usatoday--2020-05-18--Feds connect al-Qaida contacts to deadly Pensacola Naval Air Station shooting

Federal investigators concluded that a Saudi military trainee who killed three service members during a shooting in December at a Florida naval base had been in contact with al-Qaida operatives for years , planning the lethal assault that reasserted the terror group as a global threat , Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray said Monday .
Authorities learned of the communication after gaining access to the contents of cellphones used by the shooter , 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani .
Until recently , investigators had been blocked from the information because of the Apple iPhone 's encrypted pass-code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Apple rejected requests for assistance in unlocking the devices , leaving the FBI to find its own key to the phones and , ultimately , Alshamrani 's ties to the terror group .
`` The phones contained information previously unknown to us that definitively establishes Alshamrani ’ s significant ties to al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula , not only before the attack , but before he even arrived in the United States , '' Barr said .
`` We now have a clearer understanding of Alshamrani ’ s associations and activities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the attack . ''
Wray said the information revealed on the phones indicates Alshamrani was radicalized as early as 2015 and joined the Saudi air force as part of his `` special operation '' against the United States .
`` This case is a potent reminder of the stakes of our work , '' Wray said .
Alshamrani , officials said , had been in almost constant contact with his terror associates , speaking to operatives in Yemen the night before the assault at the Pensacola Naval Air Station .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assisted in a counterterrorism operation targeting one of Alshamrani 's associates , Abdullah al-Maliki .
Barr did not elaborate on the operation that he said was `` recently conducted in Yemen . ''
Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers , the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee , said the FBI 's findings underscore al-Qaida 's `` persistent threat to our homeland security . ''
`` As we work to defeat this menace , the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense must better coordinate to screen foreign military students who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women , '' Rogers said .
In January , Barr declared the fatal shooting an act of terrorism motivated by `` jihadist ideology . ''
Alshamrani , 21 , who was part of a U.S. training program for the Saudi military , was killed in the rampage Dec. 6 .
Investigators found that on Sept. 11 , 2019 , the shooter posted on social media that `` the countdown has begun . ''
He visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City over Thanksgiving weekend , and he posted `` anti-American , anti-Israeli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two hours before the attack , authorities said .
Days after the attack , the Navy grounded more than 300 Saudi nationals who were training to be pilots .
Twenty-one Saudi trainees were expelled from the country .
Alshamrani began his three-year course in August 2017 with English , basic aviation and initial pilot training .
He was one of 5,180 foreign students , including 852 Saudi nationals , from 153 countries in the USA for military training .
Many operate American military hardware that foreign governments buy from the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest customer for arms , many of which are American-made .
DOJ , Apple at odds over assistance in investigation The investigation revived a long-standing dispute with Apple over law enforcement 's efforts to crack encrypted passwords on suspects ' iPhones .
Investigators recovered two heavily damaged iPhones from the deceased Pensacola shooter .
The gunman was suspected to have shot one of them in an effort to destroy it .
Investigators rebuilt both phones , but they were unable to bypass the encrypted passwords until recently .
Wray said the FBI designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Apple declined to assist and when outside companies were unable to unlock the devices .
`` While the FBI ’ s hard work has led to an important breakthrough in this case that should be celebrated , I must also express my great disappointment that it took over four months and large sums of taxpayer dollars to obtain evidence that should be easily and quickly accessible with a court order , '' Barr said .
`` Apple made a business and marketing decision to design its phones in such a way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no matter the circumstances , '' the attorney general said .
`` In cases like this , where the user is a terrorist , or in other cases , where the user is a violent criminal , human trafficker or child predator , Apple ’ s decision has dangerous consequences for public safety and national security and is , in my judgment , unacceptable . ''
Apple has denied Justice 's assertions since they were first leveled in January .
Military trainees get closer look : Pentagon to restrict , monitor foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base shooting Justice vs. Apple : DOJ says Apple has n't helped unlock Pensacola shooter 's iPhones .
Apple says it was asked only a week ago .
The company said it responded to the FBI ’ s requests for information , starting hours after the attack , provided “ every piece of information ” available to the company and lent “ continuous and ongoing ” assistance to FBI field offices in Florida and New York .
“ The false claims made about our company are an excuse to weaken encryption and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our national security , ” the company said in a statement , adding that weakening encryption “ will make every device vulnerable to bad actors.
” Describing the shooting as a `` devastating and heinous act , '' the company said it continues to provide assistance to federal and local law enforcement when needed .
`` It is because we take our responsibility to national security so seriously that we do not believe in the creation of a backdoor – one which will make every device vulnerable to bad actors who threaten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our customers , '' Apple said .
`` There is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys , and the American people do not have to choose between weakening encryption and effective investigations . ''
The dispute mirrors a standoff between the FBI and Apple involving an iPhone recovered in 2015 after a mass shooting in San Bernardino , California , that left 14 people dead .
In that case , the FBI went to court with a demand that Apple assist investigators .
That case was dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outside contractor who was successful in bypassing the passcode .
Brett Max Kaufman , a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union , said the Justice Department 's criticism of Apple is not warranted .
`` Every time there ’ s a traumatic event requiring investigation into digital devices , the Justice Department loudly claims that it needs backdoors to encryption , and then quietly announces it actually found a way to access information without threatening the security and privacy of the entire world , '' Kaufman said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the agency that cried encryption . ''

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Feds connect al-Qaida contacts to deadly Pensacola Naval Air Station shooting
Show Caption Hide Caption Naval Air Station Pensacola shooting: Barr confirms 'act of terrorism' U.S. Attorney General William Barr confirmed the December shooting at the Pensacola Naval Air Station was an "act of terrorism." USA TODAY
Federal investigators concluded that a Saudi military trainee who killed three service members during a shooting in December at a Florida naval base had been in contact with al-Qaida operatives for years, planning the lethal assault that reasserted the terror group as a global threat, Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray said Monday.
Authorities learned of the communication after gaining access to the contents of cellphones used by the shooter, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani. Until recently, investigators had been blocked from the information because of the Apple iPhone's encrypted pass-code features.
For months, Barr said, Apple rejected requests for assistance in unlocking the devices, leaving the FBI to find its own key to the phones and, ultimately, Alshamrani's ties to the terror group.
"The phones contained information previously unknown to us that definitively establishes Alshamrani’s significant ties to al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, not only before the attack, but before he even arrived in the United States," Barr said. "We now have a clearer understanding of Alshamrani’s associations and activities in the years, months and days leading up to the attack."
Wray said the information revealed on the phones indicates Alshamrani was radicalized as early as 2015 and joined the Saudi air force as part of his "special operation" against the United States.
"This case is a potent reminder of the stakes of our work," Wray said.
Alshamrani, officials said, had been in almost constant contact with his terror associates, speaking to operatives in Yemen the night before the assault at the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
The attorney general said the phones' contents assisted in a counterterrorism operation targeting one of Alshamrani's associates, Abdullah al-Maliki. Barr did not elaborate on the operation that he said was "recently conducted in Yemen."
Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers, the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the FBI's findings underscore al-Qaida's "persistent threat to our homeland security."
"As we work to defeat this menace, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense must better coordinate to screen foreign military students who pose a risk to American servicemen and women," Rogers said.
In January, Barr declared the fatal shooting an act of terrorism motivated by "jihadist ideology."
Alshamrani, 21, who was part of a U.S. training program for the Saudi military, was killed in the rampage Dec. 6.
Investigators found that on Sept. 11, 2019, the shooter posted on social media that "the countdown has begun." He visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City over Thanksgiving weekend, and he posted "anti-American, anti-Israeli and jihadi messages" on social media two hours before the attack, authorities said.
Days after the attack, the Navy grounded more than 300 Saudi nationals who were training to be pilots. Twenty-one Saudi trainees were expelled from the country.
Alshamrani began his three-year course in August 2017 with English, basic aviation and initial pilot training.
He was one of 5,180 foreign students, including 852 Saudi nationals, from 153 countries in the USA for military training. Many operate American military hardware that foreign governments buy from the United States. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest customer for arms, many of which are American-made.
DOJ, Apple at odds over assistance in investigation
The investigation revived a long-standing dispute with Apple over law enforcement's efforts to crack encrypted passwords on suspects' iPhones.
Investigators recovered two heavily damaged iPhones from the deceased Pensacola shooter. The gunman was suspected to have shot one of them in an effort to destroy it.
Investigators rebuilt both phones, but they were unable to bypass the encrypted passwords until recently. Wray said the FBI designed its own coding to bypass the locks when Apple declined to assist and when outside companies were unable to unlock the devices.
"While the FBI’s hard work has led to an important breakthrough in this case that should be celebrated, I must also express my great disappointment that it took over four months and large sums of taxpayer dollars to obtain evidence that should be easily and quickly accessible with a court order," Barr said.
"Apple made a business and marketing decision to design its phones in such a way that only the user can unlock the contents, no matter the circumstances," the attorney general said. "In cases like this, where the user is a terrorist, or in other cases, where the user is a violent criminal, human trafficker or child predator, Apple’s decision has dangerous consequences for public safety and national security and is, in my judgment, unacceptable."
Apple has denied Justice's assertions since they were first leveled in January.
Military trainees get closer look: Pentagon to restrict, monitor foreign trainees to prevent repeat of Pensacola Navy base shooting
Justice vs. Apple: DOJ says Apple hasn't helped unlock Pensacola shooter's iPhones. Apple says it was asked only a week ago.
The company said it responded to the FBI’s requests for information, starting hours after the attack, provided “every piece of information” available to the company and lent “continuous and ongoing” assistance to FBI field offices in Florida and New York.
“The false claims made about our company are an excuse to weaken encryption and other security measures that protect millions of users and our national security,” the company said in a statement, adding that weakening encryption “will make every device vulnerable to bad actors.”
Describing the shooting as a "devastating and heinous act," the company said it continues to provide assistance to federal and local law enforcement when needed.
"It is because we take our responsibility to national security so seriously that we do not believe in the creation of a backdoor – one which will make every device vulnerable to bad actors who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers," Apple said. "There is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys, and the American people do not have to choose between weakening encryption and effective investigations."
The dispute mirrors a standoff between the FBI and Apple involving an iPhone recovered in 2015 after a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 people dead.
In that case, the FBI went to court with a demand that Apple assist investigators. That case was dropped after the FBI secured the assistance of an outside contractor who was successful in bypassing the passcode.
Brett Max Kaufman, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the Justice Department's criticism of Apple is not warranted.
"Every time there’s a traumatic event requiring investigation into digital devices, the Justice Department loudly claims that it needs backdoors to encryption, and then quietly announces it actually found a way to access information without threatening the security and privacy of the entire world," Kaufman said. "The boy who cried wolf has nothing on the agency that cried encryption."


