Sen. Markwayne Mullin's Cabinet nomination advanced to the Senate floor Thursday despite opposition from Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Why it matters: The 8-7 committee vote puts Mullin an important step closer to being confirmed to succeed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary when Noem steps down at the end of the month. Paul voted "no, while Sen.
President Trump has formally waived requirements that only U.S.
Former FBI Director James Comey has been subpoenaed in the wide-ranging "grand conspiracy" case against the ex-officials who investigated and prosecuted President Trump, two sources with knowledge of the situation tell Axios.Why it matters: The investigation has produced more than 130 subpoenas since cranking up last year, the sources say, and targets top officials who worked under former presidents Obama and Biden.The officials, including Comey, have all decried the investig...
What the taxman giveth, the energy shock taketh away.
Six U.S. Western allies announced in a joint statement on Thursday their support for a potential coalition to reopen the strait of Hormuz for commercial ships and oil tankers. Reality check: The statement does not include any commitment to send naval vessels or other resources to make that happen.
Former counterterrorism official Joe Kent has been under FBI investigation for months on suspicion he leaked classified information, three sources familiar with the case tell Axios.Why it matters: Kent propelled himself into national headlines Tuesday when he resigned his post and blamed Israel for tricking President Trump into launching the Iran war even though it posed "no imminent threat" to the U.S.Driving the news: Immediately after his resignation, administration offici...
A bipartisan House Homeland Security Committee briefing with Anthropic's Jack Clark was held behind closed doors on Wednesday, per sources familiar with the meeting, and only briefly touched on the company's fight with the Pentagon.Why it matters: Anthropic — which is suing the federal government over its designation as a supply chain risk — is engaging with lawmakers on national security and AI, even as much of that discussion is happening out of the public eye.Inside the ro...
Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee stormed out midway through a briefing from Attorney General Pam Bondi enraged and raising the threat of an impeachment or contempt of Congress effort against her.Why it matters: Bondi has emerged as Democrats' top target for Democrats after the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a status that was further solidified on Wednesday."She is building a record," Rep.
Labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta said Wednesday that she was sexually abused by farmworker leader César Chávez decades ago, becoming the most high-profile figure to accuse him of misconduct.The latest: The allegation comes as the United Farm Workers union grapples with reports that their former leader abused girls and young women, prompting the cancellation of tributes and celebrations in his honor.Huerta worked alongside Chávez for decades, helping found the UFW ...
President Trump tells Axios it's the "hottest ticket that I've ever seen."He's talking about UFC Freedom 250, the fight Trump is staging on the White House's South Lawn on June 14.Why it matters: Donors, lobbyists, members of Congress and well-connected fans are clamoring for tickets.But in a Trumpian twist of marketing, the tickets' elusiveness is building buzz for the event, which will be on the president's birthday, and Flag Day, in the run-up to America's 250th on July Fo...
The Pentagon is highlighting new national security concerns about Anthropic's use of foreign workers, including from China, according to a court filing.Why it matters: The Defense Department is raising red flags about a key element of the AI industry — its reliance on global talent — as it moves to dismiss Anthropic's lawsuit.What they're saying: "Anthropic employs a large number of foreign
Eight states sued to block the massive $6.2 billion merger of Nexstar and Tegna that could create the largest local broadcast company in the country by far.Why it matters: The deal, which would require lifting the limit on television station ownership, is a litmus test for the Federal Communications Commission's deregulation drive.FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has already signaled he supports the transaction.Driving the news: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Y...