US President Donald Trump says American forces will not launch preemptive strikes against Iran before the November midterm elections, citing progress in diplomatic discussions through backchannels. The decision comes as Washington seeks to ease tensions in the Middle East and stabilize energy markets.
Trump Administration Prepares Tariffs of Up to 500% on Russian Energy and Trading Partners
The Trump administration is preparing to implement provisions of the Lindsey Graham Act, including tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports from October 19. The legislation also authorizes secondary tariffs against countries purchasing Russian oil and natural gas, potentially affecting both US allies and adversaries.
US Supreme Court Temporarily Pauses Ruling on Discounted Political Advertising Rates
Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily suspended a lower court ruling that would require federal regulators to extend discounted television advertising rates to political parties. The pause follows an emergency request from the Trump administration, with Democratic challengers asked to respond by Saturday evening.
US Judge Blocks Justice Department From Obtaining State Voter Registration Records
A federal judge in Washington has blocked the Department of Justice from collecting state voter registration databases as part of an investigation into alleged noncitizen voting. The injunction restricts a major element of the Trump administration's election enforcement efforts ahead of the November midterms.
Bipartisan US Lawmakers Draft Safeguards Against Disputes Over Seating Elected House Members
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is developing emergency congressional procedures to address potential disputes over seating newly elected representatives after the midterm elections. The discussions are intended to prevent a constitutional confrontation if a future House majority refuses to recognize duly elected members.
US Justice Department Considers Charges Against Former Trump Aide Cassidy Hutchinson
Federal prosecutors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are examining possible charges against former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson over allegations that she misled Congress about the January 6 attack. The inquiry is being handled outside the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, raising questions about the administration's approach to the case.
US Vice President Vance Says Administration Will Block Microsoft Foreign Worker Sponsorships
Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration will prevent Microsoft from sponsoring foreign workers for permanent US residency as part of a push to prioritize American hiring. The announcement marks an escalation in the administration's dispute with major technology employers over immigration and domestic employment.
US Prosecutors Announce New Conspiracy and Torture Charges Against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro
The US Justice Department has unveiled additional criminal charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, alleging conspiracy and the abuse of more than a dozen American citizens held in Venezuelan custody. The case adds to Washington's legal and diplomatic pressure on the Venezuelan government.
Trump Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Infrastructure Amid Rising Regional Tensions
President Donald Trump has criticized escalating Houthi attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, expressing concern about deteriorating security in the Arabian Peninsula. The violence is complicating US efforts to reduce regional tensions and pursue broader diplomatic stability in the Middle East.
Trump Names Conservative Media Commentator as Next White House Press Secretary
President Donald Trump has selected a prominent conservative media commentator to replace the outgoing White House press secretary. The appointment comes ahead of the November midterm elections and signals continued emphasis on television-focused political communications.