Wednesday June 18th, 2025
Trump Iran Gamble, Congress War Pushback, and Bill Chaos
Trump’s G7 exit and saber-rattling on Iran fuel talk of U.S. intervention, Congress tries to grab the war wheel, and Trump’s mega-bill is already dead on arrival. Here’s what to expect in tomorrow’s headlines.
Today in one sentence: Trump bailed on the G7 as the Israel-Iran war escalated, floated a U.S. strike on Iran’s nuke site, Congress tried to leash his war powers, a political shooting rocked Minnesota, and Trump’s big, beautiful bill hit a wall in the Senate.
1. Trump Inches Toward Iran Strike Decision
Trump’s White House will leak deliberations about a possible strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear site, with Pentagon officials leaking concerns to CNN and NPR. Expect breathless cable chatter, but no green light yet—Trump’s still milking the drama for leverage. (NPR, Jerusalem Post)
2. Congress to Fast-Track Iran War Powers Vote
The House and Senate will tee up votes on dueling war powers resolutions, with Democrats and libertarian Republicans demanding a say before Trump can bomb Iran. Odds are high the measures make headlines but stall in the GOP-led House. (CBS News, The Guardian)
3. Senate GOP Bill Faces Mutiny Over Medicaid Cuts
Senate Republicans’ Medicaid-slashing, SALT-capping big, beautiful bill will draw more public GOP opposition, stalling movement before July 4. At least one more senator will publicly defect, and the House will threaten to tank the deal. (CNN, ABC News, LA Times)
4. Minnesota Shooting Fallout Intensifies Political Blame Game
Both parties will escalate the finger-pointing after the Minnesota political shooting. Expect more lawmakers to demand security reviews, and at least one Republican to clarify or walk back inflammatory social posts. (New York Times, Politico)
5. ICE Raids Spark Protests After NYC Official Arrest
Immigrant advocates and New York pols will stage courthouse protests and demand investigations after NYC Comptroller Lander’s ICE arrest. Expect at least one House Democrat to introduce a bill targeting ICE courthouse arrests. (amNewYork, New York Times)
Notables
Iran Threatens U.S. Bases in Iraq
Iranian proxies may lob rockets at U.S. positions in Iraq if the White House signals it’ll join Israel’s war. Watch for credible threat warnings from CENTCOM. (70% chance)
Polls Show Trump Mega-Bill Underwater
Another poll will drop showing Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is about as popular as root canal. Expect Democratic ads to seize on the numbers.
Biden to Resurface With Statement on Iran
Joe Biden—remember him?—is likely to issue a statement urging restraint or criticizing Trump’s Iran posture. (60% chance)
If you’re hoping for a quiet news day, good luck with that.