Fox News contributor Dan Hoffman joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss the latest on the effort to end the war in Ukraine after President Donald Trump’s phone call with Russian President Putin and the possibility of Vatican peace talks.
WATCH:
Agudath Israel of America applauds the inclusion of game-changing federal school choice legislation in the budget reconciliation bill passed this morning. This legislation will help millions of children across the country including those wishing to attend yeshivas and other nonpublic schools.
Following a model already operating successfully in more than twenty states, the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) will provide $5 billion in K-12 scholarships per year. It does this by allowing a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for donors who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO). These SGOs would then provide scholarships for a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition
“Agudath Israel applauds the US House for including game-changing federal school choice legislation in the reconciliation bill,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s National Director of Government Affairs. “We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that the “biggest and most beautiful” scholarship tax credit proposal possible is included in the final budget reconciliation package.”
For more information about the bill, go to Agudah.org/schoolchoice.
{Matzav.com}
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., breaks down his findings about the TSA ‘Quiet Skies’ program on ‘The Will Cain Show,’ after reports alleged DNI Tulsi Gabbard was on the agency’s watch list.
WATCH:
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The Gold family has suffered the unimaginable. After five years of fighting a brutal battle with cancer, their precious son Refael passed away this past Pesach.
The man accused of murdering two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, DC, has a background connected to a militant leftist group that has championed Black Lives Matter protests and strongly supports the Palestinian cause.
Authorities say Elias Rodriguez, 31, admitted to opening fire on the victims outside the Capital Jewish Museum late Wednesday. Witnesses reported that he shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” during the deadly attack.
As law enforcement seeks to understand what led to the antisemitic act of violence, more information has surfaced about Rodriguez’s past activism and ideological ties.
Rodriguez previously had involvement with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), an extreme left-wing organization that frequently shares messages opposing Israel on its social media channels.
Just hours prior to the shooting in the nation’s capital, the group posted, “End the genocide. Israel out of Gaza now,” echoing the kinds of sentiments Rodriguez was allegedly voicing.
Following the incident, PSL acknowledged Rodriguez’s prior connection to the group, while also attempting to distance itself from his actions.
“We reject any attempt to associate the PSL with the DC shooting. Elias Rodriguez is not a member of the PSL,” the group stated in a message posted to X early Thursday morning.
“He had a brief association with one branch of the PSL that ended in 2017. We know of no contact with him in over 7 years. We have nothing to do with this shooting and do not support it.”
In a previously available, now-removed article on PSL’s Liberation News platform, Rodriguez was featured as a participant in a 2017 demonstration organized by Black Lives Matter in front of then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s home. The rally marked the anniversary of the police killing of Laquan McDonald, a 17-year-old African American.
At that protest, Rodriguez lashed out at Amazon, blaming the corporation for exacerbating inequality and contributing to racial gentrification in urban centers.
“[Amazon’s] whitening of Seattle is structurally racist and a direct danger to all workers who live in that city,” he was quoted as saying.
“So do we in Chicago and all across the country want a nation of cities dominated and occupied by massive corporations where only the rich and white can live and the vast majority of us must live on the edges of the city and society living in deeper and deeper poverty?”
His professional history, according to LinkedIn, includes a role as an oral history researcher at The HistoryMakers, an organization dedicated to preserving African American narratives.
The nonprofit’s website once listed a biography for Rodriguez, since taken down, stating that he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“Prior to joining The HistoryMakers in 2023, he worked as a content writer for commercial and noncommercial firms in the technology space, both national and regionally based,” the page read.
“He enjoys reading and writing fiction, live music, film, and exploring new places.”
Rodriguez was in custody Thursday morning, undergoing interrogation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department as well as the FBI, while investigators attempted to piece together a clearer profile of his background and motivations.
Eyewitnesses said Rodriguez appeared agitated as he walked back and forth outside the museum shortly before the shots were fired.
Bystanders, not realizing the danger, reportedly offered him water, thinking he was in distress and needed assistance.
According to both witnesses and law enforcement officials, when police confronted him, Rodriguez pulled out a red keffiyeh and began shouting, “Free Palestine,” several times.
Footage captured after the shooting shows Rodriguez — dressed in a suit jacket and slacks — being escorted away in handcuffs.
{Matzav.com}
The House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s ambitious tax and spending package by a razor-thin margin early Thursday, with a 215-214-1 vote, narrowly beating Speaker Mike Johnson’s Memorial Day target. Two Republicans, Reps. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, broke ranks and voted alongside every Democrat. Meanwhile, Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland abstained by voting “present,” effectively enabling the measure to pass.
With House approval secured, the bill now heads to the Senate for its next hurdle.
“The media and the Democrats have consistently dismissed any possibility of House Republicans succeeding in our mission to enact President Trump’s America First agenda,” Johnson declared in a statement following the vote. “Once again, they have been proven wrong.
“Today, the House has passed generational, nation-shaping legislation that reduces spending, permanently lowers taxes for families and job creators, secures the border, unleashes American energy dominance, restores peace through strength, and makes government work more efficiently and effectively for all Americans.
“House Democrats voted against all of it — which clearly proves they want tax hikes on their constituents, open borders, and Medicaid for illegal immigrants.
“We look forward to the Senate’s timely consideration of this once-in-a-generation legislation and stand ready to continue our work together to deliver The One Big Beautiful Bill to the president’s desk.”
Rep. Rick Allen of Georgia added his own praise for the bill and urged quick Senate action.
“House Republicans have met the moment before us with passage of today’s historic legislation,” Allen said in a statement. “Through months of hard work, valuable input from all Members of our conference, and a clear mandate from 77 million Americans — the House has delivered the people’s agenda.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act codifies President Trump’s priorities by providing resources to secure the border, making a generational investment in America’s defense, bolstering domestic energy dominance, avoiding the largest tax hike in history, and protecting our most vulnerable communities.
