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GOP Senate leaders say they will go nuclear to ensure SCOTUS pick Judge Neil Gorsuch is confirmed on April 7th, before lawmakers leave town for a two-week recess. Both sides of the aisle are readying for a spending fight to avoid a government shutdown. And don't expect the questions about this administration and Russia to go away anytime soon as reports surfaced that the WH tried to block Sally Yates from testifying before a House Intelligence hearing. Meanwhile, NFL players are headed to the Hill, Newsmax names the 50 most influential Latino Republicans, we have a peek inside the Obama’s Kalorama home, and #BlackWomenAtWork became a thing. Here’s your Wednesday read...
Spicer to April Ryan "Stop Shaking Your Head"
WH Press Secretary Sean Spicer finally seemed to reach a breaking point Tuesday when it comes to questions about Trump and Russia. Spicer got testy in an exchange with reporter April Ryan after Ryan announced a premise that Spicer disagreed with: that the WH has a Russia issue. By the end, Spicer accused Ryan of pushing her own agenda and even instructed her not to shake her head at him. See the exchange in The Beat’s video section. More here.
Did You Really Come For Maxine?
We could try to replay the exchange for you. But it’s better to see the ridiculousness with your own eyes. We encourage you to watch the series of videos recapping the Bill O’Reilly vitriol directed towards Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) that sparked a trending hashtag #BlackWomenAtWork. More here.
DNC Asks Entire Staff for Resignation Letters
Though Trump is in the White House, it's DNC Chair Tom Pérez who is saying, “you’re fired.” The DNC requested resignation letters to be dated April 15th, giving Pérez the ability -- should he choose -- to launch a large-scale reorganization. Obtaining the resignation letters eases the process of deciding who to keep, regardless of how many are eventually let go. This is not an uncommon practice when new leadership takes the helm. So don't expect a mass exodus of staffers just yet. More here.
Delrahim to Lead DOJ’s Antitrust Division
On Monday, Donald Trump named Makan Delrahim, a former government antitrust enforcer and corporate lobbyist, to lead the DOJ’s review of mergers and acquisitions. He will be quickly tested in his new position by AT&T’s $85 billion bid for Time Warner, which is set to be reviewed this year. Other mergers under review include Dow Chemical’s bid for Dupont and Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto. More here.
AG Sessions Threatens Sanctuary Cities
From the WH podium, AG Jeff Sessions said state and local governments seeking certain law enforcement grants would have to certify that they were complying with a law that bars any official from withholding information from DHS about a person’s immigration status. In an effort to threaten sanctuary cities, Sessions said those that are violating the policy could see such grants clawed back. More here.
First Generation Chinese Americans Vigorously Opposing Sanctuary Cities
As state and local lawmakers in Maryland consider proposals to protect undocumented immigrants by limiting cooperation with federal authorities, some of the most persistent and passionate voices in opposition have been Chinese Americans. Organized under the banners of groups such as the Maryland Chinese American Network and the Asian American GOP Coalition, they have testified by the dozens against the Maryland Trust Act, which would bar the use of state and local funds to aid federal immigration enforcement. It would also prohibit police from asking about immigration status during traffic stops or other activities. More here.
Espaillat and Castro Follow Up with DHS to Protect Civil Rights of Immigrants
Congressmen Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Joaquín Castro (D-TX) addressed concerns of legal and civil rights violations during the implementation of Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. In a joint letter to DHS Secretary John Kelly, Espaillat and Castro outline guidelines to ensure adequate oversight of DHS law enforcement personnel to prevent instances of racial profiling, violations of due process, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity or national origin. Read the letter here.
Uber Finally Releases Diversity Numbers
After much prodding, Uber finally released their employee demographics. Here’s where they stand: 30.9% AAPI, 8.8% African American, 5.6% Latino, 4.3% Multiracial. The effort to spin these numbers fell short, but the company is making an effort to address the challenges. They’re ramping up their presence at HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) recruiting events. They also committed $3 million over the next three years to support organizations working to bring more women and underrepresented groups into tech. More here.
