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Urgent Developments
Last night, Israel launched military strikes targeting Iran, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict. Reports indicate that the Trump administration had previously advised Israel against expecting U.S. military assistance if such strikes proceeded, according to journalists Warren P. Strobel, John Hudson, Karen DeYoung, and Gerry Shih. For the latest updates on this incident, click here.
Major Headlines
Yesterday, Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) was forcibly removed from a press briefing with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and was subsequently handcuffed on the floor-a shocking event captured on video. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Democrats.
Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington) condemned the event, stating, “It is unacceptable that a U.S. senator, elected by millions in his home state, went to ask a question on behalf of his constituents and was violently thrown to the ground and handcuffed.”
Adding to the concern, Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) questioned, “If they treat Senator Padilla this way, what does that say about how they might treat ordinary citizens?”
This confrontation marks a recent escalation in tensions between the Biden administration and California’s Democratic leadership. Many lawmakers view the incident as an overreach by executive authorities against legislative oversight, raising fears of further conflicts.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Padilla’s actions, claiming he “stormed” the briefing and behaved inappropriately, even suggesting a censure motion against him. In response, several Democratic House members vocally protested Johnson’s remarks.
Padilla explained that he was performing a legal oversight duty, a core responsibility of his role as senator. The Department of Homeland Security stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the Secret Service believed Padilla posed a threat and did not identify himself initially. However, video evidence shows Padilla clearly stating, “I am Senator Alex Padilla.”
Meanwhile, California Democrats achieved a legal victory when a federal judge ordered President Donald Trump to relinquish control of the state’s National Guard to the governor by noon today. More details are provided by Caroline O’Donovan, Karin Brulliard, and Mark Berman.
Controversy Over Rural Hospital Funding
A coalition of legislators warns that the future of many rural hospitals hangs in the balance due to provisions in the recent tax and spending legislation-many of whom are Republicans. A key measure in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” aims to curb a loophole that allows states to inflate federal contributions to healthcare systems through “provider taxes.”
Currently, states impose taxes on healthcare providers, then use the revenue to increase Medicaid payments, which in turn boosts federal matching funds. The House’s version of the bill proposes banning new provider taxes and maintaining existing ones at current levels, sparking concern among advocates for rural health services.
Critics argue that these provider taxes are a form of “legalized fraud,” enabling states to manipulate federal funding beyond intended limits, as stated by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). Conversely, supporters contend that these taxes are vital for sustaining rural hospitals, which often serve a disproportionate share of Medicaid recipients-about 24% in rural Missouri alone, according to Washington University research.
Rural hospitals nationwide face financial instability, with approximately 50% operating at a loss, and many are at risk of closure. The widespread use of provider taxes-adopted by all states except Alaska-has historically been supported by both parties, emphasizing their role in maintaining healthcare infrastructure.
Democratic analysts, including a recent study by the University of North Carolina, estimate that over 300 rural hospitals could close if Medicaid funding is cut, exacerbating healthcare disparities. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky highlighted that the threat to rural hospitals surpasses even tariffs’ economic impact.
Republicans suggest alternative funding strategies, advocating for direct support rather than complex tax schemes. Senator Hawley (R-Missouri) has expressed openness to proposals that exempt rural hospitals from provider tax caps or create dedicated funds, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding rural health services.
Economic Impact of the Proposed Legislation
From the economic policy desk, Jacob Bogage reports on recent analyses revealing the potential financial consequences of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” combined with tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Data from the Yale Budget Lab indicates that the legislation’s tax cuts and increased spending could adversely affect most Americans’ financial well-being.
Specifically, the bottom 80% of taxpayers are projected to experience net losses. For lower-income households, reductions in Medicaid and food assistance could negate any benefits from tax relief, such as exemptions on tips or overtime wages. Middle-income families might see their gains offset by rising prices driven by tariffs, which effectively act as a nationwide sales tax.
These findings underscore the uneven distribution of the bill’s economic effects, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing policy impacts on different income groups.
Upcoming Events and International Engagements
Tomorrow, downtown Washington will host a historic military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, featuring 28 tanks and thousands of service members marching through the city. The event coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday, though he has downplayed the significance of that detail to focus on the military display. While not unprecedented, this peacetime parade is notable for its scale and timing, and it is expected to draw protests.
For a detailed schedule, our colleagues have prepared an interactive graphic to guide you through the event.
Following the parade, President Trump will attend the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where leaders from Germany, Canada, Japan, Italy, France, and Britain will convene. Discussions are expected to focus on trade issues, particularly Trump’s tariffs, which have affected multiple nations. The European Union, representing several European countries, will also participate in negotiations on trade policies.
Public Opinion and Political Climate
A recent Quinnipiac University poll reveals declining support for Trump’s signature tax and spending legislation. Only 27% of voters favor the bill, while 53% oppose it. Among Republicans, support is higher at 67%, but even within that group, 22% remain undecided or unwilling to comment.
Public sentiment worsens when considering Medicaid cuts embedded in the legislation. Merely 10% of voters believe federal Medicaid funding should decrease, with support rising slightly to 18% among Republicans. Additionally, disapproval of Trump’s handling of the economy stands at 56%, reflecting growing skepticism about his economic policies.
Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson notes that Trump’s approval ratings on economic issues have declined, especially after the implementation of tariffs, which have eroded his previous popularity in this area.
In Local News
- New York City: Governor Kathy Hochul partners with schools and a BMX athlete to combat subway surfing-a dangerous activity endangering commuters.
- Utah: Several conservative states have rejected ranked-choice voting; Utah may consider adopting it next.
- New Jersey: Dozens of ICE detainees dismantled a wall at a private detention center in Newark, raising concerns about detention conditions.
- Texas: A new law enforces a strict gender definition based on birth anatomy, prompting uncertainty among transgender residents about their legal recognition.
Share Your Thoughts
Many Democratic readers have expressed a desire for their party to take a more assertive stance against the Trump administration. To those supporters: Does Senator Padilla’s recent confrontation reflect the kind of vigorous opposition you hoped for? We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Thank you for staying with us. Follow Dan and Matthew for more updates on X: @merica and @matthewichoi.
