Breaking news and analysis on the Trump administration, executive orders, cabinet appointments, policy decisions, and political developments.
President Trump defended the 'anti-weaponization' fund as a 'great idea' and did not rule out using it to compensate Jan. 6 rioters who assaulted police. A 49-50 Senate vote fell short of permanently blocking the $1.8 billion fund, which has been temporarily halted by a federal judge. Over 1,580 people have been charged in connection with the attack.
A federal lawsuit seeks to stop the UFC Freedom 250 event planned for President Trump's 80th birthday on the White House South Lawn, citing violations of National Park Service regulations and lack of environmental review. The suit, backed by the Public Integrity Project, alleges the for-profit event illegally uses federal land and benefits Trump and his allies.
President Trump stated that new Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation will not impact the US-Iran peace deal. Israel struck Beirut for the first time since a US truce plan for Lebanon, while Iran fired missiles at Ramat David air base, raising oil prices over 2%.
The White House is reportedly exploring a plan for the U.S. to buy the Chagos Islands, home to the Diego Garcia military base. Trump officials are wary of a sovereignty transfer to Mauritius due to its close ties to Iran and China. The UK shelved legislation to ratify the transfer after Trump withdrew support. Diego Garcia is used by the US in the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
A federal judge in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction blocking the USDA from conditioning SNAP benefits on compliance with Trump's gender and immigration policies. Twenty states and DC had sued, arguing the funding requirements are unlawful. SNAP helps roughly 39 million Americans buy groceries.
Rep. Jim Himes, ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, called acting DNI Bill Pulte the 'worst and most dangerous' Trump appointment. Top Democrats now warn Pulte could disrupt the 2026 midterm elections by promoting unfounded voter fraud claims or fabricating intelligence to justify election interference.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the Trump administration is putting 'roadblocks' to prevent future Democratic investigations or prosecutions of Trump officials. He also announced the DOJ would not move forward with a nearly $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, complying with a court ruling. Blanche, Trump's nominee for permanent AG, highlighted recent DOJ arrests including a drug-smuggling tunnel bust.
This commentary argues that the Trump administration's Iran war and trade tariffs have created economic pain for average Americans, while the president's inner circle remains insulated. It contends that the aesthetic of 'Mar-a-Lago face' symbolizes the disconnect between the elite and the public bearing the costs.
This commentary argues that the Trump administration, led by Stephen Miller, is using obscure bureaucratic measures to restrict immigration and citizenship, undermining American ideals. It contends that these policies, including travel bans and visa suspensions, represent a systematic exclusion that echoes past discriminatory practices.
President Trump's approval rating fell to 35% with 60% disapproval, according to The Economist's polling tracker. He is 25 points underwater, down 1.1 points from the previous week, making him the most unpopular president at this stage since 2009.