Big Beautiful Bill Passes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the passage of President Trump’s budget bill by the House today. And, Trump talks to Russian president Vladimr Putin amid a pause of defensive weapons shipments to Ukraine. Then, they talk about Trump’s plans to helm the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence over the next year. Plus, the “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Next, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about a brewing conflict between Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence. And finally, Andrew and Carl talk to historian Jay Cost about why we celebrate the American Revolution and the lasting impact of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution on the world.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the fate of Trump’s budget bill in the House. And they talk about the University of Pennsylvania agreeing to ban transgender athletes from its women's sports teams in a settlement with the Department of Education. Then, they discuss Paramount Global’s decision to settle a law suit brought by Donald Trump over the editing of a CBS News interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. Plus, a discussion of Sam Tannenhaus’ recent Vanity Fair article comparing Trump’s leadership style to that of mob bosses in 1980s New York. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor John Kass about what it means for America that its most populous cities – including Los Angeles, Chicago and perhaps New York after today’s announcement that Zohran Mamdani is the official Democratic mayoral candidate - are run by progressive Democratic mayors. And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Investigations writer Ben Weingarten about his recent article on how the Trump Administration wants to exclude illegal aliens from the U.S. Census count, and why doing so could alter the balance of power in the House, change the distribution of votes among states in the electoral college, and redistribute population-based federal funds.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the Trump budget bill which passed the Senate today and also the latest episode in the feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Then, they talk about Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments today that Trump’s tariff policies have helped keep interest rates high. Plus, the Democratic National Committee announces summertime plans to build enthusiasm for the party in “non-political spaces". Next, they discuss today’s official closing of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plans to cut 15% of the State Department’s personnel. Then finally, RCP contributor Maggie Miller talks with RealClear Investigations writer John Murawski about his latest expose looking into how during Pride Month, some public libraries have moved beyond celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity to include sexually explicit content, radical gender ideology, and overt political messaging—even in books and displays aimed at very young children.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss a new poll from Gallup released today that shows the percentage of Americans who say they are "proud to be an American" has fallen to a record low. And, they talk about New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohan Mamdani who was questioned about democratic socialism and what it means to him. Then, they discuss how, in the face of pressure from Donald Trump, Canada decided to rescind a tax on digital services that would have cost U.S. tech giants billions. Plus, President Trump prepares to visit a new holding facility being built in the Florida Everglades to house illegal migrants. Next, RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende talks with Tom Bevan about Sen. Thom Tillis’ decision not to run for reelection in North Carolina, putting a vulnerable Senate seat up for grabs. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks to RealClear Investigations reporter James Varney about his recent story which explains on January 15 and 16, 2025, The Department of Energy signed off on $42 billion in green energy projects – a sum that exceeded the total amount the agency’s Loan Programs Office had spent over the past ten years.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s rulings from the Supreme Court, including a 6-3 decision that limits the ability of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions that block a presidents’ executive orders. They also talk about the fall-out from the New York Democratic mayoral primary. Then, they discuss new research from the Pew Research Center on the 2024 election and they deliver the “You Cannot Be Serious” stories from the week. Next, Carl and Andrew speak to Emerson College Pollster Spencer Kimball to discuss his most recent poll numbers, including a look at likely presidential candidates in 2028 and Emerson’s poll of the New York ranked-choice mayoral race. And finally, Andrew talks to RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree about her recent reporting concerning dual nationality political prisoners held in Tehran and efforts to gain their freedom. Will the Trump Administration push for their release as part of a larger deal with Iran?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s Pentagon briefing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine on the Iranian strike and counterstrike in the Middle East. They also talk about, CNN anchor Jake Tapper defending his news organization’s brand of journalism. Then, they discuss the results of this weekend’s NATO summit, and the upcoming wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez which is estimated to cost as much as $55 million has sparked protests in Venice. Next, Trump Border Czar Tom Homan tells RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann what "scares the hell out" of him concerning Iranian nationals in the United States. Homan predicts deportations will "skyrocket" after passage of Trump’s budget bill. And finally, Tom talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker who's announced he's launching his campaign for a 3rd term, while positioning himself for a possible White House run in 2028.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the results of yesterday’s Democratic primary in New York City, where 33-year old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani now leads Andrew Cuomo in a ranked choice election and is likely to emerge victorious. And they talk about the House voting on articles of impeachment against Donald Trump over his military strike in Iran, with 79 Democrats voting in favor. Then, they discuss CNN’s report that an early U.S. intelligence assessment says Iran’s nuclear program was set back by months and its core components were intact, a story the White House rejects. Plus, Kari Lake testified today before the House about the dismantling of Voice of America, alleging the agency had employed foreign spies, violated immigration laws, and misspent taxpayer dollars. Next, Carl talks to National Journal White House correspondent George Condon about this history of presidents, bad language and the F-bomb. And winding it up, Andrew talks to presidential historian Tevi Troy about the life and contributions of author, broadcaster and pundit Ben Wattenberg, who proudly embraced the term “neoconservative" and passed away 10 years ago this month.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the state of the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, and whether allowing the current Iranian regime to continue in power is the best outcome for Israel, the Iranian people and the U.S. They also talk about NATO’s decision to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, while President Trump seems to want to reinterpret Article 5, which calls for a common defense of all signatories. Plus, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) publicly toys with the idea of quitting the GOP to become an independent and caucus with the Democrats. Next, Carl and Andrew talk to RCP contributor Bill King about the alarming decline in birthrates across the globe, and what, if anything, governments can do about it. And finally, RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks with actor and author Kirk Cameron about his journey to Christianity and why, as a man of faith, he supports President Trump.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss how Republicans and Democrats are reacting to President Trump’s missile strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as today’s retaliatory attack by Tehran on an American base in Doha, Qatar. They also talk about Tuesday’s New York Democratic Mayoral Primary, which features a crowded race and ranked choice voting. Anti-Cuomo forces have tried to work the new ranked choice voting system to their favor, and new research from Emerson College Polling predicts that Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani may win over current leader Andrew Cuomo after eight rounds of elimination. Next, Carl Cannon talks to RCP special correspondent Addison Graham from Brussels on the European Union foreign ministers meeting, how they view next steps in the Middle East and Ukraine, and how they see President Trump’s role in reshaping U.S. foreign policy. And lastly, Tom Bevan talks to Rachel Hoff, Policy Director of the Reagan Institute about a new survey conducted by the institute on U.S. public attitudes toward Iran, NATO and national security.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and National Review contributor Heather Wilhelm discuss Donald Trump’s decision to allow a two-week window for diplomacy to work in Iran, and a federal appeals court ruled on Thursday that the president could maintain control over the California National Guard, despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s protests. They also talk about Catlin Clark’s impact on women’s professional basketball and the reaction of her fellow players. Also, “You Can’t Be Serious” for the week just past. Next, Carl talks to RCP contributor and former State Department official Peter Berkowitz about what may happen next in the confrontation with Iran, and about his forthcoming book, Explaining Israel: The Jewish State, the Middle East and America. And finally, RCP Contributor Maggie Miller talks with Rupert Darwell, senior fellow at the National Center for Energy Analytics and the author of the forthcoming book, The Age of Error: Net Zero and the Destruction of the West.