Trump allies file ethics complaint against Gov. DeSantis

Allies of Donald Trump have filed an ethics complaint against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The Make America Great Again super PAC accuses the GOP governor of violating campaign finance and ethics rules by running a shadow bid for the White House. Trump’s allies are asking the Florida Commission on Ethics to investigate DeSantis for violating campaign finance and ethics rules. DeSantis is a leading potential 2024 primary rival to the former president, and his office dismissed the complaint as “frivolous and politically motivated.”

DOJ, SEC launch investigations into Silicon Valley Bank collapse

Federal investigations into the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank are underway. The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission have each launched investigations into the bank’s collapse and, according to the AP, are in the early stages. Officials will also examine the actions of the bank’s senior executives. According to a person familiar with the matter, the Justice Department’s investigation involves federal prosecutors in California, along with prosecutors involved in fraud cases.

US, Russia trade warnings over downed American drone

The United States and Russia are trading accusations after the downing of an American military drone over the Black Sea. U-S officials say the drone was intercepted by Russian fighter jets, prompting Washington to express its concerns directly to Russia’s ambassador to the United States. The National Security Council’s John Kirby told CNN that Moscow needs to be more careful when flying in international airspace. But Russian officials accused the U-S military of “deliberately and provocatively” flying close to its air space and said for the Americans to keep well away.

U.S. government moves to stop potential banking crisis

The U-S government has taken action to stop a potential banking crisis after the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank. In an effort to prevent a financial free-fall, the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, and FDIC announced that all Silicon Valley Bank clients would be protected and able to access their money. The extraordinary government intervention was the most extensive since the 2008 financial crisis. President Biden welcomed the action, saying “the American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them.”

Eyeing 2024, Trump, DeSantis make treks to Iowa

2024 Republican campaign activity is heating up in Iowa — the leadoff caucus state. The two Republicans leading the early presidential polls already have their sights on Iowa. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is not yet a formal candidate, made his first visit to the state on Friday. He’s a top-tier presidential prospect viewed as a rival to Donald Trump. On Monday, the former president pays a visit to Iowa for the first time since announcing his re-election bid. Several other GOP presidential hopefuls have also made early stops in Iowa.

Biden to visit Canada, address Parliament

President Biden will visit Canada for the first time since taking office. The White House announced details of the upcoming trip to the Canadian capital of Ottawa on March 23rd and 24th. President Biden will address the country’s parliament and meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canada is a major U-S trading partner and defense ally. A key point on the agenda will be modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command, following the recent Chinese spy balloon incident.

DeSantis lays groundwork for White House campaign

Biden to unveil budget with more taxes for high-earners

President Biden releases his new federal budget blueprint. After laying the groundwork in his State of the Union address and in other recent speeches, the president formally unveils his budget. He’s pledging to reduce deficits by a combined $2 trillion over 10 years, strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and limit tax increases to people earning more than 400-thousand dollars. Instead of making his announcement at the White House, the president will do it in Pennsylvania, which just happens to be a must-win state in the 2024 election.

White House, Republicans criticize Fox’s Carlson over 1/6 video

Republicans and Democrats are criticizing the portrayal of the January 6th riot by Tucker Carlson on Fox News. Carlson received video footage of the U-S Capitol attacks from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and has portrayed the rioters as peaceful. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says Carlson “is not credible.” Even Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said it was a mistake for Fox News to depict the footage as it did. Carlson says he aired the video transparency.

In reversal, Biden weighs detaining migrant families

The Biden administration is considering detaining migrant families who cross into the U-S illegally. U-S officials say the detention of illegal migrant families is a possibility as the administration prepares to end COVID-19 restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border. That would be a major reversal for President Biden. However, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment. The White House may be refusing to comment, but Democrats in Congress and others say they’re alarmed that the policy is under consideration.

Biden to host April state visit for South Korean leader Yoon

President Biden will host the second state visit of his administration next month. On April 26th, the president will honor South Korea’s president, complete with a fancy state dinner, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the two countries. In a statement, the White House says America’s partnership with South Korea is “critical to advancing peace, stability and prosperity” around the world.

DeSantis touts conservative agenda in possible WH preview

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is touting his conservative agenda ahead of an expected presidential campaign. In a speech kicking off the Florida legislative session, DeSantis boasted that his governing style and philosophy have made his state number-one. DeSantis embraced his conservative agenda from tax relief to parents rights, from immigration to abortion. And as he builds momentum for a presidential run, DeSantis ended his speech by promising “you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

China warns of “conflict and confrontation” with U.S.

