-quarter GDP is expected to plunge .
Democrats have pushed for an immediate , sweeping plan to push more spending money to individuals , expand the social safety net during the crisis and make voting safer by expanding mail-in ballot access .
The House passed a $ 3 trillion relief package last week .
After downplaying the need for more federal spending , the GOP-held Senate has started to open the door to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Trump this week that the next bill should not cost more than $ 1 trillion , according to Axios .
The president has generally showed more comfort with free spending than his Republican allies in Congress .
Policymakers will , of course , have to pin down a lot of details .
Democrats have pushed for a second stimulus check to individuals of up to $ 1,200 , and Trump appears to have embraced the idea .
Congressional Republicans already backed direct payments once in March .

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he departs the White House in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2020.
President Donald Trump and his advisors showed more support for a new round of coronavirus relief spending this week as economic damage from the pandemic mounts.
The president on Thursday said, "I think we're going to be helping people out" and "getting some money for them" as tens of millions of Americans lose paychecks and businesses struggle to survive with public health restrictions still in place in much of the country. He added that the U.S. could take "one more nice shot" at stimulus.
Trump's advisors have echoed his sentiment. On Friday morning, economic advisor Kevin Hassett told CNN that another round of aid is "pretty likely," saying he believes "it's coming sooner rather than later."
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he sees a "strong likelihood" the U.S. will need more stimulus.
Support has mounted in the White House as Congress fails to strike a consensus on how to lift a U.S. economy collapsing under the weight of the pandemic. More than 38 million people have filed jobless claims since the crisis started, and second-quarter GDP is expected to plunge.
Democrats have pushed for an immediate, sweeping plan to push more spending money to individuals, expand the social safety net during the crisis and make voting safer by expanding mail-in ballot access. The House passed a $3 trillion relief package last week.
After downplaying the need for more federal spending, the GOP-held Senate has started to open the door to a more narrow aid proposal. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Trump this week that the next bill should not cost more than $1 trillion, according to Axios. The president has generally showed more comfort with free spending than his Republican allies in Congress.
Policymakers will, of course, have to pin down a lot of details. Democrats have pushed for a second stimulus check to individuals of up to $1,200, and Trump appears to have embraced the idea. Congressional Republicans already backed direct payments once in March.


cnbc--2020-05-22--Economic recovery from coronavirus is a 'long way away,' Joe Biden says

He spoke during an unprecedented presidential election where the pandemic and economic collapse — and Trump 's response — have overshadowed any other issue .
The virus has forced both major party candidates to stop in-person events for more than two months as the incumbent tries to defend a virus response that critics such as Biden have called sluggish and inadequate .
`` Imagine if we had that $ 2 trillion now as we go into , God willing , a recovery which is a long way away as I see it right now , '' Biden told CNBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on `` Squawk Box , '' the apparent Democratic presidential nominee criticized the 2017 Republican tax cuts and questioned how the U.S. could use the lost revenue as it tries to lift a devastated economy .
More than 38 million people have filed jobless claims since states started widespread lockdowns to slow the pandemic , and GDP is expected to go into freefall in the second quarter .
He also condemned President Donald Trump 's handling of the crisis , blaming him for lost lives and economic ruin .
Former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday that an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic looks `` a long way away . ''
Former Vice President Joe Biden ( D ) speaks about the Coronavirus and the response to it at the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington , DE .
`` His slowness is costing lives and costing jobs and costing our ability to rebound , '' the former vice president said Friday .
Biden said he would make a coronavirus vaccine free for everyone in the United States .
In a statement responding to Biden 's remarks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` has provided state and local leaders with data-driven guidelines to reopen their communities in safe , responsible ways , helped states ramp up their testing capabilities , and surged critical [ personal protective equipment ] and other supplies where they are needed . ''
He added that the president has taken steps to `` ensure we emerge stronger than ever before . ''
The U.S. has reported more than 1.5 million Covid-19 cases , and the disease has led to more than 94,000 deaths nationwide , according to Johns Hopkins University data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak and efforts to ramp up testing came under particular scrutiny as cases in America quickly outpaced any other country this spring .
As states battered by business closures and unemployment start to reopen their economies , some still have not seen their infection rates decline .
In Washington , policymakers are divided over whether to forge ahead with partial restarts while focusing on testing or send more federal relief to states , businesses and individuals while taking a more cautious approach to lifting lockdowns .
While the president and many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now to boost growth , Biden said `` the way to fix the economy is get the public health response correct . ''
Trump 's rival in the 2020 election condemned the president 's party for its reluctance to send more relief money to state and local governments , some of which could struggle to pay first responders or teachers as they face higher expenses and lost revenue .
House Democrats approved nearly $ 1 trillion in aid to states and municipalities last week , but Senate Republicans have no plans to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden also contended the government has favored larger businesses over smaller ones as it doles out the more than $ 2.5 trillion in taxpayer relief money approved in March and April .
In the interview , he also said e-commerce giant Amazon `` should start paying their taxes . ''
Amazon has said it pays `` every penny we owe . ''
In detailing the economic policies he would implement if he won the White House , Biden said he would `` repeal the $ 2 trillion tax cut for folks making over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hike the corporate tax rate to 28 % even during a recovery period .
He added that as the U.S. moves closer to rebounding from the crisis , he wants to push for an infrastructure overhaul and other job-creating measures .
Among his virus response plans , Biden has called for short-time compensation , under which companies would keep workers employed with reduced hours and the government would pay for the difference in wages .
He has pushed for better safety standards and a pay boost for employees deemed essential who have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of recent polls in swing states such as Florida , Wisconsin , Michigan and Pennsylvania show a tight race with Biden holding a narrow edge .

He spoke during an unprecedented presidential election where the pandemic and economic collapse — and Trump's response — have overshadowed any other issue. The virus has forced both major party candidates to stop in-person events for more than two months as the incumbent tries to defend a virus response that critics such as Biden have called sluggish and inadequate.
"Imagine if we had that $2 trillion now as we go into, God willing, a recovery which is a long way away as I see it right now," Biden told CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin.
In the interview on " Squawk Box ," the apparent Democratic presidential nominee criticized the 2017 Republican tax cuts and questioned how the U.S. could use the lost revenue as it tries to lift a devastated economy. More than 38 million people have filed jobless claims since states started widespread lockdowns to slow the pandemic, and GDP is expected to go into freefall in the second quarter.
He also condemned President Donald Trump 's handling of the crisis, blaming him for lost lives and economic ruin.
Former Vice President Joe Biden said in a CNBC interview on Friday that an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic looks "a long way away."
Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) speaks about the Coronavirus and the response to it at the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, DE.
"His slowness is costing lives and costing jobs and costing our ability to rebound," the former vice president said Friday. Biden said he would make a coronavirus vaccine free for everyone in the United States.
In a statement responding to Biden's remarks, White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump "has provided state and local leaders with data-driven guidelines to reopen their communities in safe, responsible ways, helped states ramp up their testing capabilities, and surged critical [personal protective equipment] and other supplies where they are needed." He added that the president has taken steps to "ensure we emerge stronger than ever before."
The U.S. has reported more than 1.5 million Covid-19 cases, and the disease has led to more than 94,000 deaths nationwide, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The Trump administration's preparedness for the outbreak and efforts to ramp up testing came under particular scrutiny as cases in America quickly outpaced any other country this spring.
As states battered by business closures and unemployment start to reopen their economies, some still have not seen their infection rates decline. In Washington, policymakers are divided over whether to forge ahead with partial restarts while focusing on testing or send more federal relief to states, businesses and individuals while taking a more cautious approach to lifting lockdowns.
While the president and many of his GOP allies push to restart businesses now to boost growth, Biden said "the way to fix the economy is get the public health response correct."
Trump's rival in the 2020 election condemned the president's party for its reluctance to send more relief money to state and local governments, some of which could struggle to pay first responders or teachers as they face higher expenses and lost revenue. House Democrats approved nearly $1 trillion in aid to states and municipalities last week, but Senate Republicans have no plans to pass the $3 trillion rescue bill.
Biden also contended the government has favored larger businesses over smaller ones as it doles out the more than $2.5 trillion in taxpayer relief money approved in March and April.
In the interview, he also said e-commerce giant Amazon "should start paying their taxes." Amazon has said it pays "every penny we owe."
In detailing the economic policies he would implement if he won the White House, Biden said he would "repeal the $2 trillion tax cut for folks making over a million bucks a year" and hike the corporate tax rate to 28% even during a recovery period. He added that as the U.S. moves closer to rebounding from the crisis, he wants to push for an infrastructure overhaul and other job-creating measures.
Among his virus response plans, Biden has called for short-time compensation, under which companies would keep workers employed with reduced hours and the government would pay for the difference in wages. He has pushed for better safety standards and a pay boost for employees deemed essential who have to work on-site during the crisis.
Averages of recent polls in swing states such as Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania show a tight race with Biden holding a narrow edge.
Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.


