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The Trump administration felt the stone fist of the judiciary branch when a federal appeals court on Thursday knocked out the request to restore the controversial executive order restricting refugees and travel by immigrants from a number of Muslim-majority countries. After the ruling, Trump tweeted, “See you in court.” He forgot to add "again." Kellyanne Conway was "counseled" after promoting the clothing line of Ivanka Trump on Fox News. Melania Trump's legal team intimated she planned to profit from being FLOTUS. And many on both sides of the aisle continue to question the ethics and honesty of the president. These are not normal times. Here’s your Friday read…
EOs On Law Enforcement
“I am directing the Department of Justice to reduce crimes and crimes of violence against law enforcement officers,” is what Trump said as he signed three new executive orders. One of the orders seeks to “define new federal crimes, and increase penalties for existing federal crimes, in order to prevent violence” against state and federal police. No mention was made by the president of the hundreds of people who die at the hands of law enforcement every year. More here.
Deported
Guadalupe García de Rayos, a 36-year-old Mexican woman who has been in the United States for more than 20 years, has been deported, making her one of the first undocumented workers to be removed from the United States under a new executive action by Trump. The mother of two U.S.-born children was taken into custody Wednesday by immigration agents during a check-in at the Phoenix offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). More here.
WH Cyber Security Staffer Let Go For Unclear Reasons
The Chief Information Security Officer for the White House's Executive Office of the President has been removed from his position. Cory Louie, one of the few people of color on staff, was appointed to the position by former President Obama in 2015, charged with keeping the staff closest to the president safe -- including the president himself -- from cyber threats posed by hackers and nation-state attackers. Circumstances surrounding his departure, weeks after Trump took office, remain unclear. More here.
DNC Future Forum in Baltimore
April Ryan, White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for American Urban Radio Networks, will moderate the DNC candidate forum in Baltimore tomorrow. The DNC Future forum will be open to the press and the public, and will be livestreamed on democrats.org and on social media for maximum audience participation. Or you can always take the trip up I-95 and go in person. RSVP here.
Lieu Thinks New POTUS Might Be Cray
Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) plans to file a bill that would require the White House to have an in-house psychiatrist. “I’m looking at it from the perspective of, if there are questions about the mental health of the president of the United States, what may be the best way to get the president treatment?” More here.
Luján Says Dems Will Definitely Pick Up Seats
“There’s no question that we’re going to pick up seats in 2018,” said Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), making his comments during the Democrats’ annual issues conference in Charm City. “We’re seeing a much more excited base that’s involved earlier than we ever saw during the cycle in 2016, and I think that energy amounts (to) something,” he added. “It cannot be discounted.” More here.
National Voting Day
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) has introduced legislation to modernize and streamline voting in the United States, and make Election Day a national holiday. The 21st Century Voting Act (H.R. 893) aims to remove barriers and allow more Americans to cast ballots in local, state and national elections. More here.
Brown’s Former CoS May Testify Against Her
Ronnie Simmons, former CoS for ex-Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D-FL), entered a guilty plea Wednesday in an agreement that could see him testify against his former boss. Simmons pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud as well as theft of government funds. Despite his agreement with prosecutors, he still faces 30 years in prison as well as $500,000 in fines and $1.287 million in restitution. More here.
Hollingsworth Leaves MFA
Roger Hollingsworth, who has served as head of government relations at the Managed Funds Association (MFA) association since 2008, has resigned. “I look forward to embarking upon new endeavors and the next chapter of my professional career,” said Hollingsworth with no word yet on his next move. More here.
BP’s Chief Diversity Officer
BP has promoted Ray Dempsey to Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. Previously, Dempsey served as VP and Head of External Affairs. He joined BP America in 1990 and has worked in a variety of areas within the company, including engineering, strategy, finance and external affairs, both in the United States and United Kingdom. He serves on the boards of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, The National Urban League, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Dempsey is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC). Congrats, Ray! More about him here.
Kevin Plank May Soon Need Armor
Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank appears to think highly of Donald Trump. But Misty Copeland and Steph Curry, both Under Armour spokespeople, strongly disagree, issuing messages on social media intimating they may cut ties with the athletic company. Plank described Trump as an asset. Curry retorted, “I agree with the description, if you remove the 'et' from asset.” More here.
Inouye Joins Leadership Conference
Obama alumni Shin Inouye joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights as Director of Communications and Media Relations. Inouye served the last two years with ICE. Prior to that, he worked for six years as the Director of Specialty Media for the White House Office of Communications, serving as a spokesman for media outlets that serve the AAPI, faith, LGBT, Native American, rural, veterans and college communities, among others. Congrats, Shin! More here.