usatoday--2020-05-18--The Trump administration has recently moved to oust 4 government watchdogs. Here they are:

Corrections and clarifications : The article has been updated to clarify that Christi Grimm remains in charge of the inspector general 's office for the Health and Human Services but that President Donald Trump has nominated someone else to run the office .
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's decision Friday to fire his department 's inspector general marks the fourth time within the last three months that an internal agency watchdog has been targeted for removal by the Trump administration .
IGs are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate .
Working within the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their staffs are charged with reporting on government malfeasance and corruption .
Here 's a look at the inspector generals who have been ousted recently : State Department IG Steve Linick was appointed in 2013 during the Obama administration after serving other senior roles in the U.S. government .
A State Department official declined to say why Linick was fired , and the White House did not explain the move in a letter informing lawmakers .
But a Democratic aide , who was not authorized to speak on the record , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political appointee at the State Department `` to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs .
Pompeo . ''
Linick also oversaw the contentious investigation of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's use of a private email server and criticized her actions in a 2016 report .
On May 1 , Trump announced he would nominate a new HHS inspector general to run the office now headed by top deputy IG Christi Grimm .
The announcement came three weeks after the release of a report from her office that hospitals nationwide were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The April 3 report , based on a survey of more than 300 hospitals , described `` severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results '' as well as `` widespread shortages of personal protective equipment ( that ) put staff and patients at risk '' at a time when Trump was touting the federal response to the crisis .
The day after he was asked about the report during a press briefing , Trump tweeted that the report was a `` Fake Dossier '' written by someone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IG 's office in 1999 , serving in both Republican and Democratic administrations .
She 'll remain as the top deputy in the HHS inspector general 's office when the Senate confirms a permanent IG .
Trump replaced acting Defense Department Inspector General Glenn Fine on April 6 , removing not only the Pentagon 's top internal watchdog but also a key figure overseeing the trillions being spent by Washington to mitigate the economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Fine had been selected by fellow inspectors general to chair the Pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed a roughly $ 2 trillion stimulus bill known as the CARES Act in late March to help large industries , small businesses and health care providers weather the crisis .
The House Friday passed a bill that could add another $ 3 trillion to the effort .
Trump signaled his displeasure with the law 's oversight provision when he issued a relatively rare signing statement .
Trump said he would ignore portions of the law demanded by some Democrats to give Congress additional visibility into the stimulus spending , arguing that those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers enshrined in the Constitution .
On April 3 , President Donald Trump announced he had fired the intelligence committee watchdog who handled a whistleblower 's complaint involving Trump 's pressure campaign against the Ukranian president that triggered his impeachment .
Michael Atkinson reviewed the complaint that alleged Trump “ used the power of his office ” to solicit foreign help in the 2020 election , determining in late August that the complaint appeared credible .
The then-acting director of national intelligence , Joseph Maguire , prevented him from passing along the complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is typically required for national-security whistleblower complaints , after consulting with the White House and Justice Department

The Trump administration has recently moved to oust 4 government watchdogs. Here they are:
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump in firing intel committee watchdog over whistleblower complaint President Trump defends decision to fire Micael Atkinson, the watchdog who followed protocol and forwarded the whistleblower complaint to Congress. USA TODAY
Corrections and clarifications: The article has been updated to clarify that Christi Grimm remains in charge of the inspector general's office for the Health and Human Services but that President Donald Trump has nominated someone else to run the office.
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's decision Friday to fire his department's inspector general marks the fourth time within the last three months that an internal agency watchdog has been targeted for removal by the Trump administration.
IGs are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Working within the agency they monitor, the inspector generals and their staffs are charged with reporting on government malfeasance and corruption.
Here's a look at the inspector generals who have been ousted recently:
State Department
State Department IG Steve Linick was appointed in 2013 during the Obama administration after serving other senior roles in the U.S. government.
A State Department official declined to say why Linick was fired, and the White House did not explain the move in a letter informing lawmakers.
But a Democratic aide, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said the IG was probing allegations that Pompeo used a political appointee at the State Department "to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo."
Linick also oversaw the contentious investigation of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server and criticized her actions in a 2016 report.
Health and Human Services
On May 1, Trump announced he would nominate a new HHS inspector general to run the office now headed by top deputy IG Christi Grimm. The announcement came three weeks after the release of a report from her office that hospitals nationwide were struggling to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The April 3 report, based on a survey of more than 300 hospitals, described "severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results" as well as "widespread shortages of personal protective equipment (that) put staff and patients at risk" at a time when Trump was touting the federal response to the crisis.
The day after he was asked about the report during a press briefing, Trump tweeted that the report was a "Fake Dossier" written by someone with political motivations.
Grimm first joined the IG's office in 1999, serving in both Republican and Democratic administrations. She'll remain as the top deputy in the HHS inspector general's office when the Senate confirms a permanent IG.
Why didn’t the I.G., who spent 8 years with the Obama Administration (Did she Report on the failed H1N1 Swine Flu debacle where 17,000 people died?), want to talk to the Admirals, Generals, V.P. & others in charge, before doing her report. Another Fake Dossier! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2020
Department of Defense
Trump replaced acting Defense Department Inspector General Glenn Fine on April 6, removing not only the Pentagon's top internal watchdog but also a key figure overseeing the trillions being spent by Washington to mitigate the economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Fine had been selected by fellow inspectors general to chair the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, created after Congress passed a roughly $2 trillion stimulus bill known as the CARES Act in late March to help large industries, small businesses and health care providers weather the crisis. The House Friday passed a bill that could add another $3 trillion to the effort.
Trump signaled his displeasure with the law's oversight provision when he issued a relatively rare signing statement. Trump said he would ignore portions of the law demanded by some Democrats to give Congress additional visibility into the stimulus spending, arguing that those requirements would infringe on the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
Intelligence
On April 3, President Donald Trump announced he had fired the intelligence committee watchdog who handled a whistleblower's complaint involving Trump's pressure campaign against the Ukranian president that triggered his impeachment.
Michael Atkinson reviewed the complaint that alleged Trump “used the power of his office” to solicit foreign help in the 2020 election, determining in late August that the complaint appeared credible.
The then-acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, prevented him from passing along the complaint to Congress within seven days, as is typically required for national-security whistleblower complaints, after consulting with the White House and Justice Department
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen, Kevin Johnson, Tom Vanden Brook


usatoday--2020-05-18--Sen. Warren on brother's COVID-19 death: 'It just feels like something that didn't have to happen'

