Morning Report is The Hill’s a.m. newsletter. Subscribe here.

In today’s issue:

▪ Trump shifts stance on Ukraine war

▪ T-minus 7 days to shutdown deadline

▪ Democrats raise the heat on Homan

▪ Tylenol announcement spurs blowback

Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional but defiant return to his late night show on Wednesday night, ripping the Trump administration while saying he understood why his comment about Charlie Kirk’s killing left some people feeling upset.

“I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human, and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said during his opening monologue on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.”

Kimmel went on to rip into Federal Communications Chair Brendan Carr and President Trump, who both celebrated his suspension last week after Carr threatened unspecified regulatory action against ABC and local affiliates.

Kimmel agreed with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R) remarks on his podcast saying that Carr sounded like a mobster with his threat to “do this the easy way or the hard way” in comments directed at Disney and ABC affiliates.

“Although I don’t know, you want to hear a mob boss make a threat like that, you have to hide a microphone in a deli and park outside in a van with a tape recorder all night long,” Kimmel said. “This genius said it on a podcast. Brendan Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one,” he added, as a picture of a Tesla Cybertruck emblazoned with “Trump” flashed on the screen.

Kimmel called the effort by Trump’s FCC to get his show taken off the air “un-American” and showed past clips and quotes of Carr and Trump defending free speech, then showed a recent clip of Trump saying Kimmel had “no ratings.”

“Well, I do tonight,” Kimmel said to cheers. “He tried his best to cancel me, instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now.”

Minutes before Kimmel’s show, Trump railed against ABC lifting the suspension in a post on Truth Social, writing, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”

“I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings,” Trump wrote.

Tuesday night’s show was preempted by Nexstar and Sinclair, two of the country’s largest owners of local TV stations. Nexstar is also the parent company of The Hill.

At the start of his monologue, Kimmel thanked the many friends, colleagues and fans who advocated his return, but also name-checked some of the conservatives who stood up for free speech despite disagreeing with him — including Cruz and his fellow Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

He concluded his monologue with a tearful acknowledgment of Erika Kirk’s speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona on Sunday, during which she said she forgave her husband’s accused killer.

“That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do. There it was. That’s it. A selfless act of grace forgiveness from a grieving widow that touched me deeply,” Kimmel said, visibly choked up.

“And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that, not this.”

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Smart Take with Blake Burman

The U.S. Secret Service announced Tuesday it has thwarted a major threat involving cell phones. The Secret Service says it found 100,000 SIM cards and 300 SIM servers within 35 miles of the United Nations in Manhattan. That much equipment has the potential to overwhelm the city’s cell network and even potentially text every single person in the United States within minutes.

Former Secret Service Special Agent Charles Marino told me he believes this case could become one of the largest national security investigations in the country. “We’re talking about well over, my sources are telling me, $3 million in equipment strategically located around the New York City metropolitan area, which, yes, if used in total, could have disbanded and taken down cell towers,” Marino said.

The big unknowns, at least publicly, are who is behind this and what was their main goal. The government hasn’t named names yet, but this serves as a major reminder of the cybersecurity threats constantly before the government.  

Burman hosts “The Hill” weeknights, 6p/5c on NewsNation.

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3 Things to Know Today

1. Former Pima County supervisor Adelita Grijalva (D) was projected to win the special election to fill the House seat held by her late father, former Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.).

2. The nation’s 250th birthday celebration will go on without the help of a White House-appointed director who was removed from planning after allegedly making unapproved posts and financial decisions.

3. Ryan Routh, the man accused of plotting to kill Trump as he golfed in south Florida last year, was found guilty Tuesday following a trial in which he mounted his own defense. Routh tried to stab himself with a pen after the verdict was announced.

Leading the Day

TRUMP’S UKRAINE FLIP: Trump announced a stark shift in his stance on Ukraine on Tuesday afternoon, arguing that Ukraine has a chance of regaining the territory it has lost to Russia over the past three and a half years of fighting.

Trump’s new position aligns more closely with former President Biden’s policy on Ukraine, which insisted on a return to prewar borders.

“With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not?” Trump wrote on Truth Social after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like ‘a paper tiger.’”

Trump and his top national security officials had previously argued that Ukraine should be prepared to give up territory for a peace deal, given Russia’s much larger army and the entrenched front lines.

While taking questions during his meeting with Zelensky, Trump seemed to surprise Ukraine’s leader when he said NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that enter their airspace.

“Roger that,” Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski wrote on the social platform X in response to a clip of the remark.

Asked if the U.S. would help these countries respond to Russian incursions, Trump said, “Depends on the circumstance, but we’re very strong toward NATO.”

Trump has lurched from blaming Zelensky for starting the war to railing against Russian aggression since his return to the White House in January, while repeatedly blowing through deadlines for punitive actions against Moscow.

During his U.N. address Tuesday, Trump repeated his threats to impose steep tariffs on Russia but said Europe needs to halt imports of Russian oil first.

“Europe has to step it up,” he said Tuesday. He added later, “They have to cease all energy purchases from Russia. Otherwise, we’re all wasting a lot of time.”

