What to know today
- SENATOR REMOVED FROM EVENT: Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcefully removed from a Department of Homeland Security news conference in Los Angeles held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The White House condemned Padilla, describing his actions as a “theater-kid stunt.”
- BILL SIGNING: President Donald Trump signed a bill that blocks a California rule that sought to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The president delivered remarks on a wide-ranging list of topics, including his falling out with Elon Musk and deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles in response to anti-immigration raid protests.
- CONGRESSIONAL PICNIC: Members of Congress and their families attended an annual picnic at the White House this evening. The list of lawmakers included Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who previously said his invitation was canceled over his opposition to some of the president’s policies. Trump later said Paul was invited.
- HOUSE RESCISSIONS VOTE: The House narrowly passed a Republican bill canceling $9.4 billion in spending on the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Public Broadcasting Service, National Public Radio and other programs, with the aim of codifying cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Rubio: U.S. not involved in Israeli strike against Iran
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that Israel's decision to strike Iran tonight was a "unilateral action," emphasizing that the United States is "not involved in strikes against Iran."
"[O]ur top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense," Rubio wrote in a statement.
Amid the conflict, Rubio issued a stern warning to Iran.
"Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel," Rubio wrote.
Sen. Alex Padilla disputes Trump administration’s account of his forcible removal at a DHS event
Padilla disputed the White House’s account of the events surrounding his forcible removal from Noem’s news conference, pushing back against key details about what exactly preceded his handcuffing by federal law enforcement agents.
Both the White House and Noem said Padilla failed to identify himself to security, yelled and lunged toward Noem.
“This man burst into the room, started lunging towards the podium, interrupting me and elevating his voice, and was stopped, did not identify himself, and was removed from the room,” Noem said in an interview on Fox News. “The way that he acted was completely inappropriate.”
Padilla denied all of Noem’s characterizations in his first interview after the incident — on MSNBC with NBC News’ Jacob Soboroff. “That’s ridiculous. It’s a lie but par for the course for this administration,” he began.
New GOP bill would protect AI companies from lawsuits if they offer transparency
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., is introducing legislation that would shield artificial intelligence developers from an array of civil liability lawsuits provided they meet certain disclosure requirements.
Lummis’ bill, the Responsible Innovation and Safe Expertise Act, seeks to clarify that doctors, lawyers, financial advisers, engineers and other professionals who use AI programs in their decision-making retain legal liability for any errors they make — so long as AI developers publicly disclose how their systems work.
“This legislation doesn’t create blanket immunity for AI — in fact, it requires AI developers to publicly disclose model specifications so professionals can make informed decisions about the AI tools they choose to utilize,” Lummis, a member of the Commerce Committee, said in a statement first shared with NBC News. “It also means that licensed professionals are ultimately responsible for the advice and decisions they make. This is smart policy for the digital age that protects innovation, demands transparency, and puts professionals and their clients first.”
Lummis’ office touted the bill as the first piece of federal legislation that offers clear guidelines for AI liability in a professional context. The measure would not govern liability for other AI elements, such as self-driving vehicles, and it would not provide immunity when AI developers act recklessly or willfully engage in misconduct.
Democratic lawmaker tells GOP colleague to 'get some f------ balls' during clash over Padilla handcuffing
Rep. John Mannion, D-N.Y., told Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., to “get some f------ balls” during a dispute on the House floor today over Padilla's forcible removal and handcuffing by Secret Service agents.
“This is f------ madness man!” Mannion yelled at Lawler on the House floor.
Mannion told Lawler who was reportedly on the Democratic side of the floor, to return to his party's half of the chamber.
"Get over there and get some f------ balls! Tell them! Tell them!" Mannion screamed. "You know who I am. I’m a New Yorker just like you! This country’s falling apart!"
Lawler responded on X, calling Mannion “unhinged and unprofessional” and telling him to “go seek help for anger management — and f--- off.”
Just before he entered the House chamber, Mannion similarly yelled at reporters outside the Capitol.
“Press, we need you,” he said. “We need you. We need you to hold them accountable. Don’t cover the distractions. Cover the actions that lead us towards authoritarianism.”
Padilla defends decision to interrupt Noem's news conference amid fallout over handcuffing
Padilla defended his decision to interrupt the news conference, saying in a statement on X that he viewed it as a rare opportunity to press the Trump administration about its deployment of military forces in the state.
"We have repeatedly asked the Trump Administration for answers on the deployment of military forces and the needless escalation in Los Angeles over the last week — and have gotten limited to no information. I attended Secretary Noem’s press conference in hopes of getting some answers," Padilla said.
