1. DoJ to investigate handling of Clinton email inquiry
The Department of Justice’s office of inspector general has announced it will conduct a review of the FBI and DoJ’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails. The review will also examine if FBI director James Comey’s conduct prior to the election violated policy.
Summary
FBI Director Comey statement on DOJ inspector general review pic.twitter.com/N2iPuqQpIc
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) January 12, 2017
2. Who is Christopher Steele?
The Guardian spoke with several British intelligence sources about Christopher Steele, the man reported to be behind the dossier that contains searing allegations about Trump’s ties to Russia. Many vouched for the former MI6 agent and explained why intelligence heads thought his background credible enough to take the report seriously.
Summary
The idea his work is fake or a cowboy operation is false, completely untrue. Chris is an experienced and highly regarded professional. He’s not the sort of person who will simply pass on gossip.
– Former foreign office official who has known Steele for 25 years
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4. Clapper and Trump split
James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, and Trump provided differing accounts of a conversation they had on Wednesday. Clapper said in a statement intelligence agencies “had not made any judgment that the information in [the Trump dossier] is reliable”, while the president-elect claimed Clapper had “denounce[d] the false and fictitious report”.
Trump's view...
James Clapper called me yesterday to denounce the false and fictitious report that was illegally circulated. Made up, phony facts.Too bad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2017
5. Hud cash for Trumps?
During a hearing on Thursday, Ben Carson deflected questions on whether he would ensure that nobody in the Trump family would benefit from federal housing funds should he be confirmed as the secretary of housing and urban development.
6. New World Order
Vladimir Putin is attempting to destroy Nato, according to Trump’s nominee to head the Pentagon, James Mattis. He and Mike Pompeo, nominee for CIA chief, differed with the president-elect in both citing Russia as a threat during their hearings.
7. Repeal begins
The Senate took its first step toward dismantling Obamacare on Thursday by passing a measure that lays the groundwork for future legislation to repeal. It comes as congressional Republicans face mounting pressure from Trump to repeal the healthcare law swiftly.
... and another thing:
Casual Thursday pic.twitter.com/e6MQuIjpE6
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) January 12, 2017
... and another thing:
Hey @BuzzFeedBen - get in touch if you want another big scoop. pic.twitter.com/fHqffpxmb5
— neontaster (@neontaster) January 11, 2017
