While Senate Democrats welcomed the nomination of Jay Clayton to the role of national intelligence director, they continued to insist that, before Clayton’s expected confirmation, the acting director must not be Bill Pulte, the political “attack dog” Donald Trump wants given full access to the nation’s secrets .
When Trump announced that he was nominating Clayton, he made no mention of also withdrawing Pulte as interim director after Tulsi Gabbard leaves this month. Clayton cannot be confirmed before Gabbard’s departure, meaning an acting director will be needed.
“Pulte has to go”, Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Senate told reporters on Thursday. “He cannot be in the DNI role. Our national security is too important.”
Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of House Democrats, also said that Trump has to “withdraw” his decision to elevate Pulte to interim intelligence director before Congress can act to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Fisa), which allows US intelligence agencies to intercept foreign communications without a court warrant, a provision that expires on Friday.
“Under no circumstances should the American people be asked to trust their privacy and national security” to Pulte, the New York congressman told NewsNation.
Mark Warner, the vice-chair of the Senate intelligence committee agreed. “I have known and respected Jay Clayton for many years and believe he is a capable public servant”, Warner said in a statement.
“That said, let me be clear – while I am glad to see the president finally come to his senses, before the Senate can take up a FISA extension there needs to be a clear guarantee that Mr. Pulte will not serve as acting DNI”, Warner added. “Either Director Gabbard must remain in place or the administration must designate the Senate-confirmed Principal Deputy DNI as the acting head through any transition.”
At the Oval Office event on fishing, Donald Trump just opened the floor to questions from reporters, and was asked if Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has approved the deal to end the war with the US and Israel the president said could be signed this weekend.
“I understand the answer is yes”, Trump replied.
The president was then asked if he has already secured an agreement on Iran’s nuclear material. “Yes, conceptually on that,” Trump replied.
“But has Iran committed to not pursuing a nuclear weapon, or will there be more negotiations on that down the line?” the reporter followed up.
“They will not have a nuclear weapon, they’ve agreed to that, which is the whole reason, which is a big part of the reason, maybe the biggest… they will not only not have, they will not purchase, develop in any way… a nuclear weapon,” Trump replied.
It remains to be seen whether the agreement to end the fighting does also include such a provision on Iran’s commitment to not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon, but it is worth recalling that the 2015 deal Iran struck with international powers, including the US, did include such a commitment. The first paragraph of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) included this statement: “Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons.”
Although Trump has repeatedly suggested, without evidence, that he launched this war on Iran because the Islamic Republic was about to develop a nuclear weapon, his own director on national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, told Congress last year, before the first US strikes on Iran, the US intelligence agencies “assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme leader Khomeini has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003”.
Donald Trump is speaking from the Oval Office now. Right off the bat, he claims to have “made a great settlement” with Iran, which could be signed soon “maybe in Europe, over the weekend”.
He says the “finalization of documents” should happen over the next few days, adding:
double quotation markWe have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, which was the whole purpose of what we had to go through to get this.
The documents “are in final shape”, he says, adding the deal “should be done very quickly”.
The strait of Hormuz “will be open as soon as we sign”, he claims.
A reminder that since Trump’s Truth Social post earlier this afternoon, we’ve still had no confirmation from Iran.
Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, former head of the top US markets watchdog, to be the country’s leading intelligence official. It follows uproar over Trump’s decision to install a controversial ally, Bill Pulte, as acting director of national intelligence while searching for a permanent candidate. Clayton, former chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, is US attorney for the southern district of New York. “I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. More on that here.
Trump “cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening”, citing apparent progress in talks. He said discussions “have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership” and “approved”, adding that the naval blockade would remain and suggested there would be a “signing” announced shortly. Over the last few months, Trump has repeatedly flip-flopped like this – claiming that a peace deal is within reach, only to threaten further strikes against Iran if it isn’t signed, and often blaming Iran’s leadership for the delays. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have steadily denied the US president’s claims that they have agreed to the terms of a potential agreement with the US. More on our dedicated live blog.