“My colleagues in the Senate must move expeditiously in passing our bill and sending it to President Trump’s desk. The sooner this legislation is signed into law, the sooner our economy will experience record growth and American families, workers, and businesses will see the relief they have long deserved.”
Among the bill’s major provisions are the extension of Trump’s 2017 tax reforms, new deductions targeting service workers and borrowers, sharp reductions in climate-related subsidies, and an increase in military and immigration enforcement budgets. It also calls for stricter eligibility rules for low-income aid programs, including healthcare and food assistance.
The legislation also lifts the national debt ceiling by $3.8 trillion, setting a new cap of $36.2 trillion, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
In a dramatic overnight session, Republicans stayed on the House floor into the early hours to ensure the bill’s passage. With President Trump applying pressure behind the scenes and Johnson managing competing demands within the party, the GOP ultimately unified to push the bill through just before dawn.
Facing internal divisions and mounting urgency, many conservatives relented and supported the legislation after Trump personally lobbied them at a White House meeting. Debate began just before midnight, and by morning, the bill had passed by a single vote.
“To put it simply, this bill gets Americans back to winning again,” said Johnson.
The road to passage was marked by a whirlwind of legislative activity, with nonstop committee hearings and backroom negotiations. Republican lawmakers argued that the bill fulfills the mandate given to them by voters and will reignite economic momentum.
Trump personally intervened multiple times, meeting with GOP members in Congress and hosting discussions at the White House. Prior to the vote, his administration issued a blunt warning: “Failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.”
A centerpiece of the package is the continuation of $4.5 trillion worth of tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 overhaul, now accompanied by several new tax breaks promised during his 2024 campaign, including exemptions for tipped wages, overtime, and auto loan interest.
To offset the resulting revenue losses, Republicans proposed curbing federal benefits such as Medicaid and food assistance by enforcing stricter work requirements. At the same time, the bill rolls back tax credits for clean energy initiatives enacted under President Biden.
The proposal also injects an additional $350 billion in federal spending, with $150 billion directed to military efforts — including Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” defense system — and the remainder earmarked for border enforcement and deportation initiatives.
The CBO projected that these changes would leave approximately 8.6 million people without healthcare and reduce monthly food aid for 3 million others. While the wealthiest Americans would see increased resources under the plan, the poorest households would experience a decline.
In a passionate critique, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries read aloud constituent letters highlighting the potential harm of the cuts. “This is one big ugly bill,” he said.
Lacking the votes to block the bill, Democrats instead launched a series of procedural maneuvers and floor speeches to voice their opposition. One of their first moves was a failed attempt to adjourn debate immediately after it resumed.
“In the dark of night they want to pass this GOP tax scam,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar of California.
Other Democrats denounced it with terms like “big, bad bill” and “big, broken promise.”
Johnson faced a delicate balancing act to secure passage, managing a fractured Republican caucus. Fiscal hawks demanded more dramatic spending reductions, while moderates hesitated over policy changes that might hurt their districts.
A major sticking point involved a concession to Republicans from high-tax states, who won an expansion of the SALT deduction from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning up to $500,000 — a provision that sparked backlash from fiscal conservatives.
To win over skeptics, GOP leadership unveiled a late-night 42-page amendment containing various changes. These included moving up the timeline for implementing Medicaid work requirements to December 2026 and accelerating the phaseout of renewable energy credits.
They also added unexpected measures, like a $12 billion fund for the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse states that support federal deportation and border operations.
In a symbolic gesture, a proposed children’s savings program originally named “MAGA” accounts was renamed “Trump” accounts in honor of the president.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana dismissed Democratic warnings about the bill’s consequences. “We can unlock the ‘Golden Age’ of America,” she said, referencing Trump’s slogan.
By dawn, it appeared that most holdouts had come around. Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina remarked that they “got some improvements.”
Still, two Republicans opposed the measure. Massie, a prominent critic of deficit spending, reiterated his concerns: “This bill is a debt bomb ticking,” he warned.
Rep. Harris chose not to oppose the bill outright but instead voted present, citing the need for more deliberation. A few other Republicans were absent.
A full breakdown of the bill’s financial impact is still underway.
The package includes provisions to raise the standard deduction to $32,000 for married couples, lift the child tax credit to $2,500, and introduce a $4,000 deduction for qualifying seniors to ease the tax burden on Social Security income.
To rein in federal spending, the legislation requires childless, able-bodied adults on Medicaid to engage in at least 80 hours per month of work or approved activities. Similar conditions would apply to those receiving food stamps through SNAP, extending to individuals as old as 64 and some parents of school-aged children.
Republican lawmakers said the changes aim to eliminate inefficiencies and misuse in federal assistance programs.
{Matzav.com}
Nike is preparing to hike prices on a range of its products in response to the upcoming tariffs imposed by President Trump.
The company is planning to raise prices on gear and clothing produced overseas, with different levels of increases depending on the product category. Footwear in the $100 to $150 range will see a $5 increase, while shoes priced above $150 could jump by $10, according to a source who spoke to The Hill.
These price changes are expected to roll out by June 1, roughly four weeks before the full implementation of Trump’s tariff plan.
Although a 90-day grace period was granted for some countries—including Vietnam, where Nike manufactures a significant share of its products—those exemptions are temporary. The tariff rate on imports from Vietnam, which began at 46 percent, has been scaled back to 10 percent for the duration of the pause. Meanwhile, Chinese-made Nike products are being hit with a 30 percent tariff as they enter the U.S. market.
Full enforcement of the tariffs is scheduled to return on July 8, ending the president’s 90-day suspension of duties on several trading partners.
Despite these shifts, Nike is expected to keep prices steady on some of its best-known product lines. A person close to the company’s plans said that prices for the Jordan brand, Air Force 1s, children’s merchandise, and items under $100 will remain unchanged.
“We regularly evaluate our business and make pricing adjustments as part of our seasonal planning,” a Nike representative said in a statement to The Hill.
Nike isn’t the only major company adjusting to the new tariff landscape. Retail giants Walmart and Apple are also expected to raise their prices in response to the changes.
{Matzav.com}
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on Thursday condemned the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., calling it a “heinous antisemitic murder.”
Netanyahu attributed the attack to “blood libels against Israel,” suggesting that incitement and false accusations against the Jewish state had fueled the violence.
According to a statement from his office, Netanyahu spoke with Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yehiel Leiter and received “an immediate update on the details of the incident,” while also expressing his support for the envoy and the embassy staff.
The prime minister also spoke with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who “detailed everything currently known about the identity of the murderer and the two embassy staff members who were killed.”
According to the statement, Bondi told Netanyahu that she was “deeply sorry,” and that “President Donald Trump is personally involved in managing the response to the incident.” She assured the prime minister that “the United States will ensure the murderer is brought to justice” and conveyed her condolences “to the families of the young couple who were soon to be engaged.”
Netanyahu thanked both Bondi and Trump “for their clear stance against antisemitism.”
In his remarks, the prime minister stated:
“We are witnessing the horrific price of antisemitism and the rampant incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel result in spilled blood, and they must be fought with all our might. My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman whose lives were abruptly cut short by a vile antisemitic murderer. I have instructed to reinforce security arrangements at Israeli missions around the world and to increase protection for our representatives.”
Leiter revealed that the victims were a couple about to be engaged. The man had recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose next week in Yerushalayim.
The shooting occurred near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., following a Young Diplomats Reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
The suspected shooter, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” after the attack and was apprehended at the scene. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.
Israeli leaders call D.C. murders antisemitic terror
Other Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum responded with outrage and sorrow following the murder in the U.S. capital, describing the attack as a clear act of antisemitic terrorism fueled by global incitement.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared: “The murder tonight in Washington is a continuation of the murder in Bruchin and a continuation of the massacre in Nir Oz [on Oct. 7, 2023].” Tzeela Gez, 30, was killed in a Palestinian terrorist attack outside Bruchin, Samaria on May 14 while on her way to the delivery room.
“The same burning antisemitic hatred, which is now aimed at negating the existence of the State of Israel. For thousands of years, the people of Israel have been dealing with the desire to destroy us. They could not and will not be able to. This people is stronger than any hatred and will overcome its enemies’ desire for murder,” he said.
“I have no doubt that the authorities in Washington will bring the full severity of justice to bear on the despicable murderer and will work to protect Jewish communities and Israeli institutions. My deepest condolences to the families of the embassy employees. The entire nation is with you and embraces you,” he concluded.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated: “I was shocked to hear about the murderous attack in Washington, in which two Israeli embassy employees paid with their lives. Sending my condolences to the dear families who lost their loved ones, and encouragement to Israel’s foreign forces, who are fighting our war around the world hour by hour.
“Unfortunately, anti-Semites around the world draw strength from villainous politicians in Israel, who accuse IDF soldiers of murdering children as a hobby,” he said.
Israeli opposition figure Yair Golan, a former IDF deputy chief of staff and leader of the Democrats Party, ignited outrage this week after claiming the Israeli government was “killing babies as a hobby” amid military operations in Gaza.
The D.C. victims’ blood “is on their hands,” wrote Ben-Gvir.
Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar added: “I’m shocked by the murderous attack against the employees of our embassy in Washington, where I visited only a few days ago. I embrace all the employees of the diplomatic staff around the world in general and in the US in particular.
“When vile and irresponsible politicians slander Israel with false accusations of genocide and war crimes, it was clear that antisemitism would raise its head and Palestinian terrorists would receive a tailwind to carry out attacks.”
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said: “I am shocked and heartbroken by the brutal murder of two members of the Israeli delegation in an antisemitic shooting attack in the heart of Washington, D.C. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, the embassy staff, and the entire people of Israel at this painful hour.”
Noting that the shooter had reportedly shouted “Free Palestine,” Chikli said that it now been “proven in blood” the slogan was a call to violence.
“This slogan, parroted by activists, academics, and influencers, has become a banner not for peace but for hatred, violence, and the demonization of the Jewish state. Anyone who uses it now, in the wake of this attack, is not just echoing antisemitism—they are legitimizing the murder of Jews and Israelis,” he said.
He singled out French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating that each had, in various ways, “emboldened the forces of terror through their failure to draw moral red lines.”
Such “cowardice” had a price, he continued, “and that price is paid in Jewish blood.”
“We will continue to fight antisemitism everywhere – with clarity, courage, and zero tolerance,” he added.
Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu said, “Yair Golan’s blood libels are echoing among Nazis and Israel-haters around the world. We are now paying the price for them in the murderous attack in Washington, and history teaches us that we will pay even more in the future. Yair, the blood of the embassy employees is on your hands and those of your associates. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the murders an example of what the slogan “Globalize the Intifada” means in practice. “The horrific double murder in Washington DC was an act of antisemitic terrorism and a direct result of the incitement we’ve seen at protests across the world,” he said. “This is what they always meant by ‘Globalize the Intifada.’ My thoughts and prayers are with all the staff of Israel’s embassy in the USA and with the families of the victims.”
Israel’s opposition National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz stated: “I am heartbroken and horrified at the vile antisemitic murder of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington D.C this morning. What starts as ‘globalize the intifada’ on college campuses not surprisingly ends in cowardly murder shouting ‘free Palestine’ on the streets.”
He extended his condolences to the victims’ families, and said his thoughts were with Jewish communities in the United States, and with the American people.
“Israel and the United States will stand together stronger than ever, and overcome, this evil,” he concluded. JNS
{Matzav.com}
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Two Israeli embassy employees tragically lost their lives Wednesday night after being shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were not only coworkers but also reportedly just days away from becoming engaged.
The attack occurred as the couple left the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception around 9 p.m. The Israeli Embassy in Washington shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, mourning the loss of two cherished team members. “Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives,” the Embassy of Israel to the USA wrote on X.
The statement continued, “This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”
According to Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring just days earlier and planned to propose during an upcoming trip to Yerushalayim.
Both individuals served at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Lischinsky, originally from Israel, had been working as a research assistant in the Political Department since September 2022. His background included three years of service in the Israel Defense Forces, as noted on his LinkedIn profile.
Milgrim, an American Jew with academic credentials from the University of Kansas and American University, joined the embassy’s Public Diplomacy department in November 2023. Her responsibilities included organizing delegations and missions to Eretz Yisrael.
The reception they attended was hosted by the AJC and is considered its flagship annual event, bringing together Jewish professionals aged 22 to 45 along with members of the diplomatic corps. This year’s theme focused on channeling pain into purpose and addressing humanitarian concerns in the Middle East and North Africa.
After the event concluded at the museum’s location on 575 3rd St. NW, just steps from both the FBI field office and the US Attorney’s Office, the couple and two others were targeted in a sudden act of violence.
DC Police Chief Pamela Smith explained that the shooter, Elias Rodriguez, had been observed lingering near the museum before suddenly opening fire on the group. He then discarded his weapon and fled into the museum, where he confessed to the attack. During his arrest, he reportedly yelled “Free, free Palestine.”
Just under two weeks before their deaths, Lischinsky and Milgrim had taken part in an Israeli Independence Day celebration hosted at the embassy. In a post featuring a photo of the smiling couple, Lischinsky had written, “We are deeply grateful for the historic alliance with our steadfast partner, the United States and the great American people, who have stood by our side. I look forward to working with this administration to bring about more security, freedom and peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu denounced the killings as a heinous act of antisemitism. “We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost,” Netanyahu said Thursday morning. “My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer.”
In light of the attack, Netanyahu urged all Israeli embassies and diplomats abroad to bolster their security.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, in remarks shared with CNN, said he had reached out to Lischinsky’s father and offered words of comfort. He stated, “was a warrior on our diplomatic front that fell just like a soldier on the battlefield.”
Sa’ar also noted that he had feared such a tragedy for some time. “I have been worried for the past few months that something like this would happen and it did, and the list of fallen foreign service members has grown today,” he said. He condemned the shooting as “toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world.”
President Trump also weighed in, strongly denouncing the violence. “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
{Matzav.com}
Most voters in New York are hoping to see someone other than Governor Kathy Hochul secure the governor’s seat in the next election, according to a newly released poll.
A Siena College survey published Tuesday reveals that 55 percent of respondents said they want “someone else” in office next year, while just 36 percent backed Hochul. This represents a 10-point drop in net support from the previous month, when 39 percent supported her and 48 percent preferred a different candidate.
The decline in support is primarily driven by increased dissatisfaction among Republicans and independents. Over 80 percent of Republicans and nearly two-thirds of independents now say they would rather vote for someone else. That’s a noticeable jump from April, when 68 percent of Republicans and 55 percent of independents shared that sentiment.
Democrats, however, remain mostly steady in their backing of Hochul, with 51 percent of Democratic voters still favoring her as their choice for governor.
Even as she faces the potential of a primary challenge from within her own party, Hochul maintains a strong position. In a theoretical Democratic primary against Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Congressman Ritchie Torres, Hochul leads with 46 percent, compared to 12 percent for Delgado and 10 percent for Torres.
Currently, 50 percent of voters give Hochul a positive job approval rating, an increase from 48 percent last month. However, her overall favorability took a slight dip, now at 44 percent favorable versus 46 percent unfavorable. Last month, she had enjoyed a rare positive net rating for the first time in over a year.
“After hitting year-long highs in both Hochul’s favorability and job approval ratings last month, those numbers largely held constant this month, although Republicans, already very negative toward Hochul, turned even more so on both measurements,” Siena pollster Steven Greenberg explained in a statement.
On the Republican side, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik currently leads a possible GOP primary field with 35 percent support. Congressman Mike Lawler trails with 22 percent, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman follows with 11 percent.
Last month, before Stefanik was factored into the polling, Blakeman had been ahead of Lawler by six points.
Stefanik’s consideration of a gubernatorial run comes after her nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations was withdrawn. Both Lawler and Blakeman have also indicated they are contemplating campaigns, and Lawler is expected to make his decision public soon.
The GOP is eyeing an opportunity to gain ground in New York, citing Hochul’s lukewarm ratings and recent Republican progress in various regions of the state. But recognition remains an obstacle. Forty percent of voters say they don’t know enough about Stefanik to form an opinion, and even more are unfamiliar with Lawler and Blakeman.
Stefanik’s favorability is currently underwater by 8 points, with 25 percent viewing her positively and 33 percent negatively. Lawler sits at a net negative of 3 points, with 22 percent seeing him favorably and 25 percent unfavorably.
The poll was carried out between May 12 and May 15, surveying 805 registered voters. The margin of error for the results is 4.3 percentage points.
{Matzav.com}Tucker Carlson, during a recent episode of his podcast, echoed concerns raised by his guest about the overlap between President Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and the expansion of the Trump Organization’s operations in that region, suggesting it “seems like corruption.”
Speaking with Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL and current podcast host, Carlson prompted a discussion about how the Trump administration is performing. Ryan began by applauding Trump’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as certain reforms at the Department of Government Efficiency. However, he admitted there may have been excesses.
Despite his praise, Ryan expressed growing disillusionment with the administration, citing what he viewed as problematic optics around recent Trump Organization developments coinciding with diplomatic engagements abroad. “I’m going to get blasted for this, but, you know, I mean, I see all these negotiations going on in the Middle East and then — I don’t know when these buildings were approved or when these deals got done — but then I also see, like, oh, there’s a brand new hotel going up in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and another one going up in Doha, I think,” Ryan said.
He continued, “And I’m like, did these just get done — also with the deals which just happened over there — or was this earlier?”
