The R&R Daily Brief: June 18, 2025
Yesterday's News in Five Minutes or Less Because Even We Can't Talk About Everything
Hey friends!
We're thrilled to introduce a new section in today’s newsletter: the Morning Run Down, your go-to guide for what’s happening today and key events to watch. As tensions escalate in the Middle East and Republicans finally get answers about the Biden administration's failures, we're witnessing pivotal moments that will shape America's future. From historic Senate hearings to Trump's firm stance on Iran, today's news proves conservative leadership is exactly what our nation needs.
Morning Run Down: What's Happening Today
White House Schedule:
Noon: Swearing-in ceremony for the Ambassador of the French Republic and Principality of Monaco (closed press).
1:00 PM: Lunch with the Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (closed press). A notable meeting to watch for potential diplomatic developments.
Congress:
9:00 AM: Armed Services Committee testimony on the budget request, featuring Secretary of Defense Hegseth and Chair of the Joint Chiefs Dan Cain. Expect intense discussions on military priorities.
10:00 AM: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer holds a press conference on the resolution package, likely addressing key legislative priorities.
10:15 AM: Judiciary Committee hearing on the "Biden Cover-Up," continuing the probe into alleged cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline.
The House is out, with Democrats and Republicans holding separate closed-door meetings, signaling strategic planning for upcoming battles.
Global Events:
Russian President Vladimir Putin takes questions from international journalists at the St. Petersburg International Forum, a platform for Russia’s perspective on global issues.
Economic Focus:
2:00 PM: The Federal Reserve announces its interest rate decision, followed by a press conference with Chair Jerome Powell at 2:30 PM. Markets will be closely watching for signals on monetary policy.
Judicial Updates:
10:00 AM: The Supreme Court begins releasing more decisions, potentially shaping legal precedents on critical issues.
Keep an eye on: The Fed’s rate decision and Powell’s comments could move markets, while the Schumer press conference and Judiciary Committee hearing may reveal new political fault lines. Putin’s Q&A could also provide insights into Russia’s next moves.
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Now, let's dive into today's headlines - and it's been a consequential 24 hours on multiple fronts.
Let’s get into the news!
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June 18, 202
TOP STORY
Trump Weighs Military Action as Israel Destroys Iran's Nuclear Program
President Trump is facing the most consequential foreign policy decision of his presidency as Israel continues devastating strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. After cutting short his G7 summit attendance, Trump convened his national security team while issuing direct warnings to Tehran's leadership.
The situation escalated dramatically when Trump posted on Truth Social: "We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment and plenty of it, but it doesn't compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured stuff." He followed with an ominous message: "We know exactly where the so-called supreme leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there. We are not going to take him out (kill), at least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin."
Israel has successfully eliminated multiple top Iranian military commanders and severely damaged the crucial Natanz enrichment facility. The Pentagon has rapidly deployed additional naval destroyers and fighter jets to the region as Trump weighs whether to join Israel's campaign to permanently dismantle Iran's nuclear program.
Further Reading:
Right: Trump returns from G7 summit early to deal with deadly Israel-Iran conflict and more top headlines - Fox News
Center: Iranian state broadcaster hit as Iran urges Trump to make Israel halt war - Reuters
Left: Trump leaves G-7 early to deal with Israel and Iran conflict, White House says - The Washington Post
Left: Trump to leave G7 summit early to monitor tensions in the Middle East - CNN Politics
POLITICS
Senate Republicans Expose Biden's "Bigger Than Watergate" Cover-Up
Senate Republicans held their first full congressional hearing today investigating what they're calling the biggest presidential scandal in American history - the systematic cover-up of Joe Biden's cognitive decline. Led by Senators Eric Schmitt and John Cornyn, the hearing examined who was actually running the country during Biden's presidency.
"I think this scandal is bigger than Watergate," Senator Schmitt declared, emphasizing the constitutional crisis of having an unelected group making presidential decisions. The investigation focuses on Biden's use of auto-pen technology for official documents and the role of advisers who allegedly shielded him from cabinet members and the press.
