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National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C. Shows Minimal Impact on Crime, Costing Billions

National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C. Shows Minimal Impact on Crime, Costing Billions

President Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops to Washington D.C. as a central part of his administration's strategy to combat crime, particularly in cities led by Democrats. This deployment, which began last August, involves approximately 4,500 soldiers patrolling tourist-heavy areas, national monuments, and subway stations. The administration has informed Congress of its intention to maintain this deployment until the end of President Trump's term in 2029, projecting a total cost of $1.4 billion. Despite the significant presence, a Reuters review of publicly available charging documents in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia indicates that the National Guard's involvement in criminal cases is minimal, appearing in only about 1.3% of prosecutions. While the guardsmen are deputized as U.S. Marshals, their law enforcement powers are limited; their role is primarily described as 'presence patrols' to deter crime, requiring them to call police for formal arrests. The review also found ...

Trump put thousands of soldiers on Washington’s streets. They seldom stop crime

Trump put thousands of soldiers on Washington’s streets. They seldom stop crime

By Brad Heath WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Well past midnight one day this spring, three police officers pulled up to a nightclub where a man was stomping on a young woman lying on the sidewalk. The officers stopped the attack and arrested him, according to a police report.

U.S. President Trump's Advisor Natalie Harp Gains Media Attention for Undivided Loyalty and Influence

U.S. President Trump's Advisor Natalie Harp Gains Media Attention for Undivided Loyalty and Influence

Natalie Harp, a discreet advisor to President Trump, has garnered significant media attention for her unwavering dedication and close proximity to the President. Described as "omnipresent" by The New York Times, Harp is noted for her constant presence alongside President Trump, whether on golf courses or during international trips. Her responsibilities include dictating posts for President Trump's Truth Social account, drafting text messages to heads of state on his behalf, and ensuring he has access to press clippings, earning her the nickname "human printer." Her profile rose particularly after a secret flight from Ankara in July, where she and other advisors were prioritized over high-ranking government officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, due to concerns about a potential Iranian attack.

President Trump's Claims on Crime Reduction and Police Deaths Disputed by Experts

President Trump's Claims on Crime Reduction and Police Deaths Disputed by Experts

President Trump recently claimed credit for a significant nationwide decline in violent and property crime rates from 2024 to 2025, citing FBI data. Speaking to law enforcement officers, he attributed these reductions, including the largest one-year drops in violent crime and murder rates since 1936, to his administration's policies. He also suggested that an executive order he signed in early 2025, advocating for the death penalty for those convicted of killing police officers, contributed to an 80-year low in law enforcement officer deaths in the line of duty. However, criminology experts and organizations tracking police deaths dispute these direct causal links. They argue that the reasons for the crime drop are complex and unclear, with various factors at play across different cities and public safety strategies. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, for instance, attributed the decline in officer deaths to improved best practices and a focus on officer safety and wellness, not the execu...

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's Sons Benefit from USA Rare Earth Deal Involving Former Company

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's Sons Benefit from USA Rare Earth Deal Involving Former Company

Howard Lutnick, the current Secretary of Commerce under President Trump, is facing scrutiny regarding a deal between the Department of Commerce and USA Rare Earth (USAR). In January 2026, the U.S. government announced it would take a 10% stake in USAR. As part of this agreement, USAR raised $1.5 billion through private stock offerings and selected Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick's former company, as the placement agent. This role could result in multi-million dollar fees for Cantor Fitzgerald. When Lutnick transitioned to his federal role, his sons, Brandon and Kyle Lutnick, assumed leadership positions at Cantor Fitzgerald, with Brandon becoming Chairman and CEO and Kyle taking on the role of Vice Chairman. This arrangement has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as the actions of the Department of Commerce, led by their father, appear to directly benefit the company now run by his sons. Democratic lawmakers are investigating these transactions and have requested records from Lutnick, which ...

