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The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the 12:30 Report newsletter SubscribeIt’s Monday. This humidity is on another level. ? Oh, and if you’re in the Washington area, be aware that the new Metro rail changes are in effect. ?️ Here’s the new Metro map
In today's issue:
Trump meets with national security staff Russia backs Iran, China bashes U.S. U.S. security alerts issued Inside Trump’s decision to bomb Iran Fears of retaliation on U.S. forces More ‘big, beautiful bill’ language nixed?️ THE LATEST WITH IRAN
When ‘two weeks’ means two days:
President Trump is meeting with his national security team this afternoon after taking the extraordinary step of inserting the United States into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
Here’s where things stand:
Potential retaliation against U.S. troops: Fears over Iran potentially retaliating are high, including against any of the 40,000 U.S. forces in the Middle East.
Americans are on alert: The U.S. has issued a number of alerts since the weekend strikes against three Iranian nuclear sites.
Americans abroad: The State Department issued a worldwide security alert for Americans abroad to “exercise increased caution.” In Qatar: The U.S. embassy in Qatar advised American citizens in the country to shelter in place. Qatar has also temporarily closed its airspace. Terrorism advisory: The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin for potential cyberattacks. The U.S. is on alert for sleeper cells: Customs and Border Protection says that the threat has “never been higher.” Major cities across the U.S. are also on heightened security following the Iran strikes, NewsNation reports.Russia backs Iran: A Russian spokesperson says Russia is ready to help Iran. And Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi is in Moscow today to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Iran may retaliate economically: Iranian Parliament has reportedly approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz. This is a vital passage for trade — especially oil. That could cripple the global economy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked China to step in and prevent Iran from closing the strait.
?️ Follow today’s live blog
➤ THE TWO BIG QUESTIONS:
1 — Did the strikes destroy Iran's nuclear program? The Trump administration has expressed confidence that Saturday’s mission to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites was successful. Trump claimed he “obliterated” their nuclear sites — and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told ABC News this morning that the White House is confident it hit Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
2 — Is the U.S. pushing for a regime change? Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio andDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth all insisted Sunday that the U.S. strikes were *not* intended to force a “regime change” in Iran. But Trump then left that door open, floating a possible regime change on Truth Social.
➤ HAPPENING TUESDAY:
Trump will travel to the Netherlands for the annual NATO summit Tuesday.
➤ HOW WE WENT FROM 0 TO 60 IN A FEW DAYS:
Trump said in a statement read by the press secretary at Thursday's White House briefing that he would take up to two weeks to decide whether to strike Iran. But just two days later, the U.S. lobbed bombs at three Iranian nuclear sites. ? Satellite images of the strikes
What changed in that time?: The New York Times reports that it was intentional “political and military misdirection” from the White House.
“It was almost entirely a deception. Mr. Trump had all but made up his mind to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities, and the military preparations were well underway for the complex attack.”
Plus: Everyone in Trump’s orbit had been trying to get in his ear about war vs. diplomacy.
Read the NYT report: ‘Shifting Views and Misdirection: How Trump Decided to Strike Iran’
➤ MORE READS:
The Washington Post: A weakened Iran could turn to assassination and terrorism to strike back
The Wall Street Journal: Trump’s Iran Attack Revives Questions About War Powers
NPR: Iran's relationship with Russia and China could come into play after U.S. strikes
The Atlantic: Trump Changed. The Intelligence Didn’t.: The president’s decision to drop bombs on Iran was opportunistic, not a result of new information.
?️ ON CAPITOL HILL
More Byrd droppings:
Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has nixed several more provisions in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” megabill.
⭕ The first — holding White House officials in contempt: Republicans have included language to make it very difficult for courts to hold Trump administration officials in contempt. If passed, that could give Trump officials power to ignore court rulings because there’s no easy enforcement mechanism to hold them in contempt.
^ Wow, this is a wild stat: Since January, courts have already ruled *against* the Trump administration at least 197 times, per The New York Times tracker.
^^For context: This controversial provision was included in the House-passed bill, but it went unnoticed by many. Several Republicans later realized it was in the bill after voting “yes” and publicly said they regret their vote.
⭕ The second — border security and immigration enforcement: MacDonough rejected language that would authorize states — as opposed to the federal government — to conduct border security and immigration enforcement.
⭕ The third — increasing contributions for retirement: MacDonough ruled against GOP language to increase what federal employees would contribute to the Federal Employees Retirement Systems if they don’t agree to become at-will employees.
? But what is allowed to stay — AI: A 10-year ban on states regulating artificial intelligence (AI).
This is important to keep in mind: The Senate parliamentarian’s role is nonpartisan, and she is not deciding what lawmakers can and cannot pass. MacDonoughis sifting through the bill to decide what is allowed to be included in Republicans’ reconciliation bill. Remember: Reconciliation is a legislative loophole to pass a bill with just 51 votes, not the usual 60 votes.
MacDonough ruled these provisions are a violation of the Byrd Rule. If Republicans want to include them, they will need 60 votes.
➤ WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAPITOL HILL THIS WEEK?:
The Hill’s Mychael Schnell posted a helpful breakdown of what to expect in Congress this week. Read: ‘Congress returns to divisions over Iran strike amid budget battles’
Coming tomorrow: In the latest edition of The Movement, The Hill's latest newsletter, Schnell will take a look at the inside the group making an ‘EPIC’ impact on the GOP’s megabill. Click here to sign up & get it in your inbox.
?️ OTHER NEWS
The Supreme Court is shaping its next term:
The Supreme Court just agreed to hear a case on whether a former Louisiana inmate can receive damages for having his dreadlocks forcibly shaved in prison.
But the court said “no” to hearing an appeal to Virginia’s lifetime voting ban for felons.
COMING UP
The House and Senate are in. President Trump is in Washington. (All times EST)
1 p.m.: Trump meets with his national security team.
5:30 p.m.: The Senate holds a vote to end debate on a nomination. ?Today’s agenda
6:30 p.m.: First and last House votes. ?Today’s agenda
Tuesday: New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. ?What to know
Thursday: The next scheduled day for Supreme Court opinions.
? INTERNET BUZZ
? Celebrate: Today is National Pecan Sandies Day.
? No more WhatsApp for House staffers: Axios reports that the popular messaging app WhatsApp will be banned on House staffers’ devices for security reasons.
? AND FINALLY…
If you know of any dogs with dog walkers in the Boston seaport, this woman wants you to know that they are being *very* good boys and girls.
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