Sen. Elizabeth Warren said watching her oldest brother die from a distance after contracting COVID-19 was something she will never get over .
In an interview excerpt published by The Atlantic , the Massachusetts Democrat discussed the pain and anxiety of losing Donald Reed Herring , 86 , to the coronavirus , an experience shared by the loved ones of the nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. , and more than 316,000 around the world , who have died in the pandemic .
`` It just feels like something that didn ’ t have to happen , '' Warren said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Norman , Oklahoma , hospital .
Herring overcame pneumonia in February and contracted the coronavirus at an inpatient facility where a doctor had sent him for rehabilitation .
`` Pneumonia really takes it out of you .
And , you know , he ’ s old .
And so he went to the rehab and was ready to go home , '' Warren told The Atlantic .
`` He was packed up and ready to go home when somebody tested positive , and they wouldn ’ t let him leave .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 days , and every day he would say , ' I ’ m just fine .
In fact , he said , ' I think I probably had it before and I ’ m just too tough and didn ’ t even notice . '
`` And then he got sick , and then he died , by himself .
That ’ s the hard part – really hard part .
It ’ s hard to process things like this because everything is happening at a distance .
And human beings – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
We ’ re wired to be with each other .
It makes it hard , '' she said . '
I 'll miss you dearly ' : Sen. Warren announces her oldest brother died from coronavirus Herring was a B-47 and B-52 bomber pilot who flew 288 combat missions in Vietnam , according to The Boston Globe .
After 20 years in the Air Force , he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1973 before opening an auto-detailing business .
Warren often mentioned her brothers during her presidential run and featured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has called for an investigation into President Donald Trump 's handling of the pandemic , saying he `` misled the public from the start . ''
Warren is a contender to be the running mate of presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and has said she would be happy to join his ticket if asked .
When Warren lost her parents and a beloved aunt she said it was different because she and the rest of her family were able to be with them .
`` And we shared memories ; we grieved together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t breathe , '' she said of learning Herring had tested positive for COVID-19 .
She said they spoke on the phone every day for 11 days and Herring would tell her he felt fine .
But one day he did not answer and she learned he had been taken to the emergency room .
`` In any other state of the world , I would have been there with him .
We all would have been there with him .
And instead he was by himself , '' Warren said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s happening to him .
Is he afraid ?
Is he cold ?
I kept thinking about whether he was cold .
There ’ s no one there to talk to him while he waits for the doctor .
There ’ s no one there to be with him while he receives the news . ''
She said that after he was placed in intensive care , she would get updates on his condition from the nurses and her other two brothers .
`` It ’ s not the same .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hug ; we have to be with each other , '' she said .
`` It ’ s always hard to lose someone you love .
But to lose someone when you have to wonder : What were their last days like ?
Were they afraid ?
Were they cold ?
Were they lonely ?
That is a kind of grief that is new to all of us .
And my brothers won ’ t get over this .
They just won ’ t .
None of us will . ''

Sen. Warren on brother's COVID-19 death: 'It just feels like something that didn't have to happen'
Show Caption Hide Caption Sen. Elizabeth Warren's brother dies from coronavirus Sen. Elizabeth Warren's eldest brother, Donald Reed Herring, has died from the coronavirus. He was 86 years old. USA TODAY
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said watching her oldest brother die from a distance after contracting COVID-19 was something she will never get over.
In an interview excerpt published by The Atlantic, the Massachusetts Democrat discussed the pain and anxiety of losing Donald Reed Herring, 86, to the coronavirus, an experience shared by the loved ones of the nearly 90,000 people in the U.S., and more than 316,000 around the world, who have died in the pandemic.
"It just feels like something that didn’t have to happen," Warren said of Herring's death on April 21 in a Norman, Oklahoma, hospital. Herring overcame pneumonia in February and contracted the coronavirus at an inpatient facility where a doctor had sent him for rehabilitation.
"Pneumonia really takes it out of you. And, you know, he’s old. And so he went to the rehab and was ready to go home," Warren told The Atlantic. "He was packed up and ready to go home when somebody tested positive, and they wouldn’t let him leave. And I called him every day for 11 days, and every day he would say, 'I’m just fine. In fact, he said, 'I think I probably had it before and I’m just too tough and didn’t even notice.'
"And then he got sick, and then he died, by himself. That’s the hard part – really hard part. It’s hard to process things like this because everything is happening at a distance. And human beings – we’re not set up for that. We’re wired to be with each other. It makes it hard," she said.
'I'll miss you dearly': Sen. Warren announces her oldest brother died from coronavirus
Herring was a B-47 and B-52 bomber pilot who flew 288 combat missions in Vietnam, according to The Boston Globe. After 20 years in the Air Force, he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1973 before opening an auto-detailing business.
Warren often mentioned her brothers during her presidential run and featured them in a campaign video. Warren has called for an investigation into President Donald Trump's handling of the pandemic, saying he "misled the public from the start." Warren is a contender to be the running mate of presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and has said she would be happy to join his ticket if asked.
When Warren lost her parents and a beloved aunt she said it was different because she and the rest of her family were able to be with them. "And we shared memories; we grieved together."
Poll: Democrats want Elizabeth Warren as Joe Biden's vice president pick
"I remember thinking I couldn’t breathe," she said of learning Herring had tested positive for COVID-19. She said they spoke on the phone every day for 11 days and Herring would tell her he felt fine. But one day he did not answer and she learned he had been taken to the emergency room.
"In any other state of the world, I would have been there with him. We all would have been there with him. And instead he was by himself," Warren said. "I just kept imagining what’s happening to him. Is he afraid? Is he cold? I kept thinking about whether he was cold. There’s no one there to talk to him while he waits for the doctor. There’s no one there to be with him while he receives the news."
She said that after he was placed in intensive care, she would get updates on his condition from the nurses and her other two brothers.
"It’s not the same. You need to touch people. We have to hug; we have to be with each other," she said.
"It’s always hard to lose someone you love. But to lose someone when you have to wonder: What were their last days like? Were they afraid? Were they cold? Were they lonely? That is a kind of grief that is new to all of us. And my brothers won’t get over this. They just won’t. None of us will."
'Empathy matters': Elizabeth Warren endorses Joe Biden for president


usatoday--2020-05-18--Eric Trump says lockdowns about hurting his dad, coronavirus fears will disappear after election

