Trump Targets Graham Platner, Hegseth's Stark Warning, World Cup Controversy | 6/11/26 FIRST LOOK

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0:18Hey, everybody. I'm Dave Rubin, and this is First Look. It's Thursday, June 11th, 2026. We've got a packed show for you today. President Trump unloads on newly nominated Democratic Senate candidate Graham Plattner, calling him a low-level thug and throwing his full support behind Senator Susan Collins. War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a blunt warning to Cuba amid reports Havana is acquiring drones from Russia and Iran capable of threatening American territory. As the World Cup kicks off, the Trump administration says it's focused on making sure the right people enter the United States. After several officials, journalists and referees are denied entry.

1:06Let's dive in. We start in Maine, where Democratic Senate candidate Graham Plattner officially secured his party's nomination this week and almost immediately found himself in President Trump's crosshairs. Speaking from the Oval Office before signing a major immigration funding package, President Trump was asked about Plattner's victory and whether incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins still has his support. Trump didn't hold back. Referring to Plattner, the president said, he's worse than any human being that's ever run for office probably. Then he added, this guy's got a rap sheet. I've never seen anything like it.

1:45And finally, he's a low-level thug and he's running to be senator. Strong words, even by Trump standards. Now, if you followed this race, you understand why Republicans believe Plattner may become one of the most controversial Senate nominees in recent memory. Over the past several months, Plattner has been engulfed by scandal after scandal. Among the controversies, a Nazi-related symbol tattooed on his chest for nearly two decades, allegations involving inappropriate communications with women during his marriage, questions surrounding his personal conduct, resurfaced social media activity, and accusations from multiple individuals who have publicly challenged the image he's presented to voters.

2:32Despite all of that, Democratic voters handed him a decisive primary victory, and Democratic leadership has largely stood by him. Among those who have endorsed or supported Plattner are some of the biggest names in the Democratic Party. Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tina Smith, and numerous other elected Democrats. Meanwhile, critics have launched a website dedicated entirely to documenting what they describe as Plattner's inconsistencies, controversies, and past behavior. Even Plattner himself acknowledged his troubled history during his victory speech. He told supporters, I've made mistakes in my life, mistakes that I regret, that I live with, that I continue to learn from.

3:17Now, politically, this race matters far beyond Maine. Democrats view Susan Collins' seat as one of their best opportunities to flip a Republican-held Senate seat. If they succeed, it could dramatically affect the balance of power in Washington. But Trump made clear he is standing behind Collins. When asked whether she has his endorsement, Trump replied, She's a sane woman. He then joked, she's not my best friend at all, a reference to Collins occasionally breaking with him on legislation over the years. Trump continued, but she's a sane person. And honestly, that's becoming the Republican message in this race.

3:56Not necessarily that Collins agrees with Trump on every issue, but that compared to a candidate carrying this much baggage, Collins represents stability, experience, and seriousness. Now, the general election battle officially begins. And if the primary was messy, the next five months are likely to be even uglier. Now to Cuba, where the Trump administration is escalating its rhetoric amid alarming reports that the communist regime has acquired hundreds of military drones from Russia and Iran. During the visit to Guantanamo Bay on Wednesday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered one of the strongest warnings yet to the Cuban government.

4:37According to recent intelligence reporting cited by Axios, Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones since 2023. Officials say some intelligence suggests Cuban authorities have discussed potential scenarios involving Guantanamo Bay, Key West, and other American targets. Now, Cuba strongly denies those allegations, but Hegseth made clear that the administration is taking the report seriously. Standing at Guantanamo Bay, he warned, it would be unwise for the government of Cuba to try to procure or get access to the types of weapons that can reach this bay or the American homeland. Then came the line making headlines across Washington.

5:21They would be inviting the kind of confrontation that they not only don't want, but they could not stand. That's about as direct a warning as you'll hear from a sitting war secretary. Hegseth repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of Guantanamo Bay, noting that he himself served there roughly 20 years ago during operations connected to the War on Terror. He described the base as a very important and strategic piece of American terrain, and he stressed that the Department of War is prepared for any contingency. Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Havana continue rising. The Trump administration has already expanded sanctions, increased economic pressure, imposed an oil blockade, and intensified scrutiny of Cuba's military relationships with Russia and Iran.

6:14Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently delivered an equally blunt message directly to the Cuban people. Rubio argued that Cuba's economic collapse isn't the result of American policy. Instead, he blamed the communist leadership for decades of corruption and mismanagement. He said the real reason you don't have electricity, fuel, or food is because those who control your country have plundered billions of dollars. Rubio also announced that the administration is prepared to provide$100 million in food and medicine directly to the Cuban people through charitable and religious organizations rather than through the Cuban government.

6:55Meanwhile, Hegseth also highlighted ongoing anti-drug operations throughout the Caribbean. At one point, he told American service members, I would not get into a drug boat in the Caribbean or the Eastern Pacific right now. Then added, we are hunting you like we hunted Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Now, whether Cuba actually intends to threaten American territory remains disputed. But one thing is clear. The Trump administration is treating the issue as a national security concern. And the message coming from Guantanamo this week was unmistakable. Don't test America. And finally, the World Cup officially kicks off this week, but the tournament is already generating controversy over who is and isn't being allowed into the United States.

7:45President Trump addressed the issue Wednesday during remarks at the White House, asked about Without growing complaints from foreign officials and media organizations, Trump said, we're working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country. And that phrase, the right people, summarizes the administration's approach. The concern isn't players, it's everyone else. According to administration officials, some individuals have attempted to enter the country under World Cup credentials, despite potential ties to extremist organizations or other security concerns. One country drawing particular scrutiny is Iran.

8:23Because of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, American officials have taken a much harder look at members of Iran's traveling delegation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the concern earlier this year. He said, The problem with Iran would be not their athletes. Instead, Rubio warned about people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Rubio added,

9:18to become the first official from his country to oversee a World Cup match was denied entry after reportedly being flagged for associations with suspected members of terrorist organizations. Several journalists from Africa and the Middle East have also been denied visas. Meanwhile, some fans from the Democratic Republic of Congo were turned away because of concerns surrounding the recent Ebola outbreak. Even Scottish soccer fans encountered problems. Dozens reportedly saw previously approved travel authorizations suddenly revoked shortly before their flights. Naturally, critics are accusing the administration of creating unnecessary obstacles.

9:58But World Cup Task Force Chairman Andrew Giuliani defended the screening process. He emphasized, no players, no coaches have been denied. Then added, there have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason. Giuliani argued the administration is trying to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and protecting national security. And honestly, that's the challenge. The United States will host 78 World Cup matches across 11 cities, culminating with the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19th. Federal, state, and local agencies have spent years preparing for terror threats, transportation disruption, infectious disease concerns, cybersecurity threats, and large-scale public safety challenges.

10:47When you're hosting the largest sporting event on the planet, security isn't optional. It's essential. And while FIFA officials continue urging everyone to stay calm, the Trump administration is making clear that World Cup credentials won't override security concerns. The message is simple. America welcomes visitors, but America also gets to decide who comes through the front door. And that's your first look this Thursday. Quick recap, President Trump blasted Democratic Senate nominee Graham Plattner as a low-level thug while reaffirming his support for Senator Susan Collins. War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning to Cuba amid reports of a growing Russian and Iranian drone buildup.

11:33And the Trump administration defended World Cup visa restrictions, saying security concerns must come before politics. We'll keep following all of it. I'm Dave Rubin. Thanks for starting your day with First Look. See you tomorrow.