cnbc--2020-05-07--Trump personal valet tests positive for coronavirus, but White House says president is negative

US President Donald Trump speaks about COVID-19 , known as coronavirus , after signing a Proclamation in honor of National Nurses Day in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington , DC , May 6 , 2020 .
A personal valet for President Donald Trump , who among other things serves meals to the president , has tested positive for the coronavirus , but a White House spokesman said Thursday that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have since tested negative .
The valet , a member of the military , would have had very close contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his food , clothes and other personal needs .
Trump , however , denied having close contact with the sick valet .
`` I 've had very little personal contact with this gentleman , '' Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office .
`` I know who he is , good person , but I 've had very little contact . ''
Nonetheless , Trump said , starting today he and Pence will be tested for coronavirus daily , instead of weekly , as had previously been the standard practice in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who spoke to NBC News said the male valet , like other valets , does not wear a mask around the president .
The official said Trump was `` not happy '' when he learned Wednesday that his valet had tested positive for the virus , which has killed more than 73,000 Americans .
A source with knowledge of the situation described it to NBC News as an `` operational failure , '' and said everyone who works in close proximity to the president should be wearing masks .
`` We were recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a member of the United States Military , who works on the White House campus , has tested positive for Coronavirus , '' White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement .
`` The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health . ''
Pence was en route to visit a health-care facility in Alexandria , Virginia as news broke about the valet .
The vice president did not wear a mask during his visit to the facility , which houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond to shouted questions from reporters about the valet being positive for coronavirus .

US President Donald Trump speaks about COVID-19, known as coronavirus, after signing a Proclamation in honor of National Nurses Day in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, May 6, 2020.
A personal valet for President Donald Trump, who among other things serves meals to the president, has tested positive for the coronavirus, but a White House spokesman said Thursday that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have since tested negative.
The valet, a member of the military, would have had very close contact with Trump, and assisted the president with his food, clothes and other personal needs.
Trump, however, denied having close contact with the sick valet. "I've had very little personal contact with this gentleman," Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office. "I know who he is, good person, but I've had very little contact."
Nonetheless, Trump said, starting today he and Pence will be tested for coronavirus daily, instead of weekly, as had previously been the standard practice in the West Wing.
A White House official who spoke to NBC News said the male valet, like other valets, does not wear a mask around the president.
The official said Trump was "not happy" when he learned Wednesday that his valet had tested positive for the virus, which has killed more than 73,000 Americans.
A source with knowledge of the situation described it to NBC News as an "operational failure," and said everyone who works in close proximity to the president should be wearing masks.
"We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.
"The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health."
Pence was en route to visit a health-care facility in Alexandria, Virginia as news broke about the valet.
The vice president did not wear a mask during his visit to the facility, which houses some patients with Covid-19. Pence did not respond to shouted questions from reporters about the valet being positive for coronavirus.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Pentagon spends hundreds of millions of dollars in the fight against coronavirus

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Hao Lienh , assigned to Commander Task Force 56 , stands watch on a Mark VI patrol boat before a weapons sustainment exercise in the Arabian Gulf , April 16 , 2020 .
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has opened a colossal war chest to finance its fight against the deadly coronavirus .
The Pentagon has procured more than 4.5 million N95 respirator masks , 13.7 million non-medical and surgical masks , 94.6 million exam gloves and 2.5 million isolation and surgical gowns .
The agency has also begun delivery of more than 7.3 million non-medical , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard and U.S. military installations as well as other Department of Defense organizations .
The Pentagon 's logistics arm has also ordered 8,000 ventilators to be used by Health and Human Services and the DOD .
The Defense Logistics Agency , which manages the Pentagon 's global supply chain , has executed 6,036 contract actions with $ 667.3 million in obligations for the coronavirus effort .
Of the $ 667.3 million , approximately $ 628 million was allocated to supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evening of April 10 , when the DOD received approval from the White House Task Force to execute the first coronavirus project under the Defense Production Act Title 3 .

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Hao Lienh, assigned to Commander Task Force 56, stands watch on a Mark VI patrol boat before a weapons sustainment exercise in the Arabian Gulf, April 16, 2020.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has opened a colossal war chest to finance its fight against the deadly coronavirus.
The Pentagon has procured more than 4.5 million N95 respirator masks, 13.7 million non-medical and surgical masks, 94.6 million exam gloves and 2.5 million isolation and surgical gowns. The agency has also begun delivery of more than 7.3 million non-medical, cloth face coverings to the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. military installations as well as other Department of Defense organizations.
The Pentagon's logistics arm has also ordered 8,000 ventilators to be used by Health and Human Services and the DOD.
The Defense Logistics Agency, which manages the Pentagon's global supply chain, has executed 6,036 contract actions with $667.3 million in obligations for the coronavirus effort. Of the $667.3 million, approximately $628 million was allocated to supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Pentagon's efforts began on the evening of April 10, when the DOD received approval from the White House Task Force to execute the first coronavirus project under the Defense Production Act Title 3.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Trump meets with Texas Gov. Abbott after valet tests positive for coronavirus

U.S. Donald Trump meets with Texas Governor Greg Abbott about coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) response in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington , May 7 , 2020 .
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump met with Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott on Thursday at the White House , the president 's first scheduled event since news broke hours before that one of his personal valets had tested positive for the coronavirus .
Trump 's unidentified valet , who is a member of the military , tested positive for the virus that causes Covid-19 on Wednesday .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative for the coronavirus since they learned of the valet 's diagnosis , said a White House spokesman .
The aide , who is now in quarantine , performed personal tasks in proximity to Trump that included serving the president his meals .
Abbott , who is a Republican like Trump and Pence , was tested for the coronavirus shortly before the meeting , according to his spokesman , John Wittman .
Neither Abbott nor Trump wore masks at the meeting , as the CDC has recommended for anyone within 6 feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump also denied having had close contact with the sick valet .
`` I 've had very little personal contact with this gentleman , '' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office .
`` I know who he is , good person , but I 've had very little contact . ''
Nonetheless , Trump said , starting Thursday he and Pence will be tested for coronavirus daily instead of weekly , as had previously been the standard practice in the West Wing .
Abbott went forward with the visit despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least two higher-risk categories when it comes to the coronavirus : He is over 60 years old and uses a wheelchair .
An accident in 1984 left him partially paralyzed .
People with spinal cord injuries have weaker immunosuppression capabilities than the general population , according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation .
Wearing masks to mitigate coronavirus ' spread has become a polarizing issue in traditionally Republican-leaning Texas .
So far Abbott has sided firmly with those less concerned about contracting the virus and more concerned with reopening businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly all Republican , who have decided to proceed with reopening in their states despite not having reached the diminished rates of infection recommended by the CDC before reopening .
On Wednesday , Dallas County reported its highest number of new coronavirus cases to date , eclipsing the previous record , set on Tuesday .
Trump has also refused to wear a mask , against the guidance of federal health officials .
The White House has so far declined to release additional information about the valet or about any increased measures the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent infection .
Senior White House advisor Kellyanne Conway was asked about the valet during an interview Thursday on Fox News .
Conway answered with sarcasm .
`` I think if anybody should start wearing masks and showing more respect , it should be the media , '' she said .
Trump has noted to reporters this week that everyone around him is regularly tested .

