Donald Trump spoke to Republicans on Capitol Hill this morning in an effort to push them to pass his “big, beautiful bill” that would slash taxes and increase spending on oil drilling, the military, and immigration.
The White House said the bill will provide “billions” in additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, empowering the organisation to deport “millions of illegal immigrants”.
Some conservatives still have objections to the bill, and Trump’s appearance at the House Republicans’ weekly meeting on the Hill is supposed to signal that they need to stop fighting and get the bill passed.
It comes after the president said he was “surprised” the public wasn’t told “a long time ago” after Joe Biden announced he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Not long after saying he had been “saddened” to hear about Biden’s diagnosis, Trump suggested the cancer may have been overlooked by the same doctor who said the former president was cognitively well.
“If it's the same doctor, he said there was nothing wrong there. And that's being proven to be a sad situation,” he said.
Key Points
- Trump has blunt words for Republicans on Medicaid funding
- Trump flips on SALT after promise to blue state voters
- Trump visits Republicans on Capitol Hill to push his ‘big beautiful bill’
- Trump boasts he 'aced' medical exam while questioning Biden's announcement
- Giving Trump $400m Qatar jet was his team’s idea, report claims
- Watch: Debunking the MAGA conspiracy about Biden’s cancer
Thank you for joining us for our rolling coverage of the Trump administration.
We are now pausing the live blog for today.
In the meantime, here’s a selection of our recent coverage from our teams in Washington, D.C., and New York.
What might Trump’s dream ‘Golden Dome’ look like?
19:00 , Oliver O'ConnellSeven days after his inauguration, Donald Trump issued the “Iron Dome for America” executive order to create a cutting-edge defense system that protects the U.S. from long-range missile attacks.
Now, he’s unveiling even more details of the shape and scope of the plan, with an expected announcement Tuesday that Gen. Michael Guetlein, the current vice chief of space operations, will lead the Golden Dome project.
The idea evokes the concept of Israel’s missile defense system, but there would be several key differences between the U.S. ally’s Iron Dome and Trump’s so-called “Golden Dome”.
Katie Hawkinson explains.
‘I’ve done enough’: Musk plans to reduce political spending as he steps back from Trump administration
18:55 , Oliver O'ConnellElon Musk has said he intends to cut back on his political spending in the future, saying he now feels that he has “done enough.”
Addressing the Bloomberg-hosted Qatar Economic Forum via videolink on Tuesday, the world’s richest man revealed his plans to rein in his political ambitions going forward, telling his audience: “I’m going to do a lot less in the future.”
Joe Sommerlad and Madeline Sherratt report.
Musk plans to reduce political spending as he steps back from DC: ‘I’ve done enough’
SALT Republicans remind Trump he promised to restore deduction
18:49 , Oliver O'ConnellSome Blue-State Republica shade: "Our states are donor states, consistently subsidizing so-called fiscally responsible red states." Note: Stefanik and Malliotakis did not co-sign this statement https://t.co/HFNYIU48JW
— Caitlin Huey-Burns (@CHueyBurns) May 20, 2025
Trump eyes foreign aid funds to remove migrants came from war zones: report
18:30 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Trump administration is considering using foreign aid funds to remove migrants — including Ukrainians — who came to the U.S. fleeing violence and returning them to active war zones, according to a report.
Hundreds of thousands of migrants, including those from Ukraine and Haiti, are being considered in the plans that would see the administration spend up to $250 million earmarked for foreign assistance, according to The Washington Post.
In draft documents obtained by the newspaper, Afghans, Palestinians, Libyans, Sudanese, Syrians and Yemenis could also be targeted in the administration’s voluntary deportation program.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Trump ‘could use foreign aid to remove migrants who came to U.S. from war zones’
Trump wants to end Temporary Protected Status for some immigrants. What is it?
17:50 , APMillions of people, many from troubled nations, live legally in the United States under various forms of temporary legal protection. Many have been targeted in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
On Monday, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to end protections that had allowed some 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants to remain in the United States. That group of Venezuelans could face deportation.
