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Trump Endorses Congressman Missing From Washington For Nearly Three Months

By
Madeleine Jackson
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President Donald Trump on Monday threw his support behind Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), even as the two-term congressman remains largely absent from Washington and the campaign trail amid an ongoing health-related disappearance that has fueled speculation across New Jersey’s most competitive House district.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, Trump issued a glowing endorsement of Kean, who is running unopposed for renomination despite not casting a vote in Congress since March 5.

On Truth Social, Trump praised Kean as a “Great Representative” and a key ally in advancing the administration’s agenda.

“A Tremendous Advocate of our America First Agenda, Tom is working tirelessly to Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.

In offering his backing, Trump added: “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR TOM — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

The endorsement comes as Kean remains largely out of public view. The congressman has not appeared for votes in the House for nearly three months and has maintained only a limited public presence while recovering from what he has described as a serious but temporary medical condition.

In late April, Kean acknowledged for the first time that he was dealing with a “personal medical issue,” though he declined to provide details about the illness.

“My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon,” Kean said in a statement at the time. “I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent.”

Questions about Kean’s absence have intensified in recent weeks as one of the nation’s most closely watched House races begins to take shape. While the congressman has remained out of the spotlight, his official congressional and campaign social media accounts have continued posting regularly, creating an unusual situation in which voters have heard from the congressman online but rarely seen him in person.

Kean told the New Jersey Globe on May 21 that he expected to return to Washington and resume campaigning “in the next couple of weeks.”

He also sought to reassure constituents about his long-term outlook.

“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” Kean told the outlet. “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.”

Additional reassurance came from Kean’s father, former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr., who told CNN in mid-May that his son is recovering from a serious but temporary illness.

Despite his continued absence, Kean’s campaign has remained active. Following Trump’s endorsement Monday, Kean thanked the president in a post on X and encouraged New Jersey Republicans to participate in the primary.

The timing is significant because New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the country this year.

While Kean faces no Republican opposition, four Democrats — Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela — are competing for the chance to challenge him in November.

National Democrats view the district as one of their best pickup opportunities as they seek to regain control of the House. Republicans, meanwhile, are counting on Kean to defend a seat that could prove critical to preserving the GOP’s narrow majority.

Kean first won the district in 2022, defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski by just 2.8 percentage points. He secured reelection in 2024 by a somewhat wider 5.4-point margin against Democrat Sue Altman.

The Cook Political Report currently rates the race a “Toss Up,” placing it among just 18 House contests nationwide with that designation. Fourteen of those highly competitive seats are currently held by Republicans, underscoring the stakes for both parties heading into November.

For now, Trump’s endorsement provides Kean with a high-profile show of support at a moment when many voters are still waiting for the congressman to fully reemerge from the months-long absence that has become one of the most closely watched political stories in New Jersey.

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Trump Taps William Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence Following Tulsi Gabbard’s Resignation

By
Madeleine Jackson
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2
Tulsi Gabbard via Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who is stepping down later this month to care for her husband following a serious cancer diagnosis.

The move places one of Trump’s most trusted allies in charge of coordinating the nation’s intelligence community, despite Pulte having no previous senior-level intelligence or national security experience.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Pulte’s leadership overseeing the nation’s housing finance system.

“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” Trump wrote. “During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!”

Pulte will continue serving as FHFA Director while simultaneously leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in an acting capacity. The unusual arrangement has already drawn attention because the DNI is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and other members of the intelligence community.

Who Is William Pulte?

Pulte is best known as a businessman, investor, and housing finance regulator rather than a national security official.

He is the grandson of William J. Pulte, founder of homebuilding giant PulteGroup. Before entering government, Pulte worked in private equity and construction-related businesses and became widely known on social media for his philanthropic giveaways and advocacy efforts.

Trump appointed Pulte to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where he oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage giants that support much of the U.S. housing market. Under his leadership, the FHFA has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening the mortgage system while expanding homeownership opportunities.

Pulte has also emerged as one of Trump’s most outspoken allies in government. In recent months, he has referred several prominent Trump critics to federal authorities for investigation over alleged mortgage fraud, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Those allegations have been strongly disputed by the individuals involved.

Because Trump designated Pulte as acting DNI rather than formally nominating him to the permanent position, observers have speculated that Senate confirmation could prove difficult given his lack of intelligence experience and the politically charged nature of his recent actions.

Gabbard Steps Down to Care for Husband

Pulte’s appointment follows the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who announced last month that she would leave the administration effective June 30.

Gabbard said she made the decision after her husband, filmmaker Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. (RELATED: Tulsi Gabbard Resigning As National Intelligence Director)

The former Hawaii congresswoman and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel served as Trump’s top intelligence official beginning in February 2025. During her tenure, she oversaw the nation’s intelligence agencies and became a central figure in several administration efforts involving intelligence reform and declassification initiatives.

In her resignation letter to President Trump, Gabbard wrote:

“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”

…

Gabbard added: “Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage — standing steadfast through my deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, multiple political campaigns and now my service in this role.”

“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she continued. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”

She added that while significant progress had been made during her tenure, her family’s needs had to take priority during what she described as a difficult and uncertain period.

Trump accepted Gabbard’s resignation and praised her service to the administration.

Questions Surrounding the Appointment

Pulte’s appointment immediately raises questions about the future direction of the intelligence community.

Traditionally, Directors of National Intelligence have come from backgrounds in intelligence, military leadership, diplomacy, or national security. Pulte’s experience centers primarily on housing finance, business, and financial oversight.

Supporters argue that his experience managing sensitive financial systems and large government-backed institutions demonstrates the leadership skills needed to oversee a complex bureaucracy. Critics counter that intelligence operations require specialized expertise that Pulte has not previously demonstrated.

For now, Trump appears to be relying on a trusted ally to temporarily fill one of the government’s most sensitive positions while maintaining leadership at the FHFA.

Pulte is expected to assume his intelligence responsibilities following Gabbard’s departure on June 30.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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Trump Reportedly Plans To Scrap Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund

By
Madeleine Jackson
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President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

President Donald Trump is expected to abandon his controversial $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund following mounting backlash from Republicans, according to a report from Axios’ Marc Caputo.

An administration source told Axios that the fund is “dead for now.”

The fund was announced by the Department of Justice last month after the Trump administration settled the president’s lawsuit against the IRS. According to a DOJ press release, the fund was intended to “provide a systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare” and would have the authority to issue “formal apologies and monetary relief owed to claimants.”

Critics quickly labeled the initiative a “slush fund” for Trump allies.

Former Vice President Mike Pence called on Trump to eliminate the fund during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press over the weekend.

“Let’s get rid of this fund,” Pence said. “I mean, it’s deeply offensive to me that you could have a fund that could even possibly compensate people who assaulted police officers or vandalized the Capitol on January 6th.”

According to Mediaite, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) discussed the fund with Trump at the White House on Monday as criticism intensified on Capitol Hill.

The development comes after U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered the Justice Department on Friday not to establish the fund while litigation surrounding the proposal remains ongoing.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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Prosecutor Suddenly Steps Aside In James Comey ‘86 47’ Threat Case As Trial Looms

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    Image via Wikimedia Commons

    The federal prosecutor leading the Justice Department’s controversial criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey has abruptly stepped down, according to a new court filing — adding another twist to one of the most politically charged prosecutions of President Trump’s second term.

    A notice of substitution filed Friday in the Eastern District of North Carolina revealed that Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo will replace Matthew Petracca as counsel for the government.

    The filing, submitted by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle, requested that Petracca be removed from the court docket but offered no explanation for the sudden change.

    The shakeup comes as Comey prepares to fight charges stemming from a social media post featuring seashells arranged to read “86 47” — a message prosecutors allege amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.

    Comey faces two federal counts, including threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

    The phrase “86” is commonly used in restaurants to mean removing or discontinuing an item. But Trump administration officials argue the number carries a darker meaning in criminal circles and law enforcement culture.

    “Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in an April 28 statement announcing the indictment.

    “The grand jury returned an indictment alleging James Comey did just that, at a time when this country has witnessed violent incitement followed by deadly actions against President Trump and other elected officials,” Blanche added. “The temperature needs to be turned down, and anyone who dials it up and threatens the life of the President will be held accountable.”

