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The disclosure by the Friends of DeSantis group, which was formed to back DeSantis' campaigns in Florida's 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial elections, points to it having about $80 million in the bank at the end of last month. read moreFriends of DeSantis' bank account puts DeSantis on a similar financial footing as Trump, who unlike DeSantis has formally launched a 2024 presidential campaign. Trump and an allied Super PAC he has financed reported having close to $80 million across several fundraising accounts at the end of 2022. The Friends of DeSantis group, which is registered in Florida to support DeSantis' gubernatorial campaigns, would also be unable to legally finance a presidential run by DeSantis. Friends of DeSantis said in its disclosure that it has raised $222 million since its founding, including $9.9 million in February, and has spent $140 million.

☆ Pacific's Micronesia in talks to switch ties from Beijing to Taiwan- letter
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

We can and will receive this, over a three year period, if and when we establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan," he wrote. In the letter, Panuelo accused China of waging "political warfare" in his country, and bribing his government's officials. Beijing and Taiwan have a history of competing in the Pacific islands, where four of Taiwan's 14 diplomatic allies are located. Two Pacific island nations, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, cut diplomatic ties with democratically ruled Taiwan in 2019 after offers of aid from China, which views Taiwan as its own territory. Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Lincoln Feast.

☆ DeSantis first-week memoir sales far outpace books by Trump, Pence, Clinton and Obama
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

DeSantis' book sales also appeared to far outpace recently published memoirs by a handful of other Republicans who have either launched 2024 presidential campaigns or are considering it, according to BookScan. Former Vice President Mike Pence's "So Help Me God," released last November, sold 37,600 print copies in week one. Of course, book sales alone don't guarantee a politician's future success. Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton sold 86,200 print copies of her 2014 book "Hard Choices" in the first week, BookScan data showed. On Friday, DeSantis' book was listed No.

☆ Ex-Trump official sets up 2024 fundraising group for rival DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"America's future is Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis doesn't just talk he acts, but most of all he never backs down," Cuccinelli said in a video promoting the PAC, Never Back Down. "Governor DeSantis, today I'm asking you to run for president." So having someone like a Cuccinelli come in and beg DeSantis to run is significant," said John Feehery, who was press secretary for former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert. There was no immediate reaction from DeSantis or Trump to Cuccinelli's announcement.

☆ Kamala Harris recalls testy exchange with Mike Pompeo on climate change during sit-down with Gloria Estefan
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Vice President Kamala Harris recalled a testy exchange she had with Mike Pompeo back in 2017. During Pompeo's confirmation hearing, she asked him if he believed in climate change. Harris was speaking about the Biden administration's climate policies at the Aspen Ideas conference in Miami. Speaking about her time in the Senate, Harris recalled the "heat" she took after an exchange she had with a Trump appointee about climate change during a confirmation hearing. Harris, who was then fresh off her election to represent California, asked Pompeo whether he believed in climate change.

☆ U.S. plans to lift Covid testing requirements for travelers from China
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Sally Bronston | Zoë Richards | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. plans to lift a Covid testing requirement for travelers from China put in place earlier this year, a source familiar with the matter said Tuesday. The U.S. began requiring pre-departure negative Covid tests for travelers ages 2 and up flying from China on Jan. 5. The policy followed a surge in coronavirus cases in China after it ended its strict "Covid-zero" policy in December. China has repeatedly been accused of undercounting Covid-related deaths. After the Covid travel policy was implemented in January, U.S. officials have seen evidence that cases, hospitalizations and deaths in China are declining, sources familiar with the decision to lift the testing requirement said.

☆ At right-wing CPAC forum, Trump shows why he'll be tough to topple
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( James Oliphant | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/4] Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., March 4, 2023. The three-day conference illustrated the iron grip he holds over the right-wing, grassroots base of his party and how hard it could be for a challenger to deny Trump the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. DeSantis also attended a gathering for Republican donors in Florida held by the anti-tax group Club for Growth to which Trump was not invited. In his remarks, Bannon maintained that Trump should be the Republican nominee, saying DeSantis and other potential challengers lacked experience. Trump and DeSantis both are scheduled in the coming days to visit Iowa, which holds the first Republican nominating contest next year.

☆ Maryland ex-governor won't run for U.S. president
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Hogan, who served eight years as Maryland governor ending in January, is considered a moderate in a party that has moved rightward. Trump won his party's 2016 nomination after facing off against 16 other Republican candidates. "The stakes are too high for me to risk being part of another multicar pileup that could potentially help Mr. Trump recapture the nomination." He has one major opponent announced for the Republican nomination - former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley - though activist investor Vivek Ramaswamy also has entered the race. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are among those considering challenging Trump for the nomination.

