The Political Markup for June 2, 2026
Politics
Trump will not implement the $1.8 billion retribution fund for supporters, after congressional Republicans criticized it and a judge is again scrutinizing Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS.
Last year a Trump official presented a plan to remove voting machines in half the country for national security reasons. A Trump proposal that would require states to give the USPS names of voters who receive mail-in ballots is open for public comment.
Trump appointed a home-building company executive with no national security experience nor security clearance as Acting Director of National Intelligence, the position previously held by Tulsi Gabbard.
The Palm Beach airport recently renamed after Trump, and which he family will profit off of, received a $10 million FAA grant for upgrades, much more than bigger airports have received in similar grants.
A New Mexico commission issued subpoenas related to Jeffrey Epstein, who owned a ranch in the state.
A new book covers the history and political impact of heartland rock: Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, et al.
Economy
High food prices are expected through the summer.
Trump is lowering tariffs on agricultural equipment to help U.S. farmers who have been facing high costs. Though with the crop season already underway, it’s unknown if there will be an actual immediate benefit to farmers.
Bernie Sanders plans to introduce the American A.I. Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, writing, “Since A.I. is built on the collective knowledge of humanity, the wealth it generates must benefit humanity.”
A livestock parasite that would cause billions of dollars in economic damage to the U.S. was found 30 miles from the border in Mexico.
The Australian wheat crop is expected to drop by 25 percent due to weather and geopolitical issues.
The significant amount of taxes in the UK is straining its economy.
With several successful AI chip companies, the South Korean stock market became the sixth largest in the world.
Pizza Hut is going to be purchased by a private equity firm.
International
The Iran War has resumed, with Iran and the U.S. attacking each other, and Iran bombing U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
U.S. and Chinese military leaders met in Hawaii to discuss improved communications.
The U.S. is planning to tell NATO that it will remove more of its troops from Europe over the next six to 12 months.
Russian officials are telling Putin war costs are threatening the country’s finances.
Airport travel out of the hardest hit Ebola area in Congo is resuming.
A far-right political party in Australia is ahead in polls for the first time.
London’s mayor is blaming MAGA supporters and Russian propagandists for online posts attacking the politics and culture of the city.
The New Zealand prime minister says the country will remain nuclear-free, after its defense minister said they should consider nuclear-powered submarines like Australia.