Thank you so much for all of the Father’s Day messages. I am a workaholic, and there was a tremendous amount of news today, so I wanted to make sure I updated you. I promise I am heading right back to spend time with my daughter as soon as this is over.

To everyone who has subscribed to support this work, thank you. This week is shaping up to be an extremely busy one. We are expecting major Supreme Court opinions, new developments on Capitol Hill, Epstein-related news, and much more. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing or upgrading your membership. Let’s keep building independent media together.

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Here’s the news:

Iran negotiations erupt:

• President Donald Trump’s preliminary agreement with Iran is facing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who argue it gives Iran major economic benefits before securing firm limits on its nuclear program. Critics including John Cornyn, Susan Rice, and Cory Booker say the deal releases funds and eases sanctions without enough guarantees. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance said direct U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland had already made significant progress and expressed optimism about further negotiations. Trump has also warned that the U.S. could resume military action if Iran does not cooperate or restrain its ally Hezbollah.

• Trump threatened Iran with military occupation, telling Fox News he warned Iranian officials: “You close the strait and you won’t have a country,” and adding, “You won’t even make it back to your fking country ... we’ll take over the rest of the country.”**

• The Switzerland talks were portrayed as a diplomatic embarrassment for the United States, with Iran appearing to control the timing, optics, and protocol of the meeting.

  • The U.S. delegation arrived first and waited — In diplomatic settings, the side perceived as having greater leverage typically does not appear to be waiting for the other side.

  • JD Vance entered while the press was present — Publicly entering before the Iranian delegation allowed cameras to capture the U.S. side appearing ready and waiting for talks to begin.

  • Iranian officials controlled their entrance — Key Iranian representatives reportedly avoided entering while the press was inside, limiting images that could suggest they were accommodating the meeting on American terms.

  • The Iranian foreign minister entered last — Arriving after the U.S. delegation reinforced the perception that Iran was dictating the pace and protocol of the encounter.

  • No handshake took place — The absence of a handshake denied the U.S. a traditional image of mutual engagement and conveyed distance or defiance.

  • The optics suggested unequal eagerness — The sequence of arrivals and public appearances created the impression that Washington was seeking negotiations more urgently than Tehran.

  • The walkout amplified the symbolism — Iran’s delegation leaving the venue shortly after the talks reinforced the perception that it was willing to suspend discussions on its own terms.

  • The overall visual narrative favored Iran — Regardless of what was said in negotiations, the public images projected confidence and control on the Iranian side while making the U.S. appear reactive and constrained.

• Here is the video:

Other news:

• Trump posted a photo on social media praising a “great daughter,” but the woman in the image was reportedly not one of his daughters. The post sparked confusion and widespread speculation online about whom Trump intended to reference. Critics pointed to the incident as another example of his increasingly unusual social media activity. The White House did not immediately provide an explanation for the post.

• Trump supporters were confused as to who the image was, and many on the internet were questioning his mental health:

• Trump claimed, without providing evidence, that vandalism damaged the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and said the pool may need to be drained for repairs. The $14 million renovation has faced criticism after algae rapidly spread through the water and blue coating material on the pool’s bottom began peeling. Authorities reported several vandalism-related arrests and citations, though at least one person arrested says he was only inspecting a loose section of material and denies causing damage. The troubled project has become a political flashpoint, with supporters praising the cleanup effort and critics calling it an embarrassing waste of taxpayer money.

• A baby duck has now died at the reflecting pool. This image was shared with me in the past hour by someone who visited the reflecting pool. It is unclear what the cause of death is.

• After the baby duck was found, Trump said he personally inspected the reflecting pool and fixes will soon begin:

• A group has now displayed videos of Trump and Epstein on the side of the tarp at the Kennedy Center:

• United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a timetable for stepping down, potentially leaving office by the autumn after mounting pressure from senior Labour figures. The move would likely clear the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister, possibly without a formal leadership contest. Starmer reportedly lost support from several cabinet ministers following Labour's recent political setbacks, despite previously pledging to fight any challenge. Some Labour members still favor a leadership election, but Burnham is increasingly viewed as the frontrunner to succeed him. Trump made the announcement undercutting Starmer:

• Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles as firefighters continue battling a massive warehouse fire in the Boyle Heights neighborhood that has been burning since Wednesday. The blaze has been difficult to extinguish because of hazardous conditions, including a ruptured ammonia line and burning materials inside a 500,000-square-foot cold-storage facility. Smoke has spread across the region, prompting shelter-in-place orders, the opening of relief centers, and the distribution of masks, air purifiers, and bottled water. Once the fire is under control, officials will face the challenge of safely removing about 85 million pounds of spoiled frozen food from the warehouse.

• Colombians are voting in a presidential runoff between progressive candidate Iván Cepeda and conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella. Both candidates are focused on addressing rising violence, but Cepeda favors negotiations with armed groups while de la Espriella supports a tougher law-and-order approach. The election also centers on issues such as healthcare, public debt, and corruption amid growing political polarization. Many voters hope the result will be accepted peacefully as Colombia continues to struggle with renewed violence despite a 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

• A 51-year-old man died after falling from a balcony during a concert by the rock band Goose at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Police responded to the venue Saturday night and found the man unconscious after what they described as a fall from an elevated position. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities are investigating the incident, while Goose expressed sadness and condolences to everyone affected.

• Parts of Europe are experiencing an intense heat wave, with temperatures reaching around 40°C (104°F) in France, Spain, and Italy, prompting widespread emergency measures. France has closed hundreds of schools, canceled some events and train services, set up cooling stations, and restricted public alcohol consumption in high-risk areas to reduce strain on emergency services. Authorities across Europe are reporting heat-related dangers, including drownings as people seek relief in water, while health officials warn that extreme heat has already caused hundreds of thousands of deaths in recent years. Scientists and international agencies link the increasing frequency and severity of these heat waves to human-caused climate change, with forecasts suggesting even more record-breaking temperatures in the coming years.

• Elmo publicly endorsed Team USA in the 2026 World Cup, saying, “Elmo wants Team USA to win,” while jokingly asking people not to create controversy over it. His statement came after he was criticized during the NBA Finals for taking a neutral stance and saying he hoped both teams would have fun. Many New York fans mocked Elmo because Sesame Street is canonically set in New York, and even city agencies and fellow character Cookie Monster joined in the jokes. After the New York Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, star Jalen Brunson playfully extended forgiveness by displaying an Elmo plush holding a “Forgive Me PLEASE” sign during the victory parade.

• Serena Williams will return to singles competition at Wimbledon after receiving a wild-card entry for the 2026 tournament. Earlier this month, she made her professional tennis comeback in doubles at the HSBC Championships in London, her first competitive action in nearly four years. Williams, who stepped away from tennis in 2022, is also set to play Wimbledon doubles with her sister Venus Williams. The 44-year-old, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, says she is returning for the love of the sport rather than to prove anything or add to her achievements.

• Toy Story 5 debuted with $160 million at the domestic box office, setting a franchise record and delivering the biggest opening weekend of 2026. The film earned another $152 million internationally for a $312 million global debut, continuing one of The Walt Disney Company’s most successful franchises. Strong reviews and audience scores suggest the movie is likely to surpass $1 billion worldwide, as its predecessor did. The film’s success helped drive a strong summer box office, which is now approaching pre-pandemic levels.

See you in the morning.

— Aaron

This morning, my daughter woke me up at 5 a.m., looked up at me, and smiled. That smile is my good news of the day.

Becoming a father has changed the way I see the world. Nothing matters more to me than my daughter, my wife, and the future we’re building together. It’s also deepened my commitment to this work. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where facts matter and where people can find trustworthy information.

Many of you have asked how you can support what we’re building. The best way is to subscribe or upgrade your subscription. We’re growing the team, expanding our coverage, and working every day to build something better—but we can only do it with your support.

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Thank you for being here, and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Now, let’s get to the good news.

• Another piece of good news from me: here is the recording of my keynote address to a room full of over 1,000 human trafficking survivors and advocates. Please watch it and let me know what you think!

• Former U.S. President Barack Obama became emotional while watching a video message from Emily Smith, who first wrote to him as a 7-year-old after losing her mother to cancer. Obama had personally replied to her letter during his presidency, sharing that he had also lost his mother to cancer and encouraging her to “dream big dreams.” Now 24 and working as a mental health nurse, Smith thanked Obama and reflected on how much his response meant to her; her original letter is now displayed at the Obama Presidential Center. Obama said moments like these reminded him that public service is ultimately about improving people’s lives, and he hopes the new center inspires future generations rather than simply celebrating the past.

  

• During the championship parade celebrating the New York Knicks, a man climbed onto the roof of a subway elevator near the parade route and suffered a medical emergency, appearing to lose consciousness. Bystander Peter Shrieve-Don scaled the structure to reach him, while off-duty EMT Simone Kelly quickly joined the rescue effort after realizing “every second mattered.” When someone in the crowd tossed up a dose of Narcan, Kelly administered it, and the man reportedly regained consciousness within about 30 seconds before being safely brought down and transferred to medical care. Both rescuers emphasized the importance of taking action in emergencies, with Shrieve-Don saying, “Sometimes when someone’s got to do something, that someone’s got to be you,” while Kelly hoped the story would inspire community support and compassion.

• A baker in Everett has seen his business flourish after enlisting an unlikely marketing team: his three young children. Nechirvan Zebari, who founded Alida’s Bakery after leaving a nursing career, began posting videos narrated by his son and two daughters, whose playful commentary and affection for their father quickly attracted millions of views online. The videos often feature the children describing how their dad makes specialties such as baklava, based on a family recipe from their Kurdish heritage in northern Iraq. The resulting surge in business has allowed Zebari to hire additional staff and spend more time with his family, which he says has been the greatest reward of the bakery’s success.

• When singer Julie Williams had her phone stolen while in Kansas City, she called her father, Michael Williams, for help. Using the phone’s tracking features, they discovered it had been discarded in a sewer, prompting Michael to climb down and retrieve it in a rescue mission that was later shared in a viral social media video. Julie credited her father’s preparedness—including security features he had installed on the device—and his willingness to help without hesitation. With assistance from the local public works department, the pair successfully recovered the phone, and the story became a heartwarming example of parental devotion and problem-solving.

• After fans celebrated the first championship in 53 years for the New York Knicks, a New York City taxi driver named Bitat Noureddine had his cab vandalized and was reportedly assaulted when a crowd dragged him from his vehicle and damaged it. Video of the incident went viral, attracting millions of views and catching the attention of French Montana, who offered to help. Working with the New York Taxi Workers Alliance and social media fundraiser Zachery Dereniowski, supporters launched a crowdfunding campaign to replace the driver’s lost income and damaged vehicle. The effort quickly raised more than $75,000 from over 2,000 donors, turning a traumatic event into a story of community generosity and support.

• A 12-year-old girl named Tamika was hailed as a hero after saving her friend Sofia-Ann from drowning at Pensarn Beach. While swimming during a heat wave, the girls were swept off their feet by the tide or a current, and Sofia-Ann appeared to suffer an epileptic seizure just as she was pulled underwater. Despite being dragged under herself, Tamika managed to grab her friend’s hair and pull the unresponsive teenager back to shore, where emergency responders later transported her to the hospital. Sofia-Ann survived after treatment, and her mother credited Tamika’s courage and quick thinking with saving her daughter’s life.

• Artist and former Pixar animator Vincent Serritella survived stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, after undergoing brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Following treatment at Sutter Health, he returned to painting both as a form of healing and as a way to express gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for him. Encouraged by his neuro-oncologist, Akanksha Sharma, Serritella created around 30 portraits of doctors, nurses, and caregivers who supported him through his recovery. Now cancer-free and with two clean MRI scans, he says the paintings are his highest expression of thanks to the people he credits with saving his life.

• A social media creator known as Spencer transformed an overgrown yard for an elderly woman named Debbie and ended up helping raise $685,000 for her through a viral crowdfunding campaign. Debbie had endured years of hardship, including caring for her husband through terminal cancer, falling behind on rent, losing money to a dishonest contractor, and struggling to afford food and healthcare. After learning about her situation, Spencer and his father spent days restoring her property, paid off her overdue rent through their nonprofit, and launched a fundraiser that attracted more than 22,000 donors. The money was placed in a trust for Debbie, demonstrating how a simple act of kindness shared on social media can mobilize massive community support for someone in need.

• Three critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs have been born at Howletts Wild Animal Park, an important success for conservation efforts as fewer than 400 of these tigers are believed to remain in the wild in Indonesia. The two female cubs and one male were born on April 9 to first-time mother Tipah and father Nakal and have recently begun exploring their enclosure after spending their first weeks in a den. Zoo staff report that the cubs are healthy, playful, and already showing distinct personalities, while Tipah has proven to be an attentive and capable mother. The birth supports international captive breeding programs that help preserve genetic diversity and provide a safeguard against extinction for one of the world’s rarest tiger subspecies.

  

• A detective in Le Roy spent months tracking down a stolen wedding ring belonging to a nursing home resident with dementia who was unable to advocate for herself. After exhausting interviews and database searches, Detective Kaden Vangalio personally visited pawn shops in nearby Buffalo and eventually located the ring along with a bill of sale linked to the suspect. The investigation revealed that the ring had allegedly been taken by a nursing home employee, who was later charged with larceny. Police praised Vangalio’s persistence, noting that while the ring’s monetary value was limited, its sentimental importance to the family was priceless, making its recovery especially meaningful.

• Astronaut Jessica Meir captured spectacular video of the Aurora Australis from a SpaceX Dragon orbiting above Earth, showing the glowing ribbons of light dancing across the region around Antarctica. The display was triggered by a recent burst of solar activity, which sent charged particles into Earth’s magnetic field and energized oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, producing colorful auroras. Meir described the phenomenon as especially striking because it appeared to snake and dance directly beneath the spacecraft, creating an emotionally powerful view of the planet. The footage was recorded while she was on an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station conducting scientific research in human biology and medicine.

• A California-based humanitarian organization, Direct Relief, is sending more than 250,000 N95 respirators, along with protective gear and essential medicines, to help combat an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The shipment aims not only to protect frontline healthcare workers but also to keep routine medical services functioning, since past Ebola outbreaks caused thousands of additional deaths from untreated diseases when health systems became overwhelmed. Direct Relief is partnering with VillageReach and the Congolese Ministry of Health to distribute supplies, train community health workers, improve diagnostics, and support vaccination efforts. Since May, Direct Relief has delivered more than $10 million in medical aid to the country, continuing a decades-long mission of providing humanitarian assistance regardless of politics, religion, or ability to pay.

• A father-and-son cycling team, George Kohler and Josh Kohler, completed an 18,000-mile journey around the world and set three world records in the process. Over 14 months, they cycled across Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe, earning records for the fastest father-son bicycle circumnavigation, the longest father-son bicycle journey, and the most countries visited by a father and son on a continuous cycling trip. Beyond the physical challenge, they described the emotional demands of spending 400 days together, maintaining a rule that they would never go to bed angry after disagreements. The pair said the trip’s most memorable moments came from the kindness of strangers, including shepherds, monks, and local families who welcomed them along the way, making the final return home to friends and family especially meaningful.

• A young Canadian woman with severe third-degree burns to her face and neck became the first human to receive an experimental exosome-based treatment instead of traditional skin grafts. Doctors at Hamilton Health Sciences obtained emergency approval to use trillions of exosomes—tiny particles that carry healing signals between cells—to stimulate skin regeneration and reduce scarring. The treatment exceeded expectations, allowing her facial burns to heal almost completely within a few months and largely avoiding the disfiguring effects often associated with grafts on the face. Researchers hope the success will accelerate development of exosome therapies for burn victims worldwide, though the treatment remains expensive and is still in the early stages of human use.

• Thousands of flamingo chicks have hatched at Lake Tuz, marking a major recovery after severe drought conditions in 2021 caused the deaths of thousands of hatchlings when the lake nearly dried up. Recent drone footage showed about 5,000 chicks thriving at one of the world’s most important flamingo breeding sites, with populations now growing rapidly year over year. Conservation efforts, including a water-supply project launched by Turkish authorities in 2022 to pump water into nesting areas, helped restore suitable habitat and prevent further mass die-offs. The rebound demonstrates how targeted conservation measures can help wildlife recover even in regions heavily affected by climate change and drought.

• Researchers in England found that turkey tail mushrooms can dramatically improve river water quality by filtering pollutants through their underground mycelium networks. In trials in Devon and Lincolnshire, bags of wood chips inoculated with turkey tail spores removed about 80% of E. coli bacteria, 83% of phosphorus, and 35% of nitrogen from polluted waterways. The results were so successful that England’s water regulator, OFWAT, awarded Anglian Water nearly $2 million to expand the approach as a low-cost supplement to traditional sewage treatment. The study highlights the growing potential of fungi as natural environmental cleanup tools, building on previous research showing mushrooms can absorb contaminants such as heavy metals and even radiation.

• Scientists exploring the deep Indian Ocean discovered the world’s largest known “whale graveyard,” a 660-mile-long region containing an estimated 10 million whale remains and nearly 500 documented skeletons. The site, located about 20,000 feet below the surface, hosts thriving ecosystems of worms, bivalves, brittle stars, jellyfish, and other creatures, some of which may be previously unknown species. Researchers recovered hundreds of bones, including fossils up to 5.3 million years old, from both living and extinct whale species. The discovery supports the idea that whale carcasses act as evolutionary hotspots and stepping stones for deep-sea life, providing nutrients similar to those found around hydrothermal vents.

• A new study of 50 rivers on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau found that thawing permafrost not only releases carbon dioxide but can also increase the landscape’s ability to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. As permafrost melts, more rock is exposed to water, accelerating chemical weathering processes that consume atmospheric carbon and store it in dissolved inorganic forms. Researchers estimated that this weathering offsets about 35% of river CO₂ emissions on average, and in some areas with patchy permafrost, carbon uptake exceeded emissions entirely. The findings suggest that climate models should account for both the carbon released by thawing permafrost and the geological processes that can partially counterbalance those emissions.

• A new direct train route operated by Snälltåget now connects Malmö and Oslo on a 6.5-hour, 360-mile journey through some of Scandinavia’s most scenic landscapes. Passengers travel from the coastal plains and beaches of southern Sweden through historic sites such as Lund Cathedral and Varberg Fortress, then inland past Lake Vänern, Europe’s third-largest lake, and the forests and waterways of the Dalsland region. The route showcases Sweden’s diverse geography, from agricultural fields and seaside towns to deep forests, granite formations, and glacial lakes before crossing into Norway. Travelers can also enjoy a dedicated restaurant car featuring Nordic cuisine inspired by ingredients and culinary traditions from communities along the route.

See you soon.

— Aaron

As I mentioned earlier, tomorrow’s Good News Update is still coming as scheduled. After that, I’ll likely take most of the day off to celebrate my first Father’s Day.

I recently learned that over the past year, we reached more than 80 million Americans. That is roughly one in four people in the country. None of that happens without you. If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack is the one place where I remain fully independent and accountable only to my readers. Your support makes this work possible.

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Here’s what you missed:

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni fired back after Trump doubled down on his attacks, telling him that his “constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless” and rejecting his claims about her popularity and Italy’s military cooperation with the United States. “Italy remains a sovereign nation,” Meloni wrote, before ending with a pointed message to Trump: “My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

• This came in response to Donald Trump doubling down on the notion that Meloni begged him to take a picture with her:

• Iran announced that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes, claiming that continued Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon violated the terms of a recent U.S.-Iran peace agreement. Iran warned ships to stay away from the waterway, although U.S. Central Command said dozens of merchant vessels were still transiting the strait and that American forces remained in place to help enforce the deal.

• The crisis stems from Israeli strikes in Lebanon that reportedly killed dozens of people after a ceasefire was announced. Israel says it acted in response to attacks by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, while Hezbollah denies violating the ceasefire and accuses Israel of trying to undermine the agreement.

• Despite Iran’s declaration, U.S. Central Command said dozens of commercial ships were still transiting the strait and that American forces remained in the area to help enforce the agreement. The dispute centers on Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which Israel says were a response to attacks by Hezbollah, while Hezbollah denies violating the ceasefire and accuses Israel of undermining the deal. The renewed fighting threatens broader U.S.-Iran negotiations over issues including Iran’s nuclear program, with talks expected to continue in Switzerland and with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. The situation has also exposed tensions between the administration of President Donald Trump and the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over how to handle the conflict in Lebanon.

• At the same time, Trump was polling his followers on Truth Social about whether they prefer “Dumocrat” or “Dumbocrat” as a nickname for Democrats:

  

• Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least six people on Saturday, including two young sisters, ages 4 and 14, and an Al Jazeera cameraman, according to Palestinian officials. One strike hit a Gaza City apartment building overnight, while later strikes targeted a refugee camp and a tent encampment, causing additional deaths and injuries. The Israeli military said it was investigating the strike that killed the children and stated that the Al Jazeera cameraman, Ahmed Wishah, was killed in a targeted attack because it alleged he was affiliated with Hamas, a claim reported by Israel and disputed by his employer.

• The 35 retired fed judges escalate challenge against Trump $1.7 billion slush fund and IRS deal. They say Trump Admin's latest filing "underscores the need to investigate whether the parties have perpetrated a fraud on this Court & corrupted the integrity of the judicial process."

• Trump acknowledged problems with the recently renovated Reflecting Pool between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, including an algae bloom and peeling blue paint after a $14.2 million makeover. Trump blamed the issues on alleged vandalism and claimed, without presenting evidence, that chemicals had been used to damage the pool and surrounding grounds. The renovation was part of a broader effort to refurbish monuments in Washington, D.C., and included plans to make the pool “American flag blue” ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Critics have questioned both the effectiveness of the project and the contracting process, while National Park Service workers continue efforts to remove algae and improve water quality.

• David Hearn, a three-time Olympian, was arrested at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and charged with destruction of government property after police alleged he damaged the pool’s newly installed liner. Hearn denies vandalizing anything, saying he only touched a section of liner that was already peeling and never removed or damaged it. His arrest became a political flashpoint after President Donald Trump and allies blamed opponents for problems with the recently refurbished pool, including peeling material and algae growth. Hearn was detained for nearly five hours before being released and is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.

• Trump called for jail sentences for those who he believes vandalize the pool:

• A forthcoming book by journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan claims that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent privately compared President Donald Trump to billionaire investor George Soros, reportedly saying that the two men are “the same animal.” The comparison is notable because Soros is a frequent target of criticism and conspiracy theories among many conservatives, including Trump himself. Bessent previously worked for Soros for many years, helping manage major investment strategies that generated billions of dollars in profits. The article notes that neither the White House nor the Treasury Department immediately commented on the reported remarks, which come from an advance excerpt of the upcoming book.

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to step down after a report claimed he may announce his resignation timeline as early as Monday. The speculation intensified after political rival Andy Burnham won a seat in Parliament, giving him the ability to formally challenge Starmer’s leadership. According to the report, more than 100 Labour lawmakers have publicly called for Starmer to resign or set a departure date. However, a government source denied that a resignation decision had been made, saying Starmer remains focused on governing and intends to fight any leadership challenge.

• Thousands of people attended a UFC watch party on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday at the White House grounds, leaving large sections of the Ellipse park badly damaged. Aerial photographs showed extensive destruction of the grass after the event, prompting criticism online. The damage came shortly after separate controversy over problems with the renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including algae growth and peeling paint. The UFC and Scotts Miracle-Gro have pledged to pay for repairs to the South Lawn, though it is unclear whether the Ellipse will also be restored. Despite the criticism, Trump praised his administration’s efforts to beautify Washington, D.C., in a social media post.

• Trump unexpectedly endorsed both South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff candidates, Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson, after initially backing only Evette. The move comes after several Trump-endorsed candidates recently lost key Republican governor primaries in Iowa and Georgia, raising questions about the strength of his endorsements. Although Evette led the first round of voting, Wilson has gained momentum with endorsements from prominent Republicans, including Tim Scott. By endorsing both candidates ahead of the runoff, Trump effectively ensures that the eventual winner can claim his support, reducing the political risk of another endorsement loss.