Lyft Says They’re “Woke”
Meanwhile, Lyft appears to be pouncing on opportunities as their competitor weathers bad headlines. “We’re woke. Our community is woke, and the U.S. population is woke,” Lyft President John Zimmer tells Time Magazine. “There’s an awakening…Our vote matters, our choice matters, the seat we take matters.” When companies start branding urban vernacular, it’s officially time to retire the term “woke.” More here.
50 Most Influential Latino Republicans
The GOP still has work to do in winning over Latinos. However, Republicans have a strong corps of Latino leaders in their ranks. Newsmax has chosen the 50 most influential Latino Republicans based on two criteria: the importance of their positions and the prominence of their platforms. The list includes Trump appointees Jennifer Korn and Helen Aguirre Ferré, Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), and NM Governor Susana Martínez, among others. See who else made the list here.
CBC Hosts Forum with NFL on Communities of Color and Police
CBC Chair Cedric Richmond (D-LA), and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), and John Conyers Jr. (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), will host a congressional forum to hear from NFL players about their own experiences and how they hope to improve relationships with communities of color and the police, while supporting programs to help inmates successfully re-enter their communities. They will be joined by Anquan Boldin of the Detroit Lions, Malcolm Jenkins from the Philadelphia Eagles, and Phillip Atiba Goff, Co-Founder and President, Center for Policing Equity. The forum happens tomorrow at 11A in 2154 Rayburn.
At Home with the Obamas
Barack and Michelle Obama extended a special invitation to The Beat for an intimate gathering at their Kalorama home. While casually chatting domestic policy and world diplomacy with POTUS and FLOTUS 44, we took a peak around their 8,200-square-foot residence. No big deal. Just another average day for The Beat. And then...we woke up!! Okay, so we were never invited over to the Obama’s. BUT -- we did carefully study each photo the WaPo provided, and fantasized that such an invite may come one day. See pics inside their $5.9 million rental here.
Jarret Joins Board of Ariel Investments
On Monday, Ariel Investments L.L.C. announced that Valerie Jarrett was elected to join the company’s Board of Directors. Jarrett joins another Obama administration alum on the board, former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Jarrett will also sit on the board alongside several other notable African American leaders in business, including Mellody Hobson, the president and chair of the Board of Trustees of Ariel Investments, and Paget Alves, the former chief sales officer at Sprint Communications Corp. More here.
NAHJ Meets with WH Official
Several members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists executive board met on Monday afternoon with Helen Aguirre Ferré, the White House Director of Media Affairs, as part of ongoing conversations to guarantee that the new administration continues the WH tradition of access to Latino media and the community. "NAHJ is taking a proactive approach with the administration. We want to make sure that we have access to the White House and that our members have access to the White House," said NAHJ president Brandon Benavides. More here from Patricia Guadalupe.
Postmates Hires Obama Alum
Postmates has hired one of former President Barack Obama’s top aides on innovation and automation: Vikrum Aiyer. He is joining the team as its head of strategic communications and policy. He’ll be part of a growing roster of former White House ex-pats taking up residence in San Francisco. More here.
ED of JACL Retires
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) announced that Executive Director William Yoshino will be retiring at the end of March after 38 years of service. The JACL National Board is working closely with staff, membership, and community partners to search for a new ED. More here.
Obama Presidential Library Hosts Meet and Greet in Chicago
The Obama Foundation on Tuesday hosted a community meet and greet reception in Chicago featuring the architectural team for the Obama Presidential Center. Michael Strautmanis from the Obama Foundation and architects Tod Williams, Billie Tsien, and Dina Griffin met with community members and discussed their backgrounds and general approach to design. More here.
