President Donald Trump signed an order that makes it easier to fire about 8,000 high-paid federal workers who influence government policy. The order removes some job protections to allow the administration to dismiss employees seen as unwilling to follow lawful orders.
Key Facts
The executive order affects around 8,000 federal employees earning up to nearly $200,000 a year.
These employees mostly hold senior positions and are considered to influence government policy.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) says workers must carry out lawful orders and policy directives.
More than 348,000 federal employees have left government jobs since October 2024.
The order is part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to change how federal workers are managed.
Trump previously tried a similar approach called "schedule F," but it was undone by President Biden’s administration.
Labor unions warn this could lead to firing workers for political reasons rather than job performance.
There is a lawsuit challenging the removal of job protections for federal workers, which was paused while the Trump administration finalized the new rules.
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Businessman Zach Lahn won the Republican primary for Iowa governor, defeating President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Rep. Randy Feenstra. Lahn’s victory shows some division in Trump’s support in Iowa and highlights the influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
Key Facts
Zach Lahn is a businessman who won the Republican primary for Iowa governor.
Lahn beat Rep. Randy Feenstra, who was President Trump’s choice.
The win is a rare loss for President Trump in a primary election this season.
Lahn supports regenerative farming, which focuses on improving soil and the environment.
The Make America Healthy Again movement backed Lahn and opposes large agricultural corporations.
Lahn wants to break up big agricultural companies and help Iowa farmers get better deals.
The result may encourage Democrats who want to win the governor’s office in Iowa this year.
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Senator Ruben Gallego has taken steps to challenge a recent immigration policy change by President Donald Trump’s administration that limits green card approvals for people already in the U.S. The policy would require many applicants to leave the country to finish their green card process, which raised concerns about family separation and delays.
Key Facts
Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, sent a letter to challenge the Trump administration’s new immigration policy on green cards.
The policy, introduced in May, restricts approval of green card applications filed inside the U.S. except in "extraordinary" cases.
This change could force many green card applicants to leave the U.S. and apply from abroad, potentially causing delays and family separation.
Gallego asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review if this policy counts as a formal rule, which would let Congress try to repeal it.
The Trump administration says the policy closes a loophole and restores the intended immigration process.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later said the policy was a reminder of officers’ authority and reassured immigrants not breaking laws.
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups warn the policy could harm legal immigrants and their families and disrupt established green card processes.
Adjustment of status (applying for a green card from inside the U.S.) has been the main way many people get permanent residency for many years.
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Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She will run against Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from Congress for months due to illness.
Key Facts
Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th District.
The district is a competitive area including bedroom communities, farm towns, and President Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster.
Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent since early March due to an unspecified illness.
Bennett criticized Kean for voting for Trump’s tax law and not opposing cuts to funding for a New Jersey-New York rail tunnel.
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. and residents are concerned about rising costs for groceries and gas.
Bennett highlighted her Navy experience and affordability concerns, emphasizing she drives a simple car and is a working mother.
Voters have removed two incumbents in this district in recent midterm elections, showing it can be competitive.
Democrats see this district as important for gaining control of the narrowly divided U.S. House of Representatives.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not answer when asked if President Donald Trump and his family still have protection from IRS audits. This came after the government stopped plans for a $1.776 billion fund meant to help Trump’s allies. Bessent said he could not speak on ongoing legal matters during a Senate hearing.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent refused to say if Trump and his family remain immune from IRS audits.
The administration dropped plans for a $1.776 billion compensation fund benefiting Trump’s allies.
Bessent spoke at a Senate Finance Committee hearing focused on the Treasury Department budget.
Bessent cited ongoing litigation as the reason for not commenting.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche suggested that the part of the settlement linked to IRS audit immunity might still apply to President Trump.
Democratic lawmakers were seeking clear answers about the audit immunity during the hearing.
The hearing took place after Congress pushed back on the proposed fund.