Eric Trump , executive vice president of the Trump Organization , said Saturday that Democrats are `` trying to milk '' the coronavirus outbreak for political advantage , adding that concern about the outbreak will disappear after the election .
Speaking with Fox News host Jeanine Pirro , Eric Trump said Democrats `` are trying to milk this for everything they can and it 's sad . ''
He said the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , former Vice President Joe Biden , `` loves '' the pandemic because it allows him to avoid the campaign trail .
`` Biden ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrible blunder .
I mean even from his basement he 's making awful gaffes every single day .
So , his campaign is thrilled that he 's not going out there , '' said Eric Trump .
And he said Biden and his Democratic allies were happy to use the virus as a reason to his father from conducting campaign rallies .
`` They think they are taking away Donald Trump 's greatest tool , which is being able to go into an arena and fill it with 50,000 people every single time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ca n't get 10 people in a room .
My father is getting 50,000 in a room .
And they want to do everything they can to stop it . ''
When asked about the comments by President Donald Trump 's son , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Sunday , `` I think hyperbolic rhetoric on any side is not appropriate . ''
`` I just think we need to have balanced , accurate information out there .
That 's all I and our public health leaders are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that we 're now in a position where we can be reopening , '' he said on CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
Azar said President Trump `` laid out very balanced criteria and approaches that he suggests states follow '' as they reopen .
`` These are n't partisan issues , '' Azar said of Americans ' `` health and economic welfare . ''
Eric Trump was so certain that concern about the coronavirus , which has killed nearly 90,000 Americans , was politically driven that predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the election .
`` You watch , they 'll milk it every single day between now and Nov. 3 .
And guess what , after Nov. 3 , coronavirus will magically all of a sudden go away and disappear and everybody will be able to reopen , '' he said .
The president was sharply criticized for a similar comment he made at a Feb. 28 rally in South Carolina where he referred to Democrats ' criticism of his coronavirus response as `` their new hoax . ''
Many said the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , though Trump denied he was calling the virus itself a hoax .
The Biden campaign attacked Eric Trump 's remarks in a statement .
`` We ’ re in the middle of the biggest public health emergency in a century , with almost 90,000 Americans dead , 1.5 million infected , and 36 million workers newly jobless , '' said Kate Bedingfield , communications director for the campaign .
`` So for Eric Trump to claim that the coronavirus is a political hoax that will 'magically ' disappear is absolutely stunning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump `` ignored the threat of the coronavirus for months and has mishandled the response at every step since – destroying the strong economy he inherited from the Obama-Biden administrations and leading to countless unnecessary death . ''
She said that because of the president 's `` dismal record '' handling the pandemic , '' they 're desperate to do whatever they can to throw up a smokescreen to try to conceal his historic mismanagement of this crisis . ''
Eric Trump also accused the news media of `` stoking fear '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm for the Democrats . ''
`` They 're doing a massive disservice , '' he said .
`` But they 're doing it for one reason : they want to hurt Trump .
They tried to do with the Russia thing , they tried to do it with the Ukraine scandal , they tried to do it with impeachment .
Now , they 're trying to do it with coronavirus . ''
He said that shutting down the economy was not about slowing the spread of the coronavirus , but hurting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not believe Biden can defeat Trump .
Several polls show Biden leading with voters .
`` This is a very cognizant strategy that they 're trying to employ , '' he said .
`` It 's no different than the mail-in voting that they want to do all these places .
It 's no different than wanting illegal immigrants to vote in our country .
It is a cognizant strategy .
And it 's sad .
And , again , it 's not going to be allowed to happen and we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When asked if he believed Democratic governors ordered lockdowns in their states to hurt Trump , rather than protect their citizens , Azar said , `` I find that it 's better not to try to impugn individuals ' motives . ''
`` The president and the vice president and I have had superb working relationships with the governors across this country , from whether red state or blue state , '' he continued .
`` We have all been working in partnership to try to help the American people .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Eric Trump says lockdowns about hurting his dad, coronavirus fears will disappear after election
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Behaviors to practice when you return to everyday life Many states are ending their social distancing orders, so what practices should you continue to use as you return to everyday life? USA TODAY, Wochit
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said Saturday that Democrats are "trying to milk" the coronavirus outbreak for political advantage, adding that concern about the outbreak will disappear after the election.
Speaking with Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, Eric Trump said Democrats "are trying to milk this for everything they can and it's sad."
He said the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, "loves" the pandemic because it allows him to avoid the campaign trail.
"Biden can't go on stage without making some horrible blunder. I mean even from his basement he's making awful gaffes every single day. So, his campaign is thrilled that he's not going out there," said Eric Trump.
Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and the son of the president @EricTrump Trump joins “JUSTICE” tonight to react to my opening monologue and much more. Take a look. pic.twitter.com/bnn6QF2y4j — Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) May 17, 2020
And he said Biden and his Democratic allies were happy to use the virus as a reason to his father from conducting campaign rallies.
"They think they are taking away Donald Trump's greatest tool, which is being able to go into an arena and fill it with 50,000 people every single time," Eric Trump said. "Joe Biden can't get 10 people in a room. My father is getting 50,000 in a room. And they want to do everything they can to stop it."
When asked about the comments by President Donald Trump's son, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Sunday, "I think hyperbolic rhetoric on any side is not appropriate."
"I just think we need to have balanced, accurate information out there. That's all I and our public health leaders are trying to do, is to present the fact that we're now in a position where we can be reopening," he said on CNN's "State of the Union."
Azar said President Trump "laid out very balanced criteria and approaches that he suggests states follow" as they reopen.
"These aren't partisan issues," Azar said of Americans' "health and economic welfare."
Eric Trump was so certain that concern about the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 90,000 Americans, was politically driven that predicted it would no longer be an issue after the election.
"You watch, they'll milk it every single day between now and Nov. 3. And guess what, after Nov. 3, coronavirus will magically all of a sudden go away and disappear and everybody will be able to reopen," he said.
The president was sharply criticized for a similar comment he made at a Feb. 28 rally in South Carolina where he referred to Democrats' criticism of his coronavirus response as "their new hoax." Many said the president was downplaying the threat posed by the outbreak, though Trump denied he was calling the virus itself a hoax.
The Biden campaign attacked Eric Trump's remarks in a statement.
"We’re in the middle of the biggest public health emergency in a century, with almost 90,000 Americans dead, 1.5 million infected, and 36 million workers newly jobless," said Kate Bedingfield, communications director for the campaign. "So for Eric Trump to claim that the coronavirus is a political hoax that will 'magically' disappear is absolutely stunning and unbelievably reckless."
Bedingfield said Trump "ignored the threat of the coronavirus for months and has mishandled the response at every step since – destroying the strong economy he inherited from the Obama-Biden administrations and leading to countless unnecessary death."
She said that because of the president's "dismal record" handling the pandemic,
"they're desperate to do whatever they can to throw up a smokescreen to try to conceal his historic mismanagement of this crisis."
Eric Trump also accused the news media of "stoking fear" and said outlets were "essentially a propaganda arm for the Democrats."
"They're doing a massive disservice," he said. "But they're doing it for one reason: they want to hurt Trump. They tried to do with the Russia thing, they tried to do it with the Ukraine scandal, they tried to do it with impeachment. Now, they're trying to do it with coronavirus."
He said that shutting down the economy was not about slowing the spread of the coronavirus, but hurting his father because Democrats and the news media do not believe Biden can defeat Trump. Several polls show Biden leading with voters.
"This is a very cognizant strategy that they're trying to employ," he said. "It's no different than the mail-in voting that they want to do all these places. It's no different than wanting illegal immigrants to vote in our country. It is a cognizant strategy. And it's sad. And, again, it's not going to be allowed to happen and we're going to win in November."
When asked if he believed Democratic governors ordered lockdowns in their states to hurt Trump, rather than protect their citizens, Azar said, "I find that it's better not to try to impugn individuals' motives."
"The president and the vice president and I have had superb working relationships with the governors across this country, from whether red state or blue state," he continued. "We have all been working in partnership to try to help the American people. And we're going to keep doing that."


usatoday--2020-05-18--Donald Trump will tour Ford plant in Michigan that makes ventilators for coronavirus response

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump heads to Michigan on Thursday for the latest stop on his campaign to showcase companies that are producing equipment needed to battle the coronavirus pandemic .
The White House said late Sunday that Trump will travel to Ypsilanti , Mich. , where he will tour a Ford Motor Co. plant that is making ventilators for the coronavirus crisis .
The automaker and GE Healthcare announced plans in March to produce 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days .
Ford projected producing 1,500 ventilators by the end of April , 12,000 by the end of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early days of the coronavirus , doctors often complained about a shortage of ventilators .
But Trump , who has taken to calling himself the “ king of ventilators '' , now says that , after stepping up production , the U.S. has a surplus of the breathing machines and will send some of them to India and foreign countries in Africa to help fight the coronavirus .
Coronavirus supplies : Ford , GE Healthcare team up to produce 50,000 ventilators in Michigan The trip to Michigan comes as Trump is urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of events at the White House and elsewhere to project the image that life is returning to normal .
Last Thursday , Trump toured an Owens and Minor medical equipment factory in Allentown , Penn.
, that makes masks , gloves , and surgical gowns .
Trump used the event to highlight federal efforts to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile of critical supplies needed to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
Two weeks ago , he traveled to Phoenix , Arizona , where he toured a Honeywell aerospace facility that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not wearing a face mask during the tour , despite a requirement that masks be worn on the site .
Three days later , Vice President Mike Pence went to Des Moines , Iowa , for a meeting with religious leaders and a roundtable discussion on the nation ’ s food supply .
Both events were overshadowed by the news that Pence ’ s press secretary , Katie Miller , had tested positive for the coronavirus .
The announcement came just days after the White House had disclosed that a Navy valet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Michael Collins covers the White House .
Reach him on Twitter @ mcollinsNEWS .
Ground zero : Where coronavirus is n't : What 's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties ?

