It’s a beautiful Tuesday in Washington. June really is the best time of the year. Here’s what’s happening today: - President Biden announced an executive order today to curb migration at the border.
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Biden gave an interview to Time magazine for a cover story. He had some sharp words about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Republican senators are worried about the implications if former President Trump is sentenced to prison or house arrest.
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Now that jury selection is complete, Hunter Biden’s gun trial moves to the next phase.
I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@digital-release.thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here. |
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Biden’s reining in the border: |
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President Biden just announced an executive order that will limit the number of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border when there is a high volume of asylum seekers.
What we know: When the seven-day average of daily border crossings exceeds 2,500, migrants seeking asylum will be turned away. This policy will go into effect immediately. Then once the seven-day average drops below 1,500, the measure would be lifted.
Yes, but: The Hill’s Rafael Bernal and Brett Samuels point out that the 1,500-person threshold may be difficult to reach. “The last time the average of daily encounters was below 1,500 was in July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Associated Press.”
Why 2,500?: “One official said the 2,500 number was determined based on similar numbers negotiated by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate as part of a border security deal that failed to pass the chamber.” (The Hill)
Helpful explainer on the new policy: ‘Biden announces order limiting asylum: Here’s what it will do’
How many border crossings are happening now?: “Illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have averaged more than 3,500 in recent weeks, according to the latest government data, so Biden’s order could have immediate effects.” (The Washington Post)
Why this matters: “The order would be an aggressive step by Biden to confront a looming election year issue at a time when the White House’s efforts to broker bipartisan legislation on the border have run into opposition from congressional Republicans. The White House has spent months weighing the legality and feasibility of taking executive action.” (The Hill)
📃White House fact sheet on the executive order |
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Well, look who’s doing an interview!: |
Biden, who doesn’t give many media interviews, gave an exclusive interview to Time magazine.
📸 See the Time cover
Biden on Netanyahu: Time asked Biden if he thinks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “prolonging the war for his own political reasons,” Biden admitted, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.”
Biden said China is meddling in this election: “There is evidence that meddling is going on,” Biden said, adding that “everybody, all the bad guys are rooting for Trump, man. Not a joke.” Time asked Biden if he can really do the job as an 85-year-old man: “I can do it better than anybody you know,” Biden said. “You’re looking at me, I can take you too.”
🔎 Read the interview transcript
🔎 Time also fact-checked Biden’s claim | |
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🧑⚖️ Happening in Delaware |
A little court in the morning before heading to France: |
First lady Jill Biden is back in a Delaware courthouse today, where her son, Hunter Biden, is on trial on federal gun charges.
Is she expected to be in court every day?: No, The Hill’s Alex Gangitano thinks today may be her last appearance this week. “Tuesday may be Jill Biden’s last appearance in the Delaware courthouse this week. She’s expected back at the White House for the Congressional Picnic at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday and then is expected to travel to France for engagements with the president.”
Where the trial stands: Twelve jurors and four alternates were selected in Hunter Biden’s trial, according to The Associated Press. Opening statements are expected to happen today. Read more: What to know about Hunter Biden’s gun trial |
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Judge Merchan has a lottt of power here: |
Senate Republicans are warning Judge Juan Merchan *not* to sentence former President Trump to prison, house arrest or anything that would disrupt his ability to be on the campaign trail, reports The Hill’s Alexander Bolton. Why?: If Merchan’s sentence prevents Trump from campaigning, some senators are worried it would undermine voters’ confidence in the fairness of the election. But couldn’t an appeal prevent Trump from being sentenced?: The timing isn’t on Trump’s side here. An appeal could take months and it seems unlikely that the Supreme Court will jump in to help Trump. That means Merchan has *a lot* of power in determining Trump’s sentence.
What sentences could Merchan give that wouldn’t affect Trump’s ability to campaign: Probation or community service.
For what it’s worth: Most legal experts don’t expect Trump to be given jailtime. He’s a first-time offender, and he’s 77 years old. But it also puts Merchan in a tough spot, considering Trump violated the gag order many times.
Read more: ‘GOP senators warn judge against sentencing Trump to prison’ |
➤ MICHAEL COHEN SAYS HIS FAMILY WAS DOXXED: |
Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former fixer-turned-enemy who was a key witness in the hush money trial, says his family was doxxed after Trump’s conviction. |
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➤ TIDBIT — DON’T CENSOR IT, JOE. TELL US HOW YOU FEEL:
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At a fundraiser on Monday, President Biden railed against Trump, arguing that “something snapped in him” after he lost the 2020 election. Read Biden’s full quote, via The Hill’s Alex Gangitano. |
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I felt overstimulated just watching this hearing: |
House Republicans grilled former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci in a tense, heated hearing on Monday.
The most uncomfy part: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) refused to recognize Fauci as a doctor, repeatedly calling him “Mr. Fauci” while slamming COVID-19-era policies. The Republican chair of the committee reprimanded her. Here’s an excerpt:
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) objected to Greene’s questioning: “Just in terms of the rules of decorum, are we allowed to deny that a doctor is a doctor just because we don’t want him to be a doctor?” Greene responded: “Yes, because in my time, that man does not deserve to have a license. As a matter of fact, it should be revoked, and he belongs in jail.”
How Fauci later described the hearing later: “I have testified literally hundreds of times … and there’s always been differences of opinion…” Fauci told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “But the level of vitriol that we see now, just in the country in general, but actually played out during this hearing, was really quite unfortunate because the purpose of hearings [is] to try and figure out how we can do better …” 📹 Watch Fauci’s hearing debrief on CNN
Read more: ‘Five takeaways from Fauci’s heated hearing’ 💻 Watch the hearing |
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🧀 Celebrate: Today is National Cheese Day! To celebrate, I highly suggest you try this TikTok hack. Basically, you sear cheese in a pan to create a crust on the burrito. Then mix the vinaigrette and sour cream for a sauce. Here’s a tutorial
^ I’ve been wanting to try this burrito hack, so if you do try it, please let me know your review! |
🫒🐟More hummus, olive oil and seasonal produce? Twist my arm: A new Brigham and Women’s Hospital study suggests that women who follow a Mediterranean diet are likely to live longer. (NewsNation)
🎤 Spotted in Washington: @WashProbs posted a photo of John Legend spotted in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington. He’s performing in Vienna, Va. |
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The House and Senate are in. President Biden is in Washington, and Vice President Harris is in Los Angeles. (all times Eastern)
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Today: Voters in New Jersey, Montana, New Mexico, Iowa and South Dakota are holding their primaries today. What to watch -
2 p.m.: Biden delivers remarks. Livestream
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2:15 p.m.: Two Senate votes. 📅 Today’s agenda
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3:30 p.m.: Last House votes of the day. 📅 Today’s agenda
6:15 p.m.: Biden and first lady Jill Biden host the White House Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn. 💻 Livestream 7:40 p.m.: Biden leaves for Paris. Tonight: Harris appears on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
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