Trump administration live updates: House Democrats block short-term FISA renewal
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President Donald Trump had asked House Republicans to advance a short-term extension of Section 702 warrantless surveillance authority, which will expire Friday.
President Donald Trump asked lawmakers to pass a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Aaron Schwartz / CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
What to know today
- FISA VOTE: House Democrats this morning blocked the passage of a short-term reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said yesterday that he would try to advance the measure at President Donald Trump's request. The bill would push back the expiration of the spying program’s powers from tomorrow to July 2.
- DOD SHELTER-IN-PLACE: Hazmat crews and emergency response teams deployed to the Pentagon this morning over what the Defense Department called “an air quality issue.” The Pentagon issued a shelter-in-place order as a precautionary measure, a department spokesperson said, and only essential personnel remained in the building.
- GUILTY PLEA: Vance Boelter, the Minnesota man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer and fatally shooting the state’s former house speaker in what authorities have described as a politically motivated assassination, pleaded guilty today.
- MAP FLAP: The Florida Supreme Court has rejected a legal challenge from voting rights groups who sought to block Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newly drawn congressional map from being used during the 2026 midterm elections.
- FOSTERING INVESTMENT: First lady Melania Trump announced the launch of savings and investment accounts for foster children today alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The move expands the child investment accounts for parents or guardians created under the Republican tax cut and spending bill that Trump signed last year to include state child welfare agencies.
Republicans who pushed Epstein files release see political careers upended by Trump
The four House Republicans who helped force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files called themselves “The Bravehearts” — an acknowledgment that their risky stand would require a stiff spine, especially given Trump’s fierce opposition to the move.
As they later learned, the gambit would also upend their political futures.
Seven months after the House voted to release the Epstein files, sparking a Trump-led crusade against the rebellious quartet behind the effort, one of those four lawmakers is now an ex-member. Two of them won’t be returning to Congress next year. And another is facing the threat of a primary challenge next cycle.
Progressive advocacy group sues FBI and DOJ for records related to Director Kash Patel
The progressive advocacy group Democracy Forward sued the FBI and Justice Department today to try to force the disclosure of records related to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Democracy Forward alleged that the FBI and DOJ did not comply with Freedom of Information Act requests "seeking records related to FBI Director Kash Patel’s conduct, management of the bureau, use of government resources, and reports that have raised questions about agency operations and leadership," a press release from the group said.
Democracy Forward pointed to a report by The Atlantic, which covered allegations of drinking and unexplained absences.
The Atlantic described questionable incidents during Patel's tenure, including one in which he allegedly believed he was fired after having difficulty logging onto an internal computer system, citing nine people familiar with the situation, which turned out to be a technical error. The outlet also reported that six current and former officials and others familiar with Patel's schedule said that early in his time as FBI director, "meetings and briefings had to be rescheduled for later in the day as a result of his alcohol-fueled nights."
Patel sued The Atlantic, calling the story a "sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece."
Spokespersons for the Justice Department and FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
ISkye Perryman, the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement that "because the FBI and DOJ have failed to provide these documents in the timeline required by law, we are filing this lawsuit to compel their release."
"They cannot simply ignore lawful requests for information about the performance and conduct of senior government officials," she added.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh takes on a starring role in Maine’s Senate race
In a time of war, rising costs and Medicaid cuts, Democrats in Maine say another issue is motivating them in this fall’s Senate race: Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court eight years ago.
A pivotal vote by longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine pushed Kavanaugh over the finish line in 2018 after she famously said he considered Roe v. Wade “settled law” — a comment that turned out to be wrong.
In 2022, Kavanaugh was a deciding vote in the 5-4 majority that overturned the landmark case, paving the way for abortion bans in many states.
“After she voted for Kavanaugh, that was the last straw,” said Arie Mobley, who attended a rally Friday for Collins’ presumptive challenger, Graham Platner, a Democrat.