    FBI Director Kash Patel was equally blunt.

    “James Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump’s life and posted it on Instagram for the world to see,” Patel said. “As the former Director of the FBI, he knew full well the attention and consequences of making such a post. This FBI and our DOJ partners pursued a rigorous investigation that followed the facts – and now Mr. Comey will be held fully accountable for his actions.”

    Comey has vehemently denied that the image was intended as a threat, insisting he viewed the seashell arrangement as political expression rather than a call for violence.

    His legal team is expected to mount an aggressive First Amendment defense.

    “If Comey is charged for the shell picture, it would face a monumental challenge under the First Amendment,” constitutional law expert Jonathan Turley told Fox News shortly after the indictment. “In my view, the image itself is clearly protected speech. Absent some other unknown facts or elements, it would be unlikely to survive a threshold constitutional challenge.”

    The prosecution has reignited a years-long feud between Trump and Comey that dates back nearly a decade.

    Trump famously fired Comey as FBI director in May 2017 amid the bureau’s investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. The dismissal triggered political shockwaves in Washington and ultimately helped lead to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

    Since leaving office, Comey has emerged as one of Trump’s most outspoken critics, frequently warning that a second Trump administration could threaten democratic institutions and the rule of law. Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused Comey of abusing the powers of the FBI and helping fuel what he calls the “Russia hoax.”

    The bad blood only intensified after Comey published a bestselling memoir sharply critical of the president and became a regular voice against Trump during the 2020 and 2024 election cycles.

    Now, the former FBI chief finds himself on the opposite side of the courtroom from the administration he once investigated.

    The case is being prosecuted in North Carolina, where authorities say the seashell photograph was taken.

    “No one is above the law in the Eastern District of North Carolina,” Boyle said after the indictment. “Our office regularly pursues threat cases including those against public officials. The Grand Jury examined the evidence in this case and found probable cause to indict Mr. Comey.”

    The trial is currently scheduled for October after U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan granted Comey’s request for additional time.

    Meanwhile, NBC News reported that Petracca has recently been removed from other criminal cases as well. According to sources cited by the outlet, the prosecutor considered leaving the Justice Department altogether before ultimately deciding to remain after taking a brief leave of absence.

    Neither Petracca nor the Justice Department has publicly explained the change.

    With an October showdown approaching and constitutional questions hanging over the case, the unusual prosecutor swap is likely to fuel further scrutiny of a prosecution already drawing intense political and legal attention.

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    Tina Peters Released From Prison

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Image via Pixabay

    Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was released from prison Monday after serving less than a quarter of her controversial nine-year sentence for election-related charges stemming from the aftermath of the 2020 election.

    Peters, 70, became a national symbol for election integrity advocates after being prosecuted for allowing an outside computer expert access to Mesa County’s election system during a 2021 software update. Prosecutors claimed the move violated election security laws, while supporters argued Peters was trying to preserve evidence amid widespread concerns about election transparency.

    Her release comes weeks after Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuted her sentence, calling the punishment “extremely unusual and lengthy” for a first-time, non-violent offender. Polis acknowledged Peters committed “serious crimes” but said the sentence went too far.

    President Donald Trump had repeatedly championed Peters’ cause, publicly urging Polis to grant clemency and criticizing Colorado officials over the case. Because Peters was convicted under state law, Trump could not issue a pardon himself. (RELATED: Trump Targets Colorado Officials Over Jailed Election Clerk)

    According to Newsmax, the Colorado Department of Corrections would not disclose the exact timing of Peters’ release, and her attorney indicated she would not be speaking to reporters after leaving prison.

    After nearly two years behind bars, Tina Peters is finally free.

    This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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    DOJ Wants Georgia Judge Booted From Election Case Over Alleged Fani Willis Ties

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0

    The Justice Department is demanding that a federal judge step aside from a high-profile Georgia election records fight after reports linked her to a judicial misconduct scandal — and to an event honoring embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

    In a bombshell filing Friday, DOJ lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross to recuse herself from a lawsuit against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger over access to state voting records, arguing that her alleged attendance at a political event celebrating Willis creates the appearance of bias.

