Washington Today

Pres. Trump gives primetime address on election security; WH promises 'shocking' new evidence of potential foreign interference

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:57:00 -0000

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says President Donald Trump will in his primetime address to the nation present new evidence about election security and potential foreign interference and the "findings" will "shock" listeners; Senate Judiciary Committee holds a second day of hearings on the nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General. Witnesses include former Attorney General John Ashcroft, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse and a mother whose daughter was the victim of a crime by an illegal alien; White House teleprompter operator is accused of making nearly $100,000 in prediction market bets about what President Trump would say in speeches; Senate confirmation hearings for Labor Secretary Nominee Keith Sonderling and TSA Administration nominee David Cummins; Russell Vought, Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, testifies before the Senate Banking Committee; House Speaker Mike Johnson pulls from the House floor before a final vote a controversial veterans benefits overhaul bill; Secretary of State Marco Rubio says at an international conference on political terrorism hosted by the State Department in Washington that the greatest threat comes from terrorists on the political left.

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Senate confirmation hearings for Todd Blanche for Atty Gen., Jay Clayton for DNI, Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC Dir; House defeats amendment to cut U.S. aid to Israel

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:54:00 -0000

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says at his Senate confirmation hearing to be Attorney General that mistakes were made during the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and apologizes to survivors whose personal information was not redacted. He also says the $1.8 billion proposed anti-weaponization fund is 'dead'; Nominee for Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton refuses to answer Senate Intelligence Committee Democrats' questions about whether Joe Biden beat Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election; CDC Director nominee Dr. Erica Schwartz faces tough questions at her confirmation hearing from Republican Committee Chair Dr. Bill Cassidy, who asks if she will resist political interference in vaccine policy and other public health policy decisions; House votes on an amendment to eliminate $3.3 billion of U.S. military aid to Israel; President Donald Trump announces $10 billion in defense production investments at a defense summit at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Vice President JD Vance meets with House Republicans as they plan to move a $93 billion spending package, most of it for costs related to the war with Iran, through the budget reconciliation process that will allow them to pass it in the Senate with only Republican votes; former President Joe Biden has a new book coming out; British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says farewell as he holds his last Prime Minister's Question Time in the House of Commons in London before his resignation.

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President Trump says Gulf states' investments in U.S. will replace Strait of Hormuz 20% toll proposal

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump walks back his previous demand of 20 percent of the value of all cargo through the Strait of Hormuz as payment for the U.S. patrolling the Strait and instead says Gulf nations will be making major economic investments in the U.S.; Senate Democrats block the Senate from taking up the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing resumption of the war with Iran and failure of Republican and Democratic negotiators to reach agreement on spending levels, defense and non-defense, for the next fiscal year; Labor Department's Consumer Price Index inflation report for June was 3.5% year over year, less than expected; Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh testifies before a House committee, promising the Fed will tackle inflation and make its decisions without regard to politics; Senate swears-in its newest member, Darline Graham, appointed to serve out the term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC); Russia sanctions bill championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham before he died gets bipartisan support on Capitol Hill and in the White House; Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testify before Congress on the Supreme Court's budget request, which includes more money for security in light of increase threats; CDC update on the cyclosporiasis outbreak across the country; House passes the Sunshine Protection Act, to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.

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Senators offer tributes for Sen. Lindsey Graham; SC Gov. apppoints Sen. Graham's sister to fill the seat for now; US resumes its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz; The latest on Democratic Senate races in Maine, Michigan.

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:42:00 -0000

Congress is back in DC and a lot has changed since they left two weeks ago. The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has sent ripples through the Senate, along with the continued absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) nominated Darlene Graham Nordone to take Sen. Graham's place for now. Meanwhile, President Trump says the US is resuming its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. And the latest from Campaign 2026 on the Democratic Senate races in Maine & Michigan.

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The Weekly: Trump Wraps NATO Summit, Maine Senate Race Upended, Questions Grow Over Sen. Mitch McConnell

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:01:00 -0000

President Trump returns from the NATO summit in Turkey after allies agree to boost defense spending and expand support for Ukraine. We also look at the latest developments in indirect U.S.-Iran talks, the shakeup in Maine's Senate race after Democrat Graham Platner suspends his campaign, and the continuing questions surrounding Senator Mitch McConnell's health and absence from the Senate. Plus: a new Secret Service badge, China's helium export ban, a foiled plot targeting the White House UFC event, and other top stories from Washington.

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Weekend Edition: Dr. Oz on Coverage of GLP-1 Medication, Iran War and NATO Summit, and Democratic Socialist Candidates

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A discussion about the start of a new, temporary program covering GLP-1 medications for obesity for certain Medicare beneficiaries with Dr. Mehmet Oz of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Then: James Robbins of Institute of World Politics discusses the latest on the Iran War and this week's NATO Summit

Finally: Matt Bennett – co-founder of the center-left group "Third Way" discusses recent wins by Democratic Socialist candidates and what it means for the future of the Democratic Party.

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Bipartisan affordable housing bill to become law without Pres. Trump's signature

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:40:00 -0000

President Donald Trump says he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress because the Senate has not passed a separate bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote, so the housing bill will become law without his signature at midnight tonight under the Constitution. We will talk about that and Congress returning from its holiday recess next week with Chad Pegram, Fox News Chief Congressional Correspondent (5); Calls for further investigations in the case of an ICE agent in Houston shooting and killing an undocumented immigrant and in the case of African-American teen Nolan Wells, found dead after a weekend trip with friends; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) proposes rules to prohibit hidden fees on goods and service, what he calls junk fees; National Capital Planning Commission gives preliminary approval to President Trump's 250-foot Triumphal Arch on a traffic circle on the Virginia side of Memorial Bridge between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery; United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on Iran's nuclear program, as President Trump says U.S.-Iran peace talks can continue, but the ceasefire between the countries is no longer in effect.

