Why Trump Backed Down on Iran; Bill Gates Accuses Epstein of Possible Blackmail

Why Trump Backed Down on Iran; Bill Gates Accuses Epstein of Possible Blackmail

Just hours after threatening to hit Iran “very hard,” President Donald Trump reversed course and announced he was calling off those strikes. In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote that negotiations had “been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.” NBC News senior national security correspondent Courtney Kube analyzes the president’s surprising change of course and whether it truly signals an end to the war. Then: Billionaire Bill Gates is the latest powerful figure in Jeffrey Epstein’s orbit to testify on Capitol Hill about his connections to the late convicted sex offender. During a closed-door six-hour meeting, Gates accused Epstein of holding Gates’ extramarital affairs over him to try to re-engage and said he hoped his testimony would help the victims of Epstein’s abuse. NBC News anchor and senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson explains what we learned about the Gates-Epstein relationship and whether acting Attorney General Todd Blanche might be called to testify in the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Inflation Is Hitting Americans; JFK’s Grandson on His Congressional Run in New York

Inflation just hit its highest rate in three years, climbing in May to 4.2%. The surge has been driven largely by energy costs, which have been exacerbated by the war with Iran. After renewed attacks overnight by the U.S. and Iran, consumers worry sky-high gas prices and airline tickets could be lingering. Meanwhile, despite the recent strong jobs report, consumer prices are outpacing wage growth for the second month in a row. NBC News Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans explains why the economy is delivering such mixed messages. Then, Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is running for Congress in one of the most competitive districts in New York. Schlossberg shares why he sees himself as an “outsider,” his opposition to his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and whether his political aspirations stretch to the White House. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracks in U.S.- Israel Relations Emerge Over Iran; Trump’s UFC Birthday Bash

President Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. “must respond” to Iran shooting down a U.S. military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday. This comes after Iran and Israel exchanged fire for the first time since a ceasefire was reached in April, raising questions about how aligned the U.S. and Israel are in the push to end the war. NBC News International Correspondent Matt Bradley explains how the war has created political headwinds for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Then, preparations are underway for the UFC event scheduled for this weekend at the White House, which the administration says is a celebration of Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States. While the tickets to the UFC fights are free, a Trump-backed super PAC will host a $1M-per-person fundraiser the day before the event. NBC News Senior National Politics Reporter Matt Dixon breaks down why there’s a legal battle brewing over the fight and how it ties into the decadeslong friendship between President Trump and UFC CEO Dana White. Then, 2026 French Open Champion Mirra Andreeva shares why she always thanks herself after winning big matches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Maine and California Primaries Bode for November and How Knicks Fans are Dominating the NBA Finals

Voters are heading to the polls in four more states tomorrow. In Maine, Democratic candidate Graham Platner remains at the front of the pack, despite ever new controversies. Meanwhile, in California, ballots are still being counted from last week’s primaries, sparking allegations of election fraud by the Justice Department. NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki explains how these highly anticipated races set us up for a fiery general election in November. Then NBC Sports Play-By-Play Commentator Noah Eagle previews what could be the hottest week in sports all summer, with Game 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals AND the kickoff to the World Cup. Will the San Antonio Spurs have an answer to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden? And what are the teams to watch in the World Cup? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full interview: Trump says Iran ‘is not an endless war’ as conflict reaches 100 days

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, President Trump talks about the economy, the ongoing war with Iran and the possible path to peace. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.