The Trump Organization has recently undertaken a series of new ventures in the Middle East. These include a high-end golf resort in Qatar, developed with Qatari Diar, a company linked to the country’s sovereign wealth fund. Additionally, the Trump name is being used in two separate real estate projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Plans are also in motion to construct a Trump Tower in Jeddah and a hotel-golf complex in Oman.
At the same time, President Trump made stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, announcing major defense and economic partnerships. Among the most prominent was a new agreement with the UAE to establish what will be the largest artificial intelligence data center outside of the United States, located in Abu Dhabi. He also confirmed the easing of export restrictions on AI chip technologies to the region.
“That stuff kind of worries me,” Ryan said during the discussion.
“Well, it seems like corruption, yeah,” Carlson replied.
Ryan lamented the current polarized climate in the U.S., where he said political loyalty often trumps independent thought, making it difficult to offer honest critiques without facing backlash. He said people are “just blindly falling in line with ‘whatever that tribe says they’re going to do.’”
“I agree with every word,” Carlson responded.
Mediaite was the first outlet to bring attention to the segment.
In response to questions about whether President Trump’s recent trip might have overlapped with his business interests, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the idea. “Ridiculous” was how she characterized any suggestion that Trump’s foreign visits were connected to his family’s private ventures. “The president is abiding by all conflict of interest laws,” she said.
Administration spokespeople have maintained that there is a clear separation between Trump’s public role and his family’s business dealings, explaining that his holdings are placed in a trust managed by his children. Furthermore, The Trump Organization released a voluntary ethics pledge stating that the company will not enter into any direct business agreements with foreign governments.
{Matzav.com}
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By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
President Donald Trump returned from a highly publicized and triumphant visit to three Arab capitals, bringing with him promises of over $1 trillion in investments in the United States and elated by the royal treatment he received. It was, by many accounts, one of the most financially successful diplomatic trips ever undertaken by a U.S. president. Yet, unsurprisingly, his opponents offered little acknowledgment or credit.
Critics were quick to seize on certain aspects of the trip, notably his cordial remarks about the Qatari leader, widely recognized as a major supporter of Hamas. Others pointed to perceived diplomatic nuances throughout the visit that they deemed troubling for Israel. Despite these concerns, Trump reiterated his commitment to strengthening the Abraham Accords, which solidified peace agreements between Israel and four leading Arab nations.
In a notable meeting with a former Syrian militant turned political leader, Trump expressed his desire for Syria to pursue peace with Israel. Repeatedly in interviews, he emphasized his administration’s collaboration with Israel and voiced his admiration for Prime Minister Netanyahu. Still, detractors continued to raise alarms, suggesting that the president was drifting from his previously staunch pro-Israel stance.
Though there is no indication that Trump’s support for Israel has diminished, the controversy serves as a reminder of the ancient truth: “Lev melochim vesorim b’Yad Hashem—the hearts of kings and rulers are in the hands of Hashem.” Speculation and commentary cannot alter what will determine the future of this critical alliance.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its protracted campaign in Gaza, now nearing the two-year mark, with the stated goal of eradicating Hamas. Though much of the group’s leadership has been eliminated and significant caches of weapons and infrastructure have been destroyed, Hamas continues to fight on. A renewed and intensified Israeli military operation was launched last week, echoing earlier vows that this time they will not relent until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are returned.
Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon succeeded in weakening Hezbollah and contributed to the eventual fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Yet threats persist. In Yemen, the Houthi rebels, despite sustained losses, still possess the capability to launch ballistic missiles toward Israel. One recent missile aimed at an Israeli airport miraculously missed its target by mere feet, narrowly averting what could have been a major catastrophe.
Terrorism within Israel itself, though underreported internationally, continues. Just last week, an expectant mother en route to the hospital was murdered in a terror attack. Her newborn fights for his life.
Across the globe, Israel faces a chorus of condemnation. Many nations issue hollow diplomatic reprimands while offering tacit support for Hamas and its allies. Meanwhile, thousands continue to march through the streets of Western cities, shouting anti-Semitic slogans, fueling a climate of hostility and moral inversion.
We look from afar and wonder what we can do. What can we do to help those who fear for their safety? What can we do to make the world a better place and bring about positive change?
The answers are not found in the conventional or social media, nor in interpersonal conversations that take place between well-intentioned people.
The answers are in this week’s parsha of Bechukosai. In it, Hakadosh Boruch Hu simply lays out for us how we can live happy, successful, and blessed lives, and how peace can reign in the Land of Israel.
The posuk states quite simply, “Im bechukosai teileichu v’es mitzvosai tishmeru va’asisem osam.” If you will follow the chukim and mitzvos of the Torah, you will be blessed.
You wonder what you can do to bring peace to Israel. You wonder what you can do to help alleviate the fear and privation that people there face daily. The Torah in this week’s parsha promises that if you follow Hashem’s commandments, “vishavtem lovetach b’artzechem… venosati shalom ba’aretz ushechavtem v’ein macharid… v’cherev lo saavor b’artzechem – you will live safely in your land, there will be peace in the land, and you will sleep with no fear.”
Everything that is happening today is clearly prescribed in this parsha. The history of the Jewish people is all in Parshas Bechukosai. When we were good, life was good. And when the people sinned and strayed, then what the pesukim say will happen (26:14–44) happened.
Most everyone is familiar with the words of Rashi on the opening posuk of the parsha. His words are so often repeated in shmuessen and drashos that they have become marching orders to generations of bnei Torah of all ages. But it’s always good to review them.
The posuk states, “Im bechukosai teileichu v’es mitzvosai tishmeru va’asisem osam.” The Toras Kohanim states on the words “Im bechukosai teileichu” that “Melameid sheHakadosh Boruch Hu misaveh sheyihiyu Yisroel ameilim baTorah…” From here we see that Hashem desires for the Jewish people to be ameil in Torah.
How does the Toras Kohanim derive this lesson from the words “Im bechukosai teileichu,” which appear to indicate that Hashem wants us to follow His chukim? The posuk says nothing about studying Torah.