In video of the event shared by Padilla's office, he can be heard identifying himself as a "senator." Despite that, Padilla said, he was still "aggressively pushed out of the room, forced to the ground, and handcuffed."
"If that’s what they do to a United States Senator with a question, imagine what they can do to any American that dares to speak up. We will hold this administration accountable," he wrote.
House Democrats heckle Johnson after he called Padilla's behavior 'wildly inappropriate'
House Democrats heckled House Speaker Mike Johnson after he called Padilla's behavior "wildly inappropriate" at a gaggle with reporters.
"What I saw was agents asking him to quiet down so that, you know, the secretary could continue her press conference,” said Johnson, R-La. “He refused to do so. What were they supposed to do?"
"Why don’t you stand up for Congress?” Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., yelled.
Asked by a reporter whether he had a response to the Democratic pushback, Johnson refused to respond, saying instead, "I think the American people can draw their own conclusion."
He said that formal disciplinary measures are up to the Senate but that he thinks “that behavior, at a minimum, it rises to the level of a censure.”
Sen. Susan Collins says Padilla's removal is 'disturbing'
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said it's "hard to imagine a justification" for the forced removal of Padilla from Noem's news conference.
"I think it’s very disturbing," Collins told NBC News. "I don’t know what preceded it. I just was shown on the floor a small play, but it looks like he is being manhandled and physically removed, and it’s hard to imagine a justification for that.”
White House slams Padilla for 'theater-kid stunt' that led to handcuffing
The White House condemned Padilla for interrupting Noem's news conference, calling his behavior "immature" and a "theater-kid stunt."
"Padilla stormed a press conference, without wearing his Senate pin or previously identifying himself to security, yelled, and lunged toward Secretary Noem. Padilla didn’t want answers; he wanted attention," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.
The White House also slammed Democrats for their widespread anger over Padilla's handcuffing and removal, framing the uproar as misplaced.
"Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theater-kid stunt — but it’s telling that Democrats are more riled up about Padilla than they are about the violent riots and assaults on law enforcement in LA," the statement read.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair calls for criminal investigation of officials involved in Padilla incident
Reporting from Washington
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, this afternoon called for the arrest of the agents involved in the forced removal and handcuffing of Padilla, characterizing the incident as an "assault."
“We want a fast and full investigation on the assault of Sen. Alex Padilla. That’s what we want. We want those people that assaulted him to be looked at and to be arrested,” Espaillat said, adding that the Hispanic Caucus is "fully behind" Padilla.
Espaillat said the incident was part of a broader effort by the administration to crack down on dissent, which he framed as a sign of a democracy in danger.
“Anybody that sees the video will see that he was aggressively assaulted and thrown on the ground for simply just wanting to express his opinion or ask a question," Espaillat said. "The censoring of dissent will put this democracy and has put this democracy in danger."
Sen. Gary Peters says forcible removal of Padilla was 'unacceptable'
Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, this afternoon condemned Padilla's forcible removal from the news conference.
"He was dragged out, taken out, because he was trying to ask a question — thrown to the floor," Peters said in a video statement on X.
"It is absolutely unacceptable. As a member of Congress, you have a right to ask questions, to stand up for the people that we represent, and what we saw today is simply unacceptable," Peters added.
Cory Booker calls Padilla's handcuffing a 'pattern and a practice' by the Trump administration
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., called the forcible removal and handcuffing of Padilla an "abuse of authority" by the Trump administration.
"It is a violent act, and there can be no justification of seeing a senator forced to their knees, laid flat on the ground, their hands twisted behind their back and being put into restraints," Booker said today on the Senate floor.
"This is a pattern and a practice; this is not an isolated incident," Booker added, referring to the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in New Jersey last month. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., who was indicted this week on federal charges in connection with the Newark incident, has said multiple ICE agents “assaulted” her while she was speaking with reporters outside the facility.
"We see time and time again with this administration trying to precipitate a response by the misuse and the abuse of force," Booker said. "This is more akin to authoritarian governments when you see a democratic nation having their executive begin to arrest mayors, begin to arrest judges, begin to arrest a United States senator who is simply asking for answers to their questions."
Kamala Harris condemns Padilla's removal from DHS event, calling it 'abuse of power'
Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Padilla's removal from the DHS event in a statement, calling it "a stunning abuse of power."
"United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration’s actions in Southern California," Harris wrote on X. "This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power."
