
The Internet Is Losing It Over The Proposal To Rename The Kennedy Center After Melania Trump
But it might soon be renamed to: "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House."
Republicans in the House have advanced an amendment to rename the Kennedy Center's Opera House to the "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House."
Yes, for real: "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House."
Why? Well, he says, "This designation is an excellent way to recognize her support and commitment to promoting the arts."
FWIW, it seems like a real possibility. The amendment was adopted by the committee: 35-22.
The response is very much "...really?"
One person called the US, "The most unserious government and people on the planet."
"Exactly what were her contributions to the arts?" another person asked.
And a bunch of people are just wondering if this whole thing is a joke (it's not.)
Finalllly, Congressman Greg Casar said, "If you're one of 17 million people about to lose their health care, Republicans have some good news: they're renaming the Kennedy Center Opera House after Melania Trump."
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Washington Post
28 minutes ago
- Washington Post
We texted nearly 1,100 Americans about Trump and the Epstein files. Here's what they said.
We texted nearly 1,100 Americans about Trump and the Epstein files. Here's what they said. We texted nearly 1,100 Americans about Trump and the Epstein files. feels like a cover up he is trying to be transparent avoiding what he promised to do suspicious whole mess he was involved Here's what they said. By Washington Post staff July 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. EDT 7 minutes ago 5 min How closely are Americans following news about government files from the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, and what do they think about President Donald Trump's handling of the issue? The Washington Post texted 1,089 people Monday to ask. The Post's poll found that most Americans are paying at least some attention to news about the Epstein files. Americans largely disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue, with most Democrats and independents disapproving and Republicans expressing a mix of approval and uncertainty. Most Americans strongly support releasing all files in the Epstein case and suspect the documents contain embarrassing information about Trump, Democrats and billionaires. Participants' answers have been lightly edited for clarity and style. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement How much attention are you paying to news about government files from the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein? A lot 26% Some 38% A little 24% None 11% The poll found that about 1 in 4 U.S. adults (26 percent) are paying 'a lot' of attention to news about the Epstein files, while another 38 percent are paying 'some' attention. That is somewhat lower than attention to the Los Angeles protests of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in June, which 34 percent followed 'a lot' in a similar poll that month. Asked to describe why they are following Epstein news, people cited curiosity about whether public figures would be implicated, with some specifying Trump. I'm curious, seems like a big story and seemingly important people could be implemented in it. Ohio man, 45, independent I want to find out who went to the island. Nevada man, 61, MAGA Republican I want to know what government officials, celebrities, and other public figures were at his island based on what we know about his case. Indiana man, 27, independent It is super suspicious that the Trump administration is now not releasing the files. Oregon woman, 34, Democrat Show more responses Democrats are paying more attention than independents or Republicans, although majorities across party lines say they are paying at least some attention to the issue, including self-described MAGA Republicans who support the 'Make American Great Again' movement. Attention paid to news about the Epstein files A lot/some A little/none Democrats 73% In the "undefined" group, 73 percent of people responded with "A lot/some." 27 In the "undefined" group, 27 percent of people responded with "A little/none." Independents/Other 66 In the "undefined" group, 66 percent of people responded with "A lot/some." 34 In the "undefined" group, 34 percent of people responded with "A little/none." All Republicans 56 In the "undefined" group, 56 percent of people responded with "A lot/some." 44 In the "undefined" group, 44 percent of people responded with "A little/none." MAGA Republicans 58 In the "undefined" group, 58 percent of people responded with "A lot/some." 42 In the "undefined" group, 42 percent of people responded with "A little/none." Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Do you approve or disapprove of the way Trump is handling issues related to the Epstein files? Approve 16% No opinion 26% Disapprove 58% Fewer than 2 in 10 Americans approve of the way Trump is handling issues related to the Epstein files while nearly 6 in 10 disapprove and more than 2 in 10 have no opinion. Asked to explain their answers, some said Trump was not being transparent, and others cited suspicions that Trump was hiding information. Trump is not forthcoming with information. Seems a lot more likely as if he has something to hide. Massachusetts man, 59, independent He is avoiding what he promised to do: Release the files. He's trying to cover up the truth. New Jersey woman, 66, Democrat I don't really care about the Epstein files. I think it is an overblown conspiracy theory. Tennessee woman, 68, MAGA Republican He's doing what he needs to do to get the results out. North Carolina woman, 55, MAGA Republican Show more responses About 9 in 10 Democrats and more than 6 in 10 independents disapprove of Trump's handling of the Epstein files. Republicans are divided, with 38 percent approving, 38 percent reporting 'no opinion' and 24 percent disapproving. Just over 4 in 10 MAGA Republicans approve of Trump on the Epstein issue, while just under 2 in 10 disapprove and nearly 4 in 10 have no opinion. Approval of Trump's handling of the Epstein files Approve No opinion Disapprove Democrats 2 In the "undefined" group, 2 percent of people responded with "Approve." 