Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche faces Senate scrutiny as DOJ investigations widen; a legal operator with a career rooted in public service and high-stakes litigation.
Multiple outlets have reported that President Trump has said he 'doesn't think about' Americans' financial situation while negotiating with Iran, insisting preventing Tehran from a nuclear weapon is his sole focus. The comment has come as inflation has accelerated to 3.8% and gasoline has jumped above $4.50 a gallon since the war with Iran began.
House Republican leaders have pulled a scheduled vote on a Democratic war-powers resolution to compel President Trump to seek congressional authorization for the Iran campaign after defections and multiple absences made it clear they lacked the votes to block the measure. The Senate has recently advanced a similar resolution as some Republicans have joined Democrats.
U.S. prosecutors have unsealed a complaint charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al‑Saadi with organising or supporting nearly 18–20 attacks across Europe, Canada and the United States tied to Iran‑backed Kataib Hezbollah and the IRGC. He has been transferred into U.S. custody, has appeared in Manhattan federal court and is being detained pending trial.
Texas Children’s Hospital has agreed to a $10 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas authorities over Medicaid billing for gender-affirming care, firing five doctors and setting up a detransition clinic for five years. The deal comes amid a broader push by states to restrict or ban gender-related treatments for minors and accompanies a court-ordered review of practices.
The U.S. Justice Department has unsealed a federal indictment against Raúl Castro and five others, alleging conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, murder, and destruction of aircraft in the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes. The charges mark a bold escalation in U.S. attempts to pressure Cuba’s government; officials in Havana deny the allegations.
The United States has indicted Raul Castro for murder and conspiring to kill U.S. nationals over the 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes, as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to hold Cuban leaders to account. Cuban President Diaz-Canel dismisses the move as a political maneuver, while prosecutors say the case rests on decades of evidence and witness testimony.
Airlines have adjusted summer schedules and are temporarily suspending select routes in August–September because jet fuel costs have surged since the Iran conflict closed key shipping lanes. Carriers including American, easyJet and others have reduced seats, delayed route launches or paused services; travelers are being offered refunds or rebooking and face higher fares and fees.
California Democrats confront national tensions as impeachment talk resurfaces. A California Democrat has said impeachment isn’t off the table, while Trump faces new legal and political pressure. The debate plays into a broader midterm calculu s as voters weigh leadership and accountability.
A coalition of states and the federal government are clashing over anti-ICE measures and undercover enforcement rules. New York’s budget package tightens cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while other states and the DOJ have filed lawsuits or threatened legal action to defend or contest these policies.
A U.S. judge has dismissed a prohibition against vindictive prosecution in the Abrego Garcia case, ruling that the government’s actions were tainted by timing and public statements around deportation. The ruling follows a 2025 deportation to El Salvador and a 2026 criminal case that was later dropped while investigations cited potential vindictive motives.
The Third Circuit has declined to rehear Mahmoud Khalil's challenge to his detention and potential deportation, leaving open a path for a Supreme Court review as Khalil pursues First Amendment and due process claims amid a high-profile pro-Palestinian campus case.
Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry into whether E. Jean Carroll lied under oath in depositions tied to two civil suits she won against Donald Trump; the probe is focusing on statements about outside funding, including donations from Reid Hoffman’s nonprofit, and is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Since mid May, multiple outlets have reported that the Justice Department has reached a settlement resolving President Trump’s $10bn lawsuit against the IRS, creating a $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund and barring existing IRS audits of Trump, his family and affiliates. Critics, courts and lawmakers have raised legal and ethical objections; separate reporting shows Trump is also directing high-profile public-works projects and White House renovations that are drawing criticism over cost and optics.
The Justice Department has created an almost $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to resolve a personal-capacity lawsuit against the IRS. Four commissioners appointed by the attorney general will administer it, with Trump retaining influence over the process. Critics warn of conflicts of interest and potential pay-outs to allies, while some lawmakers call the arrangement corrupt.
A federal court has reopened scrutiny of the $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund linked to a settlement with the IRS, while lawmakers question its legality and governance. Former judges and Republican and Democratic actors are weighing in as the arrangement draws bipartisan opposition.
President Donald Trump has signed a $70 billion package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of his term, ending a months-long impasse that began after two civilians were killed during January immigration operations. Republicans passed the measure through budget reconciliation after Democrats demanded enforcement safeguards and blocked funding earlier this year.
