Category: Politics

School districts in rural America are grappling with the loss of international educators as new federal immigration policies make it increasingly difficult to retain teachers from overseas.

In South Carolina’s Allendale County, international educators make up 25% of the teaching staff in this rural, economically disadvantaged district. These teachers primarily hail from Jamaica and the Philippines.

District leader Vallerie Cave commends these foreign educators for their expertise and commitment, but she’s now bracing for departures as the current administration overhauls immigration visa procedures.

With rising costs for visa sponsorship and unpredictable immigration regulations, Cave explained the situation has become too uncertain to renew contracts for some international educators or recruit new ones.

“Some of my very best teachers are having to return to their countries,” Cave said.

Rural educational systems are particularly affected by President Donald Trump’s stricter immigration enforcement, which is disrupting a crucial resource for addressing teacher shortages that intensified following the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote rural districts face challenges attracting American educators to isolated communities with limited housing options, retail establishments, and services like healthcare, often while offering lower compensation than larger urban districts.

Cave hopes to recruit local educators to replace the departing international teachers. Should that effort fail, she may increase the district’s reliance on virtual instruction. Other districts are exploring options like hiring non-certified staff, merging classes, or eliminating certain course options.

The White House introduced a $100,000 charge for H-1B visas in September, which permits skilled international workers to work in America. The administration justified this by claiming American workers were being displaced, particularly in well-compensated technology sector positions. Opposition voices contend the fee will exacerbate worker shortages in non-technology fields.

Data from the National Education Association shows over 2,300 H-1B visa holders work as teachers across 500 school systems nationwide. Twenty states filed a December legal challenge against the fee, claiming it would essentially block school districts from recruiting international educators.

While the administration offers a waiver application process, education professionals and advocacy organizations maintain that exempting teachers serves the public good. Educators can also enter the country using J-1 visas, which support temporary cultural exchange programs and aren’t affected by the new charge.

Oregon’s Umatilla School District brought in two Spanish educators for mathematics and science classes. District leader Heidi Sipe described these teachers as “phenomenal,” though they departed during the summer break.

“Unfortunately, due to some things at home and then the stress of the unknown, they did choose to go back,” Sipe said.

The district avoided seeking international replacements due to expenses and uncertainty, instead advertising positions early and successfully finding local candidates, according to Sipe. However, other educational administrators doubt they’ll achieve similar results.

Allendale County’s international educators, working under both H-1B and J-1 visa categories, teach mathematics, science, language arts, and special education. Cave noted that even before the fee increase, sponsoring one teacher annually cost between $15,000 and $20,000.

Educational leaders acknowledge that hiring certified, in-person staff remains the ideal solution — educators who can work directly with students to clarify concepts and develop stronger relationships throughout the academic day. When this approach isn’t feasible, they must consider alternatives.

Cave plans to expand virtual teaching through Fullmind, a service the district currently uses for three state-certified instructors. Students gather in classrooms while their teacher connects through video technology. Fullmind announced Thursday its acquisition of Elevate K-12, now serving over 225 school systems with remote instruction.

While South Carolina permits districts to employ non-certified teachers during staffing crises, Cave would prefer expanding online instruction before considering that route. She explains that teacher shortage challenges have persisted since the pandemic, when numerous districts used federal emergency funding to create new positions but struggled to find adequate staffing.

“I can’t really do competitive pay,” she said. “For rural America, impoverished America, it is still a problem recruiting teachers.”

Halifax County Schools in rural North Carolina employs 103 international teachers among its 159-person teaching staff. The district is developing long-term recruitment strategies targeting potential educators during their high school junior and senior years.

In the immediate term, the district hopes to recruit international teachers from other systems seeking to convert their J-1 visas to H-1B status, potentially avoiding the $100,000 fee, explained Carolyn Mitchell, the district’s human resources executive director.

“You have to try to figure out every alternative way when you know that you may need people,” Mitchell said.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Chuck Collins believes he struck it rich through his great-grandfather’s Oscar Mayer meat processing empire, but instead of safeguarding his fortune, he’s championing efforts to increase taxes on America’s wealthiest citizens.

Collins played a key role in establishing Massachusetts’ higher tax rate on earnings exceeding $1 million, and this concept is now gaining momentum across several Democratic-controlled states such as California, Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey. In Washington state, which lacks an income tax system, legislators may approve legislation this week creating one specifically targeting million-dollar earners.

“I think people are waking up to the harms of these inequalities,” said Collins, a founding member of the group Patriotic Millionaires, which calls for higher taxes on the country’s super affluent. “Including people who have wealth, who say, if we keep going down this road, it ain’t going to end well for anybody.”

Washington has remained unique among Democratic states for nearly a century without taxing wages or salaries, following a state Supreme Court ruling that eliminated income taxes, though it does collect revenue from certain investment gains.

With budget constraints looming, state legislators are considering legislation establishing an almost 10% annual levy on individual income above $1 million. The proposed tax could generate billions in new funding earmarked for universal K-12 meal programs, childcare assistance, family tax relief and removing sales taxes from personal hygiene products like shampoo.

Following an overnight session where lawmakers debated various amendments, the state House approved the measure this week. The legislation now returns to the Senate, which previously passed its own version. Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson has signaled his approval if the Democratic-controlled Legislature can deliver the bill before Thursday’s adjournment deadline.

“Washington is a state that has had an extremely regressive tax structure for 93 years,” House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, a Democrat, said in an interview. “It falls very heavily on working and middle class people in our state.” He said that if the change is adopted, it will help. “We don’t need to be a tax haven,” he said.

However, Republican legislators and other critics warn that targeting wealthy individuals won’t comprehensively address revenue challenges and may discourage business investment.

Colin Hathaway, a millionaire businessman in Washington, said he’s concerned the proposed tax would treat the money earned by his roofing company as income, even though he’s putting most of it back into the business. He was already hit by the state’s previous move to hike capital gains taxes, and said an additional tax could force him to move way from the state where his high school-aged children grew up.

“There’s a strong incentive to not be doing business here,” he said.

Legal challenges and ballot initiatives will likely emerge if lawmakers approve the measure.

As affordability dominates legislative discussions nationwide, several progressive states are exploring various forms of wealth taxation.

California presents the most aggressive approach to taxing the wealthy, despite already imposing taxes on millionaires. Supporters are developing a ballot initiative establishing a one-time 5% levy on assets belonging to individuals worth $1 billion or more. The plan, supported by a major healthcare union, would compensate for federal healthcare funding reductions for low-income populations enacted under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Critics view California’s wealth tax initiative as evidence that America’s movement to tax the rich has evolved beyond revenue generation to efforts aimed at reducing or eliminating extreme wealth, according to Jared Walczak, a senior fellow at the Tax Foundation.

“You see that in the language around something like the California wealth tax, where the ballot language itself talks about it being a tax on sustaining excessive accumulations of wealth,” Walczak said.

Rhode Island lawmakers are reviewing a budget plan endorsed by Democratic Gov. Dan McKee that would implement increased taxes on residents earning $1 million annually or more.

Michigan organizers are gathering signatures for a November ballot measure asking voters to replace the state’s current flat tax structure. Their proposal would add a 5% tax on individuals earning over $500,000 or couples filing jointly with $1 million in income. The state board of education supports this initiative, which would channel new revenue toward K-12 education funding.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has renewed his campaign for New York state to increase taxes on wealthy residents, despite facing resistance from Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has made similar appeals, though the Illinois legislature hasn’t advanced millionaire tax legislation.

This recent progressive state movement contrasts sharply with Republican-led states, which have opposed higher taxes on their wealthiest residents and have worked to eliminate or substantially reduce personal income taxes.

Eight states currently operate without income taxes, and Walczak noted the divide between states pursuing tax relief and those seeking higher wealthy taxes “is larger than it has been for decades.”

Uncertainty remains about whether such reductions lead to increased alternative taxes or reduced public service funding.

“I think most Americans are pretty fed up because I think they understand that there’s really two tax systems. There’s one for your average person. You’re a nurse? You’re firefighter? Every two weeks you pay taxes. And then for the super wealthy, there’s all these tax breaks and all these special loopholes,” said David Kass, executive director of the left-leaning advocacy group Americans for Tax Fairness.

Massachusetts frequently appears in discussions about millionaire tax effectiveness. Voters approved the Fair Share Amendment in 2022, adding a 4% surcharge on income exceeding $1 million, with the threshold adjusted annually for inflation. The amendment has generated $6 billion for education and transportation programs, according to the state’s Executive Office for Administration and Finance.

“It’s good for everybody, in a time of grotesque inequality, for wealthy people to chip in a little bit more,” said Collins, Oscar Mayer’s great-grandson. “Especially at a time when others are just struggling to keep up.”

SANTA FE, N.M. — Several states controlled by Democratic leadership are enacting new legislation aimed at preventing federal immigration enforcement officers from being positioned at voting sites during upcoming elections, citing concerns about potential voter intimidation.

This week, New Mexico became the first state to enact a law prohibiting armed federal agents from being stationed at polling locations, responding to worries about President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. At least six other states with Democratic leadership are weighing similar legislation.

These legislative efforts reflect significant skepticism among blue states toward the Trump administration, particularly given their experiences with aggressive immigration enforcement, threats of military deployment, and potential reductions in federal funding. State officials’ concerns intensified after the president indicated interest in federalizing U.S. elections, despite constitutional provisions that assign election administration to individual states.

Trump administration officials maintain they have no intentions of positioning immigration agents at polling places. During recent congressional testimony, leaders from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol responded “No, sir” when questioned about plans to station personnel at voting sites. Heather Honey, the Department of Homeland Security’s deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, recently assured state election officials that claims about immigration agents being deployed to polls “is simply not true.”

Despite these assurances, eight state election officials are seeking written guarantees from Trump’s nominee to replace Kristi Noem as Department of Homeland Security secretary. In a Monday letter to the president’s choice for the position, Markwayne Mullin, the group requested formal commitments “that ICE will not have a presence at polling locations during the 2026 election cycle.”

Existing federal statutes already ban the deployment of armed federal personnel to voting locations except when “necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States,” yet Democratic legislators, election administrators, and governors continue expressing alarm.

“The fear is that the Trump administration will attempt to evoke a national emergency or execute some other deployment of federal agents or military troops in order to interfere with elections and intimidate voters,” stated Connecticut Democratic state Rep. Matt Blumenthal, who co-authored legislation establishing a 250-foot buffer zone around polls for federal agents along with other restrictions on federal involvement. “And we’re not going to let that happen.”

Similar proposals to prohibit immigration agents at voting sites are advancing in Democratic-led states of various sizes, spanning from California to Rhode Island.

Virginia legislators are considering a measure that would prevent federal civil immigration officials from conducting arrests within 40 feet of polling places or courthouses. However, the polling site provision remains under discussion, and its inclusion in the final legislation remains uncertain.

New Mexico’s recently enacted law forbids orders that would place any armed individual in the “civil, military or naval service of the United States” at local voting locations and adjacent parking areas, or within 50 feet of monitored ballot collection boxes, beginning with early voting periods.

The New Mexico statute, effective in May and applicable to the state’s June 2 primary election, allows individuals who face intimidation or interference at polls from federal agents or military personnel to pursue civil litigation for relief in state courts. State prosecutors and local and state election administrators may also file lawsuits, with courts authorized to impose penalties up to $50,000 per violation.

The law also blocks modifications to voter qualifications and election procedures that contradict New Mexico statutes, as Trump encourages the U.S. Senate to pass legislation imposing stringent new citizenship verification requirements for elections nationwide.

State measures designed to counter federal election law will likely encounter legal obstacles due to the supremacy clause in the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.

“It could set up a direct clash between state governments and the federal government. We don’t know exactly how that’s going to go,” explained Richard Hasen, director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at the UCLA School of Law. “Given the supremacy clause, there’s only so much states can do.”

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham explained that her skepticism toward the Trump administration’s election oversight stems from ongoing Department of Justice attempts to obtain detailed state voter information without providing explanations, plus Trump’s persistent false assertions about widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

“Do I believe the federal government and people in the White House? No,” stated Lujan Grisham, whose term concludes at the end of 2026.

“We are sending a message to everyone: We will hold free and fair elections, and New Mexicans will be safe in every ballot location and that’s our responsibility,” the Democratic governor declared Tuesday at a press conference. “The Constitution says the states run their elections, and that bill makes that painfully re-clear to the federal government.”

Republican legislators in New Mexico, who hold minority status in the state legislature, unanimously opposed the measure.

“I would question strongly why we have to do this other than just to have to poke the president in the eye,” stated GOP state Sen. Bill Sharer of Farmington during legislative floor discussions.

State Sen. Katy Duhigg, an Albuquerque Democrat who co-sponsored the measure, described it as “better safe than sorry with democracy.” She explained her desire to “make sure that there was some sort of tool that our local law enforcement would have at their disposal if something does happen, if the federal government does in some manner try to interfere with our elections.”

Connecticut’s proposed legislation, set for a hearing this week, also addresses federal attempts to confiscate ballots or other election materials. The measure would mandate that state officials receive advance notice of such actions.

Blumenthal acknowledged that state legislators cannot prevent seizures like the January FBI search at an election facility in Fulton County, Georgia, a Democratic stronghold encompassing Atlanta. However, he noted “there might be an opportunity for our state attorney general’s office or the secretary of the state’s office to challenge that.”

WASHINGTON (TV Delmarva) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has barred photographers from his recent two briefings regarding the Iran conflict, marking a departure from established Pentagon practices without any official explanation.

Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez refused to provide comment when asked about the policy change.

Relations between Hegseth’s Defense Department and journalists covering the Pentagon have grown increasingly strained. Many established news organizations have abandoned their Pentagon workstations rather than comply with new Trump administration restrictions that limit their access and control who they may interview.

A reconstituted press pool has taken their place, consisting of reporters who accepted the new guidelines and largely represent media outlets favorable to President Donald Trump.

While the Pentagon continues issuing temporary passes to reporters from organizations that left their posts, allowing them to attend Hegseth’s war briefings, the Defense Secretary rarely acknowledges these legacy media journalists. However, he did recognize Eric Schmitt from The New York Times during Tuesday’s session.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit challenging Hegseth’s media restrictions, with U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman hearing arguments in the case last week.

“As The Times has long said, there is a clear importance and public service to allowing journalists to report fully on the U.S. military,” stated Charles Stadtlander, the newspaper’s spokesperson. “This includes photojournalists, who deserve access and credentialing to attend Pentagon briefings.”

The Associated Press offered no immediate response regarding the photographer ban. Video recording equipment continues to be permitted at Hegseth’s briefings.

The newspaper’s Iran war reporting has attracted criticism from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During Tuesday’s briefing, she stated the administration would not be “harassed” by The Times regarding their investigation into the bombing of an Iranian girls’ school that killed approximately 175 people, many of them students.

Leavitt indicated Trump would accept whatever conclusions emerge from the Defense Department’s investigation into responsibility for the attack. “We’re not going to be harassed by The New York Times, who’ve been putting out a lot of articles on this making claims that have just not been verified by the Department of War, to quickly wrap up this investigation because The New York Times is calling on us to do so,” she declared.

On Wednesday, the newspaper published a report citing anonymous sources indicating that preliminary administration findings have determined U.S. forces were responsible for the bombing. According to the report, military officials believe the Tomahawk missile strike was based on outdated intelligence information.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Following an extensive legal battle lasting nearly a year, officials in Leavenworth, Kansas have granted approval for a closed private correctional facility to resume operations housing immigration detainees, coinciding with nationwide efforts to expand detention capacity.

The Leavenworth City Commission granted approval Tuesday for a permit requested by private corrections company CoreCivic. In a 4-1 decision, commissioners authorized a three-year operating permit that includes requirements for minimum staff levels, prohibits housing juvenile detainees, and establishes a municipal monitoring committee.

“If they don’t follow those guidelines, we can pull the permit,” Mayor Nancy Bauder stated prior to the commission vote.

The facility in question, known as the Midwest Regional Reception Center, contains 1,104 beds and sits approximately 10 miles west of Kansas City International Airport. CoreCivic, among the country’s leading private prison companies, projects the facility will produce $60 million in annual revenue when operating at capacity.

The municipality of Leavenworth initiated legal action against CoreCivic when the company attempted to restart operations at the closed facility without obtaining municipal approval.

The litigation unfolded across both state and federal court systems, with the U.S. Department of Justice supporting CoreCivic’s position in court documents. Federal officials characterized the city’s actions as an “aggressive and unlawful effort” designed to “interfere with federal immigration enforcement.”

This legal dispute stands out as the only known case nationwide where a municipality successfully delayed a private detention facility’s opening during President Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiatives. Municipal leaders contended that mandatory permitting would help avoid future complications, while CoreCivic argued no permit was necessary and the approval process would create unacceptable delays.

Leavenworth represented an unexpected opponent given the Republican-leaning community’s strong association with correctional institutions. The city’s name has become synonymous with incarceration, and local prison facilities employ hundreds of residents across two military installations, America’s original federal prison, a state correctional center, and a county detention facility, all located within 6 miles of city hall.

CoreCivic ceased housing federal pretrial detainees at its Leavenworth location in 2021 following then-President Joe Biden’s directive for the Justice Department to reduce reliance on private correctional facilities. The American Civil Liberties Union and federal public defenders documented violations of prisoner rights, including incidents of stabbings, suicides, and one murder.

Municipal court filings detailed instances of detainees being confined in shower areas as disciplinary measures and alleged CoreCivic hindered local law enforcement investigations into sexual assaults and other serious crimes.

Nearly four dozen community members voiced opposition to the permit during public comments before the commission vote. Mayor Bauder repeatedly cautioned the audience about excessive noise levels, and law enforcement ejected one protester who shouted profane remarks.

“We, we the people of Leavenworth, are not fooled and we don’t care about their money,” local resident David Benitez addressed the commissioners.

Several permit supporters highlighted potential economic benefits for the community. Two CoreCivic staff members advocated for approval, including Charles Johnson from Kansas City, Kansas, who described how his employment provided meaning and helped his family achieve financial independence from government assistance.

“The people I work alongside are caring, professional and committed to doing things the right way,” Johnson stated, though his remarks prompted negative reactions from opponents gathered outside the meeting chamber.

City Commissioner Holly Pittman noted that the municipality’s firm stance enabled negotiations for permit conditions. She expressed concern that rejection could trigger costly litigation.

“I will not gamble the financial stability of this city,” Pittman declared before casting her approval vote. “Let me be clear: Approval does not mean endorsement.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional investigators examined Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive financial network Wednesday during a private hearing with his former accountant, seeking to uncover details about his relationships with influential wealthy individuals.

Richard Kahn, who maintained a close working relationship with Epstein over many years and currently oversees his estate as an executor, participated in the behind-closed-doors session with House members. During his testimony, Kahn stated he never witnessed Epstein’s sexual misconduct firsthand, though he offered lawmakers additional insight into how the disgraced financier built his fortune. Over two decades, Epstein accumulated hundreds of millions while cultivating relationships with some of the globe’s most influential figures.

According to Rep. James Comer, the Republican leader of the House Oversight Committee, Kahn “was under the impression that Epstein made his money as a tax advisor and a financial planner.” Committee members believe that gaining a complete understanding of Epstein’s financial operations could shed light on how he managed to continue his trafficking and sexual abuse of minors for such an extended period.

“Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring would not have been possible without Richard Kahn, who managed Epstein’s money for years, authorized payments, including payments to victims and survivors,” stated Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., who noted that Kahn claimed he couldn’t remember specific details about certain transactions and communications when questioned.

Kahn has maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s sexual crimes and never encountered any of his victims.

The Kentucky Republican Comer revealed that during the testimony, committee members verified that Epstein obtained substantial sums from several prominent figures: former retail executive Les Wexner, hedge fund leader Glenn Dubin, technology entrepreneur Steven Sinofsky, investor Leon Black, and members of the Rothschild banking dynasty.

While none of these individuals face accusations of misconduct regarding their Epstein connections, committee Democrats maintain that anyone linked to the financier deserves examination. The panel previously questioned Wexner last month, and Comer has requested that Black and others participate in recorded interviews.

Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam disclosed that Kahn informed lawmakers about Epstein’s financial connections to Ehud Barak, Israel’s former prime minister who served from 1999 to 2001. Barak faces no wrongdoing allegations and has expressed regret about his association with Epstein.

Comer announced Wednesday that his committee has examined more than 40,000 documents obtained through subpoenas to JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. According to Comer’s findings, Epstein maintained connections to no fewer than 64 business organizations.

While President Donald Trump has categorically rejected any improper conduct in his past dealings with Epstein, Comer noted that Kahn reported never observing any financial exchanges between the two men. Comer emphasized that Kahn joins other witnesses who have testified they never observed Trump engaging in inappropriate behavior with Epstein.

“The investigation’s about getting the truth to the American people, trying to figure out how the government failed, answer questions we all have,” Comer explained.

A group of 17 Democratic state attorneys general launched legal action Wednesday against the Trump administration’s new mandate forcing higher education institutions to provide detailed information demonstrating they don’t factor race into their admissions decisions.

The directive came after President Trump expressed concerns in August that universities might be using personal essays and other indirect methods to consider race in admissions, which he considers unlawful discrimination.

The 2023 Supreme Court decision ended affirmative action programs in college admissions, though it permitted schools to consider how racial experiences have influenced students’ lives when applicants discuss such experiences in their application essays.

“This Administration’s unlawful and haphazard actions are threatening the well-being of Massachusetts students and the prosperity of our colleges and universities,” Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said in a statement. “There is no way for institutions to reasonably deliver accurate data in the federal government’s rushed and arbitrary time frame, and it is unfair for schools to be threatened with fines, potential losses of funding, and baseless investigations should they not fulfill the Administration’s request.”

The legal challenge was submitted to federal court in Boston.

Education Department spokesperson Ellen Keast stood behind the information gathering effort.

“American taxpayers invest over $100 billion into higher education each year and deserve transparency on how their dollars are being spent,” Keast said in a statement. “The Department’s efforts will expand an existing transparency tool to show how universities are taking race into consideration in admissions. What exactly are State AGs trying to shield universities from?”

The current directive mirrors aspects of recent settlement deals the federal government reached with Brown University and Columbia University, which restored their federal research funding. Both institutions committed to providing government officials with demographic information, academic performance metrics, and test scores for applicants, accepted students, and enrolled students. The schools also consented to government audits and public release of admissions statistics.

The directive instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to mandate additional reporting from colleges “to provide adequate transparency into admissions.” The National Center for Education Statistics will gather expanded information, including demographic and gender breakdowns of college applicants, accepted students, and enrolled students. McMahon specified that this information, required by March 18, must be separated by race and gender and provided retroactively for seven years.

Colleges that don’t provide timely, complete, and accurate information could face action under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which establishes requirements for institutions receiving federal student financial aid, the memo states.

Campbell contends the survey timeline is unrealistic and “leaves institutions vulnerable to inadvertent errors and unreliable data that could lead to cost penalties and baseless investigations into their practices and that jeopardizes student privacy and could lead to individuals being easily identified.”

The federal government utilizes the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, known as IPEDS, to collect information from thousands of colleges and universities receiving federal assistance. The coalition also maintains that the expanded data requirements threaten student privacy.

“Many institutions have data protection obligations to their students, which are placed at risk by the Administration’s new IPEDS demands for in-depth information about individual students,” the plaintiffs wrote in the lawsuit.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa has implemented new legislation that eliminates local government authority to establish gender identity anti-discrimination measures, following the state’s unprecedented decision to strip such protections from its civil rights laws last year.

The preemptive measure became effective immediately Tuesday when Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signed it into law. The legislation prohibits municipalities and counties from establishing civil rights safeguards that extend beyond those specifically outlined in state statutes.

Numerous municipalities throughout Iowa had established gender identity protections in their local codes, including major population centers like Des Moines and Iowa City, which houses the University of Iowa. Just last month, Ames, home to Iowa State University, approved its own ordinance providing gender identity protections.

Republican lawmakers controlling both legislative chambers argued the new preemption measure creates uniformity regarding protected classifications. Democratic legislators opposed the legislation.

“There could literally be hundreds of situations where we have conflicts with local ordinances,” Republican state Representative Steve Holt explained. “And considering the climate that we’re in today, a patchwork of different civil rights ordinances would be extremely difficult for businesses and schools to navigate.”

Research from the Movement Advancement Project, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, indicates that Arkansas and Tennessee have similar laws preventing local anti-discrimination ordinances from exceeding state protections.

Iowa’s original 1965 Civil Rights Act did not include sexual orientation and gender identity provisions. These protections were incorporated in 2007 when Democrats controlled the legislature, with backing from approximately twelve Republican lawmakers.

Reynolds and fellow Iowa Republicans argued last year that these anti-discrimination measures conflicted with newer legislation restricting transgender students’ access to facilities like restrooms and locker rooms, as well as their participation in athletic programs.

Speaking Wednesday, Reynolds maintained that recent laws remained threatened by what she called a “hodgepodge” of varying civil rights protections across different communities.

“We just believe that locals should follow the state law especially when it comes to civil rights, otherwise we have a mismatch of rights out there,” she stated. “We thought that it was important that they be consistent.”

Iowa’s current civil rights legislation provides protection against discrimination involving race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, and disability status.

Laura Bergus, a City Council member and attorney in Iowa City, located approximately 100 miles east of Des Moines, noted that gender identity discrimination protections have existed in local regulations for roughly three decades.

Following last year’s state legislation, the city adopted a resolution “to reinforce the fact that we had that authority and to make sure that our residents knew that discrimination on the basis of gender identity specifically was still prohibited in Iowa City,” Bergus stated Wednesday.

Bergus characterized the new law as “extreme overreach” that restricts local governments from addressing community-specific needs, and indicated Iowa City is exploring potential legal challenges.

“Our local leadership remains committed to protecting all of us,” Bergus declared.

Iowa residents have until April 27 to submit civil rights complaints to the state regarding gender identity discrimination incidents that occurred prior to the civil rights code changes taking effect July 1, 2025. State data through February 13 shows only one complaint has been accepted for investigation since that date.

During the preceding twelve months, 46 gender identity-based complaints were accepted for investigation.

The rollback also eliminated Iowa residents’ ability to modify sex designations on birth certificates.

State health department records provided to The Associated Press show 208 birth certificates had sex designation modifications from January through June 2025. This represents a substantial increase from 2024, when 135 such requests were made throughout the entire year.

According to the state health department, Iowa no longer monitors the number of birth certificate change requests received but continues receiving them. All requests are now denied.

Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s former national security advisor, recently shared his perspective on current Iran policy during an interview with NPR’s Scott Detrow.

The conversation centered on the Trump administration’s communications strategy regarding Iran relations and potential approaches to resolving ongoing tensions.

Sullivan, who held the top national security role during the Biden presidency, offered insights into how the current situation with Iran might be addressed moving forward.

The current White House is incorrectly characterizing former President Jimmy Carter’s position on mail-in voting by twisting findings from a two-decade-old election study, as officials promote new federal voting legislation requiring stricter citizenship verification and photo identification before the upcoming midterm elections.

During consecutive days this week, President Donald Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt referenced the 2005 Commission on Federal Election Reform study while supporting the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE America Act. The bipartisan commission was jointly led by Carter, a Democrat, and former Secretary of State James Baker, who served under three Republican presidents: Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.

Both Trump and Leavitt incorrectly suggested that Carter opposed mail-in and absentee voting due to fraud concerns, which distorts what the commission actually concluded.

During Monday’s Republican Members Issues Conference, Trump stated: “Jimmy Carter, the best thing he ever did, he headed a commission after he was president. It was the single best thing. And he did a thing on mail-in ballots. He said mail-in ballots should not be allowed because they are inherently dishonest.”

At Tuesday’s White House press briefing, Leavitt said: “The bipartisan 2005 report of the Commission on Federal Election Reform, shared by, of all people, former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker, concluded that, quote, ‘absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud.’”

However, evidence shows Carter actually endorsed mail-in voting and absentee ballots throughout his life, based on his own public statements, comments from his grandson Jason Carter, and official positions from The Carter Center. While the 2005 study acknowledged that absentee and mail-in ballots could create fraud opportunities, it also provided recommendations to minimize those risks and called for additional research on the matter. Election security specialists maintain there’s no proof that mail-in and absentee voting generates widespread fraud, either currently or twenty years ago.

Jason Carter, who chairs The Carter Center’s board of trustees, told The Associated Press Wednesday: “My grandfather supported mail-in voting — so much so that he used it himself. Any claim to the contrary unnecessarily sows doubt in election integrity and undermines voter confidence in a consequential election year.”

The late president publicly backed mail-in voting and absentee ballots in 2020, maintaining this position until his death in 2024.

In May 2020, during COVID-19 pandemic concerns about election safety, Carter declared: “I urge political leaders across the country to take immediate steps to expand vote-by-mail and other measures to help protect the core of American democracy — the right of our citizens the vote.”

Four months afterward, responding to media coverage about his absentee ballot opinions, Carter clarified: “I approve the use of absentee ballots and have been using them for more than five years.”

Mail-in voting continues to attract support from voters in both major political parties. In the 2024 election, which Trump won, approximately 30% of voters submitted mailed ballots, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. This exceeded pre-pandemic numbers, when roughly 25% of voters used mailed ballots. Among the four states where mailed ballot usage increased compared to 2020, three are under Republican control: Indiana, South Dakota, and Utah.

Trump has personally voted by mail in Florida, his home state.

The Commission on Federal Election Reform, established by American University’s Center for Democracy and Election Management with funding from various philanthropic organizations, released “Building Confidence in U.S. Elections” in 2005. The study concluded that “absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud” and that mail-in voting “is likely to increase the risks of fraud and of contested elections” in some states.

Nevertheless, the report didn’t discourage mail-in and absentee ballot usage. Instead, it provided recommendations for reducing fraud risks.

The commission made three specific suggestions regarding absentee ballots and voter registration fraud: limiting ballot handling to designated individuals while prohibiting candidates or party workers from collecting and delivering absentee ballots; encouraging states to enact laws preventing fraud from payments related to voter registration, absentee ballot collection, or signature gathering; and ensuring states don’t discourage legitimate voter registration or get-out-the-vote activities.

The report also recommended stronger ballot security measures and additional research into mail-in and early voting advantages and disadvantages. Notably, it observed that Oregon, which had implemented vote-by-mail for seven years, showed “little evidence of fraud.”

“The administration’s claims about President Carter’s views on mail-in voting are not true,” The Carter Center stated to The Associated Press this week.

The organization noted the claims ignore “the rest of the report’s findings or President Carter’s acknowledgment of the safeguards that have emerged in the 20+ years since this report came out.”

Election experts confirm that mail-in and absentee voting doesn’t create widespread election fraud, despite increased usage over the past twenty years, growing from approximately 13% of voters in 2004 to nearly one-third of all ballots cast in the most recent election.

Mark Lindeman, policy and strategy director at Verified Voting, a nonpartisan election technology organization, explained: “There’s no evidence that mail-in voting fraud was rampant then, and it’s not rampant now. Mail voting has become more common and more mature. So, over that period of time, states have learned from each other — best practices for not only avoiding fraud, but just generally administering mail balloting well.”

Improvements include better ballot tracking systems, processes for correcting initially rejected ballots, and enhanced capabilities for identifying and resolving duplicate voter registrations.

Trump’s position on mail-in voting has shifted repeatedly over time. He preemptively criticized mail balloting months before the 2020 election began, while simultaneously encouraging Florida voters to use mail-in ballots in a state he ultimately won. Following his 2020 loss, Trump and other Republicans blamed mail-in voting for the results.

Republicans, including Trump at times, promoted mail-in voting to their supporters before the 2024 election when it was viewed as strategically necessary during a competitive race.

When asked about Trump and Leavitt’s statements, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded: “President Trump and Karoline are completely right — and Karoline read a direct quote from the report during her briefing.”

She added that The Carter Center’s May 2020 press release containing Carter’s mail-in voting endorsement “does not invalidate the findings” of the 2005 commission report.

WASHINGTON — Tensions boiled over in the Senate Wednesday as both Republican and Democratic leaders expressed mounting anger over the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding crisis, now in its fourth week and causing extensive airport delays across the nation.

The partisan divide has created a legislative stalemate, with Democrats insisting they’ll approve funding for certain DHS operations while refusing to back Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection without operational reforms. Republicans firmly rejected key Democratic conditions, leading both sides to block each other’s temporary funding proposals during extended Senate floor discussions.

The shutdown, which started February 14, has created what lawmakers acknowledge is a deep political chasm with no easy resolution in sight.

“We are in a negotiation. However, we are not close,” stated Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. “You may think this is some issue that we think we’re going to turn to our political advantage, but I promise you, when we saw Renee Good and Alex Pretti killed, this became an issue that was beyond politics.”

“And there are a lot of us who are not going to provide resources to this agency that is acting in such a ways that makes citizens of the United States so unsafe,” he added.

Republican senators pushed back equally hard against proposed Democratic reforms.

“Let me be clear, we are going to do nothing — nothing — that kneecaps ICE’s ability to enforce our immigrations laws,” declared Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.

This funding crisis represents the sole remaining piece of the federal budget puzzle, as Congress successfully passed 11 of 12 annual spending measures following last year’s record-breaking government shutdown.

Democratic negotiators are pushing for multiple departmental reforms, including banning ICE operations at sensitive sites such as schools and religious institutions, establishing independent oversight for misconduct allegations, mandating judicial warrants before agents can enter private properties without permission, and requiring officers to display identification while prohibiting face coverings.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., accused Democrats of avoiding genuine negotiations, noting that the White House submitted its most recent funding proposal nearly two weeks ago without receiving any Democratic response.

“Usually, around here, in order to get a deal, there has to be a negotiation where the two sides sit down together,” Thune explained. “And my understanding is that has been completely rebuffed by the senator from Washington.”

Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, countered that while she maintains contact with Republican colleagues, these discussions don’t constitute meaningful negotiations without White House participation. She specifically demanded assurance that Stephen Miller, the influential White House deputy chief of staff, wouldn’t sabotage any congressional agreements.

“I am willing to talk to people, but I’m not willing to sit in a room, have coffee, give away a few things and have Stephen Miller override whatever we all agree to,” Murray explained. “We need to know the White House is serious.”

The Department of Homeland Security became a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement overhaul, with ICE arrests and detentions rising sharply under his administration. These aggressive enforcement methods have alarmed Democrats and prompted some Republicans to advocate for more targeted strategies.

Earlier bipartisan negotiations had produced a DHS funding agreement that included additional resources for de-escalation training and $20 million for body cameras for immigration agents. However, that compromise collapsed following the Pretti shooting incident in Minneapolis.

“My side was not going to stand down and say, ‘oh well, nothing happened,’” Murray stated.

Murray again proposed funding all DHS operations except ICE and Customs and Border Protection, marking her second such attempt in two weeks, but Republicans rejected the offer.

Meanwhile, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., suggested a two-week funding extension for the entire department to ensure federal workers receive paychecks while negotiations continue, but Democrats blocked this proposal.

The ongoing impasse continues, though the fact that lawmakers are actively communicating may signal modest progress.

More than 260,000 DHS employees continue working without pay, marking their second unpaid period in recent months after enduring last fall’s 43-day shutdown. The most noticeable impact has been severe staffing shortages among Transportation Security Administration workers at airports nationwide.

Houston’s secondary airport experienced the most severe disruptions, with security lines exceeding three hours throughout Sunday and Monday. Other major airports, including those in New Orleans and Atlanta, also reported wait times surpassing one hour.

The Department of Homeland Security used social media Wednesday to blame Democrats for creating a shutdown that “has led to HOURS long security lines at airports across the country, leading Americans to miss their spring break flights.”

Business organizations are expressing concern about the economic consequences of travel disruptions. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged Congress to swiftly pass funding legislation and terminate the departmental shutdown.

“Blocking operational funding and paychecks for those who help us travel safely is wrong and strains the air travel system,” said Neil Bradley, the organization’s executive vice president and chief policy officer.

Former President Donald Trump made campaign appearances across Ohio and northern Kentucky during a busy Wednesday on the campaign trail. The day-long tour represented Trump’s efforts to demonstrate economic and political momentum while ongoing tensions with Iran continue to create volatility in financial markets and affect his standing in polls.

The campaign stops came as part of Trump’s broader strategy to focus on economic issues during his appearances in the Midwest region.

This coverage includes a collection of photographs selected by Associated Press photo editors documenting the campaign events.

As former President Donald Trump considers which candidate to support in Texas’s upcoming Senate runoff, multiple Republican officials in the Lone Star State are cautioning him against backing the incumbent.

The May 26 runoff pits four-term Senator John Cornyn against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, after neither secured enough votes in the March 3 primary to avoid a second round of voting. Trump announced on March 4 that he planned to endorse one of the candidates and later suggested to Politico that he was favoring Cornyn, though no official endorsement has materialized.

Houston-area legislator Tom Oliverson, who chairs the Republican caucus in the Texas House, warned that supporting Cornyn could backfire with Trump’s most loyal followers. “Some of his hardest and most ardent supporters will see this as a slap in the face,” Oliverson stated.

State Representative Steve Toth from The Woodlands, who recently unseated incumbent Rep. Dan Crenshaw, expressed similar concerns about a potential Cornyn endorsement. “What the president doesn’t understand here in Texas is the amount of frustration that Texas voters have with John Cornyn,” Toth explained.

While acknowledging Trump’s continued popularity in Texas, Toth added: “I don’t think it’s a mistake that’s going to hurt him. But do I think it’s a mistake for him to possibly endorse John Cornyn? Yes, I do.”

However, Cornyn maintains support among some legislative allies. Fort Worth Representative Charlie Geren offered a harsh assessment of the race, stating: “I’m hoping that the president will look at all the facts and support an honorable senator who has represented Texas very well, as opposed to a crook and a liar.”

In an apparent effort to curry favor with Trump, Cornyn shifted his stance on Senate procedures this week regarding the SAVE America Act, legislation requiring citizenship verification for voter registration that Trump has identified as his top priority. Writing in a New York Post opinion piece, Cornyn declared: “I support whatever changes to Senate rules that may prove necessary” to advance the bill “through the Senate and on the president’s desk for his signature.”

Paxton had already attempted to demonstrate his commitment to Trump’s agenda by stating nearly a week earlier that he would consider withdrawing from the race if the Senate approved the citizenship verification measure. The legislation currently lacks sufficient support to overcome a filibuster, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune opposes changing procedural rules.

The campaign has turned increasingly negative, with Cornyn’s team launching a $330,000 television advertisement that references allegations of marital infidelity against Paxton. The ad features religious imagery and a narrator declaring “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” alluding to accusations made by Paxton’s own wife.

Cornyn, who won his seat in 2002 during George W. Bush’s presidential tenure, has had a complicated relationship with Trump. In 2023, he suggested that Trump’s “time has passed,” and previously criticized Trump’s border wall proposal as “naive.” He also supported gun control measures following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting.

Representative Matt Shaheen of Plano argued that Cornyn’s broader appeal makes him more electable against Democratic nominee James Talarico. “John Cornyn is the only person who can beat James Talarico,” Shaheen said. “And I believe the president understands that.”

State Representative Wesley Virdell from Brady, a prominent gun rights advocate, expressed concern about Trump’s potential decision. “I have concern that he may be getting bad advice from certain officials,” Virdell said. “I hope he will take other conservative members’ opinions into consideration, because I think it’s going to look really bad for President Trump if he endorses him.”

Despite his gesture regarding Trump’s legislative priorities, Paxton shows no indication of leaving the race. He is scheduled to address the Conservative Political Action Committee conference when it convenes in Dallas.

Representative Shelley Luther from rural Grayson County predicted disappointment among her constituents if Trump supports Cornyn. “They’d be like, ‘He’s out of touch with what Texans want,’” she explained.

WASHINGTON — Following the Supreme Court’s February decision that invalidated President Donald Trump’s earlier tariff system, the Trump administration launched a comprehensive trade investigation Wednesday targeting foreign manufacturing practices.

The administration is working to recover hundreds of billions in lost revenue after the high court overturned Trump’s previous import taxes that were imposed during a declared economic emergency. Officials are now pursuing alternative legal pathways to establish new tariffs.

The current investigation operates under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which provides authority for implementing new import duties. However, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer cautioned reporters during a Wednesday briefing that he wouldn’t speculate about potential outcomes.

“The policy remains the same — the tools may change depending on, you know, the vagaries of courts and other things,” Greer explained, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding American employment.

This renewed tariff effort threatens to revive the economic turbulence that disrupted global markets previously. The overturned tariffs had established new trade arrangements with international partners, and it remains uncertain how fresh import taxes might affect existing agreements. Greer characterized these trade frameworks as independent entities, separate from the current investigation.

The investigation unfolds amid ongoing conflict in Iran and approaching midterm elections where Democratic candidates are challenging Trump’s Republican supporters by arguing citizens deserve tariff refunds after the Supreme Court ruling.

According to Greer, the probe will focus on excessive industrial capacity and government support that may provide foreign manufacturers with unfair competitive advantages over American businesses.

The investigation encompasses 16 nations and territories: China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India. Officials are examining what they consider persistent trade surpluses with America and policies including subsidies and wage suppression.

Additionally, the administration is launching another Section 301 investigation aimed at prohibiting imports of products manufactured through forced labor.

Greer suggested future Section 301 investigations might address digital service taxes, pharmaceutical pricing, and ocean pollution. The Commerce Department maintains separate trade probes under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act.

Time constraints pressure the administration to complete these investigations quickly. Current 10% tariffs on foreign goods under section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act will expire July 24 after 150 days. While Trump announced plans to increase that rate to 15%, he hasn’t implemented the change.

Greer indicated the administration is “keying off” the investigation timeline based on the 150-day deadline, aiming to present “potential options” to Trump promptly.

The investigations will operate independently from last year’s trade frameworks that established baseline tariff rates, including 15% charges on European Union, Japanese, and South Korean goods before the Supreme Court’s reversal. However, Greer suggested these frameworks might influence decisions.

“My sense is that these countries continue to want to deal, and President Trump continues to want the deal,” Greer stated, noting that with tariffs under consideration, countries’ commitments and framework implementation would be evaluated as they intersect with Section 301 requirements.

Five individuals receiving food assistance benefits have filed a federal lawsuit challenging new government restrictions that bar them from purchasing candy, sugary beverages, and energy drinks with their benefits.

The legal action, filed Wednesday in Washington D.C. federal court, targets the U.S. Department of Agriculture over what the Trump administration calls “food restriction” waivers now active in 22 states nationwide.

The five individuals bringing the case – residents of Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia – argue these new rules “destabilize food access” for those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have backed these restrictions as components of their “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

According to the lawsuit, the affected families depend on some of the now-restricted items for managing medical issues including diabetes and food allergies, as well as obtaining necessary energy for daily activities.

The restrictions create checkout confusion and force families into impossible financial decisions, the plaintiffs contend, making them choose between using cash for restricted foods or paying for essential expenses like housing and transportation.

Amanda Johnson from Knoxville, Tennessee, shared that her state’s waiver implementation would leave her autistic 19-year-old daughter with access to just three “safe” food and drink options – including only bottled water – due to a severe eating disorder.

Johnson explained that her daughter’s remaining six safe food choices, which include M&M’s and Welch’s fruit punch, would become unavailable under the restrictions.

An Agriculture Department representative declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter.

The legal challenge claims the department overstepped its authority by approving these waivers without proper “reasoned decision-making” and requests the court invalidate them.

Legal representation comes from the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, a nonprofit organization advocating for low-income individuals, working alongside a private legal firm.

The MAHA initiative has pushed for changes to federal dietary recommendations and supports other policies including restrictions on childhood vaccination programs.

The Defense Department has informed senior officials that artificial intelligence technology from Anthropic could remain in use past the previously established six-month elimination timeline under exceptional circumstances related to national security, according to internal documentation obtained by Reuters.

The guidance, dated March 6 and bearing the signature of Pentagon Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies, specifies that such exceptions may be granted “in rare and extraordinary circumstances” and “will only be considered for mission-critical activities directly supporting national security operations where no viable alternative exists.”

Defense units requesting such exceptions must provide detailed risk reduction strategies for review and approval, the document states. CBS News initially disclosed the memo’s existence.

Pentagon officials acknowledged the memo’s authenticity but refused additional commentary. Anthropic representatives have not yet responded to inquiries.

Government contracting attorney Franklin Turner from McCarter & English suggested the exception provision reflects the practical difficulties of enforcing the prohibition. “I do expect to see a flurry of waiver requests,” Turner stated.

The guidance represents a “recognition of the fact that it’s really hard for most vendors to certify they have removed the company from the entirety of their supply chain,” Turner explained. He noted contractors may struggle to verify their software contains no open-source elements from Anthropic.

This development follows an intense multi-week disagreement regarding technology safeguards for military use of Anthropic’s artificial intelligence systems. The conflict concluded with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designating the company as a supply chain threat and prohibiting Pentagon and contractor usage.

On Monday, Anthropic initiated legal action seeking to prevent implementation of the Pentagon’s restriction.

The internal guidance additionally instructs officials to focus on eliminating Anthropic products from systems handling sensitive operations, including nuclear weapons and missile defense programs.

The document reinforces that the prohibition applies to defense contractors as well. Pentagon procurement officials have 30 days to inform contractors, who must then verify complete adherence within the 180-day timeframe.

The Trump White House has calculated that military operations against Iran during the conflict’s opening week cost American taxpayers more than $11.3 billion, according to a source with knowledge of congressional discussions.

Administration representatives shared this financial assessment during a private Senate briefing held Tuesday, though the figure represents only partial costs from the war’s initial phase rather than comprehensive expenses, the source revealed Wednesday.

Multiple Capitol Hill staffers anticipate the administration will formally ask Congress for supplemental war funding in the coming days. While some officials suggest the request could reach $50 billion, others believe that amount may prove insufficient.

The White House has yet to release public cost projections for the military campaign or outline expectations for how long operations might continue. During a Kentucky visit Wednesday, Trump declared “we won” while emphasizing American forces would remain engaged to complete their mission.

The New York Times initially disclosed the $11.3 billion spending figure Wednesday.

Military action against Iran commenced February 28 through coordinated American and Israeli air operations, resulting in approximately 2,000 casualties primarily among Iranian and Lebanese forces as fighting expanded into Lebanon. The conflict has disrupted international energy markets and global shipping routes.

Government officials informed legislators that $5.6 billion worth of military munitions were expended during the campaign’s first 48 hours alone.

Congressional members, who face potential votes on additional war appropriations, have voiced concerns that sustained operations could exhaust American military stockpiles while defense manufacturers already struggle to meet existing demand.

Last week, Trump conducted meetings with leadership from seven major defense companies as Pentagon officials worked to restore equipment inventories.

Democratic representatives are demanding public sworn testimony from administration officials regarding the Republican president’s strategic objectives, including projected timeline and post-conflict plans for Iran.

A drone manufacturing company with financial backing from President Donald Trump’s eldest sons is positioning itself to compete for lucrative Pentagon contracts.

Powerus, which counts Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump among its investors, has experienced rapid growth through acquisitions of competitor companies and is eyeing a share of the $1.1 billion the Pentagon has allocated for building domestic armed drone manufacturing capabilities following the administration’s prohibition on Chinese drone imports.

The Trump family’s business expansion has faced scrutiny for international real estate ventures in countries seeking presidential favor and cryptocurrency investments that benefit from administration policies. Less noticed are their new investments in federal contractors supplying various products from rocket components and rare earth materials to artificial intelligence processors and computing equipment.

Company co-founder Brett Velicovich dismissed concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding government contracts that could financially benefit the president’s family members.

“There’s no conflict there. Whatever they’re doing, is what they’re doing,” Velicovich stated when asked about the Trump brothers’ involvement. “Our focus at the company has nothing to do with politics.”

When contacted for comment about possible conflicts, the Trump Organization provided a statement from Eric Trump: “I am incredibly proud to invest in companies I believe in. Drones are clearly the wave of the future.”

Established approximately one year ago by former U.S. Army Special Operations personnel, Powerus currently produces drones primarily for civilian applications including agricultural fertilizer distribution and wildfire suppression. However, the company is rapidly scaling operations to provide the Defense Department with military drones similar to those deployed in conflicts involving Ukraine, Russia, and Iran’s recent attacks on U.S.-allied Gulf nations.

The firm has acquired three competing companies within the last six months and intends additional purchases. Powerus recently secured $60 million in investor funding for its acquisition strategy and plans to access further capital through a reverse merger process, where a private entity gains public trading status by purchasing an existing publicly-traded company with minimal operations.

The target public company is Aureus Greenway Holdings, a Florida-based entity partially owned by Eric and Donald Jr. that operates several golf properties and maintains a Nasdaq listing.

Between the two brothers, Donald Jr. maintains the most extensive involvement in federal contracting businesses through his venture capital firm, 1789 Capital.

Following Trump’s reelection, 1789 Capital brought Donald Jr. on as a partner before launching an aggressive investment campaign, backing 25 companies within one year compared to just six investments in the previous two years, according to Pitchbook research data. The majority of these target companies appear to be pursuing federal contracts, taxpayer funding, or have already secured such agreements.

The Trump brothers have also established their own investment company to acquire stakes in American businesses aligned with their father’s goal of revitalizing domestic manufacturing. After The Associated Press inquired about regulatory filing language indicating the firm would target companies seeking federal grants, Trump’s chief business attorney submitted revised documentation removing that language.

Donald Jr. appears well-positioned to support Powerus’s objectives. He has publicly advocated for armed drone development, demonstrates technical knowledge of the industry, and publicly supported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his contentious confirmation process.

When questioned about Powerus’s decision to merge with a Trump-affiliated company rather than the numerous other Nasdaq-listed entities with minimal operations, co-founder Velicovich said he lacked financial expertise to explain the choice.

“Our focus is 100% on getting the right technology in the hands of the warfighter,” he explained, “regardless of who the investors are.”

A federal appeals court delivered a setback to the Trump administration on Wednesday, denying its effort to overturn a judicial order mandating continued funding for New York’s massive Hudson Tunnel project.

The three-member panel from the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that lifting the lower court’s temporary restraining order while an appeal proceeds would allow the Transportation Department to halt future funding payments. The judges warned this could lead to construction work stopping, creating “serious risk of injury and deterioration that the states, at considerable expense, will become responsible to safeguard against.”

The dispute centers on the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel infrastructure project, with the court’s decision ensuring payments to the overseeing authority will continue for now.

AKRON, Ohio — Ohio Republican U.S. Senator Jon Husted will appear via remote testimony this Wednesday in the ongoing corruption trial involving two former FirstEnergy Corporation executives.

Husted will serve as a defense witness for former chief executive Chuck Jones and former company lobbyist Michael Dowling. His testimony is expected to verify details from numerous meetings, email exchanges, and text messages that have been referenced throughout the five-week trial proceedings where his name has appeared. No allegations of misconduct have been made against Husted.

The senator’s court appearance occurs during a contentious election season as he campaigns to retain his Senate position this fall. Husted received the appointment last year following JD Vance’s departure from the seat. His anticipated opponent is Democrat Sherrod Brown, who previously served three terms as senator before losing his 2024 reelection campaign.

During early 2019, when Husted held the position of lieutenant governor-elect, federal prosecutors claim Jones and Dowling provided bribes to Ohio’s incoming utility regulator, Sam Randazzo, who has since passed away. The alleged payments were made in exchange for favorable legislation and regulatory decisions, including support for a $1 billion rescue package for two nuclear facilities connected to FirstEnergy. This bailout became central to a broader $60 million corruption scandal that led to the current prosecutions. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, who orchestrated the scheme, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

On December 18, 2018, Governor-elect Mike DeWine and Husted joined Jones, Dowling, and Josh Rubin for dinner at Columbus’s historic Athletic Club. DeWine later selected Randazzo to lead Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission. Earlier that same day, Rubin — who worked as both a FirstEnergy lobbyist and advisor to the 2018 DeWine-Husted campaign — had counseled the executives on strategies for influencing DeWine regarding their preferred candidate to head the utilities commission, according to text messages included in the criminal filing.

Rubin advised the executives against informing DeWine about their planned visit to Randazzo’s home following the dinner. That evening, Randazzo sent Dowling a text message containing financial figures spanning 2019 through 2024: “Total 4,333,333.” Dowling responded: “Got it, Sam. Good seeing you as well. Thanks for the hospitality. Cool condo.”

The following day brought another exchange between Jones and Randazzo. Jones wrote: “We’re going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount. Don’t forget about us or Hurricane Chuck may show up on your doorstep! Of course, no guarantee he won’t show up sometime anyway.”

Randazzo’s reply stated: “Made me laugh — you guys are welcome anytime and anywhere I can open the door. Let me know how you want me to structure the invoices. Thanks.”

Randazzo was facing both state and federal criminal charges related to his involvement in the corruption scheme when he died by suicide in April 2024.

Former First Lady Jill Biden is preparing to share her personal account of President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential campaign, marking the first time she has publicly addressed the turbulent period that ended her husband’s five-decade political journey.

After nearly half a century as a political spouse, the former first lady has chosen to reveal her private thoughts about those challenging three weeks in her upcoming memoir rather than through public statements at the time.

Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books announced Wednesday that her book, titled “View from the East Wing: A Memoir,” will hit shelves on June 2.

In a brief phone conversation with The Associated Press, Jill Biden described the memoir as a “reflection of my four years as first lady” and noted that the writing process provided emotional relief.

“It was kind of cathartic for me to write it, and I wrote about all the, you know, sometimes painful — but other times, most of it really beautiful moments that Joe and I shared during his presidency,” she explained.

The former first lady refused to elaborate on Tuesday about specific experiences, whether positive or negative, including observing her husband navigate the choice to conclude his half-century political journey by exiting the 2024 race.

When Joe Biden launched his second-term campaign in April 2023, he was already 80 years old and held the record as America’s oldest sitting president. Questions about his age and capacity to serve until age 86 became increasingly prominent public concerns. Fellow Democrats began urging him to withdraw following his poor debate showing against Trump in June 2024, during which he spoke with a hoarse voice, failed to effectively communicate his points, and frequently seemed to lose focus. His team attributed the weak performance to illness.

Initially, Joe Biden maintained his commitment to continue campaigning, but within weeks he announced his departure from the race and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris secured the Democratic nomination but ultimately fell to Trump in the November 2024 general election.

