Shrai Popat

Karoline Leavitt’s planned departure as White House press secretary at the end of August is expected to prompt a competitive succession battle within Donald Trump’s administration. Potential replacements include communications director Steven Cheung, former US attorney Alina Habba, deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, conservative podcaster Katie Miller, and former deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich. Their backgrounds span White House communications, Republican Party messaging, conservative media, and senior administration roles.

Emily Moreno has sued Ohio Republican congressman Max Miller and his lawyer, Aaron Minc, over the public release of an unredacted nude image of their infant daughter in a Dropbox folder containing evidence related to their custody dispute. The lawsuit claims Miller recklessly published the image while defending himself against allegations of domestic abuse, including claims that he held a gun to Moreno’s head, poured boiling water on her, and contributed to their daughter’s broken collarbone; Miller denies the allegations. More than 400,000 people reportedly viewed or interacted with posts linking to the files, and Moreno is seeking $150,000 in damages for each access or distribution of the image. The controversy has intensified calls for Miller’s resignation and benefited Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter, while Donald Trump remains supportive and the White House has reportedly opposed replacing Miller on the November ballot.

A federal appeals court upheld an injunction halting construction of Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom after the administration demolished the historic East Wing without congressional authorization; the ruling was temporarily stayed to allow an appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump called the decision a serious national-security threat. The live coverage also reported Trump’s renewed effort to remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, Bill Cassidy’s decision to support Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination, new executive orders restricting birthright citizenship, a 15% tariff on imported polysilicon, and the Pentagon’s revocation of former Air Force secretary Frank Kendall’s access to classified information. Other developments included Oregon’s support for local data-center moratoriums, a New Jersey civil-rights investigation into an immigration detention facility operated by GEO Group, and planned US security assistance for Colombia.

Donald Trump signed two executive orders seeking to restrict birthright citizenship and prevent entry by foreigners allegedly traveling to the US to give birth, despite the Supreme Court’s recent rejection of his earlier attempt. The ACLU said the orders contradict the Constitution and are unlikely to survive court challenges. The live coverage also examined Trump’s long-running campaign against birthright citizenship, his inaccurate claims about the 14th Amendment and global citizenship practices, and his refusal to endorse JD Vance for 2028. Other developments included Andy Ogles trailing in a Tennessee Republican primary, Mitch McConnell leaving rehabilitation, calls for Max Miller to resign, a partisan Senate vote to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt, and disputes involving Pete Hegseth and Jeanine Pirro.

Mitch McConnell, 84, has been discharged from a rehabilitation center after a fall at his home and a mild case of pneumonia led to his hospitalization on 14 June. He will continue intensive physical therapy at home and remain engaged with Senate business during the upcoming five-week recess. His 53-day absence has prompted scrutiny from lawmakers, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, while narrowing Republicans' margin for confirming Todd Blanche as US attorney general.

Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary over Haley Stevens, defeating an establishment-backed rival after outside groups linked to AIPAC spent heavily against him. He will face Republican Mike Rogers in a pivotal November contest, with Democrats quickly rallying behind him and Republicans portraying him as an extremist. Donald Trump launched racist and Islamophobic attacks on El-Sayed and called the result good news for Republicans. The live coverage also reported progressive primary victories elsewhere, Bernie Sanders’s reluctance to endorse Wisconsin candidate Francesca Hong, Trump’s endorsement of Nevada election conspiracy theorist Jim Marchant, a legal dispute over Trump’s financial records in his BBC defamation case, and Senate confirmation of Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC.

Abdul El-Sayed holds a narrow lead over establishment-backed Haley Stevens in Michigan’s closely watched Democratic Senate primary, with substantial votes still uncounted, particularly in Wayne County. Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and will face Trump-endorsed Republican John James. Progressive climate organizer William Lawrence won Michigan’s competitive seventh-district Democratic primary and will challenge Republican incumbent Tom Barrett. Elsewhere, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez advanced in Washington, Wesley Bell defeated Cori Bush in Missouri, and Republican and Democratic nominees were selected in Kansas and Virginia contests. The results highlight continuing Democratic disputes over ideology, Israel and Palestinian rights, while party figures urge unity before the November midterms.

