Tag: Donald Trump

17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Supreme Court

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Resume White House Ballroom Construction

The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction to continue while it appeals a lower court ruling that halted aboveground work on the $400 million project. The administration argues that stopping construction could create security concerns, while opponents say the project cannot proceed without congressional approval. According to a report by Spectrum News, Solicitor General D. John Sauer filed the emergency request on Aug. 14, asking the Supreme Court to suspend a recent ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. What Happened The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to allow construction to resume on a planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House. The p...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Senate Confirms Cameron Hamilton to Lead FEMA

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Cameron Hamilton as administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), returning the former Navy SEAL to an agency he previously led temporarily before being fired after opposing efforts to eliminate it. The confirmation came as part of a broader Senate vote approving 74 Trump administration nominees. According to a report by News4Jax, Hamilton now faces the challenge of stabilizing FEMA while implementing major changes to the federal disaster-response system under President Donald Trump. What Happened With Cameron Hamilton and FEMA? Hamilton's confirmation marks a notable return to FEMA. Trump initially appointed him to temporarily lead the agency in January 2025, but Hamilton was fired after publicly opposing the idea of eliminating FE...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Donald Trump

Trump Administration Launches Birth Tourism Task Force, Revokes More Than 600 Visas

The Trump administration has launched a Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force and revoked more than 600 visas as the United States intensifies efforts to stop foreign nationals from using temporary visas to enter the country for the purpose of giving birth and securing U.S. citizenship for their children. According to a report by BBC, the U.S. Department of State said the task force will work with the Department of Homeland Security to identify suspected birth tourism, revoke visas and target networks that facilitate the practice. What Happened The State Department said the new task force will review the activities of visa holders around the world and use information shared across federal agencies to identify cases involving birth tourism. The department said the initiative is in...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Foreign Policy

Andy Burnham Texted Trump Chief of Staff Impersonator

U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messages with someone impersonating U.S. President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, in a security incident that was quickly reported to authorities. Officials said only a few messages were exchanged and that no significant information was disclosed. According to a report by BBC News, Burnham became suspicious that the contact was illegitimate before communications ended. Downing Street declined to comment on the matter, citing national security considerations. The Associated Press separately reported that the White House confirmed the incident did not involve a new breach of Wiles' devices. What Happened? Burnham communicated by message with a person claiming to be Susie Wiles, a senior White House official and Trump's chief of...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Trump Administration Unveils Plan to Expand U.S. Navy Shipbuilding

The Trump administration has announced a major plan to expand U.S. Navy shipbuilding, repair capacity, and the broader American maritime industrial base, including plans for a fifth naval shipyard and changes to the technology used on the Navy’s next Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. According to a report by HSToday, the National Security Presidential Memorandum signed by President Donald Trump directs the Department of War to increase shipyard capacity, strengthen domestic suppliers, improve repair capabilities, and reform Navy shipbuilding processes. What Happened The new memorandum represents a broad effort to rebuild the United States' maritime industrial capacity and address persistent problems affecting Navy shipbuilding programs. The administration cited complex des...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Infrastructure & City Services

Trump Administration Announces $5.3 Billion Rail Investment

The Trump administration has announced a $5.3 billion rail investment across the United States, targeting railroad safety, infrastructure upgrades and new Amtrak trains as Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy promotes what the Department of Transportation calls a “Golden Age of Rail.” According to a report by U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will fund 41 projects across 23 states, including more than 30 grade-crossing closures, upgrades at more than 1,000 crossings, 43 new Amtrak trainsets and overhauls for 41 locomotives. What Happened Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the $5.3 billion rail investment in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 14, saying the funding would prioritize rail safety and improvements to passenger rail infrastructure. ...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Foreign Policy

Trump Administration Moves to Let Private Companies Hack Foreign Cybercriminals

The Trump administration is moving toward allowing vetted U.S. companies to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign cybercriminal groups, marking a significant shift in how the federal government could respond to international cybercrime. According to a report by NPR, the initiative was outlined in a presidential memorandum issued by the Trump administration and would allow selected private companies to conduct cyber surveillance and disruptive operations under federal contracts and oversight. NPR What Happened President Donald Trump’s administration announced a program that could give private-sector cybersecurity companies a more direct role in targeting foreign cybercriminal organizations. Historically, offensive cyber operations and intelligence activities of this...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Economy & Tax Policy

Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Certain Drone Imports

President Donald Trump has imposed a 100% tariff on certain drone imports and components, citing U.S. national security concerns and the need to strengthen domestic production. The new drone tariffs will target larger and particularly sensitive unmanned aircraft systems, while smaller drones will face a lower 25% duty. What Happened Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday imposing new Section 232 tariffs on certain imported drones and drone components. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 allows the U.S. government to restrict imports when they are determined to threaten national security. According to a report by NHK World-Japan, the 100% duty will apply to “particularly sensitive” drones and their components. The administration's decision comes as unmanned aerial...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Karoline Leavitt to Leave White House Press Secretary Role

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August to focus on her family, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday. The Karoline Leavitt resignation makes her the latest senior figure to leave Trump's second administration, although Trump said she will remain a top outside adviser and influential voice within the Republican Party. What Happened Trump announced Leavitt's departure on Truth Social, praising her performance as White House press secretary and describing her as a leader in his administration. Trump said Leavitt would continue serving as one of his top outside advisers while remaining involved in Republican politics ahead of the November midterm elections. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Leavitt will leave the White Hous...

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17Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Foreign Policy

Trump Orders Major Cut to South Korea Military Exercises

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul’s refusal to join the U.S. war in Iran and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The directive came just hours before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills were scheduled to begin on August 17. What Happened Trump announced Sunday that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reduce the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea. In a social media post, Trump argued that the exercises send an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. He also said the drills are too costly and pointed to what he described as his “very good” relationship with Kim Jong Un. According to a report by NBC News, Trump said it wa...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Foreign Policy

Senate Passes Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill Backed by Lindsey Graham

The U.S. Senate has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill targeting Russia and countries that continue purchasing its oil and gas, advancing legislation championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham as lawmakers seek to increase economic pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. According to a report by PBS NewsHour, the Senate approved the bipartisan legislation by an 86-11 vote, sending the measure to the House of Representatives for consideration. What Happened The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on August 7 after months of negotiations involving senators and the Trump administration. The legislation was named in honor of Graham, who had spent more than a year pushing for tougher sanctions against Russia. The South Carolina Republ...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Economy & Tax Policy

Trump Administration Refunds $100 Billion in Tariffs

The Trump administration has returned roughly $100 billion in “Liberation Day” tariff payments to businesses, covering about 60% of the tariff revenue collected under the policy before it was struck down by the Supreme Court. According to a report by BBC News, the refunds were processed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with billions more still awaiting review or additional information from importers. What Happened The Trump administration has now refunded approximately $100 billion to businesses that paid tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" trade policy. The figure represents about 60% of the roughly $166 billion collected through the tariffs that were later ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The refunds follow the court's February decis...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Immigration

Bessent Warns Undocumented Immigrants Could Lose Banking Access

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says undocumented immigrants could face tighter restrictions on access to the U.S. financial system as the Trump administration expands its immigration enforcement strategy into banking and financial services. According to a report by CBS News, the administration is considering ways to make it more difficult for people without legal immigration status to maintain access to American financial institutions. What Happened The Trump administration has increasingly turned its attention to the U.S. financial system as part of its broader immigration crackdown. Bessent has argued that financial institutions should have better information about who is using American banks and other financial services. The Treasury secretary has previously questioned how...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Economic Impact News