An ICE agent, Christian Castro, has been arrested in Texas after Minnesota prosecutors charged him with four counts of second‑degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime related to the Jan. 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa‑Celis during Operation Metro Surge. The arrest follows earlier revelations that officers provided false information and the case is part of heightened scrutiny of federal agents’ conduct in Minnesota.
Senate and House debates intensify over a $70 billion three-year funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, with lawmakers grappling over a controversial $1.8 billion settlement fund for Trump allies. The measure has sparked intra-party divisions and a series of amendments as leadership seeks to finalize funding through the end of Trump’s term.
Trump is pressing to lift a court injunction blocking the planned White House ballroom, arguing it is essential for national security after recent White House security incidents. The legal battle centers on whether construction can proceed without congressional authorization, with the DOJ and courts weighing in amid ongoing accusations from Trump and critics alike.
The Senate has cleared a path to debate a roughly $70 billion bill funding ICE and CBP, with Republicans rallying to pass it via budget reconciliation. Democrats are set to offer amendments, including a bid to permanently ban a $1.776 billion settlement fund tied to allies who supporters say were persecuted.
President Donald Trump has confirmed he angrily confronted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent phone call over Israel's strikes in Lebanon, saying he told Netanyahu to stop. Trump has insisted the pair still have a strong relationship while US-mediated talks with Iran are continuing and fighting in Lebanon remains active.
Trump has claimed a peace deal with Iran could be signed soon, a repeated assertion that has yet to materialize. Markets have reacted with optimism and volatility as talks remain fragile and conflict persists. The narrative centers on the tension between optimism and reality as political statements influence oil and equities.
The New York Times, The Guardian, CNBC, Al Jazeera and other outlets report that Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general, moving from acting to permanent head of the Justice Department. The nomination faces a Senate confirmation battle amid scrutiny of Blanche’s ties to the Epstein files, the $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund and past actions at the DOJ.
The Guardian, Independent, and NY Post report that Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general. Blanche, who has been acting AG since April, would require Senate confirmation. Reports describe his role in pursuing cases against Trump’s rivals and in high-profile DOJ actions, including a controversial fund related to Trump allies that was later axed.
The Senate has passed a border-enforcement measure after a tense vote-a-rama, highlighting deep splits within the Republican Party over Trump-aligned priorities. The package now heads to the House, where support and objections are both likely to shape its fate in a politically charged election year.
President has endorsed both South Carolina runoff candidates in a bid to influence the outcome of the gubernatorial race as polls show a tight contest ahead of the June 23 runoff.
Republican factions in Congress have rebuked President Trump on Iran, the White House ballroom funding, and the anti-weaponization fund, while Ukraine aid moves forward. The party faces growing fractures as it weighs next steps ahead of Election Day.
President Donald Trump has walked out of an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, after she questions his claims that the 2020 election and a California vote were rigged. Welker traveled to Wisconsin for the sit-down; the exchange turned contentious as Trump calls the press crooked and ends the interview, saying he has had enough.
Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes for the first time since an April ceasefire and then halted offensive action after intense exchanges. Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon; Israel struck military and energy sites in Iran. Both sides have warned they will resume if attacks continue.
A federal judge in Boston has voided the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on H‑1B visa petitions, ruling the payment functions as a tax that Congress did not authorize. The administration has filed a notice of appeal, and parallel lawsuits and appeals are proceeding in other federal courts, leaving the policy's fate to the appeals process.
Haji Najibullah has been sentenced after pleading guilty to providing material support for acts of terrorism and conspiring to take hostages. David Rohde has described the kidnapping in 2008 and expressed disappointment that Najibullah refuses to take responsibility. The court spared a life sentence due to the guilty plea and mitigating factors.
The Justice Department has highlighted cases against Guatemalan nationals who allegedly exploited a U.S. sponsorship program by fraudulently caring for unaccompanied migrant children. Officials say dozens of similar “super-sponsor” schemes are being investigated as concerns grow over vetting and child protection under ongoing border policy debates.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema has extended an injunction blocking the administrations proposed $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and has ordered the Justice Department to file a response by July 17. Brinkema has said she will only dismiss the suit if senior officials sign sworn declarations that the fund will not proceed; DOJ lawyers have refused, citing separation-of-powers concerns.
U.S. forces have carried out an airstrike that has killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, U.S. and Venezuelan officials have said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have said the operation targeted a compound in Bolívar state earlier this week and involved coordination with Venezuelan security forces.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said federal agents have contacted friends, former staff and donors tied to him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and has accused President Donald Trump of ordering a politically motivated investigation as he considers a 2028 presidential run. Multiple outlets report the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California has been handling separate inquiries that began with local whistleblower tips, including probes into the first partner’s taxes and former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty to federal charges.
The federal government has filed a civil lawsuit alleging that New York state officials and a vendor misrepresented transition plans for the Medicaid home-care program, CDPAP, prompting broader scrutiny of Medicaid spending and vendor practices. The case centers on allegations that a single company and state leaders manipulated the transition to consolidate payroll services for roughly 250,000 recipients.
The Justice Department has moved to join a lawsuit challenging Evanston, Illinois’ reparations program, which pays $25,000 to qualifying residents and descendants for past housing discrimination. The city has distributed millions so far; critics say the policy is race-based discrimination, while supporters argue it sets a precedent for addressing historical harms.
Authorities warn that fraud, waste and abuse in state programs are prompting federal action. A labor department letter to governors signals tighter oversight and potential funding consequences for states with weak controls.
Federal authorities have disrupted a planned attack on the White House grounds ahead of a June 14 event. Falkner and Rincker have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder; a sprawling group faced investigations after encrypted messages and drone plans emerged. The case remains ongoing as prosecutors pursue additional suspects.
Federal court in Fort Worth has handed down lengthy prison terms to nine protesters linked to the July 4 Prairieland protest outside a Dallas immigration detention center. Defendants face sentences from 30 to 100 years after being convicted or pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges amid a government push to curb anti-ICE protests. The cases are seen as a potential test of First Amendment rights for protesters nationwide.
The Trump administration has withdrawn subpoenas targeting Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reporters amid a broader crackdown on leaks. While officials say investigations into classified disclosures continue, critics warn the move signals aggressive government pressure on press freedom. The Justice Department reaffirmed that reporters are not targets, even as it backs investigations.
The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed former Apollo CEO Leon Black to produce nondisclosure agreements and to return for a sworn deposition on July 16 after he declined to answer questions about NDAs during a closed-door interview. Committee chair James Comer says the NDAs may connect Black to Jeffrey Epstein; Black denies wrongdoing.
Trump has canceled a Capitol signing of a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election-law package. Republicans are divided over priorities, with some backing the housing measure and others pressuring for the voter-ID legislation. The House transmitted the housing bill to the White House; Trump is underscoring the priority of election rules while signaling the timing remains unsettled.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
Brennan has filed a federal lawsuit asserting that records must be preserved as part of a potential vindictive-prosecution defense if he faces future indictment. The suit names Donald Trump and top law-enforcement officials as defendants and argues that recent DOJ record-keeping changes threaten due-process rights.
The Supreme Court has affirmed birthright citizenship as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. The decision preserves existing policy and faces sharp reactions from Trump allies who call for drastic changes; supporters say the ruling protects immigrant families and constitutional principles. The debate is likely to intensify as lawmakers consider next steps.
New Mexico’s attorney general has requested unredacted documents related to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, saying federal records are hindering an ongoing state probe. The DOJ is resisting, citing privacy protections and court orders, and a July 31 deadline has been set for a response. The dispute underscores friction between state investigators and federal authorities over evidence in a high-profile abuse case.
Sen. Lindsey Graham has died, and the Senate faces a scramble to fill his leadership role. The update narrows sanctions legislation, reshuffles committees, and tests bipartisan cooperation on Ukraine aid and mixed White House-Senate priorities.
A US federal judge has sanctioned Trump’s lawyers and referred one attorney to state bars amid questions over an $1.8 billion fund linked to a settlement in the president’s IRS lawsuit. The ruling casts the case as improper and possibly strategic rather than a genuine dispute.
Todd Blanche is facing a Senate Judiciary hearing as his nomination to lead the Justice Department is scrutinized over Epstein files, the so‑called anti‑weaponization fund, and investigations into Trump foes. Democrats are poised to press him on transparency, accountability, and potential politicization of the department.