Politics
24Elections, policy, legislation, and political figures
Trump Threatens Cuba, Touts Iran War Wins at Saudi Business Forum in Miami
President Trump appeared before a Saudi investment forum in Miami on Friday, declaring that Cuba would be 'next' after Iran and touting what he called U.S. victories in the ongoing war. The remarks alarmed allies and domestic critics alike β Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Steve Bannon (from opposite ends of the political spectrum) both raised alarms about an expanding conflict, with Bannon warning at CPAC that American troops could end up on Iran's Kharg Island. Meanwhile the House remained gridlocked over DHS funding, with Trump rejecting a Senate-passed bill.
Sanctioned Russian Lawmakers Visited the US Capitol β Democrats Demand Answers
Democratic lawmakers, joined by at least one Republican, sent urgent letters to Secretary of State Rubio and Treasury Secretary Bessent demanding to know how sanctioned Russian legislators were allowed to visit the U.S. Capitol. The visit is raising serious questions about the administration's Russia policy at a moment when the U.S. is simultaneously fighting Iran while seeking China's help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Critics say the visit sends a deeply troubling signal to allies.
Idaho Expands Transgender Bathroom Ban to All Private Businesses
Idaho lawmakers passed sweeping legislation criminalizing transgender people for using bathrooms and changing rooms that match their gender identity β becoming the first state to extend such a ban beyond government buildings to all private businesses. Violators could face criminal charges, making the law one of the most expansive anti-transgender measures passed in any U.S. state. The bill is expected to face immediate legal challenges.
Education Dept. Orders 7.5 Million Borrowers Off Biden's SAVE Student Loan Plan by Summer
The Trump Education Department announced Friday that more than 7.5 million student loan borrowers enrolled in the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan must exit the program by the end of summer. The move forces millions of borrowers to find alternative repayment arrangements on short notice and could significantly increase monthly payments for those who've relied on SAVE's income-based structure. It's the latest in a series of actions dismantling Biden-era student loan relief efforts.
Sanders and AOC Introduce Bill to Ban New Data Center Construction Until AI Regulation Passes
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced companion legislation that would halt all new data center construction until Congress passes comprehensive AI regulation. The bill represents the most aggressive legislative push yet from the left to tie AI infrastructure expansion to accountability rules. The proposal faces long odds in the current Congress but signals growing progressive urgency around the environmental and social costs of AI.
Trump Admits Avoiding the Word 'War' for Iran Conflict Over Congressional Approval Concerns
President Trump publicly acknowledged at an NRCC fundraising dinner that he deliberately avoids using the word 'war' to describe the ongoing conflict in Iran because doing so would require him to seek congressional approval. The admission has reignited debates over war powers and whether Trump is conducting an unauthorized military campaign. Democratic lawmakers have since introduced legislation to block any military action against Cuba without congressional consent, reflecting broader concerns about executive overreach.
DHS Shutdown Deadlock Deepens as Senate Democrats Fear Centrist Defections Over TSA Crisis
Senate Democrats are struggling to hold their coalition together as they push for immigration enforcement reforms in exchange for ending the 40-day DHS shutdown, with centrists showing signs of breaking ranks amid growing pressure from the TSA paycheck crisis. The shutdown has left TSA workers without pay for over a month, causing staffing shortages at major airports. Republicans are simultaneously trying to pass a reconciliation bill that addresses the DHS situation, but internal divisions over Iran war spending and voting reform requirements are creating new roadblocks.
Convicted Intellexa Founder Hints Greek Government Ordered Dozens of Political Phone Hacks
The convicted founder of Intellexa, maker of the Predator spyware, has made his most direct public suggestion yet that the Greek government under Prime Minister Mitsotakis authorized the hacking of dozens of phones belonging to senior government officials and politicians. The remarks represent a significant escalation in the long-running Greek spyware scandal, which has already toppled careers and triggered EU-level investigations. Greek authorities have denied involvement.
Iran Rejects US 15-Point Ceasefire Proposal as War Drags On
Iran has dismissed a US-proposed 15-point peace plan, according to White House briefings on Wednesday, prolonging the Middle East conflict that has rattled global energy markets. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed reporters as Republican lawmakers including Rep. Nancy Mace signaled opposition to ground troop deployments. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton also questioned Trump's claims of successful regime change, saying the underlying ideology remains the same.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Bulk of Trump's Emergency Tariffs
The Supreme Court has struck down the bulk of President Trump's emergency tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a major legal setback for the administration's trade agenda. Trade adviser Peter Navarro spun the ruling as the "best possible outcome," though the decision significantly curtails the executive branch's unilateral tariff authority. The ruling could reshape ongoing trade pressure on China ahead of a possible Beijing summit.
Democrats Flip Florida Legislative Seat That Includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago
Democrat Emily Gregory has won a Florida state legislative seat in a district that includes President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, flipping a constituency that a Republican won by 19 percentage points in 2024. The result is a significant early indicator ahead of the 2026 midterms, suggesting Democratic momentum even in areas considered safe Republican territory. The upset comes as Democrats are actively searching for candidates and political energy to capitalize on voter discontent.
