Why One Republican Congressman Says We Should Purge The FBI
Taking on the credibility of the FBI has become increasingly common in the Trump era, but one Congressman took it to a new level this week. In an interview on MSNBC, Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL) said that the FBI and Department of Justice should be purged of anti-Trump bureaucrats.
Jack Hunter, Editor at Rare Politics, discusses why Rep. Rooney's comments are concerning. Hunter says it echoes authoritarian rhetoric, which has been on the rise in recent years.
Hunter also discusses what is likely to be on the Republican political agenda in 2018. Despite Speaker Paul Ryan's goal of reforming entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid, it's unlikely that will make the list. Many Republican Senators and Congressmen say they plan to take on infrastructure reform next. Republicans will officially decide on their policy agenda at their annual conference in West Virginia at the end of January.
Jill and Carlo are a bit delayed today on account of Carlo's internet not working. Better late than never, they discuss what we know about the suspect in the Christmas parade crash, closing arguments in the Arbery killing trial, and more.
Stocks began the week closing at session lows on a day when bond yields rose and President Biden decided to stick with Jerome Powell as Fed Chair. Bryan Lee, Chief Investment Officer at Blue Zone Wealth Advisors, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he breaks down the day's activity and discusses what the Fed now needs to do going forward.
President Joe Biden announced Monday he is re-nominating Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell after weeks of speculation that he would choose Democrat and Fed Governor Lael Brainard to fill the role. Biden could be looking for continuity as the U.S. continues to grapple with COVID-19 and high inflation, and investors could be on the same page: markets and treasuries ticked up after the White House made the announcement. MarketWatch Senior Reporter Greg Robb joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss Powell's re-nomination, what we can expect from the Fed's December meeting, whether it will speed up its taper timeline, and more.
President Joe Biden named Jerome Powell, initially appointed by President Trump, to keep his seat as the chair of the Federal Reserve on Monday amid the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, inflation, and unemployment. David Beckworth, a former international economist for the Treasury Department and a senior fellow with the Mercatus Center, joined Cheddar to discuss what he sees as the practicality of Biden's decision. "What Powell brings to the table is he's built up political capital with Republicans and Democrats," he said. "It's easy for him to get the job done. I think in one way he was the path of least resistance for the president."
In a surprise turn of events, Elizabeth Holmes took the stand in her own defense on Friday and is expected to continue her testimony later today. Holmes, who founded a blood testing start-up Theranos back in 2003, faces 11 counts of wire fraud as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Aron Solomon, Chief Legal Analyst, Esquire Digital joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Jill and Carlo cover the developing story out of suburban Milwaukee, where a speeding SUV careened through a Christmas parade. Looters get more brazen in San Francisco, the missing Chinese tennis star resurfaces, and more.
Michael Tubbs, former Mayor of Stockton, California and author of 'The Deeper the Roots,' joined Cheddar Movers to talk all about his new memoir, and his ongoing fight to make meaningful change in his community.
