The Trump administration has instructed 40 states, five territories, and Washington, D.C., to eliminate references to transgender people from their sex education programs within the federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) or risk losing funding. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) sent letters demanding the removal of “gender ideology” from curricula, citing a need to reflect the intent of Congress. This directive follows the termination of $12 million in PREP funding for California after they refused to remove transgender-related content. These actions align with the administration’s broader efforts to restrict federal recognition of transgender individuals and the use of federal funds for programs that include them.
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The White House has relied on former White House physician Ronny Jackson to vouch for Donald Trump’s health, despite Jackson’s history of controversy and loss of his full medical license. Jackson, who has remained a staunch Trump supporter, stated that Trump is the “healthiest president this nation has ever seen.” Jackson was forced to withdraw from a nomination to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs due to allegations of over-prescribing medication and inappropriate behavior. Despite these issues, the White House has employed Jackson to comment on Trump’s health concerns, including his swollen ankles and bruised hands.
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In a lengthy televised Cabinet meeting, President Trump delivered a rambling, stream-of-consciousness monologue that lasted over three hours. The President touched on numerous topics, from tariffs on furniture and his plans for artificial intelligence to his views on drug prices and the potential use of military in U.S. cities. Trump also offered unusual compliments, mixed up company names, and critiqued various politicians.
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A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit against all 15 federal judges in Maryland, ruling the Justice Department lacked the legal standing to limit court power in immigration cases. Judge Thomas Cullen, a Trump appointee, criticized the administration for its efforts to smear the justice system and its unprecedented challenge to the judiciary. The lawsuit stemmed from a Maryland court rule that temporarily blocked the removal of immigration detainees who challenged their deportation, a practice the Justice Department deemed unlawful. The government has appealed Cullen’s ruling, which asserted that the executive branch couldn’t sue judges over judicial actions, to the 4th US Circuit of Appeals.
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A former senior US official revealed that the Biden administration considered publicly criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for hindering ceasefire and hostage release negotiations with Hamas but refrained due to concerns it would harden Hamas’s stance. The US believed Netanyahu was intransigent on multiple occasions, even adding conditions and delaying agreements. Delays occurred, such as when Netanyahu insisted on maintaining troops in the Philadelphi Corridor, adding further complications to the negotiations. The official concluded that the US prioritized a hostage deal more than Israel.
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The Trump administration announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on Indian products, as indicated in a draft notice released on Monday. This action signals the White House’s intention to escalate trade measures, coinciding with potential challenges in ongoing peace negotiations. The Department of Homeland Security’s notice specified that the increased tariffs would apply to Indian goods entering the US market on or after August 27, 2025. This policy reflects the administration’s commitment to its trade agenda.
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On Monday evening, a man ignited a U.S. flag in Lafayette Square, directly across from the White House. The act was a protest against President Trump’s executive order regarding flag burning. Despite the demonstration’s nature, the man was not charged for burning the flag or violating the executive order. Instead, he was arrested and charged with violating federal park regulations against setting fires.
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Under pressure from the Trump administration’s investigation into gender-affirming care for minors, Michigan Medicine announced it would halt the provision of hormone therapy and puberty blockers for patients under 19. This decision, prompted by federal subpoenas and escalating threats, has caused significant concern among parents and advocacy groups. The hospital system stated it will continue to offer other support services but is facing potential legal issues and civil rights violations. This comes amidst the backdrop of a broader national debate surrounding the legality and necessity of such care for transgender youth, with the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics supporting gender-affirming care.
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Following an FBI raid on John Bolton’s home and office related to classified documents, the former national security advisor criticized Trump’s Ukraine policy in a recent op-ed. Bolton argued that Trump’s attempts to negotiate peace with both Russia and Ukraine were incoherent and counterproductive, potentially hindering a just settlement. Trump, who claims he was unaware of the raid until after it occurred, has been at odds with Bolton since 2019. Vice President JD Vance stated the investigation into Bolton is in its early stages and driven by the national interest.
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President Trump faced criticism after displaying a large banner featuring his likeness and the slogan “American Workers First” outside the Department of Labor. The unveiling followed Trump’s praise for his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded with a social media post mocking Trump by sharing a picture of Kim Jong Un with a similar caption. This incident is reminiscent of earlier instances where Trump displayed his image on government buildings, drawing comparisons to authoritarian leaders and sparking accusations of dictatorial tendencies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump’s Awkward Bondi Flirting: 3-Hour Cabinet Meeting Ramble
In a lengthy televised Cabinet meeting, President Trump delivered a rambling, stream-of-consciousness monologue that lasted over three hours. The President touched on numerous topics, from tariffs on furniture and his plans for artificial intelligence to his views on drug prices and the potential use of military in U.S. cities. Trump also offered unusual compliments, mixed up company names, and critiqued various politicians.
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