RTE could reportedly consider a rotating line-up of presenters with Patrick Kielty’s future as host still unconfirmed a month before the new season gets underway
With Patrick Kielty’s future on The Late Late Show still undecided, questions are being asked as to who could take over as host of the hit RTE show.
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And in a shock twist, presenters Kieran Cuddihy, Oliver Callan, Maura Derrane, Muireann O’Connell and Dermot Whelan are tipped to be given a month each as hosts.
RTÉ ‘s former commercial director Willie O’Reilly has revealed he believes the show could try a variety of presenters in a bid to find the right fit if a deal is not struck with Patrick Kielty soon.
The show’s team is due back to work next month to begin work on the 64th season of the long-running chat show, RSVP Live reports.
And Willie told The Irish Sun, he believes time is running out, with show bosses now under serious pressure to figure out a solution.
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“The Late Late Show is coming back shortly and still no one knows who’s presenting. RTE are really sailing close to the edge now”, he told The Irish Sun.
“They’re in very dangerous waters without a Late Late host. Both the public and advertisers could lose faith in the programme.”
Patrick Kielty had been on a three-year deal with RTE, earning €250,000 for each series. However, he still has not signed on for a new contract.
RTE’s director general has previously said he would “love” to keep Patrick Kielty as the host of The Late Late Show, as he defended extra payments to the star.
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Patrick was paid an additional €23,980 across 2024 and 2025 as he presented additional programmes beyond his standard contract.
RTE and Kielty had said his pay was €250,000. However, he was paid €266,323 in 2025 and €257,657 in 2024.
The national broadcaster said this was because it “required” Kielty to present “some additional programmes beyond his standard contract”.
Mr Bakhurst has previously said no one at RTE should earn more than he does, and there has been speculation that Kielty, who has finished a contract to present the Late Late Show, is waiting for Mr Bakhurst to receive a salary boost from the Government before negotiating his next term as host.
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Asked if he believed this to be the case, Mr Bakhurst said: “I don’t know – I’d love to get that pay deal sorted.”
Additionally, when asked if he wanted Kielty to return to the programme, he said: “I’d love to keep Patrick – he’s great.”
Pressed on whether he had a contingency plan, he told reporters: “I’m not going to say that – it’d drive up the cost of some other contingency plan.”
And now Willie told the publication that he believes the limited time left to find a replacement if Patrick doesn’t sign a new contract could force RTE into giving a number of high-profile presenters their chance to host next season.
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He said: “If Patrick isn’t coming back, RTE have very little space to find a new Late Late Show host. It would be a total disaster if RTE panicked and signed the wrong presenter on a three-year contract.
“It would make much more sense to appoint a caretaker host, like a caretaker manager for a soccer team. Or more likely, divide the Late Late next season up between different presenters.
“Let’s say Kieran Cuddihy, Oliver Callan, Maura Derrane, Muireann O’Connell and Dermot Whelan. You give them all a month hosting The Late Late Show. See what works, with the most successful made permanent host the following year.
“You could do that for one season. That would also allow RTE time to conclude a deal for 2028, if the presenter they want isn’t available this September.”
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The Late Late Show has only had four main hosts to date – Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, Ryan Tubridy and Patrick Kielty. If Patrick doesn’t return, it would be the shortest run ever, just three years compared to the 14 years achieved Tubridy, while Pat Kenny hosted for ten years, and Gay Byrne, 37 years.
Scotland came agonisingly short of a famous victory at the T20 World Cup as West Indies somehow won a tumultuous game at Headingley.
Put on the back foot by Stafanie Taylor’s 19-ball 47 not out and having lost four wickets for seven runs in their chase of 154, Darcey Carter, who was battling a calf injury, and Ailsa Lister took the Scots to the point of needing 22 from the last two overs.
Deandra Dottin was in tears while conceding 13 from the 18th over but Windies seamer Aaliyah Alleyne held her nerve through the tension to dismiss Carter for 59, Lister for 33 and Kirstie Gordon first ball in the penultimate over.
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Still Scotland refused to go quietly. They fought on to the point of needing 13 from the last four balls with two wickets left, only for Qiana Joseph, who had previously dropped catches and bowled two horribly-timed no-balls, to close out a seven-run win – Scotland dismissed for 146.
Scotland were superb for much of the first innings – athletic in the field and clever with the ball – but veteran Taylor, playing her first match of the tournament at 35, hit three sixes in her last five balls to boost an innings that was floundering at 85-5 in the 15th over.
That, ultimately, was decisive.
Having beaten Ireland for their first World Cup win on Saturday, Scotland’s hopes of progressing are not over but, after being denied a major scalp that would have given them a real shot at a semi-final place, they next play England on Saturday.
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West Indies are back in action on Sunday against Sri Lanka in Bristol.
Thousands of people in Greater Manchester headed to the polls on Thursday, June 18, to cast their votes in a by-election that could have huge consequences for the Labour government.
Voters in Ashton-in-Makerfield have selected a new MP after former Labour minister Josh Simons resigned to open up a path for Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster. The Greater Manchester mayor, who previously served as MP for Leigh between 2001 and 2017 before stepping down to run for the mayorship, has made his intentions to replace Sir Keir Starmer clear in recent weeks.
Mr Burnham’s return to the House of Commons would give him a launching pad to challenge the current premiership and put himself forward for the top job. Sir Keir has been fighting to stay in Number 10 after a disastrous set of results in the local elections in May, with several Labour members withdrawing their support for the prime minister since.
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The turnout for a by-election is usually lower than in a general election, but with the consequences of Thursday’s vote expected to reach far beyond the Greater Manchester constituency, it had been predicted that many more voters would be taking to the polls.
There are around 76,500 registered voters in the Makerfield constituency, according to the latest figures.
Now that the votes have been verified, it can be revealed that the turnout of the 2026 Makerfield by-election was 45,510 from an eligible population of 77,462. That makes it a turnout of 58.75 per cent.
In 2024, Mr Simons won the general election in Makerfield with 45.2 per cent of the vote, and a majority of 5,399 votes. The turnout for that election was 52.5 per cent with a total of 40,263 votes cast.
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In the 2019 general election, when Boris Johnson’s Tory government won a landslide victory, the turnout was 59.7 per cent. Labour candidate Yvonne Fovargue won that vote with 45.1 per cent of the vote. She had held the seat since 2010 but decided not to stand in the 2024 general election.
Makerfield has been seen as a safe Labour seat since its creation in 1983, with no other party having won it. However, during the local elections this year, Reform UK won 24 out of 25 seats on Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council that were up for election. Although, Labour suffered heavy losses, the party still managed to keep hold of its majority in the borough.
Makerfield is one of three parliamentary by-elections that took place on Thursday. The other two are in the Scottish seats of Aberdeen South, and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, where SNP MPs Stephen Gethins and Stephen Flynn had stood down after winning elections to the Scottish Parliament in May.
Trump did not directly respond to Khamanei’s statement, but posted on Truth Social that he expects a ceasefire to take effect “on all fronts”, including between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and that he expects countries in the Middle East to “maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations” to take place.
And today we are sharing a gallery of photos of York school proms through the years as the 2026 season begins.
Following months of revision and exams, the summer balls mark a stylish farewell for pupils in Years 11 and 13.
Over the years, thousands of teenagers have donned their glad rags to enjoy a VIP-themed party at some of the best venues in and around York, including leading hotels such as The Milner by the railway station and also York Racecourse
Flashback to Owen and Jack Bradshaw with the family tractor at York Racecourse for Jack’s school prom. Photo supplied
And in true prom tradition, some school leavers have gone all out to make a dramatic entrance.
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From horse‑drawn carriages, to sports cars, boats on the Ouse, to tractors, and even via horseback, creativity has never been in short supply.
We are sharing some our favourite school proms photos from recent years – and would love to see how this year’s prom-goers have stepped out in style for their big night.
2021: Rosie Henderson Holmes, Alex Shepherd and Tianna Wigginton, of Huntington School, York, were whisked away to a night to remember via boat decked out with rose-gold balloons spelling out ‘Prom 2021’. Photo by Heather Louise Photography
We will be sharing photos of school proms throughout York and the surrounding area in coming weeks, both in The Press and online
Recommended reading:
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And we would love to see your photos – and hear all about your stories.
If there is a special story connected to the school prom or pupil, we’d love to hear all about that too – and share with readers.
2023: Lily and Miss V riding to prom
You can get in touch with us via the ‘send now’ button below which allows you to quickly fire your favourite proms photos, info, and story straight to our news team.
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Today, a major astrological shift takes place as Chiron departs fiery Aries for grounded Taurus. This moves away from Chiron’s cosmic placement for the past seven years.
Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, this change will bring greater clarity. Let it alleviate some emotional baggage from your life.