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Many Maine Dems. enter U.S. Senate race after fmr. nominee Platner drops out; Hearn pleads not guilty to damaging Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:38:00 -0000

Now that Graham Platner has suspended his campaign as Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Maine, a lot of other candidates are jumping into the race. We will hear from them and talk with Maine Public reporter Kevin Miller about who is most likely to get the party's approval to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in November (12); Former Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty in D.C. Superior Court to charges he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. One of his lawyers says the Trump dministration is using Hearn as a 'scapegoat… for their own failures'; A bridge in Tennessee and an airport in Florida are named after Pres. Donald Trump; U.S. and Iran for a second day trade military strikes after Pres. Trump says the agreement to end the war is ‘over’ because of Iranian attacks on some ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz; United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting on the recent waves of Russia missiles and drones hitting Ukrainian cities, killing many civilians.

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Pres. Trump says U.S.-Iran ceasefire is over & Ukraine can produce Patriot defense missiles; Rahm Emanuel says U.S. can no longer support Israel unconditionally

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:57:00 -0000

President Donald Trump at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey says the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is over, and calls Iranian leadership 'scum' and 'cuckoo', and warned the U.S. is preparing more military strikes against Iran. Then U.S. Central Command announces those strikes have begun; President Trump also meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and says Ukraine will be allowed to produce U.S.-designed Patriot air-defense missiles to defend against Russian attacks; Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago Mayor and possible Democratic presidential candidate in a speech in Israel said that countries leaders have turned it into a 'territorial pariah' and said the U.S. can no longer provide unconditional support for Israel; Immigration activists are calling for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of a man from Mexico by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a traffic stop in Houston; Vice President JD Vance speaks in Milwaukee about the work of his White House Fraud Task Force; Campaign manager of Democratic Senate nominee from Maine Graham Platner, who is facing rape allegations, pushes back against Democratic party leaders who he says are looking to replace Platner without the input of Platner supporters; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the 10 year old plan to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is on not happening in the current Trump Administration.

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Pres. Trump at NATO Summit on defense spending, selling F-35's to Turkey, Russia-Ukraine war; Sen. Sanders says Maine Dem. Senate nominee Platner should drop out of race

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:49:00 -0000

President Donald Trump at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey says he was 'very disappointed' with NATO member states during the U.S. war with Iran and suggests the U.S. may withdraw more military forces from Europe; NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says NATO nations are on track to meet the increased defense spending goals that President Trump has demanded; President Trump tells Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that have prevented that country from buying U.S. F-35 fighter jets; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO Summit appeals for more air defense systems to counter Russia's advantage; Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) joins the long list of Democrats urging Maine's Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his candidacy after a woman he was dating says he sexually assaulted her five years ago; Gov. Josh Stein (D-NC) signs a state budget bill into law, ending multi-year a stand-off over funding priorities with the Republican-controlled General Assembly; In Great Britain, Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, resigns from Parliament to trigger a special election in which he will be a candidate. He is facing allegations he improperly took millions of pounds in gifts, and says he wants his constituents to be the judges by deciding whether to vote him back in.

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Trump Travels to NATO Summit; Campaign 2026 Senate Races Heat Up

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:57:00 -0000

President Trump departs tonight for Ankara, Turkey, for the annual NATO summit, where leaders are expected to focus on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the president's calls for European allies to take on a greater share of the alliance's defense burden. President Trump is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Before leaving Washington, he spoke with reporters at the White House during an event launching the new Trump Accounts program for children. We'll bring you some of those remarks.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is already in Ankara. He met with reporters today and addressed many of the same issues ahead of the summit. We'll hear from him as well.

And later, we'll check in on Campaign 2026, with the latest developments in key Senate races in Maine, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Alaska.

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Weekend Edition: Landmark Supreme Court Decisions: Birthright Citizenship and Party Spending in Federal Elections

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal – examining the big decisions coming out of the Supreme Court this week:

We'll hear first from former Bush Deputy Attorney General John Malcolm of the group Advancing American Freedom – and then Nation Magazine Justice correspondent Elie Mystal. The two take very different positions on the High Court's opinion upholding birthright citizenship in the U-S – striking down President Trump's executive order on that issue.

And we'll conclude with a conversation with Michael Beckel of the political reform group Issue One on the Supreme Court's decision striking down limits on party spending in federal elections.

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June jobs report; U.S. does not extend USMCA; reflecting pool 'vandalism' indictment; Spkr. Johnson & Min. Ldr. Jeffries at America 250th anniv. celebrations

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:50:00 -0000

U.S. economy adds 57,000 jobs in June, according to the Labor Department, about half what many economists expected. Unemployment rate falls from 4.3% to 4.2%, mainly due to people leaving the labor market; U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains why the Trump Administration has decided not to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. We hear from him and talk with Washington Post trade reporter David Lynch (10); Former Olympian David Hearn has been indicted on a felony charge of property destruction for what President Donald Trump has called vandalism of the Reflecting Pool between the Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanks National Guard members at a park in Washington, DC for their part in the work of the Administration's D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. He is met by protesters; More celebrations of America's 250th anniversary ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. We hear from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin on the legacy of former President Theodore Roosevelt, as a new library dedicated to the 26th president is opening in North Dakota.