cnbc--2020-05-22--Trump slams governors, demands they open houses of worship 'right now'

President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that governors reopen churches , synagogues and mosques `` right now , '' and threatened to `` override '' state leaders ' restrictions if they do not do so by the weekend .
The surprise announcement marked the president 's latest attempt to ramp up the political stakes surrounding the country 's coronavirus recovery efforts .
He is facing a tough reelection fight against apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Trump said it was an `` injustice '' that some state leaders have allowed `` liquor stores and abortion clinics '' to stay open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship .
`` It 's not right , '' Trump said .
`` I 'm calling houses of worship essential . ''
`` If there 's any question , they 're going to have to call me , but they 're not going to be successful in that call , '' Trump said of state leaders .
`` The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now , for this weekend , '' Trump said .
`` If they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governors . ''
But it 's far from clear if Trump has the authority to do so .
States , not the federal government , have imposed harsh restrictions on residents and businesses to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The White House has only released guidelines for states and regional leaders to follow as they combat the disease .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany , when asked what authority allows Trump to override a governor 's rules , did not provide a specific provision .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly encourage every governor to allow their churches to reopen – and boy , it 's interesting to be in a room that desperately wants to seem to see these churches and houses of worship stay closed . ''
A reporter in the room quickly objected to that characterization , saying that he is a churchgoer and would like to attend services again but questions remain about whether places of worship are being asked to reopen too quickly .
The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states : `` The powers not delegated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nor prohibited by it to the States , are reserved to the States respectively , or to the people . ''

President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that governors reopen churches, synagogues and mosques "right now," and threatened to "override" state leaders' restrictions if they do not do so by the weekend.
The surprise announcement marked the president's latest attempt to ramp up the political stakes surrounding the country's coronavirus recovery efforts. He is facing a tough reelection fight against apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Trump said it was an "injustice" that some state leaders have allowed "liquor stores and abortion clinics" to stay open amid the Covid-19 pandemic while closing houses of worship.
"It's not right," Trump said. "I'm calling houses of worship essential."
"If there's any question, they're going to have to call me, but they're not going to be successful in that call," Trump said of state leaders.
"The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now, for this weekend," Trump said.
"If they don't do it, I will override the governors."
But it's far from clear if Trump has the authority to do so.
States, not the federal government, have imposed harsh restrictions on residents and businesses to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The White House has only released guidelines for states and regional leaders to follow as they combat the disease.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, when asked what authority allows Trump to override a governor's rules, did not provide a specific provision.
Instead, she said, "the president will strongly encourage every governor to allow their churches to reopen – and boy, it's interesting to be in a room that desperately wants to seem to see these churches and houses of worship stay closed."
A reporter in the room quickly objected to that characterization, saying that he is a churchgoer and would like to attend services again but questions remain about whether places of worship are being asked to reopen too quickly.
The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."


cnbc--2020-05-22--Biden tells African American radio host: 'You ain't black' if you have trouble deciding between Trum

Biden tells African American radio host: 'You ain't black' if you have trouble deciding between Trump and me

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands with supporters during a campaign event at Wofford University February 28 , 2020 in Spartanburg , South Carolina .
WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Joe Biden on Friday defended his record of helping African Americans and advancing civil rights and voting rights , before ending an interview by telling a black radio host that if he ca n't decide whether to vote for Biden or Trump , then he `` ai n't black . ''
Appearing on the syndicated program `` The Breakfast Club , '' the apparent Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professionally as Charlamagne tha God , that there were `` multiple '' black women on his short list for VP .
Biden has pledged that he will select a woman to be his running mate .
Biden surged to victory over Sen. Bernie Sanders in large part because of overwhelming black support in the South Carolina primary and other major primaries throughout March .
`` I 'm not acknowledging anybody who is being considered , but I guarantee you : There are multiple black women being considered , '' said Biden , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama .
`` Multiple . ''
Biden 's campaign team is reportedly vetting at least three black female Democratic lawmakers as potential running mates : Sen. Kamala Harris of California , Rep. Val Demmings of Florida and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams .
Susan Rice , who served as national security advisor to Obama , has also been mentioned as a potential candidate .
About 20 minutes into the interview , an aide to Biden can be heard trying to wrap up , saying , `` Thank you so much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologize . ''
`` You ca n't do that to black media ! ''
Charlamagne replied , smiling .
`` I do that to white media and black media because my wife has to go on at 6 o'clock , '' Biden responds , apparently referring to an interview that Dr. Jill Biden had to film from the same basement studio .
`` Uh oh .
I 'm in trouble , '' Biden added , looking at his watch .
`` Listen , you 've got to come see us when you come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Charlamagne said .
`` It 's a long way until November .
We 've got more questions . ''
`` You 've got more questions ?
Well , I tell you what , if you have a problem figuring out whether you 're for me or Trump , then you ai n't black , '' Biden quipped , before smiling broadly .
`` It do n't have nothing to do with Trump , it has to do with the fact — I want something for my community , '' Charlemagne replied .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , man , '' exclaimed Biden .
`` I extended the Voting Rights Act 25 years .
I have a record that 's second to none .
The NAACP has endorsed me every time I 've run .
Take a look at the record .
Anyway , thanks , I will come back . ''
The exchange was quickly seized upon by Trump supporters , who accused Biden of racism , as well as by some progressives , including Sanders ' former presidential campaign press secretary , Briahna Joy Gray , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign advisor who is black , defended the former vice president .
`` The comments made at the end of the Breakfast Club interview were in jest , but let 's be clear about what the VP was saying : he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump 's any day .
Period , '' she tweeted .
On Friday afternoon , Biden walked back his comments , saying on a previously scheduled call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so cavalier . ''
`` I know the comments have come off like I was taking the African vote for granted . ''
Biden said , `` but nothing could be further from the truth , '' reported NBC News , one of several media outlets invited at the last minute to join the call .
`` I should n't have been such a wise guy , '' Biden said .
`` No one should have to vote for any party based on their race their religion their background . ''
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his .
That was the bottom line , and it was , it was really unfortunate .
I should n't have been so cavalier . ''
Trump himself came under fire a day earlier for remarks he made to Ford Motor Company CEO Bill Ford during a trip to Michigan .
`` In our lifetimes , the company founded by a man named Henry Ford ― good bloodlines , good bloodlines ― if you believe in that stuff , '' Trump said in a speech at a Ford plant in Ypsilanti , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said to Ford , the great-grandson of the company 's founder .
The reason this is problematic is that Henry Ford was among the most influential American anti-Semites of the 20th century .
According to the Henry Ford Museum website : `` Convinced that 'bankers ' and 'the Jews ' were responsible for a whole range of things he did n't like , from the world war to short skirts to jazz music , Ford used his newspaper , the Dearborn Independent , to carry on an active anti-Semitic campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racially charged and often divisive language .
During the past few years , Trump has claimed there were `` good people '' among white nationalist marchers in Charlottesville , Virginia , he has referred to African nations and Haiti as `` shithole countries , '' and he has accused a U.S.-born federal judge of bias because `` he 's a Mexican . ''
Prior to running for office , Trump fanned a racist conspiracy theory that Obama was born in Africa and therefore ineligible to serve as president .
In the 1970 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company was sued by the Justice Department , twice , for allegedly discriminating against black prospective tenants .
UPDATE 3:47 p.m. -- This story has been updated to include Biden 's comments on a call Friday afternoon .