• A report by Pogo Investigates alleges that a political action committee linked to Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan received $250,000 in undisclosed “dark money” from The GEO Group, a major ICE detention contractor that has benefited from expanded immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. Critics argue the donation raises potential conflict-of-interest concerns because GEO Group derives substantial revenue from federal immigration detention contracts and reportedly saw profits increase significantly after new immigration funding and contracts were approved.

• Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that he will revoke Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s highest Polish state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, because Zelenskyy named a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist force accused in Poland of massacring tens of thousands of Poles during World War II. Ukrainian officials strongly condemned the move, arguing it benefits Russia by creating tensions between Ukraine and one of its key allies. Nawrocki insisted that the decision does not change Poland’s support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged both sides to avoid escalating the dispute, warning that such divisions please Russian President Vladimir Putin and concern Western allies. The controversy comes despite recent progress between Poland and Ukraine on addressing historical grievances and improving reconciliation over wartime atrocities.

• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, has been ordered to stand trial on corruption-related charges and is barred from leaving Spain while the case proceeds. Prosecutors allege that she used her position as the prime minister’s spouse to help secure business contracts; Gómez denies the accusations and notes that the case was initiated by far-right groups. Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado required her to surrender her passport and report to court twice monthly.

• A Louisiana pastor, Terry Reed, was sentenced to 80 years in prison after being convicted of raping and molesting two boys whom he had taken into his home after gaining their families’ trust. Prosecutors said Reed used his position as a religious leader and cited scripture to manipulate the victims into believing the abuse was normal. The case marked Reed’s third conviction involving sexual crimes against minors, following guilty pleas in 1997 and 2017 for similar offenses. During sentencing, the mother of one victim described feeling profoundly betrayed and called Reed “an utter failure and a sorry excuse for a man,” while the judge imposed the maximum sentence for the molestation convictions.

• An 85-year-old Florida man, William Bosworth, was arrested after deputies said he was racing a sports car at speeds exceeding 100 mph late at night in Leesburg. Authorities alleged that Bosworth was driving a gray Nissan sports car at about 110 mph while a red Corvette involved in the incident reached roughly 125 mph. When questioned by police, Bosworth denied racing, claiming he sped up to get away from another driver and was simply “having a little ride in my favorite car.” Body-camera footage reportedly showed him smoking a cigarillo during the traffic stop. He was charged with street racing and excessive speeding.

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency due to a stubborn commercial fire that has been burning since Wednesday at a cold-storage facility in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. The fire has repeatedly flared up, produced significant smoke, and affected air quality across the area, prompting officials to seek additional state resources. Authorities are also concerned that large quantities of frozen meat and bread stored at the facility could decompose, creating unpleasant odors and potential biohazard risks. Fire officials say hazardous refrigerants such as ammonia have already been removed, but crews continue to monitor conditions and fight the blaze. Temporary shelters have been opened for residents affected by the ongoing emergency.

• Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel announced that he will take a two-month break from hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! and will be replaced by a rotating lineup of guest hosts. The guest hosts will include Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, Jelly Roll, and Rosie O’Donnell. Kimmel joked that O’Donnell’s appearance was a special gift for President Donald Trump, with whom she has had a long-running public feud. The announcement also referenced Kimmel’s brief suspension in 2025 after controversial comments following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel said he is taking the break voluntarily and urged viewers to keep watching while he is away.

See you soon.

— Aaron

TikTok has completely censored my content today and nothing will post, so I figured we start the day with some Epstein news.

I also want to walk through the investigations that are currently underway, the depositions that are scheduled, and what may come next. It is important that we keep the Epstein files at the forefront of the public conversation, because this story is far from over.

This work is only possible because of your support. If you can, please subscribe today. Many platforms are reluctant to amplify this information, but people deserve to know where things stand, where the investigations are headed, and who has actually been held accountable.

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Here is everyone who has been held accountable:

Foreign Politics

Borge Brende

Position: Former Foreign Minister of Norway; President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. Brende resigned as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum in February 2026. His departure followed disclosures that he remained in contact with Epstein long after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor. The revelations raised questions about his judgment and associations while leading one of the world’s most influential international organizations.

Peter Mandelson

Position: British Ambassador to the United States; Labour Party politician; member of the House of Lords. Mandelson was arrested by British police, released on bail, and remained under investigation. He had already lost his position as ambassador after scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein intensified. He was also forced to resign from the Labour Party and the House of Lords. His case involved both legal scrutiny and the loss of multiple high-profile political positions.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Prince Andrew)

Position: British royal family member; former British trade envoy. Prince Andrew was arrested and later released while an investigation continued. Prior disclosures had already resulted in the loss of his royal titles and removal from his royal residence. Authorities were investigating allegations that he shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy. The consequences included legal scrutiny as well as the loss of royal status and privileges.

Thorbjørn Jagland

Position: Former Prime Minister of Norway; former Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Jagland was criminally charged with “gross corruption” by Norwegian authorities. Investigators examined whether gifts, travel, and loans connected to Epstein were linked to his public positions. Released communications showed extensive contact between the two men. He faced one of the most severe forms of accountability: formal criminal charges.

Mona Juul

Position: Norwegian Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq. Juul was suspended from her diplomatic post before resigning. Norwegian police subsequently announced a corruption investigation involving her and her husband over financial dealings connected to Epstein. The fallout cost her a senior diplomatic role and exposed her to possible legal consequences. The investigation remained ongoing at the time of publication.

Terje Rød-Larsen

Position: President and CEO of the International Peace Institute; diplomat involved in the Oslo peace process. Rød-Larsen became the subject of a Norwegian police investigation after reports concerning financial benefits connected to Epstein. Years earlier, he had resigned from the International Peace Institute after revelations involving donations and a personal loan from Epstein. The renewed investigation brought additional scrutiny to conduct that had already ended one major leadership career.

Jack Lang

Position: Former French Minister of Culture; President of the Arab World Institute. Lang resigned as head of the Arab World Institute after French authorities began investigating reports of financial ties between his family and Epstein. The resignation followed growing public scrutiny surrounding the allegations. Although no charges had been announced, the investigation led to the loss of a prestigious leadership position.

Morgan McSweeney

Position: Chief of Staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. McSweeney resigned under political pressure because of his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. McSweeney has no known ties to Epstein. Nevertheless, he became caught up in the broader fallout resulting from the controversy.

Joanna Rubinstein

Position: Chair of Sweden for the U.N. High Commission for Refugees. Rubinstein resigned after documents revealed that she and her family had visited Epstein’s private island. The disclosures generated public scrutiny and questions about her judgment. She subsequently left a prominent international humanitarian position. Her accountability came in the form of resignation rather than legal action.

Miroslav Lajčák

Position: National Security Adviser to Slovakia’s Prime Minister; former Slovak Foreign Minister. Lajčák stepped down after emails surfaced showing exchanges with Epstein that appeared to joke about young women. The communications triggered political controversy and damaged confidence in his role. He resigned from one of the most sensitive positions in the Slovak government. The consequence was the loss of public office.

Academia

Leon Botstein

Position: President of Bard College. Botstein announced his retirement after files showed years of messages and visits involving Epstein. Bard College commissioned an independent review that criticized aspects of his leadership but found no illegal conduct. Nevertheless, the controversy contributed to his decision to step down.

Joichi Ito

Position: Former Director of the MIT Media Lab; technology entrepreneur. Ito resigned from a Japanese government technology initiative after renewed attention to his ties with Epstein. Earlier disclosures had already led to his resignation from MIT’s Media Lab, several corporate boards, and academic positions. The consequences accumulated over multiple years and institutions. His case represents one of the most extensive examples of professional fallout in academia.

Larry Summers

Position: Former President of Harvard University; former U.S. Treasury Secretary. Summers announced he would stop teaching at Harvard and resigned from university leadership roles. Earlier fallout had already included resignations from think tanks, the board of OpenAI, and the loss of a New York Times contributor position. Newly disclosed emails showed ongoing contact with Epstein after serious allegations had emerged.

Richard Axel

Position: Nobel Prize-winning scientist; Columbia University professor. Axel resigned as co-director of a Columbia neuroscience institute and stepped down from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Documents portrayed him as a frequent guest at Epstein’s residence and an intermediary with university officials. The disclosures generated intense scrutiny within the academic community.

Dr. Letty Moss-Salentijn

Position: Vice Dean, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Columbia University stripped Moss-Salentijn of her vice dean title after documents suggested she helped develop a customized academic plan for Epstein’s girlfriend. She retained her tenured faculty position but lost her administrative authority. The university’s action reflected concerns about her conduct in an admissions-related matter.

Dr. Thomas Magnani

Position: Columbia University Dental School affiliate; dentist. Columbia University severed all remaining ties with Magnani after disclosures connected him to efforts to secure admission for Epstein’s girlfriend. The university removed him from admissions and volunteer leadership roles. Although he had not taught there for several years, the institution formally ended its association with him.

David A. Ross

Position: Chair of the Fine Arts Department at the School of Visual Arts; museum executive. Ross resigned as department chair after emails revealed a friendship with Epstein spanning decades. The disclosures generated public criticism and pressure within the arts community. He subsequently stepped down from his academic leadership role.

Elisa New

Position: Former Harvard professor; host of PBS’s Poetry in America. Arizona State University ended its relationship with New, and PBS canceled her television program. The actions followed revelations that Epstein had helped develop and fund the project. She lost both a university affiliation and a nationally distributed media platform.

Business

Casey Wasserman

Position: Founder of Wasserman talent agency; sports and entertainment executive. Wasserman’s company removed his name from the agency and began seeking a buyer after numerous clients left. The departures followed the release of emails involving Ghislaine Maxwell.

Dr. Bernard Kruger

Position: Concierge medicine physician. Kruger stepped away from positions at two concierge medical practices after details of his relationship with Epstein became public. The disclosures led to questions about his professional judgment and associations. He subsequently relinquished leadership and professional roles.

Bob Kerrey

Position: Former U.S. Senator from Nebraska; Chairman of a clean-energy company. Kerrey resigned as chairman of a clean-energy company after documents showed continued contact with Epstein following Epstein’s plea deal. The disclosures generated criticism regarding his decision to maintain the relationship. He subsequently stepped down from his corporate leadership role.

Dr. Peter Attia

Position: Physician, author, and CBS News contributor. Attia resigned as a CBS News contributor and had previously stepped down from a corporate science position. Documents described close contact with Epstein, including visits and correspondence over several years. Public backlash followed publication of those details. The result was the loss of multiple professional affiliations.

Thomas J. Pritzker

Position: Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Pritzker stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt after files revealed continuing contact with Epstein after Epstein’s plea deal. The disclosures prompted scrutiny of his judgment and associations. He relinquished one of the most important leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

Position: Chairman and CEO of DP World. Bin Sulayem resigned from leadership of the global ports company DP World. Documents suggested efforts to arrange business opportunities with Epstein and contained exchanges concerning women. After his identity became public, pressure mounted rapidly. The consequence was the loss of leadership of a major international corporation.

James E. Staley

Position: Chief Executive Officer of Barclays. Staley resigned as CEO of Barclays in 2021 amid scrutiny of his ties to Epstein. Evidence showed that he maintained contact with Epstein after Epstein’s plea agreement and visited him during his sentence. Regulatory and public pressure intensified over time.

Leon Black

Position: Co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management; Chairman of the Museum of Modern Art. Black stepped down from all leadership positions at Apollo Global Management and later from the Museum of Modern Art. Investigations highlighted extensive business and social ties to Epstein, including large payments for advisory services. The disclosures generated sustained public and investor scrutiny.

U.S. Politics

George J. Mitchell

Position: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader; diplomat and peace negotiator. Mitchell resigned from the Mitchell Institute and saw institutions remove his name from programs, awards, and honors. Queen’s University Belfast removed a bust of him and renamed a research institute that bore his name. Other organizations also distanced themselves from his legacy.

Alexander Acosta

Position: U.S. Secretary of Labor; former federal prosecutor. Acosta resigned as labor secretary in 2019 after criticism of his handling of Epstein’s 2008 plea deal while serving as a federal prosecutor. Critics argued that the agreement was overly lenient given the allegations. The controversy became politically untenable and ultimately ended his Cabinet tenure.

Law

Kathryn Ruemmler

Position: General Counsel of Goldman Sachs; former White House Counsel. Ruemmler announced she would leave Goldman Sachs after emails revealed a long-running friendship with Epstein. The correspondence showed personal and professional interactions spanning many years. Public scrutiny intensified after the communications became public.

Brad Karp

Position: Chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Karp resigned as chairman of one of the nation’s most influential law firms after emails suggested a deeper relationship with Epstein than previously understood. The disclosures included legal advice he offered regarding Epstein’s earlier plea agreement. Although he remained at the firm, he relinquished its top leadership role. His accountability was the loss of the chairmanship.

Here are the pending investigations:

• New Mexico Criminal: The state of New Mexico has launched an active criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities at Zorro Ranch, his sprawling property outside Santa Fe, while a separate legislative “Truth Commission” is conducting a survivor-centered inquiry into what occurred there and whether institutions failed to act. In recent months, investigators from the New Mexico Department of Justice executed a search of Zorro Ranch and issued preservation orders to major companies, including JPMorgan Chase, Google, and PayPal, directing them to retain any records related to Epstein.

• New Mexico Truth Commission: One of the most significant developments in the Epstein case is New Mexico's newly established Truth Commission, a legislative investigative body tasked with examining Jeffrey Epstein's activities in the state, particularly at his Zorro Ranch property outside Santa Fe. The commission has already begun issuing subpoenas to state agencies, law enforcement offices, government officials, and private organizations in an effort to uncover records related to Epstein's operations, financial dealings, and relationships in New Mexico. Among the records being sought are communications involving former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, documents related to Zorro Ranch, law enforcement files, and information about donations made by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Commissioners have described the effort as a survivor-centered investigation focused on establishing a full public record of what occurred in New Mexico, identifying institutional failures, and ensuring accountability for anyone who may have enabled or concealed Epstein's activities.

• Overseas Investigations: The release of millions of pages of Epstein-related documents has triggered a wave of investigations outside the United States, with authorities in at least eight countries and the European Union opening probes into individuals, financial networks, and possible misconduct connected to Epstein's global network. In the United Kingdom, investigators arrested both Prince Andrew and former British Ambassador Peter Mandelson, while British authorities continue examining allegations uncovered through the files. Norway has launched some of the most aggressive actions, including criminal charges against former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland and investigations involving other current and former officials. Authorities in France, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Turkey, and Slovakia are also reviewing ties revealed in the documents, while the European Union's anti-fraud office has opened its own investigation into Mandelson. These inquiries range from allegations of corruption and abuse of office to questions surrounding financial relationships, trafficking networks, and whether powerful individuals received benefits or provided assistance through their connections to Epstein.

Upcoming Key Dates: House Oversight Committee Testimony

• June 26, 2026 — Leon Black, co-founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee.

• July 9, 2026 — Alan Dershowitz, Jeffrey Epstein’s former attorney. Requested

• July 15, 2026 — Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House Counsel and former General Counsel of Goldman Sachs, is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee.

• July 23, 2026 — Jes Staley, former CEO of Barclays, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee.

These hearings are expected to provide lawmakers with additional information about relationships, communications, and decision-making involving Jeffrey Epstein and his network, and could shape the direction of future investigations.

Epstein Survivor Stories:

Finally, I wanted to share the voices of those most directly affected by Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. Over the course of this investigation, me and other journalists have sat down with multiple survivors and advocates who have spent years fighting for accountability and transparency. Their stories provide a powerful reminder that this is not simply a story about documents, investigations, or powerful people. It is a story about real victims whose lives were forever changed.

Below, you’ll hear from Jess Michaels:

Marina Lacerda and Andrea Sterling:

Sky and Amanda Roberts:

Danielle Bensky:

All of these survivors offer a unique perspective on the lasting impact of Epstein’s abuse, the pursuit of justice, and why the fight for accountability continues today.

See you soon.

— Aaron

This weekend, I’ll be publishing a deep dive into the Epstein files that you won’t want to miss. Sunday is also Father’s Day, and it will be my first Father’s Day. I’ll have a good news update out, but I may take the rest of the day off to spend time with family.

To everyone who has reached out to congratulate us on our expansion, thank you. We are growing the team, reaching millions of people, outperforming much of the mainstream media, and doing it all independently because of your support. I never imagined I would be doing this full time, and I never imagined this community would grow enough to build a real newsroom.

But that’s exactly what’s happening. Your subscriptions make this work possible, strengthen independent journalism, and help us keep growing. If you haven’t already, please subscribe or consider upgrading your membership today.

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Here’s the news:

• According to the New York Times, the National Park Service awarded a $1.7 million no-bid contract to Greenwater Services to install a water-purification system for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The company is reportedly owned by a trust led by John J. Cafaro, a longtime Trump donor and neighbor of Mar-a-Lago. Federal records show close ties between Greenwater and Cafaro, but the Interior Department says the company was selected solely because it had the expertise and resources to complete the work on a tight timeline. The White House and Interior Department both say President Trump played no role in the contract award and that officials were unaware of Cafaro’s political connections when the contract was issued.

• The contract is facing scrutiny because the $14.2 million Reflecting Pool renovation has encountered multiple problems. Despite the installation of a new blue liner and water-treatment system intended to keep the pool clear, algae blooms have turned much of the water green, and sections of the blue waterproofing layer appear to be peeling away from the bottom. The Park Service bypassed competitive bidding by citing urgency related to preparations for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, a justification also used for a separate $14.7 million no-bid contract connected to the project. Critics are questioning both the procurement process and the quality of the work as crews continue efforts to clean the pool and address the defects.

• National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police are patrolling the Reflecting Pool after reports that visitors have been tearing off pieces of the newly installed liner, which had begun peeling, and taking them as souvenirs. The reports have not yet been officially confirmed.

• This is what the reflecting pool currently looks like from under the water:

• This is what Washington, D.C.’s national mall currently looks like following the UFC fight and reflecting pool issues. This image was taken by Spencer Allan Brooks, a local DC reporter:

• “8647” is back:

• A federal judge in Virginia ordered the Justice Department to file a sworn declaration confirming whether the Trump administration had permanently halted a controversial $1.7 billion fund that critics call a “slush fund.” Instead of providing that declaration, the Justice Department argued that such testimony from senior executive officials was unnecessary and raised separation-of-powers concerns.

• Attorneys challenging the fund say the administration’s refusal to state under oath that the program is permanently dead suggests it may still be revived in the future. They point to repeated statements from officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, saying only that the administration is “not moving forward” with the fund rather than definitively terminating it. The dispute is now less about the fund’s current status and more about whether the administration must formally and legally commit that it will not restart the program. Critics argue the cautious wording fuels suspicion, while the Justice Department maintains the court is demanding unnecessary assurances.

• The U.S. Air Force has unveiled a Boeing 747-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One after being accepted as a $400 million gift from the government of Qatar. The aircraft has been repainted in presidential colors, modified for government use, and will undergo commissioning flights before entering active service transporting the president. Air Force officials said the plane is secure, mission-ready, and retains much of its original luxury interior because operational readiness was prioritized over extensive redesigns. President Trump has defended accepting the aircraft despite criticism about potential security and conflict-of-interest concerns, arguing it saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The jet is expected to be used until Boeing delivers a new fleet of presidential aircraft in 2028, while the older Air Force One planes will continue serving in the executive airlift fleet for senior government officials.

• Speaking about the new Air Force One aircraft, President Donald Trump said the plane can fly farther and faster than the current presidential aircraft and requires far fewer refueling stops on long trips. He described its range as “pretty close to unlimited,” emphasizing that it may rarely need to stop for fuel during international travel. The comments highlighted one of the key advantages of the newer Boeing 747-8 platform compared with the aging 747-200-based aircraft currently used as Air Force One. While no aircraft literally has unlimited range, the new jet is capable of significantly longer flights and greater efficiency than its predecessors.

• Trump said the new Air Force One is equipped with advanced communications technology, describing it as the highest level of communications capability ever installed on a presidential aircraft. He specifically mentioned the satellite internet service Starlink and joked that "my friend Elon is going to be very happy," referring to Elon Musk. Trump suggested the aircraft's communications systems are more advanced than anything previously seen on Air Force One, though he did not provide technical details. The remarks were part of a broader presentation highlighting the capabilities of the newly unveiled Boeing 747-8 presidential aircraft.

• Trump claimed that Iran would not get any money. His White House got community noted on Twitter:

• Israel and Hezbollah agreed to restore a fragile ceasefire after 24 hours of intense fighting that threatened a newly signed U.S.-Iran peace framework. The violence began when Hezbollah attacks killed four Israeli soldiers, prompting Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley that reportedly killed at least 47 people. The clashes forced the cancellation of planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland that were intended to discuss implementation of a recent agreement aimed at easing regional tensions and advancing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Both sides signaled a return to the ceasefire by Friday evening, but the flare-up highlighted how easily the broader peace process could be derailed. The renewed truce comes amid continuing disagreements over Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and growing political pressure on leaders in Israel, Iran, and the United States.

• The Department of Homeland Security has abandoned plans to convert a warehouse in Social Circle, Georgia, into a massive immigration detention center that would have housed up to 10,000 detainees and thousands of employees. Local officials announced they were informed the project was no longer being pursued, though it remains unclear whether the federal government will sell the property or repurpose it. The facility had faced strong opposition from residents and elected officials, including Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who argued it would strain local infrastructure. The government had paid $128.5 million for the warehouse, more than four times its previous sale price, and local leaders hope it eventually returns to private ownership and the local tax base.

• An Illinois man, Trevor Kreke, recorded the dramatic moments when a tornado struck and destroyed his home in Effingham on Wednesday night. The video shows the storm tearing through the property before leaving the house heavily damaged or destroyed. In the aftermath, Kreke appears stunned as he sits among the wreckage of his home. Despite the devastation, he repeatedly thanks God, expressing gratitude for surviving the tornado. The footage captures both the destructive power of the storm and an emotional reaction from someone who witnessed the loss of his home firsthand.

• The Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into Major League Baseball after the league warned several San Francisco Giants pitchers for writing Bible verses on rainbow-themed Pride Night hats. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon argued that federal law may require employers to accommodate religious objections and referred the matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for review. MLB maintains that the warning was not about the religious content itself but about violating uniform rules, noting that similar warnings have been issued for other unauthorized messages on hats. The dispute has drawn attention from prominent Republicans, including JD Vance and Josh Hawley, while LGBTQ advocates and the Giants organization have defended Pride Night and criticized claims that Christian players were being discriminated against.

• Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from senior members of the Labour Party after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election and returned to Parliament with an apparent eye on the party leadership. According to reports, several Cabinet ministers and senior allies have urged Starmer to set a timetable for his departure, with concerns growing about his political future following electoral setbacks and internal party unrest. Burnham’s supporters are seeking talks with Starmer about a possible orderly transition, while Starmer argues that a leadership contest would create chaos for both Labour and the country. Burnham is expected to take his seat in Parliament on Monday, potentially accelerating the leadership battle. The situation has exposed deep divisions within Labour and raised questions about whether Starmer can remain in power long enough to fight the next general election.

See you in the morning.

— Aaron

Also, excuse the baby sounds in parts of the video. I am on newborn duty this morning and we are working together!

Some big news for the Parnas Perspective: We’ve hired our first full-time employee. They officially start next week and will help take some things off my plate while also helping us expand the work we do.

I never imagined I’d be doing this full time. I never imagined this community would grow enough to build a real newsroom. But because of your support, that’s exactly what’s happening. Your subscriptions make this work possible, strengthen independent journalism, and help us keep growing. If you haven’t already, please subscribe or consider upgrading your membership today.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• According to a report citing The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump has increasingly responded to aides, advisers, and Republican allies who question his decisions with a simple refrain: “I’m the president and you’re not.” The report says Trump has used the line repeatedly amid growing frustration within his party over a series of political setbacks, policy reversals, and internal disagreements. The phrase is described as both a way of asserting authority and a reflection of his determination to push forward despite criticism from advisers and lawmakers. The story comes as Trump faces mounting pressure from congressional Republicans over his Iran agreement and other contentious policy fights.

