Browsing: White House

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general with a narrow 50-49 vote, following a contentious nomination process. Blanche, previously President Trump’s defence lawyer, faced opposition from key senators regarding his association with the Justice Department’s “anti-weaponization” fund and tax immunity provisions related to Trump.

The Pentagon has revoked Frank Kendall’s eligibility for classified information, accusing the former Air Force Secretary of leaking details regarding Air Force One’s capabilities. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the action, following concerns raised by media reports about the aircraft’s security features.

A federal appeals court has determined that the Trump White House cannot proceed with a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the former East Wing without congressional approval. The court ruled the project, estimated at $400 million, lacks necessary legal authority.

President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at restricting citizenship for certain children born in the United States, following a Supreme Court ruling against an earlier order. The measures target “birth tourism” and redefine ineligibility criteria for birthright citizenship.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating why airport traffic wasn’t halted during Marine One’s departure with President Trump on Tuesday. Despite a previous ban on non-essential helicopter flights at Reagan National Airport, the Marine Corps reported the flight as “routine.”

President Trump reportedly expressed concern over GOP Rep. Max Miller’s re-election bid amid allegations of assault involving his ex-wife and child. Despite Trump’s wishes for Miller to withdraw, the representative insists he will remain in the race and plans to launch an ethics investigation to address the claims.

Federal prosecutors have requested the dismissal of charges against former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New evidence indicates the damage was due to faulty installation by a contractor rather than vandalism.

President Trump issued an ultimatum to Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn regarding the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general, stating he would push for the “anti-weaponization fund” if they did not comply. Tillis expressed concern over the fund’s revival and hopes for a resolution by Tuesday.

The United States and Israel are coordinating a potential bombing campaign targeting energy infrastructure in Iran, with strikes expected over the weekend. Sources indicate President Trump has yet to issue final orders, amid concerns regarding economic impacts and discussions of military options with Israeli officials.

Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna reported a positive shift in Ukraine’s relationship with the U.S., citing recent communications between President Zelenskyy and President Trump. Ukraine is now focusing on delivering concrete results in defence cooperation, as discussions about air defence procurement continue amid winter preparations.