It’s Tuesday, and can you believe we’re already in mid-July? Seems like we just started.
In today’s update:
- Epstein Files Cause MAGA Tensions
- Trump’s Trip to Pittsburgh
- Mike Waltz Faces Fallout from “SignalGate”
- June Inflation Increases
At the White House
Let’s chat about energy and you
President Trump is looking to move on from the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein saga and is now focusing on his economic policies.
He’s heading to Pittsburgh to emphasize his energy and technology initiatives, announcing a whopping $70 billion investment in Pennsylvania.
Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) has organized a preview event for this morning.
However, back in Washington, some in the MAGA crowd are starting to turn against Trump over the Epstein situation. Republican senators are keen to avoid this controversy, having their share of problems already, especially with Democratic criticisms about Medicaid cuts.
Recent reports from Trump’s Department of Justice and the FBI suggest Epstein didn’t have a notorious client list and wasn’t murdered. It’s a significant shift from previous narratives pushed by parts of Trump’s circle.
- Attorney General Pam Bondy previously hinted she had a client list but now claims it doesn’t exist.
- Former Vice President Vance has called it embarrassing that questions surrounding the list went unasked, but now the White House also denies its existence.
- FBI Director Kash Patel previously expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on Epstein’s connections, but now distances himself from conspiracy claims regarding the issue.
- A resurfaced interview from 2024 shows Trump saying he might release the files, but backtracks, suggesting they might be fake and could harm lives.
- Conservative activist Charlie Kirk remarked on the situation, stating he trusts the government over the matter.
This change in narrative seems to have some, particularly loyal supporters like former national security adviser Michael Flynn and activist Laura Rumer, scratching their heads. They remain doubtful about this newfound desire to dismiss the Epstein controversy.
- Commentator Tucker Carlson has criticized the current narrative as baseless.
- Former Fox host Megyn Kelly echoed these sentiments, lamenting the situation on her podcast.
- Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, has suggested the White House could afford to be more transparent during this controversy.
Emily Brooks from The Hill noted that while many believe withholding the Epstein files could hurt Republicans in the long run, some strategists think it’s still too early to tell.
New perspective: Former mob boss Michael Franzese, who was once housed in the same prison as Epstein, shared his thoughts on Epstein’s situation and timing of his death.
John Stewart had some thoughts: He noted that the MAGA movement seems to be grappling with a distorted reality under Trump’s influence.
Stay tuned for more insights in upcoming reports on the administration’s plans for AI and cryptocurrency.
On Capitol Hill
Democrats Challenge Mike Waltz
Democrats are coming down hard on President Trump’s recent pick for UN ambassador, Mike Waltz, regarding his prior role as national security advisor.
You might remember the “SignalGate” scandal, where top officials discussed sensitive military issues inappropriately. Waltz lost his previous position before Trump nominated him for the new role.
During his confirmation hearing, Waltz remarked that there were no consequences for those who mishandled sensitive information.
Senator Chris Coons expressed disappointment, expecting more acknowledgment of the gravity of sharing classified information via social media.
Other News
Inflation Update:
Inflation spiked to 2.7% in June amidst tariffs affecting pricing.
The Labor Bureau’s Consumer Price Index showed a monthly rise of 0.3%, aligning with economists’ expectations of an annual increase of 2.6% to 3%.
Trump’s tariffs have started to factor in, but many were delayed until August.
For more in-depth analysis, check out The Hill’s Tobias Burns.
Supreme Court Actions:
The Supreme Court greenlit significant layoffs at the Department of Education as part of Trump’s rollbacks on federal agencies.
This decision came down in a 6-3 ruling.
For further implications on education policy, visit The Hill’s Lexi Lonas Cochran.
Upcoming Events
President Trump is in Pittsburgh today. Here’s the schedule:
12:30 PM: Departure for Pittsburgh.
2:30 PM: Trump participates in the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation event.
6:50 PM: Trump returns to the White House.
Wednesday: Hill and Newsnation are hosting the first Hillnation Summit.
Lighthearted Note
Today is National Gummy Worm Day!
Vice President Vance and family were spotted at Disneyland over the weekend. California Governor Gavin Newsom had a challenging trip.
Let’s end on a high note with a fun video I found recently; it’s a quick pick-me-up!