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Pres. Trump asked about $1B+ crypto income; Pres. Trump opens Theodore Roosevelt Pres. Library in ND; Dem. Socialist wins Cong. primary in CO

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:42:00 -0000

President Donald Trump is asked about the over $1 billion he earned from cryptocurrency, according to a new financial disclosure; President travels to North Dakota for the opening of a new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, part of the celebration of America's 250th anniversary; another self-described Democratic Socialist Congressional candidate defeats a Democratic incumbent, this time in Colorado; Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at a central bankers meeting in Portugal does not say whether the Fed will change interest rates at a meeting later this month, but does say inflation is still too high; Vice President JD Vance speaks to troops at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach about the post-war talks with Iran, saying the President is 'negotiating from a position of strength because of you'; Justice Department announces eight alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua are charged with murder and kidnapping in Texas and Illinois; National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC marks its 50th anniversary with a rededication ceremony and the opening of new exhibits.

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Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship and state law banning transgender athletes in school sports; Rep. Kean (R-NJ) says he was hospitalized for depression

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:43:00 -0000

Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship under the Constitution's 14th Amendment, ruling unconstitutional President Donald Trump's Executive Order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens; Supreme Court also rules that states may may ban transgender girls from participating in sports at publicly funded schools; U.S. House legislative business remains at a standstill with a handful of House Republicans refusing to let bills come up for debate and votes until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and restrict mail in ballots. Today those Republicans blocked the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges oil and gas companies to lower their prices, now that the war with Iran is in the peace negotiating stage, echoing President Trump's posts, saying, 'we're watching'; First Congressional hearing today in 50 years on a former CIA program called MKUltra that experimented on human subjects with mind-control techniques and behavior-altering drugs; House passes a children's online safety bill, but it is different than what is being considered in the Senate; Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) says in a House floor speech that he has been away from Washington, DC for months because he was hospitalized with depression.

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Supreme Court Rules on Trump, Lisa Cook, Mail Ballots & Congress Moves Housing Bill

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:14:00 -0000

The Supreme Court rejected President Trump's attempt to immediately remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from office, while at the same time expanding presidential authority to remove other federal officials. The justices also upheld state laws allowing mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they arrive afterward.

On Capitol Hill, Politico reports House Speaker Mike Johnson has officially sent the bipartisan housing affordability bill to President Trump's desk after Congress approved it last week. The measure had been delayed after the president called on lawmakers to prioritize the SAVE America Act, the Republican election reform bill that remains stalled. The dispute is now spilling over into the annual defense authorization bill, with some House Republicans threatening to oppose a procedural vote unless the SAVE Act is included.

And with Independence Day approaching, we'll preview this year's National Mall fireworks celebration.

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The Weekly: Supreme Court Backs Trump on Immigration, Housing Bill Delayed & Campaign 2026 Results

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week on The Weekly, the Supreme Court hands President Trump two major victories on immigration, allowing the administration to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of migrants and continue turning asylum seekers away at the southern border. We also look at the president's decision to delay signing a bipartisan housing bill, new warnings about the U.S. Postal Service's long-term finances, and the latest inflation numbers. Plus, Campaign 2026 takes shape as primary voters head to the polls in New York and South Carolina, and we round up the week's top headlines from Washington and around the world.

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Weekend Edition: White House's $86.7B Supplemental Spending Request, Great American State Fair, and AEI Survey on American Attitudes on Civic Education and Patriotism

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A discussion with NOTUS Senate reporter Igor Bobic – on the White House's $87.6 supplemental spending request.

Then: Axios reporter Mimi Montgomery discussed this week's opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall here in Washington - part of America 250 celebrations.

Finally: as we kick off America's 250th birthday - we speak with Karlyn Bowman of the American Enterprise Institute - on AEI's recent survey regarding American attitudes on civic education and patriotism.

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John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified docs; House Oversight Cmte subpoenas billionaire Leon Black in Epstein investigation; Pres. Trump speaks at Faith & Freedom Coalition conf.

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:43:00 -0000

John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, in a plea deal pleads guilty to illegally retaining national security information, admitting to mishandling classified notes he used in a memoir. He has agreed to a $2.5 million fine and faces up to five years in prison; House Oversight Committee leaders issue subpoenas for billionaire Leon Black after they say he did not answer questions to their satisfaction in today's voluntary interview about his business relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; President Donald Trump speaks at the Faith & Freedom Coalition annual conference; Neel Kashkari, president of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, now says he expects one interest rate increase will be necessary this year; United Nations update on the pause in evacuating mariners in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacks a container ship; Israel and Lebanon sign a framework peace deal after talks mediated by the U.S.; Vice President JD Vance says the 'deep state' brought down former President Nixon like it tried to do to President Trump and the Watergate scandal with be a 12-hour news story if it happened today; Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) welcomes tall ships to Baltimore as part of the celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

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Supreme Court rules Haitians, Syrians with TPS can be deported; U.S. sends aid to Venezuela after earthquakes; inflation highest since 2023

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:29:00 -0000

Supreme Court rules the Trump Administration can move forward to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals living in the United States and does not have to offer immigrants turned away at the border the chance to apply for asylum, saying the immigrants never 'arrived in' the U.S. because they did not physically set foot in the country; Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announces that the federal immigration detention center in the Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz is closing after one year in operation; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin gets into heated exchanges over immigration policy with Democratic House Members at an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing; House conservatives shut down House floor legislative business for a second day in a row over their demands that the Senate pass the bill called the SAVE America Act to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote; Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks about U.S. aid to Venezuela after devastating earthquakes hit that country; Senate reverses itself on the Iran War in a late-night vote, now blocking a War Powers Act resolution to require the President to withdraw forces without Congressional authorization; Nominee for chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Stephen Phelan, testifies before the Senate Banking Committee as a new inflation report shows prices rose at the highest level since 2023; Vice President JD Vance talks about his new book "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith" at the Nixon Library in California.

