Good evening everyone. There is a lot to cover today as Trump pushes for $1 billion in taxpayer funding for his ballroom, a project that is already linked to toxic metal pollution in D.C. Howard Lutnick will be deposed tomorrow and I will be there covering it live. Trump is also facing backlash for using an event with children to talk about Iran, bring up Obama, and suggest that a young girl could not play volleyball because of her height. And there is more. I also sit down with Nithya Raman, who is currently running for mayor of Los Angeles.
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Here’s the news:
Howard Lutnick is scheduled to give a closed-door, transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee amid scrutiny over his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. Documents reportedly show interactions in 2012 and 2018 that appear to conflict with Lutnick’s earlier claims of minimal ties. The inquiry, led by Chairman James Comer, comes as part of broader fallout from newly released Epstein-related materials. Democrats are pressing for clarity on whether Lutnick misrepresented his relationship, while he has agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
Republicans have proposed allocating $1 billion in taxpayer funds for security upgrades tied to Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom. Although Trump previously said the project would be privately funded, the new proposal would cover extensive security measures, including fortified structures and underground facilities.
According to the Associated Press, debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing, tied to Donald Trump’s ballroom project, was dumped at a nearby public golf course and found to contain toxic substances. Tests detected metals like lead and chromium, along with other hazardous chemicals, raising environmental and safety concerns. Advocacy groups have filed lawsuits alleging the dumping was unlawful and could violate preservation and environmental laws. Federal officials say the material met safety standards, but the issue is now part of ongoing legal and regulatory disputes.
Donald Trump went off script during an event intended to promote youth sports and fitness, instead delivering a lengthy and intense rant. While speaking in front of a group of children, he discussed topics like Iran, nuclear weapons, immigration, and political opponents. The piece highlights the contrast between the event’s child-focused purpose and the serious, violent themes of his remarks. Here is him asking the kids if they knew who “Barack Hussein Obama” is.
Here is the moment Trump suggested to a little girl that she should play soccer instead of volleyball because of her height:
According to the Washington Post, the White House Counsel’s Office is privately briefing staff in the Trump administration on how to handle congressional oversight. The sessions are preparing political appointees for the possibility that Democrats could gain significant power in upcoming midterm elections. Lawyers are reviewing how oversight works and advising on best practices for responding to investigations and inquiries. The effort reflects growing concern within the administration about increased scrutiny from a potential opposition-controlled Congress.
The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena demanding the names and personal details of thousands of 2020 election workers in Fulton County, Georgia. The move is part of an ongoing federal investigation tied to claims about the 2020 election that have been widely debunked. Local officials condemned the request as intimidation and federal overreach, warning it could endanger workers who already face threats.
A statement from Pope Leo XIV pushes back against claims by Donald Trump that he supports Iran having nuclear weapons. The pope rejects the accusation, emphasizing that the Church’s mission is to promote peace and the Gospel. He also reiterates that the Church has consistently opposed all nuclear weapons. The response frames Trump’s criticism as inaccurate and calls for truthful discourse.
Marco Rubio says the U.S. aims to restore normal conditions in the Strait of Hormuz by ensuring it remains open and free of disruptions. He emphasized removing threats like mines and preventing any tolls or restrictions on passage. The goal, he said, is to return the strait to unrestricted, secure navigation as before.
Kash Patel has promoted the upcoming release of UFO-related government documents, claiming the Trump administration is dedicating resources to investigating extraterrestrial life. His remarks come as the U.S. faces ongoing tensions with Iran and domestic economic concerns, drawing attention to the contrast in priorities. Patel framed the initiative as fulfilling public interest, while also addressing rumors about his job security. The article highlights criticism and polling that suggest many Americans are more concerned with economic issues and opposition to the Iran conflict than with UFO disclosures.
Trump is moving forward with attempting to rename “ICE” to “NICE”
Palm Beach County and the Trump Organization reached a tentative trademark deal tied to renaming the airport after Donald Trump. The agreement would require airport retailers to source branded merchandise only from Trump-approved vendors. It would also give Trump authority to approve or veto how he is described in airport marketing materials. Critics say these provisions raise concerns about control and commercial benefit tied to a public facility, while supporters view them as standard branding protections.