7% In the "undefined" group, 7 percent of people responded with "No opinion." 91 In the "undefined" group, 91 percent of people responded with "Disapprove." Independents/Other 8 In the "undefined" group, 8 percent of people responded with "Approve." 29 In the "undefined" group, 29 percent of people responded with "No opinion." 63 In the "undefined" group, 63 percent of people responded with "Disapprove." All Republicans 38 In the "undefined" group, 38 percent of people responded with "Approve." 38 In the "undefined" group, 38 percent of people responded with "No opinion." 24 In the "undefined" group, 24 percent of people responded with "Disapprove." MAGA Republicans 43 In the "undefined" group, 43 percent of people responded with "Approve." 39 In the "undefined" group, 39 percent of people responded with "No opinion." 17 In the "undefined" group, 17 percent of people responded with "Disapprove." Open-ended responses show some MAGA Republicans expressing faith that Trump will handle the issue properly — including some that expect he will release more information — while others said they are not following the issue closely. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Do you support or oppose releasing all files from the Epstein case? Support strongly 67% Support somewhat 19% Unsure 9% Oppose somewhat 3% Oppose strongly 2% An overwhelming majority of the public supports releasing all files from the Epstein case, including two-thirds who support this 'strongly.' Support Unsure Oppose Democrats 90% In the "undefined" group, 90 percent of people responded with "Support." 7 In the "undefined" group, 7 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 2 In the "undefined" group, 2 percent of people responded with "Oppose." Independents/Other 86 In the "undefined" group, 86 percent of people responded with "Support." 11 In the "undefined" group, 11 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 3 In the "undefined" group, 3 percent of people responded with "Oppose." All Republicans 83 In the "undefined" group, 83 percent of people responded with "Support." 9 In the "undefined" group, 9 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 8 In the "undefined" group, 8 percent of people responded with "Oppose." MAGA Republicans 82 In the "undefined" group, 82 percent of people responded with "Support." 9 In the "undefined" group, 9 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 9 In the "undefined" group, 9 percent of people responded with "Oppose." Support is similar across party lines and among Republicans who identify with the MAGA movement. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Just your best guess, do you think the Epstein files contain embarrassing information about Trump? Democrats? Billionaires? Yes Not sure No Trump 61% In the "undefined" group, 61 percent of people responded with "Yes." 26 In the "undefined" group, 26 percent of people responded with "Not sure." 12 In the "undefined" group, 12 percent of people responded with "No." Democrats 66 In the "undefined" group, 66 percent of people responded with "Yes." 29 In the "undefined" group, 29 percent of people responded with "Not sure." 5 In the "undefined" group, 5 percent of people responded with "No." Billionaires 84 In the "undefined" group, 84 percent of people responded with "Yes." 14 In the "undefined" group, 14 percent of people responded with "Not sure." 2 In the "undefined" group, 2 percent of people responded with "No." The Post poll finds about 6 in 10 Americans think the Epstein files contain embarrassing information Trump and nearly two-thirds say the same about Democrats. More than 8 in 10 suspect they contain embarrassing information about billionaires. Majorities of Americans across party lines predict that there is embarrassing information about Democrats and billionaires in the Epstein files. When it comes to Trump, most Democrats and independents suspect there is embarrassing information about him in there, dropping to about 3 in 10 Republicans overall and 2 in 10 MAGA Republicans. Some 4 in 10 Republicans — including 44 percent of MAGA Republicans — say they are not sure if there is embarrassing information about Trump in the files. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Do you believe the medical examiner's ruling that Epstein died by suicide in jail, or do you believe he was murdered? Died by suicide 15% Unsure 42% Was murdered 44% About 1 in 7 Americans (15 percent) believe the medical examiner's ruling that Epstein died by suicide, while almost three times as many believe Epstein was murdered (44 percent). A sizable 42 percent say they are unsure how he died. Died by suicide Unsure Was murdered Democrats 16% In the "undefined" group, 16 percent of people responded with "Died by suicide." 44 In the "undefined" group, 44 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 40 In the "undefined" group, 40 percent of people responded with "Was murdered." Independents/Other 11 In the "undefined" group, 11 percent of people responded with "Died by suicide." 43 In the "undefined" group, 43 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 46 In the "undefined" group, 46 percent of people responded with "Was murdered." All Republicans 18 In the "undefined" group, 18 percent of people responded with "Died by suicide." 38 In the "undefined" group, 38 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 45 In the "undefined" group, 45 percent of people responded with "Was murdered." MAGA Republicans 18 In the "undefined" group, 18 percent of people responded with "Died by suicide." 37 In the "undefined" group, 37 percent of people responded with "Unsure." 45 In the "undefined" group, 45 percent of people responded with "Was murdered." Story continues below advertisement Advertisement
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
House breaks for August recess amid Epstein uproar