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Pres. Trump has tense exchange with Sen. Cassidy (R-LA) over Iran War; Pres. Trump cancels housing bill signing until Senate passes voter ID bill

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:40:00 -0000

President Donald Trump meets with Senate Republicans and news reports say there were some tense exchanges over the war with Iran. On the way out, he said it was a 'good meeting' and the party is 'unified', but he is not happy with every Republican Senator. He said, 'I don’t like a few people, but I think you know who they are'; President postpones signing a bipartisan housing bill into law, he says until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote; Three left-leaning Congressional candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) win Democratic primaries Tuesday, two of them defeating Democratic incumbents; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth meets with House Republicans about the proposed increase in defense spending; Today is the four year anniversary of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning the Constitutional right to abortion; Bipartisan Congressional leadership holds a ceremony to dedicate a time capsule to honor America's 250th anniversary, scheduled to be opened when America turns 500, in 2276.

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Senate joins House in passing Iran War Power Act resolution to require Pres. withdraw U.S. military; Pres. Trump visits Pennsylvania to talk about economy

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:28:00 -0000

Senate passes an Iran War Powers Act resolution to require the President to withdraw U.S. military forces. House also passed it, but it is symbolic. It will not go to the president desk for a signature or veto, and therefore has no force of law; President Trump insists Iran will allow international nuclear inspectors to enter their country, despite what they are saying now, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a tour of Gulf states to shore up support for the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran that has halted the war; Senators are asked today about President Trump's planned visit to Capitol Hill Wednesday to meet with Senate Republicans to talk about the Iran War and the SAVE America Act to require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote; President Donald Trump tours a Mack Truck facility in a competitive Congressional district in Pennsylvania and gives a speech on his economic agenda, highlighting his tariffs, saying, 'American Roads will be filled with American Trucks'; Voters in New York, South Carolina, Maryland and Utah are casting ballots in primary elections. NYC's Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed candidates in line with his Democratic Socialist economic vision, in some cases opposing incumbent Democrats; U.S. House is expected to pass a bipartisan affordable housing bill the Senate passed Monday; Senate Democrats mark the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning the Constitutional right to abortion.

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VP Vance says Iran will allow nuclear inspectors; Senate prepares to pass housing bill

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:37:00 -0000

Vice President Vance says peace talks with Iran set "a good foundation;" The Senate prepares to pass a bipartisan affordable housing bill; and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns.

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Weekend Edition: U.S. Economic Outlook, Education & Use of A.I., and Family Research Council

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A discussion with Mike Konczal of the Economic Security Project and Richard Stern of Advancing American Freedom, discuss the U.S. economic outlook and the Iran War's impact on the economy.

Then: American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten discusses challenges facing education & the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Finally: Family Research Council President Tony Perkins discusses the Southern Poverty Law Center labeling his organization a hate group and other news of the day.

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Juneteenth federal holiday; Pres. Trump unveils new Air Force One jet; U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva postponed

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0000

On this Juneteenth National Independence Day federal holiday, we hear from two African-American U.S. Senators, Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott (R-SC); President Donald Trump unveils the Boeing 747-8 that was a gift from Qatar and will serve as the new Air Force One. It is painted the president's preferred red, white & blue; Israel and Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon after continued military fighting there led to the scheduled U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland on such issues as Iran nuclear program to be postponed; Maryland's 6th Congressional District Democrat primary matchup between incumbent April McClain Delaney and challenger David Trone could end up being the most expensive U.S. House primary ever. We will talk about it with HuffPost Senior Reporter Arthur Delaney (28) ; Great Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is looking at an impending challenge to his leadership from former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who just won a special election to a seat in Parliament, specifically so he can launch a bid to be Prime Minister. We will talk about that with C-SPAN's Westminster Correspondent Peter Knowles (41); Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) speaks on the Senate floor about Father's Day.

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Barack & Michelle Obama dedicate Obama Presidential Center in Chicago; Defense Secretary Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:41:00 -0000

Former President Barack Obama at the opening of his presidential center in Chicago calls on Americans to look to the future, saying, 'We want to find a way to look toward each other again, not further away' and 'I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious, our democracy truly is'; Vice President JD Vance defends the memorandum of understanding with Iran, saying it is 'bearing fruit' as oil starts moving through the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices drop. And he says the deal is a “win-win” for the U.S. If Iran changes its behavior, it's a transformative relationship, and if not, their military and their nuclear program is still destroyed; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces at a NATO defense ministerial a six-month review of U.S. military forces and bases in Europe.. saying 'an era of freeriding' is over; Senate Judiciary Committee approves a bill requiring the Supreme Court to allow cameras to cover oral arguments; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) presents the NBA Champion New York Knicks with the keys to the city after a massive ticker tape parade down Broadway.

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Pres. Trump says he will bomb Iran again if it violates peace deal; DNI Dir. nominee confirmation hearing canceled; Fed leaves interest rates unchanged

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:02:00 -0000

President Donald Trump in a concluding news conference at the G7 Summit in France says if Iran does not follow the agreement it will sign with the U.S. on Friday, the U.S. will resume bombing Iran; Senate confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton is postponed after President Trump prevents the nominee from testifying. Confirmation of a new DNI was expected to clear the way for Senate Democrats to support a reauthorization of a foreign surveillance tool as the Democrats opposed the president's Acting DNI Bill Pulte. Now the president says he will support the foreign spying power only if a bill to require ID to register to vote is attached, and Bill Pulte will stay as Acting DNI; Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady in the first meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh, and announces new task forces, including on data sources the Fed considers in its decisions and how the Fed communicates with the public. We will hear from the Chair and talk with Wall Street Journal economics reporter Matt Grossman (20); Senate committee holds a confirmation hearing for nominees to lead the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency and to be Deputy Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget; in Campaign 2026, President Trump gets a split decision in Georgia. The candidate he endorsed for U.S. Senator wins, and the one he endorsed for governor loses.

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Pres. Trump says he'll send U.S.-Iran deal to Congress for review; Senate defeats Iran War Powers Act res.; Senate Budget Cmte holds hearing for OMB Dep Dir nominee

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:31:00 -0000

President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France praises the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a document that normalizes relations between the U.S. and Iran after months of warfare, indicates the text could be made public before the formal signing in Switzerland on Friday, and says he could send it to Congress for review; Senate votes for a 9th time on an Iran War Powers resolution offered by Democrats to force the president to withdraw U.S. forces. It fails 47-48; President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and downplays the U.S. role in Ukraine's war with Russia, saying the U.S. has 'nothing to do' with a war that is 'thousands of miles away' and 'It has no impact on us, other than we sell weapons'; Vice President JD Vance is asked about the FBI saying it stopped a terror attack on the UFC fight event on the White House South Lawn; Federal prosecutors in Minnesota charge 15 people with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers and related crimes that 'violently oppose immigration law enforcement'; Senate Budget Committee holds a hearing for the nominee for Deputy Director of the White House Budget Office, Hal Duncan; former Vice President Kamala Harris talks about the Trump Administration's alleged weaponization of the Justice Department; Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) announces a deal to sell marijuana legally in the commonwealth.

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Trump Claims Iran Agreement Is Close; Senate Eyes FISA Extension

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:00:00 -0000

President Trump says the United States and Iran are close to finalizing an agreement to end the war, but major disagreements remain. Iran is demanding an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that won't happen. We hear from both leaders on the latest developments.

Plus, the Senate returns to Washington with a possible extension of FISA surveillance authorities and the nomination of Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence on the agenda. Senate leaders weigh in on what's ahead this week on Capitol Hill.

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Weekend Edition: Inflation at Three-Year High, Conditions at Immigration & Customs Enforcement Detention Centers, and Changes to the Federal Workforce

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A discussion with Manhattan Institute's Allison Schrager, about the new inflation numbers hitting a three-year high.

Then: ProPublica's Perla Trevizo discusses the conditions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers across the U.S.

Finally: Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service discusses the Trump administration's changes to the federal workforce.

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Elon Musk is 1st trillionaire after SpaceX IPO; reports of progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks; DNI Gabbard says U.S. funded dangerous biolab research

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:51:00 -0000

SpaceX begins trading above its listing price following a record-setting IPO, making founder Elon Musk the world's first-ever trillionaire; Victims of the deadly Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida are remembered on this 10th anniversary; reports of progress in talks to end the war between the U.S. & Iran. Pakistan's Prime Minister says “final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached” and Iranian Foreign Minister an agreement has “never been closer”; Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Sect. 702 spying power is almost certain to expire tonight, after Congress left Washington without renewing it; Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard releases what she says is evidence of U.S. government funding for more than 120 biolabs in over 30 countries where research on dangerous pathogens took place and that previous administrations covered it up; President Donald Trump threatens to revoke Washington, DC home rule if mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George, a self-described democratic socialist, wins; Hillary Clinton & Pete Buttigieg speak about the future of the Democratic party at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition conference in Chicago; FBI Director Kash Patel on security for the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.

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FISA Sect. 702 spying power set to expire after House defeats extension; Pres. Trump calls of Iran bombing, says deal to end war being finalized

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:42:00 -0000

House votes down an extension of the foreign spying power called FISA Sect. 702 a day before it is set to expire, with many Democrats upset at President Trump naming FHFA Director Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence; after the vote, President Trump nominates Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to be the next permanent DNI; Just hours after President Trump says the U.S. would strike Iran 'very hard tonight,' he calls off the bombing, claiming a breakthrough in negotiations with Iran; Secretary of State Marco Rubio signs a sports diplomacy partnership with UFC CEO Dana White; Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announces indictments against three people in Ohio for conspiring to smuggle unaccompanied minors across the U.S. border; Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Oversight Committee ranking member, accuses Vice President JD Vance of leading a 'cover-up' of the Jeffrey Epstein files after news reports about the Vice President's role in White House Situation Room meetings; First Lady Melania Trump promotes savings accounts for children in the foster care system; New York politicians talk about the NBA Knicks being one game closer to a championship and the World Cup soccer tournament getting underway.

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Trump Threatens New Iran Strikes, Bill Gates Testifies on Epstein Ties, Inflation Hits 4.2%

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:09:00 -0000

President Trump says the U.S. will resume attacks on Iran amid stalled negotiations, inflation reaches a three-year high, Bill Gates appears before the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein, and we preview tonight's Congressional Baseball Game.

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House passes $70B ICE/CPB funding on party-line vote; Pres. Trump says U.S. 'must' respond to U.S. Army helicopter downed by Iran; NASA reveals Artemis III crew

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:02:00 -0000

House joins the Senate in passing $70 billion, budget reconciliation, multiyear funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs & Border Protection, ending a four month showdown with Democrats over whether federal immigration enforcement should be reformed; President Trump says the U.S. 'must' respond to an attack from Iran on a U.S. army helicopter that was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. He said the two pilots were safe and unharmed; No apparent path forward yet on renewing the foreign spying power known as FISA Sect. 702 before it expires at the end of the week. President Trump is reportingly not willing to pull back his appointment of Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence, one of the obstacles; Interim President of the South Poverty Law Center testifies before a House committee on accusations the civil rights group secretly paid informants inside extremist groups it was supposedly trying to bring down; House Oversight Committee interviews Lesley Groff, longtime assistant to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; Congressional leaders of both parties asked about President Trump accusing California's elections of being rigged; NASA reveals the Artemis III crew; First Lady Melania Trump presents the Presidential AI Challenge Awards.

