Senate takes up bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol
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Trump told reporters in the Oval Office this afternoon that he won’t nominate Bill Pulte to be director of national intelligence.
What to know today
- VOTE-A-RAMA: The Senate began voting today on a series of amendments to a bill that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. Republicans plan to pass the bill without any Democratic support, but it will first have to undergo a “vote-a-rama.”
- BOLTON PLEA: John Bolton, who was national security adviser during Trump’s first term and later became one of his fiercest critics, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of retaining national security information, two sources familiar with the matter said.
- UKRAINE AID: The House passed bipartisan legislation tonight that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions against Russia, largely clashing with the Trump administration’s approach to the war.
- BILL PULTE: Trump told reporters in the Oval Office this afternoon that he won’t nominate Bill Pulte to be director of national intelligence, a role he chose Pulte to hold in an acting capacity for the time being.
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House passes Ukraine aid bill in another GOP rebuke of Trump’s foreign policy
The House passed bipartisan legislation tonight that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions against Russia, largely clashing with the Trump administration’s approach to the war.
The 226-195 vote included support for the bill from 18 Republicans, who joined all but one Democrat in approving the measure.
The Ukraine Support Act, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, came to the House floor after enough Republicans crossed the aisle to side with Democrats and circumvent GOP leadership, which had prevented a vote on the legislation.
Senate celebrates Susan Collins' 10,000th vote
Senators took a brief pause from considering their ICE and Border Patrol funding bill tonight to celebrate Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who will cast her 10,000th vote in the upper chamber this evening. Collins has never missed a vote in her nearly 30-year Senate career.
“Sen. Collins and I belong to different parties and do not always see eye to eye, but 10,000 consecutive roll call votes is an extraordinary streak by any measure, and I congratulate her on reaching it,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said as the chamber applauded.
Collins, who has been in the Senate since 1997 and is seeking a sixth term in November, has the second-longest voting streak in Senate history, her office said in January.
House committee calls on DOJ to investigate 2 men with ties to Jeffrey Epstein
The House Oversight Committee said today that it was asking the Justice Department to investigate sexual misconduct allegations made by Jeffrey Epstein’s former assistant Sarah Kellen against two of his associates.
The committee interviewed Kellen behind closed doors May 21 as part of its investigation into Epstein.
“During the transcribed interview, the Committee received testimony about alleged instances of criminal misconduct committed by Philip Levine, the former Mayor of Miami Beach from 2013 to 2017, and Frédéric Fekkai, a French celebrity hairstylist,” Chair James Comer, R-Ky., wrote in the letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Kellen also accused a third man with ties to Epstein, the late fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, of pulling down his pants in front of her.
Four Republicans help defeat SAVE America Act amendment to ICE and CBP funding bill
Four Republican senators joined Democrats in rejecting an amendment that would have added the SAVE America Act to a funding bill for ICE and CBP.
The amendment, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., would have added Trump’s sweeping voter ID legislation to a $70 billion package that would fund the immigration enforcement agencies through the end of Trump’s term.
It failed to get the 60 votes it needed, ending in a 48-50 vote. Trump has repeatedly demanded that Republicans change Senate rules and eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act.
The four Republicans who crossed the aisle were: Thom Tillis, of North Carolina; Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky; Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska; and Susan Collins, of Maine. Tillis and McConnell are not seeking re-election.
Trump says he will attend NBA Finals in New York
Trump said today he would attend at least one of the NBA Finals games in New York next week.
"The answer is yes. He's invited me. I'm going," Trump said in response to a question about whether he would attend one of the games, saying Knicks owner Jim Dolan invited him.
Trump told reporters it “could be” the game Monday but left open the possibility that he would go to multiple games next week.
The president added he’s a longtime Knicks fan.
Trump said last month that he might attend one of the games after the Knicks advanced to the Finals for the first time in 27 years.
The House Oversight Committee released the transcript of its interview with former Attorney General Pam Bondi about her handling of the Epstein files, during which she repeated that she delegated oversight of the review and investigation of the files to Blanche, Trump's planned nominee for attorney general. The committee also released the transcript of the testimony of a prison guard working the night Jeffrey Epstein died.
