Following a leaked preliminary Pentagon assessment that undermined President Trump’s claims of success in the recent Iran strikes, top allies Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted the validity of the report’s findings. However, they vehemently attacked the leakers responsible for the intelligence leak, accusing them of political motivations and criticizing the media coverage. Hegseth confirmed an FBI investigation was underway while arguing the damage was “severe and obliterated,” and Rubio labeled the leakers “professional stabbers.” Despite the attacks, Trump conceded the report’s accuracy while also lashing out at the media.
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In an unprecedented move, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against all 15 federal district court judges in Maryland, challenging a court order that paused deportations under legal challenge for 48 hours. This action, described by legal experts as an attack on judicial independence, stems from the government’s argument to preserve President Trump’s authority over immigration. The lawsuit challenges a standing order issued by Chief Judge George L. Russell III, alleging it violates Supreme Court precedents. This marks a significant escalation from previous criticisms of judges, with legal analysts noting the direct challenge to the courts’ authority and the potential ramifications.
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Following Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City mayoral primary, right-wing figures responded with intense Islamophobia. They employed inflammatory rhetoric, including comparing Mamdani to 9/11 terrorists and falsely accusing him of supporting Sharia Law. Influencers and politicians posted hateful content on social media, including AI-generated images and false claims, echoing sentiments reminiscent of the “Ground-Zero Mosque” controversy. This resulted in threats against Mamdani’s life, highlighting the dangerous impact of these Islamophobic attacks.
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Following the initial leak of a U.S. intelligence report regarding strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, President Trump accused the media of demeaning the military. The report suggested limited damage from the strikes, which Trump refuted, claiming pilots described the mission as “perfect.” Despite the fact the media only reported on the intelligence assessment, not the pilots’ actions, the president insisted reporters were attacking the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also criticized the media, echoing Trump’s sentiments and focusing on the leak itself.
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The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump, held on the sidelines of the NATO summit, lasted approximately 45 minutes. Zelenskyy described the meeting as “long and substantive,” indicating a comprehensive discussion of important issues, including achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace, as well as protecting the Ukrainian people. While a planned press briefing did not occur, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the attention and willingness to help bring peace closer, promising to share further details. The meeting followed the conclusion of the main NATO leaders’ session, during which the summit’s final declaration included a commitment to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended senior Justice Department official Emil Bove, calling him one of the “best human beings” she knows amidst accusations of unethical behavior. These allegations stem from a Justice Department whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, who claims Bove instructed officials to disregard court orders during deportation proceedings. Bondi’s defense came during questioning by Senator Chris Van Hollen regarding Reuveni’s claims that he was fired for refusing to make untruthful statements to a court of law. Despite the pending litigation and ethical concerns surrounding Bove, who is currently awaiting confirmation for a federal judgeship, Bondi emphasized the importance of ethical and honest advocacy.
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On Tuesday, a majority of House Democrats, along with all House Republicans, voted against an effort to launch impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. The vote, led by Rep. Al Green, was in response to Trump’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which many Democrats criticized for lack of congressional oversight. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, advocating for impeachment, faced backlash from the former president, further highlighting the ideological divides within the Democratic Party. This vote underscores Ocasio-Cortez’s position as a prominent voice on the left and her continued clashes with more moderate party members.
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President Trump reacted strongly to reports that his strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were less effective than he claimed, attacking the media outlets that published the leaked information. Despite initially dismissing the reports as “fake news,” he conceded the intelligence community’s findings might be accurate. Trump maintained the strikes caused “total obliteration” and set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back significantly while the Defense Secretary stated the FBI is investigating the leaked information. Iran responded to the strikes by launching a missile attack on an American base in Qatar, after which Trump declared a ceasefire between the two countries, which was later restored.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that his meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague was positive. The leaders discussed various topics, including the Middle East, protecting Ukrainian citizens, the procurement of American air defense systems, and the Istanbul talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Zelenskyy also presented Trump with battlefield updates, emphasizing that Russia was not prevailing. The 45-minute meeting occurred after the main NATO leaders’ session and a declaration pledging support for Ukraine’s armed forces.
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President Donald Trump arrived in The Hague for his first NATO summit since returning to office, a meeting overshadowed by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, despite a previously called-for ceasefire. Trump expressed displeasure with both nations for allegedly violating the truce, suggesting Israel overreacted to Iranian missile launches. Key objectives for the summit included securing commitments from NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035, with 3.5% allocated to “hard defense,” and reiterating support for Ukraine, including counting military aid towards defense spending goals. The summit’s agenda was carefully managed to project unity, with a focus on a closed-door working session and a single-page communique.
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John Q. Hosedrinker