Politics news
Trump Nominates Todd Blanche as Attorney General
President Trump announced Wednesday evening at a White House event that he will nominate Todd Blanche, the current acting attorney general and his former personal lawyer, to serve as permanent attorney general, replacing Pam Bondi who was fired in April.
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Maine Senate Race Heats Up as Janet Mills Resurfaces Against Scandal-Plagued Opponent
Maine Governor Janet Mills reminded voters she remains on the ballot for Senate after suspending her campaign, as rival Graham Platner faces mounting scandals in what has become a competitive and shifting race.
House Votes to Block Trump's Iran War in Rare Rebuke
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution on Wednesday to limit President Trump's military operations in Iran, marking the first time such a measure has cleared either chamber since the conflict began in February. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the 215-208 vote, signaling waning GOP support for the unpopular war.
↗ Linked storyHouse Passes Bipartisan Measure to Curb Trump's War Powers in Iran
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to limit President Trump's authority to wage war against Iran without congressional approval, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke. The measure passed with support from four Republicans joining Democrats.
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Supreme Court Allows Alabama GOP Congressional Map for 2026 Midterms
The Supreme Court ruled that Alabama can use a Republican-backed congressional map with one majority-Black district for upcoming elections, handing Republicans a significant victory in the ongoing voting rights dispute.
Iowa GOP Primary Upset: Lahn Defeats Trump-Backed Feenstra
In a surprise outcome, Make America Healthy Again-backed Zach Lahn defeated Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary, setting up a general election race for the seat being vacated by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Six States Hold Primary Elections; California Governor Race Too Close to Call
California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota held primary elections on June 2. In California's gubernatorial race, Republican businessman Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra are leading, but the race remained too close to call early Wednesday. In Iowa, a surprising upset saw farmer Zach Lahn defeat Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
↗ Linked storyCalifornia Primary: Hilton and Becerra Advance to Runoff Election
Republican businessman Steve Hilton and former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra are the top two finishers in California's gubernatorial primary, setting up a July 28 runoff election as no candidate secured over 50% of the vote.
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Trump Administration Drops 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund After Court Pressure
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the DOJ will not proceed with Trump's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund after a federal court ordered a pause. The fund faced bipartisan criticism for potentially becoming a political slush fund.
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Trump Names Bill Pulte Acting Director of National Intelligence
President Trump announced Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte will maintain his FHFA role while overseeing the nation's spy agencies.
Six U.S. States Hold Primary Elections as California Hosts High-Profile Governor and Mayoral Races
California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota are holding primary elections on Tuesday with notable contests including California's open governor's race and a competitive Los Angeles mayoral battle that has drawn national attention.
↗ Linked storyRepublicans Growing Critical of Trump's Iran War Handling as War Powers Vote Looms
A growing number of Republican lawmakers are voting to curtail President Trump's war powers over the Iran conflict, signaling dissent within the party over the administration's military strategy and diplomatic approach.
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U.S. Primaries Held in Six States with Focus on California Governor's Race and Los Angeles Mayor Contest
Six states—California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota—held primary elections on June 2, with Trump-backed reality TV personality Spencer Pratt surging in the crowded Los Angeles mayoral race against incumbent Karen Bass.
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DOJ Abandons $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Amid Bipartisan Opposition
The Justice Department announced it will stop work on a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded compensation program for people alleging federal government persecution, after intense scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties over Jan. 6 insurrectionists seeking payouts.
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Clashes Erupt at New Jersey ICE Facility as Protests Continue Over Detention Conditions
Pro-ICE and anti-ICE protesters clashed outside a Newark immigration detention center over the weekend, with tensions mounting over allegations of inhumane conditions inside. A curfew was implemented in response to the escalating confrontations.
US Defense Secretary Hegseth Vows Military Readiness Against Iran Despite Ceasefire Talks
At Singapore's Shangri-La defense summit, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the military is fully prepared to resume combat operations in the Persian Gulf if negotiations with Iran fail, while emphasizing America's defensive posture toward China's military expansion.
