Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 - Epstein files vote blocked; Trump’s latest oval rant; China hacks SharePoint; 28 countries condemn Israel & more

Today’s Headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson ended the congressional session early to block a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein case files, just as the House Oversight Committee moved to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump’s deputy AG (and personal lawyer) is set to visit Maxwell in prison, while Trump dismissed it all as a “witch hunt.” During an Oval Office sit-in with Philippine President Marcos Jr., Trump called for Barack Obama to be charged with treason over the Russia investigation—prompting a rare rebuke from Obama’s office. Trump also claimed he’ll receive $20 million in ad commitments from Skydance Media—soon to merge with Paramount—on top of a recent $16 million settlement, prompting Senator Warren to consider an investigation. Meanwhile, Microsoft warned of a major China-linked cyberattack on SharePoint, impacting nearly 100 institutions. Abroad, 28 countries condemned Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza after 80 Palestinians were killed near an aid drop, and U.S.-Israel-Syria talks are expected amid Israeli strikes on Damascus. Trump also announced a new trade deal with Japan involving “reciprocal tariffs” and a vague $550 billion investment. Finally, the U.S. Olympic Committee banned trans women from competing in women’s sports, following a Trump executive order. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: House bails early for its August recess amid Epstein files uproar WaPo: Justice Dept. seeks meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell amid Epstein outrage AP News: Trump rehashes Russia investigation grievances after intelligence report WSJ: Trump Expects $20 Million More in Ad Dollars From ‘60 Minutes’ Settlement Axios: Microsoft hack risk spreads as cybercriminals and nation-states pile in ABC News: 28 countries sign statement calling for end of war in Gaza Axios: Scoop: U.S. to mediate Israel-Syria meeting Thursday to avoid new crises WSJ: Trump Says U.S. and Japan Reach Trade Deal Axios: U.S. Olympic committee bans trans women from competing in women's sports Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices