American lawyer and jurist, U.S. Attorney General since 2021
A U.S. judge has ruled the public interest in previously recorded conversations outweighs Biden’s privacy concerns. The recordings and transcripts, obtained during probes into classified documents, have been released to a conservative staffer, with appeals ahead. The decision highlights ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s age and memory, and follows a string of related political and legal developments.
Hunter Biden has been leveraging social media, podcasts and art sales to rebrand himself amid ongoing public scrutiny. He has been appearing on far-right and controversial platforms, and his art pieces are selling for high sums, with private video calls included with each sale. Analysts say his strategy is aimed at monetizing attention, not launching a political bid.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed 50–49 as U.S. attorney general and sworn in at the White House. He has served as acting attorney general since April, previously represented the president, and has rescinded a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund while facing criticism that he is politicising the Justice Department and presiding over mass departures.
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.
McConnell has returned to the Senate floor after a three-month absence following a June fall and pneumonia. He says he will be present for tough votes as he continues physical therapy, with his recovery described as long and often frustrating due to the lingering effects of childhood polio. The return comes as the Senate reconvenes ahead of the midterm elections.
The House has voted by unanimous consent to hold former Apollo CEO Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he refused to appear for a September deposition and to produce nondisclosure agreements tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The referral now goes to the Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue charges.