Trump takes center stage at GOP conference amid internal rifts

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Happy Friday! That was a bummer of a loss last night for the U.S. men’s national soccer team. But at least it doesn’t matter — it has made it to the knockout round! So, I’m thinking we need our own version of the “Viking row.” Maybe a chant about Ranch dressing? “RANCH, RANCH, RANCH!” 

Trump headlines Faith & Freedom Coalition conference

Trump headlines Faith & Freedom Coalition conference

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GOP divided over Hegseth firing top Army commander

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Sanders releases internal RFK Jr. vaccine emails

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PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Hill’s 12:30 Report will not publish during the weeks of June 29 and July 6. We will be back on Monday, July 13, to catch you up — and hopefully celebrate the U.S.’s World Cup victories during that time. 😉 Happy Fourth of July, friends! 🌭🍦🎆🦞🫐

Trump returns to Washington Hilton post-WHCA dinner shooting:

AP | Julia Demaree Nikhinson

President Trump will headline the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington at 1:30 p.m.

This marks Trump’s first visit to the Washington Hilton hotel since a gunman tried to enter the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April.

What’s top of mind?: The conference is annual but comes at a time when Trump’s approval rating is underwater right before the midterms and tensions are high with Republicans on Capitol Hill. Republicans are seeking to sell their message on affordability while inflation surges and the ongoing war in Iran becomes deeply unpopular.

Who else is speaking at the conference?: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and others. 🗒️ Schedule and full list of speakers

💻 Watch Trump’s remarks live

The last company to renovate the Reflecting Pool said ‘NOPE’ this time:

The company that last renovated the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was approached again to take on the project this year, CNN reports, but the company said “no.”

Why?: “Specifically, it balked at two requirements – the Trump administration wanted it done by July 4, and the pool bottom had to be blue, according to two employees with the New Jersey-based Sika Corporation, which provided the concrete construction and sealing products for a 2010 renovation project to the Reflecting Pool.”

Two employees........

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