This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Struggling Republicans urge Trump to open Maga Inc’s $400mn war chest (FT)

Trump’s Maga Inc has amassed a record $400 million war chest but has spent less than 1% on advertising this year, alarming Republicans facing difficult House and Senate races.

GOP lawmakers are urging Trump’s political operation to deploy the money quickly, with Democrats threatening congressional control and Republicans particularly worried about costly battlegrounds such as Texas.

Presented with bleak polling, the White House moves to make the midterms about Trump (NBC News)

Republicans face a major turnout problem ahead of the midterms, with Trump voters less enthusiastic and Democrats benefiting from GOP turnout weakness; Trump’s approval has fallen to 33%.

Trump’s team is betting on a Trump-centered campaign to energize MAGA voters, despite concerns that high gas prices, the unpopular Iran war, and Trump’s low approval could instead hurt GOP candidates.

Trump falsely claims prices are falling rapidly. Some Republican ads acknowledge reality (CNN)

Trump claims inflation is largely solved and prices are falling, but consumer prices are up 4.3% since he returned to office.

Republican candidates are nevertheless running ads acknowledging rising costs for groceries, gas, housing and other essentials, exposing a disconnect with Trump’s message ahead of the midterms.

Nobel Peace Prize winner claims Trump’s mental health is deteriorating and making him ‘more dangerous’ (The Independent)

Psychiatrist and 1985 Nobel Peace Prize co-winner Henry David Abraham says Trump’s cognitive decline and impaired judgment make him “more dangerous,” particularly given his access to nuclear weapons.

Abraham and 35 other physicians previously called for Trump’s removal under the 25th Amendment.

Record-High 47% Want Unions to Have More Influence (Gallup)

A record 47% of Americans want unions to have more influence, versus just 23% wanting less, while union approval stands at 71%.

Support is strongly partisan: 73% of Democrats want greater union influence, compared with 45% of independents and 19% of Republicans.

Billionaire Leon Black Sues Congressional Panel Investigating Epstein (The New York Times)

Billionaire Leon Black refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee about his Epstein ties and sued to invalidate its subpoenas, including demands for NDAs involving women.

Committee leaders are considering holding Black in contempt of Congress; Black paid Epstein $170 million for tax and estate services and lent him $30 million.

Judge blocks another effort by Trump to limit birthright citizenship (BBC News)

A federal judge blocked Trump’s latest, narrower attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, saying the executive order is “almost certainly unconstitutional.”

The order targeted children linked to “birth tourism,” alleged “alien enemies,” and foreign government employees; the administration is expected to appeal.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Republican Senator calls on Trump to fire Hegseth for ‘inept management’ (The Independent)

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called on Trump to fire Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of “inept management,” fueling culture wars and driving competent military leaders out.

Tillis’s criticism followed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation amid reported clashes with Hegseth, adding to a long list of senior military officials who have left under Hegseth’s leadership.

As Trump Throws a Midterm Party, Some Vulnerable Republicans Send Regrets (The New York Times)

Many vulnerable House and Senate Republicans are skipping Trump’s Sept. 9–10 Dallas midterm convention, preferring to campaign at home as his approval rating hits a record low and his tariffs and Iran war remain unpopular.

The reluctance highlights GOP concerns that close association with Trump could hurt candidates in competitive races, even as party leaders promote the convention as a way to energize voters and protect their congressional majorities.

How data centres became one of America’s hottest political issues (The Economist)

Data centers have become deeply unpopular in the U.S., with 63% opposing them in a recent Economist/YouGov poll, prompting states and counties to impose restrictions amid concerns about electricity costs, water use and other local impacts.

The backlash is reshaping midterm politics and putting Trump’s strong support for AI infrastructure at odds with many voters, although investment may simply shift toward states and communities more willing to accommodate data centers.

Thune says he worries about losing Senate majority: ‘I’m a realist’ (The Hill)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged Republicans could lose their Senate majority, calling the midterm environment “competitive” amid Trump’s weak approval ratings and voter concerns over high prices.

Thune pointed to Iran-war-driven gas prices as a major risk and also expressed concerns about Trump’s tariffs on Canada and plans to increase foreign beef imports.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Trump Approval Rating Down 14 Points Among Republicans Since April 2025 (Forbes)

Trump’s approval stands at 32%, with 64% disapproving; Republican approval has fallen 14 points, from 89% to 75%, since April 2025.

Just 25% approve of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, while 68% disapprove.

House Democrats left reeling after shock defections (Axios)

Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez broke with Democrats, helping Republicans pass a key procedural vote 210–208 without warning party leadership.

The defections sparked anger and leadership tensions, with Hakeem Jeffries calling them a “significant breach of trust” and possible repercussions under discussion.

Majority of Americans oppose Trump’s new Canada tariffs, renaming Lake Ontario, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds (Reuters)

Reuters/Ipsos found just 20% support Trump’s higher tariffs on Canadian goods, while 57% oppose them.

Only 14% support renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” compared with 63% opposed.

Whistle-Blower Says Trump Officials Are Defying Court Orders on Voting by Mail (The New York Times)

A USPS whistleblower alleges the agency is secretly rushing ahead with Trump-ordered mail-voting restrictions despite a court order blocking the plan.

The official warns the new system could cause widespread ballot errors and potentially prevent millions of Americans from receiving or casting mail ballots in the midterms.

Army secretary Driscoll resigns after tension with Pete Hegseth (FT)

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after prolonged clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over personnel decisions, Army modernization and readiness.

His departure leaves the Army without its two top confirmed leaders amid the Iran war, following Hegseth’s removal of numerous senior military officers.

US sees rising opposition to Flock, a network of 120,000 vehicle-identifying cameras (Le Monde)

Opposition is growing to Flock Safety’s 120,000-camera license-plate network, with civil-liberties concerns prompting more than 60 U.S. cities to end contracts since May.

Critics cite weak safeguards and misuse, including police tracking partners, ICE gaining indirect access and abortion-related searches.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Poll: Working class voters are still up for grabs (Politico)

Democrats lead Republicans 37%–30% on which party best represents working-class interests; among self-identified working-class Americans, it’s 38%–32%.

55% say politicians’ working-class rhetoric is mainly about winning votes, with only one-quarter of working-class Americans believing politicians genuinely want to help them.

Millions of Dollars in Secret Spending Could Upend the 2026 Midterms (The New York Times)

About $1 billion in dark money is shaping the 2026 midterms, with anonymous spending influencing nearly every major primary and battleground race.

Both parties are exploiting disclosure loopholes, with four major Democratic- and Republican-aligned nonprofits alone accounting for more than $460 million in hidden-source spending.

Trump’s White House inner circle is shrinking (Semafor)

Trump’s White House inner circle is shrinking as several trusted advisers depart, consolidating influence among longtime aides including Susie Wiles, Stephen Miller, JD Vance and Marco Rubio.

The turnover comes as Trump faces low approval ratings, difficult midterms and major foreign-policy challenges, while some allies worry that fewer gatekeepers could weaken West Wing discipline and expose him to more unfiltered influence.

Trump’s bogus narrative about the GOP losing in the 2026 midterms (CNN)

Trump argues that voters dislike congressional Republicans more than him, but recent polling shows he is roughly as unpopular - or even more unpopular - than the GOP, with approval ratings generally in the 30s.

Polls also suggest Trump himself is a major drag on Republicans: independents and some GOP-leaning voters have soured on him, while 40% of voters say their midterm vote is intended to oppose Trump versus just 18% to support him.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

A summer of foodborne illness is already testing Trump’s pick for top regulator (BBC)

Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to lead the FDA amid a major food-safety crisis. The FDA has lost about 20% of its workforce, several senior officials, and has gone months without a permanent commissioner. Public health experts argue this has contributed to slower outbreak investigations and poorer communication.

Critics fear Heidi Overton may prioritize the administration’s political agenda over scientific judgment, particularly on vaccines and other contentious health policies.

Letting tax cheats off the hook is costing America (Financial Times)

Daniel Richman, a Columbia University law professor and former federal prosecutor, argues that the Trump administration’s fraud enforcement disproportionately targets politically weaker groups while wealthy individuals and large corporations often escape scrutiny.

Trump’s trade war hands Democrats a campaign-trail gift (Semafor)

According to Semafor, Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods are giving Democrats a political advantage in Michigan, where Canada is a major trading partner and the tariffs threaten key industries such as manufacturing and autos. Democratic candidates have used opposition to the tariffs to link their Republican opponents to Trump’s trade policy, while Republican candidates have largely defended the tariffs as a negotiating tool. However, Democrats remain divided over tariffs more broadly, particularly over their use to protect American manufacturing.

Secret CIA visit highlights Putin and Trump’s common strategic trap (CNN)

Trump and Putin face a similar strategic dilemma: both underestimated their adversaries and are now struggling to achieve their war aims while avoiding the political cost of backing down. Ratcliffe’s Moscow visit reflects the increasingly complex geopolitical situation, as Washington seeks Russian cooperation on Iran and Ukraine while Moscow may see the US being tied down in another costly conflict as an advantage.

RFK Jr.’s Health Department empowers political appointees like never before (POLITICO)

The Trump administration has sharply increased the number of political appointees at the Department of Health and Human Services, while simultaneously reducing its career civil-service workforce. The shift has raised concerns about the politicization of public health and the loss of institutional expertise, as political appointees have taken over decisions traditionally handled by career officials. Some political appointees have strong ties to industries regulated by HHS or to Kennedy and Trump’s political networks.

Meet the Megadonors Who Have Poured $1.2 Billion Into the Midterms (The New York Times)

The 20 largest donors and groups have contributed roughly $1.2 billion to the 2026 midterm elections, with Republican-aligned donors accounting for much of the spending. Silicon Valley billionaires and cryptocurrency companies are among the largest contributors, seeking to shape AI, cryptocurrency and broader economic regulation in their favor.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Why Donald Trump still has support in the Bronx (Financial Times)

Despite Trump’s falling approval ratings among Black and Latino voters nationally, some of his supporters in the Bronx remain firmly loyal, citing his tough approach to immigration and frustration with Democrats.

Others, however, are becoming disillusioned as rising costs, job cuts and Trump’s policies take a toll, highlighting the uncertainty over whether the minority voters who shifted toward Republicans in 2024 will remain with Trump ahead of the 2026 midterms.