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands with supporters during a campaign event at Wofford University February 28, 2020 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Joe Biden on Friday defended his record of helping African Americans and advancing civil rights and voting rights, before ending an interview by telling a black radio host that if he can't decide whether to vote for Biden or Trump, then he "ain't black."
Appearing on the syndicated program "The Breakfast Club," the apparent Democratic presidential nominee told co-host Lenard McKelvey, known professionally as Charlamagne tha God, that there were "multiple" black women on his short list for VP. Biden has pledged that he will select a woman to be his running mate.
Biden surged to victory over Sen. Bernie Sanders in large part because of overwhelming black support in the South Carolina primary and other major primaries throughout March.
"I'm not acknowledging anybody who is being considered, but I guarantee you: There are multiple black women being considered," said Biden, who served under the first black president, Barack Obama. "Multiple."
Biden's campaign team is reportedly vetting at least three black female Democratic lawmakers as potential running mates: Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Rep. Val Demmings of Florida and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Susan Rice, who served as national security advisor to Obama, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.
About 20 minutes into the interview, an aide to Biden can be heard trying to wrap up, saying, "Thank you so much. That's really our time. I apologize."
"You can't do that to black media!" Charlamagne replied, smiling.
"I do that to white media and black media because my wife has to go on at 6 o'clock," Biden responds, apparently referring to an interview that Dr. Jill Biden had to film from the same basement studio. "Uh oh. I'm in trouble," Biden added, looking at his watch.
"Listen, you've got to come see us when you come to New York, VP Biden," Charlamagne said. "It's a long way until November. We've got more questions."
"You've got more questions? Well, I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," Biden quipped, before smiling broadly.
"It don't have nothing to do with Trump, it has to do with the fact — I want something for my community," Charlemagne replied.
"Take a look at my record, man," exclaimed Biden. "I extended the Voting Rights Act 25 years. I have a record that's second to none. The NAACP has endorsed me every time I've run. Take a look at the record. Anyway, thanks, I will come back."
VIDEO
The exchange was quickly seized upon by Trump supporters, who accused Biden of racism, as well as by some progressives, including Sanders' former presidential campaign press secretary, Briahna Joy Gray, who is black.
TWEET
Symone Sanders, a top Biden campaign advisor who is black, defended the former vice president.
"The comments made at the end of the Breakfast Club interview were in jest, but let's be clear about what the VP was saying: he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump's any day. Period," she tweeted.
SANDERS TWEET
On Friday afternoon, Biden walked back his comments, saying on a previously scheduled call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce, "I shouldn't have been so cavalier."
"I know the comments have come off like I was taking the African vote for granted." Biden said, "but nothing could be further from the truth," reported NBC News, one of several media outlets invited at the last minute to join the call.
"I shouldn't have been such a wise guy," Biden said. "No one should have to vote for any party based on their race their religion their background."
"I'm prepared to put my record against his. That was the bottom line, and it was, it was really unfortunate. I shouldn't have been so cavalier."
Trump himself came under fire a day earlier for remarks he made to Ford Motor Company CEO Bill Ford during a trip to Michigan.
"In our lifetimes, the company founded by a man named Henry Ford ― good bloodlines, good bloodlines ― if you believe in that stuff," Trump said in a speech at a Ford plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. "You got good blood," he said to Ford, the great-grandson of the company's founder.
The reason this is problematic is that Henry Ford was among the most influential American anti-Semites of the 20th century.
According to the Henry Ford Museum website: "Convinced that 'bankers' and 'the Jews' were responsible for a whole range of things he didn't like, from the world war to short skirts to jazz music, Ford used his newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, to carry on an active anti-Semitic campaign."
Trump also has a long history of racially charged and often divisive language. During the past few years, Trump has claimed there were "good people" among white nationalist marchers in Charlottesville, Virginia, he has referred to African nations and Haiti as "shithole countries," and he has accused a U.S.-born federal judge of bias because "he's a Mexican."
Prior to running for office, Trump fanned a racist conspiracy theory that Obama was born in Africa and therefore ineligible to serve as president. In the 1970's, Trump's family real estate company was sued by the Justice Department, twice, for allegedly discriminating against black prospective tenants.
UPDATE 3:47 p.m. -- This story has been updated to include Biden's comments on a call Friday afternoon.


cnbc--2020-05-22--Defense secretary doubles down on aggressive timeline to have coronavirus vaccine ready by the end o

Defense secretary doubles down on aggressive timeline to have coronavirus vaccine ready by the end of the year

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a news briefing on the latest development of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. at the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House March 18 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Mark Esper doubled down on Friday by saying the Pentagon will meet an aggressive timeline to have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year , a deadline doubted by leading health officials .
`` You know , our medical experts , our researchers have been working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and diagnostics for a few months , '' Esper explained on NBC 's `` TODAY . ''
`` We 've been ahead of the curve and in the fight from day one , and this is the next phase of this battle , and we will deliver on time the vaccines , '' he added , saying he was `` completely confident '' that the Pentagon will deliver .
Esper downplayed characterizations made by health officials that a vaccine within the year would be `` aspirational . ''
`` Well , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Nazi Germany , he did n't say , 'We might win World War II , we 'll try . '
When John F. Kennedy aspired to put a man on the moon , he did n't say , 'We 'll give it a good shot . '
He said , 'We will do it , ' '' the Pentagon chief said .
`` The Defense Department , once again , is committed to get this done .
We 're going to live up to the expectations , and we 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that the Pentagon is preparing for a potential second wave of the coronavirus .
Last week , President Donald Trump unveiled a federal task force in charge of a $ 10 billion effort that will help produce and widely distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of 2020 .
`` We will deliver , by the end of this year , a vaccine , at scale , to treat the American people and our partners abroad , '' Esper said alongside Trump .

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a news briefing on the latest development of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. at the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House March 18, 2020 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Mark Esper doubled down on Friday by saying the Pentagon will meet an aggressive timeline to have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, a deadline doubted by leading health officials.
"You know, our medical experts, our researchers have been working on this vaccine now, and therapeutics and diagnostics for a few months," Esper explained on NBC's "TODAY." "We've been ahead of the curve and in the fight from day one, and this is the next phase of this battle, and we will deliver on time the vaccines," he added, saying he was "completely confident" that the Pentagon will deliver.
Esper downplayed characterizations made by health officials that a vaccine within the year would be "aspirational."
"Well, you know, when Eisenhower launched the U.S. military against Nazi Germany, he didn't say, 'We might win World War II, we'll try.' When John F. Kennedy aspired to put a man on the moon, he didn't say, 'We'll give it a good shot.' He said, 'We will do it,'" the Pentagon chief said.
"The Defense Department, once again, is committed to get this done. We're going to live up to the expectations, and we're going to deliver on this virus," he said, adding that the Pentagon is preparing for a potential second wave of the coronavirus.
Last week, President Donald Trump unveiled a federal task force in charge of a $10 billion effort that will help produce and widely distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of 2020.
"We will deliver, by the end of this year, a vaccine, at scale, to treat the American people and our partners abroad," Esper said alongside Trump.


cnbc--2020-05-22--Top #MeToo lawyer says he is no longer representing Biden accuser Tara Reade

In this April 4 , 2019 , photo Tara Reade poses for a photo during an interview with The Associated Press in Nevada City , Calif. An attorney for Tara Reade , the woman accusing former Vice President Joe Biden of sexual assault , said on Friday that he had dropped her as a client without providing a reason .
Doug Wigdor , a noted # MeToo lawyer whose firm has represented clients with claims against high-profile men accused of abuse like Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn , said the decision was `` by no means a reflection on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He also said he sided with the 55 % of voters who believe her , citing a recent Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll .
Wigdor , who has donated thousands of dollars to President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee , in addition to some Democratic candidates , said the decision to part ways with Reade was made on Wednesday , less than two weeks after he announced that he was representing her .
A spokesperson for Reade , Maria Villena , said in a statement that Reade `` does not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to part ways . ''
`` When he joined Tara 's team he was not expecting the amount of victim-shaming and attacks against her credibility as he saw over the past weeks .
As he said , these storylines are 'unrelated and irrelevant matters ' .
Tara is currently seeking new counsel with PR support , '' Villena said .
Reade has alleged that Biden assaulted her in a Senate office building in 1993 .
She has called for Biden , the apparent Democratic presidential nominee , to drop out of the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In his statement , Wigdor said the media had subjected Reade to a `` double standard . ''
`` Much of what has been written about Ms. Reade is not probative of whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted her , but rather is intended to victim-shame and attack her credibility on unrelated and irrelevant matters , '' Wigdor said .
`` We genuinely wish Ms. Reade well and hope that she , as a survivor , is treated fairly . ''
Questions about Reade 's background surfaced in recent days after CNN reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Reade did not graduate from the Seattle institution despite her claim that she earned a bachelor 's degree there .
Reade , who has said she fled an abusive ex-husband , told the outlet that she graduated in a `` protected program '' to conceal her identity , but the Antioch spokesperson said such a program has never existed .
Reade did take classes at Antioch , the spokesperson said .
She later graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2004 through an admissions program designed for diverse and non-traditional students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background prompted defense attorneys in California to reexamine cases in which Reade testified as an expert .
Reade claimed under oath that she had received an undergraduate degree from Antioch University , according to Politico , which reviewed trial transcripts in two cases .
The allegation against Biden has put Democrats and Democratic-aligned groups that support victims of sexual misconduct in an uncomfortable position as Biden challenges Trump for the presidency .
Trump faces allegations of sexual harassment and assault himself and has been caught on tape bragging about grabbing women between their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

