Biden news: White House defends ‘Neanderthal’ slur of GOP states, as Trump shifts blame for Senate loss
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Press secretary Jen Psaki said it was a reflection of his frustration at governors rolling back Covid lockdowns, recognizing that the president can't enforce a national mask mandate.
It comes as Donald Trump tried to shift the blame for the Senate race defeats in Georgia, saying Mitch McConnell only offering $600 stimulus checks led to the defeats of Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.
On the US Mexico border, child migrants detained by authorities have increased 583 per cent under Joe Biden, according to internal documents from the Department of Health and Human services reported by Axios.
An average of 321 children are taken into custody per day in the week ending March 1, compared to just 47 under the Trump administration during the first week of January.
The White House denied reports that it had reviewed the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines for people who have already received a Covid-19 vaccination.
Earlier reports claimed the administration's Covid-19 taskforce told the CDC to “hold off on releasing” the recommendations during a series of meetings and calls over the last two days.
As questions mount, Biden himself is under increasing pressure to hold a press conference after going 43 days without facing the media. Of the 15 president of the past 100 years, all have held a press conference within 33 days of being sworn into office. Trump did it 27 days in. Obama outdid Trump by a week at 20 days.
• Warnings of possible QAnon threat to Capitol
• Giuliani mocked for warning of dangers of misinformation
• US Catholic group tells followers to avoid Johnson and Johnson vaccine
• Biden criticises Texas and Mississippi governors for dropping Covid restrictions
Cuomo accuser says governor made her feel ‘shame’ by asking sexual questions
Speaking on CBS News, Charlotte Bennett says she answered “honestly” to explicit questions from Andrew Cuomo, and felt ashamed that she engaged with the governor.
“When I was even thinking of coming forward I think that was where I held the most shame, in that I really was uncomfortable,” she says.
“I feel like people put the onus on the woman to shut that conversation down. And by answering, I was somehow engaging in that, or enabling it, when in fact, I was just terrified,” she added.
Cuomo has denied the allegations.
National attention for Covid response ‘emboldened’ Andrew Cuomo, says accuser
Charlotte Bennett the national media attention from being on television daily during the coronavirus pandemic “emboldened” Andrew Cuomo.
“I think he felt he was untouchable in a lot of ways,” she said.
‘He was fine with anyone over 22’: Cuomo allegedly hit on staffer, accuser says
Charlotte Bennett alleges Andrew Cuomo told her to turn off a tape recorder before explaining he was “looking for a girlfriend”.
“He’s lonely, he’s tired,” she said in an interview with CBS News. “He asked if I had trouble enjoying being with someone because of my trauma… The governor asked me if I was sensitive to intimacy.”
Bennett, 25, continued: “He asked me if age difference mattered, he also explained that he was fine with anyone over 22.”
Cuomo has denied allegations of sexual harassment.
Charlotte Bennett said Cuomo’s attempt at apologizing was ‘not an apology’
Asked if she misinterpreted Andrew Cuomo’s actions or comments, accuser Charlotte Bennett said “no”.
Cuomo apologised this week for any offence he may have caused, saying his comments may have been misinterpreted.
“I understood him loud and clear. It just didn’t go the way he planned,” Bennett said during the CBS News interview.
“It’s not an apology. It’s not an issue of my feelings. It’s an issue of his actions. The fact is he was sexually harassing me and he has not apologized for sexually harassing me. And he didn’t even use my name.”
Cuomo has denied allegations of sexual assault.
Capitol rioter who put feet on Pelosi’s desk yells in court over pre-trial jailing: ‘It’s not fair!’
Richard Barnett, an Arkansas man who gained notoriety for being pictured with his feet up on Nancy Pelosi's desk during the US Capitol riots, yelled in court during a virtual hearing on Thursday.
During the hearing, Judge Christopher Cooper of Federal District Court in Washington suggested the next court date for the man's case to be held on 4 May.
But this caused Barnett, 60, to erupt over the proceedings being extended for a longer period of time while he remained in jail.
“I’ve been here a long time ... another month ... It’s not fair,” Barnett was heard saying about the new court date, according to NBC4. “You’re letting everyone else out ... I need help,” he yelled.
Danielle Zoellner reports.
Capitol rioter who put feet on Pelosi’s desk yells in court over pre-trial jailing
Richard Barnett, 60, of Arkansas faces federal charges including disorderly conduct in a capitol building
Watch: White House scoffs at former assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services
“I don’t think anyone deserves credit when half a million people in the country have died of this pandemic.”
Psaki was responding to recent comments from Admiral Brett Giroir, the former assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, who has said that the Trump administration deserves more credit for planning the distribution of the vaccine.
Trump cabinet member Elaine Chao may have violated ethics law, inspector general says
Donald Trump’s transportation secretary Elaine Chao used her position and staff to help family members who run a shipping business, according to the Office of Inspector General.
Ms Chao, who is married to Senator Mitch McConnell, was in potential violation of federal ethics laws, but despite the findings being referred to Mr Trump’s Justice Department in December 2020, no DOJ investigation was launched.
Ms Chao resigned from the administration on 7 January, the day after supporters of Mr Trump attacked the US Capitol to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election win.
Graeme Massie reports.
Trump cabinet member Elaine Chao may have violated ethics law, inspector general says
Ex-president’s DOJ declined to investigate senior official
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