U.S. intelligence agencies were issuing ominous, classified warnings in January and February about the global danger posed by the coronavirus while Trump and lawmakers played down the threat and failed to take action that might have slowed the spread

The National Park Service is diverting $2.5 million, which is collected by entrance fees to pay for improvements at parks nationwide, to fund Trump's July 4 spectacle -- to which his political donors get VIP tickets, via @eilperin  @jdawsey1  & @DanLamothe 

Trump and advisers calculated that he shouldn’t speak to the nation because he had nothing to say, no tangible policy or action to announce, nor did he feel an urgent motivation to try to bring people together. So he let his tweets speak for themselves.

Obama, in McCain eulogy, condemns today's politics that are "mean" and "petty," and based on "bombast, insult, phony controversies and manufactured outrage." This politics, he says, "pretends to be brave and tough, but in fact is born in fear."

Trump: “Nancy’s in a situation where it’s not easy for her to talk” Pelosi: “Mr. President, please don’t characterize the strength that I bring to this meeting as the leader of the House Democrats who just won a big victory" Schumer: “Elections have consequences, Mr. President”

The Washington Post surveyed all 249 Republicans in the House and Senate. Only 25 would acknowledge that Joe Biden is president-elect.

Sec State Tillerson is holding a news conference right now in Riyadh, per WH pool, but US reporters were not invited or told about it.

Obama: “Do what you think is right. Doing what feels good—what’s convenient, what’s easy—that’s how little kids think. Unfortunately a lot of so-called grown-ups, including some with fancy titles and important jobs, still think that way, which is why things are so screwed up.”