Rhian Lubin

Natalie Harp, Donald Trump’s executive assistant, is facing heightened scrutiny over her unusually close access to the president and her influence within the White House. New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman said Harp is unpopular with many colleagues, while reports describe her writing intensely admiring notes to Trump, helping prepare Truth Social posts and acting as a gatekeeper. Critics question her role and taxpayer-funded position in the White House, whereas press secretary Karoline Leavitt and ally Laura Loomer defend her as loyal and portray the criticism as driven by jealousy and internal leaks.

Natalie Harp, a highly loyal aide to Donald Trump, reportedly wrote him an emotional letter apologizing for her behavior during a trip to Scotland and saying she had been forgetting to eat and sleep. The New York Times also obtained footage of her running to keep up with Trump’s golf cart. Reports that Harp has sent intensely personal notes and operates outside the usual White House chain of command have raised concerns among colleagues. Her supporters, including Karoline Leavitt, describe her as loyal and hardworking, while Democrats have criticized her prominent role and proximity to Trump during a security-related flight from Turkey. Harp, who credits Trump with helping her access experimental cancer treatment, remains closely involved in his work and personal routine.

An Economic Policy Institute calculator estimates that the $268.9 billion allocated to the Trump administration’s mass deportation and detention efforts amounts to an average taxpayer burden of $2,358, with costs varying by state. The institute argues the money could instead fund teachers, nurses, public housing, Medicaid enrollment, food assistance and other services. Homeland Security defends the spending, saying enforcement and self-deportation through the CBP Home App save taxpayers money. The administration plans to deport one million people in 2026 and 2027 and maintain detention capacity for at least 99,000 people.

Republicans on the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations obtained a copy of Anthony Fauci’s iPhone as part of their inquiry into his conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic and the virus’s origins. The committee voted to recommend that Fauci be held in contempt of Congress and referred the matter to the Justice Department after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during questioning led by Senator Rand Paul. Republicans allege that Fauci was not forthcoming about COVID-19’s origins, vaccine mandates and social-distancing guidance, while Fauci denies the accusations and says Paul is trying to elicit statements that could support criminal action. Although Joe Biden issued Fauci a preemptive federal pardon covering official conduct from 2014 to 2025, Fauci says it does not shield him from state prosecution or allegations of false testimony.

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison defended his political independence in a New York Times op-ed amid scrutiny of the company’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, owner of CNN and HBO. The $110 billion deal faces a lawsuit from 12 states alleging that it would reduce competition, despite approval from the Justice Department. Critics have linked Ellison’s relationship with Donald Trump and his appointment of Bari Weiss to lead CBS News to concerns that the network’s coverage, including 60 Minutes, has shifted toward Trump administration and pro-Israel perspectives. Ellison denied seeking to influence newsrooms, promised investment in human journalists and said CNN and CBS News would remain fact-based and politically independent. Bernie Sanders and other critics continue to oppose the merger, while Paramount says the states’ claims are meritless.

Millions of Americans over 35, including 9.5 million borrowers over 50, are carrying substantial federal student-loan balances into retirement. Borrowers interviewed in Pennsylvania, California and Arizona describe balances growing despite years of payments because of accumulated interest, limited repayment options and penalties. Experts attribute the trend to longer repayment periods and more older adults returning to college or borrowing for their children. The termination of the Biden-era SAVE plan under the Trump administration has raised payments for some borrowers and added to policy uncertainty, leaving many unable to retire when they want and prompting calls for clearer guidance and stronger government support.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office mocked Donald Trump for renewing a promise to introduce a major healthcare plan, a pledge dating back nearly a decade. Trump says the proposed Great Healthcare Plan would redirect money from large insurers to individuals, lower premiums and drug costs, and potentially use health savings accounts instead of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. The White House pointed to TrumpRx and prescription-drug pricing agreements as evidence of progress, while critics argued that the broader plan remains another unfulfilled promise.

Corey Ruiz, a man in his 30s, was killed by a Madison police officer after officers pursued him over a suspected car break-in and struggled with him at an intersection. Police said Ruiz had a knife, injured one officer, and that a Taser failed before the injured officer fired three shots; critics argue video shows an unjustified execution. The officers involved were placed on administrative leave, while Wisconsin’s Division of Criminal Investigation opened an independent probe. Protests and a candlelight vigil followed, with activists taking over a press conference and demanding the officers’ imprisonment, police reform, transparency, and accountability.