In this April 4, 2019, photo Tara Reade poses for a photo during an interview with The Associated Press in Nevada City, Calif.
An attorney for Tara Reade, the woman accusing former Vice President Joe Biden of sexual assault, said on Friday that he had dropped her as a client without providing a reason.
Doug Wigdor, a noted #MeToo lawyer whose firm has represented clients with claims against high-profile men accused of abuse like Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, said the decision was "by no means a reflection on whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted Ms. Reade." He also said he sided with the 55% of voters who believe her, citing a recent Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll.
Wigdor, who has donated thousands of dollars to President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee, in addition to some Democratic candidates, said the decision to part ways with Reade was made on Wednesday, less than two weeks after he announced that he was representing her.
A spokesperson for Reade, Maria Villena, said in a statement that Reade "does not have a statement about Mr. Wigdor's decision to part ways."
"When he joined Tara's team he was not expecting the amount of victim-shaming and attacks against her credibility as he saw over the past weeks. As he said, these storylines are 'unrelated and irrelevant matters'. Tara is currently seeking new counsel with PR support," Villena said.
Reade has alleged that Biden assaulted her in a Senate office building in 1993. She has called for Biden, the apparent Democratic presidential nominee, to drop out of the race. Biden has denied Reade's claims.
In his statement, Wigdor said the media had subjected Reade to a "double standard."
"Much of what has been written about Ms. Reade is not probative of whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted her, but rather is intended to victim-shame and attack her credibility on unrelated and irrelevant matters," Wigdor said. "We genuinely wish Ms. Reade well and hope that she, as a survivor, is treated fairly."
Questions about Reade's background surfaced in recent days after CNN reported that a spokesperson for Antioch University said that Reade did not graduate from the Seattle institution despite her claim that she earned a bachelor's degree there.
Reade, who has said she fled an abusive ex-husband, told the outlet that she graduated in a "protected program" to conceal her identity, but the Antioch spokesperson said such a program has never existed.
Reade did take classes at Antioch, the spokesperson said. She later graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2004 through an admissions program designed for diverse and non-traditional students.
The questions around Reade's educational background prompted defense attorneys in California to reexamine cases in which Reade testified as an expert. Reade claimed under oath that she had received an undergraduate degree from Antioch University, according to Politico, which reviewed trial transcripts in two cases.
The allegation against Biden has put Democrats and Democratic-aligned groups that support victims of sexual misconduct in an uncomfortable position as Biden challenges Trump for the presidency.
Trump faces allegations of sexual harassment and assault himself and has been caught on tape bragging about grabbing women between their legs. Trump has denied those allegations.


cnbc--2020-05-22--'I think Amazon should start paying their taxes,' Joe Biden says

Apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told CNBC on Friday that Amazon `` should start paying their taxes . ''
`` I do n't think any company , I do n't give a damn how big they are , the Lord almighty , should absolutely be in a position where they pay no tax and make billions and billions and billions of dollars , No .
1 , '' Biden said during `` Squawk Box '' interview .
An Amazon spokesperson referred CNBC to a January blog post that lays out the company 's federal income tax expenses for 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
The former vice president was asked whether the company should be broken up .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , who challenged Biden for the nomination and is now a potential running mate , has called for breaking up Amazon , Facebook and Alphabet , saying they are too powerful and harm consumers .
Biden , who appeared for the interview via livestream from his home in Wilmington , Delaware , did n't go as far as Warren , saying he would leave antitrust judgments to his administration .
But he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The whole notion of this is : Are you playing the game fairly ? ''
Biden said .
`` What 's the capitalist system all about ?
The capitalist system is about everyone dealing fairly and dealing straight up with the American people and with their employees . ''
The online retailer has fared far better than most U.S. companies as stay-at-home measures related to the coronavirus pandemic have shifted consumer demand further onto the internet .
But the company continues to face political pressure from politicians on the left and right .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Amazon are often linked with his feud with CEO Jeff Bezos , who also owns The Washington Post , threatened last month to block federal aid to the United States Postal Service unless it raised the prices that it charged the company .
In a tweet last year , Trump called Bezos `` Jeff Bozo '' and expressed hope that `` the paper will soon be placed in better & more responsible hands ! ''
Amazon 's tax record in particular has been targeted by lawmakers .
The company paid $ 162 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after owing $ 0 in the two previous years .
The company , which benefits from a variety of tax credits and deductions , reported total revenue last year of $ 280.5 billion .
Last June , Biden and Amazon engaged in a Twitter spat over the issue , with Biden saying `` no company pulling in billions of dollars in profits should pay a lower tax rate than firefighters and teachers . ''
Amazon fired back , saying it had paid $ 2.6 billion in corporate taxes since 2016 and touting its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We pay every penny we owe , '' the company said at the time .
`` Assume VP Biden 's complaint is w/ the tax code , not Amazon , '' the company added .
In Friday 's interview , Biden also said an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic looks `` a long way away . ''

Apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told CNBC on Friday that Amazon "should start paying their taxes."
"I don't think any company, I don't give a damn how big they are, the Lord almighty, should absolutely be in a position where they pay no tax and make billions and billions and billions of dollars, No. 1," Biden said during "Squawk Box" interview.
An Amazon spokesperson referred CNBC to a January blog post that lays out the company's federal income tax expenses for 2019, as well as its contributions to the economy.
The former vice president was asked whether the company should be broken up. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who challenged Biden for the nomination and is now a potential running mate, has called for breaking up Amazon, Facebook and Alphabet , saying they are too powerful and harm consumers.
Biden, who appeared for the interview via livestream from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, didn't go as far as Warren, saying he would leave antitrust judgments to his administration. But he said Amazon's behavior was inappropriate.
"The whole notion of this is: Are you playing the game fairly?" Biden said. "What's the capitalist system all about? The capitalist system is about everyone dealing fairly and dealing straight up with the American people and with their employees."
The online retailer has fared far better than most U.S. companies as stay-at-home measures related to the coronavirus pandemic have shifted consumer demand further onto the internet. But the company continues to face political pressure from politicians on the left and right.
President Donald Trump, whose frequent attacks on Amazon are often linked with his feud with CEO Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, threatened last month to block federal aid to the United States Postal Service unless it raised the prices that it charged the company.
In a tweet last year, Trump called Bezos "Jeff Bozo" and expressed hope that "the paper will soon be placed in better & more responsible hands!"
Amazon's tax record in particular has been targeted by lawmakers. The company paid $162 million in federal income taxes in 2019 after owing $0 in the two previous years. The company, which benefits from a variety of tax credits and deductions, reported total revenue last year of $280.5 billion.
Last June, Biden and Amazon engaged in a Twitter spat over the issue, with Biden saying "no company pulling in billions of dollars in profits should pay a lower tax rate than firefighters and teachers."
Amazon fired back, saying it had paid $2.6 billion in corporate taxes since 2016 and touting its investments in U.S. job creation.
"We pay every penny we owe," the company said at the time. "Assume VP Biden's complaint is w/ the tax code, not Amazon," the company added.
In Friday's interview, Biden also said an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic looks "a long way away."


cnbc--2020-05-22--Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen released from prison into home confinement due to coronavirus conc

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen released from prison into home confinement due to coronavirus concern

Michael Cohen , the former longtime personal lawyer and fixer for President Donald Trump , on Thursday was released early from a federal prison into home confinement because of concerns about the coronavirus .
Cohen , whose expected release was mysteriously delayed more than two weeks ago , will serve out the remaining time on his three-year sentence in his family 's apartment in Manhattan .
The 53-year-old disbarred lawyer 's sentence is due to end in November 2021 .
Cohen arrived at his home Thursday morning wearing a black suit jacket , jeans and a mask , without making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he later wrote on Twitter that `` I am so glad to be home and back with my family . ''
`` There is so much I want to say and intend to say .
But now is not the right time .
Soon .
Thank you to all my friends and supporters , '' Cohen wrote .
His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Cohen originally was expected to be released May 1 after finishing a 14-day quarantine .
But his departure from prison was delayed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release because of his staunch criticism of Trump and plans to write a tell-all book about the president .