Donald Trump will tour Ford plant in Michigan that makes ventilators for coronavirus response
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Donald Trump explains why not all COVID-19 advisors wear masks President Trump's top health advisers attended a White House event with protective masks, though the president himself did not wear a face covering. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump heads to Michigan on Thursday for the latest stop on his campaign to showcase companies that are producing equipment needed to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
The White House said late Sunday that Trump will travel to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he will tour a Ford Motor Co. plant that is making ventilators for the coronavirus crisis.
The automaker and GE Healthcare announced plans in March to produce 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days. Ford projected producing 1,500 ventilators by the end of April, 12,000 by the end of May and 50,000 by July 4.
In the early days of the coronavirus, doctors often complained about a shortage of ventilators. But Trump, who has taken to calling himself the “king of ventilators", now says that, after stepping up production, the U.S. has a surplus of the breathing machines and will send some of them to India and foreign countries in Africa to help fight the coronavirus.
Coronavirus supplies: Ford, GE Healthcare team up to produce 50,000 ventilators in Michigan
The trip to Michigan comes as Trump is urging states to reopen and has staged a number of events at the White House and elsewhere to project the image that life is returning to normal.
Last Thursday, Trump toured an Owens and Minor medical equipment factory in Allentown, Penn., that makes masks, gloves, and surgical gowns. Trump used the event to highlight federal efforts to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile of critical supplies needed to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Two weeks ago, he traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where he toured a Honeywell aerospace facility that makes respirator masks. But Trump made headlines for not wearing a face mask during the tour, despite a requirement that masks be worn on the site.
Three days later, Vice President Mike Pence went to Des Moines, Iowa, for a meeting with religious leaders and a roundtable discussion on the nation’s food supply.
Both events were overshadowed by the news that Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, had tested positive for the coronavirus. The announcement came just days after the White House had disclosed that a Navy valet to Trump also had tested positive for the disease.
Michael Collins covers the White House. Reach him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
Ground zero: Where coronavirus isn't: What's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties?


usatoday--2020-05-18--House Republicans unanimously back Paul Ryan for another term as speaker

WASHINGTON — Paul Ryan was unanimously chosen for another term as House speaker by his Republican colleagues on Tuesday as he called for his party to unite behind President-elect Donald Trump .
The 46-year-old Wisconsin Republican , who was often at odds with Trump during the long presidential campaign , has pledged to work closely with the president-elect to advance Trump 's agenda .
`` Welcome to the dawn of a new unified Republican government , '' Ryan declared at a news conference a few hours before the closed-door leadership elections .
`` It feels really good to say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government focused on turning President-elect Trump ’ s victory into real progress for the American people .
Our team is very excited , and we can not wait to get to work . ''
Ryan faces an election by the full House in January , when the new Congress convenes and will vote for Speaker .
He must win a majority of House members — 218 votes — to keep his job , and Republicans will control at least 239 seats .
Things were not going as smoothly Tuesday for House Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and failed to wrest control of either chamber of Congress from Republicans .
Democrats postponed their leadership elections , moving them from Thursday until the week after Thanksgiving .
A group of Democrats had circulated a letter among their colleagues saying a delay was needed to give members more time to analyze the election results .
Democrats are currently led by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, but at least one Democrat confirmed Tuesday that he may challenge Pelosi .
Rep. Tim Ryan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oust Pelosi and was among those pushing for the leadership election to be postponed .
`` He ’ s pleased with the ... delay , '' said Ryan ’ s spokesman , Michael Zetts .
`` This is a positive step in the right direction to try to understand what happened and where ( the Democratic Party is ) going to go from here . ''
Zetts said Ryan does not have a specific timetable for deciding whether he will run for minority leader .
`` He ’ s still considering it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Among Republicans , Paul Ryan has faced some of the same challenges as former Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio , in trying to hold together an often fractious GOP caucus .
Ryan was first elected speaker in October 2015 after Boehner retired amid growing criticism from the House Freedom Caucus and other conservatives .
While Ryan has also faced criticism from some of the same people , he has not encountered the kind of open rebellion that broke out against Boehner .
Ryan said Tuesday he knows that challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task ahead of us is enormous , '' he said .
`` If we are going to put our country back on the right track , we have got to be bold , and we have to go big .
This country is expecting absolutely no less . ''
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , Majority Whip Steve Scalise , R-La.
, and Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers were unanimously re-elected to their leadership jobs .
In the Senate , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , is expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Senate Republican Conference .

House Republicans unanimously back Paul Ryan for another term as speaker
GOP re-nominates Paul Ryan to be House Speaker Republicans have re-nominated Paul Ryan to be House speaker when next year's GOP-led Congress starts working on President-elect Donald Trump's agenda. (Nov. 15) AP
WASHINGTON — Paul Ryan was unanimously chosen for another term as House speaker by his Republican colleagues on Tuesday as he called for his party to unite behind President-elect Donald Trump.
The 46-year-old Wisconsin Republican, who was often at odds with Trump during the long presidential campaign, has pledged to work closely with the president-elect to advance Trump's agenda.
"Welcome to the dawn of a new unified Republican government," Ryan declared at a news conference a few hours before the closed-door leadership elections. "It feels really good to say that, actually. This will be a government focused on turning President-elect Trump’s victory into real progress for the American people. Our team is very excited, and we cannot wait to get to work."
Ryan faces an election by the full House in January, when the new Congress convenes and will vote for Speaker. He must win a majority of House members — 218 votes — to keep his job, and Republicans will control at least 239 seats.
It is a tremendous honor to be nominated by my colleagues to serve as Speaker of the House. Now it’s time to go big. pic.twitter.com/ot7fqYEGun — Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 15, 2016
Things were not going as smoothly Tuesday for House Democrats, who were devastated by Trump's election and failed to wrest control of either chamber of Congress from Republicans. Democrats postponed their leadership elections, moving them from Thursday until the week after Thanksgiving. A group of Democrats had circulated a letter among their colleagues saying a delay was needed to give members more time to analyze the election results.
Democrats are currently led by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., but at least one Democrat confirmed Tuesday that he may challenge Pelosi.
Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, is considering a run to oust Pelosi and was among those pushing for the leadership election to be postponed.
"He’s pleased with the...delay," said Ryan’s spokesman, Michael Zetts. "This is a positive step in the right direction to try to understand what happened and where (the Democratic Party is) going to go from here."
Zetts said Ryan does not have a specific timetable for deciding whether he will run for minority leader.
"He’s still considering it, but no decisions have been made," he said.
Among Republicans, Paul Ryan has faced some of the same challenges as former Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in trying to hold together an often fractious GOP caucus. Ryan was first elected speaker in October 2015 after Boehner retired amid growing criticism from the House Freedom Caucus and other conservatives.
While Ryan has also faced criticism from some of the same people, he has not encountered the kind of open rebellion that broke out against Boehner.
Ryan said Tuesday he knows that challenges remain.
"We recognize that the task ahead of us is enormous," he said. "If we are going to put our country back on the right track, we have got to be bold, and we have to go big. This country is expecting absolutely no less."
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers were unanimously re-elected to their leadership jobs.
In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is expected to be re-elected Wednesday to the top leadership job by the Senate Republican Conference.
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen


usatoday--2020-05-19--Trump says if Pompeo's 'wife isn't there' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Monday he preferred for government employees to wash Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's dishes if his wife or child were n't present , to allow him to do his work .
The president was responding to a question about Pompeo recommending that Trump fire a State Department inspector general who was investigating Pompeo 's potential misuse of government resources .
`` And now I have you telling me about dog walking , washing dishes and , you know what , I 'd rather have him on the phone with some world leader than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife is n't there or his kids are n't there , you know , '' Trump told reporters at the White House .
Trump fired the IG , Steve Linick , Friday and replaced him with an ally of Vice President Mike Pence .
A senior State Department official , who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution , said Linick was investigating Pompeo ’ s use of State Department staff to run personal errands for himself and his wife .
“ If Secretary Pompeo is involved in firing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation – then that is definitely retaliatory , ” the person said .
More : Trump administration 's firing of watchdog designed to protect Secretary Pompeo , Dems say 'This will kill you ' : Here 's what people are saying about Trump 's claim he is taking hydroxychloroquine Top congressional Democrats opened an inquiry Saturday into Pompeo 's removal of the government watchdog , and accused the Secretary of State of trying to shield himself from an internal probe .
More : Biden campaign said he would rescind Keystone Pipeline permit if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its investigation into possible impeachable offenses is n't over Trump claimed Monday that he did n't `` know anything about '' the investigations , saying `` You mean he 's under investigation because he had somebody walk his dog from the government ?
I do n't know , does n't sound , I do n't think it sounds like that important . ''
The President continued that maybe Pompeo was `` busy , and maybe he 's negotiating with Kim Jong Un , OK , about nuclear weapons .
So that he 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my dog ?
Do you mind walking my dog ?
I 'm talking to Kim Jong Un . '
Or , ' I 'm talking to President Xi about paying us for some of the damage they 've caused to the world and to us , please walk my dog . '
To who , a Secret Service person or somebody , right ? ''
Democrats Rep. Eliot Engel , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , and Sen. Bob Menendez , the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reports indicate that Secretary Pompeo personally made the recommendation to fire Mr. Linick , and it is our understanding that he did so because the Inspector General had opened an investigation into wrongdoing by Secretary Pompeo himself . ''
More : Mike Pompeo says he had no knowledge State Department IG was investigating him , firing was not retaliation Pompeo denied that he recommended the firing of the department 's watchdog because of an investigation into his conduct , saying instead that the official was `` undermining '' the State Department 's mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview Monday that he was unaware that Linick was investigating him for allegedly using a staffer to run his personal errands .
He acknowledged asking Trump to fire Linick , but declined to name any specific instances of Linick 's `` undermining '' the State Department , the outlet reported .
`` I went to the president and made clear to him that Inspector General Linick wasn ’ t performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to , that was additive for the State Department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s supposed to be doing , '' Pompeo said .
`` The kinds of activities he ’ s supposed to undertake to make us better , to improve us . ''

