cnbc--2020-05-20--Swing state voters are sharply divided over coronavirus, CNBC/Change Research poll finds

Voters in swing states are sharply divided along partisan lines over the coronavirus pandemic with just under six months to go before Election Day , according to a new CNBC/Change Research poll .
Democrats and Republicans in the key electoral states of Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin disagree over whether there is likely to be a second wave of Covid-19 cases and who is to blame if there is .
Republicans were far more likely to say that corporations should be shielded from liability if their customers or employees contract the virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking more precautions , such as wearing masks and avoiding restaurants .
The survey polled 5,408 likely voters in battleground states between May 15 and May 17 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points .
The data sheds new light on the battle between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden , the apparent Democratic nominee , which is being waged in the shadow of the worst public health crisis in living memory .
Some of the data in the survey is good news for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump holds a narrow , 48-46 lead over Biden among all the battleground voters surveyed , including a 41-32 lead among independents .
He also leads Biden 51-40 in who would do a better job handling the economy .
The two men are in a statistical tie over who would do a better job handling coronavirus .
But the survey results also showed that independents are far more likely than Trump to be concerned about a potential second wave in coronavirus infections , and will put the blame on Trump if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the most common word used in responses to the survey was `` incompetent . ''
In contrast , Republicans used words like `` good , '' `` great , '' `` best , '' and `` excellent . ''
Democrats and independent voters are far more likely than Republicans to be pessimistic about the prospects of containing the pandemic .
While 71 % of Republicans think that things are getting better , only 12 % of Democrats and 35 % of independents think the same , with two-thirds of Democrats and 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
Nearly eight in 10 Democrats say they have `` very serious '' concerns about coronavirus , while only one in 10 Republicans thinks the same .
Those views are consistent with a partisan divide in concern about a possible `` second wave '' in infections .
Public health experts have warned of a possible resurgence in Covid-19 cases once containment measures were eased .
Some nations in Asia have already experienced an uptick in infections that in some cases have caused authorities to reimpose restrictions .
Trump has projected optimism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the year and that Covid-19 will `` go away '' eventually even if there is no vaccine .
The divergence in views is stark : 99 % of Democrats say that there is at least a 50-50 chance of a second wave in U.S. infections before the end of the year , with 94 % telling pollsters that it will probably or definitely happen .
On the other hand , 38 % of Republicans said a second wave will probably or definitely not appear , with 41 % saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 8 in ten independents say there is at least a 50-50 chance of a second wave this year , with 37 % saying there will definitely be one and 19 % saying it is probable .
If there is a second wave , swing state voters are divided over who should be blamed .
Democrats overwhelmingly said the two people or groups most responsible would be Trump and states that reopened their economies too soon , while Republicans said it would be the fault of China and Democrats .
In a possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plurality of independents agreed with Democrats and said it would be mostly Trump and the states ' fault , though by a less significant margin .
Trump has refused to wear a mask in public — even while visiting a factory making masks and despite the fact that he has said he is taking an unproven anti-malarial drug to prevent infection .
The survey shows that Trump is not alone among Republicans .
Less than half of Republicans said they are wearing a face mask in public , while more than nine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sixty-three percent of independents also said they were wearing a face mask in public .
Republicans also have less favorable views of those who wear masks in public .
While 92 % of Democrats said they had somewhat or very favorable views of people who wear face masks in public , only about one in four Republicans said the same thing .
More than three in 10 Republicans said they have somewhat or very unfavorable views of people who wear masks in public , compared to 1 % of Democrats .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very favorable views of mask-wearers , and 21 % had unfavorable views .
Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to take other steps in response to the coronavirus as well , including hand washing , avoiding restaurants , canceling trips , delaying large purchases and storing food .
Republicans are more likely to approve of people protesting stay-at-home orders .
About three-quarters of Republicans have somewhat or very favorable views of the protesters , in comparison to just 4 % of Democrats .
Independents view the protesters less favorably than Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38 % saying they have somewhat or very favorable views and 46 % expressing somewhat or very unfavorable views .
Should businesses be protected from lawsuits ?

watch now
Voters in swing states are sharply divided along partisan lines over the coronavirus pandemic with just under six months to go before Election Day, according to a new CNBC/Change Research poll. Democrats and Republicans in the key electoral states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin disagree over whether there is likely to be a second wave of Covid-19 cases and who is to blame if there is. Republicans were far more likely to say that corporations should be shielded from liability if their customers or employees contract the virus and sue, while Democrats said they were taking more precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding restaurants. The survey polled 5,408 likely voters in battleground states from Friday to Sunday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points. The data sheds new light on the battle between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, which is being waged in the shadow of the worst public health crisis in living memory. Some of the data in the survey is good news for the president. In a hypothetical match-up, Trump holds a narrow, 48%-46% lead over Biden among all the battleground voters surveyed, including a 41%-32% lead among independents. He also leads Biden 51%-40% in who would do a better job handling the economy. The two are in a statistical tie over who would do a better job handling coronavirus. But the survey results also showed that independents are far more likely than Trump to be concerned about a potential second wave in coronavirus infections and will blame Trump if it does. Among both Democrats and independents, the most common word used in responses to the survey was "incompetent." In contrast, Republicans used words like "good," "great," "best," and "excellent."
Second-wave worries
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Democrats and independent voters in the swing states are far more likely than Republicans to be pessimistic about the prospects of containing the pandemic. While 71% of Republicans think that things are getting better, only 12% of Democrats and 35% of independents think the same, with two-thirds of Democrats and 42% of independents thinking things are getting worse. Nearly 8 in 10 Democrats say they have "very serious" concerns about coronavirus, while only 1 in 10 Republicans thinks the same. Those views are consistent with a partisan divide in concern about a possible second wave in infections. Public health experts have warned of a possible resurgence in Covid-19 cases once containment measures are eased. Some Asian nations have already experienced an uptick in infections that in some cases have caused authorities to reimpose restrictions. Trump has projected optimism, pledging that a vaccine will be distributed by the end of the year and that Covid-19 will "go away" eventually even if there is no vaccine. The divergence in views is stark: 99% of Democrats say that there is at least a 50-50 chance of a second wave in U.S. infections before the end of the year, with 94% telling pollsters that it will probably or definitely happen. On the other hand, 38% of Republicans said a second wave will probably or definitely not appear, with 41% saying there's a 50-50 chance. More than 8 in 10 independents see at least a 50-50 chance of a second wave this year, with 37% saying there will definitely be one and 19% saying it is probable.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
If there is a second wave, swing-state voters are divided over who should be blamed. Democrats overwhelmingly said the two people or groups most responsible would be Trump and states that reopened their economies too soon, while Republicans said it would be the fault of China and Democrats. In a possibly worrisome sign for the president, a plurality of independents agreed with Democrats and said it would be mostly Trump and the states' fault, though by a less significant margin.
Republicans side with Trump on masks
Trump has refused to wear a mask in public — even while visiting a factory making masks and despite the fact that he has said he is taking an unproven anti-malarial drug to prevent infection. The survey shows that Trump is not alone among Republicans. Less than half of Republicans said they are wearing a face mask in public, while more than 9 in 10 Democrats said they were doing so. Sixty-three percent of independents also said they were wearing a face mask in public. Republicans also have less favorable views of those who wear masks in public. While 92% of Democrats said they had somewhat or very favorable views of people who wear face masks in public, only about 1 in 4 Republicans said the same thing. More than 3 in 10 Republicans said they have somewhat or very unfavorable views of people who wear masks in public, compared with 1% of Democrats. Among independents, 50% expressed somewhat or very favorable views of mask-wearers, and 21% had unfavorable views.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to take other steps in response to the coronavirus as well, including hand washing, avoiding restaurants, canceling trips, delaying large purchases and storing food. Republicans are more likely to approve of people protesting stay-at-home orders. About three-quarters of Republicans have somewhat or very favorable views of the protesters, in comparison with just 4% of Democrats. Independents view the protesters less favorably than Republicans and more favorably than Democrats, with 38% saying they have somewhat or very favorable views and 46% expressing somewhat or very unfavorable views.
Should businesses be protected from lawsuits?
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards


cnbc--2020-05-20--Pro-Biden super PAC Unite the Country sees fundraising dip during peak of coronavirus lockdown