The Trump administration has introduced this European caveat to its Russia sanctions threats for the first time this month. Trump claimed he only became aware of the Russia-Europe energy trade two weeks ago.

Asked on Tuesday if he still trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said, “I’ll let you know in about a month.”

▪ The Hill: “Trump makes defiant return to United Nations podium.”

▪ Politico: “Embattled Macron gets hero’s welcome for Palestine speech defying Trump.”

SHUTDOWN CLOCK: As of midnight, the government is exactly a week from shutting down — unless lawmakers strike a funding deal.

That’s looking even less likely after Trump called off a planned meeting with Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.).

“After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

He then outlined a litany of policies he says Democrats are backing that aren’t popular with the general public, and thus helped him get elected.

“I look forward to meeting with them if they get serious about the future of our Nation,” he added.

Democrats blasted Trump’s decision, arguing he would be to blame if the government did shut down on Oct. 1.

“Trump Always Chickens Out. Donald Trump just cancelled a high stakes meeting in the Oval Office with myself and Leader Schumer,” Jeffries posted on X. “The extremists want to shut down the government because they are unwilling to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating America.”

“Once again, Trump has shown the American people he’s not up to the job,” Schumer wrote on X. “Faced with the simple duty of sitting down to keep the government open, Trump RUNS AWAY before the talks even BEGIN.”

▪ The Hill: “GOP hopes to make potential shutdown as painful for Dems as possible.”

Schumer has noted Senate Democrats have the votes to block any partisan funding measure passed by the House, given the 60-vote threshold needed to advance legislation in the upper chamber.

Democrats are insisting on measures to protect health care coverage for vulnerable Americans as part of any stopgap spending package. Republicans want a “clean” continuing resolution, with any health care changes negotiated separately.

Senators aren’t expected to return until Sept. 29, and House lawmakers won’t return until October.

▪ The Washington Post: “A shutdown would give Trump more power over federal spending.”

▪ Nate Silver in The New York Times: “Democrats Are Picking the Wrong Shutdown Fight.”

HOMAN TAPES: Democrats aren’t taking “I did nothing criminal” for an answer from Trump border czar Tom Homan.

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday opened a probe into the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI’s handling of the alleged bribery scandal, with Trump officials apparently shutting down an investigation into Homan that began leading into the 2024 election. 

“Do the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have video and audio recordings of White House ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan accepting $50,000 in cash bribes from undercover FBI agents stuffed in a brown paper takeout bag from the restaurant chain Cava? It certainly sounds like you do,” House Judiciary ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) wrote in a letter signed by Democratic members of the committee.

“Your reported effort to shut down this investigation appears to be a brazen cover-up to protect Donald Trump’s allies, at a time when the D.O.J. and F.B.I. are also being ordered to aggressively pursue prosecution of Donald Trump’s political enemies,” the Democrats wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.

▪ The Hill: Dems launch probes into Trump’s border czar amid bribe allegations.

MSNBC reported Friday that an informant relayed last year that Homan was soliciting payments from those looking to gain lucrative contracts should Trump win the election. The New York Times reported the bribe was delivered in a takeout bag.

Homan appeared on the “Ingraham Angle” on Monday night to defend himself, but notably sidestepped a direct question on whether he took the money.

“Look, I did nothing criminal. I did nothing illegal,” Homan said. “It’s hit piece after hit piece after hit piece, and I’m glad the FBI and DOJ came out and said, you know, said that nothing illegal happened, no criminal activity.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday told a reporter, “Mr. Homan never took the $50,000 that you’re referring to, so you should get your facts straight.”

House Homeland Security Democrats on Monday demanded Homan testify over the reports.

“No one is above the law. The American people deserve to know why President Trump’s so-called Border Czar allegedly used his position and influence to take bribes in his own self-interest,” they wrote.

▪ MSNBC: “As the Tom Homan controversy intensifies, why doesn’t the FBI just release the tapes?”

▪ Fox News: “‘Border czar’ Tom Homan responds to Newsom’s ICE mask ban: ‘Good luck with that'”

HARRIS BACKS MAMDANI: Former Vice President Kamala Harris backed Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s mayoral race.

Harris gave the Democratic nominee a tepid endorsement this week during an interview to promote her new book. Still, she’s the highest-profile Democrat to back Mamdani to date, as others keep their distance.

MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow asked Harris on Monday whether she endorsed Mamdani, the democratic socialist who has a healthy lead in the polls weeks out from the election.

“Look, as far as I’m concerned, he’s the Democratic nominee, and he should be supported,” Harris responded.

Maddow asked again if that was an endorsement.

“I support the Democrat in the race, sure,” she said. “But let me just say this. He’s not the only star,” Harris added, going on to name-check other rising stars in the Democratic Party running for mayor in other cities.

“I hope that we don’t so overindex on New York City that we lose sight of the stars throughout our country,” she said. “So that’s where I am — we’ve got a big tent and we’ve got a lot of stars.”

Despite the less-than-full-throated endorsement, Mamdani was not hedging in his response on Tuesday morning.