Step into this new cosmic moment and let go of old habits. Don’t give energy to what no longer serves you.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday June 19, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
A major change occurs in the astrological calendar today, as the healer Chiron leaves your sign and arrives in the earthy Taurus for an initial three-month visit. For the past seven years, he has been urging you to develop your sense of individuality and come to terms with any perceived vulnerabilities. Now you have a chance to work on your personal value and worth.
A developing healing dimension has shaped up in your situation in the last year. It may have felt a little bit raw at times, but this has nudged you towards deeper insights and coming to terms with past hurts and disappointments. Now you can move more into the moment. This is a fine opportunity to discover your authentic self-worth rather than rely on others’ validation.
The Sun in Gemini forges a pivotal link to the powerful Chiron, which then relocates to the most sheltered area for you personally, for the next three months. Friends who really understand the deeper side of your nature can really show up and can be influential in the next three months. You can enjoy getting into nature with them or going for spa days or retreats.
If you have a well-established friendship group, today’s arrival of the complex Chiron into the most social part of your chart for three months may not impact on you obviously. Your natural and instinctive ability to tune into others can be amplified, and people can share their concerns more with you. You’ll likely happily oblige, but don’t lose yourself by being too giving.
The archetype of your sign gives you an aura of invincibility with your charisma sufficient to overcome ever challenge. Is that always how it feels? No? Well, if your professional success hasn’t always matched up, you may have been frustrated that the “stars” don’t deliver. The truth is, we’re all forged by our unique birth chart, not just our sign, but do push hard now for acclaim.
Knowledge comes in many forms. For some, it can be hard-earned life experience, developed at the sharp end of daily reality. For others, it can be born from academic prowess. Others, through a love of travel, culture, and languages. Whatever your special talents, they can shine out strongly now. Yet ironically, you can become more conscious of what you believe you lack.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
You could find yourself becoming more aware that within your innate desire for partnership, or at least cordial relationships with people in general, where you feel required to open up and make yourself vulnerable. This can be true of many of us, of course, but the transforming power of Chiron will likely flag this dynamic more powerfully over the next three months.
You may often find yourself giving friends brilliant relationship advice and can do so even more frequently in the months ahead. If you are looking to meet someone special, you may find yourself becoming more aware that, for all your consideration, others may not be so open to tuning into your relationship situation. Look to point your wisdom towards your own needs.
You’re one of the most freedom-loving members of the zodiac. Daily routines can be an anathema. You know that you have to do your bit, and do, but if it all gets too rigid and dull, your attention span plummets. In recent years, the chaotic energies of Uranus may have left a mark, but now healer Chiron urges you to embrace life’s finer details and your well-being.
In your early life, did you feel you had to be the adult in the room, or at least take on a lot of responsibility? If so, this may still echo. If embracing spontaneity and fun makes you feel uncomfortable, as if you should be attending to more virtuous and worthy demands, healer Chiron’s arrival in your pleasure sector, prompts you to look to become more at ease with joy.
Over the last seven years, your rebellious ruler Uranus, has stormed through the tender home and emotional part of your life. This disrupts but it also pushes us to break free of what no longer serves. If you have been affected by a separation, loss, home move, or have felt isolated, the potent energies of Chiron for the next three months can help you gently unpick things.
As a water sign, your senses and feelings define you. Yet we live in a world of fast exchanges and multiple types of messages, which can both amuse and stimulate or overwhelm. Working on your resilience to this welter of information is going to be a theme in the next three months. It’s not words, memes, or music; it’s the deeper meaning they hold that will call out to you.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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The former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager has been engaged in extensive talks with Rangers’ American chairman Andrew Cavenagh regarding their plans for the squad
Previous manager Danny Rohl had instructed his players to reconvene at their Auchenhowie training ground on Monday to commence preparations for the upcoming season.
However, the squad has now been informed to delay their return until Thursday, when they will be introduced to new manager McInnes for the first time.
The 54 year old is currently in the United States, where he had been on a family break.
He was also seen among thousands of enthusiastic Scotland supporters in Boston as he watched the national team’s opening World Cup triumph over Haiti last week. It’s anticipated he’ll attend the Gillette Stadium tomorrow evening to witness Steve Clarke’s side take on Morocco, reports the Daily Record.
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Meanwhile, Reach Sport understands the former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager has been engaged in extensive talks with Rangers’ American chairman Andrew Cavenagh as they start mapping out the alterations McInnes wishes to implement at the club.
He is due back in Glasgow within the next 72 hours, when he will intensify his assessment of the first-team squad he has taken over from Rohl, alongside the summer recruitment targets he aims to secure.