A pro-Biden super PAC saw a massive drop in fundraising at the peak of the coronavirus lockdown and as its preferred candidate 's campaign suggested another outside group is where donors should plant their money .
Unite the Country , a PAC formed by people with ties to Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama , only raised just over $ 723,000 in April , according to a Federal Election Commission filing reviewed by CNBC .
It represents a dip of close to 93 % in fundraising since the month of March , when it brought in $ 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 22 million throughout the 2020 election cycle and went into May with $ 6.6 million on hand .
It has spent millions producing ads that back Biden and take on President Donald Trump .
The sudden fall came at the same time most states decided to shut down as the coronavirus pandemic spread throughout the country .
All campaigns have had to go fully virtual in the wake of Covid-19 and party bundlers previously told CNBC last month that they were struggling to find the resources and time to raise a ton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Country was also over the same month that the Biden campaign suggested to The Wall Street Journal that Priorities USA Action was its preferred super PAC .
`` As Democrats across the country come together to achieve this goal , we are pleased that Priorities USA will be a leader of an unprecedented and united community of organizations focused on winning in November , '' the campaign told the Journal at the time , while not mentioning any other PAC by name , including American Bridge 21st Century , another super PAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Country .
The Biden campaign appeared to walk back its preference for Priorities in a follow up statement to The Washington Post .
A person familiar with Unite the Country 's fundraising explained that April was when Joe Biden 's campaign and the Democratic National Committee reached a joint fundraising agreement , while noting that the outside group did n't want to detract any resources that could go toward that effort .
This person declined to be named as these decisions were made in private .
Meanwhile , Priorities USA , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Priorities USA Foundation and Priorities USA Action , the super PAC , combined to raise $ 7.6 million .
Although the PAC 's latest filing had yet to be made public as of late Wednesday , a spokesman for Priorities told CNBC the committee raised more than the Unite the Country 's April total .
Lily Adams , a spokeswoman for Unite the Country , pointed to the coronavirus as the reason it believes its fundraising was n't up to its highs in previous months .
She also noted that the PACs fundraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on the air with a recent seven-figure ad buy .
Those figures will be made public next month .
`` We do n't expect to have a record breaking fundraising month every single month , particularly when so many are struggling in this pandemic , '' Adams said .
`` We 're proud of the support we 've received so far in May which allowed us to go on the air with a recent 7-figure ad buy , and we 're in a strong financial position to have Joe Biden 's back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidacy . ''
The top donors to Unite the Country last month include Joshua Bekenstein , co-chair of private investment firm Bain Capital , and John Bell , a partner at Bell & Brigham .

A pro-Biden super PAC saw a massive drop in fundraising at the peak of the coronavirus lockdown and as its preferred candidate's campaign suggested another outside group is where donors should plant their money.
Unite the Country, a PAC formed by people with ties to Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, only raised just over $723,000 in April, according to a Federal Election Commission filing reviewed by CNBC. It represents a dip of close to 93% in fundraising since the month of March, when it brought in $10 million.
The committee has raised well over $22 million throughout the 2020 election cycle and went into May with $6.6 million on hand. It has spent millions producing ads that back Biden and take on President Donald Trump.
The sudden fall came at the same time most states decided to shut down as the coronavirus pandemic spread throughout the country. All campaigns have had to go fully virtual in the wake of Covid-19 and party bundlers previously told CNBC last month that they were struggling to find the resources and time to raise a ton of cash.
The drop for Unite the Country was also over the same month that the Biden campaign suggested to The Wall Street Journal that Priorities USA Action was its preferred super PAC.
"As Democrats across the country come together to achieve this goal, we are pleased that Priorities USA will be a leader of an unprecedented and united community of organizations focused on winning in November," the campaign told the Journal at the time, while not mentioning any other PAC by name, including American Bridge 21st Century, another super PAC that recently formed an alliance with Unite the Country.
The Biden campaign appeared to walk back its preference for Priorities in a follow up statement to The Washington Post.
A person familiar with Unite the Country's fundraising explained that April was when Joe Biden's campaign and the Democratic National Committee reached a joint fundraising agreement, while noting that the outside group didn't want to detract any resources that could go toward that effort. This person declined to be named as these decisions were made in private.
Meanwhile, Priorities USA, which includes the three entities Priorities USA, Priorities USA Foundation and Priorities USA Action, the super PAC, combined to raise $7.6 million. Although the PAC's latest filing had yet to be made public as of late Wednesday, a spokesman for Priorities told CNBC the committee raised more than the Unite the Country's April total.
Lily Adams, a spokeswoman for Unite the Country, pointed to the coronavirus as the reason it believes its fundraising wasn't up to its highs in previous months. She also noted that the PACs fundraising haul in May was strong enough to go on the air with a recent seven-figure ad buy. Those figures will be made public next month.
"We don't expect to have a record breaking fundraising month every single month, particularly when so many are struggling in this pandemic," Adams said. "We're proud of the support we've received so far in May which allowed us to go on the air with a recent 7-figure ad buy, and we're in a strong financial position to have Joe Biden's back and tell the positive story about his candidacy."
The top donors to Unite the Country last month include Joshua Bekenstein, co-chair of private investment firm Bain Capital, and John Bell, a partner at Bell & Brigham.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Pompeo admits to answering questions in investigation as reporters ask him about IG firing

Pompeo said at the briefing that he should have recommended Linick 's ouster `` some time ago , '' and denied that he was retaliating against the IG , who was reportedly investigating him. ''
The fact that Secretary Pompeo is now trying diversion tactics by attempting to smear me is as predictable as it is shameful , '' Menendez added .
`` The facts speak for themselves , '' Menendez said in response to Pompeo .
`` Secretary Pompeo now faces an investigation into both this improper firing and into his attempt to cover up his inappropriate and possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has lashed out at me and others conducting Congressional oversight . ''
Federal prosecutors later dropped their case against Menendez , and the judge presiding over the senator 's trial dismissed the charges in 2018 .
Menendez , the senior senator from New Jersey , was indicted in 2015 as part of an alleged bribery scheme in which he accepted gifts from a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for using his office to benefit the doctor 's financial and personal interest , the Justice Department said at the time .
`` This is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Pompeo said at his first on-camera press briefing since Trump fired Linick on Friday night .
`` I do n't get my ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted , '' he said of Menendez before abruptly ending the briefing .
Pompeo has come under intense scrutiny since Trump followed through on his Cabinet official 's urging to fire Linick .
Pompeo also told reporters at a press briefing that he had previously submitted written responses to questions sent by State Department Inspector General Steve Linick 's office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have retaliated against Linick because he was unaware of specific investigations that the watchdog 's office was conducting .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday lashed out at Democrats investigating him , particularly Sen. Bob Menendez , as he defended his recommendation to President Donald Trump to fire the State Department 's internal watchdog .
`` There are claims that this was for retaliation for some investigation that the inspector general 's office here was engaged in .
Patently false , '' Pompeo said .
`` I could n't possibly have retaliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen the various stories that someone was walking my dog to sell arms to my dry cleaner , '' Pompeo said , conflating reports about multiple probes being conducted by Linick .
`` I mean , it 's just crazy .
It 's all crazy stuff , '' he said .
Trump said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , on Friday night that he lost `` confidence '' in the watchdog , without providing further explanation .
Pompeo also did not provide a more detailed explanation for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The president has a unilateral right to choose who he wants to be his inspector general at every agency in the federal government , '' Pompeo said .
Some Republicans , including Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley , have said that a lack of confidence is an insufficient explanation for firing the inspector general .
`` Unlike others , I do n't talk about personnel matters .
I do n't leak to y'all , '' Pompeo told reporters .
Linick had opened an investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Pompeo , House Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said after the dismissal .
A Democratic aide told NBC News that Linick 's removal might have been in response to an investigation into Pompeo 's `` misuse of a political appointee at the Department to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs .
Pompeo . ''
Those tasks included walking his dog , picking up his dry cleaning and making dinner reservations , according to NBC .
Engel and Menendez are demanding that all records related to Linick 's firing be handed over to them by Friday .
Pompeo did not respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would comply with that document request .
Hours before the briefing was set to begin , new reports raised additional questions from Pompeo 's critics about his conduct at the government agency .
NBC News reported Tuesday night that Pompeo and his wife , Susan Pompeo , had regularly held elaborate , federally funded dinners with influential figures who could boost his political ambitions .
Pompeo held about two dozen of those dinners since 2018 , NBC reported .
Pompeo , in an interview with The Washington Post on Monday , denied that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported probe into his conduct .
He said he was not aware of the watchdog 's investigations , so his recommendation could not have been an act of reprisal .
But on Wednesday , Pompeo did note that `` there 's one exception . ''
`` I was asked a series of questions in writing , I responded to those questions with respect to a particular investigation , '' Pompeo said , adding that he submitted those responses earlier this year , to the best of his memory .
Pompeo said he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that investigation .
`` I did what was right .
I do n't know if that investigation is continuing , I do n't know if that investigation has been closed out .
I do n't have any sense of that .
Again , it 's not possible for there to have been retaliation . ''
Pelosi said Sunday that Linick 's sudden firing could be `` unlawful '' if it was done in retaliation .
NBC and other outlets reported Monday that Linick was also nearly done with another probe , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia .
Linick 's office `` was investigating — at my request — Trump 's phony declaration of an emergency so he could send weapons to Saudi Arabia , '' Engel said in a statement Monday .
`` We do n't have the full picture yet , but it 's troubling that Secretary Pompeo wanted Mr. Linick pushed out before this work could be completed . ''
The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday morning reported that Pompeo had refused to sit for an interview about the Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Politico first reported Pompeo 's refusal to be interviewed .
`` I do n't know the guy at all , I never even heard of him , but I was asked to by the State Department , by Mike , '' Trump said .
Pompeo sat across from him at the White House meeting .
`` I offered most of my people , almost all of them , I said , 'You know , these are [ former President Barack ] Obama appointees , if you 'd like to let them go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but that 's up to you , ' '' Trump said .
`` They asked me to terminate him .
I have the absolute right as president to terminate , '' Trump added .
`` I do n't know what 's going on other than that but you 'd have to ask Mike Pompeo .
But they did ask me to do it and I did it . ''

