Morning Briefing — June 4, 2026

DOJ Leadership. President Trump announced his intention to nominate Acting AG Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Justice Department. Multiple reports indicate Trump expects to nominate Blanche as the permanent attorney general. This move would formalize Blanche's role in the DOJ.

House War Powers. The House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution aimed at halting military action against Iran, a move described as a rebuke of Trump. The resolution passed with bipartisan support, including Massie and three other House Republicans who broke from Trump on the vote. This action by the House seeks to limit Trump’s Iran war powers despite the administration broadening the U.S. military footprint.

Spy Powers Renewal. A pick by Bill Pulte to lead the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is jeopardizing the path to renewing warrantless spy powers. The White House is being urged to engage as this selection threatens to derail the renewal of these spy powers. The development raises questions about the future of federal surveillance authorities.

Republican Divisions. Republicans are reportedly seeing trouble with independents for Trump and are being rocked by Trump’s midterm approach. Divisions have surfaced between the GOP and Trump over an 'anti-weaponization fund' and the Iran war. Some Republicans are beginning to test the limits of Trump’s power by flexing their own.