President Donald Trump's second term has seen 27 Senate-confirmed Cabinet department officials depart by July 2026, more than double his first term and significantly higher than previous administrations. Many positions remain unfilled, with Trump preferring acting officials, leading to scrutiny over appointments like Bill Pulte as acting DNI.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr is at the center of several controversies, including a vote to end the national broadcast ownership cap, introducing the JAWBONE Act for suing over coerced content removal, facing a court petition to repeal the News Distortion Policy, scrutinizing children's TV content on gender identity, clarifying comments on Iran war coverage, facing Senate testimony scrutiny, investigating a BBC documentary, proposing changes to broadband billing transparency, and being publicly criticized by Jimmy Kimmel.
The US signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing the Kingdom to build reactors and enrich uranium. The deal, which faces Congressional review, has raised concerns among some lawmakers about nuclear proliferation risks and a regional arms race.
São Tomé and Príncipe holds a presidential election with 142,000 registered voters. The vote occurs amid a tense political atmosphere and a constitutional crisis, with incumbent Carlos Vila Nova running as an independent against four other candidates.
The Trump administration has removed a rule providing automatic protections for threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Species will now require individualized plans, a process that could allow companies to seek exemptions for development. The change also mandates economic impact analysis for critical habitat decisions, drawing criticism from environmental groups.
Donald Trump's administration has repeatedly attempted to halt wind energy projects, leading to uncertainty and job worries for workers like Thomas Kilday. Despite legal challenges and buyouts costing billions, the administration claims no jobs were lost as leases were not operational.
Donald Trump and others like Nigel Farage and Pauline Hanson are transforming public office into a personal moneymaking enterprise, raising ethical concerns. This 'political grifter' phenomenon, fueled by cryptocurrency and tribal politics, sees leaders enriching themselves while living standards fall, with a growing risk of state capture.
President Trump's financial disclosure report shows over $2.2bn in revenue for 2025, a significant increase attributed to investments from entities with ties to the UAE and settlements from defamation lawsuits. This surge in wealth contrasts with recent legal setbacks and public approval ratings.
French officials announced the next presidential election will occur on April 18 and May 2 next year. President Macron is constitutionally barred from a third term, leading to many candidates. The far-right National Rally's candidate choice depends on a court ruling regarding Marine Le Pen's conviction.
A federal filing reveals Donald Trump's crypto businesses generated over $1 billion last year, significantly boosting his income. This includes $500M from World Liberty Financial and $600M from CIC Digital LLC, alongside profits from real estate and legal settlements.
A new government report reveals Donald Trump earned over $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures and media settlements in 2025, including $500m from World Liberty Financial and $635m from $TRUMP meme coins. This has intensified scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and his crypto-friendly policies.
A new book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," detailing the first 14 months of Trump's second term, has sold over 300,000 copies in its debut week, exceeding publisher expectations and marking a strong return of public interest in Trump-related narratives.
The US Supreme Court affirmed birthright citizenship, ruling that nearly all individuals born on US soil are citizens, thereby rejecting a key element of Donald Trump's anti-immigrant agenda. Chief Justice John Roberts stated the executive order attempting to deny citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants violated the 14th Amendment.
The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision led by Chief Justice John Roberts, affirmed automatic birthright citizenship for nearly all children born in the U.S., rejecting an executive order by President Trump that sought to limit it based on parents' immigration status.
The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 against President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, protecting the central bank's independence and requiring 'cause' for removal.
Thai politician Chadchart, known as the "strongest minister" for his physique and running passion, is actively campaigning for Bangkok's gubernatorial election on Sunday. He is widely expected to win, engaging with residents about the city's pressing issues like traffic and infrastructure.
The NYT reports on hostility towards minority military members and blocked promotions, attributing it to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "war on diversity." Meanwhile, the DoJ investigates California Governor Gavin Newsom. The article links these events to a broader culture war, citing the San Francisco Giants' Pride Night controversy and players protesting with Bible verses.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urged an independent probe into a surge of deaths in US migrant detention centers during Trump's second term. At least 19 deaths this year, with mortality rates doubling, raise concerns over conditions and potential preventability.
The Trump administration's Department of Justice is investigating San Francisco Giants players for religious expression violations after they protested Pride Night, escalating a broader 'culture war' against diversity in the military and political opponents, while the Giants organization is criticized for its weak response.
President Trump unexpectedly canceled a housing bill signing, delaying a temporary ban on a Fed-issued digital dollar. He conditioned his signature on Congress passing the SAVE America Act, an elections bill requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship, frustrating lawmakers.
A Pew Research Center poll of 42,000 people in 36 countries found that international trust in the US and confidence in Donald Trump's leadership significantly declined during his second term. 76% lacked confidence in Trump, with views of the US as a reliable partner also plummeting in allied nations.
A new report reveals US government spending on immigration surveillance technology, including AI tools, has surged to record highs, doubling from 2024-2025 to over $310m and reaching $513m in 2026. The increase is largely driven by contracts with data analytics and defense companies like Palantir and Anduril.
Hillary Clinton stated Joe Biden's decision to seek a second term was a "terrible mistake" that cost Democrats the presidency and damaged his legacy. She believes a primary would have produced a stronger nominee to defeat Donald Trump.
Cuban immigrants, once welcomed as political refugees, now face deportation under Trump's stringent immigration policies. Despite past support from Cuban American voters, many are being expelled, raising concerns about the US's role as a refuge.