Jill Biden explained that through her memoir, “I have put things in perspective,” offering what she characterizes as a “more balanced view” of her husband’s presidential tenure.

The book also serves as recognition of women who, similar to herself, manage various responsibilities simultaneously.

“It’s also a story about my being able to balance life, you know, as a working woman and as a mother, a grandmother, a first lady,” she noted.

Throughout her White House years, the 74-year-old Jill Biden broke new ground as the first presidential spouse to maintain her pre-White House profession. Having taught English and writing at community colleges for many years, she continued her teaching duties twice weekly at a Northern Virginia institution while fulfilling her first lady responsibilities.

According to the publisher, the former first lady also chronicles her service during an extraordinary chapter in American history, covering the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Her husband took the presidential oath on the Capitol steps on January 20, 2021, merely two weeks after Trump supporters, motivated by his unfounded allegations of electoral fraud, violently invaded the building attempting to prevent lawmakers from confirming Joe Biden’s electoral victory.

The pandemic response dominated Joe Biden’s initial year in office, and while he primarily remained at the White House, Jill Biden donned protective masks and traveled nationwide promoting vaccination efforts. She also maintained her focus on military families, educational initiatives, community colleges, cancer prevention, and women’s health programs.

Prior to her first lady role, Jill Biden served as second lady from 2009 to 2017 during her husband’s vice presidency under Barack Obama. She currently leads the Milken Institute’s Women’s Health Network.

This marks Jill Biden’s second memoir, following 2019’s “Where the Light Enters,” which detailed her relationship with Joe Biden, then a Delaware U.S. Senator, and their marriage and shared life. She has additionally authored three children’s books.

HEBRON, Kentucky – President Donald Trump turned his attention back to domestic economic concerns Wednesday, making his first campaign stop since the U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran began nearly two weeks ago.

The Kentucky visit marked Trump’s initial public appearance focused on domestic policy since the conflict started, giving him an opportunity to highlight his economic agenda before November’s midterm elections where Republicans face tight races to maintain control of Congress.

The president scheduled speaking engagements in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt couldn’t specify the reasoning behind selecting these particular locations. Notably, the Kentucky area falls within the district of Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who has been a vocal Trump critic and frequently opposes his own party’s positions.

Massie gained attention for spearheading efforts demanding greater transparency from the Justice Department regarding documents related to deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump has thrown his support behind the Republican challenger set to compete against Massie in May’s primary election.

During his appearances, Trump planned to emphasize his initiatives to reduce prescription medication costs, a central talking point for Republicans attempting to address voter concerns about economic pressures.

This economic-focused tour represents Trump’s ongoing effort to promote his domestic policies to Americans, though these messages have frequently been overshadowed by international developments, particularly the Iran conflict that has driven fuel costs higher.

According to AAA data, gasoline prices have increased by 61 cents per gallon both in Kentucky and across the nation compared to the previous month.

“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay,” Trump wrote on social media earlier this week, “ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!”

Bill Kunkel, a 67-year-old former welder from Union, Kentucky, expressed concerns to Reuters about how the Iran military action and Trump’s trade policies might continue impacting the region’s logistics and manufacturing sectors.

“I voted for Trump because he was going to get us out of all of these wars. That is one of the reasons why I agree with Massie – it can’t just be a forever war,” Kunkel stated, referencing Massie’s opposition to Trump’s Iran war decision.

In an interview, Massie said he welcomes the president’s visit to his district, noting their shared voter base.

“I’ve taken care to never insult the president, to never call him names. If I have a policy disagreement with him, I articulate it and keep it to that,” he explained.

Trump has backed Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL officer and farmer whom Trump describes as “high-quality,” to challenge Massie, whom Trump labels “unreliable.” Gallrein’s campaign confirmed his attendance at the president’s event.

“There is growing dissatisfaction with where Massie is, and part of it is not supporting the president,” commented Larry Mazzuckelli, a retired federal employee and political observer from Union, Kentucky.

Extended security checkpoint lines stretched into baggage areas and parking structures at several American airports over the weekend, signaling potential widespread travel complications as the current government shutdown continues.

Such disruptions, though not yet common nationwide, rarely affect San Francisco International Airport — the biggest among approximately two dozen U.S. airports utilizing private security contractors through a specialized federal initiative that permits airports to contract out screening duties while maintaining TSA supervision.

Since contractor payments derive from federal contracts, compensation typically continues during government shutdowns.

“The money’s already been allocated, the payments have already been made, and that continues without interruption,” SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel told The Associated Press. “That is a very nice place to be.”

This difference highlights an ongoing aviation industry discussion: Could private contractors working under TSA supervision offer a solution — protecting airport security functions from political standoffs that can interrupt American air travel?

Several aviation professionals view the TSA screening initiative as a possible framework for maintaining security checkpoint operations with minimal disruptions during shutdowns. At SFO, this arrangement helped sustain screening activities throughout last year’s unprecedented 43-day shutdown, according to Yakel.

However, opponents warn that privatization isn’t a complete solution — and might create additional hazards. The labor organization representing federal screeners contends that transferring operations to private firms could undermine employment protections and decrease compensation and benefits for workers already experiencing significant turnover under challenging circumstances.

TSA’s screening partnership initiative permits airports to employ private security firms selected by the federal government to operate checkpoints while TSA maintains procedural authority and supervision. The agency states that private security personnel undergo identical security background investigations and must satisfy the same health standards as potential federal security screeners.

Beyond SFO, other participating facilities include Kansas City International Airport, Atlantic City International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport.

The overwhelming majority of America’s approximately 400 commercial airports depend on federal screening personnel employed directly by TSA. During shutdowns, these employees must continue working despite halted paychecks — a situation that has historically resulted in increased absences and slower checkpoint processing as shutdowns extend.

The present partial shutdown impacts only the Department of Homeland Security, which encompasses TSA. Congressional Democrats declined to fund the department due to disagreements with its immigration enforcement methods. This interruption represents the third shutdown in under a year leaving TSA personnel temporarily without compensation — requiring them to await back pay once government operations resume.

These interruptions can spread throughout the travel network, creating cascading issues across already packed flight schedules. The pressure is particularly intense during this period as airlines and airports prepare for what they anticipate will be among the busiest spring break travel seasons recorded.

Aviation security specialist Sheldon Jacobson, whose research helped develop TSA PreCheck, stated the program’s effectiveness at SFO, a major international facility, demonstrates that privatization “is something that needs to be explored.”

SFO ranks within the top 15 busiest American airports by passenger volume. As a significant international travel hub, it stands as California’s second-busiest airport after Los Angeles International Airport.

“It’s operated just as well as any other airport,” Jacobson stated, noting that SFO’s numerous terminals and role as a United Airlines hub prove that even large-scale operations can function effectively under this framework. “If SFO is the litmus test for delivering this privatized product, then many other airports can do it, too.”

Jacobson observed that most airports currently utilizing the program are smaller facilities, but “the scale issue should not be a limiting factor,” and advocated for expanded discussion on how such alternatives could deliver government services efficiently while benefiting travelers.

“Of course TSA would have oversight. It’s not like they’re freewheeling on their own,” he said regarding privately contracted screeners. “We might as well use a government shutdown that affects air travel as an opportunity to begin that discussion.”

The American Federation of Government Employees, representing TSA officers, has consistently opposed privatization.

“We will never advocate for any privatization of any federal employees. We don’t believe that’ll work,” Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA union’s bargaining unit, said in a brief phone call this week.

Through a blog entry on their website, the union contends it could undermine accountability for aviation security — among the reasons Congress decided to federalize airport screening following the September 11 attacks.

The union also cautioned that private companies might face pressure to reduce expenses in ways affecting training, staffing numbers and employee benefits. Depending on contractors, the union states, could generate inconsistencies between airports if various companies manage checkpoints nationwide, potentially complicating supervision of a system designed to uphold uniform national security standards.

“We have to remember the TSA was created in the wake of 9/11 when there were no security standards or very minimal security standards,” said airline industry analyst Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group. “The TSA came around, they established very stringent airport screening security requirements, which exist to this day.”

Others suggest simpler approaches to address the shutdown issue.

Industry organizations — including the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America and the American Association of Airport Executives — are pressing Congress to enact legislation ensuring aviation workers receive payment regardless of the government’s funding situation.

“Every time Washington fails to fund the government, these essential workers pay the price. So do travelers. So does the economy,” Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel Association’s president, said in a statement. “That is why America’s travel industry has come together, because this workforce is too important, and the stakes are too high, for this to keep happening.”

Republican legislators have advocated in recent years to eliminate the agency completely and substitute its screening responsibilities with private contractors supervised by the federal government.

Last year, two GOP senators introduced the “Abolish TSA Act,” which would gradually eliminate the agency and transfer supervision to a new office responsible for aviation security. Supporters of the unlikely legislation claim privatized screening could operate more efficiently and remain less susceptible to shutdowns.

TSA leadership has indicated willingness for discussion. Speaking at a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing last year, Ha Nguyen McNeill, a senior official performing the duties of TSA administrator, said “nothing is off the table” regarding potential privatization.

“If a new privatization scheme makes sense, then we’re happy to have that discussion to see what we can come up with,” McNeill said. “It’s not an all-or-nothing game.”

At SFO, officials report their screening framework was implemented over two decades ago for reasons unconnected to government shutdowns. However, with shutdowns in recent years becoming longer and more disruptive, the airport states their arrangement has revealed an unexpected advantage: reduced staffing interruptions at checkpoints.

“The benefits, I think, are compelling,” Harteveldt said. “The real issue is making sure that any vendor, any partner to the TSA, upholds the strict standards that TSA has established and works with TSA to ensure that screening remains efficient and finds ways to make it even better.”

Former President Donald Trump has scheduled visits to Ohio and Kentucky for Wednesday, where he will promote his economic agenda while addressing concerns about how the ongoing Iran conflict is affecting the nation’s financial stability. The trip also marks his effort to unseat one of the Republican lawmakers who has consistently opposed him.

Trump’s first stop will be Cincinnati, where he plans to tour the facilities of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a pharmaceutical company. During this visit, he will highlight his administration’s work on reducing prescription drug costs, emphasizing his commitment to making daily expenses more manageable for American families as the midterm elections approach in November.

Following the Cincinnati event, Trump will travel to a logistics and packaging facility in Hebron, Kentucky, located within Rep. Thomas Massie’s congressional district. Trump is actively supporting a primary opponent against Massie in the upcoming election.

This journey represents Trump’s first major effort this primary season to fulfill his promises of targeting party members who have challenged his leadership on important issues. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the economic focus, stating he’ll be “talking about the economy, which is, of course, the utmost importance to him.”

Public opinion surveys indicate Americans had growing concerns about Trump’s economic stewardship even before the Iran situation escalated. The military engagement has complicated Trump’s messaging strategy, as fuel costs he previously celebrated for staying low are now climbing rapidly, and stock markets that had reached new peaks have begun declining.

February employment data showed companies eliminated 92,000 positions, far more than anticipated, while adjustments removed an additional 69,000 jobs from December and January reports that the White House had previously described as “blockbuster.”

Despite these challenges, Trump maintains his position that the nation’s economy is thriving while placing responsibility on Democrats for any problems. “They’re the one that caused the problem,” he told House Republicans during a Florida meeting on Monday. “But we’re really bringing down prices big.”

After Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial contests last November, the White House announced Trump would conduct nationwide travel to demonstrate his focus on everyday economic concerns and calm voters worried about persistent inflation and economic expansion.

Since that announcement, Trump has visited Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas, though his remarks have occasionally emphasized his personal political disputes rather than his proposals for reducing household expenses across America.

Wednesday’s events will feature Trump’s first primary season appearance supporting his pledge to challenge party members who oppose his key initiatives. Trump has given his endorsement to Ed Gallrein, who works as a farmer and businessman while serving as a retired Navy SEAL, in his campaign against incumbent Massie in Kentucky’s Republican primary scheduled for May 19. Trump and Gallrein will make a joint appearance on Wednesday.

Massie has been a vocal Trump opponent who voted against the administration’s preferred tax and spending legislation, and challenged Trump by advocating for the release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigations. He has also criticized the U.S. military action in Venezuela that removed former President Nicolás Maduro and, more recently, the Iran conflict.

“This isn’t America First,” Massie wrote on X Sunday, attributing rising fuel costs to the war.

DORAL, Fla. — Former President Donald Trump believes he has the solution for Republicans worried about maintaining their congressional control: expand current voter ID requirements to eliminate mail-in voting and limit transgender protections.

Speaking to GOP members at his Miami-area golf resort on Monday, Trump declared, “It’ll guarantee the midterms. If you don’t get it, big trouble.”

However, within a day, House Republican leadership revealed different priorities, with Trump’s renamed legislation — now called the SAVE America Act instead of the SAVE Act — notably absent from their top agenda items.

Michigan Representative Lisa McClain, serving as House GOP conference chair, focused on family tax relief, energy self-sufficiency, and proposed savings accounts for newborns while discussing “real results for real people.” Louisiana’s House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized collaboration with Trump to “make life more affordable for working families.” Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer, the House majority whip, celebrated consecutive victories while declaring “working families are keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.”

As House Republicans conclude their annual policy retreat Wednesday, a clear election-year rift has developed.

With their majority hanging by just a handful of seats, veteran Republicans want to spotlight the party’s efforts on cost reduction — challenging work given their razor-thin voting margin. Trump, however, frequently pursues different objectives.

The conflict he launched in Iran has undermined the party’s affordability messaging, forcing GOP leadership to field repeated inquiries about escalating fuel prices, which House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized as a “temporary blip.” Trump’s promoted voting legislation stems from his continued assertion that he prevailed in the 2020 presidential race — claims that numerous courts and his former attorney general have rejected.

The former president sometimes dismissed the conventional economic concerns his fellow Republicans wanted to emphasize.

“Every time I go out, save America, sir. Save America Act,” Trump stated at the GOP gathering. “That’s all they talk about. They don’t talk about housing. They don’t talk about anything. That’s what they want to talk about.”

Johnson, who maintains close ties with Trump and shared the stage with him this week, isn’t backing away from Trump’s voting bill advocacy. Tuesday saw him reject any suggestion of disagreement between his colleagues and the administration.

“We’re all on the same page,” Johnson stated. “The president and I are exactly in lockstep.”

Nevertheless, obstacles remain substantial.

Seeking to pressure legislators, including certain Republicans, Trump declared he would refuse to sign any other bills until his voting legislation passes. This creates potential congressional gridlock precisely when lawmakers need voter approval for their return to Washington.

Enacting legislation meeting Trump’s specifications will prove difficult. Since the House already approved an earlier version, Trump’s requested modifications would require new chamber action.

Senate dynamics present additional complications, where Republicans face challenges advancing the measure without Democratic backing — and that was before Trump requested expansions, urging Republicans to “go for the gold.”

Meanwhile, Congress faces other significant responsibilities, including reopening the Department of Homeland Security and confirming its incoming director.

Johnson indicated Tuesday that lawmakers could potentially continue operating despite Trump’s signing threats. The speaker referenced constitutional provisions allowing bills to become law if sent to the president but remain unsigned for 10 days.

Confronting difficult political calculations, Johnson attempts redirecting attention toward Democrats, particularly regarding the DHS closure, which has caused airport security delays nationwide in recent days.

“If you missed a wedding or funeral or are worried about missing your flight for spring break this weekend, you have Democrats to blame,” he declared.

Republicans devoted much of this week to reminding voters about pre-Trump administration difficulties. They repeatedly referenced inflation and border crossings during former President Joe Biden’s tenure.

The pivotal question for this year’s elections may be whether voters prioritize the transition from Biden to Trump or concentrate on future developments.

Should voters adopt a forward-looking perspective, Republicans could face additional challenges.

Approximately one-third of Americans identified inflation or personal financial concerns as government priorities this year, based on December AP-NORC polling. Virtually none mentioned voting legislation or election security worries.

Under intense Florida sunshine Tuesday afternoon, several House Republicans gathered to argue they deserve continued power while demonstrating responsiveness to constituent needs.

“We’re not sitting back on our laurels,” declared Representative Beth Van Duyne of Texas. “We recognize there is still plenty for us to do and we’re working on that.”

WASHINGTON – A Trump administration State Department nominee has withdrawn his candidacy following backlash over racially charged statements that cost him Republican backing in the Senate.

Jeremy Carl, who was selected for the assistant secretary of state position overseeing international organizations, announced his decision Tuesday on social media platform X. While expressing gratitude to President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their continued support, Carl acknowledged it wasn’t enough to secure confirmation.

“We also needed the unanimous support of every GOP Senator on the Committee on Foreign Relations, given the unanimous opposition of Senate Democrats to my candidacy, and unfortunately, at this time this unanimous support was not forthcoming,” Carl wrote in his statement.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee must typically approve nominations before they advance to a full Senate confirmation vote.

Carl’s prospects dimmed after Utah Republican Senator John Curtis, who sits on the foreign relations panel, expressed concerns following February confirmation hearings. Curtis stated he couldn’t support Carl as the right representative for America’s interests in international forums.

Curtis specifically pointed to Carl’s “anti-Israel views” and “insensitive remarks” targeting Jewish people as reasons for his opposition.

It’s unusual for Republican senators to oppose Trump’s nominees, as the GOP-controlled chamber has generally supported the president’s appointments and agenda.

Neither the White House nor State Department provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

During his confirmation hearing, senators grilled Carl about previous statements regarding Jewish people and his endorsement of the “great replacement theory” – a debunked conspiracy claiming that leftist and Jewish elites are orchestrating the demographic replacement of white Americans through non-white immigration.

Carl told senators he couldn’t recall making some of the quoted statements and expressed regret about others. “I made some comments in interviews about minimizing the effects of the Holocaust that were absolutely wrong,” he admitted during testimony.

When questioned about whether efforts to replace white Americans were underway, Carl responded that he believed Democratic immigration policies have “certainly sent signs of that.”

Carl currently works as a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank, and previously served as deputy assistant secretary of the interior during Trump’s first presidency.

The United States Senate has given the official go-ahead for artificial intelligence chatbots to be used in government operations, according to a New York Times report published Tuesday that referenced an internal memorandum.

Senate staff members are now permitted to utilize three specific AI platforms for their official duties: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini chat service, and Microsoft Copilot. According to the report, these three AI tools have already been incorporated into the Senate’s existing technology systems.

When contacted for confirmation about this development, a Microsoft representative stated the company was investigating the reported approval. Neither Google nor OpenAI provided responses when asked to comment on the matter.

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona’s Republican Senate President Warren Petersen announced Monday that he provided federal investigators with documents from the 2020 presidential election, marking another development in the Trump administration’s pursuit of the former president’s unsubstantiated claims about the election he lost to Joe Biden.

In a social media statement, Petersen revealed he responded “late last week” to a federal grand jury subpoena requesting documents from the disputed Maricopa County election review that Republican legislators had commissioned.

“The FBI has the records,” Petersen stated.

Petersen declined to provide further details when contacted, with a Republican Senate spokesperson confirming via email that he “does not have anything to add outside of his X post at this time.” The Phoenix FBI field office has not responded to inquiries about the matter.

This development represents the second instance in 2025 where federal agents have collected election materials from key battleground counties that Trump failed to win during his reelection bid. Earlier in January, FBI agents confiscated ballots and additional documents from Georgia’s Fulton County, encompassing Atlanta, following a Justice Department search warrant application. Court documents revealed the warrant was based on longstanding allegations that had undergone extensive investigation without uncovering evidence of significant fraud.

Democratic Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes released a sharp rebuke following Petersen’s announcement, emphasizing that numerous audits, independent reviews, and court proceedings regarding the 2020 election discovered no proof of widespread irregularities that would have changed the results.

“Warren Petersen knows all of this. He has known it for years. He spread false stories of election fraud in 2020, and he remains an unrepentant election denier,” Mayes stated. “What the Trump administration appears to be pursuing now is not a legitimate law enforcement inquiry. It is the weaponization of federal law enforcement in service of crackpots and lies.”

Republican legislators contracted a company that conducted a six-month investigation in 2021 seeking fraud evidence from the prior year’s presidential contest, an effort that experts criticized for its partisan approach and questionable methods. The review examined far-fetched theories, including testing ballots for bamboo fibers to determine if they had been illegally imported from Asia.

The investigation concluded without validating former President Trump’s false assertions of election theft — actually determining that Biden had received 360 additional votes beyond what Maricopa County’s certified results showed, including the Phoenix area.

Cyber Ninjas, the contracted firm, also confirmed there were “no substantial differences” between their manual ballot recount and the official tally.

Earlier examinations of the 2.1 million ballots conducted by impartial professionals following state protocols identified no major issues with Maricopa County’s 2020 election administration, which was overseen by Republicans both then and currently. Biden carried the county by 45,000 votes and secured Arizona by 10,500 votes statewide.

Federal authorities employed different approaches to secure election documents in both states. The Georgia situation involved a court-approved search warrant requiring FBI agents to demonstrate probable cause for suspected criminal activity. In Arizona, investigators used subpoenas, a legal tool that doesn’t require judicial approval or prosecutors to establish probable cause for potential crimes.

These 2020 election investigations occur amid Justice Department disputes with various states, including some under Republican leadership, regarding access to comprehensive voter information containing names, birth dates, addresses, and partial Social Security numbers. Election administrators have raised concerns that sharing such data could violate state and federal privacy regulations and potentially enable improper voter registration removals.

A new survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute shows that evangelical Protestant voters continue to demonstrate the strongest support for President Trump among all religious demographics, with 70% expressing approval. The national polling data indicates that Catholic voters show 53% support for the president, while mainline Protestant congregations register 45% backing as Trump enters his second year of his current term. The research reveals significantly lower approval ratings for the president among atheists, agnostics, and individuals who do not identify with any specific religious tradition.

As midterm elections draw near, Republican strategists are grappling with declining enthusiasm among a key voting bloc that helped secure Trump’s 2024 victory: young male voters.

At Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, a group of six male students who cast ballots for Trump shared their mixed assessments of his presidency so far. Their reactions ranged from cautious support to clear frustration, highlighting concerns that extend beyond this small campus gathering.

National survey data reveals a troubling trend for Republicans. Trump’s approval rating among men between 18 and 29 years old fell to 33% last month, a significant drop from the 43% recorded in February 2025, based on Reuters/Ipsos polling.

The decline stems largely from economic disappointments and concerns about immigration enforcement methods, according to youth vote analysts who spoke with Reuters. Many young men report seeing no meaningful improvement in their financial situations since Trump took office in January 2025.

Tyler Witzgall, a 20-year-old sophomore at Saint Anselm, voiced concerns shared by many of his generation about their economic future.

“I’m still going to graduate and be in an enormous amount of debt. I won’t be able to buy a home for a while,” Witzgall stated, giving Trump a C or C-plus grade due to his dissatisfaction with the president’s handling of domestic economic matters.

Even students who remain supportive of Trump have expressed criticism of his administration’s approach. Ian Pomfret, another 20-year-old sophomore who gives Trump a B-plus overall rating, condemned what he views as excessive force in immigration operations.

“The ICE thing is a huge problem,” Pomfret commented, referencing the deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal raids in Minneapolis. “I feel like there is a better way of going about it than raiding and killing and instant deportation.”

Despite their criticisms, none of the students expressed regret about their 2024 votes, viewing Democratic nominee Kamala Harris as representing a continuation of policies they opposed regarding immigration and economic management.

The shifting sentiment among young voters poses challenges for Republican congressional candidates heading into November’s midterm elections, where the party holds narrow majorities in both chambers.

Political strategist John Della Volpe, who specializes in Generation Z voting patterns, warned that Republicans cannot rely on this demographic’s continued support.

“All evidence in the last 15 or 16 months is that this cohort cannot be counted on at this stage to be reliable Republican voters,” Della Volpe explained. “Mostly because they haven’t felt tangible improvements in their day-to-day lives.”

However, some Republican operatives remain optimistic. A party strategist working on House campaigns noted that CBS News polling in February showed 43% of young voters consider Republican positions “mainstream,” suggesting the party could still succeed by capturing at least 40% of youth votes.

Historical data shows young voter participation typically drops during midterm cycles, with only 25% casting ballots in 2022 compared to 50% overall turnout. Nevertheless, youth engagement can prove decisive in competitive races, as demonstrated in 2018 when increased turnout following mass shootings helped Democrats flip numerous congressional seats.

Recognizing the importance of reaching younger audiences, the Republican National Committee launched its TikTok presence last month, targeting a platform used by 60% of Americans under 30, according to Pew Research data.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended Trump’s record, stating no president has accomplished more for young men than Trump, “who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more.”

John Brabender, a media consultant who helped Trump’s campaign appeal to young men in 2024, acknowledged the party needs better messaging strategies for midterm candidates running without Trump on the ballot.

“I will be the first to say that collectively we’ve done a poor job of … communicating directly to the hearts and minds of people at a much younger age,” Brabender admitted.

The competition for young voter attention is evident in New Hampshire’s Senate race, where Democrats must defend one of four competitive seats this November.

Democratic frontrunner Chris Pappas launched his TikTok account in October, frequently addressing housing costs that concern younger voters.

“If you ask someone in their 20s about owning a home, that seems like a far-off notion,” Pappas said during an interview. “We’ve got to make that dream within reach of more people.”

Republican candidate Scott Brown, a former senator seeking his party’s nomination, emphasizes his personal interests in connecting with younger constituents.

“It’s not a stretch for me to walk in and start playing hoops with somebody or get up on stage and jam with some teenagers,” Brown said, noting that his campaign employs two young staffers he describes as “social media whizzes” to enhance his online presence.

Back at Saint Anselm College, students expressed desire for more civil political discourse while maintaining their likely Republican voting intentions for November.

Tyler Delaney, a 19-year-old freshman, predicted Trump’s confrontational style could create problems if Democrats regain House control as many expect.

“It gets to a point where you need to have some bipartisanship, and I think that’s gonna hit Trump hard after the midterms.”

A Republican transportation safety official claims the White House dismissed him from his federal position Friday without providing any justification for the decision.

Todd Inman, who had been serving on the National Transportation Safety Board since April 2024, announced Sunday that his employment was terminated. Inman previously worked as chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao when Donald Trump was president.

During his tenure at the NTSB, Inman led investigations into two major aviation tragedies. He served as the primary board representative at the scene of January’s deadly collision between an American Airlines aircraft and an Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, which claimed 67 lives. He also investigated November’s UPS cargo aircraft crash during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, where 15 people died.

White House officials have not responded to media inquiries about Inman’s dismissal. The NTSB removed Inman’s information from their official website Sunday and notified senior staff via email that his role had been terminated, according to internal communications obtained by news outlets.

NTSB representatives declined to provide additional details about the situation.

This marks the second time this year the White House has removed an NTSB board member. In May, officials fired Vice Chair Alvin Brown, a Democratic appointee who previously served as Jacksonville, Florida’s first African American mayor. Brown has since filed a lawsuit contesting his removal.

The NTSB handles investigations for all civilian aircraft incidents and examines major accidents involving highways, waterways, pipelines, and railways. The agency determines what caused these incidents and issues safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

Reflecting on his service, Inman expressed gratitude for his time at the agency. “Witnessing these horrible accidents have undoubtedly taken a toll on me and my family and has changed my perspective in a positive way on how we regulate safety for the traveling public,” Inman stated.