The House on Wednesday broke for its weeks-long August recess, closing up shop one day earlier than planned as the chamber remained in a logjam over the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. The lower chamber is not scheduled to reconvene until Sept. 2 — six weeks from now — when lawmakers will dive into the sprint to avoid a government shutdown by the Sept. 30 funding deadline. House GOP leaders sent members home one day early — on Wednesday rather than Thursday — as the chamber was unable to move any legislation through the House Rules Committee amid a rebellion over the push to disclose the Epstein files. Democrats on the panel had vowed to force another vote on their amendment to consider a bipartisan bill calling for the release of the Epstein files, but Republican committee members did not want to vote it down — as is customary for members of the majority to do to measures brought by the minority party — because of the wrath they received from the MAGA base on a similar vote the previous week. As a result of that earlier vote, Republicans on the panel advanced a nonbinding resolution calling for the release of some Epstein documents days later, an attempt to gain political cover for the GOP lawmakers on the committee. That effort, however, has not been enough to quell the interest among Democrats and some Republicans to force a floor vote on the bipartisan resolution compelling the publication of the documents, leading to the bottleneck in the Rules Committee and prompting leaders to let members go home one day early. In remarks to reporters on Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) pushed back on the idea that the House was leaving early because of the Epstein saga. 'We are fulfilling the calendar,' Johnson said. 'We're working, we'll be working tomorrow, there will have been votes every day this week, we have nine or 10 committees working through markups this week, many tomorrow. Congress is doing its work, no one is adjourning early.' 'We have an August district work period that is very important to the function of Congress that has been recognized for all of memory of this institution, and that is what everyone will be doing,' he continued, later adding that 'Republicans are preventing Democrats from making a mockery of the Rules Committee process because we refuse to engage in their political charade.' Democrats, meanwhile, have pinned the early recess on the Epstein controversy. 'Instead of doing their jobs, instead of standing up for kids, for families, instead of standing on the side of transparency and accountability, Republicans are running away all to avoid the release of the Epstein client list, all to cover up for pedophiles,' House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.) said Wednesday. Aside from the Epstein saga, members over recess are planning to head back to their districts to message on the 'big, beautiful bill' Republicans enacted earlier this month, with GOP lawmakers selling it to constituents and Democratic lawmakers making their case to the public as to why it is a harmful piece of legislation. Both parties are eyeing the legislation as key to their messaging plan ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. It remains unclear how the House will function when lawmakers return from August recess. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is vowing to file a discharge petition to force a floor vote on his resolution — co-sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) — which will not be ready for action until September, meaning the issue will still be prevalent when lawmakers come back to Washington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Politico
an hour ago
- Politico
Trump confirmations split Senate Dems
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The Trump administration committed to distributing $75 million in 'lifesaving' global assistance in exchange for the Foreign Relations ranking member's vote to advance Mike Waltz's UN ambassador nomination. Thune's hoping to strike a deal to fast-track dozens of confirmations through a mix of roll call votes, voice votes and/or unanimous consent requests. But Democrats could force him to file cloture on each nominee, which would in turn force Thune to keep the Senate in session into the weekend — and potentially beyond. Democratic leaders are keeping all options on the table as they await a proposal from Republicans, one person granted anonymity to discuss private deliberations told Mia. Some senators like Brian Schatz and Tammy Baldwin aren't ruling out confirming a tranche of Trump nominees — though they say it depends who they are. Other Democrats are opposed to any dealmaking at all: 'Just to try to help them advance getting more people in office?' Sen. Elizabeth Warren told Mia. 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The Senate will vote to confirm Earl Matthews to be DOD general counsel and to advance the nomination of William Kimmitt to be under secretary of Commerce for International Trade at 11:30 a.m. Lawmakers will vote to confirm Kimmitt and advance the nomination of Susan Monarez to be the CDC director at 2:15 p.m. — Senate Armed Services will hold a closed briefing on the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites at 9:30 a.m. — Senate Foreign Relations will meet on pending nominations, including for John Giordano to be ambassador to Namibia at 10:30 a.m. — Republican and Democratic senators will have separate weekly conference lunches at 12:45 p.m. The rest of the week: The Senate will continue marking up government funding bills and confirming the president's nominations. Pro subscribers receive this newsletter with a full congressional schedule and can browse our comprehensive calendar of markups, hearings and other notable events around Washington. Sign up for a demo. THE LEADERSHIP SUITE Thune wrangles senators on appropriations The wheels could be coming off Thune's plans to assemble an initial 'minibus' of fiscal 2026 spending bills. There are stumbling blocks on both sides of the aisle to quickly packaging together three bills that would collectively fund the departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, as well as the FDA, FBI and military construction projects, and passing them before the Senate leaves until September. Thune acknowledged to Jordain Carney that he is still 'trying to work off some holds' from senators objecting to bundling the various bills. On Monday, Sen. Rand Paul became the latest headache, citing language in the agriculture bill that he said would 'destroy' the hemp industry. 'We told them we'd give consent to get on it, but we want that horrendous language out,' Paul told Jennifer Scholtes. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. 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