Senior U.S. Senator from Alaska since 2002
President Trump has said the Dec. 3 firing‑squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan will not be livestreamed after a public backlash. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had proposed broadcasting the execution; critics from both parties, religious leaders, the UN and public opinion had objected. The execution remains scheduled at Fort Hood.
Mitch McConnell has stated he did not suffer fractures, a concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors or hemorrhages after a fall that left him briefly unconscious. He is moving from hospital to rehabilitation and will not return to the Senate floor yet, while continuing to work with staff and Kentucky aides.
Trump Media & Technology has unveiled Truth API, a paid low‑latency feed that will deliver real‑time posts from the platform’s top 10 accounts from August 1. Executives have discussed charging institutional customers up to $100,000 a month (or $60,000 on three‑year plans). Lawmakers and ethics experts have warned it will let traders profit from presidential posts and raise conflict‑of‑interest and market‑manipulation concerns.
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.
The Department of Justice has withdrawn grand jury subpoenas that sought New York Times reporters' testimony and phone records after a federal judge sharply questioned the government's handling of the leak probe into reporting about President Trump's new Air Force One. The DOJ has said the investigation remains ongoing.
Todd Blanche has posted written orders that rescind a May directive creating a $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund and that limit broad IRS audit protections in a settlement with Donald Trump. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have said they will support advancing his nomination to the full Senate, though Democrats and legal experts have said the written assurances leave room to revive the fund.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving Trump’s nominee a crucial edge as several Republicans oppose him. With Collins and Murkowski opposed and McConnell absent, Cassidy’s stance could push Blanche over the line, though resistance remains among a faction of GOP senators.
The Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche 50–49 as U.S. attorney general and he has been sworn in at the White House. Blanche has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April, previously served as the president’s private lawyer, and has rescinded a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund amid bipartisan concern about politicising the department.
A Piper PA-24 has crashed into Seldovia Slough after departing Anchorage, killing the pilot and three passengers. State troopers recovered four bodies after waiting for the tide to recede; the wreckage rested in about 15 feet of water. The NTSB and FAA have opened an investigation; officials have identified the pilot and passengers and sent remains to the state medical examiner.
California lawmakers oppose a proposed land exchange that would grant a private developer a short access road to Yosemite National Park in exchange for lands elsewhere in California. Kingsbarn Realty Capital argues the plan would ease congestion and cut emissions, while opponents warn of privatizing public land and impacting conservation. The proposal is under federal review with public comment ongoing.
A three‑judge panel of the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals has largely upheld a lower court ruling that found the Department of Homeland Security’s third‑country removal policy unlawful, saying migrants must get a meaningful chance to raise safety concerns before removal. The panel narrowed one part of the decision on procedural grounds. The administration is expected to appeal.
The Senate has rejected a War Powers Resolution that would require President Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Iran absent congressional approval. The vote follows prior House action and reflects ongoing debate over constitutional authority and war powers as the administration faces mounting public concern over the conflict.
The Senate war powers debate has progressed with Republicans leaning toward endorsing a resolution to end the Iran war as fuel prices remain high and voters demand relief. Lawmakers have increasingly tied costs of living to military actions while Democrats press for accountability ahead of the midterms.
Democrats are moving to block funding for Trump's planned memorial projects in memorial circles, using the appropriations process and new legislation to protect presidential memorials from demolition. Merkley and Murkowski will push bills next week, signaling a procedural fight that could constrain funding this year.
The president’s move to allow Russian diesel into global markets has drawn swift criticism from lawmakers who say Congress was not consulted. Officials warn the policy could fund Moscow’s war while doing little to relieve U.S. fuel prices amid ongoing energy volatility.
The plan to publicly livestream the Fort Hood firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan has drawn praise from supporters and sharp condemnation from opponents. Officials say the decision reflects a hardline stance on crime, while critics warn it could boost terrorism recruitment and risk American personnel overseas.