by Met Middleson
June 16, 2025
President Trump will depart the G7 summit in Canada earlier than planned, according to a post on X from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The decision was made amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Leavitt confirming Trump will leave “tonight after dinner with heads of state” to return to Washington.
The early departure closely follows an alarming Truth Social post in which Trump urged, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.” The statement, made without context or clarification, has intensified speculation that the United States may be preparing for a broader confrontation involving Iran. So far, there has been no official indication of imminent military action, but the timing suggests the situation is being treated with urgency at the highest level.
Earlier in the day, Trump signed a new trade agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a deal the White House described as a “major accomplishment.” But that diplomatic win now competes with rapidly shifting global focus. With war escalating in the Middle East, Trump’s departure from the summit underscores the volatile mix of diplomacy and crisis management shaping the week’s events.
by Met Middleson
June 16, 2025
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Monday evening calling for the immediate evacuation of Tehran. He stated that Iran “should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign,” and described the outcome as a “waste of human life.” The post comes amid heightened regional tensions, though no official statement or action accompanied it.
Trump had repeated that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” emphasizing that he had made this point “over and over again.” He referred to a previous deal that had been on the table, suggesting that Iran’s refusal to accept it had led directly to the current situation. No details were offered about the nature of the deal or when it had been proposed.
The post was published at 4:30 p.m. Eastern and quickly drew attention online. It made no mention of any planned military action or specific threat. As of now, no clarification or follow-up statement has been released.
by Met Middleson
June 16, 2025
Senator Bernie Sanders issued a forceful statement Monday following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, declaring, “Netanyahu started this war with a surprise unilateral attack against Iran, which has already killed hundreds of people and wounded many more.” Sanders said the strike was “specifically designed to sabotage American diplomatic efforts,” noting that Israel assassinated “the man overseeing Iran’s nuclear negotiating team, despite the fact that further talks with the United States were scheduled for Sunday.”
Calling the Israeli action a clear breach of global norms, Sanders stated, “Whatever you think of the corrupt and authoritarian Iranian regime, this attack clearly violates international law and the United Nations Charter.” He warned against any U.S. involvement, saying, “The United States must not be dragged into another of Netanyahu’s wars — not militarily or financially.” Citing constitutional limits, he added, “There can be no offensive use of military force — against Iran or any other country — without an explicit authorization from Congress. No such authorization exists, and any such involvement would be illegal.”
Sanders also sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally, calling him “a war criminal under indictment by the International Criminal Court.” He accused Israel of “prevent[ing] the U.N. and other aid groups from delivering desperately needed humanitarian aid to starving civilians” and said the latest attack on Iran was “just his latest violation of international law.” Sanders concluded, “Under his extremist government, Israel is increasingly becoming a rogue state and a pariah among nations. The United States must not be a part of this war.”
by Met Middleson
June 16, 2025
Speaking at a G7 press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney standing beside him, President Donald Trump delivered a forceful defense of Russian President Vladimir Putin and condemned the decision to remove Russia from the G8. “Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in,” Trump said. “And I would say that that was a mistake. Because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in.”
Trump continued: “He [Putin] wasn’t an enemy at that time,” referencing the period when Russia was ousted from the economic forum. “Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anyone else,” Trump added, framing his personal relationship with the Russian leader as diplomatically unique. He concluded with a striking endorsement of Putin’s disengagement with other world leaders, stating, “He basically doesn’t even speak to the people who threw him out. And I agree with him.”
Russia was expelled from the G8 in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea and military intervention in Eastern Ukraine, actions that drew widespread condemnation and led to coordinated sanctions from the U.S., Canada, and European allies. At the time, Russia’s aggression was viewed as a direct threat to international law and European stability. Trump’s comments mark a clear departure from that consensus, raising fresh questions about the administration’s alignment with longstanding U.S. foreign policy.
by Met Middleson
June 15, 2025
According to AP sources, Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday evening in Minnesota after a nearly two day multi jurisdictional manhunt involving over 100 law enforcement officers including the FBI and U.S. Marshals. His abandoned vehicle, a modified SUV resembling a police cruiser, was located in rural Faxon Township, Sibley County, about 50 to 60 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Authorities recovered AK style firearms, a manifesto listing roughly 70 names including lawmakers and abortion rights advocates, political flyers, and personal items. Just hours before his arrest, the FBI had issued a 50 thousand dollar reward.
Evidence shows Boelter posed as a police officer, allegedly using the modified vehicle to gain entry. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home. Senator John Hoffman and his wife were critically wounded at their Champlin residence, though both survived. Governor Tim Walz and investigators have described the shootings as targeted political violence, and the staging suggests ideological motivation.
Both Republican and Democratic officials have condemned the violence and labeled it a major escalation in threats against public figures. With a target list of roughly 70 names, investigators believe Boelter may have planned additional attacks. Now that the suspect is in custody, officials are calling for a thorough review of security protocols for politicians, while the probe continues into Boelter’s motives, affiliations, and planning.
by Met Middleson
June 14, 2025
Two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota were targeted in separate shootings early Saturday morning, leaving one dead and another hospitalized. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their Brooklyn Park home around 3:35 a.m. Just over an hour earlier, Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot in their Champlin residence. Both survived and underwent emergency surgery. Authorities believe the incidents are connected and politically motivated.
The suspect reportedly impersonated law enforcement, wearing tactical gear and driving a vehicle outfitted with police-style sirens and lights. Officers discovered a list of additional lawmakers in the suspect’s possession, prompting widespread security alerts. During the response to the second scene, officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who fled and remains at large. A shelter-in-place order remains in effect across parts of Brooklyn Park, with federal and state law enforcement coordinating an intensive search effort.
Governor Tim Walz called the killings a “politically motivated assassination” and condemned the violence as an attack on democracy itself. Public officials across the spectrum have echoed his statement, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. With the motive tied to political targeting and a hit list in play, the incident is already reshaping the conversation around domestic security and political extremism.
President Donald Trump announced this morning that today’s military parade in Washington, D.C., will move forward “rain or shine.” In a post on Truth Social, the president said, “A rainy day parade brings good luck,” reaffirming his commitment to hold the event regardless of weather conditions. The parade is scheduled to begin later today, with large crowds and heavy security expected in the capital.
Source: Truth Social post by President Donald J. Trump. Used under Fair Use for purposes of news reporting and commentary.
According to the National Weather Service, Washington, D.C. is facing a high chance of rain throughout the day, with thunderstorms likely by the afternoon. Forecasters are warning of possible flash flooding in certain areas, particularly around the National Mall, where the parade route runs. Event organizers have advised attendees to bring umbrellas and prepare for wet conditions, though no delays have been officially announced.
The parade marks one of the most prominent displays of military strength during Trump’s second term. Featuring U.S. troops, tanks, and flyovers by military aircraft, the event coincides with both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday. The White House has framed it as a tribute to American service members and patriotic pride. However, critics have described the spectacle as an authoritarian display, citing the use of state power and military imagery to elevate the president personally on a day already tied to national symbolism.