Trump Considers Lisa Cook Removal From Federal Reserve

President Donald Trump has renewed his effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, notifying her that he is considering her removal over allegations involving mortgage applications filed before she joined the central bank. The move follows a June Supreme Court ruling that blocked Trump's earlier attempt to remove Cook without giving her an opportunity to respond. According to a report by SCOTUSblog, the White House formally notified Cook that Trump is considering removing her from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. What Happened The Trump administration has restarted its effort to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve after the Supreme Court ruled in June that she could remain in office while challenging the president's earlier attempt to fire her. A letter da...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Domestic Policy

Trump Administration Unveils Major Head Start Changes

The Trump administration has proposed sweeping Head Start changes that would eliminate nearly 1,400 federal regulatory requirements, reduce administrative costs and give states and local providers greater control over the early childhood program. According to a report by Upper Michigan's Source, the Department of Health and Human Services unveiled the proposal on August 6, with the changes now subject to a 60-day public comment period. What Happened The Trump administration is seeking to substantially rewrite the federal rules governing Head Start, which provides early education and other services to hundreds of thousands of children from low-income families. The proposed rule would remove nearly 1,400 existing federal requirements and give states and local Head Start providers...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Donald Trump

Todd Blanche Narrowly Confirmed as Trump’s Attorney General

Todd Blanche has been confirmed as U.S. attorney general after the Senate approved his nomination in a narrow 50-49 overnight vote, giving President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer permanent control of the Justice Department. According to a report by PBS NewsHour, the confirmation followed a contentious battle in which several Republican senators questioned Blanche’s independence and his handling of a controversial settlement involving Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. What Happened The Republican-led Senate confirmed Blanche early Saturday morning after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his nomination. The 50-49 vote came after Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced his support on Friday, effectively clearing the final hurdle for Blanche. Republican Sen...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Foreign Policy

Trump Administration Plans $1B Security Package for Colombia

The Trump administration plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia as newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella takes office, signaling a major reset in U.S.-Colombia relations focused on security, defense cooperation and the fight against drug trafficking. According to a report by Anadolu Agency, the planned package is intended to strengthen Colombia's security forces through U.S. technology, improved defense-spending efficiency, greater military interoperability and coordinated operations with U.S. forces. What Happened The Trump administration announced the planned $1 billion security package on Friday, shortly after de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's president on August 7. A U.S. presidential delegation led by Acting Attorney General ...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Economic Impact News

Minnesota Mining Could Get Boost From Trump Administration Funding

Minnesota mining could receive a significant boost from the Trump administration’s latest critical-minerals initiative, as Washington announced more than $2 billion in funding for mining, battery materials and rare-earth alternatives, alongside more than $180 million aimed at expanding the U.S. mining workforce. According to a report by KSTP, the new funding could benefit Minnesota’s mining industry as the administration seeks to expand domestic production of critical minerals and address a growing shortage of skilled mining professionals. What Happened The Trump administration announced the funding during a push to strengthen U.S. mining and critical-mineral supply chains. The initiative includes major investments and loans for companies working on battery materials, mining an...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Trump Names Will Scharf as New White House Counsel

President Donald Trump has appointed White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf as the next White House counsel, replacing David Warrington in a major legal staffing change set to take effect September 1, 2026. The appointment comes just months before the midterm elections, when the administration could face intensified congressional scrutiny and legal challenges. According to a report by NBC News, Trump praised Scharf as "tough, strong, and smart" and highlighted his previous work as a federal prosecutor and attorney who represented Trump in several legal cases. What Happened Trump announced Sunday that Scharf will become White House counsel beginning September 1. He will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to enter the private sector. The White House coun...

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10Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Trump Signs Executive Order Creating Military Spouse Commission

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order creating the Military Spouse Commission, a new advisory body focused on addressing employment, housing, health care, education and childcare challenges facing military families. According to a report by PBS NewsHour, Trump signed the executive order at the White House on August 7, 2026, establishing a commission designed to recommend policies that could improve conditions for military spouses and strengthen military readiness. What Happened Trump signed the executive order establishing the Military Spouse Commission as part of his administration's broader effort to support military families. The commission will examine challenges faced by military spouses and make recommendations to the president on policies affecting their e...

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