A fatal police shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, sparked widespread protests after bystander video showed officers restraining a man before one shot him at close range. Police said the man was armed with a knife and injured an officer during the struggle, prompting the use of lethal force. Four officers were placed on leave as state investigators launched an independent probe. With no body camera footage available, officials urged the public not to draw conclusions. Community unrest grew as political figures called for transparency, accountability, and peaceful demonstrations.

Older Americans face mounting student loan burdens that threaten their ability to retire, with many seeing balances grow despite years of payments due to high interest and policy shifts. Borrowers in their 60s describe unaffordable repayment jumps after the termination of the SAVE income-based plan, while experts highlight chaotic recent policy changes and a lack of support for nontraditional and older students. Advocacy groups warn that millions are entering retirement age still owing tens of thousands of dollars, as outdated assumptions about who carries student debt leave older borrowers struggling without viable paths to payoff.

Court documents show the Trump administration subpoenaed phone records of New York Times reporters and their relatives as part of an investigation into leaks about security concerns surrounding Trump’s Qatari‑gifted Air Force One jet. The Times moved to quash the subpoenas, citing intrusion into confidential communications, while press‑freedom advocates condemned the move as intimidation. The Justice Department said the aim was to identify leakers rather than target journalists. Reports indicated the donated Boeing aircraft lacked some defensive systems, prompting questions about security, and Trump later said the plane would be upgraded and taken out of service.

Advisers attempted to dissuade Donald Trump from delivering a primetime address alleging foreign interference in the 2020 election, but he proceeded despite concerns from Republican strategists who fear renewed focus on past grievances will alienate voters ahead of the midterms. Internal disagreements emerged over messaging strategy, with some urging focus on economic issues instead. The address promoted the SAVE Act, though the bill lacks Senate support, and portions of the material Trump cited offered reinterpretations of previously known intelligence. Despite widespread criticism from GOP operatives, Trump’s team publicly praised the speech.

Speculation of a renewed “Trump curse” spread after Donald Trump backed Argentina to win the World Cup final before the team lost 1-0 to Spain. Fans cited previous instances in which teams or events endorsed or attended by Trump subsequently performed poorly, including the US men’s national soccer team, the New York Knicks, and the Washington Commanders. Social media reactions highlighted a pattern of Trump’s involvement being followed by negative outcomes. Commentary referenced broader examples of Trump’s decisions or interventions leading to problems, including issues at the Great American State Fair and the troubled refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

United Airlines clarified that passengers cannot change flights for free solely because Palm Beach International Airport has been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, describing an internal memo suggesting otherwise as poorly worded. The airport confirmed its code will change from PBI to DJT in August and stated that operations remain unaffected. Public reaction has been mixed, with many travelers criticizing the renaming and some expressing intent to avoid the airport, while others welcomed the change. The Trump Organization said no financial benefit will result from the renaming.

The Department of Homeland Security is seeking aviation contractors to operate a dedicated fleet for deportation flights and related missions, shifting toward a permanent, contractor-run system supported by a recent funding increase. The solicitation calls for managing Gulfstream and Boeing aircraft around the clock in varied environments. The move follows earlier controversial aircraft purchases under former Secretary Kristi Noem, whose spending contributed to her dismissal and remains under scrutiny. Lawmakers have pressed current Secretary Markwayne Mullin to sell the jets, which they criticize as symbols of waste, while companies have until July 22 to submit bids.

Conspiracy theories circulated online claiming that a health update photo of Mitch McConnell was AI‑generated despite the senator releasing a detailed statement and a dated newspaper visible in the image. Figures including Laura Loomer spread false claims, further amplified by X’s AI assistant Grok, while journalists and researchers criticized the misinformation and the platform’s failure to correct it. The photo, taken with McConnell’s wife and showing a current copy of the Washington Post, was repeatedly affirmed as authentic by multiple commentators.

A Mexican man living in the US for decades was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a traffic stop in Houston, with officials alleging he tried to run over officers while his family and civil rights groups dispute the claim and call for a transparent investigation. Local leaders and advocacy groups urge the release of footage and evidence, citing prior cases where ICE’s claims were disproven. Federal agencies have opened investigations into the shooting and the alleged assault on an officer.

