Overview of AM Update by SiriusXM
This episode covers a slate of major U.S. political and legal developments, led by the Justice Department opening a criminal perjury probe into E. Jean Carroll, President Trump refiling his defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepping in at the White House briefing, fresh reporting on a possible U.S.-Iran agreement, and the Coast Guard restarting its search for missing American woman Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas.
Key Stories
DOJ opens criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll
- The Justice Department is reportedly investigating whether E. Jean Carroll committed perjury in her civil cases against Donald Trump.
- The focus appears to be a 2022 deposition in which Carroll said no one else was paying her legal fees, while later disclosures showed some expenses were covered through a nonprofit backed by Reid Hoffman.
- The segment emphasized that perjury is a serious charge but difficult to prove, requiring prosecutors to show:
- false testimony,
- an unambiguous question,
- knowledge the answer was false,
- and that the lie was material to the case.
Trump refiles defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal
- Trump is trying again after a judge dismissed his original $10 billion defamation lawsuit over a report about a 2003 Jeffrey Epstein 50th birthday album.
- The article claimed Trump authored a letter included in the album; Trump denies it.
- His amended complaint argues the paper:
- presented the claim as fact without proof,
- failed to explain how the letter was obtained or verified,
- and omitted relevant denials.
- Dow Jones said it stands by its reporting and will defend the case.
Bessent fills in at the White House briefing
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepped in while press secretary Karoline Leavitt is on maternity leave.
- He pointed to strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and gains in average 401(k) balances as evidence the economy remains resilient.
- He also commented on rising inflation, which he framed within a broader positive economic picture.
Report on a possible Trump $250 bill
- Bessent addressed reporting that Trump administration officials are preparing designs for a $250 bill featuring Donald Trump.
- He said Treasury must follow current law, which bars living people from appearing on U.S. currency.
- His comments suggested Treasury can prepare designs, but any actual change would require legislation from Congress.
Treasury-IRS settlement and Trump tax return leak case
- Bessent declined to go into detail on a settlement involving the IRS leak of Trump’s tax returns.
- He described the matter as part of broader “weaponization” concerns and said Americans should not be targeted for political reasons.
- He referred questions to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
- Asked about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s threat of a state tax response, Bessent dismissed it bluntly.
U.S.-Iran talks may be moving forward
- Reporting from Axios and others suggested U.S. and Iranian officials may have reached a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire and begin nuclear-related negotiations.
- The reported framework includes:
- unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,
- removal of mines,
- limited sanction waivers for Iranian oil sales,
- and Iran agreeing not to pursue a nuclear weapon.
- Bessent said any deal would depend on Iran turning over highly enriched uranium and abandoning a nuclear program.
- The story follows recent military exchanges and claims of ceasefire violations in the region.
Coast Guard resumes search for Lynette Hooker
- The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened its search for Lynette Hooker, who disappeared in the Bahamas in early April.
- Her husband, Brian Hooker, said she fell overboard from a dinghy, but her daughter and other reporting have raised concerns about inconsistencies in his account.
- Investigators reportedly have GPS data that may conflict with his story and may have led search crews to the wrong area initially.
- Authorities are now searching a new underwater zone with U.S. support.
Main Takeaways
- The DOJ’s E. Jean Carroll probe could become a major new legal front in the Trump-Carroll saga.
- Trump is continuing to fight high-profile defamation battles, including against The Wall Street Journal.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is increasingly serving as a visible public spokesman for the administration.
- Iran-related diplomacy appears active, but any agreement remains uncertain and contingent on final approval.
- The search for Lynette Hooker remains active, with investigators now focusing on whether her husband’s account misled authorities.
Notable Lines
- On perjury: “Perjury cases are serious... but they’re much harder for prosecutors to prove.”
- On a proposed $250 bill: “At Treasury we prepare things in advance... but we will stick to the law.”
- On Newsom’s tax threat: “There’s no cure for stupid.”
Bottom Line
This update is a mix of legal, political, and international developments, with the biggest themes being Trump-related investigations and lawsuits, Treasury’s public role in defending administration policy, and a possible but still unfinalized diplomatic opening with Iran.