Trump says if Pompeo's 'wife isn't there' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump responds to Mike Pompeo investigation President Trump said if Mike Pompeo's 'wife isn't there' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Monday he preferred for government employees to wash Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's dishes if his wife or child weren't present, to allow him to do his work.
The president was responding to a question about Pompeo recommending that Trump fire a State Department inspector general who was investigating Pompeo's potential misuse of government resources.
"And now I have you telling me about dog walking, washing dishes and, you know what, I'd rather have him on the phone with some world leader than have him wash dishes because maybe his wife isn't there or his kids aren't there, you know," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump fired the IG, Steve Linick, Friday and replaced him with an ally of Vice President Mike Pence.
A senior State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said Linick was investigating Pompeo’s use of State Department staff to run personal errands for himself and his wife.
“If Secretary Pompeo is involved in firing his IG – who is heading up that investigation – then that is definitely retaliatory,” the person said.
More: Trump administration's firing of watchdog designed to protect Secretary Pompeo, Dems say
'This will kill you': Here's what people are saying about Trump's claim he is taking hydroxychloroquine
Here's Trump suggesting today that Mike Pompeo had good reason to ask a State Department employee to wish his dishes because "maybe his wife isn't there." pic.twitter.com/fMMaHbTeYs — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 18, 2020
Top congressional Democrats opened an inquiry Saturday into Pompeo's removal of the government watchdog, and accused the Secretary of State of trying to shield himself from an internal probe.
More: Biden campaign said he would rescind Keystone Pipeline permit if elected
More: House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over
Trump claimed Monday that he didn't "know anything about" the investigations, saying "You mean he's under investigation because he had somebody walk his dog from the government? I don't know, doesn't sound, I don't think it sounds like that important."
The President continued that maybe Pompeo was "busy, and maybe he's negotiating with Kim Jong Un, OK, about nuclear weapons. So that he'd say, 'Please, could you walk my dog? Do you mind walking my dog? I'm talking to Kim Jong Un.' Or, 'I'm talking to President Xi about paying us for some of the damage they've caused to the world and to us, please walk my dog.' To who, a Secret Service person or somebody, right?"
Democrats Rep. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote in a joint letter, "Reports indicate that Secretary Pompeo personally made the recommendation to fire Mr. Linick, and it is our understanding that he did so because the Inspector General had opened an investigation into wrongdoing by Secretary Pompeo himself."
More: Mike Pompeo says he had no knowledge State Department IG was investigating him, firing was not retaliation
Pompeo denied that he recommended the firing of the department's watchdog because of an investigation into his conduct, saying instead that the official was "undermining" the State Department's mission.
Pompeo told the Washington Post in an interview Monday that he was unaware that Linick was investigating him for allegedly using a staffer to run his personal errands. He acknowledged asking Trump to fire Linick, but declined to name any specific instances of Linick's "undermining" the State Department, the outlet reported.
"I went to the president and made clear to him that Inspector General Linick wasn’t performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to, that was additive for the State Department, very consistent with what the statute says he’s supposed to be doing," Pompeo said. "The kinds of activities he’s supposed to undertake to make us better, to improve us."
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen, Jeanine Santucci


usatoday--2020-05-19--'Who is that money helping?': Congress asks why Treasury, Fed have spent little of $500B for coronav

WASHINGTON – A bipartisan congressional panel is questioning why the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve have loaned out little of the $ 500 billion designated in a recent spending bill for economic relief from the novel coronavirus .
The Congressional Oversight Commission was created as part of the $ 2 trillion package that Congress approved to help individuals , businesses and local governments weather the economic catastrophe from the virus .
The day before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is scheduled to testify in the Senate , the commission reported that none of the $ 46 billion set aside for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to national security has been disbursed yet .
Of the remaining $ 454 billion available for emergency lending , the commission found that Treasury had disbursed only $ 37.5 billion to the Federal Reserve ’ s Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility for supporting corporate bonds .
“ What are the Treasury and the Fed doing with $ 500 billion of taxpayer money ?
” the report asked .
“ Who is that money helping ?
” The Treasury Department didn ’ t immediately reply to a request for comment .
The Senate Banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be holding a hearing Tuesday with Mnuchin and Jerome Powell , chairman of the Federal Reserve System .
The commission lacks a chairman , who must be appointed jointly by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky .
But four members of the commission – Reps. French Hill , R-Ark.
, and Donna Shalala , D-Fla. ; Bharat Ramamurti , a managing director for corporate power at the Roosevelt Institute and former aide to Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass .
; and Sen. Pat Toomey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely outlining questions to gauge how the $ 500 billion is being used .
Warren and Toomey each sit on the Banking Committee .
“ We aim to get answers to these and other questions in the report , ” Ramamurti said Monday in a tweet , with the next report expected in mid-June .
The commission noted that the relief legislation came during the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression .
The Labor Department reported 20 million unemployment claims in April , as the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and nearly $ 80 billion in April .
The $ 500 billion that the commission focused on is intended for loans to “ eligible businesses , states , and municipalities related to losses incurred as a result of coronavirus.
” The Main Street Lending Program is intended to help businesses with up to 10,000 workers or $ 2.5 billion in annual revenue The Municipal Lending Facility is intended to help states and counties with more than 500,000 residents and cities with more than 250,000 residents .
The Primary and Secondary Market Corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by buying corporate bonds or syndicated loans .
The oversight commission and members of the Banking Committee will be asking how to gauge whether the program is a success .
`` How will the Treasury and the Fed assess the success or failure of this program ? ''
the report asked .

'Who is that money helping?': Congress asks why Treasury, Fed have spent little of $500B for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption How to protect yourself from loan debt during coronavirus As families struggle in the new pandemic economy, here's what you need to know about loans, providers and how to get the best deal. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A bipartisan congressional panel is questioning why the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve have loaned out little of the $500 billion designated in a recent spending bill for economic relief from the novel coronavirus.
The Congressional Oversight Commission was created as part of the $2 trillion package that Congress approved to help individuals, businesses and local governments weather the economic catastrophe from the virus.
The day before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is scheduled to testify in the Senate, the commission reported that none of the $46 billion set aside for loans to airlines and other businesses critical to national security has been disbursed yet.
Of the remaining $454 billion available for emergency lending, the commission found that Treasury had disbursed only $37.5 billion to the Federal Reserve’s Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility for supporting corporate bonds.
“What are the Treasury and the Fed doing with $500 billion of taxpayer money?” the report asked. “Who is that money helping?”
The Treasury Department didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee will be holding a hearing Tuesday with Mnuchin and Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve System.
The commission lacks a chairman, who must be appointed jointly by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
But four members of the commission – Reps. French Hill, R-Ark., and Donna Shalala, D-Fla.; Bharat Ramamurti, a managing director for corporate power at the Roosevelt Institute and former aide to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; and Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. – released the 17-page report largely outlining questions to gauge how the $500 billion is being used. Warren and Toomey each sit on the Banking Committee.
“We aim to get answers to these and other questions in the report,” Ramamurti said Monday in a tweet, with the next report expected in mid-June.
The commission noted that the relief legislation came during the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression. The Labor Department reported 20 million unemployment claims in April, as the unemployment rate rose to 14.7%. Retails sales fell $46 billion in March and nearly $80 billion in April.
Senate approves nearly $500B virus aid deal A nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing. (April 21) AP
The $500 billion that the commission focused on is intended for loans to “eligible businesses, states, and municipalities related to losses incurred as a result of coronavirus.”
The Main Street Lending Program is intended to help businesses with up to 10,000 workers or $2.5 billion in annual revenue
The Municipal Lending Facility is intended to help states and counties with more than 500,000 residents and cities with more than 250,000 residents.
The Primary and Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facilities are intended to support businesses by buying corporate bonds or syndicated loans.
The oversight commission and members of the Banking Committee will be asking how to gauge whether the program is a success.
"How will the Treasury and the Fed assess the success or failure of this program?" the report asked.