RFK Jr lied in Senate confirmation hearings, newly revealed documents indicate (The Guardian)

Newly obtained letters contradict Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s testimony to Congress that his 2019 trip to Samoa had “nothing to do with vaccines.” Before the trip, Kennedy wrote to Samoa’s prime minister explicitly proposing an assessment of the country’s MMR vaccine program and mentioned vaccines or vaccination eight times.

Republicans are breaking with Donald Trump on data centers (POLITICO)

Republicans in key battleground states are distancing themselves from Trump on the rapid growth of data centers, as more voters oppose having them built nearby. Candidates are calling for temporary bans or giving local communities more control over new projects, despite Trump supporting data centers as important to the U.S. AI race.

El-Sayed says ‘no plans’ to campaign with Piker (Semafor)

Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed says he has “no plans” to campaign with controversial left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, as pressure grows from fellow Democrats over their association.

El-Sayed argues voters care more about everyday issues like grocery prices and healthcare, while Republicans are using the controversy to attack him and portray Democrats as divided.

Federal judge lifts nationwide block on mail-in voting restrictions (The Hill)

A federal judge temporarily lifted a nationwide block on the Trump administration’s new mail-in voting restrictions, allowing the rules to move forward ahead of the November midterms.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Trump’s Tariff War With Canada Threatens GOP Candidates in Border Battlegrounds (The Hill)

With the collapse of trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S., Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports took effect on Saturday. Canada vowed to retaliate proportionally. Ohio and Michigan, given their reliance on trade with the U.S. northern neighbour, will be among the most affected. Democratic candidates in these two and other critical toss-up states, such as New Hampshire and Iowa, have already begun campaigning against their opponents on the issue, stressing the negative consequences that the trade war will have on working families. Still, the Republican Party remained steadfast in supporting the White House trade policy, with only Sen. Susan Collins, running in Maine for U.S. Senate elections, criticising the Tariffs.

Trump-Backed Darline Graham Wins GOP Nomination for U.S. Senate (Politico)

Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in South Carolina despite being a political outsider. Much of her victory has been attributed to Trump’s vocal support and financial backing. Political strategists and candidates are left puzzled by the president's decision to expose himself in what will be a safe midterm race for the GOP, while deserting allies facing much tougher competition. Some see this as a sign that the President has more political and financial capital to be spent in November than previously expected. Others point out that Trump’s endorsement might be more of a political liability than an asset in battleground states, while still working as intended in Red states. Finally, a Dem strategist mentioned the possibility that no well-thought-out plan is at play.

Trump Administration Issues Pause on Immigrant Visa Appointments for Applicants Worldwide (Reuters)

In early August, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide began an in-depth training process. That is the State Department’s reason for canceling and postponing all visa appointments to a yet-to-be-decided date. The training is intended to help personnel assess whether applicants would be likely to become dependent on U.S. public benefits once accepted in the country. Experts see this decision as part of a broader White House strategy to make legal immigration more difficult.

House Dems’ Pro-Israel Wing Gains Power on Key Panel (Axios)

Despite growing pro-Palestinian sentiment among the Democratic base, three of the four Democratic Party members recently appointed to influential positions in the House Foreign Affairs subcommittees are long-standing supporters of Israel. This is particularly significant as Democrats are projected to win the House in the upcoming midterm elections, potentially giving the committee greater influence over U.S. foreign policy. The appointment of Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) as ranking member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee is seen as particularly crucial for shaping future U.S. engagement in the MENA region.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Boss of Trump Jr-Backed Start-Up Donated to Republicans After Winning US Contract (Financial Times)

Hadrian CEO Chris Power donated $443,000 to Republican groups in July, just months after the defense start-up received a $900 million U.S. Navy contract. Hadrian is part of Donald Trump Jr.’s 1789 Capital portfolio, and several other companies linked to the firm have also secured major government contracts since Trump’s reelection. Two 1789 executives donated another $300,000 to Republicans, while Trump Jr. and his representatives say he had no role in negotiating the contracts. Hadrian said its investors support its goal of strengthening U.S. manufacturing.

Nothing Changes Yet With the Supreme Court’s Order on Elections. But It Could Open Door to ‘Chaos’ (Associated Press)

The Supreme Court’s decision has reopened the legal fight over Trump’s restrictions on mail voting, creating uncertainty ahead of the November midterms. New rules could require states to change mail-ballot envelopes and tracking systems within weeks, but election officials say the changes are practically impossible to implement so close to the election. Legal experts also expect further lawsuits and say the rules are unlikely to ultimately take effect, while critics warn the situation could create major disruption and confusion for voters and election officials.

Donald Trump’s Approval Rating as He Calls Out ‘Fake Polls’ (Newsweek)

Trump’s approval rating has fallen significantly ahead of the November midterms, with several recent polls showing more Americans disapprove of his performance than approve. Trump has dismissed the negative surveys as “fake polls” and accused Democrats of trying to discourage Republican voters. His low approval could hurt Republicans in the midterms, as Democrats are favored to regain control of the House and compete for Senate seats. The economy, inflation, and the Iran war are among the main issues driving dissatisfaction with Trump.

