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Coronavirus US live: acting navy secretary resigns after insulting ousted captain Coronavirus US live: acting navy secretary resigns after insulting ousted captain
(32 minutes later)
Thomas Modly’s resignation accepted after he was initially unwilling to apologize for his comments on captain behind coronavirus memoThomas Modly’s resignation accepted after he was initially unwilling to apologize for his comments on captain behind coronavirus memo
Billionaire tech executive Jack Dorsey explained his decision to commit $1 billion in stocks to supporting coronavirus relief in a series of tweets.
“Why now?” wrote Dorsey, who is the CEO of two public companies, Twitter and Square. “The needs are increasingly urgent, and I want to see the impact in my lifetime. I hope this inspires others to do something similar. Life is too short, so let’s do everything we can today to help people now. ”
Dorsey is not making a straightforward donation. Instead, he is planning to transfer $1bn in Square stock to Start Small LLC, a limited liability corporation that he established in 2015 to house his charitable work. LLCs are not subject to the same disclosure requirements that tax-exempt charitable donations are, but Dorsey also published a Google spreadsheet that he said would be used to disclose all of his grants. Dorsey said the structure “provides flexibility.”
The first donation on the spreadsheet is a $100,000 gift to America’s Food Fund, which has raised more than $13m on GoFundMe to combat hunger in the US.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Acting navy secretary Thomas Modly resigned over insulting comments he made about Captain Brett Crozier, the commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt who raised concerns about the spread of coronavirus on the ship.
Trump removed a Pentagon official tapped to oversee the coronavirus relief effort from his post. Acting Pentagon inspector general Glenn Fine was supposed to oversee implementation of the $2 trillion coronavirus bill, but an agency spokesperson confirmed he is no longer in the role.
New York reported the largest single-day increase in its coronavirus death toll yet. The state has recorded 5,489 deaths linked to the virus, up from 4,758 a day earlier, governor Andrew Cuomo announced at his daily briefing today.
The White House announced an overhaul of its communications team. Press secretary Stephanie Grisham is returning to the first lady’s staff after never having held a single White House briefing in more than nine months. She will be replaced by Kayleigh McEnany, who currently serves as a spokesperson for Trump’s reelection campaign.
Congress is seeking to allocate additional funds to the small business loan program established by the stimulus package. Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said he would ask Congress to add $250 billion to the program, which was originally given $350 billion under the stimulus package passed last month.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Trump said he would discuss Peter Navarro’s January memo warning of a potential coronavirus pandemic at his press conference today.
“I know all about it,” Trump said of the memo, which was first reported on by Axios and the New York Times last night. “We’ll talk about it at the press conference,” Trump added.
In the memo, Navarro, Trump’s told trade adviser, reportedly warned that the coronavirus outbreak had the potential to turn into a pandemic, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans and devastating the US economy.
The memo’s existence undermines claims from Trump and many of his advisers that the administration was not properly warned about the potential impact of the virus.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said he would commit $1 billion of his wealth to helping coronavirus relief efforts.Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said he would commit $1 billion of his wealth to helping coronavirus relief efforts.
The financial commitment appears to be the largest one yet from a billionaire, although a number of the world’s wealthiest people have donated funds to various coronavirus relief efforts.The financial commitment appears to be the largest one yet from a billionaire, although a number of the world’s wealthiest people have donated funds to various coronavirus relief efforts.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, for example, donated $100 million to food banks helping with the crisis, but he has faced criticism over how he has treated his own workers as demand for Amazon products has increased amid the pandemic.Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, for example, donated $100 million to food banks helping with the crisis, but he has faced criticism over how he has treated his own workers as demand for Amazon products has increased amid the pandemic.
Some Wisconsin voters are saying they never received their absentee ballots for today’s primary, despite requesting them before the deadline.Some Wisconsin voters are saying they never received their absentee ballots for today’s primary, despite requesting them before the deadline.
Without an absentee ballot, voters are left with an unappealing choice between going to an in-person polling site and not voting at all, increasing the likelihood that many people will be disenfranchised.Without an absentee ballot, voters are left with an unappealing choice between going to an in-person polling site and not voting at all, increasing the likelihood that many people will be disenfranchised.
Sam Levine reports:Sam Levine reports:
Wisconsin state House speaker Robin Vos assured voters they are “incredibly safe to go out,” but the Republican leader undermined that message somewhat by making it while covered in personal protective equipment.Wisconsin state House speaker Robin Vos assured voters they are “incredibly safe to go out,” but the Republican leader undermined that message somewhat by making it while covered in personal protective equipment.
