The R&R Daily Brief: June 19, 2025
Yesterday's News in Five Minutes or Less Because Even We Can't Talk About Everything
Hey friends!
As tensions escalate in the Middle East and major Supreme Court decisions reshape American policy, we're covering the stories that matter most to conservative Americans. Don't forget to tune in to our new podcast episode dropping today, where Rachel and I will be diving deep into the so-called "MAGA Civil War" regarding the Israel-Iran conflict and what it means for Trump's America First agenda.
Morning Run Down: What's Happening Today
This is a new feature where we'll keep you informed about the day's key White House activities and who's covering them. When there's a White House press briefing or the President is traveling, there's always a designated press pool - a rotating group of journalists who provide coverage for all media outlets. We will share who is in each pool to showcase the diversity now present in White House coverage, countering false narratives about the Trump administration controlling media access, and highlighting the rise of new media voices in the press room.
White House Schedule:
11:00 AM - President Trump in the Situation Room (Iran discussions expected)
11:30 AM - Intelligence briefing (closed)
1:00 PM - Press Briefing by Karoline Leavitt (On Camera)
2:30 PM - Swearing-in Ceremony for Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Sharp Walsh (closed)
In-Town Press Pool for Today's Briefing:
TV Correspondent & Crew: Fox News
Secondary TV: Newsmax
Photos: Associated Press, AFP, New York Times, Reuters, Getty Images
Print: Washington Times
Radio: ABC
Secondary Print: New York Times
New Media: Merit Street Media
Merit Street Media is Dr. Phil McGraw's multi-platform news and entertainment network, launched in 2024 after ending his long-running CBS show. Broadcasting from a state-of-the-art 5-acre facility in Dallas-Fort Worth, the network reaches over 80 million homes with programming that includes "Dr. Phil Primetime," "Morning on Merit Street" with Dominique Sachse, "The News on Merit Street" anchored by Kris Gutierrez, "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace," and shows featuring Mike Rowe and Steve Harvey (who is an equity partner). Merit Street focuses on "common sense" programming, fact-based news coverage, and addressing issues like parental rights, education, and social media without political rhetoric. Visit Merit Street Media
Congressional Activity: House and Senate are out of session.
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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 19, 202
TOP STORY
Trump Weighs Military Action as Israel-Iran War Enters Seventh Day
President Trump continues to keep the world guessing about potential U.S. military involvement in Israel's ongoing bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. "I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump told reporters Wednesday, as Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that any U.S. military intervention would result in "irreparable damage." The conflict has killed over 224 Iranians and 24 Israelis, with Israel claiming it now has "complete and total control of the skies over Iran." Trump's cryptic messaging and threats against Khamenei personally have created divisions within his own base, with some MAGA figures like Tucker Carlson urging an America First approach while others push for decisive action against Iran's nuclear program.
Further Reading:
Right: Fmr CIA Director Explains What Could Happen If Iran’s Supreme Leader Defies Trump’s Offer - Daily Caller
Center: Trump keeps world guessing about US military action against Iran - Reuters
Left: 'Drop Israel': How military escalation with Iran divides Trump's base - Al Jazeera
POLITICS
Supreme Court Delivers Major Win for Parental Rights
The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on transgender medical procedures for minors in a landmark 6-3 decision, marking a significant victory for conservative activists and parent groups. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the law does not violate the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, rejecting arguments that Tennessee's prohibition on puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for children constitutes sex discrimination. "There is no medical consensus on how to treat gender dysphoria in children," Justice Clarence Thomas noted in his concurring opinion. The ruling affects over 20 states with similar laws and comes after Daily Wire host Matt Walsh's investigation exposed disturbing practices at Vanderbilt's gender clinic. Liberal justices dissented, with Justice Sotomayor claiming the treatments "can be a question of life or death," despite mounting evidence showing these procedures provide little benefit while posing significant risks to children.
Further Reading:
Right: 'We won': Social media erupts over SCOTUS ruling dealing 'fatal blow' to transgender surgeries on minors - Fox News
Center: US Supreme Court upholds Tennessee law banning youth transgender care - Reuters
Immigration Raids Spark Democratic Resistance Nationwide
Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement has triggered widespread protests and Democratic resistance across blue cities, with Los Angeles becoming the epicenter of anti-ICE demonstrations. The administration deployed 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after violent protests against immigration raids, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem vowing to "liberate the city of Los Angeles." Democrats have responded by getting themselves arrested, including California Senator Alex Padilla who was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference, and New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver who was charged after chaos erupted at an ICE detention facility. The raids have targeted workplaces, farms, and residential areas, with ICE arresting at least 44 people on immigration violations in Los Angeles alone. However, facing pressure from Hispanic GOP members and business groups about workplace disruptions, Trump recently ordered ICE to pause most raids on farms, hotels, and restaurants, acknowledging that enforcement was affecting "very good, long time workers."
Further Reading:
Right: Immigration raids in Los Angeles hit small business owners: 'It's worse than COVID' - Reuters
Center: DHS vows immigration raids will continue as resistance mounts - NPR
Left: As immigration raids continue, ICE protests spread coast to coast - NBC News
TECHNOLOGY
TikTok Gets Third Extension as Trump Seeks China Deal
President Trump announced he will grant TikTok another 90-day extension, pushing the Chinese-owned app's sale deadline to mid-September. "President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, marking the third time Trump has extended the deadline since taking office. The extension comes despite a congressional law that mandated ByteDance sell TikTok's U.S. operations by January 19 or face a ban. Trump indicated he would "probably need China's blessing" for any deal and suggested he might reduce tariffs to facilitate negotiations. Some legal experts argue Trump's repeated delays violate the law's statutory framework, which allowed for only one 90-day extension under specific conditions. Multiple parties including Oracle, AppLovin, and billionaire Frank McCourt's Project Liberty consortium have expressed interest in purchasing TikTok's U.S. operations, but Chinese approval remains uncertain.
Further Reading:
Right: Trump to extend TikTok deadline for third time, pushing decision out another 90 days - CNBC
Center: Trump to extend TikTok sale deadline for third time, White House says - Reuters
ECONOMY
Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady Despite Trump Pressure
The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 4.25%-4.5% for the fourth consecutive meeting, defying intense pressure from President Trump who called Fed Chair Jerome Powell a "numbskull" and demanded rate cuts. The Fed signaled it expects to cut rates by 0.5 percentage points later this year, the same forecast from March, while projecting higher inflation due to uncertainty around Trump's tariff policies. "We don't have to be in a hurry. The economy is resilient and doing fairly well," Powell said, noting that tariffs would likely "push up prices and weigh on economic activity." Trump has escalated his attacks on Powell, claiming that a 2 percentage point cut would save the U.S. $600 billion annually and threatening he "may have to force something." The Fed's decision came after a stronger-than-expected jobs report showing 139,000 jobs added in May, making rate cuts less likely in the near term.
Further Reading:
Right: Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged despite Trump pressure - Fox Business
Center: Fed holds interest rates steady, signals rate cuts of 0.5% later this year - NPR
Left: Fed holds interest rates steady, defying Trump - ABC News
STORIES TO WATCH
Supreme Court allows Trump's transgender military ban to take effect, for now - The Court permitted Trump's ban on transgender military service members while legal challenges continue
Biden cover-up hearing exposes constitutional crisis - Senate Republicans investigate who was actually running the country during Biden's decline
Volcano eruption in Indonesia disrupts international flights - Multiple eruptions cause evacuations and flight cancellations affecting thousands of tourists
That's all for today's morning update. Stay informed and have a great Thursday!
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.