Mentioned in this edition: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Laura Loomer, Michael Waltz, JD Vance, Dr. Oz, Tim Kaine, Chris Pappas, Anna Paulina Luna, Kash Patel, Doug Emhoff, and more.

Good morning. The mainstream media would have you believe that DOGE is a bunch of 20-year-old kids. And, well, it is — but it’s also staffed by billionaires, CEOs, and a literal rocket scientist. Plus, the Trump administration has been waging a war on Big Law, and it’s actually winning.

🔎 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

❌ Laura Loomer convinced President Trump to fire NSC Staff. The independent journalist and close Trump ally held a meeting with the president in the Oval Office and reportedly presented him with some sort of negative evidence on some National Security Council staff, possibly picked by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The next day, at least 10 were fired. The move likely further weakens Waltz, who was already damaged after the Signal scandal.

💰 The White House doesn’t want to negotiate on tariffs... After President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were levied, the White House made it known that the president does not intend to end them, even if other countries offer to lift their own tariffs. Instead, they are going to remain for now, with Trump saying that, short of a “phenomenal” offer, they wouldn’t go anywhere. The decision demonstrates Trump’s determination to fundamentally reshape global trade, moving away from America’s decades-long pursuit of free trade.

👀 …but Congress might not give Trump a choice. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a bill that would automatically end any new tariffs, if not given Congressional approval, after 60 days. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has already signaled his approval of the measure. While the bill is unlikely to become law — with House GOP leaders expected to block it and Trump promising a veto — it, along with a recent bipartisan vote against his Canada tariffs, highlights growing Republican divisions over Trump’s trade agenda.

🔵 Democrats landed two strong Senate challengers. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) announced he would run for Senate in New Hampshire, which Democrats must hold to take back the Senate. And Nebraska independent Dan Osborn, who ran a strong race last year — picking up 46 percent of the vote when Kamala Harris won less than 39 — is exploring another run. If former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) does not run, that Senate race may be gone for Republicans. And while Osborn will likely not win, his candidacy could force the GOP to spend money in deep red Nebraska.

🦅 THE EXECUTIVE

• President Trump said he supported Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) measure to allow for proxy voting for new mothers in Congress. The measure was opposed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

• Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Heritage Foundation at an event honoring a new documentary based on Live Not By Lies, a book by his friend, conservative columnist Rod Dreher.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may visit President Trump next week.

🏛️ CONGRESS

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Mentioned behind the paywall: Dr. Oz, reconciliation, and a Senate bill to block Trump’s agenda.

🏢 DEPARTMENTS & AGENCIES

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Mentioned behind the paywall: Record job applications, HHS’ massive cuts, and a mandate for states to cut DEI.

Meet the heavy hitters staffing DOGE

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Following mainstream media reports alone might give the impression that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) consists of Elon Musk and a few 20-year-old tech protégés. But last week, when Musk and DOGE’s top officials spoke to Fox News’ Bret Baier, viewers were met with a team that included highly experienced business professionals and scientists…

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Trump is winning the war on Big Law

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Shortly after he returned to the White House, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders stripping security clearances from certain law firms and banning them from government business. Though his reasons vary, each of the firms, in one way or another, has crossed him over the course of his political career…

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THE DAILY DEBATE

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