Graham Platner says he was 'far from perfect boyfriend' in response to NYT report
In response to The New York Times’ reporting that women who have dated Graham Platner described his actions as “intimidating and disturbing,” Platner said in a statement that he was a “far from perfect boyfriend,” saying he takes responsibility for how he acted during a “very dark period of my life.” But he said characterizations beyond that were politically motivated.
The Times published an article today based on accounts from several women who called Platner’s behavior “unsettling.” NBC News has not verified the Times’ reporting.
“Throughout this campaign, I’ve been open about what was a very dark period of my life where I struggled with undiagnosed PTSD, too often self medicated with alcohol, and was a far from perfect boyfriend,” Platner said in his statement.
“I take responsibility for all of that, and wish I had been better. Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated. I’m not proud of who I was then, but I am proud of the work I’ve done since, and the movement we are building in Maine,” he added.
New York Democrats take first step toward drawing new congressional lines ahead of 2028
Years after they handed redistricting power over to an independent commission, New York Democrats want it back as they join the national map-drawing battle with an eye on the 2028 election.
The Democratic-led Legislature last night took its first step toward passing a constitutional amendment that would give lawmakers more authority over redistricting. Legislators must pass the amendment again next year before it goes to voters for final approval.
If the amendment clears those hurdles, New York lawmakers could draw a new map with as many as four new Democratic-leaning seats before the 2028 elections.
Trump says he won't nominate Bill Pulte for DNI, says Pulte will serve only in acting capacity
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office this afternoon that he won't nominate Bill Pulte to be national intelligence director, a role he chose Pulte to hold in an acting capacity for the time being.
"It’s an acting position. It’s not a permanent — he’s not going to be permanent," Trump said when he was asked why he thinks Pulte is the best person for the job.
"I don’t think he’d want to be permanent, but he’s a very smart guy, and he may find out some things about the rigged elections," he added.
It wasn't clear what he meant about Pulte's investigating elections. Outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard came under fire for appearing at an FBI raid of a Georgia election hub in January.
Several Republicans have voiced concern about Pulte's being national intelligence director over his record during Trump's second term targeting Trump's political opponents.
Senate votes down Schumer's 'anti-weaponization' motion
The Senate narrowly voted to block Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s motion to send the reconciliation bill back to committee to add language to end the "anti-weaponization" fund, 49-50. It needed only a simple majority to pass.
Three Republicans voted with 46 Democrats to support the motion: Susan Collins of Maine, Jon Husted of Ohio and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., missed the vote.
The chamber will now vote on an amendment from Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., to redirect money from the weaponization fund to the Justice Department's fraud division.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., spoke on the floor and urged Democrats to oppose it, saying, “Taking one slush fund and eliminating it and then creating a new slush fund still under the control of the attorney general is not the way to go.”
Kennedy Center lawyers tell staff to remove references to Trump
The Kennedy Center’s general counsel’s office sent an email to Kennedy Center staff members this afternoon detailing how the remaining staff in each of the center’s departments is to respond to a federal judge’s orders this week blocking renaming the arts center.
“The Court ruled that the Board acted beyond its authority in adding President Trump’s name to the Center and gave the Center 14 days from May 29 to remove all references to the Center being named for anyone other than John F. Kennedy,” the letter obtained by NBC News says. “To comply with this order, you must immediately change email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to reflect the name as 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,' or 'Kennedy Center.' Other changes, such as to templates and forms, signage, brochures, and website pages, must be completed no later than Friday, June 12, 2026.”
Staff members across the center are being ordered to remove "any references to 'Trump-Kennedy Center' or 'The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.'"
"Revert to 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' or 'the Kennedy Center' or 'the Center,'" the general counsel’s office wrote.
“The Court did not rule that the Center must stay open during the renovations, and did not require that the Center present any particular programming on-site during the renovations. Instead, the Court ruled that the specific Board vote in March was inappropriate, and that any subsequent vote regarding closure must take more information into account,” the general counsel’s office wrote. “The Center is considering its options and will provide further guidance shortly.”
As of this afternoon, Trump’s name remains on the facade. The Kennedy Center has until June 12 to remove it.
Senate begins voting on Republican bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol amid GOP split on Trump’s $1.8B fund
The Senate began voting on a $70 billion bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol through the end of Trump’s term.