Padilla replaced Harris in the Senate after she left to become vice president.
Sen. Alex Padilla says "we will hold this administration accountable" after he was removed from a Department of Homeland Security event.
House Republicans vote to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR and PBS
The Republican-led House voted 214-212 today to pass Trump’s proposal to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding.
The “rescissions” package would claw back $8.3 billion for foreign aid and $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR and PBS. It is part of a White House effort to codify cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which was led by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Trump pushed GOP lawmakers to back the bill just ahead of the House vote, posting on social media, “The Rescissions Bill is a NO BRAINER, and every single Republican in Congress should vote, ‘YES.’ MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Four House Republicans voted with 208 Democrats to reject the measure. Some GOP members flipped their votes from “no” to “yes” toward the end after they realized it wouldn’t pass otherwise. (Four Democrats and two Republicans missed the vote.)
The package now heads to the Senate, where it isn’t subject to the 60-vote threshold, meaning Republicans can pass it along party lines.
Shouting match breaks out at House hearing over Padilla incident
A lengthy GOP-led House Oversight Committee hearing on states’ immigration policies has focused increasingly over the last hour on Padilla’s forcible removal Noem’s news conference.
As the testy hearing entered its sixth hour, Democrats on the panel have repeatedly sought to bring attention to the incident, with many trying to introduce news articles documenting it for the record.
During one prolonged exchange, Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., repeatedly pressed committee chair James Comer of Kentucky and other Republicans to commit to subpoenaing Noem.
“Just shut up,” Comer replied after moments of back-and-forth yelling.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said over the melee, “Democrats can’t follow the rules, can’t follow the law,” as Frost continued to demand Comer’s attention.
The hearing took a brief recess after that.
Cuomo's mayoral campaign uses L.A. protest footage to go after Trump — and an opponent
Andrew Cuomo’s campaign for mayor of New York has launched new digital ads on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram arguing that the former governor is the best candidate to take on Trump — using footage from the recent protests in Los Angeles to go after Zohran Mamdani, a state legislator and leading progressive candidate, for lacking experience.
"L.A. is in chaos. Imagine it’s Times Square. Trump’s coming for New York. Who do you think can stop him?" the ad says. "Zohran Mamdani is a 33-year-old, dangerously inexperienced legislator who’s passed just three bills with a staff you can fit inside a New York elevator."
"New York already has a crisis of affordability and safety. We need someone ready to roll," the ad continues. "Andrew Cuomo has managed a state and managed crises — from Covid to Trump. Trump’s at the city gates. We need someone experienced to slam them shut."
'Zero tolerance': DOJ official encourages prosecutors to use same laws used against Trump pardonees
A Justice Department official encouraged top federal prosecutors across the country to pursue cases related to immigration protests, specifically listing many of the same laws that Jan. 6 defendants were charged under before they were mass pardoned by the president on the day of his inauguration.
“Across the country we have seen instances of rioting, looting, arson, destruction of property, assaults on officers (federal, state, and local), and obstruction of federal immigration enforcement efforts,” the email said, adding that the department “has zero tolerance for any such criminal behavior.”
In the email to U.S. attorneys, first assistants and criminal chiefs that was seen by NBC News, the official listed several 13 laws prosecutors should consider. Those included several statutes that were used against Jan. 6 rioters, including those related to assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees; civil disorder; and damage to government property. The message also mentions similar charges that Jan. 6 defendants faced, like obstruction of proceedings before departments and agencies, and picketing or parading with the intent to obstruct or impede the administration of justice.
One notable potential charge mentioned on the list is an incitement charge under the Anti-Riot Act that came up in discussions around Jan. 6 but was never deployed because it has faced setbacks in courts; various courts found components of the law unconstitutional and that it had a chilling effect on free speech.
That law was passed in 1968 as a rider to the Civil Rights Act, and was championed by segregationist Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C. The debate over the law specifically referred to prominent Black leaders, and the law was used against the Chicago Seven, but was more recently put to the test against white supremacists.
Asked about the email, a Justice Department official said in a statement: “As we’ve said repeatedly, the Department respects the right to peacefully protest & assemble to engage on important issues. However, the Department and its 94 US Attorney Offices will not tolerate unlawful violence & destruction of property. We are prepared to respond accordingly.”
Sen. Rand Paul jokes that his MAGA hat-wearing grandson is invited to the congressional picnic
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., joked in a post on X this afternoon that his grandson has been invited to the congressional picnic this evening at the White House.
The post included a photo of him and his young grandson, who was wearing a backward "Make America Great Again" hat.
The senator had said yesterday that he and his family were uninvited to the annual event, but Trump said on Truth Social this morning that the GOP senator was invited to the picnic.
GOP Rep. David Valadao says the impact of ICE raids on migrant workers is 'really concerning'
Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., told NBC News that the impact the Trump administration's ICE raids are having on migrant workers is "really concerning."
Valadao said mass ICE raids would have a “huge impact” on his Central Valley district’s ability to “feed the country and, frankly, the rest of the world.”
“We’ve reached out over this entire administration, talking about that, always trying to make sure that our voices were heard, that they understood that there are people who are applying to our community, and they play a lot of role in the nation, building housing, taking care of folks in all types of industries, and so we hope that that message got through," Valadao said. "I know the president has made some positive comments in the past, but the actions over the last few weeks have been really concerning."
Valadao, who represents a politically competitive seat in California, wrote on X on Tuesday that he was “urging” the administration to focus on deporting criminals instead of the “hardworking people” in his district.
Newsom calls Trump a 'stone-cold liar'
Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., called Trump a "stone-cold liar" in an episode of "The Daily" podcast that was released Thursday.
Newsom, speaking with the New York Times podcast, spoke about the phone call he had with Trump on Friday evening, where he claimed that Trump did not discuss his plan to federalize the National Guard to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles.
"It didn’t appear to me when I talked to him. He never brought it up. Period, full stop, he lied about that. Yeah, last Friday night. He lied. He lied. My mother and dad’s grave," Newsom told "The Daily." "I don’t mess around when I say this. He lied. Stone-cold liar. Don’t think for a second he told the truth. He lied."
Newsom said he and Trump had a "cordial" chat in that phone call that barely touched upon the protests in Los Angeles, adding that Trump's decision to federalize the National Guard "came completely out of left field."
The governor said that on Saturday, he was surprised to wake up to Trump's statements calling him "Newscum."
"Then talks about the National Guard, and then starts making up all these things he claimed he told me about, which honestly starts to disturb me on a different level that maybe he actually believed he said those things," Newsom said.
"And he’s not all there. I mean that," the governor added.
Newsom also spoke about Trump's decision to direct hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles, calling the move a "red line."
"I think it’s a red line when you’re using military that are trained for foreign incursions to do domestic law enforcement in American cities," Newsom said. "I think that’s a red line. If that’s not a red line, I don’t know what red lines mean. This is the United States military being used for domestic law enforcement."
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says the military 'should stay out of politics'
Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., used part of his time in the hearing on the Pentagon budget request to express concerns over politicization of the military.
Deluzio asked Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, what military officials should do if an event they attend turns political. His question came after he sharply criticized Trump's comments to troops at Fort Bragg.
Caine declined to weigh in.
"By even my engaging in answering this question, that is making my job involved in politics," he said. "And so while I appreciate the question, I think the chairman and the force should stay out of politics."
Trump is open to dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, White House says
Trump “remains receptive” to communications with Kim Jong Un, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, even as the North Korean leader appears less interested in talks over his nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Trump would “like to see the progress that was made at that summit in Singapore,” Leavitt told reporters yesterday, referring to the first in-person summit between the two leaders in 2018.
Leavitt was responding to a question about a news report that said North Korea had refused to accept a letter from Trump that was intended to reopen channels of communication between Washington and Pyongyang.
Her comments come as both North and South Korea appear to have suspended propaganda loudspeaker blasts at their shared border in an effort to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The two countries technically remain at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
Kim has continued to make advancements in his weapons programs since his last meeting with Trump in 2019, and has been further strengthened by a security partnership with Russia.
Rep. Patrick Smith tells Hegseth he 'should resign'
Rep. Patrick Smith, D-N.Y., criticized what he painted as an infusion of politics into a military event when Trump delivered a speech at Fort Bragg this week.
He urged officials like Hegseth to "continue to echo the apolitical nature" of the military.
"Mr. Secretary, I don't say this lightly. I have to say this on the record. I think your tenure as secretary of defense has been shameful and weak, and you should resign," Smith said in concluding his remarks.
Trump wraps White House event after nearly 90 minutes
After nearly 90 minutes, Trump's bill signing event, which included an impromptu press conference with reporters, has ended.
Trump says 'I don't feel like a king' when asked about 'No Kings' protests planned for Saturday
Trump told reporters at the White House that he doesn't feel like a king when asked about so-called No Kings protests against his agenda that are planned to coincide with his military parade on Saturday.