    “A judge who attended a party celebrating the election of a Democrat best known for prosecuting a Republican President for alleged election interference cannot then preside over a case concerning that President’s efforts to ensure election integrity,” DOJ attorneys wrote.

    The filing follows reports identifying Ross as the unnamed federal judge who received a private reprimand from the 11th Circuit earlier this year after investigators found the judge engaged in sexual activity with a high-ranking police officer inside courthouse chambers and later made false statements during the investigation. The court never publicly identified the judge, but the DOJ cited media reports linking Ross to the disciplinary matter.

    Willis Connection Draws Fire

    The Justice Department’s recusal request centers on findings that the judge attended an event connected to Willis’ campaign. According to reporting on the disciplinary investigation, the judge acknowledged attending a private mixer with former colleagues from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, but investigators concluded the gathering was part of a larger partisan political event sponsored by Willis’ campaign.

    The connection is particularly sensitive because Ross previously worked in the Fulton County DA’s office, where she overlapped with Willis before either woman rose to national prominence.

    Ross is currently overseeing the DOJ’s legal battle with Raffensperger over access to Georgia voter records. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, though the Justice Department has asked that it be delayed pending the recusal fight.

    The Long Trump-Willis War

    The dispute lands in the middle of one of the most explosive political feuds in America.

    Willis became a national figure in 2023 when she indicted Donald Trump and 18 allies under Georgia’s racketeering law, accusing them of participating in a scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Trump repeatedly blasted the case as politically motivated and vowed to fight it.

    But the prosecution later unraveled after revelations that Willis had a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had appointed to lead the case. A Georgia appeals court ultimately removed Willis from the prosecution, citing an “appearance of impropriety.” The case was later dropped, marking a major victory for Trump.

    The fallout didn’t end there. Willis also faced court sanctions in separate records disputes, with judges criticizing her office’s handling of public records requests and ordering payments of attorneys’ fees.

    Now, the Trump Justice Department is arguing that any judge linked to a political event celebrating Willis cannot fairly oversee litigation tied to election integrity issues stemming from the same broader political battle.

    The election records lawsuit itself is part of a broader push by the administration to obtain voter-registration and election materials from multiple states. Georgia officials have argued that portions of the voter data sought by federal officials are protected under state law and cannot be released without satisfying legal requirements.

    Whether Ross remains on the case could now become the next flashpoint in the years-long legal war between Trump and the Georgia officials who helped drive the investigations into his efforts to challenge the 2020 election.

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    ‘Donald Trump’ Buffalo Spared From Slaughter After Government Steps In

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    Madeleine Jackson
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    1

    A shaggy-haired albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was dramatically spared from slaughter in Bangladesh this week after the animal’s viral fame triggered public backlash — and even government security concerns.

    Just hours before the rare buffalo was set to be sacrificed during the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha, Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stepped in to save the animal.

    Officials confirmed the buffalo has now been relocated to the national zoo in Dhaka.

    “The decision was made at the last moment … due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest,” a ministry official said.

    The bizarre international saga started after locals noticed the buffalo’s striking resemblance to President Donald Trump — specifically its fluffy blond combover that sits atop its head like the commander-in-chief’s signature hairstyle.

    Photos and videos of the buffalo quickly exploded across social media, turning the animal into an unlikely celebrity in the city of Narayanganj and drawing crowds eager to snap selfies with the Trump lookalike.

    Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said he originally bought the rare albino buffalo about 10 months ago and recently sold it to a buyer preparing for Eid sacrifices before authorities intervened.

    The government has reportedly ordered Mridha to refund the buyer.

    “My younger brother jokingly named it Donald Trump after seeing the hair on its head,” Mridha told NDTV. “It is very calm in nature. Albino buffaloes are generally peaceful and do not become aggressive unless provoked.”

    The internet, naturally, had a field day after news broke that “Donald Trump” had narrowly escaped death.

    “Even a buffalo named Donald Trump survives assassination attempts …” one user joked on X.

