Browsing: White House

The House voted to send up to $8 billion in military loans to Ukraine, facilitated by a discharge petition initiated by Rep. Gregory Meeks. The legislation passed 226 to 195, with support from some Republicans. Its future in the Senate remains uncertain amid stalled bipartisan legislation targeting Russia.

The House passed a war powers resolution on Wednesday requiring President Trump to end military engagement with Iran without congressional approval. The vote tally reached 215 to 208, supported by four Republicans and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, marking a notable challenge to the Trump administration’s authority on military actions.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the Justice Department will not proceed with the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, following a district court’s temporary block. This decision comes amid mounting Republican opposition and uncertainty regarding the related IRS settlement involving President Trump and his family.

President Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence, succeeding Tulsi Gabbard at the end of the month. Pulte’s controversial background includes allegations of mortgage fraud against political opponents, prompting scrutiny from the Government Accountability Office.

The Justice Department has halted work on the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund following a temporary court ruling. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema’s order prevents any actions related to the fund while she reviews a lawsuit challenging its establishment. A hearing is scheduled for June 12.

The Trump administration is advancing a regulation enabling U.S. immigration officials to swiftly reject asylum applications submitted more than a year after arrival, bypassing interviews. This measure aims to manage the substantial backlog of cases, reflecting ongoing efforts to tighten the asylum system, according to internal documents.

President Trump’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella, confirmed the president is in “excellent health” following a physical at Walter Reed National Military Hospital. At 238 pounds, with blood pressure of 105/71, he reportedly remains fit for all presidential duties, despite some minor health issues noted in the assessment.

The Trump administration faces criticism regarding funding cuts to federal health agencies as the U.S. government manages a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius and monitors an Ebola outbreak in Africa. Democrats allege these reductions hinder responses to infectious disease threats.

The U.S. is establishing a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, confirmed by CDC officials. This site aims to provide immediate, high-quality care without the extended transport time back to the U.S., while officials work to contain the outbreak.

Adam Candeub, currently general counsel at the Federal Communications Commission, is a leading candidate for Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division. He previously criticised the tech sector and is expected to oversee significant mergers, following the impending departure of Omeed Assefi next month.