It’s Wednesday. You remember the extreme humidity affecting much of the U.S. over the next couple of weeks? It’s intense. I can barely stand it—it’s just so sticky.
In today’s edition:
- Trump weighs his options regarding the conflict with Iran
- The Supreme Court affirms a ban on transgender care
- Ted Cruz goes head-to-head with Tucker Carlson
- The “Big and Beautiful Invoice” faces some obstacles
- Microsoft notes “infinite work days”
🚀Morning Update
Keeping options close to his chest:
President Trump is keeping the world guessing with his changing strategy towards Israel and Iran, being non-committal about joining Israel in the upcoming Middle East conflict.
“I might do this; I might not. No one can tell what I’m really planning,” Trump mentioned to journalists this morning when asked about potential actions against Iran.
He also hinted that Iran could reach out for consultation at the White House, but then stated, perhaps a bit late for that.
So, what’s the latest? : Trump unveiled two new flagpoles, around 100 feet tall, on the White House lawn this morning, referring to them as a “gift” from himself.
Speaking of others in Trump’s mind today: Federal Reserve ChairJerome Powell. During his flagpole speech, Trump called Powell “silly,” and suggested the Fed would likely not lower interest rates before Powell’s 2:30 p.m. press conference.
And about Iran, what’s their take? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, warned that joining Israel in the conflict would wreak “irreparable damage,” declaring that they’ll “never surrender.” (Trump seems to have urged Iran to surrender emphatically on Tuesday.)
Iran’s Supreme Leader remarked: “Ordering us to yield is unwise. What would we surrender to? We refuse to respond to any form of aggression. That’s the core of our identity.”
💬Stay updated through our live blog
➤The military looks poised for possible involvement.
Ellen Mitchell from The Hill discusses U.S. positioning in support of Israel.
What’s the specific U.S. advantage for Israel?: “The critical question for Trump might be whether to deploy a bunker buster bomb known as the GBU-57 against Iran’s nuclear site. The Iranian hawks insist on neutralizing Tehran’s nuclear threat, but Israel lacks such munitions. This pressing issue urges U.S. and Israeli officials to act.” Read more.
➤Further Readings:
- The Hill: Israel managing missile interceptor systems
- Morning Report: One of Trump’s pivotal choices
- New York Times: Iranian conflict highlights shifts in Middle Eastern doctrine
- Atlantic Ocean: Why is Russia remaining neutral towards Iran?
- Politics: Public will react to Pentagon plans for Iran.
- The Hill: What constitutes a “Bunker Buster” bomb?
At the Supreme Court
Affirming a prohibition on trans youth care:
The Supreme Court has upheld a Tennessee law that prohibits puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors.
Ruling: 6-3, following an ideological split. Three justices representing the Liberal faction opposed the decision. Chief JusticeJohn Roberts authored the majority opinion.
Why does this matter?: 23 other states have similar legislation, meaning this ruling might influence further state laws.
🔎Check out the full opinion
➤Additionally, the court has placed scrutiny on an EPA case.
The Supreme Court laid out guidelines allowing federal courts to handle matters concerning the Environmental Protection Agency.
💡What’s significant here?: “Though it sounds technical, this could shape policy outcomes, as certain regional courts may adopt a more free or conservative stance compared to D.C. federal courts,” Rachel Frazin from The Hill elaborates.
➤Just for planning:
There are 16 more cases pending before the Supreme Court goes on summer break. Opinions will be released at 10 a.m. on Fridays. More coverage from the Court team at The Hill.
📺In the news
Interesting interview unfolds:
Conservative media figureTucker Carlson and fellow conservative senatorTed Cruz(R-Texas) engaged in heated dialogue regarding Iran, leading to some fiery exchanges. Carlson teased a controversial interview clip last night, which is set for full release today.
This clip seems to be the talk of Washington at the moment.
📹Watch clips released by Carlson
Noteworthy moment: During Cruz’s statement about not knowing Iran’s population, Carlson challenged him, implying that a basic detail of the nation he aims to defeat shouldn’t escape him. Cruz responded defensively, insisting he doesn’t memorize demographic data.
Another intense exchange: Carlson pressed Cruz on Iran’s ethnic composition. Cruz mentioned that Iran predominantly consists of Persians and Shiites, but Carlson demanded specific percentage figures. The debate escalated from there.Quite a heated interview!
“Big and Beautiful” complexities:
Senate Majority LeaderJohn Tune(R-D.) faces backlash from his GOP committee over the finance bills tied toPresident Trump which largely overlook GOP senators’ worries about Medicaid cuts and the abrupt transition away from clean energy tax incentives, according to Alexander Bolton from The Hill.
What’s the issue?: Senate Republicans, worried about Medicaid cuts in the House versions, feel sidelined by the Senate’s proposed legislation.
Implications for the bill and the July 4th deadline?
➤Not a good sign:
A noticeable number of House Republicans oppose the Senate’s proposal, as reported byMichael Schnell.
Check out this quote from Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who switched parties in 2019: “It’s political foolishness. It could backfire. Why would you harm these individuals?” Van Drew commented on Medicaid reductions. “Many low-income people are affected; they are part of this evolving Republican base. We need to safeguard them, not just politically, but ethically.”
💡 Oh, and just a reminder: Whatever the Senate passes, has to align with House approval before hitting the President’s desk for signature. That’s the crux of why Senate Republicans preferred splitting the bill into two smaller ones—tackling one big bill is trickier.
➤Quick note:
White House Chief of StaffSusie Wills and fossil fuel advocateAlex Epstein are poised to attend the Senate GOP lunch today, as reported by Politico.
Upcoming Schedule
- The House is heading out. Meanwhile, the Senate is still in session, and President Trump remains in Washington, (All times in EST):
- noon Trump will conduct an ambassador’s oath ceremony.
- 1 p.m. Lunch with the Army Chief of Pakistan, Asim Munir.
- 1:45 p.m. Senate confirmation slip.📆 Today’s Agenda
- 2:30 p.m. Fed’sJerome Powell will hold a press conference.Live stream
🐝 Online Topics
🍣celebration: Today isInternational Sushi Day.
😬Heard about “Infinite Work Days”?: Well, apparently, we’re living in that reality. Microsoft revealed findings for users of Microsoft 365 showing that more employees are replying to meetings and working through them.
TikTok may get another extension: President Trump indicated that extending the TikTok sales deadline or ban might likely happen for an additional 90 days.
👋 Lastly…
Check out this adorable puppy’s first experience with a car wash—if you’ve read this far, you deserve it.
Yesterday’s 12:30 p.m. report video generated considerable interest. We’ll catch up with you in a quick recap. Got any tips or thoughts? Feel free to reach out: cmartel@thehill.com. Looking forward to connecting!