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President Donald Trump chose Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, but some Republicans question Pulte’s background in national security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a heated argument with Pulte in 2025 but denied threatening to punch him, saying instead he threatened to "kick his a**."
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was appointed acting Director of National Intelligence by President Trump.
Pulte does not have a background in national security.
He previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Pulte oversaw mortgage fraud investigations against some of Trump’s political opponents.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had a verbal conflict with Pulte in 2025 but denied threatening physical violence.
Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell, have expressed doubts about Pulte’s qualifications.
Pulte will serve as acting director while still managing the FHFA.
The FHFA oversees major mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
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The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that could stop military action against Iran. Some Republicans may join Democrats in opposing the war, which has been ongoing for three months and has caused political debate.
Key Facts
The House is voting on a bill to end U.S. military involvement in Iran.
The war has lasted for three months and affected politics in the U.S. and internationally.
Some Republicans are willing to join Democrats to stop the war.
House Speaker Mike Johnson previously stopped a similar vote to avoid showing opposition to the war.
Political leaders are expressing frustration with how the war and peace talks are being handled.
President Donald Trump has been involved in peace negotiations with Iran and Israel.
The conflict has increased political tension within the U.S. government.
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The Senate voted 53-46 to begin debate on a bill that funds immigration enforcement agencies. The vote came after Republicans delayed the process because they opposed the White House’s proposed $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing the misuse of weapons.
Key Facts
The Senate vote was 53 in favor and 46 against.
The bill provides money for immigration enforcement agencies.
Republicans opposed a $1.8 billion White House fund called the “anti-weaponization fund.”
The vote starts several hours of debate in the Senate.
Lawmakers will vote on many amendments before the bill is finalized later this week.
This bill had been delayed for weeks due to disagreements.
The “anti-weaponization fund” is designed to stop people from misusing weapons.
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Hunter Biden denied leaving a bag of cocaine at the White House in 2023 while President Joe Biden was in office. He made this denial in a video posted on the social media site X.
Key Facts
The incident involves a claim that cocaine was found at the White House in 2023.
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was accused of leaving the cocaine there.
Hunter Biden has publicly struggled with substance abuse in the past.
He used the social media platform X to make a video statement.
In the video, he said the cocaine did not belong to him.
The video was posted during a time when he was marking seven years of something related to his life or recovery.
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Several AI policy groups have asked U.S. lawmakers to include rules in the annual defense bill that limit the military’s use of lethal autonomous weapons. These groups want protections added to the National Defense Authorization Act to control how the military may deploy such weapons.
Key Facts
AI policy groups sent a letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
The groups involved are Americans for Responsible Innovation, Alliance for Secure AI, and The AI Policy Network.
They want to add guardrails to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The guardrails would regulate lethal autonomous weapons used by the military.
Lethal autonomous weapons are systems that can select and attack targets without human control.
The request focuses on ensuring responsible use of AI in military defense projects.
This effort is part of the annual defense policy bill process.
The goal is to promote safety and ethical use of emerging military technologies.
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President Trump spoke from the White House on Wednesday after signing executive orders. His remarks included updates on the work done on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is located between the Washington Monument and other landmarks.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the White House on a Wednesday afternoon.
The speech followed the signing of executive orders by President Trump.
The administration has highlighted progress on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project.
The Reflecting Pool is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
The final protective coating for the Reflecting Pool is close to completion.
The project has faced some criticism despite the administration’s promotion of the work.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified for nearly four hours before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discussing topics including Middle East peace talks, Iran’s military capabilities, Venezuela’s political transition, and Greenland’s status. During the hearing, Rubio responded to questions about President Donald Trump’s health and the U.S. government’s foreign policies.
Key Facts
Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are holding talks at the State Department to end hostilities between their countries.
Rubio testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the State Department budget and foreign policy issues.
Democrat Rep. Ted Lieu showed videos of President Trump with his eyes closed during meetings, raising concerns about Trump’s health; Rubio called this claim “absurd and ridiculous.”
