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1. Oval Office Argument Erupts Over Ukraine Tensions

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House last Friday to sign a minerals deal and hold a joint press conference. The conversation quickly became heated as Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three,” leading to mounting tensions. No agreement was signed, and the press conference was abruptly canceled. (Adriana Gomez Licon, AP)

• Here's why it matters: Zelensky vows to “make things right” with Trump and negotiate peace, signaling hopes for de-escalation amid global concern. The contentious meeting highlights the fragile nature of U.S.-Ukraine relations at a time of broader geopolitical stakes. (Jacqueline Howard, BBC News)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some conservative commentators argue that Zelensky’s actions favor public praise from Democrats over securing Ukraine’s strategic interests. They see his Oval Office behavior as reflecting a deeper alignment with critics of Trump, potentially jeopardizing bipartisan support. (Jonathan S. Tobin, The Federalist)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive voices contend that Trump’s approach to Ukraine is evidence that Russian propaganda has gained influence over U.S. policy. They stress the risk of normalizing aggression, echoing the notion that an aggressor often frames its desires as peace. (Nicholas Grossman, MSNBC)

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2. Trump Sparks Partisan Dispute at Joint Address

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump addressed Congress and the nation Tuesday evening, declaring that “America is back.” Some lawmakers interrupted the speech with shouts, prompting Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to call for order. The sergeant at arms removed Rep. Al Green (D-TX) from the chamber after he continued to call out and wave his walking cane at Trump. (Kevin Shalvey and Jon Haworth, ABC News)

• Here's why it matters: Observers note that Trump’s pointedly partisan address underscores the challenges of uniting lawmakers around his agenda. It also highlights tensions in Congress that may shape upcoming legislative battles. (Domenico Montanaro, NPR)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative voices view Trump’s strong rhetoric as a sign of confident leadership. They argue the president reinforced his political mandate and energized his base. (Daniel McCarthy, The American Conservative)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive commentators question the accuracy of Trump’s claims, pointing to outdated figures and questionable facts. They argue such discrepancies may mislead the public and complicate bipartisan efforts. (Robert Mackey, The Guardian)

3. U.S. Halts Intelligence Flow With Ukraine

• Here's what happened: CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Fox Business Wednesday that the U.S. has paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine following the contentious Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The pause could be temporary, depending on how future peace negotiations proceed. Concurrently, officials have suspended additional aid and weapons shipments pending progress. (Ana Faguy, BBC)

• Here's why it matters: Observers note that Ukraine may struggle to strike targets inside Russia without U.S. intelligence, potentially weakening its position in the ongoing conflict. As the U.S. has been a key provider of logistical support and intelligence, the pause raises concerns about Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. (Samya Kullab, AP)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative critics argue that Ukraine “brought” the suspension of U.S. aid and intelligence on themselves through the Oval Office dispute. They suggest that Zelenskyy’s confrontations with Trump escalated tensions and prompted the administration’s decision. (Mike Brest, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Some liberal voices argue that Trump’s apparent closeness with Russia’s Vladimir Putin presents additional risk in withdrawing support from Ukraine. They caution that aligning with Russia could undermine longstanding U.S. commitments and alliances, further complicating the president’s foreign policy. (Joshua Keating, Vox)

4. Trump Moves to Shut Down Education Department

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. The plan would task Education Secretary Linda McMahon with closing the agency, which was formed in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter and employs roughly 4,500 people. While Trump has long criticized the department as ineffective, full dissolution would require congressional approval. (Louis Casiano, Fox News)

• Here's why it matters: The administration cites concerns over federal overreach and inefficiency as reasons for dismantling the agency. By shutting it down, Trump aims to shift authority to states, but opponents warn this could disrupt existing funding for programs serving schools and students. (Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some conservatives argue that a smaller federal government in education will empower local communities. They believe Trump’s proposal aligns with longstanding efforts to reduce bureaucracy and enhance state-level control over schooling. (Jim Gergthy, National Review)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Critics contend that while Trump wants to abolish the Department of Education, his administration continues to wield its power to roll back civil rights protections, including for transgender students. They warn this move could further politicize educational oversight and undermine important federal safeguards. (Russell Payne, Salon)

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5. Trump Curbs Elon Musk’s DOGE Authority

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump advised his Cabinet secretaries to take charge of staffing and cost-cutting decisions, rather than relying on Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump informed them that “personnel, policy and the pacing of implementation” are ultimately their responsibility. Cabinet officials will still meet with DOGE biweekly until the administration finalizes its federal workforce overhaul. (Nnamdi Egwuonwu, NBC News)

• Here's why it matters: Trump warned his Cabinet that Musk and DOGE “are gonna be watching them,” underscoring the administration’s continued commitment to streamlining government operations. This power shift could introduce new friction between agency heads and DOGE, potentially affecting the pace and scope of planned reforms. (Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some conservative commentators suggest Trump’s move indicates he has “leashed” DOGE for now, reasserting traditional Cabinet authority. They predict the situation may remain fluid, depending on how Musk reacts to his curtailed influence.(Andrew Prokop, Vox)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Critics argue Trump’s decision to limit Musk’s power serves more as a tactical maneuver than a genuine pivot away from DOGE’s goals. They note that the administration still appears committed to aggressive bureaucratic reforms, raising questions about how deeply these changes might reshape federal agencies. (James Lynch, National Review)

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