G.O.P. Lawmakers Rebuke Trump on Plan to Increase Beef Imports (The New York Times)

Several Republican lawmakers are criticizing Trump’s decision to increase cheaper beef imports, warning that it could hurt American ranchers. Senators from cattle-producing states including Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska have urged him to reverse the policy, arguing that it threatens local producers. The move appears aimed at lowering food prices ahead of the midterms, but has angered ranchers and Republicans who fear it could hurt an important Republican constituency.

This Not-So-Secret Document Is Inspiring the Left — and Tripping Up Its Candidates (The Washington Post)

The Democratic Socialists of America’s new platform is gaining attention but creating problems for Democratic candidates because of its more radical proposals. It calls for universal rent control, abolishing the Senate and the Supreme Court, ending fossil fuel use, and reducing police and military power. Some DSA-supported candidates have distanced themselves from these positions, while DSA leaders say the platform aims to promote long-term political change.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Father of Navy Sailor on USS Abraham Lincoln Detained by Immigration Authorities, Family Says (NBC News)

Navy Sailor Joshua Aviles, who has been out on deployment for over 9 months on USS Abraham Lincoln, has been informed that his father is now being detained by immigration enforcement authorities. Luis Manuel Aviles was arrested during a traffic stop in Florida and is believed to have a work permit, a Social Security card, and a driver’s license in the U.S. Extended Navy deployments have recently made headlines as sailors faced mental and physical health challenges alongside low morale. Arrests of close family members of active service personnel are not uncommon, and there have been more than 50 such cases during Trump’s second term.

As Flock Battles Public Scrutiny, Other Police Surveillance Companies See An Opening (NPR)

Recent controversy around the use of ‘Flock Safety’ by police departments across the U.S. has presented an opportunity for their competitors. Flock cameras are widely known for their use in license plate reading, where findings can be shared with other police jurisdictions. High-profile instances have arisen of police officers using the technology to stalk women, investigate out-of-state abortion cases, and support federal immigration enforcement efforts. The public backlash against police contracts with Flock has been supported by digital privacy advocacy networks, which recognise that the threats posed by Flock are also relevant to its competitors, who are ready to fill any gaps in the surveillance market.

Court Cuts $50M Judgment Against Alex Jones Over Falsely Labelling Sandy Hook Killings a Hoax (AP News)

Conspiracy theorist and founder of Infowars news site Alex Jones saw a considerable reduction in the amount he is ordered to pay the families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012. The court ruling reduced his fine for false claims concerning the massacre from $50 million to around $6 million. He has stated his intent to appeal the decision with the aim of getting all damage charges dropped. He is also facing a $1.25 billion judgment in a separate case concerning defamation and emotional harm to the victim’s families.

U.S. Military Newspaper Editor Voices Censorship Fears After Being Fired (BBC)

Military newspaper Stars and Stripes has claimed censorship from the U.S. government after its editor-in-chief Eric Slavin, the outlet’s publisher, and a reporter were dismissed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The reason for the dismissals was reportedly ‘insubordination’, which Slavin claimed may have been connected to his admission in an interview that “in a hypothetical situation, censorship would be a red line”. The newspaper, which publishes online, has around 1.4 million daily readers. Print versions are also made available for service members posted to locations with unstable internet access.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Scott Bessent takes on bond vigilantes in $32tn Treasury market (Financial Times)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is trying to calm the US bond market by at least doubling government purchases of long-term Treasury bonds. The move briefly lowered long-term borrowing costs, but investors remain sceptical, arguing that buybacks cannot solve the underlying problems of high inflation, rising interest rates and America’s growing debt burden.

The US is projected to run a deficit of 5.8% of GDP this year, far above Bessent’s target of 3% by 2028, and analysts doubt the administration can introduce sufficiently large deficit reductions to meaningfully change investor sentiment.

With ICC sanctions, Trump wants to make the world safe for war criminals (The Guardian)

The Trump administration has expanded its campaign against the International Criminal Court, sanctioning ICC president Tomoko Akane and senior prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye, bringing the total number of sanctioned ICC officials to 13. According to The Guardian’s columnist Kenneth Roth, the sanctions are intended primarily to shield US and Israeli officials from potential prosecution.

While the EU has condemned the sanctions, it has not used measures such as its “blocking statute” to protect ICC personnel, with the author arguing that fear of US retaliation is weakening international support for the court and accountability for alleged war crimes.

Gen Z turns against capitalism as DSA takes off (The Hill)

A CBS/YouGov poll found that only 9% of Americans under 30 view capitalism very positively, while 41% have a somewhat or very negative view. The trend coincides with growing support for democratic socialist candidates and ideas among younger voters.

Trump goes all-in for Lindsey Graham’s sister after her stunning national security blunder (The Independent)

Trump is making a rare campaign appearance in South Carolina to boost Darline Graham, the sister of his late ally Lindsey Graham, ahead of Tuesday’s Republican Senate primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. Trump has strongly endorsed her and previously urged her to run.

Graham’s campaign is closely tied to Trump’s political agenda. She presents herself as answering “President Trump’s call to serve” and has emphasized priorities such as border security and election legislation, repeatedly highlighting his endorsement as a central asset.

