May 31 Watch 6:37 Sen. Al Franken on ‘horrific’ House health care bill, questioning Jeff Sessions and comparing the Senate to SNL By PBS News Hour Political satire demands a different set of skills from actually practicing politics. Minnesota Sen. Al Franken explains what it’s really like to transition from entertainment to government in his new book, “Al Franken: Giant of the Senate.” Hari Sreenivasan sits… Continue watching
May 31 Explainer: Was Jared Kushner’s attempted ‘back-channel’ with Russia treasonous — or typical? By Nancy Benac, Associated Press A look at what constitutes back-channel diplomacy, some examples from history and the risks and benefits of such informal communications. Continue reading
May 30 Watch 2:27 Back at the White House, Trump administration fends off questions on Kushner, Germany By PBS News Hour Even after two weeks since the last on-camera White House briefing, the main topic was the same: the connection between Russia and the Trump campaign, specifically reports that Jared Kushner sought to set up a direct line to Russia's President… Continue watching
May 30 Watch 10:27 Clapper: Jared Kushner’s alleged secret back channel with Russia ‘curious’ and unusual By PBS News Hour When it comes to the Russia investigations, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper asks: “Why all the cloak-and-dagger secrecy?” In a wide-ranging interview with Judy Woodruff, Clapper discusses the probe into Jared Kushner’s alleged secret back channels with Russia,… Continue watching
May 30 WATCH: Spicer addresses new Russia allegations By Erica R. Hendry and Associated Press It's Spicer's first briefing since reports suggested that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and top adviser, had communications with Russia. Continue reading
May 30 White House communications director Michael Dubke resigns amid tensions By Vivian Salama, Associated Press The departure of Michael Dubke, Trump's communications director, comes as aides say Trump has grown increasingly frustrated by allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and revelations of possible ties between his campaign and Moscow. Continue reading
May 29 Watch 9:06 Damage control over Jared Kushner’s reported Russia communication hasn’t quelled criticism By PBS News Hour Several top Trump administration officials have come out defending senior adviser Jared Kushner after it was reported that he had discussed with the Russian ambassador the possibility of opening a secret communication backchannel between the Trump team and Russia. William… Continue watching
May 28 AP Report: Kushner ties to Russia questioned as Trump blasts media By Hope Yen and Vivian Salma, Associated Press Congressional Democrats on Sunday demanded to hear directly from top White House adviser Jared Kushner over allegations of proposed secret back-channel communications with Russia. Continue reading
May 27 Watch 5:44 Washington Post reporter: Russian ambassador ‘taken aback’ by Kushner’s back channel request By PBS News Hour The Washington Post reported Friday that President Trump's son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, proposed a secret, secure back channel to the Kremlin in a conversation with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. Kushner's lawyer said he will cooperate with the FBI's… Continue watching
May 27 AP Report: Reports swirling about Kushner and Russia probe By Eileen Sullivan, Associated Press Jared Kushner reportedly proposed setting up a secret back channel between the Kremlin and the Trump transition team, according to a report by The Washington Post. Continue reading