    “Life is really funny sometimes. At this point, the buffalo needs security and its own social media page,” another wrote.

    From a quiet farm animal to a globally recognized internet sensation, the buffalo formerly destined for sacrifice is now headed to zoo life — all thanks to a blond hairstyle that reminded the world of Trump.

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    Federal Judge Blocks Trump-Led Effort To Rename Kennedy Center, Rules Congress Holds Final Authority

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    admin
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    1
    Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

    A federal judge has halted efforts to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and blocked plans for a lengthy closure of the institution, ruling that neither action can proceed without authorization from Congress.

    In a decision issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper found that the Kennedy Center’s board lacked the legal authority to rebrand the federally chartered institution as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” ordering officials to remove the name from signage and official references within 14 days.

    The ruling marks a major setback for President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reshape one of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions.

    Court: Congress Created The Kennedy Center — And Only Congress Can Rename It

    The controversy began after trustees voted in December to add Trump’s name to the institution, citing his fundraising efforts and support for future renovations.

    The move quickly triggered lawsuits from lawmakers, members of the Kennedy family, historians, and arts organizations, all arguing that the board had exceeded its authority.

    Among those challenging the decision was Rep. Joyce Beatty, who argued that Congress established the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and never authorized adding another president’s name to the institution.

    Judge Cooper agreed, writing that the board cannot override federal law through an internal vote. Because Congress created and named the Kennedy Center in federal statute, any official name change would require congressional action.

    Planned Closure Also Put On Hold

    The ruling also blocks a separate proposal to suspend Kennedy Center operations for two years beginning in July 2026 while extensive renovations were completed.

    The administration had argued that a prolonged closure was necessary to modernize the facility, but the proposal drew opposition from artists, preservation advocates, and lawmakers concerned about the impact on performances and cultural programming.

    During court proceedings, Cooper questioned whether the executive branch possessed the authority to make such sweeping changes to a congressionally chartered institution without legislative approval.

    The court ultimately concluded that major structural and operational changes of that scale require congressional involvement, preventing the administration from moving forward unilaterally.

    Fundraising Argument Falls Short

    Kennedy Center officials had argued that keeping Trump’s name attached to the institution was critical to maintaining donor support.

    Executive Director Charles Matthew Floca told the court that Trump’s involvement had already generated tens of millions of dollars in commitments and could attract substantially more private funding in the future.

    According to court filings, officials warned that removing Trump’s name could jeopardize those fundraising efforts and create financial challenges for the institution.

    The judge rejected that argument, concluding that fundraising considerations cannot supersede federal law.

    Latest Clash In Fight Over Cultural Institutions

    The Kennedy Center has emerged as a major battleground in the administration’s effort to influence the direction of prominent cultural organizations.

    Since gaining influence over the board, Trump allies have pursued leadership changes, programming adjustments, and initiatives aimed at reducing what they describe as politically driven or “woke” content.

    Those efforts have prompted resignations, canceled appearances, and public criticism from some artists and performers.

    While appeals are expected, Friday’s ruling delivers a clear message: Congress named the Kennedy Center after President John F. Kennedy, and any effort to change that designation must begin—and end—on Capitol Hill.

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    Trump Heads to Situation Room as Iran Deal Decision Appears Imminent

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

    President Trump signaled Friday that a final decision on a potential agreement with Iran could be just hours away, announcing he was heading to the White House Situation Room to make what he called a “final determination” on a proposed deal that would dramatically reshape U.S.-Iran relations.

    “I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination,” Trump wrote in a lengthy Truth Social post outlining the terms he says Iran must accept before any agreement moves forward.

    The president’s announcement immediately fueled speculation that a major breakthrough could be nearing after months of negotiations following the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran earlier this year.

    Among Trump’s non-negotiable demands: Iran must permanently abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

    “Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb,” Trump declared.

    Trump also outlined provisions that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted international shipping, eliminate any remaining naval mines in the waterway, and potentially end the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

    “Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of ‘heading home!’” Trump wrote. “Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families from me, your favorite President!”

    Perhaps the most striking element of Trump’s proposal involves Iran’s remaining stockpile of enriched uranium.

