News from the note…
A round up of the day’s news that might be of interest to you.
Consider this an OPEN THREAD, folks. Chat about any of the stories listed, share links to stories that caught your eye today, and generally have a good time.
Ex-Forbes writer: Posing as ‘John Barron’, Trump lied his way to Forbes 400 list
From Axios
Donald Trump claimed he owned most of his father’s real estate empire in the 1980’s and posed as an aide named ‘John Barron’ to ensure he earned a spot on the Forbes 400 list, former Forbes writer Jonathan Greenberg alleges in a Washington Post editorial.
Flashback: Trump used the alter-ego of Barron in the past when posing as a public relations representative, and it’s not the first time Trump has been cited as inflating his wealth.
Trump Laments That Flynn’s Life Is ‘Destroyed’ While Comey Profits
From Bloomberg
President Donald Trump kept up his war of words with James Comey on Friday, calling the former FBI director’s new book “third rate,” and suggesting it’s unfair that Comey is profiting.
“So General Michael Flynn’s life can be totally destroyed while Shadey James Comey can Leak and Lie and make lots of money from a third rate book (that should never have been written),” Trump said in a Twitter posting. “Is that really the way life in America is supposed to work? I don’t think so!”
Andrew McCabe fights back
From Axios
Former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe is looking to sue for defamation, wrongful termination and other possible civil claims, his lawyer told reporters Friday.
RNC sending ‘Lyin Lion’ mascot to follow Comey around on book tour
From The Hill
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is sending a mascot — Lyin’ Lion Comey — to trail former FBI Director James Comey on his cross-country book tour.
The lion mascot’s mission was first reported Thursday by CNN, before the GOP itself appeared to confirm the news in a tweet.
The RNC later confirmed the effort in an email to The Hill.
Michael Cohen’s Other Woe: Mounting Unpaid Taxes on New York Cabs
From Bloomberg
Taxicab companies owned by Michael Cohen or family members just got hit with nearly $80,000 in new claims for unpaid taxes, according to records filed in New York.
The bills show the declining fortunes of some companies linked to Cohen, the longtime personal lawyer to President Donald Trump. Cohen is under a federal criminal investigation into his business and financial dealings that broke into the open this month with FBI raids on his office and residences. All the parties involved are now jostling over how that evidence will be used.
Hundreds line up to pay final respects to Barbara Bush
From DallasNews
People waited in line hours early for security screening before boarding shuttle buses to attend a public viewing at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, where Bush and her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, regularly attended services. The church was scheduled to be open until midnight to receive mourners.
Many women wore blue, Barbara Bush’s favorite color, and pearls, her go-to neckwear jewelry.
Trump shuns Democrats and media at first state dinner
From Politico
Gone are the President Barack Obama-era days of outside event-planning firms and tents set up on the South Lawn to accommodate guest lists of more than 350. Like President George W. Bush, Trump will host the event in the State Dining Room, with a guest list close to 150.
But unlike his predecessors, Trump hasn’t invited any members of Congress from the opposing party. He’s also opted not to invite any members of the media, another departure from past state dinners.
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel to face no-confidence vote from his own deputies
From CNN
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, who touted his own “amazing leadership” after the Parkland school shooting, is facing a no-confidence vote from the union representing his deputies.
Jeff Bell, the president of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association, told CNN Friday that union members had decided to move forward with the vote, which will begin electronically tonight and will close on April 26.
“There is a complete failure at the sheriff’s office and he doesn’t recognize it,” Bell said.
Republicans divided over legislation protecting Mueller
From The Hill
Legislation protecting special counsel Robert Mueller has sparked deep divisions among Republicans on Capitol Hill.
The bills, which limit Trump’s ability to fire Mueller, have pitted GOP leaders against key members of their own caucus.
Protecting the special counsel through legislation has gained slow but growing momentum among Republicans, as Trump has publicly lambasted and reportedly privately mused about firing Mueller, who is investigating potential collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign.
Bonus Note: Here’s an old article from the NYT but pertinent today in light of the Comey memos and book…
The Events That Led to Comey’s Firing, and How the White House’s Story Changed
1 Trackback / Pingback
Comments are closed.