McInnes has signed a three-year contract at Ibrox and will now be tasked with restoring the club to the success it enjoyed in the late 1990s when he was part of the title-winning teams assembled by Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat. Meanwhile, Rohl has expressed his gratitude to the Ibrox club and believes they are now better placed to challenge for honours.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “As I move on to a new chapter, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone connected with Rangers.
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“It’s been an incredible honour to be part of this amazing club. Thank you to the players, staff and, of course, the brilliant supporters for the way you welcomed and backed us.
“It was a privilege to experience your passion and have you by our side.
“I would also like to thank Andrew for giving me the opportunity and his support throughout my time at the club.
“I’m proud of the work we all did together over the past year. While there is always more to achieve, I believe the club is in a stronger position and well placed for what lies ahead.
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“I will take with me many great memories and a huge amount of respect for this club and everyone connected to it.
“I wish you all nothing but success for the future. All the best, Danny.”
Amethyst & Aura welcomed customers to its new Cornmill Shopping Centre premises today (June 18) after relocating withing the centre and rebranding from Beaded Treasures to reflect its expanded range of crystal, wellness and artisan products.
Founded in 2021, the independent boutique focuses on handmade jewellery, ethically sourced products and holistic wellbeing items while supporting artisans and Fair Trade principles.
Cornmill centre manager Zoe France (L) and owner of Amethyst & Aura Ambica (R) (Image: PR)
The new 360 sq. ft. store at Unit 27, next to Puff Puff Vape Shop, stocks crystals, gemstones, handmade beaded jewellery, incense, candles, artisan teas, cleansing bundles, perfumes, fashion accessories, leather bags, clothing, artwork and home decor.
Many of the beaded jewellery pieces are handmade by owner Ambica, while other products are created by artisan makers who share the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
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Inside the latest shop to open in the Cornmill Shopping Centre Amethyst & Aura (Image: PR)
Ambica said: “We are delighted to be opening our new store at Cornmill Shopping Centre. The move marks an exciting new chapter for our business and allows us to expand our product range while continuing to offer the personalised service our customers know and love.
“Our customers have supported us throughout our journey, and we are grateful for the encouragement we have received from the local community. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers into the store and sharing everything Amethyst & Aura has to offer.”
Zoe France, centre manager at Cornmill Shopping Centre, said: “It has been fantastic to watch Ambica grow her business at Cornmill Shopping Centre.
“The move to a larger store and the launch of Amethyst & Aura marks an exciting new chapter, and we are delighted to see the business continue to evolve and thrive within the centre.”
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The store is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
The polls are now closed and the voting is complete for the Makerfield by-election which took place in Wigan on Thursday, June 18.
This by-election has been a hugely anticipated event, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham running as a candidate for the Labour Party – the first step of his plan to launch a leadership bid.
It comes after the sudden resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons on May 14, who confirmed he stood down from the position to make a pathway for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to stand for election.
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Around 70,000 people living in the Wigan constituency had the opportunity to go out and vote on Thursday and have their say in choosing a new Member of Parliament in Makerfield.
Aside from Kenyon and Burnham, another 12 candidates are running: Jake Austin for the Liberal Democrats, Count Binface for Count Binface Party, Dan Clarke for Libertarian Party, John Dyer for Independent, Ed Gemmell for Climate Party, Paul Gould – Independent, Howling Laud Hope for The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, Rob Pownall for Independent, Rebecca Shepherd for Restore Britain, Sarah Wakefield for Green Party, Peter Ward for Rejoin EU, and Michael Winstanley for Conservative and Unionist Party.
Counting is expected to get underway shortly after the polls close at 10pm on Thursday, with the results expected in the early hours of Friday morning.
During general elections, you often get an idea of who has won through an exit poll, which can be published once polls close at 10pm. This is compiled through interviews with voters as they leave polling stations, revealing the predicted results as soon as the voting ends and it is usually pretty accurate at revealing whether there will be a majority government or a hung parliament.
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However, no exit poll has been conducted for the Makerfield by-election.
A poll was carried out by Opinium between June 3 and 11, 2026, ahead of election day. The study included 543 local residents who suggested how they would vote in the by-election.
The results of that poll showed:
Labour – Andy Burnham: 46%
Reform – Rob Kenyon: 41%
Restore – Rebecca Shepherd: 7%
Conservative – Michael Winstanley: 3%
Green – Sarah Wakefield: 2%
Liberal Democrats – Jake Austin: 1%
Other: 1%
According to the latest odds, as of 9.30pm on Thursday, Mr Burnham was the heavy favourite with the bookies to win.
William Hill – Labour 1/12, Reform 6/1, Restore 16/1
At just 21 years old, Ellie has transformed the space into a purpose-built clinic designed to help local residents manage pain, recover from injuries, improve mobility and support their overall wellbeing.
Ellie first qualified as a Sports Massage Therapist at 18 before later becoming a Pilates Instructor.
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After years of building a loyal client base, she took the leap into opening her own clinic in York.
The clinic combines Sports Massage therapy and Pilates services under one roof, offering both hands-on treatment and movement-based rehabilitation to help clients move, recover and feel their best.
Ellie said: “As someone who was born and raised in York, opening my own clinic here is incredibly special. Building a business in the city I’ve always called home has been a long-term goal of mine, and I’m excited to create a welcoming space where people can access high-quality treatment and movement services.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders on Capitol Hill, including top national security figures, were voicing strong reservations Thursday —- and some outright condemnation — of the Trump administration’s agreement to end the fighting in Iran.
The memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump started a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear program. While Trump allies noted the agreement is not final, the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran’s sale of oil and the plan for a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran and its economy were met with criticism from Republican leaders and conservative influencers, including some close Trump supporters.
“President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective,” said Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who has urged Trump to keep up the pressure on Iran and last month warned against striking a bad deal.
“The $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran — though not funded by U.S. taxpayers — would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” Wicker said, referring to the Democratic administration’s Iran agreement that Trump withdrew from during his first term.
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The criticism from within Trump’s own party — though hardly unanimous — comes as he is trying to bring an end to the unpopular war fewer than five months from midterm elections, where Republicans are facing headwinds in their effort to hold their narrow majorities.
Trump calls his critics ‘fools’
Wicker’s points were backed by a number of his colleagues, many of whom supported the war when it began.
“History demonstrates giving billions of dollars to the theocratic lunatics who want to kill you is an exceptionally bad idea,” said Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a staunch supporter of the war. “And so I hope we don’t do that.”
Trump on Truth Social called his critics “fools” and said the $300 billion payment to Iran by the United States is “fake news.” The interim pact promises a $300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction. It’s not clear where that money will come from — but Trump said, as Wicker noted, the U.S. would not contribute.
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“All there is for the U.S. is Success, Lower Oil Prices, and Victory,” he posted.
Some senators question financial provisions
As the memorandum was released to Congress on Thursday, several Republican senators said it left them with questions, many of them about its financial provisions.
Majority Leader John Thune and South Dakota colleague Sen. Mike Rounds were seeking clarity on how financial incentives to Iran and conditions barring funding terrorism would be enforced, because “right now, a lot of money’s going to go to Iran,” Rounds said.
To be sure, there were Republicans more closely aligned with Trump’s America First policies in the Senate and elsewhere who were giving him the benefit of the doubt.
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Sen. Roger Marshall stressed the point in the memorandum that supporters say gives the U.S. the upper hand. In a social media post, the Kansas Republican said one of the most important provisions “lays out a key commitment that strengthens regional security and ensures that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Louisiana GOP Senate candidate John Fleming, who has focused on Trump’s most loyal supporters ahead of a June 27 Republican primary runoff, said that means Trump has suggested that the U.S. will strike Iran again if it does not live up to the agreement.
“The criticism may be worthy if there isn’t follow-through,” Fleming said. “He’s using the speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick in offering them plenty of help, but at the same time he’s got that stick ready if they don’t live up to their agreements.”
MAGA voices send a warning
Still, some of Trump’s strongest supporters in conservative media have warned against the agreement.
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Conservative radio host Mark Levin suggested a strategic rethinking to hold off on an agreement with Iran until after the midterms.
“We should consider slow-walking the enemy, building up our munitions, our oil reserves, get the price of gasoline down, get through the midterms, then knock them out,” he said in a social media post. Instead, the U.S. seemed to be “rushing to a deal, building up their oil industry” and agreeing to governments “transferring billions to them.”
Right-wing social media influencer Laura Loomer, who has long supported Trump while also promoting conspiracy theories, was more pointed in her criticism.
“Who is giving the President tainted, pro-Islamic intel?” she posted on X.
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What all the critics shared is an abiding distrust of the Iranian regime, no matter their relationship to Trump.
“It does smack of the kind of appeasement,” said former Vice President Mike Pence, whose relationship with Trump was fractured after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. “Bottom line. I don’t trust the Iranians.”
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