The Venezuelans had a form of protection known as Temporary Protected Status. Administration officials had ordered TPS to expire for those Venezuelans in April. The Supreme Court lifted a federal judge's ruling that had paused the administration's plans.
Here’s what to know about TPS and some other temporary protections for immigrants:
Trump wants to end Temporary Protected Status for some immigrants. What is it?
Despite Trump's plea for unity 21 Republicans likely 'no' votes
17:40 , Oliver O'ConnellCNN’s Haley Talbot has broken down Republican House no votes on Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
Of the 21 likely no votes, seven are focused on the SALT deduction and are currently meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson.
Another 12 lawmakers are classified as “no for now.”
*Andy Ogles* also a NO post Trump plea pic.twitter.com/1ERp2WzYMA
— haley talbot (@haleytalbotcnn) May 20, 2025
Watch: Rep. Chip Roy says bill not where it needs to be
17:30 , Oliver O'ConnellRep. Roy: "We all are here to advance the agenda that the President ran on and that we all ran on. I don't think the bill is exactly where it needs to be, yet.
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) May 20, 2025
We need to extend the Trump tax cuts, but we also need to deliver on the spending restraint... I think Congress can do… pic.twitter.com/OJQ8OOsUaq
‘I’ll shove it up their a**!’: Trump crudely says of political foes to Kennedy Center crowd
17:10 , Oliver O'ConnellDonald Trump crudely boasted on Monday night that he decided to run for president again so he could “shove it up their as**” when he realized he wouldn’t get the credit for securing the Olympics and World Cup.
Justin Baragona has the story.
Trump tells Kennedy Center crowd of political foes: ‘I’ll shove it up their a**!’
Watch LIVE: Donald Trump and Melania host Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day at White House
17:09 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump says Republicans who don't support bill he would consider 'a fool'
16:58 , Oliver O'ConnellFollowing the House GOP meeting with President Donald Trump on the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” ahead of an expected vote this week, Trump said: “I think we're going to have a big victory... I think anybody that didn't support it as a Republican, I would consider to be a fool. It's a great bill.”
I also asked Trump what should happen to Republicans who don’t back this bill: “I think anybody that didn't support as a Republican, I would consider to be a fool.” pic.twitter.com/zanIPTKT3F
— Caitlin Huey-Burns (@CHueyBurns) May 20, 2025
However, some Republicans appear unmoved, according to reporting by Axios.
Rep. Andy Harris (MD): “I don't think the votes are going to be there this week, the margins are very narrow ... In its current form, I can't support the bill."
Rep Scott Perry (PA): “I don't know that anything's changed ... I need to see text.”
Rep Mike Lawler (NY): “As it stands right now, I do not support the bill.”
Rep Nick LaLota (NY): “I remain a ‘no’ on the bill.”
Trump to make Golden Dome announcement on Tuesday, US official says
16:50 , ReutersPresident Donald Trump is expected to announce he has selected the path forward for his ambitious Golden Dome missile defense shield, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.
Trump plans to make a 3 p.m. announcement in the Oval Office with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the White House said in an update to the president's schedule.
The Vice Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force General Michael Guetlein, is expected to be at the event, where the official, who declined to be named, said that it is likely he will be named as the lead on the project.
Golden Dome is estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars and take years to implement, as the controversial program faces both political scrutiny and funding uncertainty.
Watch: Lawler says he does not support spending bill
16:45 , Oliver O'ConnellNew York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler confirms that he still does not support the spending bill in its current form.
As a blue state Republican in a swing district, Lawler has been one of the strongest proponents of the SALT deduction.
“As it stands right now, I do not support the bill. The president understands how important these issues are. Obviously, it is imperative we get a deal done and a bill passed. I will continue to negotiate in good faith.”
