This story appeared in The Logoff, a every day e-newsletter that helps you keep knowledgeable concerning the Trump administration with out letting political information take over your life. Subscribe right here.
Welcome to The Logoff: Hello, readers. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump was the goal of a 3rd high-profile assassination try on the annual White Home Correspondents’ Dinner. He was unhurt, as had been the opposite attendees. One Secret Service agent was shot however not badly injured, because of a bulletproof vest.
We’re more likely to study extra concerning the shooter, who was arraigned in DC at this time, within the coming days. However the White Home is popping out swinging on two different priorities post-shooting: Jimmy Kimmel and Trump’s ballroom.
What’s happening? Let’s begin with Kimmel, who made a joke earlier within the week describing First Girl Melania Trump as having “a glow like an expectant widow.” On Monday, each Trumps known as for Kimmel to lose his job over the joke, which Melania described as “hateful and violent.”
That is one thing the Trump administration has tried earlier than. Final 12 months, Kimmel was briefly off the air after Trump’s Federal Communications Fee chair threatened his employer, ABC; his reinstatement was a black eye for the administration.
There’s nothing to attach Kimmel’s joke with Saturday evening’s assault, however the administration, undeterred, seems to be making an attempt once more.
And the ballroom? Mentioned ballroom — an enormous entertaining area for which the East Wing was demolished — doesn’t exist but, however Trump badly desires it executed earlier than the tip of his time period. Proper now, nonetheless, the White Home is enjoined from continuing with above-ground development on the constructing.
And so, following the assault, the administration is leaning arduous right into a supposed nationwide safety justification for the ballroom. On Sunday, Appearing Lawyer Common Todd Blanche stated that the lawsuit in opposition to the administration was “delaying the development of a safe facility for the President to do his job.”
(The Correspondents’ Dinner isn’t a authorities occasion and wouldn’t be hosted on the White Home even had been the ballroom accomplished.)
What’s the massive image? Confronted with a possible tragedy narrowly prevented, the Trump administration goes all-in on petty political opportunism — and making an attempt to trip roughshod over its opponents.
And with that, it’s time to log out…
I discovered a brand new and pleasant phrase from this Wall Avenue Journal story: thigmotactic, which the Journal’s Robert McMillan studies is “a scientific time period for very social creatures who wish to cuddle.”
The creatures in query are sea lions, and particularly, a stellar Steller sea lion named “Chonkers,” who has made himself at residence at San Francisco’s Pier 39. You possibly can learn all about him right here with a present hyperlink.
As at all times, thanks for studying, have a fantastic night, and we’ll see you again right here tomorrow!
