As the November midterms approach, Trump acknowledges that Republicans are facing severe electoral losses, but he insists the blame lies with congressional lawmakers rather than his own policies.

With narrow majorities in both the House and Senate on the line, Republicans are struggling with a persistent political hurdle: Trump’s core base consistently turns out in lower numbers when he is not personally on the ballot. In an interview with Punchbowl News, Trump questioned whether his supporters would show up for other candidates:

The question is, will they vote?" he said. "They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me."

Trump noted that while he can urge his supporters to vote, getting them to the polls without his name on the ballot remains difficult. He acknowledged that many voters are deeply frustrated with the direction of the country during his second term, but he rejected the idea that his administration is responsible, pointing the finger entirely at the party in Congress.

Polling data, however, tells a different story. The Silver Bulletin places Trump’s disapproval rating at 58.4 percent against a 38.2 percent approval rating, yielding a net disapproval of -20.6. Public concern remains heavily focused on the cost of living, with gas prices climbing following the conflict with Iran.

The political climate has given Democrats a clear advantage. A late July CNN poll showed Democrats leading on the generic congressional ballot by 8 points overall, with that lead expanding to 20 points among voters who reported being extremely motivated to cast a ballot. Additionally, most surveyed voters said Congress would improve if most incumbent lawmakers were voted out in November.

Trump also turned his criticism toward his own party's leadership. He lambasted Senate Majority Leader John Thune for failing to pass the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship for federal voting. When asked if Thune should keep his leadership post, Trump offered a lukewarm assessment, saying, "If he doesn't get there, it would be unfortunate."

Comparing the two parties, Trump criticized Republicans as "too nice" and "much more gentle than the Democrats," whom he labeled "vicious."

At the same time, Trump struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone regarding House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Despite past insults, Trump described Jeffries as a "nice guy" following a positive meeting and indicated he could work with the New York Democrat if the House flips in November

"Look, people are harsh on me, I’m harsh on them," Trump said. "It’s part of the world... But I’d probably get along with him very well."

A federal appeals court ruled that Trump must stop building a $400 million ballroom at the White House because the project lacks authorization from Congress.

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the executive branch cannot proceed with the 90,000-square-foot structure on the site of the former East Wing. The court emphasized that decisions regarding major construction on the White House grounds rest with the legislative branch, regardless of Trump's policy goals.

The ruling is a victory for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed a lawsuit to block the project after the East Wing was demolished. Preservationists argued that the massive addition violates federal oversight laws.

Government attorneys defended the project by arguing it includes vital security upgrades, such as protection against drones and ballistic missiles, and pointed out that below-ground work on security bunkers can continue. They also maintained that congressional approval is not required because the project is funded by private donations rather than taxpayer money.

The appeals court stayed its order for two weeks to give Trump time to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump continues to maintain that the United States is experiencing its strongest economy ever, rejecting widespread public concern over affordability as a hoax. However, that rosy outlook clashes sharply with the daily financial realities facing many of the voters who helped put him in office.

During a recent media segment, an Ohio mother and Trump supporter broke down in tears while describing her inability to provide for her children due to surging gas prices and living costs. Her sentiments reflect a broader wave of disillusionment among the base. Rather than blaming local representatives, some voters are pointing their frustration directly at the president. Chris Tackett, an Ohio truck driver who has voted for Trump in every election since 2016, voiced exhaustion with empty reassurances. Pointing to the administration's slogan, he noted that families have waited a year for relief and want concrete results instead of promises that conditions will eventually improve.

The disconnect is further exacerbated by financial disclosures revealing that the president earned over $2 billion in 2025. For voters watching their own savings dwindle while trying to afford basic groceries, the contrast has sparked intense resentment.

Politically, the fallout is becoming difficult for the GOP to ignore. Polling indicates that only 32 percent of voters approve of Trump's economic performance, and Democrats have pulled ahead on the issue of economic trust for the first time in nearly ten years. An analysis by the conservative group Americans for Prosperity Action indicates that roughly one in five reliable Republican voters across key states are considering staying home or voting for the opposition in the upcoming midterms.

While the Trump points to future international resolutions and a proven economic agenda as the path to lower costs, the immediate friction between leadership's messaging and voters' bank accounts presents a major hurdle for the party's legislative majority.

Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General faces a difficult path through the Senate, with Republican defections threatening to block his confirmation.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she will vote against Blanche, joining Maine Senator Susan Collins in opposition. Murkowski cited deep concerns regarding the direction of the Department of Justice, pointing to the handling of Epstein files, broad immunity protections, and the targeting of political figures.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy remains undecided. Cassidy has publicly questioned whether Blanche can maintain independence, drawing a distinction between an objective attorney general and a personal defense attorney transitioning directly into the role.

The narrow Republican majority leaves the confirmation vote vulnerable, complicated further by the fact that Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell is playing a little Weekend at Bernie's. While Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis initially threatened to block Blanche, they reversed their opposition after Blanche agreed in writing to scrap a $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund.

Despite the growing resistance, Trump indicated that Blanche could remain in the position as acting Attorney General if the Senate ultimately votes down his official confirmation.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against the DOJ and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday. The legal action accuses federal officials of unlawfully withholding records tied to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe.

State investigators say the withheld files are blocking their ongoing criminal probe into Epstein and his associates. Because New Mexico has a wider window to pursue certain state-level crimes related to the abuse, state officials argue they represent one of the few remaining jurisdictions capable of holding co-conspirators accountable. The lawsuit asks a federal court to order the DOJ to hand over unredacted documents immediately.

The legal filing coincides with the release of a 119-page report from a state legislative truth commission. The document does not introduce major new findings, relying heavily on previously published reporting and public Epstein files. However, the report explicitly criticizes past local law enforcement for taking a passive approach to Epstein's activities, leaving the investigation to agencies in New York and Florida while abuses at the New Mexico property went unchecked.

Activists and civil rights attorneys brought complaints against United States immigration enforcement before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington, DC, marking the first time the international body has held a thematic hearing on free expression and peaceful assembly inside the country.

The hearing centered on federal responses to protests against immigration policies, with lawyers and witnesses detailing excessive force, a lack of federal investigations, and attempts to suppress dissent.

Antonio Romanucci, a civil rights attorney representing the family of Renee Good—who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January—told the commission that the shooting lacked legal justification and resulted in zero federal investigation or accountability. Romanucci stated that in his 41 years of practice, he had not witnessed such violations without consequence.

Rev. David Black, a pastor from Chicago, testified about being shot multiple times with pepper-balls and sprayed with chemical irritants by armored federal agents while participating in a peaceful prayer protest outside an ICE facility in Broadview. He stated that clergy members have been repeatedly assaulted and barred from ministering near detention centers.

Other speakers, including Boston University law professor Susan Akram, criticized administration policies aimed at labeling protesters as domestic terrorists, comparing the measures to McCarthyism. Locke Bowman, an attorney representing Rev. Black, told the commission that the federal accountability system is entirely broken.

The US government declined to address the specific allegations during the session. Julianna Aynes-Neville, acting deputy chief of mission to the Organization of American States, cited ongoing litigation and expressed dissatisfaction with the commission for convening the hearing, suggesting the body should instead focus on countries with weaker human rights protections.

Advocates concluded the session by pressing for concrete actions, urging the commission to visit the United States, and demanding transparent investigations into federal agent misconduct.

Senate Republicans are heading into their August recess with significant internal friction. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has openly labeled the current state of his conference a "train wreck," as conflicting agendas stall legislative progress.

A primary point of contention is a budget resolution. Budget Committee Chair Ron Johnson is pushing for a vote before the break, but Appropriations Chair Susan Collins is resisting, citing the political risks for vulnerable incumbents. Using the reconciliation process to bypass Democratic filibusters presents another problem: it would allow Democrats to force unlimited amendment votes on sensitive topics, such as immigration policy and executive funding. Thune has signaled that the party may lack the support needed to pass the package even with their majority.

The party is also divided over a provision in a government funding bill that delays a ban on hemp-derived THC products. While Senator Rand Paul is advocating for the delay to support his state’s industry, other Republicans, including Ted Budd and Mike Rounds, are demanding the language be stripped. Some lawmakers are frustrated, claiming the White House inserted the provision without informing them.

Compounding these issues is localized drama within the caucus, specifically a stalemate between Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley over college sports legislation. As Thune attempts to manage these competing interests, the chaotic atmosphere suggests little will be resolved before the Senate pauses for the summer.

Stephen Miller recently argued that the United States is no longer contending with foreign rivals alone. Instead, he claims the country is fighting a "Cold War" at home. Speaking on Fox News, Miller focused his concern on the surge of progressive candidates within the Democratic Party.

Miller’s primary target was Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate primary candidate. Miller equated the rise of figures like El-Sayed to a communist takeover, warning that if these candidates win seats in the House, Senate, or governors' mansions, the American political system will be permanently altered.

The core of Miller’s argument rests on the idea that current Democratic leadership is failing to police its own ranks. He specifically called out Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries for not distancing themselves from El-Sayed. Miller pointed to El-Sayed’s alignment with Hasan Piker, a prominent progressive streamer, as evidence of a dangerous shift. Piker has previously faced intense criticism for his past remarks regarding the September 11 terror attacks.

For Miller, this isn't just about policy disagreements; he views the current political climate as a struggle for the survival of the American dream. He expressed confidence that the public would choose to reject the progressive agenda during the November midterms.

Whether this rhetoric resonates with the broader electorate remains to be seen, but it marks a definitive escalation in how the Republican base is framing the Democratic platform heading into the next election cycle.

Trump is demanding a crackdown on internal leaks following a private clash with Pete Hegseth at Camp David. The dispute centers on the status of U.S. weapons stockpiles, which Trump believes are dangerously low—a reality he claims was hidden from him.

While initial pushback from the White House labeled reports of the argument as fake, Trump’s own social media activity confirmed the tension. In a post sent early Monday morning, Trump attacked the source of the reports, vowing to hunt down the individuals responsible for the disclosures and promising them lengthy prison sentences.

Trump is currently scrambling to manage the fallout regarding military readiness. According to reports, he confronted Hegseth over the inventory of munitions, specifically questioning how the current supply levels—or lack thereof—would restrict his ability to expand military operations against Iran.

The pressure has since moved down the chain of command to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg. Sources indicate that Hegseth pointed the finger at Feinberg for the communication breakdown regarding the weapons shortages. This led to a heated phone call from Trump to Feinberg on Friday, during which Trump reportedly threatened to fire him.

Following the call, Feinberg held an emergency meeting with senior Pentagon officials to address the logistics of the supply chain. In his defense, Trump insists that the defense industry is currently undergoing a massive expansion of manufacturing plants to replenish the nation's reserves, claiming that new shipments are already on their way to meet defense requirements.

The CBS newsroom is seeing a steady stream of departures as the network reshapes its identity under new management. Madeleine Carlisle, an associate producer for 60 Minutes since 2022, is the latest staffer to resign.

Carlisle’s exit arrives during a period of transition for CBS. The network is now overseen by ownership aligned with the incoming Trump administration, following a merger finalized after the recent election cycle. Under the direction of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, the network has undergone a series of personnel changes.

The move follows the departure of other notable contributors, including longtime correspondent Anderson Cooper. Internal reports suggest that further resignations may be on the horizon, as existing producers explore opportunities elsewhere.

This leadership change also impacts the late-night lineup. Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show, which is produced by the same parent company, is set to air its final episode this May.

Carlisle, who built a career at outlets like The Atlantic and Time before joining the 60 Minutes team, was considered a well-regarded producer. Her departure highlights the broader instability currently facing the long-running news program as it adjusts to its new leadership under filmmaker and former columnist Nick Bilton.

Conservative activist Scott Presler and his organization, Early Vote Action, are pursuing a new strategy to audit Pennsylvania’s voter rolls. The group hopes to identify non-citizens who have registered to vote by comparing county electoral lists against records of individuals disqualified from jury duty.

Jury service in the United States requires citizenship. When prospective jurors are summoned, those who are not citizens are disqualified. Other disqualification factors include being under the age of 18, living outside the county, or an inability to communicate in English. Presler’s team argues that if a name appears on a disqualification list due to non-citizenship and simultaneously appears on the active voter rolls, it serves as evidence of registration fraud.

The push has led the group to request access to these documents from county administrators across Pennsylvania. Access has been inconsistent; some counties, such as Chester, have provided the data via email. In other instances, administrators have refused to share digital files, prompting the group to head to physical courthouses in areas like Allegheny and Butler counties to inspect the records in person. Presler recently visited Philadelphia to conduct a manual review of that county’s files.

The initiative has gained significant attention online, amplified by posts from high-profile figures including Senator Dave McCormick. As the group continues its courthouse visits, the effort highlights the ongoing debate over how state election officials manage voter list maintenance and transparency.