Vos and the Republican majority leader of the state Senate challenged Democratic governor Tony Evers’ executive order to cancel in-person voting for today’s election, an order that was later blocked by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.Vos and the Republican majority leader of the state Senate challenged Democratic governor Tony Evers’ executive order to cancel in-person voting for today’s election, an order that was later blocked by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Some voters in Milwaukee are reporting wait times of up to two hours today after all but five of the city’s polling sites were closed after poll workers quit over concerns about coronavirus.Some voters in Milwaukee are reporting wait times of up to two hours today after all but five of the city’s polling sites were closed after poll workers quit over concerns about coronavirus.
Defense secretary Mark Esper has accepted acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly’s resignation, according to a CNN reporter.Defense secretary Mark Esper has accepted acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly’s resignation, according to a CNN reporter.
Esper reportedly pressured Modly to apologize after the acting Navy secretary said Captain Brett Crozier was “too naive or too stupid” to command a ship if he thought his letter raising concerns about the spread of coronavirus wouldn’t be leaked.Esper reportedly pressured Modly to apologize after the acting Navy secretary said Captain Brett Crozier was “too naive or too stupid” to command a ship if he thought his letter raising concerns about the spread of coronavirus wouldn’t be leaked.
Modly issued a statement apologizing last night after initially standing by his original comments.Modly issued a statement apologizing last night after initially standing by his original comments.
James McPherson, the acting undersecretary of the Army, has been tapped to succeed Thomas Modly as acting Navy secretary, according to the Wall Street Journal.James McPherson, the acting undersecretary of the Army, has been tapped to succeed Thomas Modly as acting Navy secretary, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Modly, who served as both acting secretary and permanent undersecretary of the Navy, will reportedly resign from both roles over his comments about Captain Brett Crozier.Modly, who served as both acting secretary and permanent undersecretary of the Navy, will reportedly resign from both roles over his comments about Captain Brett Crozier.
Acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly was originally unwilling to apologize for his comments attacking Captain Brett Crozier, but he did so after Trump said he would “get involved” in the matter.Acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly was originally unwilling to apologize for his comments attacking Captain Brett Crozier, but he did so after Trump said he would “get involved” in the matter.
“I want to apologize to the Navy for my recent comments to the crew of the TR,” Modly said in a statement released last night. “Let me be clear, I do not think Captain Brett Crozier is naïve nor stupid. I think, and always believed him to be the opposite.”“I want to apologize to the Navy for my recent comments to the crew of the TR,” Modly said in a statement released last night. “Let me be clear, I do not think Captain Brett Crozier is naïve nor stupid. I think, and always believed him to be the opposite.”
Asked about Modly’s comments hours earlier at his daily coronavirus briefing, Trump said, “I’m going to get involved and see exactly what’s going on there. Because I don’t want to destroy somebody for having a bad day.”Asked about Modly’s comments hours earlier at his daily coronavirus briefing, Trump said, “I’m going to get involved and see exactly what’s going on there. Because I don’t want to destroy somebody for having a bad day.”
Acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly has reportedly offered to resign amid an uproar over his harsh comments criticizing Captain Brett Crozier.Acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly has reportedly offered to resign amid an uproar over his harsh comments criticizing Captain Brett Crozier.
Politico reports:Politico reports:
A number of Democratic lawmakers, including House speaker Nancy Pelosi, have called on Modly to be removed from his post after he attacked Crozier in a speech to the captain’s former crew members.A number of Democratic lawmakers, including House speaker Nancy Pelosi, have called on Modly to be removed from his post after he attacked Crozier in a speech to the captain’s former crew members.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling for the removal of acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly after he lambasted Captain Brett Crozier, who tried to raise concerns about the spread of coronavirus on his ship.House speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling for the removal of acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly after he lambasted Captain Brett Crozier, who tried to raise concerns about the spread of coronavirus on his ship.
“Acting Secretary Modly’s actions and words demonstrate his failure to prioritize the force protection of our troops,” Pelosi said in a statement. “He showed a serious lack of the sound judgment and strong leadership needed during this time. Acting Secretary Modly must be removed from his position or resign.”“Acting Secretary Modly’s actions and words demonstrate his failure to prioritize the force protection of our troops,” Pelosi said in a statement. “He showed a serious lack of the sound judgment and strong leadership needed during this time. Acting Secretary Modly must be removed from his position or resign.”