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GOP budget reconciliation bill to fund ICE & CPB moves to House; Pres. Trump attends NBA Finals game at MSG

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:27:00 -0000

Republicans’ budget reconciliation package is now in the House’s hands, and they could approve the immigration bill this week; Another contentious issue boils in the Senate, extending the government's overseas warrantless spy powers authority known as FISA. That power expires on Friday, but Congress has repeatedly punted an extension for the past two months. And throwing a wrench into this time, President Trump's decision to install Bill Pulte as director of national intelligence; President Trump demands that Israel and Iran stop 'shooting' after a weekend of strikes between the two countries. And while both sides stopped the attacks, neither side says they're backing down from the conflict; Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner (D) talks about the misconduct allegations made against him last week; Three New York Knicks fans react to President Trump attending tonight's NBA Finals Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

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Weekend Edition: Immigration Enforcement, Anti-Weaponization Fund, and PBS Frontline Documentary on Trump's "War Cabinet"

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A discussion about the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement and deportation policies with Lora Ries of the Heritage Foundation.

Then: Donald Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington discusses his organization's efforts to block the Trump Administration's "anti-weaponization fund."

Finally: PBS FRONTLINE Producer and writer Mike Wiser discusses his new documentary on President Trump's "War Cabinet"

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Senate Vote-a-Rama Begins on GOP Immigration Funding Bill as Trump Announces Key Nomination

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:04:00 -0000

The Senate vote-a-rama is underway as Republicans push toward passage of a 70-billion-dollar budget reconciliation package to fund the Trump administration's immigration enforcement priorities.

The process began this morning with an amendment from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer that would have sent the bill back to committee and prohibited funding for the President's proposed 1.8-billion-dollar "anti-weaponization fund."

That vote stretched nearly four hours before failing, 50 to 49.

Senators then turned to an amendment from North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis that would have redirected the fund's money to the Justice Department's anti-fraud efforts. That proposal was also rejected.

At the White House, President Trump announced he intends to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve permanently in the role.

The president also unveiled 700 million dollars in funding for coal plants and energy infrastructure projects across 11 states.

And President Trump weighed in on the war with Iran and his appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence.

We'll have the latest from Capitol Hill and the White House coming up.

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Senate Begins Debate on GOP Reconciliation Bill Amid High-Profile Hearings

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:07:00 -0000

On Capitol Hill, Republicans are finally moving their reconciliation package forward.

The Senate voted this afternoon to begin debate on the measure, which no longer includes funding for President Trump's proposed White House ballroom.

The bill also comes after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the administration's proposed $1.8 billion IRS "Anti-Weaponization Fund" has been dropped from the package.

Democrats, however, are vowing a fight as Republicans push to advance the legislation using the reconciliation process. We'll have the latest on where the bill stands coming up.

It was also a busy day of hearings on Capitol Hill.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced questions from lawmakers on Iran and U.S. foreign policy before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration's settlement with the IRS during a Senate Finance Committee hearing.

And Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told lawmakers he is reviewing contracts signed during the tenure of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Plus, Campaign 2026 enters a new phase following primary elections in seven states. We'll look at the results and hear what candidates had to say in several closely watched races, including contests in California and Iowa.

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Bill Pulte Faces Capitol Hill Scrutiny, Rubio Testifies on Iran & C-SPAN2 Marks 40 Years of Senate Coverage

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:49:00 -0000

President Trump's decision to name Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence draws mixed reactions on Capitol Hill, with Democrats sharply criticizing the move and some Republicans expressing caution. We hear from lawmakers weighing in on the appointment.

Also, Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the conflict with Iran, while acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces questions on Capitol Hill about the administration's proposed $1.8 billion IRS compensation fund.

Plus, primary voters head to the polls in six states, including closely watched races in California and Iowa.

And C-SPAN marks a milestone: 40 years of live Senate coverage on C-SPAN2. We look back at the launch of Senate television and hear what lawmakers are saying about four decades of cameras in the chamber.

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IRS "Weaponization" Fund Scrapped? Senate Returns, Iran Talks in Question & Primary Elections Ahead

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:23:00 -0000

The Trump administration is reportedly abandoning its controversial $1.8 billion IRS "weaponization" fund after bipartisan criticism and concerns raised by federal judges. We hear reaction from Capitol Hill and what the decision could mean for ongoing immigration funding negotiations.

Also, Iran says it has suspended talks with the United States following Israeli actions in Lebanon, while President Trump insists negotiations are continuing at a "rapid pace."

Plus, the Senate returns to Washington facing a growing legislative backlog, and voters in six states prepare to head to the polls for key primary elections. We hear from Senate leaders and candidates on the campaign trail.

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Weekend Edition: Texas GOP Senate Primary, Government Fraud, and Americans View of the Iran War

Sat, 30 May 2026 08:30:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A discussion with Cook Political Report's Jessica Taylor on what the brutal Texas GOP Senate primary tells us about President Trump's grip on the Republican party – and the bigger fight over the Senate this fall.

Then: OJ Oleka of the State Financial Officers Foundation discusses his group's efforts across the country to expose government fraud.

Finally: Institute for Global Affairs Director Jonathan Guyer discusses new polling on American views of the Iran war.

