Trump said Bill Pulte will serve only temporarily as acting director of national intelligence after the appointment drew Republican criticism over his lack of intelligence experience. The president defended Pulte as smart and said the administration is interviewing other candidates.
News Mash
House Republicans asked the Justice Department to investigate allegations by Jeffrey Epstein’s former assistant Sarah Kellen against Philip Levine and Frédéric Fekkai. Both men, through statements or spokespeople, denied wrongdoing or disputed the allegations.
The House voted 215-208 to approve a war powers resolution aimed at forcing President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran unless Congress authorizes the conflict. Trump denounced the four Republicans who joined Democrats as “GRANDSTANDERS” and called the vote “unpatriotic.”
The Senate rejected a Democratic bid to block the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund as Republicans push a $70 billion ICE and Border Patrol funding bill. The vote exposed GOP divisions over the fund, which Trump has praised despite administration testimony that it is not moving forward.
President Trump is expected to announce $700 million in federal support for coal plants, new projects and a coal export terminal. The plan drew praise from the coal industry and sharp criticism from environmental groups.
Thousands of Albanians have protested a Kushner-linked coastal resort plan they say threatens protected wetlands, flamingos and other wildlife. Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project as a major investment that would bring jobs and infrastructure.
John Bolton plans to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information and pay a $2.25 million fine, according to CBS News. The former Trump national security adviser is expected to enter the plea June 26 in federal court in Maryland.
Hezbollah rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal between Israel and Lebanon, saying any truce must begin with an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israel said it would continue military operations as strikes and shelling were reported across the south.