Ten American citizens, including former Navy SEAL Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, were released from Venezuelan custody today, July 18, in a prisoner swap involving the United States, El Salvador, and Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the release, stating the Americans are "on their way to freedom," crediting President Donald Trump's leadership and the assistance of El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. President Bukele announced that in exchange for the American detainees and a "considerable number of Venezuelan political prisoners," El Salvador handed over all Venezuelan nationals detained in their country who were accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. These individuals, many facing charges of murder, robbery, and rape, are now en route to El Salvador for a brief stop before continuing their journey. Secretary Rubio also thanked his team at the State Department for their efforts in securing the agreement, while Bukele indicated the operation was the result of months of negotiations with the Venezuelan regime. Separately, Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche submitted a formal motion today in New York, requesting the disclosure of grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein. Disclose.tv reported that the Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to release the Epstein grand jury testimony "as a matter of public interest," though it will seek to redact victim information and other "personal identifying information," according to Kyle Cheney. In other news, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced she is presenting evidence that then-President Barack Obama's team laid the groundwork for a "Russia-connected 'coup' against Trump," as reported by Newsmax. Senator Mark Warner criticized DNI Gabbard for "weaponizing her position to amplify the president’s election conspiracy theories," and for accusing the intelligence community workforce of a 'treasonous conspiracy' while not labeling Edward Snowden a traitor. Additionally, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed today that US attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites had "obliterated Tehran's nuclear capabilities," according to Iran International. The Pentagon has not held a routine news briefing this week, with the last one featuring Hegseth and General Caine on July 2. Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee is launching an ad buy linking several New York and New Jersey Democrat lawmakers to Zohran Mamdani, the Democrat New York City mayoral nominee, Newsmax reported. In Minnesota, DFL state Senator Nicole Mitchell was found guilty of two felony counts: 1st Degree Burglary and “possession of burglary tools,” according to KSTP. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision to consider redrawing his state’s congressional districts has prompted Democrats to threaten to draw Republicans out of seats, ABC News reported. The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, issued a statement correcting “inaccuracies” by Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rubio regarding the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations, clarifying that the amendments were proposed by member states to improve cooperation and do not empower WHO to mandate measures. Finally, Anduril was awarded a $100 million agreement to aid in transforming the Army's Next Generation Command and Control, the company announced.
