Peter Stone

Donald Trump reportedly generated at least $2.2 billion in business revenue in 2025 while using his second presidency to expand crypto holdings, promote Truth Social ventures and benefit from foreign and wealthy allies. His crypto projects generated major returns for Trump while millions of investors suffered losses, and his proposed $100,000-a-month Truth Social service would give institutional investors early access to his posts. Critics also accuse him of using the Justice Department to secure a favorable IRS settlement and accepting benefits such as a $400 million Qatari aircraft. Legal experts, former officials and congressional Democrats say Trump has removed traditional safeguards against conflicts of interest and created an unprecedented pay-to-play environment. The administration's relaxed crypto oversight, links to Binance and pardon of its former chief executive have intensified those concerns, while Trump Media continues to report heavy losses despite its efforts to monetize presidential access.

Donald Trump delivered more than an hour of remarks at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, shifting from light jokes to partisan attacks on Democrats, journalists and media outlets. He singled out CNN’s Kaitlan Collins and Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, criticized coverage of his administration, promoted his planned White House ballroom and repeated disputed claims about Iran, investment and foreign policy. The event followed an April security incident that interrupted the original dinner. Other developments covered in the liveblog included a court setback for the administration’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, new tariffs on more than 80 countries, Democratic selection of South Carolina to begin the 2028 presidential primary calendar, and an agreement delaying the proposed Warner Bros.–Paramount merger amid an antitrust challenge.

The Trump administration is pursuing sweeping changes to voting rules and greater federal control over state elections, including restrictions on mail voting, citizenship documentation requirements, access to voter rolls and investigations of election workers. Courts, state officials, Democratic governors, voting-rights advocates and some Republicans have resisted, with judges rejecting many Justice Department demands. Critics argue the campaign is intended to intimidate election administrators, depress Democratic turnout and prepare challenges to Republican losses in the November midterms. Trump’s repeated claims of fraud and foreign interference are described as unsupported, while experts warn that federal pressure and the FBI’s renewed Georgia investigation are undermining confidence in elections and the rule of law.

Legal experts and former prosecutors predict that a Democratic takeover of the US House would trigger extensive investigations into Donald Trump’s second-term conduct, including alleged abuses of power, conflicts of interest, and financial corruption. Representative Jamie Raskin is expected to lead aggressive oversight efforts targeting issues such as a proposed $1.8bn slush fund, cryptocurrency ventures, foreign gifts, emoluments violations and the alleged weaponization of the Department of Justice. Critics argue Trump’s actions represent unprecedented corruption, while some Republicans have also expressed concern over specific scandals. Analysts note that Democrats will face strategic choices about where to focus investigative resources, while Trump is likely to respond forcefully and resist oversight. Former officials warn the administration may challenge traditional norms by refusing to comply with congressional inquiries.

Mike Collins won the Republican nomination for US Senate in Georgia and will challenge incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff in November. In other Georgia races, healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson defeated Trump-backed lieutenant governor Burt Jones for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, while Tim Fleming won the Republican secretary of state primary and Penny Brown Reynolds secured the Democratic nomination. The results offered a mixed test of Donald Trump’s influence, with his endorsed candidates winning the Senate contest but losing the governor’s race to Jackson, who spent more than $100 million of his own money. The coverage also examined Trump administration efforts to restrict voting by mail and obtain voter data, which voting-rights groups and election experts say could intimidate voters and election workers.

The Justice Department charged five men over an alleged plan to use explosive-laden drones to trigger an evacuation at the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event and then attack fleeing officials and other high-value targets with snipers; arrests were made in several states, while additional suspects were reportedly still at large. FBI director Kash Patel drew criticism from Secret Service officials for publicizing the investigation before all arrests were completed. The Senate narrowly rejected a Democratic war-powers resolution that would have required Donald Trump to end US hostilities against Iran. At the G7, Trump criticized Benjamin Netanyahu over civilian deaths and Israeli strikes in Lebanon, discussed sending a US-Iran memorandum to Congress, and said he would encourage negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The administration also shifted education and civil-rights responsibilities away from the Department of Education, faced congressional opposition to plans to dismantle a national ocean-monitoring network, and struggled with algae returning to the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

Election experts and former officials warn that the Trump administration is conducting a sweeping effort to restrict voting rights through Justice Department lawsuits, FBI investigations, and executive orders targeting mail-in ballots. Agencies under Trump have been staffed with election denialists who are pursuing discredited fraud claims, alarming states, voting rights groups, and some Republican veterans. Multiple federal lawsuits challenge the administration’s actions, with several courts blocking key provisions. Critics argue the measures could disenfranchise millions and represent an unprecedented federal intrusion into state-run elections, while Trump and allies continue to insist, without evidence, that widespread fraud occurred in 2020 and threatens the 2026 midterms.