Apparently, this question was troubling Rashi, leading him to quote a different message from the Toras Kohanim: I would think that the words “Im bechukosai teileichu” refer to their literal meaning—namely, observing the commandments known as chukim. But if that is the case, why does the Torah then repeat itself and say “v’es mitzvosai tishmeru,” referring once again to mitzvah observance?
Therefore, he writes those immortal words that “Im bechukosai teileichu” doesn’t only mean that we will be blessed if we follow the chukim. Rather, they contain another message: “shetihiyu ameilim baTorah,” that you shall toil in Torah. Those who toil in Torah will be blessed.
When we study Torah, we are connecting with Hashem. We study His word, and it affects us. It affects our neshamos and the way we conduct ourselves. We become better people and more attached to our purpose in life, strengthening our very being.
Shetihiyu ameilim baTorah is the hymn of our yeshivos and kollelim, islands of intense limud haTorah that produce exalted people.
The person who sits at his shtender struggling to grasp a Tosafos, lost in a world inhabited by him and Hashem, is who we aim to emulate.
And it is thanks to him, and thousands more like him, that the world exists.
I recently came across a story that portrays the potency of Torah and the zechus of those who study and support it.
There was a kollel yungerman who learned b’hasmodah rabbah for many years and developed into an outstanding talmid chochom. His wife took care of all the needs of the family so that he was able to learn, unencumbered by anything that would interrupt his limud haTorah.
She felt unwell and visited a doctor, who sent her for a series of tests. A short time later, her husband received an urgent call from the doctor. “I need you to come to my office immediately, without your wife,” the doctor said.
When he arrived at the office, the doctor told him that his wife was seriously ill and inoperable. The illness had progressed and was in its late stages. Treatments would not be effective. He said that they could operate and give her treatments, but that would not save her life. “She has, at maximum, two to three months left to live, so I suggest that instead of her suffering from the pain and hardship of the treatments, which will not help her anyway, she should be left alone to die peacefully.”
Shaken by the prognosis, the husband and wife were not about to give up. They sent the results of the tests to other doctors and medical institutions, but nobody gave them any hope, and nobody wanted to engage in the losing proposition of treating her.
The yungerman went to see his rebbi, the renowned rosh yeshiva, Rav Shmuel Berenbaum, to discuss the matter with him. After sobbing together with his talmid, Rav Shmuel told him that he would give him a brocha and Hashem would help.
The husband implored his rebbi once more. He spoke of his wife, not just as a partner, but as the quiet soul behind every line of Torah he had learned. She carried every burden so he need not carry any, tending to his and the family’s needs with love and devotion, asking for nothing, so he could learn without pause and without worry.
Rav Shmuel Berenbaum thought for a while and then said, “If this is truly the case, you have no need to worry. Hashem will help you and everything will turn out fine.”
The husband returned home and told his wife what the rosh yeshiva said, and they breathed a little easier.
Some time passed, and then came an unexpected call from a doctor representing one of the hospitals they had reached out to. He told them that the hospital was preparing to test an experimental treatment, something never tried before, and something that, after what followed, would never be tried again. He said that the chances of the treatment being effective were very slim and that it was likely to kill some of the patients they tried it on, so they were reaching out to terminal patients who had no other medical hope of survival.
The trial included twenty patients. Eighteen of them died during the trial. Two of the patients survived the treatments. One of them was the yungerman’s wife.
For weeks following the treatments, she was in a bad state, barely hanging on to life. But after three months, she began improving, until she totally recovered. She has remained healthy since then.
When the yungerman returned to his rebbi to share with him the news of his wife’s recovery, Rav Shmuel said to him, “Now I will tell you what I did when you left after telling me about your wife and her prognosis.
“When you went out, I locked the door and opened the Gemara that sat on the table before me. On the page that I opened to, the Gemara cited Abaye and Rava. I looked at the Gemara and said to them, ‘Since I was 16–17 years old, I have been studying your Torah and toiling over your teachings. I never asked you for anything and will never again, but now I will ask you for something. There is this person who is areingeton in studying your Torah day and night, and has been for decades. All of his learning is the zechus of his wife, who is totally devoted to enabling him to learn day and night. I am asking you, therefore, to do what you can to help her.’”
Torah is not merely a study. It is a bond between Heaven and earth, a force that bends the natural order when held with purity and devotion.
Just as the posuk promises, we see the power of ameilus baTorah, of those who sacrifice for it quietly behind the scenes. The pages of the Gemara absorb not just the words of the one who learns, but the whispered prayers, the missed meals, and the silent burdens borne by those who support that learning.
A wife gave everything, allowing her husband to be a yungerman who learns without pause. Her merit was so pure, so intertwined with the holiness of Torah, that even when medicine gave up, the zechus of Torah pulled through for her.
We learn of a rebbi, a giant in Torah, whose tears spoke louder than science, whose plea was not made to anyone else but to Abaye and Rava, the eternal voices of Torah.
And we learn that the Torah responds. It remembers those who toil in it, who sacrifice for it, and who stand by those who do.
We learn that while the world may see test results, percentages, and probabilities, Hashem sees mesirus nefesh and hears heartfelt tefillos.
And we learn that when a Jew opens a Gemara with tears in his eyes and faith in his heart, he is never alone. He is connected to Hashem and to the Tannoim and Amoraim in a deeper way than he can imagine. The world was created for Yisroel and for Torah, and when we learn Torah, we are fulfilling our mission and sustaining the world.
It is tragic that the leaders and the majority of the people in Israel do not appreciate this fact.
At a time when Israel desperately needs zechuyos to persevere in its existential battle against the forces of evil, the left’s deep-seated hostility toward Torah blinds them to the lessons of Jewish history. Just a few generations ago, ehrliche Yidden gave everything they had to observe mitzvos and study Torah, despite hardship and persecution. Now, their descendants, driven by leftist, secularist ideology, are waging a campaign against the very foundation of that endurance: Torah and those who dedicate their lives to it.
This is happening even as the country faces more enemies than it can manage and the European nations are lining up to recognize a Palestinian state.
One might expect introspection at such a moment. One might expect leaders to pause and ask: Why is the world turning against us? Why are there steady reports that the American administration is drifting away from us? Why do rockets still fall and soldiers still die? Why does internal terror persist? Where can we turn for a solution?
The answer is not hidden. It is written clearly in this week’s parsha. Study Torah. Support those who do. And Hashem will support you, fighting your physical and diplomatic battles on your behalf.
The message is open to all, waiting to be embraced.
A core part of being a religious, believing Jew is recognizing the centrality of Torah.
For as long as Jews have existed, Torah has been our identity, our mission, and our lifeblood. Those who strayed from it became detached from the Jewish people, their spiritual legacy fading with time. It is tragic that the leadership of the Jewish state has drifted so far from its roots that it now seeks to marginalize Torah by imprisoning, impoverishing, and otherwise punishing those who renounce materialism to devote themselves fully to its study.
And yet, despite their best efforts, yeshivos and kollelim are thriving. Organizations like Lev L’Achim, Shuvu, Oorah, and others are bringing more Jews back to Torah than ever before.
The answer lies before us. We must strengthen our own learning, introduce Torah to others, and cling ever more tightly to the eternal source of our nation’s strength. We must do more to support Torah and its causes.
In doing so, we will merit the brachos promised to those who uphold Torah, we will help bring peace to our land, and we will hasten the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our day.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Wednesday that there could be more Arab countries formalizing diplomatic relations with Israel within the coming months, as the administration continues to prioritize expanding regional normalization, especially with Saudi Arabia, according to AFP.
Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rubio expressed optimism about the trajectory of these diplomatic efforts. “I think we may have good news, certainly before the end of this year, of a number of more countries that are willing to join that alliance,” Rubio said, referring to the Abraham Accords.
These accords, established under President Donald Trump’s leadership, marked a historic shift in the Middle East when the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco each signed agreements to normalize ties with Israel — breaking a decades-long freeze in Arab-Israeli diplomacy.
Progress with Saudi Arabia had seemed promising until Hamas launched a brutal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack derailed the momentum, prompting Saudi leaders to suspend further movement toward a normalization deal backed by the United States.
Asked about where things stand now, especially following President Trump’s recent visit to Riyadh, Rubio said, “I think there’s still a willingness to do it.”
He acknowledged that obstacles remain. “Certain conditions are impediments, October 7 being one of them, but the Saudis have continued to express an interest, as have the Israelis, in reaching that agreement,” he explained.
In earlier remarks last September, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made clear that normalization would hinge on the establishment of an “independent Palestinian state” — a demand that Saudi Arabia has consistently reiterated since then.
Later, he went further in his criticism of Israel, describing the country’s military campaign in Gaza as “genocide.”
{Matzav.com}
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Two employees from the Israeli embassy were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., this evening. One of those killed was confirmed to be a member of the Israeli diplomatic staff.
Barak Ravid of Axios reported on X that the two victims were embassy staffers and had been shot at point-blank range. His report cited a spokesperson from the Israeli embassy as the source.
The attack took place just outside the museum during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, drawing heightened concern due to the nature and location of the incident.
ABC News reported that the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is spearheading the investigation into the shooting, indicating that authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness.
Law enforcement officials revealed that a potential suspect is currently being held for questioning as the investigation progresses.
According to ABC, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting unfolded, signaling the gravity of the incident.
“Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” Bondi posted on X.
Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, responded to the attack online, labeling it an act of hatred. He posted, “The fatal shooting that took place outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, in which Israeli embassy employees were also injured, is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
Danon added, “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives everywhere in the world.”
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, shared a statement on X expressing sorrow and shock. “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue. At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and pledging swift justice. “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims.
“We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”
{Matzav.com}After an all-night session, House Republicans managed to move the massive One Big Beautiful Bill Act past the Rules Committee late Wednesday, setting the stage for a vote by the full House.
The committee, controlled by the GOP, approved the sweeping legislation in an 8–4 vote just before 11 p.m., with members divided strictly along party lines.
The session had begun at 1 a.m. that morning to comply with the rule granting Democrats two full days to submit their dissenting views before final consideration.
During the final stretch of debate, a Manager’s Amendment was introduced. This revision included numerous last-minute changes to the bill, among them a provision significantly raising the cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions by 400%.
More than 500 Democratic amendments were introduced during the extended proceedings, but none were adopted, as Republicans stayed unified in rejecting them.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has been pushing to get the bill passed before the House departs for its Memorial Day recess. However, a narrow GOP majority and a few undecided members are making the outcome uncertain.
With the Rules Committee now having approved the measure, Republican leaders can move the legislation to the floor for a vote under a simple majority threshold, avoiding the more difficult two-thirds vote required had they bypassed the committee process.
Nonetheless, the margin for error remains slim. With Republicans holding a 220–213 edge in the House, they can lose no more than three votes—assuming all members are present and voting.
To become law, the bill must also make it through the Senate. It has been crafted to qualify under budget reconciliation rules, which allow it to skirt the 60-vote threshold needed to defeat a Democratic filibuster.
Despite Republican control of the Senate, with a 53–47 majority, not every GOP senator is on board. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have each expressed opposition to the current draft.
President Trump visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to meet with House Republicans, rallying them to support the legislation and praising Speaker Johnson for his leadership.
“It’s not a question of holdouts, we have a tremendously unified party,” Trump told reporters about the chances of getting the votes. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a party like this. There are some people that want a couple of things that maybe I don’t like or they’re not going to get.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is intended to serve as Trump’s defining legislative push of the year—and potentially of his second term—encompassing a wide range of conservative policy goals in one enormous package.
Among its core elements are the renewal of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, exemptions from taxes on tips and overtime income, deep cuts to federal spending, increased defense funding, and sweeping changes to energy and border security policies.
Here are the main features included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:
• A permanent extension of the personal tax cuts introduced in 2017, with some revisions.
