Former President Ronald Reagan owned “a piece” of the infamous Watergate before becoming president, according to a new book about the complex at the center of former President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
Author Joseph Rodota reveals in Watergate: Inside America’s Most Famous Address, that Reagan’s 1979 tax return showed he held some stock in a company that was half-owner of the Watergate. He sold it for a profit of $203,099. …
• Former Trump spokesman Sean Spicer and transgender spokeswoman Caitlyn Jenner lead the honorees at the Sixth Annual Champions of Jewish Values International Awards Gala in New York on March 8. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, known as “America’s rabbi,” said Jenner is being recognized for being a “human rights icon” and outspoken supporter of Israel. Spicer is being recognized because he has “stood strongly” for Israel and because “we want to show our gratitude and appreciation.” …
• The 2018 official White House Christmas ornament will feature the presidency of Harry S. Truman and his changes to the Presidential Seal and White House. It is the 38th in the highly coveted White House Historical Association collection.
The Association told us: “One side of the ornament features the famous Truman Balcony, added to the South Portico of the White House in 1947-1948. Since then, it has become a favorite retreat for the first family and a reminder of Truman’s ambitious renovations. On the other side is a renovated Blue Room, dismantled and rebuilt during 1948-1952. These depictions represent the most extensive work done to the White House since its restoration after the burning by the British in 1812. Lastly, The Presidential Seal reflects Truman’s change to the design – turning the American eagle to face the right, toward the olive branch of peace.”
The release of the ornament was timed for President’s Day. “We are honored to recognize President Truman’s legacy on the White House with this year’s Official White House Christmas Ornament,” said Stewart D. McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. “This ornament celebrates his lasting impact on the White House and the iconic symbols his changes have become in our nation’s history.”
• During first lady Melania Trump’s Valentine’s Day tour of a National Institutes of Health center for sick children, one of the teens approached the media to ask about a job. Daulton Zschunke, 19, of Pennsylvania, who suffers from non-cancerous tumors in his spinal column, said he’d like to go into broadcasting. Pool reporter Debra J. Saunders of the Las Vegas Review-Journal put a plug in for him, writing in her report on the event, “Keep Daulton in mind if you ever need a stringer or intern.” She added: “And remember how lucky we are.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