Donald Trump declined to call for Ohio representative Max Miller to resign after Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of domestic abuse; Miller denies the allegations and is suing Moreno for defamation. The live coverage also reports an 89–4 Senate vote to advance a temporary government-funding measure, Republican senators’ decision to support Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after he withdrew a proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund, and a lawsuit by 25 states challenging new Trump administration tariffs. Other developments include a halt to border-wall well drilling in drought-stricken New Mexico, an ethics panel recommendation to censure Representative Chuck Edwards for sexual harassment, a planned State Department closure of five foreign missions, and continuing political disputes over Iran, immigration and Democratic primary results.

Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis said they would support advancing Todd Blanche’s nomination to become U.S. attorney general after Blanche issued a binding written order terminating Donald Trump’s proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund. The order also states that a tax-audit settlement involving Trump applies only to the parties in the lawsuit and does not provide broader immunity for Trump or his family. The concessions addressed the senators’ objections ahead of a Senate Judiciary Committee vote, despite Trump’s continued defense of the fund and threat to revive it legislatively if Blanche’s nomination fails.

Troy Jackson won the Democratic nomination to challenge longtime Republican senator Susan Collins in Maine after Graham Platner’s campaign collapsed amid scandals and allegations he denies. With fewer than 100 days before the election, Jackson must unite Democrats, attract independent and ticket-splitting voters, and recreate Platner’s anti-establishment momentum while distinguishing himself from Platner’s baggage. Democrats see the race as crucial to their effort to regain the Senate, but Republicans have begun an extensive attack-ad campaign portraying Jackson as an establishment politician with Platner’s views. Collins retains major advantages, including five terms of political experience, more than $11m in cash on hand and a record of securing federal funding for Maine, although criticism of her relationship with Donald Trump could make her vulnerable.

Five months into the US-Israel war against Iran, Americans across the political spectrum are feeling its effects through higher gasoline and grocery costs, reduced social benefits, military deployments and concerns about civilian casualties. Many voters describe the intervention as unjustified or fear it is becoming another prolonged conflict, while some military-connected voters and Iranian opponents of the Islamic regime support confronting Tehran but want a clear end to the fighting. The war has also intensified existing criticism of US support for Israel and the use of American tax dollars abroad, leaving voters questioning the purpose, cost and likely consequences of the campaign.

Troy Jackson won the Maine Democratic nomination for the US Senate by a 566-5 vote at a special convention after Graham Platner withdrew amid controversies and a sexual assault allegation he denied. Jackson, a progressive former state Senate president, became the de facto nominee when major challengers including Shenna Bellows, Nirav Shah and Jordan Wood stepped aside. Some Democrats criticized the convention as unrepresentative of the more than 200,000 voters who participated in the June primary. Jackson will face five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a closely watched race central to Democratic efforts to retake the Senate. Early polling gives Jackson a slight advantage, but Collins holds a major fundraising and campaign organization lead.

Donald Trump delivered a lengthy speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner that began with light jokes but developed into partisan attacks on journalists, Democrats and other political opponents. He singled out CNN’s Kaitlan Collins and Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, repeated familiar criticisms of the media and promoted his plan for a White House ballroom. The event followed an April security incident that interrupted the original dinner. The live coverage also reported developments involving new US tariffs, Iran, H-1B visa fees, the proposed Warner Bros–Paramount merger and the Democratic Party’s decision to make South Carolina the first state in its 2028 presidential primary calendar.

The US carried out another round of strikes across Iran, targeting military command centres, communications networks, drone storage, coastal surveillance and maritime facilities after Donald Trump threatened major punishment over attacks linked to Iran and the Houthis. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at US-associated bases and facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq; Jordan reported intercepting all seven missiles and six drones launched against it, with no casualties or damage. Iranian commanders threatened further attacks and warned civilians to stay away from US forces. Tehran and Baghdad denied a report that Iran had rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal delivered through Iraq, while Oman sent a delegation to discuss managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also said Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin had promised not to supply weapons to Iran, and Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington amid tensions over the war’s escalation.

