Trump’s Final Grift

Politico's New Playbook • Trump Admin COVID Fail • Melania Says Goodbye [View in your browser]( | [Update your preferences](newsletter=vf) [Vanity Fair]( Trump’s Final Grift Good morning from the Hive newsroom! As the final days of his presidency slip by, Donald Trump is clinging to the remnants of power with a plan to grant “around 100” pardons in a massive “influence peddling” operation that involves boatloads of lobbyists and cash, Charlotte Klein [reports](. And though sources say he isn’t planning to pardon himself, Rudy Giuliani, or any of his adult children, as has been [talked about]( for weeks, there’s no telling what a cornered 45 will do. Elsewhere, as a new Playbook team starts today, Politico editor in chief Matthew Kaminski [tells]( Joe Pompeo that the goal is to “push harder both into official Washington and unofficial Washington.” And Bess Levin [breaks down]( how the Trump administration royally screwed up the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Thanks for reading! [Trump’s Last Power Grab Will Involve Around 100 Pardons in Massive “Influence Peddling” Operation]( By [Charlotte Klein]( [The president is reportedly gearing up for one last pardon spree—one of the few unilateral actions still available in his waning days.]( [Image]( [The Hive 1]( [“Bring Some of the Old Playbook Back”: Politico’s Juicing Up Its Morning Mainstay as Team Biden Comes to Town]( By [Joe Pompeo]( [Facing stiffer competition, a new crew of writers—Ben Shapiro not included—is promising more scoops and scene as the O.G. political tip sheet reboots to keep those early a.m. eyeballs (and big ad dollars). The goal, says editor in chief Matthew Kaminski, is to “push harder both into official Washington and unofficial Washington.”]( [Read More]( [The Hive 2]( [The Trump Administration Was Just Kidding When It Said It Had Tons More Vaccine Doses to Ship Out (It Has Zero)]( By [Bess Levin]( [Surprise: Team Trump has royally f---ed up the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.]( [Read More]( [The Hive 3]( [Melania Trump, Still Tweeting, Says Farewell to Be Best]( By [Kenzie Bryant]( [A day after incoming first lady Jill Biden announced her own initiative.]( [Read More]( [The Hive 4]( [“After Me, Baby, You’re Gonna Be Ruined for Anyone Else”: Donald Trump Refused to Take ‘No’ From Women—And Then From America Itself]( By [E. Jean Carroll]( [Donald Trump is leaving office with a reputation marred by two impeachments, multiple scandals, and a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol. Before all that, there were the women who accused him of sexual assault.]( [Read More]( Get on the list Subscribe to our Hollywood newsletter for your essential industry and awards-season news, every day. [Sign Up Now]( [(image) Condé Nast Spotlight | The breaking news and top stories everyone is talking about. All in one place. The most popular stories from Vogue, GQ, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Wired, Architectural Digest and more. STAY INFORMED]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( This e-mail was sent to you by The Hive. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our [Privacy Policy]( [Unsubscribe](newsletter=vf) Sent from Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007 Copyright © 2021 Condé Nast