Iran deal falls apart (for now):

• The world is erupting this morning. U.S.-Iran peace talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were abruptly postponed after Iran demanded guarantees that Israeli military operations in Lebanon would stop. The delay came as Israel launched a new wave of strikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 18 people, while four Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with Hezbollah. Vice President JD Vance canceled his planned trip to Switzerland as diplomats worked behind the scenes to keep negotiations on track. The talks were intended to begin a 60-day process aimed at reaching a permanent end to the conflict that began earlier this year. Officials say the postponement is temporary, but it underscores how fragile the agreement remains.

• Vance publicly defended the U.S.-Iran agreement and argued that Israel should respect a peace process he described as beneficial for both Israel and the broader region. He also criticized Israeli officials who have attacked the deal, saying they should not undermine their strongest international ally. Iran, meanwhile, warned that it may not abide by the agreement if Israeli operations in Lebanon continue, raising the stakes for future negotiations.

• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly reimposed a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning commercial vessels not to enter the waterway and threatening to target ships that ignore the directive. According to the reported broadcast, Tehran is tying the reopening of the strait to several conditions, including an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, an end to what it describes as a naval blockade, and the removal of U.S. military forces from the Persian Gulf region. The move follows renewed Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and represents a major escalation that could disrupt global energy markets and international shipping if enforced. If confirmed and sustained, the closure would directly challenge one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes and add further strain to already fragile U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.

• Iran also is taking full control over the Strait of Hormuz now:

• A haunting image from southern Lebanon shows residents standing amid the rubble of their destroyed home in the village of Toul following the latest round of fighting. The destruction comes as tensions remain high despite ongoing efforts to advance U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. Israel has continued military operations in parts of Lebanon, while Iran has demanded guarantees that hostilities will end before moving forward with talks. The scene underscores the human toll of the conflict as diplomats struggle to prevent the broader ceasefire process from collapsing.

• Former President Barack Obama said the United States may be “worse off” now than before President Donald Trump launched the war with Iran, arguing that billions of dollars were spent, significant lives were lost, and the conflict appears to have ended with little change from the prewar status quo. While welcoming the ceasefire and expressing hope that it holds, Obama questioned the rationale for the war and pointed to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated during his administration, arguing that Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons before the U.S. withdrew from the deal. Speaking ahead of the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, he also warned that the country is experiencing a period of political polarization and democratic strain, while urging Americans to remain engaged in civic life and hold elected officials accountable. This is Trump’s response:

United States/Italy relations fall apart:

• Relations between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appear to have deteriorated further after Trump reportedly mocked Meloni in comments to Italian media, claiming she wanted a photo with him at the G7 summit and that he only agreed because he “felt sorry for her.” Meloni called the remarks “made up” and declared that “neither I nor Italy ever beg,” while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to Washington, saying Trump’s comments were offensive to all Italians.

• The dispute marks a sharp turn in a relationship that Meloni had often presented as a bridge between Europe and the Trump administration. The tensions come amid disagreements over the Middle East conflict and follow earlier clashes over NATO, Pope Leo XIV, and U.S. policy toward European allies.

Other news:

• Bill Pulte reportedly arrived at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence a day before officially taking over and immediately sought a list of all employees as he considered cutting hundreds of positions. According to CNN, Pulte, a Trump loyalist with no intelligence background, also asked questions about his security clearance, access to government aircraft, and whether he could take the President’s Daily Brief home, raising concerns among intelligence officials. His appointment has fueled bipartisan unease on Capitol Hill, where some lawmakers worry he was chosen primarily for his loyalty to President Donald Trump and willingness to pursue Trump’s claims about election fraud. The move has also created friction within the Senate GOP, with several Republicans pushing to quickly confirm Jay Clayton as the permanent intelligence chief instead.

• In a setback for national Democratic leaders, Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap won the Democratic primary in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District despite opposition from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which backed state Sen. Joe Baldacci. Dunlap, a former secretary of state backed by the Sanders-aligned Our Revolution, emerged from a closely contested ranked-choice election and will now face former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in one of the country’s most competitive House races. The seat became a top battleground after Democratic Rep. Jared Golden decided not to seek reelection, opening a district that President Donald Trump has carried three times, including by nine points in 2024. Both parties are expected to heavily target the race as they compete for control of the House in November.

• The U.S. military carried out another strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing three people and bringing the reported death toll from the Trump administration’s anti-cartel maritime campaign to at least 211 since September. The administration argues the strikes are part of an armed conflict against what it calls “narcoterrorists,” but critics note that the government has provided limited public evidence tying many of the targeted vessels to drug trafficking. The campaign is facing growing scrutiny from lawmakers and legal experts, particularly after reports that survivors of an earlier strike were killed in a follow-up attack, prompting questions about compliance with international law and military rules of engagement. Senators are now demanding the release of unedited strike footage, while the Pentagon’s inspector general is reviewing aspects of the targeting process, though not the overall legality of the operation.

• Maine’s gubernatorial race is set after former state House Speaker Hannah Pingree and MAGA-aligned Republican Bobby Charles emerged victorious from the state’s ranked-choice primary process. Pingree, a former top adviser to outgoing Gov. Janet Mills and daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree, overcame former public health official Nirav Shah in the Democratic runoff. Charles, a former State Department official and outspoken Trump ally, ran on a platform that includes eliminating Maine’s income tax and dramatically shrinking state government. With independent state Sen. Rick Bennett also on the ballot, the race to succeed Mills is expected to be one of the most closely watched governor’s contests of 2026.

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a potentially serious leadership challenge after Andy Burnham won a decisive special election victory and secured a seat in Parliament. Burnham, who has openly discussed replacing Starmer as leader of the ruling Labour Party, defeated the far-right Reform UK candidate by nearly 10,000 votes and used his victory speech to argue that Britain needs a new direction and a government that can restore public confidence. Starmer insists he will fight any leadership contest, but more than 100 Labour lawmakers have reportedly called for him to step aside amid concerns that his growing unpopularity could pave the way for Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Burnham must still formally launch a challenge and secure support from fellow Labour MPs, but his victory has transformed him from a popular regional leader into a credible contender for the British premiership.

See you soon.

— Aaron

I was invited to attend the opening of the Obama Presidential Center today, but I couldn’t find a babysitter. Instead, I watched Michelle Obama’s remarks with my three-month-old daughter in my lap so she could see what strong, principled leadership looks like.

If you’re able, please subscribe to support my work and help keep me caffeinated. If you’re already a subscriber, consider upgrading your membership. Your support helps this community grow, strengthens independent journalism, and ensures we can continue bringing you the stories that matter most.

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Here’s the news:

• Trump is lashing out as new polling shows his numbers trailing Barack Obama’s by a wide margin, with Obama holding a 57% favorable rating compared to Trump’s 34%. The poll also found Obama remains the most admired living president, outperforming Trump among independents and maintaining stronger cross-party appeal. The results come as Obama returned to the national spotlight during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where he delivered a speech defending democracy and civic engagement. The contrast between Obama’s popularity and Trump’s standing appears to have added to a difficult week for the president, who is also facing criticism from Republicans over his proposed Iran agreement.

• A new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reveals that President Donald Trump proudly shared a document claiming he was more powerful than figures such as Mao, Stalin, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, and Hitler. Trump reportedly described the document as coming from a historian, but the authors found it was actually written by a longtime caddy and confidant of golfer Gary Player. According to the book, Trump recited the names of the historical leaders and argued that, unlike them, his power had global reach. The episode is one of several anecdotes used to illustrate Trump’s view of his presidency and his place in history.

• The book also describes a White House shaped by Trump’s personal preferences and hands-on involvement in even the smallest details. In one scene, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly walked into the Oval Office and found Trump holding a tube of super glue while attaching gold decorations to the fireplace mantel himself. The authors say Trump personally oversaw much of the gold redesign of the Oval Office, adding gilded ornaments, mirrors, eagles, and decorative accents imported from Mar-a-Lago. The episode highlights both Trump’s fixation on aesthetics and his tendency to personally involve himself in matters that most presidents would leave to staff.

• The book also sheds light on Trump’s foreign policy thinking, including his complicated relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he reportedly once referred to as a “con man” before ultimately backing military action against Iran. It details Trump’s skepticism toward Ukraine and his admiration for dramatic political confrontations, including his contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The authors argue these episodes reveal a leader who often prioritizes personal relationships, instincts, and spectacle in decision-making. Together, the stories paint a picture of a highly personalized and unconventional presidency.

• Reports that large chunks of blue paint are already peeling from the reflecting pool after peroxide treatment have sparked criticism of the project’s execution, with critics arguing that the apparent deterioration is another example of mismanagement and declaring the Trump administration a complete failure.

• Meanwhile, the Department of Interior is posting things like this, which is straight up propaganda:

• According to the New York Times, less than two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the military’s flu-vaccine mandate, a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base sickened nearly 160 trainees and prompted the Air Force to temporarily reinstate mandatory flu shots for recruits there. Only about 40% of trainees had chosen to get vaccinated after the requirement became optional, according to the report. The outbreak occurred in a basic training environment where recruits live and eat in close quarters, and one trainee died after becoming ill, though officials said the cause of death remains under investigation. Critics, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, argued that the original mandate existed to maintain military readiness, while Pentagon officials defended Hegseth’s policy as balancing readiness with medical autonomy and religious freedom.

• The Trump administration has reversed course on plans to dismantle the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative after bipartisan pushback from Congress, with the National Science Foundation announcing it will halt further removals of deep-sea monitoring equipment and convene an expert panel to review the program’s future. The system provides critical data on climate change, marine heat waves, coastal flooding, fisheries, hurricanes, tsunamis, and ocean currents, and lawmakers from both parties argued that shutting it down would be illegal and waste hundreds of millions of dollars already invested. Senators Jeff Merkley and Lisa Murkowski led the effort to preserve the program, criticizing the administration for acting without consulting Congress. Although some buoys and sensors have already been removed off the Pacific coast, the NSF says it is developing plans to redeploy the equipment after servicing.

Obama Presidential Library Opening:

• The Obama Presidential Center officially opened in Chicago with a dedication ceremony attended by Barack and Michelle Obama, former Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Biden, and numerous celebrities. The center is a 19-acre campus that includes a museum, library branch, basketball court, gardens, and community gathering spaces. It represents a nearly decade-long effort to create a civic and cultural hub on Chicago’s South Side. The public opening begins on Juneteenth and includes a weekend of community events and programming.

• Michelle Obama emphasized that a lasting legacy is measured by the impact people have on one another rather than wealth, awards, or personal recognition. She described community, service, and supporting others during difficult times as the foundation of meaningful change. Throughout her remarks, she thanked the many supporters, staff, and community members who helped bring the center to life. She framed the project as an investment in people and future generations rather than a monument to a single individual. She also needled President Trump, making clear that President Obama won a peace prize:

• Here is her full, 21 minute speech:

• Speaking at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, former President Barack Obama acknowledged that he is “not immune to anger or doubt” but warned that losing faith in democracy and the power of voting allows “the most ruthless,” “careless,” and “fearful” leaders to gain influence. He argued that when people stop believing their participation matters, government can become a tool for rewarding allies, punishing opponents, and treating some groups as more deserving than others. Obama framed civic engagement and trust in one another as essential safeguards against division and abuse of power. He concluded by expressing confidence that a more inclusive and democratic vision of America will ultimately prevail.

• The ceremony featured performances and appearances from prominent artists and public figures, including John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bono, and others. Several performers reflected on Obama’s influence and the broader themes of service, opportunity, and civic engagement. Original music and tributes highlighted the center’s focus on mentorship, inclusion, and community development. The event blended political history, cultural celebration, and civic inspiration.

• Speakers repeatedly connected the center to Chicago’s South Side and Obama’s personal journey as a community organizer. Obama described the area as the place where he found his voice, built his family, and learned lessons about resilience and hope. Foundation leaders stressed that the center tells the stories of ordinary people whose efforts helped shape history and expand opportunities for others. The overall message was that positive change comes from collective action and sustained community engagement.

Iran news:

• Donald Trump’s proposed Iran agreement is facing unusually strong resistance from Senate Republicans, including influential Iran hawks and longtime Trump allies, with senators such as Roger Wicker, Ted Cruz, Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, and Joni Ernst criticizing key provisions, particularly the reported $300 billion reconstruction fund, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Wicker warned the deal could undermine the gains of Operation Epic Fury and said the benefits offered to Iran would make the 2015 Obama nuclear deal “look like a pittance by comparison,” while Cruz argued that providing billions of dollars to Iran would ultimately endanger Americans. Even Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered only cautious support, saying he was still “digesting” the agreement and wanted stronger guarantees tied to Iran’s compliance. The backlash represents one of the most significant public breaks between Trump and congressional Republicans during his second term and raises questions about whether any final agreement could survive a vote in Congress.

• Wikipedia now says Iran won the war:

• Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet for criticizing President Donald Trump and a proposed Iran agreement, arguing that Trump is “the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time.” Vance said what troubled him was not policy disagreement but what he characterized as personal attacks on Trump from some Israeli officials. His remarks highlighted a rare moment of public tension between the Trump administration and members of Netanyahu’s coalition, while also emphasizing that the administration views its approach as strongly supportive of Israel.

• Trump demanded a ceasefire on “all fronts”:

• The Naval blockade of Iran has concluded today:

• Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that during the Obama administration she faced “constant” and “relentless” pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Ehud Barak to secure U.S. backing for a military strike on Iran. According to Clinton, Israeli officials frequently suggested their “planes are on the tarmac” and implied they were prepared to act unilaterally, a tactic she viewed as leverage in negotiations with Washington. She said her response was often, “Well, good luck,” signaling resistance to being pressured into supporting military action. When asked by David Remnick whether the U.S. was being “played” by a close ally receiving substantial American aid, Clinton agreed and said such attempts at pressure occurred “all the time” because of Netanyahu’s intense focus on Iran.

• NBC News reports that a Pentagon investigation into a U.S. strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed more than 170 people—most of them children—is complete and under final review, but lawmakers and Pentagon officials are concerned the Trump administration may classify the findings to keep them from public release, despite preliminary evidence reportedly indicating a U.S. munition likely caused the attack and past promises of transparency.

Other news:

• President Donald Trump escalated his pressure campaign on Senate Republicans, specifically targeting Senate Majority Leader John Thune, by demanding that they weaken or eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. Trump warned that failure to do so would amount to political “carnage,” arguing that Republicans would struggle to win future national elections and claiming he could be “the last Republican President” if the legislation does not pass. His remarks underscore growing tensions within the GOP over Senate rules, with Trump portraying the filibuster as an obstacle to a key election-security priority while many Republican senators remain reluctant to change longstanding Senate procedures.

• The Cook Political Report moved seven Republican-held House districts toward Democrats, downgrading four seats from “Solid R” to “Likely R” (AL-02, MN-01, OH-07, SC-01) and three from “Likely R” to “Lean R” (IA-02, MI-04, NC-11), suggesting a more competitive House landscape and a potentially improving political environment for Democrats, even though Republicans remain favored in all seven races.

• Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) will return to Congress on June 30 after nearly four months away from Washington due to an undisclosed health issue, ending an absence that began after his last vote on March 5 and led to 135 missed votes. Kean says the condition is not chronic, will not affect his cognitive abilities, and has pledged to fully disclose details once he returns. His comeback comes as he faces a highly competitive reelection race against Democrat Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. His office says he is expected to resume voting duties immediately upon his return.

• A Washington Post investigation reports that the Trump administration redirected $352 million originally appropriated for United States Secret Service recruitment, training, technology, and retention efforts toward “White House Security Measures,” with a source familiar with the budget saying the funds will help finance the new White House East Wing and ballroom project. The transfer represents more than 10% of the Secret Service’s annual budget and comes after President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed the ballroom would be funded entirely through private donations. According to the report, internal estimates projected a $600 million total cost for the project, with more than half funded by taxpayers, including roughly $155 million from the Secret Service.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Last night, I joined Ali Velshi on MS NOW to discuss these developments. Here’s a clip from our conversation—let me know what you think.

Over the next several days, I’ll be publishing a major deep dive into Epstein-related information that many platforms do not want amplified. The pressure campaign against independent reporting continues to intensify. I know I mention this often, but it reflects reality: my inbox is flooded daily with attacks, threats, and attempts to silence this work.

What makes this possible is you. If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to my readers. Your support is what keeps this work going.

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Here’s what you missed:

Trump is at war with Republicans—a revolt is happening:

• “Trump’s Versailles Surrender.” The Republican revolt over President Trump’s Iran deal is rapidly escalating, with leading conservatives accusing the administration of rewarding Tehran after months of conflict. Critics argue that lifting sanctions and helping fund Iran’s recovery gives the regime major concessions without forcing it to fully dismantle its nuclear and missile programs. High-profile Republicans including Nikki Haley, Ted Cruz, Mike Pence, and Bill Cassidy have publicly condemned the agreement, with some calling it one of the worst foreign policy mistakes in decades. The backlash has also exposed divisions within the administration, as reports suggest senior officials raised concerns about the deal. Meanwhile, Iranian leaders are celebrating the agreement, claiming they achieved more through negotiations than through military confrontation.

• Trump lashed out at critics of his newly signed Iran agreement in a series of early-morning social media posts, defending the deal as a success that has helped push stock markets to record highs and lower oil prices. The backlash has come not only from Democrats but also from prominent conservatives and Republican allies who argue the agreement gives Iran significant concessions—including sanctions relief and access to funds—without securing firm guarantees that Tehran will abandon its nuclear ambitions. Critics such as Bill Cassidy, Ted Cruz, and conservative commentator Mark Levin have described the deal as overly generous and potentially dangerous. Trump, however, insists the agreement will stabilize energy markets, end the conflict, and create a framework for future negotiations with Iran. The episode highlights the growing revolt within parts of the Republican coalition, where some longtime Trump supporters are openly questioning one of the most significant foreign policy agreements of his presidency.

• Senator Roger Marshall was making the argument that any long-term peace agreement with Iran has to leave the country with some ability to defend itself, otherwise the U.S. risks being drawn into an indefinite conflict. When pressed by CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Marshall said he would prefer Iran not have missiles, but acknowledged that a sovereign state will seek some defensive capabilities and that trying to eliminate them entirely could make the conflict perpetual.

• Republicans are growing increasingly worried that President Trump’s political strategy is hurting their chances in the upcoming midterm elections, even as Trump insists his approach is the key to victory. The dispute centers on Trump’s demands that Republicans aggressively pursue measures like the SAVE America Act, weaken Senate procedural barriers, and embrace more confrontational tactics that many GOP lawmakers view as politically risky or unrealistic. While Trump believes issues such as election integrity and voter ID are popular with voters, many Republicans argue that swing voters are more focused on economic concerns like inflation and the cost of living. The tension reflects a broader divide between Trump’s willingness to challenge political norms and Republican lawmakers who must operate within existing institutions and face competitive general elections. As the midterms approach, the disagreement has exposed growing frustration within the GOP over whether Trump’s priorities are helping or hurting the party’s electoral prospects.

• Senate Republicans are increasingly frustrated with President Trump, arguing that his last-minute interventions and shifting demands are making it harder for them to govern and advance his own agenda. The latest flashpoint came when Trump abruptly withdrew support for a planned confirmation vote on intelligence chief nominee Jay Clayton, disrupting Senate plans and reigniting tensions over a surveillance bill and Trump’s push for the SAVE America Act. Several GOP senators publicly criticized the White House’s lack of coordination, with some warning that Trump’s habit of changing course at the last minute is undermining legislative progress and damaging party unity ahead of the midterms. While Senate leaders continue trying to maintain a working relationship with Trump, many Republicans are openly acknowledging growing frustration with a president who they say prioritizes his immediate political goals over the practical realities of governing. The dispute highlights a widening divide between Trump’s confrontational style and Senate Republicans’ efforts to focus on passing legislation and defending their congressional majorities.

Trump launches late-night unhinged social media spree as Hegseth attacks NATO:

• President Trump sparked controversy by sharing a social media post claiming he is “the most powerful person that has ever walked this planet.” The post compared him favorably to people like Adolf Hitler, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Attila the Hun, and William the Conqueror, arguing that none possessed the same global military, economic, and technological reach available to a modern U.S. president. Trump appeared to endorse the claim, reposting it with the comment, “Sounds good to me!” The post came shortly after he announced a controversial Iran peace deal and amid reports that he has privately spoken about wanting to be remembered as uniquely powerful and capable of achieving what others could not.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized NATO allies for refusing to grant U.S. forces access to European bases and airspace during operations against Iran, calling their actions “shameful.” He announced a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe, saying future American commitments will depend on whether European nations take greater responsibility for their own defense. Hegseth also pushed for a stronger “NATO 3.0,” arguing that the alliance should become a more capable military force led primarily by European members rather than relying heavily on the United States. His remarks come as the Trump administration signals a broader shift of military resources toward the Indo-Pacific and reduces some of the forces and assets it would traditionally provide to NATO in a crisis. Despite these changes, the U.S. plans to maintain its nuclear deterrent in Europe and continue supporting NATO’s overall security framework.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the United States is prepared to resume military action against Iran and reimpose a blockade if Tehran fails to comply with the commitments it made under the newly signed agreement. Speaking after a NATO meeting in Brussels, Hegseth emphasized that President Donald Trump views the deal as conditional and backed by the threat of force. The remarks were intended to reassure critics who argue the agreement gives Iran too much while relying heavily on future compliance. Hegseth said the administration will closely monitor Iran’s actions during the implementation period and is prepared to act if Tehran violates the terms. His comments underscore that the White House sees the agreement not as a final settlement, but as a test of whether Iran will follow through on its promises.

Other news:

• Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the war began, striking a major oil refinery for the second time in a week and disrupting flights across the Russian capital. The attack, which reportedly involved hundreds of drones, sent thick black smoke over Moscow and underscored Ukraine’s growing ability to hit targets deep inside Russia. Ukrainian officials said the strikes are intended to pressure Vladimir Putin into negotiations and make Russians feel the costs of the war, while Russia claimed it intercepted hundreds of incoming drones. The operation came as President Zelenskyy secured additional military and diplomatic support from Western allies at the G7 summit and prepared for talks with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels. The attack represents another embarrassing security breach for the Kremlin and highlights Ukraine’s increasing reliance on advanced drone warfare to offset Russia’s larger military.

• A leaked guest list for the secretive invitation-only “Dialog” society has sparked controversy after it appeared to include Kaja Kallas alongside prominent politicians, tech executives, and investors. However, the European Commission has denied that Kallas is a member of the group or plans to attend its upcoming retreat near Dublin. The leaked list reportedly includes figures such as Elon Musk, Ted Cruz, Cory Booker, and Garry Kasparov. The gathering, co-founded by investor Peter Thiel, has attracted scrutiny because of its secrecy, influential membership, and reports that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had connections to the network and received an invitation to a past event. The disclosure has renewed debate about elite private forums where political leaders, billionaires, and technology executives meet behind closed doors with little public transparency.

• A new CNN poll finds that former President Barack Obama remains the most popular living U.S. president, with 57% of Americans holding a favorable view of him—well ahead of both Donald Trump (34%) and Joe Biden (30%). Obama also performs much better among independents and retains near-universal support from Democrats, while Trump and Biden remain more polarizing figures. The poll suggests that Obama’s reputation has improved since leaving office, while Biden’s favorability has fallen below any level recorded during his presidency. When Americans were asked which president they most admire, Obama led with 30%, followed by Trump at 19%, with historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan trailing behind. The findings highlight how Obama has emerged as a uniquely popular figure across party lines compared with other recent presidents.

• The Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Hemani that the government cannot prosecute an otherwise law-abiding person for possessing a firearm solely because they occasionally use marijuana. The Court found that applying the federal ban in this case was inconsistent with the Second Amendment and not supported by the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. The decision marks another major expansion of gun rights and raises questions about the constitutionality of federal laws restricting firearm ownership by certain categories of drug users. The ruling could have broad implications for future gun-control cases and limits the government’s ability to disarm people based on nonviolent marijuana use alone.

• According to CNN, the Trump administration is dramatically expanding efforts to revoke U.S. citizenship from naturalized Americans, with the Justice Department planning to file at least 250 denaturalization cases by October. Officials say the cases will focus on people who obtained citizenship through fraud, concealed criminal activity, or posed national security threats, and the administration has reassigned attorneys from other divisions to accelerate the effort. The push is part of Trump’s broader immigration agenda and has already surpassed the pace of previous administrations, which used denaturalization far more sparingly. Critics warn the initiative could stretch legal resources and raise concerns about the security of citizenship for naturalized Americans, while the administration argues it is necessary to protect the integrity of the naturalization process.