Bill Gates accuses Jeffrey Epstein of potential blackmail at hearing
Billionaire Bill Gates answered questions from lawmakers for six hours yesterday about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, where he accused the late sex offender of possible blackmail over Gates’ extramarital affairs. Gates said Epstein “was working to use information about my infidelities, in addition to many lies that he layered on top, to pressure me to re-engage with him.” NBC’s Hallie Jackson reports for "TODAY."
Pentagon issues shelter-in-place order over ‘air quality issue’
Hazmat crews and emergency response teams deployed to the Pentagon this morning over what the Defense Department called “an air quality issue.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that “sophisticated systems” had “detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.”
Brad Lander found not guilty of charges in NYC immigration detention center incident
A New York judge ruled today that congressional hopeful Brad Lander is not guilty of misdemeanor charges related to a September inspection attempt at an immigration holding facility in Manhattan.
“In a loss for the fascists, a federal judge ruled that Brad Lander is NOT guilty in the trial resulting from his arrest by ICE last year at 26 Federal Plaza,” Lander wrote in a social media statement.
The one-day bench trial took place in New York City yesterday.
Lander, along with 75 others — including nearly a dozen other elected officials — were arrested at 26 Federal Plaza in downtown Manhattan as they attempted to inspect the living conditions for those being held in immigration detention in the building.
Man accused of killing Minnesota lawmaker and her husband accepts guilty plea
Vance Boelter, the Minnesota man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer and fatally shooting the state’s former House speaker in what authorities have described as a politically motivated assassination, pleaded guilty today.
Boelter had initially pleaded not guilty, but federal prosecutors said that in exchange for a guilty plea, they would no longer pursue the death penalty.
Boelter’s attorney and prosecutors did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The inflation surge is hitting businesses, too
Business inflation in May surged to its highest level since late 2022, as high fuel prices triggered by the war with Iran ripple across the U.S. economy.
New data released today showed that from April to May, the producer price index saw a 1.1% month-over-month rise.
Even more notably, it rose to 6.5% from the same period a year ago.
The year-over-year reading was “the largest 12-month rise since moving up 7.4% in November 2022,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in a statement.
Johnson doesn't commit to bringing House back for another FISA vote
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans did “everything within our power to try to ensure that” FISA Section 702 “does not expire” and that Democrats “are using it as a political hostage.”
Speaking to reporters after the failed vote to extend the spy authority to July 2, Johnson declined to commit to bringing the House back from recess next week to take another vote on FISA.
“What would be the point?” Johnson asked, pointing to the House’s previous passage of a three-year FISA extension that the Senate has not taken up.
Asked whether Trump should withdraw his appointment of housing official Bill Pulte as temporary director of national intelligence, Johnson said the president is “very close to a decision” on a permanent appointee “and the Democrats know that, but they see this as a political moment that they can somehow score political points.”
The vote on the FISA extension this morning was 198-218. Nineteen Republicans joined 199 Democrats in voting against the measure, which would have needed the support of two-thirds of the chamber to pass.
First lady Melania Trump announces launch of savings and investment accounts for foster children
First lady Melania Trump announced the launch of savings and investment accounts for foster children today in an event at the Treasury Department.
“Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child,” she said in remarks alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities and economic future.”
The first lady said that once foster youth turn 18, they can access the assets from the accounts.
According to the White House, 23 Republican governors have promised to help set up these accounts in their states.
“Now is the time for everyone to act,” Trump said. “All 50 states should pledge to protect America’s foster youth. Let’s elevate America’s children above politics.”
The White House said the sweeping Republican tax cut and spending bill President Donald Trump signed into law last year authorized this type of account. The new initiative expands the child investment accounts for parents or guardians created under that bill to include state child welfare agencies.
Bessent lauded Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry's leadership in implementing the program and encouraged other states to follow suit.
“Our goal is to work toward full participation from all 50 states, and I encourage every local welfare agency to follow Louisiana’s example by looking beyond a child’s present circumstances to invest in their potential by affirming that the child born into adversity possesses equal worth as the child born into abundance,” Bessent said.