China is striking a combative tone about relations with the United States. President Biden often says he’s interested in competition with China, not conflict. But the new Chinese foreign minister has other ideas. He says America’s policy toward China is irrational and that Beijing and Washington are headed for “conflict and confrontation” if the U-S doesn’t change course. Tensions have been high since the recent shooting down of a suspected Chinese spy balloon.

Biden proposes Medicare tax increase to keep fund solvent

President Biden has unveiled a plan aimed at extending the life of Medicare. In order to keep Medicare solvent for another 25 years, the president proposes higher taxes on the wealthy. Under his plan, the Medicare tax rate would rise from 3-point-8 percent to 5 percent on income over 400-thousand dollars per year. The president also wants to reduce government payments for some prescription drugs. But getting Congress to approve the plan likely will be difficult, with a Republican-led House and closely divided Senate.

4 US citizens kidnapped in Mexico border city amid shootout

American officials are in contact with Mexican law enforcement about the kidnapping of four Americans.
The FBI and Mexican officials say the U.S. citizens were kidnapped by gunmen after crossing into Mexico from Brownsville, Texas. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says President Biden has been informed of the situation. She says the Departments of State and Homeland Security are also coordinating with Mexican authorities.

GOP to highlight tax increases in Biden budget

Republicans in Congress are ready to smack down President Biden’s forthcoming federal budget. The budget won’t be unveiled until Thursday, but the president hinted in a Monday speech that tax increases on the wealthy will be included. The White House hopes that fairness message resonates with voters. Right now, the Republican majority in the House opposes most of the president’s ideas — and they plan to highlight the tax increases.

Former Gov. Larry Hogan won’t challenge Trump in 2024

Former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan says he won’t run for president in 2024. Hogan is a vocal critic of Donald Trump, but has decided not to challenge him for the Republican Party nomination. In a statement, he says the GOP “must move on” from Trump so it can “once again be a successful governing party.” Hogan says “there are several competent Republican leaders who have the potential to step up and lead,” and he decided not to run to avoid, in his words, “another multi car pileup that could potentially help Trump recapture the nomination.”

Dems upset with Biden for overriding DC City Council

President Biden is feeling the heat from Democrats over his decision not to veto a Republican bill involving Washington, DC. After announcing he opposed a congressional measure that would strike down a new crime law in the District of Columbia, the president said that he would sign it. The issue posed a political dilemma for Biden, who supports DC statehood and autonomy, but who also didn’t want to appear soft on crime. Many Democrats in Congress and members of the DC city council are upset with the president for overriding the will of the city’s elected representatives.

GOP presidential hopefuls start heading to Iowa

Presidential hopefuls are beginning to focus on Iowa — the leadoff Republican voting state in the 2024 campaign. Fresh off their appearances at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington, Donald Trump and Nikki Haley both will be traveling to Iowa. Haley will be there in the coming week for a three-day tour featuring two rallies and a foreign policy event. The following week, Trump will go to Davenport, Iowa, to deliver remarks on his education policy. Meanwhile, Ron DeSantis, who is not yet a candidate, has scheduled events in Iowa later this week to promote his new book.

Government to improve public water system security

The Biden administration is taking steps to improve the digital defenses of public water systems. The administration’s water system plan follows several high-profile hacking incidents in recent years. An EPA official says the government is acting now because of the urgency of the threat to critical infrastructure. The plan recommends a series of rules placing more responsibility for securing water facilities at the state-level. However, some experts say the new plan will not do enough to help make the nation’s water sector more secure.

Lesion removed from President Biden was cancerous

A lesion removed from President Biden during his recent physical was cancerous. Two weeks ago, the president had a lesion removed from his chest during a routine skin cancer checkup and the tissue was sent for a traditional biopsy. The results are in and Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, says the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma. He writes that “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” and “no further treatment is required.” First Lady Jill had multiple basal cell lesions removed in January and reports that she’s “healthy.”

Haley urges conservatives to back “new generation” of leaders

Biden presents Medal of Honor to Vietnam War hero

Nikki Haley to speak at Trump-favored CPAC event

GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley is a featured speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Haley is the first Republican to challenge former President Trump for the party’s 2024 nomination, and she’s hoping for a breakthrough at CPAC, which has been packed with Trump supporters in recent years. While some GOP presidential hopefuls, including Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence, are skipping this year’s event, Haley will use her appearance to court the party’s conservative base.