Morning Briefing — June 17, 2026

Trump Delays Nomination. President Trump has delayed Jay Clayton's nomination for director of national intelligence. The delay is reportedly an effort to pressure Congress on a voting bill. Trump also stated that Pulte will remain acting director of national intelligence for now. This move throws quick confirmation for Clayton into further doubt, as his Senate confirmation hearing was canceled.

DOJ Action and White House Security. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is urging an appeals court to allow Trump to build a ballroom, citing a failed UFC attack. Authorities say they disrupted a planned drone and gun attack on a White House UFC cage-fighting show. Five individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with this alleged plot to attack the White House during the UFC event.

Primary Election Results. In Oklahoma, Rep. Kevin Hern won the GOP nomination for US Senate, while the governor's race heads to a runoff. Trump-backed candidates are involved in runoffs for the Oklahoma governor and House races. In Alabama, Trump-backed Barry Moore won the GOP Senate primary runoff. In Georgia, Mike Collins, endorsed by Trump, won the GOP Senate runoff, setting up a clash with Jon Ossoff. However, Billionaire Rick Jackson defeated Trump-backed Burt Jones in the Georgia governor's race.

California Special Election. Democrat Aisha Wahab has advanced in the California special election to replace former US Rep. Eric Swalwell. Wahab is projected to move to a runoff in the race for Swalwell's 14th Congressional District seat. This development follows the vacancy created by Swalwell's departure.