Trump US attorney pick can no longer investigate one of the president’s top foes, court rules (CNN)

A federal appeals court ruled that Trump’s acting US Attorney in Albany, John Sarcone, was unlawfully appointed, meaning he can no longer participate in the investigation of New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of Trump’s prominent political opponents.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Trump celebrates Florida loss of ‘treasonous creep’ (The Hill)

Trump celebrated retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman’s defeat in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary, calling him a “treasonous creep” over his testimony during Trump’s first impeachment. Vindman lost to state Rep. Angie Nixon by more than 12 points, prompting Trump to again accuse him of lying about his call with Ukraine’s president and say he should be prosecuted.

US capital demand for AI and defense fuels beginnings of a debt crisis (Le Monde)

Rising US budget deficits, heavy AI investment and increased defense spending are driving stronger demand for capital and pushing long-term borrowing costs higher, raising concerns about an emerging debt crisis.

Mike Lindell offers to fund recount in Minnesota Republican primary for governor (The Guardian)

Trump ally Mike Lindell is offering to personally fund a full recount of Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary after losing to Lisa Demuth by about 11 points and refusing to concede. Lindell alleges election irregularities, although the margin was far too large for an automatic recount, and the full recount is estimated to cost about $825,000.

He’s running for Georgia governor as an immigration hardliner. His company was accused of trafficking immigrant nurses (CNN)

Georgia Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson is campaigning as an immigration hardliner while owning a healthcare company that recruits foreign nurses. Avant Healthcare Professionals was sued by immigrant nurses who accused the company of underpaying them, using restrictive contracts and threatening immigration consequences if they quit.

Avant denied wrongdoing but agreed in June to a $3 million settlement benefiting more than 5,000 current and former immigrant workers.

Jon Ossoff says it is ‘amazing to watch this White House melt down’ over Natalie Harp jab (The Independent)

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff says it is “amazing” to watch the White House react to his criticism of Trump’s close aide Natalie Harp. Ossoff had mocked Trump for traveling with Harp aboard the Qatari-donated aircraft, prompting a furious response from White House officials and Trump allies.

The feud escalated as Trump himself dismissed questions about Ossoff’s remarks and called him “Pee-Wee Herman.” Ossoff has continued attacking Trump over his leadership and the Iran war, while White House and MAGA figures have intensified their criticism of the Georgia senator.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Ban on Chinese Robots Leaves U.S. Startups Stranded (Rest of the World)

In July, the Federal Communications Commission forbade all advanced robotic devices containing less than 75% domestically produced components from entering the U.S. market. The decision was taken on national security grounds and in light of data showing that 90% of all humanoid robots sold in 2025 were of Chinese origin. However, Silicon Valley leaders and robotics entrepreneurs are coming to realise that manufacturing commercial robots without access to China’s electronics supply chain is nearly impossible. They argue that, without measures to develop a domestic supply chain, or the adoption of more incremental and less stringent barriers, the U.S. industry might fall even further behind.

Major Data Center Bills Advance in California Despite Industry Pushback (Canary Media)

With the U.S. public progressively more polarised on the issue of new data centres, the camps supporting a complete moratorium and those embracing a free market approach are becoming increasingly vocal. California legislative committees walked a middle path, passing two bills imposing strict regulations on new data centre construction. Data centers would have to meet clean power requirements, pay for the new power generation and grid upgrades they need, along with a ​“reasonable share” of the fees utilities collect for environmental and social programs. However, industry representatives have criticised such requirements as unattainable, and some stakeholders worry that the bills won’t prevent the ensuing costs from being passed to ratepayers.

Gov. Abbott Proposes Ban on H-1B Visa Use for Texas Public Schools During Campaign Stop (The Texas Tribune)

On the campaign trail, Texas Gov. Abbott is embracing a harder line on immigration by proposing a zero-regime for worker visas in the Public Education sector. In public schools, these H-1B visas are currently being used to fill critical teacher shortages in roles such as bilingual education. To reduce foreign influence in the state public education, Abbott also called for a ban on financial agreements between schools and foreign sources. However, all these measures will have to be passed by the state legislature.

Angie Nixon, Progressive Jacksonville Firebrand, Wins Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate (Florida Trib)

In another victory for the progressive wing of the democratic party, Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated Alex Vindman in the party primary for the U.S. Senate. Alex Vindman, a retired Army lieutenant, outspent Nixon 17-to-1 and could count on his rival's thin legislative record. However, some strategists say his centrist campaign was too focused on the general election, failing to convince the state democratic base.

Trump Says U.S. and Canada Reached Deal to Delay 50% U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Imports (NPR)

Trump announced that the 50% tariffs on more than $20 billion worth of Canadian goods have been delayed by three days because, according to the White House, the two countries are close to reaching a deal. Experts say the move would benefit both countries, as Canada had also threatened to retaliate against any new tariffs, and these costs would likely have been passed on to U.S. and Canadian consumers. The lack of clarity regarding the deal’s contents and whether an agreement will actually be reached, however, remains a source of concern for producers in both countries.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Trump Approval Falls to 33%, Lowest of His Presidency, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds (Reuters)

Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest of his presidency, while 64% disapprove of his performance. Eighty percent of Americans expect US involvement in the Iran war to continue for an extended period, with rising gas prices and the prolonged conflict hurting Trump politically. Republicans are also losing ground to Democrats on the economy and immigration, raising concerns about the November midterms.