Michael Cohen, the former longtime personal lawyer and fixer for President Donald Trump, on Thursday was released early from a federal prison into home confinement because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Cohen, whose expected release was mysteriously delayed more than two weeks ago, will serve out the remaining time on his three-year sentence in his family's apartment in Manhattan.
The 53-year-old disbarred lawyer's sentence is due to end in November 2021.
Cohen arrived at his home Thursday morning wearing a black suit jacket, jeans and a mask, without making any comment to waiting reporters.
But he later wrote on Twitter that "I am so glad to be home and back with my family."
"There is so much I want to say and intend to say. But now is not the right time. Soon. Thank you to all my friends and supporters," Cohen wrote.
Tweet
His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Cohen originally was expected to be released May 1 after finishing a 14-day quarantine.
But his departure from prison was delayed, raising concerns that he was being denied release because of his staunch criticism of Trump and plans to write a tell-all book about the president.


cnbc--2020-05-25--Trump threatens to move GOP convention over coronavirus restrictions in North Carolina

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters about the coronavirus in the James Brady Briefing Room of the White House , Friday , May 22 , 2020 , in Washington .
President Donald Trump on Monday said that he `` will be reluctantly forced '' to move the Republican National Convention if North Carolina does n't ease up on social distancing restrictions to allow full attendance .
The convention is set for the week of Aug. 24 in Charlotte , North Carolina .
In a series of tweets , the president said that he advocated for the Republican National Convention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Gov .
Roy Cooper for continuing to impose restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans , and others , to head to beautiful North Carolina in August , '' Trump tweeted .
`` They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied .
If not , we will be reluctantly forced to find , with all of the jobs and economic development it brings , another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not something I want to do . ''
Shortly after lashing out at Cooper , Trump tweeted that he had spent the Memorial Day weekend playing golf , a move that led to criticism as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States continues to rise .
Trump 's most recent threat comes amid weeks of him urging the reopening of the country .
The president has called on governors to relax social distancing restrictions and allow the reopening of small businesses to help the economy , which has been ravaged by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to see the number of cases rise and health officials have warned that early reopening could lead to a second wave .
In the tweets Trump complained that the Republican Party might end up spending `` millions of dollars building the arena to a very high standard , '' where the convention is to be held , without knowing whether Cooper will allow full-scale attendance .
Over the weekend , North Carolina reported its highest one-day spike in confirmed cases , which comes just as the state enters its second reopening phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying officials in North Carolina `` are working with the RNC and will review its plans as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte . ''
`` North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state 's public health and safety , '' Cooper tweeted .
The Republican National Committee in a statement reiterated its desire to host a convention in August in North Carolina but said it would `` need the governor to provide assurances that it can occur . ''
`` We will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or we will be forced to consider other options , '' an RNC official told NBC News .
Upon speculation of where the convention might be moved , Joe Gruters , the chair of the Florida Republican Party , told NBC News that it `` would welcome the opportunity to host the Republican National Convention . ''
`` Florida is committed to ensuring a safe , secure and successful event for President Trump and all attendees , '' Gruters said .
Trump has reportedly asked several aides about having the GOP convention in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Trump in a tweet denied this .
`` I have zero interest in moving the Republican National Convention to Doral in Miami , as falsely reported by the Fake News @ nytimes in order to stir up trouble , '' he tweeted .
`` Ballroom is not nearly big enough & would like to stay in N.C. , whose gov .
does n't even know if he can let people in ? ''
The Democratic National Convention , which was originally set for July , is now scheduled for August a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Democratic convention said they expect the delay to provide `` more time to determine the most appropriate structure for this historic event . ''
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries , with more than 5.4 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 345,059 deaths , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 1.6 million cases in the United States and at least 97,000 deaths , according to the latest tallies .

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters about the coronavirus in the James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, Friday, May 22, 2020, in Washington.
President Donald Trump on Monday said that he "will be reluctantly forced" to move the Republican National Convention if North Carolina doesn't ease up on social distancing restrictions to allow full attendance.
The convention is set for the week of Aug. 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In a series of tweets, the president said that he advocated for the Republican National Convention to be held in North Carolina but railed against Gov. Roy Cooper for continuing to impose restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August," Trump tweeted.
"They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do."
Tweet
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Shortly after lashing out at Cooper, Trump tweeted that he had spent the Memorial Day weekend playing golf, a move that led to criticism as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States continues to rise.
Trump's most recent threat comes amid weeks of him urging the reopening of the country. The president has called on governors to relax social distancing restrictions and allow the reopening of small businesses to help the economy, which has been ravaged by the pandemic.
But some states have continued to see the number of cases rise and health officials have warned that early reopening could lead to a second wave.
In the tweets Trump complained that the Republican Party might end up spending "millions of dollars building the arena to a very high standard," where the convention is to be held, without knowing whether Cooper will allow full-scale attendance.
Over the weekend, North Carolina reported its highest one-day spike in confirmed cases, which comes just as the state enters its second reopening phase.
Cooper released a statement over Twitter saying officials in North Carolina "are working with the RNC and will review its plans as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte."
"North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state's public health and safety," Cooper tweeted.
Tweet
The Republican National Committee in a statement reiterated its desire to host a convention in August in North Carolina but said it would "need the governor to provide assurances that it can occur."
"We will need some answers sooner rather than later, or we will be forced to consider other options," an RNC official told NBC News.
Upon speculation of where the convention might be moved, Joe Gruters, the chair of the Florida Republican Party, told NBC News that it "would welcome the opportunity to host the Republican National Convention."
"Florida is committed to ensuring a safe, secure and successful event for President Trump and all attendees," Gruters said.
Trump has reportedly asked several aides about having the GOP convention in Florida, the New York Times reported.
But Trump in a tweet denied this.
"I have zero interest in moving the Republican National Convention to Doral in Miami, as falsely reported by the Fake News @nytimes in order to stir up trouble," he tweeted. "Ballroom is not nearly big enough & would like to stay in N.C., whose gov. doesn't even know if he can let people in?"
Tweet
The Democratic National Convention, which was originally set for July, is now scheduled for August a week before the GOP convention. Organizers of the Democratic convention said they expect the delay to provide "more time to determine the most appropriate structure for this historic event."
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries, with more than 5.4 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 345,059 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 1.6 million cases in the United States and at least 97,000 deaths, according to the latest tallies.


cnbc--2020-05-26--Democratic bills crack down on how political campaigns can target ads on Facebook and Google