• President Trump has abandoned his long-running $100 million lawsuit against his niece, Mary Trump, over her role in providing financial records that helped journalists investigate his tax affairs. The lawsuit accused Mary Trump, along with reporters and organizations including The New York Times, of conspiring to obtain confidential documents, but Trump had already lost key parts of the case in court on First Amendment grounds. Both sides now say they have reached a settlement and have asked the court to dismiss the case permanently, preventing Trump from reviving the claims in the future. The financial terms have not been disclosed, and the agreement effectively ends one of Trump’s highest-profile legal efforts against family members and media organizations involved in reporting on his finances. The settlement comes after years of litigation and follows broader setbacks for Trump’s attempts to pursue legal action against those who exposed details of his business and tax records.

• Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin is demanding new investigations into the ties that both Harvard University and Bard College had with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Raskin argues that previous internal reviews failed to fully uncover how Epstein used relationships with university leaders, faculty, and donors to enhance his reputation and potentially facilitate abuse. He is seeking extensive records from Harvard regarding Epstein’s donations and connections to faculty, including former Harvard president Larry Summers, while also requesting an interview with outgoing Bard president Leon Botstein. The renewed scrutiny follows recent disclosures from government-released Epstein files and a Bard-commissioned investigation that criticized Botstein for lapses in judgment and transparency regarding his relationship with Epstein. Raskin says a full public accounting is needed to understand how Epstein leveraged elite academic institutions and to prevent similar abuses in the future.

• Jeff Bezos says humanity should eventually move polluting industries off Earth and onto the Moon in order to restore the planet’s environment and support continued economic growth. Speaking in Paris, the Blue Origin founder argued that industries such as data centers for AI could be among the first major operations relocated to space, calling the Moon a valuable resource for humanity’s future. Bezos also pushed back on fears that artificial intelligence will eliminate jobs, predicting instead that AI will increase demand for workers and create labor shortages. His comments align with Blue Origin’s long-term vision of building permanent infrastructure beyond Earth, including lunar transportation systems and space-based computing networks. The remarks come as the company expands its role in NASA’s lunar program despite recent setbacks, including an explosion during testing of its New Glenn rocket.

• A massive warehouse fire in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighborhood sent thick black smoke across the city and prompted officials to issue a shelter-in-place warning over concerns about hazardous air quality. Residents were urged to stay indoors, seal their homes, and turn off ventilation systems as firefighters battled the blaze at a nearly 500,000-square-foot cold-storage facility. Authorities initially feared the fire could reach an ammonia line, but later said that risk had subsided. By late afternoon, crews had extinguished the roof fire and begun assessing damage inside the warehouse. The incident raised concerns about toxic smoke from the burning structure and solar panels, though no major injuries were immediately reported.

See you soon.

— Aaron

I’ve rescheduled tomorrow’s paid subscriber live to tonight at 8:20 p.m. ET. I’ll have more time to spend with all of you this evening, and I’ll also be appearing on MS Now at 11:15 p.m. ET. Here is the link to the live.

The Epstein developments are significant and involve information that some platforms have been reluctant to cover. My exclusive reporting on the Lincoln Memorial shows the Trump administration is urgently scrambling to fix the algae problem before July 4 after spending more than $14 million on renovations. There is a lot to get into tonight.

Independent journalism is a grind, and it is only possible because of readers like you. If you value this work and want to help keep it going, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or upgrading your subscription. Your support makes it possible for me to continue reporting, even on the toughest days.

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Here’s the news:

• Exclusive: Just weeks after completing a more than $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Trump administration is urgently recruiting additional federal workers to help combat a worsening algae problem before July 4 celebrations. According to an internal National Park Service email, employees are being asked to volunteer for 12-hour shifts to assist with scrubbing, pumping, and other cleanup operations as officials elevate the effort to a “regional and national priority.” The administration had promoted the renovation as a permanent fix for leaks and recurring algae blooms, with Donald Trump promising the pool would be restored without future problems. Instead, crews are now vacuuming algae and adding hydrogen peroxide to the water as pressure mounts to prevent one of Trump’s signature beautification projects from being overshadowed by the very issue it was designed to solve.

Trump tried to sell Puerto Rico, calling it “poor” and “dirty”:

• According to new reporting from the New Yorker, Trump’s pursuit of Greenland grew from a personal fascination into a major geopolitical project that drew in allies, advisers, and outside activists who sought to make American control of the island a reality. What began as discussions about purchasing Greenland eventually expanded into influence campaigns, diplomatic pressure, and efforts to reshape Greenland’s relationship with Denmark. The idea reflected a broader vision of American expansion and strategic dominance in the Arctic. Former officials recalled that Trump’s thinking extended beyond Greenland itself, with Miles Taylor saying Trump asked, “Could we swap Puerto Rico for Greenland?” because, in Trump’s words, “Puerto Rico was dirty and the people were poor.”

• Supporters of the project focused on Greenland’s economic vulnerabilities and strategic importance, arguing that closer ties with the United States could make the island richer, more secure, and less dependent on Denmark. Trump allies promoted American investment, mineral development, infrastructure projects, and military cooperation as a path toward greater U.S. influence. Behind the scenes, efforts were made to identify Greenlanders who might be sympathetic to closer relations with Washington and to capitalize on tensions between Greenland and Denmark. The broader strategy was to position the United States as Greenland’s preferred partner while gradually reducing Danish influence. These efforts increasingly blurred the line between diplomacy, political advocacy, and influence operations.

• Rather than embracing the American overtures, many Greenlanders reacted with alarm, viewing the campaign as a challenge to their sovereignty and right to determine their own future. Large protests erupted, political leaders rejected annexation rhetoric, and concerns grew that the United States might eventually rely on economic pressure or even military force. Danish and Greenlandic officials responded by strengthening their cooperation and seeking support from European allies as tensions escalated. What started as an unconventional proposal ultimately evolved into a serious international dispute that strained transatlantic relations and left many Greenlanders feeling caught between major powers. The controversy transformed Greenland from a largely overlooked Arctic territory into the center of a global debate about sovereignty, influence, and the future of the international order.

Epstein news:

• A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to fast-track processing of a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records about why the Trump administration decided not to release the Jeffrey Epstein files in July, despite earlier promises of transparency. The request, brought by Democracy Forward, seeks internal communications that could reveal whether Attorney General Pam Bondi misled the public about the existence of a so-called Epstein “client list” and whether the administration reversed course after learning that Trump’s name appeared in the files.

• Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the request involves issues of significant public interest and potential questions about government integrity, warranting expedited review. Separately, the Justice Department has asked federal judges to authorize the release of grand jury transcripts and exhibits from the prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell ahead of a December deadline requiring broader disclosure of Epstein-related records. The records that will be released involve internal communications between top Justice Department and FBI officials concerning Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Here is an example of the request:

• New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has expanded a criminal investigation into alleged abuse and illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch by ordering more than two dozen companies, including JPMorgan, Google, airlines, telecom providers, and payment processors, to preserve records related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and other associates. The move comes after New Mexico reopened its investigation earlier this year and reflects frustration that the federal government has not provided the state with complete, unredacted Epstein files despite repeated requests.

• Investigators are pursuing an independent path to evidence by seeking records directly from private companies while also urging survivors to come forward. Torrez said the investigation was reopened with “deep respect for survivors and a commitment to accountability,” emphasizing that testimony from victims and witnesses will be critical as some records may no longer exist because of the passage of time and corporate retention policies. The probe is examining allegations tied specifically to Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, where multiple women have alleged they were groomed or abused, and where authorities recently conducted searches after renewed scrutiny of activities that may have occurred on the property.

Iran MOU as Trump Throws JD Vance to the Wolves:

• The United States today released the Iran memorandum. The 14-point memorandum outlines a sweeping framework for ending the U.S.-Iran conflict and negotiating a broader settlement within 60 days. Under the proposal, both sides would permanently halt military operations, respect each other’s sovereignty, and begin negotiations toward a final agreement backed by the United Nations Security Council.

• Trump said he supports the idea of having Vice President JD Vance attend any signing ceremony for the proposed U.S.-Iran agreement, adding, “I like that idea, sure, this way if it works out, I’m going to take the credit. If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD.” He also signaled hesitation about personally signing the memorandum, saying it “might not be the kind of a document I should be signing.” The remarks suggest Trump is trying to create some distance from an agreement that has drawn criticism for including sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and major U.S. commitments toward Iran’s reconstruction and economic development.

• In exchange for Iran maintaining the current status of its nuclear program and reaffirming that it will not develop nuclear weapons, the United States would commit to major concessions. These include lifting primary and secondary sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, issuing waivers for Iranian oil exports, ending the naval blockade, reducing U.S. military deployments near Iran, and helping organize at least $300 billion in reconstruction and economic-development funding for Iran.

• The memorandum also addresses maritime security, with Iran pledging to facilitate commercial shipping through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz while working to remove military obstacles and restore normal traffic. Both sides would establish a monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance, and negotiations on contentious issues such as sanctions relief, enriched uranium stockpiles, and future nuclear arrangements would continue during the interim period.

• If implemented as written, the agreement would represent one of the most significant shifts in U.S.-Iran relations in decades, replacing a strategy centered on sanctions, military pressure, and containment with one focused on normalization, economic engagement, and long-term diplomatic negotiations.

• Republicans are calling the deal one of the worst foreign policy blunders in American history:

• Trump today endorsed Iran having ballistic missiles: “I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little unfair for them not to have some.”

Other news:

• Trump drew renewed attention to his health at the G7 summit after appearing to walk away in the wrong direction following a group photo before turning back. The incident came amid growing scrutiny of his age and physical condition after his recent 80th birthday and reports that 22 medical specialists participated in his latest presidential examination. Questions have also been raised because of several recent public appearances in which he appeared to nod off or lose focus. Despite the speculation, Trump continued his schedule in France, including an invitation to attend a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles, saying, “I’m not a big sleeper anyway.”

• Federal law enforcement officials are reportedly angry with FBI Director Kash Patel after he publicly announced a foiled plot to attack a UFC event at the White House while the investigation was still ongoing. According to NBC News, authorities were continuing to identify suspects, conduct interviews, and make arrests when Patel disclosed that multiple people had been taken into custody, raising concerns that the announcement could jeopardize the case. Investigators allege members of an online group discussed using explosive-laden drones and gunfire to target attendees at the event, which was held in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 80th birthday. The United States Secret Service, which led the investigation, emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of ongoing cases, while officials ultimately charged five suspects in connection with the alleged plot.

• U.S. oil reserves are falling rapidly as the Trump administration continues drawing from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to keep gasoline prices under control while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed to shipping. The SPR has dropped to its lowest level since 1983, while inventories at the major storage hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, have fallen to what analysts describe as an “operational stress” level after ten consecutive weeks of declines. Although expectations of a peace agreement with Iran have helped lower oil and gas prices in the short term, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has not yet resumed, and energy companies warn that reserve releases cannot continue indefinitely. Industry leaders, including executives at Chevron and Exxon Mobil, caution that if stockpiles continue to shrink through the summer, oil and gasoline prices could rise sharply. Trump today suggested that he had to stop the war due to the reserves running low:

• Georgia House Republicans announced that they will not redraw the state’s congressional or legislative maps during the special session that had been scheduled to begin today, effectively delaying any immediate redistricting effort. In a statement, GOP leaders said that “changes to Georgia’s maps should take place only when members of the General Assembly and citizens have been given ample opportunity to ... engage in meaningful discussion,” signaling concerns about moving forward without a more extensive public process. The decision represents a setback for efforts to quickly alter the state’s political boundaries ahead of the 2026 elections and leaves existing maps in place for now. The announcement also suggests that any future redistricting fight in Georgia will likely be pushed into a later legislative session with broader debate and public input.

• Jackson Lahmeyer, a Republican pastor who had advanced to a runoff in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, abruptly suspended his campaign after Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement and backed state Rep. Mark Tedford instead. The reversal came after allegations surfaced that Lahmeyer had exchanged inappropriate text messages with a former campaign staffer who was not his wife, including messages described as suggestive. Lahmeyer acknowledged that he had “crossed a boundary line through text messaging” but said the matter had been resolved privately with his wife and accused political opponents of trying to weaponize the controversy. His withdrawal effectively clears the path for Tedford to become the Republican nominee in the heavily Republican district.

• The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at the first policy meeting chaired by Kevin Warsh, citing continued economic growth but persistent inflation pressures tied in part to the ongoing Iran conflict and higher energy prices. Warsh acknowledged that inflation remains a burden on Americans and emphasized that the Fed’s priority is preventing rising costs for items like oil, food, and other essentials from spreading throughout the broader economy. Updated projections show slower economic growth, elevated inflation through next year, and expectations for modest rate increases in 2026 followed by cuts in 2027. In a notable break from the tenure of former chair Jerome Powell, Warsh shortened the Fed’s policy statement, removed guidance about future rate moves, and announced several task forces to review the central bank’s communications and monetary policy framework.

• A 1-year-old Mississippi boy, Kohen Wiley, was killed after police responding to a reported shoplifting incident at a Walmart fired into a vehicle in a parking lot. State investigators say officers opened fire after the driver allegedly drove toward them and nearly struck an officer, while the child’s family and attorneys insist his mother was not involved in any crime and was trying to tell officers that a baby was in the car. The shooting also critically injured a family friend who was inside the vehicle. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family are demanding answers and the release of body-camera and surveillance footage, while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation conducts an independent investigation into what officials have called a heartbreaking tragedy.

See you soon.

— Aaron

The rest of this week is shaping up to be hectic. Tomorrow evening at 7:45 p.m. ET, we’ll hold our next live event for paid subscribers. Many of you asked for a later start time, so I made sure to accommodate that. Earlier in the day, we are also expecting major Supreme Court opinions, potentially including the closely watched birthright citizenship case.

If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting a subscription to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible, and I am grateful for it every day.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

A weakened President:

• World leaders now view Trump as weak and embattled after a war that ended with a negotiated cease-fire rather than the decisive outcome he initially promised. The conflict failed to achieve many of its central objectives, including permanently neutralizing Iran’s strategic capabilities and fully resolving concerns about its nuclear program. Although Iran suffered significant military damage and lost senior leadership figures, it retained important leverage, including influence over regional waterways and the ability to rebuild with outside financial support. As the war dragged on, Trump increasingly backed away from earlier threats and searched for a diplomatic exit, creating the perception that Iran had successfully resisted U.S. pressure. The result was a settlement that appeared driven as much by a desire to end an increasingly costly conflict as by any clear strategic victory.

• Now, Trump even is claiming that the proposed terms of the Memorandum of Understanding may not even be final:

• The war exposed deep divisions within Trump’s political coalition and left him increasingly isolated from some of the allies who had supported a more aggressive approach. Conservative foreign-policy hawks and influential right-wing commentators openly questioned the agreement, with some arguing that it resembled the type of Iran deal Trump had spent years attacking. The criticism was particularly damaging because it came from figures who had previously backed both Trump and the military campaign. At the same time, disagreements emerged between Trump and Israeli leadership over military operations and cease-fire enforcement, producing rare public friction between Washington and Jerusalem. Faced with criticism from multiple directions, Trump ultimately sided with advisers who prioritized ending the war quickly, reflecting growing concern about the economic and political consequences of a prolonged conflict.

• Beyond the immediate battlefield, the conflict may have lasting consequences for both America’s global position and Trump’s political future. The war imposed major financial costs, depleted military resources, disrupted energy markets, and contributed to broader economic uncertainty. Questions remain about whether the United States achieved enough to justify those costs, especially given Iran’s continued regional influence and the unresolved status of key security concerns. Internationally, foreign leaders who once approached Trump with caution are increasingly willing to challenge him, while rivals such as China and Russia may interpret the outcome as evidence of declining American leverage. Domestically, Trump faces weakening poll numbers, growing Republican unease, potential congressional setbacks, and the reality that attention is beginning to shift toward the next generation of political leaders. The conflict therefore marks not just the end of a war, but potentially the beginning of a new and more constrained phase of Trump’s presidency.

News from Washington:

• In a lengthy post, Donald Trump claimed Republicans struck a deal with Democrats to remove William Pulte in exchange for Democratic support for FISA, but said Democrats later reneged on the agreement. Trump argued that moving forward with confirmation of Jay Clayton could complicate efforts to install Jamie McDonald, whom he wants confirmed first. As a result, he said he would withhold approval of FISA unless it is paired with the “Save America Act,” and announced that a Senate hearing related to the DNI position would be canceled. Trump concluded that Pulte would remain acting DNI until McDonald is approved, framing the move as necessary because Republicans had “fallen into a trap.”

• CNN reported that an independent water sample of the reflecting pool showed phosphate levels far above what is recommended for controlling algae growth in a body of water estimated to hold 6.5 million gallons. After consulting a pool store that regularly tests water, the network found conditions that could promote significant algae growth. As one expert explained, “If there’s already some phosphate fertilizer in the water, that’s really opportunistic, especially for the blue green algae that can fix nitrogen. So they are having a field day out here.” The findings suggest that elevated phosphate levels may be helping fuel the algae problem.

• This is what the pool currently looks like:

• Ghislanie Maxwell’s prison is one of the nicest in the country:

• Some January 6 defendants are pursuing large financial claims against the federal government through the Federal Tort Claims Act, a little-known legal mechanism that allows people to seek damages for alleged government misconduct. Their efforts have gained attention because the Justice Department has broad discretion over whether to settle such claims, raising concerns that the process could be used to compensate individuals involved in the Capitol attack even after the Trump administration’s proposed “anti-weaponization fund” faced strong bipartisan opposition. Attorneys representing many defendants argue that their clients were subjected to unfair prosecutions, coerced plea deals, inadequate treatment while in custody, and biased court proceedings. Among those seeking compensation are individuals who were convicted of assaulting police officers and sentenced to years in prison, with some lawsuits requesting millions of dollars in damages.

• Legal experts and critics strongly dispute these claims, noting that many defendants were indicted by grand juries, convicted by juries, or pleaded guilty in court. They argue that the government has strong legal grounds to defend itself against allegations of malicious prosecution. The debate has also become a political flashpoint, with Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike objecting to the possibility that taxpayer money could go to people who participated in the Capitol riot, particularly those who assaulted law enforcement officers. In response, some members of Congress have proposed legislation that would explicitly bar individuals convicted of January 6-related offenses from receiving federal compensation, even if they were later pardoned.

• Trump described his first meeting with Egyptian President el-Sisi as an instant personal connection, saying, “We fell in love, deeply in love” and that they had “great chemistry.” He recalled meeting el-Sisi at a hotel, noting that they had not known each other beforehand but connected so well that he “stayed twice as long as I was supposed to.”

Election results:

• Rep. Mike Collins won Georgia’s Republican Senate runoff, setting up a high-stakes general election against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in one of the country’s most competitive Senate races. Collins, a close ally of Donald Trump, defeated former football coach Derek Dooley after receiving Trump’s endorsement, while Dooley had been backed by Brian Kemp. The race is expected to be fiercely contested, as Ossoff is the only Democratic senator seeking re-election in a state Trump won in 2024, making Georgia critical to both parties’ hopes of controlling the Senate.

• Billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson won Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, defeating Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones despite Jones having the endorsement of Donald Trump. Jackson, a first-time political candidate, heavily self-funded his campaign, spending more than $100 million of his own money to secure the nomination.

  • Donald Trump is trying to downplay a significant political setback after his endorsed candidate, Burt Jones, lost Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff to billionaire businessman Rick Jackson. After the loss, Trump praised Jackson on social media and described him as having run a “TRUMP campaign,” despite having repeatedly and publicly endorsed Jones during the race.

• Janeese Lewis George has opened a substantial lead in Washington, D.C.’s Democratic mayoral primary, capturing 53% of first-choice votes with about two-thirds of ballots counted, while Kenyan McDuffie trails at 37%. Although additional ballots remain to be counted and ranked-choice voting could still come into play if no candidate secures a majority, Lewis George is in a strong position to win the nomination.

• Barry Moore won Alabama’s Republican Senate runoff, defeating former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and becoming the clear favorite to succeed retiring Sen. Tommy Tuberville in November. Moore’s victory was boosted by a strong endorsement from Donald Trump, whom Moore highlighted throughout the campaign as a close ally who could help deliver results for Alabama.

• Kevin Hern won Oklahoma’s Republican Senate primary, positioning him as the overwhelming favorite to win the open Senate seat in November. The seat became available after Markwayne Mullin resigned to become Secretary of Homeland Security, and Hern secured strong backing from Donald Trump, who praised him as a loyal supporter of the “America First” agenda.

Other news:

• USDA officials believe the Trump administration’s spending reviews and staffing cuts slowed efforts to combat the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that threatens the U.S. cattle industry. According to the officials, reviews delayed key projects, including sterile-fly production facilities in Mexico and Texas and a $100 million research initiative, reducing the government’s ability to contain the pest before it moved closer to the U.S. border. The administration disputes those claims, arguing it moved “at lightning speed” and blaming the Biden administration for earlier shortcomings. Former officials contend that months of delays and the loss of experienced personnel weakened the response and allowed the screwworm to spread farther north, potentially increasing the risk of billions of dollars in economic damage to ranchers and the livestock industry.

• RFK Jr. overruled a CDC recommendation and ordered Angela Perryman, a cruise passenger exposed to a rare hantavirus strain, to remain in federal quarantine in Nebraska despite a CDC medical reviewer concluding that she could safely complete quarantine at home in Florida under daily monitoring. Perryman, who says she feels like “a hostage” in a dispute between federal and state authorities, argues that there is no clear scientific justification for her continued confinement and has accused health officials of using her as “a prop and a political stunt.” While federal officials maintain that stricter monitoring is necessary to protect public health, Perryman says the experience has destroyed her trust in public health institutions and left her feeling more like a detainee than a patient.

See you soon.

— Aaron

A couple of other things. First, many of you have commented that I look tired. You’re right. After more than 18 months of nonstop reporting, covering the news around the clock, keeping up with every major story, and making sure this community stays informed, it finally caught up with me. Some people may think I shouldn’t even mention it, but I believe it’s important to be honest with you. Because of that, this will be my last long update tonight.

Second, as I mention in the video, one of the people arrested in connection with the FBI’s alleged plot targeting the UFC event had reposted several of my videos. Predictably, people close to the White House are already trying to use that to attack me.

I won’t stop. As I take a short pause tonight, I want to remind you that independent journalism is a grind. It is only possible because of readers like you. If you value this work and want to help keep it going, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or upgrading your subscription. Your support makes it possible for me to continue reporting, even on the toughest days. Click the button below.

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Here’s the news:

• Trump is reportedly furious over what White House officials believe may have been leaks of sensitive Situation Room discussions to journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan for their upcoming book, Regime Change. The concern centers on the book’s detailed accounts of internal meetings, including deliberations on Iran and the Epstein files, which some officials say appear to contain near-verbatim dialogue. Administration officials fear confidential conversations from some of the government’s most secure settings may have been disclosed, though there is no public evidence that recordings were made. The authors have conducted more than 1,000 interviews and may have reconstructed conversations from participants’ recollections rather than obtaining actual audio. The episode has sparked renewed concerns within the White House about information security and leaks from high-level meetings.

• Stephen Colbert intentionally used Vince Guaraldi’s famous Peanuts song “Linus and Lucy” without permission during the final episode of The Late Show, joking about ongoing copyright lawsuits involving the music. The rights holder, Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP), responded by reaching a licensing agreement with CBS rather than pursuing a dispute. The proceeds from that agreement will be donated to the charity World Central Kitchen, which provides food relief during humanitarian crises. LMFP said it found Colbert’s unauthorized use of the music “funny and entertaining” while emphasizing the importance of obtaining proper music licenses for commercial use. The donation adds to another recent contribution connected to the show, as Colbert had already presented World Central Kitchen with $2.5 million on behalf of The Late Show during its final week.