usatoday--2020-05-20--DOJ warns California that re-opening could 'discriminate' against religious groups

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department on Tuesday put California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on notice , claiming that his plan for the state 's staggered re-opening from the threat posed by the coronavirus discriminates against religious groups and a return to in-person worship services .
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband , chief of the department 's Civil Rights Division , warned the governor that places of worship were being forced to take a back seat to a gradual resumption of operations at schools , restaurants , offices and shopping malls .
Dreiband , in a letter to the governor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that unfairly singled out religious worship for restrictions that the state would not impose on other activities .
`` The Department of Justice does not seek to dictate how states such as California determine what degree of activity and personal interaction should be allowed to protect the safety of their citizens , '' the letter states .
`` However , we are charged with upholding the Constitution and federal statutory protections for civil rights .
Whichever level of restrictions you adopt , these civil rights protections mandate equal treatment of persons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
California authorities did not immediately respond to Justice 's action .
But the warning to California marks an expansion of Justice 's intervention in states where religious services have been restricted by executive orders aimed at controlling the virus ' spread .
Justice intervenes in Virginia : DOJ sides with church in challenge to coronavirus state order limiting gatherings in Virginia 'Discrimination ' at Miss.
, church service : DOJ sides with Mississippi church in COVID-19 challenge ; church accuses police of discrimination Earlier this month , Justice sided with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state shutdown order limiting the size of religious gatherings , claiming it violated constitutional guarantees of free expression .
Federal authorities moved in the Virginia case after a pastor was cited by local police for hosting a service attended by 16 people – six more than allowed for such in-person gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic .
In March , the government joined the side of a Mississippi church after congregants were issued citations for attending a drive-in service .
Attorney General William Barr signaled early in the health emergency that Justice would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as overly restrictive .
`` Many policies that would be unthinkable in regular times have become commonplace in recent weeks , and we do not want to unduly interfere with the important efforts of state and local officials to protect the public , '' Barr wrote in a memo to federal prosecutors .
`` But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis .
We must therefore be vigilant to ensure its protections are preserved , at the same time that the public is protected . ''

DOJ warns California that re-opening could 'discriminate' against religious groups
Show Caption Hide Caption Restaurants and bars reopened around the country drawing crowds Many restaurants and bars around the country reopened this past weekend, and they turned out to be very busy. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department on Tuesday put California Gov. Gavin Newsom on notice, claiming that his plan for the state's staggered re-opening from the threat posed by the coronavirus discriminates against religious groups and a return to in-person worship services.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, chief of the department's Civil Rights Division, warned the governor that places of worship were being forced to take a back seat to a gradual resumption of operations at schools, restaurants, offices and shopping malls.
Dreiband, in a letter to the governor, cast the policy as "differential treatment" that unfairly singled out religious worship for restrictions that the state would not impose on other activities.
"The Department of Justice does not seek to dictate how states such as California determine what degree of activity and personal interaction should be allowed to protect the safety of their citizens," the letter states. "However, we are charged with upholding the Constitution and federal statutory protections for civil rights. Whichever level of restrictions you adopt, these civil rights protections mandate equal treatment of persons and activities of a secular and religious nature."
California authorities did not immediately respond to Justice's action.
But the warning to California marks an expansion of Justice's intervention in states where religious services have been restricted by executive orders aimed at controlling the virus' spread.
Justice intervenes in Virginia: DOJ sides with church in challenge to coronavirus state order limiting gatherings in Virginia
'Discrimination' at Miss., church service: DOJ sides with Mississippi church in COVID-19 challenge; church accuses police of discrimination
Earlier this month, Justice sided with a Virginia church in its challenge to a state shutdown order limiting the size of religious gatherings, claiming it violated constitutional guarantees of free expression.
Federal authorities moved in the Virginia case after a pastor was cited by local police for hosting a service attended by 16 people – six more than allowed for such in-person gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, the government joined the side of a Mississippi church after congregants were issued citations for attending a drive-in service.
Attorney General William Barr signaled early in the health emergency that Justice would be scrutinizing state policies that could be interpreted as overly restrictive.
"Many policies that would be unthinkable in regular times have become commonplace in recent weeks, and we do not want to unduly interfere with the important efforts of state and local officials to protect the public," Barr wrote in a memo to federal prosecutors. "But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis. We must therefore be vigilant to ensure its protections are preserved, at the same time that the public is protected."


usatoday--2020-05-19--Trump goes with his 'gut,' outside advice on decision to medicate with hydroxychloroquine

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump 's announcement that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine to fend off coronavirus has evolved into the pandemic 's latest political dividing line Tuesday as aides scrambled to explain his embrace of the untested therapy .
Trump 's unprompted disclosure that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine for nearly two weeks despite warnings from the Food and Drug Administration once again prompted questions about whether he is following advice from his own medical experts or is trusting his gut as he navigates the worst public health crisis in generations .
From refusing to wear a face mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to shelving federal guidance this month on reopening , Trump has framed his decisions as matters of personal choice rather than driven by science – a message that has resonated with some of his core supporters .
His moves have also drawn a sharp stylistic contrast with Democrat Joe Biden , whose campaign to unseat Trump has largely followed the advice of public health experts by refraining from events and urging Americans to follow public health guidelines .
Reaction : New warnings after Trump 's use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent malaria as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis .
Several studies have raised questions about the drug 's ability to fight the virus and its safety .
The FDA has warned that the drug should be avoided outside of hospitals or trials because of the risk of heart rhythm problems .
Trump rejected suggestions that the drug was unsafe during a Cabinet meeting and attacked one of the studies that indicated it could have serious side effects .
He described the drug as `` an extra line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no impact from it . ''
`` People are going to make up their own mind , '' he said told reporters on Capitol Hill earlier in the day in response to questions about whether he was putting Americans at risk by touting hydroxychloroquine .
Trump attacked one of the studies that indicated the drug could have serious side effects .
That study , which involved patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 treated at Veterans Health Administration medical centers , found there were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine than those receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday as “ the only bad survey ” and a “ Trump enemy statement ” and said it involved patients who were “ almost dead.
” But other studies have raised flags , too .
Two recent observational studies of patients in New York hospitals , one published Journal of the American Medical Association and the other in the New England Journal of Medicine , found no statistically significant benefit from the drug .
Another study from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine that has not yet been peer reviewed found evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have benefit for some patients .
The U.S. National Institutes of Health launched a large clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine given in conjunction with the antibiotic azithromycin last week .
It is among multiple studies underway to see if the drug can help decrease hospitalization and death from coronavirus .
James Pfiffner , a George Mason University professor who studies the presidency , noted that the president 's statement seemed to highlight `` his desire to blow off the warnings of experts and undermine confidence '' in U.S. health authorities .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to make him so appealing to his base , '' Pfiffner said .
Administration officials offered disjointed explanations Tuesday for Trump 's decision to take the drug as the controversy from his remarks a day earlier reverberated through Washington .
White House physician Sean Conley prescribed the drug to Trump , a senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity told USA TODAY .
That official said Trump is consulting with many physicians but declined to name them .
In his own telling , Trump raised the idea of taking hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around .
Trump said he asked Conley , `` What do you think ? ''
and the physician responded , `` Well , if you 'd like it . ''
Conley released a vaguely worded statement Monday asserting that `` the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks '' and he noted that one of the president 's valets had tested positive for the virus .
The White House confirmed that the valet had tested positive on May 7 .
Asked what evidence of the drug 's efficacy he is relying on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of positive calls about '' and cited a letter from a doctor from the New York City suburbs .
White House officials declined to name the doctor or others who had spoken to Trump .
Trump first mentioned the drug publicly two months ago while visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters .
Over the next two months , he named it at least 33 times , according to a USA TODAY review of White House transcripts .
He has been far less likely to discuss other potential therapies .
By comparison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a treatment , 11 times during that period .
The president repeatedly came under fire for raising the untested drug and for several weeks had largely avoided the issue .
But his past comments were brought to the forefront when vaccine expert Rick Bright filed a whistleblower complaint against the Department of Health and Human Services this month .
Part of that complaint raised concerns about the the president 's focus on the drug .
The latest episode recalled a controversy in April when Trump said scientists should look into whether ultraviolet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients .
His remarks prompted a rebuke from doctors and warnings from state health agencies against self-treatment .
Trump later claimed he was being `` sarcastic . ''
Presidential historians pointed to several themes in Trump 's decisions to try hydroxychloroquine , forgo masks and pressure states to reopen .
One is the president 's self-styled trust of his own `` gut '' over his experts .
Another is that Trump has never embraced the concept that a president models behavior for the rest of America .
`` I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself as role model , to hold up the best of what we can be , '' said Jeffrey Engel , director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University .
`` Trump ’ s entire ethos appears to be ' I am different than the rest of you .
The rules don ’ t apply . '
`` Democrats blasted Trump 's announcement about taking hydroxychloroquine .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , an outspoken Trump critic , suggested on MSNBC that Trump may have raised the issue to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening . ''
Or , he said , `` maybe he ’ s just lying . ''
Allies of the president defended the decision , underscoring how the announcement – like face masks and reopening protests – are viewed through political frames .
Tom Fitton , president of the conservative activist group Judicial Watch , tweeted Tuesday that while the drug was not without its risks , it was a `` gamble worth taking . ''
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn described the decision Tuesday as `` between a patient and their doctor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentiment in an interview on Fox News , noting that he personally was not taking hydroxychloroquine but that he would `` never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician . ''
Jason Miller , a senior aide on Trump 's 2016 campaign who remains close with the White House , dismissed the controversy as a `` one-day story , whether you 're a supporter , a swing voter or a detractor . ''
He said that most Americans `` probably expect that President Trump is taking every possible drug that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump told reporters Monday that along with taking the drug , he is being regularly tested for COVID-19 .
He said he is also taking zinc and took an initial dose of the antibiotic azithromycin .
The White House tightened safety precautions after two aides tested positive for the virus and three members of the coronavirus task force quarantine over concerns they attended meetings with one of the affected staff members .