The Trump administration announced new tariffs on imports from 85 countries, arguing that they failed to prohibit or enforce bans on goods made with forced labor. Critics, including Democratic Representative Linda Sánchez and Brazil’s government, said the rationale was a pretext for bypassing the Supreme Court’s ruling against Trump’s earlier tariffs and pursuing a broader trade war. Brazil announced possible retaliation, while Australia, Canada and others called the measures unjustified. The live coverage also reported discrepancies in the Pentagon’s accounting of American deaths in the Iran war, prompting accusations that the administration was minimizing casualties. Other developments included Senate rejection of an Iran war-powers resolution, tensions with Canada and Mexico, and Trump’s appearance with the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House.

The Trump administration is preparing to announce the next phase of its trade policy as a 10% tariff regime covering much of the world approaches expiration. Trade representative Jamieson Greer is expected to outline the measures, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that many earlier tariffs were illegal. Trump officials say tariffs will revive industrial regions and create jobs, while critics warn they will raise consumer prices. Greer denied that the policies had increased prices during a Senate exchange, despite inflation remaining above its level when Joe Biden left office.

The Trump administration signed a long-term nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that may permit domestic uranium enrichment, prompting Democratic lawmakers and nuclear nonproliferation advocates to demand congressional scrutiny. Brad Sherman warned that the terms could lack the safeguards accepted by the United Arab Emirates, while Bernie Sanders called the arrangement absurd and questioned the contrast between US opposition to Iran’s enrichment and support for Saudi Arabia. The agreement’s full text and inspection provisions had not yet been released to Congress. The live coverage also reported House passage of a $1.15tn defense policy bill amid opposition to Trump’s war with Iran and voting restrictions, Trump’s partisan Georgia rally speech and attacks on Jon Ossoff, Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi oil tankers, and a dispute among Democrats over Abdul El-Sayed’s support among Black voters in Michigan.

The US trade representative Jamieson Greer rejected claims that the Trump administration’s tariffs increased prices for American families as Democratic senators challenged him during a Senate finance committee hearing. Lawmakers Elizabeth Warren and Raphael Warnock cited estimates showing higher household costs and argued that tariffs contributed to inflation, which remains elevated compared with when Joe Biden left office. The exchange comes as the administration prepares to replace an expiring 10% tariff regime with new import duties following a supreme court ruling that invalidated earlier tariffs.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that Donald Trump plans to impose a 100% tariff on imported generic drugs from August 2028, rising to 200% the following year, in an effort to pressure manufacturers to build plants in the United States. The announcement reverses an earlier decision to exempt generic pharmaceuticals and leaves the legal basis for the future tariffs unclear. Other developments include reports that Trump approved a major US-backed Saudi civilian nuclear program that could include uranium enrichment without safeguards against weapons use; Pentagon estimates that the US-Israeli war on Iran has cost $37.5 billion; and a request for an additional $67 billion in war funding. The administration also paused more than $1 billion in Medicaid funding to California and Minnesota, while Democrats pledged to repeal Trump’s tariffs if they regain congressional control. The Senate advanced Jay Clayton’s nomination to be director of national intelligence despite Democratic objections, and officials debated the limits of air power against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. New York mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city cannot enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu but called on the federal government to do so.

The US announced 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, with Donald Trump arguing Canada relies on the US for economic survival. Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said the country is united against the threat and committed to intensifying negotiations before the tariffs take effect in 30 days. The duties target a wide range of products, including items previously protected under USMCA. Trump denied linking the tariffs to recent wildfire smoke from Canada, despite earlier criticism of Canada’s handling of the fires.

