If you predicted Kanye West would become the main attraction on the political scene this week, raise your hand.
The famed rapper grabbed headlines late in the week, overshadowing many other things that happened in another jam-packed week that has become typical under President Trump. Here are nine items you may have already forgotten about as the president tweets again, and again…and again about Kanye:
1. Ronny Jackson allegations and nomination withdrawal
No week in the White House would be complete without some turmoil, and that appeared in the form of allegations against Ronny Jackson, the president’s physician, that led him to withdraw from his nomination to become Veterans Affairs secretary. After reportedly not receiving thorough vetting from the White House and questions about his ability to run the second-largest department, Jackson withdrew Thursday, a day after President Trump questioned why the U.S. Navy rear admiral would even want the job. Trump has already warned Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., of the consequences for airing out the allegations.
The White House is looking into nominating former Rep. Jeff Miller, the former House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman, to the post.
2. Trump and Macron handshake lovefest
While some of Trump’s relationships with world leaders have been up and down like many on Capitol Hill have experienced, his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron has been relatively smooth-sailing as it was on full display this week as Trump hosted his first state dinner in office. The two had a lengthy embrace/handshake/hug after their joint press conference on Tuesday, which even Macron couldn’t help but joke about.
3. Waffle House shooting
James Shaw Jr. rushed and disarmed a gunman at a Tennessee Waffle House early Sunday morning, earning the unwanted title of “hero” in the process. Shaw disarmed Travis Reinking, 29, of his AR-15 while he was trying to reload the weapon by wrestling it away and tossing it over the bar. Reinking fled, but not before being apprehended and arrested on Monday. Four died and seven were injured in the shooting.
4. James Comey’s book reaches the masses
Despite reportedly barren lines at bookstores anticipating the release of his book, former FBI Director James Comey’s memoir sold twice as many copies in its first week than “What Happened” by Hillary Clinton, and three times as many copies as Fire & Fury by Michael Wolff, the two biggest political books since the 2016 election. His book tour has also remained in full swing with a series of high profile TV interviews and appearances.
5. Diamond & Silk take Capitol Hill by storm…and maybe commit perjury
In a week where a number of big names testified on Capitol Hill, including embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and even Kourtney Kardashian, Diamond & Silk may have made the most waves. The two Trump campaign surrogates came before the House Judiciary Committee to discuss their claim that they were censored by Facebook. However, some believe they may have committed perjury as they repeatedly denied being paid by the Trump campaign to the tune of over $1,200, despite a Federal Election Commission report stating otherwise.
6. Mike Pompeo confirmed
Welcome, America’s 70th secretary of state. After some Senate Foreign Relations Committee drama, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., flipped to support Mike Pompeo as secretary of state, paving the way for a final 57-42 confirmation vote with the help of some red-state Democrats.
7. Trump’s call-in to “Fox and Friends”
Trump’s raw call-in appearance on his morning show of choice lurched from one topic to the next, from the “horrible group of deep-seated people” he’s fighting to the “witch hunt” Russia investigation that’s a “cloud over [his] head.” Trump weighed in on Kanye West’s support for him (“Kanye looks and he sees black unemployment at the lowest it’s been in the history of our country … he sees that stuff and he’s smart”); how he’d grade his presidency so far (“I would give myself an A-plus”); and what he got first lady Melania Trump for her birthday (“I got her a beautiful card. I’m very busy to be running out looking for presents. I got her a beautiful card and some beautiful flowers”).
8. Mick Mulvaney and his lobbyist meetings
While moonlighting in his role as interim director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, OMB Director Mick Mulvaney revealed he would only meet with lobbyists during his tenure in Congress if they had contributed to his campaign.
“If you’re a lobbyist who never gave us money, I didn’t talk to you. If you’re a lobbyist who gave us money, I might talk to you,” he said.
9. and Melania Trump’s hat
BONUS ITEM: Meek Mill, a Philadelphia-based rapper, was released from jail on bail and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs. Sometimes, we all just need to Trust The Process.
