American businessman and politician, current U.S. Interior Secretary (2025–)
The Endangered Species Committee, known as the 'God Squad,' voted to exempt oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from endangered species protections. The move, justified by national security concerns, follows a request from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid rising energy prices and global tensions. Environmental groups oppose the exemption, citing risks to species like the Rice's whale.
Venezuela has introduced a new mining law aimed at attracting foreign investment and regulating mineral rights. The legislation follows US pressure and shifts away from state control, despite ongoing security issues and illegal mining activities in Bolivar, where armed groups and criminal organizations operate with alleged government collusion. The law now awaits constitutional review.
The US Commission of Fine Arts, appointed by President Trump, has approved the design for a 250-foot Independence Arch near Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The arch faces legal challenges from veterans concerned about obstructed views of Arlington Cemetery. The project is part of Trump's broader efforts to reshape Washington, D.C.'s landmarks.
A wave of government actions has seen offshore wind leases bought out and reallocated to fossil-fuel projects, with about $2B in reimbursements promised to developers who abandon wind plans. This follows court rulings that have blocked or rolled back some Trump-era restrictions, while some projects in California and New Jersey move forward under renewed scrutiny.
The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial is being coated with an American-flag blue industrial-grade surface as part of a cost-saving renovation. Officials say the project is underway and aims to fix leaks and improve the pool’s appearance in time for national celebrations, with costs widely discussed.
The Biden-era rule prioritizing conservation and restoration on public lands overseen by the BLM has been repealed. The move, announced in the Federal Register, aims to restore the federal land-use balance by rebalancing development interests with conservation, recreation and renewable energy goals.
Mkango has filed registration documents with the US SEC to raise international financing for Songwe Hill in Malawi, signaling a major step for the country’s mining sector. Economists warn the move heightens exposure to global commodity cycles unless a Sovereign Wealth Fund is established to manage revenues and safeguard macroeconomic stability.
Public lands policy moves under renewed scrutiny as the administration signals potential changes to long-standing access rules, with Senators and regulators weighing the impacts on conservation, recreation and energy development.
OpenAI has published research saying it has identified two small influence operations, likely linked to China, that used ChatGPT to generate social media posts and political cartoons about US data centres and tariffs. The company has said the campaigns gained little authentic engagement and found no evidence they meaningfully shifted public debate.
The reflecting pool project near the National Mall has escalated scrutiny as a no-bid contract worth $5.1 million is awarded to a Maryland gilding firm. The work, tied to the country’s 250th celebration, has drawn attention to pricing and contracting practices.
TotalEnergies has agreed to withdraw offshore wind leases off New York/North Carolina and invest $1 billion in fossil fuels, a move the Trump administration has been paying to terminate wind projects. Seven states, led by New York, are challenging the deal as unlawful and harmful to jobs and clean energy.
The New York Knicks have closed to one win from their first NBA championship since 1973 after a dramatic comeback over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4. OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left sealed a 107-106 victory, giving New York a 3-1 series lead. Spurs had led by 29 before the rally.
Public responses to a federal signage policy show broad criticism of the administration's approach, with many commenters calling it un-American or advocating for more contextual history at parks. A Sierra Club suit has made the 35,000 comments public, highlighting clashes over race, slavery, and DEI history in national sites.
U.S. forces have carried out an airstrike that has killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, U.S. and Venezuelan officials have said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have said the operation targeted a compound in Bolívar state earlier this week and involved coordination with Venezuelan security forces.
A court has ordered the restoration of materials removed from national parks and paused further deletions, with weekly status reports required. The ruling covers sites like Independence National Historical Park and others nationwide as the administration faces ongoing litigation over its executive order to review exhibits deemed negative.
Offshore wind leases held by Invenergy are being canceled by the federal government, with reimbursements totaling $765 million. The funds will be redirected into natural gas and geothermal projects, amid a broader push to slow offshore wind development under the current administration. The moves follow earlier terminations of similar leases by TotalEnergies, Golden State Wind, and Bluepoint Wind.
The Senate has faced a tense exchange as Republicans push back on the president's Iran war policy amid a clash at a high-level GOP lunch. Several senators have shifted their positions during discussions, while the White House signals ongoing negotiations as lawmakers vote on war powers and related measures.
The Reflecting Pool renovation has faced scrutiny after algae blooms, peeling coating, and arrests linked to vandalism claims. Officials say several incidents have occurred as work continues ahead of the 250th anniversary, with lawmakers demanding transparency and details on contracts.