Happy Thursday. Tennis star Venus Williams is set to play at the Mubadala City DC Open tonight! 🎾 She had a funny interview after her recent victory. Keep scrolling for some of my favorite quotes from it.
In today’s issue:
- DOJ interviews Epstein’s accomplice
- House panel votes to issue subpoenas
- Hulk Hogan passes away at 71
- Laura Trump drops Senate bid
- Trump’s controversial document release
The Ghislaine Maxwell interview is happening today:
Officials from the DOJ are interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell, a long-time associate of Jeffrey Epstein, in Tallahassee, Florida, as reported by ABC News.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was seen in court alongside Maxwell’s lawyer earlier today.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence after her conviction for sex trafficking and other crimes.
Note: Maxwell did not testify during her 2021 trial, but officials have been trying to gather more information since before the Trump administration.
🗨🗨️ Stay tuned for live updates on this event.
Meanwhile, in DC:
The House has adjourned early for the break and won’t return until September. Republican leaders canceled today’s session to avoid contentious votes regarding the Epstein situation, but on the way out, the House panel expressed deep divisions within the GOP.
The House’s Observation and Government Reform Subcommittee voted to issue several subpoenas, pushing the Justice Department to take over files related to the Epstein investigation.
Vote result: The committee approved the subpoenas with an 8-2 vote, with some Republican members breaking rank to support them.
Who will testify? The list includes former Attorneys General Bill Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzalez, among others.
And on the Democratic side: Subpoenas were also issued to prominent figures, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton.
- Former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller
- Former Attorneys General Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland
Trump’s position: Though he retains strong support among Republicans, the Epstein scandal has highlighted some fractures within the party. Trump is trying to navigate the controversy and has encouraged his party to avoid it. However, efforts to postpone votes on the issue show the struggle.
Senate sentiment: Some senators are frustrated with how the House conservatives handled the situation and believe it reflects poorly on the party’s agenda, especially with a government funding deadline approaching.
Read more: “GOP dysfunction on Epstein angering Senate Republicans,” as reported by Alexander Bolton.
➤ Trump’s name surfaces: The Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondy found Trump’s name mentioned multiple times in documents related to Epstein, informing him of this during a briefing in May.
Trump was told that much of the information would not be publicly released due to sensitive content.
Clarification: The mere mention of his name doesn’t imply wrongdoing, as many others are similarly listed.
Concerns arise: Previously, Trump denied being informed about his name on file, leading to questions during an ABC News inquiry.
White House response: The White House dismissed the report, labeling it “fake news” and asserting that Trump had distanced himself from Epstein in the past.
➤ Related Reads:
- Why Trump’s denial is under scrutiny
- Responses from Trump’s supporters on the Epstein documents
- Comedy portrayal of Trump regarding the Epstein scandal
- Ghislaine Maxwell’s quest for a presidential pardon
At the White House
Trump and his administration have made a concerted effort targeting familiar adversaries this week, perhaps to distract from the Epstein situation.
Here are a few strategies being employed:
1) Document releases: The administration has shared various documents from previous investigations to draw the public’s attention away.
Recent examples include: National Intelligence Directorate releasing findings on Russian election interference, and Attorney General Bondy providing reports on Clinton’s private email servers and other cases.
2) Federal Reserve focus: Trump plans to highlight his presidency’s initiatives, including a tour of the Federal Reserve amid ongoing renovation discussions.
3) Columbia settlement: Columbia University has reached a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration over federal funds related to a previous investigation.
➤ Special advisors sought: Senators Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn are looking into special advisors for the Obama case.
On the campaign trail
Lara Trump opts out of NC Senate race:
Reports indicate that President Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, will not pursue a Senate seat in North Carolina. Instead, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is expected to run for the position.
This race is significant: It will potentially shape midterm elections, especially following the retirement of Tom Tillis.
Read the deeper analysis of the race by Jared Gunn.
Other news
Hulk Hogan passes away: The wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, with his death first reported by TMZ.
WWE’s statement: “WWE mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, a Hall of Famer who brought global recognition to WWE.”
Public reactions: Many, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump Jr., shared heartfelt memories of Hogan.
Hogan made a notable appearance at last year’s Republican National Convention in support of Trump.
Looking ahead
The Senate has upcoming votes, while the House has adjourned for the summer break. President Trump remains in Washington. (All Times EST)
1:45pm: Senate votes scheduled.
3pm: Trump will sign executive orders in the Oval Office.
4pm: Trump visits the Federal Reserve.
Internet highlights
🎉 Today is National Tequila Day.
🎾 In a humorous moment: Venus Williams, back on the WTA Tour, comically noted she returned to tennis for insurance purposes after a health scare.
And finally…
A quick nod to a dog’s struggle that reminds us all not to rest our heads on water.
Feel free to reach out with feedback or tips. Looking forward to our next update!