Devos and Ivanka Host Hidden Figures Screening
On Tuesday, Education Secretary Betsy Devos and Ivanka Trump hosted a viewing of Hidden Figures for local school students at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Astronaut Kay Hire was on hand to encourage students of the DMV to pursue careers in STEM. More here.
Cubans Recreate Obama’s Cuba Speech With Voices from Both Countries
Young Cubans and Cuban Americans have come together in a video to commemorate the one-year anniversary of former President Barack Obama's historic visit to Cuba in a call to continue cultivating ties between the two countries. CubaOne released a video featuring 20 mostly young Cubans from the island and Cuban Americans in the U.S. who take turns reciting the lines from Obama's historic speech in Cuba. More here.
Campaign Zero Goes Local
Deray Mckesson, Sam Sinyangwe, Johnetta Elzie, and Brittany Packnett -- the young minds behind the anti-police violence resource Campaign Zero --- launched an online tool on Monday that shows activists how to get involved at the local level. Our States, is a website that gives users a state-by-state breakdown of bills that, if enacted, would strip civil rights and other legal protections from communities of color, women and LGBTQ people. More here.
DeRay Mckesson Sued by Police Officer
But there's trouble for one of the Campaign Zero founders. DeRay Mckesson is being sued by an unnamed Baton Rouge, LA police officer who claims he was injured during a protest in the city four days after a police officer killed Alton Sterling. An attorney for Mckesson is urging a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit. More here.
Cork Wine Bar Sues Trump and Others Follow Suit
The Beat initially highlighted the story of husband and wife Cork Wine Bar owners, the trendy DC/Logan Circle hangout, Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts suing Donald Trump last month. The couple claims the Trump International Hotel engages in unfair competition by using its connection to the president to promote the property’s restaurants and catering services. Well, they’re not alone. From a San Francisco-based clothing line to an ethics watchdog committee, others have since brought similar suits all across the country. More here.
Navarro Honored by PFLAG
On Monday, PFLAG National -- the nation's largest organization uniting families, allies, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) -- honored CNN political analyst Ana Navarro with the Straight for Equality in Media award at the Ninth Annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Longtime CNN anchor Don Lemon presented the award to Navarro. More here.
Trump Admin Breaks Obama Protocol with WH Visitor Log
WH Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Monday said he didn’t know who had signed House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-CA) onto the White House grounds last week. One way the WH could help clear up potential future controversies: if it began updating the online visitor log maintained by the Obama administration. Under the former administration, visitor logs were typically updated within 90 to 120 days. Since Donald Trump took office, the website has been down. The WH has declined to say when or if it will update the log. More here.
Obama’s Legacy on Climate Change Undone by Trump EO
Trump is also delivering a blow to former President Obama’s climate legacy by directing the federal government to begin dismantling the most significant climate change policies, with a sweeping directive telling agencies to stop trying to reduce the carbon pollution of electric utilities, oil and gas drillers and coal miners. More here.
Roger Wilkins, Champion of Civil Rights, Dies
Roger Wilkins, who championed civil rights for Black Americans for five decades as an official in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and as a foundation executive, journalist, author, and university professor, died on Sunday in Kensington, Md. He was 85. More here.
Chinatowns Across the Country Face Off with Gentrification
Have you looked at property in DC’s Chinatown neighborhood recently? To purchase anything larger than a closet, you essentially need to have two commas in your income. Moreover, how many Chinese Americans are flooding 7th Street these days? An Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) study of Chinatowns in three East Coast cities found that the number of white residents in those neighborhoods was growing at a faster rate than the overall white population in those cities. Melissa Hung explores Chinatowns across the country for NPR here.
Democracy in Color Unveils Plan for 2020
Multimedia platform Democracy in Color, dedicated to race and politics, unveiled a detailed plan titled “Return of the Majority: A Roadmap for Taking Back Our Country,” a roadmap for Democrats to win down-ballot races and the White House by 2020. The organization calls on Dems and progressives nationwide to spend $1 billion over the next four years focusing on mobilizing 10 million new voters -- people of color and progressive whites -- in the 17 closest battleground states of 2016. More here.