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Pres. Trump holds Situation Room meeting on possible deal to end Iran War; Former Atty. Gen. Bondi is interviewed by House Oversight Committee on Epstein files

Fri, 29 May 2026 22:45:00 -0000

President Donald Trump posts a list of requirements for any deal to end the war with Iran peacefully, then says he is meeting in the White House Situation Room to make a final determination. Some media reports say he did not reach a decision; Russian military drone hits an apartment building in Romania. U.S., NATO & the European Union condemn it as a 'reckless act' by Russia; Week ends as it began outside the Delaney Hall Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, with protesters clashing with federal agents; former Attorney General Pam sits for a closed door interview with the House Oversight Committee on the process for releasing the files of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats on the committee say she pinned the blame for any mistakes on now Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. She says that is not true; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gives a speech at the Reagan National Economic Forum in California titled “While America Slept”, arguing that U.S. policymaking has prioritized efficiency over resilience; Disney-owned ABC criticizes the Federal Communications Commission as it formally applies to renew early licenses for its eight broadcast TV stations, as the FCC demanded. One station writing, "This effort to suppress speech under the guise of bureaucratic process must not prevail"; Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) says she will not run for reelection; Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) promotes a bipartisan bill he introduced this week to overhaul the business of college sports.

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Reports of possible U.S.-Iran deal to extend ceasefire, reopen Strait, launch nuclear talks; Treasury Dept exploring $250 bill with Pres. Trump's portrait

Thu, 28 May 2026 22:53:00 -0000

There are reports of a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran to extend the ceasefire and start negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, while a new inflation report shows the increase in oil prices from the Iran war has led to the highest inflation level in three years. We will hear from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; He is also asked about an effort to put President Donald Trump's portrait on a new $250 bill, and the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund that has already postponed legislation in the Senate because of concerns from some Republicans; Vice President JD Vance, giving the commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, tells the cadets is it okay to use artificial intelligence in warfare, but 'never submit to it' and 'if the warfare of the future is to live up to the moral values of our ancestors, decisions over life and death must be made by humans and not machines'; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, visiting New York City, calls for increasing the economic and diplomatic distance between his country and the U.S., what he calls 'strategic autonomy', which, he says, will make both countries stronger; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MMI) says she will not run for the Democratic nomination for President in 2028; former Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) speaks to graduates of his alma mater, Harvard Business School; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) is asked whether he will sit with President Trump if the President attends an NBA Finals game in Madison Square Garden.

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Pres. Trump holds Cabinet meeting, talks about Texas primary results, Iran war negotiations, anti-ICE protests; retiring Sen. Durbin honored by Illinois legislature

Wed, 27 May 2026 22:42:00 -0000

President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting at the White House, talking about Tuesday's election primary results, including in Texas, where his preferred Republican nominee for U.S. Senator, Ken Paxton, defeated incumbent John Cornyn. President also talks about talks to end Iran war, saying Iran was "negotiating on fumes" and "maybe we have to go back and finish it, maybe we don't"; and the President is asked about immigration, after protesters and federal agents having been clashing outside an Immigration & Customs Enforcement detention facility in Newark, New Jersey; American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten calls for guardrails on advanced technology in classrooms, such as screen time limits and a ban on artificial intelligence in elementary schools; Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) at a retirement tribute in the Illinois state legislature in Springfield his work to ban smoking on airplanes; former Vice President Mike Pence is asked at a policy conference in Michigan if he ever picks up the phone and calls President Trump; Iowa Democrats pitch the Democratic National Committee that their state deserves to once again be among the first to hold a Democratic presidential primary in 2028.

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Pres. Trump says physical went 'perfectly'; SC Senate GOP votes down GOP-leaning Cong. district map; Fed. workers to sign NDA's under proposed rule to prevent leaks

Tue, 26 May 2026 23:03:00 -0000

President Donald Trump has a routine physical fitness examination, posting 'Everything checked out PERFECTLY'; Republican South Carolina state senators help defeat a new Congressional district lines map intended to eliminate the state's only Black majority district and make the entire delegation Republican; Election day in Texas, with the closely watch Senate Republican primary runoff where President Trump endorsed state Attorney General Ken Paxton against incumbent John Cornyn; Secretary of State Marco Rubio predicts it will take 'a couple of days' to finalize any agreement with Iran to end the war, while Iran denounces new U.S. military strikes in Iran, which the U.S. calls defensive, as a sign of 'bad faith and unreliability'; Russia threatens more, intense attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv and warns foreign nationals, including Americans, to leave for their safety; Trump Administration has proposed all federal workers be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prohibiting them from sharing 'confidential government information', in an effort to stem leaks. We will talk about it with Scott Nover, Washington Post media reporter (35); Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) is pepper sprayed while at a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark, New Jersey; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney tells supporters of a referendum in Alberta to make the province a separate country that it is a 'dangerous bluff' and they might regret it if actually passes; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) is giddy that his hometown Knicks are back in an NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

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Weekend Edition: David Hogg on Young Voters, Ken Cuccinelli on Redistricting Battles, and Trump RX

Sat, 23 May 2026 08:30:00 -0000

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.

First: A conversation with political activist David Hogg – founder of the group Leaders We Deserve -- about young voters and future of the Democratic Party

Then: We chat with former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli - national chair of the Election Transparency Initiative – on the redistricting battles sweeping the nation and how they might impact the midterm elections.

