Key facts
- Donald Trump reportedly used a decoy plane to evade a security threat.
- Over 100 aides and media personnel were allegedly left on the original plane without being informed of the threat.
- Democrats are calling for a congressional briefing on the matter.
- A federal judge blocked a part of Donald Trump's executive order concerning mail-in voting.
- ICE plans to purchase thousands of electric shock gloves for officers.
Democrats have called for a congressional briefing following reports that Donald Trump was secretly moved to a different aircraft to evade a potential threat from Iran, leaving over a hundred aides and members of the press on the original plane without knowledge of the danger. The alleged plan involved Trump exiting Air Force One via a catering truck, with the intention of using the larger group as a decoy.
This incident has drawn sharp criticism, with one former CIA intelligence officer suggesting the plan was to "reduce the danger to President Trump by offering up 100 or so people to be killed by the Iranians in his place." The Guardian has reportedly broken down footage showing how Trump may have boarded the old Air Force One jet publicly before being secretly transferred to a smaller plane.
In other political news, a federal judge has blocked a part of Donald Trump's executive order that aimed to tighten rules for mail-in voting before the upcoming midterm elections. This ruling builds upon a previous order that prevented the administration from implementing these changes in 23 states. Additionally, advocacy groups have asked a judge to block Trump's efforts to restrict eligibility for birthright citizenship, an executive order previously deemed unconstitutional.
Separately, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) plans to spend up to $20 million on specialized gloves designed to deliver electric shocks, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice. The manufacturer claims these "Glove (generated low output voltage emitter)" devices are a "humane, low-optics, de-escalation solution" that can bring individuals into compliance quickly without leaving marks.
In electoral news, David Crowley secured a victory in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, defeating Francesca Hong. Meanwhile, Peggy Flanagan won her Democratic primary for the US Senate in Minnesota. In South Carolina's special Republican primary, Darline Graham will face Congressman Ralph Norman in a runoff election.