Good evening everyone. Donald Trump has backed off his threats to Iran, and the two sides have agreed to a temporary ceasefire tonight, almost like clockwork. But the language he used, including threats that amounted to genocide, does not simply disappear, and more than 50 lawmakers are now calling for impeachment or removal under the 25th Amendment.
This was an extraordinarily serious day and a stark reminder of how unstable this moment is. As a journalist, my responsibility is to report the truth clearly and without fear or favor every single day.
Here’s the news
- Donald Trump agrees to a ceasefire:
- More than 70 Democratic lawmakers—and at least one former Republican—are calling for the removal of Donald Trump using the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The group includes prominent figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Bernie Sanders, and Ed Markey. They argue that Trump’s recent actions and rhetoric—particularly regarding Iran—raise serious concerns about his fitness for office. The calls reflect growing political pressure within Congress amid escalating international tensions. Here is a list from Andrew Solender:
- Rep. John Larson says he has filed articles of impeachment against Donald Trump following his threats toward Iran, arguing the president’s actions endanger lives and exceed his authority. He also said the Cabinet has an obligation to put patriotism over politics and invoke the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- Former General Manner says he has secondhand indications that several targets recommended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were rejected by CENTCOM because they were believed to be civilian sites. When pressed, he confirmed this is not firsthand reporting but information he has heard, raising serious questions about proposed targeting decisions and internal resistance within the military chain of command.
- Robert Garcia said he believes Donald Trump is unfit for office, arguing that he has “lost his mind” and should be removed immediately using the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Garcia also expressed deep distrust of Trump and his administration, calling him the most corrupt president and questioning his ability to lead.
- Lisa Murkowski criticized Donald Trump’s threat toward Iran, saying it cannot be dismissed as negotiation tactics. She argued the rhetoric undermines U.S. values, endangers Americans, and damages the country’s global standing. Murkowski emphasized the need to distinguish between Iran’s government and its people, and urged all sides to de-escalate before the situation worsens.
- Here is what another Republican Congressman said today:
- Pope Leo XIV condemned threats against the Iranian people as “truly unacceptable,” responding to remarks by Donald Trump. He emphasized both the legal and moral concerns of targeting civilians, warning that innocent people—including children and the elderly—would suffer most from further escalation. The pope urged individuals in all involved countries to press their leaders to pursue peace.
- According to the Washington Post, Dan Driscoll said he has no plans to resign or leave his position, despite reported internal clashes with Pete Hegseth. The tensions have raised questions among officials about how long the two can continue working together. Driscoll reaffirmed his commitment to remain in the role, noting he intends to continue serving as Army secretary.
- Some prominent conservative figures and members of the MAGA movement are increasingly criticizing Donald Trump over his handling of the Iran conflict, particularly his threats against civilians and infrastructure. Influencers like Tucker Carlson and others have urged officials to resist orders that could harm civilians, while some—including allies and former supporters—have even suggested using the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to remove him from office. The growing backlash highlights fractures within Trump’s political base and limited but notable concern among some Republican lawmakers about the scope of the war.
- The U.N. Security Council failed to pass a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite support from 11 members, after vetoes from Russia and China and abstentions from Pakistan and Colombia. The proposal, introduced by Bahrain, had already been weakened to remove authorization for force, instead urging coordination to ensure safe navigation. Bahrain warned that the failure sends a negative global signal amid rising threats to trade, energy supplies, and stability.
- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that no military objective can justify destroying civilian infrastructure or causing widespread suffering. In a public statement, he suggested that further escalation involving Iran could violate international law. Although he did not name Donald Trump directly, his remarks appeared to respond to Trump’s threat that severe consequences would follow if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Guterres emphasized the need to avoid actions that harm civilian populations.
- France warned that escalating attacks in the Iran conflict could trigger a dangerous cycle of retaliation. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged restraint, emphasizing that targeting civilian and energy infrastructure violates international law. He cautioned that following through on threats by Donald Trump could spark further reprisals, deepening the conflict. Barrot added that such escalation would harm both regional stability and the global economy.
- According to The Guardian, American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released about a week after being kidnapped in Baghdad, according to Iraqi officials. The Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah said it freed her but required that she leave the country immediately. Reports indicate her release may have been tied to negotiations involving detained militia members. The incident highlights ongoing security risks in Iraq, where Iran-aligned groups have previously targeted foreigners.
- Annie Ramos, the wife of a U.S. Army soldier, was released after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Louisiana military base. Ramos, who came to the U.S. as a toddler, had a prior removal order after missing an immigration hearing, and her DACA application had not been processed. Her arrest occurred shortly after her marriage while she was attempting to enroll in military spouse benefits. Following her release, Ramos said she hopes to secure legal status and continue her education while remaining with her husband.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 800 people using tips from the Transportation Security Administration, which shared over 31,000 traveler records for immigration enforcement. The data-sharing expanded under Donald Trump’s second presidency, shifting a counterterrorism program toward identifying immigration violations. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, say the practice raises civil liberties concerns and creates fear among travelers. The policy has also sparked political disputes over immigration enforcement and the use of federal agencies at airports.
- A former surgical technician, Marci M. Staub, is accused of stealing about $2.5 million in medical supplies from Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey. Prosecutors say she resold the stolen items—while posing as a vendor—and received over $427,000 in payments. She faces multiple charges, including theft, impersonation, and distribution of prescription drugs, after investigators used surveillance footage and financial records to build the case. Staub has been arrested, fired from her position, and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
Loading comments...