• JD Vance’s appearance today on The View drew attention because it reinforced a broader perception that JD Vance is undergoing a political rebranding as he positions himself for a possible future presidential run. By appearing on mainstream venues like The View, promoting a faith-focused book, and presenting a more polished public image, Vance appears to be expanding beyond his core conservative base and appealing to a wider electorate. Critics and commentators have noted changes in both his media strategy and presentation, interpreting them as efforts to appear more relatable and conventional to swing voters. While supporters see this as natural political maturation, detractors view it as a calculated attempt to soften his image without substantially changing his underlying positions. The discussion around his appearance on The View became a proxy for that larger debate about whether Vance is preparing for a national campaign.

• Rep. Jamie Raskin is demanding answers from FBI Director Kash Patel over allegations that taxpayer funds may have been used to provide large bonus payments to favored FBI agents and members of his security detail. Raskin claims more than $1 million in special payments may have been distributed, with some agents reportedly receiving nearly $8,000 every two weeks on top of already high salaries. The letter suggests the payments could violate federal law and raises concerns that they were used to reward loyalists or secure the silence of employees who witnessed alleged misconduct. Raskin also references recent reports about Patel’s alleged drinking, claims Patel denies and is contesting in court. The FBI has not publicly responded to the allegations, and Raskin is seeking documents related to the payments and their authorization.

• The Trump administration announced that it is transferring oversight of special education and education-related civil rights enforcement from the Department of Education to other federal agencies as part of its effort to reduce the department’s role. Under the plan, the Department of Justice will handle education civil rights enforcement, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education programs and compliance. Administration officials argue the changes will improve efficiency and align responsibilities with agencies better suited to manage them. Critics, including education and disability advocates, warn that the move could create confusion, weaken protections, and disrupt services for millions of students, especially those with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The decision represents one of the most significant steps yet toward Trump’s goal of dismantling much of the Education Department’s authority.

• World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency company founded by President Trump and his sons, is expected to receive a federal banking charter that would allow it to operate more like a bank and directly issue its stablecoin. Supporters argue the approval fits the administration’s broader effort to encourage innovation and expand the crypto industry, while critics warn it presents an unprecedented conflict of interest because the president and his family stand to benefit financially. The charter would give the company significant regulatory advantages and could make its digital currency more attractive for businesses to use in transactions. Trump and the company maintain that he is no longer involved in its operations and that the business would remain subject to federal oversight and compliance requirements. The expected approval has intensified debate over the intersection of presidential power, financial regulation, and personal business interests.

• Trump’s $10 million effort to alter the Reflecting Pool has run into trouble as officials are reportedly adding hydrogen peroxide to combat a major algae bloom that turned the water bright green. The project was intended to improve the appearance of the pool, but critics argue it has become an expensive embarrassment after the algae growth became highly visible. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to help control algae in bodies of water because it breaks down into water and oxygen. The situation has fueled criticism from opponents who say taxpayer money was wasted on a project that created new problems rather than solving existing ones.

Iran Update:

• Iran demonstrated during the recent conflict that it can disrupt or close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes. U.S. intelligence officials now believe this gives Tehran a powerful form of economic leverage that could be used in future disputes. Although a new agreement is expected to reopen the strait, concerns remain that Iran could again threaten maritime traffic or regional energy infrastructure if negotiations break down. Officials are also worried that Iran could work with the Houthis to disrupt the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global trade chokepoint. Together, these developments suggest Iran has strengthened its ability to influence the global economy through control of key shipping routes.

• The reported U.S.-Iran agreement would allow Iran to immediately resume oil and fuel sales through sanctions waivers that take effect as soon as the deal is signed. The relief would also cover key services such as banking, shipping, and insurance, making it easier for Iran to conduct international energy trade. Iran is expected to receive some sanctions relief upfront, with additional benefits tied to its compliance with the agreement. Markets reacted positively to the prospect of increased oil supply and reduced geopolitical risk, sending oil prices lower. The move could provide a significant economic boost to Iran while helping stabilize global energy markets. Senators still have not been briefed:

• Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused Israel of violating the ceasefire 84 times in southern Lebanon during the two days following President Trump’s announcement that the war had ended. The organization said the repeated incidents undermine the truce and increase regional tensions. Iranian officials warned that if Israeli operations continue, Iran’s armed forces could respond forcefully. The statement highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and the risk that renewed military activity could escalate the conflict again.

• The reported memorandum of understanding outlines a temporary framework to halt hostilities and create conditions for broader U.S.-Iran negotiations. Under the proposal, Iran would maintain its current nuclear program without expansion, while both sides negotiate issues such as uranium enrichment, stockpile disposal, and Iran’s future nuclear needs. In return, the U.S. would ease pressure by lifting its naval blockade, providing temporary sanctions waivers for Iranian oil sales, refraining from new sanctions, and making frozen Iranian assets accessible. Iran would guarantee safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, while negotiations continue with Omani and Gulf participation. If a final agreement is reached, the deal envisions a full lifting of sanctions, a U.S. military withdrawal from the region, and the creation of a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. For perspective, Obama’s deal gave Iran about half as much.

Other news:

• Federal prosecutors have charged 15 people in Minnesota with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with protests against a large-scale immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Authorities allege the defendants were affiliated with local antifa-linked groups and coordinated efforts to obstruct immigration agents through blockades, monitoring activities, and encrypted communications. Defense advocates and civil rights supporters argue the charges are politically motivated and intended to suppress dissent, noting that several previous cases tied to the crackdown were dropped. The announcement comes amid ongoing controversy over the operation, including the deaths of two civilians during enforcement actions and broader concerns about the government’s response to anti-ICE protests.

• A new report alleges that Elfsight, a technology company whose code has been used in the White House mobile app, continues to maintain active operations in Russia despite presenting itself as a European company. According to leaked records cited in the article, the company’s founders continued using Russian banks that were later sanctioned by Western governments and traveled to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. The report also claims that Elfsight’s Russian business remained operational, generating revenue and hiring employees as recently as 2026. Security concerns stem from the fact that Elfsight’s software has been integrated into the White House app and can process certain technical user data, though the White House says the company’s current role is limited and was approved through a security review. Elfsight denies receiving requests from Russian authorities for customer data and says it only collects technical information necessary to operate its services.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a two-day confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, beginning July 15. If his nomination advances, the Senate could vote on his confirmation before the August recess. Blanche is expected to face tough questioning on issues including the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations and plans for a new White House ballroom. His path remains uncertain because all Democrats are expected to oppose him, meaning even one Republican defection in committee could jeopardize his nomination. Key Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, have not yet committed to supporting him.

• The nominee for deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Hal Duncan, declined to rule out the Trump administration’s future use of “pocket rescissions,” a controversial tactic that allows the White House to withhold congressionally approved funding near the end of the fiscal year. The practice is disputed because many lawmakers in both parties argue it bypasses Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending. Duncan defended the tool as one that has been used by previous administrations and said he could not commit to limiting the administration’s options. The issue gained attention after the Trump administration canceled billions of dollars in foreign aid last year without congressional approval, a move that survived an initial legal challenge. The debate reflects a broader struggle between Congress and the executive branch over control of federal spending and budget authority.

• A Florida couple who discovered that an IVF clinic implanted another couple’s embryo has reached a custody agreement allowing them to keep and raise the baby they have cared for since birth. Genetic testing revealed the child was not biologically related to either parent, prompting a lawsuit against the fertility clinic and a search for the biological parents. After the biological parents were identified, both families negotiated an agreement recognizing the Florida couple as the child’s permanent custodial parents. The case has drawn attention to the rare but serious issue of embryo mix-ups and broader concerns about oversight in the U.S. fertility industry. The families have stated they intend to maintain a respectful relationship while prioritizing the child’s well-being.

• A federal judge in Rhode Island criticized immigration authorities for publicly attacking Judge Melissa DuBose after she ordered the release of a migrant from ICE custody. The criticism followed an investigation that found a Justice Department attorney had failed to disclose important information about a homicide-related warrant, leaving the judge without key facts when making her decision. After the release, ICE accused DuBose of knowingly freeing a dangerous criminal, a claim the chief judge said was false and unfairly endangered her while undermining trust in the courts. Although the attorney’s conduct was found to be a serious ethical violation, investigators recommended against formal disciplinary action. The dispute has intensified concerns about tensions between the federal judiciary and immigration enforcement officials over the handling of immigration cases.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Meanwhile, Trump is also expected to play a prominent role in the World Cup trophy presentation, while Uruguay’s national team reportedly faced enhanced security screening upon arrival in the United States. Plus much more.

It’s also Election Day, so stay tuned for updates later.

Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET, we’ll be joined by Jessica Tarlov for our next episode. Our next subscriber-only live event will be Thursday evening, with the time still to be announced.

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Here’s the news:

• Vice President JD Vance struggled to defend the Trump administration’s proposed Iran deal during a Fox News interview after being sent out to explain the agreement. Pressed on key issues such as uranium enrichment and international inspections, Vance acknowledged that several major provisions remain unresolved and are still being negotiated. He said Iran has agreed to eliminate its current enriched uranium stockpile, but could not confirm that Iran would permanently stop enriching uranium or accept a finalized inspection regime. The interview highlighted ongoing questions about whether the deal fully achieves the administration’s stated goals for Iran’s nuclear program.

• Senate Republicans are demanding more details about President Trump’s proposed Iran agreement and want Congress to review any final deal before it takes effect. Lawmakers from both parties say they cannot evaluate the agreement until the administration releases the text of the memorandum of understanding, which is expected later this week. Some Republicans, including Lindsey Graham, expressed concern that the deal could resemble the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement if Iran is allowed to continue enriching uranium. While many Republicans support efforts to end the war with Iran, lawmakers across the political spectrum say they need to see the details before deciding whether the agreement is acceptable.

• Vice President JD Vance said nuclear inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency would “absolutely” be allowed back into Iran under a framework agreement aimed at ending the U.S.-Iran war. He said a key provision of the deal requires Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to be destroyed with assistance from the IAEA and the United States, and that the full memorandum of understanding will be released after a signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday. Vance argued the agreement differs from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under Barack Obama because Iran’s nuclear program has already been dismantled and the new focus is preventing its reconstruction. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the framework as a step toward ending the conflict but said a final agreement has not yet been completed.

• Even some of Trump’s supporters on television agree that the deal may not have been the best one. David Urban said on CNN: "If it was good news, it would have been leaked. We'd all know about it. Donald Trump would stay around to sign and pass out pens. The fact that he is getting out of town does not bode well.”

• Fox News anchors Bret Baier and a network correspondent challenged Trump’s claim that Iran’s military, navy, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been completely destroyed, reporting that Iran still retains significant military capabilities. The segment highlighted a gap between Trump’s characterization of the conflict and assessments being discussed by national security and military analysts.

• According to a talkSPORT report, FIFA is expected to allow President Trump an unusually prominent role in the 2026 World Cup trophy presentation if he attends the final at MetLife Stadium. The report says FIFA President Gianni Infantino has no objection to Trump handing the trophy directly to the winning captain and potentially remaining on stage during the celebration, similar to his appearance at the 2025 Club World Cup when Reece James lifted the trophy. Sources cited by the outlet say officials from Canada and Mexico will also be invited to the closing ceremony, but Trump would have broad discretion over how involved he wants to be in the presentation.

• In its opening World Cup match, Iran drew 2–2 with New Zealand but afterward complained that it was ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately and return to its training base in Tijuana rather than staying overnight for recovery. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team had faced repeated logistical and diplomatic obstacles, including lengthy security procedures and visa denials for key staff, calling Iran “perhaps the most oppressed team in the World Cup.” Captain Mehdi Taremi criticized the travel demands and urged FIFA to provide more support, saying the situation had been “like a disaster” for the team. Despite the challenges, Iran rallied twice to earn a draw in front of a large, largely supportive Iranian diaspora crowd at SoFi Stadium and remains level with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand on one point in Group G.

• The Uruguayan national team reportedly faced extensive security screening upon arriving in the United States for the World Cup, with sniffer dogs deployed and players’ luggage subjected to detailed roadside inspections next to the team bus. The unusual security measures drew attention online and added to broader concerns from some teams about travel and security procedures surrounding the tournament.

• A Washington Post investigation found that the cost of President Trump’s White House ballroom and East Wing reconstruction project may be far higher than publicly stated. Internal contractor estimates projected a price tag of about $600 million, compared with Trump’s public claims that the project would cost up to $400 million and be funded entirely by private donors. The documents indicate that more than half of the projected costs could come from taxpayer-funded sources, including the Secret Service and the White House Military Office. The findings have fueled criticism from lawmakers and procurement experts who say the administration’s public descriptions of the project do not match the internal budget estimates.

G7 Updates:

• President Trump held a private meeting of just under an hour with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, according to a U.S. official. The meeting was not open to the press and took place without any media coverage. Details of the discussion were not publicly disclosed. Afterward, Zelenskyy shared photos from the gathering on social media and said that “it is important to coordinate positions.”

• Trump said a potential Iran nuclear deal could still survive even if Israel conducts additional strikes in Lebanon. However, he voiced growing frustration with Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, arguing that the conflict has gone on too long and resulted in too many civilian deaths. Trump suggested that if Israel cannot defeat Hezbollah without causing extensive casualties, then Syria could take a larger role in confronting the group. While emphasizing that he still has a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump criticized a recent strike on Beirut as excessive and said Netanyahu needs to be more responsible regarding Lebanon.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that fully ending the U.S.-Iran war requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory captured during the conflict. According to Araghchi, the war cannot be considered completely over while Israeli forces remain in those areas. His comments contrast with those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently said Israeli troops would stay in Lebanese territory for “as long as necessary.” Araghchi also warned that any future Israeli military action in Lebanon or continued occupation of territory would be viewed by Iran as a violation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that helped end the fighting.

• Trump told reporters during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that the Iran deal has been completed and is moving into a second phase that he described as “easier.” He emphasized that the United States would not provide any financial investment to Iran as part of the agreement. The Qatari emir welcomed the deal but cautioned that significant work remains to be done, adding that Qatar is prepared to assist in the process. The comments came as leaders gathered for the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, alongside representatives from the European Union and several non-G7 countries.

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented President Trump with a German national soccer team jersey bearing Trump’s name and the number 47 during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The gift appeared to be a symbolic gesture highlighting ties between the two leaders during the gathering. The presentation came as Germany began its World Cup campaign with a 7–1 victory over Curaçao and entered the tournament as one of the favored teams. Photos taken by Getty Images from the summit showed Merz handing the customized jersey to Trump during their meeting.

Election efforts:

• The Trump administration has launched a broad effort to tighten voting rules through Justice Department lawsuits, FBI investigations, and executive actions targeting mail-in voting. Critics say these measures are based on discredited claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. The administration argues the changes are necessary to protect election integrity. Voting rights advocates and former election officials contend the moves could discourage participation and interfere with state control of elections.

• The Justice Department has sued dozens of states for access to voter registration records and has hired several officials associated with challenges to the 2020 election results. At the same time, the FBI has reopened investigations into alleged voter fraud in key swing states despite previous reviews finding little evidence of widespread wrongdoing. Critics warn these actions could intimidate election workers and voters. The administration maintains it is pursuing legitimate concerns about election security.

• Trump’s executive order on mail-in voting has triggered lawsuits from states and voting rights groups that argue it exceeds federal authority. The order would give the Postal Service a larger role in determining ballot eligibility and could impose penalties related to ballot handling. Opponents say the changes risk disenfranchising eligible voters and creating confusion ahead of the midterm elections. Supporters argue the measures are needed to strengthen confidence in the voting process.

Other news:

• The FBI said it disrupted an alleged plot targeting Sunday’s UFC America 250 event at the White House, with five people reportedly in custody. Officials said the suspected plan involved explosive-laden drones, sniper attacks on the crowd, and a possible attempt to storm the White House gate. Authorities learned of the threat after a relative reported concerns about someone discussing harmful plans in Washington. President Trump said he had not yet been briefed on the alleged plot when asked about it at the G7 summit.

• Here is Trump when asked about the attack:

• President Trump’s endorsements are being tested in several key Republican primary and runoff elections taking place tonight, particularly in Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma. In Georgia, Trump-backed candidates Mike Collins and Burt Jones are competing in closely watched runoff races that could shape major November contests. The article also highlights Democratic battles in Washington, D.C., including races for mayor and the city’s congressional delegate seat, as well as a special House election in California to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell. The outcomes will provide an early measure of Trump’s influence and help set the stage for the 2026 midterm elections.

• A federal judge has ordered 16-year-old Timothy Hudson to remain in jail until trial on charges that he sexually assaulted and murdered his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a cruise ship in November 2025. The judge reversed an earlier release arrangement, writing that Hudson poses a danger to himself and others despite having no prior criminal record and complying with release conditions. Prosecutors allege Kepner was sexually assaulted and asphyxiated, and her body was later found concealed under a bed in the cabin she shared with Hudson. Hudson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges, and his trial is scheduled to begin in September.

• Starbucks Korea will temporarily close all of its stores nationwide on June 22 for mandatory history and social sensitivity training. The move follows a marketing campaign that unintentionally referenced the 1980 Gwangju massacre, triggering widespread public backlash and boycotts. The company pulled the promotion, apologized publicly, and dismissed its chief executive amid the controversy. Police investigations are ongoing, and the incident has significantly affected sales and the company’s reputation.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Before we get into it, I want to share something positive: our Epstein reporting is helping create real momentum in Congress toward accountability. Progress is slow, and these things take time, but I’m hearing from more and more people that action on this issue is becoming a priority.

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And yes, I know I ask a lot, but it’s because I rely on you. So, thank you, truly.

Here’s what you missed:

• House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer met privately with Jeffrey Epstein survivors and family members of Virginia Giuffre, who urged him to investigate potential leads they say were uncovered in Justice Department files. They presented emails and testimony suggesting federal investigators had discussed compiling allegations involving several high-profile figures connected to Epstein, arguing that claims by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that there are no remaining leads are incorrect. After the meeting, Comer moved to seek testimony from attorney Alan Dershowitz, saying he may have information relevant to the committee’s investigation. The meeting highlights continued pressure from survivors for further accountability as congressional investigators pursue new avenues in the Epstein case.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, after federal agents reportedly questioned friends, former staff members, and people connected to her nonprofit organizations. Newsom claims the investigation is politically motivated and tied to his potential presidential ambitions, accusing President Donald Trump of using federal law enforcement to target a political rival. Sources familiar with the matter said there are multiple federal inquiries underway, including one examining aspects of Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s finances and nonprofit activities, though no evidence of wrongdoing has been publicly presented. Federal authorities have not commented on the investigation, and its exact scope remains unclear, while Newsom has vowed to continue speaking out against the administration and defended both himself and his family. Here is his statement:

• A newly released congressional interview transcript shows that Jeffrey Epstein’s former assistant, Sarah Kellen, alleged that Epstein arranged for cash and Disney tickets to be delivered to a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy while he was serving his 2008–09 jail sentence. Kellen suggested the gifts may have been connected to the unusually favorable treatment Epstein received, including extensive work-release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week.

• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office says these allegations were never uncovered during prior investigations, and a 2021 Florida Department of Law Enforcement review found no wrongdoing by sheriff’s personnel involved in Epstein’s work-release program. Former jail supervisor Michael Gauger said he was always concerned Epstein might try to influence deputies because of his wealth and manipulative behavior, though he said he was not aware of any successful bribery.

• Senate Republicans are moving quickly to confirm Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, with a possible Senate vote as soon as Thursday if all 100 senators agree to speed up the process. Senate leaders believe Clayton could attract bipartisan support, and Democrats have signaled they may be willing to confirm him rapidly. His confirmation is significant because it could prevent Bill Pulte from taking over as acting DNI when Tulsi Gabbard departs. Democrats have opposed extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act while Pulte is slated to serve in the role, contributing to the surveillance authority’s expiration last week. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has complicated efforts to renew the program by demanding it be linked to separate election legislation, an approach Senate Republicans say is unlikely to succeed.

• Vice President JD Vance said Iran could potentially gain access to a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund if it fully complies with the terms of a future agreement. He indicated that such funding would be conditional on Iran meeting its obligations, including requirements related to its nuclear program and inspections. Vance did not deny that a fund of that size is being discussed, but emphasized that access would depend on Iranian compliance. He also noted that the money would come from Gulf Arab countries rather than the United States.

• Vice President JD Vance was asked about reports that Iran could receive $24 billion in frozen funds if it met certain benchmarks under a proposed agreement. He responded that negotiators are “open to a lot of things that are on the table” but said that provision does not appear in the current text of the deal. Vance neither confirmed nor denied that such funding could be part of future negotiations, only that it is not included in the agreement as currently written.

• Donald Trump announced plans for a large July 4 rally on the National Mall as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, promising military bands, flyovers, airshows, and what he described as the largest fireworks display in history. The event, branded as a “TRIBUTE TO AMERICA,” is part of a broader effort by Trump and the Trump-aligned Freedom 250 initiative to shape the semiquincentennial celebrations.

• The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the related Great American State Fair, where numerous performers reportedly withdrew over concerns about its connections to Trump and its inclusion of conservative and religious advocacy groups. Critics have accused the administration of politicizing the anniversary and using private fundraising efforts to exert influence over the celebration. Supporters view the events as a patriotic showcase, while opponents argue they risk turning a national commemoration into a partisan spectacle.

• The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) fell to 340.3 million barrels after another 8.9 million barrels were released last week, its lowest level since 1983. The Trump administration has been using emergency oil reserves aggressively during the Iran conflict to help keep energy prices from spiking, with the SPR down about 18% since the war began. Analysts say the releases have helped prevent a worst-case scenario of extremely high oil prices, but some energy experts are warning that the reserve is becoming dangerously depleted. Critics note that Trump previously attacked President Biden for drawing down the SPR, while supporters argue the current releases have been necessary to stabilize markets during the crisis.

• A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber carrying eight people crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, and officials say the crash is presumed to have killed everyone on board. The aircraft was conducting a routine test mission when it went down around 11:20 a.m., leaving a large debris field and prompting a major emergency response. Investigators have not yet determined the cause, though aviation experts say the crash’s timing suggests a possible flight-control, engine, or test-equipment malfunction. The airfield was temporarily closed, and the Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident.

• After the UFC event at the White House, fighter Josh Hokit falsely claimed that former First Lady Michelle Obama is a man. UFC CEO Dana White publicly condemned the remark, calling it "nasty and false" and saying he opposes attacks on people's families. The White House declined to criticize the comment, instead praising Hokit’s performance in the fight, despite being asked whether it would condemn the insult.

• Today, the Obamas unveil their first-ever commissioned portrait together, painted by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, in the lobby of the new Obama Presidential Library.

  

• A new financial disclosure shows that President Donald Trump's investment accounts executed more than 3,600 stock and securities trades during the first three months of 2026, with total transaction values estimated between $212 million and $695 million. This is from CBS News:

• Critics, including Elizabeth Warren, have raised ethics concerns and called for investigations, arguing that the president's active portfolio could create conflicts of interest because his policy decisions and public statements can influence markets. Some trades involved companies such as Nvidia, Palantir, and Eli Lilly around the time of government actions or comments affecting those firms, though investment experts interviewed by CBS said the trading pattern may instead reflect sophisticated tax-management strategies rather than insider trading. The Trump Organization maintains that the president has no role in selecting or directing investments, saying independent third-party managers control the accounts, while ethics experts argue that the arrangement still leaves room for concerns because Trump can know what assets he owns.

• Israeli officials pushed back against the apparent inclusion of a Lebanon ceasefire in the newly announced U.S.-Iran framework agreement, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territory seized in southern Lebanon. The agreement, announced by Donald Trump and Iranian officials, appears to include a halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, a condition many Israeli leaders had opposed. Israeli politicians and commentators criticized the deal, arguing it could strengthen Hezbollah and undermine Israel’s military gains, while some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition said Israel is not bound by an agreement it did not negotiate. Despite the criticism, analysts noted that Israel remains heavily dependent on U.S. support and is unlikely to openly challenge the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts.

• A Pennsylvania medical examiner has ruled the death of 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker Daphy Michel a homicide after determining she died of hypothermia days after being released from ICE custody. Officials said Michel, who reportedly suffered from severe mental health challenges and faced a significant language barrier, was released in Pittsburgh in late February and was later found dead at a bus shelter on March 2. Her family’s attorney argues that federal authorities failed to provide adequate care and support upon her release and expects a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE disputes responsibility, stating that Michel had her belongings, a charged phone, and access to public transportation when she was released, while local officials and advocates have described her death as a preventable tragedy.