Witnesses included former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer and constitutional law experts who testified about the unprecedented nature of the alleged cover-up. Special Prosecutor Robert Hur's previous determination that Biden was unfit to stand trial has become a central piece of evidence in the probe.
Further Reading:
Right: Senate GOP launches first hearing on alleged Biden cognitive decline cover-up - Fox News
Right: Former White House officials to testify on alleged coverup of Biden's cognitive decline - Fox News
Right: New Senate investigation into who was running the country for Biden - Washington Examiner
Left: GOP senators plan hearing on Biden's perceived cognitive decline - ABC News
NYC Mayoral Candidate Arrested for Interfering with ICE Operation
Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents at an immigration court after physically interfering with an ICE detention operation. Video footage shows Lander linking arms with an illegal immigrant to prevent federal agents from making an arrest, repeatedly demanding to see a warrant while being led away in handcuffs.
"I would like to see the warrant and then I will let go," Lander can be heard saying in the dramatic footage. The Department of Homeland Security accused Lander of "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," while emphasizing that "no one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences."
Governor Kathy Hochul called the arrest "bullsht"* and personally picked up Lander from federal custody, in what critics mocked as looking like a parent retrieving a child from daycare. The incident highlights the growing confrontations between Democratic officials and federal immigration enforcement.
Further Reading:
Right: NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by DHS agents, released hours later after alleged officer assault - Fox News
Right: NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by ICE at hearing - Washington Examiner
Center: Hochul on NYC candidate’s arrest: ‘How dare they’ - The Hill
Left: Brad Lander: NYC mayoral candidate released after arrest by immigration officers - CNN
CULTURE
Trump Sons Launch "Trump Mobile" on Historic Anniversary
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump marked the 10th anniversary of their father's famous escalator ride with a major business announcement - the launch of Trump Mobile, a new wireless service targeting conservative Americans. The brothers unveiled the service at Trump Tower, exactly a decade after Trump announced his first presidential campaign.
"We got on the elevator one floor up. It was my whole family. That was before the fateful sort of escalator ride down. And my father looked at me right in the eyes. He goes, and now we find out who our real friends are," Don Jr. reflected on that pivotal moment ten years ago.
Trump Mobile offers "The 47 Plan" for $47.45 per month, referencing Trump's status as both the 45th and 47th president. The service promises American-made phones, customer service based in Missouri rather than overseas call centers, and additional services like telemedicine and roadside assistance.
"We were debanked, we were deplatformed. It's why we created Truth Social. We were thrown off all the other platforms, and so rather than just sort of complain, take our ball home and go cry, you know, we always want to adapt and innovate," Eric Trump explained the motivation behind offering alternatives to mainstream services.
Further Reading:
Right: Exclusive — Eric Trump on 10 Years Since 'the Escalator': Sometimes it Feels like 100 Years, Sometimes 10 Minutes - Breitbart
Center: Eric and Don Jnr. launch 'Trump Mobile' - The Spectator
Left: Trump sons announce wireless service called Trump Mobile - CNN Business
QUICK HITS
Blue-Collar Wage Surge - Blue-collar workers have seen 1.7% wage growth since Trump's second term began, the largest increase for any administration in almost 60 years
Food Companies Ditch Artificial Dyes - Kraft Heinz announces removal of all artificial food dyes by 2027, following RFK Jr.'s health initiatives
Menendez Reports to Prison - Disgraced former Senator Bob Menendez begins 11-year sentence for bribery and corruption
Anderson Cooper's CNN Exit? - CNN anchor hires Hollywood super agent, suggesting potential departure amid network budget cuts
That's all for today's morning update. Stay informed and have a great Wednesday!
We would love to hear from you! What story this week surprised you the most? And what are your weekend plans? Drop a comment or send us a message to let us know.