Trump 2.0 Has Deleted or Altered Nearly 400 US Datasets, Endangering Public Health, Education and More (The Guardian)

The Trump administration has deleted or altered nearly 400 federal datasets over the past 18 months. Health data has been particularly affected, with some surveys removing information about LGBTQ+ people and others no longer being updated. Researchers warn that losing these datasets could make it harder to track health problems, drug use and overdoses, education, employment and environmental conditions, limiting the government’s ability to make informed policy decisions.

Whistleblower Alleges Political Pressure, Lack of Evidence in Antisemitism Probes Targeting Schools (Associated Press)

A former Justice Department lawyer alleges that the Trump administration politically pressured universities during antisemitism investigations, sometimes pursuing settlements despite insufficient evidence of legal violations. The whistleblower says investigations into Harvard, Brown and Columbia involved threats of funding cuts, raising concerns about political interference, free speech and academic freedom.

The Problem With Republican Fundraising (The Economist)

Although Republicans have raised around $1 billion, much of the money is held by Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC and has barely been spent on individual candidates. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates are outraising Republicans in many competitive races and attracting more small donors, suggesting stronger grassroots enthusiasm ahead of the midterms.

Trump’s Chaos May Be Destroying His Own Foreign Policy (CNN)

Trump’s increasingly unpredictable foreign policy is straining U.S. alliances and producing few concrete results, with threats toward allies such as South Korea and Oman raising concerns about American reliability. His relationships with leaders such as Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin have also yielded limited results. His transactional approach may be undermining U.S. credibility as he struggles to resolve the Iran conflict, although pressure on NATO allies to increase defense spending has been a notable success.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Demand for Canadian Citizenship Certificates Soaring, Fuelled by American Applicants (CBC)

The backlog for Canadian Citizenship applications now stands at over 121,000, with an increase in applications from the U.S significantly contributing to the rise. Since new citizenship legislation took effect at the end of last year, 23,490 people have acquired Canadian citizenship through ancestral or parental links to the country. Approximately half of these applications come from individuals with U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Sailors on Carriers Feel the Strain As Navy Deployments Exceed Recommended Lengths (CNN)

As U.S. Navy deployments reach record-setting highs, there are increasing concerns for the mental health and morale of crew engaged in Navy operations. In addition to reduced opportunities for service members to disembark at ally ports, there have also been reports of food and water shortages and low supplies of essential health and hygiene items. Recent deployments to the Middle East and Venezuela have frequently met or exceeded the recommended deployment length of 7 months.

Progressive Democrats Eye Israel Policy Shift in 2027 (Semafor)

Progressive Democrats are preparing to push a “Block the Bombs Act” in the event of a Congressional Democratic Majority. The Congressional Progressive Caucus aims to overhaul U.S. policy on Israel, especially on the supply of certain weapons. Sponsors also hope a reform on U.S. support for Israel in militaristic terms will improve their standing with progressive voters dissatisfied with Biden Era approaches to military support for Israel.

Trump Crypto Firm Backs Venture Offering AI from Restricted Chinese Companies (Reuters)

World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm backed by President Trump, has gained access to AI models from Chinese tech companies flagged as posing a risk to U.S. national security. Hong Kong-based WorldClaw, which is set to collaborate with World Liberty Financial, offers an AI model library that includes models from Alibaba, Baidu, Z.ai, among other Chinese companies. Critics highlight that this cooperation runs contrary to the U.S. administration’s official position on Chinese technology.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

US conducted ‘mass spying campaign’ against leftwing groups and anti-ICE protesters, records reveal (The Guardian)

DHS conducted extensive surveillance of groups opposing Trump’s immigration policies, including undercover agents at meetings, infiltration of Signal chats, and collection of financial records from unions and progressive nonprofits. The investigation, “Operation Puppet Master,” was linked to a criminal case against 15 Minneapolis protesters, but the released records show surveillance extending far beyond those defendants to major organizations and unions that have not been charged with crimes.

House Republican says Congress ‘should do a little more’ for the rich (Independent)

Wisconsin Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman argued that Congress should do more to help wealthy Americans, while defending Trump’s tax and spending bill as primarily benefiting the middle class. The bill has faced major criticism from Democrats, particularly over cuts to programs for low-income families, while critics also point to its reported contribution to the national debt.

Trump ally Nigel Farage wins special election to return to UK parliament (CNBC)

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, won re-election and remains a prominent political ally of Donald Trump. Trump has previously praised Farage, who is closely associated with the same right-wing populist politics and was a major figure in the Brexit campaign. Farage’s victory strengthens a Trump-aligned populist movement in the UK, with Reform UK gaining support through its focus on immigration, opposition to the establishment, and nationalist policies.

Little Thefts, Big Charges: Trump’s Justice Dept. Targets Lesser Fraud (The New York Times)

The Trump administration is expanding federal fraud prosecutions to small-scale cases, including alleged food-stamp fraud involving a California food truck and a grocery store, which were investigated by ICE.