Rep. Anna Eshoo , D-Calif. , speaks during a rally in the Capitol Building to call on the Senate to vote on House Democrats ' prescription drugs and health care package on Wednesday , May 15 , 2019 .
Two new Democratic proposals aim to crack down on the ways political campaigns can target narrow groups of voters on platforms like Facebook and Google .
The latest to be announced comes from Rep. Anna Eshoo , D-Calif. , whose `` Banning Microtargeted Political Ads Act '' would place limits on how narrowly political campaigns could target their messages online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week he would introduce a similar measure , the `` Protecting Democracy from Disinformation Act , '' on Tuesday .
Cicilline 's bill would limit targeting to location , age and gender while Eshoo 's would only allow political advertisers to target voters based on broad location-based data or those who opted into receiving targeted ads .
Both would include a private right of action , so individuals alleging a violation could file suit .
Microtargeting typically refers to the act of displaying ads to a narrow audience based on certain characteristics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The practice has drawn heightened scrutiny in the wake of the 2016 presidential election , when U.S. officials learned of targeted disinformation campaigns by Russian actors .
In recent years , academics and several prominent Democrats , including Federal Election Commissioner Ellen Weintraub , have called on tech platforms to revise their policies to limit the ways political campaigns can reach a subset of voters .
Those critics say that finely splicing audiences can obscure harmful messages from public view .
Tech platforms have taken steps to make their political ads processes more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , both have searchable archives where anyone can look up the people and money behind political advertisements on their services .
Facebook has remained steadfast on its policies of allowing microtargeting and refusing to fact-check ads by politicians ( except for those that include coronavirus-related misinformation ) .
Google said it would remove the ability for advertisers to upload their own third-party lists of voters to target .
Twitter went further , banning political advertising altogether .
Sophisticated targeting tools are part of what has made digital platforms like Facebook and Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advertisers enjoyed the ability to spend their limited funds more efficiently by targeting only the voters they believed would be receptive to a certain ad based on demographic traits , online interests or their location .
Such targeting tends to be much more narrow than that available on traditional channels like TV , limiting the possibility that advertisers will waste some of their dollars on non-receptive viewers .
The bills are likely to draw scrutiny as several conservatives have previously criticized tech platform 's stricter targeting policies .
After Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political ads on its platform , President Donald Trump 's 2020 campaign manager Brad Parscale tweeted that it was `` yet another attempt by the left to silence Trump and conservatives . ''
With the presidential election just months away , Congress has yet to pass another proposed reform to bring political advertising laws up to speed with the digital age : The Honest Ads Act .
The bill , originally introduced in October 2017 , would require platforms to maintain stringent records of political advertising spend and take steps to prevent foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reintroduced last May by Sens .
Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , Mark Warner , D-Va. , and Lindsey Graham , R-S.C .

Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., speaks during a rally in the Capitol Building to call on the Senate to vote on House Democrats' prescription drugs and health care package on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.
Two new Democratic proposals aim to crack down on the ways political campaigns can target narrow groups of voters on platforms like Facebook and Google .
The latest to be announced comes from Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., whose "Banning Microtargeted Political Ads Act" would place limits on how narrowly political campaigns could target their messages online. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., announced last week he would introduce a similar measure, the "Protecting Democracy from Disinformation Act," on Tuesday.
Cicilline's bill would limit targeting to location, age and gender while Eshoo's would allow only political advertisers to target voters based on broad location-based data or those who opted into receiving targeted ads. Both would include a private right of action, so individuals alleging a violation could file suit.
Microtargeting typically refers to the act of displaying ads to a narrow audience based on certain characteristics, interests and even ZIP codes. The practice has drawn heightened scrutiny in the wake of the 2016 presidential election, when U.S. officials learned of targeted disinformation campaigns by Russians. In recent years, academics and several prominent Democrats, including Federal Election Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, have called on tech platforms to revise their policies to limit the ways political campaigns can reach a subset of voters. Those critics say that finely splicing audiences can obscure harmful messages from public view.
Tech platforms have taken steps to make their political ad processes more transparent. Facebook and Google, for example, have searchable archives where anyone can look up the people and money behind political advertisements on their services.
Facebook has remained steadfast on its policies of allowing microtargeting and refusing to fact-check ads by politicians, except for those that include coronavirus-related misinformation. Google said it would remove the ability for advertisers to upload their own third-party lists of voters to target. Twitter went further, banning political advertising altogether.
Sophisticated targeting tools are part of what has made digital platforms like Facebook and Google become valuable tools for political advertisers. Advertisers enjoyed the ability to spend their limited funds more efficiently by targeting only the voters they believed would be receptive to a certain ad based on demographic traits, online interests or their location. Such targeting tends to be much more narrow than that available on traditional channels like TV, limiting the possibility that advertisers will waste some of their dollars on nonreceptive viewers.
The bills are likely to draw scrutiny as several conservatives have previously criticized tech platform's stricter targeting policies. After Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced the company's decision to ban political ads on its platform, President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign manager, Brad Parscale, tweeted that it was "yet another attempt by the left to silence Trump and conservatives."
With the presidential election just months away, Congress has yet to pass another proposed reform to bring political advertising laws up to speed with the digital age, the Honest Ads Act. The bill, introduced in October 2017, would require platforms to maintain stringent records of political advertising spend and take steps to prevent foreign actors from buying political ads. It was reintroduced last May by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Mark Warner, D-Va., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
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WATCH: Here's how Big Tech companies are combatting coronavirus misinformation


cnbc--2020-05-26--Congress will 'probably' have to pass another coronavirus stimulus bill, Mitch McConnell says

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) speaks to reporters following a closed Senate Republican policy lunch meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the response to the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) outbreak on Capitol Hill in Washington , May 19 , 2020 .
`` So , in the next few weeks , we 'll determine whether there is yet another bill , '' he told reporters Tuesday in his home state .
The Kentucky Republican said a measure to lift the U.S. economy would have a more narrow scope than the $ 3 trillion package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said states ' progress in restarting their economies in the coming weeks will help to inform what Congress does .
McConnell noted that `` we need to make sure we have unemployment insurance properly funded for as long as we need , '' as tens of millions of people lose paychecks .
Congress will `` probably '' have to pass more legislation to mitigate the damage from the coronavirus pandemic , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday .
Congress has passed four bills to respond to the crisis , most recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business aid program about a month ago .
Many lawmakers and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell have argued Washington should take more steps to jolt the economy as the unemployment rate stood at 14.7 % in April and pockets of the country remain under restrictions to protect public health .
While Democrats have pushed for more legislation for weeks , the GOP has started to warm to another round of stimulus in recent days .
President Donald Trump and his top advisors signaled their support for another rescue bill last week .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct payment to individuals — which McConnell did not address Tuesday .
The Senate Republican leader again insisted he would push for liability protections for doctors and businesses as the economy reopened .
Democrats have been uneasy about creating shields from lawsuits .
McConnell also said he would want additional relief for state and local governments to be tailored only to increased expenses and revenue lost due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Democrats included nearly $ 1 trillion for cash-strapped states and municipalities in their bill as leaders from both parties ask for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how long and at what level McConnell would want to fund federal unemployment insurance benefits .
Last week , the senator said the next congressional bill would not extend the $ 600 per week sum the U.S. government added to what recipients normally get from states .
The extra federal benefit is set to expire at the end of July .
The Democratic bill passed earlier this month would extend it through January .

Congress will "probably" have to pass more legislation to mitigate the damage from the coronavirus pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday.
The Kentucky Republican said a measure to lift the U.S. economy would have a more narrow scope than the $3 trillion package House Democrats approved earlier this month. He said states' progress in restarting their economies in the coming weeks will help to inform what Congress does. McConnell noted that "we need to make sure we have unemployment insurance properly funded for as long as we need," as tens of millions of people lose paychecks.
"So, in the next few weeks, we'll determine whether there is yet another bill," he told reporters Tuesday in his home state.
Congress has passed four bills to respond to the crisis, most recently approving a plan to replenish a small business aid program about a month ago. Many lawmakers and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell have argued Washington should take more steps to jolt the economy as the unemployment rate stood at 14.7% in April and pockets of the country remain under restrictions to protect public health.
While Democrats have pushed for more legislation for weeks, the GOP has started to warm to another round of stimulus in recent days. President Donald Trump and his top advisors signaled their support for another rescue bill last week. The president mentioned the possibility of a second direct payment to individuals — which McConnell did not address Tuesday.
The Senate Republican leader again insisted he would push for liability protections for doctors and businesses as the economy reopened. Democrats have been uneasy about creating shields from lawsuits.
McConnell also said he would want additional relief for state and local governments to be tailored only to increased expenses and revenue lost due to the coronavirus outbreak. Democrats included nearly $1 trillion for cash-strapped states and municipalities in their bill as leaders from both parties ask for more money.
It is unclear for how long and at what level McConnell would want to fund federal unemployment insurance benefits. Last week, the senator said the next congressional bill would not extend the $600 per week sum the U.S. government added to what recipients normally get from states. The extra federal benefit is set to expire at the end of July.
The Democratic bill passed earlier this month would extend it through January.


cnbc--2020-05-26--DOJ still investigating coronavirus stock sales by Sen. Burr, but drops probes of Loeffler, Inhofe,

DOJ still investigating coronavirus stock sales by Sen. Burr, but drops probes of Loeffler, Inhofe, Feinstein, report says

