Governing

In late January, President Trump speaks on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin while White House chief of staff Reince Priebus (from second left), Vice President Pence, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, press secretary Sean Spicer and n

Don't Look Away: Stuff Happens Fast In Trump's First Summer In Washington

1:20pm July 29, 2017

by Ron Elving

Even as the GOP's assault on Obamacare lurched and stumbled to a stop, America's attention was divided by other stories — some important, some of lesser consequence and some of greater shock value.

The White House is seen reflected in a rainwater puddle on Friday, July 28, 2017 — amid very stormy times in Washington, D.C.

Could Trump Pardon Himself? Probably Not.

12:04pm July 29, 2017

by Nina Totenberg

No president in history has done that, but some likely have contemplated it.

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President Trump flanked by Sens. Susan Collins, of Maine, (L) and Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, (R) as GOP senators meet with Trump to discuss the health care bill at the White House on June 27, 2017.

For Some, GOP Women Deserve Slow Clap Ending After Killing 'Skinny Repeal' Bill

7:00am July 29, 2017

by Vanessa Romo

The drama on the Senate floor early Friday morning was the culmination of months of opposition — and concerns expressed — by moderate Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

Reince Priebus, seen in June, is out as President Trump's chief of staff. He will be replaced by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly.

Trump Chief Of Staff Priebus Is Out — In Biggest White House Staff Shake-Up Yet

8:04pm July 28, 2017

by Domenico Montanaro

The former Republican National Committee chairman, a mild-mannered Wisconsinite, was never a natural fit with the flashy billionaire president. His exit signals a new chapter in the Trump presidency.

In a tweet Friday evening, President Trump named John Kelly, secretary of homeland security, as his new chief of staff.

Trump Taps John Kelly As New White House Chief Of Staff

7:51pm July 28, 2017

by Miles Parks

John Kelly, who had been serving as the president's secretary of homeland security, takes a key role at the White House after a week of staff turmoil and infighting.

Former Office of Government Ethics director Walter Shaub wants to see reforms to strengthen the office.

Former Ethics Director Says Trump Is Causing A 'Crisis;' Calls For Reforms

6:34pm July 28, 2017

by Mollie Simon

Walter Shaub, former head of the federal ethics office, says that unless compliance laws are toughened, American ethical norms will fade away. They will be replaced by new, lower standards, he fears.

Sen. John McCain says defeat of the Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act is a chance for a fresh start.

Congress Emerges From Another Health Care Failure Without A Clear Path Forward

3:09pm July 28, 2017

by Brian Naylor

Whether Republicans will try to resurrect health care efforts — again — is uncertain. Republican Sen. John McCain, who cast the decisive no vote, said the bill's defeat is a chance to "start fresh."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions boards a plane at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, for El Salvador. His former Senate colleagues are rallying behind him amid withering attacks from President Trump.

Attacks On Sessions Could Be A Red Line For GOP Senators

8:59pm July 27, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Jeff Sessions said he would "be glad to yield" if President Trump no longer wanted as him attorney general. Sen. Lindsey Graham warned Trump that there will be "holy hell to pay" if Sessions is fired.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (from left), Sen. Bill Cassidy, Sen. Ron Johnson and Sen. John McCain, all Republicans, announced Thursday that they would not vote for a so-called skinny repeal of the Affordable Care Act without assurances from the House that the bil

Repeal-And-Replace Effort In Senate Still Dominated By Confusion

8:28pm July 27, 2017

by Gisele Grayson

Republicans headed into an all-night session in an uncomfortable position where the only legislation they can potentially pass is a bill most senators oppose.

President Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Tuesday.

Russia Sanctions Headed To Trump's Desk. Will He Sign?

7:05pm July 27, 2017

by Scott Neuman

The Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday to impose new sanctions on Russia, North Korea and Iran — over threats from the White House to veto the measure.