Trump Vows Political Retribution for Lawmakers Opposing Voter ID Bill
Prior to an extended Senate debate on the Save America Act, former President Donald Trump used social media to urge lawmakers to support the legislation.
He reminded that he would not sign any further bills until the comprehensive voter ID bill reaches his desk.
Recently, Trump described the Save America Act as "one of the most IMPORTANT & CONSEQUENTIAL pieces of legislation in the history of Congress." He has repeatedly asserted, without evidence, that undocumented individuals are voting in large numbers in federal elections—a claim experts say is extremely rare.
The president is also advocating for an amended version of the bill that would include provisions such as banning mail-in ballots, prohibiting transgender individuals from participating in women’s sports, and banning gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Should this version pass the Senate—which is unlikely—it would need to return to the House for approval.
The current bill has already failed in the Senate and faces significant challenges in the coming days, which Senate Majority Leader John Thune must navigate to satisfy Trump.
"Only sick, demented, or deranged people in the House or Senate could vote against THE SAVE AMERICA ACT. If they do, each one of these points, separately, will be used against the user in his/her political campaign for office," Trump wrote. "A guaranteed loss!"
He concluded his message with an emphatic warning: "I WILL NEVER (EVER!) ENDORSE ANYONE WHO VOTES AGAINST ‘SAVE AMERICA!!!’"
Lindsey Graham Discusses NATO and Iran Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump on foreign policy, stated that he recently spoke with the former president about NATO countries’ reluctance to assist the US in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
"I have never heard him [Trump] so angry in my life," Graham said. "I share that anger given what’s at stake."
The South Carolina senator, known for his hawkish stance, defended the administration’s position on potential strikes against Tehran alongside Israel.
"The arrogance of our allies to suggest that with a nuclear weapon is of little concern and that military action to stop the ayatollah from acquiring a nuclear bomb is our problem not theirs is beyond offensive," Graham said, adding that the consequences of limited support to the US in maintaining the Strait of Hormuz will be "wide and deep for Europe and America."
While Graham considers himself "very forward-leaning on supporting alliances," he admitted this "time of real testing" is causing him to "second guess" commitments. "I am certain I am not the only senator who feels this way," he added.
Trump Comments on Iran Conflict and Uses Term 'Little Excursion'
On Capitol Hill, Trump spoke at the Friends of Island luncheon, reiterating his views on the conflict with Iran.
Over the past week, he has referred to the conflict as a "little excursion," a phrase he continued to use during this event.
"How are they [Iran] doing? Not so good," Trump said. "They’re all gone … every one of them, they’re all gone."
White House Confirms Receipt of Latest DHS Funding Counteroffer from Democrats
A White House official confirmed to that Senate Democrats have submitted their latest counteroffer for a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), incorporating stronger safeguards on federal immigration enforcement.
The official did not provide details on the proposal but noted that the White House is reviewing it.
Several DHS agencies have been without funding for over a month, resulting in thousands of employees going unpaid.
Republicans have labeled Democrats’ demands—such as requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to remove masks while on patrol and mandating judicial warrants before entering private property—as non-negotiable.
Trump States US 'Not Ready to Leave Iran Yet' but Departure Is Imminent
When asked about a "day after" plan for Iran, Trump said that if the US withdrew now, it would take "10 years for [Iran] to rebuild."
"But we’re not ready to leave yet. But we will be leaving in the near future, we’ll be leaving in pretty much the very near future."
He reiterated that the US has received "great support" from Middle Eastern countries but "essentially no support" from NATO.
Regarding his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said Starmer "hasn’t been supportive." He criticized Starmer for offering to send two aircraft carriers "after we won" when there was no threat because the war was already "won."
"I like him, I think he’s a nice man, but I’m disappointed."
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin intervened to emphasize the importance of the transatlantic relationship between Europe and the US.
He also vouched for Starmer, describing him as an "earnest" and "sound" individual with whom the US president can work.
In response to a later question about Starmer, Trump reiterated that he likes the UK prime minister but added that the US-UK relationship was always better "before Keir came along." He then digressed into comments about windmills.
Trump Confirms Meeting with China's Xi Jinping in Five to Six Weeks
Donald Trump confirmed he is rescheduling his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to take place "in about five or six weeks."
