… Trump and his criminal defense lawyer now AG Todd Blanche orchestrated the most corrupt and repulsive scheme in the history of the US government today, forcing hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers to pay $1.7 BILLION to J6 thugs and criminals who beat up cops to storm the Capitol, and Trump’s co-conspirators who attempted to steal the 2020 election.
… Meidas reporter Scott Macfarlane: “Justice Dept confirms it is establishing $1.776 billion fund ‘for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress’. Fund will have 5 members and ‘issue formal apologies and monetary relief owed to claimants’.”
… DOJ: “Fund will consist of a Commission of 5 members appointed by the Attorney General. One Member will be chosen in consultation with congressional leadership. The President can remove any member."
… We have certainly seen many egregious instances of public corruption among govt officials since 1789. But nothing remotely as bad as this. Democrats must impeach Trump and Blanche for this as soon as they take the majority. Make every Republican in the House and Senate vote against that.
… MS NOW: “In a new court filing, House Democrats objected to a potential settlement in the works between Trump and his own admin, warning it creates the ‘specter of corruption unparalleled in American history.’ In a new amicus brief filed Monday, the Democrats argue the president is working to ‘undermine the Constitution’ through his months-old lawsuit against the IRS and a reported pending deal, which they say amounts to a ‘slush fund’ for the president and his allies.”
… These Democrats urge Judge Kathleen Williams to dismiss the president’s lawsuit and closely scrutinize any potential deal: “Never in the history of the US has a sitting President sought a monetary settlement from the govt he leads - let alone sought many billions of dollars in taxpayer funds.”
… ”Filing a collusive lawsuit only to immediately dismiss it in order to produce a collusive settlement” would be “legally barred. It would also raise serious questions about whether the parties have manipulated the court system to achieve illicit ends.”
… The amicus brief is led by Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. All told, 93 House Democrats co-signed the brief.
… “This President has continually asserted a maximalist view of his own Executive authority, foreclosing any possible argument that the agencies appearing here as Defendants have autonomy or independence from him.”
… Joe Neguse: “Trump’s absurd $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS is one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this admin. House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter.”
… Just a partial list of some people eligible to get payouts from taxpayers from the Trump/Blanche Criminal Slush Fund:
Steve Bannon
Peter Navarro
Rudy Giuliani
Mark Meadows
Stewart Rhodes
Enrique Tarrio
Sidney Powell
Jenna Ellis
John Eastman
Jeffrey Clark
Boris Epshteyn
Joe Biggs
Walt Nauta
… New NYT/Siena poll on Trump approval: Approve-37%, Disapprove-59%. His lowest number in this poll during either term.
… Trump’s “special envoy”, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, has arrived in Greenland. Local journalist Orla Joelsen: “Jeff Landry arrived in Nuuk, accompanied by physician Joseph Griffin. Griffin told TV 2 that Landry had asked him to join the trip to Nuuk to help ‘assess the medical needs’ in Greenland. The American doctor emphasized that he is participating as a ‘volunteer’ and that his main purpose during the visit is to speak with Greenlanders about their experiences with the healthcare system.”
… Q - “Greenlanders are a little nervous about what your intentions are. Is it still to acquire Greenland? What do you say to them? Landry: Look, I’m here simply to build relationships and to look and listen and to learn and to see if there are opportunities to expand relationships between Greenland, the US and Denmark. So yeah, it’s a great day and I’m excited.”
… Nobody in Greenland was excited.
… Trump made another 35 deranged, psychotic posts on Truth Social last night. These were a few examples:
A video of him rambling off orders to the Navy followed by an AI generated warship shooting down an Iranian drone.
A video of himself hitting a golf ball into the head of Sen. Bill Cassidy.
A meme image of a crying Hillary Clinton voter sitting in National Mall Reflecting Pool with the words “coming soon.”
A rotting zombie Gavin Newsom meme on a license plate which reads “The Once Golden State.”
An image of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi swimming in a pool of sewage with the caption ‘Dumacrats Love Sewage’.
A series of AI Space Force memes, including some violent imagery of a giant Trump using satellites to attack countries all around the world, including what appears to be nuclear strikes over Iran.
