Transportation Department watchdog sought Chao investigation last year
The Transportation Department’s watchdog asked the Justice Department to criminally investigate Elaine Chao late last year after it determined she had misused her office when she was transportation secretary under President Donald Trump but was rebuffed, according to a report released Wednesday.
The report said the Justice Department’s criminal and public integrity divisions declined in December to take up the case for criminal prosecution following the inspector general’s findings that Chao inappropriately used her staff and office for personal tasks and to promote a shipping business owned by Chao’s father and sisters. That company does extensive business with China.
Chao, the wife of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has denied wrongdoing. In the report released Wednesday, she provided a September 2020 memo that argued promoting her family was an appropriate part of her official duties.
‘Possible plot’ at Capitol
WASHINGTON — Capitol police say they have uncovered intelligence of a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday.
The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4. That was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20. The U.S. House was abruptly wrapping its work for the week Wednesday night given the threat of violence.
Cuomo refuses to resign
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday rejected calls for his resignation in the face of sexual harassment allegations.
“I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable,” Cuomo said. “It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it.”
U.S. warns of Mideast response
WASHINGTON — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed. A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets hit the base. No group claimed responsibility.