• A Texas Tribune report described how several Muslim Republicans and convention attendees said they faced hostility, exclusion, and anti-Muslim rhetoric at the 2026 Texas Republican Convention in Houston. One attendee, Mohamed Hussein, said he was told by conservative activist Rick Scarborough to convert to Christianity or leave the country, an encounter that left him in tears and questioning whether there was a place for Muslims in the GOP. The convention also featured repeated warnings about Sharia law, efforts to remove delegates with ties to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and speeches portraying Islam as incompatible with American values. Some Republicans argued the party was alienating potential supporters, while Muslim attendees said the experience reinforced concerns that calls for party unity did not extend to them.

• A 36-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in Bogotá, Colombia, after authorities received reports that he was allegedly sexually abusing a 7-year-old child on a balcony in broad daylight. Witnesses alerted police, and officials later found three children in the man’s apartment, all of whom were placed in the care of Colombia’s child protection agency. Authorities are investigating the case, including the suspect’s relationship to the children and whether he had legally adopted them. The incident has drawn national attention in Colombia and renewed discussion about efforts to combat child exploitation by foreign visitors.

• An ICE agent in Stafford Township, New Jersey, was reportedly struck by a vehicle while attempting to apprehend a suspect on Monday morning. According to local police, the agent fired at the fleeing vehicle and is believed to have hit it, but the suspect escaped and had not been located as of the report. Authorities said the agent suffered injuries of an unknown severity, and it remains unclear whether the suspect was wounded. Local police were not involved in the immigration enforcement operation itself and said there was no ongoing threat to public safety while the investigation continues.

• The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, effectively ending his effort to revive a lawsuit against former FBI Director James Comey and other FBI officials. Page argued that errors in surveillance warrant applications used during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election violated his rights, and a Justice Department watchdog had previously found significant flaws in those applications. Lower courts ruled that Page filed his lawsuit too late, and the Supreme Court let those rulings stand. Separate claims Page brought against the federal government were recently settled by the Trump administration, leaving only his claims against individual FBI officials at issue in the appeal.

• French President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies could deploy a maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz within days if the U.S.-Iran ceasefire holds. The mission, being coordinated primarily by France and the United Kingdom, would include surveillance aircraft, a frigate, mine-clearing capabilities, and potentially the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The goal is to secure one of the world’s most important oil and gas shipping routes and ensure freedom of navigation, particularly amid concerns that Iran could seek to impose transit fees or otherwise disrupt traffic. Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, Macron said the coalition is ready to move quickly but stressed that deployment depends on confirmation and implementation of the recently announced U.S.-Iran agreement.

• The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Pauline Newman, leaving in place her suspension from hearing cases on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit due to concerns about her fitness to serve. Newman, who is 98 and has served on the court since 1984, was suspended after court officials cited health issues, workload delays, and her refusal to undergo certain medical evaluations requested during an investigation. She argued that the suspension effectively removed her from judicial duties in violation of constitutional protections for life-tenured federal judges and alleged that colleagues were targeting her because of her frequent dissents. By declining the case, the Supreme Court left intact lower-court rulings against Newman, though her legal team says it will continue efforts to challenge the suspension and seek her reinstatement.

• Alaska election officials disqualified a Republican Senate candidate named Dan Sullivan who was challenging incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, ruling that his campaign appeared intended to confuse voters rather than genuinely seek office. Officials pointed to his use of the same name as the senator, a similar campaign website, a recent switch to the Republican Party, and his failure to respond to concerns about his candidacy. The candidate, whose legal name is Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., has 30 days to appeal the decision. The ruling comes amid accusations that the candidacy was part of an effort to influence the race against Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, which her campaign denies.

See you soon.

— Aaron

One major thing happened last night. After the White House attacked my exclusive reporting showing that pilots were nearly blinded while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport because of the massive lights from the UFC cage, flights were temporarily halted during the light show at the event. That decision effectively confirmed my reporting.

The reporting was solid, and despite the attacks, the facts held up. This is what journalism looks like when it is not driven by access or approval from those in power. If you are able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting a subscription to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

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Here’s the news:

• After the White House attacked my exclusive reporting confirming that pilots were nearly blinded flying into the Ronald Reagan airport due to the massive white light emitting from the UFC cage, last night, the airport shutdown flights during the light show at the UFC octagon, confirming my reporting:

• President Trump is reportedly furious whenever the Epstein files are raised, viewing them as a political vulnerability that refuses to go away. White House officials are increasingly concerned that new disclosures, detailed accounts of internal discussions, or additional records could keep the story in the headlines for months. Democrats are already promising Epstein hearings, subpoenas, and aggressive oversight if they regain control of the House, ensuring the issue remains a major political battleground. What began as a debate over the Epstein files has evolved into a broader fight over transparency, accountability, and what the administration may be trying to keep from public view. For Trump and his allies, the fear is that the controversy could continue to overshadow other priorities and dominate the political conversation.

• As President Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with a massive UFC event on the White House lawn featuring celebrity guests, military flyovers, and thousands of spectators, many Americans remain focused on a much simpler issue: lowering costs. The spectacle unfolded as families continue to grapple with high prices for housing, groceries, and other essentials, highlighting a disconnect between Washington’s political theater and the economic concerns dominating many households. Critics across the political spectrum questioned the use of White House grounds for such an event, while supporters viewed it as a patriotic celebration. The contrast between an elaborate UFC showcase and voters’ everyday financial struggles is likely to fuel ongoing debate about the administration’s priorities.

• Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike blasted the White House UFC event after fighter Josh Hokit used his post-fight interview to falsely claim that former First Lady Michelle Obama is a man. The remark came during President Trump’s heavily promoted UFC event on the White House lawn, drawing widespread criticism and threatening to overshadow the spectacle itself. Trump appeared to react with a slight smile from ringside, according to CNN, though his exact response afterward remains unclear. The incident added to broader criticism of the unprecedented decision to host a UFC fight at the White House. I am not going to show you the moment, because I don’t believe such vile and false remarks deserve the airtime they received. During the fight, images captured by Reuters showed the President’s hand disclored again:

• A remarkable new story from the New York Times has confirmed that the Trump administration came dangerously close to suspending a core constitutional protection, as senior White House officials seriously debated whether President Trump could suspend habeas corpus rights for undocumented immigrants to accelerate deportations. Secret internal memos show advisers warned that such a move would likely be unconstitutional, since habeas corpus, the right to challenge detention before a judge, has only been suspended in the most extreme moments of U.S. history, such as war and rebellion. Stephen Miller pushed the idea aggressively, while Trump reportedly showed interest and directed officials to study the option. Ultimately, the proposal was shelved after intense internal resistance, but only after becoming a serious policy discussion.

• Internal documents reveal a broader struggle inside the White House over how far presidential power could be expanded. Some senior officials feared Miller’s efforts to bypass courts and legal constraints risked triggering major constitutional crises and damaging the administration’s broader agenda. White House lawyers repeatedly warned that courts would almost certainly strike down attempts to suspend habeas corpus and that the resulting legal battles could become a political disaster. Even officials who strongly supported Trump’s immigration agenda privately described some of the proposals as “insane.”

• The same internal fight extended to discussions about invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops domestically during immigration-related protests. Vice President JD Vance and Miller pushed for using the law after unrest in Minnesota, arguing it would send a strong message to protesters and immigration activists. Other senior aides, including White House counsel and political advisers, argued the circumstances did not come close to meeting the historical threshold for such an extraordinary step and warned of severe political and legal consequences. The administration ultimately backed away, but the report suggests both the Insurrection Act and habeas corpus debates remain examples of how close officials came to testing the outer limits of presidential authority.

Iran deal:

• Markets are soaring after the Trump administration announced a tentative deal with Iran, sending oil prices sharply lower and triggering a rally on Wall Street. While investors celebrated the prospect of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, many Americans are asking a more basic question: when will they actually see lower prices at the gas pump, grocery store, and elsewhere? Analysts caution that shipping disruptions could take months to fully unwind, meaning relief may not be immediate. After years of inflation and economic uncertainty, voters remain focused on affordability above all else.

• The tentative Iran agreement is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough that could end months of conflict and reopen one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Yet key issues remain unresolved, including the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and the details of its nuclear program. Israel is already signaling concerns, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking talks with Trump about the agreement. The coming weeks will determine whether the deal produces lasting stability or simply pauses a broader regional crisis.

• Iran’s deputy foreign minister said the full text of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) will only be released after it is formally signed, indicating key details remain undisclosed. He stressed that signing the MOU does not mean Iran trusts the United States, underscoring the deep mistrust that has characterized the negotiations from the start. Iran says the MOU is merely a framework agreement and that negotiations on a final deal will take place over the next 60 days.

• Global leaders are cautiously welcoming the agreement, but many remain skeptical about how quickly conditions will normalize. Shipping groups warn that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz may take months to recover even if the political agreement holds. Britain, China, Russia, and regional mediators have all described the peace as fragile and dependent on future negotiations. Americans may welcome falling oil prices, but they are likely to judge the agreement by whether it delivers tangible economic benefits at home.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Trump that Israel will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and does not consider itself bound by the Lebanon-related provisions of the U.S.-Iran agreement. That would suggest Israel intends to maintain freedom of action against Hezbollah regardless of commitments made between Washington and Tehran. The stance could complicate efforts to make the broader agreement stick, since Iran has repeatedly linked regional de-escalation—including in Lebanon—to any lasting arrangement with the United States.

• The first ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.–Iran peace deal announcement was the Maltese-flagged LNG tanker Disha. The vessel traveled using Iran’s traffic separation scheme, a key shipping route through the strategically vital waterway. Its transit is being viewed as an early sign that commercial shipping may begin resuming after months of disruption. However, analysts caution that a full return to normal shipping traffic could still take weeks or months.

Other news:

• Congress is growing increasingly alarmed after a new report projected that Social Security's trust fund could become insolvent by 2032, triggering automatic benefit cuts of roughly 22% if lawmakers fail to act. Republicans are deeply divided over how to respond, with some conservatives calling for a bipartisan effort to reform the program while others warn that any talk of "reform" will be seen by voters as a push to cut benefits. Several proposals are being discussed, including raising the retirement age, increasing payroll taxes, means-testing benefits, and creating private investment accounts, but many lawmakers view the issue as politically toxic ahead of the midterms. Despite broad agreement that the program's finances need attention, both parties appear reluctant to take ownership of a solution, raising fears that Congress may wait until a crisis is imminent before acting.

• The Kennedy Center tarp remains up today. It appears as though the plan is to keep it up for as long as Trump is in office:

• President Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on French wine and champagne unless France eliminates its digital services tax on major technology companies. The tax, introduced in 2019, applies to revenue earned in France by firms such as Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google parent Alphabet. Ahead of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Trump said he had urged Macron not to charge American companies and warned that tariffs would follow if the tax remained in place. Trump argued that France could avoid the dispute entirely by repealing the levy, saying, “All he has to do is get rid of the sales tax.”

• A bizarre controversy erupted before the White House UFC event when screenshots appeared to show Eric Trump asking UFC commentator Daniel Cormier whether any fights would be “rigged.” Cormier initially shared the screenshots publicly before later deleting the post, while Eric Trump insisted the messages were “AI-generated” and completely fabricated. Cormier subsequently appeared to agree the screenshots were fake, posting, “Are people this dumb?” as the claims spread online. We still do not have the full story this morning.

AD: Over the past several weeks, my inbox has been flooded with hateful messages. Some of them have even escalated further, to threats to myself and my family. A lot of you have asked how I protect myself. I have and will always continue to work with a company called DeleteMe. They make sure these messages don’t turn more serious. They hide my data, keep my information secret. You can do it too. Go to this link. Use code AARON. Protect yourself today.

• President Trump was still posting on social media in the early hours of the morning after his White House UFC birthday event, launching an all-caps attack against efforts to renew controversial government surveillance authorities. The post underscored Trump’s growing opposition to intelligence and law enforcement powers that he and many of his supporters believe have been abused against political figures. Critics seized on the timing, noting that the president was posting angrily online just hours after the UFC spectacle ended after 1 a.m. The episode added to a turbulent birthday weekend that was already dominated by controversy surrounding the White House fight card, the Epstein fallout, and ongoing battles over the Iran deal.

• Trump further confirmed he will be holding a campaign-style rally on the 4th of July in Washington, D.C.:

• At least 11 people were killed and more than 50 wounded after Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine in recent months, firing 70 missiles and more than 600 drones overnight. The strikes damaged the historic 11th-century Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine’s most important religious landmarks, prompting condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia denied targeting the cathedral and claimed a Ukrainian air-defense missile caused the damage, while Ukraine accused Moscow of attacking both civilians and cultural heritage sites. The assault comes ahead of the G7 summit, where Zelensky is urging world leaders to increase military assistance and pressure on Russia.

• LA28 announced that applications for its Games-time volunteer program will open on July 14, exactly two years before the opening ceremony of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Organizers are seeking roughly 60,000 volunteers to help during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with roles ranging from welcoming spectators and athletes to providing medical and language support. While most positions will be based in the Los Angeles area, volunteers will also be needed in Olympic host cities including New York, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San José, and San Diego. LA28 officials described volunteers as the backbone of the Games, saying they will play a key role in shaping the experience for athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world.

• American singer and comedian Oliver Tree was listed among the passengers on a helicopter involved in a deadly midair collision over Rio de Janeiro, though authorities have not yet been able to identify the victims. Two helicopters collided Sunday morning, killing all six people aboard and causing one aircraft to crash into a car dealership parking lot, where a fire broke out. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash, while reports also indicate that Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Díaz may have been among the passengers. Officials say identification efforts are ongoing, meaning the identities of those killed have not yet been officially confirmed.

• Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand is becoming a political flashpoint, with Iranian Americans divided between supporting the national team and protesting the Iranian government outside the stadium. Many members of the diaspora, particularly in Southern California’s large Iranian community, plan demonstrations over Tehran’s crackdown on dissent, while others insist the players represent the Iranian people rather than the regime. Team captain Mehdi Taremi urged fans to see the squad as a unifying force, saying the team is there “to bring joy to all Iranians” and not engage in politics. The tensions reflect broader divisions within the Iranian diaspora as the World Cup unfolds amid the aftermath of the U.S.-Iran conflict and a newly announced peace framework.

• Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s crown princess, was convicted of two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison. The 29-year-old was found guilty of raping two women who the court determined were asleep or otherwise unable to resist, though he was acquitted on two other rape charges. He was also convicted of abusing former girlfriend Nora Haukland and causing serious bodily harm to another partner. The case has cast a shadow over Norway’s royal family, which is already dealing with Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s serious health problems, though the palace declined to comment on the verdict.

• The U.K. will ban social media for children under 16, making it one of the most aggressive efforts in the world to restrict minors’ access to major online platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was not prepared to “compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” while also announcing restrictions on livestreaming, disappearing messages, and AI companion chatbots for young users. The government is considering additional measures, including overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling for minors. The move is broadly popular with British parents and is expected to take effect in 2027 if approved by Parliament.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Our Epstein interview yesterday received major national coverage, and the White House has not been pleased with our exclusive reporting showing that pilots were being blinded by lights from the UFC octagon while flying into Washington.

This work is important, and you are the reason it is possible. If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• As I mentioned above, those around the White House are not happy with my exclusive reporting. Here is Richard Grenell attacking me on Twitter:

  

• According to Axios, the White House is reportedly alarmed by the possibility that reporters may have obtained recordings or highly detailed accounts of Situation Room meetings. Officials fear some of the administration’s most sensitive conversations could become public, including those related to be the Epstein files. The concern stems from published excerpts containing remarkably detailed dialogue about discussions on Iran and the Epstein files. President Trump is said to be furious about the disclosures and the attention they are receiving. Aides worry that future revelations could create a major political headache and further intensify scrutiny of the administration.

• President Trump turned 80 today as reports surfaced describing occasional memory lapses and signs of fatigue, with some allies telling reporters he appears more tired than in the past. Former ally Tucker Carlson said Trump is uncomfortable with aging, remarking, “He’s really uncomfortable with it,” and described the president’s push for a new White House ballroom as “an older man building a monument to himself.” Trump’s own comments about aging, including a recent joke that he was “not happy” about his birthday and that it was “a number I don’t like.” While critics point to these episodes and the fact that Trump was examined by 22 medical specialists during his latest physical, the White House insists he remains mentally sharp and energetic.

• The weather for tonight’s UFC fight is not complying right now. This is the latest as bugs, wind, rain, and lightening are set to derail the fight:

• The White House is now attacking the Weather Channel:

• Democrats are preparing an aggressive oversight agenda if they regain control of the House in the 2026 midterms, according to Rep. Robert Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee under a Democratic majority. Garcia says Democrats would immediately pursue public hearings on the Jeffrey Epstein matter, subpoena senior Trump administration officials, and investigate what they describe as potential corruption involving the Trump family and its business dealings.

• Republicans, led by current Oversight Chair James Comer, dismiss the plans as partisan attempts to target President Trump rather than address government waste or accountability. Democrats also plan to scrutinize federal workforce cuts, DOGE-related actions, and other administration policies they argue harmed government operations. The article highlights the likelihood of major legal and political battles over subpoenas, compliance, and congressional oversight should Democrats win the House.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended U.S. military capabilities, arguing that no country produces better weapons or munitions than the United States and dismissing concerns about depleted stockpiles as a media-driven narrative. Journalist Margaret Brennan challenged that claim, pointing out reports of shortages and noting that Hegseth had previously testified under oath that rebuilding certain stockpiles could take years.

• Hegseth claimed the U.S. had maintained control of the strait throughout the conflict. Brennan pushed back, noting that the administration was simultaneously negotiating with Iran to reopen it.

• Israel carried out new airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Hezbollah fired projectiles into northern Israel, killing three people and wounding several others, according to Lebanese authorities. The escalation threatens ongoing efforts to finalize a U.S.–Iran agreement, with Iran warning that Israel’s actions could jeopardize negotiations and vowing that the strikes will not go unanswered. President Trump publicly criticized the attack, saying it “should not have happened” and urging all sides to stand down as a peace deal appears close. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation as a response to Hezbollah’s ceasefire violation, while Hezbollah rejected ongoing ceasefire talks and continued attacks on Israeli forces.

• President Trump said a planned U.S.–Iran agreement remains on track for Sunday despite an Israeli strike in Beirut that briefly delayed the signing. He said he was “so pissed off” about the timing of the attack and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “He has no fucking judgement.” Iranian officials warned that Iran is ready to retaliate if provoked, raising fears of further escalation. Trump argued that the deal would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, require the disposal of nuclear material, and allow inspections of its nuclear facilities.

• After the strikes, Netanyahu took to Twitter to wish Trump a happy birthday:

• U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz praised the emerging U.S.–Iran agreement but stopped short of guaranteeing it would be signed Sunday, despite President Trump’s prediction. Waltz said Iranian negotiators had accepted major U.S. demands, including eliminating highly enriched uranium, but acknowledged that Iran’s leadership was not always unified and that negotiations remained difficult. He described the agreement as a memorandum of understanding, warning that many details would still need to be worked out in future talks. Waltz argued the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran’s support for groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, while rejecting criticism from Barack Obama that it may not be substantially different from the 2015 nuclear deal.

• Markwayne Mullin is still talking about shutting down international travel to big blue cities: “I’m gonna have to go get the resources. The most logical way for me to get the resources is to go to CBP at the airports, because they are trained to deal with large crowds.”

• The UFC announced that some fighter bonuses at Sunday’s White House event will be paid in USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company tied to the Trump family. Critics argue the arrangement blurs the line between government events and the president’s private business interests, since the fight is being held on White House grounds and World Liberty is an official sponsor. The White House denies any conflict of interest, saying President Trump’s assets are held in a trust managed by his children. The move is likely to draw further scrutiny of the Trump family’s growing crypto business, which has become a significant source of wealth and political controversy.

• Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital on Sunday morning, according to a statement from his office. A spokesperson said only that he is receiving “excellent care” and did not provide details about the reason for his hospitalization. The announcement comes amid ongoing public attention to McConnell’s health following several medical incidents in recent years. Further information was not immediately available.

• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joked about the viral Knicks fan who shouted, “My mayor’s Muslim!” during a recent appearance. Mamdani said the moment has taken on a life of its own, with people now regularly running up to him and repeating the phrase. Laughing, he added that his response is usually, “It’s true. I am.”

• According to the Guardian, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines has killed at least 61 people and left around 40 missing. The quake dramatically altered parts of the coastline, lifting the seabed by as much as two meters and extending some shorelines by up to 200 meters. The sudden “coastal uplift” exposed coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats, causing widespread die-offs of fish, eels, clams, and other sea life. Scientists say the change was caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench, highlighting the earthquake’s extraordinary geological impact in addition to its human toll.

• The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that thousands of Palestinians believed to be buried beneath Gaza’s rubble may never be identified as recovery efforts continue to move slowly. Forensic experts say that as bodies remain unrecovered, decomposition, displacement of remains, and the loss of personal effects make identification increasingly difficult, even with DNA testing. Gaza officials estimate that at least 10,000 people remain buried under debris, while shortages of heavy equipment and restrictions on importing DNA-testing materials have hampered recovery and identification efforts. Families of the missing face prolonged uncertainty, with many unable to obtain death certificates or closure as hopes of identifying loved ones diminish over time.

• Swiss voters appear to have rejected a far-right proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million people, with projections showing about 55% voting against it. The measure would have imposed strict immigration limits and could have forced Switzerland to leave its free-movement agreement with the European Union if the population exceeded the cap. Supporters argued that rapid population growth was straining housing, infrastructure, and public services, while opponents warned it would damage the economy and Switzerland’s relationship with the EU. The result suggests voters were concerned about the economic and diplomatic consequences of the proposal despite broader worries about immigration and population growth.

See you soon.

— Aaron

My good news is simple: I woke up to a flood of messages from many of you after releasing my interview with Epstein survivors. It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Because of you, we’re reaching people who may never tune into traditional news and helping bring important truths to audiences that might otherwise never hear them.

I say this often because it’s true: this is the best job in the world. We’re building something meaningful without billionaire backing, corporate ownership, or a giant media machine. It’s powered by people who believe journalism can be better. None of it works without you.

So if this community matters to you, please consider subscribing, gifting a subscription, or upgrading your membership. We’re growing quickly, but we’re still competing with institutions that have far greater resources. Your support is what makes this possible and helps us keep building something bigger together.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• A chance conversation on a New York City subway led 27-year-old Molly Selin to form an unexpected friendship with 81-year-old Maria. During their 40-minute chat, Maria shared that she had endured significant personal loss and had always dreamed of returning to her native Puerto Rico but was too anxious to fly alone. Moved by her story, Selin promised to accompany her on the trip, later sharing the encounter online where it went viral and inspired widespread support. Their friendship grew through regular visits, and with help from sponsors and supporters, the pair arranged a weeklong trip to Puerto Rico, complete with flights, accommodations, and planned activities. The story highlights how a simple act of openness—taking out her earbuds and talking to a stranger—changed both women’s lives and turned a lifelong dream into reality.

@mollyyyyyyyyyyy4 @mollyyyyyyyyyyy4 ♬ original sound - Mollyyyyyyyyyyy

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• A wrong text message unexpectedly connected 24-year-old photographer Lauren Stevens with 72-year-old photographer Wernher Krutein after she inherited his old phone number. Curious about a message asking for “Vern dawg,” Stevens tracked down Krutein, and the two Bay Area residents quickly became close friends. After learning that Krutein was struggling financially and was living without heat or hot water to save money, Stevens launched social media accounts, redesigned his photography website, and started a fundraiser to help preserve his archive of roughly 500,000 photographs. Her efforts have raised more than $60,000 and brought renewed attention to Krutein’s life’s work. Both say the friendship has been life-changing, with Krutein describing Stevens’ support as “a ray of sunshine” and saying he no longer feels alone.