Critics say this represents a shift away from major financial crime, especially as the administration has dropped some cases involving corporations and wealthy individuals while pursuing lower-dollar offenses.

AI scrambles the political map (Axios)

AI is creating unusual cross-party alliances. Political divisions over AI don’t neatly follow party lines, with Democrats, Republicans, progressives and libertarians sometimes finding common ground on issues like data centers and privacy.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

Democratic appropriators push DHS on purchase of a dozen planes, including ‘luxury jets’ (The Hill)

Senate Democrats are demanding answers from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin over 12 new government planes, including luxury Gulfstream jets used by FBI Director Kash Patel and border czar Tom Homan.

They argue Congress never authorized the purchases and are questioning whether taxpayer money is being wasted on lavish travel for Trump administration officials.

Trump sued over $100,000-a-month early-access offer to Truth Social posts (The Guardian)

Trump is facing a lawsuit over a new Truth Social service that charges up to $100,000 a month for early access to posts from Trump and other senior administration officials.

The plaintiffs argue the service is unconstitutional and could allow Trump to personally profit from giving paying subscribers faster access to potentially market-moving information.

Why House Dems may go easy on one of GOP’s most vulnerable members (Axios)

Democrats are facing a dilemma over Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican whose district could help decide control of the House, but who is viewed as more bipartisan than many other GOP members.

Shock Wisconsin vote triggers doubt over US election polling (Financial Times)

An unexpected Democratic primary result in Wisconsin, where David Crowley defeated a candidate who had led him by 22 points in polling, has raised new concerns about the accuracy of U.S. election polls.

Polling experts say primary elections are especially difficult to predict because turnout is smaller and harder to model, raising questions about whether current polls can accurately forecast November’s midterm elections.

For a different kind of Democratic insurgency, look to Iowa (The Economist)

Iowa, a longtime Republican stronghold, is showing signs of shifting toward Democrats as voters grow frustrated with Trump’s economic policies and Republican policies on immigration, abortion, education and the environment.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

2026 Farm Bill Fails to Advance Out of Senate Agriculture Committee (Civil Eats)

The 2026 Farm Bill, one of the few bills expected to pass through the Senate as a bipartisan effort, failed to clear the Agriculture Committee. Although the GOP refused to restore grants for solar on farms, the bill contained bipartisan amendments allowing the year-round sale of E15 and mandating country-of-origin labeling on meat. The impasse centred on shifting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs from the federal government to the states. Democrats conditioned their support on the bill on a two-year delay of the cost shift, while Republicans insisted on a maximum one-year delay.

Amanda Janoo Wins Vermont’s Democratic Primary for Governor (VTDigger)

Amanda Janoo won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor Tuesday with 49% of the votes. With little name recognition before the race started and lacking PAC funding, Amanda Janoo campaigned on an anti-Big Tech and anti-Data Centres platform. Vermont's primary result can thus be seen as yet another victory for “anti-establishment” democratic candidates.

Trump Wanted to Punish Canada. In Reality, The Tariff War Has Cost U.S. Border Towns Thousands of Jobs, and the Damage Will Be Hard to Undo (The Walrus)

On July 20, the Trump administration announced 50 percent tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian imports. This was justified as a response to Canada’s retaliatory measures against American motor vehicles, dairy, and alcohol. A new analysis quantifies the costs for US border communities: between 10,000 and 30,000 job losses and earnings losses of $0.5 to $1 billion per year. The issue is compounded by the fact that these losses are concentrated in towns making up fewer than 3 percent of US ZIP codes.

James Talarico Said He Wouldn’t Accept Any Endorsements From the Pulpit. He Just Did. (Texas Monthly)

The Texas Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, James Talarico, has often championed the separation of church and state despite his dual role as a pastor and politician. Yet his recent acceptance and resharing of Pastor Timothy Sloan’s endorsement from the pulpit appears to contradict his pledge to reject such practices. While churchgoers’ votes could prove decisive in a competitive race, the move could alienate Democrats who support Talarico’s more secular positions, including his opposition to the Ten Commandments bill and state subsidies for tuition at Christian schools.

Why Illinois Has Struggled to Turn Old Coal Sites Into Solar Farms (Canary Media)

With the planned closing of some of its coal plants, Illinois hoped to replace some of the lost local tax revenue and jobs with solar and battery plans. Illinois launched its Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Initiative in 2021, but eventually, only three relatively small solar farms with storage were built. A new report by the University of Illinois cites several reasons for the program’s failure: fixed energy-credit prices that did not account for inflation or rising supply-chain costs, locating projects near coal mines whose sites were ineligible due to coal pollution, and excluding rural electric cooperatives from participating.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

US Senators Move to Rebuke China Over Tibet (Semafor)

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is introducing legislation urging the Trump administration to support Tibet’s government-in-exile in gaining observer status at the United Nations and other international organizations. Led by Sens. Jeff Merkley and James Risch, the bill could further strain U.S.-China relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to Washington next month.

Armed Troops Have Patrolled D.C. for 1 Year Now. It’s Challenging Democratic Norms (NPR)

A year after President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., thousands of armed troops remain in the capital, with the mission extended through January 2029. The deployment has faced legal challenges and criticism over its impact on democratic norms, presidential authority and the separation of military and civilian law enforcement.