Vance’s chief of staff to leave Trump administration
Jacob Reses, the chief of staff to Vice President JD Vance, will leave the administration at the end of the summer, people close to the vice president’s office said Thursday.
Reses, who has served in the role since Vance and President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, informed Vance of his plans several months ago, after his wife became pregnant with their first child.
House fails to pass short-term FISA extension
The House failed to approve a short-term extension of FISA Section 702 to July 2.
The vote was 198-218, which is not even a simple majority. The bill needed the support of two thirds of the chamber to pass because it was brought up under a fast-track process known as "suspension of the rules."
The chamber is scheduled to leave town until June 23.
Florida Supreme Court rejects challenge to new GOP-drawn congressional maps
The Florida Supreme Court has rejected a legal challenge from voting rights groups who sought to block Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newly drawn congressional maps from being used during the 2026 midterm elections.
The challengers, which included Equal Ground Florida, argued that the maps should not be used during the midterms because they alleged the new lines violate the state’s so-called Fair Districts Amendments — which is anti-gerrymandering language in the state’s constitution.
An underlying legal fight over the constitutionality of the new maps will continue. But in the meantime, the state’s highest court will let the maps stand.
Trump says ‘I love the inflation’ as consumer price index rises
After newly released federal data showed inflation spiking to its highest level in three years, driven in large part by the soaring gas and oil prices stemming from the United States’ war with Iran, Trump reacted by saying, “I love the inflation.” He later said that what he meant to say is that “despite the fact that we’re in a war, the numbers are much lower than anticipated.” NBC’s Garrett Haake reports for "Today."
FAA says Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch won’t have ‘adverse impacts’ on nearby airport
The Federal Aviation Administration said yesterday that Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch will not have adverse impacts on operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a review by career safety experts.
The government agency said its only requirement for the arch is to include red obstruction lights at the top of the structure, which the FAA noted is “a common safety tool.”
The massive arch, meant to honor the country’s 250th anniversary, would feature winged eagles, Lady Liberty and a line from the Pledge of Allegiance, according to renderings of the structure.
A rendering for President Donald Trump’s proposed arch across the Potomac. Harrison Design
The project, which would be the tallest triumphal arch in the world, has faced legal challenges and protests from historians, veterans and members of the public. Some argue that the arch is too close to the airport, while others say it would have a negative impact on the sight line between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
The arch is one of several Trump projects in the Washington area, including efforts to renovate the Kennedy Center and build a ballroom at the White House.
Speaker Johnson says it's 'stunning' that Democrats will allow FISA to go dark
The House speaker said it was “stunning” to him that “House Democrat leadership has put out a statement saying that they’re willing to allow the number one national security tool to go dark over some political disagreement over a very short-term temporary appointment.”
“Republicans are doing everything we can this morning to make sure that that statute does not go dark,” Johnson said.
House Democrats are demanding an overhaul “to protect both national security and the constitutional privacy rights of Americans” and also criticized Trump’s selection of top housing official and close ally Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
After this vote on a short-term extension of FISA, which is expected to fail, the House will leave town until June 23.
Democrats are expected to block short-term FISA renewal
The House will vote at 10 a.m. on a short-term extension of the FISA Section 702 authority, though with Democratic leaders opposed to the legislation it will not reach the two-thirds support needed for passage.
The bill, which would extend the spy power through July 2, is being brought to the floor by Republican leadership under “suspension of the rules,” a fast-track process that requires a two-thirds vote rather than a simple majority. That means even if all Republicans voted in favor, they would still need dozens of Democrats to join them.
The top Democratic leaders and key committee ranking members said in a statement that FISA Section 702 is “a critical foreign intelligence authority, but we cannot in good conscience vote for reauthorization without significant reforms to protect both national security and the constitutional privacy rights of Americans.”
The statement from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and his leadership team also criticized Trump’s selection of top housing official Bill Pulte, a close ally, as acting director of national intelligence.