The United States issued a worldwide caution for its citizens as Iran and affiliated groups threatened US interests and diplomatic facilities beyond the Middle East. Iran claimed strikes on US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, while US Central Command said American forces had conducted another wave of attacks on Iranian command centers, air defenses, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities. The conflict also disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran said two tankers had been stopped and a separate tanker crew reportedly abandoned its vessel after an apparent strike. Yemen’s Houthis announced a possible naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, raising the risk that both major Gulf oil-export routes could be disrupted. Nearly 100 US service members have reportedly been injured in recent Iranian reprisals, while oil prices remained volatile and the crisis was expected to dominate Southeast Asian diplomatic and energy discussions.

Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods under Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, excluding energy, fish and critical minerals but affecting some goods covered by the former USMCA. Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney and political leaders across the Canadian spectrum condemned the move, while Ontario premier Doug Ford called for dollar-for-dollar retaliation. US distillers and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce warned that the tariffs could deepen the trade dispute and harm businesses and consumers. A White House official also said Trump was considering further tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke drifting into the United States. The live coverage additionally reported growing Democratic criticism of Trump’s renewed war with Iran after the deaths of US service members, a State Department report targeting Cuba-aligned US activists and organizations, and Trump’s promise that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visited the US.

Darline Graham, recently appointed to complete the late Lindsey Graham’s Senate term, will run for a full term after receiving Donald Trump’s endorsement. Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster, she became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Trump publicly urged her to enter the special Republican primary scheduled for August following Lindsey Graham’s death and prior nomination victory.

Troy Jackson has emerged as the likely Democratic nominee for Maine’s US Senate race after Graham Platner withdrew over sexual assault allegations. Major challengers exited the race and endorsed Jackson, giving him majority delegate support ahead of a special convention. Jackson has consolidated backing from unions, state Democrats and progressive groups, positioning him to focus on challenging longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a key contest for Democratic efforts to regain Senate control.

The homeland security secretary reiterated Donald Trump’s unsupported allegations of widespread noncitizen voter registration, citing unverified DHS data that election experts criticized for lacking transparency and methodological validity. State officials rejected the claims, emphasizing safeguards in voter verification and the rarity of noncitizen voting. Mullin threatened to withhold federal funding from states that decline cooperation and repeated debunked conspiracy theories about voting machines and foreign interference. Experts and prior CIA analysis contradicted these assertions, underscoring the absence of evidence for the alleged vulnerabilities.

Liz Oyer urged senators to reject Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, stating she was fired for refusing to support restoring gun rights to Mel Gibson, a Trump ally. She disputed Blanche’s claim that her dismissal was unrelated to her position, citing documents that contradict him. Oyer warned that Blanche is using the justice department to advance Donald Trump’s personal interests, undermining its credibility and resources.

Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in to complete the Senate term of her late brother Lindsey Graham following her appointment by South Carolina governor Henry McMaster. Backed by Donald Trump, she became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and immediately participated in a defense bill vote. She pledged to honor her brother’s legacy and support national and state interests during the remaining months of the term as a special election approaches to determine the future Republican nominee.

Graham Platner’s once-promising Maine Senate campaign collapsed after escalating controversies, culminating in a sexual assault allegation that rapidly eroded support. Early enthusiasm driven by his outsider appeal and backing from progressive figures gave way to scrutiny of inadequate vetting, past offensive posts, and accusations of abusive behavior from former partners. Internal tensions and concerns about undisclosed issues deepened as Democratic leaders weighed his viability against the risk of a Republican hold. After Politico published the rape allegation, endorsements dissolved and pressure mounted, leading Platner to withdraw from the race. Democrats now face uncertainty and frustration as they scramble to recover in a critical Senate contest.

Graham Platner suspended his Maine US Senate campaign after allegations of sexual assault, which he denies, prompted Democratic leaders to call for his withdrawal and cut off support. The accusations, combined with earlier controversies involving his past behavior and online history, led major endorsers to rescind backing. Democrats now face a short deadline to choose a replacement candidate, with several figures expressing interest. Republicans used Platner’s exit to criticize Democrats as the party prepares for a contested general election against incumbent senator Susan Collins.