U.S. Donald Trump meets with Texas Governor Greg Abbott about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, May 7, 2020.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump met with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday at the White House, the president's first scheduled event since news broke hours before that one of his personal valets had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Trump's unidentified valet, who is a member of the military, tested positive for the virus that causes Covid-19 on Wednesday. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have both tested negative for the coronavirus since they learned of the valet's diagnosis, said a White House spokesman.
The aide, who is now in quarantine, performed personal tasks in proximity to Trump that included serving the president his meals.
Abbott, who is a Republican like Trump and Pence, was tested for the coronavirus shortly before the meeting, according to his spokesman, John Wittman. Neither Abbott nor Trump wore masks at the meeting, as the CDC has recommended for anyone within 6 feet of other people.
During the meeting, Trump also denied having had close contact with the sick valet. "I've had very little personal contact with this gentleman," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I know who he is, good person, but I've had very little contact."
Nonetheless, Trump said, starting Thursday he and Pence will be tested for coronavirus daily instead of weekly, as had previously been the standard practice in the West Wing.
Abbott went forward with the visit despite the fact that he appears to be in at least two higher-risk categories when it comes to the coronavirus: He is over 60 years old and uses a wheelchair. An accident in 1984 left him partially paralyzed.
People with spinal cord injuries have weaker immunosuppression capabilities than the general population, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Wearing masks to mitigate coronavirus' spread has become a polarizing issue in traditionally Republican-leaning Texas. So far Abbott has sided firmly with those less concerned about contracting the virus and more concerned with reopening businesses.
Abbott is one of several governors, nearly all Republican, who have decided to proceed with reopening in their states despite not having reached the diminished rates of infection recommended by the CDC before reopening. On Wednesday, Dallas County reported its highest number of new coronavirus cases to date, eclipsing the previous record, set on Tuesday.
Trump has also refused to wear a mask, against the guidance of federal health officials.
The White House has so far declined to release additional information about the valet or about any increased measures the president and those around him are taking to prevent infection. Senior White House advisor Kellyanne Conway was asked about the valet during an interview Thursday on Fox News.
Conway answered with sarcasm. "I think if anybody should start wearing masks and showing more respect, it should be the media," she said.
Trump has noted to reporters this week that everyone around him is regularly tested.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Pompeo says more trade talks with Chinese possible even as he accuses them of coronavirus coverup

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday left the door open for more trade talks between the U.S. and China even as he tripled down on accusations that the country 's leadership sought to conceal information about the origins of the coronavirus .
`` If they want to engage in the world , if they want to protect property rights , if they want to conduct fair and reciprocal trade , if they are interested in that , which they tell us they are , then yeah , I think there 's a path forward to do that , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` Squawk Box . ''
`` If they choose a different path , if they choose a path where they continue to operate in the way that they have operated in the last 25 years , President Trump is going to say , 'No , that does n't work for the American people or the American worker , and we 're going to head down a different path , ' '' Pompeo said .
The U.S. and China signed a `` phase one '' trade deal earlier this year with the goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues in a `` phase two '' deal .
Since the first deal was signed , the coronavirus has slowed the global economy , and President Donald Trump has said he may scrap the deal if China fails to meet its purchasing obligations .
Pompeo 's trade comments come as the pandemic inspires new tension between the world 's two largest economies .
The secretary of State has in recent days escalated his rhetoric against China .
Pompeo has claimed , without presenting evidence , that the coronavirus may have originated in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that the coronavirus originated in bats from natural causes .
That view has been endorsed by Dr. Anthony Fauci , who leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and has served as the administration 's most prominent medical advisor .
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a rare statement last week that it had determined that the virus was not man-made .
The intelligence community was still investigating whether it was caused by an accident in a Wuhan laboratory , the statement said .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday left the door open for more trade talks between the U.S. and China even as he tripled down on accusations that the country's leadership sought to conceal information about the origins of the coronavirus.
"If they want to engage in the world, if they want to protect property rights, if they want to conduct fair and reciprocal trade, if they are interested in that, which they tell us they are, then yeah, I think there's a path forward to do that," Pompeo said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box."
"If they choose a different path, if they choose a path where they continue to operate in the way that they have operated in the last 25 years, President Trump is going to say, 'No, that doesn't work for the American people or the American worker, and we're going to head down a different path,'" Pompeo said.
The U.S. and China signed a "phase one" trade deal earlier this year with the goal of tackling some of the more divisive issues in a "phase two" deal. Since the first deal was signed, the coronavirus has slowed the global economy, and President Donald Trump has said he may scrap the deal if China fails to meet its purchasing obligations.
Pompeo's trade comments come as the pandemic inspires new tension between the world's two largest economies. The secretary of State has in recent days escalated his rhetoric against China. Pompeo has claimed, without presenting evidence, that the coronavirus may have originated in a lab in Wuhan, China.
Scientists believe that the coronavirus originated in bats from natural causes. That view has been endorsed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, who leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and has served as the administration's most prominent medical advisor.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a rare statement last week that it had determined that the virus was not man-made. The intelligence community was still investigating whether it was caused by an accident in a Wuhan laboratory, the statement said.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Supreme Court reverses fraud convictions of Christie aides in NJ 'Bridgegate' scandal

Bridget Anne Kelly , former deputy chief of staff to New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie ( L ) and Bill Baroni , former deputy executive director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey The Supreme Court on Thursday reversed the fraud convictions of two aides to former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie who played key roles in the 2013 `` Bridgegate '' scandal .
Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the unanimous court that Bridget Anne Kelly and William Baroni `` could not have violated the federal-program fraud or wire fraud laws '' because the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or property . ''
The plot involved shutting down commuter lanes at the George Washington Bridge connecting New Jersey and New York in order to create massive traffic jams to punish the city of Fort Lee 's mayor for refusing to back Christie 's 2013 reelection effort .
Kelly was Christie 's deputy chief of staff and Baroni was deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey , the agency that manages the bridge .
The scandal has been seen as a death blow to the political career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leverage his second term as governor into a successful run for the Republican presidential nomination .
Christie was dropped as the head of President Donald Trump 's White House transition team in 2016 shortly after Kelly and Baroni were convicted .
Trump celebrated the decision on Twitter , writing that `` a complete and total exoneration ( with a 9-0 vote by the U.S. Supreme Court ) on the Obama DOJ Scam referred to as 'Bridgegate . '
'' Kagan , an Obama appointee , wrote that the evidence `` no doubt shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power . ''
`` But the federal fraud statutes at issue do not criminalize all such conduct , '' Kagan said .
`` Under settled precedent , the officials could violate those laws only if an object of their dishonesty was to obtain the Port Authority 's money or property . ''
Kelly was sentenced to 13 months in prison last year .
Baroni was sentenced to 18 months in prison , and actually began serving that term in 2019 , before being released after the Supreme Court said it would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted Kelly 's appeal just two weeks before she was due to begin serving her sentence .
In a statement Thursday , Kelly said the court `` gave me back my name and began to reverse the six-and-a-half-year nightmare that has become my life . ''
The 47-year-old mother of four said she wanted `` nothing more than to hug my children knowing they will have their mom with them always . ''
An attorney for Baroni said that `` Bill is heartened that the system ultimately worked , even as he recognizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less fortunate . ''
`` At long last , Bill looks forward to moving on from this case and continuing his life of service , '' the statement said .
The four-day shutdown of all but one of the Fort Lee lanes accessing the world 's busiest motor vehicle bridge caused massive traffic backups in and around the city .
One of the most memorable aspects of the scandal was the email Kelly sent to David Wildstein , a Port Authority official , agreeing to the plan after Fort Lee 's Democratic Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reelection .
`` Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee , '' Kelly wrote .
The email became a damning piece of evidence against her .
Wildstein was sentenced to three years of probation in 2017 for his role .
He was not a party to the Supreme Court case and pleaded guilty in 2015 .
Baroni , 48 , whom Christie had appointed to the Port Authority post , said at his sentencing in February 2019 that he `` wanted to please him , but I chose to get sucked into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So by the time of this idea , to use the lanes of the George Washington Bridge to help his campaign , I no longer had that line of right and wrong to say no or to stop it .
So I did n't , '' Baroni said .
Kelly , after being sentenced in April 2019 , lashed out at Christie .
`` Mr. Christie , you are a bully and the days of you calling me a liar and destroying my life are over , '' Kelly said at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and for the former governor , that truth will be unescapable , regardless of lucrative television deals or even future campaigns .
I plan to make sure of that . ''
Christie , who attended oral arguments in the case in January , was never prosecuted in the scandal and has consistently denied having knowledge of the plan .
Christie said in a statement Thursday that it was `` good for all involved that today justice has finally been done . ''
He also went after former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no words of apology that would be sufficient to right the wrongs committed by Paul Fishman , '' Christie said .
`` From the very first day of his involvement , he was determined to damage the reputations of as many members of our Administration as he could . ''
Fishman , a Democrat , said in a statement that Thursday 's ruling `` does not negate the work of the career prosecutors and law enforcement agents '' who worked on the case .
`` It is stunning , but perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response is to concoct accusations of political ambition , partisanship , and personal vindictiveness , '' he said .
`` Chris Christie may try to rewrite his legacy -- and he may want to rewrite history -- but the fact remains that the 'deception , corruption , and abuse of power ' was committed for precisely those reasons by his team on his watch . ''
The case is Kelly v. United States , No .
18–1059 .