This is the last vote scheduled in the House this week, and the chamber is supposed to be on recess next week.
Trump tells Republicans to pass a $350 billion GOP-only bill to fund military and overhaul elections
Trump demanded last night that congressional Republicans pass a bill that would send $350 billion to the military and push forward legislation to overhaul elections nationwide.
“I am hereby calling on Republicans in Congress to IMMEDIATELY advance and pass the forthcoming $350 Billion Reconciliation Bill (Recon 3.0) — which, at the request of our Great Department of War — will include THE SAVE AMERICA ACT as well,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “No games, no delays, and no weak compromises! Do this ASAP.”
He directed Republicans to pass the measure under budget reconciliation rules, meaning it would require only a simple majority to pass in the Senate instead of the 60 votes needed for most bills. The demand for a new reconciliation package comes the same day he signed a $70 billion reconciliation bill to fund ICE and the Border Patrol through the end of his term.
Alongside the requested military funding, Trump urged Republicans to include the SAVE America Act, legislation that would add significant new restrictions and requirements for elections across the country.
DOJ responds to House Oversight chair’s push for Todd Blanche to testify
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., said yesterday that he wanted acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to testify in the committee’s Epstein investigation, but the Justice Department was noncommittal about that possibility.
Comer said he has “always wanted Blanche to come in,” adding, “We have questions.”
A Justice Department spokesperson said in response that Blanche spoke with the committee in March to answer questions.
“Since then the answers have not changed,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“This Department of Justice has produced nearly three million pages in compliance with the [Epstein Files Transparency Act] and has repeatedly and clearly disclosed what items were not responsive, meaning items that are entirely unrelated, privileged, or duplicative,” the spokesperson added.
“The Department has always made itself available to Congress, including allowing members to review unredacted documents, through public hearings, transcribed interviews, and meetings with committee members to answer questions directly. This is the most transparent Department of Justice in American history, and we have nothing to hide from the American people,” the statement said.
After he became acting attorney general, Blanche said in April that Epstein should not be a part of “anything” at the Justice Department going forward.
Medicare Advantage plans denied prior authorization requests at unusually high rates, HHS report finds
Patients enrolled in some of the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage plans were denied requests for rehabilitation and other critical services at unusually high rates, according to a report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services’ inspector general.
It comes amid increased scrutiny of how insurers use prior authorization, a cost-cutting tool that experts say often leads to the delay or denial of necessary care.
“These denial rates are quite staggering,” said Miranda Yaver, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh. “It’s another data point that reinforces what a lot of Americans have already been articulating a lot of frustration about — which is that healthcare decisions are being made with profit rather than medical necessity in mind.”
Judge warns DOJ not to ‘play possum’ with ‘anti-weaponization’ fund it says is dead
A federal judge denied a request to temporarily halt the Trump administration’s proposed “anti-weaponization” fund but warned the Justice Department not to misrepresent the status of the $1.8 billion fund, which acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress is not moving forward.
“Don’t play possum with this court,” U.S. District Judge Richard Leon warned a Justice Department attorney in court yesterday afternoon after he rejected the temporary restraining order request from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, one of several groups seeking to block the fund.
House to vote on short-term FISA extension, Mike Johnson says
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the House will vote this morning on a short-term extension of the reauthorization of FISA Section 702 at Trump’s request.
The measure would push back the expiration of the spying program’s powers to July 2.
Johnson said yesterday that the bill would be brought up under a procedure that requires a two-thirds majority of the House for passage.
“The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is how we surveil terrorists who are trying to hurt Americans. It is a very important, vital national security tool,” he said.
Johnson said that he spoke to Trump about nominating a director of national intelligence, but that Trump said he was not ready to make a pick just yet. Many Democrats have said they will hold up FISA reauthorization until acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte is removed from the post he’s set to take over on June 19.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said he is a “hard no” on the short-term extension bill, pointing to skepticism among national security Democrats about Pulte, who has no experience working in the U.S. intelligence community.
