It’s Monday, Dip Fam,
Here's what you might have missed last week: Kirk shooting defense argues against the death penalty, the White House press shop faces a shake-up, and more.
Today’s estimated reading time is 2 minutes and 13 seconds.
- The Daily Dip Editor
In today’s issue:
Robinson’s defense fightsthe death penalty. ⚖️Press Secretary Leavittsteps down. 🏛️Taxpayers fundedan idle factory. 🤯
Tyler Robinson’s defense is arguing that he struck only his intended target when he allegedly shot and killed Charlie Kirk, a claim meant to keep him off death row.
The defense says the shot traveled above the crowd, not through it, so no one else was at risk. Prosecutors disagree, saying everyone nearby remained in a zone of danger from a stray or ricocheting bullet.
**The motive fight:**Prosecutors say Robinson targeted Kirk over his politics, pointing to a message he allegedly sent a roommate about being fed up with Kirk. Investigators found nothing more on his phone, computer, or apartment to prove intent. Closing arguments in the preliminary hearing are set for September 1.
Karoline Leavitt is leaving her role as White House Press Secretary at the end of the month. Trump shared the news online, adding that she will stay on as one of his top outside advisors.
Leavitt returned to work only weeks ago after having her daughter. She said stepping away lets her give more time to her two young children, and called it a bittersweet choice.
**Who’s next:**Floated names include Communications Director Steven Cheung and former deputy press secretary Harrison Fields, though it’s all speculation. Some reports suggest the White House may skip a formal replacement and instead let senior officials like JD Vance or Marco Rubio handle briefings.
A $533 million artillery factory funded with taxpayer money has produced zero shells, according to a ProPublica report. The Army rushed a contract to General Dynamics starting in late 2022, using emergency powers Congress had granted to skip normal competitive-bidding rules for Ukraine-related work
General Dynamics got the money to make 30,000 shells a month for Ukraine as war drained U.S. stockpiles. After a lavish opening ceremony, little real work followed.
**The breakdown:**Imported robot arms reportedly caught fire handling 1,800-degree steel and swung out of control, wrecking equipment. Workers beat the main press with sledgehammers nightly to keep it running, and the Army halted two production lines. General Dynamics hasn’t repaid a cent, and its same division has since won $2.5 billion more in contracts, which the Army says were for unrelated production lines.
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