Bridget Anne Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) and Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Supreme Court on Thursday reversed the fraud convictions of two aides to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who played key roles in the 2013 "Bridgegate" scandal.
Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the unanimous court that Bridget Anne Kelly and William Baroni "could not have violated the federal-program fraud or wire fraud laws" because the scheme did not "aim to obtain money or property."
The plot involved shutting down commuter lanes at the George Washington Bridge connecting New Jersey and New York in order to create massive traffic jams to punish the city of Fort Lee's mayor for refusing to back Christie's 2013 reelection effort. Kelly was Christie's deputy chief of staff and Baroni was deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that manages the bridge.
The scandal has been seen as a death blow to the political career of Christie, who had hoped to leverage his second term as governor into a successful run for the Republican presidential nomination. Christie was dropped as the head of President Donald Trump's White House transition team in 2016 shortly after Kelly and Baroni were convicted.
Trump celebrated the decision on Twitter, writing that "a complete and total exoneration (with a 9-0 vote by the U.S. Supreme Court) on the Obama DOJ Scam referred to as 'Bridgegate.'"
Trump tweet
Kagan, an Obama appointee, wrote that the evidence "no doubt shows wrongdoing — deception, corruption, abuse of power."
"But the federal fraud statutes at issue do not criminalize all such conduct," Kagan said. "Under settled precedent, the officials could violate those laws only if an object of their dishonesty was to obtain the Port Authority's money or property."
Kelly was sentenced to 13 months in prison last year. Baroni was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and actually began serving that term in 2019, before being released after the Supreme Court said it would take Kelly's appeal. The high court accepted Kelly's appeal just two weeks before she was due to begin serving her sentence.
In a statement Thursday, Kelly said the court "gave me back my name and began to reverse the six-and-a-half-year nightmare that has become my life."
The 47-year-old mother of four said she wanted "nothing more than to hug my children knowing they will have their mom with them always."
An attorney for Baroni said that "Bill is heartened that the system ultimately worked, even as he recognizes how often it fails others who are less fortunate."
"At long last, Bill looks forward to moving on from this case and continuing his life of service," the statement said.
The four-day shutdown of all but one of the Fort Lee lanes accessing the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge caused massive traffic backups in and around the city.
One of the most memorable aspects of the scandal was the email Kelly sent to David Wildstein, a Port Authority official, agreeing to the plan after Fort Lee's Democratic Mayor Mark Sokolich refused to endorse Christie's reelection.
"Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee," Kelly wrote.
The email became a damning piece of evidence against her.
Wildstein was sentenced to three years of probation in 2017 for his role. He was not a party to the Supreme Court case and pleaded guilty in 2015.
Baroni, 48, whom Christie had appointed to the Port Authority post, said at his sentencing in February 2019 that he "wanted to please him, but I chose to get sucked into his cult and culture."
"So by the time of this idea, to use the lanes of the George Washington Bridge to help his campaign, I no longer had that line of right and wrong to say no or to stop it. So I didn't," Baroni said.
Kelly, after being sentenced in April 2019, lashed out at Christie.
"Mr. Christie, you are a bully and the days of you calling me a liar and destroying my life are over," Kelly said at the time. "The truth will be heard — and for the former governor, that truth will be unescapable, regardless of lucrative television deals or even future campaigns. I plan to make sure of that."
Christie, who attended oral arguments in the case in January, was never prosecuted in the scandal and has consistently denied having knowledge of the plan. Christie said in a statement Thursday that it was "good for all involved that today justice has finally been done." He also went after former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, who had led the case.
"There are no words of apology that would be sufficient to right the wrongs committed by Paul Fishman," Christie said. "From the very first day of his involvement, he was determined to damage the reputations of as many members of our Administration as he could."
Fishman, a Democrat, said in a statement that Thursday's ruling "does not negate the work of the career prosecutors and law enforcement agents" who worked on the case.
"It is stunning, but perhaps not surprising, that Chris Christie's response is to concoct accusations of political ambition, partisanship, and personal vindictiveness," he said. "Chris Christie may try to rewrite his legacy -- and he may want to rewrite history -- but the fact remains that the 'deception, corruption, and abuse of power' was committed for precisely those reasons by his team on his watch."
The case is Kelly v. United States, No. 18–1059.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans to meet next week on embattled Trump nominee Pack

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is planning to hold a meeting next week on President Donald Trump 's controversial nominee to lead a federal media organization .
The chairman of the committee , Sen. James Risch , R-Idaho , plans to call for a vote on Michael Pack , Trump 's pick to be the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media , at the meeting , according to a senior Democratic aide familiar with the matter .
Pack 's nomination was held up after lawmakers on the committee discovered questionable business dealings that could have included , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-N.J. , described in a recent letter to the White House , instances of self dealing and illegal activity .
The committee has been reviewing Pack 's nomination since at least last year .
The president publicly pressured senators to vote on Pack 's nomination at a recent press conference .
`` Michael Pack , he would do a great job but he 's been waiting for two years , because we ca n't get him approved , '' Trump said at the time .
`` If you heard what 's coming out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's disgusting , '' he noted .
Formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors , the agency oversees Voice of America , Radio Free Europe and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting .
In a new letter sent to Risch on Thursday by Menendez and the nine other Democrats on the committee argued that it was inappropriate to hold a full in-person meeting in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
They also noted that Pack has still not provided the documents they 've requested and his nomination should not be called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 50 people will likely attend this meeting .
Given the continued and unfortunate rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region , there is no justification to bring this large of a group together unless it is to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 , '' says the letter , which was first reviewed by CNBC .
`` Putting Mr .
Pack up for a Committee vote under these circumstances would be a shocking departure from Committee practice and an abdication of the Committee 's role to vet nominees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve get our stamp of approval , '' it says .
A spokeswoman for the Republican majority of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee did not return a request for comment .
Since 2011 , Pack 's nonprofit , the Public Media Lab , has sent at least $ 1.6 million in donations into the coffers of his own independent production company , Manifold Productions .
The latest 2018 filing of his 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) shows that Pack 's organization gave Manifold Productions $ 775,000 for the `` production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
Through contributions and grants , the group raised $ 875,000 that year alone .
The nonprofit 's documents say its mission is to `` receive and award grants to develop , promote and support educational documentary films and film makers . ''
Public Media Lab has only listed Manifold as the benefactor of these grants .
Pack 's media company has also seen a financial benefit from his work with the Claremont Institute , after signing a commercial fundraising contract four years ago .
The contract was signed in 2016 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently listed as the vice president of Manifold Productions , along with Claremont 's then-chief operating officer Ryan Williams .
The contract shows that Pack not only led Claremont at the time , it labels him as a director at Manifold , a company he previously founded .
The deal to lead the fundraising efforts for Claremont was worth $ 75,000 to Pack 's film company , which was paid in $ 6,250 installments each month .
The document says Manifold 's work was for `` charitable purposes , '' and included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and educational and social events .
Claremont 's tax return for fiscal year 2016 , from July of that year through June 2017 , shows that Manifold Productions helped raise almost $ 200,000 during that time period .
California 's state attorney general also listed Manifold as a commercial fundraiser for Claremont in 2017 .

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is planning to hold a meeting next week on President Donald Trump's controversial nominee to lead a federal media organization.
The chairman of the committee, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, plans to call for a vote on Michael Pack, Trump's pick to be the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, at the meeting, according to a senior Democratic aide familiar with the matter.
Pack's nomination was held up after lawmakers on the committee discovered questionable business dealings that could have included, as the ranking member Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., described in a recent letter to the White House, instances of self dealing and illegal activity. The committee has been reviewing Pack's nomination since at least last year.
The president publicly pressured senators to vote on Pack's nomination at a recent press conference.
"Michael Pack, he would do a great job but he's been waiting for two years, because we can't get him approved," Trump said at the time. "If you heard what's coming out of the Voice of America, it's disgusting," he noted.
Formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the agency oversees Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.
In a new letter sent to Risch on Thursday by Menendez and the nine other Democrats on the committee argued that it was inappropriate to hold a full in-person meeting in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. They also noted that Pack has still not provided the documents they've requested and his nomination should not be called for a vote.
"We understand that almost 50 people will likely attend this meeting. Given the continued and unfortunate rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region, there is no justification to bring this large of a group together unless it is to contribute to the fight against COVID-19," says the letter, which was first reviewed by CNBC.
"Putting Mr. Pack up for a Committee vote under these circumstances would be a shocking departure from Committee practice and an abdication of the Committee's role to vet nominees and ensure only those who are fit to serve get our stamp of approval," it says.
A spokeswoman for the Republican majority of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee did not return a request for comment.
Since 2011, Pack's nonprofit, the Public Media Lab, has sent at least $1.6 million in donations into the coffers of his own independent production company, Manifold Productions. The latest 2018 filing of his 501(c)(3) shows that Pack's organization gave Manifold Productions $775,000 for the "production of educational films," the report reads. Through contributions and grants, the group raised $875,000 that year alone.
The nonprofit's documents say its mission is to "receive and award grants to develop, promote and support educational documentary films and film makers." Public Media Lab has only listed Manifold as the benefactor of these grants.
Pack's media company has also seen a financial benefit from his work with the Claremont Institute, after signing a commercial fundraising contract four years ago.
The contract was signed in 2016 by Pack's wife, Gina, who is currently listed as the vice president of Manifold Productions, along with Claremont's then-chief operating officer Ryan Williams. The contract shows that Pack not only led Claremont at the time, it labels him as a director at Manifold, a company he previously founded.
The deal to lead the fundraising efforts for Claremont was worth $75,000 to Pack's film company, which was paid in $6,250 installments each month.
The document says Manifold's work was for "charitable purposes," and included dinners, telephone solicitation, in-person meetings, and educational and social events.
Claremont's tax return for fiscal year 2016, from July of that year through June 2017, shows that Manifold Productions helped raise almost $200,000 during that time period. California's state attorney general also listed Manifold as a commercial fundraiser for Claremont in 2017.


cnbc--2020-05-07--So much money, so little oversight: Coronavirus bailout cash is a big target for fraud

With the U.S. economy largely shut down and the number of jobless Americans growing by millions each week , lawmakers in March moved swiftly to approve a historic stimulus package that would inject trillions of dollars into the economy as incomes and revenues evaporated .
The Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security , or CARES , Act injects more than $ 7 trillion into the economy : $ 2.2 trillion for direct checks to Americans , expanded unemployment benefits , money for health care , forgivable small business loans , and authorization for the Federal Reserve to invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lending programs .
In crafting the most expensive piece of legislation ever passed by Congress , lawmakers ripped out red tape — and in some cases rules — to get the money out faster .
`` The more requirements we came up with , the harder it was going to be to get the money out the door , '' said Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee .
`` We erred on the side of expediency . ''
With so much money being issued so quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs rampant .
Just one month after the stimulus bill became law , the Department of Justice has already charged three men with providing fraudulent information about businesses that no longer existed in an attempt to obtain loans from a new small business aid program .
The inspector general for the Small Business Administration is expected to issue a `` flash report '' on the rollout of the two-part , $ 600 billion program by Friday — just one of many expected from oversight teams at each agency on the pieces of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To tamp down on illicit activity , the law itself also creates a slew of new watchdog roles , some of which have already fallen prey to politics as usual .
The law outlines a new Pandemic Response Accountability Committee , filled mostly by existing agency watchdogs who would choose a chair .
Their first selection — Glenn Fine , the Pentagon 's acting inspector — did n't sit well with President Donald Trump .
The president removed him from his acting role , thereby disqualifying him from sitting on the panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christi Grimm , the acting IG from Health and Human Services Department , whom he said was biased in reporting that hospitals were short on vital supplies .
`` 'Where did he come from , the inspector general ?
What 's his name ?
No , what 's his name ?
What 's his name ? ''
Trump asked reporters of Grimm , before later attacking her on Twitter for serving eight years under President Barack Obama .
Ethics experts say the political nature of the president 's moves is problematic .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermine independent oversight , '' said Donald Sherman , deputy director of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington .
Purging inspectors general , Sherman said , shows `` the president is less interested in getting a , you know , independent and rigorous oversight than he is in having loyalists rubber stamp this stimulus package , '' Under the law , Trump gets to pick a `` special inspector general for pandemic recovery , '' a role created by lawmakers to oversee the disbursement of Treasury funds in this package and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political favors .
Trump selected Brian Miller , a White House lawyer and former IG at the General Services Administration , to serve in this role .
At his May 5 confirmation hearing , Miller attempted to allay concerns about his independence , given the recent actions by his most recent boss .
`` President Trump has shown outright hostility to anyone who has tried to hold him accountable , '' said Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio , the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee , appearing on videoconference to comply with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who along with lawmakers wore a nonmedical mask , declined to say whether he endorsed the president 's personnel decisions .
`` I will be independent .
I will follow the facts wherever they lead , '' Miller told the Senate Banking Committee .
`` If they 're critical of the administration , I will say so .
I will have no hesitancy to do so . ''
Finally , the law provides for a five-member commission of congressional appointees to study whether money lent by the Treasury and Federal Reserve is done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial well-being . ''
So far , the group has met over Zoom video meetings , and is expected to issue its first report this week — despite having the chairman post remain vacant and the goal of the group fairly nebulous .
For exactly what `` well-being '' means , Rep. French Hill , R-Ark .
— selected by House minority leader Kevin McCarthy to join the commission — is looking to the lenders themselves for answers .
`` We want to ask the Treasury and the Fed what 's your strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do you design this in order to benefit the economy as a whole , so the well-being of American families , the economy as a whole , how do we do that in a market transparent way . ''
Democrats selected as one of their picks Bharat Ramamurti , an economic advisor to Sen. Elizabeth Warren who was instrumental in setting up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau after the last financial crisis .
Ramamurti said he is particularly focused on making sure companies that take government money keep their workers employed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to working people ?
Or are they being shunted off mostly to executives , and to shareholders ? ''
Ramamurti asked .
Other cops on the beat

watch now
With the U.S. economy largely shut down and the number of jobless Americans growing by millions each week, lawmakers in March moved swiftly to approve a historic stimulus package that would inject trillions of dollars into the economy as incomes and revenues evaporated. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act injects more than $7 trillion into the economy: $2.2 trillion for direct checks to Americans, expanded unemployment benefits, money for health care, forgivable small business loans, and authorization for the Federal Reserve to invest more than $5 trillion into custom-made lending programs. In crafting the most expensive piece of legislation ever passed by Congress, lawmakers ripped out red tape — and in some cases rules — to get the money out faster. "The more requirements we came up with, the harder it was going to be to get the money out the door," said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee. "We erred on the side of expediency." With so much money being issued so quickly, the potential for scams and misuse runs rampant. Just one month after the stimulus bill became law, the Department of Justice has already charged three men with providing fraudulent information about businesses that no longer existed in an attempt to obtain loans from a new small business aid program. The inspector general for the Small Business Administration is expected to issue a "flash report" on the rollout of the two-part, $600 billion program by Friday — just one of many expected from oversight teams at each agency on the pieces of the law that touch their departments and budgets.
Watchdogs out
To tamp down on illicit activity, the law itself also creates a slew of new watchdog roles, some of which have already fallen prey to politics as usual. The law outlines a new Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, filled mostly by existing agency watchdogs who would choose a chair. Their first selection — Glenn Fine, the Pentagon's acting inspector — didn't sit well with President Donald Trump. The president removed him from his acting role, thereby disqualifying him from sitting on the panel. Three weeks later, Trump replaced Christi Grimm, the acting IG from Health and Human Services Department, whom he said was biased in reporting that hospitals were short on vital supplies. "'Where did he come from, the inspector general? What's his name? No, what's his name? What's his name?" Trump asked reporters of Grimm, before later attacking her on Twitter for serving eight years under President Barack Obama. Ethics experts say the political nature of the president's moves is problematic. "The president has taken aggressive steps to undermine independent oversight," said Donald Sherman, deputy director of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Purging inspectors general, Sherman said, shows "the president is less interested in getting a, you know, independent and rigorous oversight than he is in having loyalists rubber stamp this stimulus package," Under the law, Trump gets to pick a "special inspector general for pandemic recovery," a role created by lawmakers to oversee the disbursement of Treasury funds in this package and ensure they aren't paid to reward political favors. Trump selected Brian Miller, a White House lawyer and former IG at the General Services Administration, to serve in this role.
Independence in question
At his May 5 confirmation hearing, Miller attempted to allay concerns about his independence, given the recent actions by his most recent boss. "President Trump has shown outright hostility to anyone who has tried to hold him accountable," said Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, appearing on videoconference to comply with new social distancing rules. Miller, who along with lawmakers wore a nonmedical mask, declined to say whether he endorsed the president's personnel decisions. "I will be independent. I will follow the facts wherever they lead," Miller told the Senate Banking Committee. "If they're critical of the administration, I will say so. I will have no hesitancy to do so." Finally, the law provides for a five-member commission of congressional appointees to study whether money lent by the Treasury and Federal Reserve is done so in a way to ensure "financial well-being." So far, the group has met over Zoom video meetings, and is expected to issue its first report this week — despite having the chairman post remain vacant and the goal of the group fairly nebulous. For exactly what "well-being" means, Rep. French Hill, R-Ark. — selected by House minority leader Kevin McCarthy to join the commission — is looking to the lenders themselves for answers. "We want to ask the Treasury and the Fed what's your strategy, what's your focus, how do you design this in order to benefit the economy as a whole, so the well-being of American families, the economy as a whole, how do we do that in a market transparent way." Democrats selected as one of their picks Bharat Ramamurti, an economic advisor to Sen. Elizabeth Warren who was instrumental in setting up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau after the last financial crisis. Ramamurti said he is particularly focused on making sure companies that take government money keep their workers employed. "Are the benefits of that flowing through to working people? Or are they being shunted off mostly to executives, and to shareholders?" Ramamurti asked.
Other cops on the beat


cnbc--2020-05-07--Trade groups representing PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble and others want guidance on factories from Pence