    According to the president, the United States would work alongside Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency to excavate and destroy what he described as enriched nuclear material buried beneath mountains damaged during U.S. B-2 bomber strikes nearly a year ago.

    “The enriched material, sometimes referred to as ‘Nuclear Dust,’ … will be unearthed by the United States … and DESTROYED,” Trump wrote, adding that only the U.S. and China possess the capability to carry out such an operation.

    As Fox News reported, it remains unclear whether the removal and destruction of Iran’s enriched uranium is formally included in the draft agreement currently under discussion. The White House confirmed Thursday that negotiations are ongoing, but details of the final arrangement remain unresolved.

    Iranian officials have responded cautiously. The semi-official Fars News Agency characterized Trump’s statements as a “mixture of truth and falsehood” intended to portray a “fabricated victory.”

    Meanwhile, Iranian parliamentary speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf emphasized Friday that Tehran remains skeptical of American assurances.

    “We do not trust guarantees and words, only actions are the criterion,” Qalibaf wrote on X.

    According to reporting from Fox News, the proposed framework would extend the current cease-fire for 60 days while allowing both sides to negotiate remaining disputes surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns.

    Iran has long maintained that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes. Trump, however, has repeatedly argued that any deal must go beyond previous agreements — including President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear accord — by permanently eliminating Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and preventing any future path to a nuclear weapon.

    The president also hinted that economic concessions could be addressed in later negotiations.

    “No money will be exchanged, until further notice,” Trump wrote.

    Trump’s decision to convene in the Situation Room — traditionally reserved for the nation’s most consequential military and national security deliberations — suggests the administration believes a pivotal moment in the negotiations has arrived.

    Whether the talks ultimately produce a historic diplomatic breakthrough or collapse at the finish line may soon be decided behind the secure doors of the White House’s most closely watched room.

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    Trump Could Soon Make History on America’s Currency With Proposed $250 Bill

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump may soon become the face of a brand-new $250 bill as Treasury officials reportedly push forward with plans tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.

    According to a report from The Washington Post, Treasury Department officials have been encouraging the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to prepare designs for a commemorative $250 note featuring Trump’s portrait — a move that would mark the first time in more than 150 years that a living American appeared on U.S. currency.

    The effort is reportedly being led by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior Treasury adviser Mike Brown, who have asked bureau staff to begin early planning and prototype development while Congress considers legislation authorizing the bill.

    One mock-up reviewed by The Washington Post featured Trump prominently centered on the note alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature.

    The artist behind the design, British painter Iain Alexander, said Trump personally reviewed and approved revisions to the artwork.

    “He likes to call me his favorite British artist,” Alexander told The Post.

    Alexander said Trump requested patriotic additions to the design, including American flag colors and branding tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

    Supporters say the proposal would honor Trump’s role in reshaping American politics and celebrating the country’s historic milestone. The administration is already planning a sweeping America 250 celebration, including monuments, public events, and commemorative projects nationwide.

    A Treasury spokesperson confirmed to The Post that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” related to the proposal.

    “Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation,” the statement said.

    Critics inside the bureau reportedly raised concerns about legal hurdles and production timelines, pointing to longstanding laws limiting U.S. currency portraits to deceased individuals. But administration officials appear determined to move the idea forward if Congress authorizes the change.

    Former Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix told The Post that congressional approval would be required before the note could officially move into production.

    Meanwhile, another historic change is already underway.

    According to the report, the Treasury Department has approved the printing of $100 bills featuring Trump’s signature — the first time a sitting president’s signature will appear on U.S. paper currency.

    “Based on the recommendation of U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, Secretary Bessent will recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Trump by adding his signature to the currency,” Treasury officials said in a statement.

    The proposed $250 note arrives as the Trump administration ramps up preparations for America’s semiquincentennial celebration beginning later this year. Trump has also proposed a massive “Garden of Heroes” in Washington and other patriotic projects meant to commemorate the nation’s founding.

    While the legislation authorizing the bill has not yet passed Congress, the proposal is already generating national attention — and supporters say it would be a fitting tribute to a president they view as one of the most consequential figures in modern American history.

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