Lawler: As it stands right now I do not support the bill. The president understands how important these issues are. Obviously it is imperative we get a deal done and a bill passed. I will continue to negotiate in good faith pic.twitter.com/JWOmjfaRKG
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 20, 2025
Trump says 'we'll see' about Russia after EU, UK moves ahead with sanctions
16:42 , ReutersPresident Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was weighing what actions to take after the European Union and Britain moved ahead with new Russia sanctions, but gave no further detail.
"We're looking at a lot of things, but we'll see," Trump told reporters as he left Capitol Hill following a meeting with fellow Republicans about their tax bill.
Walmart responds after Trump says it should 'eat' cost of tariffs
16:31 , Oliver O'ConnellAmerican mega retailer Walmart said it would do its best to keep prices low for as long as it can, but could not promise to absorb the impact of tariffs on its products, even after President Donald Trump demanded that the company do so.
Over the weekend, the president complained that Walmart, the largest retailer in the U.S., was blaming his recent tariffs for “raising prices” and asserted the company could “eat” the additional cost of tariffs without passing them onto consumers.
Ariana Baio reports.
Walmart responds after Trump says retail chain should absorb his tariff cost
Democrats warn Trump bill 'will crush Medicaid'
16:20 , Oliver O'ConnellThe f bombs are flying on the hill today
— haley talbot (@haleytalbotcnn) May 20, 2025
DCCC Spox @justin_chermol
“Vulnerable House Republicans are already fucking with Medicaid – all in service of their billionaire donors. Their disastrous bill will crush Medicaid, destroy hospitals, and hurt children and seniors…”
New York Republicans not backing down on SALT
16:16 , Oliver O'ConnellRepublican Reps. Mike Lawler and Nick LaLota, whose swing districts in New York are among those that give the party its slim majority in the House, are not backing down on SALT despite pressure from Trump.
The state and local tax deduction is a big issue in higher tax blue states, and not fighting for it will put both congressmen — and others — in jeopardy when they face re-election.
“I’m fired up right now. I’m here to fight for my people,” LaLota tells Bloomberg.
“I’m fired up right now. I’m here to fight for my people “ LaLota tells us
— Erik Wasson (@elwasson) May 20, 2025
Watch: Trump asked to justify cutting food assistance
16:10 , Oliver O'ConnellReporter: How can you justify cutting food assistance?
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 20, 2025
Trump: The cut is going to give everybody much more food because prices are coming down.. pic.twitter.com/63sEsQdx3M
Trump hails 'meeting of love'
16:03 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump says Republican conference meeting was a “meeting of love.”
Speaker Mike Johnson says the president received multiple standing ovations.
Mike Johnson goes full North Korean and claims that House Republicans gave Trump "multiple standing ovations" this morning pic.twitter.com/oksLNNMj4g
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
Asked if he could guarantee that working-class voters wouldn’t lose their health insurance under his proposed bill, Trump replied: “Oh, they won't lose health insurance,” adding that he is also trying to cut drug prices.
REPORTER: Can you guarantee that your voters who supported you, working class voters, will not lose health insurance under this bill?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
TRUMP: Oh, they won't lose health insurance pic.twitter.com/tLWAwmw5tx
Did Trump convince Republicans on current spending bill?
15:47 , Oliver O'ConnellFreedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris doesn’t appear to think so.
Welp…House Freedom Caucus Chairman Harris coming out the Trump meeting: “The President, I don't think convinced enough people that the bill is adequate the way it is”
— Caitlin Huey-Burns (@CHueyBurns) May 20, 2025
Trump wants every Republican to vote 'yes' on spending bill
15:45 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump’s message to House Republicans boils down to three key points, a senior White House official told CBS News.
- Don’t let SALT impede the bill
- Don’t touch Medicaid (except for eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse)
- Stick together and get the bill done for the American public
Trump also made clear he’s losing patience with all holdout factions, and that he wants every Republican to vote “yes.”
He told reporters earlier that holdouts may “possibly” face primary elections if they don’t support the bill.
