House Speaker Mike Johnson faced unexpected delays as he attempted to advance the tax and Medicaid-cutting bill passed by the Senate, encountering resistance from within his own party. Procedural votes stalled the process as some Republicans expressed concerns about the Senate version, creating a tense standoff. Despite the slim majority and several holdouts, Johnson kept the vote open, eventually leading to some Republicans changing their positions after pressure from Donald Trump and other officials. The situation highlighted the challenges in meeting Trump’s deadline, with the bill facing criticism for its substantial tax cuts paired with spending reductions that are expected to increase the national debt.
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Elon Musk has reignited his feud with Donald Trump, demanding the release of unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files as Trump’s spending bill faces a House vote. Musk, who opposes the bill due to concerns over deficits, previously claimed Trump’s name was in the Epstein files, though Trump has denied any involvement. This latest clash comes as Trump has threatened to investigate Musk and his companies. Despite their prior association, no evidence currently links Trump to Epstein’s crimes.
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During the Biden administration, a debate arose regarding the prosecution of Donald Trump, with some advocating for accountability and others prioritizing due process. This latter group, including figures in the legal and academic fields, largely influenced the administration’s approach. Consequently, law enforcement displayed reluctance in pursuing charges and trials were delayed, allowing Trump to potentially benefit politically from the delays. The article argues that this leniency has emboldened Trump, enabling his actions, and suggesting a slide towards authoritarianism. The author asserts that the hesitancy to hold Trump accountable, which is viewed as a lack of spine and cowardly, may pave the way for future demagogues.
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The Pentagon’s unexpected halt of weapon transfers to Ukraine, including air defense missiles and precision munitions, has raised concerns among US allies and officials. This decision, reportedly driven by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby and a small group of advisors, was made without consulting the State Department, US embassy in Kyiv, or other key players. The pause has led to internal divisions within the White House and prompted reactions from both the Ukrainian President and members of Congress. The withheld shipments include Patriot missiles, Hellfire missiles, and thousands of Howitzer rounds, while Russian forces continue their attacks on Ukrainian territories.
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According to Michael Wolff, Donald Trump is reportedly claiming credit for tipping off The New York Times about Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, specifically ketamine, and other substances, as reported in May. Trump has been making disparaging remarks about Musk during phone calls with associates, fueled by the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s opposition to a spending bill Trump is championing. This ongoing feud, and Musk’s threat to form a new political party, has intensified the conflict between the two, with Trump even suggesting Musk’s government subsidies could be jeopardized. Wolff’s claims are based on tracking Trump’s phone calls, while Trump’s communications director has previously refuted such claims.
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Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump related to a “60 Minutes” interview, a settlement that does not include an apology. As part of the agreement, “60 Minutes” will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after airing, with potential redactions. The settlement has been met with strong criticism from press organizations, who decry it as a threat to press freedom and an act of capitulation. The lawsuit accused CBS of election interference and sought $10 billion in damages, but the company initially denied the claims before initiating settlement talks.
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A White House video promoting President Trump’s tax bill inadvertently featured Ukrainian actress Antonina Khyzhniak, leading to widespread attention in Ukraine. Khyzhniak, recognizing the footage from a stock video shoot, responded by creating a humorous video of her own. In her video, Khyzhniak impersonates President Trump and humorously negotiates for Patriot missile systems, highlighting Ukraine’s need for air defense. The actress’s lighthearted approach served as a commentary on the ongoing war and the need for support, particularly amid the context of halted weapons shipments.
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Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mike Lawler have proposed the “Bunker Buster Act,” which would authorize former President Donald Trump to transfer B-2 stealth bombers and 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs to Israel if Iran restarts its nuclear weapons program. This proposal follows U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which have been partially successful but may not have eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The bill aims to provide Israel with the necessary tools to deter Iran, as experts suggest Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months. The proposal highlights concerns about Iran’s potential to rebuild its nuclear program.
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As the 90-day pause on President Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs nears its end, the administration faces the challenge of delivering on promised trade deals. Despite initially aiming for “90 deals in 90 days,” the administration has only secured one confirmed deal with the United Kingdom, along with preliminary agreements with China and a potential deal with India. Negotiations with Japan are faltering, with the possibility of increased tariffs looming if an agreement isn’t reached. Experts suggest that the lack of progress stems from uncertainty about the administration’s objectives and the complexity of trade negotiations. Consequently, the deadline may be extended, with the expectation that most critical trade deals will be finalized by Labor Day.
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James Carville expressed serious concerns about Donald Trump’s potential actions regarding the upcoming midterm elections, suggesting the former president might try to manipulate the process. Carville stated that he “wouldn’t put anything past” Trump, even the possibility of canceling the elections to prevent Democratic victories and maintain Republican control of Congress. The pundit emphasized his deep worry about Trump’s willingness to take extreme measures, given the president’s focus on preserving the GOP majority. Carville went so far as to say that people should be scared, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker