American politician, 46th president of the United States (2021–2025)
RWE has relinquished its offshore wind leases in the US after a settlement with the Trump administration. The company will reinvest about $1.2 billion into a Louisiana LNG terminal and 15 natural gas peaker plants, while winding down projects on New York, California and Louisiana coasts. The move follows a pattern of government buybacks of offshore wind leases.
A federal judge has paused an order requiring President Trump’s trust to hand over detailed financial records to the BBC while the court reviews his lawyers’ request to narrow a $10bn defamation suit to reputational harm only. The stay halts a looming deadline and will delay whether the BBC can obtain tax returns and ownership records for hundreds of entities.
Israeli prosecutors have indicted settler Yinon Levi for reckless manslaughter over the July 2025 shooting that killed Palestinian teacher and activist Awdah (Awdeh) Hathaleen in Umm al-Khair. The charge carries a maximum 12-year sentence; Levi also faces armed trespass and malicious damage counts. Rights groups say the indictment is rare, not systemic change.
The Federal Reserve has held rates as inflation remains above target; dissenters have pressed for earlier tightening while others call for patience. Markets are watching the inflation data due next week as traders adjust bets on the path for policy.
President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders broadening categories of children who would be ineligible for automatic US citizenship and directing tighter enforcement against so-called birth tourism. The orders follow a Supreme Court ruling in June that struck down his earlier, broader attempt to remove birthright citizenship protections under the 14th Amendment.
A string of stories from the Independent, BBC Business and The Guardian shows public figures and athletes pressuring the government to accelerate cancer screening and brain cancer research. Prostate and brain cancers are highlighted, with fresh appeals during Commonwealth Games coverage and interviews with patients and campaigners.
The Treasury has posted plans to assume management of the federal defaulted student-loan portfolio and create a Default Resolution Hub to guide borrowers back to good standing. The transition, announced as part of a broader push to overhaul the Education Department, is set to occur in phases and may involve new collection vendors. The move could affect 10 million borrowers currently in default and broaden wage garnishment and benefit seizures if default persists.
The US is considering an off-ramp from the Iran conflict as officials say air strikes alone may fail to meet goals. Discussions involve top advisers and notes of potential agreements with Iran and Oman over Hormuz shipping routes. Officials deny public discussion of confidential conversations.
The Iran conflict has escalated with threats of strikes and shifting diplomacy as both sides test red lines. U.S. officials warn of hard actions while Iran asserts control over Hormuz. A ceasefire cycle and domestic political pressures frame new steps as global oil markets react.
Progressive Abdul El‑Sayed has won the Democratic nomination for the open US Senate seat in Michigan, defeating establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in a close contest. The result has handed a high-profile victory to the party’s left flank and will set up a November general election against Republican Mike Rogers for a seat critical to control of the Senate.
A Texas suit has been filed to block a state law requiring framed Ten Commandments posters in every public school classroom. Plaintiffs argue the mandate burdens religious freedom under state law and Prop. 15. The case seeks a temporary restraining order before the new school year. The action follows earlier federal rulings on the same law.
A coalition of 25 US states has filed suit in the US Court of International Trade to stop 10–12.5% tariffs that took effect in July on goods from about 60 trading partners. Plaintiffs say the administration has used forced‑labour claims to recreate broad levies courts have already struck down; the White House says the duties are lawful under Section 301.
Hernández returns home to Honduras to face corruption charges as Pandora Case investigations continue. A U.S. conviction has been pardoned, while observers warn of potential impunity on Honduran soil amid political pressures and ongoing trials.
The Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, replacing acting DNI Bill Pulte. Clayton has faced questions about his stance on the 2020 election and national security credentials, while Republicans push for steadier leadership in the intelligence community as major policy debates continue.
The Guardian, AP, Independent and Al Jazeera report that ICE is extending Camp East Montana’s operation under a no-bid contract, potentially costing up to $1.2 billion through Sept. 2027. Advocates cite mistreatment, deaths and oversight gaps. DHS says extending is impracticable given bed space; critics deem it a risk and human-rights abuse.
Polls show public unease over the Iran war, with support for Trump’s handling of the conflict dropping across parties. Voters cite rising fuel costs and unclear objectives as costs of the war, ahead of November midterms.
