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The United States House of Representatives has passed a resolution to rein in President Donald Trump’s powers to attack Iran without congressional authorization. This marks a significant moment of legislative pushback against the administration's military strategy.The Breakthrough Vote: A Rare Bipartisan RejectionIn a decisive 215-208 vote on Wednesday, four Republicans joined Democrats to pass the bill, signaling a rare moment of bipartisan unity against the executive branch's war powers.215-208 Vote: The final tally reflects a narrow but significant majority.Defector Republicans: Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky broke ranks.Historic First: This is the first time this year the House has successfully passed a war powers resolution targeting Trump.The Economic and Strategic Cost of the ConflictThe passage of the resolution comes amid mounting concerns regarding the financial and logistical toll of the ongoing war, which began on February 28 without a formal declaration of war.Financial Impact: The Pentagon estimates the war has cost $29bn, though some analysts project the total could exceed $1tn.Munition Shortages: Critical supplies are depleting faster than anticipated, including Tomahawk missiles, THAAD systems, and PrSMs.Casualty Toll: The conflict has resulted in over 3,400 deaths in Iran and 13 US soldier deaths.Constitutional Friction and Political FalloutThe vote highlights deep constitutional tensions regarding the separation of powers and the specific role of Congress in declaring war.Constitutional Authority: Lawmakers argue that the Constitution exclusively grants the power to declare war to Congress, not the executive branch.Political Retribution: Thomas Massie, a key supporter of the bill, was defeated in his primary by a Trump-backed opponent, highlighting the personal risks for Republicans who defy the President.Public Disapproval: A poll from the Marist Institute found 60% of US citizens disapprove of Trump's handling of the war, a rise from 54% in March.The Veto Hurdle and Future ProspectsWhile the House has spoken, the path to ending the war powers remains obstructed by the executive branch.Senate Pathway: The resolution now moves to the Senate, which previously passed a similar bill in May.Presidential Veto: President Trump is expected to veto the measure, viewing it as an infringement on his authority.Override Threshold: To become law, the bill would need to overcome a veto with a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, a threshold neither version has currently breached.

The LeadPresident Donald Trump has made a surprising appointment, naming businessman and federal housing regulator Bill Pulte as the new acting director of national intelligence (DNI), replacing former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who resigned last month. The announcement came via Trump's social media platform, with the president highlighting Pulte's experience in managing large financial matters while overlooking his complete lack of intelligence background.The Appointment DetailsTrump's announcement on Tuesday revealed that Pulte will continue to serve as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and chair of federally supported mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while taking on the DNI role. The president emphasized Pulte's experience with what he called "the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac."As acting DNI, Pulte will oversee 18 intelligence departments including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA), which monitors foreign communications and helps defend the US against cyberattacks. The appointment is temporary, allowing Pulte to serve for up to 210 days without needing Senate confirmation, potentially through the November midterm elections.The BackgroundBill Pulte, 38, is a graduate of Northwestern University and heir to his family's residential development firm, PulteGroup—one of the largest homebuilders in the US, founded by his grandfather in the 1950s. He previously founded a private equity firm called Pulte Capital and is involved in large-scale philanthropic activities.Pulte has positioned himself as a loyal Trump supporter, having encouraged prosecutions of the president's perceived political enemies. He has accused New York Attorney General Letitia James and California's US Senator Adam Schiff, both Democrats, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, an appointee of Democratic former President Joe Biden, of mortgage fraud. However, federal grand juries have refused to indict James, and no charges have been brought against Schiff or Cook, who all deny the allegations.Notably, Pulte has no experience in intelligence operations, a fact that has drawn significant criticism. During his vetting process for the FHFA position, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, revealed that Pulte had deleted 25,000 social media posts before Trump nominated him.The Political ReactionsThe appointment has drawn widespread skepticism from lawmakers and intelligence officials across party lines. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer called Pulte a "partisan thug," stating that "a guy who can file such baseless, political and outrageous charges against political office holders he doesn't like can't be entrusted to protect our national security."Several Republican senators have also expressed concerns about Pulte's qualifications. Republican Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated: "I don't see any evidence of qualifications for that job." Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, declined to comment on Pulte's national security credentials, saying "I have no observations on the matter."Other Republican senators including Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Cornyn of Texas joined the criticism. "Doesn't seem qualified," Cassidy said. "When we looked at his background for the current confirmation, I thought most of his experience was in the building industry. I didn't know he had any national security experience," Tillis added.Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia and vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed concerns that Pulte was selected "precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need." Senator Warren similarly criticized the appointment, stating that Trump is "rewarding his lackey – who has no national security experience – with a perch atop our nation's intelligence community."The Future OutlookPulte can serve in the DNI position for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation, a timeframe that would allow him to remain in the post through the November midterm elections. However, if Trump decides to nominate him for the position permanently, Pulte faces a challenging confirmation process in the narrowly divided Senate.Republican Senator John Thune acknowledged this challenge, stating: "If he's somebody we want in that position permanently, he's got a lengthy road ahead of him." The skepticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers suggests that Pulte would face significant opposition in any permanent confirmation process.The appointment comes at a critical time for US intelligence agencies, which are responsible for providing unbiased assessments of global threats. Critics worry that Pulte's lack of experience and perceived political motivations could compromise the independence and effectiveness of the intelligence community.