Republicans plan to pass the bill without any Democratic support. But first, they’ll have to endure a “vote-a-rama,” during which senators from either party can offer amendments, which Democrats will use to make Republicans take painful votes.
Bipartisan Senate duo say DOJ 'anti-weaponization' fund is a 'dire threat' to the Constitution
In a scathing bipartisan rebuke of the Trump administration, Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., called the Justice Department's "anti-weaponization" fund an "immediate and dire threat to our constitutional order and the authority of Congress."
The senators filed an amicus brief in the case that put the anti-weaponization fund on hold, laying out a detailed argument against the constitutionality of the fund and slamming it as "designed to compensate the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th."
"The existence of the Fund strikes at the core of Congressional authority and our Constitutional order," they wrote.
Booker is a frequent critic of the Trump administration, and Cassidy recently lost his primary race against a Trump-backed challenger.
The nearly $1.8 billion fund sparked widespread bipartisan backlash. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers this week that the Justice Department was "not moving forward with the fund, period." But Trump told reporters yesterday he wasn't so sure.
“I’d have to ask the lawyers. I don’t know," he said when he was asked whether the fund was dead. He added, “The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing."
Former Trump adviser John Bolton to plead guilty to retaining national security information
John Bolton, who was national security adviser during Trump’s first term and later became one of his fiercest critics, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of retaining national security information, two sources familiar with the matter said.
As part of the agreement reached with federal prosecutors, Bolton will be arraigned again June 26, after which the judge will have up to 90 days to render a sentence, the sources said.
Bolton faces a potential sentence of probation to 60 months in prison, the sources said. He has also agreed to pay $2.25 million in restitution, one of the sources said.
‘Living, breathing legacy’: Sneak peek into the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
New video of the sprawling Obama Presidential Center in Chicago revealed a sneak peek of what it will look like, including everything from a full-size basketball court, a branch of the Chicago Public Library and acres of green space to a full museum highlighting Obama’s years in the White House.
“It is a living, breathing legacy, because our hope is that people bring change back to their communities,” Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett said in an interview with NBC News.
The Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side. Erin Hooley / AP file
Trump’s plans to renovate nation’s capital draw new scrutiny
Trump is touting the progress of the restoration of the reflecting pool outside the Lincoln Memorial as he continues to try to make his mark on the nation’s capital. The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss his plan for what he calls a “triumphal arch,” but a veterans group is suing to stop construction, arguing it would block the view of nearby landmarks. NBC News’ Gabe Gutierrez reports for "TODAY."
Rep. Doggett presses Bessent on taxpayer audit immunity history
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a congressional hearing whether the IRS has recommended "any taxpayer be granted immunity from an audit for their taxes" during Bessent's time as secretary.
Bessent declined to answer, pointing to ongoing litigation.
Doggett pressed him again, asking whether the Treasury Department ordinarily offers taxpayer audit immunity.
Trump and his family and businesses were granted immunity by his administration from government claims related to their taxes as part of their settlement in his lawsuit against the IRS following the leak of their tax returns several years ago.
Bessent declined to answer Doggett's question.
John Bolton to be re-arraigned in Maryland
A re-arraignment has been scheduled for former national security adviser John Bolton in federal court in Maryland on June 26, an indication he may be changing his plea.
Bolton already pleaded not guilty last year to eight counts of transmission of national defense information and 10 counts of unlawful retention of that information.
He faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine per count, and three years of special release.
George Santos betting activity on Kalshi flagged to DOJ, sources say
Betting activity by disgraced former Rep. George Santos on the prediction market Kalshi has been flagged to federal authorities, according to two sources familiar with the investigation.
Kalshi alerted the Justice Department about bets Santos placed regarding his attendance at Trump’s State of the Union address in February, according to the sources, who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The prediction market company also alerted officials at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, according to one of the sources.
Santos, 37, told his millions of followers on X that he planned to attend the speech — one of many events drawing online bettors at the time.
“I’m gonna be in the gallery,” he saiin a video on X.
Trump administration to give big boost to coal projects
Trump is expected to announce today that his administration will pour about $700 million into coal projects, according to a White House official.
It comes as the administration tries to tackle rising energy costs amid the Iran war.
