China's Foreign Ministry denied a Bloomberg report claiming President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that Vladimir Putin might regret invading Ukraine. The denial came as Putin arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit focused on energy, trade, and geopolitical cooperation. The Financial Times separately reported, citing sources, that Xi made the remark during Trump's visit, and that Trump proposed US-China-Russia cooperation against the International Criminal Court. The White House and Beijing have not officially confirmed the details.

Former IMF official Gita Gopinath warned that global economic imbalances—similar to those before the 1980s U.S.-Japan tensions and the 2008 financial crisis—are re-emerging. She highlighted risks from high government debt and overheated AI/tech equities, and cautioned that a stock market shock could trigger a U.S. recession. The speech underscores concerns about the sustainability of current economic policies and potential financial fragility.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has become a prominent critic of the Trump administration's foreign policy, particularly the war in Iran. Drawing on Catholic just war theory and his experiences in Peru, Leo has condemned U.S. unilateralism, aggressive deportation policies, and the Iran conflict. His stance has united previously divided American Catholics behind his position, creating a significant domestic political challenge for Trump. The pope's criticism extends to U.S. dismissal of multilateral institutions and the use of AI in warfare, and he is finalizing an encyclical on technology and human dignity.

The FDA has authorized its first fruit-flavored vaping products for adults and signaled it will not prioritize enforcement against some unauthorized vapes, while also withdrawing a proposed ban on minors using tanning beds. Public health experts warn these moves weaken federal efforts to protect teens from unhealthy habits and embolden industries marketing addictive or high-risk products. The decisions come amid a shift in priorities under the MAHA era, with former FDA commissioner Marty Makary reportedly resisting flavored vape approval before reversing course under White House pressure.

The Trump administration is escalating its campaign against media critics by targeting ABC's daytime talk show 'The View.' The FCC is investigating whether the show violated equal-time broadcast rules by hosting predominantly liberal guests, potentially threatening ABC's station licenses. The White House has called for the show's cancellation, and ABC is preparing a First Amendment legal challenge. The dispute highlights tensions between the administration and mainstream media ahead of the 2026 elections.

At a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine, Russia's envoy Vasily Nebenzya falsely accused Latvia of allowing Ukrainian drone launches from its territory and threatened that 'NATO membership will not protect you from retaliation.' Latvia and EU representatives rejected the claims as disinformation. The US and NATO warned Russia against escalation. The incident follows a series of drone incursions into Baltic airspace attributed to Russian jamming.

President Trump is pressuring Republican leaders to attach the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote, to must-pass housing and FISA reauthorization bills. This move creates internal GOP divisions and threatens the passage of bipartisan legislation, as the voting measure would likely lose Democratic support needed to overcome procedural hurdles in both chambers.

The United States abruptly canceled the planned deployment of 4,000 soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division to Poland, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halting the rotation. Poland's military leadership was not properly notified, and US lawmakers criticized the decision as a breach of law and a blow to NATO solidarity. In response, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz publicly protested the cancellation at a ceremony in eastern Poland related to a new engine servicing hub for Polish Abrams tanks. They argued that Poland, as the largest US weapons client in Europe with over $50 billion in purchases, should not see a reduction in the approximately 10,000 US troops currently stationed in the country, and emphasized Poland's annual contribution of $15,000 per US soldier deployed, distinguishing it from other European allies.

The United States and Ukraine had previously drafted a memorandum of understanding for a defense agreement on joint drone production and technology cooperation. Now, the Pentagon has sent Kyiv a draft letter of intent requesting tests of Ukrainian drones and electronic warfare systems, with potential procurement contracts in mind. The US is also seeking access to intellectual property rights to replicate Ukrainian systems domestically, including AI-enabled targeting, GPS-resistant navigation, jam-resistant communications, and battlefield drone coordination systems developed by Ukraine. Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna confirmed a draft framework document is under review. The US military has already deployed Ukrainian-developed Sky Map anti-drone technology at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, with Ukrainian personnel training US forces on the system.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren issued a joint statement criticizing the Trump administration for extending sanctions relief for Russian oil after General License 134B expired on May 16, 2026. They argued the extension provides Moscow with additional funds to support its war in Ukraine, does not lower US gas prices, and comes amid Russian attacks on Kyiv and American corporate facilities in Ukraine. The senators warned that such weakness invites more aggression and delays a just end to the war.