This morning, the House failed to pass a short-term extension of a powerful surveillance law amid controversy surrounding Trump’s decision to install Pulte as acting DNI. The measure failed in a 198-218 vote, after Democrats announced they would block the move to renew Fisa in protest of Pulte’s appointment. The congressional deadlock ensures section 702 of Fisa, which was enacted in the wake of 9/11 and allows US intelligence agencies to intercept foreign communications without a court warrant, will lapse on Friday. Here’s my colleague Chris Stein’s report.
And normal operations at the Pentagon resumed after going into partial lockdown earlier today. Spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement: “Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed.”
The final drops of water have been added, and the nanobubbler switched on. Donald Trump’s “beautiful” makeover of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, one of Washington DC’s most historically symbolic attractions, is officially complete, and the public is getting its first glimpse of how the project’s $14.2m was spent.
Contrary to the president’s predictable assertion that it was receiving “rave reviews”, however, early impressions are decidedly mixed. Some of the first visitors declared themselves underwhelmed by the 2,000ft pool’s somewhat dull color – American flag blue, according to the specifications.
Others were bemused to see workers scraping algae from the bottom yesterday, just days after it had been filled with about 6.75m gallons (25.6m litres) of fresh water following the completion of renovation works.
Donald Trump has announced that he is nominating Jay Clayton to become the next permanent director of national intelligence.
Clayton is currently the US attorney for the southern district of New York, and is the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
He will have to be confirmed as DNI by the Senate. Trump wrote on Truth Social:
double quotation markI am pleased to announce the Nomination of very Highly Respected Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the former Head of Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the most prominent and successful Law Firms anywhere in the World, and the current United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to be the next Director of National Intelligence and, importantly, to serve in my Cabinet. Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay. I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible.
It comes as Trump faced widespread criticism of his decision to install a controversial ally, Bill Pulte, as acting DNI while searching for a permanent candidate.
And normal operations at the Pentagon have now resumed after going into partial lockdown earlier today.
Spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement:
double quotation markEarlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed.
We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel.
A short while ago, Donald Trump announced that he has “cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening”.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform:
double quotation markBased on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening.
Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.
Over the last few months, Trump has repeatedly flip-flopped like this – claiming that a peace deal is within reach, only to threaten further strikes against Iran if it isn’t signed, and often blaming Iran’s leadership for the delays.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have steadily denied the US president’s claims that they have agreed to the terms of a potential agreement with the US.
While House speaker Mike Johnson attacked the Democrats earlier for voting down the temporary renewal of Fisa’s controversial section 702 warrantless surveillance authority, it’s worth noting that 7 House Democrats voted for it and 19 Republicans voted against.
Among them was YOLO Republican Thomas Massie, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger and is frequently the subject of Trump’s ire. The Kentucky representative called Fisa 702 program unconstitutional and said on X “thank goodness” the clean reauthorization failed today.
Fellow Trump targets, Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, and Chip Roy, of Texas, were also in the cohort.
Earlier today, first lady Melania Trump announced the launch of savings and investment accounts for foster children, which they they can access when they turn 18.
In remarks made alongside treasury secretary Scott Bessent, Trump said:
double quotation markFor the first time, children in foster care will have access to a dedicated investment and savings vehicle. Education and savings accounts are the first steps toward personal independence.
Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child. By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities and economic future.
So far, 23 GOP governors have pledged to set up the accounts for foster children within their states, according to a press release from the White House.
“Now is the time for everyone to act,” the first lady added. “All 50 states should pledge to protect America’s foster youth. Let’s elevate America’s children above politics.”
Although CNN is reporting that the hazardous materials incident that triggered a lockdown at the Pentagon was a false alarm, a shelter-in-place order in the affected areas still remains in place and will continue to remain in place “until all clear is given”.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer took to the floor on Thursday to accuse the Trump administration of lying to the public about the war in Iran and urge Senate Republicans to support the war powers resolution and “end this war for real”.
“It doesn’t take a military genius to see that Trump’s fiasco of a war with Iran never ended – not with American helicopters being shot down, not when American bases are being attacked, and American troops are coming under fire,” Schumer said.