• Eighteen-year-old umpire Sawyer Sparks gained national attention after a video of his energetic umpiring style—sprinting down baselines and sliding into position—went viral online. The attention led to an invitation from the Savannah Bananas, a popular entertainment baseball team known for its showmanship. Just days after graduating high school, Sparks made his debut during a game against the Indianapolis Clowns, entering the field with a dramatic slide and receiving enthusiastic support from players and fans. He capped off the appearance by calling the final out and celebrating with a slide and chest bump. What began as a fun, unconventional approach to umpiring has turned into a unique opportunity and growing fan following.

• After a long 12-hour shift, NICU nurse Andrea Munn came home to find that her husband, Zachary, had prepared dinner and left a series of thoughtful Post-it notes guiding her through the meal. Since he was out with friends and couldn’t be there in person, he anticipated her needs by setting the table, preparing food, chilling drinks, and leaving cheerful instructions throughout the house. The gesture went viral online, with many people praising the creativity and care he showed for his wife. The couple says these notes are just one example of the everyday acts of service they do for each other and that their relationship is built on much more than grand gestures. They hope the story reminds people that healthy relationships involve both thoughtful actions and commitment through life’s ups and downs.

• A 10-year-old California girl named Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Morgan is being credited with helping save her family from a devastating house fire after she spotted flames outside their home early in the morning. Her quick reaction alerted her family and housemates, allowing all seven residents to escape safely before the fire spread through the house. Although no people were injured, the family lost their home and most of their belongings, and two dogs died in the fire. Lizzie’s mother said her daughter and brother remained calm during the emergency and played a crucial role in getting everyone out. In the aftermath, neighbors and community members rallied around the displaced family, providing clothing, essentials, and emotional support.

• A woman in London named Abi Feltham, who is living with a rare and aggressive brain cancer called oligodendroglioma, has gained attention for revealing her MRI results using “gender reveal”-style celebrations on social media. Alongside her boyfriend, she cut into a cake where blue represented a stable tumor and pink represented tumor growth requiring more chemotherapy. In the featured video, the cake revealed blue, meaning her tumor remained stable, which the couple celebrated with relief and joy. Feltham says using humor and creativity helps her cope with the stress of living with an incurable but treatable condition and the uncertainty of scans every three months. Despite the seriousness of her diagnosis, she hopes her videos bring lightness to a difficult situation and encourage others facing serious illnesses to find ways to navigate fear and uncertainty.

• Twelve-year-old Knicks fan Carmelo Rios, who went viral after an emotional reaction to receiving playoff tickets for his birthday, got an even bigger surprise when his story caught the attention of Carmelo Anthony. After the original game he was supposed to attend was canceled because the New York Knicks advanced early in the playoffs, Anthony teamed up with Fanatics to send Carmelo and his father to Game 4 of the NBA Finals. At the game, the young fan witnessed a dramatic Knicks victory and was given the chance to meet his basketball hero courtside. The experience was especially meaningful because Carmelo is named after Anthony and has long admired him. The family described the night as unforgettable, with supporters online celebrating the happy ending to the viral story.

• A massive wildfire, the largest in Nebraska’s history, destroyed over 1,000 square miles of ranch land, including all the grass on Mike and Kayla Wintz’s 11,000-acre ranch. Facing the loss of their livelihoods, the ranchers received overwhelming support from thousands of anonymous donors across the United States. The Wintz family alone received about $80,000 worth of donated hay, while relief organizations raised over $1 million to help affected cattle owners. Additional donations helped cover the high transportation costs of delivering hay from distant states. The story highlights the generosity and solidarity shown by farmers, ranchers, truck drivers, and community organizations in response to the disaster.

• A father and son from the UK, George Kohler and his 23-year-old son Josh, completed an 18,000-mile bicycle journey around the world over 14 months and set three world records. Traveling through Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe, they earned records for the fastest father-son bicycle circumnavigation, the longest bicycle journey, and the most countries visited continuously by a father and son. Along the way, they experienced the kindness of strangers, including locals and monks who shared food and hospitality despite language barriers. The pair faced physical, mental, and emotional challenges but maintained a rule never to go to sleep after an argument. They described returning home to family and friends after 400 days as one of the most emotional moments of the entire adventure.

  

• A Canadian woman, Leah Wilson, rescued an injured young crow that was trapped in a roof gutter with the help of local firefighters and then took it to a wildlife veterinarian. After the crow recovered and was released, Wilson began receiving small gifts—such as feathers and other items—from local crows, which she believes are tokens of gratitude. The birds now regularly follow and greet her during her walks, creating a unique bond between her and the flock. Wilson can even identify the crow she rescued because it wears a leg band from its rehabilitation. The story highlights both the intelligence of crows and the strong connections that can form between humans and wildlife.

• A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine called intismeran, used alongside the immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab), significantly improved outcomes for patients who had melanoma tumors surgically removed. Five years after treatment, the combination reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 49% and reduced the risk of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body by 59% compared with immunotherapy alone. Nearly 69% of patients receiving the vaccine combination remained cancer-free after five years, versus about 49% of those receiving only pembrolizumab. The vaccine is personalized for each patient by targeting unique proteins found on their tumor cells, helping the immune system recognize and attack any remaining cancer. Researchers view the results as strong evidence that mRNA-based cancer vaccines could become an important tool against melanoma and potentially other difficult-to-treat cancers in the future.

• French Polynesia has announced a new marine protected area covering about 200,000 square miles of ocean, roughly twice the size of Arizona. With this addition, the territory will protect around 540,500 square miles of ocean in total, helping achieve the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. The protected waters are home to diverse marine life, including sharks, whales, seabirds, and species found nowhere else on Earth. While large areas will be fully protected from extractive activities, designated artisanal fishing zones will allow local communities to continue traditional, sustainable fishing practices. Officials hope the project will serve as a model for balancing large-scale conservation with local livelihoods and cultural stewardship.

• After a serious car accident in British Columbia caused their vehicle to roll over, Dearah and Sharron Jordan were devastated when their Australian shepherd, Daisy, disappeared from the crash scene. Over the next four days, volunteers, search-and-rescue members, neighbors, and complete strangers joined the effort to find the missing dog, providing manpower, drones, equipment, meals, and emotional support. The breakthrough came when volunteer searchers Forrest and Tracey Kellerman returned to the crash site and discovered Daisy still inside the damaged truck involved in the collision. Daisy was safely reunited with her owners and, remarkably, was unharmed despite being missing for 96 hours. The story became a powerful example of community kindness and determination, with the Jordans expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from strangers.

• A metal detector enthusiast named Stuart Jones discovered a rare 16th-century gold ring set with eight diamonds while searching a field in Gloucestershire, England. The find came at the end of a long day and is considered the most significant discovery of his detecting career. Experts from the British Museum examined the ring, which is made of about 80% pure gold and features an unusually rare cluster of diamonds in a flower-shaped design. The ring is expected to sell for up to $20,000 at auction, with the proceeds shared between Jones and the landowner. Jones described the discovery as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and said he may never find anything that surpasses it.

• A 7-Eleven franchise owner in Japan, Tatsuya Takahashi, gained widespread attention after posting signs inviting people suffering from heat or cold to enter his stores and recover without feeling obligated to buy anything. The signs encouraged anyone experiencing heatstroke symptoms to come inside and cool off, and during winter they were replaced with messages welcoming travelers to warm up and rest. Takahashi said the idea was inspired by kindness he received years earlier when restaurant owners helped him recover from heatstroke while he was traveling. His messages went viral on social media, with many people praising the generosity and community spirit they represented. The story eventually inspired a broader initiative by Japanese 7-Eleven stores, encouraging locations nationwide to offer similar support to people affected by extreme weather.

• A couple in Lockport, Illinois, successfully persuaded a home builder to delay construction after discovering a nest containing four killdeer eggs on a vacant lot scheduled for development. Concerned that construction would destroy the nest, they informed the builder that killdeer are protected under federal law through the Migratory Bird Treaty. After confirming the birds’ protected status with state conservation authorities, the construction company, D.R. Horton, agreed to postpone work, marking off the nesting area with cones and caution tape until the eggs hatch. The couple praised the company for its quick and cooperative response.

• Scientists surveying waters around California’s Channel Islands discovered the first live white abalone seen in the region in five years, offering new hope for the recovery of this critically endangered species. White abalone populations have declined by about 99% since the 1970s, making surviving individuals extremely difficult to find and leaving many too isolated to reproduce. Researchers located the abalone during a habitat survey that also used environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to search for evidence of remaining populations. The discovery was made as part of the “Wanted Alive! White Abalone” campaign, which encourages divers and citizen scientists to report sightings. Scientists plan to continue surveying the area, relocate the individual if possible, and analyze collected samples to better understand where the species may still survive and how it can be restored.

• A new HIV-prevention drug called Lenacapavir has shown remarkable results in large phase 3 clinical trials, with one study reporting no new HIV infections among more than 3,200 participants and a second study showing a 99.9% reduction in infections among about 5,000 people. Unlike existing preventive medications that must be taken daily, Lenacapavir is administered as a simple injection only twice a year, which may make it much easier for people to follow consistently. Researchers found the treatment to be at least as effective as current daily HIV prevention pills while reducing challenges related to adherence and stigma. The drug works by disrupting a critical protein structure that HIV needs to reproduce, making it effective even as the virus mutates. Its developer, Gilead Sciences, has also announced plans to make the medication more affordable in many low- and middle-income countries through generic licensing agreements.

— Aaron

I spent the day at the Trump-Epstein Reading Room in Washington, D.C., where I had the privilege of sitting down with two survivors, Marina Lacerda and Andrea Sterling. The conversation was raw, emotional and deeply honest. They spoke about their experiences, the abuse they endured and the lasting impact it has had on their lives. They also had a message for Donald Trump ahead of his birthday tomorrow: they are not going away, and they will not stop fighting for justice.

This interview is longer than what I typically publish, and it is different from our usual coverage. But I have made two promises to you. First, I will continue to amplify the voices of survivors and keep telling their stories until they receive justice. Second, I will continue expanding the kind of journalism and content we produce here.

This video is not polished. It is not heavily produced. What it is, however, is real. It is honest. And I believe it is important. You’ll find other news and reporting below as well.

Not every platform will be comfortable with this interview. Some may try to limit its reach. That is exactly why I hope you’ll watch it and share it.

And if you are able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• Ahead of Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a shadow over the Trump White House as new revelations, congressional inquiries and behind-the-scenes accounts keep the scandal in the spotlight. Reporting on internal administration discussions suggests officials viewed the issue as a serious political threat, particularly as demands for the release of Epstein-related information grew among Trump’s own supporters. The controversy has persisted despite efforts to redirect public attention, fueled by ongoing questions about Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures and what remains undisclosed in government files. The result is a scandal that refuses to fade and continues to haunt Trump’s presidency.

• Protesters at San Francisco's Ocean Beach gathered Saturday to create a giant human banner demanding the release of redacted government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that mention President Donald Trump. The demonstration came one day before Trump's highly publicized 80th birthday celebrations and was designed to draw attention to ongoing questions about the administration's handling of Epstein-related records. Organizers said the protest was aimed at increasing pressure for greater transparency surrounding the files. This is an image taken by Josh Edelson from the San Francisco Chronicle:

• Melinda French Gates said in a new interview that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “could have been stopped,” arguing that the U.S. justice system failed to prevent his abuse of underage girls. Her comments came days after Bill Gates testified before Congress that Epstein had attempted to blackmail him and used relationships with powerful people to bolster his reputation. Melinda Gates said meeting Epstein left her with a strong sense that he was “evil” and said her heart goes out to his victims. She also used the interview to advocate for greater female leadership and highlighted her recent investments in women’s health initiatives.

• The United States and Iran say they are nearing a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, with President Trump claiming an agreement could be signed as soon as Sunday. Mediator Pakistan said a memorandum of understanding is close, but Iranian officials cautioned that negotiations remain fluid and a signing may take several more days.

• The proposed agreement would reopen the strait, extend the fragile ceasefire between the two countries and lay the groundwork for further talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief. Despite the diplomatic progress, disputes remain over key terms, and tensions continue in the region, with U.S. forces reporting they recently shot down Iranian drones near commercial shipping lanes.

• Trump threatened to use a nuclear weapon against Iran if the deal is not executed:

• A federal judge’s order forcing the Kennedy Center to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the venue has been fully carried out, with workers taking down exterior signage and officials removing references online and throughout the building. The judge ruled that the Trump-backed board lacked authority to rename the congressionally chartered institution, stating only Congress can change its name. The Kennedy Center unsuccessfully argued that removing Trump’s name could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in donor funding tied to the rebranding and sought to delay or block the order. The ruling also upheld a separate decision blocking the board’s proposed two-year closure of the center for renovations. As it currently stands, however, tarps over the Kennedy Center remain concealing the place where Trump’s name once was. There is no requirement they take down the tarps:

• Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s planned multibillion-dollar luxury resort development in Albania is facing fresh controversy after villagers alleged that land included in the project was wrongfully sold by a Miami-based businessman who has been linked to organized crime investigations. About a dozen residents claim they are the rightful owners of property near the proposed resort site and are seeking a court order to halt the development, while the businessman at the center of the dispute denies any issue with his ownership claims. The project has already sparked weeks of protests over environmental concerns, with critics warning it could threaten protected coastal habitat and accusing Albanian authorities of a lack of transparency. Neither Trump nor Kushner has been accused of wrongdoing, and the Albanian government maintains that the land designated for the project is privately owned.

• During an interview with Greta Van Susteren, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was asked which country is America’s best friend in South America and cited El Salvador and Costa Rica as examples of close partners. The answer was geographically incorrect: neither country is in South America; both are located in Central America. Noem praised the countries for their cooperation with the Trump administration on migration and security issues, but neither directly answered the question as asked. The exchange quickly drew attention online because it confused two distinct regions of the Americas.

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the Trump administration’s proposed “Shield of the Americas” security framework would be “stronger than NATO,” arguing that it would create deeper cooperation among countries in the Western Hemisphere on border security, migration, counterterrorism and transnational crime.

• Forecasters say Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House faces a slight chance of severe weather, including tornadoes and hail, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists said damaging winds are the primary concern, while rain and thunderstorms are more likely earlier in the day. Weather conditions are expected to improve somewhat by the event’s scheduled 8 p.m. start, though the threat of storms will remain. The Secret Service said it has contingency plans in place and will coordinate with government and UFC meteorologists to monitor conditions in real time.

• This is the current state of the White House ahead of Trump’s UFC fight:

• According to Politico, a growing divide is emerging within the Republican Party over artificial intelligence, as populist conservatives including Sen. Josh Hawley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis push for stronger regulation of AI and Big Tech while challenging President Trump's more hands-off approach. The faction argues that AI poses risks to jobs, families, communities and self-government, and has opposed White House efforts to prevent states from enacting their own AI regulations. The debate is increasingly becoming a major political issue ahead of future elections, with Republican candidates campaigning against Big Tech and concerns over data centers, deepfakes and worker displacement. Polling suggests the public broadly supports AI safeguards, giving momentum to conservatives advocating a more aggressive regulatory approach.

• Green algae has reappeared in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool just days after the completion of a Trump administration renovation project that cost roughly $16 million, far more than the original estimate. The Interior Department said the algae is a temporary byproduct of dormant water supply lines being restarted and defended the project as a permanent fix, citing a new filtration system and ongoing maintenance plan. The renovation, part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary, included a $1.7 million ozone nanobubbler system and a $14.2 million project to line the pool in “American Flag Blue.” Similar algae problems emerged after the pool’s last major renovation in 2012, when officials ultimately had to increase ozone treatment to address persistent blooms.

• Haitian security official James Boyard, who serves as both cabinet director of the Defense Ministry and inspector general of the national police, was kidnapped Thursday in Port-au-Prince, according to people familiar with the case. Boyard is the highest-ranking government official abducted in Haiti in recent years, highlighting the growing power of gangs that control roughly 70% of the capital. Analysts say the kidnapping appears to have been carefully planned and may have involved assistance from someone close to his security detail. The abduction comes as gangs increasingly target public officials and follows years of widespread kidnappings amid Haiti’s worsening security crisis.

• Blue Origin says it expects to resume flights before the end of 2026 despite the massive explosion that destroyed a New Glenn rocket and heavily damaged its Florida launch pad last month. The setback is significant because NASA is relying on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and Blue Moon lunar lander for key missions tied to the Artemis program’s planned return of astronauts to the Moon. NASA, the Space Force and Blue Origin are working together to investigate the failure and accelerate repairs, with officials emphasizing that the lunar lander can continue development even as launch infrastructure is rebuilt. While experts say the recovery timeline is ambitious, they note that Blue Origin has substantial resources and government support behind efforts to get the program back on track.

See you soon.

— Aaron

I will be providing coverage all weekend from Washington, D.C., where several major events are set to unfold. To everyone who has reached out with messages of support regarding the censorship challenges we have been facing, thank you.

This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. If you can, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one today. It’s going to be a very busy weekend.

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Here’s the news:

• Workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in the early hours of June 13, 2026, after a federal judge ruled that only Congress has the authority to rename the landmark. The removal occurred shortly after the Justice Department missed a court-ordered deadline and sought a brief extension, citing safety concerns from thunderstorms. The lawsuit that led to the ruling was brought by Representative Joyce Beatty, while both a federal district court and an appeals court rejected the administration’s requests to pause the order. The dispute is part of a broader effort by Trump and his allies to reshape prominent Washington institutions and monuments since his return to office. The Trump Administration put up a tarp so that the public could not see the removal happen, but, Reuters has confirmed that the name is down:

• Here is another image taken by a photographer from the Associated Press showing the removal of the “P” in Trump’s last name:

• Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who led the effort to take his name down, celebrated by doing Trump’s own dance inside of the building:

• Trump is turning 80 tomorrow and celebrating with a UFC fight card on the White House lawn, complete with a massive stage, thousands of spectators, and extensive production. The event is tied to Flag Day and the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. It reflects Trump’s long-standing affinity for UFC and his friendship with UFC president Dana White. The setup is one of the most elaborate birthday-adjacent events ever held at the White House. The celebration has drawn attention because of its scale and symbolism.

• According to The Atlantic, Trump has reportedly become more aware of his mortality since surviving the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. A longtime friend said Trump “can hear the clock ticking” and understands that both age and term limits constrain the time he has left to achieve his goals. Questions about his health have begun to circulate as he approaches 80. The friend suggested Trump is increasingly conscious of how much time remains in his public life. That awareness appears to be influencing the pace of his decisions and ambitions.

• Trump is pursuing a wide range of projects and initiatives at an accelerated pace, from reshaping parts of Washington to pursuing major foreign-policy objectives. He appears focused on leaving a lasting mark and securing a place in history through large, visible accomplishments. The text describes him as less concerned with traditional political optics and more focused on achieving outcomes he views as historic. Critics argue that this focus has come while economic concerns, wars, and political risks remain unresolved. Supporters would likely view the same behavior as evidence of determination to act boldly while he still has the opportunity.

• A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits and signs about topics such as slavery, climate change, civil rights, and diverse communities that had been removed from national parks and monuments. The judge ruled that the removals likely violated laws governing the National Park Service and said excluding these materials created an incomplete and misleading portrayal of American history. The administration had made the changes under an executive order aimed at eliminating what it viewed as “revisionist” interpretations of U.S. history, but the court found that many removals lacked legal authorization. The Interior Department criticized the ruling and is considering an appeal, while the affected exhibits must be reinstated within 21 days.

• Trump’s attorneys argued that there was no improper coordination between President Trump and the Justice Department in settling his lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. The settlement, which initially included a controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and protections from IRS audits, drew criticism from lawmakers and former judges, leading the administration to back away from parts of the deal. A group of former federal judges asked the court to reopen the case, claiming the lawsuit may have been a sham designed to facilitate the settlement, but Trump’s lawyers said the court no longer has authority because the case was voluntarily dismissed. They maintain that the settlement reflected a legitimate legal resolution rather than collusion and warned they would appeal if the judge attempts to revive the case.

• The Trump administration has imposed export controls on Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, requiring licenses for access by foreign governments, companies, and individuals due to national security concerns. The move reportedly followed claims that one of the models could be “jailbroken,” prompting officials to view the systems as potentially sensitive technology. To comply with the new restrictions, Anthropic temporarily shut off access to the affected models for all customers while it works with the government to resolve the issue. The decision reflects a broader U.S. effort to treat frontier AI systems as strategic assets and increase oversight of their deployment and international availability.

• The U.S. and Iran appear close to reaching an agreement that could end their recent conflict and restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have expressed optimism, but there are conflicting reports about important details, including sanctions relief, shipping fees, and Iran’s nuclear activities. Markets reacted positively to the prospect of a deal, with oil prices declining on expectations that energy supplies could stabilize. However, military tensions persist, as both countries continue to exchange accusations and security incidents have occurred near the strait.

• President Trump announced that Héctor “Niño Guerrero” Guerrero Flores, the alleged leader of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was killed in a joint U.S.-Venezuelan military operation in Venezuela. U.S. officials described Guerrero as the head of a transnational criminal organization linked to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other crimes, and said the strike fulfilled a major objective of the administration’s anti-gang campaign. Venezuelan authorities confirmed the operation and said clashes with criminal groups led to Guerrero’s death. The strike highlights growing security cooperation between the United States and Venezuela and marks a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts against organizations it classifies as terrorist groups.

• U.S. and Iranian officials are signaling that a framework agreement could be finalized within the next 24 hours, with Pakistan acting as a key mediator and expressing confidence that a deal is close. The proposed agreement would reportedly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease some economic restrictions on Iran, and establish a process for addressing more difficult issues through follow-up negotiations. Despite the optimism, major disagreements remain over issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the exact terms of the agreement, with U.S. and Iranian officials often describing different versions of the deal. Military tensions have not fully subsided, as the U.S. says it continues to intercept Iranian drones near commercial shipping routes while attacks on vessels in the region persist. Even if signed, the agreement would be only an initial step, with the most contentious and technically complex issues still requiring months of negotiation and implementation.

• Green algae has reappeared in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool shortly after a major renovation project was completed. The Interior Department said the algae is a temporary, residual effect from water supply lines that sat unused during construction and is part of the startup process for the upgraded filtration system. The renovation, undertaken as part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary, included a new nanobubbler filtration system and a blue pool lining, costing significantly more than initially projected. Officials maintain that the project will permanently solve the pool’s long-standing algae problems, despite similar issues occurring after a previous renovation in 2012. This video is from CNN:

• The FCC has accelerated the process for reviewing ABC’s broadcast licenses, opening a public comment period that allows critics and supporters to argue whether the network should keep its licenses. The move came shortly after pressure from Trump and amid an FCC investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, though ABC argues the probe is being used as a pretext to target the network. Conservative groups plan to challenge ABC on a range of issues, including its political coverage, Jimmy Kimmel’s show, and programs like The View, while members of the public can also submit objections. Any challenge could trigger a lengthy legal and administrative process involving hearings, appeals, and years of litigation, even as ABC continues operating normally. ABC has hired prominent legal counsel and is aggressively contesting the FCC’s actions, arguing they amount to political retaliation and are intended to pressure the network rather than address legitimate regulatory concerns.

• Ticketmaster has restricted sales for NBA Finals Game 5 in San Antonio to customers living within 150 miles of the Frost Bank Center, limiting access primarily to local fans. The policy appears designed to reduce large-scale purchases by out-of-market buyers and ensure more tickets remain available for the home crowd. Such geographic restrictions are occasionally used for high-demand playoff games when teams want to preserve a stronger local presence in the arena. The restriction was listed directly on Ticketmaster’s event page for the game.

• According to NBC News, Trump is considering making his first trip aboard the new presidential jet—a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar—when he travels to Mount Rushmore on July 3 for America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. The aircraft has undergone months of modifications and testing to meet presidential security and communications requirements, and officials say it is nearing operational readiness. The $400 million gift has drawn bipartisan criticism and raised ethical and security concerns, especially because the plane is expected to be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation after he leaves office. If approved, the Mount Rushmore trip would serve as a high-profile debut for the aircraft amid the administration’s broader anniversary events.