Trump also made clear he’s losing patience with all holdout factions, and that he wants every Republican to vote “yes.” He told reporters earlier that holdouts should “possibly” face primary elections if they don’t support the bill.
— Weijia Jiang (@weijia) May 20, 2025
Trump continues fixation on Biden’s autopen and says he will investigate
15:35 , Oliver O'ConnellAndrew Feinberg reports from Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested he would be looking into the use of a mechanical signing device to approve executive orders and legislation during the Biden administration and baselessly implied that his predecessor wasn’t aware of actions taken under his authority during his time in office.
Trump was addressing a group of reporters at the U.S. Capitol ahead of a meeting with House Republicans on his “Big Beautiful Bill” legislative package when he suddenly pivoted the conversation to former president Joe Biden’s use of an autopen, which he and his GOP allies have claimed was used without his knowledge to approve documents unlawfully.
Read on...
Trump continues fixation on Biden’s autopen and says he will investigate
Watch: Noem asked meaning of habeas corpus... it did not go well
15:35 , Oliver O'ConnellSecretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is currently appearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee and was asked by Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire to give the meaning of habeas corpus — the constitutional right to determine whether it is lawful to detain a person.
Noem’s answer was somewhat lacking.
HASSAN: What is habeas corpus?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country
HASSAN: That's incorrect pic.twitter.com/ozRVVfdSoP
Noem went on to claim that her department is following all federal court orders, to which Hassan said: “That is not true for anybody who reads the news.”
The secretary responded: “I wouldn’t rely on the news for your facts.”
HASSAN: If the president tries to suspend habeas corpus and a federal court reverses the president's order, will you comply with the court order and uphold habeas corpus, or will you follow the president's directive?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
NOEM: We are following all federal court orders
H: That is… pic.twitter.com/3x8i8WEgAm
Trump tries to make 'big, beautiful bill' happen
15:23 , Oliver O'ConnellInside the Room: 47 speaking with House Republicans on Capitol Hill this morning on his OBB. pic.twitter.com/B8Xx2FNcT6
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) May 20, 2025
Hawley hopes Republicans are listening to Trump
15:11 , Oliver O'ConnellRepublican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri hopes his colleagues in the House are listening to the president and won’t push for any Medicaid benefit cuts.
Hawley has warned Republicans that cuts to Medicaid are “morally wrong and politically suicidal.”
I hope congressional Republicans are listening https://t.co/lxiEgiVTa9
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 20, 2025
Listen to Trump: No Medicaid benefit cuts
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 20, 2025
Trump to make announcement on 'Golden Dome,' report says
15:07 , Oliver O'ConnellA 3 p.m. announcement was added to President Donald Trump’s schedule today, at which he will appear alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Reuters, citing an official, reports that the announcement will relate to the “Golden Dome” missile defense shield that Trump wants for the U.S., similar to the “Iron Dome” over Israel.
Trump has blunt words on Medicaid funding
14:58 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has blunt words for House Republicans looking to cut funding to critical and politically sensitive programs like Medicaid.
“Don’t fuck around with Medicaid,” Trump says, per source https://t.co/SyP15BAlqF
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) May 20, 2025
Trump flips on SALT after promise to blue state voters
14:53 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump has completely reversed course on SALT after promising blue state voters, such as those who attended his Long Island rally last year, that he would “get SALT back, lower your Taxes, and so much more.”
He also added: “I’ll work with the Democrat governor and Mayor, and make sure the funding is there to bring New York State back to levels it hasn’t seen for 50 years.”
He now wants Republicans pushing for SALT to take the speaker’s deal offered last night and doesn’t want to do anything that’ll benefit Democratic governors.
Trump held a rally on Long Island last year and promised not only to "get SALT back" but to work with "the Democrat governor" to get higher funding. https://t.co/fQhA96XgVt pic.twitter.com/6EcZ7RCgcc
— Jacob Rubashkin (@JacobRubashkin) May 20, 2025
In the GOP meeting this morning, Trump reportedly told Rep Mike Lawler of New York, who has championed the issue of SALT: “End it, Mike. Just end it.”
