Former President Donald Trump has stated his hope that Hamas accepts the proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, implying that the terms of the deal are favorable and unlikely to improve. He urged Hamas to take the deal, warning that the situation would only deteriorate for the group if they declined. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions and negotiations regarding the conflict in the Middle East.
The Senate has approved the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative package that will likely impact healthcare, taxes, and social services. The bill, which passed in a tie-breaking vote by Vice President J.D. Vance, faced opposition from several Republican senators who cited concerns over the bill’s impact on the national debt and its betrayal of the promises Donald Trump made. President Trump celebrated the bill’s passage on Truth Social, calling on the House of Representatives to pass it before the Fourth of July. The bill is now being sent back to the House of Representatives where it will be voted on with amendments, and then sent to President Trump for signing.
The opening of a controversial immigrant detention center in Florida, informally dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” drew the attention of President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who joined state officials for the event. The facility, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has faced significant opposition from Democrats and environmental groups due to humanitarian and environmental concerns. The facility is designed to deter undocumented immigrants through harsh conditions and is located in an area prone to hurricanes. The project, expedited through emergency powers, aims to house up to 3,000 individuals and has generated national media attention, while environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the facility’s impact on the Everglades ecosystem.
Donald Trump has indicated he may examine the possibility of deporting Elon Musk amid their ongoing feud. Trump stated he would “take a look” at removing Musk from the U.S., citing the tech billionaire’s opposition to the president’s spending bill. Trump also hinted at potentially investigating Musk’s companies, possibly to curb government subsidies. The animosity between the two has intensified as Musk has increasingly criticized the spending bill and threatened to form a third political party.
A Harvard polling expert suggests that young men, particularly those aged 18-29, who were instrumental in Donald Trump’s election are now disillusioned with his performance. This shift in sentiment is attributed to economic concerns and the perception that Trump has not delivered on his campaign promises. Della Volpe’s research indicates that Trump’s approval ratings among young people are in the 30s, with many struggling financially. The report indicates that young voters are seeking economic stability, and may not be drawn to Trump’s “macho persona” as they once were.
Donald Trump has dropped his federal lawsuit against Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer, the Des Moines Register, and Gannett, alleging the survey falsely boosted Kamala Harris’s chances during the 2024 election. The case was dismissed without prejudice after the president’s legal team was denied requests to move the lawsuit out of federal court, and a similar complaint was subsequently filed in Iowa district court. Selzer’s attorney stated that there was no settlement involved, and the newspaper will continue to defend its First Amendment rights. This withdrawal occurs alongside a separate $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News, which is expected to reach a settlement.
An Iran-linked hacking group has threatened to release a trove of emails allegedly stolen from Donald Trump’s aides, including Roger Stone and Susie Wiles, according to Reuters. The group, which previously released emails during the 2024 presidential campaign, claims to possess approximately 100 gigabytes of data. U.S. officials, including CISA, have condemned the threat as a “calculated smear campaign” and warned of consequences for those involved in the potential national security breach. The hackers’ motive shifted after Trump’s intervention in the Iran-Israel crisis and the release of information to news outlets.
Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, has intensified his criticism of Donald Trump’s tax and budget legislation as the Senate prepared to vote on the bill. Musk declared his intent to support primary challenges against Republican lawmakers who vote in favor of the legislation, citing concerns over the bill’s potential to increase the national debt. The tech entrepreneur, who has previously expressed interest in slashing government spending, also renewed his call for a new political party to address the issue. Furthermore, he specifically criticized certain Republican members of the House Freedom Caucus.
Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada resumed Monday morning after Canada scrapped its digital services tax targeting large technology firms. Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to continue talks, aiming for the previously set July 21 deadline. The White House Press Secretary stated Canada “caved” to Trump’s demands, who had ended trade discussions over the tax. Despite the reversal, Canada remains in discussions with G7 allies regarding an international tax, and both sides express optimism about reaching an agreement within the established timeframe.
The Independent is committed to providing in-depth reporting, and at a critical time in US history, it’s essential to analyze facts and messaging. Elon Musk has publicly criticized the “big, beautiful bill” by Donald Trump and the Republican Congress, vowing to fund primary challenges against any lawmaker who voted for the legislation. The bill aims to extend the 2017 GOP tax cuts and fund a massive expansion of mass deportation efforts, facing opposition from Musk due to concerns over increased national debt. Musk’s criticisms have been a significant departure from his previous close relationship with Trump, marking a shift in their dynamic.
John Q. Hosedrinker