Background: The US previously sanctioned Chinese firms for aiding Iranian oil sales to China. Today, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iran-based Amin Exchange and its network of front companies in the UAE, Turkey, and Hong Kong for facilitating billions of dollars in foreign currency transactions to evade sanctions. Additionally, 19 vessels involved in shipping Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals were blocked. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the actions aim to dismantle Iran's shadow banking system and shadow fleet under Operation Economic Fury.

The US State Department notified Congress of an emergency refugee situation, increasing the cap for white South African (Afrikaner) refugees from 7,500 to 17,500 for the fiscal year ending September 2025, at an estimated cost of $100 million. The move follows President Trump's repeated false claims of 'white genocide' in South Africa and a broader deterioration in US-South Africa relations, including aid cuts and diplomatic boycotts. The decision has been criticized as politically motivated and based on unsubstantiated claims.

Background: CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana on May 14, 2026, delivering US demands, while the US Justice Department prepares to indict Raúl Castro for the 1996 shootdown of civilian aircraft. Cuba's President warned of a 'bloodbath' if attacked. Today: Cuba's Civil Defense published a 'Family Guide for the Protection of the Population in the Event of Military Aggression,' recommending citizens prepare backpacks with documents, radio, flashlight, food for three days, water, and medications. The guide triggered public anger on social media as Cubans struggle with blackouts and shortages, with many expressing inability to comply. Analysts note that while military asymmetry is vast, a humanitarian crisis or mass migration could pose a greater political risk to Washington than direct military confrontation.

The U.S. war against Iran (Operation Epic Fury) has demonstrated that host nation refusal to grant base access can be bypassed by classifying assets as defensive or logistical. Gulf states that publicly refused to allow offensive operations still hosted critical enablers like AWACS and tankers. The article argues this precedent has direct implications for South Korea, where U.S. Forces Korea assets have been redeployed despite Seoul's opposition. It recommends Seoul proactively define a logistical support role to avoid being drawn into conflicts against its will.

Nadia Marcinko, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend and co-pilot, is under renewed scrutiny as US legislators prepare to question other alleged co-conspirators. Emails and testimony reveal she recruited women for Epstein, while also claiming to be a victim of his physical and psychological abuse. The case raises legal questions about victim-accomplice distinction.

Jacob Engels, a former employee of political operative Roger Stone, released text messages from 2020 showing Stone allegedly discussing violence against then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, his brother Chris Cuomo, and former prosecutor Andrew Weissmann. The messages also reference coordination with the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers via an encrypted chat. Stone, a pardoned Trump ally, has denied similar allegations in the past. The FBI and Capitol Police investigated a prior incident involving threats against Democrats.

US President Donald Trump has accused Kurdish groups in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria of keeping weapons intended for Iranian protesters during the US-Israeli war with Iran. Kurdish leaders categorically deny receiving any such weapons, citing logistical impossibilities due to militarized borders and security agreements. Experts say Trump is scapegoating Kurds for his own policy failures in the conflict.

The US Army is investigating a newly discovered transmission problem in its AH-64E Apache helicopters that could cause loss of tail rotor thrust, electrical power, and hydraulics. The issue affects all AH-64E series aircraft and has led to grounding of affected transmissions. Concurrently, funding shortfalls have forced the III Armored Corps to cut flight hours by $46 million and accelerate retirement of older AH-64D models, raising safety concerns among pilots about the combination of maintenance problems and reduced training.

China hosted high-level delegations from both the United States and Russia within a week, leveraging the diplomatic visits to project itself as a stabilizing force in global geopolitics. The back-to-back engagements highlight Beijing's strategic positioning amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow, reinforcing its role as a potential mediator and reliable international partner. The visits underscore Beijing's strategic positioning as a mediator and reliable global actor.