Federal prosecutors are still investigating stock sales by Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina in advance of a coronavirus-fueled share price plunge , but are dropping investigations of such sales connected to three other senators : Kelly Loeffler , Jim Inhofe and Dianne Feinstein , according to a new report Tuesday .
The Wall Street Journal reported that prosecutors from the Department of Justice on Tuesday are informing lawyers for Loeffler , R-Ga. , Inhofe , R-Okla. , and Feinstein , D-Calif. , that they are no longer probing stock sales related to them .
The FBI earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington , D.C. , as part of an ongoing criminal investigation .
The next day Burr , a Republican , stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee .
Burr and the other three senators have denied any wrongdoing in the selling of shares from either their own or spouse 's accounts worth cumulatively millions of dollars in the weeks before stock prices collapsed as the Covid-19 pandemic began spreading rapidly in the United States .
Members of Congress are prohibited by law from using nonpublic information obtained through their official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stock market .
The Department of Justice , as well as a spokesmen for Burr and the senator 's lawyer , Alice Fisher , declined to comment when asked by CNBC about Journal 's report .
Burr on Feb. 13 sold stocks valued at between $ 630,000 and $ 1.7 million in 33 separate trades .
ProPublica has reported that on Feb. 13 , the same day Burr that sold his stock , his brother-in-law Gerald Fauth also sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of shares .
Fauth is a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal agency that facilitates labor relations for the transportation industry .
Fisher previously has said that Burr `` participated in the stock market based on public information , '' and that `` he did not coordinate his decision to trade on Feb. 13 with Mr .
Fauth . ''
Loeffler 's spokesman , Stephen Lawson , said in a statement , `` Today 's clear exoneration by the Department of Justice affirms what Senator Loeffler has said all along – she did nothing wrong . ''
`` This was a politically-motivated attack shamelessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her political opponents .
Senator Loeffler will continue to focus her full attention on delivering results for Georgians , '' Lawson said .
Loeffler only took her seat in the Senate in early January .
She was appointed to the seat by Republican Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp to succeed Sen. Johnny Isakson , who resigned for health reasons .
Loeffler is running for election in her own right this year , but faces nearly two dozen challengers , including Rep. Doug Collins , a fellow Republican whom President Donald Trump had wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's husband , Jeffrey Sprecher , is CEO of Intercontinental Exchange , the company that operates the New York Stock Exchange , among other financial marketplaces .
Loeffler and Sprecher , beginning on Jan. 24 , sold shares over the next three weeks that were valued at between $ 1.3 million and $ 3.1 million , according to disclosure reports filed by Loeffler .
The couple 's sell-off began on the same day that Loeffler attended a senators-only briefing on the coronavirus .
The couple has said that the sales were handled without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of third-party financial advisors .
Loeffler in mid-May revealed that she gave documents and information related to the sales to the Department of Justice , the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee .
Loeffler 's office , in a statement on May 14 , said that the documents and information she had turned over established `` that she and her husband acted entirely appropriately and observed both the letter and the spirit of the law . ''
A spokesman for Intercontinental Exchange , known as ICE , declined to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Democratic aide told NBC News that Feinstein was informed the Department of Justice is dropping a probe into stock trades made by her husband in the wake of coronavirus briefings .
Feinstein previously said that she had answered questions from the FBI about her husband 's stock sales and had turned over documents to the FBI .
Her husband Richard Blum sold shares of biotech company Allogene Therapeutics on Jan. 31 that were valued at between $ 500,000 and $ 1 million .
Inhofe 's office confirmed the DOJ had dropped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shares then valued at between $ 180,000 and $ 400,000 , days after a Jan. 24 briefing for senators where lawmakers were informed about the risk of Covid-19 to the United States .
Inhofe has said that he plays no role in the management of his investment portfolio .
Infhofe himself told The Oklahoman newspaper on Tuesday that he was cleared by the DOJ , and noted that he had not attended the Jan. 24 `` briefing and do not make my own stock trades . ''
`` I did nothing wrong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has exonerated me , '' Inhofe said .

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Federal prosecutors are still investigating stock sales by Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina in advance of a coronavirus-fueled share price plunge, but are dropping investigations of such sales connected to three other senators: Kelly Loeffler, Jim Inhofe and Dianne Feinstein. Aides for Loeffler, R-Ga., Inhofe, R-Okla., and Feinstein, a California Democrat, confirmed to NBC News that the Department of Justice is no longer probing stock sales related to them. The Wall Street Journal first reported the development. The FBI earlier this month seized Burr's cellphone at his home in Washington, D.C., as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The next day Burr, a Republican, stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Burr and the other three senators have denied any wrongdoing in the selling of shares from either their own or spouse's accounts worth cumulatively millions of dollars in the weeks before stock prices collapsed as the Covid-19 pandemic began spreading rapidly in the United States.
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) leaves the U.S. Capitol after voting in Washington, U.S., May 14, 2020. Erin Scott | Reuters
Members of Congress are prohibited by law from using nonpublic information obtained through their official positions in order to personally profit in the stock market. The Department of Justice, as well as a spokesman for Burr and the senator's lawyer, Alice Fisher, declined to comment when asked by CNBC about the Journal's report. Burr on Feb. 13 sold stocks valued at between $630,000 and $1.7 million in 33 separate trades. ProPublica has reported that on Feb. 13, the same day Burr that sold his stock, his brother-in-law Gerald Fauth also sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of shares. Fauth is a member of the National Mediation Board, a federal agency that facilitates labor relations for the transportation industry. Fisher previously has said that Burr "participated in the stock market based on public information," and that "he did not coordinate his decision to trade on Feb. 13 with Mr. Fauth." Loeffler's spokesman, Stephen Lawson, said in a statement, "Today's clear exoneration by the Department of Justice affirms what Senator Loeffler has said all along – she did nothing wrong." "This was a politically-motivated attack shamelessly promoted by the fake news media and her political opponents. Senator Loeffler will continue to focus her full attention on delivering results for Georgians," Lawson said. Loeffler only took her seat in the Senate in early January. She was appointed to the seat by Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to succeed Sen. Johnny Isakson, who resigned for health reasons.
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) participates during the Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing to examine COVID-19 and Safely Getting Back to Work and Back to School on May 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee | POOL | Getty Images


cnbc--2020-05-26--White House officials guest star in private virtual fundraisers for Trump and the GOP during pandemi

White House officials guest star in private virtual fundraisers for Trump and the GOP during pandemic

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a ceremony honoring veterans ahead of the Memorial Day holiday at the White House in Washington , U.S. , May 22 , 2020 .
Senior members of the administration are starting to show up as special guests in virtual fundraising events for President Donald Trump 's campaign and the Republican National Committee , as the GOP tries to strengthen its war chest in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic .
The efforts have so far included an event that featured Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue , a member of the president 's coronavirus task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leaders of meat packing plants across the country , urging them to remain open while maintaining the safety protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control .
In the coming weeks , Larry Kudlow , the director of the National Economic Council , and other White House advisors are expected to take part in the virtual gatherings , according to people familiar with the matter .
These people declined to be named as these fundraising efforts are being made in private .
Kudlow told CNBC earlier this year that he believed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to walk back those comments a month later .
He has been a vocal opponent of China during the pandemic and recently said that the administration is looking at providing cash incentives to encourage unemployed Americans to go back to work .
More than 30 million people have filed for unemployment .
Most of these private events have been tailored for the Trump Victory committee , a joint fundraising operation that distributes donations to the president 's campaign and the RNC .
The events are not necessarily focused on bringing in six figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors to contribute up to $ 35,000 and events were expected to bring in at least $ 250,000 , one of the people said .
That represents a change from what was taking place prior to states shutting down earlier this year , when the Trump campaign and RNC were hosting events that would , at times , charge up to $ 580,600 per couple .
All campaigns have gone fully virtual since March when states started shutting down due to the spread of the pandemic .
Trump 's campaign and the RNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in the month of April , while their rivals , Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee , took in $ 60.5 million over that same time period .
While Trump and the RNC have more cash on hand than their Democratic opponents , having White House advisors taking part in their virtual events comes as many donors across the political spectrum have prioritized other matters over giving to campaigns .
Trump administration officials can skirt by potential violations of the Hatch Act if they are not officially using their titles or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
In this case , Kudlow , Perdue and others are not in violation of the law , which prohibits government employees from directly soliciting campaign cash from donors .
`` The Hatch Act would prohibit the use of official titles or resources in connection with a fundraising event but if a cabinet official is just described as a 'special guest ' or 'the honorable ' it is okay , '' Brendan Fischer , a director at the watchdog Campaign Legal Center , told CNBC .
An RNC official confirmed in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fundraising events but only as `` special guests . ''
`` Any White House official who takes part in a Trump Victory event with supporters does so in their personal capacity in accordance with the law .
They are special guests and do not solicit funds , '' this committee official explained .
A spokesman for the White House declined to comment .
A representative for the Department of Agriculture referred questions about Perdue being a virtual fundraising guest to the campaign .
Kudlow did not return multiple emails seeking comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the time to get on fundraising calls is likely to come under scrutiny by Democrats who have been critical of the president and his team 's efforts in combating the coronavirus .
A Real Clear Politics national polling average shows Biden ahead of Trump by close to six points .
Trump came under fire this weekend by Biden 's campaign for golfing in Virginia as the U.S. coronavirus death toll rose toward 100,000 .
The president has signed close to $ 2.5 trillion worth of stimulus legislation .
Yet he is criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not distributing enough personal protective equipment to states .
Trump has also been hit for appearing to downplay the potential harmful effects of hydroxychloriquine , which he said he used to ward off the virus .
Studies have shown that the anti-malaria drug could lead to higher mortality rates in coronavirus patients .
Trump recently said he had been taking the drug but stopped .
The Food and Drug Administration have previously warned against taking malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 outside a hospital or formal clinical trial setting .

