President Trump plans to “phase out” FEMA after hurricane season and have disaster relief funds distributed directly from the president’s office. He said states will receive less federal aid for natural disasters, and that FEMA “fundamentally needs to go away.” Trump’s comments mark a dramatic shift from current protocols, under which FEMA oversees the distribution of disaster aid to states. (NBC News)
The Justice Department issued a legal opinion stating that the president has broad authority to revoke national monument designations made by past presidents. This challenges a 1938 determination that such monuments cannot be rescinded. This could allow the prioritization of fossil fuel and energy development on federal lands. Environmental groups say the opinion undermines a century of legal interpretation. (NBC News)
President Trump announced a trade deal with China is “done.” China described the talks as “reasonable” and “frank.” Trump said tariffs would increase, but also stated the U.S. would provide China with what was agreed to, including allowing Chinese students in U.S. colleges – reversing an earlier announcement. The deal appears to include China providing rare earth minerals, a key sticking point in past negotiations. (NPR)
Police detained over 20 people, mostly for curfew violations, on the first night of restrictions in downtown Los Angeles. Police used crowd-control projectiles to break up hundreds of protesters against Trump’s immigration crackdown, though there were fewer clashes than previous nights. The LA mayor accused the administration of trying to “cause fear and panic.” 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed. (AP)
Inflation rose 2.4% in May, in line with expectations. Prices increased 0.1% for the month, less than expected. Shelter, food, and medical care saw price increases, while energy, airline fares, and apparel prices declined. (ABC News)