"I don't feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff," he said when asked about the protests.
A king "wouldn't have to call up [House Speaker] Mike Johnson and [Senate Majority Leader John] Thune and say, 'Fellas, you got to pull this off,' and after years, we get it done," Trump said, referring to legislation to advance his agenda. "No, no, we're not a king. We're not a king at all."
Trump said his administration will address impact of its immigration policies on agriculture workforce
Trump said his administration is “going to have to use common sense” to address the impacts of its hard-line immigration policies on the agriculture and tourism industries.
“Our farmers are being hurt badly,” Trump said while speaking to reporters at the White House today. “We can’t take farmers and take all their people and send them back because they don’t have, maybe what they’re supposed to have, maybe not.”
Trump referenced a post he made on Truth Social this morning where he claimed farmers and business leaders have complained his immigration policies are harming their workforce and “taking very good, long-time workers away from them.” The president added that "changes are coming."
"They end up hiring the people, the criminals that have come in, the murderers from prisons and everything else," Trump told reporters today.
“We’re going to have an order on that pretty soon,” Trump said. “I think we can’t do that to our farmers and leisure to hotels. We’re going to have to use common sense."
Trump said Elon Musk chose to support him despite his clear plans to slash EV incentives
Trump said Elon Musk, who recently feuded with the president online over his proposed cuts to electric vehicle tax credits, still chose to endorse him despite his plans to slash the incentives.
“I used to say, I’m amazed that he’s endorsing me, because that can’t be good for him. I’m abolishing the EV mandate,” Trump said during a bill signing at the White House today. “I once asked him about it. ... He said, ‘Well, as long as it’s happening to everybody, I’ll be able to compete.’ It’s a very interesting answer.”
Trump claimed that Musk never advocated for the preservation of what he calls the electric vehicle mandate, a Biden-era EPA rule that sought to cut auto emissions and expand consumer access to electric vehicles.
“He makes electric cars,” Trump said. “And we’re saying you’re not going to be able to make electric cars, or you’re not going to be forced to make all of those cars.”
The comments came as Trump prepared to sign legislation to block California’s plan to phase out gas-powered cars and end their sales by 2035. Musk last week attacked the Trump-backed GOP domestic policy bill over its impact on the federal deficit, calling it a “disgusting abomination.”
The Tesla CEO walked back his comments in a post on X yesterday, saying they “went too far.” Trump also moved the bright red Tesla he had been displaying outside of the White House in support of Musk, but said at today’s White House signing that he likes the cars.
“He got a little bit strange,” Trump said of Musk, claiming, “but I don’t know why.”
Trump says an Israeli strike on Iran is 'something that could very well happen'
Trump said during a press availability at the White House that an Israeli strike on Iran could happen.
"I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen. Look, it’s very simple, not complicated," he told reporters when asked if an Israeli strike on Iran was imminent.
"Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he continued. "Other than that, I want them to be successful. I want them to be tremendous. We'll help them be successful. We'll trade with them. We'll do whatever is necessary."
NBC News reported overnight that Israel is considering taking military action against Iran, five people with knowledge of the situation said, though it will likely happen without U.S. support.
The Trump administration has been trying to negotiate a deal that would curb Iran's nuclear program, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Trump delivers campaign-style remarks during bill signing: 'I’d rather be electrocuted'
Trump delivered a stem-winding speech that delved into tariffs, inflation rates, windmills, his election victory and more in the White House East Room during a bill signing to overturn California’s new ban on gas-powered vehicles. Boasting of ending green energy policies, Trump said that he had discussed his plans with his now-departed adviser, Elon Musk, founder of the electric vehicle company Tesla.
“That’s why Elon doesn’t like me very much,” Trump quipped in reference to the pair’s recent public fallout. “But he actually does, he does,” he said, after Musk acknowledged in a social media post this week that he “went too far” in attacking Trump.
Trump’s remarks were reminiscent of a campaign speech at times, as he wove through topics as diverse as the animal kingdom, combustion engines and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Of a potentially fearsome encounter with sharks, Trump mused, “I’d rather be electrocuted.”
He also offered praise for Lee Zeldin, his EPA administrator, and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, someone who he said “could destroy five nations with five calls,” in a testament to her influence.
Trump calls Jerome Powell a 'numbskull' as he urges rate cut
Trump called Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell a “numbskull” during remarks at the White House today, urging him to lower interest rates.