Pompeo said at the briefing that he should have recommended Linick's ouster "some time ago," and denied that he was retaliating against the IG, who was reportedly investigating him.
" The fact that Secretary Pompeo is now trying diversion tactics by attempting to smear me is as predictable as it is shameful," Menendez added.
"The facts speak for themselves," Menendez said in response to Pompeo. "Secretary Pompeo now faces an investigation into both this improper firing and into his attempt to cover up his inappropriate and possibly illegal actions. Not surprisingly, he has lashed out at me and others conducting Congressional oversight ."
Federal prosecutors later dropped their case against Menendez, and the judge presiding over the senator's trial dismissed the charges in 2018.
Menendez, the senior senator from New Jersey, was indicted in 2015 as part of an alleged bribery scheme in which he accepted gifts from a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for using his office to benefit the doctor's financial and personal interest, the Justice Department said at the time .
"This is all coming through the office of Senator Menendez," Pompeo said at his first on-camera press briefing since Trump fired Linick on Friday night. "I don't get my ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted," he said of Menendez before abruptly ending the briefing.
Pompeo has come under intense scrutiny since Trump followed through on his Cabinet official's urging to fire Linick.
Pompeo also told reporters at a press briefing that he had previously submitted written responses to questions sent by State Department Inspector General Steve Linick's office. But he maintained that he could not have retaliated against Linick because he was unaware of specific investigations that the watchdog's office was conducting.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday lashed out at Democrats investigating him, particularly Sen. Bob Menendez, as he defended his recommendation to President Donald Trump to fire the State Department's internal watchdog.
"There are claims that this was for retaliation for some investigation that the inspector general's office here was engaged in. Patently false," Pompeo said.
"I couldn't possibly have retaliated for all the things -- I've seen the various stories that someone was walking my dog to sell arms to my dry cleaner," Pompeo said, conflating reports about multiple probes being conducted by Linick.
"I mean, it's just crazy. It's all crazy stuff," he said.
Trump said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Friday night that he lost "confidence" in the watchdog, without providing further explanation.
Pompeo also did not provide a more detailed explanation for the firing when asked at the briefing.
"The president has a unilateral right to choose who he wants to be his inspector general at every agency in the federal government," Pompeo said. Some Republicans, including Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, have said that a lack of confidence is an insufficient explanation for firing the inspector general.
"Unlike others, I don't talk about personnel matters. I don't leak to y'all," Pompeo told reporters.
Linick had opened an investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Pompeo, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said after the dismissal. A Democratic aide told NBC News that Linick's removal might have been in response to an investigation into Pompeo's "misuse of a political appointee at the Department to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo." Those tasks included walking his dog, picking up his dry cleaning and making dinner reservations, according to NBC.
Engel and Menendez are demanding that all records related to Linick's firing be handed over to them by Friday. Pompeo did not respond Wednesday when a reporter asked if he would comply with that document request.
Hours before the briefing was set to begin, new reports raised additional questions from Pompeo's critics about his conduct at the government agency.
NBC News reported Tuesday night that Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, had regularly held elaborate, federally funded dinners with influential figures who could boost his political ambitions.
Pompeo held about two dozen of those dinners since 2018, NBC reported.
Pompeo, in an interview with The Washington Post on Monday, denied that he fired Linick in retaliation for any reported probe into his conduct. He said he was not aware of the watchdog's investigations, so his recommendation could not have been an act of reprisal.
But on Wednesday, Pompeo did note that "there's one exception."
"I was asked a series of questions in writing, I responded to those questions with respect to a particular investigation," Pompeo said, adding that he submitted those responses earlier this year, to the best of his memory.
Pompeo said he did not know the scope or the nature of that investigation. "I did what was right. I don't know if that investigation is continuing, I don't know if that investigation has been closed out. I don't have any sense of that. Again, it's not possible for there to have been retaliation."
Pelosi said Sunday that Linick's sudden firing could be "unlawful" if it was done in retaliation.
NBC and other outlets reported Monday that Linick was also nearly done with another probe, this one dealing with Pompeo's approval of a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia.
Linick's office "was investigating — at my request — Trump's phony declaration of an emergency so he could send weapons to Saudi Arabia," Engel said in a statement Monday. "We don't have the full picture yet, but it's troubling that Secretary Pompeo wanted Mr. Linick pushed out before this work could be completed."
The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday morning reported that Pompeo had refused to sit for an interview about the Saudi arms deal with the IG's office. Politico first reported Pompeo's refusal to be interviewed.
Trump addressed the firing publicly during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.
"I don't know the guy at all, I never even heard of him, but I was asked to by the State Department, by Mike," Trump said. Pompeo sat across from him at the White House meeting.
"I offered most of my people, almost all of them, I said, 'You know, these are [former President Barack] Obama appointees, if you'd like to let them go I think you should let them go, but that's up to you,'" Trump said.
"They asked me to terminate him. I have the absolute right as president to terminate," Trump added. "I don't know what's going on other than that but you'd have to ask Mike Pompeo. But they did ask me to do it and I did it."
-- CNBC's Amanda Macias contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Trump has 'legal responsibility' to wear coronavirus mask during Ford factory visit, Michigan attorn

Trump has 'legal responsibility' to wear coronavirus mask during Ford factory visit, Michigan attorney general says

Michigan 's attorney general said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has a `` legal responsibility '' — under state law — to wear a mask as a coronavirus precaution when he visits a Ford Motor Co. factory Thursday .
In an open letter to Trump , who so far has refused to wear a mask , Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote , `` I ask that while you are on tour you respect the great efforts of the men and women at Ford — and across this state — by wearing a facial covering . ''
Ford , whose Rawsonville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host Trump on Thursday , has a policy of requiring masks there .
The company said it has informed the White House about that policy .
But Ford also said Tuesday , `` The White House has its own safety and testing policies in place and will make its own determination '' about whether Trump and his party will wear masks during the visit .
Ford twice this week has briefly shuttered plants elsewhere after several workers tested positive for the coronavirus .
Asked Tuesday by reporters if he would wear a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first said , `` I do n't know . ''
`` It depends .
In certain areas I would , '' the president said .
`` So , we 'll see .
Where it 's appropriate , I will . ''
But Nessel , in her letter to Trump , wrote that the mask requirement `` is not just the policy of Ford , by virtue of the Governor 's Executive Orders . ''
`` It is currently the law of this State . ''
The White House had no comment about Nessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a personal valet at the White House who served Trump recently tested positive for Covid-19 .
The president has repeatedly tested negative for the virus .
The letter said , `` Michigan has been hit especially hard by the virus , with more than 50,000 confirmed cases and 5,000 deaths . ''
`` Anyone who has potentially been recently exposed , including the President of the United States , has not only a legal responsibility , but also a social and moral responsibility , to take reasonable precautions to prevent further spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The attorney general 's letter also noted that Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer recently issued an executive order requiring that manufacturing facilities in Michigan `` suspend all non-essential in-person visits , including tours . ''
The order also requires such facilities to screen workers and other people entering the job site , and people in a work site be `` kept at least six feet from one another to the maximum extent possible , '' the letter noted .
And , the order `` requires that any individual able to medically tolerate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enclosed public space , '' the letter said .
Nessel told Trump in the letter that `` while my Department will not act to prevent you from touring Ford 's plant , I ask that while you are on tour '' he wear a mask .

President Donald Trump talks to journalists as he departs the White House May 05, 2020 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images
Michigan's attorney general said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has a "legal responsibility" — under state law — to wear a mask as a coronavirus precaution when he visits a Ford Motor Co. factory Thursday. In an open letter to Trump, who so far has refused to wear a mask, Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote, "I ask that while you are on tour you respect the great efforts of the men and women at Ford — and across this state — by wearing a facial covering." Ford, whose Rawsonville Components Plant in Ypsilanti is set to host Trump on Thursday, has a policy of requiring masks there. The company said it has informed the White House about that policy. But Ford also said Tuesday, "The White House has its own safety and testing policies in place and will make its own determination" about whether Trump and his party will wear masks during the visit. Ford twice this week has briefly shuttered plants elsewhere after several workers tested positive for the coronavirus.
watch now
Asked Tuesday by reporters if he would wear a mask at the Ford facility, Trump at first said, "I don't know." "It depends. In certain areas I would," the president said. "So, we'll see. Where it's appropriate, I will." But Nessel, in her letter to Trump, wrote that the mask requirement "is not just the policy of Ford, by virtue of the Governor's Executive Orders." "It is currently the law of this State." Tweet The White House had no comment about Nessel's letter, which referenced the fact that a personal valet at the White House who served Trump recently tested positive for Covid-19. The president has repeatedly tested negative for the virus. The letter said, "Michigan has been hit especially hard by the virus, with more than 50,000 confirmed cases and 5,000 deaths." "Anyone who has potentially been recently exposed, including the President of the United States, has not only a legal responsibility, but also a social and moral responsibility, to take reasonable precautions to prevent further spread of the virus," Nessel wrote.
Attorney Dana Nessel, surrounded by her family, announces her bid for Michigan Attorney General in Braun Court Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. Mandi Wright | Detroit Free Press | Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The attorney general's letter also noted that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently issued an executive order requiring that manufacturing facilities in Michigan "suspend all non-essential in-person visits, including tours." The order also requires such facilities to screen workers and other people entering the job site, and people in a work site be "kept at least six feet from one another to the maximum extent possible," the letter noted. And, the order "requires that any individual able to medically tolerate a facial covering wear one when in any enclosed public space," the letter said. Nessel told Trump in the letter that "while my Department will not act to prevent you from touring Ford's plant, I ask that while you are on tour" he wear a mask.
watch now
Ford closed and then reopened its Chicago Assembly plant within less than 24 hours after two workers there tested positive for the coronavirus, the company said Wednesday. The brief closure was the first time a plant had been shuttered for that reason since Detroit automakers began reopening their large North American assembly plants on Monday. Those facilities shut down in March to protect workers and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. On Wednesday, Ford said that the company had temporarily closed its Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant after a worker tested positive for Covid-19. Ford said it expected to restart the Dearborn facility later Wednesday. Trump has consistently resisted pressure to wear a mask even despite federal health officials urging all Americans to wear facial coverings when going out into public and being unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others. White House staffers were instructed last week that they had to wear masks or facial coverings when entering the West Wing of that building. Trump did not wear a mask during a visit in early May to a Honeywell factory in Phoenix that is making N95 masks. A sign at that factory says that masks are required for people in the facility. Pence wore a face mask in late April during a visit to a General Motors ventilator factory in Indiana, which requires masks to be worn. But just days earlier, Pence did not wear one for a tour of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, which likewise requires masks for all visitors, staff and patients.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Joe Biden campaign calls GOP's Hunter Biden probe a 'smear' aimed at saving Trump's job as coronavir

Joe Biden campaign calls GOP's Hunter Biden probe a 'smear' aimed at saving Trump's job as coronavirus rages

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the media and a handful of supporters at Berston Field House on March 9 , 2020 , in Flint , Michigan .
Former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign on Wednesday blasted a leading Republican senator for pursuing a probe related to his son Hunter Biden , calling it a `` smear '' aimed at trying to save President Donald Trump 's job .
The apparent Democratic presidential nominee 's campaign lashed out after a committee chaired by Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , voted to authorize issuing a subpoena to a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine gas company , Burisma Holdings , on whose board Hunter Biden sat for years .
The PR firm , Blue Star Strategies , wrote to Johnson on Wednesday , saying it did not understand why the formal legal demand for information was necessary since the company has repeatedly cooperated with the committee 's past requests for documents .
The Biden campaign tied the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 's vote to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , which has killed at least 92,000 Americans .
Andrew Bates , a spokesman for Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email , `` We 're in the middle of the worst public health and economic crisis in a century , and what is Senator Johnson focused on ?
Running a political errand for Donald Trump by wasting Homeland Security Committee time and resources attempting to resurrect a craven , previously-debunked smear against Vice President Biden . ''
`` Then again , this is consistent with how Senator Johnson has callously downplayed the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak while the death toll rises , '' Bates said .
`` Senator Johnson should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but instead he 's just trying to save the President 's job . ''
Republicans are investigating whether Blue Star Strategies tried to exploit Hunter Biden 's connection to Burisma when his father was serving as President Barack Obama 's vice president to `` gain access to and potentially influence U.S. government agencies , '' according to Johnson .
Johnson , whose committee 's Democratic members voted against issuing the subpoena , told reporters that he would like to release a report on the Burisma investigation in June .
Burisma and Hunter Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Trump 's impeachment last year by the Democratic-led House of Representatives .
Trump and his associates last summer pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to announce investigations into allegations against the Bidens , as well as into a discredited theory that Ukraine , not Russia , interfered in the 2016 presidential election .
Hunter Biden was on Burisma 's board when his father , while serving as vice president , pressured Ukraine 's government to fire a prosecutor in that country because of concerns that the prosecutor was not doing enough to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in line with that of European governments concerned about corruption in Ukraine .
But Trump and his allies argued that Joe Biden was acting out of concern that the prosecutor was investigating Burisma .
Trump was acquitted after a trial in the GOP-controlled Senate .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , accused his GOP counterparts on Wednesday of trying to help Trump 's re-election campaign by engaging in `` phony investigations . ''
`` Senate Republicans are not just ignoring the coronavirus , they 're practically sprinting towards a partisan election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election campaign , not what it was ever intended to be by the founding fathers or anyone else until this fever to bow down to President Trump 's wild conspiracy theories has overtaken just about every Senate Republican , '' Schumer said on the Senate floor .
In a letter to Johnson earlier Wednesday , Blue Star CEO Karen Tramontano said that the firm in early December `` responded immediately and agreed to cooperate '' when Johnson asked for the company 's assistance with the probe .
Tramontano wrote that the firm in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Committee 's questions and we provided documents about our meetings with the U.S. Government regarding Burisma . ''
She noted that in mid-March , Blue Star was asked `` to provide additional information . ''
But the coronavirus outbreak and a `` stay at home '' order in Washington , D.C. , delayed its response to that request , she wrote .
Earlier this week , Tramontano wrote , `` we provided answers and additional supporting documents to all the Committee 's question outlined in your December 3 , 2019 , letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then `` expanded its request '' and asked for additional documents .
That information was provided Tuesday , she wrote .

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the media and a handful of supporters at Berston Field House on March 9, 2020, in Flint, Michigan.
Former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign on Wednesday blasted a leading Republican senator for pursuing a probe related to his son Hunter Biden, calling it a "smear" aimed at trying to save President Donald Trump's job.
The apparent Democratic presidential nominee's campaign lashed out after a committee chaired by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., voted to authorize issuing a subpoena to a public relations firm that did work for a Ukraine gas company, Burisma Holdings, on whose board Hunter Biden sat for years.
The PR firm, Blue Star Strategies, wrote to Johnson on Wednesday, saying it did not understand why the formal legal demand for information was necessary since the company has repeatedly cooperated with the committee's past requests for documents.
The Biden campaign tied the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's vote to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has killed at least 92,000 Americans.
Andrew Bates, a spokesman for Joe Biden's campaign, told CNBC in an email, "We're in the middle of the worst public health and economic crisis in a century, and what is Senator Johnson focused on? Running a political errand for Donald Trump by wasting Homeland Security Committee time and resources attempting to resurrect a craven, previously-debunked smear against Vice President Biden."
"Then again, this is consistent with how Senator Johnson has callously downplayed the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak while the death toll rises," Bates said. "Senator Johnson should be working overtime to save American lives — but instead he's just trying to save the President's job."
Republicans are investigating whether Blue Star Strategies tried to exploit Hunter Biden's connection to Burisma when his father was serving as President Barack Obama's vice president to "gain access to and potentially influence U.S. government agencies," according to Johnson.
Johnson, whose committee's Democratic members voted against issuing the subpoena, told reporters that he would like to release a report on the Burisma investigation in June.
Burisma and Hunter Biden's connection to it were central issues in Trump's impeachment last year by the Democratic-led House of Representatives.
Trump and his associates last summer pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to announce investigations into allegations against the Bidens, as well as into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 presidential election.
Hunter Biden was on Burisma's board when his father, while serving as vice president, pressured Ukraine's government to fire a prosecutor in that country because of concerns that the prosecutor was not doing enough to fight corruption. Joe Biden's stance was in line with that of European governments concerned about corruption in Ukraine.
But Trump and his allies argued that Joe Biden was acting out of concern that the prosecutor was investigating Burisma.
Trump was acquitted after a trial in the GOP-controlled Senate.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., accused his GOP counterparts on Wednesday of trying to help Trump's re-election campaign by engaging in "phony investigations."
"Senate Republicans are not just ignoring the coronavirus, they're practically sprinting towards a partisan election, making this chamber part of a re-election campaign, not what it was ever intended to be by the founding fathers or anyone else until this fever to bow down to President Trump's wild conspiracy theories has overtaken just about every Senate Republican," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
In a letter to Johnson earlier Wednesday, Blue Star CEO Karen Tramontano said that the firm in early December "responded immediately and agreed to cooperate" when Johnson asked for the company's assistance with the probe.
Tramontano wrote that the firm in mid-December "submitted answers in writing to the Committee's questions and we provided documents about our meetings with the U.S. Government regarding Burisma."
She noted that in mid-March, Blue Star was asked "to provide additional information." But the coronavirus outbreak and a "stay at home" order in Washington, D.C., delayed its response to that request, she wrote.
Earlier this week, Tramontano wrote, "we provided answers and additional supporting documents to all the Committee's question outlined in your December 3, 2019, letter."
She noted that the committee then "expanded its request" and asked for additional documents. That information was provided Tuesday, she wrote.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Klobuchar and Democrats push antitrust regulators to scrutinize Uber's potential deal for Grubhub

Two Uber Eats delivery courier wait outside Mc Donalds fast food in Ghent , Belgium on May 14 , 2020 .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar delivered a letter Wednesday to the country 's top antitrust officials – Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Joseph Simons – urging scrutiny of Uber 's potential acquisition of Grubhub .
Uber , which has a market capitalization of $ 59 billion , has made an offer to buy food delivery company Grubhub , which has a market capitalization of $ 5.3 billion , CNBC has reported .
It is unclear whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on price .
The talks come as the coronavirus pandemic has crushed Uber 's ride-sharing business but grown demand for food delivery .
Uber said earlier this month it will lay off 3,700 people , or about 14 % of its 26,900 employees .
The spotlight from Klobuchar and other lawmakers is likely an unwelcome backdrop to deal discussions .
Such scrutiny can result in CEOs testifying before Congress .
Both companies have already drawn negative public attention on issues ranging from restaurant fee policy to worker treatment .
`` As our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges brought about by the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic , many consumers have turned to food delivery apps to order meals online , and many restaurants have come to rely on the business they get through these apps to stay afloat , '' wrote Klobuchar , D-Minn. , along with fellow Democratic Sens .
Patrick Leahy of Vermont , Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey .
`` A merger of Uber Eats and Grubhub would combine two of the three largest food delivery application providers and raise serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , '' they said .
`` We urge the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to closely monitor the negotiations of this potential transaction and to initiate an investigation if the parties reach an agreement to merge . ''
The senators said that it is `` particularly troubling that this merger is being contemplated during a pandemic , when consumer demand has increased and when restaurants are more desperate for revenue than ever . ''
They said they `` have been hearing about the exorbitant fees '' that online delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Representatives for Uber , Grubhub , the DOJ and the FTC did n't immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawmakers ' letter .
Klobuchar , a former presidential candidate , has been mentioned as a potential running mate for apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
In their letter , Klobuchar , Leahy and Blumenthal argue that Uber Eats , Grubhub , and Doordash account for 20 % , 28 % , and 42 % of online app-based food delivery sales across the nation , respectively .
Merging Uber Eats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly at the local level , the Democrats argue .
In New York City , for example , they said Uber Eats and Grubhub would have a hold on 79 % of the market .
`` These market shares are staggering , '' they wrote , `` particularly in light of the leverage that these online delivery companies already wield over restaurants , delivery workers , and consumers , especially during this pandemic . ''
The senators are part of a broader chorus of lawmakers calling for tough antitrust scrutiny amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow already powerful players to amass even more share , as small competition fall by the wayside .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass .
and fellow progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , have proposed `` The Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act '' to `` stop large corporations from exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to engage in harmful mergers .
Rep. David Cicilline , D-R.I. has said he wants in language in the next relief package banning most mergers during the pandemic , though such language did not make its way in the $ 3 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Justice Department and a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general are working on an antitrust lawsuit against Google as part of an investigation that started prior to the pandemic .
Still , the DOJ 's Delrahim told CNBC that some transactions may be `` very necessary '' now — to ensure that companies have liquidity and to keep workers employed .
He said his department will not review transactions with its `` head in the sand . ''

Sen. Amy Klobuchar delivered a letter Wednesday to the country's top antitrust officials – Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Joseph Simons – urging scrutiny of Uber 's potential acquisition of Grubhub .
Uber , which has a market capitalization of $59 billion, has made an offer to buy food delivery company Grubhub, which has a market capitalization of $5.3 billion, CNBC has reported. It is unclear whether the two will come to an agreement on price.
The talks come as the coronavirus pandemic has crushed Uber's ride-sharing business but grown demand for food delivery. Uber said earlier this month it will lay off 3,700 people, or about 14% of its 26,900 employees.
The spotlight from Klobuchar and other lawmakers is likely an unwelcome backdrop to deal discussions. Such scrutiny can result in CEOs testifying before Congress. Both companies have already drawn negative public attention on issues ranging from restaurant fee policy to worker treatment.
"As our country grapples with the many health and safety challenges brought about by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many consumers have turned to food delivery apps to order meals online, and many restaurants have come to rely on the business they get through these apps to stay afloat," wrote Klobuchar, D-Minn., along with fellow Democratic Sens. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey.
"A merger of Uber Eats and Grubhub would combine two of the three largest food delivery application providers and raise serious competition issues in many markets around the country," they said.
"We urge the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to closely monitor the negotiations of this potential transaction and to initiate an investigation if the parties reach an agreement to merge."
The senators said that it is "particularly troubling that this merger is being contemplated during a pandemic, when consumer demand has increased and when restaurants are more desperate for revenue than ever." They said they "have been hearing about the exorbitant fees" that online delivery app companies have been charging to restaurants.
Representatives for Uber, Grubhub, the DOJ and the FTC didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawmakers' letter.
Klobuchar, a former presidential candidate, has been mentioned as a potential running mate for apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
In their letter, Klobuchar, Leahy and Blumenthal argue that Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Doordash account for 20%, 28%, and 42% of online app-based food delivery sales across the nation, respectively. Merging Uber Eats and Grubhub would create significant anticompetitive effects, particularly at the local level, the Democrats argue. In New York City, for example, they said Uber Eats and Grubhub would have a hold on 79% of the market.
"These market shares are staggering," they wrote, "particularly in light of the leverage that these online delivery companies already wield over restaurants, delivery workers, and consumers, especially during this pandemic."
The senators are part of a broader chorus of lawmakers calling for tough antitrust scrutiny amid the pandemic, worried that the crisis will allow already powerful players to amass even more share, as small competition fall by the wayside.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. and fellow progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have proposed "The Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act" to "stop large corporations from exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to engage in harmful mergers.
Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I. has said he wants in language in the next relief package banning most mergers during the pandemic, though such language did not make its way in the $3 trillion relief package that Democrats passed last Friday.
The Justice Department and a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general are working on an antitrust lawsuit against Google as part of an investigation that started prior to the pandemic.
Still, the DOJ's Delrahim told CNBC that some transactions may be "very necessary" now — to ensure that companies have liquidity and to keep workers employed.
He said his department will not review transactions with its "head in the sand."


cnbc--2020-05-20--U.S. targets Iran's interior minister in latest round of sanctions

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Wednesday that it will sanction Iran 's interior minister for human rights abuses , the latest move in the Trump administration 's `` maximum pressure '' campaign against Tehran .
The new penalties targeted a dozen individuals , including Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli , according to the Treasury notice .
The sanctions also target three entities , including two prisons as well as a law enforcement group .
`` We have reason to believe Minister Rahmani Fazli gave carte blanche orders authorizing Iranian police forces to use lethal force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
`` His orders led to the killing of many protestors , including at least 23 minors , '' the nation 's top diplomat added .
The Treasury also targeted Iran 's Law Enforcement Forces , LEF , for the violent suppression of peaceful protests and for operating detention centers .
`` The United States will continue to hold accountable Iranian officials and institutions that oppress and abuse their own people , '' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement .
The LEF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad , also uses its detention centers to recruit fighters for Iranian militias , according to the Treasury .
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared after Trump 's withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration .
The 2015 nuclear agreement lifted sanctions on Iran that crippled its economy and cut its oil exports roughly in half .
In exchange for sanctions relief , Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and allowed international inspectors into its facilities .
Tehran has said it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
Separately , Pompeo is under scrutiny for his role in the firing of the State Department Inspector General .

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Wednesday that it will sanction Iran's interior minister for human rights abuses, the latest move in the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.
The new penalties targeted a dozen individuals, including Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, according to the Treasury notice. The sanctions also target three entities, including two prisons as well as a law enforcement group.
"We have reason to believe Minister Rahmani Fazli gave carte blanche orders authorizing Iranian police forces to use lethal force on peaceful protestors and bystanders," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. "His orders led to the killing of many protestors, including at least 23 minors," the nation's top diplomat added.
The Treasury also targeted Iran's Law Enforcement Forces, LEF, for the violent suppression of peaceful protests and for operating detention centers.
"The United States will continue to hold accountable Iranian officials and institutions that oppress and abuse their own people," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.
The LEF, separately sanctioned for supporting the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, also uses its detention centers to recruit fighters for Iranian militias, according to the Treasury.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared after Trump's withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration.
The 2015 nuclear agreement lifted sanctions on Iran that crippled its economy and cut its oil exports roughly in half. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and allowed international inspectors into its facilities.
Tehran has said it will not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place.
Separately, Pompeo is under scrutiny for his role in the firing of the State Department Inspector General.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Senators release bill to offer $4,000 skills training credit to workers displaced by coronavirus

Four senators introduced a bill Wednesday to create a credit that workers displaced by the coronavirus pandemic could apply to a range of skills training programs .
The legislation unveiled by two Democrats and two Republicans would make a fully refundable $ 4,000 tax credit available to people who lost their jobs due to the outbreak .
The workers could use it to offset costs of training such as apprenticeships , certificates and two- and four-year programs , including online learning , through the end of 2021 .
Sens .
Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , Ben Sasse , R-Neb.
, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott , R-S.C. , released the plan as Congress assesses how best to boost a U.S. economy wrecked by business shutdowns designed to limit the spread of coronavirus .
More than 36 million Americans have filed unemployment claims since the crisis started .
The economy has , at least for now , shifted more toward remote work and shopping , eating and recreation at home .
In a statement Wednesday , Klobuchar said the bill would `` help Americans gain skills that will be in demand for years to come and position them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earning potential as soon as businesses begin hiring again . ''
Sasse added that `` we have to make sure that Americans have the skills we need to compete , '' while Booker said the measure would `` ease the barriers to re-entering the workforce . ''
The bipartisan proposal comes at a time Democratic and Republican lawmakers have taken sharply different views on how to proceed in combating the pandemic .
Democrats want to quickly add to the more than $ 2.5 trillion in relief approved during the pandemic , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and municipalities , offer another round of direct payments to individuals and extend an enhanced federal unemployment benefit , among other priorities .
House Democrats passed a sprawling $ 3 trillion rescue package last week , but the GOP-held Senate has no plans to approve it .
Senate Republicans , meanwhile , have focused more on efforts to reboot the economy , pushing to ramp up testing and pass liability protections for doctors and businesses as states restart .
After he met with GOP senators on Tuesday , President Donald Trump spoke mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the U.S. would have `` really good '' third and fourth quarters .
Klobuchar and a group of Democratic senators also introduced a bill last week to give nonprofits grants they can use to hire workers as they face a cash crunch .

Four senators introduced a bill Wednesday to create a credit that workers displaced by the coronavirus pandemic could apply to a range of skills training programs.
The legislation unveiled by two Democrats and two Republicans would make a fully refundable $4,000 tax credit available to people who lost their jobs due to the outbreak. The workers could use it to offset costs of training such as apprenticeships, certificates and two- and four-year programs, including online learning, through the end of 2021.
Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Ben Sasse, R-Neb., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Tim Scott, R-S.C., released the plan as Congress assesses how best to boost a U.S. economy wrecked by business shutdowns designed to limit the spread of coronavirus. More than 36 million Americans have filed unemployment claims since the crisis started. The economy has, at least for now, shifted more toward remote work and shopping, eating and recreation at home.
In a statement Wednesday, Klobuchar said the bill would "help Americans gain skills that will be in demand for years to come and position them to rapidly reenter the workforce with increased earning potential as soon as businesses begin hiring again." Sasse added that "we have to make sure that Americans have the skills we need to compete," while Booker said the measure would "ease the barriers to re-entering the workforce."
The bipartisan proposal comes at a time Democratic and Republican lawmakers have taken sharply different views on how to proceed in combating the pandemic. Democrats want to quickly add to the more than $2.5 trillion in relief approved during the pandemic, as they push to send more money to states and municipalities, offer another round of direct payments to individuals and extend an enhanced federal unemployment benefit, among other priorities.
House Democrats passed a sprawling $3 trillion rescue package last week, but the GOP-held Senate has no plans to approve it.
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, have focused more on efforts to reboot the economy, pushing to ramp up testing and pass liability protections for doctors and businesses as states restart. After he met with GOP senators on Tuesday, President Donald Trump spoke mostly about his desire to kickstart commerce, saying the U.S. would have "really good" third and fourth quarters.
Klobuchar and a group of Democratic senators also introduced a bill last week to give nonprofits grants they can use to hire workers as they face a cash crunch.
Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Here's how Treasury Secretary Mnuchin may be wrong about job offers and unemployment

Steven Mnuchin may be wrong about one element of unemployment benefits and its intersection with a forgivable loan program for small businesses .
The Treasury secretary said Tuesday that workers would n't be able to continue getting unemployment benefits if they were to refuse a job offer .
`` If [ businesses ] offer back a worker and they do n't take that job , they will be required to notify the local unemployment insurance agency because that person will no longer be eligible for unemployment , '' Mnuchin said in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's claim — that a worker refusing a job offer would be ineligible for unemployment benefits — is generally correct .
However , the CARES Act , the $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package enacted in late March , offers several Covid-19-related reasons workers could continue collecting unemployment benefits , despite being offered a job .
`` If you get recalled to work and are offered a job , you ca n't say , 'No thanks , ' '' said Betsey Stevenson , a public policy and economics professor at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Department of Labor during the Obama administration .
`` But the CARES Act put in some caveats , '' she added .
Here are some examples of a `` qualifying circumstance outlined in the CARES Act , '' according to the DOL : If a primary caregiver is unable to work because a child 's school closure prevents them from working ; an individual or family member has been diagnosed with Covid-19 ; an individual is providing care for a family member who 's been diagnosed with Covid-19 ; or a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment because a health care provider has advised self-quarantine .
In those instances , a worker could refuse an offer and potentially still be eligible for unemployment .
The Treasury Department did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .
More from Personal Finance Job-hunting strategies for those in mid-career and out of work Post-pandemic , remote learning could be here to stay Small business layoffs may have hit bottom : Study Eligibility determinations may differ between states , which administer unemployment benefits .
I think states enforce differently , and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this point , '' Stevenson said .
Mnuchin 's testimony comes amid an unemployment drama that 's worse than any point since the Great Depression .
More than 36 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits over the past two months .
The CARES Act expanded unemployment benefits for jobless workers , partly by increasing pay by $ 600 a week and offering benefits to previously ineligible workers like the self-employed .
Republican lawmakers have criticized the increased money as a disincentive to return to work since many workers could make more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proponents say it was essential to get money into workers ' hands faster and most benefits lower-income earners , who could use the expanded financial help .
Meanwhile , bringing laid-off or furloughed workers back onto the payroll is a key element of the Paycheck Protection Program , which offers forgivable loans to small businesses to help weather the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic .

Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Treasury secretary, speaks during a virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing seen on a laptop computer in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S., on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testified on the $2.2 trillion virus rescue package passed by the Congress in March. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg
Steven Mnuchin may be wrong about one element of unemployment benefits and its intersection with a forgivable loan program for small businesses. The Treasury secretary said Tuesday that workers wouldn't be able to continue getting unemployment benefits if they were to refuse a job offer. "If [businesses] offer back a worker and they don't take that job, they will be required to notify the local unemployment insurance agency because that person will no longer be eligible for unemployment," Mnuchin said in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee. But the answer isn't that clear-cut.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Caveats
Mnuchin's claim — that a worker refusing a job offer would be ineligible for unemployment benefits — is generally correct. However, the CARES Act, the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package enacted in late March, offers several Covid-19-related reasons workers could continue collecting unemployment benefits, despite being offered a job. "If you get recalled to work and are offered a job, you can't say, 'No thanks,'" said Betsey Stevenson, a public policy and economics professor at the University of Michigan and former chief economist at the U.S. Department of Labor during the Obama administration. "But the CARES Act put in some caveats," she added.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Here are some examples of a "qualifying circumstance outlined in the CARES Act," according to the DOL: If a primary caregiver is unable to work because a child's school closure prevents them from working; an individual or family member has been diagnosed with Covid-19; an individual is providing care for a family member who's been diagnosed with Covid-19; or a person is unable to reach a place of employment because a health care provider has advised self-quarantine. In those instances, a worker could refuse an offer and potentially still be eligible for unemployment. The Treasury Department didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. More from Personal Finance
Job-hunting strategies for those in mid-career and out of work
Post-pandemic, remote learning could be here to stay
Small business layoffs may have hit bottom: Study Eligibility determinations may differ between states, which administer unemployment benefits. I think states enforce differently, and so I think you might see some variability in this point," Stevenson said.
Unemployment and forgivable loans
Mnuchin's testimony comes amid an unemployment drama that's worse than any point since the Great Depression. More than 36 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits over the past two months. The CARES Act expanded unemployment benefits for jobless workers, partly by increasing pay by $600 a week and offering benefits to previously ineligible workers like the self-employed.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Republican lawmakers have criticized the increased money as a disincentive to return to work since many workers could make more while unemployed than on the job. Proponents say it was essential to get money into workers' hands faster and most benefits lower-income earners, who could use the expanded financial help. Meanwhile, bringing laid-off or furloughed workers back onto the payroll is a key element of the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers forgivable loans to small businesses to help weather the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
watch now


cnbc--2020-05-20--Trump threatens to hold up funding to Michigan and Nevada for expanding vote-by-mail access

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) pandemic response during a Cabinet meeting in the East Room at the White House in Washington , May 19 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to withhold funding from Michigan and Nevada for expanding their mail-in voting services in an effort to avoid crowded polling centers during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Breaking : Michigan sends absentee ballots to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election .
This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path ! ''
Trump 's tweet incorrectly said voters in Michigan , a crucial swing state , will receive an absentee ballot in the mail .
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson , a Democrat , quickly corrected the president with her own tartly worded tweet .
`` We sent applications , not ballots .
Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa , Georgia , Nebraska and West Virginia , '' Benson said .
Benson 's office did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's unclear what `` funding '' Trump is referring to .
The White House declined to comment .
A senior administrative official at the Office of Management and Budget , which develops and executes the budget across the Executive Branch , told CNBC in a statement that `` no decisions have been made at this time '' regarding Trump 's threat to withhold funding and that `` discussions are on-going . ''
And it is unclear whether Republicans in the state will challenge the move .
Shortly after that tweet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting to carry out the state 's congressional primaries on June 9 .
`` State of Nevada 'thinks ' that they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots , creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for the State and the U.S .
They ca n't !
If they do , ' I think ' I can hold up funds to the State .
Sorry , but you must not cheat in elections , '' he tweeted .
Republicans vying in the primary for Nevada 's 4th Congressional District are itching to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horsford .
Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske , a Republican , introduced the vote-by-mail initiative in March in response to the coronavirus outbreak , Nevada TV station KSNV reported .
Trump has been a staunch critic of vote-by-mail expansion .
In April , he said mail-in voting `` does n't work out well for Republicans , '' suggesting that easier access to absentee ballots could determine whether the Republicans retain control over the Senate or win the House .
It may also affect Trump 's own fortunes in his reelection bid this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margins could be razor thin .
He has claimed that voting by mail leads to voter fraud , but there is no evidence that this is true .
Earlier this year , Trump submitted an absentee ballot to vote for himself in Florida 's presidential primary .
Michigan is among several states to take action to limit in-person voting due to the fear of spreading the coronavirus .
The pandemic has upended 2020 elections , forcing officials to seek safer or alternatives for Americans to cast their votes .
In the last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed or adjusted their presidential primaries due to a fear of spreading the virus among large groups .
Already , more than a dozen states have begun to prepare for the November election , with the anticipation that more voters will choose mail-in ballots over in-person voting .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on May 8 allowing all registered voters in the state to receive a mail-in ballot for the November election .
The issue has attracted the attention of several heavyweight Democrats , including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren .
On Tuesday , Warren urged the Senate to include $ 4 billion in the next coronavirus relief package to allow states to expand their vote-by-mail services for the general election .
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries , with more than 4.9 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 323,653 deaths , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 1.5 million cases in the United States and at least 91,938 deaths , according to the latest tallies .
Correction : An earlier version misstated the @ @ @ @ @ @

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic response during a Cabinet meeting in the East Room at the White House in Washington, May 19, 2020.
President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to withhold funding from Michigan and Nevada for expanding their mail-in voting services in an effort to avoid crowded polling centers during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Breaking: Michigan sends absentee ballots to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election. This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State," Trump tweeted. "I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!"
Trump's tweet incorrectly said voters in Michigan, a crucial swing state, will receive an absentee ballot in the mail.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, quickly corrected the president with her own tartly worded tweet.
"We sent applications, not ballots. Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia," Benson said.
Tweet
Benson's office did not immediately return a request for comment.
Hours later Trump revised his tweet, adding "applications."
Tweet
It's unclear what "funding" Trump is referring to. The White House declined to comment.
A senior administrative official at the Office of Management and Budget, which develops and executes the budget across the Executive Branch, told CNBC in a statement that "no decisions have been made at this time" regarding Trump's threat to withhold funding and that "discussions are on-going."
And it is unclear whether Republicans in the state will challenge the move.
Shortly after that tweet, Trump unloaded on Nevada for expanding mail-in voting to carry out the state's congressional primaries on June 9.
"State of Nevada 'thinks' that they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots, creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for the State and the U.S. They can't! If they do, 'I think' I can hold up funds to the State. Sorry, but you must not cheat in elections," he tweeted.
Tweet
Republicans vying in the primary for Nevada's 4th Congressional District are itching to win that seat held by Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford.
Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, introduced the vote-by-mail initiative in March in response to the coronavirus outbreak, Nevada TV station KSNV reported.
Trump has been a staunch critic of vote-by-mail expansion. In April, he said mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans," suggesting that easier access to absentee ballots could determine whether the Republicans retain control over the Senate or win the House. It may also affect Trump's own fortunes in his reelection bid this year, especially in swing states where margins could be razor thin.
He has claimed that voting by mail leads to voter fraud, but there is no evidence that this is true. Earlier this year, Trump submitted an absentee ballot to vote for himself in Florida's presidential primary.
Michigan is among several states to take action to limit in-person voting due to the fear of spreading the coronavirus.
The pandemic has upended 2020 elections, forcing officials to seek safer or alternatives for Americans to cast their votes.
In the last two months, multiple states and territories either delayed or adjusted their presidential primaries due to a fear of spreading the virus among large groups.
Already, more than a dozen states have begun to prepare for the November election, with the anticipation that more voters will choose mail-in ballots over in-person voting. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on May 8 allowing all registered voters in the state to receive a mail-in ballot for the November election.
The issue has attracted the attention of several heavyweight Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
On Tuesday, Warren urged the Senate to include $4 billion in the next coronavirus relief package to allow states to expand their vote-by-mail services for the general election.
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries, with more than 4.9 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 323,653 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 1.5 million cases in the United States and at least 91,938 deaths, according to the latest tallies.
Correction: An earlier version misstated the day of Trump's threats.


cnbc--2020-05-20--Investor Ricky Sandler pushes for herd immunity approach to coronavirus after his hedge fund suffere

Investor Ricky Sandler pushes for herd immunity approach to coronavirus after his hedge fund suffered losses