The Supreme Court has been asked to pause a large damages judgment against the Palestinian Authority and the PLO as they appeal a 2025 reinstatement of a case tied to 2002-04 Jerusalem attacks. Lower courts previously voided the verdict, then Congress updated the Anti-Terrorism Act; the high court’s action could impact funding for West Bank services.
Medicaid work-reporting requirements are rolling out in multiple states, with Nebraska initiating deductions for enrollees who don’t report 80 hours of community engagement. Officials warn the rollout could trigger a nationwide coverage risk, while providers and patient groups push for broader medical exemptions amid mounting opposition to the policy.
The DOJ has repeatedly lost in federal courts as it seeks voter rolls and citizenship data to back President Trump’s election-security push. Courts across the country have rebuffed its requests, citing constitutional boundaries and procedural limits, while some states have begun sharing data that is publicly available. The legal battle continues as cases move toward potential Supreme Court review.
Conservative critics claim Smithsonian leadership has steered the institution toward political activism, citing staff changes, DEAI policies, and new exhibitions as evidence. The debate centers on whether history must remain neutral or reflect contemporary issues.
The FCC has voted 2-1 to replace the 39% national television ownership cap with a case-by-case review of proposed mergers. Chair Brendan Carr has argued the change will let local broadcasters attract capital and invest in local news; Commissioner Anna Gomez has dissented, saying only Congress can alter the statutory cap. Legal challenges are expected.
Tennessee lawmakers have reconfigured the congressional map after the Supreme Court weakened voting protections, aiming for a Republican sweep in November. Primaries have finalized nominees for governor and nine House seats, with Marsha Blackburn seeking the governorship and Charlie Hatcher defeating Andy Ogles in District 5.
Capital One has disclosed that its decision to close more than 300 Trump-affiliated accounts followed an AML review. The filing argues the moves were not politically motivated and are part of standard banking guidance. The Trump Organization has challenged the bank, seeking to dismiss the suit in Florida federal court. The case has seen multiple dismissals and amendments.
A new AP-NORC survey finds 39% of US adults approve of Donald Trump’s immigration handling, down from 49% earlier in his term. Republican backing remains high on immigration, but overall popularity has declined, with mixed views on Iran and the economy.
At the National Urban League conference, Kamala Harris has proposed revisiting the Electoral College, expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices, and considering statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. She frames these ideas as part of a broader push to engage voters and recalibrate U.S. institutions ahead of midterm battles.
Blanche has been confirmed as attorney general by a 50-49 vote after a tense Senate confirmation process. Cassidy provided the deciding support, with Collins and Murkowski opposing on grounds related to the Epstein documents and the anti-weaponization fund. The DOJ now enters a new phase with Blanche permanently leading the department, while lawmakers scrutinize the legality and implications of the fund and immunity provisions.
Trump has visited California to headline a Republican National Committee dinner, touting his economic record and contrasting it with California leadership. He is also set to travel to Nevada to deliver remarks on the economy, while opponents argue over inflation, crime and minimum wage policies. The trip underscores a broader national debate about economic performance ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Trump has shared AI-generated images featuring himself with Washington, Lincoln, and other figures, including a map of the United States. The posts come as he amplifies content on Truth Social and discusses a potential 2028 bid, drawing mixed reactions from allies and critics.
Independent and Guardian polls show a drop in Donald Trump’s approval and a narrowing economic edge for Republicans. Voters cite higher living costs and the Iran war’s effects as key drivers of discontent, with Democrats gaining ground on the economy and Congress.
Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery has been paused amid a flurry of antitrust challenges from U.S. states and industry groups. CEO David Ellison has publicly defended the deal, arguing independence for CNN and CBS News, and detailing commitments to keep production flowing if the deal proceeds.
Full DC Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the EPA cannot suspend roughly $20 billion in grants under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund; funds remain frozen as the EPA may seek Supreme Court review. Ruling clarifies Congress’s spending authority while politics around climate policy continues.
Salah Sarsour, a long-time U.S. resident, remains in immigration proceedings after being arrested by ICE. A judge has released him, citing insufficient justification for deportation, while DHS maintains he poses a foreign policy threat due to Israeli convictions. Hearings continue, with new testimony addressing torture claims and potential coercion in past Israeli proceedings.
Several indicators show used electric-vehicle prices are climbing in 2026 despite higher supply, aided by robust demand. Analysts say buyers face affordability hurdles as prices advance while new-car costs stay high.