The Senate recently confirmed John DeLeeuw to replace Brown’s vacant position. DeLeeuw previously worked as American Airlines’ managing director of safety and efficiency and served as a Boeing 787 captain.

Air passengers faced extensive delays on Sunday at major airports across the country, with some waiting several hours at security screening areas due to staffing issues linked to the federal government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport reported security checkpoint delays reaching three hours during Sunday evening, according to the airport’s official website. Airport officials had already anticipated higher passenger volumes due to spring break travel season.

Throughout Sunday, Hobby Airport progressively updated its social media recommendations on X, initially suggesting passengers arrive early, then extending that to 3-4 hours ahead of departure, and finally advising travelers to allow 4-5 hours for the screening process due to the partial federal shutdown.

Houston Airports, which operates both Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, issued a statement explaining that the shutdown “can impact security operations day-to-day and shift-to-shift.” Meanwhile, George Bush Intercontinental Airport experienced minimal delays, with checkpoint waits of just minutes during the same timeframe.

Similar problems plagued Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where officials posted on X about TSA agent shortages creating “longer-than-average” security lines. The airport recommended passengers plan for at least three hours before flights, warning that screening could take up to two hours and similar disruptions might persist throughout the week.

Whether these significant delays occurred at additional airports nationwide remains unclear. The extended wait times added to existing travel complications from weather-related flight cancellations in cities like Atlanta over recent days.

Transportation Security Administration personnel must continue working without compensation during the DHS shutdown, which started February 14. Democratic congressional members have indicated DHS funding will remain blocked until new limitations are implemented on federal immigration enforcement following the deadly shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis this year.

Chris Sununu, who serves as president and CEO of Airlines for America, a major airline industry organization, called on federal leaders to take immediate action.

“We are in spring break travel season and expecting record numbers of people to take to the skies. Airlines have done their part to prepare; now Congress and the administration must act with urgency to reach a deal that reopens DHS and ends this shutdown,” he said. “America’s transportation security workforce is too important to be used as political leverage.”

Jessica Andersen Alexie experienced the Houston airport delays firsthand while traveling with her children, ages 10 and 13, as they returned to New Orleans following the World Baseball Classic.

Alexie explained they arrived three hours before their scheduled departure but encountered such lengthy lines they realized missing their flight was inevitable. She explored renting a vehicle for the drive home but found no cars available. After rebooking on a later flight, she managed to navigate the CLEAR security program after approximately 3½ hours of waiting.

While dining after clearing security, she checked for additional flight options, thinking other stranded passengers might have canceled their plans, and discovered three available seats on an earlier departure that got her family home Sunday afternoon. Upon landing in New Orleans, she observed security lines extending into the airport parking structure.

“It was nuts,” she said. “It was crazy.”

The Fox News network has issued a public apology after broadcasting incorrect footage of former President Donald Trump during their coverage of a military ceremony honoring fallen service members this past weekend.

The network mistakenly aired older video showing Trump without a hat while reporting on his participation in Saturday’s dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, where the remains of six soldiers killed in Middle East operations were returned home.

According to Fox News, a staff member accidentally selected archived footage from a previous ceremony, which was then broadcast during two Sunday morning programs. The network emphasized that accurate footage was used in other broadcasts, including their Saturday coverage.

“We regret the error and apologize for the incorrect footage,” the network stated in their official response.

Fox News anchor Griff Jenkins delivered an on-air correction Sunday, stating “we extend our respect and condolences” to the families of the fallen service members.

The mistake has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some questioning whether the error was intentional. During these divisive times, online commentators speculated without proof that the network deliberately used the older footage to avoid showing Trump wearing a baseball cap during one of a president’s most serious ceremonial responsibilities.

Media critic Mehdi Hasan, who founded the online publication Zeteo, expressed skepticism about the explanation. “If any other network did this it would be a huge scandal, Fox would lead the chorus of criticisms and faux-outrage, and people would lose their jobs,” Hasan commented.

The incident also troubled some within Fox News itself. Johnny “Joey” Jones, a military veteran who co-hosts “The Big Weekend Show” on the network, took to social media to express his disappointment.

“My belief was that this was an honest mistake, but that doesn’t make it an acceptable one,” Jones posted online, adding that he felt “embarrassed and ashamed” about the error.

Jones emphasized the gravity of such ceremonies, writing: “Few things are more sacred than our heroes who give their lives in the line of duty.”

The Fox News host also defended his colleagues from partisan attacks, stating: “If posting snarky comments and insults is your way of reacting to this, please direct them at me. I’m the one with sharp words on these issues. If you are using this as a way to take a partisan jab at my hard working colleagues, check your watch.”

Polling locations closed Tuesday evening in Northwest Georgia following a special primary election where residents selected a candidate to succeed former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The competitive primary featured numerous contenders seeking to fill the congressional vacancy left by Greene’s departure from office. Political observers are closely watching the results to gauge the continuing influence of former President Trump’s political endorsement in Republican primaries.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary will advance to represent the district, with Trump’s backing potentially serving as a decisive factor among the field of candidates competing for voter support.

Air travelers encountered extraordinary delays at airport security checkpoints across the nation on Sunday, with some wait times stretching beyond three hours as Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages worsened during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The most severe delays occurred at Houston Hobby Airport, where passengers endured security line waits averaging 3.5 hours at peak times, with delays still reaching three hours by 4 p.m. Eastern time.

Officials at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport issued an advisory stating: “TSA is experiencing a shortage of workers at the security checkpoint, which is causing longer-than-average lines. Passengers with travel scheduled today are advised to arrive at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure.”

The Transportation Security Administration confirmed that extended wait times also plagued George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The crisis stems from the February 13 lapse in Homeland Security Department funding after lawmakers failed to broker an agreement on immigration enforcement changes sought by Democrats. This funding gap has left approximately 50,000 TSA security screening personnel working without compensation.

The Department of Homeland Security reported on Sunday: “Travelers are facing TSA lines of up to nearly 3 hours long at some major airports, causing missed flights and massive delays during peak travel.” The department, operating under the Republican Trump administration, placed blame on Congressional Democrats for blocking efforts to restore departmental funding.

Transportation security workers “now face their first full missed paycheck, leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages,” according to DHS officials.

Industry representatives from major airlines and travel organizations warned last week that the shutdown could severely impact spring vacation travel plans.

Airlines are anticipating unprecedented spring travel volume, with projections showing 171 million passengers taking flights during the season – a 4% increase compared to the same timeframe last year, according to Chris Sununu, chief executive of the trade group Airlines for America.

“The fear is that, once again, they’re not going to act until something really desperate happens, until we get long lines,” Sununu commented on Thursday.

The spring travel surge will intensify just as TSA employees receive their first zero-dollar paycheck on March 13, Sununu noted.

Ha Nguyen McNeill, the Transportation Security Administration’s senior administrator, informed Congress last month that approximately 1,110 transportation security officers departed the agency during October and November 2025 following a 43-day government shutdown – representing more than a 25% spike from the corresponding period in 2024.

A federal court has determined that Kari Lake, President Donald Trump’s selection to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, overstepped her legal bounds when she dramatically scaled back Voice of America operations. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth issued the Saturday ruling, though its immediate impact on VOA’s current operations remains unclear.

Lake dismissed Judge Lamberth’s decision as “bogus” and announced plans to challenge the ruling through the appeals process.

The internationally-focused news organization, which has broadcast to global audiences since its World War II origins, currently functions with minimal personnel covering only select languages following Lake’s decision to end employment contracts and eliminate most staff positions.

While Trump selected Lake to oversee the agency responsible for Voice of America and similar services including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, she has not secured Senate approval for the position. Judge Lamberth determined that existing laws preventing unauthorized government appointments prohibited her from exercising such authority.

“Only the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act’s exclusive structure may authorize service as a principal officer, and Lake satisfies the requirements of neither the statute nor the Constitution,” Lamberth wrote.

The court decision addressed legal action brought by Voice of America White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara along with colleagues Kate Neeper and Jessica Jerreat. These journalists were among those terminated by Lake and have challenged her restructuring efforts.

“We feel vindicated and deeply grateful,” the journalists said in a statement. They described the ruling against Lake as “a powerful step toward undoing the damage she has inflicted on this American institution that we love.” The reporters noted they continue working to understand how the decision affects other colleagues whose professional futures remain uncertain.

Voice of America supporters describe the service as representing America’s “soft power” by delivering objective news reporting to nations where government entities restrict information access. Lake has argued that government-funded news organizations waste resources and should instead advance the current administration’s positions.

Reporters Without Borders stated that Lamberth’s ruling confirmed their belief that the administration unlawfully dismantled VOA operations. However, additional steps are needed to restore VOA journalists to their positions, according to Clayton Weimers, who leads the organization’s North American division.

“This case is proof that fighting for press freedom matters,” Weimers said.

In a statement shared on X, Lake expressed strong opposition to the court’s determination.

“The American people gave President Trump a mandate to cut bloated bureaucracy, eliminate waste, and restore accountability to government,” she said. “An activist judge is trying to stand in the way of those efforts at USAGM. Judge Lamberth has a pattern of activist rulings — and this case is no different.”

Trump administration officials took to Sunday morning television programs to justify their recent decision to temporarily ease certain Russian oil sanctions while forecasting that the current spike in fuel costs will be short-lived.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz made appearances across several news shows, explaining that the waiver granted last week permits India to purchase Russian oil as a way to reduce global market tensions.

“It’s a 30-day pause to allow, which is just kind of common sense, to allow the millions and millions of barrels of oil that are sitting out on ships to go to Indian refineries,” Waltz explained during his NBC “Meet the Press” interview.

During his CNN “State of the Union” appearance, Wright stated the waiver could help “tamp this fear of shortage of oil, tamp the price spikes and the concerns we see in the marketplace.”

The ongoing conflict has entered its second week with no resolution in sight, leaving American consumers facing elevated fuel costs that add another challenge to the nation’s economy, which surprisingly shed 92,000 jobs last month.

AAA data from Friday showed regular gasoline averaging $3.32 per gallon nationwide, marking an 11% jump from the prior week and reaching the highest point since September 2024. Diesel prices climbed even more dramatically to $4.33 per gallon, up 15% weekly and hitting levels not seen since November 2023.

“We believe this is a small price to pay to get to a world where energy prices are returned back to where they were,” Wright commented on “Fox News Sunday.”

Wright emphasized that neither oil nor natural gas supplies are actually scarce, arguing instead that price increases stem from “fear and perception” about the Iran operation potentially becoming prolonged.

“But it won’t be,” Wright stated, reinforcing President Trump’s expectation that the conflict will conclude in weeks rather than months.

In a Thursday Reuters interview, Trump forecast that fuel prices will “drop very rapidly” once hostilities end.

Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy directed criticism at energy market speculators.

“The oil prices have gone up because you’ve got a bunch of oil traders out there in their Gucci loafers, with their caramel Frappuccinos who are bidding up the price,” Kennedy said during his “Fox News Sunday” appearance.

Political experts suggest that sustained gasoline price increases could damage Republican prospects in November’s midterm elections, when congressional control will be decided. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey revealed most respondents disagreed with Trump’s description of the economy as “booming.”

WASHINGTON – Pentagon officials announced Wednesday that American military forces have eliminated an Iranian commander who allegedly orchestrated efforts to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed during a press conference that the targeted individual commanded a unit responsible for the assassination scheme against the president.

“The leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump has been hunted down and killed. Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh,” Hegseth stated during the briefing.

The Defense Secretary clarified that targeting this specific individual was not the primary objective of broader military operations, explaining that the assassination plot was never directly discussed by the President or other officials as a mission focus.

“While that was not the focus of the effort by any stretch of the imagination — in fact, never raised by the President or anybody else — I ensured, and others ensured, that those who were responsible for that were eventually part of the target list,” Hegseth explained to reporters.

The Pentagon chief declined to identify the eliminated Iranian official but confirmed the military action occurred on Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors filed charges in 2024 against an Iranian individual connected to an alleged assassination scheme directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, targeting Trump during his transition period as president-elect.

Iranian officials have consistently rejected allegations that their government planned attacks against Trump or other American leaders.

WASHINGTON — Despite President Donald Trump’s bold predictions that 2026 would deliver exceptional economic expansion, the year has begun with employment declines, climbing fuel costs, and increased uncertainty about the nation’s economic direction.

During his State of the Union speech just under two weeks ago, the Republican commander-in-chief boldly declared to Americans: “The roaring economy is roaring like never before.” However, recent employment figures, fuel prices, and stock market performance indicate Trump’s confident predictions may be premature.

A disconnect exists between the economic prosperity Trump forecasted and the unpredictable outcomes his policies have generated — a situation that may influence this year’s congressional midterm contests as he works to maintain Republican control of both chambers. While Trump’s tariff policies continue causing market turbulence, military conflict with Iran has suddenly sparked concerns about rising costs for oil and natural gas. Administration officials maintain it’s still early in 2026 and stronger economic performance lies ahead.

“WOW! The Golden Age of America is upon us!!!” Trump wrote on social media February 11 following the monthly employment data revealing 130,000 new positions in January.

However, employment conditions have deteriorated significantly since that post.

Last Friday’s jobs data revealed February losses of 92,000 positions. Previous months’ numbers were also adjusted downward, with December now showing a deficit of 17,000 jobs. While monthly statistics can fluctuate, a pattern has developed indicating persistent weakness. Excluding healthcare positions, the nation would have lost approximately 202,000 jobs since Trump took office in January 2025. The administration points to construction gains outside residential building as evidence of future employment growth.

Trump frequently claims American-born workers are benefiting from jobs rather than immigrants. However, recent data challenges this assertion.

Unemployment among U.S.-born citizens has increased over twelve months from 4.4% to 4.7%. This indicates more people Trump promised would find work through his immigration policies are actually seeking employment.

“Slashing energy costs is among the most important actions we can take to bring down prices for American consumers,” Trump stated during a February Texas speech before U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iran. “Because when you cut the cost of energy, you really cut — you just cut the cost of everything.”

The president has consistently told Americans that maintaining low gasoline prices would be crucial for controlling inflation. He has highlighted decreases, referencing numbers well below national averages to reassure citizens that driving costs were dropping.

However, Iranian strikes beginning February 28 have temporarily disrupted this message. Gas station prices have surged 19% during the past month to $3.45 nationally, AAA reports. Goldman Sachs investment analysts warned that sustained higher oil costs could push inflation from January’s 2.4% rate to 3% by year’s end.

The administration is counting on strategies to limit energy price increases, essentially wagering that either the conflict will conclude quickly or officials can successfully increase tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The president has been clear about short term disruptions due to Operation Epic Fury even as U.S. and allied forces make stunning progress against the Iranian terrorist regime,” stated White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai. “The long run trend, however, has been clear: President Trump’s economic agenda continues to unleash robust private sector job, investment, and economic growth that’s driving America’s resurgence.”

“You know, we set the all-time record in history with the Dow going to 50,000,” Trump commented Thursday at the White House.

This commonly repeated claim has lost impact. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, among Trump’s favored success indicators, has fallen 5% during the past month. Market values have risen during his presidency, similar to gains under previous Democratic President Joe Biden. Recent declines could reverse if Iranian hostilities cease and corporations report strong earnings in coming quarters. The current drop should serve as a cautionary signal since the administration has emphasized expanding stock market participation through programs like “Trump accounts” for young people.

Market performance has become an indicator of public economic sentiment, with stock owners typically showing greater optimism while those without investments remain more pessimistic.

Joanna Hsu, who leads the University of Michigan’s consumer surveys, observed that February showed a “sizable” sentiment improvement among stock owners that “was fully offset by a decline among consumers without stock holdings.”

Trump can highlight success in economic productivity improvements — creating more value per work hour. This signals positive long-term U.S. growth prospects and reflects the nation’s robust technology sector.

Business productivity increased 2.8% during last year’s fourth quarter, Thursday’s Labor Department data showed. The concern is these improvements may not translate to worker pay increases as labor’s income percentage dropped to historic lows last year, according to Mike Konczal, senior policy director at the Economic Security Project, a nonprofit supporting progressive economic policies.

“Under the Biden administration, America was plagued by the nightmare of stagflation, meaning low growth and high inflation — a recipe for misery, failure and decline,” Trump declared at January’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Economic data presents a different picture, making Biden’s 2024 performance appear superior to Trump’s 2025 results. U.S. economic expansion reached 2.8% during Biden’s final year, compared to 2.2% under Trump in 2025.

Regarding inflation, the Federal Reserve’s primary measurement tool is the personal consumption expenditures index. It registered 2.6% in both 2024 and 2025.

Trump has built his economic argument on outperforming Biden. While he has prevented the inflation surges that troubled Biden’s term, he hasn’t achieved superior growth or job creation.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Sunday through his Truth Social platform that he plans to block all other legislative measures until Congress passes controversial voting legislation that Democrats claim could prevent eligible citizens from casting ballots.

Trump issued his ultimatum regarding the SAVE America Act, which successfully cleared the Republican-controlled House of Representatives last month but encounters significant obstacles in the GOP-led Senate.

“I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed,” Trump declared while spending his weekend at the Doral golf resort in Florida.

Constitutional experts note uncertainty around Trump’s ability to enforce such a pledge, since any bill becomes law automatically after 10 days without presidential action when Congress remains in session.

The proposed SAVE America legislation mandates citizenship verification during voter registration for upcoming November midterm contests and establishes criminal consequences for election administrators who register individuals lacking proper documentation.

Democratic leadership characterizes the measure as voter suppression designed to damage their electoral prospects during a period when independent political observers predict they could regain House control.

A series of recent Democratic victories in special elections has concerned Republican strategists, as Trump’s remaining presidential term could face significant challenges should Democrats secure a House majority.

Federal officials plan to provide a classified briefing to key senators Wednesday following a pair of drone incidents along the Texas border that led aviation authorities to restrict airspace for commercial flights.

In the most recent incident on February 25, military personnel mistakenly destroyed a government drone using a laser-based anti-drone weapon system near Fort Hancock, Texas. The mishap caused the Federal Aviation Administration to expand flight restrictions in the surrounding area.

Earlier that month on February 18, the FAA initially grounded all flights for 10 days at El Paso’s airport, but reversed the decision within eight hours. The temporary shutdown occurred after Customs and Border Protection deployed high-energy laser systems near the Mexican border to counter drone threats.

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, requested the classified meeting to better understand the events. “I asked for the classified briefing because I want to understand exactly what’s happened,” Cruz stated.

The closed-door session will include representatives from the FAA, Pentagon, and Department of Homeland Security, with attendance limited to senior Republicans and Democrats from three key congressional committees, according to congressional staff.

Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, the ranking member on the Commerce Committee, acknowledged the growing significance of drone threats while stressing the importance of coordination between military and aviation officials. “I hope we’re going to hear from them some better plan how we try to address these things in the future. But the environment is changing,” Cantwell remarked.

Pentagon officials declined to provide comments regarding the upcoming briefing.

According to previous reporting, the El Paso airport closure resulted from FAA safety concerns about the laser anti-drone technology. The aviation agency agreed to lift its El Paso restrictions after the Pentagon committed to postponing additional testing until the FAA completes a safety assessment.

Border protection agents deployed the laser technology in February to eliminate four suspected drug cartel drones, despite FAA warnings that the system hadn’t been approved for use near commercial aviation, a congressional aide revealed. Officials indicated this marked the first domestic deployment of such laser technology.

A father charged with murder after allegedly killing a man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter has captured the Republican nomination for sheriff in his Arkansas county while his criminal case remains pending.

Aaron Spencer secured victory over incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s Republican primary, garnering more than 53% of votes across all precincts, based on preliminary tallies from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.

In a Facebook statement, Staley acknowledged his defeat and offered congratulations to Spencer, stating: “Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision.” The same department that Staley leads had taken Spencer into custody in 2024.

Spencer will now compete against Democratic candidate Brian Mitchell Sr. in November’s general election within the predominantly Republican county. However, a conviction in the murder case would prevent him from taking office if elected. Spencer faces charges for the death of Michael Fosler, 67, who had been released on bail following accusations of multiple sexual crimes against Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter. While Spencer’s legal team acknowledges he fired the fatal shots, they argue his actions were legally justified as protection of his child from a predator.

Neither Spencer’s campaign representatives nor his legal counsel provided responses to requests for comment on Wednesday.

Currently released on bail, Spencer awaits a murder trial that was initially set for January. The proceedings were postponed following the removal of the original judge, and court officials have yet to announce a new trial date. Spencer has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

According to court filings, the fatal shooting occurred in October 2024 when Spencer discovered his daughter was not in her bedroom during the night. While searching for her in his vehicle, he located the girl sitting in the passenger seat of Fosler’s truck. Spencer then forced Fosler’s vehicle off the roadway, and following a confrontation, contacted emergency services to report the shooting, court records indicate.

In a social media post from last month, Spencer committed to creating a specialized unit focused on investigating sexual crimes against minors if voters elected him to office.

Minnesota’s top officials appeared before a U.S. House committee Wednesday to address accusations that they have failed to adequately combat fraud, with Governor Tim Walz arguing that federal immigration enforcement operations have disrupted their investigative capabilities.

During the House Oversight Committee hearing, Republican lawmakers criticized Gov. Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for what they characterized as insufficient action against government program fraud, claiming the officials prioritized political considerations over stopping financial abuse rather than halting questionable payments.

Committee Chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, directly challenged the Minnesota officials’ stewardship of public funds. “You have not been good stewards of the taxpayer dollars,” Comer stated. “And the Democratic position is keep the money flowing. The American taxpayers have had enough.”

Walz expressed willingness to collaborate with federal authorities on fraud investigations but emphasized that immigration enforcement activities were creating obstacles to those efforts. “The people of Minnesota have been singled out and targeted for political retribution at an unparalleled scale,” Walz testified. “We’re going to prosecute, as we have, every single person that’s involved in fraud, but we can’t do it alone.”

Both Minnesota officials justified their anti-fraud work while attempting to redirect the hearing’s attention to the deployment of 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota that commenced in December. The Trump administration has pointed to fraud concerns as one reason for the enforcement operation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed Tuesday that approximately 650 investigators continue working in Minnesota as part of an expanded fraud investigation.

Attorney General Ellison criticized the federal operation’s effectiveness in addressing fraud. “Operation Metro Surge did nothing to address fraud in our state,” Ellison testified. “It harmed our economy and it scarred our people and it dealt a devastating blow to fraud enforcement in Minnesota.”

Ellison highlighted staffing problems at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, where multiple lawyers have resigned, leaving remaining staff “drowning in immigration-related petitions” instead of pursuing fraud prosecutions. The U.S. attorney for Minnesota faced a contempt hearing Tuesday regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s failure to return detainees’ personal belongings.

The attorney general defended his office’s record, stating it has “punched above our weight” by securing 300 Medicaid fraud convictions and recovering over $80 million for taxpayers.

Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins demanded Ellison’s resignation, alleging he has failed to lead investigations into criminal fraud activity.

The hearing occurred after Vice President JD Vance announced last week that the Trump administration would “temporarily halt” $243 million in Minnesota Medicaid funding due to fraud concerns, describing it as part of an intensive campaign against public fund misuse. Minnesota filed a lawsuit Monday to prevent the funding freeze, cautioning that healthcare services for low-income families might face cuts if the money is withheld.

Comer accused Walz Wednesday of continuing Medicaid payments despite being aware of fraud because he “didn’t want to rock the boat.”

Republican committee members challenged Walz about his knowledge of fraud in the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal, accusing him of delaying action to shield the Somali American community. Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan questioned Walz about the ethnicity of those indicted in the case.

“Their ethnicity is not my concern,” Walz responded.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota, Somali Americans represent 82 of the 92 defendants charged in the Feeding Our Future case.

California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia attempted to shift focus back to immigration enforcement by displaying photographs of children detained by federal officers and the bloodied car seat of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an officer. Federal agents also killed Minnesota resident Alex Pretti, who had been recording enforcement activities.

“This violence does not make us safer,” Garcia declared. “It does not address fraud, waste and abuse.”

SELMA, Ala. — Thousands converged on this historic Alabama city over the weekend to mark 61 years since state troopers brutally attacked civil rights demonstrators on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, but this year’s commemoration carries fresh anxiety about the future of voting protections.

The brutal assault on March 7, 1965 — later dubbed Bloody Sunday — horrified Americans nationwide and became a catalyst for enacting groundbreaking federal legislation that eliminated voting obstacles faced by Black citizens throughout the segregated South.

This year’s memorial events, which span the entire weekend and culminate with Sunday’s symbolic bridge crossing, occur while the nation’s highest court weighs a case that could weaken a crucial section of the Voting Rights Act designed to protect minority representation in congressional and local elections.

“I’m concerned that all of the advances that we made for the last 61 years are going to be eradicated,” said Charles Mauldin, 78, one of the marchers who was beaten that day.

The Supreme Court is poised to decide a Louisiana dispute about whether race can be considered when creating congressional boundaries. A decision restricting such considerations could have far-reaching implications, potentially allowing Republican-led states to redraw maps and eliminate districts where Black and Latino voters hold majorities — areas that typically support Democratic candidates.

Democratic politicians, civil rights advocates and other leaders flocked to the southern community to honor this crucial Civil Rights Movement milestone while urging continued activism. Just as the original Bloody Sunday demonstrators persevered, today’s organizers emphasized the need for ongoing determination.

Former state Sen. Hank Sanders, who co-founded the yearly remembrance ceremony, described the 1965 Selma confrontation as a watershed moment that advanced America toward genuine democratic ideals.

“The feeling is a profound fear that we will be taken back — a greater fear than at any time since 1965,” Sanders said.

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures won election in 2024 to an Alabama district that was redrawn by the federal court. He said what happened in Selma and the subsequent passage of the Voting Rights Act “was monumental in shaping what America looks like and how America is represented in Congress.”

“I think coming to Selma is a refreshing reminder every single year that the progress that we got from the Civil Rights Movement is not perpetual. It’s been under consistent attacks almost since we’ve gotten those rights,” Figures said.

During the original 1965 demonstration, protesters led by John Lewis and Hosea Williams proceeded in pairs across the Selma span toward Montgomery. Mauldin, just 17 at the time, marched in the third pair behind the two leaders.

Reaching the bridge’s highest point, the marchers spotted the massive force of law enforcement officials, including mounted officers, positioned ahead. Despite the intimidating scene, they continued forward. “Being fearful was not an option. And it wasn’t that we didn’t have fear, it’s that we chose courage over fear,” Mauldin recalled in a telephone interview.

“We were all hit. We were trampled. We were tear-gassed. And we were brutalized by the state of Alabama,” Mauldin said.

A powerful technology industry organization has voiced its opposition to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the Pentagon’s recent classification of artificial intelligence firm Anthropic as a supply chain threat, warning that such actions could jeopardize military access to top-tier technological solutions.

The Information Technology Industry Council, representing major corporations including Nvidia, Amazon.com, and Apple, sent correspondence on Wednesday stating their unease with the supply chain risk designation stemming from a procurement disagreement, though they avoided specifically mentioning Anthropic by name.

“We are concerned by recent reports regarding the Department of War’s consideration of imposing a supply chain risk designation in response to a procurement dispute,” the organization wrote in their Wednesday-dated communication.

