Risky rescue of US crew downed in Iran relied on dozens of aircraft and subterfuge, Trump says  AP News The U.S. fighter jet was downed in Iran by a shoulder-fired missile  NBC News Two Planes Destroyed by U.S. During Rescue Operation  WSJ Hegseth Likens Easter Rescue of U.S. Airman to Resurrection of Jesus Christ  The New York Times Trump…

White House budget proposal silent on civilian federal pay raise  Federal News Network “We’re fighting wars”: Trump bets his presidency on the Pentagon  Axios White House Seeks $1.5 Trillion for Defense in New Budget Request  The New York Times The White House has a war-funding sales pitch the GOP might not buy  Politico US defense spending would rise $445bn…

Swalwell exits California governor’s race after assault allegations as rivals seek his supporters  AP News Eric Swalwell quits California governor race amid sexual misconduct claims  BBC Calls grow for Eric Swalwell to resign from House amid sexual assault allegations – US politics live  The Guardian Eric Swalwell Suspends Campaign for California Governor After Sexual Assault Allegations  The New York…

Trump Leaves Allies and Foes Guessing on Endgame for Iran  Bloomberg.com Entering War’s Third Week, Trump Faces Stark Choices – The New York Times  The New York Times Behind the Curtain: Trump’s escalation trap  Axios Trump keeps telling America he’s winning in Iran. He’s less clear in explaining how the war ends  AP News AP analysis: Two weeks into…