The Department of Justice has launched the BIDEN program to fund local enforcement collaborations, with funds open through 2028. Some states may reimburse costs if federal intervention is needed. UC San Diego exits Operation Stonegarden funding, citing concerns over campus safety and trust. The Navajo Nation expands license-plate cameras with Flock Safety, sparking privacy concerns amid a broader national debate over surveillance.
Progressive candidates win notable primary contests in Michigan, led by an underdog bid that secures a narrow victory in the 7th District. Lawrence defeats Brink and Maasdam, signaling a shift to the left in key swing district races. Other downballot wins illustrate broader momentum for Democratic socialists and allied groups.
Australians are continuing to work past traditional retirement ages, with insights turning to those who work by choice and those who must work for financial security. The SBS series examines how people adapt, from interpreters to teachers’ aides, while government and economic factors shape retirement trends.
The last of the high-profile Jan. 6 prosecutions has been dismissed or vacated as pardons and commutations reshape the legal landscape surrounding the Capitol attack. Judges have closed remaining cases, arguing the prosecutions should not be revived, while officials emphasize this marks an epilogue to the prosecutions rather than the events themselves.
The White House is renovating its helipad amid questions over design choices and funding. New, more powerful Marine One helicopters have accelerated repairs, and President Trump has publicly linked the project to protecting the South Lawn. Reports indicate a seal was removed and contractors are reworking the site.
A trio of articles show a shifting US stance on Israel, with surveys indicating rising unfavourable views of Israeli government and society among Americans across parties. The debate is moving toward tougher U.S. policy, even as some voices call for accountability and humanitarian considerations.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted along party lines to refer Dr. Anthony Fauci’s contempt matter to the Justice Department after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a hearing on pandemic-era policies. The committee chair says the vote will move the case to prosecutors, while Fauci argues the pardon shields him. The development leaves unresolved questions about presidential clemency and congressional power.
Fauci has repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a heated hearing, citing constitutional protections as Republicans press for answers on Covid origins, vaccine guidance, and pandemic policy. A potential contempt vote hangs over the hearing, with Democrats arguing the process could harm public health and Republicans saying more must be disclosed.
Uganda has authorised the deployment of its troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force, following a July disarmament agreement. Parliament has backed the move amid mixed voices; the force aims to secure a humanitarian zone and support post-war stabilization, with pledges from several countries.
Trump has spoken repeatedly with Fed Chair Warsh since his confirmation, signaling a shift in tone from Powell-era tensions. White House aides say the president seeks independence for the Fed while praising Warsh’s judgment; the talks come as the administration reviews policy options and calls for rate adjustments.
Conservative figures have clashed over cost-of-living concerns sparked by a Turning Point USA post about a burrito allegedly costing $20. Marc Thiessen has clashed with JD Vance online, while Vance defends a spicy rebuttal as inflation and affordability stay central to the political debate.
On Friday leaders of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The pact says an armed attack on any signatory will be treated as an attack on all and commits the three states to deepen defence cooperation as the wider war involving Iran continues to disrupt Gulf and Red Sea security.
A federal appeals court has upheld an injunction requiring the administration to halt above‑ground construction of a 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom until Congress authorises it. The 2‑1 decision says the President does not have unilateral authority to demolish the East Wing and rebuild without congressional approval; the pause is stayed for 14 days to allow a Supreme Court appeal.
The White House has told Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Cook that the president is "considering" removing her and has given her until Aug. 26 to answer mortgage-fraud allegations. The letter, signed by Dan Scavino and dated Aug. 5, revives claims first raised in 2025 after the Supreme Court this year blocked an earlier firing attempt.
Hunter Biden defends his father’s presidential pardon in a BBC interview, acknowledging criticism but portraying it as a necessary move in a fraught political moment. He discusses his father’s health, his own legal troubles, and the broader impact on American public life.
The Department of War has revoked former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s security clearance and ability to hold sensitive roles after accusations of sharing classified information with a media outlet. The move follows reporting on the Qatar‑gifted Air Force One and concerns about its security measures during a period of heightened tensions.
The Senate has confirmed Blanche as attorney general by a 50-49 vote after a fractious debate over his ties to Trump. The decision paves the way for Blanche to pursue the Trump administration’s policy agenda and a controversial settlement linked to an $1.8 billion fund and Trump-era tax matters.