Alyssa Mastromonaco and Jon L. discuss reports that Trump has promised pardons if aides break the law to build his border wall, the winnowing of the Democratic presidential field, and a new Senate seat opening in Georgia. Then, Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joins to discuss the House, the Squad, and the fight for gun control and policies rooted in empathy.

Show notes:

Trump says he’ll pardon you if you help build his wall

WaPo: “Democrats alarmed by Trump’s promise of pardons to build border wall”

WaPo: “‘Take the land’: President Trump wants a border wall. He wants it black. And he wants it by Election Day.”

The Atlantic: “Trump’s Unpardonable Admission About His Border Wall”

CNN: “A rattled Trump scrambles for victories ahead of election”

NPR: “As Puerto Rico Braces For Storm, DHS, FEMA To Move $271 Million To Border Operations”

Reuters: “U.S. Supreme Court lets Trump use disputed funds for border wall”

WaPo: “Trump administration diverted nearly $10 million from FEMA to ICE detention program, according to DHS document”

NYT: “Hurricane Dorian Live Updates: System Strengthens to Category 1 Storm”

WaPo: “Hurricane Dorian beginning to hit Puerto Rico”

Los Angeles Times: “Trump administration appears to violate law in forcing asylum seekers back to Mexico, officials warn”

Bloomberg: “What to Know in Washington: Democrats Blast DHS on Disaster Aid”

How does Trump’s craziness relate to Trump’s corruption?

The Nation: “Trump’s Corruption Is Now More Brazen Than Ever”

Vox: “William Barr’s $30k Trump hotel party illustrates how corruption is becoming more brazen and blatant”

WaPo: “Behind Trump’s craziness, there’s always corruption. Here’s the latest.”

ABC News: “Trump is facing 2 emoluments lawsuits: Here’s what to know”

CNN: “White House shies away from locking in Trump’s Doral resort for the next G7”

The Hill: “Trump invites new emoluments fight with G-7 resort pitch”

New York Times: “Trump Has Just the Place for the Next G7 Meeting: His Own Golf Re-sort”

WaPo: “Barr books Trump’s hotel for $30,000 holiday party”

Change in Citizenship Requirements

The Hill: “Trump officials say children of some service members overseas will not get automatic citizenship”

ACLU Oregon: “Maria Soto Was Born In The U.S., Yet The Trump Administration Won’t Give Her A Passport. We’re Suing.”

Denver Post: “Colorado man denied passport despite U.S. citizenship, ACLU lawsuit alleges”

There’s an election happening in NC in September

Politico: “Trump, GOP fret loss in bellwether House special election”

WNCT: “Candidates in N.C. special election meet for debate”

The Hill: “Trump to hold campaign rally in North Carolina day before special House election”

New York Times: “A Rare Do-Over Congressional Election Is a Chance to Battle-Test 2020 Strategies”

2020

NYT: Kirsten Gillibrand Drops Out of Democratic Presidential Race

WaPo: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand ends her presidential bid

Axios: Kirsten Gillibrand drops out of the 2020 presidential race

Vox: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand drops out of presidential race after failing to qualify for next debate

The Cut: Kristen Gillibrand Has Dropped Out of the Presidential Race

Huffpo: Kirsten Gillibrand Drops Out Of Democratic Presidential Race

NYT: Democratic Candidates Jostle, and Gripe, as Debates Winnow the Field

Politico: Democratic debate stage to shrink barring last-minute shock

WaPo: Democrats appear headed for a one-night presidential debate featuring 10 candidates in September

Politico: Dem campaigns get desperate with debate shutout looming

The Week: John Delaney complains the DNC is ‘kind of like Thanos’ as he’s set to miss the 3rd debate

NYT: Can $100 Million Buy a Spot at the Debate?

Another Senate seat is opening up in Georgia