Primetime address highlights: President Trump says, without support, U.S. election system falls ‘catastrophically short’

• The European Court has upheld Spain's 2024 amnesty law, ruling that it is compatible with European Union legal standards. • The legislation, introduced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, grants amnesty to individuals involved in the Catalonia independence movement.

• The European Commission is urging Spain and Hungary to implement stronger anti-corruption reforms to improve judicial and transparency safeguards. • According to an annual Rule of Law report seen by POLITICO, Spain has made only limited progress in updating asset declaration requirements and conflict-of-interest rules for senior officials.

• The United States has announced the completion of its latest wave of attacks against Iran as part of the ongoing Middle East crisis. • In a significant political shift, over 100 House Democrats voted against a measure related to Israel, marking a rebuke of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

• President Prabowo faces a critical leadership test at the upcoming ASEAN summit in Manila, where he aims to reclaim Indonesia's traditional role as a regional powerhouse. • A primary objective for the Indonesian leader is to break the ongoing diplomatic deadlock regarding the violent crisis and political instability in Myanmar.

• The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued a directive prohibiting the deployment of Indian sailors on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. • This emergency measure applies to all ship owners, ship managers, and recruitment and placement service companies.

• The IMF has warned the UK against increasing public spending amid growing pressure to provide energy support for households. • The organization urges the government to ensure any aid is targeted and temporary, and offset by equivalent budget savings to maintain fiscal discipline.

• President Trump delivered a speech using selectively cited documents to claim that U.S. elections have been compromised for years and that officials suppressed evidence. • The President specifically referenced claims regarding Smartmatic, a company frequently targeted by conspiracy theories following his loss in the 2020 election.

• The White House is addressing critical concerns regarding election integrity and the security of voter registration data following the 2020 presidential election. • Reports indicate a massive loss of sensitive information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and political party preferences, which could be used for nefarious activities.

• An Iranian army spokesperson announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States agrees to accept the Iranian legal system. • The statement, reported by the Iranian Students' News Agency, establishes a direct link between the reopening of the critical waterway and U.S. diplomatic concessions.

• President Trump delivered a primetime address to the nation, coinciding with his increased pressure on Republicans to implement stricter federal voting rules before the November midterm elections. • The administration continues to obstruct offshore wind development, citing national security risks to justify halting major projects and buying back leases since late last year.

• The Trump administration's cuts to staff and resources have left government agencies underprepared to combat foreign influence and disinformation campaigns. • In 2024, China and Russia expanded their targeting beyond the presidential election to include various congressional races.

• President Donald Trump delivered a national address on Thursday night focusing on election security and the role of voting machines. • The speech specifically addressed concerns regarding foreign influence and the integrity of the voting process.