Following the largely ignored April 5th “Hands Off” protests against Trump and Musk, a significantly larger “No Kings” demonstration is planned for this Saturday, encompassing 1,500 cities nationwide. This nationwide day of defiance aims to counter authoritarianism and is expected to be the largest anti-Trump protest since the start of his second term. While the April protests received minimal US media coverage, the upcoming event’s scale and the ongoing concern over the Trump administration’s actions may compel greater attention, particularly given research indicating the effectiveness of sustained, non-violent resistance movements. The success hinges on sufficient participation to reach the critical mass needed to effect meaningful change.
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Approximately 50 detainees at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, rioted due to prolonged delays and dissatisfaction with meal service. The inmates, housed in a third-floor dormitory, breached a wall and hung bedsheets, suggesting an attempted escape. Responding authorities, clad in tactical gear, arrived at the scene, and protestors outside the facility reported smelling gas. Mayor Baraka condemned the incident, citing inadequate oversight and demanding answers from the GEO Group and DHS.
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Judge Charles Breyer ruled President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles illegal, citing violations of the Tenth Amendment and exceeding presidential authority. The order returns control of the California National Guard to the state, effective immediately. Breyer’s decision also highlighted threats to protesters’ First Amendment rights and the state’s inability to utilize the Guard for essential services. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, while Governor Newsom warned of a broader threat to state sovereignty and democracy nationwide.
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A federal judge ruled President Trump’s federalization of the California National Guard illegal, ordering the immediate return of control to Governor Newsom. This action, unprecedented in U.S. history, involved approximately 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines deployed to quell anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. The judge found Trump’s actions exceeded his statutory authority and violated the Tenth Amendment, citing the absence of conditions justifying federal intervention. While a temporary stay allows the administration to appeal, a hearing is scheduled for June 20th to consider a more permanent injunction.
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During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to deny the existence of Pentagon plans for potential military action in Greenland, responding vaguely to pointed questions from Representative Mike Turner. Hegseth’s evasive answers followed previous statements by the Trump administration expressing interest in acquiring Greenland, even suggesting the use of force. This refusal to definitively rule out an invasion aligns with the administration’s history of considering military options for territorial acquisitions, as evidenced by past discussions regarding the Panama Canal. The ambiguity surrounding these plans has fueled speculation about the true extent of U.S. intentions towards Greenland.
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Early Friday, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, escalating existing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. The attack follows the IAEA’s censure of Iran for its lack of cooperation with inspectors and Iran’s subsequent announcement of expanding its enrichment capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the attacks would continue, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Israel’s unilateral action and warned Iran against retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests. The attack caused explosions across Tehran and a spike in oil prices, with both Iran and Israel subsequently closing their airspace.
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Former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes appeared on Deadline White House to discuss the controversial removal of Senator Alex Padilla from a press conference led by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Rhodes highlighted the incident’s aggressive nature and the subsequent misinformation campaign launched by Noem and her department to downplay the event. The discussion focused on the implications of this incident for press freedom and government transparency. Rhodes offered sharp criticism of Noem’s actions and the blatant falsehoods surrounding the Senator’s removal.
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Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman dined with Steve Bannon and Matt Boyle at a Washington D.C. establishment known for its MAGA clientele on June 9th, reportedly his 17th wedding anniversary. This meeting fuels ongoing criticism of Fetterman’s perceived rightward shift, evidenced by his votes aligning with the GOP on several issues, including border security and judicial appointments. These actions have caused tension within the Democratic party and raised questions about his political alignment. The Senator himself acknowledges diverging from his party on certain policies.
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Ukrainian forces are making incremental gains, pushing back Russian troops in Sumy Oblast, according to President Zelensky’s June 12th address. This follows weeks of intensified Russian attacks and the establishment of a claimed “security buffer zone” by Russia along the border. Despite Russia’s reported seizure of territory and troop buildup, Zelensky refutes claims of significant Russian gains, highlighting the Ukrainian military’s defense against the renewed offensive. Sumy Oblast, bordering Russia, has experienced ongoing attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion. Recent Russian strikes on Sumy city resulted in civilian casualties.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered the departure of over 500,000 citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, reversing a Biden-era policy granting them temporary protected status. This decision, which is expected to face legal challenges, terminates the “humanitarian parole” program that allowed these individuals to remain in the U.S. for two years. The Trump administration cites concerns about fraudulent claims and negative impacts on American workers, while offering financial assistance for voluntary departures. The reversal follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding the suspension of the program.
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John Q. Hosedrinker