INSIDE THE ROOM: Trump told House Republicans pushing for a higher SALT deduction cap to let it go & just accept the deal on the table, multiple sources tell me & @news_jul.
— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) May 20, 2025
And his message to SALT champion Rep. Mike Lawler, specifically, was: “End it, Mike. Just end it.”
Watch: Trump says 'grandstander' Massie should be voted out of office
14:47 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump attacked Republican Rep Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who says that the president’s spending bill doesn’t make enough cuts.
The president was asked if he thought Massie was correct in saying that the bill adds Biden levels of spending.
“I don't think Thomas Massie understands government. I think he's a grand-stander, frankly... I think he should be voted out of office,” the president said, arguing he was a fiscal hawk.
REPORTER: What do you plan to tell the fiscal hawks?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
TRUMP: I'm a fiscal hawk. There's nobody like me as a fiscal hawk
R: Do you think Thomas Massie is correct that this is adding Biden level spending?
TRUMP: I don't think Thomas Massie understands government ... I think he… pic.twitter.com/csMev7xPlX
Trump urges blue state Republicans to take SALT deal
14:42 , Oliver O'ConnellIn his remarks before heading into the Republican caucus meeting, Trump poured cold water on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction that blue state Republicans are negotiating a higher cap for.
REPORTER: Do you want negotiations to be over now?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
TRUMP: Which negotiations?
REPORTER: Over this bill
TRUMP: Oh yeah. Well it's gonna be ... we don't want to benefit Democrat governors ... Gavin Newscum pic.twitter.com/IizGpT7dZe
The president says it would only benefit the Democratic governors, but in reality, Republicans hold the House by a slim majority because of a handful of New York and California members who would face tough re-election battles without a higher SALT cap.
Inside the meeting, Trump urged blue-state Republicans to take the SALT deal that Speaker Mike Johnson offered them last night and said they should blame their governors for having bad tax policy.
That deal would cap SALT deduction at $40,000, with an income cap at $751,000 for four years. Then it snaps back to $40,000 with the WM income cap of $400,000 according to Punchbowl News.
INSIDE THE HOUSE GOP MEETING -- Trump has urged blue-state Republicans to take the SALT deal that Johnson offered them last night and said they should blame their governors for having bad tax policy.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) May 20, 2025
That deal -- which we scooped this AM -- would cap SALT deduction at $40,000… https://t.co/zy3tPJdhud
Presidents says alternative to bill is 68% tax rise
14:23 , Sam RkainaTrump said his bill had ‘tremendous’ support but admitted there were some hold outs on Capitol Hill.
The president also threatened the alternative to approving the measures was a huge tax rise.
“The alternative is a 68% tax increase, and you can blame the Democrats for that, and one or two grandstanders,” he told reporters. “We only have one or two, but we have tremendous support.”
Trump claims his bill will lead to the biggest tax cut in US history
14:18 , Sam RkainaTrump has claimed his bill would mean the biggest tax cut in US history.
Speaking to reporters before addressing Congress on Tuesday, the president said he was at the Capitol to be a “cheerleader for the party and the country”.
When asked if any parts of the bill constituted a benefits cut he said: “The only thing we’re cutting is waste fraud and abuse.
“We're not changing Medicaid and we're not changing Medicare and we're not changing social security.”
Trump is making the rare visit to try to unite divided House Republicans behind his multibillion-dollar tax cut and spending package.
His "one big, beautiful bill" is at risk of collapsing due to internal divisions even before scheduled votes this week.
House speaker says Big, Beautiful Bill is 'almost there'
14:01 , Rachel Clun, ReutersHouse speaker Mike Johnson says Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” is close to being passed.
