American attorney and political official, Secretary of Agriculture since Feb 2025
The New World screwworm has re-emerged in the U.S., with cases detected in Texas and New Mexico, triggering cross-border restrictions and a major USDA response. Authorities are deploying sterile flies to suppress the pest while preparing additional facilities, amid high beef prices and a fragile cattle herd.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in U.S. cattle, expanding from initial detections in June. Officials are deploying sterile-fly programs, traps, and close herd checks to curb spread. The outbreak risks the $113 billion cattle industry and can affect pets and wildlife; rapid veterinary treatment remains crucial.
Walmart has announced price cuts on summer barbecue essentials, including ground beef, chips and drinks, with a 12% drop on a one-pound beef patty. The move follows White House pressure claims and comes as beef prices hit record highs due to drought and rising feed costs. Trump has praised the retailer, while the White House says it is taking steps to reduce costs for working families.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more, directing regulators to complete an environmental impact review and consider rules to make developers pay for power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks. The move has drawn praise from community and environmental groups and rebuke from industry and national conservatives.
Trump is rallying defense leaders and investors in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to spotlight a robust defense budget and U.S. industrial ties amid concerns over war funding, inflation, and a volatile security landscape. The event features top defense officials and corporate leaders as Republicans push for greater investment while critics warn of deficits.
Two Forest Service biologists were kidnapped near Gumboot Lake in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Joseph Charles Henrichsen and his son Phoenix have been charged with kidnapping federal employees after a near daylong standoff that ended with the hostages released and the suspects in custody. A large multiagency response was mounted, and prosecutors say the pair face life in prison if convicted.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Senate Appropriations Committee the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn so far and that the Pentagon needs an $87bn supplemental request, including about $67bn for the Iran campaign. Lawmakers have challenged the figures, criticised shifting rationales for the conflict and warned funding gaps will force cuts to training and readiness.
Firefighters have established containment lines around Spokane-area blazes, with cooler weather offering limited relief. Thousands remain evacuated as investigations probe arson and natural causes amid a record-breaking Northwest fire season.
The Trump administration has announced a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days, with a pledge to sell at 25% below market prices. Officials say the move aims to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and ease inflation, but ranchers and some lawmakers warn it could hurt domestic producers. Several outlets report on the development with various details and feedback from stakeholders.
A MAHA-backed letter to Trump, Kennedy and cabinet officials has voiced health-first concerns about coal-powered data centers and urged a shift toward solar, geothermal, and efficiency. The move signals growing friction between MAHA activists and the administration as data centers draw increasing scrutiny.
The administration has announced a temporary, tariff-free import surge of up to 300,000 metric tons of lean ground beef to ease prices amid a shrinking U.S. cattle herd. Congress and ranchers are watching closely as imports blend with domestic meat, potentially reshaping supply and labeling rules.