Rosenstein Suggested Wearing Wire – Former FBI official Andrew McCabe said in an interview with 60 Minutes that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had suggested wearing a wire when he was in discussions with President Trump, in order to obtain evidence regarding why Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey. McCabe also claimed that Rosenstein had plans to have President Trump by using the 25th Amendment, which allows the removal of the president by a Cabinet vote. In response, President Trump accused Rosenstein of plotting a coup against him and being involved in “illegal and treasonous” activities. Rosenstein denied the allegations, saying he never signed off on wearing a wire or plotted to make use of the 25th Amendment. Rosenstein is expected leave the Justice Department in March.
Stone Gagged – Former Trump associate and campaign advisor Roger J. Stone has been gagged by a judge after a threatening post he put on Instagram. Judge Amy Berman Jackson did not accept Stone’s apology for posting an image with Judge Berman Jackson’s face and crosshairs near it. Stone is no longer allowed to comment publicly or to the media about his ongoing court case aside from proclaiming his innocence.
Democrats To Investigate Nuke Sharing Reports – House Democrats said they would be opening an investigation into allegations from multiple whistle-blowers claiming that the Trump administration had discussed providing Saudi Arabia nuclear power plants with proper Congressional oversight and approval. The discussions were reportedly held by former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and Energy Secretary Rick Perry.
Mueller Probe Winding Down – The 2 year investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election is reportedly winding down. Attorney General Bob Barr is expected to announce the end of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation as soon as next week.
Nauert Withdraws From Un Ambassador Consideration – Heather Nauert, the former Fox News anchor turned Pentagon spokeswoman has withdrawn her name from consideration to become the next US Ambassador to the United Nations. Trump had announced on December 7 during a driveway gaggle with reporters that he would be sending her name to the Senate to be confirmed for the position, although the Senate has never received the actual nomination. Nauert cited family as her reason for withdrawing from consideration for the position, saying it has taken a serious toll on her family life. The White House is reportedly in talks with former Michigan Senate candidate John James for the position. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has officially recommended Kelly Craft, who is currently serving as the US Ambassador to Canada, for the vacant position.
New Election Called For In NC-09 – North Carolina’s election board has ordered a new election in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional district following credible witness reports of ballot tampering. Republican Mark Harris has conceded that fraud may have awarded him the election versus Democrat Dan McCready by a 965-vote margin. A date for a new election where the two will face off again has not yet been set.