Aug 9, 2026
The United States Treasury Department sanctioned two Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchanges, Shelbit and Aban Tether, alleging they processed billions of dollars in transactions for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and facilitated sanctions evasion. The action is part of the Trump administration's 'Economic Fury' campaign targeting Iranian financial networks.
The Trump administration is granting states increased flexibility over federal education funding through waivers while simultaneously proposing to eliminate many Head Start program regulations. Six states have received waivers to consolidate over $109 million in federal education funding as part of broader efforts to dismantle the Education Department.
The U.S. Senate confirmed James Macy and David Prouty to the National Labor Relations Board on August 7, 2026, shifting its composition to a 3-1 Republican majority. The confirmations — part of a 74-nominee en bloc package passed 51–47 — give Republicans the three votes required by Board tradition to overturn union-friendly precedents set during the Biden era.
The United States is pressing ahead with negotiations to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles domestically, even after President Donald Trump publicly cast doubt on the deal. Ukrainian officials reveal they have been seeking production licenses for two years amid urgent defense needs against Russian attacks.
Missouri State Senator Rick Brattin won the Republican primary for the redrawn 5th Congressional District with President Trump's endorsement, setting up a November general election challenge against 11-term Democratic incumbent Emanuel Cleaver in a district that was redistricted to favor Republicans.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a US-backed peace plan for Gaza, stating Israel will not withdraw from current positions until Hamas is completely disarmed. The statement contradicts terms proposed by the Board of Peace and threatens to derail Trump administration efforts to broker a Gaza settlement.
Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have formally requested the Securities and Exchange Commission investigate President Donald Trump's memecoin, which he launched days before his 2025 inauguration, alleging it may constitute fraud or an illegal 'rug pull' scheme. The inquiry comes amid polling showing 55% of voters disapprove of Trump's billion-dollar cryptocurrency earnings.
President Donald Trump announced he is halting new military strikes against Iran, stating that Middle East allies have agreed to the parameters of a deal to end the five-month conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a rapid agreement being finalized.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday granting federal officials authority to block exports of electronic waste and old batteries containing critical minerals, aiming to boost domestic recycling and reduce dependence on China for materials vital to national security.
Italy and the United States are set to sign a cooperation agreement on the Pax Silica initiative focused on artificial intelligence supply chains on Friday, according to Italy's foreign ministry. The agreement comes after a reported dispute with Trump.
Ukrainian forces hit two of Russia's largest oil refineries in overnight long-range strikes on Wednesday, just hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump in Washington. The attacks are part of Ukraine's sustained campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure that has contributed to fuel shortages across Russia.
Far-right conspiracy theorist and longtime Trump ally Alex Jones has dramatically broken with the president, calling for his impeachment over his handling of the Iran conflict, which Jones described as 'absolutely out of control' while warning of preparations for a national draft.
President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out the $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault. The DOJ is separately seeking to replace Trump as the defendant by invoking federal law.
More than half of children facing deportation orders are representing themselves in immigration courts, according to Department of Justice data, while thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children risk losing their attorneys due to Trump administration cuts to legal aid funding.
President Donald Trump announced he will add the cost of wildfire pollution to existing tariffs on Canadian goods, blaming Canada for smoke from wildfires that has triggered air quality warnings across the Midwest and Northeast United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the threat 'unacceptable.'
President Donald Trump gave a primetime speech accusing China of meddling in the 2020 election and claiming vulnerabilities in U.S. voting systems, without providing new evidence. The address, which came ahead of November midterm elections, was criticized by experts as undermining confidence in American electoral integrity.
President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington on Wednesday, less than an hour after he was unanimously appointed by federal judges and sworn into office. The firing highlights tensions between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary over prosecutorial appointments.
President Donald Trump overturned a temporary suspension of ICE vehicle stops that had been announced following two fatal shootings by immigration agents in Texas and Maine. Trump called traffic stops one of ICE's "most important and effective" enforcement tools, reversing the policy within a day amid criticism from his political base.
Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for top U.S. intelligence chief, appeared at his delayed confirmation hearing where lawmakers questioned him about subpoenas he issued to New York Times journalists in his current role as U.S. attorney for Manhattan. Democrats expressed concerns about potential interference with midterm elections.
The US military launched airstrikes targeting Iranian defense and missile installations on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump pledging to intensify bombardment until Iran stops attacking ships and reopens the strategic waterway.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Republican senators at the White House on Thursday afternoon to address the final obstacle to passing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act: an ethics provision concerning Trump's $1.4 billion in crypto income. Senate Democrats are threatening to block the bill without stronger conflict-of-interest protections before the August recess deadline.