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Federal Judge Orders Trump's Name Removed From Kennedy Center, Says Only Congress Can Rename It
A federal judge ruled that the Kennedy Center's board of trustees overstepped its authority by unilaterally renaming the iconic performing arts venue after President Trump, ordering his name to be removed.
Pam Bondi Testifies on Justice Department Epstein Files Release Errors
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Justice Department's botched release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging that "redaction errors" were made in the document disclosure.
Anti-ICE Demonstrations Intensify at Newark Detention Center with Pepper Spray and Violence
Protests at Newark's Delaney Hall immigration detention facility escalated Thursday night with clashes between demonstrators and ICE agents. Pepper spray was deployed and nine additional protesters were arrested on the sixth night of demonstrations.
Treasury Department Weighs $250 Bill Featuring President Trump's Image
The U.S. Treasury Department is preparing to introduce a new $250 bill with Trump's portrait, a response to legislation proposed in Congress last year.
Jill Biden Reveals She Feared Stroke During Joe's 2024 Debate Loss to Trump
First Lady Jill Biden disclosed in a new interview that she was horrified during Joe Biden's poor 2024 debate performance, fearing he was having a stroke, reigniting controversy over his cognitive fitness.
Ken Paxton Wins Texas GOP Senate Runoff, Faces Democrat James Talarico in General Election
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Senator John Cornyn in a Republican runoff to become the GOP's Senate nominee. He will now face Democrat James Talarico, who has branded Paxton as the "most corrupt politician in America."
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Former CIA Official Charged with Stealing $40 Million in Gold Bars
A former senior CIA officer with top secret clearance was arrested and charged with stealing more than 300 gold bars worth $40 million from the federal government. Federal agents discovered the gold bars, $2 million in cash, and 35 luxury watches in his Virginia home.
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Former CIA Official Arrested: $40 Million in Gold, Cash, and Rolexes Seized in Dramatic FBI Raid
Federal authorities arrested a former senior CIA official with top-secret clearance who allegedly took home tens of millions of dollars worth of gold bars, cash, and luxury watches, while also fabricating key parts of his military and educational background.
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Trump Says Iran Wants Deal but Administration 'Not Satisfied' with Terms
President Trump held a Cabinet meeting on May 27 and stated that Iran wants to make a deal to end the war, but the US is not yet satisfied with the proposed terms. Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely and warned he would resume fighting if negotiations don't meet his demands, particularly around nuclear weapons and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
↗ Linked storyICE Expanding Iris Recognition Technology Amid Privacy Concerns
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is expanding its use of iris recognition technology with plans to deploy hundreds of scanning devices across the country, raising concerns from privacy experts about biometric data collection.
Joe Biden Sues DOJ to Block Release of Classified Documents Interview Audio
Former President Joe Biden sued the Justice Department on May 27 to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts from his classified documents investigation interview, prompting criticism from current President Trump.
Trump Meets Cabinet on Iran War Deal as Negotiations Near Critical Juncture
President Trump will hold a Cabinet meeting Wednesday as negotiations for an Iran peace deal remain at a precarious moment, with the emerging agreement already drawing fierce criticism from multiple quarters.
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Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate Runoff, Marking Historic Upset
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate, defeating longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a watershed moment for Texas politics. Paxton's victory comes after a last-minute endorsement from President Trump and sets up a general election matchup against Democrat James Talarico.
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Trump Administration Proposes Requiring All Federal Employees to Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements
The Trump administration is floating a proposal to require all federal employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, as part of efforts to crack down on leaks. OPM Director Scott Kupor said federal workers should be held to the same standard as private sector employees handling sensitive information.
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White House Proposes Broad Non-Disclosure Agreements for All Federal Workers
The Trump administration has proposed requiring all U.S. federal workers to sign non-disclosure agreements as part of its workplace policy. The move marks an expansion of NDA requirements across the federal government.
