It’s Friday.
Shitshow’s public schedule for…
What in the Fued?
Puddle v. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni…
Puddle told Italy’s LA7 television channel that Meloni, once known as the “Trump whisperer,” begged him for a photo and that he agreed because he “felt sorry for her,” according to the Washington Post.
“Probably she is happy that I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.” Trump told LA7. “I don’t know what to say. She begged me for a picture. She wanted a picture with me so badly.” He claimed he agreed because he “felt sorry for her.”
Washington Post. 06/19/2026.
Meloni fired back calling the story “completely fabricated”. And that she was “frankly astonished”.
Meloni, for her part, posted an extraordinary video rebuttal on Instagram, which included her harshest comments about Trump so far. “Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I’m frankly astonished,” Meloni said.
Washington Post. 06/19/2026.
As a result of his comments Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has canceled a planned trip to the US.
As part of the cascading diplomatic spat, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly canceled an appearance at an upcoming major economic conference in Miami. Other Italian officials also voiced outrage over Trump’s remarks.
Washington Post. 06/19/2026.
Not sure what’s worse: him being an international embarrassment or Meloni being shocked that a man who publicly insults women for sport eventually got around to insulting her.
What in the War?
It’s a shitshow.
Peace talks were due to start today, with Designated Scapegoat traveling to Europe, but after Israel attacked Lebanon again, still, whatever…Iran announced they would not be sending delegates to the IDK third round of negations, Designated Scapegoat canceled the trip.
And like seems to always happen Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to another ceasefire, there is talk that the ceasefire which was to begin at 4 p.m. local time on Friday has already be violated.
Vice President JD Vance canceled travel plans to Europe as officials on both sides are making it clear they will return to fighting if peace talks are not to their liking. https://t.co/ryK9bsfI53
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 19, 2026
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire that will begin at 4 p.m. local time on Friday amid escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon that complicated President Donald Trump’s efforts to reach a final peace agreement with Iran.
Still, the next round of U.S. talks with Iran remain on hold. Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Europe on Friday as was expected for negotiations to end the war with Iran, a White House official confirmed to USA TODAY late Thursday.
Trump, meanwhile, is set to spend the weekend at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. The president departs on Friday afternoon.
USA TODAY. 06/19/2026.
Is it or isn’t the Strait of Hormuz open?
Also, while Fars is quoting the MFA as saying Hormuz is open…
— Rory Johnston (@Rory_Johnston) June 19, 2026
… it's also saying that it should be re-closed, lol. pic.twitter.com/EIwU2b1foi
As usual everything in Trump2.0 is clear as mud…
What in the missing Congressman?
New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean has announced that he will return to Congress on June 30th.
Rep. Tom Kean Jr., plans to return to Capitol Hill on June 30 after missing more than 100 votes during a nearly four-month absence from Washington. https://t.co/8TmO1fwmtF
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 19, 2026
Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., plans to return to Capitol Hill on June 30 after missing more than 100 votes during a nearly four-month absence from Washington.
His chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, confirmed to NBC News on Thursday the date of Kean’s planned return. The New Jersey Globe first reported the news.
NBC News. 06/19/2026.
Just in time for a couple of days of work before they are off for the 4th of July holiday…
Today is Juneteenth.
The Library of Congress highlighted interviews with formerly enslaved Americans collected as part of the WPA’s Federal Writers’ Project.
For #Juneteenth: 70+ years after the Civil War, the WPA's Federal Writers' Project began interviewing elderly Americans who remembered being enslaved. These moving narratives & photos are now held here at the Library.
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) June 19, 2026
Narratives: https://t.co/KAH7z4Ya6R
Photos:… pic.twitter.com/B5rntlJcyI
The rest of the tweet says: Photos: https://loc.gov/pictures/item/2001696353/?loclr=twloc
And because history should be remembered and celebrated, here’s a little music for the day.
Nothing beats the original but please listen to this great cover of Optimistic!
— Renee (@PettyLupone) June 19, 2026
It features Brandy, Common, Robert Glasper, Karriem Riggins, and lovely tributes to local Mississippi activists at the end.
Love us. #Juneteenth https://t.co/g6kD1dRlgm pic.twitter.com/EJ1YBMXqC1
This is an Open Thread
