The Trump administration is on pace to have one of the worst years for deaths in immigrant detention in decades, with at least 12 deaths in ICE custody since Trump took office. Recent deaths include a Cuban man and a Canadian citizen, and at least 15 people have reportedly died in detention this fiscal year. Critics accuse the administration of worsening conditions in overburdened detention centers as the White House pushes to deport millions of migrants. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s spending package could direct an unprecedented $168 billion towards immigration and border law enforcement over the next five years.
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According to a report in *The Washington Post*, Iranian officials, in a private phone call, expressed surprise at the limited damage caused by U.S. military strikes on their nuclear facilities, contradicting the Trump administration’s claims of complete destruction. This revelation undermines the administration’s narrative, as confirmed in a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who labeled the reporting “shameful.” The strikes targeted facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, though the extent of the damage is still debated. Concurrently, Donald Trump threatened to jail Democratic lawmakers and force journalists to reveal their sources if they published leaked intelligence about the strikes.
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President Trump stated he would withhold funding from New York City if Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, becomes mayor. Trump labeled Mamdani a “pure communist” and claimed he would be detrimental to the city. Mamdani responded on Meet the Press, denying the communist label and emphasizing his focus on working-class issues and advocating for a fairer distribution of wealth. Mamdani also addressed the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” stating he does not use the language, but understands and is working to address the concerns of Jewish New Yorkers through increased funding for anti-hate crime programs.
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In a recent interview, Senator Lindsey Graham announced that former President Trump supports a new sanctions bill targeting Russia’s energy trade. The legislation proposes a 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian energy, aiming to curb funding for the war in Ukraine. Graham specifically noted China and India, major buyers of Russian oil, as targets. The bill, postponed previously, is expected to be voted on after the July recess and is designed to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
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In response to Senator Thom Tillis’s decision to vote against his proposed bill, former President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with potential primary challengers. Trump criticized Tillis on Truth Social, citing disagreements over a debt extension, perceived harm to the tobacco industry, and the senator’s handling of recent flooding. Tillis’s opposition stems from concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid, which he believes would negatively impact North Carolina’s funding. Despite other Republicans supporting the bill, Trump’s displeasure suggests potential primary challenges for Tillis, who is up for reelection next year.
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Elon Musk has criticized President Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill” on X, calling it “utterly insane and destructive.” Musk argues the bill will destroy jobs, harm future industries, and lead to unsustainable debt, including a $5 trillion increase to the debt ceiling. He further asserted that the bill is “political suicide” for Republicans, citing polling data reflecting negative public sentiment. Musk’s condemnation follows similar criticism earlier in the month, and contrasts with the bill’s provisions to extend Trump’s tax cuts and raise the government’s borrowing authority.
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Recent polls indicate a potential erosion of President Trump’s support base following his decision to conduct airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Approval ratings among those who voted for him in 2024 have decreased, signaling a shift in attitudes, even among Republicans. Analysts suggest a disconnect between Trump’s actions and voter priorities, particularly regarding foreign entanglements, as a key factor. Despite the shifts, support for military action against Iran remains strong within his most devoted base, highlighting a complex interplay of partisanship and loyalty.
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The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), a 940-page budget reconciliation bill, proposes $3.8 trillion in tax cuts and spending that could add $4.5 trillion to the national debt. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are delaying the bill’s passage by requiring it to be read aloud in its entirety, a process estimated to take at least 15 hours. This move aims to highlight the bill’s contents, which include tax breaks for billionaires, potential cuts to healthcare and food assistance, and giveaways to fossil fuel companies. Some Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have admitted to not fully understanding the bill’s contents before voting on it, further intensifying the debate surrounding its weighty consequences.
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In response to President Trump’s efforts to withhold federal funding, Democratic legislators in several states are introducing bills that would allow them to withhold state payments to the federal government. The proposed legislation, introduced in states like Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Wisconsin, aims to counter the administration’s actions, which have frozen funds for various programs. While these bills face legal challenges and are unlikely to significantly impact the flow of funds, they represent a symbolic effort to challenge the federal government’s actions and protect state residents. Legal experts point out that the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause gives precedence to the federal government, but also recognize the potential for retaliation from the Trump administration.
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A leaked document from Matt Gaetz’s laptop reveals a potential contract with marijuana company Trulieve, offering over $2 million in exchange for his “administration-related guidance” and Trumpworld connections. The contract, as suggested by the image, outlines fees for legal representation, consulting, and achieving “exclusive policy remedies,” potentially linked to the reclassification or legalization of marijuana, which Gaetz has previously supported. Gaetz, who was once considered for Attorney General under Trump, has been a vocal advocate for cannabis reform and has previously worked with Trump. The revelation highlights the financial opportunities available to those connected to the former president, especially given Trump’s stance on marijuana.
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John Q. Hosedrinker