Modly harshly criticized Crozier in a speech yesterday to the crew members of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which Crozier used to command. Crozier was removed from the post after his letter sharing concerns about an outbreak on the ship were made public.Modly harshly criticized Crozier in a speech yesterday to the crew members of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which Crozier used to command. Crozier was removed from the post after his letter sharing concerns about an outbreak on the ship were made public.
In his speech, Modly said Crozier was either “too naive or too stupid” to command the ship if he didn’t think the letter would be leaked. Modly’s speech was promptly leaked as well. The acting secretary initially stood by his comments but later apologized under pressure.In his speech, Modly said Crozier was either “too naive or too stupid” to command the ship if he didn’t think the letter would be leaked. Modly’s speech was promptly leaked as well. The acting secretary initially stood by his comments but later apologized under pressure.
In her statement, Pelosi applauded Crozier for demanding that his crew be allowed to quarantine to avoid spreading the virus.In her statement, Pelosi applauded Crozier for demanding that his crew be allowed to quarantine to avoid spreading the virus.
“Our oath of office is to protect and defend the Constitution, and therefore our first responsibility is to protect and defend the American people,” Pelosi said.“Our oath of office is to protect and defend the Constitution, and therefore our first responsibility is to protect and defend the American people,” Pelosi said.
“To that end, our priority is force protection of our men and women in uniform who sacrifice to keep Americans safe. That is exactly what Captain Crozier was doing when he called for help for the men and women in his charge.”“To that end, our priority is force protection of our men and women in uniform who sacrifice to keep Americans safe. That is exactly what Captain Crozier was doing when he called for help for the men and women in his charge.”
Most of the voting delays in Wisconsin appear to be centralized in Milwaukee, where only five polling places are open for today’s primary.Most of the voting delays in Wisconsin appear to be centralized in Milwaukee, where only five polling places are open for today’s primary.
In comparison, Madison, which has less than half the population of Milwaukee, has 66 polling sites open. Wauwatosa, a city that borders Milwaukee and has a population of 48,000 has 10 polling sites open.In comparison, Madison, which has less than half the population of Milwaukee, has 66 polling sites open. Wauwatosa, a city that borders Milwaukee and has a population of 48,000 has 10 polling sites open.
The lack of polling locations in Milwaukee is particularly disconcerting because the city is majority minority, while the state as a whole is 85% white.The lack of polling locations in Milwaukee is particularly disconcerting because the city is majority minority, while the state as a whole is 85% white.
The first congressman to be diagnosed with coronavirus has now recovered from his illness.The first congressman to be diagnosed with coronavirus has now recovered from his illness.
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said he has reunited with his family in Miami after spending three weeks in Washington as he recovered from the virus.Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said he has reunited with his family in Miami after spending three weeks in Washington as he recovered from the virus.
“It has not been an easy journey,” the congressman wrote in an Instagram post. “There were moments when I thought I was recovering, but then the fever would return. Thankfully, I never experienced shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or issues with my heart.”“It has not been an easy journey,” the congressman wrote in an Instagram post. “There were moments when I thought I was recovering, but then the fever would return. Thankfully, I never experienced shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or issues with my heart.”
Diaz-Balart said he intended to donate his plasma to help other coronavirus patients and urged others have tested positive to do the same.Diaz-Balart said he intended to donate his plasma to help other coronavirus patients and urged others have tested positive to do the same.
The Republican congressman announced his diagnosis about three weeks ago. Several lawmakers have since said they have also contracted the virus.The Republican congressman announced his diagnosis about three weeks ago. Several lawmakers have since said they have also contracted the virus.
California is sending 100 ventilators to New Jersey as the state deals with a surge of coronavirus cases, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced.California is sending 100 ventilators to New Jersey as the state deals with a surge of coronavirus cases, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced.
Murphy said in a tweet that the state was “beyond grateful” to California and would “repay the favor when California needs it.”Murphy said in a tweet that the state was “beyond grateful” to California and would “repay the favor when California needs it.”
California governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that the state was loaning 500 state-owned ventilators to the Strategic National Stockpile to help states that are currently hard hit by the pandemic.California governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that the state was loaning 500 state-owned ventilators to the Strategic National Stockpile to help states that are currently hard hit by the pandemic.
New Jersey is the only state besides New York that has reported more than 1,000 deaths linked to the virus.New Jersey is the only state besides New York that has reported more than 1,000 deaths linked to the virus.
