American politician, 46th president of the United States (2021–2025)
The US has passed $40 trillion in total public debt, the Treasury has reported, driven by large pandemic-era and recent spending and tax changes. Interest payments have risen sharply and are now a larger budget item than many programmes. Treasury officials argue growth can be managed by stronger economic growth and fiscal consolidation.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has travelled to Moscow this week for unannounced talks with Russian intelligence officials. Kremlin spokespeople have confirmed the meeting and said President Putin was briefed; Ratcliffe did not meet Putin. U.S. officials and media report the trip involved warnings about possible Russian moves against NATO and talks on Ukraine and Iran.
Palestinian and Israeli sources report a sharp rise in West Bank violence. Dozens of settler attacks have targeted towns including Masafer Yatta, Jenin, Qusra and Hebron, with Palestinians injured, property damaged and several homes besieged. The violence coincides with increased Israeli military operations and ongoing clashes.
Natalie Harp, a longtime Trump aide, has attracted renewed attention as reports detail her proximity to the president and her influence on information the White House receives. The debate centers on how her position shapes policy signals and access within the administration.
European and NATO forces face shortages of Patriot interceptors as US stocks have shifted to the Middle East. Officials warn that gaps could leave NATO vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks, with Ukraine bearing the brunt and allies racing to rebound stockpiles by 2030. The issue follows recent moves by Kyiv to secure more air defense and discussions around SCALP missile support from France and the UK.
The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to let construction on the president's 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom continue while courts hear challenges. A federal appeals court last week upheld an injunction requiring congressional approval for above‑ground work and stayed that order for 14 days. The administration argues the project includes vital security and military features and is roughly two‑thirds complete.
Seniors face higher living costs as inflation persists. The government has not matched price increases fully, and analysts forecast a 3.6-3.8% COLA for 2027, lifting average payments but risking long-term funding if inflation remains elevated.
The White House has authorised a program that will allow vetted U.S. private companies to carry out government-directed cyber surveillance and disruptive operations against overseas transnational criminal organisations. The memorandum has required Justice and Homeland Security oversight, a $1m escrow for participating firms, and a 60-day deadline for agencies to set participation rules.
The BBC has asked a Florida federal court to allow subpoenas to be served on Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in President Trump’s $10bn defamation suit over a 2024 Panorama edit. The BBC says the trio have "personal knowledge" about the January 6, 2021 speech; Trump’s lawyers argue service is blocked by Secret Service protection and call the effort politically motivated.
Walmart has announced it is directing tariff refunds toward price cuts and improved customer experiences. US comparable sales have slowed, though the company reports a continued lift from rollbacks and investments in groceries and essentials. Analysts warn profits may face headwinds from fuel costs and automation spending amid uneven consumer demand.
State Senator Aisha Wahab has won the special election to serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in California’s 14th district. She will take the seat through January and will face Melissa Hernandez again in November for a full term. Outside groups tied to AIPAC spent millions supporting Hernandez; Wahab called the spending an attempt to buy the seat.
Norway-led Operation Legio trains Ukrainian soldiers in Poland with Ukrainian instructors and Western trainers to mirror battlefield conditions. Lessons focus on maneuverability, drone use, and when to apply Ukrainian tactics. The program emphasizes realism, ongoing feedback, and careful adaptation for different national contexts.
IndyCar drivers are racing 147 laps on a 1.7-mile street course through downtown Washington, D.C., passing landmarks like the Capitol and National Mall. The event, tied to the nation’s 250th birthday, has drawn presidential attention with Trump on-site and a notable security and logistical footprint.
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law as war with Russia continues. A former defence minister has called for wartime elections, prompting a presidential debate. Zelenskyy says elections during war are a risk that could split the country, while allies discuss conditions to conduct votes safely.
Federal data show SNAP enrollment has fallen by more than 13% from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026. Arizona records the largest drop, with declines exceeding 50% over 12 months as the program implements stricter work requirements. Benefits average $344 per month per household and remain a crucial support for more than 1 in 10 Americans.
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.
The White House has announced a 90-day plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imports at a 25% discount to lower prices for consumers. The move seeks to ease affordability ahead of the midterms, but ranchers warn it could hurt U.S. cattle herds and long-term farm profitability.
The Justice Department has reached a $400m settlement with TikTok and related entities over alleged violations of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. TikTok will pay $300m immediately and another $100m after a court vacates a 2019 consent decree tied to Musical.ly. The deal resolves a 2024 DOJ suit and includes stronger youth safeguards, the department says.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as President Trump has threatened to declare the waterway a U.S. territory amid a costly Iran confrontation. Oil prices have climbed as the conflict continues, and the administration is pursuing a blockade until Iran concedes.
The United States has imposed 50% duties on about $20bn of Canadian goods after last‑minute trade talks collapsed late Friday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has suspended negotiations and said Canada will retaliate by matching the tariffs "dollar for dollar." The measures have taken effect early Saturday and will hit goods from wine to hockey equipment.
A federal judge has vacated a policy that would have blocked immigrant visas to 75 countries, ruling Secretary of State Rubio exceeded his authority and violated the Immigration and Nationality Act. The decision reinforces consular officers’ control over visa eligibility and sparks renewed debate over the administration’s immigration agenda.
A New York-area study links higher Parkinson’s disease odds to living within 500 feet of a dry cleaner, suggesting environmental exposure to trichloroethylene may play a role. The research, drawing on NYC-area data, notes increased risk near dry-cleaning facilities and calls for further scrutiny of chemical exposure.
The Supreme Court has lifted one injunction that blocked parts of President Trump’s March executive order on mail‑in voting, allowing federal agencies to finalise rules. A separate nationwide injunction still bars the Postal Service from enforcing new mail‑ballot procedures for the Nov. 3 midterms while states and voting groups press fresh lawsuits.
Barrack’s comments about Israel’s status over the Golan Heights have sparked renewed international criticism and intensified debate over U.S. policy dating back to 2019. The ambassador says the remarks describe historical status, not UN positions, and emphasizes that ongoing negotiations shape the region’s future.
New study finds Med-South, a North Carolina adaptation of the Mediterranean diet, helps weight loss and improves diet quality compared with Weight Watchers. Both programs achieve similar weight loss, but Med-South yields higher-quality eating habits through phased support over two years.
A former Sangamon County deputy, convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois, has died in custody. Massey, 36, was killed after reporting a suspected intruder. Grayson, who had been treated for colon cancer, died on Sunday. His death follows a high-profile case that sparked nationwide protests and led to policing reforms.
Trump has touted a high success rate for endorsements across 2018-2026, while opponents question the reliability and motives behind those wins as candidates in Alabama, Georgia and beyond move through primaries. The pieces highlight intra-party tensions and the evolving dynamics of Trump’s influence.
Trump's endorsements have shaped South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff, boosting late candidate Graham but exposing questions about his inexperience and policy stance. The race is drawing national attention as Trump signals continued involvement while other endorsed candidates falter.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" effective immediately. Canada has rejected the move, saying it will continue to call the lake Lake Ontario, and Ottawa is preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs after the two countries imposed 50% duties on selected goods.
President Donald Trump has submitted a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, starting a 90-day review. The deal would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and build AP1000 reactors. The White House says the pact will only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Monitors have observed polling places in Wyoming, citing concerns over compliance with federal voting rights laws. Local officials say the exercise violated state procedures, while federal authorities say the aim is transparency and ballot security. The situation unfolds as parties weigh federal involvement in election administration.
Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh has used his Jackson Hole speech to reaffirm the Fed's 2% inflation target, reject forward guidance and lay out a data-driven policy framework. Markets have reacted with higher short-term yields and mixed signals about whether the Fed will raise rates at the September meeting.
A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Defense illegally punished Anthropic for publicly opposing military uses of its AI, vacating the supply‑chain risk designation and ordering agencies to rescind related directives. The ruling finds the governmentacted in retaliation and violated First and Fifth Amendment procedures; the administration is expected to appeal.