News Roundup: Political & Legal Developments

McConnell slams Pulte as unqualified; Supreme Court greenlights Alabama map; Trump downplays Iran attack.

McConnell Statement on Bill Pulte

Senator Mitch McConnell issued a statement criticizing Bill Pulte, Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, as unqualified. McConnell stated he would not vote for Pulte in a permanent capacity, citing statutory eligibility requirements.

"I would not vote for him to lead the intelligence community permanently," McConnell said.

Supreme Court Approves Alabama Congressional Map

The Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map that eliminates one of the state's two majority-Black districts. The court ruled that lower court findings of discriminatory intent did not override the state's districting criteria.

Legal scholars noted that this decision, combined with a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, effectively closes the door on most Section 2 Voting Rights Act claims.

Trump Comments on Iran Conflict

President Trump downplayed an Iranian attack in Kuwait that killed one person, calling it "not a big deal" and suggesting it was provoked by US strikes. He claimed ceasefire negotiations are proceeding.

Trump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting DNI

Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of FHFA, as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Democrats expressed concern that this could jeopardize renewal of FISA Section 702.

Trump Claims Iran Nuclear Deal Gave Iran Nuclear Weapon

Trump stated that the 2015 Iran nuclear deal "gave them a nuclear weapon," contradicting the agreement's text, which states it ensures Iran's program is exclusively peaceful.

Other Developments

• Scott Bessent declined to comment on Trump's IRS audit immunity, citing litigation.
• Senate Republicans dropped $1bn ballroom funding from the immigration bill.
• Trump confirmed yelling at Netanyahu over airstrikes in Lebanon.
• Trump plans to attend the G7 summit in France and an NBA finals game.