WH Staff Skipping WHCA Dinner
The WH informed the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) that their staff would skip the April 29th WHCA dinner in "solidarity" with Donald Trump, who has announced he won't attend the annual event this year. The event, which is used to honor journalists covering the WH and award scholarships to aspiring reporters, typically attracts a number of celebrities as well as many from media and politics. More here.
Lester Holt Number One in Nightly News
The “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” again finished #1 in total viewers and in the younger demographic, according to Nielsen Research. Overall in the months of January, February and March, NBC's evening news program averaged 8.85 million total viewers, beating ABC's David Muir by 46,000 and CBS's Scott Pelley by 1.6 million. The win marks the sixth time in seven quarters that NBC has beaten its broadcast news rivals. More here.
The Fusion Feed
Fusion is launching a new weekly panel program which will tackle everything from the current state of politics to pop culture. The Fusion Feed will air Thursdays at 9:30P. Co-hosts and contributors include Nando Vila, Kimberly Brooks, Nelufar Hedayat, Ryan Nerz, Natasha Del Toro, Alaa Basatneh, Miriti Murungi, Cleo Stiller, and Romina Puga. Univisión and Fusion news anchor Jorge Ramos will occasionally contribute special reports as well. More here.
LGBTQ Guide for Spanish-Language Media
The Association of LGBTQ Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) have launched a Spanish-language stylebook for journalists reporting on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. First published by NLGJA and NAHJ in 2005, “El Manual de Estilo Sobre la Comunidad Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénero” is available online. Learn more here.
Newsrooms Beef Up Security
Some national news organizations recently increased security as tensions continue to run hot toward the media. In recent months, WaPo increased security at its downtown DC HQ, with both more security at the door and more security guards walking around the newsroom during the day. In the past few weeks, McClatchy Newspapers' DC bureau has begun requiring employees to swipe their key cards to access their floor in their downtown DC building (which also houses the WSJ). More here.
Colombia-Born Journalist Becomes Editor and VP
Gabriel Escobar has been named editor and vice president of the Philadelphia Media Network, a promotion that puts him in charge of the entire news report for the Inquirer, Daily News, and Philly.com. Escobar, born in Colombia, will play a leading role in driving the newsroom’s strategic planning and serve as a key member of the company's executive team. More here.
No Cap Hill Press Pass for Breitbart
Breitbart News isn’t getting permanent press credentials on Capitol Hill just yet. On Monday, the standing committee of correspondents of the US Senate Daily Press Gallery declined to grant Breitbart "hard passes" to report more easily within the halls of Congress, until the right-wing news site can provide more clarity on links to the conservative nonprofit Government Accountability Institute as well as the involvement of Rebekah Mercer, whose family is an investor in the site. More here.
Spotted
On Tuesday, HLA hosted a reception at the Majority Group Townhouse. Spotted: MoC Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Congressmen Filemón Vela (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Vicente González (D-TX), Rubén Kihuen (D-NV), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA), HLA President Larry González, The Raben Group’s Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, and AT&T's Susie Santana, and many others.
On Tuesday, the Ambassador of Spain to the United States bestowed the Order of the Civil Merit awarded by H.M. King Felipe VI to the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda. The Orden del Mérito Civil (Order of Civil Merit) is among one of the highest honors awarded to members of civil society for their work to benefit the community. Spotted: Héctor Sánchez, Tom Sáenz, Michael Torra, Bruce Goldstein, José Calderón, Ignacia Moreno, Jessica González-Rojas, David Ramírez , Domenika Lynch, Mark Magaña, and many others.
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Videos of the Day
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| At yesterday's White House press briefing Sean Spicer appears to lose his decorum with reporter April Ryan. He tells her, "Stop shaking your head."