Trade groups representing the country 's biggest consumer companies , including PepsiCo , Procter & Gamble and Clorox , wrote a letter to Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urging federal guidance on how to safely manage their factory workers as states begin to reopen for business .
In the letter , which was obtained by CNBC , trade groups , including the Household and Commercial Products Association , American Frozen Food Institute and the Consumer Brands Association , requested federal guidance on a number of issues as they look to safely manage the factories in which they produce America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many positive employee Covid-19 tests should trigger a plant shutdown , and when − and how − to administer tests as they begin to reopen a plant that has been closed .
They 're requesting direction on how to safely configure common areas , such as break rooms , locker rooms , wellness clinics and cafeterias .
They want to know how truck drivers should interact with those who have returned to work in manufacturing plants and stores .
`` Federal authorities have individually responded quickly to our industry 's inquiries by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions or the addition of new or modified [ webpages ] , '' the groups wrote .
`` The result is piecemeal guidance , that , while often timely , lacks central coordination creating a daunting level of complexity and making it extremely difficult for companies to develop the comprehensive detailed response plans they need . ''
Proper treatment of manufacturing facilities has become a lightning rod issue as coronavirus outbreaks have triggered shutdowns of meatpacking plants by companies like Tyson and Smithfield .
Tyson has temporarily closed five of its plants because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered plants to stay open , deeming them an essential business through the Defense Production Act .
Meantime , there remains debate over corporate liability for those who get sick while on the job .
Questions are likely to grow as each state develops its own guidelines and timelines to reopen business .
Missouri 's government has said it is opening its businesses with restrictions , Nebraska will soon open restaurants and salons , and Florida allowed eateries and stores in most of the state to reopen at 25 % of their indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states move toward reopening , strong coordination among agencies to produce detailed federal guidance can reduce confusion and address manufacturers ' critical operational challenges , '' the letter stated .
`` Additionally , coordinated and detailed federal guidance is more readily adopted by state and local governments reducing the burden for companies with plants in multiple states . ''
Pence 's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

Trade groups representing the country's biggest consumer companies, including PepsiCo , Procter & Gamble and Clorox , wrote a letter to Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urging federal guidance on how to safely manage their factory workers as states begin to reopen for business.
In the letter, which was obtained by CNBC, trade groups, including the Household and Commercial Products Association, American Frozen Food Institute and the Consumer Brands Association, requested federal guidance on a number of issues as they look to safely manage the factories in which they produce America's consumer products.
The questions include how many positive employee Covid-19 tests should trigger a plant shutdown, and when − and how − to administer tests as they begin to reopen a plant that has been closed. They're requesting direction on how to safely configure common areas, such as break rooms, locker rooms, wellness clinics and cafeterias. They want to know how truck drivers should interact with those who have returned to work in manufacturing plants and stores.
"Federal authorities have individually responded quickly to our industry's inquiries by issuing independent guidance often through frequently asked questions or the addition of new or modified [webpages]," the groups wrote.
"The result is piecemeal guidance, that, while often timely, lacks central coordination creating a daunting level of complexity and making it extremely difficult for companies to develop the comprehensive detailed response plans they need."
Proper treatment of manufacturing facilities has become a lightning rod issue as coronavirus outbreaks have triggered shutdowns of meatpacking plants by companies like Tyson and Smithfield. Tyson has temporarily closed five of its plants because of coronavirus infections. The administration has ordered plants to stay open, deeming them an essential business through the Defense Production Act.
Meantime, there remains debate over corporate liability for those who get sick while on the job.
Questions are likely to grow as each state develops its own guidelines and timelines to reopen business. Missouri's government has said it is opening its businesses with restrictions, Nebraska will soon open restaurants and salons, and Florida allowed eateries and stores in most of the state to reopen at 25% of their indoor capacity on Monday.
"As the states move toward reopening, strong coordination among agencies to produce detailed federal guidance can reduce confusion and address manufacturers' critical operational challenges," the letter stated.
"Additionally, coordinated and detailed federal guidance is more readily adopted by state and local governments reducing the burden for companies with plants in multiple states."
Pence's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
·


cnbc--2020-05-07--Stay on evictions in New York will continue through August, Gov. Cuomo says

New York residents struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic ca n't be evicted by their landlords until at least Aug. 20 @ @ @ @ @ said Thursday .
Cuomo 's announcement extends the state 's previous moratorium on evictions , @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I do n't want to see people and their children evicted at this @ @ @ @ @ of their own , '' Cuomo said .
Landlords are also prohibited from charging tenants @ @ @ @ @ health crisis , and renters will be allowed to apply their security deposits to their @ @ @ @ @ .
More from Personal Finance : Demand for refunds intensifies among college students College enrollment @ @ @ @ @ closed As college classes move online , do n't expect a tuition discount New York @ @ @ @ @ by the public health crisis , with more than a third of the country 's @ @ @ @ @ state .
More than 320,000 residents have tested positive .

New York residents struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic can't be evicted by their landlords until at least Aug. 20, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.
Cuomo's announcement extends the state's previous moratorium on evictions, which lasted only through June.
"I don't want to see people and their children evicted at this time, through no fault of their own," Cuomo said.
Landlords are also prohibited from charging tenants late fees during the public health crisis, and renters will be allowed to apply their security deposits to their rent, the governor said.
More from Personal Finance:
Demand for refunds intensifies among college students
College enrollment could drop if schools stay closed
As college classes move online, don't expect a tuition discount
New York has been the hardest hit by the public health crisis, with more than a third of the country's virus-related deaths concentrated in the state. More than 320,000 residents have tested positive.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Federal business disaster loans now capped at $150,000 and limited to agriculture

Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin speaks with President Donald J. Trump and members of the coronavirus task force during a briefing in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on Thursday , April 02 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
( Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images ) The Small Business Administration is applying new restrictions to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program , putting an emergency source of funding further out of reach for entrepreneurs .
Starting on May 4 , the SBA said it would only accept applications from agricultural businesses that were interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , agri-businesses were not eligible to apply for the EIDL , '' said SBA spokeswoman Carol Chastang .
`` The SBA observed the necessity to help farmers recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic . ''
The disaster loan program was one of several lifelines made available to entrepreneurs amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Initially , applicants who were accepted into the program were eligible for up to $ 2 million in loans at an interest rate of 3.75 % , plus a $ 10,000 advance grant .
More from Smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting tax relief States need revenue .
These taxes could rise How are unemployment benefits taxed ?
As businesses flooded the SBA with applications , the agency curtailed the grant amount to only $ 1,000 per employee , up to $ 10,000 .
Now , the SBA has curtained the program even further by restricting who can apply for a loan , as well as limiting the maximum amount borrowed to $ 150,000 – down from $ 2 million – according to The Washington Post .
This is breaking news .
Please stay @ @ @ @

Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin speaks with President Donald J. Trump and members of the coronavirus task force during a briefing in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, April 02, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Small Business Administration is applying new restrictions to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, putting an emergency source of funding further out of reach for entrepreneurs.
Starting on May 4, the SBA said it would only accept applications from agricultural businesses that were interested in the so-called EIDL.
"Typically, agri-businesses were not eligible to apply for the EIDL," said SBA spokeswoman Carol Chastang. "The SBA observed the necessity to help farmers recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic."
The disaster loan program was one of several lifelines made available to entrepreneurs amid the coronavirus pandemic. Initially, applicants who were accepted into the program were eligible for up to $2 million in loans at an interest rate of 3.75%, plus a $10,000 advance grant.
More from Smart Tax Planning:
New Jersey homeowners are getting tax relief
States need revenue. These taxes could rise
How are unemployment benefits taxed?
As businesses flooded the SBA with applications, the agency curtailed the grant amount to only $1,000 per employee, up to $10,000.
Now, the SBA has curtained the program even further by restricting who can apply for a loan, as well as limiting the maximum amount borrowed to $150,000 – down from $2 million – according to The Washington Post.
This is breaking news. Please stay tuned for updates.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Prosecutor of ex-Trump aide Michael Flynn withdraws from case amid controversy over documents

