The proposed White House ballroom project, privately funded, has undergone significant changes since its announcement, including an increased capacity and cost. Concerns have been raised about whether former President Trump adhered to historical rules during the construction of the ballroom. Trump reportedly encouraged construction teams to disregard traditional permitting and zoning regulations, as highlighted by a New York Times report. To facilitate the project, Trump replaced key members of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission with loyalists.
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Breaking news reveals a stunning turn of events regarding former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was serving a lengthy sentence for cocaine trafficking. Despite his conviction and the prospect of decades in prison, Hernández is now slated for release. This dramatic shift follows an intervention by former President Trump, who, interrupting his holiday, declared he would issue a full pardon for Hernández. This decision comes just before Honduras’s elections and follows Trump’s endorsement of the presidential candidate from Hernández’s party.
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The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Alina Habba, former personal attorney to President Trump, unlawfully served as US attorney for New Jersey, potentially impacting similar appointments. The court determined the Trump administration circumvented the Senate confirmation process, rendering Habba’s appointment illegal. This decision could have repercussions in other jurisdictions without Senate-confirmed US attorneys, and it builds upon a district court decision that threw out indictments in Virginia. The Justice Department could appeal the ruling, while criminal cases in the affected districts continue with some trials or sentencings being postponed.
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The White House is now deflecting blame for the killing of survivors from a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, shifting responsibility from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Admiral Frank Bradley, who ordered the deaths of survivors. Despite the act being a potential war crime, as defined by the Department of Defense, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt maintains it was legal. The incident involved the destruction of a boat allegedly used for drug smuggling, with President Trump claiming the attack killed “narcoterrorists.” However, there is no evidence of fentanyl being found on the boats, and they were not en route to the U.S.
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Costco Wholesale is suing the Trump administration, contesting the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), seeking a full refund of duties paid. The lawsuit argues that the IEEPA doesn’t explicitly authorize the President to set tariffs. This legal challenge follows the Supreme Court’s review of the tariff agenda, where justices expressed skepticism. Costco, like several other major companies, is seeking refunds, having previously absorbed costs on imported goods such as pineapples and bananas to protect customer prices.
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A new report details how President Trump has allegedly transformed the presidency into a personal money-making venture, enriching himself and his family through cryptocurrency schemes. These schemes are intertwined with foreign governments, corporate allies, and criminal actors, allowing Trump to amass billions while dismantling anti-corruption safeguards. The report further documents how the administration has halted investigations into crypto firms that have financially supported the President and his ventures, and also reveals pardons and the rollback of sanctions for individuals connected to his financial dealings. The report emphasizes the urgent need for congressional reforms to address the severe weaknesses in existing laws that enable such alleged corruption.
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During a Sunday interview, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem struggled to address the fact that the suspected National Guard shooter’s asylum request was approved during the Trump administration. Noem instead shifted blame to the Biden administration, stating that vetting procedures were lacking under Biden, despite the asylum being granted in April after Trump had assumed office. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 and is accused of firing on National Guard members, resulting in one fatality. Critics on social media have also pointed to the appointment of Thomas Fugate, a former landscaper, to head up U.S. terror prevention as a potential security concern.
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Responding to a reporter’s question about pardoning a drug trafficker, the subject feigned ignorance and struggled to offer a clear justification. The subject then stated that the request came from Honduras, suggesting it was a political maneuver orchestrated by individuals associated with the current administration. The subject’s response continued with a rambling explanation, implying that the subject had been influenced by external pressures.
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The upcoming special election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, a Republican stronghold, has become surprisingly competitive. Democrats are pouring significant resources into the race, aiming to capitalize on a shift in political dynamics. Despite the Republican candidate, Matt Van Epps, leading in polls, the race is tightening, evidenced by a recent poll showing a narrow lead. The shift is also reflected in the fact that the Republican candidate is distancing himself from Trump. A close result could signal trouble for Republicans in other districts, highlighting the potential consequences of Trump’s declining favorability in the area.
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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national and former member of a CIA-backed unit, is accused of shooting two National Guard members near Washington, D.C. The alleged attack occurred after Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues, financial hardship, and a perceived lack of support from the U.S. government. Having served with the CIA in Afghanistan and resettled in the United States, Lakanwal faced difficulties finding employment and accessing immigration services. Despite undergoing extensive vetting, he was reportedly experiencing isolation and sought help from a CIA program for veterans, though his requests appear to have been ignored.
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John Q. Hosedrinker