Trump News for Monday, June 8, 2026

Maine’s Platner faces test as four US states hold midterm primary votes

Joseph Stepansky, Al Jazeera English

Four states - Maine, Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota - are holding primaries ahead of November's midterms.

Trump nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general, setting up Senate fight

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

Blanche, who currently serves as acting attorney general, has faced controversy over the Epstein files and January 6.

Watch: Trump tells BBC Netanyahu did not defy him

BBC News

In a call with the US president, BBC’s Sarah Smith asked Trump about the war in Iran and his relationship with the Israeli leader.

Pentagon revises list of religious affiliations after Mormon congressmen's criticism.

Luis Martinez, Abcnews.com

The Pentagon has revised its list of religious affiliations after backlash from Mormon congressmen after LDS church not described as a Christian faith.

Skip Jill Biden’s Book and Read Hunter Biden’s Social-Media Posts Instead

David A. Graham, The Atlantic

The two have very different approaches to dealing with recent history, and only one is working.

I went to see the renovated Reflecting Pool. Here's what I noticed

Michelle Del Rey , USA TODAY, USA Today

Over a month after the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovations began, the monument is still reflected in the water.

UN human rights leader calls for Cuba sanctions to be ‘lifted immediately’

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

Volker Turk, the UN's high commissioner for human rights, warns that 'children are dying' as result of US oil blockade.

How the Pentagon picked a fight with Mormons

Christian Paz, Vox

Over the weekend, the Department of Defense stepped into one of the more delicate questions in American religiosity: who gets to be called “Christian.”  More specifically, does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church…

US confirms it denied entry to Somali referee set to take part in World Cup

Ali Harb, Al Jazeera English

Award-winning referee Omar Artan was 'determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns' after arriving in Miami.

Dems Threaten to Block Surveillance Law Unless New Spy Chief Drops Out

Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com

The issue is way bigger than Bill Pulte.

The World Cup has a Trump problem

Cameron Peters, Vox

This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: The World Cup starts this week, and the Trump administ…

Mexico Just Showed Off a New Extremely Cheap, Government-Backed EV

Bruce Gil, Gizmodo.com

Whether it'll be allowed across the border remains to be seen.

Democratic revolt over Trump's DNI pick Pulte puts FISA re-authorization in jeopardy

Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, Abcnews.com

Forty-five days after Congress punted a fight to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, Republican leaders are staring down a new deadline.

World Cup referee from Somalia denied entry to the US: CBP

Luke Barr, Meredith Deliso, Abcnews.com

The referee was "determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry," a CBP spokesperson said, without going into further detail.

Convicted Crypto Fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried Officially Files for Trump Pardon

Kyle Torpey, Gizmodo.com

We would say stranger things have happened, but Trump pardoning a crypto fraudster isn't very strange in 2026.

How significant is Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea?

Al Jazeera English

Beijing is Pyongyang's main political and economic backer.

France and Germany scrap fighter jet in hit to European defence cooperation

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

The termination of the plan comes as Washington increases pressure on Europe to become more militarily independent.

Trump formally nominates Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general

ABC NEWS, Abcnews.com

The Senate on Monday formally received Trump's nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general.

After All That Hype, Trump’s Arctic Oil Lease Sale Raised a Laughable $3.7M

Ellyn Lapointe, Gizmodo.com

The administration opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil extraction, but only two companies bought in.

US congressman demands probe into Israel’s 1967 attack on USS Liberty

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

Thomas Massie suggests the deadly assault was not an accident and calls on the US government to honour its survivors.

The growing US-Israel split over Iran

Joshua Keating, Vox

At its outset, the war known as Operation Epic Fury in the United States and Operation Roaring Lion in Israel marked a historic first: the first time the two countries’ militaries went to war fighting side by side. By all accounts, Prime Minister Benjamin Net…

UFC White House event challenged by lawsuit

Alex Brotherton, Keifer MacDonald, Ana Faguy, BBC News

The UFC White House event scheduled to take place on 14 June is challenged by a federal lawsuit alleging it is unlawful.

US imposes restrictions on 100 Nicaraguan officials after activist’s death

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

The death of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera has prompted calls from UN experts for an independent investigation.

RFK, Jr. says "depriving" children of whole milk constitutes "a form of child abuse"

Jennifer Sandlin, Boing Boing

At the beginning of this week, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. kicked off Wisconsin's "June Dairy Month" by taking a tour of the Gilbertson family dairy farm in Elk Mound, Wisconsin. During his tour, he touted the "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act," which…

UN watchdog, Western nations call on Iran to restart nuclear cooperation

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urges Tehran to re-engage. US and E3 demand information on whereabouts of uranium.

US judge strikes down Trump’s $100,000 H1-B visa fee

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

In a ruling on Monday, a federal judge said the fee was a tax that Trump did not have the authority to impose.

California, and the dangerous sudden resurgence of GOP voter fraud fever

Analysis by Aaron Blake, CNN, CNN

Even Republicans who previously kept such voter-fraud claims at arm’s length are embracing theories that something is off in California, despite zero evidenc...

A federal judge blocked Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee

Alex Bitter, Business Insider

A federal judge said Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee was unconstitutional on Monday.

Pentagon updates list of recognized religious affiliations after backlash from Mormon lawmakers

Haley Britzky, CNN, CNN

The Pentagon has updated its list of verified religious affiliations for service members used in HR systems and removed the “Christian” designation from seve...

Stadium Workers in L.A. Prepare for Strike as World Cup, Team USA and ICE Loom

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

Stadium workers in L.A., in addition to wanting to make a livable wage, want assurances that ICE won't abduct workers during the World Cup.

Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

JOEY CAPPELLETTI, MARY CLARE JALONICK and ERIC TUCKER, Yahoo Entertainment

Republicans are warning the White House that a critical surveillance authority is likely to lapse this week amid bipartisan backlash over President Donald Tr...

The Kennedy Center drops 'Trump' branding as Bill Maher’s Twain Award guests are revealed

HILLEL ITALIE, Yahoo Entertainment

John Mellencamp, Jay Leno and Whitney Cummings will be among the guest speakers when Bill Maher receives the Mark Twain Award for American Humor during a Jun...

Iran live updates: Iran says it's ending attacks on Israel after Trump calls for halt

Yahoo Entertainment

Georgian migrant is 50th person to die in ICE detention during immigration crackdown

Laura Romero, Armando Garcia, Abcnews.com

A Georgian immigrant who officials said died last week in ICE custody is the 50th person to die in ICE detention during the second Trump administration.

How Lebanon became the breaking point for the Iran war ceasefire

Usaid Siddiqui, Al Jazeera English

Iran has switched from projecting power via its proxies to using its own firepower to protect them, analysts say.

Lebanon’s children face physical, psychological trauma amid Israel’s war

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Experts warn of lasting trauma for Lebanon's children as war continues to shatter their sense of safety.

NPR's new chief content officer: 'I've been training for this job my whole life'

David Folkenflik, NPR

Less than two weeks after overhauling its newsroom, NPR has hired Nadine Zylstra to be its chief content officer. She has been a top executive at Sesame Workshop, YouTube and Pinterest.

The Leopards Have Finally Come for the Mormon Face of Sen. Mike Lee

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

MAGA warriors led by Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a proud Mormon, are feuding with each other over Christian semantics.

Poised to accelerate a pivot away from Russia, Armenian prime minister claims election win

Analysis by Nathan Hodge, CNN, CNN

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had appeared poised to win a clear victory in a closely watched parliamentary election Sunday, but the ballot result...

Why was Israel spared scrutiny for the 1967 USS Liberty attack?

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

US Representative Massie set to honour the crew of the vessel on the House floor, bringing attention to the 1967 attack.

Texas ag commissioner slams USDA screwworm response

Josie Fischels, Newsnationnow.com

The U.S. eradicated screwworm in the '60s, but it was found in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, June 4.

Gwyneth Paltrow Attempts To Explain Her Political Views, Makes the Water Goopier

Claire Guinan, Jezebel

In the span of thirty seconds, Paltrow said her progressive husband thought she was a Republican, referred to herself as “pretty centrist," then “completely independent,” then “I don’t feel anything right now.”

