↑ United States Politics and Government Facing Contempt Threat, Clintons Refuse to Testify in Epstein Inquiry - The couple denounced the efforts by Representative James R. Comer, the chairman of the Oversight Committee, to force them to appear, setting the stage for a legal battle.CPI Report Shows Food Prices Rose Sharply in December - Beef, coffee and produce are among the items that have gotten more expensive recently, inflation data on Tuesday showed.Why China Is Suddenly Obsessed With American Poverty - State media, embracing the gaming phrase “kill line,” is asserting China’s political superiority over the United States, deflecting focus on China’s own economic challenges.Labor Secretary’s Aides Placed on Leave in Misconduct Investigation - The Labor Department is investigating a complaint alleging misconduct by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.Trump’s Plans for Venezuelan Oil Run Headlong Into Reality - President Trump’s fixation on Venezuela’s oil raises the question of how much “energy dominance” is really worth nowadays.Top Fed Official Conveys Little Urgency for Immediate Rate Cuts - The Federal Reserve is likely to hold interest rates steady when it meets at the end of the month, keeping tensions high with President Trump.Kelly Sues Pentagon Over Threats of Punishment From Hegseth - Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, asked a federal judge to block the Trump administration from disciplining him for a video warning about illegal military orders.Federal Prosecutor Is Fired Amid Further Turmoil in Comey Case - Robert K. McBride had been serving as the top deputy to Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.Two Hours, Scores of Questions, 23,000 Words: Our Interview With President Trump - Four New York Times reporters pressed Mr. Trump about a range of topics in a nearly two-hour interview. Here is a transcript of their conversation.Trump Administration Nears Trade Deal With Taiwan - The deal would cut tariffs and include a commitment from Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, the island’s chip giant, to build more manufacturing plants in the United States.