He said Harris’s backing “underscores that our fight for affordability is striking a chord not just here in New York, but with Democrats across the country,” adding, “We’re thrilled by the growing wave of support for our campaign.”

He’s still waiting for Schumer and Jeffries to jump aboard.

▪ The Hill: 5 takeaways from Kamala Harris’s media tour.

When & Where

The president has an intel briefing at 11 a.m. and Rose Garden Club dinner at 7 p.m.

The House and Senate are out for the week.

Zoom In

TYLENOL BLOWBACK:  The public health world — and the stock market — is siding with Tylenol after Trump and his top health officials claimed but failed to show links between the widely used medication and autism during a press conference on Tuesday.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), along with other major health groups, are standing by their guidance for pregnant women.

“Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy,” ACOG said in a statement.

“It is highly unsettling that our federal health agencies are willing to make an announcement that will affect the health and well-being of millions of people without the backing of reliable data.”

The Food and Drug Administration announced Monday it has begun the process of changing the labeling on acetaminophen to suggest that it may cause autism and ADHD in children whose mothers took the common pain reliever while pregnant.

However, CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta said Tuesday that medical guidance regarding acetaminophen use for pregnant women won’t change despite the Trump administration’s warnings.

“I think most doctors have long said that treating a fever during pregnancy is important and that you should use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time. That’s what these organizations have been saying for some time,” Gupta told CNN’s Pamela Brown on “The Situation Room.”

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a licensed doctor, pushed back on the alleged link between acetaminophen and autism in children.

“The preponderance of evidence shows that this is not the case,” Cassidy, the chair of the Senate Health Committee, wrote on X. “The concern is that women will be left with no options to manage pain in pregnancy. We must be compassionate to this problem.”

Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue had dropped to an all-time low on Monday but rebounded 6 percent in trading on Tuesday.

“Investors were holding their breath worried that yesterday’s announcement would be a bombshell. It turned out it wasn’t, as no new scientific evidence was presented linking Tylenol to autism,” James Harlow, vice president at Novare Capital Management, told Reuters.

Kenvue, which makes an estimated $1 billion off Tylenol annually, also publicly pushed back on the Trump administration.

“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers,” the company said.

▪ Axios: “Trump’s Tylenol warning could fuel new lawsuits.”

▪ The Hill: “GOP senators alarmed over Kennedy’s impact on Trump’s unorthodox health recommendations.”

Elsewhere

MILEI’S LIFELINE: President Trump is seeking to save Argentinian President Javier Milei ahead of a crucial midterm election next month.

“We’re going to help them,” Trump told reporters Tuesday after meeting with Milei on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. “If he can continue to do the job that he’s been doing, it’s going to really be something special.”

Earlier in the day, Trump said Argentina’s leader had his full endorsement, though Milei is not technically up for reelection until 2027.

“Highly Respected President of Argentina, Javier Milei, has proven to be a truly fantastic and powerful Leader for the Great People of Argentina, advancing on all levels at record speed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I look forward to continuing working closely with him so that both of our Countries can continue on their incredible paths of success.”

Milei is facing an economic crisis that risks turning into a political crisis if voters sour on his free-market reforms.

His Libertarian Party was routed in local elections in Buenos Aires earlier this month, which sent the peso plunging on fears of a wider turn against his economic vision.

Argentina’s central bank has sold more than $1 billion over the past week to prop up the peso, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday said the U.S. is prepared to take various measures to keep Argentina’s economy afloat.

“Argentina is a systemically important U.S. ally in Latin America, and the U.S. Treasury stands ready to do what is needed within its mandate to support Argentina,” Bessent wrote on X.

Bessent’s message helped calm Argentina’s markets and anxiety around Milei’s future.

“It’s really important for the Milei administration, which until Friday was in a really challenging situation,” Juan Ignacio Carranza, an Argentina expert at consulting firm Aurora, told The Wall Street Journal. “So far, this announcement brought Milei peace.”

The World Bank has also promised to accelerate assistance to Argentia. Trump on Tuesday said he did not think Argentina would need a “bailout.”

However, some Democrats are already expressing concern over the cost to American taxpayers of helping out one of Trump’s closest allies in South America.

“First, Trump made us pay higher coffee and beef prices to support a convicted coup-plotter in Brazil. Now, he wants American taxpayers to bail out his friend Milei in Argentina,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote Monday on X. “Trump should stop raising prices for Americans and giving away our money to his corrupt buddies.”

▪ The Wall Street Journal: “Argentina Is Losing Faith in Milei’s Free-Market Revolution.”

▪ The Economist: “Argentina’s finances just got even more surreal.”

The Closer

And finally … Some visitors to the National Mall in Washington got a dose of partisan jokery with their memorial tour on Tuesday.

A secret art group constructed a pop-up statue paying tribute to the relationship between Trump and his one-time friend Jeffrey Epstein.

A plaque between the two statues, which are holding hands, reads, “In Honor of Friendship Month,” followed by, “We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein.”

Trump has said the two had a falling out years before Epstein was charged with sex crimes.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said of the statue, “liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit – but it’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep.”