Legal experts, former federal officials and lawmakers from both parties denounce the Trump administration’s $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund as corrupt, opaque and designed to benefit January 6 rioters and Trump allies. Multiple lawsuits and court rulings have halted the fund’s implementation while judges investigate whether its creation involved deception. Critics also condemn an addendum blocking IRS action on Trump and his family. Bipartisan political leaders call for the fund to be scrapped, while some Trump opponents consider filing claims. Analysts argue the scheme undermines democratic processes by diverting taxpayer money without congressional approval and reinforcing false narratives about weaponized federal agencies.

A new indictment of former FBI director James Comey is portrayed by legal experts as part of a broader effort by Donald Trump and acting attorney general Todd Blanche to target political enemies through the justice department. Critics describe the charges as weak, politically motivated, and likely to be dismissed, while raising concerns over escalating efforts to pursue Trump’s perceived adversaries, including former CIA director John Brennan and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Former prosecutors argue that the department is being reshaped to prioritize loyalty and retaliation over evidence-based decision-making.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that the Justice Department’s inspector general will audit compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Former Interior Department inspector general Mark Greenblatt urged the review to be thorough, independent and free from political influence, including scrutiny of withheld and redacted information. The blog also covers Trump’s foreign-policy statements, including an extended Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, a possible invitation for Vladimir Putin to the G20, and his pledge not to use nuclear weapons against Iran. Other developments include controversy over Trump promoting an attack on birthright citizenship, a possible government bailout or purchase of Spirit Airlines, plans to reclassify marijuana, congressional action on surveillance and border-security funding, and criticism of a Paramount Skydance dinner held in Trump’s honor.

Donald Trump is planning a Mar-a-Lago event for top purchasers of his $Trump memecoin, drawing accusations from Democrats and ethics experts that he is using the presidency for personal profit. The event, promoted by Fight Fight Fight LLC, offers special access to Trump for major investors and echoes a previous dinner criticized as a pay-to-play scheme. Analysts warn of conflicts of interest and note that Trump and his family have profited substantially from crypto ventures while easing regulatory oversight. Lawmakers are seeking clarity on the financial benefits to Trump’s family, citing losses suffered by most memecoin holders and gains concentrated among a few early wallets. Ethics experts argue the event raises serious concerns about bribery and misuse of public office, while scholars warn of economic risks from lax regulation benefiting Trump-aligned crypto promoters.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says he is considering removing Customs and Border Protection agents from international airports in sanctuary cities, potentially affecting major hubs including JFK, Los Angeles and Denver. The proposal comes amid a broader dispute over funding for ICE and Border Patrol. The live coverage also reports Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s new law targeting supporters of state-designated terrorist groups, which critics say threatens free speech; the termination of federal agreements protecting transgender students; and Representative Yassamin Ansari’s planned impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war. Donald Trump continued threatening strikes on Iranian energy and civilian infrastructure unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, while dismissing concerns about war crimes. Other developments included the continuing government shutdown, the Supreme Court’s handling of Steve Bannon’s contempt case, and Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton for California governor.

Lower federal court judges have issued numerous rulings blocking or criticizing Donald Trump’s policies, prompting escalating attacks from the president and his allies. Studies show more than 210 adverse rulings since 2025, with courts frequently finding unlawful or arbitrary administration actions. Judges from both parties, including Matthew Brann, William Young and James Boasberg, have delivered major decisions against deportation policies, Justice Department maneuvers and efforts to pressure Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. Trump has responded with harsh rhetoric and calls to restrict so‑called rogue judges, raising concerns from legal experts and retired judges about increased threats and erosion of the rule of law. Former officials warn that government credibility has collapsed and that Trump’s attacks on the judiciary pose growing risks to constitutional checks and judicial safety.

House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed compromise to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA, prolonging a 42-day partial shutdown that has left thousands of workers unpaid and caused major airport disruptions. Hakeem Jeffries said House Democrats would support the Senate deal and blamed Republicans for blocking an end to the crisis, while Mike Johnson proposed a two-month stopgap that Chuck Schumer called dead on arrival. The live coverage also reported Trump’s demands concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, his suggestion that Cuba could be next, Iran-linked hackers’ alleged access to Kash Patel’s emails, concerns over Trump administration pressure on media and arts institutions, and a California sheriff’s escalating seizure of election materials.