Florida Was a Swing State. Now It’s MAGA-Land (Economist)

Florida’s upcoming gubernatorial election highlights the state’s transformation from one of America’s most competitive battlegrounds into a Republican stronghold. Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republicans consolidated control of statewide offices, expanded their legislative dominance, and implemented a series of conservative policy changes that reshaped the state’s political identity.

The Trump Administration Has Revoked More Than 175,000 Visas. Here’s Who’s Included in the Crackdown (TIME)

The Trump administration has revoked more than 175,000 visas since January 2025, targeting people accused of crimes, fraud, visa violations and national-security concerns. The crackdown has also affected international students, foreigners over social-media posts and so-called “birth tourists,” reflecting the administration’s broader immigration enforcement efforts and raising questions about due process and executive power.

Democrats Like AOC Are Trying to Shrug Off Their ‘Woke’ Era. That’s Bad for Our Politics (CNN)

Several Democratic politicians are distancing themselves from controversial positions they held during the “peak woke” period of 2019–2020 as the 2026 midterms approach. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong have both acknowledged that some of their past rhetoric was outdated. The trend reflects a broader effort by Democrats to reposition themselves as voters revisit their past statements.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

‘We’ve Never Seen Anything Like This’: ICE’s Detention Crackdown Swamps the Courts (Politico)

The aggressive immigration crackdown pursued by the Trump administration has put considerable strain on the U.S. legal system. In the past year, judges ruled against ICE tactics 16,000+ times. The federal judiciary is seen to be consistently pushing back against the current approach to immigration restriction, deeming U.S. detention policy illegal. The development of detention without bond as routine practice in immigration enforcement has further increased the burden on the courts and the families affected by the policies.

Voters Are Sick of the 2-Party System. A New Poll Shows They’re Open to Big Changes (NPR)

Recent polls indicate that American voters are increasingly open to electoral reform, with many indicating they would prefer a proportional representation system. Support came from both conservative- and liberal-leaning voters who were often dissatisfied with the current political system, the political party’s offerings, and gerrymandering efforts.

Rep. Max Miller, Accused of Abuse, Will Remain in Re-election Race as Withdrawal Deadline Passes (CNN)

Republican Rep. Max Miller missed the deadline to be replaced in an Ohio House election race, against the encouragement of many of his Republican colleagues. Miller is facing claims of abuse of his wife and daughter, which have gained significant attention in recent weeks. Ohio 7th District House seat, historically Republican, will be contested in November by Democrat Brian Poindexter. Republicans have missed the window to replace Miller, and risk losing their slim majority in Ohio 7.

The Invisible Primary: Inside the Democratic Party’s Shadow Campaign for 2028 (Euronews)

Despite there being no official candidates for the 2028 election, Democratic Party campaign efforts are already well underway. Washington strategists have adopted the term “The Invisible Primary” as ambitious Democrats aim to increase their profiles and solidify positive reputations without indicating any official interest in running for president. Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are identified as just a few of the Democrats indicating they may be gearing up for a presidential run.

This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories covering U.S. politics:

The White House’s plan to vet potentially dangerous AI is cloaked in secrecy (The Guardian)

The Trump administration has finalized an AI safety testing framework, but it will not be made public. Instead, the criteria will only be shared with a small group of major AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Google, Nvidia and Microsoft.

The framework follows growing cybersecurity concerns: Advanced AI models have shown the ability to hack systems during testing, prompting the administration to introduce voluntary government reviews before new models are released.

Middle East ambassadorships sit vacant as Trump relies on special envoys (Semafor)

Several key U.S. ambassador posts in the Middle East remain vacant during the Iran conflict, including in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. The Trump administration relies on direct diplomacy through Trump, senior officials, and special envoys instead of Senate-confirmed ambassadors, arguing this approach remains effective.

Former diplomats and Democratic lawmakers warn that the vacancies make it harder to communicate with regional allies and respond quickly during the ongoing crisis.

Doge overstated claims to have saved Americans $110bn, watchdog finds (BBC)

According to the Government Accountability Office, many of DOGE’s claimed spending cuts were unsupported or inaccurate, with 96% of reported savings lacking enough information to verify the calculations. Some savings were overstated or nonexistent, including leases that were already ending before DOGE was created and a defense contract that was never actually canceled.

Trump to host mining CEOs as administration seeks minerals for defense supply chains (Reuters)

Trump will meet with major mining companies to strengthen U.S. supplies of critical minerals, which are essential for advanced weapons, defense systems, and reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. Defense officials and lawmakers have warned that rebuilding military stockpiles could take years due to limited production capacity, although the Trump administration disputes claims that significant shortages exist.

Abuse, harassment allegations threaten to derail Republicans’ midterm message (The Hill)

Abuse and harassment allegations against several Republican lawmakers are creating political problems for the GOP ahead of the midterm elections, distracting from its campaign focus on the economy. Reps. Max Miller (R-Ohio) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.) face ethics investigations over allegations of abuse and misconduct, while former Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) ended his reelection bid after an ethics inquiry recommended censure.