In a new biography, it is alleged that Donald Trump provided Prince Andrew with a list of masseuses after a discussion about “p—y” in the year 2000. The book also claims a physical altercation occurred between Prince Harry and Prince Andrew in 2013. Furthermore, the book details that Prince Andrew openly criticized Meghan Markle and warned Prince Harry against marrying her. Prince Harry has denied all of these allegations.
Following the firing of a top Bureau of Labor Statistics official, Donald Trump’s team scrambled to explain the decision, citing concerns about the reliability of jobs data. The former president accused the official of manipulating figures, though no evidence supported these claims. While some administration officials pointed to data revisions as a justification for the firing, critics, including former government officials, condemned the move as undermining the integrity of the agency. The episode has raised concerns about the politicization of economic data and its potential impact on market confidence.
Despite efforts to distance himself, former President Trump’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell continue to resurface as a persistent issue. Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason and POLITICO Magazine senior writer Ankush Khardori offer analysis on why the topic remains unavoidable. The issue’s longevity highlights the ongoing challenges the former president faces in fully severing himself from the controversy. This continuing scrutiny underscores the enduring impact of the association.
To prevent a vote on redistricting legislation, members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus reportedly fled the state, denying the Republican-controlled chamber a quorum. This move, intended to delay the passage of maps perceived as a direct assault on voting rights, was motivated by accusations that the legislation, spearheaded by Governor Greg Abbott, aimed to benefit Republicans through gerrymandering. The Democrats, asserting moral clarity, are resisting what they describe as a rigged system, as the special session was originally called for disaster relief. In response to this action, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom of California has indicated he would consider retaliatory measures in his state if Texas proceeds with the redistricting.
O’Rourke warned that the redrawing of Texas congressional maps could lead to a third Trump term, emphasizing the importance of fighting to win. He stated that Texas Democrats can deny Republicans the votes needed to certify the maps. O’Rourke urged Democrats to focus on redistricting and gaining more seats in other states. He expressed concern that without significant Democratic action, the 2026 election could be “stolen,” potentially paving the way for Trump’s return.
Ryan Routh, the suspect in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, has been barred from accessing classified information related to his case due to national security concerns. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted the government’s request for a protective order, citing the potential for “serious damage” if the information were disclosed. The Justice Department, invoking the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA), argued that the classified material’s disclosure could harm national security. Routh, who is representing himself, is scheduled for trial in September and faces multiple charges, including firearm violations, with prosecutors seeking to exclude potentially irrelevant evidence he intends to present.
Stephen Colbert humorously criticized President Trump’s attempt to distance himself from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, by inviting convicted sex offender Lawrence Taylor to a White House event promoting a rebooted Presidential Fitness Test. Colbert mocked Trump’s choice of guest, highlighting the irony of associating with a sex offender while seemingly trying to distance himself from Epstein. The segment also touched upon Trump’s recent frustration with the ongoing focus on his ties to Epstein, especially in light of the yet-unreleased “Epstein Files.” Colbert concluded by sarcastically suggesting Trump’s fitness regimen, poking fun at the former president’s lifestyle.
In Texas, a political battle is unfolding as Republicans, at the request of former President Trump, propose a redrawn congressional map that would likely add five Republican seats before the midterms. This move is viewed by Democrats as a scheme to rig the election and dilute the power of communities of color. Democrats have discussed tactics to try and prevent the bill from passing. This is occurring due to a Supreme Court ruling that allows partisan gerrymandering and the absence of federal legislation against it.
In a bid to obstruct proposed congressional maps, Texas House Democrats left the state, aiming to prevent a Republican-led effort that could solidify the party’s hold on the U.S. House. The Democrats’ absence, which breaks quorum and halts legislative proceedings, was a strategic move made just before the vote on maps that favor Republicans. In response, Democratic governors, including Illinois’ JB Pritzker, offered support and welcomed the Texas lawmakers. This exodus aims to delay votes on redistricting and flood relief measures, while Republicans, supported by figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton, have vowed to take action to ensure Democrats return.
The White House publicized President Trump’s victory at the Men’s Senior Club Championship at his Bedminster golf club, showcasing a score of 69. This announcement follows allegations of cheating on another course, with a video from a Scotland trip sparking accusations of improper ball placement. Despite these claims, Trump’s impressive handicap of around 2 and the praise of professional golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, highlight his skill. The president’s consistent engagement with golf, including frequent play during his term, fuels the ongoing debate about the veracity of his scores.
John Q. Hosedrinker