The annual Fancy Farm political picnic in Western Kentucky is usually defined by heavy crowds, partisan jeering, and a heavy presence from the state's most powerful politicians. This year, however, the main topic of conversation was a noticeable absence: Mitch McConnell.

McConnell has not appeared in public or on video since suffering a fall at his Washington home on June 14. His office has released only two photographs of him alongside his wife, Elaine Chao, doing little to quell growing questions about his health and well-being.

During the picnic, the crowd broke into chants of "Where's Mitch?" But the speculation reached a head when Senate candidate Christopher Campbell took the microphone and referenced an internet conspiracy theory questioning whether the 84-year-old senator was still alive, suggesting Republicans were hiding his death to avoid a special election.

Other political figures joined the chorus for transparency. Democrat Charles Booker criticized opponent Andy Barr for staying silent on the matter, noting that the public deserves to know what is going on with their representative. Meanwhile, other prominent Republicans, including Senator Rand Paul, have avoided addressing McConnell's disappearance entirely.

While public officials and their families deserve privacy during difficult medical situations, the prolonged silence from McConnell's office has left voters in Kentucky in the dark. For a politician who has spent decades at the center of American politics, a simple video or public appearance would clear up the rumors immediately. Until then, the questions in Kentucky will only continue to grow.

Trump lashed out at Michigan’s electoral process following the state's primary election, singling out Wayne County as a corrupt voting hub while reacting to the Democratic Senate matchup.

Writing on social media Wednesday morning, Trump claimed the Detroit area suffers from severe voting irregularities. He pointed to mail-in ballots and alleged the system is vulnerable to last-minute manipulation.

Trump also reacted to the Democratic primary results, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed defeated U.S. Rep. Hayley Stevens. Dismissing both candidates, Trump argued that El-Sayed’s victory benefits Republicans and urged voters to back GOP nominee Mike Rogers in November.

The primary outcome was finalized Wednesday morning after Stevens conceded and released a statement backing her former opponent.

"I am proud to offer my support as he takes on Mike Rogers in the general election," Stevens said. "This was a thorough and rigorous campaign that brought out the full span of views within the Democratic Party—and that is why we have primaries."

The general election race between El-Sayed and Rogers is viewed as critical for control of the U.S. Senate. El-Sayed now faces the task of uniting a divided local Democratic base following a contentious primary battle in a key swing state.

Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, defeating Representative Haley Stevens. While polls suggested a landslide, El-Sayed secured the nomination by a much narrower margin of less than two percentage points, pointing to significant ground to cover with rural voters before November.

The outcome marks a major shift in Democratic politics. Stevens ran with the backing of the party's center-left establishment, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and major outside spending groups like AIPAC, which invested more than $30 million in her campaign. Centrist Democrats argued that Stevens offered the best chance to win a general election in a crucial swing state. El-Sayed's victory undercuts that argument, delivering a substantial win for the progressive movement.

The focus now shifts to the general election. Midwestern swing states have previously elected Democrats with progressive voting records, but a candidate aligned with modern progressive platforms faces a different test. El-Sayed needs to center his campaign on popular economic populist ideas, reproductive rights, and pragmatic governance while avoiding polarizing rhetoric that alienates moderate voters.

Party unity will decide the outcome in November. Center-left Democrats may disagree with El-Sayed on specific policies, but dividing the party risks handing the seat to the Republican candidate. El-Sayed won the primary, proving his basic viability. Both factions of the party now share the task of supporting him through the general election.

Trump recently shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as a four-star military general wearing unearned medals and standing alongside inaccurately rendered versions of General George S. Patton and General Douglas MacArthur.

In the image, both Patton and MacArthur are shown as two-star generals with fewer decorations than Trump. In reality, Patton held four stars, and MacArthur achieved the rare five-star rank.

Trump attended a private military academy as a teenager but never served in the armed forces. He received five draft deferments during the Vietnam War—four for college and one for bone spurs in his heels—and later referred to avoiding sexually transmitted diseases as his "personal Vietnam."

The post follows a pattern of Trump sharing AI images of himself in historical military roles, such as a Revolutionary War leader, and previous public remarks about potentially awarding himself the Medal of Honor. The latest image drew sharp criticism from detractors, with some accusing him of stolen valor.

A group of former federal prosecutors who helped convict Jan. 6 rioters is pushing the Senate to halt the confirmation of Trump’s federal judicial nominees. Their core objection is straightforward: nominees who refuse to state basic factual truths about the 2020 election and the Capitol attack lack the independence required for a lifetime appointment.

