Politics: Trump says he won’t fire Mueller, as campaign to discredit Russia probe heats up

Hurricane Maria killed 64 Puerto Ricans. Another 1,000 died because the disaster response was inadequate. National security strategy plan paints China, Russia as U.S. competitors

Democracy Dies in Darkness     The most important politics stories today   Andrew Harnik / AP Trump says he won't fire Mueller, as campaign to discredit Russia probe heats up After transition team lawyer accuses special counsel of improperly obtaining emails, president says, "Not looking good." By Philip Rucker, Josh Dawsey and Sari Horwitz  •  Read more » Analysis Hurricane Maria killed 64 Puerto Ricans. Another 1,000 died because the disaster response was inadequate. The U.S. excels at delivering international humanitarian relief. But FEMA has a different mission. By Jeremy Konyndyk  •   Read more »   National security strategy plan paints China, Russia as U.S. competitors In a speech Monday, Trump will present plan that follows his "America First views. By Anne Gearan  •   Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT Analysis The most popular fact checks of 2017 Here are the 10 fact checks that most captivated — or angered — readers in 2017, along with our most viewed videos and other content. By Glenn Kessler  •   Read more »   McCain, battling brain cancer, leaves Washington for Christmas break before contentious vote on tax bill "But the word is John will come back if we need his vote," Trump says. By Dan Lamothe  •   Read more »   Trump criticizes how Mueller obtained transition emails, says no plans to fire special counsel The special counsel's office said, "we have secured either the account owner's consent or appropriate criminal process" during the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. By Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker  •   Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT Should wanting to see the Supreme Court require nights on the sidewalk? Some who watch the spectacle of long lines in inclement weather say there must be a better way. By Robert Barnes  •   Read more »   Perspective Trump labor adviser's plan for cutting federal compensation, potentially even paid holidays The Trump administration's consideration of a wage freeze for federal employees is one piece of a renewed multifront Republican push to shrink those workers' pay, benefits and workforce. That effort has been around for years, but it now has an intellectual champion in the White House, and I don't mean President Trump. Confidential administration information […] By Joe Davidson | Columnist  •   Read more »   Recommended for you     Get The Daily 202 newsletter PowerPost's must-read morning briefing for decision-makers. Sign Up  »         Share Politics:    Twitter     Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you signed up for Politics or because it is included in your subscription. For additional free newsletters or to manage your newsletters, click here. We respect your privacy. If you believe that this email has been sent to you in error or you no longer wish to receive email from The Washington Post, click here. Contact us for help. ©2017 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071