The Poll Shows Cost of Living Dominates Voter ConcernsVoters in Makerfield told researchers that the cost of living crisis, fading high streets and strained public services are the issues that will decide how they vote in the upcoming by‑election on 18 June. A strong undercurrent of distrust toward politicians also emerged.Focus‑Group Findings on Local PrioritiesThe research was commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners. It involved 112 residents who answered six open‑ended questions about the changes they want to see, the tone they expect from their MP and the messages they would send to a new representative.More than one‑third of participants spontaneously mentioned the cost of living, citing household bills, food, fuel, council tax and affordable housing.High‑street vitality, road maintenance and NHS access were each highlighted by roughly three in ten respondents.Immigration featured for about one in eight voters, especially among those leaning toward Reform UK.Voters called for “boldness” and honesty from politicians, expressing frustration with a system they view as “broken”.Voting Intentions and Party Support BreakdownThe same focus‑group revealed a near‑even split in party preference:31.2% intend to vote Labour30.4% intend to vote Reform UK10.7% each for the Greens and the Conservatives3.6% for the Liberal Democrats13.4% for other partiesThese figures mirror broader polling that shows Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham holding a narrow lead over his Reform challenger.Implications for the Upcoming Makerfield By‑ElectionThe data suggests that any candidate who can credibly address the cost‑of‑living squeeze and revive the high street will gain a decisive edge. Burnham is positioned as a “snapshot of the country in miniature”, but his perceived use of the seat as a stepping‑stone could alienate voters demanding local commitment.Both Labour and Reform UK must grapple with the dual demand for tangible economic relief and a trustworthy, locally‑focused MP.What the Results Signal for Greater Manchester PoliticsShould the Makerfield contest remain as close as the focus‑group indicates, the constituency could become a bellwether for how cost‑of‑living anxiety shapes future elections across the region. Parties that combine fiscal relief proposals with a clear, honest narrative are likely to capture the “real people” vote that voters say they represent.

The Lead Voters in six US states headed to the polls on Tuesday for a series of primary elections, which will help shape the political landscape before November’s midterms. The contests included California’s race to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, Iowa’s open Senate and governor races, New Jersey’s closely watched House battleground, and key statewide contests in New Mexico, Montana and South Dakota. California Looks Set for Becerra-Hilton Showdown Although millions of ballots for the governor candidates have yet to be counted, California voters appear to be setting up a November showdown between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. The winner of the mid-term election in November will replace Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, who is barred from seeking a third term. Becerra, a former health secretary and California attorney general, has emerged as one of the leading candidates in a crowded field of Democrats, while Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by Trump, has built his campaign around popular concerns over housing costs, homelessness and affordability. The Impact Analysis Kimberly L Nalder, director of the Project for an Informed Electorate at Sacramento State University, said Becerra’s strong performance suggested many voters may be looking for continuity rather than a sharp change in direction after the Newsom years. She pointed to voters’ decision to reject an effort to recall Newsom in 2021 as evidence that many Californians remain comfortable with the state’s Democratic leadership. Trump Suffered a Rare Setback in Iowa One of the night’s biggest surprises came in Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial primary, when businessman Zach Lahn defeated Representative Randy Feenstra despite Feenstra’s endorsement from Trump. Lahn campaigned as a conservative outsider, backing a total abortion ban, opposing what he called liberal ideology in public schools and embracing the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. The Prediction The US midterms traditionally serve as a key litmus test of public support for the president. This year, as President Donald Trump sees his approval ratings plummet over the war on Iran, observers are watching more closely than ever.

