Happy Friday! There’s been quite a bit of news since yesterday, but one topic seems to unite internet chatter: the Coldplay concert controversy. If you’re not in the loop, just keep scrolling.
Here’s what we have today:
- WSJ’s Epstein Report shakes up Trump’s world
- Trump urges DOJ to seek a partial document release
- Key information around the venous diagnosis of the president
- Colbert’s response following “Late Night” news
Jeffrey Epstein Saga
All eyes on Washington:
The Wall Street Journal has unleashed a report regarding an alleged letter sent to Jeffrey Epstein on his 50th birthday in 2003, signed by President Trump.
This report has set off a storm in Washington and has Trump reacting fervently.
➤ Here are the details on the letter:
According to the Journal, the letter features various phrases “surrounded by the outlines of a naked woman.” The paper noted, “Trump’s signature, a cheeky ‘Donald’, is underneath, resembling pubic hair.” It curiously concluded with a cheeky “Happy birthday – and may every day be another great secret.”
The Journal claims this letter was referenced in the DOJ’s investigation into Epstein, yet it’s unclear if it’s part of a recent review involving the Trump administration.
Read the WSJ report: ‘A friend of Jeffrey Epstein wrote to him for his 50th birthday album. One was from Donald Trump.’
➤ How did Trump react?
The Journal reached out to Trump just before the article dropped. He insisted, “This isn’t me. It’s fake. A completely made-up story.” Additionally, he mentioned, “I’ve never written anything like that in my life.” He threatened legal action against the publication if they proceeded with the report.
Post-release, he denounced the article: Trump fired off posts asserting he personally implored Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Journal, to stop the publication. “Murdoch said he’d handle it, but it didn’t go anywhere,” Trump stated, later indicating he’d pursue legal action against both Murdoch and the paper “quickly.”
Trump then instructed Pam Bondy, the Attorney General, to release testimony linked to the Epstein case, prompting Bondy to state she was “prepared to move through court today.” It’s noteworthy that the testimony is but a sliver of the material the government possesses regarding Epstein.
For Trump, it’s a busy morning: He questioned why Democrats didn’t publish these files when they ran the House and Senate, suggesting, “Because they had nothing!!”
➤ Allies quickly defended Trump:
Vice President Vance deemed the article “a perfect and absolute bull—,” while tech billionaire Elon Musk echoed sentiments from last month, suggesting the letter “sounds like a fake.”
Conservative advocate Charlie Kirk expressed disbelief, stating, “This isn’t how Trump communicates.”
Even Laura Loomer, previously critical of the Trump administration concerning the Epstein files, came to his defense, dismissing the authenticity of the letter entirely.
Epstein’s controversy reaches Capitol Hill:
Debates surrounding the Trump administration’s management of the Epstein files contributed to discussions on a government efficiency bill.
The House Rules Committee ultimately moved forward a resolution requesting information from the DOJ about Epstein, although it isn’t legally mandated.
📹 Check out last night’s heated discussions.
What happens next? Unclear if there will be a vote regarding the Epstein files. House Speaker Mike Johnson didn’t confirm if he’d put the measure forward, instead opting to evaluate the situation.
Reports from The Hill’s Michael Schnell and Emily Brooks highlighted the saga unfolding on Capitol Hill.
➤ Tidbit:
Axios’s Andrew Solender posted a late-night photo of 📸 The barrel driving through the Capitol.
At the White House
Trump’s health update:
President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous deficiency, a common ailment in those over 70.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump underwent a medical exam due to “mild swelling” in his leg and bruising on his hands. She stated that the tests ruled out deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
Tidbit: In a photo displayed, one of Trump’s hands showed bruising, attributed to “minor soft tissue damage from frequent manual tasks,” likely exacerbated by regular aspirin use.
What’s the takeaway? Rep. Greg Murphy (RN.C.), the sole physician in Congress, weighed in on the diagnosis.
🎙️ Other news
CBS cancels “Late Show”:
CBS News has announced the cancellation of “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert, a decision that has certainly ruffled feathers in the media world.
Why? CBS attributed the move to a “pure financial decision.”
📹 Catch Colbert’s announcement.
Timing: The cancellation follows barely weeks after CBS settled a costly lawsuit attributed to President Trump regarding a previous interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump welcomed the news: He expressed enthusiasm about Colbert’s firing, calling it a victory. He has repeatedly labeled Colbert as a “complete loser,” consistent with his portrayal of the late-night host.
Democrats are questioning the motives: Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff are seeking clarity on whether the cancellation was politically motivated.
When’s the last episode airing? May 2026 is when it’s scheduled.
➤ Related Readings:
The Atlantic’s David A. Graham questioned, “Is it really just a financial decision?“
Excerpt: “CBS, which previously prided itself on high journalistic standards, seems to have given up that legacy, allowing a known critic of Trump to depart.
Upcoming:
Both the House and Senate are out. President Trump remains in Washington. (All Times EST)
1:30pm: Trump will swear in the Internal Revenue Commissioner.
2:30pm: Trump is expected to sign a cryptocurrency bill into law Live stream.
7pm: Trump will host a dinner for Republican senators at the White House.
Monday: The Senate is set to reconvene with the first vote at 5:30pm 📆Monday Agenda.
🐝 Internet Topics
🍭 Celebrations: Today marks National Sour Candy Day, and on Sunday we’ll be preparing for National Ice Cream Day.
💋 On the Coldplay incident: During a “Kiss Cam” segment, Coldplay captured a couple at a Boston concert looking rather regretful. Chris Martin humorously speculated, “They’re either cheating or just very shy.” 📹 Watch the clip. People online think they’ve identified the couple.
😎 Is Georgetown cool?: Jessica Sidman recently penned a piece pondering, “Is Georgetown actually… cool now?” Her take? The neighborhood is seeing some exciting new restaurants pop up.
Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola: Costco has begun rotating between Pepsi and Coca-Cola products in their food courts. Are you for or against this change? Vote in our poll!
👋 And finally…
To kick off your weekend, don’t miss this entertaining Olympic moment: A golden retriever trying to swipe baby socks.