The United States launched air strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night while Iran retaliated with cruise missile attacks on tankers in the Gulf. President Trump reversed his decision to impose a 20% fee on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz just one day after announcing the controversial measure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that the Trump administration is launching a major effort to dismantle the International Criminal Court, calling it a threat to U.S. sovereignty and urging other countries to join the campaign against the global institution.
President Donald Trump declared the United States will become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the strategic waterway, while simultaneously announcing the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iran. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions with Iran and includes U.S. military strikes.
President Donald Trump announced he will not sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in protest of the Senate's failure to pass the SAVE America Act, a strict voter ID measure. The housing bill will still become law automatically at midnight without his signature since he did not veto it.
President Donald Trump warned via Truth Social that the US military would 'decimate and destroy all areas of Iran' if he is assassinated, as regional diplomatic efforts continue with Oman reportedly proposing a plan to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic through separately controlled routes.
FBI Director Kash Patel is under investigation by congressional Democrats over alleged misuse of taxpayer funds for luxury expenses including private jets, BMW vehicles, and helicopter tours. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has privately pressed Patel on whether he reimbursed the government for personal travel, marking rare Republican criticism of the Trump appointee.
President Donald Trump doubled down on his push for U.S. control of Greenland during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, threatening to undermine allies if they don't comply. Republican Representative Don Bacon publicly rebuked Trump's comments as 'foolish,' having previously suggested the president could face impeachment over any invasion attempt.
Manhattan federal court Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered the release of $5.8 million from escrow to writer E. Jean Carroll, three years after a jury awarded her damages in a 2023 sexual abuse and defamation trial against Donald Trump. Trump has appealed the decision.
President Donald Trump announced he would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air-defense interceptors under U.S. license, a potential diplomatic breakthrough for Kyiv. However, defense experts and Ukrainian officials caution the complex process could take years to implement and won't address Ukraine's immediate air defense needs against Russian attacks.
Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will appear before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on July 15 for her confirmation hearing.
President Donald Trump has sharply escalated his anti-communism rhetoric over the past two weeks, invoking the term 81 times while warning of a communist takeover of the Democratic Party. His political team is testing whether this messaging strategy will resonate with voters beyond his core base ahead of the November midterm elections.
The United States military conducted air strikes against targets in southern Iran in retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Trump administration simultaneously revoked sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales. Iran has vowed a 'crushing response' to the strikes.
John Brennan filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday seeking a court order to compel officials to preserve records from Justice Department investigations targeting him. His attorneys claim he is being 'vindictively singled out for investigation' over what Brennan calls 'phantom criminal conduct.'
President Donald Trump's annual financial disclosure reveals he earned over $1.4 billion from family cryptocurrency business ventures during 2025, his first year back in office. The 927-page filing released Tuesday shows substantial profits from crypto operations while investors in these ventures reportedly faced losses.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump's executive order that sought to deny citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily, affirming the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
John Bolton, who served as national security adviser during Donald Trump's first administration, pleaded guilty to illegally retaining classified information related to notes he compiled for a book. He pleaded guilty to one count of an 18-count indictment.
US President Donald Trump gave his first public comments on Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister, describing him as 'extremely liberal' and predicting he won't open the North Sea to more oil drilling. Trump also downplayed Burnham's political experience by referring to him as merely a 'mayor of a town.'
The Trump administration has reached a breakthrough agreement with Iran to end hostilities, drawing praise from Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, but facing criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked Israeli critics of the deal, causing divisions among Republicans.
The United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday, allowing oil tankers to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim peace agreement. The deal, which starts a 60-day clock for final negotiations, drew sharp criticism from Israeli leaders, prompting Vice President JD Vance to tell Israel to "wake up and smell the reality" of its international isolation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed the UK to playing its "full part" in reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, following a significant agreement with Iran brokered by US President Donald Trump. The announcement came during G7 meetings where Starmer and Trump met face-to-face.
President Trump's White House ballroom construction costs have spiraled to $600 million, with taxpayers footing roughly half the bill according to financial records obtained by The Washington Post—significantly more than previously disclosed.
The United States and Iran have signed an interim ceasefire agreement ending their war, with the deal covering issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon. Lebanese families are beginning to return to damaged towns in southern Lebanon as the fragile truce takes hold, though President Trump has threatened to resume attacks if Iran fails to honor commitments.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Ireland where he has taken a more conciliatory approach toward the United States, drawing positive response from Trump's Canada envoy. Ireland is attempting to maintain good relations with both countries while staying neutral in the ongoing Canada-US dispute.