Americans celebrated the country’s 250th anniversary amid extreme heat, thunderstorms and widespread Fourth of July events, including fireworks in New York that coincided with a fire on the Brooklyn Bridge. Weather disruptions affected celebrations in Washington, where evacuations preceded Donald Trump’s delayed address. Festivities continued nationwide, including Nathan’s hot dog contest and large-scale displays in major cities. The holiday unfolded against heightened political division, with speeches from Donald Trump, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Bill Clinton and Vice President JD Vance reflecting contrasting views on the nation’s direction and democratic institutions.

A Covington, Louisiana city worker, Chris Rushing, died after jumping into Bayou Lacombe to save his granddaughter, who was rescued by another woman. Emergency crews recovered Rushing, who later died at a hospital, with authorities citing accidental drowning pending an autopsy. Family members described him as a devoted grandfather and community figure, while city officials praised his dedication and character. A GoFundMe campaign aims to support funeral expenses and establish a nonprofit in his name.

Trump purchased hundreds of shares in major tech companies the day before announcing a 90‑day pause on his newly imposed tariffs, a move that triggered a sharp market rebound benefiting those stocks. His disclosure report also shows substantial personal financial gains during his second term, prompting renewed accusations from Democrats of corruption and conflicts of interest. The White House denies any wrongdoing, insisting Trump’s assets are independently managed, while criticism continues over the timing and scale of his financial activities.

Donald Trump’s 2023 trip to a federal courthouse reportedly inspired his drive to overhaul Washington, D.C., which he pursued aggressively after returning to the White House in 2025. His actions included deploying the National Guard, initiating large-scale construction changes around the White House, and promoting an expansive beautification agenda. Local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, criticized the federal intervention, and a study found no effect on crime reduction. Trump’s plans extended to national celebrations, where the Freedom250 committee’s events have been marred by organizational problems, safety incidents, and declining participation.

Extreme heat and power issues at Donald Trump’s Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., caused air conditioning failures, melting food, and the closure of some exhibits. Sparse crowds, several Democratic-led states withdrawing from participation, and Trump’s frustration over low attendance further complicated the event. Despite the heatwave’s impact, Trump stated that he would deliver a long July 4th speech, while the White House-backed organizer Freedom250 maintained that the celebration would meet the administration’s expectations.

A Supreme Court ruling preserving birthright citizenship prompted Federalist CEO Sean Davis to issue an extreme seven-point proposal that included banning pregnant foreigners, denying entry to all female foreigners, and mandating sterilization for all foreign visitors. Davis also called for dissolving the Union and packing the Supreme Court. His comments drew widespread criticism from journalists and commentators who denounced the proposals as unhinged and dangerous, highlighting the escalating rhetoric following the court’s decision.

A watchdog analysis found that the Trump administration’s Deferred Resignation Program, inspired by directives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, paid nearly 140,000 federal employees not to work, costing taxpayers between $11.1 billion and $15.1 billion. Major agencies including Defense, Treasury and Agriculture experienced significant staff losses, while multiple court rulings challenged the legality of the layoffs and forced some agencies to rehire essential employees. Critics, including Sen. Tim Kaine and Public Citizen researchers, said the program exemplified mismanagement and resulted in extensive waste of federal funds.

Construction has begun on a new helipad on the White House South Lawn to support the latest Marine One helicopters, whose exhaust risks damaging the grounds. Lockheed Martin donated $5 million toward the project, which is described as driven by security and operational needs rather than aesthetics. Previous administrations avoided such construction over concerns about altering the iconic image of presidential helicopter travel, but Donald Trump has moved forward with the upgrade as part of broader changes to the White House. The new VH-92A Patriot helicopters are part of a $4.95 billion fleet recently completed by the Marine Corps.

Trump’s creation of the Freedom250 organization sparked conflict with the long‑standing congressional America250 commission responsible for coordinating the nation’s 250th anniversary events. Overlapping programming, funding issues and competing media strategies deepened tensions, while Freedom250’s state fair struggled with low attendance and artist withdrawals amid concerns about the events’ political framing. America250 continued promoting its nonpartisan initiatives as both groups vied for public attention ahead of July 4 celebrations.