“I’m not going to fire him,” Trump said of Powell, but added that “all he has to do is to lower” rates.
“What is he doing? Why doesn’t he lower these rates?” Trump said, repeating a common criticism he makes of Powell.
In a recent statement, Powell spoke out in defense of the independence of the Federal Reserve following pressure from Trump to cut interest rates. The chairman's comments followed a meeting with Trump last month where he said the two discussed “economic developments.”
Asked whether men and women are both capable of killing, Hegseth says it 'depends on the context'
Asked repeatedly by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., whether both men and women are able to cause death, Hegseth responded several times that it "depends on the context."
Houlahan asked Hegseth whether both men and women were capable of pulling rifle triggers to cause death, to which Hegseth said, "Sure." She then asked whether both men and women were capable of operating drones and launching missiles.
"I know what you're getting at, ma'am," he said as the two began talking over each other.
"Men and women carry equipment differently," Hegseth said, adding that there are physical differences between men and women.
Houlahan continued, criticizing Hegseth's comments about different genders in the military. The defense secretary has said that women should not serve in combat roles, but has since walked back those comments.
"Lethality is equal parts technical skills, tactical experience, cognitive problem solving and physical fitness," Houlahan said. "It's not about one person, but it's about many."
Hegseth dodges on whether he would abide by court decisions on Trump's response to L.A. protests
Hegseth flouted multiple questions from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., over whether he would abide by court decisions on whether Trump can deploy troops to respond to protests in Los Angeles despite Newsom's objections.
"Whatever the federal district court decides, will you abide by it?" Khanna asked.
Hegseth answered that it was a "pending situation." Asked again, he said, "What I will tell you is, my job right now is to ensure the troops that we have in Los Angeles are capable of supporting law enforcement."
Pressed again, Hegseth said, "We've always looked to the decisions of the court."
Khanna again urged Hegseth to assure people that he would respect Supreme Court and other federal court decisions on the issue.
"What I can say is we should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country," Hegseth said.
"So you're not willing to say you would respect those decisions?" Hegseth asked.
"What I'm saying is, local district judges shouldn't make foreign policy for the United States," Hegseth said.
Newsom dings Trump for saying farmers and business leaders are complaining about his immigration policies
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has been clashing with Trump in recent days over the administration's hard-line immigration policies, continued to hammer against his deportation actions today.
The Democratic governor and potential 2028 presidential contender responded to Trump writing in a post on Truth Social that farmers and business leaders have complained to him that his immigration policies are "taking very good, long time workers away from them" and that "changes are coming!"
“Turns out, chasing hard working people through ranches and farms and snatching women and children off the streets is not good policy,” Newsom wrote in a post on X.
Two police officers sue over failure to hang plaque honoring those who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6
Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, two police officers who have been outspoken about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, have sued the architect of the Capitol over its failure to hang a plaque honoring officers who protected the building that day.
"They bring this suit to compel Congress to follow its own law and install the mandated memorial, to honor the women and men who saved the lives of those inside the building, and to ensure that the history of this attack on the Capitol — and on democracy — is not forgotten," the lawsuit says.
Congress passed the law in 2022 to install the plaque on the western front of the U.S. Capitol and was signed by then-President Joe Biden. "That was over three years ago," the suit says.
"While Congress has installed a memorial to other officers who died in a different tragedy, it has not installed the plaque to honor those who defended the Capitol on January 6," they say. "Meanwhile, though Congress has not placed the memorial to the officers who protected it, members have managed to honor the man who inspired the violence," referring to Trump.
Dunn and Hodges argue that by not hanging the plaque, Congress is encouraging the "rewriting of history." "It suggests that the officers are not worthy of being recognized, because Congress refuses to recognize them."
Brendan Ballou, lead attorney in the case and a former Jan. 6 prosecutor, said in a statement, “These plaintiffs, and the officers they stood beside, were literally the only thing that saved the democratic transfer of power that day, and democracy itself. And they saved countless lives of people inside the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol must follow the law, and must honor these officers, to prevent history from being rewritten.”
The architect of the Capitol, Thomas E. Austin, who was selected in 2024 by a bicameral congressional commission, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rep. Moulton and Hegseth clash over Signal chat
Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., pushed Hegseth repeatedly on his involvement in a Signal group chat, where the defense secretary shared sensitive military information.
Moulton pressed Hegseth on the classification level of the information he shared, and Hegseth deflected multiple questions.