Rubio said Iran still has some drone and small boat military capabilities but not as strong as before; costly U.S. weapons are needed to counter these threats.
Venezuela has made progress toward democracy since January and its oil revenue has increased under U.S. supervision, but more time is needed for reforms.
Rubio said Greenland remains part of Denmark “for now,” while discussions continue about its strategic defense role for the U.S.
The hearing highlighted disagreements between Republicans and Democrats on Iran, NATO, and U.S. foreign aid.
Rubio is a former Florida senator and was speaking for the first time since the Iran conflict began.
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Former Vice President Mike Pence said he expects challenges concerning President Donald Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte to act as the new Director of National Intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard. Pence mentioned he does not know Bill Pulte personally when asked about the pick.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump selected Bill Pulte to replace Tulsi Gabbard as acting Director of National Intelligence.
Mike Pence, former Vice President, spoke about the selection during a CNN interview.
Pence said he does not personally know Bill Pulte.
Pence expressed that he expects there will be issues or challenges around the Pulte appointment.
The discussion occurred on the CNN program "CNN News Central."
Tulsi Gabbard was the outgoing acting Director of National Intelligence before Bill Pulte’s appointment.
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The Republican-led Senate began voting on a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies. The bill was simplified after removing a $1.776 billion settlement fund linked to President Trump's lawsuit and cutting $1 billion in White House security funding.
Key Facts
The Senate is voting on a bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
The bill was delayed due to disputes over a settlement fund and White House security money.
The $1.776 billion settlement fund for Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS was dropped after Republican opposition.
Democrats want the settlement fund included in the law despite its removal.
The bill no longer includes $1 billion for White House security, including funding for Trump’s new ballroom.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the main goal is to pass the basic funding bill.
Republicans are using a budget process called reconciliation to pass the bill without Democratic support.
GOP senators face votes on amendments that could affect the bill’s final approval.
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CBS News fired Scott Pelley, a longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent, after he criticized the new leadership during a staff meeting. The changes come amid a leadership shakeup at the network, with new executives aiming to change the direction of the iconic news program.
Key Facts
Scott Pelley was fired from "60 Minutes" after a heated staff meeting where he criticized editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and new executive producer Nick Bilton.
Pelley accused management of damaging the show's reputation and said they asked him to include false information and bias in his work.
Nick Bilton, newly installed as executive producer, said Pelley showed hostility and was not interested in helping the show's future success.
Bari Weiss became CBS News editor-in-chief in October and aims to modernize "60 Minutes," including possibly extending its length beyond 60 minutes.
The firings occurred shortly after Bilton replaced previous executives, amid complaints about political bias and changes to editorial decisions.
CBS CEO David Ellison, an ally of President Donald Trump, has been connected to shifts in the network’s direction since acquiring CBS via a merger with Paramount and Skydance Media.
Scott Pelley worked at CBS since 1989 and has won 51 Emmy Awards.
"60 Minutes" is the longest-running prime-time TV show, known for investigative journalism and tough interviews since 1968.
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Democrat Sam Forstag won the primary election for Montana’s 1st Congressional District and will run in the November general election for an open House seat. The current Republican representative, Ryan Zinke, retired due to health reasons, and Democrats hope to win this district to help gain control of the House during President Trump’s second term.
Key Facts
Sam Forstag won the Democratic primary for Montana’s 1st District.
The seat is open because Republican Ryan Zinke retired citing health issues from his time as a Navy SEAL.
Zinke served in Congress starting in 2015 and was Interior Secretary under President Trump’s first term before returning to Congress in 2022.
The Cook Political Report rates this House race as “likely Republican” but Democrats see a chance to win.
If Forstag wins, he would be the first Democrat to represent this district in 30 years.
Forstag is a smokejumper (a firefighter who parachutes into remote areas) and union leader.
He is supported by Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and a major federal employee union.