The controversy stems from a prolonged and contentious battle between Anthropic and military officials over technology safety measures for Claude AI systems utilized by defense personnel. Following weeks of escalating tensions, President Donald Trump implemented a government-wide prohibition on the company last week, establishing a six-month timeline for agencies to discontinue use of their services. Subsequently, Hegseth directed Pentagon contractors to eliminate Anthropic’s advanced AI technologies from their operations.

The industry council further warned that such declarations could “undermine the government’s access to the best-in-class products and services from American companies that serve all agencies and components of the federal government.”

Pentagon officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment on the matter.

This correspondence represents the most substantial backing Anthropic has received from the broader technology sector, which encompasses the company’s financial backers, vendors, and clients.

Military officials and the Federal Aviation Administration have joined forces for specialized laser testing in New Mexico following a pair of February incidents that resulted in unexpected airspace shutdowns across Texas.

According to a Friday military announcement, the collaborative testing took place over the weekend at White Sands Missile Range and was designed to “specifically address FAA safety concerns” that emerged from previous operations.

Congressional leaders expressed frustration over what appeared to be poor communication between agencies after the Defense Department permitted U.S. Customs and Border Protection to operate anti-drone laser technology in early February without informing aviation officials. The lack of notification prompted the FAA to shut down airspace above El Paso for several hours, leaving numerous passengers stranded.

According to the Trump administration, the military action was part of efforts to counter drone incursions by Mexican cartels, which frequently occur along the southern border region.

A second incident occurred on February 26 when military personnel used laser technology to destroy what they perceived as a “seemingly threatening” drone operating near the U.S.-Mexico boundary. Congressional sources later revealed the destroyed aircraft actually belonged to Customs and Border Protection.

This mishap triggered another FAA airspace closure, this time affecting the area surrounding Fort Hancock, located approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso.

“We appreciate the coordination with the Department of War to help ensure public safety,” the FAA stated regarding the joint testing initiative. “The FAA and DOW are working with interagency partners to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems while maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System.”

Current regulations require military forces to provide formal notification to the FAA whenever counter-drone measures are deployed within domestic airspace.

Illinois Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, has previously demanded an independent investigation into both February events.

The White House announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump is consulting with his advisory team regarding America’s potential involvement in Iran once current military operations conclude, while U.S. intelligence agencies track reports about potential leadership changes in Tehran.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that intelligence officials are examining reports indicating Mojtaba Khamenei, whose father served as Iran’s supreme leader before his death, has positioned himself as a leading candidate for succession.

“We’ve seen those reports as well, of course, and this is something that our intelligence agencies in looking at. We The truth is, we’ll have to wait and see,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing.

According to intelligence assessments, Mojtaba Khamenei has spent considerable time cultivating relationships with Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards while expanding his influence within the country’s religious hierarchy, positioning him as the top contender to follow his deceased father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Leavitt explained that while Trump continues deliberating with his national security advisors about Washington’s potential future involvement in Iran, the administration’s immediate priority remains ensuring the current military operation’s success.

The press secretary also pushed back against critics who question the U.S. objectives in the joint Israeli-American aerial campaign against Iran, particularly those challenging whether Washington has demonstrated sufficient evidence of direct threats to American interests.

“This decision to launch this operation is based on a cumulative effect of various direct threats that Iran posed to the United States of America,” Leavitt explained.

She further characterized Iran’s government as a destabilizing force, stating: “Again, this is a rogue terrorist regime that has been threatening the United States, our allies and our people for 47 years and the American people are smart enough to know that.”

The administration has dismissed claims that Israel influenced America’s decision to engage in the conflict, even as Trump’s team has provided inconsistent explanations and faced pushback from both supporters and Democratic lawmakers who characterize the action as an unnecessary “war of choice.”

Public opinion polling conducted by Reuters and Ipsos this week revealed limited American support for the military action, with just 25% of respondents backing U.S. strikes against Iran that have contributed to regional instability. Approximately half of those surveyed, including 25% of Republican voters, expressed concern that Trump demonstrates excessive readiness to deploy military force.

NEW YORK — Federal health officials are broadening their investigation into state Medicaid programs by targeting New York, initiating a fraud examination just days after freezing close to $260 million in Minnesota’s Medicaid payments over comparable concerns.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, revealed Tuesday that the Trump administration has detected troubling patterns within New York’s Medicaid system. He has given state leadership a 30-day deadline to furnish comprehensive information about their approach to combating fraud, waste, and abuse, or face potential payment delays.

“Heart surgeons are trained to look at the numbers,” said Oz, who previously worked as a celebrity cardiac surgeon, during a Tuesday video statement. “Right now, the numbers coming out of New York’s Medicaid program don’t add up.”

This latest inquiry represents part of a broader federal campaign to combat fraud nationwide, which administration officials argue is essential for controlling excessive spending and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. As midterm election voters express concerns about rising costs, Trump has intensified these anti-fraud measures, revealing that Vice President JD Vance will assist in balancing the federal budget by leading a nationwide “war on fraud.”

Democratic state leaders have criticized the Republican administration’s actions as having political motivations and potentially devastating consequences for millions of Americans who depend on the healthcare safety net designed for low-income individuals.

In correspondence addressed to Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Oz stated that the state’s expenditure amounts, coupled with “serious concerns” regarding oversight of specific Medicaid services, require “immediate investigation, corrective action and enhanced transparency.”

The correspondence highlighted particular areas of worry, including an unusually high percentage of New York’s Medicaid recipients obtaining personal care services for daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and meal preparation.

New York’s escalating Medicaid expenses have historically troubled the state’s governors and represented a key focus for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who struggled for years with the program’s increasing costs as the population ages and additional benefits are added. The state’s program, which required $115.6 billion during the 2025 fiscal year, serves healthcare needs for approximately one-third of New Yorkers and allocates more per individual than any other state’s Medicaid program.

Hochul has similarly attempted to control expenses by restructuring the administration of a home healthcare program.

When questioned by reporters Wednesday regarding Oz’s correspondence, Hochul stated that the Trump administration is singling out a Democratic-controlled state for political purposes but noted, “I will have to stand up and show them the truth and show them the facts, that they’re wrong. When there is fraud I will help them fight it.”

Hochul’s administration characterized the fraud investigation as the Trump administration’s effort to strip healthcare access from ordinary New Yorkers.

The New York probe follows by less than one week CMS’s suspension of Medicaid payments to Minnesota due to fraud concerns. Oz indicated the funds would only be released after Minnesota establishes “a comprehensive corrective action plan.”

The administration had previously referenced fraud allegations concerning daycare facilities operated by Minneapolis-area Somali residents as justification for a substantial federal enforcement operation in that region. Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the new funding suspension as “targeted retribution.”

Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Monday regarding the delayed payments. The state is simultaneously appealing CMS’s decision to withhold $2 billion in yearly Medicaid funding announced in early January.

The Trump administration has attempted to withhold funding from Democratic-controlled states on at least two additional occasions recently, citing fraud concerns. This occurred with childcare subsidies and other social service programs in Minnesota, New York, and three additional states, as well as with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 22 states that refused to provide data the federal government claims is necessary for fraud detection.

In both instances, judges have determined that funding must continue temporarily.

WASHINGTON — President Trump’s choice to lead the Federal Reserve has officially been sent to the Senate for confirmation proceedings. Kevin Warsh, who previously served in a senior role at the central bank, was submitted to lawmakers on Wednesday to replace Jerome Powell when his leadership term concludes in two months.

The nomination, which Trump first revealed on January 30th, will now go before the Senate Banking Committee for review and hearings.

However, Warsh’s path to confirmation may face significant hurdles. Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina, who sits on the banking panel, has declared his intention to vote against the nominee until federal investigators complete their probe into Powell’s conduct. The current Fed chief disclosed on January 11th that Justice Department officials had issued a subpoena regarding his congressional testimony last June concerning the central bank’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation project.

Tillis indicated last month that while the committee might proceed with confirmation hearings for Warsh, he would still cast a blocking vote. Should committee Democrats also oppose the nomination, it would fail to advance to a full Senate vote.

The nominee has been a vocal critic of recent Federal Reserve policies, particularly the institution’s approach to keeping interest rates low during the post-pandemic recovery period. Warsh argues these policies helped fuel the most severe inflation surge the country had experienced in 40 years during 2021 and 2022.

Despite his previous criticism, Warsh has recently aligned himself with Trump’s calls for reduced interest rates. He contends that technological advances in artificial intelligence will boost economic productivity and growth without triggering price increases, creating conditions that would allow the Fed to lower borrowing costs. However, many current Federal Reserve officials remain skeptical that AI developments will justify cutting rates.

A federal court has determined that Kari Lake, selected by President Donald Trump to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, overstepped her legal boundaries when she dramatically reduced Voice of America operations. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth issued the Saturday ruling, though its immediate impact on VOA’s current status remains unclear.

Lake dismissed Lamberth’s decision as “bogus” and announced plans to appeal the ruling.

The international broadcasting service, which began delivering news worldwide during World War II, now functions with minimal staff covering only select languages following Lake’s decision to end contracts and terminate most personnel.

While Trump selected Lake to oversee the agency responsible for Voice of America and similar services including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, she has not received Senate approval for the position. Judge Lamberth determined that existing laws preventing unqualified government appointments blocked her authority to act in this role.

“Only the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act’s exclusive structure may authorize service as a principal officer, and Lake satisfies the requirements of neither the statute nor the Constitution,” Lamberth wrote.

The court decision addressed a legal challenge brought by Patsy Widakuswara, Voice of America’s White House bureau chief, along with colleagues Kate Neeper and Jessica Jerreat. These journalists were among those terminated by Lake and have contested her decisions.

“We feel vindicated and deeply grateful,” the journalists said in a statement. They described the ruling against Lake as “a powerful step toward undoing the damage she has inflicted on this American institution that we love.” The group noted they continue working to understand how the decision affects colleagues whose professional futures remain uncertain.

Voice of America supporters view the service as demonstrating America’s “soft power” by providing objective news coverage to nations where governments restrict information access. Lake has argued that government-funded news organizations waste resources and should instead advance the administration’s positions.

Reporters Without Borders stated that Lamberth’s ruling confirmed their belief that the administration illegally dismantled VOA operations. However, additional steps are needed to restore VOA journalists to their positions, according to Clayton Weimers, executive director of the organization’s North American division.

“This case is proof that fighting for press freedom matters,” Weimers said.

In a statement posted on X, Lake expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision.

“The American people gave President Trump a mandate to cut bloated bureaucracy, eliminate waste, and restore accountability to government,” she said. “An activist judge is trying to stand in the way of those efforts at USAGM. Judge Lamberth has a pattern of activist rulings — and this case is no different.”

A federal judge delivered a significant setback to the Trump administration Saturday, determining that Kari Lake’s tenure leading the U.S. Agency for Global Media broke federal law and nullifying her extensive efforts to slash personnel and operations at Voice of America.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a summary judgment favoring the challengers — VOA journalists and a federal workers’ union — who contended Lake’s appointment as acting CEO and her subsequent decisions violated both the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.

According to Lamberth’s ruling, Lake lacked eligibility to serve as acting CEO because she wasn’t working for USAGM when former CEO Amanda Bennett stepped down in January 2025, nor had the Senate confirmed her for any other federal position. Lake didn’t officially join USAGM until March as a senior adviser, though an agency announcement in November had described her as deputy CEO.

The court also dismissed the administration’s contention that Lake could exercise CEO powers through delegation from previous acting CEO Victor Morales.

This decision represents the third instance where Lamberth has sided against the Trump administration in Voice of America-related litigation. Earlier rulings in April and September blocked initiatives that would have eliminated numerous VOA positions, though an appeals court later reversed the April decision.

Lake announced plans to challenge Lamberth’s most recent decision. “Judge Lamberth has a pattern of activist rulings — and this case is no different,” she said in a statement.

Legal representatives for the challengers did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Lamberth emphasized that under the Vacancies Act, decisions made by someone illegally occupying a vacant position “shall have no force or effect” and cannot be validated afterward. This standard could undermine the legitimacy of Lake’s choices, including workforce reductions affecting hundreds of workers that remain suspended by court order.

“As a consequence, any actions taken by Lake during her asserted tenure as acting CEO between July 31 and November 19, 2025…are void,” Lamberth stated in his ruling.

Voice of America, which previously transmitted programming in 49 languages to 420 million people across more than 100 nations, saw its reach dramatically reduced to just four languages under the administration’s campaign to dismantle the organization.

WASHINGTON — Congressional lawmakers approved a subpoena Wednesday demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi appear before the House Oversight Committee to discuss how the Justice Department has managed documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case.

The subpoena received bipartisan backing, with five Republican members joining Democrats in supporting the measure introduced by South Carolina GOP Representative Nancy Mace. The vote demonstrates ongoing congressional dissatisfaction with how the department has reviewed and released records concerning the convicted financier.

The Justice Department declined to provide immediate response regarding the congressional subpoena.

The committee has been actively pursuing testimony related to Epstein connections, recently conducting depositions with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The lawmakers questioned the former Democratic president about his associations with Epstein dating back over twenty years.

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate delivered a victory to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, supporting his military operations against Iran by rejecting a bipartisan measure designed to limit presidential war powers.

The Senate voted 52-47 against advancing the resolution, which would have halted ongoing air operations and mandated that Congress authorize any future military action against Iran. The vote took place as balloting was still underway in the 100-member chamber.

The defeated resolution represented a cross-party effort to reassert legislative branch authority over military decisions involving Iran, but fell short of the support needed to move forward.

Petroleum costs have skyrocketed since the United States and Israel intensified their conflict with Iran one week ago, yet President Donald Trump dismissed suggestions Saturday to utilize America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve for price relief.

During questioning aboard Air Force One, reporters asked Trump about potentially accessing the reserve. The expanding Middle Eastern conflict has disrupted regions vital for oil and gas production and transportation, creating global energy market strain. American drivers are already experiencing increased fuel costs, affecting household budgets significantly.

“We’ve got a lot of oil. Our country has a tremendous amount,” Trump said. “There’s a lot of oil out there. That’ll get healed very quickly.”

Republicans face mounting pressure regarding cost-of-living concerns before November’s midterm elections. Accessing the petroleum reserve represents one of the limited unilateral actions presidents can take to influence oil markets.

America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve consists of underground salt formations across Texas and Louisiana, capable of storing over 700 million barrels, though currently not at capacity. According to Energy Department figures, the reserve contained approximately 415 million barrels at last month’s end, increasing from roughly 395 million barrels during the same period in 2025.

Congress established the reserve following the 1970s Arab oil embargo, providing emergency supply access for the United States. Energy Department records indicate the stockpile reached its maximum over fifteen years ago, holding more than 726.6 million barrels at its peak.

While America now exports more petroleum than it imports, the reserve continues operating and has been accessed for multiple purposes throughout its history, including hurricane impact mitigation, shipping channel disruptions, and deficit reduction funding.

Previous administrations have utilized the reserve during supply interruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, releasing additional supply to markets hoping to reduce prices. President Joe Biden made substantial withdrawals in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine, reducing stockpiles to 1980s levels. President George H.W. Bush authorized nearly 34 million barrel withdrawals during the 1991 Gulf War, though only 17 million were actually used. President Barack Obama approved releasing 30 million barrels in 2011 to counter Libyan supply disruptions.

As the Iranian conflict intensifies, petroleum prices have rapidly increased, reaching their highest point since 2023. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged 8.5% to $92.69 Friday, climbing from nearly $70 per barrel just days earlier. U.S. benchmark crude rose 12.2% to $90.90 per barrel Friday.

The Trump administration implemented one response to rising prices last week: Treasury Department authorization allowing India to purchase Russian crude oil and petroleum products through April 4, describing the sanctions waiver as a “stop-gap measure” to “alleviate pressure” on markets.

When asked about additional measures like accessing the SPR, Trump minimized the necessity of using those supplies, emphasizing America’s “tremendous amount” of oil while criticizing Biden for previous reserve withdrawals.

Trump indicated he would refill the SPR at the “appropriate time, which is basically a gut instinct.”

Multiple variables influence pump prices nationwide.

Average U.S. gasoline prices have already increased, reaching approximately $3.41 per gallon Saturday, up about 43 cents from one week prior, according to AAA motor club data. Since refineries purchase crude oil in advance, extended conflict could intensify price impacts. Even with Strategic Petroleum Reserve withdrawals, refineries might continue operating with costlier supply temporarily.

State averages vary considerably due to factors including regional refinery supply, local fuel specifications, and different tax structures. Saturday’s data showed California averaging nearly $5.08 per gallon, the nation’s highest, while Kansas recorded the lowest at approximately $2.90 per gallon.

Gasoline prices disproportionately affect lower-income households, who typically spend higher percentages of their income on fuel compared to wealthier Americans, making increases particularly burdensome for cost-conscious consumers.

The extraction process involves pumping water into salt caverns, causing the lighter crude oil to rise to the surface where it’s collected and transported through pipelines to refineries.

The Trump administration has temporarily suspended the distribution of a federal security alert regarding potential Iran-related dangers to the United States, according to a government official who spoke with Reuters.

The security notice, prepared jointly by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and National Counterterrorism Center, was designed to inform state and local police departments about elevated risks. An administration official, speaking anonymously about internal discussions, said the release was paused so the content could be reviewed for accuracy.

According to the official, the document prepared by DHS’ Office of Intelligence and Analysis lacked adequate detail and suffered from poor writing quality.

Reports from The Daily Mail on Friday indicated the administration blocked distribution of the bulletin, which allegedly contained specific information about how Iranian-backed groups might conduct operations within U.S. borders.

When contacted for comment, the FBI and National Counterterrorism Center have not yet provided responses.

A Department of Homeland Security representative explained to Reuters that standard protocol involves sharing intelligence reports with the White House before distribution to other agencies.

“The White House is coordinating closely with all government agencies to ensure information being disseminated is accurate, up to date, and has been properly vetted — even if that means taking additional time to review to ensure nothing is done in a vacuum,” the White House said in a statement.

The military action against Iran represents the most significant U.S. operation in the Middle East region since American forces invaded Iraq in 2003.

The State Department reported Saturday that more than a dozen chartered evacuation flights have been completed since the previous week, transporting thousands of American citizens out of the Middle East.

A major defense technology company is scrambling to overhaul its military software systems after President Trump banned the government from working with a key artificial intelligence provider.

Palantir Technologies must now remove Anthropic’s AI technology from its Maven Smart Systems platform, which provides intelligence analysis and weapons targeting capabilities to the military, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The software platform relies heavily on prompts and workflows created with Anthropic’s Claude AI system, creating a complex unwinding process for the contractor. Palantir holds Defense Department contracts related to Maven that could be worth more than $1 billion.

Trump issued the directive last week after Anthropic and the Pentagon reached a stalemate over safety restrictions that could limit autonomous weapons and government surveillance activities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made clear the changes must happen quickly, declaring last week: “Effective immediately, no contractor, supplier or partner that does business with the United States military may conduct any commercial activity” with Anthropic.

The Pentagon, Anthropic, and Palantir all refused to provide comment on the matter.

During a defense technology conference in Washington on Tuesday, Palantir CEO Alex Karp addressed the Pentagon disagreement without specifically mentioning Anthropic. He warned that Silicon Valley firms claiming AI will eliminate white-collar positions while also working to “screw the military” might push toward “the nationalization of our technology,” according to remarks shared on social media.

The situation highlights the complicated and potentially expensive challenges facing the Pentagon, government agencies, and American companies as they work to separate from an important AI supplier that has become deeply integrated into both public and private systems.

Legal experts specializing in government contracting and technology say other defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, are likely to receive similar orders to remove Anthropic’s AI tools from their supply chains, despite questions about whether Trump’s ban will survive legal challenges.

Maven represents the Pentagon’s primary artificial intelligence initiative, created to process information from various sources to identify military targets and accelerate intelligence gathering and targeting operations. The system has supported recent American military actions, though it’s unclear whether the platform was involved in January’s raid in Venezuela that captured former President Nicolas Maduro or recent strikes against Iran.

Palantir’s technology has become central to the Pentagon’s efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence into military operations. This role has transformed the company from a specialized intelligence contractor into a crucial supplier for defense modernization programs, helping drive its market value to approximately $350 billion.

WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court decided Wednesday that billionaire Elon Musk, who previously served as an advisor to former President Trump, will be spared from giving a deposition concerning his role at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency and his participation in dissolving the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The court’s decision means Musk will not have to answer questions under oath about his activities during his time leading the government efficiency department or his involvement in the elimination of the federal foreign aid agency.

Major technology corporations made a significant commitment Wednesday at the White House, agreeing to shoulder the electricity costs for their massive data center operations instead of passing those expenses to American consumers.

The companies participating in this initiative include Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Oracle, xAI, and OpenAI, all of which have been rapidly expanding their artificial intelligence capabilities that require enormous amounts of power.

This commitment, dubbed the ‘Ratepayer Protection Pledge,’ was initially unveiled by President Trump during his State of the Union Address and addresses mounting worries that expanding data facilities are pushing up electric bills for households and small businesses during a period when the administration is working to control inflation.

The comprehensive agreement requires these technology firms to secure or purchase power supplies specifically for their facilities, whether through constructing new power plants or expanding existing ones. Additionally, the companies will fund improvements to electrical grid infrastructure and negotiate specialized utility rate structures.

Data centers require massive amounts of electricity to operate their server equipment and cooling systems, particularly as artificial intelligence technology advances. This has led to increased scrutiny from local communities and state officials as these facilities multiply across the country.

According to a Trump administration official, the industry recognizes it must win over public opinion. ‘They need the hearts and minds of Americans,’ the official noted, pointing to recent project cancellations and delays in multiple states due to local resistance.

The strategy aims to gain backing from municipalities that have previously opposed such developments, the official explained on condition of anonymity. ‘There will be no new data center development that’s going to happen without the local communities reading and understanding what this pledge is,’ the official stated.

This announcement comes as November’s midterm elections approach, with voters expressing growing concern about energy costs and the additional pressure these facilities place on the nation’s electrical infrastructure.

President Trump has encouraged these companies to develop dedicated power sources rather than depending entirely on regional electrical grids, balancing technological advancement with economic and political considerations regarding energy expenses.

However, some experts question whether this approach will quickly deliver new electricity supplies to relieve grid strain. Jon Gordon, a director at Advanced Energy United, a clean energy trade organization that includes data center operators, expressed skepticism about the timeline.

‘The real problem is the inability to get generation online fast enough to meet the data center demand,’ Gordon explained. ‘Hyperscalers paying for the generation doesn’t get it online any faster.’

Gordon also noted that the administration’s emphasis on natural gas and fossil fuel power sources, rather than faster-to-build renewable options like solar and wind, may slow progress.

Both supporters and critics will closely monitor whether this pledge results in concrete actions or remains primarily symbolic, as legislators and consumer advocacy groups have demanded stronger safeguards against utility rate increases linked to data center construction.

A federal judge delivered a significant blow to the former Trump administration Wednesday, ordering that businesses who paid import duties later invalidated by the Supreme Court must receive their money back.

U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Richard Eaton determined that “all importers of record” should “entitled to benefit” from last month’s Supreme Court decision that eliminated the substantial import duties former President Donald Trump had established under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

In his decision, Eaton declared that he exclusively “will hear cases pertaining to the refund of IEEPA duties.” This provides much-needed guidance on how tariff refunds will be processed, an issue the Supreme Court failed to address in its February 20 decision. Trade attorney Ryan Majerus from King & Spalding, who previously served as a U.S. trade official, anticipates the government will appeal or “seek a stay to buy more time for U.S. Customs to comply.”

The federal government accumulated over $130 billion from these now-invalidated tariffs by mid-December, and according to Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates, could face refund obligations totaling $175 billion.

The judge’s decision specifically addressed a lawsuit filed by Atmus Filtration, a Nashville, Tennessee-based manufacturer of filters and filtration equipment, seeking tariff refund rights.

Earlier this week, another federal court blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to delay the refund timeline. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit advanced the refund process by transferring it to the New York trade court for resolution.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency now faces the challenge of developing a refund processing system. While Customs regularly handles tariff refunds for errors, its current infrastructure was “not designed for a mass refund,” explained trade attorney Alexis Early from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. “The devil will be in the details of the administrative process.”

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s highest court delivered its second ruling Wednesday permitting citizens to vote on a Democratic congressional map redrawing initiative that may secure the party an additional four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, while justices continue examining legal objections to the proposal.

The justices determined that citizens statewide may participate in an April 21 referendum deciding whether to approve redistricting efforts occurring mid-decade. This decision follows a comparable court determination from the previous month in a connected legal matter.

However, the court has yet to determine the legality of the mid-decade redistricting constitutional amendment and public vote, suggesting the planned April election may prove meaningless should the state’s top court support a lower court decision that blocked the initiative. Advance voting for the referendum is scheduled to commence Friday.

Former President Donald Trump initiated an uncommon mid-decade map redrawing campaign last year by urging Republican leaders in Texas to restructure districts favoring his party’s congressional gains. The strategy aimed to preserve the GOP’s slim House control despite political challenges that historically benefit opposition parties during midterm elections.

This effort sparked similar redistricting campaigns across the nation. Republicans currently anticipate gaining nine additional House positions in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. Democrats project winning six more seats in California and Utah, while hoping to offset some or all of the remaining three-seat difference through Virginia’s efforts.

Virginia Democrats unveiled their new congressional district map in February, designed to deliver four additional seats to their party. The Democratic-controlled state legislature subsequently approved the proposed boundaries, and Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the measure into law.

Nevertheless, the redistricting plan takes effect only with voter approval and the state supreme court’s blessing.

Virginia Democratic legislators have characterized their redistricting initiative as a necessary counter to Trump’s excessive actions. Republican officials have expressed outrage over the proposed district boundaries, calling it an attempt by northern Virginia progressives to dominate the entire state.

President Donald Trump welcomed major technology executives to the White House Wednesday to announce a voluntary commitment aimed at addressing public concerns about data centers driving up electricity costs for consumers.

“They need some PR help because people think that if a data center goes in there, electricity prices are going to go up,” Trump said. “It’s not going to happen.”

The administration is calling this initiative a “ratepayer protection” commitment, responding to widespread public anxiety that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure could burden households with higher utility expenses. While Trump initially mentioned this pledge during his State of the Union speech last month, specific implementation details remain limited.

Across the United States, communities have increasingly resisted data center projects due to worries about escalating power costs, environmental impact, and excessive water usage. Concerns over rising energy expenses also influenced Democratic electoral victories in Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey during recent election cycles.

Trump views artificial intelligence as essential for attracting international investment and preserving America’s competitive edge economically and militarily, prompting his efforts to address public skepticism about the technology. However, questions remain about whether these corporate promises will effectively protect consumers from electricity price increases, which have risen 6.3% in the past year according to Labor Department data.

The president acknowledged that energy demand is projected to triple by 2035, primarily driven by AI development, necessitating substantial expansion of power generation facilities nationwide. While power plant construction spending surged in 2022, Census Bureau figures show it has declined somewhat since reaching its peak in October 2023. Trump has also advocated for eliminating wind energy projects while promoting coal-fired power generation, despite its contribution to climate change.

Major technology corporations signing onto this commitment include Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon.