A meme portraying Venezuela as the 51st state.
A meme of Gavin Newsom, this time in a cell with padded walls with the word “Trump” written all over them.
AI image of Trump walking with a tall gray alien creature.
A post with the words “Hakeem ‘Low IQ’ Jeffries in his district” featuring racist stereotype of House Democratic Leader Jeffries in gold chains while a dystopian scene of trash and violence plays out below him.
A bizarre image of JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson with the words “Dumb and Dumber: the Illinois Government.”
More Space Force Imagery showing him directing the destruction of satellites in space.
… I’m sure it will all be in Jake Tapper’s book in 2029 when he reveals that Trump may have been unfit for office.
… NBC: “On Tuesday, voters in KY’s 4th Congressional District will decide whether Thomas Massie becomes the latest casualty of Trump’s campaign to unseat foes inside the Republican Party as he faces off against Ed Gallrein, who was personally recruited by the president.”
… “The race has been the most expensive House primary in history in terms of ad spending, totaling more than $32 million - largely dominated by Trump-aligned groups and pro-Israel organizations pouring millions into negative ads against Massie.”
… Pete Hegseth did a campaign rally in KY today against Massie while being paid by taxpayers to work as Secretary of Defense for the country:
“President Trump does not need more people in Washington who are trying to make a point, especially from his own party. He needs people willing to help him win, to vote with him when it matters the most. And too often, Massie has acted like his job is to stand apart from the movement that Trump leads instead of strengthening it.”
“When Trump needs backup, Massie wants to debate process. When the movement needs unity, especially at the biggest moment, Massie is willing to vote with Democrats. When conservatives are fighting the most radical left in American history, too often Massie’s instinct is to throw elbows at fellow Republicans instead of the people who are destroying our country or want to destroy our country, and there’s one man standing in their way and it’s Trump.”
“Massie’s record speaks for itself, too. Too much grandstanding, too few great votes, years of acting like being difficult is the same thing as being courageous. It is not. Real courage means stepping up when the mission matters most, when we need that tough vote to beat left wing a lunatic Democrats the most.”
… Semafor’s Dave Weigel: “The top 3 most expensive House primaries in history have all involved pro-Israel groups spending to get rid of an Israel critic. 1) Massie 2026, 2) Bowman 2024, 3) Bush 2024.”
… Global economist Peter Schiff: “Trump is boasting about getting China to commit to buying $17B of U.S. agriculture per year over the next 2 years. But during the 4 years under Biden, China bought on average over $30B of US agriculture. The main reason China bought just $8.4B in 2025 was Trump’s tariffs.”
One of you asked about the potential Trump settlement slush fund as one of the questions for Ask the Editor, which I recorded today with one of our Capitol Hill correspondents Pablo Manriquez. I obviously have strong thoughts on this and am completely furious as I’m sure you all are.
I talked about how I see this thing playing out and answered 4 of your other questions. You don’t want to miss this one so look for it tonight - Pablo offered some pretty great insights as well from his perspective in DC. If you missed yesterday’s crazy Bulletin recapping the weekend, you can find it here.
… European Parliament member Henrik Dahl: “After Trump’s visit to China, even the most cautious observer should now be able to see the obvious: The US has voluntarily relinquished its role as the central power of the democratic world. If you are a dictator in Russia or China, you can expect respect, flattering words, and promises of cooperation.”
… “If, on the other hand, you are a free country in the political West - or merely a smaller allied nation - you can expect mockery, unreasonable demands, and shifting ultimatums that are forgotten 5 minutes later because they were never intended to be
taken seriously in the first place. And above all: the implicit message that if things turn ugly, you are on your own.”
… “The correct reaction is neither anger nor indignation. Such reactions make little impression in the US. And in Europe, they mostly waste valuable time. Instead, we must make Europe stronger and more independent. And we must deepen the alliances we already have with freedom-oriented nations across the world.”
… “Had Trump consulted the Oracle of Delphi about his plans, the Oracle would probably have replied: ‘You will cause a great empire to crumble.’ Trump would have been happy. As his reaction to Xi’s references to Thucydides revealed, he does not seem to know his classics either.”
… TACO Trump shoveled out more BS on Iran today: “I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the USA, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond.”
… “This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN! Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Pete Hegseth, General Daniel Caine, and The US Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached.”
… Total clown show. Nobody asked him to do that. The entire world knows he’s bluffing. Iran knows he’s bluffing, and that’s why he can’t get them to make any concessions. He’s a complete fool who has no idea how to get out of the war he started by getting anything in return. All he can do is make threats 29 different times and then back down every time while claiming “progress in negotiations.”
… After previously stating that lifting sanctions on Russian oil was going to be a “one-time, 30 day” measure, Scott Bessent decided to extend that two days after it expired: “US Treasury is issuing a temporary 30-day general license to provide the most vulnerable nations with the ability to temporarily access Russian oil currently stranded at sea.
… “This extension will provide additional flexibility, and we will work with these nations to provide specific licenses as needed. This general license will help stabilize the physical crude market and ensure oil reaches the most energy-vulnerable countries. It will also help reroute existing supply to countries most in need by reducing China’s ability to stockpile discounted oil.”
… Economist Anders Aslund, who wrote a book about the Russian economy: “How predictable! The US sanctions on Russian oil came back for two days and then Trump eased them again. Trump is so obviously working for Putin. Why don’t everyone see it?!”
… Financial Times: “Two months after Trump announced that the US would provide insurance to ships seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz, the program has not provided a single dollar of cover. The scheme never got off the ground, according to insurance brokers, as it did not fulfill all the requirements needed for ships transiting the strait and was tied to a US naval escort for vessels, which has not been established.”
… Financial Times: “Nearly 80 countries have now introduced emergency measures to protect their economies as the world approaches a new, more dangerous phase in the energy crisis driven by the Iran war. Governments are stepping up their responses ahead of a looming tipping point, when traders warn that oil prices could jump again sharply unless more fuel trapped in the Gulf can be exported through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.”
… Paul Diggle, chief economist at fund manager Aberdeen, said his team was now examining a scenario where Brent crude rockets to $180 a barrel, causing surging inflation and recessions in a host of European and Asian countries: “We are taking that outcome very seriously. We are living on borrowed time.”
… “The International Energy Agency estimates that the number of countries that have already been forced into emergency measures has reached 76, up from 55 at the end of March. Economists and traders warn the next phase of the crisis could bring another sharp jump in energy prices, broader fuel rationing, industrial shutdowns and a significant slowdown in global growth.”
… EU’s transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas: “If this does not end in the coming weeks and we don’t have the reopening of the Hormuz strait, I’m afraid a world recession could be on the table.”
… Chicago Tribune: “Since the start of the war, retail gas prices have spiked more than 50% nationwide, and diesel, which trucks use to transport all kinds of goods and agricultural products across the country, has similarly sprung up 48%. And increased shipping and transportation costs? That means higher prices on everything from groceries to airline tickets and your morning latte.”
… Kobeissi Letter: “US electricity prices are surging well ahead of inflation: Electricity prices jumped 6.1% YoY in April, the highest reading since January. This marks the 8th monthly increase above 5.0% over the last 10 months. At the same time, overall US CPI rose 3.8% YoY, the biggest increase since May 2023. This means electricity prices are rising 61% faster than the broader inflation rate.”
… Trump made a one-sentence post complaining about press coverage of the war: “If Iran surrenders, admits their Navy is gone and resting at the bottom of the sea, and their Air Force is no longer with us, and if their entire Military walks out of Tehran, weapons dropped and hands held high, each shouting ‘I surrender, I surrender’ while wildly waving the representative White Flag, and if their entire remaining Leadership signs all necessary ‘Documents of Surrender,’ and admit their defeat to the great power and force of the magnificent U.S.A., The Failing New York Times, The China Street Journal (WSJ!), Corrupt and now Irrelevant CNN, and all other members of the Fake News Media, will headline that Iran had a Masterful and Brilliant Victory over The United States of America, it wasn’t even close.”
… CNBC: A record number of Americans are leaving the US. Brookings Institute estimated that 210,000-405,000 people left the US voluntarily last year. It’s the first time in at least 50 years that more people moved out of the country than moved in. 89% said they want to leave the US for political reasons.