"It's not classified to disclose whether or not it was classified, and in fact, DOD regulations state that any classified information has to be labeled with its classification, was it classified secret or top secret," Moulton said during their exchange.
"What's not classified is that it was an incredibly successful mission against the Houthis," Hegseth said.
Later, Moulton asked Hegseth whether he would take accountability. Hegseth defended his actions in the chat, saying that he did not name targets, locations or methods. He also pivoted to saying that the Houthis were held accountable and praised U.S. troops.
Hegseth said multiple times that he serves at the pleasure of the president.
Testy House committee exchange on sanctuary policies offers possible preview of 2026 New York governor race
During a testy exchange at a GOP-led House Oversight Committee hearing over on states' immigration policies, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., grilled New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul — offering a possible preview of next year's gubernatorial race in the state.
Stefanik, who is considering a run for governor, is not a member of the committee. But the panel's chairman, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., allowed several lawmkers to join in on the questioning of Hochul and Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota and JB Priztker of Illinois.
Stefanik used the opportunity to attack Hochul, repeatedly bringing up instances of undocumented immigrants having committed crimes in in the state, saying that they were emblematic of “Kathy Hochul’s New York.”
“No amount of words is going to clean up your failed record, and these horrific crimes committed in the sanctuary state that you created,” Stefanik said.
In what at times resembled potential campaign messaging, Stefanik said that the crimes were “one of the many reasons why you’re hemorrhaging support from hard working” New Yorkers.
“We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers, who doesn’t put illegals first, but actually puts New Yorkers first,” Stefanik continued.
Hochul hit back by saying that Stefanik was simply “going after the viral moment."
Rep. Mike Turner pushes Hegseth to clarify testimony on military plans for Greenland
Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, pushed Hegseth to clarify his earlier testimony about any military plans to invade Greenland.
"I just want to help you out because people try to twist your words. You are not confirming in your testimony today that at the Pentagon, there are plans for invading or taking by force Greenland, correct? That is not your testimony today?" Turner asked.
"All my testimony is that the Pentagon has plans for any number of contingencies," Hegseth responded.
"It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?" Turner asked again more forcefully. "Because I sure as hell hope that it is not your testimony."
"We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats," Hegseth said.
Rep. Adam Smith presses Hegseth on military plans to invade Greenland or Panama
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., pressed Hegseth repeatedly as to whether the military had plans to forcibly take over Greenland or the Panama Canal, areas that Trump has said he wants as part of the U.S.
"Is it the policy of the Department of Defense that we need to be prepared to take Greenland and Panama by force, if necessary?" Smith asked.
Hegseth pivoted to talking about concerns over China's influence, prompting Smith to cut in and the two men to talk over each other when Hegseth emphasized the importance of the two countries.
Smith said he was concerned over the possibility of the U.S. trying to take over the countries by force.
"Our job at the DOD is to have plans," Hegseth said.
"Do you have a plan for that?" Smith asked.
"Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any particular contingency," Hegseth said.
Smith asked Hegseth, "To be clear, you do — you have plans to take Panama and Greenland by force if necessary."
"I think the American people would want the Pentagon to have plans for any particular contingency," Hegseth said.
"Not for that," Smith said.
Rep. Adam Smith: 'Can we please just stop and get back to the business of treating everybody equally and with respect?'
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., criticized the Defense Department's focus on culture war issues, calling out Hegseth's push against people like transgender troops serving in the armed forces.
"We are a diverse nation, we need to be inclusive and we need to not actively insult people who don't happen to fit our preconceived notion of what a member of the military should look like," Smith said.
Smith slammed the administration for renaming military bases so they now share the names of Confederate soldiers.
"Can we please just stop and get back to the business of treating everybody equally and with respect?" Smith asked.
Trump says business leaders are saying that mass deportations are affecting their workforce
In a post on TruthSocial this morning, Trump said that he's heard from business leaders that his mass deportation agenda "is taking very good, long time workers away from them."
"Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace," the president wrote.
He added, "In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs. This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!"
Trump did not specify which business leaders and farmers have spoken with him and his administration about this.
Rep. Adam Smith criticizes focus on loyalty in government roles
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., criticized what he characterized as the administration's focus on ensuring staff loyalty to Trump.
"If you’re focused on loyalty, you’re not focused on competency, you’re not focused on ability, and it is the wrong way to go," said Smith, who is the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.
Smith also criticized a slew of other White House actions, including plans to accept a Qatari jet to ultimately use as Air Force One.
"There’s all kinds of ethics problems with that," Smith said.
