American politician, congresswoman, and controversial figure
Trump has claimed he has passed a cognitive assessment, while allies and opponents accuse him of political manoeuvring as criticism of his health and approach to foreign policy intensifies across conservative circles and media figures.
President Trump has been informally polling aides and guests about whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should lead the Republican ticket in 2028 and has repeatedly mused that a Vance–Rubio ticket would be a "dream team." Both officials have been taking higher-profile roles: Vance is expanding his foreign policy and Midwest campaigning, while Rubio is engaging in diplomacy and public briefings.
Trump has backed Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th District, defeating Rep. Thomas Massie in a high-spending primary that has tested Trump’s influence over dissenting Republicans amid debates over Iran policy and broader party loyalty. Other Tuesday contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania are shaping the midterm landscape.
Trump has warned Iran to move quickly toward a peace deal, saying “there won’t be anything left of them” if negotiations fail. The U.S. and Israel remain locked in a broader clash with Tehran, with regional outages and drone incidents intensifying the conflict. Ceasefire efforts in Lebanon and Gaza are fragile amid renewed strikes.
A group of U.S. lawmakers has renewed calls for a formal congressional investigation into the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, arguing that the official account as a routine mistake remains contested by survivors and some officials. The speech comes on the 59th anniversary.
In Nevada, Republicans have nominated David Flippo in the 2nd District GOP primary, a Trump-backed candidate seeking to challenge Gov. Joe Lombardo. Democrats have nominated Teresa Benitez-Thompson for the 2nd District. The results shape the 2026 general election landscape as parties race to mobilize in a volatile state with high costs and significant voter interest.
The US has approved a memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the US-Israel war, amid mounting domestic and international pressure. Israel faces questions about its security and its standing with Washington as negotiations resume; Republicans and hawks push back while some argue diplomacy could reshape the region.
Mediators hold high‑level talks in Switzerland, with the US and Iran reporting cautious progress on deconfliction in Lebanon and open passage through the Strait of Hormuz. A 60‑day window is set to address Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and other sticking points as both sides push for a ceasefire.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she is done backing the Republican Party and aligns with Tucker Carlson, joining him in criticizing the party over foreign policy and domestic priorities. Carlson has likewise declared he is out of the GOP, saying there is a broad strand of conservatives who feel betrayed by party leadership. The moves come amid debates over Iran policy and inflation, with both figures vowing not to support Democrats.
Recent reporting shows Donald Trump has publicly labeled Democrats and candidates allied with democratic socialism as “communists,” arguing this stance threatens religion and the American way of life. He cites New York primary victories by Mamdani-backed progressives as evidence of a leftward shift, while analysts warn the tactic risks conflating democratic socialism with communism.
Opposition figures have not criticized Israel’s wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran; they challenge the government’s conduct and its alignment with the United States, while warning of growing regional threats. Bennett, Lapid and Eisenkot are among the leaders who argue Israel must fight better even as they acknowledge public support for anti-Iran and anti-Hezbollah campaigns.
South Carolina Republicans are lining up to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat after his death. Darline Graham Nordone is seeking a full term with Trump’s backing, while Ralph Norman and Russell Fry are mounting primary challenges ahead of the Aug. 11 vote. Filing closes July 28 and the November general election will determine the six-year term.