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Democrats, Republicans ask Trump administration not to ship Afghan allies to unsafe countries

Democrats, Republicans ask Trump administration not to ship Afghan allies to unsafe countries

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) - Dozens of U.S. lawmakers urged President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday to roll back any plans to ship to unsafe third countries Afghan nationals who worked with U.S. forces during the war in their homeland.

President Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Political Scrutiny

President Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Political Scrutiny

The Trump administration's proposed $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, intended to compensate individuals allegedly targeted by the Biden-era Justice Department, is facing significant political hurdles. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recently testified before Congress, stating that the fund would not proceed. However, behind the scenes, there are indications that the administration is exploring ways to keep the fund alive. The fund, which has been criticized as a political slush fund, aims to provide financial restitution to Trump loyalists, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Despite public assurances of its abandonment, internal discussions suggest that the administration is considering alternative methods to facilitate payouts, potentially through lawsuits against the government.

House Appropriations Committee Proposes $55.5 Billion Space Force Budget, Excludes Reconciliation Funds

House Appropriations Committee Proposes $55.5 Billion Space Force Budget, Excludes Reconciliation Funds

The House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee has unveiled a $1.07 trillion fiscal 2027 spending bill, allocating $55.5 billion for the U.S. Space Force. This proposal, however, excludes approximately $350 billion in additional defense spending that the Trump administration sought through a budget reconciliation package. The reconciliation process allows certain fiscal legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority vote, but its prospects are uncertain. The administration had previously secured $150 billion in defense funding through reconciliation in fiscal 2026. The current proposal significantly expands this approach, but skepticism remains among Senate appropriators about the likelihood of another reconciliation bill. The House bill provides $397.9 million for the Golden Dome missile defense program, far less than the $17.5 billion sought through reconciliation.

Trump Administration's Plan to Use Bomb-Grade Plutonium for Energy Sparks Controversy

Trump Administration's Plan to Use Bomb-Grade Plutonium for Energy Sparks Controversy

The Trump administration has issued Executive Order 14302, directing the U.S. Department of Energy to provide weapons-grade plutonium to private industries for use in nuclear reactors. This initiative aims to utilize 20 metric tons of plutonium, enough for thousands of nuclear bombs, to generate electricity. The plan has faced criticism from U.S. Senator Ed Markey, who raised concerns about national security, potential conflicts of interest, and the economic viability of the proposal. The administration's move marks a significant departure from longstanding U.S. policy against the commercial use of plutonium, which has been avoided to prevent nuclear proliferation.

White House to meet defense firms to talk about ramping up production, sources say

White House to meet defense firms to talk about ramping up production, sources say

By Mike Stone WASHINGTON, June 10 (Reuters) - The Trump administration plans to meet executives from the biggest U.S. defense contractors at the White House as soon as next week to discuss accelerating production, as U.S. strikes on Iran and other recent military operations draw down supplies,

Appeals Court Rules Pentagon's Transgender Troop Ban Illegal, Citing Constitutional Violations

Appeals Court Rules Pentagon's Transgender Troop Ban Illegal, Citing Constitutional Violations

A federal appeals court panel has ruled that the Pentagon's policy banning transgender individuals from military service is illegal. The decision, made by a divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, found that the policy discriminates based on gender identity. The ruling partially upholds a previous decision by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who argued that the ban likely violates constitutional rights. While the ban remains in effect, the ruling prevents the military from discharging current transgender service members involved in the lawsuit. The decision is on hold to allow the administration to seek further review, and an appeal to the Supreme Court is anticipated.

The Latest: Trump signs $70 billion bill to fund his deportation agenda

The Latest: Trump signs $70 billion bill to fund his deportation agenda

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill that aims to ensure uninterrupted funding for the administration’s deportation agenda for the rest of his term

Trump Administration's Plutonium Plan Raises Security and Economic Concerns

Trump Administration's Plutonium Plan Raises Security and Economic Concerns

The Trump administration has issued Executive Order 14302, titled 'Reinvigorating the Nuclear Base,' which directs the U.S. Department of Energy to distribute 20 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium to private industries for use in nuclear reactors. This initiative marks the first time the U.S. government has made such material available to private companies. The plan involves five nuclear energy startups, including Oklo, which may receive the plutonium to generate electricity. The proposal has sparked significant controversy, with U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) expressing concerns over national security, potential conflicts of interest, and the economic viability of the plan. Senator Markey has highlighted the risks of nuclear proliferation and questioned the involvement of Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who has ties to Oklo.

The Latest: US military says it fired on a tanker trying to transport oil from Iran

The Latest: US military says it fired on a tanker trying to transport oil from Iran

The U.S. launched airstrikes Wednesday against Iran, and President Donald Trump said more are coming, as Tehran fired back at countries in the region

President Trump Seeks Short-Term FISA Extension Amid Controversy Over Pulte Appointment

President Trump Seeks Short-Term FISA Extension Amid Controversy Over Pulte Appointment

President Trump has requested Congress to approve a short-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702, which is set to expire soon. This request comes amid a contentious decision to appoint Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is set to replace Tulsi Gabbard, who is departing later this month. The appointment has faced significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans due to Pulte's lack of national security experience. Democrats have also criticized Pulte for his past actions involving criminal referrals to the Justice Department against some of President Trump's political adversaries. The president has emphasized the importance of FISA 702 for national security, especially during significant events like the World Cup and America250 Celebrations.

'I love the inflation,' Trump says as prices rise amid Iran war

'I love the inflation,' Trump says as prices rise amid Iran war

By Bo Erickson and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON, June 10 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to embrace data showing inflation has risen more than 4%, telling reporters that he "loved" inflation and reiterating his belief that prices will fall as soon as the Iran war ends.

Federal Judge Blocks $100,000 H-1B Fee, Citing Tax Law Implications

Federal Judge Blocks $100,000 H-1B Fee, Citing Tax Law Implications

A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked the Trump administration's imposition of a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The ruling came from Judge Leo T. Sorokin of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, who sided with 20 states challenging the fee increase. The court granted the states' motion for summary judgment, vacating the policy entirely. The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, typically requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The fee increase was intended to curb abuse and protect American workers, but the court found it to be an unauthorized tax. The decision highlights the growing judicial scrutiny over the separation of powers, particularly regarding the executive branch's authority to impose taxes.