Trump supporters start new non-profit groups to support Trump's agenda. Six of Trump's campaign aides launched America First Politics to "promote Trump's favored causes," says AP. Newt Gingrich and Rudy Giuliani will co-chair another new outside group, The Great America Alliance, that will advocate for Trump's policy priorities and his Supreme Court pick. The group said it plans to spend over $80 million this year, says POLITICO.
Trump's new lobbying ban removes language requiring public reporting. The ethics rule that Trump signed Saturday limits administration officials from taking lobbying jobs after working in the government. However, the rule removes an Obama provision that required public disclosure of "how well the administration is complying with the order," says the Washington Post. This will make it harder for the public to determine if the lobbying ban is being enforced. Read more
Trump's immigration ban excludes countries with ties to the Trump Organization. The Muslim-majority countries of Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E and Azerbaijan were left out of Trump's executive order. The Trump Organization has or is currently doing business in all of these countries, including a new golf course in the U.A.E and luxury buildings in Turkey. Read more
Koch network could serve as "potent resistance" to Trump, says the Washington Post. The Kochs made it clear at the network's gathering last weekend that they are open to fighting back against the president if he opposes their libertarian ideals. This could pose a dilemma for GOP lawmakers in the 2018 midterm elections if they are forced to choose between Trump and the "well-organized, well-funded Koch-aligned activists." The Koch network said it plans to spend upwards of $400 million on policy and campaigns in the next two years. Read more
"Contrary to sworn testimony, company confirms Trump's HHS pick got special stock deal," says the Huffington Post. Rep. Tom Price was one of only six new U.S. investors invited to purchase stock in an Australian biotech firm at a discounted price, says a Wall Street Journal report. Price had said during his testimony that the discounted rate was available to all investors. Price was told about the special rate by Rep. Chris Collins who serves on the firm's board. The 2012 STOCK Act prohibits lawmakers from engaging in insider trading. Read more
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