President Donald Trump threatened major military strikes on Iran and seizure of Kharg Island, the country's critical oil export terminal, following fresh attacks on U.S. bases in the region. Trump vowed to take control of Iran's oil and gas infrastructure as tensions push the Middle East closer to full-scale war.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Tirana, Albania's capital, in the largest protest to date against a luxury resort development planned by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Protesters chanted 'Albania is not for sale' in opposition to the project.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released its first-ever independent vaccine recommendations for pregnant women, advising COVID-19, flu, RSV, and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy. The guidance diverges from current CDC recommendations, which were modified under the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump has formally nominated Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer who has been serving as acting attorney general, to permanently lead the Department of Justice as the nation's top law enforcement officer.
Armenians voted in parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, with exit polls showing the pro-EU ruling party in the lead as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and deepen cooperation with the West despite mounting Russian pressure.
The Trump administration announced new economic sanctions targeting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife, and members of the Castro family, marking the latest escalation in US pressure on Cuba's leadership amid ongoing food shortages and blackouts on the island.
Paralympic gold medalist Josh Turek won Iowa's Democratic Senate primary, while Trump-endorsed Rep. Ashley Hinson won the Republican nomination for the state's open Senate seat, setting up a competitive general election race.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 2, 2026, creating a voluntary framework for the federal government to review powerful AI models for cybersecurity and national security risks before public release. The order comes less than two weeks after Trump postponed a previous White House AI ceremony over concerns about hampering American AI competitiveness.
President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard. The appointment has drawn criticism from Democrats who cite Pulte's lack of national security experience for the role overseeing the U.S. intelligence community.
The White House Correspondents' Association announced the annual dinner will be held July 24, nearly three months after the April event was canceled when shots were fired at the venue. Trump said he will attend.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the formation of a new center-left minority coalition government after months of negotiations following inconclusive elections in March 2026. The agreement maintains her leadership amid ongoing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland.
At least eight people were killed in Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon shortly after President Trump announced a partial ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Trump reportedly called Netanyahu to prevent a planned Israeli strike on Beirut, with the Israeli leader agreeing to scale back operations, though fighting continued in southern Lebanon.
President Trump issued an executive order directing federal regulators to tighten fraud screening and limit credit lines for undocumented immigrants, a move experts say could drive increased adoption of stablecoins and Bitcoin ATMs among affected populations.
New CDC data shows approximately 8% of Americans lacked health insurance in 2025, maintaining recent lows. However, experts warn the uninsured rate could increase as the Trump administration implements sweeping changes to health policy.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols in Washington, D.C. declined to immediately block President Trump's executive order tightening rules on mail-in voting and creating a federal voter list, though he left the door open for Democratic challengers to pursue the case after implementation steps are taken.
Representative Mike Collins has brought on several of President Trump's top political advisers to his campaign team ahead of a Georgia Senate runoff election, signaling strong Trump-aligned support for his candidacy.
President Trump appointed former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to a White House advisory committee focused on artificial intelligence policy, according to Axios. Bondi is also scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is weakening in negotiations to end a nearly three-month-old conflict, while dismissing accusations that he is trying to rush a deal before November's midterm elections. Trump moved a planned Cabinet meeting from Camp David to the White House, citing weather concerns, as talks with Tehran intensify.
The United States military carried out strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and boats allegedly laying naval mines in southern Iran on Monday, according to US Central Command. The military action, described as self-defense measures, comes amid ongoing tensions even as President Trump indicated negotiations were progressing.
Taiwan appealed to President Trump to stay the course on weapons sales following his Friday comments delaying approval of a $14 billion arms sale. US Trade Representative later said Trump is 'considering' how to approach the deal.
A nonpartisan federal agency estimated that a national missile defense system would cost $1.2 trillion to build and maintain over 20 years, seven times Trump's initial estimate and nearly double the CBO's first projection.
An Iran ceasefire agreement appears to be collapsing while financial markets experience heightened volatility, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold talks at Gimhae Air Base in Busan, South Korea in October 2025.
Trump Media & Technology Group reported a $406 million net loss for Q1 2026, with $389 million in unrealized losses on digital assets and equity securities. The losses were dominated by cryptocurrency and equity markdowns.
The New York Times reports that Trump administration cuts to infectious disease research funding and staffing, including disease detectives, have compromised U.S. preparedness for the ongoing hantavirus cruise ship outbreak. The CDC's response is being led by its Global Migration Health division as seven states prepare to receive potentially exposed passengers.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary General and Danish Prime Minister, called for creation of a new European defense alliance independent of the US, warning of NATO's potential disintegration. The statement reflects growing European concerns about US commitment to collective defense amid Trump's Iran war policies.
