📰 Trump touts success of Iran strikes and attack’s initial damage assessments during 23rd week in office
President Donald Trump boasted about the success of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and attended the NATO summit in the Netherlands. The strikes, involving over 125 U.S. aircraft, were said to have obliterated the nuclear sites, but a leaked report raised doubts, suggesting only a setback to Iran’s nuclear program. Trump warned of further strikes if Iran restarts its nuclear weapons program. At the NATO summit, Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to discuss important issues, including brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. NATO allies, except Spain, agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, meeting Trump’s push for greater financial responsibility. Trump urged lawmakers to pass a significant tax and domestic policy bill, emphasizing its importance in securing the border. Republicans are working to reform the bill after Senate Parliamentarian MacDonough’s ruling that certain Medicaid reforms did not comply with Senate rules.
📰 Final day of SCOTUS decisions brings wave of history-making rulings
The Supreme Court had a significant day on Friday, with decisions involving reining in judicial power and supporting parents in culture wars. The court’s more controversial rulings were split along ideological lines, with liberal justices dissenting and the Trump administration celebrating wins. In a high-profile case, the court ended the practice of nationwide injunctions, which had frustrated President Trump. The decision allows for other avenues for broad relief, such as class action lawsuits. Another ruling allowed parents to opt their children out of school lessons conflicting with their religious beliefs. The court also permitted Texas to require age verification for pornographic websites, a move praised for protecting minors. Louisiana’s congressional map case was delayed, impacting voting districts until at least 2028. The Supreme Court is preparing for its summer recess but may issue more decisions before the next term in October.
📰 Trump’s NATO Turnaround: From threatening to pull US out to ‘daddy’ of the alliance
President Donald Trump has made a significant shift in his stance towards NATO, going from criticizing the alliance to giving it a resounding endorsement at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague. This change in attitude follows NATO nations increasing their collective defense spending target from 2% to 5% of GDP. Trump’s renewed embrace of NATO comes after years of friction with world leaders and controversial comments. The transformation in Trump’s approach was unexpected, especially after U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure that were seen as a strategic warning to NATO adversaries. Trump’s blunt diplomacy and pressure on allies to boost defense spending are credited with driving real reform within the alliance.
📰 University of Virginia president resigns amid pressure from Trump admin over DEI initiatives
University of Virginia President James E. Ryan resigned under pressure from the Trump administration regarding the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ryan decided not to fight the federal government to save his job, as he had already planned to step down the following year. The Trump administration had demanded Ryan’s removal to address a Justice Department probe into the university’s DEI practices. Ryan’s focus on increasing diversity had caused tension with conservative alumni and Republican board members who criticized his efforts as being too progressive. Conservative groups accused the university of rebranding DEI programs to avoid complying with Trump’s executive orders, leading to further scrutiny and backlash.
📰 Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ faces Republican family feud as Senate reveals its final text
Senate Republicans have revealed their version of President Trump’s tax bill, facing uncertainty over its survival. The bill, a combination of various pieces from 10 Senate committees, is a result of a month-long effort to modify the House GOP’s version. A procedural hurdle must be cleared to move towards final passage, with the timing of this step still undecided. Senate Republicans aim to push the bill forward quickly, with a potential vote expected soon. However, challenges from both lawmakers and the Senate parliamentarian have complicated the process, requiring revisions to comply with Senate rules. The bill includes provisions on Medicaid reform, SALT deductions, and a rural hospital stabilization fund to address concerns and attract support. Republican leaders are working to find common ground and secure enough votes for the bill’s passage. The next steps involve a period of debate and potential amendments before a final vote. Treasury Secretary Bessent emphasizes the importance of passing the bill on time to provide businesses with tax certainty and boost the economy.
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