• Scientists say a long-observed “cold blob” in the North Atlantic—an area south of Greenland and Iceland that has cooled even as most oceans warm—may be evidence that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is weakening. A new study found the cooling extends deep below the ocean surface, suggesting it is driven by changes in ocean heat transport rather than just atmospheric factors such as winds or clouds. The AMOC acts like a giant conveyor belt that moves warm water northward, and many researchers believe climate change is weakening it by adding large amounts of freshwater from melting ice. If the system were to reach a tipping point and eventually collapse, the consequences could include rapid sea-level rise along the U.S. East Coast, much colder winters in Europe, and major disruptions to rainfall patterns in Africa. While outside experts say uncertainties remain and the study is not definitive proof, it adds significant evidence that the unusual cold patch may be a warning sign of a broader slowdown in one of Earth’s most important climate systems.

• The United States opened its home World Cup with a dominant 4–1 victory over Paraguay, delivering one of the strongest World Cup performances in the program’s modern history. Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice and nearly added a third, becoming the first American since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. Christian Pulisic helped drive the attack, while the U.S. built a 3–0 halftime lead and later added a fourth goal through Gio Reyna. The win exceeded expectations for an opener, energized a star-studded crowd in Los Angeles, and immediately raised hopes that the Americans can make a deep run in a tournament they are co-hosting. With group-stage matches against Australia and Turkey still ahead, the result provided early evidence that coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad may be capable of achieving more than simply advancing out of its group.

• Folarin Balogun has emerged as the breakout star of the U.S. World Cup team, and his story is notable because he became eligible for American citizenship only because he was born in Brooklyn while his London-based parents were temporarily stranded in New York. Despite being raised in England and having the option to represent England or Nigeria, he chose the United States in 2023 after feeling underappreciated by England’s national team setup. His two-goal performance against Paraguay reinforced the belief that the U.S. finally has the elite goal-scoring striker it has long lacked, with teammates praising his movement, instincts, and finishing ability. The piece highlights the irony that Balogun's rise comes as debates over immigration and birthright citizenship remain politically charged in the United States. More broadly, his success is presented as an example of how U.S. Soccer has built a talented, globally connected roster by recruiting dual-national players from around the world.

See you soon.

— Aaron

One of the biggest stories tonight that is being underreported is that the Ellisons’ takeover of Warner Bros. and CNN is moving forward. If completed, it would pave the way for Bari Weiss to take over CNN.

That should concern everyone. Beyond the media consolidation issues, it comes as we are already seeing how fragile independent information ecosystems can be. Meta went down for hours today and removed several pieces of my content. That follows recent censorship issues on TikTok. Now the same consolidation pressures are reaching major media outlets.

This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. If you can, please subscribe, upgrade your subscription, or gift one today. It is going to be a very busy weekend.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• Major exclusive reporting this evening: A commercial airline pilot has filed safety reports with both the FAA and NASA after powerful moving lights used during preparations for President Trump's UFC event on the White House lawn allegedly shone directly into her cockpit while they were on final approach to Reagan National Airport (DCA).

• The pilot told me the white lights were so bright they significantly impaired visibility and were "10 times worse than any laser illumination event" the pilot has experienced, despite not involving lasers. After reporting the incident, the pilot said a local FAA office advised her to contact the White House regarding the lighting concerns, and they also submitted an internal airline safety report. The incident raises questions about coordination between White House events and aviation safety given DCA's congested airspace and the critical nature of the landing phase of flight. It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of flight safety around Reagan National following this year's fatal midair collision near the airport.

  

• The House Oversight Committee has asked attorney Alan Dershowitz to testify as part of its investigation into the federal government’s handling of the Epstein files. Chairman James Comer said the committee believes Dershowitz may have relevant information because of his past role as Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyer and documents reviewed during the investigation. The interview is tentatively scheduled for July 9, and the committee plans to release a video and transcript of the testimony. Dershowitz said he is looking forward to testifying and is working to adjust his schedule to appear.

• A federal judge rejected the Kennedy Center’s attempt to delay a court order requiring Donald Trump’s name to be removed from the institution’s branding and signage. Workers were seen preparing to take down Trump’s name ahead of the court-imposed deadline after the judge ruled that the center’s board lacked the authority to rename the venue, which was established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The ruling also temporarily blocks plans to close the center for a major renovation project. The dispute stems from a lawsuit challenging the board’s decision to rename the venue “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

• Trump filed an emergency appeal seeking to keep his name on the Kennedy Center after a court ordered its removal, while the Kennedy Center board reportedly amended its bylaws after the ruling in a way that could require repayment of donations and create major financial consequences if the Trump name is removed.

• A federal judge has indefinitely blocked the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was intended to compensate people who claimed they were unfairly targeted by the government. Judge Leonie Brinkema said the Justice Department has failed to formally confirm under oath that the fund has been abandoned, despite public statements suggesting it is no longer moving forward. The judge expressed concern that the program could reappear in another form, especially after President Trump recently praised the idea and said he would be disappointed if it were not approved. The ruling keeps the fund frozen while the court considers broader constitutional challenges, and the administration has been ordered to provide sworn declarations within a week clarifying the fund’s status.

• A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit seeking to stop the White House from hosting its planned UFC event this weekend, clearing the way for the fights to proceed on the South Lawn. Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing, failed to show they would suffer irreparable harm, and waited too long to bring the challenge. The lawsuit argued that the event improperly uses public property for a private, for-profit venture tied to President Trump’s birthday and the America 250 celebration. With the ruling, organizers can move forward with Sunday’s UFC event, including the large arena and staging structures already erected on White House grounds. This is what the White House looks like:

• Organizers of Trump’s White House UFC event are reportedly worried that swarms of insects could become a major problem during the outdoor fights. Forecasts for Sunday call for hot, humid weather and possible thunderstorms, conditions that typically lead to increased mosquito, gnat, and other bug activity in Washington, D.C. UFC president Dana White has previously complained about the large number of insects around the White House and has reportedly arranged special measures, including industrial fans and other mitigation efforts, to keep bugs away from fighters and spectators. The concern has become significant enough that some reports describe the insects as one of the biggest logistical threats to the event.

• President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., could take two to three years to build and require extensive construction that critics warn would severely disrupt traffic between D.C. and Northern Virginia. According to federal planning documents, the project would involve continuous heavy equipment operations, deep excavation, massive cranes, and year-round work in a major traffic circle near Arlington National Cemetery. Local officials, residents, and veterans groups have raised concerns about congestion, public access, and the administration’s fast-tracked approval process, while a lawsuit challenges the project’s legality. The administration says it is studying traffic impacts and expects delays to be manageable, but the total cost of the monument has not yet been disclosed.

• Trump is further “re-gilding” various horse statues in Washington, D.C. with real gold using taxpayer dollars:

• The Justice Department has approved Paramount’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing a major federal regulatory hurdle for one of the largest media mergers in recent history. Regulators concluded the deal would not significantly harm competition and approved it without requiring asset sales or other concessions. The merger would combine Paramount with major properties including CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures, and HBO Max, creating a larger competitor to streaming giants and technology companies. However, the deal still faces scrutiny from state officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, while critics warn it could lead to layoffs and further consolidation in the entertainment industry.

• SpaceX’s stock market debut became the largest IPO in history, pushing the company’s valuation above $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. Shares surged well above their IPO price on the first day of trading, dramatically increasing the value of Musk’s stake and enriching many longtime SpaceX investors and executives. The historic valuation has also sparked criticism from activists and economists who argue that such extreme concentrations of wealth pose risks to democracy and highlight growing economic inequality. At the same time, the IPO is expected to pull millions of ordinary investors into AI and space-related investments through retirement accounts and index funds, tying more Americans’ financial futures to the sector.

• The Trump administration has suspended federal funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, citing allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, misuse of funds, and inadequate oversight. Federal officials say the agency has received nearly $1 billion in taxpayer funding over the past five years and argue that funding should be halted pending an investigation. Local officials, including Los Angeles leaders who have previously criticized the agency, condemned the move as politically motivated and warned it could undermine efforts to reduce homelessness and maintain housing for vulnerable residents. The funding suspension is the latest clash between the Trump administration and California officials, following other federal funding cuts affecting projects and programs across the state.

• A shooting in Midland, Texas, left at least one person dead and 10 others injured after a gunman opened fire on police and bystanders before barricading himself inside an abandoned building. Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, who was already wanted for allegedly shooting at a police officer during a vehicle pursuit earlier in the week. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, exchanging gunfire with the suspect before he was found dead inside the building several hours later. Several victims remain hospitalized, and officials have launched an investigation into the shooting and the officers’ response.

• The U.S. and Iran are still trying to negotiate a deal despite repeated threats of military escalation and claims that an agreement is imminent. Key sticking points include access to frozen Iranian assets, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly shifted between threatening strikes and predicting peace, creating uncertainty in both diplomacy and financial markets. Analysts believe a temporary agreement is possible, but major disagreements remain and hardliners continue pushing for a tougher approach if talks collapse.

• A Venezuelan immigrant living in Wisconsin says a honeymoon trip to Miami with his Trump-supporting wife turned into a nightmare after he was detained by ICE at a security checkpoint near Trump’s Doral resort. Bryan Rojas spent more than three months in detention after authorities questioned him about his tattoos and investigated possible gang ties, allegations he denies, before an immigration judge granted him bond. Since his release, Rojas says his family has lost their home, sold their car, depleted retirement savings, accumulated more than $80,000 in debt, and remains stuck in immigration limbo while awaiting a court hearing scheduled for 2028. Despite criticizing the administration’s immigration policies, his wife, a U.S. citizen and Trump supporter, says she still supports the president, though she believes what happened to her family was unfair.

• President Trump has appointed a number of U.S. attorneys with little or no federal prosecutorial experience, and several have already faced serious setbacks. Some have had cases dismissed, been criticized by judges for misconduct, been disqualified from cases, or faced ethics investigations. Critics argue the appointments reflect a preference for political loyalty over prosecutorial expertise, while supporters say experience outside federal prosecution can also prepare someone for the role. The article highlights multiple examples where inexperience allegedly contributed to legal and procedural problems in high-profile cases.

• An elephant made an unexpected impression at the Texas Republican convention in Houston when it reportedly urinated between the press area and the delegates shortly after Governor Greg Abbott finished speaking. The elephant, a nod to the Republican Party’s mascot, had been brought to the convention as part of the festivities. The incident quickly drew attention from attendees and reporters, creating an unusual and memorable moment at the gathering. This video is from the Texas Tribune:

• A massive fire destroyed a 1 million-square-foot medical supply warehouse operated by Medline Industries in Tracy, California, prompting evacuations of nearby facilities, including Amazon and FedEx warehouses. Officials said no injuries were reported and all employees were accounted for, but firefighters continue battling the blaze nearly a day later. High winds, extreme heat, failed sprinkler systems, and low water pressure hampered firefighting efforts, allowing the building to become fully engulfed in less than an hour. Authorities are also warning nearby residents about hazardous smoke containing respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens, and at least one neurotoxin.

• A federal judge ruled that actress Blake Lively can seek reimbursement of her legal fees from the production company of actor-director Justin Baldoni, but cannot recover additional damages through the current proceeding. The decision stems from Baldoni’s previously dismissed defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, which followed her allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of It Ends With Us. Judge Lewis J. Liman said Lively could pursue damages through a separate lawsuit if she chooses. The ruling comes after the two sides settled their long-running legal dispute in May, avoiding a high-profile trial.

• A Louisiana jury awarded $1.1 billion to Pamela Lockridge, who sued over years of sexual abuse she suffered from her stepfather beginning when she was four years old in the 1960s. The case was made possible by Louisiana’s “lookback law,” which temporarily lifted filing deadlines for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims. Jurors awarded $500 million for pain and suffering, $600 million in punitive damages, and additional compensation for medical and psychological treatment. Lockridge said the verdict was about accountability and recognition of the lifelong harm caused by the abuse, while her attorneys called it a powerful message that child abusers can still be held responsible decades later.

See you soon.

— Aaron

This weekend could be the weekend a deal is signed between the United States and Iran, although I am not holding my breath. Trump is also seeking changes to the ACA that would encourage insurance companies to offer loans to people who cannot afford healthcare, and there is much more developing.

Trump’s name is set to come down from the Kennedy Center today unless a court intervenes. I’m heading to the Epstein Reading Room shortly to spend time with survivors. It’s shaping up to be another very busy day.

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Here’s the news:

• Epstein survivors released statement blasting Todd Blanche following the revelation that he worked alongside the White House to protect Trump from the Epstein files. "We deserve better. We deserve truth, transparency, and accountability. We deserve to be taken seriously when we come forward."

• The only criminal investigation into the Epstein files is heating up today. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says his investigation into Jeffrey Epstein is being hindered because the Justice Department has not provided unredacted Epstein files that could contain critical witness information and investigative leads. Torrez expressed growing frustration with what he described as an unusual lack of cooperation from federal authorities, saying access to the records is essential for pursuing the truth and advancing New Mexico’s criminal investigation. While he said he hopes the documents will be released voluntarily, he did not rule out suing the Justice Department to obtain them. The dispute adds to mounting pressure on federal officials as lawmakers, prosecutors, and victims’ advocates continue demanding greater transparency surrounding the Epstein files.

• Democrats are moving to bring Vice President JD Vance before Congress after reports revealed he played a central role in the administration’s response to the Epstein files controversy. According to the reporting, Vance warned senior officials that the issue posed a serious political threat and participated in high-level strategy meetings involving top White House, Justice Department, and FBI officials. Lawmakers are now questioning why the matter was discussed in the Situation Room and whether the administration’s response was driven by concerns about political fallout rather than transparency. The push for Vance’s testimony comes as congressional investigations into the Epstein files continue to expand and scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the issue intensifies.

• Today is the day the “Trump” name has to come down from the Kennedy Center. The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center is making a last-minute legal push to keep President Trump’s name on the performing arts venue after a federal judge ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the center’s name. The board voted to seek a stay of the court order requiring all references to Trump be removed by Friday, even though the Kennedy Center had already begun reverting to its original name in official communications and on its website. The dispute stems from Trump’s takeover of the institution earlier in his second term, when he replaced its leadership, installed allies in key positions, and announced the facility would be renamed the “Trump Kennedy Center.” We will see if a court obliges before the name has to be taken down.

• According to the New York Times, the Trump administration is encouraging health insurers to consider offering loans to Obamacare customers who cannot afford large medical bills, a proposal that has drawn criticism from health policy experts and consumer advocates. The idea comes as Affordable Care Act premiums and deductibles rise following the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, leaving many families facing thousands of dollars in additional health care costs. Administration officials argue that loans could help people manage unexpected medical expenses while allowing insurers to offer lower-premium, higher-deductible plans, including expanded catastrophic coverage options. Critics counter that the proposal would burden already struggling patients with even more debt rather than addressing the underlying problem of rising health care costs and affordability.

• According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump and his allies are discussing a congressional resolution to "expunge" his two impeachments, allowing him to claim a symbolic victory even though constitutional experts say Congress has no power to erase impeachments from history. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed support for the effort, arguing the impeachments were partisan attacks, while some Republicans and legal scholars have dismissed the proposal as largely symbolic and historically meaningless. The push is part of a broader campaign to remove perceived stains from Trump's record, including efforts to overturn past legal judgments and reshape his legacy. The measure faces uncertain prospects in Congress and is unlikely to be considered until after the midterm elections.

• Rep. Jamie Raskin has raised the possibility of impeachment proceedings against President Trump, prompting a furious response from Trump on Truth Social. In a lengthy post, Trump attacked Raskin personally and called for him to be expelled from Congress, framing the impeachment talk as a politically motivated attack. The exchange reflects escalating tensions between the White House and congressional Democrats as investigations and oversight efforts continue. While no impeachment proceedings have formally begun, Trump’s reaction suggests he views the threat as serious enough to warrant a public and highly aggressive response.

• A Texas family is fighting to stop a massive data center from being built on 87 acres of land that was donated in 1999 for use as a public park. The land was originally deeded to a public trust for $10 with the condition that it be used as parkland, but after a series of transfers it was sold in 2025 to a data center developer for $10 million. Local resident Pamela Griffin, whose family has lived near the property for generations, argues the city violated the donor’s intent and is appealing a court ruling that dismissed her lawsuit. City officials defend the project as a major source of tax revenue, while opponents warn it will harm a working-class community and set a troubling precedent for ignoring deed restrictions.

• After spending more than $13 million to “fix” the reflecting pool, algae is back. The Interior Department said crews cleaned algae from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, attributing the issue to residual algae that accumulated in water supply lines while the pool sat dormant for roughly eight weeks during renovations. Officials stressed that the algae growth was a normal part of restarting the system rather than a sign of a larger problem with the recently completed project. The department said workers are removing the algae and that newly installed nanobubbler technology is expected to help maintain water quality and prevent future algae growth. The explanation comes after photos of green water in the renovated reflecting pool drew attention and criticism online. Here is a video of the algae taken by CNN:

Iran war:

• Tensions remain high in the Gulf after U.S. forces shot down two Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian media reported that Tehran’s military stopped a tanker from passing through the vital shipping route. The incidents underscore how fragile the security situation remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, making any disruption a major concern for global markets. Both military activity and shipping restrictions continue to raise fears of a broader regional escalation.

• President Trump signaled that a deal to end the conflict could be reached within days, saying he canceled planned overnight strikes against Iran because negotiations were making progress. Trump claimed the two sides had reached a strong memorandum of understanding that could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce hostilities. However, Iranian officials quickly pushed back, saying no final agreement has been reached and that reports of a completed deal are premature. The conflicting messages have created uncertainty about the true status of negotiations.

• New reports from Iranian media describe a draft agreement that would reportedly include sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a U.S. commitment to withdraw forces from areas surrounding Iran. The proposal would also reportedly involve economic assistance and discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. The details have not been independently verified, and Washington has not publicly confirmed the existence of such an agreement. Even if negotiations are advancing, major disagreements appear to remain unresolved. Here are all of the points:

• Like clockwork, Trump disputes it:

• A key flashpoint continues to be Kharg Island, the small Persian Gulf island that handles more than 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Earlier Thursday, Trump suggested the U.S. could eventually seize Kharg Island and take control of Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, though he later appeared to soften that position as talks progressed. Analysts warn that any attempt to capture the island could dramatically escalate the conflict because it is critical to Iran’s economy and lies close to the Iranian mainland. The threat highlights how quickly diplomacy could give way to a much wider confrontation if negotiations collapse.

• Israel says it has dramatically intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, launching more than 300 airstrikes over the past week and targeting hundreds of sites it says are linked to the Iran-backed militant group. According to the Israeli military, the strikes killed around 80 Hezbollah members as part of a broader effort to eliminate threats across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. Hezbollah has continued firing rockets and other projectiles into northern Israel, saying it is acting in defense of Lebanon amid the expanding regional conflict. The fighting has taken a severe humanitarian toll, with Lebanese officials reporting more than 3,700 deaths and over one million displaced people since the war began, while Israeli authorities say 21 people have been killed in Israel during the conflict with Iran.

Other news:

• The Supreme Court blocked Alabama from carrying out the execution of Jeffrey Lee by nitrogen gas, leaving in place a lower-court ruling that found the method likely violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The decision came just hours before the execution was scheduled to take place, with a 6-3 majority refusing Alabama’s request to lift the injunction, though Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented. The case has become a major test of nitrogen gas executions, which Alabama pioneered in 2024 and which critics argue can cause prolonged suffering before unconsciousness occurs. Lee’s attorneys celebrated the ruling as a victory for constitutional protections, while Alabama officials expressed disappointment and indicated they remain committed to carrying out his death sentence through legal means.

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio compared America’s historic achievements, such as landing a man on the moon, to the spirit of innovation and ambition he sees in UFC, praising the organization for accomplishing things others thought were impossible.

• CBS News is reportedly facing internal turmoil after efforts to reverse controversial staffing decisions made under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss encountered resistance. According to the report, new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton attempted to bring back veteran staffer Draggan Mihailovich, who had previously been removed during a broader shake-up overseen by Weiss. The failed rehiring effort highlights ongoing tensions inside CBS News, where some employees are said to be unhappy with the direction of the network and changes made under its current leadership. The dispute has become another flashpoint in the broader debate over editorial independence, newsroom culture, and the influence of politically charged media figures.

• Empty seats at one of the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup have renewed criticism of FIFA’s ticket pricing and tournament accessibility, despite organizers claiming strong overall demand. While Mexico’s opening match drew more than 80,000 fans, visible sections of empty seats appeared during South Korea’s game against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, fueling concerns that high ticket prices, expensive travel costs, and visa barriers are discouraging attendance. Fan groups have accused FIFA of pricing out ordinary supporters and questioned whether the lowest advertised ticket prices were actually available in meaningful numbers. The controversy comes as FIFA defends its pricing strategy and says it has already sold more than six million tickets for the tournament.

• Ariana Grande publicly criticized the White House after it used her song “Bye” in a social media video showing ICE agents detaining immigrants, calling the video “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense” and demanding that her music not be associated with it. Following her objection, the music was removed from the post. Grande joins a growing list of artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, and Kenny Loggins, who have condemned the Trump administration for using their music in political or immigration-related content without their approval. Critics argue the White House deliberately uses popular songs to generate controversy and social media attention, while artists have accused the administration of exploiting their work to promote policies they oppose.

• The Trump administration has continued its controversial practice of deporting migrants to third countries, with a new flight carrying roughly two dozen people, including at least one Iranian woman, to the Central African Republic. The Central African Republic is one of several African nations that have agreed to accept deportees who are not their own citizens under agreements aimed at expanding U.S. immigration enforcement. Immigration advocates and lawyers have criticized the policy, arguing that migrants are being sent to unstable countries with which they have no connection and where they may face serious risks. The deportation flight became more contentious after two other Iranian women scheduled for removal won emergency court orders temporarily blocking their transfer while judges review the legality of the government’s actions.

• Federal prosecutors in the influential Southern District of New York are anxiously awaiting who will replace Jay Clayton after President Trump nominated him to become Director of National Intelligence. Although Clayton initially faced skepticism because of his ties to Trump and lack of prosecutorial experience, many prosecutors ultimately viewed him as a relatively stable leader compared with some of Trump’s more controversial Justice Department appointees elsewhere. His tenure included overseeing high-profile cases and the review of the Jeffrey Epstein files, but he also drew criticism over his handling of politically sensitive matters involving the Trump administration. With Clayton departing, prosecutors are reportedly worried that his successor could be more overtly political and less protective of the office’s long tradition of independence from the White House.

• A viral video of seven-year-old Palestinian boy Ayoub Junaid crying over his broken glasses has drawn international attention to the struggles faced by visually impaired children in Gaza amid the ongoing war and blockade. Although donors helped provide Ayoub with a new pair of glasses after the video spread online, his family says he still urgently needs specialized eye surgery and a stronger prescription that is unavailable in Gaza. Doctors and aid workers report that thousands of patients are waiting for eye surgeries and other treatments because medical facilities have been damaged, supplies are scarce, and access to specialized care remains limited. Ayoub’s story has become a symbol of the broader humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s children, many of whom are unable to obtain essential medical care despite serious health needs.

• Ukraine is preparing to ask its allies for an additional $20 billion in military funding, arguing that now is a critical moment to capitalize on recent battlefield gains and intensify pressure on Russia. Ukrainian officials say the money would fund air defenses, drones, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, long-range strike capabilities, and purchases from Ukraine’s growing domestic defense industry. Kyiv believes its increasingly effective drone and missile campaign is inflicting serious damage on Russian logistics, fuel supplies, industrial facilities, and military infrastructure, but warns that Russia could eventually adapt if support slows. Ukrainian leaders plan to make the request ahead of upcoming NATO meetings, arguing that a failure to provide the funding could allow Moscow to regain the initiative and prolong the war.

• According to The Guardian, China has arrested Min Zin, a U.S.-based scholar and founder of the think tank ISP Myanmar, on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities that allegedly threaten China’s national security. Min Zin disappeared after traveling to Kunming in China’s Yunnan province for a conference, and Chinese officials later confirmed he was being investigated. The arrest is notable because Beijing rarely detains American citizens on national security charges and it comes just weeks after President Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as both countries sought to stabilize relations. Min Zin, a former student activist from Myanmar and current Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Berkeley, is known for research on Myanmar, Chinese foreign policy, trade, and China’s influence in the region.

See you soon.

— Aaron