Surprise! I had some free time, so I filmed a midday update to make sure you all are staying up to date on such a crazy news day. I am in Arizona right now, will be giving a keynote in a couple hours, and then will be flying home this evening. So, I likely won’t have an evening video update, but as long as I have wifi, you’ll have something in your email.
With all the craziness in this world, I just want to say thank you for allowing me to do this work. It is the best job in the world. I am not backed by corporate sponsors. I am only backed by you, so please consider subscribing today:
With that, here’s the news:
A newly declassified memo confirms that U.S. intelligence agencies disagreed with a key claim President Trump used to justify deporting Venezuelans under a wartime law. The memo, echoing earlier New York Times reporting, says Venezuela’s government likely isn’t working with the Tren de Aragua gang, contradicting Trump’s justification. “While Venezuela’s permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States,” the memo states.
When asked about his past comment that Canada should become the 51st state, Trump responded, “I still think so—but it takes two to tango. I'm a real estate guy at heart.” Carney replied, “In real estate, some places just aren’t for sale. This one—Buckingham Palace—you visited it. And after speaking with Canada’s owners during the campaign, I can tell you: it’s not for sale, and it never will be.” Trump answered with a shrug: “Never say never.”
Imports from China have dropped sharply since Trump raised tariffs—now as high as 145% on many goods—intensifying the trade war. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, told CNN that imports are down about 35% compared to last year, with some shipments showing a decline of over 50%. Many U.S. businesses have canceled orders, unwilling to pay the steep costs. The port had expected 80 ships in May, but 20% have been canceled, with more cancellations already scheduled for June. “Products now cost about two and a half times more than they did just last month,” Seroka said, adding, “You still don’t know how long this is going to last.”
Trump said, “Everyone keeps asking, ‘When are you going to sign deals?’ But we don’t have to—they need to sign deals with us. We’re not worried about their market. They’ll either say, ‘Great,’ and start buying, or they won’t. That’s fine. No one’s forcing them to shop.”
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he won’t support Ed Martin, a 'Stop the Steal' organizer and Jan. 6 defendant supporter nominated by Trump for U.S. attorney in D.C.—a move likely blocking Martin’s confirmation.
When asked if there was anything Carney could say to convince him to lift tariffs on Canada, Trump simply replied, “No.” When pressed on why, he said, “That’s just the way it is.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, Pete Hegseth used multiple Signal chats to conduct official Pentagon business.
A Houthi spokesman denied that the group plans to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, calling Trump’s statement on the matter “inaccurate.”
Trump announced that the federal government will no longer fund California’s high-speed rail project.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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