THE LEAD: TRUMP CUTS HIMSELF A DEAL

The IRS settlement that created a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” was quietly expanded this week — with an addendum permanently barring any IRS investigation into Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization’s previously filed tax returns. The president effectively sued the agency he controls, had his own DOJ settle the case, then used the payout to shield himself from future scrutiny. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a “get-out-of-jail-free card,” saying Trump “sued the government he runs, had his own DOJ settle the case and pocketed the prize.” The fund has few constraints on who can submit a claim — and Trump has broadly stated his allies include the nearly 1,600 people charged in connection with January 6.

PRIMARY NIGHT: TRUMP PURGES ANOTHER REPUBLICAN

In Kentucky, Trump successfully ousted Rep. Thomas Massie — another incumbent who did not align fully with the president’s agenda. Massie lost to Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who had Trump’s backing. The message to congressional Republicans is unambiguous: dissent and you’re gone. Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna called out Massie’s defeat, saying he lost “because he had the guts to take on the Epstein class.”

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: BOTTOMS WINS GEORGIA

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic primary for Georgia governor — putting her in position to become the first Black woman ever elected governor in U.S. history. Democrats claim the party is completely united heading into November, while the GOP is pushed into a June 16 runoff between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire Rick Jackson. Georgia hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in nearly 30 years. This is the race to watch.

ALSO WATCHING

-Trump endorsed Texas AG Ken Paxton over 20-year Senate incumbent John Cornyn in the GOP runoff — a massive blow to Cornyn ahead of next week’s vote.

-Trump says he was “an hour away” from ordering a strike on Iran before delaying at the request of Middle East leaders. The war threat is still live.

-The Supreme Court recently weakened the Voting Rights Act, and a new NPR analysis finds the ruling threatens minority voting power in at least 17 state and local governments — not just Congress.

That’s your First Cup. Stay loud — more coming throughout the day.

— Sean Bartley | Cup of Culture

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