The agreement outlines that participating companies plan to construct or purchase new power generation capacity for their facilities while funding necessary infrastructure improvements. These firms may also distribute surplus electricity to utility companies for public use, negotiate specialized pricing arrangements with public utilities, and prioritize local hiring for data center construction projects.

Energy policy specialists have voiced skepticism about whether technology company commitments can effectively slow rapidly increasing electricity costs. Although Trump characterized the pledge as requiring tech companies to produce their own power, experts note the agreement likely lacks federal enforcement authority. Electricity regulation primarily occurs at state levels with regional management through varying market frameworks nationwide.

This voluntary arrangement contains no enforcement provisions, and consumers have no mechanism to confirm whether technology companies fulfill their commitments, according to Lena Moffitt, executive director of environmental organization Evergreen Action.

“Now that energy prices have skyrocketed due to his corporate polluter-first policies, Trump is trying to cover up his mistakes with a photo op,” she said.

Jill Tauber, who serves as vice president of litigation for climate and energy at Earthjustice, emphasized the need for concrete policies rather than signed agreements of questionable legal significance.

“Data centers are increasing costs and pollution for communities across the country,” Tauber said in a statement. “More than a pledge, we urgently need strong policies and protections to ensure that data centers pay their way, disclose and mitigate their impacts, and are powered by clean energy.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tuesday’s opening round of primary elections delivered significant political drama across multiple states.

The spotlight focused heavily on Texas Senate primary contests. Democrats faced ballot confusion due to voting problems in the state’s second-most populous county, while the Republican race remains undecided and will proceed to a runoff election.

At least one sitting House member was defeated in their reelection bid, with several others awaiting final results as additional contests move toward runoffs and some remain undetermined.

Below are highlights from Tuesday’s major contests, analyzed through key data points.

What has become the costliest Senate primary battle in American history continues into May. Neither Senator John Cornyn nor Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton achieved the required 50% vote share to secure the nomination outright.

By Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m., Cornyn maintained a lead over Paxton of approximately 26,000 ballots from roughly 2.1 million votes tallied.

The outcome defied expectations of clear ideological or regional patterns, even though the campaign was characterized as a clash between establishment and outsider forces. Narrow vote margins in Houston, Dallas and surrounding communities revealed how the competition crossed traditional boundaries rather than following predictable urban versus suburban lines.

Cornyn — who faced criticism from Paxton for being too closely tied to Washington Republicans and insufficiently devoted to President Donald Trump — secured victories in Texas’s most populous counties, including metropolitan areas around Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin and Houston. However, Paxton remained competitive, falling short by approximately 1,700 votes in Harris County, which includes Houston, and by 4,000 votes in Bexar County, encompassing San Antonio.

Meanwhile, Paxton captured several rapidly expanding suburban counties surrounding these major cities. In Montgomery County, located north of Houston, he accumulated a 21,000-vote lead that more than compensated for his combined deficits in Harris, Travis and Bexar counties.

The most significant gap between Cornyn and Paxton emerged in counties showing the least support for Trump. While this represents a relative measurement in Texas, where Trump secured at least 80% support in more than half the state’s counties during the 2024 presidential race, it still provided Cornyn with a 6,000-vote cushion.

In contrast, Paxton collected more total votes in counties where Trump achieved at least 70% support. This pattern aligns with Paxton’s positioning as the more MAGA-aligned candidate.

State Representative James Talarico’s complete primary victory stemmed partly from commanding leads in his Austin-area stronghold and smaller, rural counties throughout central Texas. With nearly complete ballot counting, he captured almost 70% of votes in these regions, many of which typically support Republican candidates in general elections.

Talarico also secured smaller yet decisive advantages in southern and western areas with substantial Hispanic populations. He earned approximately 60% support across border regions where Trump gained ground in 2024. Talarico won Hidalgo County at the southern border with nearly 70% and El Paso County in the west with over 60%.

Representative Jasmine Crockett’s primary support concentrated in urban centers around Houston and her Dallas home base. While these areas typically provide the most Democratic primary votes and often determine winners, Crockett’s margins proved more modest than Talarico’s performance in southern, central and western Texas.

Crockett achieved stronger results in East Texas, which contains counties with some of the state’s largest Black populations, but this region represented less than 8% of total primary turnout.

New congressional district maps in Texas and North Carolina contributed to increased spending in many Tuesday House races compared to previous cycles.

Texas’s 15th and 34th districts, both border seats redrawn to benefit Republicans, ranked among the state’s most expensive House contests. While both featured incumbents with minimal primary opposition, the races to select November challengers saw substantial financial investments.

North Carolina’s 1st District, expected to be the state’s only competitive House race in November, experienced similar dynamics. Five Republicans competed to challenge vulnerable Democratic incumbent Representative Don Davis. The winner, Laurie Buckhout, benefited from over $1 million in advertising expenditures alone, based on data from nonpartisan tracking firm AdImpact.

Additional costly races, including North Carolina’s 4th District and Texas’s 2nd and 23rd Districts, involved incumbents — who typically enjoy spending advantages — defending against challengers. Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw became 2026’s first House incumbent to lose reelection despite his campaign receiving more than $2.3 million in attack ads against opponent state Representative Steve Toth. Brandon Herrera invested almost $1.4 million in advertisements targeting Representative Tony Gonzales, whose reelection effort suffered from recent controversy.

Herrera and Gonzales will face each other in a runoff, while several other incumbents await final determinations.

MIAMI (AP) — Florida’s top prosecutor announced Wednesday that the state will resume a criminal probe examining former Cuban leader Raul Castro’s alleged involvement in the deadly 1996 downing of aircraft flown by anti-communist Cuban exiles.

During a Miami press briefing Wednesday, Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed that a criminal inquiry targeting Castro that started years ago was halted under the Biden administration’s watch.

“When this came to my attention, we reactivated the files,” Uthmeier said. “So yes, that investigation will be ongoing.”

As the February 1996 incident’s 30th anniversary nears, multiple Miami-area Republican officials and Florida Senator Rick Scott have urged the Trump administration to restart federal criminal proceedings focused on Castro’s suspected involvement in shooting down two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft.

This revived focus on the case comes as Trump adopts an increasingly hardline approach toward Cuba’s communist government following the U.S. apprehension of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, a key Cuban ally.

In a February 13 correspondence to Trump, congressional representatives including Maria Elvira Salazar and Carlos Gimenez referenced historical news accounts suggesting Castro — who commanded Cuba’s armed forces during that period — authorized the attack on the civilian Cessna planes.

“We believe unequivocally that Raul Castro is responsible for this heinous crime,” lawmakers wrote. “It is time for him to be brought to justice.”

Speaking at Wednesday’s press event, Uthmeier emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who may have committed crimes against Florida residents.

“I can’t really say too much more at this point, but we are going to continue this investigation,” he said during the news conference. “I know a lot of members of the state legislature and other people here in Florida would like to see some resolution and ideally accountability.”

Uthmeier’s office declined to provide additional details about the ongoing investigation when contacted.

Cuban government representatives did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

So far, American courts have only secured one conviction related to the aircraft downing conspiracy. Gerardo Hernández, who led a Cuban spy network broken up by federal agents in the 1990s, received a life sentence but was freed by President Barack Obama in a December 2014 prisoner exchange after 16 years behind bars.

Two Cuban fighter pilots and their superior officer have also faced indictments but remain beyond U.S. law enforcement’s reach while residing in Cuba.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s Democratic governor is contemplating clemency for a former county clerk imprisoned for election fraud activities, following pressure from President Donald Trump.

Governor Jared Polis drew sharp criticism Wednesday from the state’s top officials after indicating his willingness to consider reducing the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. The attorney general, secretary of state, and local election officials association condemned the potential move as sending a dangerous message before upcoming midterm elections.

On Tuesday, Polis compared Peters’ situation to that of a former state legislator who received a much lighter sentence despite being convicted of similar charges. Peters is currently serving nine years in prison, while the former lawmaker received only probation and community service. The governor had previously called Peters’ sentence “harsh” in January, noting she had no prior criminal record.

“Justice in Colorado and America needs to be applied evenly, you never know when you might need to depend on the rule of law. This is the context I am using as I consider cases like this that have sentencing disparities,” Polis wrote on the social platform X.

Peters’ legal team praised the governor’s statements and expressed hope for her sentence to be reduced to time already served — approximately 17 months. They seek her release while pursuing appeals to overturn her convictions.

“Action takes real courage,” said one of her lawyers, John Case.

Case declined to discuss any potential communications with the governor’s office regarding clemency, citing the confidential nature of such proceedings.

Peters has gained support among those who believe Trump’s unfounded claims about the 2020 election being stolen, particularly conspiracy theory advocates.

Trump has threatened severe consequences against Colorado unless Peters is freed, and his administration has already suspended state funding.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat seeking the attorney general position, called Polis’ remarks “shocking and worrisome.” She criticized his comparison between Peters and former state Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, noting that while both were convicted of attempting to influence a public servant, they faced different additional charges.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose office participated in Peters’ prosecution, emphasized that Peters has shown no regret for her actions.

“Clemency should be based on remorse, rehabilitation, and extenuating circumstances — not on political influence, favor, or retribution,” stated Weiser, a Democrat running to succeed the term-limited Polis.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, also seeking to replace Polis as governor, opposed any pardon or sentence reduction for Peters.

“Donald Trump may be seeking revenge on Colorado, but surrendering to his political pressure will not make our state stronger or safer,” the Democrat declared.

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, argued there are minimal similarities between Peters’ and Lewis’ cases.

“It seems he’s tying himself in knots trying to find a way to commute her sentence,” he said of the governor.

Crane expressed concern that early release would send the wrong signal before midterm elections.

“The signal is it’s OK to work to undermine our elections because, whether it’s President Trump or Jared Polis, you’ll get a get-out-of-jail free card,” Crane said.

Governor spokesperson Shelby Wieman responded that Polis has questioned the disparity between Peters’ sentence and that of the former legislator.

Unlike many Democratic governors, Polis, who considers himself a political maverick, has occasionally taken conciliatory positions toward Trump. Upon Trump’s inauguration, Polis supported the Department of Government Efficiency concept under Elon Musk and endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary.

However, he has also criticized Trump’s positions on tariffs and immigration policies.

Both Peters and Lewis were found guilty of attempting to influence a public servant — a charge involving deception or threats to manipulate public officials.

Lewis faced one count of that charge plus three forgery counts. Prosecutors alleged she fabricated support letters during a legislative ethics probe into staff mistreatment allegations. Her attorney, Craig Truman, refused to comment on her case.

Peters was convicted for allowing an unauthorized computer expert to copy her county’s election system data before and after a 2021 state update. Confidential voting system passwords were subsequently published on social media and conservative websites. Peters claimed she was fulfilling her duty as clerk to preserve this information.

Peters was found guilty on three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, plus single counts of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty, and failure to comply with secretary of state requirements.

Peters’ attorneys argue the judge violated her First Amendment rights by imposing a harsh sentence for her election fraud allegations. The judge labeled her a “charlatan” and declared she endangered the community by spreading voting misinformation and undermining democratic processes.

During January oral arguments, appeals court judges appeared receptive to the free speech defense.

The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday it will investigate Texas Republican Representative Tony Gonzales following accusations of sexual misconduct and preferential treatment involving a former congressional staffer who later took her own life.

The 45-year-old three-term lawmaker maintains his innocence amid the allegations, which have sparked calls for his resignation from multiple House Republicans. Fellow GOP Representative Anna Paulina Luna filed two separate measures Wednesday seeking to censure Gonzales and remove him from his committee positions.

According to the ethics panel’s statement, the investigation will examine whether Gonzales “engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employee in his congressional office and/or discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”

The controversy centers around explicit text messages between Gonzales and former staff member Regina Santos-Aviles, which were published by the San Antonio Express-News. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September.

These developments follow Tuesday’s Texas primary results, where Gonzales narrowly avoided defeat against challenger Brandon Herrera, a conservative YouTube personality and gun rights activist known as “the AK Guy.” With neither candidate securing 50% of the vote, the race heads to a May runoff. Gonzales led by fewer than 1,000 votes and previously defeated Herrera by just hundreds of votes in the 2024 primary.

Herrera has received backing from the House Freedom Caucus, the chamber’s most conservative faction.

In a February 22 social media post on X, Gonzales defended himself against what he called coordinated political attacks, stating: “During my six years in Congress not a single formal complaint has been levied against my office. Now days away from an election, coordinated political attacks reign in. IT WONT WORK. Half way through early voting and the intensity resides w/ TG voters. I’d rather be us than them.”

Gonzales’ office has not provided a response to requests for comment regarding the ethics investigation.

WASHINGTON — Capitol visitors can now see a permanent tribute to law enforcement officers who defended the building during the January 6, 2021 assault, following the quiet installation of a memorial plaque that had been delayed for three years.

Workers placed the commemorative marker near the Capitol’s West Front, close to where some of the most intense confrontations took place that day. The installation occurred on the Senate side of the building after senators unanimously approved moving forward with the project in January, following delays by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The memorial bears an inscription reading: “On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on January 6, 2021. Their heroism will never be forgotten.”

The Washington Post reported witnessing the installation around 4 a.m. Saturday morning.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina spearheaded the installation effort while marking the fifth anniversary of the Capitol breach. Reflecting on his memories of hearing intruders forcing their way into the building, Tillis praised the officers who faced thousands of former President Donald Trump’s supporters before eventually forcing them out. “We owe them eternal gratitude, and this nation is stronger because of them,” Tillis stated.

The violent crowd that overwhelmed police barriers and stormed the building were repeating Trump’s unfounded allegations about election fraud following his 2020 defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. The mob halted the congressional certification of Biden’s electoral victory for several hours, forcing lawmakers to evacuate and causing significant property damage before authorities restored order. Over 140 officers from the Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police, and other departments sustained injuries during the incident.

The battle over the plaque’s installation unfolded as Trump prepared to return to the presidency and maintained Republican congressional support. Trump has characterized January 6 as a “day of love” and has attempted to shift responsibility for the violence onto Democrats and law enforcement.

Lawmakers enacted legislation in 2022 mandating the creation of an honorary plaque bearing the names of officers “who responded to the violence that occurred,” with a one-year installation deadline that went unmet.

Following more than a year of inaction and a legal challenge filed by two officers who defended the Capitol, Johnson claimed earlier this year that technical issues with the statute prevented the plaque’s installation.

Tillis subsequently brought a resolution to the Senate floor, which passed without opposition, authorizing placement of the memorial on the Senate side.

Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges, one of the plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuit, indicated the legal action would continue despite the installation. Hodges, who was trapped and injured by rioters in heavy doors near where the plaque now stands, called Saturday’s overnight installation a “fine stopgap” but noted it doesn’t fully satisfy the original law’s requirements, including listing all officers’ names and meeting other technical specifications.

“The weight of a judicial ruling would help secure the memorial against future tampering,” Hodges explained. “Our lawsuit persists.”

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem concluded two days of intense congressional hearings Wednesday, marking her first appearance before lawmakers following the fatal shooting of two demonstrators in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents.

Democratic members of Congress — along with several Republicans — delivered harsh criticism of Noem over claims that immigration officers under her leadership have violated the rights of both immigrants and U.S. citizens while employing unnecessary force. Lawmakers also questioned her department’s financial management of billions in congressional funding and accused her of avoiding responsibility.

The secretary, who leads President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, maintains she has bolstered national security by reducing migration at the southern border. She defended immigration officers as law-abiding when confronting violent demonstrators. Most Republican lawmakers supported her position, describing Noem as working to address immigration issues left unresolved by President Joe Biden’s previous administration.

Throughout both hearing sessions, lawmakers repeatedly challenged Noem’s description of the deceased protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as armed troublemakers. Video footage and witness statements from bystanders have disputed Noem’s version of events.

House committee ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland confronted Noem about her statements.

“You told a lie about them. You said they were domestic terrorists,” Raskin said.

Additional Democratic representatives questioned the use of force by DHS agents in removing individuals from vehicles and the detention of an American citizen taken from his Minneapolis residence while in sleepwear.

Noem encountered criticism from Republican lawmakers as well, particularly from outgoing Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who labeled her leadership a “disaster” during Tuesday’s session.

Throughout the hearings, Noem countered the accusations, claiming Democrats possessed inaccurate information while defending her officers’ methods.

“We do targeted enforcement based on intelligence and go after the worst of the worst,” Noem said.

Addressing her post-shooting remarks on Tuesday, Noem explained she relied on information from field personnel and attributed responsibility to “violent protesters” for creating the chaotic situation officers faced.

According to a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari stated that DHS leadership has “systematically obstructed” his office’s work across 11 cases, including one criminal probe with a “nexus” to the department.

Cuffari reported that his office was denied access to databases and prevented from taking other investigative steps.

Georgia Democratic Representative Hank Johnson questioned Noem about the correspondence, stating her department demonstrated a “pattern of obstructing investigations.”

Noem rejected the claim, saying Cuffari failed to specify what information he sought and his timeline for requests.

“He wants unfettered access to every single thing in the department. And that’s not the process,” Noem said.

Congress allocated $170 billion to Noem’s department, funding that has generated questions about its allocation and usage.

On Wednesday, the secretary faced questions about her department’s $220 million advertising campaign featuring Noem that urged undocumented individuals to depart voluntarily.

Democrats questioned whether contracts followed competitive bidding procedures and if Noem’s connections inappropriately benefited from the process.

“You’re using millions of dollars of taxpayer money in this way,” said Democratic Representative Joe Neguse, who labeled it fraudulent. “Ultimately I think there’s going to be accountability.”

Noem maintained the expenditures were legal.

The committee’s top Democrat also criticized Noem regarding her department’s acquisition of luxury aircraft.

The Associated Press previously reported that federal agents were claiming broad authority to forcibly enter suspects’ homes without judicial warrants — actions legal scholars say violate constitutional protections.

During both hearing days, Noem defended the warrants as proper and legal. She described their use in forced entries as limited, stating they were employed only 28 times under her leadership, without specifying locations.

“We do use it, but it’s very rare when we do,” Noem said.

However, even Republicans objected to the warrant usage. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie stated he’s a “strong proponent of the Fourth Amendment, and I think it would be helpful if we stuck to that.”

California Democratic Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove questioned Noem about her connection to Corey Lewandowski, a special government employee serving as one of the secretary’s senior advisers.

Lewandowski served as Trump’s initial 2016 campaign manager and remained one of his prominent supporters. He subsequently became a key Noem ally, facilitating her access to the former president’s political network.

Upon Noem’s appointment to DHS, Lewandowski received special government employee status — a role intended to restrict his working days at the department. However, his constant presence alongside Noem has raised questions about his actual work schedule and the nature of their relationship.

Kamlager-Dove described Lewandowski as wielding “unchecked” and “unconfirmed” authority and directly asked whether Noem and Lewandowski were romantically involved.

“At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?” said Kamlager-Dove.

“Mr. Chairman, I am shocked that we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today,” Noem responded. She denied the allegations, called the questioning offensive, and stated Lewandowski lacks decision-making authority.

WASHINGTON — Four people required medical attention following a violent altercation in a Senate office building Wednesday when a demonstrator fought back against law enforcement officers attempting to remove him from a committee hearing.

Brian C. McGinnis from North Carolina now faces six criminal charges, including three counts each of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest plus unlawful demonstration, according to Capitol Police officials.

“This afternoon, an unruly man who started to illegally protest during a hearing put everyone in a dangerous position by violently resisting and fighting our officer’s attempts to remove him from the room,” Capitol Police said in a statement.

Video footage captured McGinnis rising from his seat and beginning to yell during the Senate Armed Services committee session, with law enforcement immediately moving to escort him out. His outburst focused on U.S. military involvement in Iran, as he called out, “America does not want to send its sons and daughters to war for Israel!”

As officers attempted to escort McGinnis to the exit, he fought against their efforts and clung to a doorframe. Republican Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana, an Armed Services committee member and former Navy SEAL, rushed to help by pulling the demonstrator’s arm away from the door while other protesters claimed McGinnis’ hand was trapped.

According to Capitol Police, McGinnis “got his own arm stuck in a door to resist our officers and force his way back into the hearing room,” and received treatment for resulting injuries.

Senator Sheehy later posted on social media that his intention was to calm the volatile situation.

“This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one,” Sheehy stated. “I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence.”

Social media posts from an account bearing McGinnis’ name show him outside the Capitol building Wednesday morning before the hearing began. The profile identifies him as a “Green Party Candidate for US Senate.”

In the pre-hearing video, he explained his presence in Washington, saying he was “here in D.C. trying to speak out against the Senate” regarding potential military conflicts.

“Anyone who feels disillusioned and betrayed by our government, you are not alone,” he stated in the recording.

Former President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Cuba is actively seeking to establish an agreement through ongoing discussions with him and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During his address at the “Shield of the Americas” conference featuring Latin American leaders in Miami, Florida, Trump characterized Cuba as being “at the end of the line.”

“They want to negotiate, and they are negotiating with Marco (Rubio) and myself and some others, and I would think a deal would be made very easily with Cuba,” Trump stated during the event.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A federal court has temporarily halted enforcement of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial executive order from last year that classified two Muslim organizations as foreign terrorist groups.

U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday, stating in his ruling that the First Amendment prevents the governor from continuing what he called a concerning pattern of exploiting executive power to make political statements while violating others’ constitutional protections.

DeSantis’ directive specifically named the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as targets. The governor’s office had not responded to requests for comment by Wednesday evening regarding the court’s decision.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, along with additional civil rights organizations, filed suit against DeSantis in December following the executive order’s release. The organization operates more than 20 chapters nationwide and focuses on legal advocacy, public policy work, and educational initiatives. Their legal challenge argues the executive order violates the law and constitution, particularly claiming DeSantis overstepped by assuming federal government authority reserved for identifying terrorist organizations.

The court’s injunction suspends the executive order’s implementation during ongoing litigation proceedings.

“The question before this Court is whether the Governor can, in a non-emergency situation, unilaterally designate one of the largest Muslim civil rights groups in America as a ‘terrorist organization’ and withhold government benefits from anyone providing material support or resources to the group,” Walker wrote.

Discrimination against Muslims has continued in various forms since the September 11, 2001 attacks, with increased anti-Islamic sentiment observed during the ongoing Gaza conflict spanning more than two years.

In their Florida legal filing, the Council on American-Islamic Relations emphasized their consistent opposition to terrorism and violence. The lawsuit contends DeSantis singled out the organization for protecting free speech rights in situations where state and other officials attempted to penalize or silence individuals expressing support for Palestinian human rights.

DeSantis’ order also applied the terrorist designation to the Muslim Brotherhood, described as a pan-Arab Islamic political organization. President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order in January identifying three Middle Eastern Muslim Brotherhood affiliates as terrorist groups.

The Florida governor’s directive orders state agencies to bar both organizations and their supporters from obtaining government contracts, employment opportunities, and funding from executive or cabinet-level departments.

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, approximately 500,000 Muslims live in Florida.

WASHINGTON — A prominent architect and historic preservation expert is raising serious concerns about President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom addition, calling the massive project oversized and potentially damaging to America’s most iconic residence.

David Scott Parker, an American Institute of Architects Fellow whose company focuses on residential design and historic preservation, voiced his criticism to The Associated Press ahead of Thursday’s crucial vote by the National Capital Planning Commission. The federal agency will decide whether to greenlight the sprawling 90,000-square-foot addition, which already received approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in February.

“Everything here feels inflated,” Parker, who brings more than three decades of architectural experience to his assessment, told reporters. “The net effect of this is to adversely impact what is the most important historic — the most identifiable historic — house in the entire United States. This is permanent, what it will do to the White House.”

The former president revealed his ballroom plans last summer, arguing the White House needed proper indoor space for hosting distinguished visitors instead of relying on temporary lawn tents. Construction began in earnest when Trump ordered the East Wing’s demolition in October with minimal advance notice. Underground preparation work has continued since then, though White House representatives indicated above-ground building wouldn’t commence before April at the soonest.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization, sought court intervention to pause construction until proper approvals were obtained from federal panels and Congress, plus public input opportunities. However, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied their temporary restraining order request last week, prompting the Trust to announce plans for a revised legal challenge.

Parker based his architectural critique on design drawings and documentation the White House provided to the fine arts commission in recent weeks.

According to Parker’s analysis, the ballroom alone would occupy roughly 22,000 square feet of the total footprint — far exceeding what’s necessary for Trump’s stated capacity of 1,000 guests. Industry standards typically allocate 15 square feet per person in ballroom settings, Parker explained. Using that calculation, Trump’s ballroom could shrink by 47 percent to approximately 15,000 square feet while still meeting capacity requirements.

The architect also questioned a proposed 4,000-square-foot porch and staircase facing south, arguing these features serve no functional purpose since they wouldn’t provide direct building access for guests. Parker additionally noted the porch design appears to violate Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

White House officials responded Wednesday by asserting the ballroom would meet federal disability accommodation laws but declined to address Parker’s other criticisms.

The planned portico would dwarf similar architectural features on both the White House’s south side and the neighboring Treasury Department building.

Size-related objections have dogged the project since its announcement. At nearly double the main White House’s 55,000-square-foot dimensions, opponents contend the addition would dominate the historic mansion and disrupt the complex’s carefully balanced proportions.

Parker expressed particular alarm that the addition would protrude enough to block the intentional sight line connecting the White House and Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue — a design element Pierre L’Enfant incorporated centuries ago when George Washington commissioned him to plan the nation’s capital.

“It’s hard to fathom that … one addition could have so many adverse impacts, symbolically, architecturally and historically,” Parker stated. “This literally violates the Founding Fathers’ intentions.”

Thursday’s commission meeting, scheduled as a virtual session, has drawn significant public interest. Agency records show Parker among more than 100 registered speakers, while thousands submitted written comments beforehand — with many expressing opposition to Trump’s ballroom proposal.

WASHINGTON — Members of the House Oversight Committee approved a subpoena Wednesday demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi testify about how the Justice Department has managed documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case.

The bipartisan vote saw five Republican lawmakers side with Democrats to back the subpoena introduced by GOP Representative Nancy Mace, demonstrating ongoing conservative dissatisfaction with how officials have reviewed and disclosed records connected to the convicted financier. The action represents a stern criticism of Bondi from Republican colleagues who have demanded transparency regarding Epstein’s exploitation of minors and his associations with wealthy, influential individuals.

“The American people want answers on the Epstein files, and so do we,” Mace, representing South Carolina, wrote on X.

Justice Department officials declined to immediately respond to the subpoena request.

The Epstein document controversy continues troubling the Trump administration over a year since Bondi faced criticism for distributing folders of materials containing no significant new information to conservative media figures at the White House. Following an extended examination period, the Justice Department announced in July that investigators found no Epstein “client list” and determined additional files should not be made public.

This conclusion triggered widespread anger that led Congress to enact legislation requiring the Justice Department to disclose the records. Following the initial December release, opponents have criticized the administration for mishandling the process and keeping too many documents secret. Government representatives have stated attorneys worked efficiently to properly examine, redact and publish millions of pages mandated by law.

“For months, Attorney General Bondi has been instrumental in orchestrating the White House’s cover-up of the Epstein files, and has failed to comply with our bipartisan subpoena for the release of the complete, unredacted files,” stated Representative Robert Garcia of California, the committee’s ranking Democrat. “The American people deserve transparency, survivors deserve justice, and we are demanding answers.”