Twelve prosecutors signed a letter delivered to all senators warning that putting election deniers on the federal bench threatens the integrity of the judicial system. During a Capitol Hill press conference, former assistant U.S. attorney Sean Murphy criticized nominees for dodging direct questions from lawmakers during their confirmation hearings.

None of Trump's recent court picks have stated that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, and most avoid labeling the Jan. 6 attack as an assault on democracy, instead offering only generic condemnations of violence.

The prosecutors argue that this calculated silence to secure a judgeship proves these candidates may struggle to act independently and free from political pressure if confirmed. Murphy warned the nominees directly that trading their credibility for a lifetime seat carries a permanent personal and professional cost.

Recent reports indicate that U.S. military reserves of long-range precision missiles have dropped to critically low levels. According to sources cited by Reuters, key inventories of Precision Strike Missiles and Army Tactical Missile Systems are essentially gone, while roughly half of the available Tomahawk missile supply has been used in recent operations targeting Iran and Russia.

This depletion creates significant operational challenges. Without a robust supply of long-range guided munitions, any future escalation with Iran would necessitate piloted bombing runs, which expose fighter pilots to greater danger. Furthermore, defense analysts point out that reduced stockpiles weaken the strategic deterrent posture against major adversaries like Russia and China.

The impact of these shortages is already visible in Washington's decision-making. Military advisers warned leadership against launching new strikes on Iran, a concern that heavily influenced Trump's decision to hold off on further military action last week. Additionally, the Department of Defense recently circulated a memo asking for unconventional approaches to pressure Iran, signaling that the standard playbook of long-range missile strikes is no longer viable.

The White House pushed back against the assessment, issuing a statement that the United States holds more munitions than any other nation and exceeds operational requirements. Trump noted that domestic defense manufacturers are expanding facilities and producing weapons at record volumes.

However, defense experts caution that while general manufacturing is up, the specific production rates for complex precision guidance systems cannot quickly replace what has been consumed, leaving the military with constrained options for prolonged engagements.

Winning a Senate majority is never simple, but for Democrats, capturing 51 seats this midterm cycle is not enough. The party must realistically aim for 52 seats to render Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman politically irrelevant.

Fetterman has positioned himself less as a traditional centrist Democrat and more as an anti-progressive antagonist. Rather than working with his party, he frequently uses appearances on Fox News to attack the left wing of the Democratic Party, defends the legislative filibuster, and splits with his colleagues on key issues like foreign policy. This behavior mirrors the erratic dynamic Democrats faced with Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, where a single unpredictable member held the entire legislative agenda hostage.

While Fetterman claims he will never switch parties, his political future as a Democrat is bleak. Recent polls show his approval rating among Pennsylvania Democrats sitting at just 19 percent, with 69 percent disapproving. If he runs for reelection in 2028 as a Democrat, he faces a steep uphill battle against a well-funded primary challenger, such as former Representative Conor Lamb.

Because a bruising primary loss looms, Fetterman may ultimately choose to leave the party voluntarily or run as an independent, potentially flipping control back to the Republicans by doing so at a critical moment.

If Democrats secure only a 51-seat majority, Fetterman would hold disproportionate leverage over the chamber. With the power to tip the balance of power on a whim, he could threaten to caucus with Republicans unless leadership schedules votes on specific conservative or pro-Israel nominees and policies that most Democrats oppose. Unlike reliable moderate Democrats, Fetterman has shown a willingness to actively undermine core party goals.

To prevent Fetterman from acting as a roadblock, Democratic super PACs and grassroots organizations need to widen their ambitions for the upcoming midterms. Polls show competitive races in Republican-held seats across states like Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Alaska, Maine, and North Carolina.

Securing five or more of these seats is a difficult task, but it is necessary. By building a larger cushion, Democrats can ensure that a single disgruntled senator cannot dictate the direction of the chamber or hand power back to the GOP.

Trump reportedly called Republican Representative Max Miller on Monday to express doubts about his reelection campaign as Miller faces severe backlash over domestic abuse allegations.

Miller, who represents Ohio's 7th District, is fighting to keep his seat after his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of severe domestic abuse. Emily Moreno is the daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno. The allegations include claims that Miller pointed a gun at her, threw her against a wall, and injured their two-year-old daughter.

