Tag: Republican response

7Sep By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Donald Trump

Trump Grants Clemency to 30 People, White House Says

U.S. President Donald Trump granted clemency to 30 people this week, including Emory Jones, a longtime associate of rapper Jay-Z, as the White House continues its broad use of presidential pardon and commutation powers. The latest Trump clemency actions were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson on September 5. According to a report by Reuters, Trump took the clemency action on Thursday, according to Johnson, the White House official overseeing the administration's clemency efforts. What Happened Trump granted clemency to 30 people, according to Johnson, who announced the actions in a social media post on Friday. Among the recipients was Emory Jones, who served nearly 16 years in federal prison on drug charges. Jones was released in 2010 after Jay-Z wrote to ...

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7Sep By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Domestic Policy

Trump Administration Targets Tax Exemptions for Colleges With DEI Policies

The Trump administration is proposing new tax rules that could strip private colleges and other schools of their tax-exempt status if they use race-based policies, escalating the White House's campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion programs in American education. What Happened The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service proposed regulations on September 3 that would make private educational institutions ineligible for federal tax-exempt status if they discriminate based on race, color or national or ethnic origin. According to a report by NPR, the proposal specifically targets policies that provide benefits based on race, including certain admissions programs, scholarships and other educational programs. The proposal is part of President Donald Trump's broade...

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7Sep By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

White House Launches Video Game Website Promoting Trump’s Agenda

The White House has launched a new video game website featuring five retro-style games designed to promote President Donald Trump’s agenda, including border security, immigration enforcement, school nutrition and the administration’s child savings program. What Happened The White House unveiled Arcade.gov in early September, adding a collection of low-resolution arcade-style games to its official online presence. According to a report by FOX 10 Phoenix, the website uses familiar video game formats to communicate several priorities of the Trump administration. The White House promoted the launch through social media, including animations parodying loading screens associated with major gaming consoles. One animation transformed the Sega logo into “MAGA,” referring to Trump's “Mak...

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7Sep By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Democracy

Trump Moves to Reshape Mail-In Voting Rules Ahead of 2026 Elections

The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow new mail-in voting restrictions to take effect before the 2026 midterm elections, as states begin sending ballots to voters. The dispute could affect how millions of Americans cast ballots by mail and comes with control of Congress at stake. What Happened The Trump administration renewed its appeal to the Supreme Court on September 6, seeking permission to enforce new restrictions on mail ballots before the November elections. The filing came after U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani extended an order blocking the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing the new requirements. According to a report by AP News, the administration argues that the restrictions are necessary and within its authority to regulate the mail. Th...

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7Sep By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Trump Administration Backs New Rancher-Focused Executive Orders

The Trump administration is backing new rancher-focused executive orders aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, expanding meat-market competition and giving ranchers more tools to protect livestock. The actions were announced September 4 as the administration seeks to rebuild the nation’s cattle herd and address challenges facing American beef producers. What Happened President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on September 4 focused on supporting U.S. ranchers, while Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced additional measures involving cattle production, meat processing and consumer transparency. According to a report by USDA, the measures build on the USDA's 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry and the Ranchers First Initiative announced ear...

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7Sep By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Top US Presidential News 2026

Trump Administration Moves to Change Federal Protections for Gray Wolves

The Trump administration is moving to reconsider federal protections for gray wolves, directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves have recovered enough to be removed or downgraded under the Endangered Species Act. What Happened President Donald Trump signed an executive order on September 4 directing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to review the federal status of gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves. The review gives the department 90 days to determine whether the animals meet the recovery criteria for delisting or downlisting. According to a report by BBC, the administration's move could lead to major changes in how wolves are protected and managed across parts of the United States. The order does not immediately remove ...

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31Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Donald Trump

Trump Renames Lake Ontario “Lake America” Amid Canada Trade War

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 27, 2026, directing the U.S. government to use Lake America instead of Lake Ontario, escalating tensions with Canada as both countries impose retaliatory tariffs and trade negotiations remain stalled. According to a report by CNBC report, Trump announced the change in the Oval Office and said it would take effect immediately. The executive order directs the U.S. Interior Department to update the Geographic Names Information System to reflect the new U.S. designation. What Happened Trump's decision came after trade talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down following several days of negotiations. The dispute has already produced new tariffs on billions of dollars in goods moving between the United States and Canada. ...

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24Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Foreign Policy

Trump Administration Escalates Campaign Against International Criminal Court

The ICC sanctions announced by the Trump administration are expanding Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposing new measures on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. The move deepens the administration’s confrontation with the Hague-based court over its investigations involving officials from countries that have not accepted its jurisdiction. What Happened The United States imposed sanctions on two senior International Criminal Court officials on August 18, 2026, escalating the Trump administration’s effort to restrict the court’s ability to operate. According to a report by BBC News, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and seni...

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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

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

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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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

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

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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2Aug By wp-news-articlesNo Comments

Immigration

Trump Administration Criticizes Spain Over the Ceuta Migration Crisis

The Trump administration has sharply criticized Spain's handling of the recent migration surge in Ceuta, using the situation to defend its own immigration policies and warn against what it describes as permissive border enforcement. President Donald Trump and senior White House officials pointed to images from the Spanish enclave as they argued for maintaining strict U.S. immigration measures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. According to a report by EL PAÍS, Trump cited the influx of migrants into Ceuta during a television interview, framing it as a warning of what he believes could happen in the United States under different immigration policies. What Happened? President Trump commented on the migration crisis affecting Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Afri...

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