Bondi has stood by the department’s document management and has claimed Democrats are exploiting the controversy to overshadow Trump’s achievements, despite vocal criticism emerging from the president’s own party members.

During a contentious congressional session last month, Democratic lawmakers criticized Bondi over careless redactions in the Epstein materials that revealed personal victim information and contained explicit photographs. Bondi informed legislators that the Justice Department removed files after learning they contained victim details and said personnel attempted their “very best” within the timeframe established by the release legislation.

The demand for Bondi’s testimony follows the Justice Department’s announcement last week that it would investigate whether documents were inappropriately withheld after multiple news outlets reported that certain records containing unverified allegations against Trump by a woman were excluded from public releases.

This development came after media reports indicated that a large collection of records released by the Justice Department omitted several interview summaries the FBI conducted with an unnamed woman who contacted authorities following Epstein’s 2019 arrest, alleging sexual assault by both Trump and Epstein during her minor years in the 1980s.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently provided their own depositions to committee members regarding the former Democratic president’s relationship with Epstein from over twenty years ago.

Bill Clinton informed Congress members Friday that he “did nothing wrong” in his association with Epstein and observed no evidence of Epstein’s sexual misconduct. Hillary Clinton told lawmakers she had no awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities and could not recall “ever encountering Mr. Epstein.”

President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday his administration’s formation of a military partnership designed to eliminate drug cartels operating throughout the Western Hemisphere, stating that 17 countries have officially joined the coalition.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of anti-cartel efforts across the Americas, with Trump describing the initiative’s goal as the complete eradication of cartel operations in the region.

Details about which specific nations have committed to the alliance or the operational structure of the coalition were not immediately provided in the announcement.

WASHINGTON – Senators from both parties are expressing national security worries about Intel Corporation’s decision to test semiconductor manufacturing equipment produced by a company with strong ties to China.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican Tom Cotton spearheaded the bipartisan effort Wednesday, sending concerns to Intel regarding ACM Research, a chipmaking equipment manufacturer based in Fremont, California.

ACM Research maintains substantial Chinese operations and has two international divisions that face U.S. sanctions. The company serves sanctioned Chinese firms including YMTC, CXMT and SMIC, raising fears that sensitive Intel information could be transferred to Chinese clients, according to the senators.

In their Wednesday letter to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, the lawmakers stated: “By operating in Intel’s facilities, ACM could gain exposure to cutting-edge chipmaking processes that may materially improve the quality and competitiveness of ACM and Chinese military companies.”

Intel responded by clarifying that “ACM tools are not used in Intel’s semiconductor production processes,” emphasizing the company’s full compliance with U.S. laws and regular communication with government officials on security issues.

ACM Research did not provide immediate comment on the matter.

The company had previously stated it cannot discuss “specific customer engagements,” but confirmed that “ACMR’s U.S. team has sold and delivered multiple tools from our Asian operations to domestic customers.” ACM also disclosed shipping three tools to a “major U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer” for testing purposes, with some meeting performance requirements.

The letter included signatures from Democrats Elissa Slotkin and Andy Kim, along with Republicans Jim Banks and Pete Ricketts, demonstrating cross-party anxiety about China’s expanding influence in American semiconductor production.

The House Selection Committee on China previously expressed concern in October about ACM Research selling semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a U.S. semiconductor company that certified ACM’s tools for production use.

The senators also highlighted Intel’s special obligations given the federal government’s ownership stake in the company, particularly following CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s challenges with former President Trump over alleged Chinese connections.

“This raises important questions about Intel’s fiduciary responsibility and approach to safeguarding the public interest, including how the company benefits American economic interests and taxpayers,” the lawmakers wrote.

They added: “Intel’s entanglements with blacklisted Chinese companies calls into question whether taxpayer dollars are subsidizing activities that could directly threaten U.S. national security and leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.”

WASHINGTON — Military operations against Iran have sparked a political debate over America’s defense inventory levels, highlighting manufacturing challenges that defense experts warn could impact future conflicts.

Trump administration officials maintain that U.S. forces possess adequate weaponry for the ongoing Iran conflict, which has entered its second week. On Friday, President Donald Trump announced via social media that multiple defense companies committed to increasing weapons manufacturing by four times “as rapidly as possible,” though specific weapon systems weren’t identified.

Democratic legislators have intensified scrutiny of national weapons reserves as military operations against Iran expand, with many calling Trump’s actions a “war of choice.” Defense analysts indicate missile defense systems face the greatest pressure, particularly Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors currently deployed in Ukraine and Israel.

“I’m not particularly worried about us actually running out during this conflict,” stated Ryan Brobst, a defense strategy researcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “It’s about deterring China and Russia the day after this conflict is over.”

American forces deploy both defensive systems to counter Iranian missile attacks launched in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes. However, Pentagon officials acknowledge difficulties stopping drone swarms from the Islamic Republic, prompting deployment of an American anti-drone technology successful against Russian drones in Ukraine. The Merops system offers cost advantages, firing at drones costing under $50,000 rather than using missiles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the U.S. military “has everything it needs to execute any mission at the time and place of the President’s choosing and on any timeline.”

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced Friday on X that it agreed to “quadruple critical munitions production” and “began this work months ago.” Neither Trump nor Lockheed provided timelines for achieving production targets.

Democratic lawmakers question the long-term consequences for America and its allies.

“We’ve been told again and again and again one reason that we can’t provide interceptors for the Patriot system or other munitions for Ukraine is that they’re in short supply,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told CNN Thursday.

Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., informed reporters that American supplies have decreased following military engagements with Houthi rebels in Yemen and recent Republican administration conflicts. The Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat didn’t specify which munition types he referenced.

“Our munitions are low. That’s public knowledge,” Warner stated. “It will require additional funding, funding where we have other domestic needs as well.”

Defense interceptor supplies face the greatest strain, according to Brobst, who serves as deputy director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based hawkish think tank.

THAAD systems target medium-range ballistic missiles, while Patriot systems counter short-range ballistic missiles and piloted aircraft. Approximately 25% of America’s entire THAAD inventory was reportedly used protecting Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles during last summer’s 12-day conflict with Iran, Brobst noted.

“These were already in very high demand and we had not procured enough before the conflict,” Brobst explained. “And now we’ve probably used, between the two of them, probably several hundred more.”

Exact quantities of U.S. THAAD and Patriot systems remain classified, with administration officials and Democratic lawmakers refusing to provide specifics.

Interceptor demand likely decreases as the U.S. and allies eliminate Iran’s weapons capabilities, Brobst observed. General Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, reported this week that Iranian ballistic missile launches dropped 86% from the conflict’s opening day.

Additional sought-after munitions include cruise missiles and precision-guided missiles, called “standoff” weapons, Brobst said. Their stockpiles appear healthier, with usage probably peaking early in the war as U.S. forces targeted Iran’s early-warning systems, air defenses and other installations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that American forces used more “standoff munitions at the start, but no longer need to.” He told reporters Wednesday they would employ “500-pound, 1,000-pound and 2,000-pound GPS- and laser-guided, precision gravity bombs.”

America maintains adequate supplies of these weapon types, which cost less but require aircraft to approach targets more closely, Brobst said.

The U.S. military plans to strengthen regional anti-drone capabilities with the Merops system that uses drones against drones. Small enough for a midsize pickup truck, it identifies drones and pursues them, utilizing artificial intelligence for navigation when satellite and electronic communications face jamming.

Brobst noted the advanced munitions shortage problem, especially interceptors, existed long before the Iran war, though “this has definitely not made it get any better by using up these munitions.”

“Successive administrations over multiple decades did not procure sufficient quantities of these interceptors, and when that happens, companies don’t have an incentive to expand their production capacity,” Brobst explained, adding that production increases require “significant time.”

The administration recently promised increased defense spending and accelerated production while directing the Pentagon to identify underperforming defense contractors with insufficient manufacturing investment.

Katherine Thompson, a former deputy senior adviser at the Pentagon during the current Trump administration, said former President Joe Biden reduced interceptor stockpiles by sending them to Ukraine.

“It was a short-term win for the Biden administration but a long-term strategic problem for the United States as a whole,” said Thompson, who departed her Pentagon role in October and now serves as a senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute. “I would hope that the Trump administration doesn’t make that same mistake here.”

Riki Ellison, chairman of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, said the U.S. military could relocate interceptors globally or obtain them from allies if necessary. He also highlighted Pentagon efforts encouraging defense contractors to increase production.

“We’re moving in that direction,” Ellison said. “That’s not going to be ready next week or anything, but it’s moving.”

A federal appeals court has denied the Trump administration’s request to eliminate immigration protections for over 350,000 Haitians currently residing and working legally in the United States.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit voted 2-1 on Friday to reject the administration’s appeal of a lower court decision that prevented the Department of Homeland Security from terminating Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status designation.

The humanitarian initiative protects qualifying immigrants from removal proceedings and grants them employment authorization in the United States.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has initiated efforts to eliminate TPS designations for twelve nations as part of Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, contending the initiative was not designed to function as “de facto amnesty.”

The Trump administration sought to overturn District Judge Ana Reyes’ February ruling while pursuing their appeal. Her decision stemmed from a class-action case filed by Haitian immigrants attempting to maintain their legal status and avoid deportation.

Judge Reyes determined that Noem’s November decision to terminate the Haitians’ protected status likely contravened proper TPS cancellation protocols and violated constitutional equal protection guarantees under the Fifth Amendment.

The administration referenced previous Supreme Court decisions that permitted them to terminate TPS for Venezuelan nationals.

However, Circuit Judges Florence Pan and Brad Garcia, both Biden appointees, noted significant differences between the cases and emphasized that deported Haitians would face serious dangers, stating they would “be vulnerable to violence amid a ‘collapsing rule of law’ and lack access to life-sustaining medical care.”

Circuit Judge Justin Walker, appointed by Trump, disagreed with the majority decision, arguing the current case and previous Venezuelan litigation were “the legal equivalent of fraternal, if not identical, twins.”

The Department of Homeland Security declined to provide a statement regarding the court’s decision.

Haiti initially received TPS designation following the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. The United States has consistently extended this protection, with the most recent renewal occurring under the Biden administration in July 2024.

During that renewal, DHS referenced Haiti’s “simultaneous economic, security, political, and health crises,” which officials attributed to widespread gang control and governmental collapse.

Native American communities across the country are responding positively to President Trump’s nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin, who belongs to the Cherokee Nation, represents what many tribal leaders see as an opportunity for better representation at the federal level.

The appointment comes at a time when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have faced allegations of targeting Native Americans through racial profiling practices. Tribal communities hope that having one of their own in this key leadership position could help address these longstanding concerns about discriminatory enforcement tactics.

Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on March 7th, declaring that Iran would face severe consequences on Saturday while hinting at the possibility of expanding military targets.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.”

The former president did not elaborate on specific details regarding the threatened actions or provide clarity on what expanded targeting might entail.

Trump additionally pointed to Iran’s apologies to neighboring countries following recent strikes, characterizing these diplomatic gestures as an act of capitulation.

President Donald Trump welcomed Latin American leaders to Florida on Saturday for a diplomatic summit focused on diminishing China’s expanding presence in the Western Hemisphere, occurring just days following American military strikes against Iran that have opened another battleground in Middle Eastern conflicts.

The meeting takes place as Trump gears up for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this month. The current administration aims to strengthen ties with Latin American nations after witnessing years of increased Chinese commercial activity, financial lending, and infrastructure development throughout the region.

The Saturday event, called the “Shield of the Americas,” provides Trump an opportunity to demonstrate leadership domestically while Middle Eastern tensions create unpredictable outcomes, including potential increases in fuel costs.

Trump announced Thursday that Kristi Noem would serve as special representative for the “Shield of the Americas.” Noem previously held the position of Homeland Security secretary before Trump dismissed her from that role this week following growing congressional criticism.

The conference brings together right-leaning leaders who share Trump’s perspectives on security matters, immigration policies, and economic strategies, representing a wider conservative movement gaining ground across portions of Latin America.

Attendees are expected to include Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Chile’s incoming president Jose Antonio Kast, and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, whose aggressive anti-gang policies, despite human rights organizations’ objections, have become a template for Latin America’s political right.

Regional politicians have visited Bukele’s massive “mega-prison” facility, where the United States deported over 200 Venezuelans last year without legal proceedings.

Other anticipated participants include Honduras’ President Nasry Asfura, who secured a narrow victory in a contested election with Trump’s endorsement, and Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who has adopted elements of Trump’s economic platform and recently announced collaborative U.S. military operations targeting drug trafficking networks.

These leaders generally align with Trump’s tough stance on criminal justice and immigration issues, preferring enforcement approaches over comprehensive social reforms and supporting private enterprise over government intervention. Their political ascendance represents a significant rightward shift in parts of Latin America as the region navigates between American and Chinese spheres of influence.

Ryan Berg, who directs the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted this week that the summit marks the first occasion during Trump’s second presidency where Washington has assembled Latin American leaders in this format.

Berg indicated the discussions will likely address security concerns, narcotics trafficking, financial crimes, and China’s involvement in port facilities, telecommunications networks, and additional infrastructure projects.

According to Berg, China’s regional trade reached an unprecedented $518 billion in 2024, with Beijing providing over $120 billion in loans to Western Hemisphere governments.

China’s expanded engagement throughout Latin America — including satellite monitoring facilities in Argentina, port operations in Peru, and economic assistance to Venezuela — has frustrated multiple U.S. administrations.

Beijing has broadened its influence through commercial relationships, financial assistance, and infrastructure development, while the Trump administration has urged regional governments to limit China’s participation in port operations, energy initiatives, and other critical assets.

This pressure became evident recently when Panamanian officials took action against a Hong Kong-based company connected to Panama Canal operations, a vital international shipping route.

Washington has also implemented more direct measures in the region.

The United States apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3 and moved to control the nation’s petroleum exports, while strengthening enforcement of the long-standing U.S. trade embargo against Cuba.

Multiple Trump administration representatives have informed Reuters that Trump’s action against Maduro was partly designed to challenge China’s regional goals, and that Beijing’s strategy of using debt arrangements to obtain discounted Venezuelan oil has ended.

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented social media blitz featuring video game footage, cartoon characters, and Hollywood movie clips to promote its ongoing military operations against Iran to the American public.

A White House-produced video opening with scenes from the popular “Call of Duty” video game has garnered more than 58 million views across social platforms. The production seamlessly blends real combat footage of fighter jets, missile launches, and explosive strikes with Childish Gambino’s “Bonfire” soundtrack and a narrator proclaiming “We’re winning this fight.”

The video incorporates gaming elements like “Call of Duty” kill scores that appear following each explosion, creating what critics describe as a troubling merger of entertainment and warfare.

These digital campaigns mark a dramatic shift from traditional military communications. Where previous administrations relied on formal briefings and statistical presentations during conflicts, the current approach emphasizes flashy visuals reminiscent of action movies, complete with stealth aircraft cutting through clouds and cinematic explosions.

The content strategy focuses less on explaining the reasoning behind military action and more on showcasing American firepower with what officials call “an on-brand air of bravado.”

Distributed across X, TikTok, and Instagram, these productions incorporate references from popular culture, energetic soundtracks, and clips from blockbuster films, generating millions of views and widespread sharing among Trump supporters.

“Before it took time and lots of knowledge,” explained Craig Silverman, a researcher and cofounder of Indicator, a publication focused on digital deception. “And now some social media manager at the White House could play around with one of these tools for a half hour and come up with something that looks pretty good.”

Additional videos in the series feature Superman imagery alongside footage from “Braveheart,” “Top Gun,” “Iron Man,” and “Gladiator,” interwoven with scenes of military equipment being destroyed. Critics have condemned this approach as an inappropriate “gamification” of a conflict that has resulted in deaths among both American service members and Iranian civilians.

The administration has faced challenges articulating a coherent justification for the military campaign that commenced with U.S.-Israeli bombing operations on February 28. President Trump and cabinet officials have offered varying and sometimes conflicting explanations for the action.

Former Republican officials and communications specialists view these videos as an inappropriate display of military swagger rather than substantive policy communication.

“If you want to communicate, one of the main things they should be doing is communicating to the Iranian people why you are bombing their country, not how we are blowing stuff up,” stated James Glassman, who served as under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs during the George W. Bush administration.

“This seems to be an effort to sell the war after it started by making it cool, to make it look like a video game.”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly defended the approach, telling Reuters that U.S. military forces were achieving or exceeding their objectives in the Iranian conflict.

“The White House will continue showcasing the many examples of Iran’s ballistic missiles, production facilities, and dreams of owning a nuclear weapon being destroyed in real time,” Kelly stated.

Among the most viral content is a video featuring an animated green lizard repeatedly touching a glowing screen, with each tap followed by missile launch footage and a voice repeating “lizard.” The lizard animation comes from Disney Pixar’s 2025 film “Elio” end credits and became a popular internet meme representing repetitive tasks.

Another production titled “OPERATION EPIC FURY” – the administration’s designation for the Iran campaign – features military imagery set to DJ Shlepki’s “Macarena turned.” The 38-second TikTok video shows B-1 and B-2 bombers along with what appears to be an F-35C fighter jet, though Reuters verified that some aircraft footage consists of older stock material unrelated to current operations. This video has accumulated over 18 million views.

The contrast between these productions and official military communications is stark. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine recently spoke with “profound sadness and gratitude” while announcing the names of four of six American service members killed in the conflict, telling families “we grieve with you today.”

Meanwhile, a 14-second White House video intersperses military explosions with animated SpongeBob SquarePants repeatedly asking “Wanna see me do it again?” This production has reached over 9 million views on X and TikTok.

Kristopher Purcell, who worked in White House communications during the lead-up to Bush’s 2003 Iraq invasion, believes these videos target young male demographics that strongly supported Trump in the 2024 election.

He noted that the Bush administration spent months building public support before the Iraq invasion, while the current approach involves post-conflict justification through what he termed the “gamification” of warfare.

“It’s an insane way to do things,” Purcell said.

Despite the unconventional approach, experts acknowledge the Trump administration’s proven effectiveness in social media communication, particularly for reaching core supporters, even when methods deviate significantly from presidential traditions.

Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government professor Matthew Baum suggests the strategy may face limitations given Trump’s campaign promises of American isolationism.

“The problem here is that his base is not exactly entirely on board with the war in Iran. So it’s a difficult audience when it is usually the case that the MAGA base is ready to follow wherever he leads,” Baum observed.

President Donald Trump’s administration has launched an unprecedented campaign to curtail the authority of federal judges through strategic Supreme Court filings, according to a new analysis of court documents.

Since returning to office, Trump and his supporters have labeled federal judges who block his policies with harsh terms including “rogue,” “crooked,” and “lunatic,” characterizing their rulings as not just wrong but fundamentally illegitimate.

The administration’s approach goes beyond public criticism, however. A systematic review reveals Trump’s Justice Department has filed 31 emergency appeals to the Supreme Court since February 2025, with nearly all – 97% – asserting that lower court judges are improperly interfering with presidential constitutional authority.

This marks a dramatic shift from the previous administration. During Joe Biden’s entire four-year presidency, his Justice Department made similar claims in just 26% of its 19 emergency Supreme Court filings.

University of Virginia School of Law expert Payvand Ahdout explained the broader implications: “The administration is attacking the ability of federal judges to question or review the executive actions.”

“As the administration seeks to assert more unilateral power, robust judicial review is a problem for them,” Ahdout added.

Trump has aggressively pushed presidential power boundaries during his second term, prompting hundreds of legal challenges across multiple policy areas. The Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority, which includes three Trump appointees, has generally sided with the administration in these emergency cases.

The high court has allowed Trump to dismiss federal employees, assume control of independent agencies, implement a transgender military ban, and deport migrants to nations with which they have no connection, among other controversial actions.

A Justice Department official, speaking anonymously about the legal strategy, defended the approach as appropriate.

“It should come as no surprise that this department is more forceful in defending Article II prerogatives,” the official said, referencing the constitutional clause that grants executive power to the president.

The administration’s emergency filings challenge judicial authority in multiple ways beyond claiming interference. Analysis shows 68% argue judges lack jurisdiction to review Trump’s actions, compared to just 16% of Biden’s emergency requests making similar arguments.

Additionally, 71% of Trump’s filings contend judges exceeded their authority in granting relief to plaintiffs, such as policy-blocking court orders. Under Biden, 63% made comparable arguments.

The Supreme Court’s emergency decisions typically provide minimal explanation, making it difficult to determine which administration arguments prove persuasive. The court handles these requests rapidly, usually without extensive briefing or oral arguments.

For example, when district judges blocked Trump’s removal of Democratic members from independent federal agencies – including labor boards, a consumer safety watchdog, and the Federal Trade Commission – the Justice Department argued courts cannot review such firings or reinstate officials.

The conservative majority permitted the removals while offering little reasoning, briefly citing previous rulings supporting presidential authority to dismiss agency officers wielding executive power.

The Justice Department’s strategy to limit judicial power comes amid concerns from Trump critics and some judges that administration officials sometimes ignore district court orders while continuing verbal attacks on the judiciary.

Trump has even criticized the Supreme Court, recently calling justices who opposed his global tariffs “lapdogs” influenced by foreign interests.

Barbara Lynn, a former federal judge in Texas who retired last year, connected the legal strategy to public rhetoric: “The administration’s position stated in briefs and argument is for a very narrow view of judicial review and judicial power. And that then manifests itself in the public square as: if judges move out of that more limited role, they’re crooks and corrupt.”

“That is a sad, inappropriate development, and runs the risk of there being, essentially, no checks and balances in this country if that view prevails,” said Lynn, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton.

The administration’s filings use dramatic language to describe judicial actions, portraying judges as seizing or usurping presidential authority. In one case involving federal employee dismissals, the Justice Department warned of an “ongoing assault on the constitutional structure,” telling the Supreme Court: “Only this court can end the interbranch power grab.”

When a judge blocked Trump’s effort to eliminate teacher-training grants as part of his anti-diversity campaign, the administration asked the Supreme Court to end judges’ “unconstitutional reign as self-appointed managers of executive branch funding.”

Legal scholars offer varying perspectives on the administration’s approach. University of California, Berkeley law professor John Yoo, who served in George W. Bush’s Justice Department, said: “They are trying to accelerate things that the Roberts court itself had already started, which is to narrow judicial involvement in the president’s management of the executive branch.”

However, Georgia State University College of Law professor Eric Segall, who worked in George H.W. Bush’s Justice Department, criticized the tone: “They make it sound like every case is a five-alarm fire that will destroy the presidency of the United States if judges get involved.”

Philip Pro, a retired federal judge from Nevada appointed by Ronald Reagan, suggested the administration views courts as obstacles: “If I don’t agree with you as a member of the judiciary, then you’re an obstruction because I want to do what I want to do, whenever I want to do it, wherever I want to do it, and you can’t tell me otherwise.”

The Supreme Court may have signaled limits to the administration’s judicial power arguments in the case of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Trump attempted to fire Cook based on unproven mortgage fraud allegations she denies – an unprecedented move threatening central bank independence.

During rare oral arguments in January, Chief Justice John Roberts challenged Solicitor General D. John Sauer: “If there is any level of cause then you can’t be right about the idea that courts can’t order anybody who’s been removed to be reinstated.”

A decision in the Cook case could establish important precedent regarding presidential power versus judicial oversight.

WASHINGTON — Black students in a predominantly white Pennsylvania school district faced constant harassment, with classmates calling them derogatory names including “slave” and “monkey” with little consequence, according to parents who filed a federal complaint.

These allegations were part of a 2024 civil rights complaint submitted to federal education officials regarding the Pennridge School District in Pennsylvania. However, the complaint has joined thousands of others sitting unaddressed following significant staffing reductions in the Trump administration.

“There was an expectation that something was going to happen,” explained Adrienne King, a parent of two students in the district who also serves as president of the NAACP Bucks County chapter. When no action occurred, “it’s a very hollow, empty feeling.”

The federal Education Department has traditionally served as the primary watchdog for discrimination in American schools. However, widespread layoffs and changing priorities have significantly reduced this function, leading to calls for state governments to fill the void.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are now considering legislation to create a state-level agency dedicated to investigating educational discrimination and protecting student civil rights — responsibilities that have historically fallen to federal authorities. Similar efforts are underway in other Democratic-controlled states, where advocates are pushing existing agencies to take on expanded roles in fighting discrimination based on race, disability, or gender.

This shift toward state-level enforcement presents potential challenges. Creating a state-by-state approach could result in inconsistent protection levels across the country. Some experts worry this trend might encourage the federal government to further reduce its civil rights enforcement efforts.

Pennsylvania State Senator Lindsey Williams delivered a direct statement last fall when announcing her proposal for a new state civil rights office modeled after the federal system. “If the federal government won’t stand up for our most vulnerable students, I will,” declared Williams, a Democrat.

While her legislation faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled state Senate when introduced this spring, Williams believes it could serve as a template for other states. She has already received inquiries from legislators elsewhere, and comparable measures have emerged in Maryland and Illinois.

In the short term, Pennsylvania advocates are pushing for increased funding of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, an existing agency with authority to investigate schools and enforce student rights that is rarely utilized for educational matters. Currently, only 5% of the commission’s cases involve education, with most focusing on workplace discrimination.

Attorney Kristina Moon from the Education Law Center in Pennsylvania has begun directing families to file discrimination complaints with the state commission rather than federal agencies. She views this as the best available alternative for families left waiting amid federal dysfunction.

“It’s incredibly important for students and families to be aware of any other option available to them,” stated Moon, who is representing the families in the Pennridge case.

The commission has indicated willingness to accept cases that have stalled at the federal level, though officials acknowledge their constraints. The agency currently employs approximately 100 staff members, down from over 200 in previous years, raising questions about capacity to handle a significant increase in complaints.

Federal data from January 2025 shows more than 300 active investigations in Pennsylvania alone, each representing a potential case that could be transferred to state jurisdiction.

“It would be tough, I’ll be totally honest,” admitted Desireé Chang, the commission’s education director. “A stark influx would definitely put some weight on our agency. But we would do it because that is what we are charged with doing.”

Even before President Trump’s current term began, the federal Office for Civil Rights was overwhelmed by its caseload. Operations have slowed further following extensive layoffs that shuttered regional offices in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and other cities. Remaining staff members report that comprehensive investigations have become uncommon as they prioritize resolving the most straightforward complaints.

Simultaneously, current Trump administration officials have redirected the office to target schools that provide accommodations for transgender students and athletes, claiming such policies discriminate against girls and women.

Trump administration officials attribute the complaint backlog to the previous administration’s policies. Some previously terminated employees have been rehired to help process pending cases.

The impact is being felt nationwide. Maryland recently introduced legislation granting the state’s Commission on Civil Rights new authority to investigate school discrimination. While the commission has long handled discrimination cases in housing and employment, students currently lack a comparable state-level complaint process.

During a recent hearing, commission officials endorsed the legislation and emphasized they can no longer depend on federal agencies to protect student rights.

“Offices have been closed, people have been fired, cases are piling up or not even moving — that’s why we sought to step in that gap and provide Maryland students an option,” explained Glendora Hughes, the commission’s general counsel.