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| Fox News host Bill O'Reilly mocks Maxine Waters (D-CA) for her hair. Should a man with a thinning comb over talk hair with knuck if you buck Congresswoman Waters? He later apologized for his remarks. Hence, we will later apologize for the thinning comb over comment.
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| Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) replies to disparaging remarks saying, "I'm a strong Black woman. I cannot be intimidated."
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| Hillary Clinton speaks out against the sexism and racism endured by April Ryan and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA).
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| Congressman Raúl Labrador (R-ID) discusses healthcare reform and the issues he had with the GOP health, as well as why he's opposed to federally paid family leave.
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| Young Cubans and Cuban Americans have come together in a video to commemorate the one-year anniversary of former President Barack Obama's historic visit to Cuba, in a call to continue cultivating ties between the two countries.
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| Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shares her hopes for the Trump administration on the Golf Channel's Feherty show.
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| Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) talks law enforcement and speaks out against criminalizing immigration.
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| Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) on his beloved Gamecocks entering the Final Four.
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| On Tuesday, Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the Opening Doors for Youth Act. He discusses it here.
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| Podcast: Faiza Patel, who serves as co-director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, discusses the Trump adminstration's policies on Muslims with WashingTECH's Joe Miller.
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Pics of the Day
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| TV One’s Roland Martin, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL), and the Joint Center’s Spencer Overton snap a selfie after taping this morning’s News Now.
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| The Hispanic Lobbyists Association hosted new MoCs on Tuesday night at the Majority Group Townhouse on Capitol Hill.
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| On Tuesday, the Ambassador of Spain to the United States, Ramón Gil-Casares Satrústegui, bestowed the Order of the Civil Merit award to the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.
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| NHLA's Héctor Sánchez poses with the Order of the Civil Merit award presented by the Ambassador of Spain to the United States, Ramón Gil-Casares Satrústegui, to the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.
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| The Beat spotted an "Arctic polar bear" who joined demonstrators Tuesday afternoon in front of the White House protesting Trump's executive order on climate change that erases Obama-era environmental policies.
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| WaPo takes a look inside the home of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle. The former first couple is renting the $5.9 million residence that features eight bedrooms and nine-and-a-half bathrooms. The 8,200-square-foot home was built in 1921 and renovated in 2011.
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| The Obama's Kalorama home has multiple living spaces and three fireplaces. Hello?! Plenty of spaces to host a dinner party with The Beat!
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| Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and NCLR's Janet Murguía speaking with two CA residents before a press conference on immigration on Tuesday.
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| Trump appointee Ashley Bell, AIPAC's Darius Jones, commentator Bakari Sellers, and NY Assemblyman Michael Blake at the AIPAC Policy Conference in DC on Monday.
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| Congressmen Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Bobby Scott (D-VA) hosted a panel with youth, civic leaders, advocates, and experts to discuss the need for federal investments in community efforts to increase employment opportunities for disconnected -- or “opportunity” -- youth.
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| Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) at a panel with community leaders and others to talk about youth employment opportunities.
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| Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) met with AIDS Watch during their lobby day on Tuesday.
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Today, 1PM: The Latina Maternal and Child Health Project will be hosting a Congressional Staff Briefing in Cannon Room 122. It will be held in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care. RSVP here.
March 30th, 5P: Coming Together for Peru. A fundraiser to support the recovery efforts for those affected by recent floodings in Peru. Sponsored by Latin VIP, the Washington Hispanic newspaper, the Embassy of Peru, and The Raben Group. Toro Toro, 1300 Eye St NW. RSVP here.
March 31st, 6:30P: A Celebration of Women with Johnnetta B. Cole as she prepares to retire from the National Museum of African Art. DJ Sabine Blaizin, Afro-fusion band Eme and Heteru, and vocalist Loide Jorge turn up the volume for an evening of African music, dance, and art. Click here for more info.
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