“Saying this war is over is an insult, an insult to the brave American servicemen who are risking their lives every day to fight it.”
Trump is “incapable, given his way, his lack of concern for facts, his only concern being his own ego. He is incapable of ending the war, incapable of cleaning up his own mess”, Schumer said.
“Republicans need to stop buying the BS, show some spine, and help us bring our servicemembers home,” Schumer said.
On Thursday, Trump threatened to attack Iran “very hard tonight” and seize the country’s Kharg Island and “other infrastructure”. For our live coverage on the Middle East, follow along here.
A man has pleaded guilty to politicaly assassinating a prominent Minnesota state representative and her husband and seriously wounding a state senator and his wife, the Associated Press reports.
Vance Boelter pleaded guilty on Thursday to fatally shooting Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, while disguised as a police officer last year. He also pleaded guilty to shooting and seriously wounding the Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, about 90 minutes earlier.
Law enforcement had found a “hitlist” of individuals inside what they believed was Boelter’s vehicle that included Hortman, Hoffman and several other Democratic lawmakers, as well as reproductive rights advocates.
CNN is reporting that the hazardous materials incident that triggered a lockdown at the Pentagon was a false alarm.
Stay tuned for more details.
A hazardous materials incident put the Pentagon into lockdown today as fire officials investigated “an air quality issue”.
“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an email to Reuters.
“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”
The building was under lockdown, with people evacuated from several floors, CNN reported, citing unidentified sources, and floors two through five in corridors four through seven locked down.
Another source reported seeing emergency responders were wearing full gas masks and chemical protection suits, CNN said.
A message sent by the Pentagon’s security team to employees said additional testing was needed to determine the source of the problem and “could take one to two hours”.
At a press conference earlier this morning, a reporter began asking a question to Trump’s homeland security secretary Markwayne Mullin about the referee from Somali and the Iraqi team staff member who were denied entry at US airports in recent days, and the dozens of fawho ns have also been denied entry.
Mullin interrupted before she could finish her question, to say that, “We’re not going to allow people that are perceived to have criminal ties to come into this country. I don’t care what your situation is.”
He went on to claim that “there was a reason” that multiple individuals have been denied entry but he would not be going into the specifics of those decisions.
Somalia is one of a number of countries whose citizens have been the subject of a complete ban on travel into the United States implemented by the Trump administration last June.
Mullin said that while the administration had done a “phenomenal job on getting as many people cleared [to enter the US] as we could, but some people just can’t clear, and that’s just the way it works with getting a visa to come to this great country.”
After being prevented from officiating at the World Cup despite apparently having a valid travel visa, the Somali referee, Omar Artan, considered one of the best in Africa, will take charge of the Super Cup in August, Uefa announced today. Here’s our story on that.
In response, a vexed Mike Johnson has called the vote “shameful and very, very dangerous”.
The House speaker told reporters after the vote that Democrats had voted “to jeopardize the safety and security of the American people to make a cheap political point”.
Johnson said Trump has made clear that Bill Pulte’s appointment as DNI is “very temporary in nature” and claimed the president is “very close to a decision” on who to nominate for the permanent position.
The House has rejected a short-term extension of Fisa section 702, a key surveillance program, to 2 July by a vote of 198-218, leaving one of Washington’s most powerful intelligence tools on course to expire at midnight.
The GOP attempting to pass the bill using a fast-track process that requires a two-thirds majority vote to succeed.
But Democrats said they would block the move to renew the spying authority in protest over Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte, a close ally with no national intelligence experience, as acting director of national intelligence. Some Republicans have also expressed scepticism over the appointment.
Democrats also cited an absence of reforms that are also being sought by dozens of Republicans.
The Trump administration and the UFC unveiled the nearly completed arena for the fights on the White House south lawn for the president’s birthday extravaganza this Sunday to the press corps.
The fully outdoor cage and seating area can fit a few thousand, and is built like a mini Roman coliseum, in full view of the White House. The arena takes up the entirety of the south lawn, which is typically where the president takes off in a helipad.
Source: Guardian - World News