• Temporary tax exemptions for income earned via tips, overtime work, and interest on auto loans.
• A new deduction for seniors that substitutes for eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, which cannot be touched under reconciliation rules due to the Byrd Rule.
• A dramatic expansion of the SALT deduction cap, raising it to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000 annually.
• An increase in the national debt ceiling by $4 trillion, anticipated to be necessary by late summer if no action is taken.
• A $175 billion boost for border security, which includes $46.5 billion dedicated to constructing a wall along the southern border.
• An infusion of $150 billion into the military, allocating funds for missile defense (including the space-based Golden Dome), naval expansion, ammunition replenishment, and border operations.
• A requirement that able-bodied adults aged 19–64 on Medicaid perform 80 hours per month of work, school, or volunteer activity to keep benefits.
• Reduced reimbursement rates for states that extend Medicaid to undocumented immigrants.
• States with excessive errors in SNAP benefits will be required to share the program’s costs.
• New fast-track permitting for natural gas projects, provided developers pay 1% of the project’s value or $10 million—whichever is lower.
• Elimination of the Biden administration’s target for two-thirds of new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2032.
• An increase in the SNAP work requirement age for able-bodied adults without dependents from 54 to 64.
• The creation of “Trump” savings accounts for children born between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2028, with a $1,000 federal contribution.
• Provisions barring large abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds.
• Restrictions on using Medicaid to cover transgender-related surgeries.
• Repeal of the $200 tax on gun silencers.
• A new tax of up to 21% on certain large university endowments.
• Consolidation of federal student loan programs into two repayment options: a standard plan over 10 to 25 years, and a more lenient “repayment assistance” plan.
• The removal of several measures from the Inflation Reduction Act.
• A program to modernize the country’s air traffic control systems.
Several changes were included in the 42-page Manager’s Amendment. These included renaming “MAGA” accounts to “Trump” savings accounts, removing silencers from the 1934 National Firearms Act, scrapping a plan to sell federal lands in Nevada and Utah, accelerating the Medicaid work requirement timeline to no later than December 31, 2026, and launching a $12 billion program to reimburse states for border security efforts dating back to January 2021.
Throughout the bill’s development, five contentious issues have sparked disagreement among Republicans: the SALT cap expansion, when to begin Medicaid work requirements, how to alter state reimbursements under Medicaid, and the bill’s impact on the federal deficit.
Fiscally conservative Republicans and those representing high-tax states have often clashed over these provisions, with negotiations stretching on for months as leaders tried to reconcile competing priorities.
{Matzav.com}
President Trump’s new tax proposal builds on the foundation laid in 2017, aiming to extend many of those cuts that are set to expire at year’s end. This continuation ensures that paycheck deductions for most Americans remain unchanged.
The bill also introduces a series of new tax reductions. Though many of these are designed to sunset in a few years, they are intended to deliver short-term financial relief and economic stimulus.
Personal income tax rates will stay the same
One major holdover from the 2017 law is the reduced personal income tax rates. These brackets — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% — will be preserved under the current legislation. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), keeping these rates will cost the federal government $2.2 trillion in lost revenue by 2034. President Trump had briefly considered reinstating the 39.6% top rate but has since dismissed the idea.
If the cuts were allowed to expire, tax brackets would shift to 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35%, and 39.6%. Only the 10% and 35% rates were untouched by the 2017 tax changes.
The higher standard deduction and cancellation of personal exemptions will remain
Another key component is the continued use of the nearly doubled standard deduction, now temporarily raised by $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for couples over a four-year span. With no return of personal exemptions, the streamlined filing process remains intact.
For 2024, the standard deduction stands at $14,600 for individuals and $29,200 for married couples. While the expanded deduction is expected to reduce revenues by $1.3 trillion over the next decade, removing personal exemptions is estimated to increase federal revenue by $1.9 trillion — creating a net fiscal gain between the two provisions.
No taxes on tips or overtime pay
A new temporary measure allows workers to avoid taxes on tips and overtime pay, though it is scheduled to expire in 2028. While this may benefit some workers, those in the restaurant industry worry it might discourage customers from tipping.
“I’m afraid that people are going to want to tip less with that income not being taxed,” said a New York City bartender.
He also raised equity concerns within the workplace: “In the industry, the bigger concern is, why would the front-of-house not pay taxes when the back-of-house will still be paying taxes because they don’t get tips?”
Tax professionals caution that these changes could increase the burden on both employers and employees when it comes to compliance. Depending on how the IRS implements the policy, new forms and reporting rules may be necessary.
An additional tax break for seniors
To aid older Americans, the bill includes an additional $4,000 deduction for seniors who fall below a specific income level. This new deduction adds to the $15,000 standard deduction and the already existing $2,000 deduction for senior filers.
While on the campaign trail, President Trump vowed to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits — which are taxed again after being funded by payroll taxes. Though the current measure does not eliminate those taxes, it functions as a workaround, since major changes to entitlement programs are barred under the budget reconciliation process Republicans are using to pass this bill.
The grand finale of the SALT cap
The provision generating the most intense internal debate is the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Early proposals, like raising the cap to $30,000, were rejected by lawmakers from high-tax states. A new option introduced Tuesday suggests increasing the cap to $40,000 for those earning $500,000 or less, with that threshold rising 1% annually over the next decade.
No matter the outcome, this will be one of the costliest parts of the bill. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that lifting the cap could cost as much as $1 trillion over ten years.
The SALT cap also affects other areas of the tax code, including the extended higher standard deduction and the effective repeal of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which itself carries a $1.4 trillion price tag.
“Even if you live in a place like New York, the combination of repealing the AMT and the $10,000 SALT cap was actually still positive for you. You were better off with the SALT cap because you lost the AMT than you would have been if the law hadn’t happened at all,” Tax Policy Center senior fellow Howard Gleckman told The Hill.
“It was actually a good deal for people,” Gleckman said.
{Matzav.com}