Trump says Bill Pulte will ‘execute the immediate downsizing’ of intelligence community in temporary role
As Donald Trump moves forward with his controversial plan to appoint Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence on June 19, he has reiterated that he’s asked Pulte “to execute the immediate and needed downsizing of the office, reverting staff to their home agencies.” In a post on Truth Social just now (even though he was supposed to be at a bill signing), the president added: “At the same time, I am looking for a permanent ODNI Nominee with experience in National Security.” He continued: “I am asking Congress to send me a short-term extension of FISA to provide time for the selection and confirmation of a permanent Head of the Agency.” Democratic lawmakers have claimed that Pulte’s appointment would jeopardize a bipartisan agreement to renew section 702 of FISA (the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act), which is set to expire on Friday. “The Radical Left Dumocrats are trying to take our National Security hostage because of unrelated issues,” Trump wrote. Share Key events When Africa’s top referee is barred from working at the World Cup after being denied entry at the US border, claims about inclusivity fall flat. Omar Abdulkadir Artan was set to make history this week as the first Somali referee at a World Cup. Instead, he’s watching from home. In this video, Morgan Ofori explores an extraordinary year for African nations amidst US travel bans. The most ‘inclusive’ World Cup ever? Doesn’t look like it.. ShareThe day so far
Donald Trump announced that the US will attack Iran on Wednesday and accused Tehran’s peace negotiators of “playing us for suckers,” just one day after claiming again that a peace deal was close. “We hit them hard yesterday and we’re going to hit them hard again today,” the president told reporters at the White House shortly after both sides exchanged fire, pulling neighboring Gulf states back into ongoing conflict in the region since late February. William Christou has our story. Trump also signed into law the GOP’s $70bn bill funding ICE and border patrol through 2029 after narrow passage in the House yesterday. Marina Dunbar has this report. Trump stood firm regarding his decision to appoint controversial loyalist Bill Pulte as America’s top intelligence official, urging Congress for a short-term extension of surveillance legislation facing intense criticism over his appointment. The president stated that Pulte has been tasked “to execute immediate and needed downsizing” within national intelligence as he prepares him for an acting role temporarily. Here’s our report. Scandal-plagued Democrat Graham Platner will face Republican senator Susan Collins in Maine’s November election in what could become crucial for Senate control. Here’s David Smith’s report. Bill Gates faced questions from House oversight committee members regarding his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. “I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct,” said Gates during his opening statement. “I have never victimized anyone.” More from Anna Betts here. Share Updated at 15.22 EDTTrump claims US military carried out ‘secret mission’ to help move 100m barrels of oil through strait of Hormuz
Maya Yang According to Donald Trump, last month, the US military executed a “secret mission” aimed at “supporting oil tankers and other commercial ships through the strait of Hormuz.” In a Truth Social post today, he stated that this effort-which he directed-“resulted in more than 100 million barrels of oil” moving through this critical chokepoint and “into open market.” Trump labeled it as “wildly successful,” emphasizing that “United States controls Strait of Hormuz, not Iran.” These latest remarks come as a shift from last month’s cabinet meeting when he repeatedly said: “Nobody’s going to control” strait Hormuz while insisting: “It’s international waters.”During that same meeting, Trump threatened action against Oman if they were involved with Iran controlling those waters saying: “It’s international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else or we’ll have to blow them up.”
Share Updated at 14.47 EDT</PDemocrats rally around Platner in Maine while Trump solidifies influence over GOP following primaries David SmithProgressives united behind Graham Platner following his primary win yesterday while Donald Trump reaffirmed his hold over GOP by backing candidates opposing those seeking release on Epstein files. Primary elections took place across four states-Maine , Nevada , North Dakota , and South Carolina – ahead o f November ’ s midterms determining control o f both chambers o f Congress. The outcomes provided mixed signals about each party’s direction.The highlight race featured Senate primary elections i n Maine where Platner captured72%of votes defeating Janet Mills who had suspended her campaign but remained listed alongside third-place David Costello based o n initial results reported b y Reuters.Graham Platnerwins Maine Democratic Senateprimary-videoThis outcome sets up what promises t o be tough general election battle against incumbent Republican senator Susan Collins-a contest likely t o help shape Senate control.Graham Platnewins Maine Democratic Senateseries-videoOther elections highlighted new issues shaping broader political landscape. South Carolina offered another test demonstrating Trump’s lasting influence over Republicans. His ally Lindsey Graham comfortably secured renominations without heading into run-off situations. In governor primaries Nancy Mace fell victim t o Trump’s efforts pushing Republicans down including calls requesting releases related t o government involvement concerning Epstein files.Yet Trump’s favored candidate Pamela Evette did not gain majority support needing instead run-offs with Alan Wilson-the state attorney general-in upcoming election later th is month.” // strong.”em– m id c l ass=”” d c– r–161omj8kd//strong– “Meanwhile longtime congressman James Clyburn quickly defeated less-known challenger competing against two remaining Republicans hoping face him off while expected remain overwhelming favorite general election.” // strong //strong>(” “)”}(“):” ):}<;)-;}”=”#”>Nevada Democrats nominated Aaron Ford-the state’s attorney general-for governor leading towards highly competitive statewide contests making headlines nationwide settling down amid clashes previously existing among contenders focusing mainly around Joe Lombardo’s governorship.” Also notable congressional battle emerged featuring Marty O’Donnell-composed music recognized worldwide especially via Halo gaming franchise set forth challenges contesting Democratic representative Susie Lee within highly charged third district setting similar drama all across political climate.” Furthermore Teresa Benitez-Thompson clinched victory within second district reaching uphill battles versus Republicans significantly outweighing her given constituency demographics.” Share<p updatedat{..}</..},{"|.}$,”%.”)..”.'”””,{})};.<>Updatedat14.07EDT..
