GOP Senator Calls Biden Administration Scandal Bigger Than Watergate

Iran Nuclear Program and US Foreign Policy

• 🇮🇷 Supreme Leader Khamenei posted that the US entered the conflict to save Israel, but achieved nothing.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump announced the US would meet with Iran, as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran held.
• 🎯 CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the destruction of three Iranian nuclear sites, stating they would need years to rebuild.
• 📰 The Trump administration criticized mainstream media for doubting the effectiveness of strikes based on a low-confidence leaked report.
• 🏛️ The Trump administration plans to limit classified information shared with Congress due to an FBI investigation into a leak.

Senator Schmitt's Assessment of Trump's Foreign Policy

• ✨ Senator Eric Schmitt described the week as incredible for President Trump, defining a new era of American realism in foreign policy.
• 🚀 Trump identified a core national interest and used bunker busters on Iran's nuclear ambitions, then pivoted to peace.
• 🤝 Trump also secured commitments from NATO for 5% of GDP for defense, a significant shift from previous dismissiveness.
• 🇨🇳 Schmitt highlighted pivoting to focus on the US homeland and China as a chief rival.

The "Big Beautiful Bill" and Tax Negotiations

• 💰 The discussion shifted to a "big beautiful bill" and the importance of the November election for securing the border, deportations, and global respect.
• ✈️ The B2 bombers originating from Missouri were highlighted for their precise execution and the limited scope of engagement, followed by a pivot to peace.
• 📈 The bill includes increased defense spending and aims to implement innovations in weaponry.
• 🤝 Negotiations are ongoing for the bill, with key points including the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, which some Republicans find too costly.
• 🚫 Schmitt expressed opposition to quadrupling SALT to subsidize decisions by certain governors, calling it a $600 billion subsidy.
• 💸 Other provisions being negotiated include no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, preventing a $4 trillion tax increase, securing the border, funding deportations, and national defense.
• 🏫 School choice provisions are also being fought for within the bill.

Key Negotiation Points and Fiscal Responsibility

• 💰 The SALT provision is a major point of contention, with a significant price tag and limited Republican alignment.
• 🗣️ Schmitt emphasized the need to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, referencing his father's hard work.
• 🏥 He also stated that healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants, estimated at 1.5 million receiving Medicaid, should be eliminated.
• 💼 The goal is to make tax cuts permanent for small businesses and pass-through companies that reinvested and hired more people.
• 📊 Discussions include tweaking provisions like the pass-through entity or Section 8.99, which has unintended consequences for investors.

Biden Administration Allegations and Cover-ups

• 🧑‍⚖️ Jill Biden's aide, Anthony Bernal, refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee, requiring a subpoena.
• 📝 Former Biden aide Neera Tanden testified, reportedly authorized to direct Biden's autopen signatures on documents, including pardons, but unsure of final approval.
• ❓ Schmitt stated that people in Missouri frequently ask who is running the country and making decisions.
• 🔍 He characterized the situation as a bigger scandal than Watergate, calling for continued investigation and document requests from the archivist regarding autopen authorizations.