A top prosecutor removed himself Thursday from the criminal case against former national security advisor Michael Flynn , as well @ @ @ @ @ other court cases involving Flynn .
The Justice Department prosecutor , Brandon Van Grack , @ @ @ @ @ court filing why he is withdrawing from Flynn 's case .
He heads a unit @ @ @ @ @ the Foreign Agents Registration Act .
Van Grack also withdrew from at least two other @ @ @ @ @ filings show .
Flynn is listed as an interested party in both of those cases @ @ @ @ @ in U.S. District Court in Washington , D.C. , and all are presided over by @ @ @ @ @ , President Donald Trump 's first national security advisor , was charged as part of @ @ @ @ @ 's Russia probe with lying to FBI agents about his discussions with Russia 's ambassador @ @ @ @ @ Trump took office .
Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of lying to federal agents @

A top prosecutor removed himself Thursday from the criminal case against former national security advisor Michael Flynn, as well as from at least two other court cases involving Flynn.
The Justice Department prosecutor, Brandon Van Grack, did not say in a court filing why he is withdrawing from Flynn's case. He heads a unit responsible for prosecuting violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Van Grack also withdrew from at least two other active cases Thursday, court filings show. Flynn is listed as an interested party in both of those cases. All three cases are in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and all are presided over by Judge Emmet Sullivan.
Flynn, President Donald Trump's first national security advisor, was charged as part of former special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe with lying to FBI agents about his discussions with Russia's ambassador to the United States before Trump took office. Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of lying to federal agents.


cnbc--2020-05-07--Treasury Secretary Mnuchin gets in Twitter tiff with Axl Rose

Slash and Axl Rose of Guns N ' Roses perform onstage in Madison Square Garden last October .
The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ debt issuance and fiscal wellbeing of the United States , quipped to Rose : `` @ @ @ @ @ the country lately ? ''
Mnuchin , who is also one of President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ tweeted in response to Rose .
The musician had earlier in the evening categorized Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It was unclear what may have provoked Rose 's original tweet that disparaged @ @ @ @ @ to CNBC PRO for exclusive insights and analysis , and live business day programming from @ @ @ @

Slash and Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses perform onstage in Madison Square Garden last October.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin challenged hard rock musician and Guns N' Roses member Axl Rose on Twitter Wednesday evening.
The Treasury secretary, who oversees the debt issuance and fiscal wellbeing of the United States, quipped to Rose: "What have you done for the country lately?"
tweet
Mnuchin, who is also one of President Donald Trump's chief economic advisors, tweeted in response to Rose. The musician had earlier in the evening categorized Mnuchin as "officially an a__hole."
axl tweet
It was unclear what may have provoked Rose's original tweet that disparaged the Treasury secretary.
Rose later replied to Mnuchin.
Tweet
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cnbc--2020-05-07--Lincoln Project has its biggest day of fundraising after president attacks 'Never Trump' group

President Donald Trump speaks with news anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum during a Virtual Town Hall inside of the Lincoln Memorial on May 3 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
The Lincoln Project , which is run by Republican operatives who oppose President Donald Trump , raised $ 1 million after the president ripped the group on Twitter this week – marking it the super PAC 's biggest day of fundraising yet .
Reed Galen , a member of the Lincoln Project 's advisory committee , told CNBC that the total came after the president 's Tuesday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titled `` Mourning in America , '' which unloads on Trump 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
It recently aired on Fox News , which Trump often watches and praises .
Galen said it was the Lincoln Project 's best single-day fundraising haul '' A group of RINO Republicans who failed badly 12 years ago , then again 8 years ago , and then got BADLY beaten by me , a political first timer , 4 years ago , have copied ( no imagination ) the concept of an ad from Ronald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the president said just before 1:00 a.m .
ET on Tuesday .

President Donald Trump speaks with news anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum during a Virtual Town Hall inside of the Lincoln Memorial on May 3, 2020 in Washington, DC.
The Lincoln Project, which is run by Republican operatives who oppose President Donald Trump, raised $1 million after the president ripped the group on Twitter this week – marking it the super PAC's biggest day of fundraising yet.
Reed Galen, a member of the Lincoln Project's advisory committee, told CNBC that the total came after the president's Tuesday morning Twitter tirade in reaction to an ad titled "Mourning in America," which unloads on Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic. It recently aired on Fox News, which Trump often watches and praises. Galen said it was the Lincoln Project's best single-day fundraising haul
"A group of RINO Republicans who failed badly 12 years ago, then again 8 years ago, and then got BADLY beaten by me, a political first timer, 4 years ago, have copied (no imagination) the concept of an ad from Ronald Reagan, 'Morning in America,'" the president said just before 1:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday.


cnbc--2020-05-08--Vice President Mike Pence's press secretary tests positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence 's press secretary , Katie Miller , has tested positive for coronavirus , Miller confirmed to NBC News on Friday .
President Donald Trump said earlier Friday that a `` press person '' named Katie was the Pence aide who tested positive .
Earlier this year , Miller married senior Trump White House adviser Stephen Miller .
Miller said she is asymptomatic , and that she tested negative a day before testing positive Friday , NBC reported .
Miller was at the White House on Friday morning before her positive result came in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The official told NBC that Miller was showing `` symptoms '' while she was there .
Miller , who had handled communications for the coronavirus task force , did not respond to multiple requests for comment from CNBC .
Trump 's physician and White House staff `` continue to work closely to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the President , First Family and the entire White House Complex safe and healthy at all times , '' White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement .
`` In addition to social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ histories , hand sanitizer , and regular deep cleaning of all work spaces , every staff member in close proximity to the president and vice president is being tested daily for COVID-19 as well as any guests , '' Deere said .
On Thursday , news broke that Trump 's personal valet has also tested positive .
Pence was scheduled to travel to Des Moines , Iowa , in the morning , but his departure from Andrews Air Force Base was delayed by nearly an hour as staff dealt with news of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several staffers disembarked from Air Force Two just before takeoff .
Those staffers left the plane because they had been in contact with the staffer who tested positive , NBC News reported .
In response to the positive test , the White House medical office has embarked on a program of contact tracing for the individual , an official told NBC .
Some of these staffers have already been retested .
As of Friday , more than 75,000 Americans have died of Covid-19 , and more than 1.2 million have tested positive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to wear masks , despite a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that face coverings be used to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
Trump has never been inclined to wear a mask .
Moments after the CDC issued its initial guidance on masks in April , the president said , `` I do n't think that I 'm going to be doing it . ''
This has not changed , even with news of his valet 's positive test .
On Friday Trump attended an event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and neither he nor first lady Melania Trump wore a mask .

Miller, who had handled communications for the coronavirus task force, did not respond to multiple requests for comment from CNBC.
Miller was at the White House on Friday morning before her positive result came in, a White House official told NBC. The official told NBC that Miller was showing "symptoms" while she was there.
President Donald Trump said earlier Friday that a "press person" named Katie was the Pence aide who tested positive. Earlier this year, Miller married senior Trump White House adviser Stephen Miller. Miller said she is asymptomatic, and that she tested negative a day before testing positive Friday, NBC reported.
Katie Miller, press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence, is seen in the Capitol during the Senate Policy luncheons in the Capitol on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
Trump's physician and White House staff "continue to work closely to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the President, First Family and the entire White House Complex safe and healthy at all times," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.
"In addition to social distancing, daily temperature checks and symptom histories, hand sanitizer, and regular deep cleaning of all work spaces, every staff member in close proximity to the president and vice president is being tested daily for COVID-19 as well as any guests," Deere said.
On Thursday, news broke that Trump's personal valet has also tested positive.
Pence was scheduled to travel to Des Moines, Iowa, in the morning, but his departure from Andrews Air Force Base was delayed by nearly an hour as staff dealt with news of the diagnosis. Reporters traveling with Pence said several staffers disembarked from Air Force Two just before takeoff.
Those staffers left the plane because they had been in contact with the staffer who tested positive, NBC News reported. In response to the positive test, the White House medical office has embarked on a program of contact tracing for the individual, an official told NBC. Some of these staffers have already been retested.
As of Friday, more than 75,000 Americans have died of Covid-19, and more than 1.2 million have tested positive.
Yet Pence and Trump by and large refuse to wear masks, despite a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that face coverings be used to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Trump has never been inclined to wear a mask. Moments after the CDC issued its initial guidance on masks in April, the president said, "I don't think that I'm going to be doing it."
This has not changed, even with news of his valet's positive test. On Friday Trump attended an event to mark the anniversary of VE Day, and neither he nor first lady Melania Trump wore a mask.


