Browsing: White House

During a primetime address, President Trump is expected to discuss alleged Chinese interference in U.S. elections, including claims that Beijing accessed voter data. The speech will occur in front of senior officials from several intelligence and security agencies. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed speculation about the speech’s content.

Senate Democrats blocked the procedural vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amid concerns over the Trump administration’s conduct in the Iran conflict. The 50 to 46 vote reflected bipartisan tensions, with critics arguing the bill should not proceed during heightened military hostilities.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 71, following a brief illness. Tributes from leaders including President Trump and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster highlighted Graham’s dedication to public service and international advocacy.

A housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, became law at midnight after President Trump declined to sign it, citing a protest against the Senate’s inaction on a related elections bill. The legislation aims to reduce housing costs by limiting institutional investors’ purchases of certain homes.

The Trump administration plans to support a draft bill imposing significant financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil, aiming to increase economic pressure on Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal confirmed White House backing for the legislation.

President Trump commenced the NATO summit in Turkey with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressing his belief that Turkey is a more reliable ally than many Western nations. He announced plans to lift some sanctions on Turkey and reconsider its re-entry into the F-35 programme.

A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss charges against Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee on 5 January 2021. Judge Amir Ali stated that President Trump’s pardons do not apply, as Cole had not been convicted at that time.

President Trump is considering pardons primarily for individuals convicted of emissions and Clean Air Act violations, with a meeting scheduled to discuss recommendations. Notably, Sean Combs and Prakazrel Michel are among those seeking clemency, but neither is expected to be on the final list.

President Trump reported over $1 billion in crypto-related income last year, including $635 million from his $TRUMP token and more than $500 million from World Liberty Financial. He maintained this income reflects successful business ventures, despite criticism about potential conflicts of interest related to his presidency.

The Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 against President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, affirming the interpretation of the 14th Amendment that grants citizenship to nearly all born in the U.S. The court’s decision invalidates another of Trump’s signature immigration initiatives.