Republicans are thinking about giving Trump’s birthday parade a swerve – and it might get drowned in a biblical flood. Meanwhile, Marines Trump sent to LA detained a civilian, which is a big no-no
Israel continued to bombard Iran for most of yesterday.
And that continues to pose a problem for Donald Trump.
On one hand, a huge chunk of his supporters want him to row in full-square behind Israel.
On the other, a lot of people voted for him because of his “America First” foreign policy – extracting the country from foreign wars, and avoiding overseas adventures.
Meanwhile Republicans are thinking about giving Trump’s birthday parade a swerve – and not just because they might get drowned in biblical floods.
And the Marines Trump sent to LA have started detaining people, which is a big no-no.
Here’s more on that and all the other things happening
1. Trump spent most of the day in meetings
As you might imagine, given the Middle East is largely in flames, the US President spent much of the day in National Security meetings and Situation Room briefings, we’re told.
Even his social media use was reduced – with just one post on his Truth social platform – more of which below.
2. He keeps urging Iran to come to the table
Whenever Trump has broken cover, it’s been in a bid to bring Iran to return to negotiations on its nuclear ambitions.
He urged Iran to quickly reach an agreement on curbing its nuclear program as Israel vowed to continue its bombardment of the country.
Trump framed the volatile moment in the Middle East as a possible “second chance” for Iran’s leadership to avoid further destruction “before there is nothing left and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.”
There had been plans for a round of talks with Iran on Sunday. But despite Trump’s pleas, that seems unlikely to go ahead.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic are reporting Trump asked Israel to hold off on its “pre-emptive strike” on Tehran.
Obviously that didn’t happen either.
3. It’s literally going to rain on his parade
In yet more bad news for Trump, the weather forecast is predicting a storm of biblical proportions at exactly the time his big birthday tank parade is due to kick off in Washington DC.
Having been out in DC last night when a thunderstorm hit, I can confirm that they do not mess about. People will get exceptionally wet.
4. Republicans don’t seem very enthused about the parade
Depending on how you ask the question, polls suggest up to 60% of Americans don’t think a massive tank parade to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary – fortuitously coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday – is a good use of public money.
Meanwhile Politico surveyed 50 Republicans in congress – and found just seven said they would be staying in Washington over the weekend for the festivities.
All of which is giving me flashbacks to a Wimpy birthday party I had in the 80s, and not in a good way.
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5. Marines in LA have started detaining US citizens
Footage emerged last night of some Marines detaining and handcuffing a member of the public in Los Angeles.
It’s led to some people complaining that the Marines – sent in by Trump to protect federal buildings during he largely peaceful protests agains ICE rounding up and deporting people – had broken Posse Comitatus laws – which ban the military from performing domestic police actions.
The White House disagree, saying the marines were only holding the guy until the police could get there – but that seems like a distinction that won’t be of comfort to many.
The man, wearing earbuds, was reportedly a veteran who accidentally wandered into a closed-off area while trying to pick up his benefits.