Maryland governor Larry Hogan said the state would start reporting the race of coronavirus patients amid concerns that African Americans have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.Maryland governor Larry Hogan said the state would start reporting the race of coronavirus patients amid concerns that African Americans have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards said yesterday that African Americans have accounted for more than 70% of the state’s coronavirus deaths, even though they make up about a third of the population. “Obviously this is a big disparity,” Edwards said.Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards said yesterday that African Americans have accounted for more than 70% of the state’s coronavirus deaths, even though they make up about a third of the population. “Obviously this is a big disparity,” Edwards said.
In Michigan, data indicates that more than 40% of those who have died from the virus were African American, even though only 14% of the state’s population is black.In Michigan, data indicates that more than 40% of those who have died from the virus were African American, even though only 14% of the state’s population is black.
Dr Jerome Adams, the surgeon general, said African Americans may be disproportionately suffering from the virus because they are more likely to have preexisting conditions that complicate the illness, like diabetes and heart disease.Dr Jerome Adams, the surgeon general, said African Americans may be disproportionately suffering from the virus because they are more likely to have preexisting conditions that complicate the illness, like diabetes and heart disease.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said he would ask Congress to allocate an additional $250 billion to the small business loan program, which was created under the $2 trillion stimulus bill that Trump signed last month.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said he would ask Congress to allocate an additional $250 billion to the small business loan program, which was created under the $2 trillion stimulus bill that Trump signed last month.
The stimulus bill originally allocated $350 billion in funds for loans to small businesses, many of which have been closed in recent weeks due to social distancing restrictions.The stimulus bill originally allocated $350 billion in funds for loans to small businesses, many of which have been closed in recent weeks due to social distancing restrictions.
When the program opened Friday, banks received a flood of applications, as business owners feared the funding would soon run out. The additional money will likely help to alleviate some of those concerns.When the program opened Friday, banks received a flood of applications, as business owners feared the funding would soon run out. The additional money will likely help to alleviate some of those concerns.
Some rather harsh reactions to the news that Trump campaign spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany will be Donald Trump’s fourth White House press secretary.Some rather harsh reactions to the news that Trump campaign spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany will be Donald Trump’s fourth White House press secretary.
Norm Eisen, a Brookings fellow who was White House ethics czar under Barack Obama, kicked off one string with a tweet in which he said: “I have debated her a couple times on TV. I am struggling for a diplomatic way to put this but … when the producer told me she was a graduate of Harvard Law I thought I was being pranked.”Norm Eisen, a Brookings fellow who was White House ethics czar under Barack Obama, kicked off one string with a tweet in which he said: “I have debated her a couple times on TV. I am struggling for a diplomatic way to put this but … when the producer told me she was a graduate of Harvard Law I thought I was being pranked.”
Some answers from some prominent people who perhaps ought to have thought twice before tweeting, given the potential for adding fuel to anti-media and anti-liberal fires forever burning among Trump supporters:Some answers from some prominent people who perhaps ought to have thought twice before tweeting, given the potential for adding fuel to anti-media and anti-liberal fires forever burning among Trump supporters:
Jared Huffman, a California Democratic congressman, referring to Legally Blonde: “I saw that movie! Except Reese Witherspoon was actually smart.”Jared Huffman, a California Democratic congressman, referring to Legally Blonde: “I saw that movie! Except Reese Witherspoon was actually smart.”
Asha Rangappa, CNN analyst: “All I have to say is that law schools don’t have to report LSATs of transfer students which means that can take big risks... sometimes they just don’t pan out.”Asha Rangappa, CNN analyst: “All I have to say is that law schools don’t have to report LSATs of transfer students which means that can take big risks... sometimes they just don’t pan out.”
Norman Ornstein, fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, author and journalist: “Just like I thought I was being pranked when I was told that Jared Kushner had graduated from Harvard. Or when I was told that Donald Trump graduated from Wharton. I’m beginning to question the accreditation of each of these entities.”Norman Ornstein, fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, author and journalist: “Just like I thought I was being pranked when I was told that Jared Kushner had graduated from Harvard. Or when I was told that Donald Trump graduated from Wharton. I’m beginning to question the accreditation of each of these entities.”
Here’s David Smith’s report from Washington, which includes this telling remark about the press secretary role from ABC News Chief White House correspondent Jon Karl:Here’s David Smith’s report from Washington, which includes this telling remark about the press secretary role from ABC News Chief White House correspondent Jon Karl:
And here’s the whole of David’s interview with Karl:And here’s the whole of David’s interview with Karl: