Good Morning DC,
Welcome back to the grind after Martin Luther King federal holiday!
Last night, Trump claimed record-setting victory in Iowa. This outcome sent shockwaves through Democratic Party supporters as Trump not only won all but one of the state’s 99 counties but also garnered support across generational and political divides, including independents.
Since early morning, billionaire Bill Ackman has been calling on Biden to “step aside” for Congressman Dean Phillips. Ackman has made a commitment to contribute $1 million to Phillips’ super PAC.
And it’s not a solo act – other billionaires are rallying behind the business heir, Talenti ice cream empire owner.
Crypto billionaire Mike Novogratz has thrown financial support behind Phillips, emphasizing the need for “generational change” in politics.
Even Elon Musk is joining the Phillips fan club.
If Trump dipped below 50% in Iowa, it would have been an easy dismissal, but the Republican candidate with legal issues and a debate no-show has secured a significant lead over any other candidate.
The political game changed last night. What’s the real takeaway from Iowa?
Let’s get you caught up with the news of the day.
THE WHITE HOUSE
President Biden does not have anything else on his public schedule part from the President’s Daily Brief.
2024 ELECTION
President Biden acknowledged that the upcoming election will be a battle between him and Trump. Reacting to Trump’s victory, Biden remarked that the competition was always destined to be between him and “MAGA extremists.”
While Biden takes an offensive stance, Trump is refining his message to project himself as a moderate Republican.
This shift was first evident during the Fox town hall when Trump stated that he won’t be a dictator. But the Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is not buying it.
“The American people should be terrified” by the prospect of the Trump second term. ” That is a prospect that should terrify everyone,” Jeffries told last week The Pavlovic Today.
In his victory speech in Iowa last night, Trump called for national unity, expressing a desire not to be too harsh on Biden, immediately proceeding in the next sentence to label him as “the worst president” America has ever had. Notably, CBS cut the live broadcast of Trump’s speech at that moment, and MSNBC chose not to air it at all.
DeSantis secured the second position, surpassing expectations, especially considering that Nikki Haley was perceived as the more acceptable Republican choice for the establishment elite in both parties.
Vivek‘s withdrawal from the race, coupled with his endorsement of Donald Trump, holds significance in terms of potential influence on younger voters and independents who align with his views. This move could potentially bring added support to Trump in November.
Don Jr. said that he wants to end this primary “as soon as possible.” Why? “The RINOs want to drag it out again because they want Joe Biden to be president again,” he said.
Next stop, New Hampshire.
ON THE HILL
In a significant development today, bipartisan leaders have reached a deal to enhance the child tax credit and introduce a set of tax breaks for businesses.
The CTC expansion would increase the maximum credit per child to $2,000 from $1,600 through 2025 while restoring business deductions for research and development costs, interest payments and capital investments.
The House Rules Committee will meet this afternoon to consider, among other things, a resolution recommending holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress.
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
This weekend, The Balkan Voice unveiled its Sunday edition featuring the State Department spokesperson and Petar Petkovic, the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Belgrade’s chief negotiator.
We have the news.
THE BALKAN VOICE NEWSLETTER
We are excited to introduce The Balkan Voice, your essential newsletter covering US-Western Balkans relations.
The Balkan Voice provides an insider’s perspective on US policy toward the Western Balkans, featuring weekly coverage, State Department briefings, exclusive interviews, and more.
Leaders from the business community participating in the World Economic Forum expressed their apprehension over the extended tensions in the Middle East, citing concerns about the potential impact on crucial energy and trade routes.
Across the pond, Rishi Sunak faces a significant setback as he approaches a critical Commons showdown regarding his Rwanda Bill. Two deputy chairmen of the Conservative Party have announced their intention to vote for amendments aimed at strengthening the legislation in question.
And that’s a wrap for this Tuesday morning January 16, 2024. Good Morning DC will be back tomorrow to provide you with a front-row seat to the ever-evolving landscape of American politics under President Joe Biden.
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