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Federal Judge Blocks Alabama Redistricting Plan in Setback for GOP
A federal judge blocked Alabama's congressional redistricting plan on May 26, ruling that the GOP-backed map violated voting rights law by reducing minority representation. The decision represents a significant blow to Trump administration efforts to reshape electoral maps.
Trump Backs Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff Against GOP Senator Cornyn
President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a high-stakes Republican primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, a move that jolted the GOP Senate race and underscored Trump's continued influence within the party.
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U.S. Military Strikes Iran as Nuclear Talks Hang in Balance
The U.S. military launched "self-defense" strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz Monday, threatening the fragile ceasefire between the nations. The attacks came even as President Trump claimed negotiations with Iran were "proceeding nicely" and demanded stricter terms on Iran's nuclear stockpile.
↗ Linked storyTrump Administration Adds Israel Recognition Demand to Iran Peace Deal, Complicating Negotiations
President Trump expanded terms of the US-Iran peace agreement to require Middle Eastern nations to formally recognize Israel through the Abraham Accords, a move analysts say could derail imminent negotiations focused on reopening global shipping routes and nuclear restrictions.
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Trump Says U.S. Will Not Rush Into Iran Deal as Negotiations Cool
President Trump signaled a more cautious approach to ending the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on Sunday, backing away from earlier statements suggesting a deal was imminent. Secretary of State Rubio said progress has been made in the past 48 hours with Gulf region partners.
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Third Shooting Incident in Month Near White House; 21-Year-Old Suspect Killed
Secret Service officers fatally shot a 21-year-old man who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint Saturday evening in the third shooting incident near President Trump in as many weeks.
↗ Linked storyShooting Incident Near White House Security Checkpoint Kills Suspect
A man opened fire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening and was killed after officers returned fire. The shooting marks the third incident of gunfire near President Trump in the past month.
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Gunman Opens Fire Near White House, Killed by Secret Service
A gunman fired at Secret Service officers near the White House on Saturday evening and was fatally shot in return. A bystander was also wounded in the incident.
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Trump Announces Iran Deal 'Largely Negotiated' as 84-Day War Nears Possible End
President Trump announced progress toward a ceasefire deal with Iran following talks with regional leaders, saying final details will be announced soon and aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
↗ Linked storyGreen Card Policy Overhaul: Foreigners Must Leave US to Apply
The Trump administration announced a surprise reversal of decades-old green card policy, requiring foreigners already in the US to leave and apply for permanent residency from their home countries.
↗ Linked storyU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Arrives in India for Indo-Pacific Strategic Alliance Meeting
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Saturday to meet with counterparts from India, Australia, and Japan as part of strengthening the Quad alliance in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing geopolitical tensions.
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Stephen Colbert's Late Show Concludes After Decades on Air Amid Industry Shift
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ended its run on CBS this week after years on the air. The show's conclusion reflects broader changes in late-night television and audience viewing habits.
Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Director of National Intelligence Over Husband's Cancer Diagnosis
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation effective June 30, 2026, to care for her husband Abraham who has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Trump praised Gabbard's service and appointed Aaron Lukas as acting director.
Trump Administration Orders Green Card Applicants to Leave US and Apply Abroad
The Trump administration's USCIS announced that people seeking green cards must now leave the United States and apply through consular processing from their home countries instead.
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Pentagon releases more UFO files with declassified military videos
The Pentagon released a second batch of declassified UFO documents including videos, audio files, and PDFs showing unidentified anomalous phenomena captured by military aircraft. President Trump previously ordered the files to be made public.
Michael Cohen to Apply for Justice Department Anti-Weaponization Fund
Trump's former lawyer and current critic Michael Cohen announced plans to apply for money from the Justice Department's new anti-weaponization fund following recent legal battles.
↗ Linked storyIran Mulls Latest U.S. Peace Proposal as Trump Signals Willingness to Wait
President Trump says he's willing to wait for Iran's response to the latest American offer to end their ongoing conflict, expressing confidence in his negotiating team's work. Lebanon reported an Israeli strike on a hospital despite the ceasefire.
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