Key Takeaways
- President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House visit where new U.S.-Saudi agreements were announced.
- Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill compelling the Justice Department to release files related to federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.
- A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows President Trump's approval rating at a second-term low of 39%, with voters prioritizing lower prices.
- The poll also indicates Democrats hold a significant 14-point advantage for the 2026 midterm elections.
Deep Dive
- President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stating the prince knew nothing about it.
- The defense occurred during a visit where sweeping military, nuclear, and investment agreements were announced between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
- Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill compelling the Justice Department to release files related to federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.
- President Trump indicated he would sign the bill but called the focus on the files a "Democratic hoax" and denied any association with Epstein.
- Some previously released documents included Epstein telling a journalist that President Trump knew about underage individuals he was trafficking.
- The bill passed the House 427 to 1, with the Senate agreeing to advance it without a vote.
- An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll indicates President Trump's approval rating is at a second-term low of 39%.
- 57% of voters stated that lowering prices should be President Trump's top concern.
- The poll shows Democrats with a 14-point advantage for the 2026 midterm elections, a lead not seen in eight years.
- Voters expressed low confidence in institutions such as Congress, the media, and the presidency.