Rebecca Bennett secured the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, earning roughly 47.2% of the vote and setting a high‑stakes November contest against Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr, who enjoys former President Donald Trump's endorsement. What the Primary Result Means at a Glance Primary date: June 2, 2026 Winner: Rebecca Bennett (former US Navy helicopter pilot) Main opponent in primary: Tina Shah (20.2% of vote) General election opponent: Tom Kean Jr, backed by Trump The Primary Upset: Bennett’s Victory Over Democratic Rivals Bennett defeated three fellow Democrats—Tina Shah, Brian Varela, and Michael Roth—by a wide margin, capitalising on her military service and criticism of rising cost‑of‑living pressures linked to the US‑Israel war on Iran and Trump‑era tariffs. Vote Share Breakdown and Electoral Math Projected primary results show: Rebecca Bennett: 47.2% Tina Shah: 20.2% Remaining candidates combined: 32.6% Kean ran unopposed in the Republican primary, but his prolonged absence from Congress—missing over 100 House votes due to an undisclosed illness—has become a focal point of the campaign. Strategic Stakes for Democrats and Republicans in NJ‑7 The 7th District, a swing area that has flipped parties twice in the past eight years, is a bellwether for national control of the House. Democrats view the seat as essential for achieving a majority, while Republicans see Kean’s entrenched family legacy and Trump’s endorsement as a pathway to retain the district. Independent analysts currently rate the November contest as a toss‑up, noting that Bennett’s focus on cost‑of‑living issues resonates with suburban voters, whereas Kean’s health uncertainty could erode his traditional base. Forecasting the November General Election Given the tight margins and heightened national attention, the race is likely to attract significant outside spending and intensive ground campaigns. If Bennett can maintain momentum on economic messaging and leverage the criticism of Kean’s absenteeism, Democrats could flip the seat. Conversely, a swift health recovery narrative from Kean, coupled with Trump’s vocal support, may keep the district in Republican hands. Both parties are expected to pour resources into the district in the coming weeks, making NJ‑7 one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterms.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on June 2, 2026 that the Trump administration will not move forward with the nearly $1.8 billion “anti‑weaponisation” fund, ending a contentious program that had been paused by a federal judge.The Administration’s Decision to Halt the $1.8bn Anti‑Weaponisation FundDuring a Tuesday House subcommittee hearing, Blanche told lawmakers, “We are not moving forward with the fund. Period.” The fund was created in a settlement with the Justice Department to compensate individuals who claimed they were subject to weaponised law‑enforcement actions during the prior administration. The move marks an unprecedented reversal for a Justice Department that had, just weeks earlier, defended the fund as a necessary remedy.Financial Scope: $1.776bn Fund and Related $72bn ICE BillKey monetary figures tied to the controversy include:$1.776 billion – the exact amount earmarked for the anti‑weaponisation payouts.$10 billion – the lawsuit against the IRS that triggered the settlement.$72 billion – the broader spending bill for ICE and Border Patrol operations that senators feared could stall without the fund’s removal.Political Repercussions Across the Senate and the Justice DepartmentThe announcement followed an intense backlash from Republican senators, who threatened to withhold support for the $72 billion border‑security package unless the fund was killed. Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the fund’s legality, and a federal judge has already paused its disbursement. White House officials have been calling lawmakers to assure there will be no payouts, but the Senate impasse highlights deeper divisions over the settlement’s legitimacy and future audits of Trump’s tax records.Future Outlook for the Settlement and Oversight MechanismsWhile the anti‑weaponisation fund is now effectively dead, the underlying settlement that barred future audits of President Trump’s and his family’s tax returns remains in place. Analysts expect renewed congressional scrutiny of the $10 billion IRS lawsuit and possible legislative moves to restore audit authority. The outcome will shape how future administrations handle high‑profile settlements and could set a precedent for congressional control over executive‑branch financial remedies.

The Lead-Up to Tuesday's Primaries In the United States, voters in six states are participating in primary elections that will set up the final races in November's critical midterm elections. Tuesday is one of the busiest primaries days of the year, with voting underway in Iowa, Montana, New Mexico, New Jersey, South Dakota, and California. Key Races to Watch Candidates for no fewer than 74 seats in the US House of Representatives are on the ballot today, as voters decide who will progress to November's general election. The outcomes could shape the political landscape for the remainder of President Donald Trump's second term, as frontrunners are decided for the midterms. California's Competitive Races California, a left-leaning state, is holding primaries for no fewer than 52 House races. However, many are unlikely to be competitive. Only California's 22nd district is expected to be competitive, with a heated three-way, nonpartisan primary between Republican incumbent David Valadao, moderate Jasmeet Bains, and progressive Randy Villegas. New Jersey's Senate and House Races In New Jersey, a lot of attention is on the primaries, particularly in the 7th congressional district, where incumbent Congress member Tom Kean Jr. is running unopposed in the Republican primary. However, his seat is vulnerable to a Democratic takeover in a state that can lean purple. Montana's Senate Race In Montana, the incumbent Senator Steve Daines pulled out of the race days before the March deadline, clearing the field for a Trump-endorsed Republican, Kurt Alme. However, five Democrats are racing in the party primary for a chance to compete for Daines's vacant Senate seat in November. Other States' Primaries In Iowa, the Republican Party's best bet is expected to be US Representative Ashley Hinson, a Trump loyalist. In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is running for the Democratic nomination for governor, which could make her the first Indigenous woman to be elected governor in the US. In South Dakota, Republicans are hoping to maintain control of an open House seat.

