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Democratic senators question Belgian diamond industry about ring given to Trump

Democratic senators question Belgian diamond industry about ring given to Trump

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Two Democratic senators are demanding answers from two Belgian firms about an 18-carat gold ring encrusted with 321 diamonds that was given to U.S. President Donald Trump weeks before the U.S. exempted Europe's diamond industry from new tariffs.
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Lawmakers Criticize Trump Administration for Immigration Policies Affecting Military Families

Lawmakers Criticize Trump Administration for Immigration Policies Affecting Military Families

A group of U.S. lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Duckworth, and Richard Blumenthal, along with several representatives, have issued a letter criticizing the Trump administration's immigration policies. The letter addresses concerns over the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allegedly coordinating to use military bases as 'traps' for non-citizens, leading to the detention and deportation of military families. The lawmakers argue that these actions undermine military readiness and morale, and may violate legal protections such as the Posse Comitatus Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The letter calls for a restoration of immigration protections for military families and demands explanations from the involved agencies by August 23, 2026.
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Senator Blumenthal Calls for Congressional Briefing on President Trump's Plane Switch Amid Iran Threat

Senator Blumenthal Calls for Congressional Briefing on President Trump's Plane Switch Amid Iran Threat

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has expressed significant concern over a report that President Trump secretly switched aircraft during a trip from Turkey, citing security threats from Iran. The Washington Post reported that Trump was discreetly moved from the larger Air Force One to a smaller Air Force C-32A, using a catering truck for the transfer. This move was reportedly a security measure due to heightened tensions with Iran. Blumenthal described the situation as 'downright scary' and 'unprecedented,' emphasizing the need for a congressional briefing to understand the security threats that prompted such measures. The report has raised questions about the safety protocols for the president and the implications for U.S. security policy.
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President Trump Earns $59.5M from Overseas Brand Licensing in First Year Back in Office

President Trump Earns $59.5M from Overseas Brand Licensing in First Year Back in Office

President Donald Trump has reportedly earned $59.5 million in his first year back in office through overseas brand licensing deals. This income stems from agreements with international developers to use the Trump brand on luxury properties, including skyscrapers and resorts. The financial disclosure indicates a significant increase in earnings compared to previous years, with a notable portion of the income coming from Gulf states. Despite previous pledges to avoid foreign business deals while in office, the Trump Organization maintains that it operates independently from the presidency, adhering to ethics and conflict-of-interest laws.
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US bars federal funding of gender-affirming care for low-income minors

US bars federal funding of gender-affirming care for low-income minors

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The Trump administration finalized a rule on Tuesday barring two major federal health programs from funding puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries to treat gender dysphoria in minors, reshaping access for low-income youth nationwide.
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IRS Union Challenges Trump Family's Tax Immunity Deal

IRS Union Challenges Trump Family's Tax Immunity Deal

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing IRS workers, is objecting to a settlement that grants President Trump and his family immunity from tax audits. This deal, announced by the Trump administration, has sparked controversy as it potentially exempts the Trump family from paying $100 million in back taxes. The union argues that this immunity undermines the integrity of the tax system and places IRS employees in a difficult position, as they must choose between following the law and adhering to the immunity order. The NTEU has joined a lawsuit against the Justice Department, asserting that the deal violates legal standards and threatens the fairness of the tax system.
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The Latest: Democratic socialist is neck and neck with moderate in Wisconsin governor primary

The Latest: Democratic socialist is neck and neck with moderate in Wisconsin governor primary

Primary elections are taking place in six U.S. states — Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin
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President Trump Issues Executive Order Altering Childhood Vaccine Schedule

President Trump Issues Executive Order Altering Childhood Vaccine Schedule

President Trump has issued a new executive order that significantly alters the federal government's approach to childhood vaccinations. The order, announced from the Oval Office, reduces the number of recommended vaccines for children from 18 to 11 and extends the timeline over which they are administered. This move marks a departure from the traditional, science-led process of vaccine recommendations, instead relying on comparisons with international systems and advice from the president's advisers. The order also controversially suggests splitting the MMR vaccine into three separate shots, a change not supported by current scientific evidence. The administration claims the new policy complies with previous court orders and asserts the president's right to define the 'gold standard' for vaccinations.
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President Trump Uses Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Against Democratic Opponents

President Trump Uses Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Against Democratic Opponents

President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against progressive Democratic candidates, labeling them as 'jihadists' and anti-American. This comes as part of his strategy ahead of the midterm elections, where he has been targeting far-left Democratic primary winners. Trump has specifically attacked Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive victor in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, using baseless claims and Islamophobic language. This rhetoric is part of a broader pattern of Trump's attacks on Democratic socialists, whom he labels as communists and a threat to the country.
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Transgender American Returns Home After Failed Asylum Bid in Europe

Transgender American Returns Home After Failed Asylum Bid in Europe

Jane-Michelle Arc, a transgender American, has returned to California after a failed attempt to seek asylum in the Netherlands. Arc fled the U.S. following President Trump's reelection, fearing for her safety as a trans woman. However, life in the Ter Apel refugee camp proved more dangerous, with Arc facing anti-trans hostility from other asylum seekers. Arc's experience highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals seeking refuge abroad, as well as the difficulties of living in refugee camps.
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Letters to the Editor: Was election day landslide clear enough?

Letters to the Editor: Was election day landslide clear enough?

Missouri voters rejected Jefferson City politicians' ballot measures by a landslide on election day. Will legislators get the message?