Danish PM Fails to Win Majority in Party's Worst Election Result Since 1903
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's Social Democrats secured the most votes in the snap election but failed to win a parliamentary majority, delivering the party its worst electoral result in over 120 years. Frederiksen now faces complex coalition negotiations to retain power after calling the snap vote seeking a stronger mandate. The result reflects growing voter fragmentation across Scandinavian politics amid economic anxiety and the Iran war's spillover effects.
Former Defense Secretary Mattis Warns Ending Iran War Now Would Cede Hormuz Strait to Tehran
Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned that ending the US-Iran war prematurely would effectively hand control of the Strait of Hormuz to Iran, through which 20% of the world's oil passes. Mattis said the US is "in a tough spot" and called for a strategy that ensures the waterway remains open. His remarks come as Iran continues to target Gulf neighbors including the UAE with missiles and drones.
Trump Backs DHS Funding Deal as Mullin Sworn In Amid Airport ICE Controversy
President Trump backed an emerging Republican-led deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security even without dedicated ICE enforcement funding, as newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin was sworn in. The move came amid fierce Democratic criticism over ICE officers being deployed to airports nationwide, including a controversial detention at San Francisco International Airport. Border czar Tom Homan insisted agents will continue making arrests at airports.
NTSB Briefs on LaGuardia Crash: Air Traffic Controller's 'Situational Awareness' in Question
The National Transportation Safety Board held a press briefing Tuesday on its investigation into the deadly collision between an Air Canada jet and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport that killed two pilots. A former NTSB investigator raised questions about whether the air traffic controller may have lost "situational awareness" in the moments before the crash. Dozens of passengers were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident.
Taliban Frees American Researcher Dennis Coyle After More Than a Year in Detention
Afghanistan's Taliban government released American researcher Dennis Coyle, who had been detained in the country for over a year, following sustained pressure from the Trump administration. Coyle's release marks a rare diplomatic success for the US in its engagement with the Taliban regime. Details of the negotiations that secured his freedom have not been disclosed.
Trump Signals Iran War De-Escalation, Oil Falls as Talks Emerge
President Trump indicated Monday that 'very good and productive' talks have been held with Iran, sparking a relief rally in financial markets and sending oil prices tumbling. Early signs suggest the administration wants to wind down the conflict as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz tightens its grip on the global economy. However, Senator Chris Van Hollen accused Trump of 'lying' about the talks, and Iran's Parliament speaker separately warned of targeting buyers of US Treasury bonds.
Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as New DHS Secretary
The Senate confirmed Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to lead the Department of Homeland Security, replacing the ousted Kristi Noem. Mullin takes charge of an embattled agency amid a partial government shutdown, escalating airport chaos from ICE deployments, and mounting pressure over TSA staffing shortages causing hours-long security lines. The confirmation adds scrutiny to a $220 million ad campaign tied to his predecessor.
Iran War Takes Mounting Toll on US Military; UNICEF Reports 324 Children Killed
Nearly one month into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, the war is taking a growing toll on America's military with rising casualties, dwindling munitions stockpiles, a sidelined aircraft carrier and numerous downed aircraft. UNICEF's deputy executive director reported that 324 children have been killed in Iran and Lebanon since the war began. The US State Department also issued a 'worldwide caution' alert for American travelers abroad.
Hong Kong Police Can Now Demand Phone Passwords Under New National Security Rules
Hong Kong police have been granted new powers under updated national security regulations to demand passwords for personal devices such as phones and computers, with those who refuse facing up to one year in jail and fines of up to HK$100,000 ($12,700). The rules represent a significant expansion of surveillance authority and have drawn concern from civil liberties advocates. The move follows years of tightening political controls in Hong Kong since the 2020 National Security Law.
Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director Who Led Trump Investigation, Dies at 81
Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who served as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, died at age 81. Mueller had a long record of public service before becoming the central figure in one of the most consequential investigations in modern American political history. President Trump responded on Truth Social with the message 'Robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead,' drawing fierce condemnation from Democrats.
Trump-Xi Summit on Hold as Iran Conflict Reshapes US-China Relations
The planned US-China summit has been put on hold as the White House focuses on the Iran conflict and dispatches thousands of troops to the Persian Gulf. Trump also signaled a possible delay to the Beijing summit while the US pressures China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met his Chinese counterpart He Lifeng in Paris, keeping diplomatic channels open even as Trump raised tariff stakes with a new Section 301 trade probe against China.
Trump Threatens to Send ICE to Airports Amid DHS Funding Standoff
President Trump threatened to deploy ICE agents to provide airport security as TSA staff have gone without pay for weeks due to a partial government shutdown. The standoff stems from Democrats refusing to greenlight DHS funding without changes to immigration enforcement practices. The move escalates an already tense battle over government spending and immigration policy heading into the midterm election cycle.
Democrats Search for Authentic Candidates Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Democrats are pinning hopes on locally authentic candidates like Iowa gubernatorial hopeful Rob Sand β a deer-hunting Democrat who is attracting support from self-described 'super-Republicans' β as the party tries to rebuild its connection with working-class and rural voters after heavy losses in 2024. The strategy reflects a broader reckoning within the party about identity, messaging, and geographic reach. The midterms are shaping up as a critical test of whether Democrats can recalibrate their appeal beyond their traditional urban base.