President Trump's international complications

Trump spent much of the week on the West Coast in a campaign and fundraising swing, but he still kept an eye on events back in Washington.

And it wasn't easy programming for the President this week.

Trump watched from Air Force One as his onetime campaign manager Corey Lewandowski essentially stonewalled Democrats -- prompting a tweet of presidential approval.

(But it's unclear if Trump, a noted TV consumer, watched Sean Spicer, his onetime press secretary, make his neon-clad "Dancing with the Stars" debut this week.)

Lewandowski's congressional testimony -- and questions around whether it was related to the possibility of Trump's impeachment at all -- laid bare a rift between two top Democrats. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuses to call it impeachment, but Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler went the farthest he has gone this week, saying he personally believes Trump should be impeached.

The Washington Post and The New York Times both reported that a recent whistleblower complaint about Trump making a "promise" to a foreign leader involves Ukraine.

And it was on Trump's favored platform (television) that his lawyer Rudy Giuliani first denied asking Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden ... moments before admitting that he had done just that.

Nonetheless, Trump is forging ahead with his international connections. Tonight he hosts his administration's second state dinner, this time with the Australian Prime Minister. Next week, he'll head to New York for the UN General Assembly.

The Point: Trump's complications, both at home and abroad, were on full display this week. 

Monday

Nadler: 'Personally, I think the President ought to be impeached' but public has to be on boardTrump says it looks like Iran was behind Saudi oil field attackTrump casts doubt on prospect of bipartisan gun control proposalSenator urged FBI to reach out to Kavanaugh witness, letter shows

Tuesday

Lewandowski stonewalls and frustrates Democrats in contentious Capitol Hill hearingActing spy chief refuses to comply with House intel panel subpoenaPelosi and other Democrats say no to Kavanaugh impeachmentRepublicans have no idea what Trump wants them to do on gunsSen. Chris Coons says FBI's investigation into Kavanaugh was a 'sham'Pentagon halts plans to build extra 20 miles of border wall, citing insufficient funds

Wednesday

Proposal to expand background checks floated on Hill but Trump has yet to sign off on it or any other gun planJimmy Carter jokes 'I hope there is an age limit' on presidencyTrump names new national security adviser

Thursday

Federal judge halts California law forcing Trump to release tax returns to qualify for ballotRudy Giuliani denies asking Ukraine to investigate Biden -- before admitting itTrump's communications with a foreign leader sparked whistleblower complaintHouse Judiciary Committee weighs holding Lewandowski in contemptSenate panel postpones Darrell Issa confirmation hearing over FBI file questionsMcConnell backs $250 million to boost election security and Democrats are claiming victoryHouse passes short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown

Friday

De Blasio drops out of 2020 presidential raceIntel Inspector General suggested whistleblower had concerns about multiple actionsTrump announces new Iran sanctions after Saudi attackPelosi calls for law to be able to indict presidents WSJ: Trump repeatedly pressured Ukraine's President to investigate Biden's son

And that was the week in 25 headlines.