Trump Feuds With Civil Rights Icon Who Questioned His Legitimacy as President and More in Politics Today

It’s difficult to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in this country and to break through the clutter, so we’re here to make it easier. Here’s what we at Countable are reading today:

1. "In Trump’s feud with John Lewis, blacks perceive a callous rival"

"Days before his inauguration, President-elect Donald J. Trump is engaged in a high-profile feud with some of the country’s most prominent African-American leaders, setting off anger in a constituency already wary of him after a contentious presidential campaign. Mr. Trump’s criticism of Representative John Lewis of Georgia, a widely admired leader of the civil rights movement, has prompted a number of Democratic lawmakers to say they will not attend his inauguration on Friday."

"Blacks around the country have reacted to Mr. Trump’s remarks with fury, and the subject has dominated social media and discussions among black activists. Mr. Trump said on Saturday on Twitter that Mr. Lewis, who asserted last week that Mr. Trump was not a “legitimate president," should focus on his district and “the burning and crime infested inner-cities.”

Read more at the New York Times.

2. "Trump’s NATO, E.U. comments fuel fears of a transatlantic split"

"European leaders grappled with the jolting reality of President-elect Donald Trump’s skepticism of the European Union on Monday, saying they might have to stand without the United States at their side during the Trump presidency."

"The possibility of an unprecedented breach in transatlantic relations came after Trump – who embraced anti-E.U. insurgents during his campaign and following his victory — said in weekend remarks that the 28-nation European Union was bound for breakup and that he was indifferent to its fate. He also said NATO’s current configuration was “obsolete" even as he professed commitment to Europe’s defense.”

Read more at the Washington Post.

3. "House chair: Obamacare subsidies must continue to avoid collapse amid repeal"

"A key House Republican in the effort to repeal Obamacare said that the law's subsidies for insurers which are currently the target of a GOP lawsuit will continue in the so-called transition period after the Affordable Care Act of is repealed. The acknowledgement that the subsidies will need to be maintained is yet another signal that key Republicans on the Hill are prepared to prop up Obamacare in the short term while they work on an eventual replacement plan."

"House Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), who heads one of the committees that will be writing the legislation to repeal Obamacare, told Politico last week that he wants to see the subsidy program funded “one way or another. If you don’t, the plans have the ability to cancel midyear, and we said we wouldn’t pull the rug out from under people — and we shouldn’t," he said, according to the report published Friday evening. ”

Read more at Talking Points Memo.

4. "Trump pick for NSC spokeswoman, bows out amid plagiarism charges"

"GOP foreign policy adviser Monica Crowley said Monday she will relinquish the senior job she’d been poised to take in the Trump White House. Ms. Crowley, who had been tapped to be senior director of strategic communications at the National Security Council, had been dogged in recent weeks by questions about whether she lifted portions of her past written work from other writers. Her move seemed designed to keep that from becoming a distraction as the Trump team prepares to take office."

"“After much reflection I have decided to remain in New York to pursue other opportunities and will not be taking a position in the incoming administration," she said in a statement. “I greatly appreciate being asked to be part of President-elect Trump’s team and I will continue to enthusiastically support him and his agenda for American renewal.” She was to have worked for National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general.”

Read more at the Washington Times.

5. "Cubs in White House visit"

"The Chicago Cubs visited the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their first World Series championship in 108 years. “They said this day would never come," President Obama opened his welcome speech.”

"The team will present him with a Cubs jersey, as part of sports teams' tradition at the event. The Cubs also gave Obama a No. 44 tile from the scoreboard and a lifetime pass to Wrigley Field, which Obama noted was “non-transferrable." President Theo Epstein also provided a "W" flag signed by the entire team.”

Read more at Sports Illustrated.

— Erin Wright

(Photo Credit: Emily Clack - LBJ Library / Creative Commons)