In Massachusetts, advocates are focusing attention on the state education department’s Problem Resolution System, which investigates family complaints alleging schools violated state or federal law. However, advocates say the office’s case selection criteria and procedures lack transparency. A coalition recently requested clarification from the office.

Legal aid organizations are also stepping in to address gaps. The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed suit against a Louisiana school district on behalf of a 10-year-old student with autism. The lawsuit alleges the St. Tammany Parish School District unlawfully reduced the child’s classroom time to just two hours daily in 2024, down from a full school day. The organization noted this type of case would typically have been handled by federal authorities previously.

The federal Education Department’s most significant enforcement tool is its ability to withdraw federal funding from schools that violate civil rights laws. When faced with this threat, schools have historically agreed to implement changes requested by the agency.

State-level proposals include different enforcement mechanisms. Some would enable states to mediate family-school disputes and issue binding orders. In contrast, California’s newly established Office of Civil Rights focuses primarily on providing anti-discrimination guidance and training to local school districts.

In the Pennridge district, affected families are considering their options. King expressed little confidence in the federal complaint’s prospects, noting the harassment continues. Her daughters still encounter racial slurs at school and face insensitive remarks about their appearance. She worries about the long-term impact on their development.

“I feel as though my girls have normalized a lot of this, but for the sake of survival — middle school is hard,” she reflected. “You just want to be like everybody else.”

WASHINGTON — Congressional representatives are scheduled to cast ballots Thursday on legislation designed to constrain President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, reflecting legislative concerns about the expanding conflict that has shifted American priorities both domestically and internationally.

This marks the second consecutive day of voting on such measures, following the Senate’s rejection of comparable legislation along partisan divisions. Members of Congress are now facing the immediate challenge of representing their constituents during wartime circumstances, including casualties, financial costs, and diplomatic relationships strained by a president’s independent decision to engage Iran militarily.

While the House vote is anticipated to be close, the results will offer an initial indication of political backing or resistance to the U.S.-Israel joint military effort and Trump’s justification for circumventing Congress, which holds exclusive constitutional authority to declare war.

“Donald Trump is not a king, and if he believes the war with Iran is in our national interest, then he must come to Congress and make the case,” stated Rep. Gregory Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Meeks noted that during his almost thirty-year congressional tenure, his most difficult decisions have involved authorizing American military personnel for combat operations.

These legislative votes represent a defining moment for the president and both political parties just days after the international conflict began, carrying similarities to America’s extended military engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq. Numerous veterans from those conflicts have subsequently sought elected office and now hold congressional seats.

Trump’s Republican Party, maintaining narrow majorities in both chambers, generally views the Iranian conflict not as initiating another war, but as concluding a regime that has threatened Western interests for decades. The military operation resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which some perceive as an opportunity for governmental transformation, while others caution about potential instability.

Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, publicly expressed gratitude to Trump for acting against Iran, stating the president exercised his constitutional powers to protect America from the “imminent threat” posed by that nation.

Mast, an Army veteran with bomb disposal experience in Afghanistan, characterized the war powers resolution as essentially requesting “that the president do nothing.”

Democratic lawmakers view Trump’s Iranian military campaign, influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as an optional conflict that challenges constitutional power distribution.

“The framers weren’t fooling around,” declared Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., maintaining that the Constitution clearly designates Congress as the sole authority for war decisions.

Raskin emphasized that regardless of lawmakers’ positions on the Trump administration’s military operations, congressional debate is necessary. “It’s up to us, we’ve got to vote on it.”

Although congressional opinions largely align with party affiliations, bipartisan coalitions exist. Both House and Senate resolutions attracted cross-party support and opposition. The House is simultaneously voting on separate legislation declaring Iran the primary state sponsor of terrorism.

If enacted, the war powers resolution would immediately terminate Trump’s military authority unless Congress authorized the operations. The president would likely reject such legislation.

As an alternative approach, a small Democratic group has introduced different war powers legislation permitting the president to continue military action for thirty days before requiring congressional authorization. This measure is not expected to receive immediate consideration.

Following Saturday’s surprise Iranian attack, Trump has worked to build support for a conflict that Americans across political spectrums were already reluctant to enter. Trump administration representatives spent extensive time in private Capitol Hill meetings this week attempting to reassure legislators about their control of the situation.

Six American military personnel died during weekend drone attacks in Kuwait, with Trump acknowledging additional American casualties are possible. Thousands of Americans overseas have sought emergency flights, frequently contacting congressional offices for assistance evacuating the Middle East.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the conflict could last eight weeks, double the president’s initial projection. Trump has not ruled out deploying ground troops to what has primarily remained an aerial bombing operation. Regional casualties number in the hundreds.

The administration states its objective involves destroying Iranian ballistic missiles believed to protect nuclear capabilities. Officials also claimed Israel was prepared to act against Iran, and American installations would face retaliation without preemptive strikes. Wednesday brought news of American forces destroying an Iranian naval vessel near Sri Lanka.

“This administration can’t even give us a straight answer of as to why we launched this preemptive war,” commented Rep. Thomas Massie, the Kentucky Republican who frequently breaks from party positions.

Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who previously collaborated on releasing Jeffrey Epstein documents, successfully brought the war powers resolution to floor consideration despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s objections.

Johnson has cautioned that restricting presidential authority during active military operations would be “dangerous.”

Senate Republican leadership successfully, though narrowly, blocked multiple war powers resolutions regarding various conflicts during Trump’s second presidency. This particular measure, however, presented different circumstances.

Highlighting Wednesday’s significance, Democratic senators occupied the chamber and remained at their desks during voting procedures.

“Today every senator — every single one — will pick a side,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced before voting commenced. “Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?”

Sen. John Barrasso, holding the second-ranking Senate Republican leadership position, responded that “Democrats would rather obstruct Donald Trump than obliterate Iran’s national nuclear program.”

The Senate legislation failed 47-53, primarily following party lines, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky supporting the measure and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania opposing it.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Despite congressional gridlock over President Donald Trump’s push for stringent citizenship verification in voting, Republican-controlled states are advancing their own legislation demanding documentary evidence of citizenship for voter registration and maintenance on electoral rolls.

This week saw final passage of citizenship documentation laws in South Dakota and Utah, while Florida’s House has approved similar measures and Missouri held committee discussions. Meanwhile, Michigan advocates for voter citizenship verification delivered 750,000 petition signatures this week, seeking to place a constitutional amendment before voters in November.

Current federal statutes already ban non-citizens from participating in U.S. elections, with violations carrying penalties including fines, jail time, and deportation.

Voter registration currently requires individuals to swear under oath, with perjury penalties, that they hold U.S. citizenship. However, Trump argues this system falls short and wants voters to present citizenship documentation.

The proposed federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE America Act, would mandate documentary citizenship proof for voter registration. Acceptable documents would include U.S. passports, naturalization certificates, or birth certificates paired with government-issued photo identification.

The federal proposal also includes photo ID requirements for ballot casting, which numerous states already enforce. While the Republican-controlled House passed the measure last month along largely partisan lines, Senate Democrats have threatened a filibuster, creating an impasse.

The new South Dakota and Utah laws establish dual-track voting systems. Citizens providing documentation can participate in all elections, while those without such proof may only vote in federal contests for president, Senate, and House seats.

This split system mirrors Arizona’s approach, where tens of thousands of undocumented voters can only participate in federal elections. Arizona adopted this framework following a 2013 Supreme Court decision preventing states from mandating citizenship documentation for federal voting.

Both South Dakota and Utah’s measures become effective upon gubernatorial approval, potentially affecting newly registered voters before November’s elections.

Utah’s legislation additionally directs election administrators to utilize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s online verification system for checking existing voters’ citizenship status. Flagged individuals would receive notices requesting citizenship proof to maintain full voting eligibility.

The Michigan initiative and Florida House legislation take different approaches, avoiding upfront citizenship documentation requirements during registration. Instead, these measures establish background verification processes that could trigger citizenship documentation requests.

Michigan’s proposal would have the secretary of state examine driver’s license records, jury duty files, and federal Homeland Security and Social Security databases to verify registered voters’ citizenship. Flagged individuals unable to provide citizenship proof would face removal from voter rolls.

Florida’s bill would mandate election officials verify all registered voters’ citizenship through the state’s driver’s license database. Anyone whose citizenship remains unverified would need to submit documentary evidence.

Trump and Republican allies have spent years highlighting concerns about non-citizen voting in American elections. While documented instances remain uncommon, some cases have emerged.

In 2024, a Chinese student faced perjury and attempted illegal voting charges after registering with a University of Michigan student ID and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. He subsequently contacted local clerks requesting ballot retrieval before leaving the country.

This incident partially motivated the Michigan ballot initiative, according to Paul Jacob, chairman of Americans for Citizen Voting, the supporting organization.

“We want a system we can have confidence in,” Jacob said. “The way you avoid big problems in elections is to fix the small problems when they rise up and present themselves.”

Constitutional amendments restricting voting to “only citizens” have garnered strong support in state ballot measures. However, voting rights advocates warn that documentary proof requirements create complications.

During recent Florida House discussions, Democratic state Rep. Ashley Gantt shared her aunt’s story of being born at home in South Carolina when some hospitals excluded Black patients. Without a birth certificate, demonstrating citizenship has proven challenging, Gantt explained.

Citizenship proof laws “would stop many thousands — if not more — U.S. citizens from voting in Florida,” said Michelle Kanter Cohen, policy director and senior counsel at the nonprofit Fair Elections Center. “It requires documentation that a lot of eligible citizens don’t have, or don’t have access to.”

A 2024 University of Maryland Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement study found approximately 21 million people — representing 9% of voting-age citizens — lack citizenship documentation or cannot readily obtain it.

States implementing citizenship proof requirements frequently face legal challenges.

Kansas adopted such requirements 15 years ago, ultimately blocking over 31,000 U.S. citizens from voter registration. Federal courts ruled the Kansas law unconstitutionally burdened voting rights, and enforcement ceased in 2018.

New Hampshire and Louisiana both enacted citizenship proof laws two years ago, sparking lawsuits. New Hampshire’s law underwent trial last month and awaits judicial decision. Louisiana’s election commissioner admitted in December court documents that the requirement hasn’t been enforced.

A nonprofit organization also challenged Wyoming’s citizenship proof law from last year. However, a federal court dismissed the case, ruling the group lacked legal standing to sue.

DORAL, Fla. — President Donald Trump plans to meet with leaders from across Latin America on Saturday at his golf resort near Miami, as his administration attempts to show continued dedication to strengthening America’s foreign policy focus on regional neighbors while managing multiple international crises.

The meeting, called the “Shield of the Americas” summit, takes place just two months following Trump’s bold military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, bringing him and his spouse to the United States to face charges related to drug conspiracy.

Even more significant is Trump’s recent decision to partner with Israel in launching military action against Iran a week ago, a conflict that has already resulted in hundreds of casualties, disrupted worldwide financial markets, and destabilized the broader Middle East region.

Trump’s availability for the Latin American gathering will be constrained, as he must also travel to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to attend the dignified transfer ceremony for six American service members who died in a drone attack on a Kuwait command facility, occurring one day after the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran began.

However, through this summit, Trump aims to redirect focus toward the Western Hemisphere, even if temporarily. He has promised to reestablish American leadership in the area and counter what he views as decades of Chinese economic expansion in America’s traditional sphere of influence.

“Under previous leaders, we grew obsessed with every other theater and every other border in the world except our own,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told regional leaders and defense ministers who gathered in Florida this week for talks on countering drug cartels. “These elites reduced our power and presence in this hemisphere, opting for a benign neglect that was anything but benign.”

Confirmed participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago will attend the event at Trump National Doral Miami, the same golf facility scheduled to host the Group of 20 summit later this year.

This summit concept for conservative-minded leaders throughout the hemisphere developed after the cancellation of what would have been the 10th Summit of the Americas, which was abandoned during last year’s U.S. military buildup near Venezuela’s coast.

The Dominican Republic, serving as host and under White House pressure, had excluded Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela from the regional meeting. However, when leftist leaders from Colombia and Mexico threatened to boycott in protest — and without Trump’s confirmed attendance — Dominican President Luis Abinader made a last-minute decision to delay the event, referencing “deep differences” across the region.

The Shield of the Americas title reflects Trump’s vision for an “America First” regional foreign policy approach that utilizes U.S. military and intelligence resources not seen in the area since the Cold War concluded.

Significantly absent will be the region’s two major powers — Brazil and Mexico — along with Colombia, historically central to U.S. anti-drug efforts in the region.

Richard Feinberg, who assisted in planning the original 1994 Summit of Americas while serving on the Clinton administration’s National Security Council, noted the sharp differences between then and now.

“The first Summit of the Americas, with 34 nations and a carefully negotiated comprehensive agenda for regional competitiveness, projected inclusion, consensus and optimism,” said Feinberg, now professor emeritus at the University of California-San Diego. “The hastily convened Shield of the Americas mini-summit conjures a crouched defensiveness, with only a dozen or so attendees huddled around a single dominant figure.”

Following his return to office, Trump has prioritized combating Chinese influence throughout the hemisphere. His national security approach features what he calls the “Trump Corollary” to the 19th century Monroe Doctrine — which originally sought to prevent European interference in the Americas — by focusing on Chinese infrastructure projects, military partnerships and investments in regional resource sectors.

The initial example of this more assertive strategy was Trump’s pressure on Panama to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative and examine long-term port agreements with a Hong Kong-based company, following U.S. threats to reclaim the Panama Canal.

Most recently, the American capture of Maduro and Trump’s commitment to “run” Venezuela could disrupt oil exports to China — previously Venezuela’s largest crude oil customer before the operation — and bring one of Beijing’s strongest regional partners under Washington’s influence. Trump is set to visit Beijing later this month for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Yet even leaders closely supportive of Trump have shown hesitation to cut Chinese connections, according to Evan Ellis, a specialist on Chinese regional involvement at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

For numerous nations, China’s trade-centered diplomacy addresses crucial financial needs in an area facing substantial development obstacles from poverty alleviation to infrastructure limitations. Meanwhile, Trump has reduced foreign aid to the region while rewarding countries supporting his immigration enforcement policies — an approach that remains unpopular across the hemisphere.

“The U.S. is offering the region tariffs, deportations and militarization whereas China is offering trade and investment,” said Kevin Gallagher, director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, who has written extensively about China’s economic diplomacy in the Americas. “Leaders in the region would do well to remain neutral and hedge, such that they can leverage increased U.S.-China rivalry to their own benefit.”

Before the summit, Trump revealed his appointment of Kristi Noem, recently removed from her role as Department of Homeland Security secretary, as his special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.

Noem indicated Trump will reveal “a big agreement” during the summit focusing on “how we’re going to go after cartels and drug trafficking in the entire Western Hemisphere.”

Welcoming home fallen service members in flag-draped caskets represents one of the most somber duties any commander-in-chief must face, highlighting the ultimate price paid in military conflicts.

President Donald Trump’s scheduled Saturday appearance at Dover Air Force Base to pay respects to six American troops killed in Middle East operations may prove particularly challenging given his administration’s limited efforts to rally public backing for the military engagement. His past remarks regarding military service have also generated significant controversy.

The president has demonstrated reverence on certain occasions, including recent Medal of Honor presentations recognizing battlefield courage from earlier wars.

However, his approach can also turn blunt or dismissive. Following coordinated strikes against Iran with Israeli forces last week, Trump cautioned about potential American losses. Regarding warfare, he stated in a recorded message, “that’s the way it is.”

Trump regularly highlights American military prowess and individual acts of heroism.

“Today you entered the ranks of the bravest warriors ever to stride the face of the earth,” Trump addressed retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson during last week’s Medal of Honor presentation for Vietnam War actions that saved 85 fellow service members.

At last month’s State of the Union, Trump honored Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover with the same decoration. The helicopter pilot sustained four gunshot wounds in Venezuela while maintaining aircraft control and protecting his crew.

“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain,” Trump remarked.

Yet during ceremonies honoring wounded veterans, he occasionally introduces political commentary or tangential remarks.

“Their valor gave us the freest, greatest and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the earth,” Trump declared at last year’s Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day service.

He then criticized his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, calling America “a republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.”

Trump’s initial political controversy centered on attacking Sen. John McCain’s military record.

“He is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured,” he remarked in 2015.

McCain endured torture during over five years of Vietnamese captivity, declining early release offers ahead of fellow Americans due to his Navy admiral father’s high rank.

Several former first-term officials alleged Trump called deceased service members “suckers” and “losers” when reportedly avoiding a 2018 visit to an American military cemetery in France. Trump rejected these claims, asking, “What animal would say such a thing?”

Previous Trump staff members also claimed he avoided appearing with military amputees, allegedly saying “it doesn’t look good for me.”

In 2017, he reportedly told a fallen soldier’s widow that her husband “knew what he signed up for,” according to a Florida congresswoman who overheard the conversation. Another deceased soldier’s father accused Trump of breaking a $25,000 donation promise. The White House claimed the payment was made following public outcry.

In 2020, Trump minimized traumatic brain injuries sustained by service members during Iranian missile attacks on an Iraqi base, retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

“I heard that they had headaches and a couple of other things, but I would say and I can report it is not very serious,” Trump commented.

Trump, who obtained Vietnam War draft deferments, has repeatedly expressed interest in receiving military decorations.

“I always wanted to get the Purple Heart. This was much easier,” Trump told a veteran who gifted his medal during the 2016 campaign. The Purple Heart honors service members wounded or killed by enemy action.

During Monday’s Medal of Honor ceremony, Trump again joked about earning a medal personally, calling it “a great honor.”

“I’ve tried numerous times to get one by myself,” Trump said. “I keep getting shut down. They say: ‘You can’t do it, sir. Bad protocol.’”

“Very bad, I would say the worst,” he continued. “But I’m only kidding.”

President Donald Trump is launching an extensive transformation of the nation’s capital, featuring plans for a massive $400 million White House ballroom, a towering 250-foot arch, and major Kennedy Center renovations.

These wide-ranging redesign initiatives would represent the most significant changes by any U.S. president since Theodore Roosevelt spearheaded major National Mall modifications in the early 1900s. During the 1950s, Harry Truman completely renovated the White House interior.

The following outlines Trump’s major renovation projects, which have sparked intense criticism from citizens focused on economic concerns and the protection of historical sites.

WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM

Trump has described his proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom as “the Greatest of its kind ever built,” designed to match the current White House in both height and proportions. With a projected cost of $400 million, he plans to secure funding through private donors and corporate sponsors.

However, the president’s excitement for this project, designed to accommodate 1,000 guests, has not gained widespread public support. He has encountered significant opposition after tearing down the East Wing to create space for the new structure, breaking previous promises to preserve it.

An October Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey revealed that 56% of Americans oppose the ballroom project, while only 28% express support.

Historic preservation advocates and project critics have condemned the East Wing’s destruction — which previously contained the first lady’s offices and the White House movie theater — and expressed worry that the new structure could dwarf the main residence.

Construction activities generate constant noise between the White House and Treasury Department, creating disruptions expected to persist throughout Trump’s remaining three years in office.

The National Capital Planning Commission, led by a senior White House official, is set to receive public input on the project and may vote on its approval Thursday.

KENNEDY CENTER

Congress originally established the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to commemorate the Democratic president killed in 1963. The name remained unchanged for decades until a Trump-selected board voted to rebrand it as the Trump-Kennedy Center last year.

The renowned cultural venue experienced numerous show cancellations and declining ticket sales following Trump’s takeover.

Trump announced February 1 that the facility will shut down for two years starting July 4 for extensive renovations. Trump maintains the building requires major updates, pointing to plumbing issues and deteriorating stonework.

He has stated he won’t demolish the Kennedy Center but will renovate it instead, though critics remember similar assurances about the East Wing before its demolition. He projects renovation costs at $200 million.

INDEPENDENCE ARCH

On the opposite side of the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial sits an ordinary highway traffic circle where Trump envisions constructing the Independence Arch — a monument similar to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe but significantly larger.

The proposed arch, topped with eagle sculptures and a Statue of Liberty-style figure, would reach approximately 250 feet in height. This exceeds the Lincoln Memorial’s height and approaches the 288-foot U.S. Capitol, visible throughout much of Washington.

For comparison, Paris’s Arc de Triomphe stands 164 feet tall.

Trump explained to reporters January 31 that he wanted a large arch because “we’re the biggest, most powerful nation.”

The arch’s actual 250-foot height remains uncertain, as aviation officials worry it might disrupt flight patterns for aircraft approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport several miles away.

THE OVAL OFFICE

Trump began his primary White House redecoration effort when he returned to the Oval Office in January 2025.

He redesigned the historic room with golden accents and figurines, portraits of notable Americans retrieved from storage — including some difficult to identify — and a Declaration of Independence copy displayed behind black fabric on the wall.

Sculptures of Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin now sit on tables beside his desk. The abundance of decorative items creates a crowded, library-like atmosphere compared to previous presidential styles, though Trump enjoys the design and frequently conducts visitor tours.

THE ROSE GARDEN AND WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS

Beyond the Oval Office, Trump removed the Rose Garden’s famous grass lawn and installed a white stone patio with umbrella-shaded tables, creating a design similar to his Mar-a-Lago Club pool area in Palm Beach, Florida. He justified the stone installation by explaining that women in high heels would sink into the grass.

Along the adjacent colonnade pathway, Trump hung portraits of all 47 American presidents, each accompanied by a plaque featuring Trump’s personal assessment of that individual.

Still resentful over his 2020 election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden, Trump substituted Biden’s portrait with a picture of an autopen, a signing device he and fellow Republicans have criticized Biden for using, despite its common use among recent presidents.

Throughout other White House grounds, Trump has installed large flagpoles on the North and South Lawns.

LINCOLN BATHROOM

Within the White House, Trump demolished the green-tiled, vintage-style bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom and installed a contemporary replacement featuring white and black marble.

The original green-tiled Lincoln bathroom originated during Truman’s White House renovation in the 1950s, according to a 2007 Washington Post report.

During that period, President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush renovated the Lincoln Bedroom, which Lincoln had used as his office. The Post article covering the Bush renovation noted they had preserved the “well-maintained” bathroom.

Federal immigration authorities have detained a Colombian journalist working for a Spanish-language news organization in Nashville, with the Trump administration stating she will receive proper legal proceedings.

Estefany Maria Rodriguez Florez, who works as a reporter for Nashville Noticias, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Tennessee’s capital city on Thursday. She is currently being held at an ICE detention facility.

Federal agents claim Rodriguez Florez breached the terms of her visa. However, her legal representation told local news outlets that “up until now, she hasn’t had a case with ICE charging her with anything.”

According to her attorneys, Rodriguez Florez has been residing in the United States for five years and “frequently reports on stories critical of ICE.” Her legal team filed an urgent petition in federal court, claiming she was apprehended without a proper warrant.

Both ICE officials and Department of Homeland Security representatives clarified on Friday that officers possessed an “administrative warrant” during Wednesday’s arrest.

“She will receive full due process and remains in ICE custody pending the outcome of her immigration proceedings,” a DHS spokesperson stated.

ICE has become central to Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, which civil rights groups argue undermines free speech protections and due process rights while fostering a dangerous climate. Trump maintains his policies are designed to reduce unauthorized immigration and strengthen national security.

Her legal team revealed that Rodriguez Florez had a scheduled appointment with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for March 17. The agency had previously postponed meetings with her twice – first because of severe winter weather, then when an officer couldn’t locate her appointment in their system.

Nashville Noticias reported that their journalist was with her spouse outside a fitness center on Wednesday when officers surrounded their vehicle, which displayed the news organization’s branding, and took her into custody.

Her attorneys explain that Rodriguez Florez initially entered the country on a tourist visa, subsequently applied for political asylum, later wed an American citizen, and currently holds a valid employment authorization. They note that she and her husband have submitted paperwork to change her immigration status to permanent resident.

The Trump administration contends that her tourist visa did not permit her to remain in the United States past 2021.

WASHINGTON – Federal officials announced Friday that the United States will back maritime insurance claims totaling as much as $20 billion for Gulf region shipping operations, seeking to restore confidence among oil and gas transport companies during wartime operations against Iran.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation revealed the insurance program following President Donald Trump’s Tuesday directive for the agency to establish political risk coverage and financial backing for Gulf maritime commerce. Shipping traffic for oil and liquefied natural gas tankers had come to a complete standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway separating Iran and Oman where approximately one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply typically passes through.

According to the DFC, the insurance coverage will be implemented on an ongoing, rotating schedule and will concentrate initially on protecting ship hulls, machinery, and cargo from potential losses.

A federal jury has found a Pakistani man guilty of participating in an Iranian-orchestrated assassination conspiracy aimed at former President Donald Trump and other high-ranking American officials, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Asif Merchant was found guilty Friday of attempting to orchestrate killings on American soil as payback for the U.S. drone strike that eliminated Iranian General Qassem Soleimani during Trump’s presidency in 2020.

The assassination scheme, which unfolded in 2024, also set its sights on then-President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, federal prosecutors revealed.

Justice Department officials stated that Merchant was found guilty of “murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries,” all under direction from Iranian government operatives.

The Brooklyn federal court proceedings began just last week, coinciding with Trump’s recent military operations against Iran conducted alongside Israeli forces, which have escalated into one of the region’s most significant conflicts in recent years.

During testimony, Merchant acknowledged his involvement with Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, though he claimed his participation was coerced to safeguard his family members living in Tehran.

Merchant testified that while he was never given explicit orders to eliminate any particular individual, his Iranian contact mentioned three specific targets during meetings held in Iran’s capital city.

Federal authorities successfully disrupted the assassination plot before any violence could occur. The scheme unraveled when someone Merchant approached for assistance in April 2024 contacted law enforcement and agreed to work as an undercover informant, the Justice Department reported. Merchant was subsequently taken into custody and entered a not guilty plea.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps wields significant influence throughout the country, combining military capabilities with economic control and extensive intelligence operations. Iranian officials have consistently rejected allegations of targeting Trump or other American leaders.

Recent military strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces have resulted in at least 1,332 Iranian civilian casualties with thousands more injured, according to Iran’s United Nations representative. The attacks have claimed the lives of several top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

American military officials report that six U.S. service members died in an attack on a Kuwaiti facility, while Israeli authorities count at least 10 civilian deaths within Israel’s borders.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Republican Congressman Darrell Issa made a surprising announcement Friday that he will not seek reelection, abandoning his earlier pledge to fight for his seat in a newly redrawn district.

“It’s the right time for a new chapter and new challenges,” Issa stated. “Serving in Congress has been the honor of my life.”

The wealthy former car alarm executive, ranked among Congress’s richest members, gained prominence as a fierce critic of President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during his tenure leading the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Issa’s unexpected decision adds complications to the battle for Southern California’s 48th District, which underwent significant boundary changes last November when California voters approved new congressional maps designed to benefit Democrats.

Without an incumbent candidate, Republicans face greater challenges in defending the seat, potentially threatening the party’s narrow House majority.

Following the redistricting process, Issa had contemplated relocating to Texas to pursue a congressional seat there but ultimately chose to remain in California.

“I can hold this seat. I’m not quitting on California and neither should anyone else,” the San Diego County-based representative had declared in an earlier statement.

The revised congressional boundaries, championed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, aim to flip up to five GOP-controlled seats to Democratic hands this election cycle, countering President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure five additional Republican seats in Texas.