A Florida lawyer and election conspiracy theorist, Peter Ticktin, is pushing an emergency executive order that would impose sweeping restrictions on voting, including banning mail-in ballots and mandating hand counts. Though the extent of his influence on Donald Trump is unclear, experts warn the proposal echoes widely debunked claims about 2020 election fraud and could sharply limit voter participation. Legal specialists emphasize that the president lacks authority to unilaterally change election rules, and prior similar attempts have already been blocked in court. Ticktin’s efforts intersect with a broader network of election deniers seeking emergency powers ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising concerns about the potential erosion of democratic processes.

The Justice Department under Donald Trump is depicted as increasingly politicized, pursuing investigations against political adversaries and advancing unfounded election-related claims. Actions led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and supported by figures such as Tulsi Gabbard and Kurt Olsen include raids on Georgia election offices, inquiries targeting Jerome Powell and Tim Walz, and aggressive legal efforts involving voter data. Former prosecutors and legal experts warn that these moves amount to weaponization of federal law enforcement, undermine the rule of law, and could influence upcoming elections. Court rulings and resignations of veteran prosecutors highlight internal resistance, while concerns grow over the department’s credibility and its role in shaping election narratives.

Critics argue that the Trump administration’s efforts to expand fossil fuel use, revive aging coal plants, and restrict wind and solar development are driving up electricity prices and worsening environmental damage. Courts have issued injunctions against halting offshore wind projects, while energy experts and Democratic lawmakers warn that increased LNG exports and pro-coal policies are raising consumer energy costs. Industry donors and political allies are described as benefiting from these decisions, which opponents characterize as ideologically driven and harmful to both affordability and climate goals.

Experts argue that Donald Trump’s fundraising practices and policy decisions have created a modern gilded age in which wealthy donors gain influence, favorable regulations and government benefits. Major contributors from the crypto, AI and fossil fuel sectors have profited financially while supporting Trump’s Super PAC, his family’s crypto ventures and a privately funded White House ballroom project. Critics cite reduced oversight, pardons, deregulation and overlapping business interests as evidence of systemic conflicts of interest, prompting investigations by Democratic lawmakers. The dynamic has intensified ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising concerns about corruption, elitism and the growing alignment between major donors and beneficiaries of Trump’s policies.

A Miami-based investigation led by Trump-appointed US attorney Jason Reding Quiñones has expanded efforts to pursue former FBI and intelligence officials involved in the 2016 Russia inquiry, despite past independent and congressional investigations finding no criminal wrongdoing. Legal experts and former prosecutors describe the probe as politically motivated and lacking factual basis, with concerns heightened by resignations within the US attorney’s office and the influence of rightwing activist Mike Davis. The inquiry follows failed attempts by the justice department to prosecute other Trump critics, reinforcing concerns that federal investigative powers are being used to target political opponents. Critics urge the Department of Justice to halt the inquiry and restore trust in prosecutorial integrity.

Experts and former prosecutors warn that large-scale departures from the US Department of Justice under Donald Trump and attorney general Pam Bondi have severely weakened its ability to enforce civil rights, national security, public corruption and voting rights laws. Thousands of employees have been fired or resigned as the department shifts resources toward partisan priorities, including prosecutions aligned with Maga goals and challenges to state redistricting plans. Veteran attorneys have been replaced with inexperienced loyalists, leading to flawed prosecutions and disruptions in key offices such as the eastern district of Virginia. The civil rights, voting rights and public integrity divisions have been dramatically reduced, raising concerns of increased corruption, diminished federal oversight and heightened security risks.

Legal experts and former prosecutors warn that Donald Trump’s extensive pardons for political allies, wealthy supporters, and individuals tied to family business interests represent a corrupt, partisan abuse of presidential clemency powers. The appointment of Maga loyalist Ed Martin as pardon attorney intensified concerns about a pay‑to‑play system, sidelining merit-based review and ignoring thousands of pending applications. Critics argue that pardons benefiting figures such as George Santos and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao reflect financial conflicts and political favoritism, furthering the administration’s weaponization of the justice department. Key Democrats and legal scholars describe the practice as authoritarian and corrosive to the rule of law, with investigations initiated by Martin into Biden-era pardons marking a sharp break from precedent. The pattern is viewed as damaging public trust in both the pardon process and the justice system.

Experts and former Justice Department officials warn that Donald Trump is pressuring the DOJ to prosecute political opponents based on scant evidence, undermining departmental policies and the rule of law. Charges against James Comey, Letitia James, Adam Schiff and others are described as politically motivated, with amicus briefs, legal scholars and former prosecutors arguing the cases are vindictive and likely to be dismissed. Key figures within the department, including Ed Martin and Lindsey Halligan, are depicted as advancing Trump’s agenda despite concerns about their qualifications or motives. Critics contend the DOJ is being weaponized to punish Trump’s perceived enemies, causing lasting damage to the integrity of the justice system.