| | | | | The excitement of Day 2 of Infrastructure Week. President Trump hosts a congressional roundtable discussion Tuesday at the White House. Credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images | | | The Rob Porter Story That Won't Go Away: The White House's sloppy handling of the Porter issue means it's now dragging on into Day 9, with a fresh congressional investigation in the works
Put Me In, Coach Comey: How's James Comey spending his downtime? Not the way you might think
What PyeongChang is Talking About: Hunter's latest dispatch from the Winter Olympic Games, and those controversial hockey team helmets | | | What the White House is Talking About:
President Trump this morning had a meeting about infrastructure with a bipartisan group from Congress. Later, he has a tax reform working session, and in the afternoon he also signs H.R. 4708, aimed at preventing "the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by requiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement," according to the bill's language. What the White House Press Corps is Talking About: Michael Cohen admitting he paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 out of his own pocket. The briefing with Sarah Sanders is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., but you know how that goes.
The Rob Porter Story that Won't Go Away:
Day 9? Is that where we are? This morning on "New Day," Congressman Trey Gowdy confirmed to Alisyn Camerota that the House Oversight Committee *is* launching an investigation into how the Rob Porter White House employment situation was so badly handled. Gowdy was vocal in his support of women who come forward with stories of abuse: "How do you have any job if you have credible allegations of domestic abuse? Again, I am biased toward the victim."
John Kelly Intrigue:
Of course the lingering how-it-went-down stories have launched a million 'is Kelly in Trump's good graces, or on his naughty list' theories. CNN is reporting that Kelly is in the safe zone - for now. | | That Military Parade? Comes with a Price Tag:
Budget Director Mick Mulvaney has estimated the cost of the military parade that the President would like to put on in Washington, D.C. will be between $10 million and $30 million. If you regularly read this space, you know I am pro-parade: military? good. patriotism? good. parades? gooooood. But, yeah, that's a whole lotta coin. | | The Obama Love is A Lot Tho:
I mean, ok, yes, they're in love and that's cool. Michelle Obama made her husband a (pretty decent actually) playlist of love songs, and in return Barack Obama posted this vacation-y pic and caption. | | Credit: @BarackObama/Twitter
(BTW, so far nothing from the current President and first lady via the social media webs, and no response to my question to FLOTUS' press office as to whether the first couple has special Valentine's Day plans.)
Valentine's of Presidents' Past:
The White House Historical Association Twitter account is one of my favorites because it's got a lot of cool fun facts. Today, for example, it has a bunch of White House Valentine's nuggets, like this letter from Harry S. Truman to his wife, Bess, explaining an utter birthday and Valentine's FAIL by not getting her a present, and instead writing her an ordinary letter. Let's hope he made up for it. | | Credit: @whitehousehstry/Twitter
Coach Comey:
The Daily Caller with an exclusive: former FBI chief James Comey is now coaching a girls' basketball team. The khakis, the navy henley tee, the sneakers -- it's all too good. | | Credit: dailycaller.com
Our Daily Melania:
This afternoon the first lady will spend part of her Valentine's Day with sick children at Children's Inn at NIH, making cards, decorating cookies and visiting with the kids. She's become very adept at this. I'll be tagging along for reporting, so feel free to follow me on Twitter for some insights.
Dress Like the First Lady:
At the White House reception celebrating African American History Month yesterday, Melania was wearing a black crepe jumpsuit with back drape detail by Alexander McQueen. It's sold out on the McQueen site but there are a couple left in stock (on sale) here for $798. | | | Credit: Yuri Gripas/Bloomberg/Getty Images, stylebop.com | | What Washington is Talking About:
The Senate opened debate on immigration, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is testifying before the Senate Finance Committee on the proposed budget.
What America is Talking About:
It's Valentine's Day, but for those who aren't observing, you can celebrate Arizona Statehood Day with me instead (AZ turns 106 today).
Poll of the Day:
In honor of Valentine's Day, the percentage of Americans who said "love" is a very important reason to get married: | | That's according to a 2013 Pew poll. Making a lifelong commitment came in second at 81%, followed by companionship, at 76%.
What PyeongChang is Talking About:
South Korean speed skater Choi Min-jeong was disqualified from the 500m final, and American Shaun White, 31, won his third gold medal for halfpipe. It was Team USA's 100th Winter Games gold medal. Amazing. | | Credit: Francois Xavier Marit/AFP/Getty Images
IOC Lets 'Merica Helmets Stay:
The IOC said earlier this week that the hockey masks worn by American goalies Nicole Hensley and Alex Rigsby that featured the Statue of Liberty could be in violation of its rules against wearing political symbols or words relating to national identity at the Games. But USA Hockey, which was in talks with the IOC over the helmets, said the players will be able to continue wearing them. | | Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Trump Still Doesn't Think Russia Meddled in the Election:
During the Senate Intel Committee hearing yesterday, intelligence agency heads said again that Russia interfered in the 2016 election and is planning on doing it again in the midterms this year. President Trump, however, remains unconvinced.
Warren Talks Pocahontas:
Speaking at the National Congress of American Indians, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is expected to bring up the nickname Trump uses for her, and talk about her mother's family's Native American background, according to prepared remarks obtained by the Boston Globe. "The story they lived will always be a part of me. And no one—not even the President of the United States—will ever take that part of me away."
Obama's Portrait Continues to be the Hottest New Meme:
The floral wall Kehinde Wiley used in his portrait of former President Obama has inspired other artists to make their own renditions, for both 44 and 45. There's Obama in front of a wall of drones, cartoonist Matt Bors drew Trump in front of a wall of Big Macs and Diet Cokes, and internet artist SaintHoax put Trump on a porcelain throne. | | Credit: @trumpmemz/@mattbors/@sainthoax/Instagram
Britney Spears is Receiving Yet Another Prestigious Award:
She'll receive the GLAAD Media Awards' Vanguard Award on April 12.
Street Art Sighting:
Sabo's feud with Jimmy Kimmel continues. The street artist put up a fake road sign in West Hollywood near Chateau Marmont Hotel where TMZ reported Kimmel got in an accident when making an illegal left turn. | | Credit: @unsavoryagents/Twitter
If you spot political street art, I'd love to see it. Here's how you can reach me:
1. Tweet me @hunterschwarz
2. Tag me on Instagram @hunterschwarz
3. Email me at coverlinehunter@cnn.com | | | | | | |
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