JD Vance Reveals Charlie Kirk’s Death Was a Driving Force for Getting Usha Pregnant

Danielle Han, Jezebel

In a new excerpt of his book, Vance introduces a fresh new circle of why-he-got-Usha-pregnant hell.

The Latest: Trump dismisses idea that Iran betrays his ‘no new wars’ campaign message

The Associated Press, Yahoo Entertainment

President Donald Trump is dismissing the idea that launching the war with Iran this year betrayed his refrain of “No new wars” that he made repeatedly as he ...

North Korea needs China for survival: Why does Beijing need Pyongyang?

Priyanka Shankar, Al Jazeera English

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea as Beijing aims to boost ties amid growing Pyongyang-Moscow relations.

The White Identitarians Are Having a Moment

Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic

Now that DEI and anti-racism are in retreat, they’re moving on to a more ambitious goal.

Toddler Throws Tantrum on ‘Meet the Press’; Stomps on Microphone on His Way Out

Danielle Han, Jezebel

In an NBC interview with Kristen Welker, Trump repeatedly tried to challenge the questions he was asked when, ultimately, he ended up just upsetting himself.

Trump cancels concerts for America's 250th birthday - but how else is it celebrating?

BBC, Yahoo Entertainment

A UFC fight on the White House lawn is among a range of events planned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding.

Bowen: 'Middle East is in turmoil' as Iran and Israel attack each other

BBC News

The BBC's international editor, Jeremy Bowen, said the public are "right to be worried" as the consequences of the war will be felt for generations.

Israel-Iran strikes threaten truce. And, Ebola is spreading at an unprecedented rate

Brittney Melton, NPR

Israel and Iran's recent exchange of fire is threatening the truce in the Middle East. And, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading at an unprecedented rate, officials say.

What It Means to Love America

Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic

As our nation turns 250, it’s worth asking what form patriotism should take.

Iran and Israel bomb each other: Is the ceasefire over?

Caolán Magee, Al Jazeera English

Analysts say both sides are pushing the ceasefire to its limits while seeking greater leverage.

WATCH: Police on alert for malicious activity as Knicks host NBA Finals

ABC News, Abcnews.com

The return of the NBA Finals to New York on Monday comes with a “heightened risk of attention by malicious actors," according to a New York Police Department assessment obtained by ABC News.

In first papal speech to Spanish parliament, pope demands respect for migrants

SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press, NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press, Abcnews.com

Pope Leo XIV calls for newfound respect for the rights of migrants and international law during an historic address to the Spanish parliament that signaled a new level of acceptance of the Catholic Church in the public sphere in the overwhelmingly secu...

'They're betting our herd': Texas ranchers question USDA as screwworm returns

By Heather Schlitz, Yahoo Entertainment

By Heather Schlitz Cotulla, Texas, June 8 (Reuters) - Like many ranchers in South Texas, Susan Storey said nightmarish screwworm outbreaks were among her fir...

'Education changed my life': Cassidy introduces reading reform bill

Arthur Jones II, Abcnews.com

Bill Cassidy, R-La., is introducing a historic proposal on Monday that aims to improve reading outcomes for America's youth and combat illiteracy nationwide.

World Cup begins under health watch as new AI rules spark debate and ancient Rome’s road network expands

Rachel Feltman, Lauren J. Young, Andrea Gawrylewski, Fonda Mwangi, Alex Sugiura, Scientific American

World Cup crowds spark outbreak tracking as AI tensions rise and ancient Rome’s roads get a stunning reboot

Israel’s strikes on Iran expose Trump’s failure to restrain Netanyahu

Al Jazeera English

Israel’s strikes on Iran expose Trump’s failure to restrain Netanyahu.

Harris eyes possible 2028 comeback, but some former allies look to 'fresh' faces

Juhi Doshi, Abcnews.com

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she's “thinking about” a 2028 presidential bid, but some previous supporters are unenthusiastic.

Trump to cheer on Knicks at NBA Finals game in New York City

BBC News

The Knicks' stunning winning streak has energised the city as the New York basketball team prepares for the third game of the finals series at its home arena.

Trump faces renewed push to cancel student debt for eligible borrowers and stop the transfer of accounts to the Treasury

Ayelet Sheffey, Business Insider

Democratic lawmakers called on the Education Department to enact student-debt relief for millions of borrowers while defaults are at a record high.

