POLITICO’s weekly cartoon roundup features works from 19 artists across the political spectrum, edited by Matt Wuerker. The collection highlights current US political issues through visual satire, offering diverse perspectives on recent events.
A federal judge ordered the White House to restore press credentials for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico within 14 days, but the outlets were initially denied entry on Thursday. The administration delayed badge return until late morning, causing confusion during President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The case continues with a deadline for a preliminary injunction on September 28.
The White House revoked Politico's press passes, claiming the outlet used anonymous sources and published classified information. However, the administration's own letter cited quotes from a press call where White House aides explicitly instructed reporters to attribute information to a 'senior administration official,' effectively providing the anonymous source it accused Politico of misusing.
CNN, Politico, and MS NOW are challenging President Trump's ban on their White House access in federal court, arguing it violates the First Amendment. The Justice Department defends the move as a privilege, not a right, citing alleged breaches of professional standards. A judge will hear the case on Wednesday, with the administration warning that the ban becomes final if the outlets do not contest it by Friday.
Sen. Bernie Sanders said he told Maine Democrat Graham Platner to step aside after a POLITICO report alleging a dated dating partner was forced to have sex with Platner; Platner denies the accusation. Democrats pulled support and faced calls to drop Platner, with replacement rules in Maine requiring Platner to decide by July 13 and the replacement named by July 27. Sanders’ stance is notable given his past endorsement and appearances with Platner.
Democratic Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner says he is reflecting on his campaign’s path forward after a 2021 sexual assault accusation reported by Politico, which he and his campaign deny as false, while he continues his bid against incumbent Susan Collins following his primary victory.
As oil and gasoline prices surge amid Iran-related tensions, Politico reports that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been pressing Trump advisers to propose announcements to lower prices, with some aides reportedly being screamed at to produce good news. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied panic, saying there is a plan to keep prices stable. The White House is weighing options such as a temporary gasoline tax holiday, deploying troops to defend energy infrastructure in the Middle East, and loosening sanctions on Russian oil. Oil topped $90 a barrel; gas averages about $3.32 per gallon nationwide, higher in Portland. Markets fell on fears of stagflation from higher energy costs and a weak job data update.
Keith Cowing explains how a verbatim NASA CFO memo about SMD/OMB budget information was posted and then echoed by Politico, leading to misinterpretations and a broader narrative about mission cancellations. He stresses the memo described routine information gathering, not canceled missions, and notes NASA PAO responses were slow or unclear, fueling confusion as coverage cascaded from the memo to a press event and public discussion.
Sally Goldenberg, a renowned NYC politics reporter known for her scoops and in-depth coverage, has joined The New York Times as a reporter covering City Hall, local politics, and their intersections with state and federal issues, bringing her extensive experience and sources to the paper's political team.
The media's recent uproar over Donald Trump's "bloodbath" comment is being criticized as cynical and dishonest, with accusations of taking the comment out of context to create a false narrative. Despite the controversy, Trump's remarks were related to the automotive industry and did not suggest a call for violence. Critics argue that the media's treatment of Trump's words reflects a larger issue of bias and dishonesty in political coverage, while also highlighting the divisive nature of political discourse in the current climate.
Journalists from CNN and Politico who attended the first Republican presidential debate reportedly expressed serious consideration for political outsider Vivek Ramaswamy as a potential 2024 contender. Ramaswamy's ambition to be president was highlighted, with his authenticity and viral moments resonating with observers. Despite facing criticism from GOP heavyweights during the debate, Ramaswamy's rise in the polls and status as the most-searched candidate on Google indicate growing interest in his candidacy.
Russia has expelled Eva Hartog, a correspondent for Politico Europe and former editor-in-chief of The Moscow Times. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not provide a reason for her expulsion but stated that her visa would not be extended and her press accreditation would be transferred to Politico. Hartog is the first foreign journalist to be expelled from Russia since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This comes after Russia's vow to respond to EU sanctions targeting its state broadcaster and pro-war bloggers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized a Politico article that portrayed his wife, Casey, as a sinister figure, calling it a "hatchet job" by liberal "bottom-feeders." The article described Casey as Lady Macbeth, who might cause her husband's downfall. DeSantis defended his wife, saying she is a strong woman who has made a huge difference in Florida. He also launched his presidential campaign this week, raising $8.2 million within the first 24 hours.
Politico is facing backlash for a "hit piece" against Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, titled "The Casey DeSantis Problem: ‘His Greatest Asset and His Greatest Liability.’" The article quotes anonymous sources who criticize her role in her husband's inner circle, and also invokes a comparison to Lady Macbeth made by Trump loyalist Roger Stone. Critics have accused Politico of sexism and hypocrisy, as the outlet previously criticized the use of the Lady Macbeth trope against the spouses of prominent Democrats. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to launch his 2024 presidential bid next week.