The Pentagon's framework agreements for over 10,000 Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) and 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles per year, initially reported as a replenishment effort, now include dedicated maritime strike variants from multiple contractors. CoAspire, Anduril, and Leidos are developing anti-ship capabilities for their LCCM designs. CoAspire integrates sensors for moving maritime targets onto its RAACM ER missile (GHOST variant with rocket booster). Anduril's Barracuda-500M is effective against maritime targets and partnered with Kraken Technology Group, Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Edison Chouest Offshore for USV integration. Leidos bases its LCCM on the AGM-190A with potential maritime platform integration. The Navy plans to field up to 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles annually, including air-launched variants for F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and Castelion is pairing Blackbeard with Saronic's Marauder USV for containerized launchers. At least three contractors are investing in sensors and payloads for moving maritime targets. The order aims to counter China's warships and ground targets in the Indo-Pacific.

This analysis argues that U.S. policy toward Iran has failed by focusing on the Islamic Republic's ideology rather than Iran's centuries-old strategic logic, and by asking what the Islamic Republic wants rather than what Iran as a state has historically sought. It identifies three enduring strategic convictions: weakness invites intervention, sovereignty is non-negotiable, and Iran operates as a global rather than regional power. The author contends that demanding dismantlement of Iran's deterrence architecture is strategically impossible for any Iranian government, and that an arrangement providing genuine security guarantees and treating Iran as a legitimate actor has a better chance of success.

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) will introduce three amendments to the Senate reconciliation bill that funds ICE and Border Patrol. The amendments would appropriate $5 million to USCIS to adjudicate DACA renewal applications within 30 days, bar immigration enforcement actions against DACA recipients or those with pending renewals (except for national security or violent crime threats), and prohibit federal agencies from using reconciliation funds for immigration enforcement based solely on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or other protected class. The reconciliation package is being rushed through Congress before recess, with a Senate Budget Committee markup scheduled for Wednesday.

NATO countries have been adopting low-cost interceptor drones like Perennial Autonomy's Merops to counter Iranian Shahed drones, with the Pentagon committing over $600 million to counter-drone procurement. Today, the Pentagon awarded Perennial Autonomy a $500 million contract via JIATF-401 for AI-enabled counter-drone systems, including Merops interceptors (costing about $15,000 per unit, cheaper than the Shahed drones it counters), Bumblebee quadcopters, and Hornet strike drones, as part of the Drone Dominance initiative to equip troops with low-cost, attritable drones. Perennial also received a separate $5.2 million contract in January for the Bumblebee V2 system, and the Army tested Hornet drones in March. The company has opened manufacturing operations in Europe.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before a Senate Appropriations Committee panel on President Trump's fiscal 2027 budget request for the Department of Justice, which seeks $40.8 billion, a 13% increase. The hearing is expected to cover the new 'anti-weaponization fund' created from a settlement with the IRS, as well as the Epstein investigation and indictments against political opponents.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has agreed to conduct an internal review of legislation that would grant U.S. Air Force veterans the same radiation exposure benefits as Department of Energy civilians at the Nevada Test and Training Center, where over 900 atomic bomb tests occurred. Veterans are currently blocked by a Catch-22: the VA requires proof of service at the site, but that documentation remains classified under Cold War rules. Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have introduced the bipartisan Forgotten Veterans Act to resolve the issue. The review follows a House Appropriations Committee hearing where Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine expressed support for lifting bureaucratic restrictions.

The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, representing 27,000 hotel workers, reached an eight-year contract agreement with the Hotel Association of New York City, providing 50% wage increases, free family healthcare, increased pension contributions, and expanded rights. The deal averts a potential strike during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but raises concerns about higher hotel room rates in New York City.

Members of Congress are introducing multiple bills to regulate online prediction markets following a series of alleged insider trading incidents, including a $30,000 bet on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and a U.S. soldier charged with using classified information to profit. Rep. Ritchie Torres proposed the Campaign Funds Integrity Act of 2026, which would ban the use of campaign funds for prediction market bets and impose up to five years imprisonment. However, the Trump administration has resisted strict guardrails, lowering chances of major legislation becoming law.

A bipartisan five-year Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill unveiled in the US House includes a $130 annual registration fee for electric vehicles and a $35 fee for plug-in hybrids, increasing over time. The fee aims to ensure EV owners contribute to the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded by gasoline taxes. The bill, led by Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), also allocates $1 billion for EV charging stations and funding for roads, bridges, and public transit. The provision requires Senate approval and may face opposition from Senate Democrats.

Lawmakers and safety advocates are increasingly scrutinizing prediction markets for allowing users as young as 18 to place bets, bypassing state laws that set the legal gambling age at 21. Bipartisan bills have been introduced to ban digital gambling ads targeting minors (GAME Act) and to prevent abuse and fraud in prediction markets, including age-verification requirements. The CFTC and state attorneys general are also taking action, with New York suing Coinbase and Gemini over alleged illegal gambling operations. The debate centers on whether prediction markets are distinct from traditional gambling and subject to federal or state jurisdiction, with operators arguing they are not gambling and CFTC Chair Mike Selig supporting federal oversight, while critics like the Gambling Not Investing Coalition contend they bypass state laws.

President Trump will hold a campaign-style event in Rockland County, New York, on Friday with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), one of the most vulnerable House Republicans. The event will focus on affordability and tax cuts, including the SALT cap increase. Lawler represents a competitive toss-up district, and Trump's national approval rating has dropped to 37%.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has launched an investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) over allegations that the organization funneled donor funds to extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan. The probe follows a federal indictment in Alabama charging the SPLC with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Paxton's office issued a Civil Investigative Demand to the SPLC, which has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegations. The investigation marks a significant escalation in legal scrutiny of the civil rights organization.

The SCORE Act, which would grant the NCAA limited antitrust protections and address revenue sharing and athlete compensation in college sports, was pulled from the House floor after the Congressional Black Caucus opposed it, citing silence from athletic institutions on Black voting rights. This marks the second time the bill has failed to advance in the House, following earlier opposition from some Republicans who argued it gave the NCAA too much power. President Trump had voiced support for the bill, and Speaker Mike Johnson had previously attempted to pass a similar version in fall 2025.

The United Arab Emirates paid over $6 million to US reputation management firm Terakeet to suppress a 2017 Intercept article alleging ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba had ties to sex workers and traffickers. Terakeet used SEO tactics, sock puppet accounts, and favorable profiles to push the story down Google search results. Separately, Terakeet worked to manage reputational fallout for Goldman Sachs executive Kathryn Ruemmler over her ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of election denier Tina Peters, drawing bipartisan criticism. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) called the decision 'terrible' and 'disqualifying' for Polis to serve in the Senate. Bennet, who is running for governor, stated he would not consider Polis for his Senate seat due to this decision. Bennet also noted that Polis called him to say he did not want to be considered for the Senate seat.

The Railway Safety Act, championed by Vice President JD Vance after the 2023 East Palestine derailment, is causing a rift among House Republicans as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee prepares to markup a surface transportation reauthorization bill. The act would mandate two-person train crews and increased inspections, but free-market groups and industry oppose it as costly. The White House supports its inclusion, while the committee's bill omits the most controversial provisions, setting up a floor fight.

Andrej Karpathy, a founding member of OpenAI and former Tesla AI director, has joined rival AI lab Anthropic. He will work on the pre-training team and help launch a new team using Claude to accelerate pretraining research. The hire is a major win for Anthropic in the competition for elite AI talent, highlighting the fierce rivalry between leading AI companies.

The Axios Harris Poll 100 reveals a growing partisan gap in attitudes toward AI in the United States. Republicans are significantly more likely to trust AI companies like OpenAI, while Democrats are more skeptical. OpenAI's reputational score gap between parties widened from 1 point in 2024 to 12 points in 2025. 44% of Republicans view AI more positively, compared to 35% of Democrats. Gen Z is most concerned about AI harming job opportunities. The shift reflects political changes and AI advancements.