☆ Ron DeSantis attacks liberals in California speech as he mulls White House run
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Tim Reid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SIMI VALLEY, CA March 5 (Reuters) - Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took his fight against liberalism deep into the Democratic territory of California on Sunday, part of a national road show as he lays the ground for an expected White House bid. While he has not yet announced a White House bid, one candidate who has - former Republican President Donald Trump - clearly views DeSantis as a major potential threat as the Republican nominating contest kicks into gear. Trump has already launched personal and political attacks on DeSantis as the race for the Republican Party's 2024 White House nomination begins to heat up. DeSantis also took aim at the Walt Disney Co (DIS.N), which opposes a Florida law that restricts classroom instruction of gender and sexual orientation. "There's a new sheriff in town," DeSantis declared, referring to what he has called the end of Disney's "corporate kingdom."

☆ Trump and DeSantis are the only 'big fish' CPAC attendees expect in the 2024 presidential race. But several say there's nothing wrong with others auditioning for supporting roles.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( Warren Rojas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are top of mind at the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference. CPAC participants suspect 2024 will come down to those two, while others vie for the VP slot. 'An interesting race'Rory McSchane, a GOP political strategist from Austin, Texas is in the more the merrier camp. "My sincere hope is that she would be the vice president," Yadeta said of having Haley round out the 2024 ticket. Should Scott wind up taking the plunge, Bencosme said she could see herself supporting him in the GOP primary — and possibly beyond.

☆ Mike Pompeo makes veiled jab at Donald Trump, calls on GOP to stop following 'celebrity leaders' with 'fragile egos'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Mike Pompeo made veiled jabs at his former boss Donald Trump during his CPAC speech. He appeared to be referencing Trump's big personality and refusal to accept his 2020 election loss. "We can't become the left, following celebrity leaders with their own brand of identity politics — those with fragile egos who refuse to acknowledge reality," Pompeo said. While not naming Trump directly, Pompeo appeared to be referencing Trump's big personality and continued refusal to accept his 2020 election loss. However, following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Pompeo distanced himself from the claims and called the attack "unacceptable."

☆ Ron DeSantis' past views could come back to bite him in Iowa, a critical state for any GOP challenger to Trump
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Ron DeSantis' potential bid to dethrone former President Donald Trump could hit a critical snag in Iowa, home to the first-in-the-nation caucuses. "If you come to Iowa, you're going to talk about agriculture," Monte Shaw, the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, told Insider. DeSantis won't be alone in facing questionsTrump's own administration was hammered over its handling of the renewable fuel standard. Like Iowa's senators, he was also deeply frustrated by how Trump's EPA enforced the renewable fuel standard. Chris Carlson/APTexas Sen. Ted Cruz was hammered for months on the campaign trail for wanting to phase out the Renewable Fuel Standard.

☆ Republicans to hold their first presidential debate in Wisconsin
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Tim Reid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley attends a campaign, after announcing her 2024 presidential campaign, in Urbandale, Iowa, U.S., February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Scott MorganFeb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Republican Party's presidential candidates will hold their first debate of the primary season in the battleground state of Wisconsin in August, the party announced on Thursday. The Republican National Committee's debates committee voted to hold the debate in Milwaukee, and wants all participating candidates to sign a loyalty pledge vowing to support the eventual White House nominee. Televised debates can play a critical role in making and breaking candidacies and shaping the perceptions of White House hopefuls in the minds of voters. Wisconsin is one of a handful of presidential swing states that will be crucial to the eventual nominee's hopes of winning the White House in the November 2024 election.

☆ Pence says Republicans will have 'better choices' than Trump in the 2024 presidential election
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Former Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday that he would prefer a Republican alternative to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. "I think we're going to have better choices" than Trump, Pence said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" when asked if the GOP should nominate someone other than the former president next year. The potential 2024 candidate Pence did not explicitly rule out supporting Trump if he became the GOP nominee. "I'll keep you posted," Pence said when asked if he sought the Republican presidential nomination. After several relatively quiet months when Trump was the only notable Republican on the campaign trail, former South Carolina Gov.

☆ Fact Check-Mike Pompeo has not been executed by the U.S. military
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

There is no evidence to support social media claims that former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was executed by the U.S. army in Washington D.C. The Department of Defense has told Reuters that these rumors are fabricated. U.S. Army executed Mike Pompeo under the order of VP19 Mission Complete! American Politician Michael R. Pompeo served as the 70th U.S Secretary of State from 2018-2021 (here). Read more about our work to fact-check social media posts here .

A new national Quinnipiac University poll shows some striking fault lines emerging in the still-early 2024 Republican presidential race. But it’s the stark GOP divides in GOP support between Trump and DeSantis that stand out in the poll. Among just self-identified Republicans, Trump gets 48% versus 31% for DeSantis. And among white Republicans with four-year college degrees, DeSantis is ahead of Trump, 51%-22%. When Biden was matched up against DeSantis, it was DeSantis 47%, Biden 46%.

