Donald Trump has dropped his federal lawsuit against Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer, the Des Moines Register, and Gannett, alleging the survey falsely boosted Kamala Harris’s chances during the 2024 election. The case was dismissed without prejudice after the president’s legal team was denied requests to move the lawsuit out of federal court, and a similar complaint was subsequently filed in Iowa district court. Selzer’s attorney stated that there was no settlement involved, and the newspaper will continue to defend its First Amendment rights. This withdrawal occurs alongside a separate $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News, which is expected to reach a settlement.
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An Iran-linked hacking group has threatened to release a trove of emails allegedly stolen from Donald Trump’s aides, including Roger Stone and Susie Wiles, according to Reuters. The group, which previously released emails during the 2024 presidential campaign, claims to possess approximately 100 gigabytes of data. U.S. officials, including CISA, have condemned the threat as a “calculated smear campaign” and warned of consequences for those involved in the potential national security breach. The hackers’ motive shifted after Trump’s intervention in the Iran-Israel crisis and the release of information to news outlets.
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Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, has intensified his criticism of Donald Trump’s tax and budget legislation as the Senate prepared to vote on the bill. Musk declared his intent to support primary challenges against Republican lawmakers who vote in favor of the legislation, citing concerns over the bill’s potential to increase the national debt. The tech entrepreneur, who has previously expressed interest in slashing government spending, also renewed his call for a new political party to address the issue. Furthermore, he specifically criticized certain Republican members of the House Freedom Caucus.
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Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada resumed Monday morning after Canada scrapped its digital services tax targeting large technology firms. Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to continue talks, aiming for the previously set July 21 deadline. The White House Press Secretary stated Canada “caved” to Trump’s demands, who had ended trade discussions over the tax. Despite the reversal, Canada remains in discussions with G7 allies regarding an international tax, and both sides express optimism about reaching an agreement within the established timeframe.
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The Independent is committed to providing in-depth reporting, and at a critical time in US history, it’s essential to analyze facts and messaging. Elon Musk has publicly criticized the “big, beautiful bill” by Donald Trump and the Republican Congress, vowing to fund primary challenges against any lawmaker who voted for the legislation. The bill aims to extend the 2017 GOP tax cuts and fund a massive expansion of mass deportation efforts, facing opposition from Musk due to concerns over increased national debt. Musk’s criticisms have been a significant departure from his previous close relationship with Trump, marking a shift in their dynamic.
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The U.S. dollar has experienced its worst start to a year since 1973, primarily due to President Trump’s trade policies, concerns about growing public debt, and questions surrounding the Federal Reserve’s independence. The dollar’s decline coincides with the Senate’s consideration of Trump’s tax-cutting bill, which is projected to significantly increase the deficit. Trump’s approach to trade, characterized by reciprocal tariffs and pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates, has contributed to the dollar’s weakness. Furthermore, Trump has openly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, raising concerns about the central bank’s independence and potentially influencing monetary policy, which could further erode the dollar’s value.
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During a recent interview on Fox News, President Donald Trump was heavily criticized for referring to Japan’s leader as “Mr. Japan” while discussing potential tariff negotiations. The former president stated he would prefer to send letters to countries outlining tariff rates, including a letter to “Mr. Japan,” which prompted widespread mockery online. Social media users reacted with harsh criticism, comparing the statement unfavorably to similar hypothetical situations involving President Biden. The remarks were widely seen as disrespectful and unprofessional.
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Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa declaring US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “enemies of God” due to their perceived threats against Iran’s leadership. This decree calls upon Muslims globally to unite against the leaders, viewing any support for them as forbidden. A “mohareb,” or enemy of God, under Iranian law, can face severe penalties, including execution. This fatwa, mirroring past instances of religious decrees, was issued following a period of heightened conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US, with the fatwa urging Muslims to make the leaders regret their actions.
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The author, inspired by a recent Supreme Court ruling on parental rights regarding LGBTQ+ material in schools, argues that this decision allows them to shield their children from any lessons about Donald Trump. They believe that teaching children about Trump’s presidency could implicitly normalize behaviors they deem immoral, such as lying and bullying, which conflicts with their religious beliefs. The author draws parallels to the Supreme Court’s reasoning, citing the potential for classroom materials to undermine parental values. They conclude that any mention of Trump in the classroom could be seen as an endorsement of his actions and therefore an infringement upon their right to raise their children according to their faith.
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In a recent interview, Senator Lindsey Graham announced that former President Trump supports a new sanctions bill targeting Russia’s energy trade. The legislation proposes a 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian energy, aiming to curb funding for the war in Ukraine. Graham specifically noted China and India, major buyers of Russian oil, as targets. The bill, postponed previously, is expected to be voted on after the July recess and is designed to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker