Good morning, everyone. Today is going to be an incredibly busy day, and you will get a mid-day update recapping everything that happens this morning.
Several Epstein survivors will be testifying publicly for the first time to share their stories, and I will be covering it live. In addition, Trump launched into a massive overnight tirade on Truth Social with more than 30 posts attacking Obama and others. You may not hear much about it from mainstream media because this behavior has become normalized. I do not care who the politician is. I would never normalize it.
At the same time, inflation is rising, and Trump’s disapproval rating on the economy has now hit 70%, the highest ever. And there is much more unfolding today.
The schedule will include live coverage of the Epstein survivor testimony, recaps of Hegseth’s testimony on Capitol Hill, recaps of Kash Patel’s testimony, and updates on all major developments throughout the day. It is going to be a long day, and I am ready for it. I will be tracking developments continuously and bringing you updates in real time as they happen.
Here’s the news:
House Democrats on the Oversight Committee are holding a “shadow hearing” in Florida where survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell will testify publicly under oath for the first time about their abuse. Survivor Marina Lacerda told Scripps News that many victims see the hearing as an important step toward accountability, though she expressed skepticism that major action will occur under the current Trump administration.
Lacerda said the hearing is emotionally difficult for survivors because it forces them to revisit the places tied to their abuse, but she believes it is important for educating parents and younger generations about grooming and predatory behavior. Survivors are also calling for the release of additional Epstein-related files and further investigations into others connected to the case. This is the first time many of the survivors will testify in a public setting. I will be bringing it to you live here:
A new pop-up installation in New York City is reportedly displaying what organizers describe as all 3.5 million pages of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, inviting members of the public to review the material themselves.
Overnight, Donald Trump lashed out on Truth Social again, launching a 30+ posting spree that including calling for Obama’s arrest, suggesting Obama made millions from Obamacare, and much more. I highlight this because unfortunately you will not see most major media companies covering this as they have normalized this behavior from the President. I have made clear I refuse to do that, whether this President or any other:
During a White House Police Week dinner, President Donald Trump mentioned that when he said drug trafficking was being reduced “by sea,” he meant “water” rather than “see,” prompting widespread online reactions. Critics, including political commentator Tom Nichols, argued the remark raised concerns about Trump’s cognitive sharpness, while supporters defended it as part of his conversational and comedic speaking style.
Trump praised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, saying: “We have a man who is doing a great job. I knew it! Because he kept me out of jail for years. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. He kept me out of jail.” Blanche previously served as one of Trump’s personal defense attorneys during multiple criminal investigations and prosecutions before joining the administration.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez accused the Trump administration of using the FCC to pressure media organizations and “beat a free and independent press and all media into submission” in a sharply worded letter to Josh D’Amaro. Gomez, the only Democrat currently serving on the FCC, argued that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has weaponized regulatory authority against Disney and ABC News over coverage and programming critical of President Donald Trump. She specifically cited investigations into Disney’s DEI programs, pressure involving The View, and scrutiny following ABC’s settlement connected to anchor George Stephanopoulos. Gomez called the actions “the most egregious assault on the First Amendment this FCC has taken to date” and vowed to continue challenging the agency’s actions publicly and legally.
April inflation has risen to 3.8%, the highest level in nearly three years, largely driven by economic fallout from the Iran war and higher energy prices. Analysts say that inflation is now outpacing wage growth for the first time since 2023, worsening affordability concerns for consumers as gas, travel, and other costs increase. Economists from Goldman Sachs and Citigroup also warned that rising oil prices and President Trump’s tariffs could continue pushing prices higher in the coming months. Despite inflation concerns, the U.S. job market remains relatively strong, with the economy adding 115,000 jobs in April and stock markets continuing to reach record highs.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine are testifying before House and Senate lawmakers about President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2027. The hearings come amid growing pressure over the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, as both countries continue rejecting proposals aimed at formally ending the conflict. Lawmakers are expected to question defense officials about military spending priorities, Middle East strategy, and broader national security concerns tied to the ongoing tensions.
New testimony before a House panel says the Pentagon’s estimated cost of the Iran war has climbed to $29 billion, up from the $25 billion figure defense officials disclosed earlier this month. Lawmakers questioned Defense Department officials about the rising financial toll as Congress continues debating President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget.
FBI Director Kash Patel will testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee during a hearing on the Justice Department’s 2027 budget request. Patel is expected to face questions about several controversies, including allegations in a report by The Atlantic claiming excessive drinking and management issues, as well as scrutiny over his use of FBI resources for travel to a hockey event in Italy. Patel has denied the allegations, saying he has “never been intoxicated on the job,” and has filed a $250 million lawsuit against the magazine.
Trump is now pushing to put his face on the $100 bill:
Trump is scheduled to undergo another medical and dental checkup later this month at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, according to the White House. The visit will mark Trump’s fourth publicly disclosed medical evaluation since returning to office and comes as questions about his health and age continue to draw attention ahead of his 80th birthday next month. Trump recently said he feels “literally the same” as he did 50 years ago, despite acknowledging he does not maintain a particularly healthy diet or intense exercise routine.
A new AtlasIntel poll on the 2026 U.S. midterm elections shows Democrats holding a significant advantage on the generic congressional ballot. According to the survey, 54.6% of respondents said they would support Democratic House candidates, compared with 40.1% who preferred Republican candidates, giving Democrats a lead of 14.5 percentage points. The results suggest strong early momentum for Democrats heading into the midterm cycle, though generic ballot polling this far from Election Day can shift substantially as campaigns develop. The poll also reflects broader political tensions surrounding Donald Trump’s second term and ongoing debates over the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
A new poll of 1,499 U.S. adults conducted from April 30 to May 4 found that only 30% approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, marking one of the lowest economic approval ratings of his political career and below levels seen during his first term. The survey found widespread concern over rising living costs, with 77% of respondents, including many Republicans, saying Trump administration policies have contributed to higher prices in their communities. The economy remains the top issue for voters heading into the 2026 midterms, with 55% identifying it as their primary concern. The poll also showed Democrats holding a narrow 45% to 42% advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, signaling potential difficulties for Republicans as they try to maintain control of the House.
Health officials say confirmed and probable hantavirus cases connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak have risen to 11, including two confirmed deaths and another suspected death. Sixteen American passengers have been transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where most are being monitored in quarantine while one infected passenger is being treated in a specialized biocontainment unit. Additional passengers in France and Spain are also being isolated and monitored, though several remain asymptomatic. Public health agencies, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say the overall risk to the public remains low as investigations continue into the outbreak linked to the cruise ship.
A new report from Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee claims President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policies have diverted federal law enforcement resources away from major criminal investigations and border security operations. According to the report, immigration officers and Border Patrol personnel are increasingly being reassigned from ports of entry and anti-crime duties to interior immigration enforcement across the country.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his cabinet he will not resign unless Labour’s formal leadership challenge process is triggered, despite growing pressure following major election setbacks. More than 80 Labour MPs have reportedly called for Starmer to set a timetable for stepping down, while several ministers and allies are openly discussing succession plans and internal party instability. The crisis deepened after Home Office minister Jess Phillips resigned, saying she no longer had confidence in the government’s direction under Starmer’s leadership.
The report warns that this shift is straining public safety efforts, stating: “Child exploitation investigations have been cancelled or postponed, fentanyl trafficking checkpoints are unstaffed, and Border Patrol agents are stretched thin, as many of the people who previously worked at ports of entry are being sent throughout the country to do interior enforcement.” Democrats argue the policy changes are weakening efforts to combat drug trafficking and other serious crimes while prioritizing large-scale deportation operations.
A report from The Guardian says the Trump administration has restricted the use of federal funds for fentanyl and other drug-testing strips, arguing the tools facilitate illegal drug use rather than support public health efforts. Harm reduction advocates and addiction experts warn the policy could increase overdose deaths by reducing access to inexpensive test strips that help users detect dangerous substances like fentanyl, xylazine, and medetomidine in street drugs. Critics also point out that the decision conflicts with previous bipartisan support for test strips, including legislation signed by President Donald Trump recognizing them as overdose-prevention tools.
Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia, has been charged with acting as an illegal foreign agent for China and has agreed to plead guilty, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Prosecutors allege Wang worked with associate Yaoning “Mike” Sun to operate a website that published pro-China content directed by officials from the People’s Republic of China without disclosing those activities to the U.S. government. Court documents say Wang and Sun allegedly coordinated with Chinese officials on messaging and sought approval before distributing certain political content aimed at Chinese-American audiences. Justice Department officials said the case raises serious concerns because Wang held elected office in the United States while allegedly carrying out directives linked to a foreign government.
Two Miami-Dade sheriff’s sergeants have filed a defamation lawsuit against the production company owned by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, claiming their film The Rip used too many real-life details from a 2016 drug-money case. The officers argue that although they are not named in the movie, the similarities between the fictional plot and the actual investigation have led people to believe they committed crimes portrayed in the film, including corruption and murder. The production company has denied the allegations, pointing to a disclaimer stating the movie is fictional and arguing the plaintiffs cannot prove any specific characters were based on them.
Federal authorities are investigating the deaths of at least six people found inside a shipping container at a Union Pacific rail yard in Laredo in what officials believe may be a human smuggling operation. A seventh body discovered near railroad tracks outside San Antonio may also be connected to the case. Medical officials said at least one victim, a 29-year-old woman from Mexico, died from hyperthermia, and investigators suspect the others also succumbed to extreme heat after being trapped inside the sealed container for hours. Authorities are now working to identify the victims and determine how the container traveled, while the tragedy has renewed attention on dangerous migrant smuggling methods along the U.S.-Mexico border.
French authorities arrested a 27-year-old Tunisian man accused of planning a potential terror attack in Paris, with investigators reportedly examining whether the Louvre Museum may have been a target. France’s Interior Ministry and Paris prosecutors said a judicial investigation was opened Monday as authorities continue to gather evidence about the alleged plot. Officials have not yet released full details about the suspect’s plans, motives, or possible connections to extremist groups. The arrest comes amid ongoing security concerns in France, where major cultural landmarks and tourist sites remain under heightened protection due to past terrorist attacks.
Two people suffered life-threatening injuries after a gunman opened fire into traffic near Harvard University in Cambridge on Monday afternoon, according to authorities. Officials said the suspect, identified as Tyler Brown, used an assault-style rifle and fired erratically at vehicles before being shot and subdued by a Massachusetts state trooper and a civilian identified as a former Marine. Brown was hospitalized and is expected to face multiple charges, including armed assault with intent to murder and weapons offenses. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public, while witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled the area during the shooting.
See you soon.
— Aaron