Finally: Politico Heath Care Reporter David Lim talks about "Trump Rx" and recent efforts by the Trump Administration to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

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DNI Gabbard resigns, Fed Chair Warsh is sworn in; Sec. Rubio says there's been 'slight progress' in talks with Iran to end the war

Fri, 22 May 2026 22:38:00 -0000

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigns, she says to support her husband, who has been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer; Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is sworn-in at the White House. President Donald Trump tells him he wants him to be 'totally independent' when making decisions, such as on interest rates. Warsh says he will lead a 'reform-oriented Federal Reserve'; Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden says there has been 'slight progress' in the talks with Iran to end the war; World Health Organization raises the risk of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 'high' to 'very high', but the global risk remains at 'low'; As millions set off on Memorial Day holiday weekend travel, Transportation Security Administration is looking at using more private contractors for airport security screening; In this peak time for college and university graduations, a sampling of commencement speeches C-SPAN has brought in: Gen. Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff chair, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), NBC journalist Lester Holt, Olympic gold medal winning skier Lindsey Vonn and rapper & music producer will.i.am; a tribute to CBS News Radio, going off the air after nearly 100 years.

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Senate GOP puts off debate & votes on $70 billion immigration agencies package over concerns about Pres. Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund'

Thu, 21 May 2026 23:05:00 -0000

Senate Republicans cancel floor debate and votes on a $70 billion immigration agencies package known as the Budget Reconciliation bill because of concerns among Republicans about who would qualify to receive compensation under President Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund; President announces a rollback of environmental regulations on greenhouse gas releasing refrigerants, he says, to lower grocery costs by reducing costs on supermarkets & transportation companies; Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is asked about President Trump endorsing his primary opponent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R); Democratic National Committee releasing a report on why the party lost the 2024 presidential election, along with a disclaimer that the DNC 'cannot independently verify the claims presented.' We will talk about it with Dan Merica, co-anchor of the Washington Post Early Brief (16); House Republican leaders delay a vote on an Iran War Powers Act resolution offered by Democrats to force the President to end the war; House defeats a National Women's History Museum bill. Many Democrats opposed it because the bill specifically excludes transgender women from being represented in the exhibits; Justice Department announces Medicaid fraud indictments in Minnesota; actor Noah Wyle rallies on Capitol Hill on behalf of health care workers; National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration are predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season.

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Reaction to Rep. Massie (R-KY) losing primary to Pres. Trump-backed opponent; Justice Dept. indicts fmr. Cuban Pres. Raúl Castro; fmr. Rep. Frank (D-MA) dies

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:51:00 -0000

What did the results of Tuesday's Republican primaries, especially the defeat of targeted Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), say about the power of President Donald Trump's endorsement? We hear from the President, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and an ally of Massie, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA); Justice Department indicts 94-year-old Raúl Castro, former Cuban president and defense minister, on murder and conspiracy, in the deaths of four U.S. citizens in the downing of two planes in 1996. It is part of the Trump Administration's increasing pressure campaign against the Cuban government; Senate Budget Committee advances on a party-line vote the budget reconciliation bill that Republicans are using to fund federal immigration agencies without the need to get the votes of Democratic Senators and therefore without the need to incorporate immigration enforcement reforms they demanded; President Trump is asked about the provision in his tax return leak lawsuit settlement that gives him, his family and his businesses immunity from IRS audits and prosecution for any unpaid taxes; House passes a housing affordability bill that is different than the Senate-passed version; Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. attends the signing of "Iowa MAHA", the first comprehensive state law incorporating elements of the Make America Healthy Again agenda; Senate subcommittee holds a hearing on sports betting and prediction markets regulation; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is questioned at a Senate subcommittee hearing about who paid for him and his family's cross-country Great American Road Trip promotion; former Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) has died at age 86. He was one of the first openly gay Members of Congress and remembered for being one the authors of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.

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Acting AG Blanche defends $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund; Pres. Trump endorses TX AG Paxton over Sen. Cornyn in TX Senate GOP primary runoff

Tue, 19 May 2026 23:12:00 -0000

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defends before a Senate subcommittee the newly-created $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund designed to compensate people unfairly targeted by the federal government. Democrats on the committee call it President Donald Trump's slush fund; President Trump endorses in the Texas U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn; President Trump tells reporters he was an hour away from ordering more military strikes on Iran when the request came from Mideast allies to give diplomacy another chance; President brings the media out to see the White House ballroom construction site, as Senate Democrats pledge to force Republicans to vote on whether they support a proposed $1 billion in taxpayer money for security upgrades included in a bill scheduled for floor debate this week; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention gives an update on the U.S. response to the deadly Ebola outbreak in Africa; Justice Department says Chinese executives and shipping container companies have been indicted on charges they restricted the supply of shipping containers during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise prices; Congressional Black Caucus Members celebrate that a college sports compensation bill has been pulled from the House floor schedule this week. CBC says it opposes the bill because it would "benefit major athletic institutions that continue to remain silent while Black voting rights and Black political power are being systematically dismantled across the South.”

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Trump Delays Iran Strike, Senate Budget Fight Intensifies, CDC Confirms American Ebola Case

Mon, 18 May 2026 21:53:00 -0000

President Trump says he’s delaying a planned strike on Iran after pressure from Middle Eastern allies to continue diplomatic talks. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans push ahead on their reconciliation bill after key provisions were blocked by the Senate Parliamentarian. Plus — the CDC confirms an American aid worker has tested positive for Ebola amid new travel restrictions tied to the outbreak in Africa, and voters prepare for primary elections in six states.

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The Weekly: Trump’s China Trip, Iran War Powers Fight & Senate Shutdown Pay Vote

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

President Trump travels to China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions over trade, Taiwan, and global security continue shaping Washington politics. Congress debates another War Powers Resolution tied to Iran…while the Senate unanimously votes to withhold lawmakers’ pay during government shutdowns. Plus — the head of the U.S. Border Patrol resigns amid the administration’s immigration crackdown…and President Trump unveils plans for a new “National Garden of American Heroes” in Washington’s West Potomac Park. We also look back at the 1972 shooting of Alabama Governor George Wallace during his presidential campaign.

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