The bill cleared the House Budget Committee late on Sunday evening after failing to do so on Friday, and will now head to the House Rules Committee, before a final vote on the floor of the U.S House of Representatives.
"We're going to have a lot of conversation amongst the conference over the next 48 hours," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters.
Johnson is pushing to pass the bill in the House before the May 26 U.S. Memorial Day holiday and send it on to the Senate.
"We're almost there, and I'm very optimistic we will find the right equilibrium point to get this bill delivered," Johnson said.
Watch: Trump claims same doctors who said Biden was mentally fine also missed cancer diagnosis
13:31 , Rachel ClunTrump will attend Republican caucus
13:20 , ReutersThe president is due to attend a Tuesday morning meeting of the 220-member House Republican caucus, according to a White House official.
The meeting will include hardline conservatives who stalled Trump's "one big beautiful bill" over the weekend, as well as Republicans from New York who hope to get his help raising a deduction cap for state and local taxes.
Some lawmakers have hoped for the president to weigh in on differences that could stand in the way of the legislation, believing that his powerful sway over the Republican Party can overcome divisions over spending, green tax credits and social safety net programs.
House and Senate Republicans have yet to reject any of Trump's legislative requests. But his call for Republicans to unite behind the bill last week fell on deaf ears when four hardliners blocked its progress in the House Budget Committee until the panel approved it late Sunday night.
White House says 'big beautiful bill' will fund 'big beautiful deportations'
13:16 , Rachel ClunThe White House says Donald Trump’s “one big beautiful bill” will provide “billions” in additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, empowering the organisation to deport “millions of illegal immigrants”.
“The Big Beautiful Bill includes tens of billions of dollars in expanded ICE detention and calls for hiring a minimum of 10,000 new ICE agents,” the White House said.
The administration also cited the House Judiciary Committee as saying the bill would fund “at least 1 million annual removals”.
“Put simply, The Big Beautiful Bill will empower Big Beautiful Deportations,” the White House said.
Trump to visit Republicans on Capitol Hill to push his ‘big beautiful bill’
13:00 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump is set to visit Republicans on Capitol Hill today to push them to pass his “big, beautiful bill”, according to reports.
The bill is the president’s cornerstone domestic policy, and would extend 2017 tax cuts introduced by Trump and put new tax cuts in place, including removing taxes on tips.
It would also increase spending on oil drilling, immigration enforcement and the military.
The bill is headed for the House Rules Committee before a final vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Some conservatives still have objections to the bill, and Trump is expected to attend the House Republicans’ weekly meeting on the hill today, Fox News reports.
Mother of three citizens hit with $1.8m ICE fine for failing to leave U.S.
12:45 , Rachel ClunA woman who first entered the United States illegally 20 years ago has been fined $1.82m by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for failing to leave the country.
The mother of three gave an emotional interview to CBS News Miami, in which she was identified only as “Maria,” to express her shock.
The 41 year-old appealed for clemency, particularly on behalf of her children, all of whom are American citizens, who she said would suffer if she were to be deported.
“I can’t sleep… I don’t feel. I don’t want to go back.,” she said.
Maria’s story comes amid ongoing work by the Trump administration to fine migrants who fail to leave the U.S. after a final deportation order.
In the last few weeks, 4,500 migrants have been issued notices with penalties totalling more than $500 million, a senior Trump official told Reuters anonymously so they could share internal figures.
The administration planned to issue fines retroactively for up to five years, Reuters reported. Under that framework, the maximum would be $1.8 million.
What we know about Joe Biden’s ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options
12:27 , Rachel ClunHow serious is Joe Biden’s diagnosis, and how common is prostate cancer?
Read the answers to those questions and more below:
Symptoms, prognosis and Gleason score: What to know about prostate cancer
Jon Stewart rips Trump over his ‘Chat GPT’ reaction to Biden’s cancer
12:09 , Rachel ClunDaily Show host Jon Stewart tore into Donald Trump’s response to Joe Biden’s cancer revelation as a “bare minimum, ChatGPT response”.