Daniels Joins Raben
Ryan Daniels, the White House's former Associate Director for Communications for the Office of Public Engagement, has joined The Raben Group. He was previously a spokesperson at Treasury and a Press Secretary at the Department of Transportation. Congrats, Ryan! More about him here.
New Staff Hires
Jacky Usyk is the new Legislative Director for Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Ernesto Rodríguez is the new Legislative Counsel to Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
Chaffetz and Cummings Agree on Something
In a rare moment of solidarity, Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and ranking member Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) both agree that White House counselor Kellyanne Conway violated ethics laws when she endorsed Ivanka Trump’s clothing line. More here.
Sen. Scott Called House Negro for Supporting Sessions
On Wednesday, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) read aloud some nasty tweets he has received in response to his support of Jeff Sessions for Attorney General. The series of tweets included people calling him everything from an Uncle Tom to a “house Negro.” The South Carolina senator added that he “left out all the ones that use the n-word.” More here.
DAPL Construction Resumes
Construction has resumed on the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) after Donald Trump issued a memorandum that advised expediting the process. Water protectors in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, who have resisted the pipeline's construction for months, vowed to keep fighting. "It's not over," Stephanie Big Eagle, a member of the Yankton Sioux tribe, said. "This is my ancestral treaty lands where my people have always been. I have to be out here." More here.
Two Cities Battle Wells Fargo over DAPL
Seattle, Washington and Davis, California are severing ties with Wells Fargo, citing the bank's role in financing the Dakota Access pipeline project. Seattle is pulling out more than $3 billion; Davis over $124 million. They join a growing list of groups and organizations that are saying 'no' to financial institutions that finance the pipeline. More here.
Six Patriots to Skip WH Visit
Six members of the New England Patriots have said they will not visit the White House for the traditional meeting that championship teams have with the president. Running back LeGarrette Blount, defensive end Chris Long, and defensive tackle Alan Branch on Thursday became the latest to announce that they would skip the visit. Others include linebacker Dont’a Hightower, tight end Martellus Bennett, and safety Devin McCourty. More here.
Trump Pays for Japanese PM’s Trip to Mar-a-Lago
Trump will personally cover the cost of a weekend trip to Florida with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. A White House official said that the trip to Trump’s private estate “is a personal gift...something the president is doing for the prime minister." Abe arrived in Washington last night and will hold meetings with Trump at the White House today before departing for Palm Beach. More here.
Rechargj
Is anyone else mentally, physically, emotionally, and politically exhausted?? Well there’s good news. A "recharj" studio just opened in DC. People can take power-nap sessions as well as meditation classes. Want to give it a try? The first week is free. More here.
Pence Meets With African American Cadets
Vice President Pence visited West Point on Thursday, where he hosted an African American Cadet Roundtable, participated in a historical tour, and offered remarks at the Henry O. Flipper Awards -- a dinner honoring Henry O. Flipper, the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy in 1877 -- just 12 years after the end of the Civil War -- when resentment toward African Americans was still very high.
Humanity of Connection
On Monday, February 13, AT&T is hosting "Humanity of Connection" a Black History Month Celebration at the African American Museum of History and Culture to honor NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Judy Smith, and the family of Lewis Latimer, the inventor and draftsman for Alexander Graham Bell's telephone. The event will be emceed by actor Hill Harper, and hip hop pioneer MC Lyte, and will also feature remarks from civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, actor Jeffrey Wright, and poet Cleo Wade, among many other special guests. The private event will also feature a screening of a film from media guru Keith Clinkscales and Jeffrey Wright.
Mexican Left-Wing Candidate Comes to the States
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a Mexican left-wing presidential candidate and former mayor of Mexico City, will meet with Mexicans and Americans in the U.S. on Sunday to "confront" Donald Trump "with respect, with firmness." López Obrador remains sharply critical of President Enrique Peña Nieto's willingness to negotiate with the Trump administration. More here.
Tamron Refused to Settle
Multiple sources tell People Magazine that Tamron Hall was equal parts furious, hurt and offended that she was essentially losing her highest profile role to Megyn Kelly, with nothing being offered in its place. She refused to settle. More here.
Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad Detained for Two Hours
Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first female Muslim American to win an Olympic medal for the United States, said she recently was detained by U.S. Customs officials for two hours with no explanation. “I know that people talk about this having a lot to do with these seven countries in particular, but I think the net is cast a little bit wider than we know. And I'm included in that as a Muslim woman who wears a hijab.” More here.