Lawmakers Demand Rescission of President Trump's Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines

Lawmakers Demand Rescission of President Trump's Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA), along with 88 congressional colleagues, have formally demanded that President Trump rescind his executive order concerning childhood vaccine recommendations. The executive order directs federal health agencies to overhaul existing childhood vaccine guidelines and encourages states to reconsider school immunization requirements. The lawmakers argue that this order creates confusion and chaos, especially as families prepare for the school year, and undermines science-based recommendations crucial for protecting children and communities from preventable diseases. They highlight that the U.S. is currently experiencing its highest surge in measles cases in 35 years, with an increasing number of states declaring public health emergencies. The letter criticizes the order for overriding decades of scientific evidence and promoting an anti-vaccine ideology, particularly noting the actions of U.S. Dep...

DHS and ICE Receive Billions in Funding Amidst Criticism of Immigration Policies

DHS and ICE Receive Billions in Funding Amidst Criticism of Immigration Policies

The Trump administration has secured significant funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), totaling approximately $200 billion, with an additional $70 million recently allocated to DHS. This funding was largely passed through reconciliation, bypassing typical congressional oversight and requiring only 51 Senate votes. Despite public outcry over deaths in ICE custody and alleged abuses, lawmakers have not enacted substantive immigration reform to limit the administration's agenda. Democrats' attempts to introduce guardrails for immigration agents, such as banning masks and establishing use-of-force standards, failed. The administration's immigration policies have led to over 350,000 deportations in fiscal year 2026, and the agencies are reportedly using the increased budget for various initiatives, including purchasing luxury business jets for deportations, acquiring electric-shock gloves, and awarding no-bid co...

Trump calls for Congress to pass crypto bill at White House event

Trump calls for Congress to pass crypto bill at White House event

By Hannah Lang Aug 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to pass a bill that would bring clearer definitions to the growing cryptocurrency sector, a top priority for industry executives who had gathered for an event at the White House with the president.

Guatemala says 2,300 Mexicans deported from US entered in 2026

Guatemala says 2,300 Mexicans deported from US entered in 2026

By Sofia Menchu GUATEMALA CITY, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo said in an interview aired late Wednesday that around 2,300 Mexicans deported from the United States have been flown to Guatemala so far in 2026 alongside returning Guatemalans, but remain in the country for

President Trump's Image and Name Proliferate Across U.S. Government and Public Spaces

President Trump's Image and Name Proliferate Across U.S. Government and Public Spaces

President Trump has significantly increased the presence of his image, name, and signature across various U.S. government institutions, public spaces, and official documents during his second term. This includes banners featuring his face on federal agencies like the Labor, Justice, and Interior Departments, despite objections from Democrats regarding cost and message. The U.S. Institute of Peace and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have seen attempts to incorporate his name, with the latter briefly displaying 'Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump' on its facade. His administration has also overseen the 'beautification' of Washington D.C., including changes to the Reflecting Pool. Inside the White House, portraits of President Trump have been added, and a 'Presidential Walk of Fame' featuring gold plaques and framed images of past presidents was unveiled. Official documents like the 'Patriot Passport' and National Parks passes now feature his face, and government websites f...

US judge blocks Trump administration's plan to scrap FBI headquarters move to Maryland

US judge blocks Trump administration's plan to scrap FBI headquarters move to Maryland

By Nate Raymond Aug 17 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Monday blocked a Trump administration plan to relocate the new FBI headquarters to Washington, D.C., rather than in nearby Maryland, which had been picked in 2023 to host the building. U.S.

Trump Administration Proposes Significant Cuts to Head Start Program Regulations

Trump Administration Proposes Significant Cuts to Head Start Program Regulations

The Trump administration is proposing substantial changes to the federal Head Start program, aiming to eliminate or rewrite approximately 80% of its regulations. The Department of Health and Human Services published a proposed rule titled 'Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs' on August 7. These changes would shift responsibility from the federal government to states and local providers. Key proposed alterations include replacing federal staffing ratios with varying state licensing standards, which Rutgers University researchers found could significantly increase the number of toddlers per staff member in many states. The proposal also seeks to remove requirements for staff to understand families' ethnic and cultural backgrounds and to provide services addressing racial disparities in maternal and birth outcomes. Additionally, it would impose English-only instruction, except in certain Tribal programs, and eliminate standards aimed at increasing Head Start wages to align with public preschool te...