What to know today
TRUMP’S MEDICAL UPDATE: The White House said President Donald Trump was diagnosed with a “chronic venous insufficiency” after he was examined for mild swelling in his lower legs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the condition is “benign” common for people over age 70.
BOVE NOMINATION: The Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee disagree on the validity of the panel’s approval of Emil Bove’s nomination to be a federal appeals court judge after Democratic members walked out before the vote.
ETHICAL CONCERNS: Bove’s nomination has faced criticism over ethical concerns, including accusations he dropped corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams in a quid pro quo deal involving immigration matters. He was also accused of encouraging Justice Department employees to defy court orders that halted deportations. Bove has denied all allegations.
RESCISSIONS VOTE: The Senate passed a bill overnight that would make $9 billion in cuts to previously approved funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid. The House could vote on the legislation today, though Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has cautioned that it could shift to tomorrow.
Trump administration shuts down LGBTQ youth suicide hotline
The Trump administration this afternoon officially terminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ Youth Specialized Services program, which gave callers under age 25 the option to speak with LGBTQ-trained counselors.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced last month that the specialized service would be shuttered. The agency said it would “no longer silo LGB+ youth services” — notably removing the “T” representing the transgender community — and would instead “focus on serving all help seekers.”
Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help,” the agency said at the time.