Trump is expected to announce he’s using the Defense Production Act for some of the funding, according to the White House official. Lawmakers and governors from coal-rich states, including Wyoming and West Virginia, have been invited to the White House today for the 3 p.m. event.
This was first reported by Bloomberg.
Trump says ‘I don’t know’ if $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization’ fund is ended or just paused
Trump injected fresh uncertainty over the status and future of the “anti-weaponization” fund today, a day after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department would no longer pursue the $1.8 billion fund, which has sparked bipartisan blowback.
Asked in the Oval Office whether the fund was dead or just on hold, Trump responded: “I’d have to ask the lawyers. I don’t know.”
“The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing,” he told reporters. “I love it. I think it’s so important.”
Trump criticizes Republicans who voted for Iran war powers resolution
Trump criticized a group of Republicans who sided with Democrats yesterday to pass an Iran war powers resolution, which would call for the president to seek congressional approval for any future military action against Iran.
The measure does not require Trump to end a war, but it showed lawmakers’ disapproval of the administration’s actions.
"Yesterday, in a meaningless vote, the House voted, 4 bad Republicans and all of the Dumocrats, to limit my War Powers, right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "Who would do such an unpatriotic thing."
Trump accused the Democrats of preferring "our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories."
"The four Republicans, that’s a whole other story — They’re GRANDSTANDERS! They should be ashamed of themselves," he added.
The four Republicans who voted for the resolution were Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Warren Davidson of Ohio.
House Democrats succeed in advancing Ukraine aid bill
The House voted yesterday to advance legislation to provide aid to Ukraine, setting up a final passage vote today.
The vote took place under a “discharge petition,” a parliamentary tool that allows members to force votes on legislation so long as a majority of the House signs on to the measure. The maneuver is used to advance legislation that House majority leadership does not want to put to a vote.
Six Republicans and independent Rep. Kevin Kiley of California joined Democrats in the 218-204 vote. The measure, the Ukraine Support Act, is sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. It would establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine and impose additional penalties on Russia, among other provisions.
The bill is expected to pass in the House, but it would have an uphill battle in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to advance most bills. Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage in the chamber.
What Democrats say they’ll focus on in DHS funding vote-a-rama
Senate Democrats are telegraphing the kinds of amendments they plan to force votes on during the vote-a-rama today, saying the first amendment they will introduce is related to the Justice Department's so-called ‘anti-weaponization' fund.
Democrats will also focus on the IRS settlement with Trump that led to the proposed fund as well as oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a Schumer spokesperson said.
“Vote after vote, they’ll put Republicans on record: Will Republicans stand for American families, or will they enable Trump’s corruption?” the spokesperson said.
House votes to rebuke Trump over war with Iran
The House offered a rare rebuke to Trump yesterday, passing a Democratic-led measure to end his war with Iran over objections from Republican leadership.
It was one of two Democratic-led measures opposed by the White House that advanced in the House.
The Iran war powers resolution, offered by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, had been heading for a vote before the GOP-led House left for its Memorial Day recess May 21. But it was abruptly pulled from the floor when it appeared that too many Republicans were absent to defeat it.
The measure passed in a 215-208, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in voting yes.
California’s race for governor and other key primaries remain unsettled as vote count continues
California’s crowded, protracted gubernatorial primary remains too early to call this morning with more than half of the expected vote counted, according to NBC News’ Decision Desk.
Three main candidates — former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican, and two Democrats, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire activist Tom Steyer — are competing for two spots in the general election, with the candidate in fourth place, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, running well behind.
Senate to start vote-a-rama on bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol
The Senate is expected to begin voting on amendments this morning to a bill that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
Senators can offer an unlimited number of amendments, known as a vote-a-rama, and it's unclear how long the voting will take.
Most of the amendments are expected to come from Democratic senators. The amendment process will culminate with a vote to pass the bill, which would then go to the House for consideration.
Trump to nominate Todd Blanche to be attorney general
Trump will nominate his acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, to be the country’s permanent top prosecutor today, he said at a private event at the White House yesterday evening.
Dan Scavino, the White House deputy chief of staff, posted a video last night of Trump announcing Blanche’s nomination as he spoke in the Rose Garden.
