politics-and-policy23.905 min read
Backlash as new President's House exhibit revises slavery narrative
1 day ago•Source: WHYY
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Big Bend pushback trims Trump's border wall plan
West Texas locals and officials have pressured federal authorities to shrink the Big Bend segment of Trump’s border-wall plan to about 175 miles of steel barrier amid concerns over watersheds, wildlife, archaeology, night skies, and private property values; areas near Big Bend National Park remain in planning, while sheriffs urge a technology-driven, terrain-informed approach. Survey work starts mid-April with ground-breaking planned for June, and nationwide wall construction was 35.9 miles complete as of mid-February.
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Raskin cites damning memo to push renewed focus on Trump classified documents case
Democrat Jamie Raskin says the DOJ provided him with a damning FBI memo from January 13, 2023 containing new allegations about Trump’s handling of classified documents after leaving office, including claims of access to documents tied to business interests and a classified map shown on his private plane. He uses this to press for broader disclosure of investigative files by a set deadline, while Republicans are accused of cherry-picking materials; Trump denies wrongdoing and the DOJ did not comment.
Rubio to take stand in trial tied to Venezuela oil deal and shadow lobbying by a Florida ally
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to testify in the federal trial of former Rep. David Rivera, who is accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela’s government in connection with a $50 million CITGO contract; Rubio asked to be called as a prosecution witness after Rivera’s team sought to call him as a defense witness, underscoring Rubio’s long-running ties to Rivera and the case’s broader implications for foreign influence in Latin America.
Senate Clears Path for Mullin to Head Homeland Security
The Senate voted 54-37 to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security, setting up a likely confirmation this week despite Republican opposition from Rand Paul and Democratic concerns about his temperament and experience amid ongoing DHS funding talks.
Trump Turns White House into a UFC Fight Night Spectacle
President Trump is staging UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn June 14, with a 5,000-seat VIP area largely reserved for military personnel and insiders and about a couple thousand more for well-connected guests; 85,000 public viewing tickets will be available on the Ellipse, and the six-fight card will be headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, streamed on Paramount+. Donors, lobbyists and allies are jockeying for access, as the spectacle aims to boost momentum ahead of America’s 250th celebration despite broader political concerns.
Trump escalates anti-Massie push with Kentucky rally and primary backing
President Trump escalates his feud with GOP Rep. Thomas Massie by visiting Massie’s Kentucky district, labeling him disloyal and backing Massie’s primary challenger, Ed Gallrein, in a test of Trump’s influence within the party; Massie has bucked party lines on key votes, including opposing Trump’s big bill and backing Democrats’ War Powers Resolution, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has offered only cautious support for incumbents.
Trump vows to help pick Iran's next leader, echoing a legacy of U.S. intervention
Trump says he must be involved in naming Iran's next leader, positioning U.S. intervention as a continued tool of foreign policy and referencing past coups in Iran and Guatemala alongside actions in Cuba and Venezuela.
Trump Officials Seal Venezuelan Gold Deal Aiming at U.S. Refining Markets
Trump officials brokered a multimillion-dollar deal in which Venezuela's state mining company Minerven will deliver 650–1,000 kilograms of gold doré to Trafigura for U.S. refiners, under a framework that extends U.S. access to Venezuela's resources; Interior Secretary Burgum helped shepherd the arrangement as part of broader Trump-era resource deals, with mining-law reforms in Venezuela and mixed reactions from Democrats and supporters about who benefits.
GOP lawmakers grill DHS chief Noem over leadership amid immigration crackdown
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee grilled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about DHS leadership amid the Trump immigration crackdown, criticizing management and citing an Inspector General report and stalled FEMA funding. Noem defended her actions as being at the direction of the president during a four-hour hearing that coincided with a DHS funding lapse and ongoing debates over immigration policy.
Democrats Rally Frustration Over Trump Iran Briefing, Seek War Powers Vote
House Democrats left a Trump administration Iran briefing more frustrated than before, deriding the session as “bullsh*t” and saying their questions were ignored. They are pushing a war powers resolution this week to constrain the president’s ability to unilaterally wage war with Iran, while some Republicans defended the briefing as productive. The exchange highlighted a partisan split on how to handle Iran and the administration’s messaging, with Democrats accusing briefers of editorializing and stonewalling.
Rubio's remarks expose MAGA fault line over Israel-anchored Iran strike
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's suggestion that Israel's actions against Iran helped trigger the U.S. strike exposed a rift within the MAGA movement over the war. While Trump officials say the Iran strikes were driven by Tehran's behavior, Rubio's comments underscore perceived Israeli influence and coordination with the U.S., fueling debate among Trump allies, with Netanyahu's role, media pundits, and pro- and anti-war voices weighing in on the administration's messaging and strategy.