John Fritze and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

Trump goes with his 'gut,' outside advice on decision to medicate with hydroxychloroquine
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump's announcement that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine to fend off coronavirus has evolved into the pandemic's latest political dividing line Tuesday as aides scrambled to explain his embrace of the untested therapy.
Trump's unprompted disclosure that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine for nearly two weeks despite warnings from the Food and Drug Administration once again prompted questions about whether he is following advice from his own medical experts or is trusting his gut as he navigates the worst public health crisis in generations.
From refusing to wear a face mask in public despite a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to shelving federal guidance this month on reopening, Trump has framed his decisions as matters of personal choice rather than driven by science – a message that has resonated with some of his core supporters.
His moves have also drawn a sharp stylistic contrast with Democrat Joe Biden, whose campaign to unseat Trump has largely followed the advice of public health experts by refraining from events and urging Americans to follow public health guidelines.
Name calling: Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese'
Reaction: New warnings after Trump's use of hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is FDA-approved to treat or prevent malaria as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have raised questions about the drug's ability to fight the virus and its safety.
The FDA has warned that the drug should be avoided outside of hospitals or trials because of the risk of heart rhythm problems.
Trump rejected suggestions that the drug was unsafe during a Cabinet meeting and attacked one of the studies that indicated it could have serious side effects. He described the drug as "an extra line of defense" and said he's "had no impact from it."
"People are going to make up their own mind," he said told reporters on Capitol Hill earlier in the day in response to questions about whether he was putting Americans at risk by touting hydroxychloroquine.
Trump attacked one of the studies that indicated the drug could have serious side effects. That study, which involved patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 treated at Veterans Health Administration medical centers, found there were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine than those receiving standard care.
Trump described the study Tuesday as “the only bad survey” and a “Trump enemy statement” and said it involved patients who were “almost dead.”
But other studies have raised flags, too. Two recent observational studies of patients in New York hospitals, one published Journal of the American Medical Association and the other in the New England Journal of Medicine, found no statistically significant benefit from the drug. Another study from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine that has not yet been peer reviewed found evidence that adding zinc to hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin may have benefit for some patients.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health launched a large clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine given in conjunction with the antibiotic azithromycin last week. It is among multiple studies underway to see if the drug can help decrease hospitalization and death from coronavirus.
James Pfiffner, a George Mason University professor who studies the presidency, noted that the president's statement seemed to highlight "his desire to blow off the warnings of experts and undermine confidence" in U.S. health authorities. "It is part of his rejection of expertise that seems to make him so appealing to his base," Pfiffner said.
Administration officials offered disjointed explanations Tuesday for Trump's decision to take the drug as the controversy from his remarks a day earlier reverberated through Washington. White House physician Sean Conley prescribed the drug to Trump, a senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity told USA TODAY. That official said Trump is consulting with many physicians but declined to name them.
In his own telling, Trump raised the idea of taking hydroxychloroquine with Conley – not the other way around. Trump said he asked Conley, "What do you think?" and the physician responded, "Well, if you'd like it." Conley released a vaguely worded statement Monday asserting that "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks" and he noted that one of the president's valets had tested positive for the virus. The White House confirmed that the valet had tested positive on May 7.
Asked what evidence of the drug's efficacy he is relying on, Trump said he gets "a lot of positive calls about" and cited a letter from a doctor from the New York City suburbs. White House officials declined to name the doctor or others who had spoken to Trump.
Trump first mentioned the drug publicly two months ago while visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters. Over the next two months, he named it at least 33 times, according to a USA TODAY review of White House transcripts. He has been far less likely to discuss other potential therapies. By comparison, he mentioned remdesivir, under study as a treatment, 11 times during that period.
The president repeatedly came under fire for raising the untested drug and for several weeks had largely avoided the issue. But his past comments were brought to the forefront when vaccine expert Rick Bright filed a whistleblower complaint against the Department of Health and Human Services this month. Part of that complaint raised concerns about the the president's focus on the drug.
The latest episode recalled a controversy in April when Trump said scientists should look into whether ultraviolet light or disinfectants could help treat coronavirus patients. His remarks prompted a rebuke from doctors and warnings from state health agencies against self-treatment. Trump later claimed he was being "sarcastic."
Presidential historians pointed to several themes in Trump's decisions to try hydroxychloroquine, forgo masks and pressure states to reopen. One is the president's self-styled trust of his own "gut" over his experts. Another is that Trump has never embraced the concept that a president models behavior for the rest of America.
"I don’t think Trump has ever desired whatsoever to see himself as role model, to hold up the best of what we can be," said Jeffrey Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University. "Trump’s entire ethos appears to be 'I am different than the rest of you. The rules don’t apply.' "
Democrats blasted Trump's announcement about taking hydroxychloroquine. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, an outspoken Trump critic, suggested on MSNBC that Trump may have raised the issue to "divert attention from all the bad things happening." Or, he said, "maybe he’s just lying."
Allies of the president defended the decision, underscoring how the announcement – like face masks and reopening protests – are viewed through political frames. Tom Fitton, president of the conservative activist group Judicial Watch, tweeted Tuesday that while the drug was not without its risks, it was a "gamble worth taking."
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn described the decision Tuesday as "between a patient and their doctor." Vice President Mike Pence echoed that sentiment in an interview on Fox News, noting that he personally was not taking hydroxychloroquine but that he would "never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician."
Jason Miller, a senior aide on Trump's 2016 campaign who remains close with the White House, dismissed the controversy as a "one-day story, whether you're a supporter, a swing voter or a detractor." He said that most Americans "probably expect that President Trump is taking every possible drug that may be effective in fighting coronavirus."
Trump told reporters Monday that along with taking the drug, he is being regularly tested for COVID-19. He said he is also taking zinc and took an initial dose of the antibiotic azithromycin. The White House tightened safety precautions after two aides tested positive for the virus and three members of the coronavirus task force quarantine over concerns they attended meetings with one of the affected staff members.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez and Elizabeth Weise