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a ceremony honoring veterans ahead of the Memorial Day holiday at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 22, 2020.
Senior members of the administration are starting to show up as special guests in virtual fundraising events for President Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee, as the GOP tries to strengthen its war chest in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
The efforts have so far included an event that featured Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, a member of the president's coronavirus task force. Perdue wrote a letter this month to leaders of meat packing plants across the country, urging them to remain open while maintaining the safety protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control.
In the coming weeks, Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, and other White House advisors are expected to take part in the virtual gatherings, according to people familiar with the matter. These people declined to be named as these fundraising efforts are being made in private.
Kudlow told CNBC earlier this year that he believed the U.S. had the virus contained, only to walk back those comments a month later. He has been a vocal opponent of China during the pandemic and recently said that the administration is looking at providing cash incentives to encourage unemployed Americans to go back to work. More than 30 million people have filed for unemployment.
Most of these private events have been tailored for the Trump Victory committee, a joint fundraising operation that distributes donations to the president's campaign and the RNC. The events are not necessarily focused on bringing in six figure checks. Many organizers have asked for donors to contribute up to $35,000 and events were expected to bring in at least $250,000, one of the people said. That represents a change from what was taking place prior to states shutting down earlier this year, when the Trump campaign and RNC were hosting events that would, at times, charge up to $580,600 per couple.
All campaigns have gone fully virtual since March when states started shutting down due to the spread of the pandemic. Trump's campaign and the RNC combined to raise just over $61 million in the month of April, while their rivals, Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee, took in $60.5 million over that same time period.
While Trump and the RNC have more cash on hand than their Democratic opponents, having White House advisors taking part in their virtual events comes as many donors across the political spectrum have prioritized other matters over giving to campaigns.
Trump administration officials can skirt by potential violations of the Hatch Act if they are not officially using their titles or government resources to raise money for the campaign. In this case, Kudlow, Perdue and others are not in violation of the law, which prohibits government employees from directly soliciting campaign cash from donors.
"The Hatch Act would prohibit the use of official titles or resources in connection with a fundraising event but if a cabinet official is just described as a 'special guest' or 'the honorable' it is okay," Brendan Fischer, a director at the watchdog Campaign Legal Center, told CNBC.
An RNC official confirmed in a statement that White House advisors are involved with fundraising events but only as "special guests."
"Any White House official who takes part in a Trump Victory event with supporters does so in their personal capacity in accordance with the law. They are special guests and do not solicit funds," this committee official explained.
A spokesman for the White House declined to comment. A representative for the Department of Agriculture referred questions about Perdue being a virtual fundraising guest to the campaign. Kudlow did not return multiple emails seeking comment.
The fact that White House advisors are taking the time to get on fundraising calls is likely to come under scrutiny by Democrats who have been critical of the president and his team's efforts in combating the coronavirus. A Real Clear Politics national polling average shows Biden ahead of Trump by close to six points.
Trump came under fire this weekend by Biden's campaign for golfing in Virginia as the U.S. coronavirus death toll rose toward 100,000.
The president has signed close to $2.5 trillion worth of stimulus legislation. Yet he is criticized by Democrats for, as they claim, not distributing enough personal protective equipment to states.
Trump has also been hit for appearing to downplay the potential harmful effects of hydroxychloriquine, which he said he used to ward off the virus. Studies have shown that the anti-malaria drug could lead to higher mortality rates in coronavirus patients. Trump recently said he had been taking the drug but stopped.
The Food and Drug Administration have previously warned against taking malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 outside a hospital or formal clinical trial setting.


cnbc--2020-05-26--NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will meet with Trump Wednesday to discuss coronavirus, infrastructure p

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will meet with Trump Wednesday to discuss coronavirus, infrastructure plans

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said that he will meet with President Donald Trump on Wednesday in Washington to discuss coronavirus response efforts and plans to jump-start the economy , including ideas for large-scale infrastructure projects .
The Democratic governor , whose state has reported a multibillion-dollar revenue shortfall amid the pandemic , announced the meeting Tuesday during remarks at the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan .
`` I 'm going to go to Washington tomorrow , scheduled to meet with the president to talk about a number of things , but this is one of the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about , '' Cuomo said at the news conference .
`` You want to restart the economy ?
You want to reopen the economy ?
Let 's do something creative , let 's do it fast , let 's put Americans back to work and let 's make America better .
It is common sense . ''
Cuomo laid out a number of infrastructure proposals , including an expansion of New York City 's subway tunnels , while noting that federal approval would be required for the plans to move forward .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` hard-stretched , '' Cuomo said at the press conference .
`` That 's why I think the real answer is , the federal government has to step up and provide state and local aid . ''
White House spokesman Judd Deere confirmed to CNBC that Trump and Cuomo will meet Wednesday .
The president was scheduled to travel to central Florida on Wednesday to watch an astronaut launch at the Kennedy Space Center , the White House said over the weekend .
Trump and Cuomo previously met in April at the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward doubling New York 's rate of testing for the virus .
The Empire State , which was the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. , has seen a steady decline in cases , hospitalizations and deaths in recent weeks .
Some areas of the state have begun lifting their strict social distancing rules , while other regions , especially the New York metropolitan area , are moving more slowly .
Cuomo warned Tuesday that the economy is not going to `` just bounce back '' from the damage caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see pain in this new economy and let 's start to dissipate that and let 's start to deal with that now , '' he said .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that he will meet with President Donald Trump on Wednesday in Washington to discuss coronavirus response efforts and plans to jump-start the economy, including ideas for large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Democratic governor, whose state has reported a multibillion-dollar revenue shortfall amid the pandemic, announced the meeting Tuesday during remarks at the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan.
"I'm going to go to Washington tomorrow, scheduled to meet with the president to talk about a number of things, but this is one of the things I want to talk to the president about," Cuomo said at the news conference. "You want to restart the economy? You want to reopen the economy? Let's do something creative, let's do it fast, let's put Americans back to work and let's make America better. It is common sense."
Cuomo laid out a number of infrastructure proposals, including an expansion of New York City's subway tunnels, while noting that federal approval would be required for the plans to move forward.
New York's state and city governments are "hard-stretched," Cuomo said at the press conference. "That's why I think the real answer is, the federal government has to step up and provide state and local aid."
White House spokesman Judd Deere confirmed to CNBC that Trump and Cuomo will meet Wednesday. The president was scheduled to travel to central Florida on Wednesday to watch an astronaut launch at the Kennedy Space Center, the White House said over the weekend.
WH TWEET
Trump and Cuomo previously met in April at the White House, where they agreed to work toward doubling New York's rate of testing for the virus.
The Empire State, which was the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S., has seen a steady decline in cases, hospitalizations and deaths in recent weeks. Some areas of the state have begun lifting their strict social distancing rules, while other regions, especially the New York metropolitan area, are moving more slowly.
Cuomo warned Tuesday that the economy is not going to "just bounce back" from the damage caused by the pandemic.
"You're going to see pain in this new economy and let's start to dissipate that and let's start to deal with that now," he said.