All articles tagged with #politics
President Donald Trump announced Ric Grenell will step down as Kennedy Center president, with Matt Floca set to succeed him as the venue prepares for a two-year renovation; Grenell had steered controversial programming and branding changes that drew backlash from many artists and lawmakers.
The White House is seeking to build a 33,000-square-foot underground security screening center beneath Sherman Park to streamline visitor checks, with seven lanes and a target to open by July 2028, as part of a broader grounds overhaul. The plan, developed with the Secret Service and National Park Service, will be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission in April, and a separate proposal for a 90,000-square-foot building with a ballroom at the former East Wing site is also under consideration, while the Sherman Park monument would remain intact.
A Fort Worth federal jury convicted eight protesters of providing material support to terrorists for wearing black bloc clothing during a July 4 demonstration outside the Prairieland ICE facility, and convicted Benjamin Song on attempted murder and firearm charges after he shot a police officer. Several co-defendants were acquitted on attempted murder counts. The case also involved related convictions and highlights prosecutors’ use of material support charges against alleged antifa members, a novel approach in domestic terrorism prosecutions and a potential bellwether for future cases.
Trump uses the Defense Production Act to force Sable Offshore to resume operations on the Santa Ynez Unit and its pipeline along the Santa Barbara coast, arguing the move will strengthen U.S. oil supply amid the Iran war and rising gas prices; Gov. Newsom vows legal action and environmentalists warn of spill risks, while critics say the restart would have limited impact on prices.
A U.S. District Judge in D.C. quashed two grand-jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve Board, ruling they were issued to harass Powell into complying with the President’s demands or resigning rather than for a legitimate investigation; he ordered the subpoenas unsealed (with redactions); the ruling underscores Fed independence amid Republican-led pressure, while the Justice Department’s attorney Pirro criticized the decision and signaled an appeal.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed HB 2938, requiring businesses to round cash totals to the nearest 5 cents when pennies aren’t available, with pennies still accepted; rounding rules are 1,2,6,7 down to the nearest 5 and 3,4,8,9 up to the next 5, while 0 and 5 remain unchanged.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cooled his earlier alignment with Trump over regime change in Iran, warning that the war is raising Germany’s energy costs and risking migration and broader economic and security damage; he now questions the exit strategy and says Berlin should pursue ending the conflict through talks with the G7 and Israel, amid coalition pressure and EU concern over Ukraine and Russia.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright used the Defense Production Act to approve restarting an offshore California oil pipeline operated by Sable Offshore, framing the move as reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil and bolstering national security amid Iran-related supply disruptions. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state regulators have criticized the action as illegal and prepared for legal challenges, highlighting a broad clash between federal authority and California’s coastal drilling oversight.
Amid the partial government shutdown, TSA employees continue to work without pay, prompting airports to set up donation drives and food pantries; donations are limited to non-cash gifts under $20, while security lines have fluctuated as lawmakers clash over DHS funding.
Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., moved to drop two misdemeanor counts against Jan Carey for burning an American flag outside the White House—a protest linked to a Trump executive order directing the DOJ to investigate flag burning. The counts targeted where or how the fire was lit and were punishable by a fine or up to six months in jail. Carey had pleaded not guilty. The move comes amid a broader clash between the president’s order and the First Amendment’s protection of symbolic speech.
As the Iran conflict stretches on, Vice President JD Vance has offered a notably restrained public stance, refraining from strong personal commentary and frequently echoing the president’s perspective. Reports suggest he initially counseled against a broader war but shifted to align with Trump’s push for a swift strike, while his sparse social media presence raises questions about potential political risk and distance ahead of a possible 2028 bid.
President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at boosting home ownership by cutting federal housing regulatory burdens and speeding up the mortgage process: the first directs agencies to streamline permitting, curb certain environmental rules, and promote state-local best practices to reduce construction costs; the second asks the CFPB to modify mortgage guidelines under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act to allow more lending by smaller banks, with the goal of lowering borrowing costs. Officials caution that effects may take months and depend on state policies, amid already high home prices and mortgage rates.
As the DHS shutdown nears its second month, roughly 90% of more than 260,000 employees are working without full pay, having received only partial wages earlier; most are in an “excepted” status and will be paid after funding resumes, while some components (like CBP and ICE) are still paid with discretionary funds. The unpaid period is straining employees’ finances and contributing to longer security wait times at airports, as lawmakers remain deadlocked on a funding agreement. Back pay is expected once funding returns, but not any additional compensation for late bills, prompting calls for legislation to guarantee pay during future lapses.
Trump issued two executive orders to streamline homebuilding and expand mortgage access via community banks, aiming to boost housing supply and affordability as Congress wrestles with reconciling two bipartisan housing bills. One order targets environmental reviews and energy standards for housing; the other seeks easier compliance for smaller lenders and updates mortgage processes, potentially serving as an off‑ramp if legislative talks stall.
Florida lawmakers approved the state’s version of the SAVE America Act, requiring citizenship verification for voters and removing student IDs as valid identification, with provisional ballots issued if citizenship cannot be verified. Gov. DeSantis is expected to sign the measure. Democrats and civil‑rights groups argue it creates voting hurdles and suppresses participation, citing concerns about barriers for students, seniors and naturalized citizens. The bill would apply verification to all registered voters not yet confirmed as citizens, as Florida’s election security posture comes under renewed national scrutiny.