The red state, blue state divide is real. But it's driven by more than just politics

Scott Neuman, NPR

Recent research suggests there's more going on with "ideological sorting" than simply moving to places that match one's politics. It's often one of many deciding factors, such as taxes or safety.

Morning news brief

A Martínez, NPR

Israel and Iran traded fire early Monday in retaliatory strikes, Trump walked out of an interview after being pressed on election fraud claims, ebola outbreak is spreading at alarming rate.

New York stabbing, Kansas City shooting raise World Cup security concerns

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Six people were stabbed in New York and nine injured in Kansas City, days before the World Cup's opening weekend.

Israel and Iran exchange attacks as ceasefire falters

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

In effort to contain escalation, US President Donald Trump spoke with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, US media reported.

Secret Service-level security for NBA Finals with Trump attending Game 3

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Watch party bans, road closures and bag bans in place as US President Trump plans to attend Game 3 with Knicks in lead.

Iran releases footage of missiles launched at Israel

BBC News

Iran said its attacks were "the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes."

How Lebanon and Iran’s war of words became backdrop for latest Israel war

Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera English

Iran had warned that talks could be stopped and attacks would resume if Israel continued to hit Lebanon.

Iran war live updates: Israel launches major strike hours after Trump tells Netanyahu not to retaliate

Harriet Sinclair, Yahoo Entertainment

Israel and Iran traded fire on Monday as escalation in Middle East crisis threatened to derail peace talks.

Iran live updates: Israel and Iran trade strikes, Trump says he calls 'all the shots'

David Brennan, Abcnews.com

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Iran war day 101: Tensions escalate as Iran and Israel trade air attacks

Sarah Shamim, Al Jazeera English

Tensions have escalated between Iran and Israel while ongoing diplomatic efforts have failed to yield lasting peace.

Dollar scales two-month peak as Fed hike bets ramp up

By Rae Wee, Yahoo Entertainment

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, June 8 (Reuters) - The dollar was perched near a two-month high on Monday after a blowout U.S. jobs report sent traders ramping up bets...

All the Ways Europe Is Ditching American Technology

Matt Burgess, Wired

A WIRED timeline shows how dozens of governments, companies, and other organizations across Europe are moving, or planning to shift, away from US Big Tech.

‘Yet another way in which 2026 is looking like 1999’: Top analyst fears bubble popping with investors and Wall Street out over their skis

Nick Lichtenberg, Yahoo Entertainment

The Nasdaq's sudden lurch lower on Friday looked like a crack in a story that had seemed, until recently, almost bulletproof.

Israel hits Iran petrochemical plant in new strikes despite Trump reprimand

By Alexander Cornwell, Parisa Hafezi, Bo Erickson and Yomna Ehab, Yahoo Entertainment

By Alexander Cornwell, Parisa Hafezi, Bo Erickson and Yomna Ehab TEL AVIV/DUBAI/NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, June 8 (Reuters) - Israel said on Monday it hit a...

Lawsuit says it seeks to stop 'deeply corrupt' UFC event at White House

Peter Charalambous, Abcnews.com

The filing asks a federal judge to declare the authorization for the event, framed around the country’s 250th anniversary, unlawful.

Israel says it has struck Iran after taking missile fire

The Associated Press, NPR

Israel has launched airstrikes targeting central and western Iran in response to missile fire. Iranian state television has reported the sound of explosions being heard in Isfahan, Tabriz and Tehran.

Five people injured in stabbing at New York City's Penn Station

BBC News

The city is currently heightening security measures before President Trump visits on Monday to watch the NBA finals.

Oppenheimer: Trump holds the reins on Netanyahu’s escalation options

Al Jazeera English

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has incentives to escalate tensions with Iran but is constrained by US President Trump.

Oil prices edge higher after strikes on Israel test ceasefire

BBC News

Iran said the attacks, its first since an April ceasefire, are the start of "a full week" of strikes

Iran war live: Trump urges restraint after Iranian missile attack on Israel

Zsombor Peter, Al Jazeera English

Escalation comes after Israel attacked Lebanon's capital, Beirut, killing at least two people and wounding 20.