☆ Biden aides briefed former Trump officials on the Chinese spy balloon intrusions the ex-president has claimed never happened
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Biden administration has briefed key former Trump administration officials on China's spy balloons. "It never happened with us under the Trump administration and if it did, we would have shot it down immediately," he said on Sunday. He referenced "recent balloon/"object" incidents," but nothing from the Trump administration. During a February 6 briefing, Kirby told reporters that the Chinese surveillance balloons transited US airspace "for brief periods of time" during the Trump administration. Biden officials reached out to key officials from the Trump administration to offer briefings on the forensics they did.

☆ Trump and Kushner's Saudi Ties Are an Ethical Minefield: Watchdog
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Weeks after leaving office, Jared Kushner obtained a $2 billion investment from the Saudi government. The Saudi support came despite the kingdom's own financial advisers urging against any investment in Kushner's new company, citing the "inexperience" of its top brass. Let's start with Jared Kushner before we get into the LIV Golf situation. You have John Bolton, Trump's own national security advisor, making it very clear that you had somebody, like Jared — and President Trump, apparently — working to promote their business interests. Trump, not only did he keep his company, the Trump Organization, but he's a transactional president, right?

Haley, 51, dug into the difference in ages between 80-year-old President Joe Biden and her challenger Trump, who's 76. She enters the race trailing Trump and other would-be challengers in public polls. A Morning Consult poll on Tuesday, for instance, shows Trump backed by 47% of Republican primary voters, while just 3% of respondents said they would pick Haley. Haley's widely anticipated announcement makes her just the second candidate in what's likely to become a wide Republican primary field. "Haley's entrance officially kicks off a messy 2024 primary race for the MAGA base that has long been brewing," it said.

☆ Ron DeSantis backed deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare while in Congress. Trump is ready to hammer him for it ahead of 2024.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Trump has made it clear that he will attack DeSantis' past support for changes to Social Security and Medicare. It would have also increased the full retirement age for Social Security to 70 as well. The AARP tore into Ryan's proposal at the time, particularly for its proposed changes to social security. Trump has made it clear that he would not propose cuts to Social Security and Medicare and is ready to attack 2024 nomination challengers who have in the past. Insider couldn't find any comments he made at the time, but he was far from the only Republican or even the only Florida Republican to vote against the bill.

☆ GOP voters pick DeSantis over Trump in hypothetical head-to-head matchup for 2024 presidential nomination, poll shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Ron DeSantis would beat former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical one-on-one matchup for the 2024 Republican nomination, GOP voters said in a new poll released Thursday. That hype was echoed in the survey from Monmouth University: In a hypothetical head-to-head fight, 53% of Republican voters said they would pick DeSantis, versus 40% for Trump. "An overwhelming majority of polls show President Trump with significant and dominant leads both nationally and statewide," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement to CNBC. Cheung also pointed to a series of other recent poll results showing Trump leading the prospective GOP field by double digits. Trump still holds major sway over the Republican Party, more than two years after losing his reelection bid to President Joe Biden.

☆ New Hampshire Governor Sununu 'definitely thinking' about White House run
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( Kanishka Singh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu speaks at the "Curbing the Opioid Epidemic" session at the National Governors Association summer meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, U.S., July 13, 2017. Sununu, who has served as governor of the small New England state since 2017, underscored the need for new leadership. His father John Sununu, himself a former New Hampshire governor, served as White House chief of staff under Republican President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1991. Describing his political philosophy, Chris Sununu told ABC: "I'm kind of that 'live free or die' individual liberty. And we've done it really, really well here in New Hampshire."

Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November with that goal in mind and both leaders pledged more frequent communications. He has also sidelined some of his "wolf warrior" diplomats whose strident rhetoric alienated many of China's trade partners. Despite such pragmatic rhetoric, China's actions - especially its military activity around Taiwan and in the South China Sea - have not moderated, analysts said. Washington hopes for incremental progress on more specific but vital matters such as securing China's cooperation on fentanyl, global health, climate change and the cases of U.S. citizens detained there. That ... is more than deeply frustrating," said another source familiar with the administration's thinking, adding that China has rebuffed Washington's "very specific" proposals.

☆ Trump shares old video of Nikki Haley, who is running against him, promising not to run against him
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Nikki Haley plans to announce her 2024 presidential bid February 15, reports say. Donald Trump responded by sharing an old video of her saying she would not challenge him. Haley served for two years as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations. "I would not run if President Trump ran," Haley replied. Haley served as South Carolina's governor before being nominated as the US' UN ambassador by Trump in 2017, staying in the job for two years.

☆ Trump says Nikki Haley is 'overly ambitious,' won't promise to support the GOP nominee in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Trump will not commit to supporting the 2024 GOP nominee. Trump told Nikki Haley she should run for president if she wanted to, but called her "overly ambitious." Trump is the only 2024 candidate to have declared that he's running for president, though former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley is expected to be next. "I don't want to say," Trump said. Hewitt on Thursday pressed Trump repeatedly about what his nicknames would be for potential 2024 challengers, but the former president wouldn't share them.

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