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Pentagon orders audit of 30 universities' partnerships with foreign institutions

Pentagon orders audit of 30 universities' partnerships with foreign institutions

The Department of Defense has ordered 30 U.S. universities to audit their partnerships with mostly Chinese universities and military training institutions as President Donald Trump's administration scrutinizes the country’s growing global influence
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Trump administration briefly pauses contentious border project in Texas' Big Bend National Park

Trump administration briefly pauses contentious border project in Texas' Big Bend National Park

The Trump administration says it is temporarily pausing construction of a controversial border construction project in the Big Bend National Park while the head of the agency tasked with building the wall visits Texas to do an “on-the-ground evaluation.”
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Trump wastes billions deploying National Guard troops to DC | Opinion

Trump wastes billions deploying National Guard troops to DC | Opinion

What Trump sold to the public as a temporary response to a fabricated emergency has been codified into an open-ended, multiyear federal mobilization.
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US appeals court blocks Trump immigration enforcement near some houses of worship

US appeals court blocks Trump immigration enforcement near some houses of worship

By Nate Raymond Aug 18 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday upheld an order limiting federal immigration enforcement at eight houses of worship affiliated with three faith groups, saying religious activities at the sites could be hindered by the operations. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S.
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Arizona Secretary of State Criticizes CISA's Election Security Support Under Trump Administration

Arizona Secretary of State Criticizes CISA's Election Security Support Under Trump Administration

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes expressed strong frustration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) during a recent election security call for state officials. Fontes accused the Trump administration of abandoning its duties, threatening prosecution against election officials, and treating states as adversaries rather than partners. He stated that CISA, which previously provided crucial support for election security, has scaled back its assistance, cut staff, and focused on the 2028 presidential election instead of the upcoming November election. This shift in CISA's approach began when President Trump returned to the White House, leading to a lack of confidence among state and local election officials regarding federal support for securing the 2026 elections. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has also reportedly threatened to withhold federal funds from states that do not implement Trump administration election overhaul proposals, further exacerbating tensions...
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Attorney General Blanche Rejects DOJ Independence Pledge, Defends Presidential Influence

Attorney General Blanche Rejects DOJ Independence Pledge, Defends Presidential Influence

Attorney General Todd Blanche has publicly rejected the notion that the Department of Justice (DOJ) should operate independently from the White House, stating he would consider President Trump's views when directing federal law enforcement. This stance was articulated during an appearance on NBC News's 'Meet the Press,' where Blanche asserted that he would not pledge independence and would welcome the President's opinions, similar to any other citizen. He dismissed the narrative of presidential interference as a 'false narrative' and maintained that President Trump would 'never ask me to do something unethical or illegal.' Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General was contentious, passing by a narrow 50-49 vote, with Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joining all Democrats in opposition. He also confirmed that President Trump's proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, intended to compensate alleged victims of politicized prosecution, is now defunct.
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ICE Coordinated with Iranian Regime for Deportation Flights Amidst U.S. War Preparations

ICE Coordinated with Iranian Regime for Deportation Flights Amidst U.S. War Preparations

Internal emails from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), reveal that ICE agents coordinated directly with Iranian government officials to deport over 100 Iranian nationals. This coordination occurred while the United States was preparing for and engaged in conflict with Iran. The emails, spanning from May to November of last year, detail the planning and execution of three charter flights that transported deportees to Tehran. This marks a significant reversal of decades-long U.S. immigration policy, which typically allowed Iranians to remain in the U.S. due to the lack of diplomatic relations and fears of persecution in Iran. The communications show pressure from high-ranking Trump administration officials to facilitate these flights, with some coordination occurring through Qatari intermediaries and at times directly with Iranian officials. One incident detailed in the emails involved an Iran...
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US judge allows Trump to end thousands of Ethiopians' deportation protections

US judge allows Trump to end thousands of Ethiopians' deportation protections

By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Tuesday allowed U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to end legal protections granted to over 5,000 Ethiopians that have allowed them to live and work in the United States. U.S.
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Trump Administration's Iran War Goals Shift, Prioritizing Oil Prices Alongside Denuclearization

Trump Administration's Iran War Goals Shift, Prioritizing Oil Prices Alongside Denuclearization

The Trump administration's stated goals regarding the conflict with Iran have undergone a notable shift, moving away from earlier absolutist demands such as complete Iranian surrender or regime change. Initially, the primary objective was consistently presented as preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. However, recent statements from Vice President JD Vance indicate a reordering of priorities. During an appearance on Fox News, Vance outlined two main goals: ensuring Gulf countries continue to supply oil and gas to the global economy to maintain energy price stability in the United States, and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He explicitly stated that keeping oil and gas cheap for Americans was 'goal number one.' While White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt maintained that both goals are equally important to President Trump, this inclusion of oil and gas prices as a top priority marks a significant departure from previous administration rhetoric, which had not listed energy p...
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Trump Administration's Election Security Call Sparks Outrage Among State Officials

Trump Administration's Election Security Call Sparks Outrage Among State Officials

Tensions between state election officials and the Trump administration escalated during a recent election security call hosted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes openly criticized CISA officials, stating, 'I don’t trust you,' and questioning why states should trust an administration that threatens to criminalize their work. This sentiment was echoed by Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who highlighted the unhelpfulness of political leaders hinting at imprisoning election administrators. The call, intended to address election security ahead of the November elections, provided few assurances to state officials, with participants noting that CISA leaders seemed more focused on the 2028 presidential election rather than immediate threats. The Trump administration's second term has seen a significant scaling back of CISA's support for states, including staff reductions and an investigation into its former leader. This shift has led to...
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Blanche refuses to pledge DOJ independence from White House

Blanche refuses to pledge DOJ independence from White House

Todd Blanche declined to pledge Justice Department independence, saying he would take President Donald Trump's views into account on prosecutions.
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Trump crypto firm backs venture offering AI from restricted Chinese companies

Trump crypto firm backs venture offering AI from restricted Chinese companies

By Lawrence Delevingne BOSTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump-backed World Liberty Financial is collaborating with a Hong Kong-based venture offering artificial-intelligence models developed by Chinese companies the U.S. administration has flagged for national security concerns.