The Opposition to Crypto in 401(k) Plans Congressional Democrats are strongly opposing a US Department of Labor proposal that would allow 401(k) investments to include cryptocurrency, private credit and private equity assets, arguing the change will expose workers to riskier and more complex investments. The Risks of Volatile Assets In a letter shared exclusively with the Guardian, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren and House education and workforce committee ranking member Bobby Scott of Virginia, argued the rule would expose an estimated $14.2tn of 401(k) retirement savings to volatile assets and would probably not withstand a challenge in court. The proposed rule could expose workers to higher fees and erode their long-term returns. These high-risk assets can experience extreme volatility. The Data Analysis The Financial Industry Regulation Authority (Finra) cautions that crypto investments “have experienced higher levels of volatility relative to more traditional investment assets” and “the risk of losing all of your investment is significant”. The FBI reported cryptocurrency fraud complaints comprise some of the highest losses for Americans among cyber-enabled fraud, with over $11bn in losses reported in 2025. The Impact Analysis Consumer advocates argue the proposed rule only puts retirement savings accounts at higher risk while benefiting the crypto industry. “Opening 401ks to these products risks turning workers’ retirement savings into a Ponzi-like scheme that throws a lifeline to an industry scrambling for fresh cash,” Oscar Valdés Viera, a senior policy analyst at consumer advocacy group Americans for Financial Reform, said in a statement. The Prediction Democrats flagged Trump’s ties to the crypto industry and the conflict of interest it could present to the proposal. Trump’s adult sons have been managing the family’s crypto business, which includes a new Trump-based digital currency, as he carries out his second term in the White House. The ventures in crypto have potentially raised as much as $5bn for the family after the launch of its digital currency in September, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Lebanon Conflict Escalation United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to halt hostilities in a major de-escalation effort after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday. Iran's Ultimatum The situation was further complicated by warnings from Iran. Tehran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Iran could halt negotiations with the US if Israel's military campaign in Lebanon continues. Regional Implications Iran says Lebanon covered by ceasefire terms: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington applies across the region, including Lebanon, warning that any violation would undermine the broader agreement and carry consequences for the US and Israel. Diplomatic Efforts Trump claims breakthrough to avert escalation: The US president said he secured commitments from both Israel and Hezbollah to stop fighting after speaking with Netanyahu and Hezbollah intermediaries, portraying the move as a diplomatic breakthrough that prevented a wider Israeli offensive towards Beirut and helped keep broader regional negotiations on track. Lebanon tensions test wider diplomacy: Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett said Trump's intervention was driven by concerns that an Israeli advance on Beirut could derail negotiations with Iran. While the US president has framed recent developments as a diplomatic breakthrough, she notes there remains a significant gap between Washington's optimism and Israel's rhetoric, leaving the fragile progress vulnerable to a rapid collapse. US Reactions Schumer presses for end to Iran war: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised Trump's handling of the conflict, arguing that prolonging the war puts US troops at risk and increases economic pressure on Americans through higher fuel prices. He pledged that Democrats would continue pushing for a resolution to end the conflict. Omar calls for end to US military aid: US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar accused Israel of committing atrocities with impunity and warned that tactics used in Gaza are being replicated in Lebanon. She called for an immediate halt to US military assistance to Israel. Israeli Reactions Ben-Gvir urges defiance of US pressure: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised Trump's push to halt planned attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs, arguing Israel should continue military operations against Hezbollah and calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to reject US pressure when necessary. Netanyahu seeks gains before potential ceasefire: Security analyst Andreas Krieg said Israel faces growing pressure. While Israel has achieved some tactical successes, he argues it has yet to secure significant strategic gains, leaving Netanyahu eager to demonstrate progress before any US-backed halt to military operations. Lebanon Situation Israel bombs southern Lebanon: Israeli air attacks were reported on southern Lebanon overnight and into the early morning, with two injured people pulled from the rubble after an attack in Tyre. Hezbollah cites ceasefire violations: The group said it carried out 41 operations on Monday, including rocket and drone attacks on Israeli troop concentrations, military sites and air defence systems. It also reported ambushes and clashes with Israeli forces advancing in southern Lebanon, saying the attacks were in response to continued assaults on civilians and breaches of the ceasefire agreement.