It’s Monday. How’s everyone handling the first day of a break? I hope Senate staff are catching up soon!
In today’s highlights:
- Trump denies accepting Epstein’s invitation
- The trading deadline has arrived
- Putin’s timeline appears to be tightening
- The US plans to establish food centers in Gaza
- Booker advises Democrats on social media strategies
In Scotland ⛳§
Trump enjoys amateur hour*:
* ama = Please ask anything
President Trump met with British Prime Minister Keyer priority this morning in Scotland. Reporters posed questions, and he discussed various topics. Here are the key takeaways:
What has Trump been most passionate about?
- Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
- The Jeffrey Epstein scandal
- The conflict between Russia and Ukraine
♦ Let’s begin with Gaza: Trump has announced plans to set up a “food centre” in Gaza, highlighting what he described as “real hunger” amid the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.
He emphasized that Israel should address the “humanitarian catastrophe.” The British Prime Minister characterized the situation as “unbearable,” particularly regarding the plight of malnourished children in Gaza.
🔷 On the Jeffrey Epstein scandal: Trump stated that he turned down an invitation to Epstein’s private island.
Trump said: “I’ve never been to an island before [former president] Bill Clinton—I’ve probably been there 28 times… I refused because I had no privilege to go to his island. Many people from Palm Beach were invited, but I declined.”
He also dismissed a Wall Street Journal report discussing past connections to Epstein, asserting, “I don’t do pictures with women, I can tell you.” 📹
When asked about possibly pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, Trump deemed such discussions “inappropriate” at this time.
Trump shortens the timeline for Putin’s ceasefire: He expressed a shift from merely speaking with President Vladimir Putin, indicating he hopes for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict soon. “He talks—we have such lovely conversations, and yet people die the next night,” Trump said.
He predicted that Russia would agree to end the war in roughly “10 to 12 days.”
At the White House
Forget Infrastructure Week, it’s trade deadline time:
After delays, President Trump is set to enact anticipated tariffs by the end of this week.
Quick Background: Trump unveiled tariffs on various countries back in April, initially setting a 90-day timeline that he later extended to August 1st.
Update: Several trade arrangements are being cut, including those with the EU, Japan, the Philippines, and the UK.
What about China? The US and China had reached an agreement in late May to ease the trade war, reducing tariffs substantially.
The hill Sarah Fortinski has compiled key details ahead of the impending Friday deadline.
Capitol Hill ⏱§
My boss doesn’t want a shutdown:
According to Alexander Bolton, Senate Republicans report that President Trump is against a government shutdown, urging House GOP members to soften their stance as they approach the September 30 funding deadline.
You might recall a time when House Republicans stalled partisan bills back in March. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer reluctantly voted to avert a shutdown, facing backlash afterward.
But now, as Bolton notes, the political landscape has shifted: “Schumer faces pressure to push back against Trump and his allies, which may increase the risk of a shutdown,” especially with House Speaker Mike Johnson adopting a similar approach.
Read the report: “Senate GOP urges House members to revise their shutdown strategy.”
➤ Noteworthy Reading – Social Media and Corey Booker:
In a write-up by Burgess Everett, it’s highlighted that Corey Booker once thrived on social media. “He used to be live on Twitter, but now it’s turned sour,” he noted. While he believes kids shouldn’t be on social media, he still engages them in professional settings.
lol: “Not to say he’s obsessed with me,” said Martin Heinrich (D-NM). “He’ll text, saying, ‘Hey, if you tried this on social, you could boost engagement.'”
➤ New legislation in the House:
A House GOP bill seeks to rename Trump’s Kennedy Center, removing John F. Kennedy’s name.
New name: “Trump Center for Performing Arts.”
Note: Earlier this month, Republicans on the Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to rename the iconic Kennedy Center Opera House to “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.”
📃 Other news
Vance is promoting legislation:
Vice President Vance is visiting his hometown in Ohio to discuss President Trump’s “Big and beautiful” law.
He plans to highlight the law’s advantages, though some of its more contentious aspects, like Medicaid and food stamp cuts, are likely to face challenges.
For what it’s worth: Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that Vance would be a “great candidate” for the Republicans in 2028 if he decides to run. But when asked about his own candidacy, Rubio skillfully sidestepped the question, focusing on Vance instead.
*Regarding 2028 and the hate email saga**:
Though it’s only 2025, the buzz about the 2028 presidential election is already circulating.
Senator Reuben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is venturing to New Hampshire next month, a well-known stop for potential presidential candidates at the “Politics and Eggs” event hosted by the New England Council and the New Hampshire Institute for Politics.
It’s almost time
The House will be leaving soon. The Senate is also wrapping up. President Trump is in Scotland, while Vice President Vance is speaking in Ohio. (All Times EST)
12:25 PM: Trump arrives in Aberdeen, Scotland.
5:30 PM: Senate votes are scheduled, with more expected later today. 📆 Today’s Agenda
🐝 Online topics
🍫 Celebrate: Today is National Milk Chocolate Day.
What’s trending on TikTok? Coldstone has introduced a birthday cake Oreo “Taco” with a shell made from waffle cones. 📸Check it out!
👋 And finally…
Ever heard that bugs can actually enhance your golf game? Well, it depends on how you define “help.” 😉