On Sunday, Trump posted on social media: Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Stewart pointed out that any compassion from the right of politics was short-lived, with a host of conspiracy theories quickly emerging.
He also questioned the authenticity of Trump’s post, joking it was inconsistent with the way the president usually wrote.
“That’s it? No exclamation points, no all caps, no insults. Whole thing spelled correctly?” he said.
Jon Stewart rips Trump over his ‘Chat GPT’ reaction to Biden’s cancer
Insiders admit Elon Musk is 'finished, done, gone' from White House
11:51 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump was mentioning Elon Musk on average four times a week in Truth Social posts in February and March.
During that time, the Tesla billionaire and his Department of Government Efficiency led sweeping cuts to federal departments and mass firings of federal employees.
But since the start of April, the president hasn’t mentioned Musk once, according to an analysis by Politico.
“He’s finished, done, gone. He polls terribly. People hate him,” an anonymous Republican operative told the publication.
Read the full report about why Musk has vanished from Trump’s messaging and stepped back from his White House role below:
Trump wipes Elon Musk’s name from Truth Social as GOP insiders say he’s ‘finished’
Qatar dismisses concerns over Boeing plane gift
11:33 , Rachel ClunQatar’s prime minister has dismissed concerns about its offer to give Donald Trump a Boeing jet, saying the offer was “a normal thing that happens between allies”.
The comments come after a Senate bill was introduced to prevent a foreign aircraft from operating as Air Force One.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Tuesday he did not know why people thought Qatar was trying to buy influence with the Trump administration.
"But I'm hoping that people in the United States and even the politicians over there, they see us as a friend, as a partner, as a reliable partner that we've always been there for the U.S. whenever we were needed," he said at the Qatar Economic Forum held in Doha.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced the "Presidential Airlift Security Act" after news Trump planned to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar.
Legal experts said the plan raised a raft of questions about the scope of laws that relate to gifts from foreign governments and are intended to thwart corruption and improper influence.
Giving Trump $400m Qatar jet was his team’s idea, report claims
11:18 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump’s team approached Qatar about potentially acquiring one of its luxury Boeing 747 jets, according to a new report that contracts the administration’s claims it was offered as a gift.
Administration sources told CNN that shortly after Trump’s inauguration, the Pentagon asked Boeing for a progress report on the two jets being built as replacements for the current Air Force One.
When officials were told they would take another two years to complete, Trump tasked his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to come up with a list of alternatives that were already in service.
Boeing reportedly supplied Department of Defense officials with the names of its clients around the world. “Qatar was one of the clients,” one of the sources said, adding that the Pentagon then approached Doha, with introductions from Witkoff, offering to buy the plane. Qatar responded by indicating it would be willing to sell, it is claimed.
Read the full report here:
Giving Trump $400m Boeing jet was his team’s idea not Qatar’s, report claims
Watch: Debunking the MAGA conspiracy about Biden’s cancer
11:07 , Hebe CampbellNews of Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis on Sunday quickly became a political tool.
Conspiracy theories emerged almost instantly — claims that he’s had cancer longer than disclosed, rumours it's “stage five” and a misleading 2022 video clip suggesting he had previously admitted to having cancer.
Watch to see which conspiracy theories are gaining traction:
Trump boasts he 'aced' medical exam while questioning Biden's announcement
11:02 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump has questioned the timing of Joe Biden’s cancer announcement as well as the doctors who diagnosed him, while also boasting of his own physical and cognitive test results.
“I think it’s very sad, actually. I’m surprised the public was notified a long time ago,” Trump said.
“I think that if you take a look, it's the same doctor that said that Joe was cognitively fine. There was nothing wrong with him. Well, he said, if it's the same doctor, he said there was nothing wrong there. And that's being proven to be a sad situation.”
The president also pivoted to the results of his own physical exam.
“I did a very complete physical, including cognitive tests - I aced it, I got them all right,” he said.
