American economist and longtime Trump adviser, now senior counselor for trade.
The president has alleged that Beijing interfered in the 2020 election, releasing declassified documents while critics say the claims lack new evidence. U.S. intelligence has found no proof of Beijing influencing the outcome. Talks with Xi Jinping continue ahead of a planned September visit to Washington.
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
The Jones Act waiver has been narrowed and extended for 90 days, with case-by-case reviews for voyages. The extension aims to keep fuel moving amid Iran-related disruptions, as prices remain volatile and the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.
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.
Republicans on a Senate committee have voted to refer Dr. Anthony Fauci for possible contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a recent hearing. The measure, backed by committee chair Rand Paul, moves toward potential federal action despite a pre-emptive pardon covering actions through January 2025. The legal question centers on whether a pardon blocks Fifth Amendment protections in this setting.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
Bloomberg and Al Jazeera reporting show a widening pattern of transshipment and tariff avoidance, with solar-panel routes rerouted across China, Vietnam and Indonesia to dodge duties, while US actions intensify enforcement and scrutiny.
Natalie Harp, a longtime Trump aide known as the “Human Printer,” is drawing renewed scrutiny as reports detail her proximity to the president and influence over information reaching him. The coverage centers on her letters to Trump and her visibility at events, with lawmakers weighing the implications for governance and access.
The Liberal Party has claimed victories in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, Beaches-East York and North Vancouver-Capilano, signaling a solidifying stance against US tariffs and trade pressure. The performances are strongest in Quebec, where the Liberal candidate has secured a decisive win, while results in Ontario and British Columbia reinforce the party s parliamentary strength.
A wave of higher borrowing costs is squeezing budgets as the AI buildout accelerates, with authorities signaling tighter policy ahead. Officials face pressure to balance growth and inflation, while bond markets push yields higher amid renewed funding needs.
The House has found Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas in its inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein. The full House approved the contempt resolution by unanimous consent after the Oversight Committee voted 41–0 to recommend the action. The matter has been referred to the Justice Department for possible criminal review.