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Political News Compilation Weekend Updates - May 16 & 17, 2026
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Cassidy tried to get along with Trump after his impeachment vote. Retribution came anyway
By THOMAS BEAUMONT and JACK BROOKUpdated 2:01 PM CDT, May 17, 2026
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — When Charles Wandfluh voted in Louisiana’s Republican primary over the weekend, he could only conjure the unflattering image of a panicked rodent when talking about Bill Cassidy’s desperate attemp t to cling to his U.S. Senate seat despite opposition from President Donald Trump.
“He’s just a squirrel running around the tree, chasing nuts to find whatever he can get to benefit him,” said Wandfluh, 57, in a suburb of New Orleans.
Cassidy’s scramble was in vain, and his defeat on Saturday demonstrated the near-impossibility of a political future within the Republican Party without Trump’s acquiescence. Despite outspending his rivals, Cassidy finished third in the primary, falling short of even making a runoff. The outcome was the latest and perhaps most spectacular failure by a Republican who tried to cross Trump and get away with it.
Even within a party notorious for its political contortions during the Trump era, Cassidy stood out. As a doctor, he overlooked Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine activism to support his nomination as Trump’s health secretary, only inevitably to clash with Kennedy once he took the job.
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Supreme Court rejects Virginia's bid to restore congressional map favoring Democrats
The Supreme Court has rejected Virginia’s bid to restore a congressional map that would have given Democrats a chance to pick up four seats in the closely divided House of Representatives.
apnews.com
What GOP officials are hopeful — and worried — about six months from the midterms
NBC News spoke to roughly 30 Republican National Committee members and GOP activists around the country about how the party can keep control of Congress in November.
www.nbcnews.com
Top Judiciary Democrat Raskin blasts possible Trump-IRS settlement
He calls it a "political slush fund" and says it's unconstitutional.
Drone strikes UAE nuclear plant as US and Iran signal they are prepared to resume war
A drone strike has targeted the United Arab Emirates’ sole nuclear power plant. No one has been blamed and no major damage is reported.
apnews.com
Trump calls out Rep Thomas Massie: 'Kentucky, get this LOSER out of politics' Tuesday
Trump uses Sen. Bill Cassidy's Louisiana ouster as a warning shot against Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Kentucky's Tuesday Republican primary election.
Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White House
A proposal to fund $1 billion in security additions for the White House campus and the president’s new ballroom fails to meet procedural rules.
apnews.com
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
www.cbsnews.com‘Won’t be anything left’: Trump issues warning to Iran after national security team meeting
President Donald Trump met with top members of his national security team on Saturday to discuss the path forward on the Iran war, a source familiar with meeting told CNN, a day before he said Tehran ...
Trump approval sinks as costs rise, poll finds
Trump faces record-high disapproval on the economy and healthcare in a new CNN poll, with most Americans saying his policies raised costs.
www.usatoday.com
Sen. Cassidy knocked out of Louisiana Republican primary as Trump-backed Letlow, Fleming make runoff
Neither Trump-supported Letlow or Fleming earned enough votes to win outright. The runoff will take place June 27.
apnews.com
Former FBI Director James Comey says he has ‘complete faith’ in the judicial system amid seashell case
Comey was indicted after prosecutors alleged an Instagram photo of seashells spelling out “86 47” was “a serious expression of an intent to do harm to the President.”
www.nbcnews.com
Ahead of Tuesday primary, Trump target Massie says billionaires are trying to 'buy' his seat
Ahead of his primary Tuesday where he's fending off a Trump-backed challenger, Rep. Thomas Massie joined "This Week."
Colorado's Democratic governor commutes ex-election clerk Tina Peters' sentence after Trump pressure
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is commuting the sentence of a former county clerk and election conspiracy theorist following pressure from President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
White House ballroom loses federal funding for security proposed by Senate Republicans
The Senate rule-keeper struck down the use of taxpayer funds to bolster security for the proposed $400bn project.
www.bbc.comLouisiana voters reject all 5 constitutional amendments in May election
Voters across Louisiana rejected all five constitutional amendments in the May election.
Trump scores major Republican primary victory as Cassidy ousted in Louisiana
Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming top Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is defeated in bid for GOP Senate nomination
Taiwan representative to U.S. says "we want peace and stability," but "we're not the ones creating all this trouble" with China
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
www.cbsnews.com[URL...
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Latest Political News Feed
5/17: CBS Weekend News
Fighter jets collide in midair at Idaho air show; Trump's approval ratings on the economy continue to fall in latest CBS News poll.
Continue reading...Trump reads Bible as thousands pack National Mall for America 250 prayer rally
Top Trump administration officials, Republican lawmakers and prominent Christian leaders gathered on the National Mall on Sunday for a massive prayer rally celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The event — "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving" — drew thousands for worship music, speeches and prayers focused on reaffirming the United States as "One Nation Under God."
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National...
Continue reading...The event — "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving" — drew thousands for worship music, speeches and prayers focused on reaffirming the United States as "One Nation Under God."
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National...
Reported U.S. plan to indict Raúl Castro could mean reform for Cuba, but questions remain
The United States is ramping up pressure on Cuba with a potential indictment of former President Raúl Castro. Cristian Benavides has more.
Continue reading...Trump's approval ratings on the economy continue to fall in latest CBS News poll
President Trump's approval rating is now at the lowest level of his second term and only 27% of Americans approve of how he is handling inflation, according to a new CBS News poll. Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Continue reading...Moment two fighter jets collide mid-air at US air show
Four crew members safely ejected from US Navy jets and are in a stable condition after the collision.
Continue reading...UAE reports strike near Abu Dhabi nuclear power plant
The country is investigating the source of the strike, which it calls a "dangerous escalation".
Continue reading...Man drives car into pedestrians in Italy, injuring eight
Eight people were injured, four seriously, before passers-by gave chase and stopped the man.
Continue reading...Trump warns 'clock is ticking' for Iran as peace progress stalls
Iranian media reports the US has not made concrete concessions in response to Tehran's latest proposals.
Continue reading...'This may be the last time you hear my voice': Political executions surge in Iran since start of war
Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, the UN says it’s verified the execution of at least 32 political prisoners.
Continue reading...Hezbollah drone strike videos show evolving tactics against Israel
BBC Verify has examined dozens of videos of fibre-optic drone attacks carried out by the Lebanese armed group.
Continue reading...Taiwan insists it is independent after Trump warning
Fresh from his summit in Beijing, the US president warned against a formal declaration of independence by the island.
Continue reading...Inside the 'kill-zone' on Ukraine's front line, where new weapons have transformed war
Machines are increasingly replacing humans on the front line, but troops are still vital for defending territory.
Continue reading...From escaping child marriage 'to an old pervert' to becoming Sierra Leone's first lady
The private world of one of Africa's most powerful political women is revealed in a BBC World Service exclusive.
Continue reading...Eurovision winner Dara arrives to screaming fans in Bulgaria
The 27-year-old's tune Bangaranga won Bulgaria its first ever title in the song contest.
Continue reading...5/17: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," as President Trump returns from his trip to China, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., join. Plus, Anthony Salvanto has the latest CBS News polling on the economy.
Continue reading...Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:
Click here to browse full transcripts from 2026 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: Back in the U.S. following a whirlwind diplomatic mission to China, President Trump faces backlash here at home when it comes to inflation and the economy.
While the reviews for the president's trip to China and details about the deliverables from the meeting of the world's two...
Continue reading...Click here to browse full transcripts from 2026 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: Back in the U.S. following a whirlwind diplomatic mission to China, President Trump faces backlash here at home when it comes to inflation and the economy.
While the reviews for the president's trip to China and details about the deliverables from the meeting of the world's two...
Senate GOP revising White House ballroom security funds plan
Washington — Senate Republicans are revising part of their plan to fund immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security after the Senate's rulekeeper delivered a blow to security funds for President Trump's overhaul of the East Wing of the White House, which includes his plans for a massive ballroom.
After Democrats refused for months to fund DHS' immigration enforcement agencies, Senate Republicans have been moving ahead with a plan to fund them through the budget reconciliation process, which allows the GOP majority to move forward...
Continue reading...After Democrats refused for months to fund DHS' immigration enforcement agencies, Senate Republicans have been moving ahead with a plan to fund them through the budget reconciliation process, which allows the GOP majority to move forward...
Trump warns Iran's 'clock is ticking': Move 'fast' or 'there won't be anything left'
President Donald Trump renewed his stern warnings for Iran to come to peace and end its nuclear weapons aspirations Sunday.
"For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
"TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!"
Continue reading..."For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
"TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!"
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face the Nation, and the co-chairs of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick joins us from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Democrat Tom Suozzi from Queens, New York. Good morning to you both, gentlemen.
REP. TOM SUOZZI: Good morning.
REP. BRIAN FITZPATRICK: Good morning...
Continue reading...MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face the Nation, and the co-chairs of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick joins us from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Democrat Tom Suozzi from Queens, New York. Good morning to you both, gentlemen.
REP. TOM SUOZZI: Good morning.
REP. BRIAN FITZPATRICK: Good morning...
UAE reports strike near Abu Dhabi nuclear power plant
The country is investigating the source of the strike, which it calls a "dangerous escalation".
Continue reading...Whale found dead near Danish island after German rescue operation
Wildlife experts had previous criticised the operation, saying it would only cause the animal more distress.
Continue reading...Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Washington — Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"We want to have our lives going on as usual. But we're not the ones creating all this trouble," Yui said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Mr. Trump returned from the summit in Beijing on Friday after two days of talks with Xi. Taiwan is central to China's interests, and Beijing has refused to...
Continue reading..."We want to have our lives going on as usual. But we're not the ones creating all this trouble," Yui said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Mr. Trump returned from the summit in Beijing on Friday after two days of talks with Xi. Taiwan is central to China's interests, and Beijing has refused to...
Senate parliamentarian rejects $1 billion in reconciliation bill for White House security, Trump ballroom
The Senate parliamentarian rejected the last item in the Republicans' budget reconciliation bill — $1 billion in White House and Secret Service security funding tied in part to President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, considered nonpartisan since taking the role in 2012 during former President Barack Obama's administration, ruled the funding provision could not be included as written under budget reconciliation rules, an outcome long expected from both sides of the aisle.
Ryan Wrasse, spokesman for...
Continue reading...Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, considered nonpartisan since taking the role in 2012 during former President Barack Obama's administration, ruled the funding provision could not be included as written under budget reconciliation rules, an outcome long expected from both sides of the aisle.
Ryan Wrasse, spokesman for...
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the United States. Ambassador, good to have you here in person. There hasn't- there hasn't been a call between an American president and a leader of Taiwan since 1979, but President Trump indicated to reporters there might be one coming. Is there a call planned with President Lai...
Continue reading...MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the United States. Ambassador, good to have you here in person. There hasn't- there hasn't been a call between an American president and a leader of Taiwan since 1979, but President Trump indicated to reporters there might be one coming. Is there a call planned with President Lai...