Democratic leaders intensify pressure on Graham Platner to withdraw from Maine’s US Senate race following a sexual assault allegation, accusing his campaign of attempting to influence the process for selecting his replacement. State party officials assert that Platner’s team has no role in determining a new nominee and demand his immediate withdrawal to allow Democrats to regroup ahead of the November election against Susan Collins. Potential replacement candidates include Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, and Jordan Wood, while Patrick Dempsey rules out a run. Party figures express frustration over the vetting process and concern about the impact on the broader Democratic ticket as the deadline approaches for naming an alternative candidate.

Bernie Sanders joined a growing number of Democrats urging Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw following sexual assault and misconduct allegations reported by Politico and the Washington Post. Platner has denied the claims but faces collapsing institutional support, with senior Democrats including Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren calling for his exit. Additional allegations from ex‑girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield added pressure as party leaders consider replacement options should Platner end his campaign before the state’s deadline.

Growing pressure on Graham Platner to exit Maine’s US Senate race following a sexual assault allegation has prompted Democratic leaders to explore replacing him on the ballot ahead of a looming legal deadline. Should Platner withdraw by 13 July, the party would have two weeks to select a new nominee, with potential contenders including Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows and Troy Jackson. Party officials emphasize that any replacement process must be open and transparent amid concerns about a closed-door selection. The race is viewed as a key Democratic opportunity to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins.

A woman accused Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault, alleging he forced sex on her in 2021 despite her objections. Platner denied the claims, calling them politically motivated and coordinated by opponents. The allegations add to prior reports of troubling behavior and emerge shortly before a key ballot deadline, raising the possibility Democrats may replace him as their nominee. Several prominent Democrats, including Donna Brazile, Ro Khanna and Ruben Gallego, urged him to drop out, while Republican senator Susan Collins noted the allegations were serious but said the choice of Democratic nominee was not hers to make.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s competitive Democratic US Senate primary, boosting a progressive candidate already supported by Bernie Sanders and leading in polls against establishment-backed rivals Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow. The race reflects broader ideological divides within the Democratic Party as it seeks to retain Michigan and regain control of Congress. El-Sayed’s platform includes aggressive economic reforms, limits on corporate incentives, and reduced unconditional military aid to foreign governments. The eventual nominee is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers in a closely contested general election.

Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting himself as a doctor treating celebrity critics for “Trump derangement syndrome”, using deepfake versions of several public figures to portray them as regretful of past criticism. Rosie O'Donnell rejected the premise and condemned Trump, while the White House defended his right to post the content. The video continues Trump’s pattern of using AI-generated imagery, including prior controversial and deleted posts involving religious and racist depictions, drawing varied public and political reactions.

A federal grand jury indicted US Olympian David Hearn for allegedly damaging the newly renovated reflecting pool in Washington DC after Donald Trump claimed vandals caused significant harm to the site. Prosecutors accuse Hearn of forcibly removing liner material, a charge his attorneys reject as politically motivated. The renovation, ordered by Trump for upcoming national celebrations, had already drawn scrutiny after an algae bloom discolored the water, and no evidence supporting Trump’s vandalism claims has been released. Hearn maintains he only touched a loose piece of liner before being arrested on a lesser charge the previous month.

The United States declined to renew the USMCA trade pact under its existing terms, triggering a shift to annual reviews instead of long-term renewal. Citing persistent trade deficits, the administration signaled a desire to renegotiate parts of the agreement while maintaining its current operation during ongoing discussions. Mexican officials expressed willingness to address U.S. concerns, while businesses face potential uncertainty as the pact governs substantial cross‑border trade across North America.

Federal officials plan renewed enforcement efforts against so‑called birth tourism following the US Supreme Court’s decision affirming birthright citizenship. Acting attorney general Todd Blanche and Justice Department leadership directed prosecutors to pursue fraud cases tied to alleged misuse of tourist visas for giving birth in the country, despite estimates showing such cases account for less than 1% of US births. Republican leaders reiterated concerns about the practice, while the Supreme Court majority rejected the administration’s attempt to narrow the 14th amendment. Trump is urging Congress to craft legislation limiting birthright citizenship, though it would face steep obstacles in the Senate.