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It’s Monday. We have officially surpassed the six-month mark of President Trump’s second term. How does everyone feel about his first six months? That’s a loaded question, but I would to know your thoughts. Let me know here.

In today's issue:

• Trump urges Thune to cancel August recess
• Lawmakers confront Epstein scandal
• Trump vs. Harvard in court today
• Trump denies more WSJ reporting
• Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ becomes a viral meme

🌻️ ON CAPITOL HILL

‘Salt air, and the rust on your door, I never needed anything more’ 🎵:

The House and Senate are both in session this week before the House breaks away for August recess. The Senate is a week behind the lower chamber — senators still have another Washington work week before *leaving for their annual break.

*But there’s always an asterisk: Trump wants senators to work through August. He is urging Senate GOP Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to cancel the Senate’s August recess to confirm his “incredible nominees.”

But remember, August recess is the time for Republicans to tout the “big, beautiful bill” to constituents and claim victory.

What is hanging over Congress’s sprint to recess: The Jeffrey Epstein saga. The Hill’s Mychael Schnell reports that the controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein case is poised to dominate the conversation on Capitol Hill this week. On one hand, MAGA World wants the files to be released. But on the other hand, President Trump wants the saga to be dropped.

There could be a vote this week on a resolution to call for the release of the Epstein files, though that resolution would be nonbinding.

Related analysis, via The New York Times: ‘How Trump Deflected MAGA’s Wrath Over Epstein, at Least for Now’

What else is happening on Capitol Hill this week, via Schnell.

🗨️ Follow today’s live blog

➤ FUN TIDBIT:

One year ago today, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer was enjoying a “Wolf Spritzer” cocktail in D.C. when the news broke that then-President Biden would drop out of the presidential race.

TBH, I can’t........

© The Hill