Ricky Sandler , founder and chief executive officer of Eminence Capital LP , speaks during a Bloomberg Television interview at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills , California , U.S. , on Tuesday , May 1 , 2018 .
A hedge fund chief who had a bullish view of the stock market when social distancing restrictions began is now supporting the idea of herd immunity to coronavirus as states begin to reopen .
Ricky Sandler , founder and CEO of Eminence Capital , recently told friends in a letter obtained by CNBC that he believes there should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while large portions of the population develop herd immunity .
Sandler , who suffered losses on his stock market positions nearly two months ago , writes : `` With proper coordination , I can envision Artists hosting virus relief concerts where young and healthy people go and hopefully get the virus and then the antibodies which allow them to donate blood to be used as a treatment or a prophylactic . ''
He went on to say that this proposal , which he calls `` Plan B , '' also would include `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life as we know it with no restrictions .
Individuals protect themselves and their families if they are worried .
Businesses and institutions protect their employees including the vulnerable the best way possible . ''
Sandler , who has no medical experience , notes that he supports the proposal of herd immunity over the `` Plan A '' of long-term social distancing .
`` In my mind , the choice is obvious and clearly Plan B for so many reasons , not the least of which is that it is the path least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he says in the letter .
Sandler later made it an open letter and published it on a website titled `` I Choose Herd Immunity . ''
There have been more than 1.5 million coronavirus cases in the United States and at least 91,000 deaths , according to a Johns Hopkins University tally .
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for reopening schools , mass transit and nonessential businesses that had previously been shutdown due to Covid-19 .
An article written by faculty at the Johns Hopkins School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to hopefully achieve some form of immunity , might not be such a good idea , especially without a vaccine .
`` For less severe diseases , this approach might be reasonable .
But the situation for SARS-CoV-2 is very different : COVID-19 carries a much higher risk of severe disease and even death , '' the authors wrote in April .
Sandler 's letter comes after a rough March for his fund and a practical joke involving Memorial Day .
As the Dow Jones Industrial Average started to tank in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bullish prediction for the stock market .
`` I think the people are totally missing what is happening here .
Every new headline , every new hysteria is making people more nervous , and it 's actually very , very positive , '' he said on `` Halftime Report '' at the time .
`` It 's all helping to contain the problem . ''
Reuters reported in April that Sandler 's market position led to the fund losing money .
His firm saw positive gains for most of the month of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the matter , but it 's unclear how much of a bounce back it has seen since then .
Earlier this month , Sandler and his girlfriend sent out a prank invitation to a house party dubbed a `` Memorial Day Bash , '' according to a flyer obtained by CNBC .
The invitation said it was supposed to take place Saturday , May 23 , at his home in upscale Sag Harbor , New York .
This came as New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo was continuing to put restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rule followers , '' the invitation says .
A person familiar with the event said that it was meant as a joke and that those who were invited were informed of the attempt at humor immediately after the memo was sent out to friends .
Another person with knowledge of the outreach told CNBC that as of earlier this week some of those invited were still RSVP'ing , apparently not aware that it was a joke .
Correction : This story has been updated to reflect a correct characterization of the hedge @ @ @ @

A hedge fund chief who had a bullish view of the stock market when social distancing restrictions began is now supporting the idea of herd immunity to coronavirus as states begin to reopen.
Ricky Sandler, founder and CEO of Eminence Capital, recently told friends in a letter obtained by CNBC that he believes there should be a widespread attempt at protecting the vulnerable while large portions of the population develop herd immunity.
Sandler, who suffered losses on his stock market positions nearly two months ago, writes: "With proper coordination, I can envision Artists hosting virus relief concerts where young and healthy people go and hopefully get the virus and then the antibodies which allow them to donate blood to be used as a treatment or a prophylactic."
He went on to say that this proposal, which he calls "Plan B," also would include "citizens that are comfortable go back to life as we know it with no restrictions. Individuals protect themselves and their families if they are worried. Businesses and institutions protect their employees including the vulnerable the best way possible."
Sandler, who has no medical experience, notes that he supports the proposal of herd immunity over the "Plan A" of long-term social distancing. "In my mind, the choice is obvious and clearly Plan B for so many reasons, not the least of which is that it is the path least likely to lead to civil unrest," he says in the letter.
Sandler later made it an open letter and published it on a website titled "I Choose Herd Immunity."
There have been more than 1.5 million coronavirus cases in the United States and at least 91,000 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for reopening schools, mass transit and nonessential businesses that had previously been shutdown due to Covid-19. An article written by faculty at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health said getting the virus in order to hopefully achieve some form of immunity, might not be such a good idea, especially without a vaccine.
"For less severe diseases, this approach might be reasonable. But the situation for SARS-CoV-2 is very different: COVID-19 carries a much higher risk of severe disease and even death," the authors wrote in April.
Sandler's letter comes after a rough March for his fund and a practical joke involving Memorial Day.
As the Dow Jones Industrial Average started to tank in March, Sandler went on CNBC to give his bullish prediction for the stock market.
"I think the people are totally missing what is happening here. Every new headline, every new hysteria is making people more nervous, and it's actually very, very positive," he said on "Halftime Report" at the time. "It's all helping to contain the problem."
Reuters reported in April that Sandler's market position led to the fund losing money. His firm saw positive gains for most of the month of April, according to a person familiar with the matter, but it's unclear how much of a bounce back it has seen since then.
Earlier this month, Sandler and his girlfriend sent out a prank invitation to a house party dubbed a "Memorial Day Bash," according to a flyer obtained by CNBC. The invitation said it was supposed to take place Saturday, May 23, at his home in upscale Sag Harbor, New York. This came as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was continuing to put restrictions on large gatherings. "We've never been rule followers," the invitation says.
A person familiar with the event said that it was meant as a joke and that those who were invited were informed of the attempt at humor immediately after the memo was sent out to friends.
Another person with knowledge of the outreach told CNBC that as of earlier this week some of those invited were still RSVP'ing, apparently not aware that it was a joke.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect a correct characterization of the hedge fund's losses.


cnbc--2020-05-21--The coronavirus is crushing bankrupt retailers' hopes for a rebound – and threatening even more jobs

Bankruptcy does n't need to mean the end of a company .
It can be a shot to shed debt , reorganize and come out stronger .
But during the coronavirus pandemic , bankruptcy filings are increasingly spelling doom for retailers .
In turn , it threatens thousands of more workers in an economy that has already suffered tens of millions of lost jobs .
Retailers ' woes could also have an impact on this year 's election campaign as employment will increasingly become a focus for politicians looking to appeal to the working class .
The bad news for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Home goods chain Pier 1 this week announced plans to liquidate its business after failing to find a buyer .
Modell 's announced plans to shutter its business in March .
Grocer Earth Fare , which filed for bankruptcy in February , only found a buyer for parts of it .
Contrast their fortunes with retailers like Macy 's and Mattress Firm , which have utilized court protection to get out of bad leases and downsize to their most profitable stores .
Some , like Gymboree and Payless ShoeSource , emerged from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But at least they had a shot to come back .
Those shots are likely to be fewer in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak , according to retail and restructuring experts .
Retail was already facing broader challenges as shoppers increasingly abandoned malls for online commerce .
Now , the financing for retail is n't there as banks tighten their purse strings .
It 's not clear that shoppers are going to be there , either .
A second wave of the coronavirus could be on the way later this year as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies under the guidance of the Trump administration .
`` Given the fact that unemployment on its way to 20 % and social distancing is an unpleasant reality – it 's difficult for me to envision a world where a bankrupt company trying to emerge from a Chapter 11 proceeding is going to be able to put financial projections that lenders have confidence in , '' said Eric Danner , a partner with CohnReznick Advisory 's Restructuring & Dispute Resolution Practice .
So far this year , the number of liquidation plans by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Five of the 15 retailers that have filed for bankruptcy to date have announced plans to shutter their businesses , according to data provider Debtwire , though some of those retailers could still turn into a liquidation .
Last year , 16 of the 25 retailers that filed for bankruptcy liquidated .
The year prior , 11 of 23 bankrupt retailers shuttered their doors .
But it 's only May .

Bankruptcy doesn't need to mean the end of a company. It can be a shot to shed debt, reorganize and come out stronger.
But during the coronavirus pandemic, bankruptcy filings are increasingly spelling doom for retailers. In turn, it threatens thousands of more workers in an economy that has already suffered tens of millions of lost jobs.
Retailers' woes could also have an impact on this year's election campaign as employment will increasingly become a focus for politicians looking to appeal to the working class.
The bad news for retailers and their employees keeps piling up. Home goods chain Pier 1 this week announced plans to liquidate its business after failing to find a buyer. Modell's announced plans to shutter its business in March. Grocer Earth Fare, which filed for bankruptcy in February, only found a buyer for parts of it.
Contrast their fortunes with retailers like Macy's and Mattress Firm, which have utilized court protection to get out of bad leases and downsize to their most profitable stores. Some, like Gymboree and Payless ShoeSource, emerged from bankruptcy only to fall back in. But at least they had a shot to come back.
Those shots are likely to be fewer in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak, according to retail and restructuring experts. Retail was already facing broader challenges as shoppers increasingly abandoned malls for online commerce. Now, the financing for retail isn't there as banks tighten their purse strings. It's not clear that shoppers are going to be there, either. A second wave of the coronavirus could be on the way later this year as states relax social-distancing guidelines and reopen their economies under the guidance of the Trump administration.
"Given the fact that unemployment on its way to 20% and social distancing is an unpleasant reality – it's difficult for me to envision a world where a bankrupt company trying to emerge from a Chapter 11 proceeding is going to be able to put financial projections that lenders have confidence in," said Eric Danner, a partner with CohnReznick Advisory's Restructuring & Dispute Resolution Practice.
So far this year, the number of liquidation plans by bankrupt retailers has not outpaced previous years. Five of the 15 retailers that have filed for bankruptcy to date have announced plans to shutter their businesses, according to data provider Debtwire, though some of those retailers could still turn into a liquidation. Last year, 16 of the 25 retailers that filed for bankruptcy liquidated. The year prior, 11 of 23 bankrupt retailers shuttered their doors.
But it's only May.