Forstag aims to win over working-class voters and young people who struggle with economic challenges in Montana.
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The U.S. military has been striking boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since September 2023, targeting those they say are involved in drug smuggling. These operations have resulted in over 200 deaths and have been defended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as legal actions based on military intelligence. President Trump has called the drug cartels terrorists and described the U.S. as being in armed conflict with them.
Key Facts
U.S. military strikes on boats off Venezuela started on September 2, 2023.
The strikes aim to stop drug smuggling by targeting suspected narcotrafficking boats.
At least 59 boats have been struck, with a total of 205 people reported dead.
The U.S. Southern Command shared videos of boats being destroyed but has not shown proof of drug involvement for every boat.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said legal officers oversee each strike to ensure legality.
President Trump declared the U.S. is in an armed conflict with drug cartels and called some cartels terrorist groups.
President Trump claimed each destroyed boat saves 25,000 American lives, but officials have not provided evidence to support this number.
The Pentagon is reviewing the strikes and their procedures.
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President Donald Trump shared a video suggesting he might keep a large UFC arena being built on the White House lawn permanently. He compared the arena to the Eiffel Tower, saying it was originally meant to be temporary but was kept, though his details about the tower's history were not fully accurate.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a video on his official TikTok account about the UFC arena at the White House.
The UFC arena is being built on the South Lawn for an event on June 14th, Trump's 80th birthday and the USA's 250th anniversary.
Trump compared the arena to the Eiffel Tower, which was initially a temporary structure but stayed longer for scientific and radio purposes.
The UFC event is called “UFC FREEDOM 250” and celebrates both Trump’s birthday and the country's milestone.
Some social media users criticized the arena for affecting the White House’s historic appearance.
Last year, Trump signed an order to protect federal buildings' classical architecture, which some see as conflicting with the arena project.
Trump often uses social media to provoke reactions, so it is unclear if he really plans to keep the arena permanently.
This arena is one of several changes Trump has made to the White House, including a large ballroom, garden renovations, and gold decoration in the Oval Office.
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Ric Grenell, a special envoy for President Trump, spoke in court after a man was sentenced for threatening him. The man, Scott Allen Bolger, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for sending a threatening message and making harassing calls.
Key Facts
Scott Allen Bolger, 33, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release for threatening Ric Grenell.
Bolger sent a threatening text message and called Grenell multiple times on the same night before Christmas.
Bolger used a Google Voice account with a fake email address to try to hide his identity.
Grenell said he received about 30 calls from an anonymous number but only one call was traced to Bolger.
Grenell gave a victim impact statement and said he was "rattled" by the experience of facing Bolger in court.
Bolger apologized in court and said his actions were not excusable despite his strong feelings about the Kennedy Center.
Grenell warned about political violence and mentioned concerns about left-wing violence increasing.
A recent study noted a rise in left-wing terrorist attacks but said these remain lower than right-wing and jihadist attacks.
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Several Republican-led states and cities have declared June as Nuclear Family Month while LGBTQ+ Pride Month is also celebrated nationally. These declarations promote a traditional family model with a mother and father and have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who see them as exclusionary and politically motivated.
Key Facts
Tennessee, Indiana, Alabama, and the city of Fate, Texas, have officially recognized June as Nuclear Family Month or similar observances.
The defined nuclear family is “one husband, one wife, and their biological, adopted, or foster children.”
Tennessee’s law was signed by Governor Bill Lee in April and promoted by the Republican caucus.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey called June “Strong Families Month” emphasizing homes led by a mother and father.
Supporters say two-parent households lead to better outcomes for children in school, behavior, and economics.
LGBTQ+ advocates argue the timing during Pride Month is meant to oppose and diminish LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.
Critics warn such proclamations can harm LGBTQ+ families by promoting rejection and exclusion.
Research shows family rejection negatively impacts LGBTQ+ youth, increasing risks of homelessness and suicide.
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