… WSJ: “Trump is discussing plans to install a helipad at the WH to prevent powerful new Marine One helicopters from damaging the South Lawn. The helipad would be the latest renovation to the historic WH grounds since Trump began his second term.”
… “The president has paved over the Rose Garden, installed a black granite walkway along the West Wing Colonnade, redesigned the Oval Office, placed two large American flagpoles at the front and back of the WH and demolished the East Wing to make way for his 90,000 square-foot ballroom.”
… Punchbowl: “A sizable group of House and Senate Republicans doesn’t want to vote for any money related to Trump’s controversial ballroom while the cost of living is sky-high and gas is at $4.50-plus per gallon. But the WH really wants this, putting the GOP on a collision course. Here’s how the fight is playing out:
The Senate parliamentarian ruled over the weekend that the $1 billion for the Secret Service doesn’t comply with reconciliation rules. Senate GOP leadership can and will keep going back to the parliamentarian with new language to try to make the provision work as part of the Byrd Bath process. It would be a relief for a number of vulnerable Republicans if this effort fails.
If the language passes muster with the parliamentarian, Senate GOP leaders have the vote-a-rama to worry about. Senate Dems will force amendments at a 50-vote threshold to strip the ballroom money and divert it to other projects. No matter how the Byrd Bath shakes out, Senate Dems plan to push ballroom-related amendments and force GOP senators to go on the record on the controversial project.”
… A new poll by Forward Carolina has Roy Cooper expanding his lead by 2 points over the past month and is now up 49-42% over Michael Whatley in the NC US Senate race.
… FCC Chair Brendan Carr on CNBC:
Q - “You recently called in 8 ABC TV station licenses in for early review. Why did you do that? Carr: This goes back to a DEI investigation. We’ve been working to make sure the companies don’t discriminate against people based on their race and gender.”
Q - “The review the ABC licenses has nothing to do with Jimmy Kimmel? Carr: The early renewal order was based on where we were in the enforcement of that DEI case.”
Q - “So you reject the idea that you're a culture warrior and have turned the FCC into a political commission? Carr: If culture is making sure the laws on the books are enforced, then I guess I'm a culture warrior.”
… Education Secretary Linda McMahon was on Fox bragging about cutting student loans: "We've totally revamped the FAFSA program. Like many things in the govt, we found there was a lot of fraud going on. There were dead people who were getting these loans, etc."
… Sure Linda. Dead people were voting for Biden and dead people are getting student loans so we have to cut the entire program for everyone.
… Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby is now threatening Canada: “A strong Canada that prioritizes hard power over rhetoric benefits us all. Unfortunately, Canada has failed to make credible progress on its defense commitments. DoW is pausing the Permanent Joint Board on Defense to reassess how this forum benefits shared North American defense.
… “We can no longer avoid the gaps between rhetoric and reality. Real powers must sustain our rhetoric with shared defense and security responsibilities. Delivering on shared continental defense begins by recognizing our shared geography. Only by investing in our own defense capabilities will Americans and Canadians be safe, secure, and prosperous.”
… NBC: “A jury on Monday found that tech billionaire Elon Musk waited too long to bring his lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, throwing out the suit that claimed Altman had unlawfully enriched himself from the organization they helped to create. The jury found Altman, co-founder Greg Brockman and OpenAI not liable on all claims after a blockbuster 3-week trial that has captured the attention of the tech industry and that threatened to reshape the race to develop AI.”
… “On the same statute-of-limitations grounds, the jury also rejected Musk’s claim that Microsoft aided and abetted Altman and Brockman in allegedly breaching their duty to OpenAI. Microsoft was an early and large investor in OpenAI’s for-profit operation. The question of whether Musk dragged his feet before suing was a primary topic of questions when Musk was on the witness stand for 3 days.”
… “The statute of limitations were strict in the case: 3 years for a claim that Altman and Brockman breached a duty of charitable trust that they owed to OpenAI as a nonprofit organization, and 2 years for a claim that they unlawfully enriched themselves from the organization.”