Six former FDA officials shared their reasons for leaving the agency following significant staffing cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration. The departures come amid concerns about the agency's capacity to respond to public health threats like the ongoing hantavirus outbreak.
President Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo over the pontiff's stance on Iran, accusing him of endangering Catholics, while the Pope denied Trump's claim that he supports nuclear weapons. The dispute comes ahead of Secretary of State Rubio's trip to Rome and marks what Vatican officials describe as an unprecedented low in U.S.-Vatican relations.
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez called on the EU to activate its blocking statute against US sanctions, specifically targeting those imposed on officials defending international justice. The blocking law was previously applied against US sanctions during the Trump administration.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed the US-Iran ceasefire remains in effect despite recent military activity around the Strait of Hormuz, as the Trump administration works to finalize a broader agreement. China's foreign minister expressed concern over the conflict in discussions with Iranian officials.
President Trump signed an executive order directing the FDA to expedite reviews of breakthrough psychedelic therapies for PTSD, depression, and trauma, and to reevaluate their status as controlled substances. The order targets substances including psilocybin.
Pope Leo XIV delivered unusually forceful remarks in Cameroon blasting leaders who spend billions on wars, in comments widely seen as directed at US President Trump following their recent public dispute. The Pope urged Cameroon to tackle corruption and called for peace during his four-nation Africa tour.
Trump-backed World Liberty Financial has proposed burning up to 4.52 billion tokens (10% of insider allocation) and implementing 2-5 year vesting schedules for 62.3 billion locked tokens. The proposal has drawn harsh criticism from major investor Justin Sun, who called it an 'absurd governance scam.'
Pakistani officials report a potential 'major breakthrough' in US-Iran talks over Iran's nuclear program, with Trump saying new negotiations could resume within days. Pakistan's army chief traveled to Tehran to facilitate discussions.
World Liberty Financial deposited 5 billion of its own WLFI tokens as collateral on Dolomite to borrow $75 million in stablecoins, which were then sent to Coinbase Prime. The move pushed the lending pool to 100% utilization and triggered a 12% token price drop to record lows.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with President Trump and senior US officials as Trump renewed threats to reconsider US membership in the alliance, calling NATO members 'cowards' and a 'paper tiger' amid tensions over the Iran war.
The SEC acknowledged that some past enforcement actions against cryptocurrency companies lacked clear investor benefit and misinterpreted federal securities laws, marking a significant shift in regulatory approach under Chair Paul Atkins.
Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants as President Trump's Tuesday deadline approaches, with the president threatening to destroy Iran's infrastructure if it doesn't reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the niece and grandniece of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian military commander killed in a 2020 US drone strike. The State Department revoked their green cards, accusing them of being 'outspoken supporters' of Iran.
A US-Israeli strike destroyed the B1 bridge in Karaj, Iran's tallest bridge located 35km from Tehran, killing at least eight people and wounding 95 others. Trump claimed responsibility and warned of 'much more to follow,' while international law experts raised concerns about targeting civilian infrastructure as potential war crimes.
President Trump announced 100% tariffs on brand-name pharmaceutical imports and their active ingredients as part of efforts to bring drug manufacturing to the U.S. The administration is negotiating pricing deals with smaller drugmakers, with numerous carveouts expected.
Italy has denied US military planes carrying weapons for the Iran war access to an airbase in Sicily, with the defense ministry stating the US failed to request parliamentary authorization as required by international treaty. The move follows Spain's earlier closure of its airspace to US combat aircraft.
A new analysis finds that proposed Medicaid cuts could jeopardize hundreds of hospitals across the United States that collectively provide care for approximately 7 million patients, raising concerns about access to healthcare services.
A federal judge granted Anthropic a preliminary injunction ordering the Trump administration to rescind restrictions that had blacklisted the AI company from Defense Department contracts. The ruling represents a significant legal victory in Anthropic's weeks-long standoff with the Pentagon.
AI company Anthropic filed federal lawsuits against the Department of Defense and other agencies on Monday challenging its designation as a "supply chain risk," which followed a Trump administration order to stop using the company's technology. The legal action comes as Anthropic simultaneously launches new products including a code review tool and expands partnerships with Microsoft.
President Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders threatening to impose tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran or provide oil to Cuba, escalating economic pressure on both nations and potentially affecting major trading partners like Mexico.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced his senior campaign team for his 2026 reelection bid, staffing it with prominent Republican strategists including a former Trump pollster. The move signals preparation for a potentially serious challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.