Marco Rubio was photographed in front of a map of Cuba at United States Southern Command shortly before a planned visit to Pope Leo XIV. The timing has raised speculation that the meeting could be aimed at seeking Vatican support or approval ahead of potential U.S. military actions involving Cuba.
A United States Secret Service agent, John Andrew Spillman, was placed on administrative leave after being arrested for allegedly exposing himself and engaging in sexual activity in a Miami hotel. Authorities say he was found naked in a hallway and accused of following a woman, who reported feeling unsafe. The incident occurred while he was off duty but shortly after working security at a golf event attended by Donald Trump. Officials said the alleged behavior is unacceptable and that an internal investigation is underway alongside the criminal case.
Rep. Buddy Carter called for halting House races in Georgia and redrawing districts, even suggesting already cast votes be set aside. He argued the state should be represented by officials aligned with Republican values, saying: “We need to suspend the House races and go ahead and redistrict so that Georgians would be represented in the next two years by people who represent their values. Georgia is a Republican state. We need to remember that.”
Delta Air Lines will scale back complimentary snack and beverage service on many shorter flights starting May 19. Passengers in economy and comfort seating on flights under about 350 miles will no longer receive food or drinks, while longer routes and first-class service remain unchanged. The airline says the change is meant to create a more consistent onboard experience across its network. Travelers on shorter trips may need to bring their own snacks as a result.
Tennessee Republicans are considering redrawing a U.S. House district centered on majority-Black Memphis during a special legislative session called by Bill Lee. The move follows a Supreme Court of the United States ruling that weakened protections under the Voting Rights Act, prompting similar redistricting efforts in states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. Critics argue the plan could dilute Black voting power and dismantle a Democratic-leaning district, while supporters frame it as part of broader redistricting efforts. The proposal also comes amid pressure from Donald Trump to reshape districts ahead of upcoming elections.
Donald Trump’s border adviser, Tom Homan, warned of a major increase in immigration enforcement in New York if the state passes new sanctuary-style protections. The proposed legislation, backed by Kathy Hochul and state Democrats, would limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and expand protections for undocumented immigrants. Hochul criticized the threat, saying it contradicts earlier assurances from Trump that no surge would occur without her request.
According to the New York Times, the Food and Drug Administration blocked publication of studies indicating that Covid-19 and shingles vaccines are generally safe, with serious side effects found to be rare. The research, based on millions of patient records, was withdrawn or prevented from being presented despite being accepted or prepared for scientific forums. Officials said the studies had methodological issues, but outside experts criticized the move as potential censorship and warned it could undermine public trust in science. The decision is part of broader actions by the administration that have limited vaccine-related research and information.
A Florida woman, Renee Lynn Lambert, was arrested after allegedly kicking a child during a brawl at a youth football game in Fort Myers. Witnesses told police she repeatedly kicked a juvenile on the field, though Lambert claimed she was reacting after being hit first. She was charged with child cruelty without great bodily harm and resisting an officer. The incident, captured on body camera footage, shows her disputing the arrest while deputies detained her.
Airlines have cut about 2 million seats and roughly 13,000 flights from May schedules due to soaring jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The spike in fuel costs, driven by disruptions following attacks on Iran and concerns over supply routes, has forced carriers to reduce capacity or use smaller planes. While current shortages are limited, industry analysts warn that continued disruption could lead to broader cancellations and possible fuel rationing over the summer. Governments and airlines are preparing contingency measures to minimize travel disruptions.
Authorities in Tennessee are searching for Craig Berry, a retired special forces veteran accused of shooting his wife and fleeing into wooded terrain. Berry is wanted on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder and is considered dangerous due to his survival training and access to weapons. The ongoing manhunt is complicated by his skills and the difficult landscape, with officials warning he may have outside assistance. His wife’s condition has not been publicly disclosed.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
