French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the EU for failing to use its economic power to secure a stronger trade deal with the U.S., saying the bloc “wasn’t feared enough.” The agreement, which imposes 15% tariffs on most EU exports to the U.S., drew backlash in France, with officials urging tougher tactics, including use of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument. While Macron acknowledged the deal brought short-term … Continue reading Macron: EU wasn’t ‘feared enough’ by Trump to get good trade deal 

President Donald Trump announced a new U.S.–South Korea trade deal that sets a 15% blanket tariff on Korean exports to the U.S., down from a previously threatened 25%. The deal includes South Korea committing $350 billion in U.S.-controlled investments, though Seoul says the funds will support Korean companies entering key U.S. industries like shipbuilding and semiconductors. Trump also said Seoul will buy $100 billion in … Continue reading Trump announces trade deal with South Korea, setting tariffs at 15%

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Senate Democrats are invoking the rarely used “Rule of Five” to formally request the Justice Department release all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The law allows five members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee to demand information from federal agencies. Schumer emphasized the request is a serious use of congressional power, not a political stunt, and … Continue reading Democrats invoke rare Senate rule to force release of Epstein documents

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri joined Senate Democrats to advance a bill banning members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading individual stocks. Passed out of committee by an 8–7 vote, the legislation—now called the Honest Act—would give lawmakers 180 days to divest and require annual ethics certifications and biannual audits. Though Hawley introduced the bill, most Republicans on the committee opposed it, … Continue reading GOP Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrats vote to advance congressional stock trading ban

GOP senators, frustrated with Democratic delays, are considering major moves to fast-track President Trump’s nominees, including changing Senate rules and using recess appointments. During a closed-door meeting, options like cutting debate times, removing cloture votes, and expanding en-bloc confirmations were discussed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned Democrats that their obstruction could backfire, while senators like Eric Schmitt suggested all options are on the table, … Continue reading Senate GOP ready to bulldoze Dems on Trump nominees

After months without an official leader amid staffing cuts and disease outbreaks, the Senate confirmed Susan Monarez as the new director of the CDC in a 51-47 party-line vote. Monarez, a health scientist and longtime civil servant, is the first Senate-confirmed CDC director under a 2023 law and the first non-medical degree holder in the role in over 70 years. She takes charge of an … Continue reading In a first, the Senate confirms a new CDC director

The Republican-led Senate narrowly confirmed Emil Bove, President Trump’s former personal lawyer, to a lifetime judgeship on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 50-49 vote, with only Republicans supporting him. Despite allegations from three whistleblowers accusing Bove of disregarding laws and misleading senators, GOP leaders dismissed the complaints as politically motivated. Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joined Democrats in opposing … Continue reading Republicans confirm former Trump lawyer Emil Bove to appeals court

During a visit to open his new Scottish golf course, President Trump highlighted his foreign policy achievements, claiming credit for multiple global ceasefires and diplomatic breakthroughs. Speaking at Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen, he emphasized efforts to prevent wars and strengthen international relations, including a recent U.S. strike on Iran he says ended the Israel-Iran conflict. The trip, blending diplomacy with personal business promotion, … Continue reading Trump boasts he ‘stopped about five wars’ while opening new Scotland golf course

In a rare public clash on the Senate floor, Democrats sparred over how to confront President Trump, revealing internal divisions. While the Senate was considering bipartisan police grant legislation, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) used the moment to criticize his party for not doing enough to oppose Trump. His surprise amendment sparked frustration from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Catherine Cortez Masto, who accused him of derailing … Continue reading Senate floor erupts as Booker accuses Dems of being “complicit” with Trump