Pete Hegseth's hearing beguns
Hegseth is facing questions from the House Armed Services Committee this morning, his third appearance at a congressional hearing this week to discuss the Pentagon’s budget request. The hearing kicked off with statements from Chairman Mike Rogers.
Trump adviser Stephen Miller to brief Senate Republicans today
White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller will brief Senate Republicans behind closed doors this morning about the GOP tax policy bill, according to a source familiar with the meeting.
The meeting is set to take place around 11 a.m. ET.
In the afternoon, the Senate will hold a confirmation vote for former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., to serve as IRS commissioner, as well as a vote to advance the GENIUS Act, a crypto regulation bill.
Australia confident U.S. will proceed with AUKUS submarine deal after review
Reporting from Sydney
Australia’s defense minister said he was confident that the AUKUS submarine pact with the U.S. and Britain would proceed, and that his government would work closely with the U.S. while the Trump administration conducted a formal review.
Australia in 2023 committed to spend 368 billion Australian dollars ($239 billion) over three decades on AUKUS, the country’s biggest ever defense project with the U.S. and Britain, to acquire and build nuclear-powered submarines. A Pentagon official said the administration was reviewing AUKUS to ensure it was “aligned with the President’s America First agenda.”
Trump says 'of course' Rand Paul is invited picnic after senator said he was uninvited
Trump said on Truth Social that "of course" Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is invited to tonight's White House picnic, one day after the senator said that he and his family had been uninvited.
Paul has frequently criticized the Trump-backed domestic policy bill, which is projected to increase the federal deficit.
"Of course Senator Rand Paul and his beautiful wife and family are invited to the BIG White House Party tonight. He’s the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldn’t he be?" Trump said in the post.
"Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women," the president added.
Trump to sign measures to block California's gas vehicle phase-out
Trump is expected to sign measures today aimed at blocking California's plan to phase out gas-powered cars, a White House official said.
The official also confirmed that the measures will do away with regulations phasing out the sale of diesel vehicles and reducing truck emissions, which The Associated Press previously reported.
California had previously banned the sale of all new gas-powered cars by 2035 as part of an effort to fight climate change.
House expected to vote on DOGE-backed cuts
The House will debate and vote on a Republican-led bill today that would claw back $9.4 billion in spending that had previously been approved.
The vote is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. ET.
Most of the spending that Republicans are trying to rescind is related to foreign aid, but the legislation would also cut funding for public broadcasting services NPR and PBS. The bill aims to codify cost cuts that were suggested by the Department of Government Efficiency.
The bill needs support from a simple majority of House lawmakers to pass, after which it would go to the Senate for consideration.
David Hogg won’t run for DNC post again after party orders redo of vice chair elections
Progressive activist David Hogg said he won’t seek to continue as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee after the DNC called for a redo of the February election that elevated him to the post.
Shortly after the DNC announced it would hold new elections Thursday for two vice chair positions held by Hogg and Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta as a result of a procedural challenge, Hogg announced he wouldn’t be a candidate.
‘Incredibly petty’: Sen. Rand Paul says he was ‘uninvited’ to White House picnic over breaks with Trump
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said he was “uninvited” to an annual White House picnic typically attended by members of Congress and their families, framing the move to reporters today as retribution for his opposition to key components of Trump’s agenda.
“They’re afraid of what I’m saying, so they think they’re going to punish me, I can’t go to the picnic, as if somehow that’s going to make me more conciliatory,” Paul said. “So it’s silly, in a way, but it’s also just really sad that this is what it’s come to. But petty vindictiveness like this, it makes you — it makes you wonder about the quality of people you’re dealing with.”
Some far-left groups have encouraged peaceful protests to turn violent, experts say
It was approaching nightfall in Los Angeles on Sunday when black-clad demonstrators began to torch a row of self-driving Waymo taxis. Within minutes, videos of the fiery scenes began to pop up on social media.
“MORE. MORE AND MORE AND MORE,” a group known as Unity of Fields posted on X, along with a video of the flaming vehicles.
The post wasn’t an anomaly. Since the start of the demonstrations against immigration raids in Los Angeles, the Unity of Fields X account has been pumping out messages urging people to wreak havoc in the streets and “give ‘em hell.”
It’s part of a far-left online ecosystem that has proliferated in recent years, experts say. Some of the groups behind the accounts express contempt for peaceful resistance and glorify acts of violence — and even murders, like those of the UnitedHealthcare CEO and two Israeli Embassy staffers.