Verma Closer to Senate Consideration
The Office of Government Ethics may “very soon” publicly post an agreement with Seema Verma, the Trump administration’s choice to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Health and Human Services Department told Roll Call that the agreement would address all “potential conflict issues" and bring her nomination closer to Senate consideration. More here.
Moonlight Director Partners with MBKA
Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-nominated film Moonlight is partnering with President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. The series kicked off Monday night with a screening in Los Angeles, attended by dozens of young men from local schools. Following the screening, Mike Muse of My Brother’s Keeper moderated a talk-back session with the students and the film’s Oscar-nominated talent: Jenkins, stars Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris, and writer Tarell Alvin McCraney. Another screening is set for New York City next week. More here.
Becerra Launches AG Campaign
On Thursday, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) launched his 2018 campaign to seek a full term as his state's top law enforcement official. In an emailed message to voters, Becerra touted his opposition to Trump and vowed to fight for his state's residents. More here.
Indigenous People’s Day
A bill that replaces Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day passed through a Nevada state Senate committee on Wednesday, as more than a dozen supporters lined up to speak in favor of the change. More here.
Expedia CEO Takes Shot at Trump
Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, a former Iranian refugee and outspoken critic of Donald Trump, took a dig at the president during an earnings call Thursday, saying he hoped he and those at his company would be "alive to see the end of next year." More here.
Black Benefactors
On Thursday at Carmine's in DC's Chinatown, Black Benefactors kicked off their 10th anniversary year with an intimate dinner and conversation on philanthropy with Allan C. Golston, President of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Videos of the Day
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Protesters surround a car carrying Guadalupe García de Rayos, a 36-year-old Mexican woman who has been in the US for more than 20 years, as she is being deported. | |
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 | Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to read some of the offensive tweets he received as a result of his support for his Alabama colleague Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. | |
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In light of the Rooney rule being proposed in Congress, this Harvard Business School video highlights the importance of having more than one diverse candidate in the hiring pool. | |
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Pics of the Day
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The daughter of Guadalupe García de Rayos holds this sign as her mother is driven away to be deported. | |
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The son of Guadalupe García de Rayos looks at her through a window of an ICE vehicle as she is being deported. | |
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Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) poses with AFGE members in her DC office. | |
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Newly sworn-in Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos met with Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick and student leaders on campus Thursday as part of the celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary. | |
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 | Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Omarosa, who accompanied VP Pence to West Point, pose with cadets. | |
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 | BP's Ray Dempsey was recently promoted to Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. | |
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 | Members of the CBC honor the legacy of Coretta Scott King en route to protest the confirmation of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. | |
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Top Five CBC Voter Survey
This week, the Congressional Black Caucus, led by Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), hosted their biennial retreat. They discussed survey results of African American voters conducted by Cornell Belcher.
Here are the Top Five Findings.
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A large majority of African American voters (63%) feel taken for granted by the Democratic Party.
The outcome of the 2016 election was widely the result of this coalition splintering away from the top of the ticket along the margins with young and minority voters.
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Regroup Problems
African American voters’ perception that Democrats are not making an effort to secure their support could be very problematic for a party trying to regroup after 2016 loses.
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Majority of African American voters (53 %) want the Congressional Black Caucus to oppose Trump.
African American voters broadly support more drastic tactics to obstruct the Trump administration, including not confirming Trump’s appointees (53%), sit-ins and other acts of disobedience, and most enthusiastically, calling for Trump’s impeachment (62% say that's important, 57% say it's very important).
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African American voters are overwhelmingly dissatisfied (69 percent) with the direction of the country.
Only 22% of African Americans are satisfied with the current direction of the country, while 69% are dissatisfied. By contrast, just 10 months ago in March 2016, 68% of African Americans were satisfied with the direction of the country, and only 29% were dissatisfied.
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Most Important Legislative Priorities for African Americans
Protecting Social Security (88% very important), keeping us safe from terrorists (78%), criminal justice reform (74%), reforming the election process so the candidate with the majority wins (72%), investigating Russian interference with the 2016 election (72%), protecting Obama’s legacy (71%), banning assault weapons (61%), and blocking Sessions (60%) are the top legislative priorities for African Americans nationally.
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Thursday, Feb. 16th, 8:30A: Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Representatives Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, Don Beyer, and Donald McEachin host a Commonwealth Coffee with Virginia's African American leaders in the Russell Senate Office Building, Room SR-253.
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