Donald Trump has disappeared again. It has been a solid seven days since he was last seen in public. The only vaguely public engagement on his agenda today is a pre-taped TV interview. This pattern has occurred roughly once a month for several months, coinciding with checkups at Walter Reed military hospital and dental appointments in Florida. While Trump appears in public more than any other president, his absences are notable.
Dr Oz Gives Spectacular Excuse for Trump's Medical Checkups
Dr Oz, now a top health official, briefed the White House press corps. When asked why Trump continues to have checkups despite being in "perfect health," Oz initially called them routine. Pressed further, he said: "I think he likes the results. He aces the test every single day. I do believe he's curious to make sure everything is going in the right direction."
White House Correspondents Dinner Rescheduled
The dinner, abandoned after an assassination attempt on Trump, will take place on July 24 at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington DC, formerly the Trump Hotel. Trump confirmed his attendance on Truth Social, stating: "We cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling."
Rubio Denies Being at a Party During Iran Negotiations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended himself against claims he was at a party while Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led Iran negotiations. Rubio insisted he was "co-located" with Trump at a UFC match in Miami, relaying messages via secure phone. "You don't know what you're talking about!" he told a congressional committee.
No Drug Requirement for Blown-Up Boats
Senator Tim Kaine revealed that targeting criteria for drugboats blown up near Venezuela did not require evidence of actual drugs on board. The attacks killed an estimated 200 people. Kaine noted the criteria were classified but pointed out what was not included: no requirement for right-handed sailors or proof of drugs.
Trump Golf Buddy Named Director of National Intelligence
Trump appointed Bill Pulte, his golf buddy and head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte has no known intelligence experience. Senator Mark Warner criticized the choice, saying Pulte was selected to provide "the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need." Pulte has a history of feuds, including threats from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and legal battles with family.
California Elections Get Weird
In Los Angeles, mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star, is challenging Mayor Karen Bass after a Trump endorsement. In the gubernatorial race, the top-two primary could see two Democrats on the ballot, with Fox News host Steve Hilton, a former advisor to David Cameron, as the last viable Republican.
Trump's Late-Night Tantrum
Trump demanded his criminal convictions be overturned after his former lawyer Michael Cohen claimed he felt pressured to testify. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "I am an innocent man who has been horribly treated." Cohen has not recanted his evidence; he merely noted prosecutors asked leading questions, which is standard legal practice.