cnbc--2020-05-08--US commitment to Gulf allies' security 'not at all changed' despite Patriot systems drawdown, Iran e

US commitment to Gulf allies' security 'not at all changed' despite Patriot systems drawdown, Iran envoy says

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates — Washington 's commitment to the security of its Gulf allies is unchanged despite what appears to be a shift in force posture in the region , U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook told CNBC .
`` Our mission is not at all changed .
We 're standing with our partners and our allies in the region .
We 're doing everything we can to protect American interests , '' Hook told CNBC 's Hadley Gamble in an exclusive interview Friday .
The comments come on the back of news that the Pentagon is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia along with a number of military personnel , deployed last year in the wake of attacks in the region that Riyadh and Washington blame on Iran .
The move is being seen as a scaling down of last year 's large military build-up designed to deter Iran .
Hook disputed the suggestion that this meant the U.S. no longer viewed its longtime adversary Iran as a threat .
`` No , it does n't mean that Iran is no longer a threat , '' Hook said .
`` Our troop levels go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the mission set is the same .
Our mission is not at all changed .
We 're standing with our partners and our allies in the region .
We 're doing everything we can to protect American interests . ''
Amid Iran 's economic crisis — the worst in the Islamic Republic 's 41-year history — and the coronavirus outbreak that 's made it the regional epicenter of the disease , many U.S. officials believe the regime is , for now , on the back foot .
Hook emphasized what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in restoring `` a credible military deterrent to act in self-defense , which is something that had been lost , '' noting the January killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani .
`` Deterrence is something which is easy to lose , '' he said .
`` But maintaining it is ... a policy you 'd have to implement every day , and we 're going to continue working with the Saudis , the Emiratis , all of our partners in the region . ''
The Trump administration has sent some 14,000 additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last year in response to dramatically heightened tensions with Iran .
The U.S. accuses Iran of carrying out multiple sabotage attacks on foreign tankers in Gulf waters last year and of precision strikes on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in September , attacks the government in Tehran denies .
Last year also saw a buildup of U.S. Navy vessels and patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz , the vital conduit for 30 % of the world 's seaborne oil .
Some of the president 's supporters have criticized the amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend Saudi Arabia .
That criticism has grown louder amid a crisis in oil markets that saw Saudi Arabia temporarily slash its oil prices as demand for the commodity was crushed by the coronavirus — a move that dealt a severe blow to the U.S. shale industry .
Asked whether U.S. taxpayers would continue to accept the cost burden of defending Gulf allies , particularly amid the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression , Hook emphasized the administration 's efforts toward burden-sharing .
`` What the president has tried to do is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat said .
`` The president has demanded more from our partners and allies so that America does n't have to do the lion 's share of the work .
And we 've been very successful . ''
Hook pointed to the International Maritime Security Construct , a consortium of countries led by the U.S. and formed last year to monitor regional waters in the Gulf and ensure freedom of navigation .
`` We 've got a coalition together , which we think has done a good job of disrupting and deterring Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of initiatives in the region that we 're going to continue to work on . ''
Force posture 'goes up and down' Hook also stressed the administration 's determination to renew a U.N. arms embargo on Iran set to expire in October .
Iran last month launched its first-ever military satellite into space , and while the State Department has not confirmed whether it was in operation , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the launch .
Friday 's discussion with Hook coincided with the two-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump 's `` maximum pressure '' campaign against Iran .
Given the escalation in attacks and force posturing since then , many criticize it as only having emboldened Iran to act out more aggressively .
Hook denies that assertion , maintaining that support for allies and deterrence against Tehran are at all-time highs — despite the removal of the Patriot systems and a reported troop reduction .
`` Troop levels and our force posture sort of goes up and down as the circumstances warrant , '' Hook said .
`` But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American diplomats , American troops , and also to supporting our partners and allies in the region .
Over the last almost year , you 've seen us move around troops and also equipment around the region .
But the mission set does n't change . ''
Several rocket strikes by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have targeted U.S. forces in Iraq since the January killing of Soleimani , and in April , the U.S. Navy accused Iran 's Revolutionary Guard of conducting `` harassing '' approaches of its ships with 11 Iranian navy gunboats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days later on Twitter , writing : `` I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea . ''

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Washington's commitment to the security of its Gulf allies is unchanged despite what appears to be a shift in force posture in the region, U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook told CNBC. "Our mission is not at all changed. We're standing with our partners and our allies in the region. We're doing everything we can to protect American interests," Hook told CNBC's Hadley Gamble in an exclusive interview Friday. The comments come on the back of news that the Pentagon is removing two Patriot anti-missile batteries from Saudi Arabia along with a number of military personnel, deployed last year in the wake of attacks in the region that Riyadh and Washington blame on Iran. The move is being seen as a scaling down of last year's large military build-up designed to deter Iran. Hook disputed the suggestion that this meant the U.S. no longer viewed its longtime adversary Iran as a threat. "No, it doesn't mean that Iran is no longer a threat," Hook said. "Our troop levels go up and down depending on the circumstances, but the mission set is the same. Our mission is not at all changed. We're standing with our partners and our allies in the region. We're doing everything we can to protect American interests."
A first military satellite named Noor is launched into orbit by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps, in Semnan, Iran April 22, 2020. WANA | Sepah News via Reuters
Amid Iran's economic crisis — the worst in the Islamic Republic's 41-year history — and the coronavirus outbreak that's made it the regional epicenter of the disease, many U.S. officials believe the regime is, for now, on the back foot. Hook emphasized what he saw as President Donald Trump's role in restoring "a credible military deterrent to act in self-defense, which is something that had been lost," noting the January killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. "Deterrence is something which is easy to lose," he said. "But maintaining it is ... a policy you'd have to implement every day, and we're going to continue working with the Saudis, the Emiratis, all of our partners in the region." The Trump administration has sent some 14,000 additional troops to the Gulf region since May of last year in response to dramatically heightened tensions with Iran. The U.S. accuses Iran of carrying out multiple sabotage attacks on foreign tankers in Gulf waters last year and of precision strikes on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in September, attacks the government in Tehran denies. Last year also saw a buildup of U.S. Navy vessels and patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the vital conduit for 30% of the world's seaborne oil.
'Increase the burden-sharing' of defending Gulf allies
Some of the president's supporters have criticized the amount of U.S. manpower and taxpayer money sent to defend Saudi Arabia. That criticism has grown louder amid a crisis in oil markets that saw Saudi Arabia temporarily slash its oil prices as demand for the commodity was crushed by the coronavirus — a move that dealt a severe blow to the U.S. shale industry. Asked whether U.S. taxpayers would continue to accept the cost burden of defending Gulf allies, particularly amid the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Hook emphasized the administration's efforts toward burden-sharing.
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"What the president has tried to do is to increase the burden-sharing," the diplomat said. "The president has demanded more from our partners and allies so that America doesn't have to do the lion's share of the work. And we've been very successful." Hook pointed to the International Maritime Security Construct, a consortium of countries led by the U.S. and formed last year to monitor regional waters in the Gulf and ensure freedom of navigation. "We've got a coalition together, which we think has done a good job of disrupting and deterring Iranian maritime aggression. We have a number of initiatives in the region that we're going to continue to work on."
Force posture 'goes up and down'
Hook also stressed the administration's determination to renew a U.N. arms embargo on Iran set to expire in October. Iran last month launched its first-ever military satellite into space, and while the State Department has not confirmed whether it was in operation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the launch. Friday's discussion with Hook coincided with the two-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal and the start of Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. Given the escalation in attacks and force posturing since then, many criticize it as only having emboldened Iran to act out more aggressively. Hook denies that assertion, maintaining that support for allies and deterrence against Tehran are at all-time highs — despite the removal of the Patriot systems and a reported troop reduction.
Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy vessels conducted unsafe and unprofessional actions against U.S. military ships by crossing the ships' bows and sterns at close range while operating in international waters of the North Arabian Gulf.


cnbc--2020-05-08--Federal watchdog finds top vaccine doctor should be reinstated, lawyers say