"I look forward to seeing President Xi, he looks forward to seeing me – I think."
Trump Criticizes Joe Kent, Calls Him 'Weak on Security'
When asked about Joe Kent’s resignation as director of national counterterrorism, Trump responded:
"Well, I read his statement. I always thought he was a nice guy but I always thought he was weak on security, very weak on security.
I didn’t know him well ... But when I read his statement I realised that it’s a good thing that he’s out, because he said Iran was not a threat.
Iran was a threat, every country realised what a threat Iran was."
Joe Kent, an Iraq war veteran and unsuccessful congressional candidate, resigned citing his inability to support the ongoing war on Iran.
In his resignation letter to Trump, Kent accused "high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media" of orchestrating "a misinformation campaign" that fostered pro-war sentiments to encourage conflict with Iran.
"This echo chamber was used to deceive you," he wrote.
Trump on NATO Allies and the Strait of Hormuz
When asked about progress in securing allied assistance for escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated:
"Well, we don’t need any help," Trump said. NATO allies "agreed" with US actions, he claimed, emphasizing the importance of removing the nuclear threat from Iran.
He reiterated claims that US forces have successfully dismantled Iran’s military, navy, and air force, and recently killed a top Iranian official, referring to Iran’s national security chief Ali Larijani.
Returning to NATO, Trump called their refusal to assist "a foolish mistake" and framed the issue as a loyalty test.
"I think NATO’s making a very foolish mistake. And I’ve long said that, you know, I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So this is a this was a great test because we don’t need them, but they should have been there."
He criticized NATO’s resistance to sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz and warned that the alliance faces "a very bad future" if allies fail to help reopen the vital waterway.
Asked about French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that France will not join a task force in the strait until the situation is "calmer," Trump responded that Macron will be out of office soon.
Trump has been taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Former Trump Advisor Criticizes Joe Kent as 'Crazed Egomaniac'
In response to Joe Kent’s resignation, former Trump deputy chief of staff for communications Taylor Budowich described Kent as "a crazed egomaniac" who was "often at the center of national security leaks."
Budowich questioned whether Kent produced "any actual work" during his tenure.
Kent, an Iraq war veteran and failed congressional candidate, resigned citing his inability to support the ongoing war on Iran.
Budowich condemned Kent’s decision and performance, stating:
"He spent all of his time working to subvert the chain of command and undermine the President of the United States. This isn’t some principled resignation—he just wanted to make a splash before getting canned. What a loser."
Trump Continues Criticism of NATO Allies Over Iran War Support
Donald Trump persistently criticized NATO countries for their refusal to assist the US in the war on Iran, following their decision to not send warships to the Strait of Hormuz despite his warnings of a "very bad future" for the alliance.
"I am not surprised by their action," Trump said. "Because I always considered NATO, where we spend Hundreds of Billions of Dollars per year protecting these same Countries, to be a one way street."
He asserted that member countries "will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need," while highlighting the success of US forces in degrading Iran’s military, naval, and air capabilities.
"We no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance – WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea," Trump stated on social media.
Top Senate Intelligence Democrat Supports Joe Kent’s Resignation
Mark Warner, the Senate’s top Democrat on the intelligence committee, expressed agreement with Joe Kent’s decision to resign.
"There was no credible evidence of an imminent threat from [Iran] that would justify rushing the United States into another war of choice in the Middle East," Warner said.
Warner described Kent’s record as "deeply troubling" and stated that Kent "never should have been confirmed to lead the National Counterterrorism Center" but concurred with Kent’s views on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
"The United States cannot be led into conflict on the basis of politics, impulse, or a president’s desire for confrontation. We have seen where this road leads before," Warner added.
Joe Kent’s resignation has been met with derision within the Trump administration, reducing the likelihood of internal opposition to the war on Iran.
Several senior Trump advisers have indicated they have disregarded Kent’s views for some time, as evidenced by his lack of involvement in major operations or policies during Trump’s second term.
There is some frustration towards Kent for making a high-profile resignation, including from former colleagues. DNI Tulsi Gabbard is expected to face challenging questions about Kent’s resignation during the upcoming Worldwide Threats Hearing on Capitol Hill.