Rick Bright , deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response for Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , listens during a House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing in Washington , D.C. , March 8 , 2018 .
A government watchdog has found that there is evidence that federal scientist Rick Bright was ousted as head of a health agency for pushing back against a controversial coronavirus drug treatment embraced by President Donald Trump , Bright 's lawyers said Friday .
The watchdog , the Office of Special Counsel , will ask the Health and Human Services Department to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's lawyers said .
Bright was booted last month as head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , a unit of HHS , after what he said was his resistance to embracing expansion of the use of hydroxychloroquine , the anti-malarial drug touted by Trump .
Bright has claimed in a whistleblower complaint filed this week to the Office of Special Counsel that he was transferred to a job in the National Institutes of Health `` without warning or explanation '' over his refusal to increase access to the drug .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prosecutorial agency , which , among other things , investigates alleged violations of the federal Whistleblower Protection Act .
Bright 's attorneys , Debra Katz and Lisa Banks , in a statement said that on Thursday afternoon they `` were notified by the Office of Special Counsel ... that it had determined there were 'reasonable grounds ' to believe that Dr .
Bright had been subjected to a prohibited personnel practice – i.e.
, that there was sufficient evidence to believe that his involuntary removal as '' BARDA director `` was retaliatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in light of this determination , it would contact the Department of Health and Human Services ... to request that it stay Dr .
Bright 's removal as Director of BARDA for 45 days to allow OSC sufficient time to complete its investigation of Bright 's allegations , '' the lawyers said .
A spokesman for the Office of Special Counsel declined to comment .
`` OSC can not comment on or confirm the status of open investigations , '' the spokesman said .
Katz and Banks said they `` strongly '' urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this request '' to stay Bright 's transfer .
`` Dr .
Bright should not be denied the right to have his complaint investigated fully and fairly before he is formally transferred to NIH — a move that will harm not only him , but the country as well , '' the lawyers said .
`` This country is in an unprecedented health crisis and needs the expertise of Dr .
Bright to lead the nation 's efforts to combat COVID-19 , '' the attorneys said .
`` We hope the Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and allow Dr .
Bright , one of nation 's leading vaccine scientists , to return to his position leading BARDA and serving his country . ''
Trump , when asked about the finding on Friday , said , `` I do n't know .
To me he looks like a disgruntled employee .
I do n't know who he is . ''
`` But to me , he 's a disgruntled employee .
And if people are that unhappy they should n't work , '' Trump said .
`` If you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work there , go out and get something else , but to me he 's a disgruntled guy , and I had n't heard great things about him . ''
This is breaking news .
Check back for updates .

Rick Bright, deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response for Health and Human Services (HHS), listens during a House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., March 8, 2018.
A government watchdog has found that there is evidence that federal scientist Rick Bright was ousted as head of a health agency for pushing back against a controversial coronavirus drug treatment embraced by President Donald Trump, Bright's lawyers said Friday.
The watchdog, the Office of Special Counsel, will ask the Health and Human Services Department to stay his removal from the job, Bright's lawyers said.
Bright was booted last month as head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a unit of HHS, after what he said was his resistance to embracing expansion of the use of hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug touted by Trump.
Bright has claimed in a whistleblower complaint filed this week to the Office of Special Counsel that he was transferred to a job in the National Institutes of Health "without warning or explanation" over his refusal to increase access to the drug.
The OSC is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency, which, among other things, investigates alleged violations of the federal Whistleblower Protection Act.
Bright's attorneys, Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, in a statement said that on Thursday afternoon they "were notified by the Office of Special Counsel ... that it had determined there were 'reasonable grounds' to believe that Dr. Bright had been subjected to a prohibited personnel practice – i.e., that there was sufficient evidence to believe that his involuntary removal as" BARDA director "was retaliatory."
"OSC further advised that in light of this determination, it would contact the Department of Health and Human Services ... to request that it stay Dr. Bright's removal as Director of BARDA for 45 days to allow OSC sufficient time to complete its investigation of Bright's allegations," the lawyers said.
A spokesman for the Office of Special Counsel declined to comment. "OSC cannot comment on or confirm the status of open investigations," the spokesman said.
Caitlin Oakley, a spokeswoman for HHS, said, "This is a personnel matter that is currently under review."
"However, HHS strongly disagrees with the allegations and characterizations in the complaint from Dr. Bright," Oakley added.
Katz and Banks said they "strongly" urge HHS Secretary Alex Azar "to agree to this request" to stay Bright's transfer.
"Dr. Bright should not be denied the right to have his complaint investigated fully and fairly before he is formally transferred to NIH — a move that will harm not only him, but the country as well," the lawyers said.
"This country is in an unprecedented health crisis and needs the expertise of Dr. Bright to lead the nation's efforts to combat COVID-19," the attorneys said. "We hope the Secretary will grant the Special Counsel's request and allow Dr. Bright, one of nation's leading vaccine scientists, to return to his position leading BARDA and serving his country."
Trump, when asked about the finding on Friday, said, "I don't know. To me he looks like a disgruntled employee. I don't know who he is."
"But to me, he's a disgruntled employee. And if people are that unhappy they shouldn't work," Trump said.
"If you're unhappy with a company you shouldn't work there, go out and get something else, but to me he's a disgruntled guy, and I hadn't heard great things about him."


cnbc--2020-05-08--All California voters will be able to vote by mail in November, Newsom says

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks in front of the hospital ship USNS Mercy that arrived into the Port of Los Angeles on Friday , March 27 , 2020 , to provide relief for Southland hospitals overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday allowing all registered voters in the state to receive a mail-in ballot for November 's election .
The move comes as several states weigh how to carry out their remaining 2020 elections while keeping voters safe from contracting and spreading the deadly coronavirus .
`` I signed an executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will allow every registered voter in California to receive a mail-in ballot . ''
Newsom , who announced the move at a press conference , clarified that California will still provide an opportunity for people to vote in person at a polling center .
`` That mail-in ballot is important , but it 's not an exclusive substitute to physical locations , '' he said .
`` People that are otherwise not familiar with mail-in ballots , are uncomfortable with them , may have disabilities , may have other issues that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we still want to have the appropriate number of physical sites for people to vote as well , '' he said .
Newsom also signaled that California , with almost 21 million voters , will issue a `` detailed '' plan for in-person voting in the next few days .
`` There 's a lot of concern and excitement around this November 's election in terms of making sure that ... your health is protected and to make sure we are reaching out to all registered , eligible voters , '' Newsom said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice not to feel like they have to go into a concentrated , dense environment where their health may be at risk but provide an additional asset and additional resources by way of voting by mail . ''
This is the latest election update in a string of changes that have been brought on by the coronavirus pandemic .
In the last two months , multiple states and U.S. territories either delayed or adjusted their presidential primaries due to a fear of spreading the virus among large groups .
The outbreak has spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3.8 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 269,881 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 1.2 million cases in the United States and at least 75,852 deaths , according to the latest tallies .

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks in front of the hospital ship USNS Mercy that arrived into the Port of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, 2020, to provide relief for Southland hospitals overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday allowing all registered voters in the state to receive a mail-in ballot for November's election.
The move comes as several states weigh how to carry out their remaining 2020 elections while keeping voters safe from contracting and spreading the deadly coronavirus.
"I signed an executive order," Newsom said, "that will allow every registered voter in California to receive a mail-in ballot."
Newsom, who announced the move at a press conference, clarified that California will still provide an opportunity for people to vote in person at a polling center.
"That mail-in ballot is important, but it's not an exclusive substitute to physical locations," he said.
"People that are otherwise not familiar with mail-in ballots, are uncomfortable with them, may have disabilities, may have other issues that may preclude that as an appropriate option, we still want to have the appropriate number of physical sites for people to vote as well," he said.
Newsom also signaled that California, with almost 21 million voters, will issue a "detailed" plan for in-person voting in the next few days.
"There's a lot of concern and excitement around this November's election in terms of making sure that ... your health is protected and to make sure we are reaching out to all registered, eligible voters," Newsom said, "and giving them the ... choice not to feel like they have to go into a concentrated, dense environment where their health may be at risk but provide an additional asset and additional resources by way of voting by mail."
This is the latest election update in a string of changes that have been brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
In the last two months, multiple states and U.S. territories either delayed or adjusted their presidential primaries due to a fear of spreading the virus among large groups.
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries, with more than 3.8 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 269,881 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 1.2 million cases in the United States and at least 75,852 deaths, according to the latest tallies.