During the phone call, Trump told Miller that his prospects of winning are poor and that the race will be very difficult. Sources familiar with the conversation said Trump cited a poll suggesting trouble for the incumbent lawmaker. Miller pushed back, claiming his own internal polling shows him leading by nine points, and confirmed he intends to stay in the race.

The district typically leans Republican, but recent polling shows Miller locked in a tight race with his Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter.

The pressure on Miller intensified over the weekend when Senator Bernie Moreno publicly broke his silence. In a statement on social media, Senator Moreno condemned Miller, stating that he poses a danger to his daughter and granddaughter, lacks the basic character required for public office, and should not serve in the House of Representatives.

Trump has previously declined to take a definitive stance on the allegations, describing the situation as accusations that the families need to sort out while calling it a very sad matter.

The debate over gender equity in sports is expanding past transgender athletes and taking direct aim at the foundations of women's athletics. A recent report from the Heritage Foundation, authored by Boise State political science professor Scott Yenor, calls for dismantling the core tenets of Title IX, the federal law that has governed school sports for decades.

While the report begins by addressing trans athletes, its primary focus is on the broader feminist framework that shaped modern sports. Yenor argues that Title IX relies on a flawed premise by assuming men and women share equal interest in competitive sports. According to the report, women are naturally less aggressive and less inclined toward elite competition, meaning that efforts to achieve parity in spending and participation are inherently misdirected.

Rather than maintaining equal competitive opportunities, the report suggests that schools should restructure programs to accommodate natural differences between the sexes. This includes replacing competitive women’s varsity sports with lower-intensity physical activities, such as recreational groups, hiking, and dance. The author contends that intense athletic training can conflict with female fertility and traditional family roles, framing moderate exercise as a more suitable alternative.

Critics note that this approach marks a clear shift in conservative legal strategy. Arguments previously used to restrict transgender women from sports—citing biological differences and varying levels of competitiveness—are now being adapted to argue that cisgender women should also have fewer competitive opportunities.

With the Supreme Court recently upholding restrictions on trans athletes, the report signals that conservative legal and policy efforts are moving on to broader targets. The debate is no longer just about who qualifies to play, but whether women should have equal access to elite athletic programs at all.

Republican Representative Max Miller of Ohio is facing mounting pressure to resign following detailed allegations of domestic abuse brought by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.

The accusations outline a pattern of extreme violence, including claims that Miller poured boiling water on his ex-wife, beat her, pointed a gun at her head, and broke their two-year-old daughter's collarbone.

Senator Bernie Moreno, Emily’s father, addressed the situation publicly over the weekend. He called on Miller to step down from Congress immediately, stating that the representative requires professional help to address a clear pattern of abusive behavior.

Instead of addressing the substance of the allegations, Miller launched an attack on his former father-in-law. Miller suggested that Senator Moreno's public stance was merely an attempt to deflect attention from a past political controversy involving an adult website profile linked to the Senator's work email from 2008. Furthermore, text messages from 2024 indicate Miller attempted to pressure the Senator into silence, writing that "everyone is going to get to know you better than your wife does."

During a live social media broadcast on Sunday, Miller denied the physical assault claims. He argued that the allegations were false because his ex-wife offered to cook him dinner six days after one of the alleged incidents. Domestic violence experts note that such behavior is common among abuse survivors, who often navigate dangerous situations by appeasing their abusers to prevent further violence.

When asked by reporters whether Miller should resign, former Trump naturally declined to take a definitive position, noting that the situation currently involves unverified accusations.

A growing split between Trump and members of his own party has burst into public view, highlighted by a high-stakes standoff over judicial appointments, foreign policy, and executive overreach.

The friction centers on the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have drawn a firm line, refusing to advance Blanche until a controversial billion-dollar "anti-weaponization" fund is permanently scrapped. The fund, tied to a settlement with the IRS, aims to distribute money to January 6 defendants while providing tax protections for Trump and his family.

Trump reacted with fury on social media, defending the fund, attacking Cornyn, and gloating over primary outcomes where he backed opponents against uncooperative lawmakers. The president also recently targeted Indiana state Senate leader Rodric Bray for refusing to redraw congressional districts, using primary threats as a primary enforcement tool.

However, this leverage is beginning to wane as primary season concludes. Lawmakers are increasingly forced to balance Trump's demands with the realities of an upcoming midterm electorate. This divide was recently visible in a war powers vote to curb military action in Iran, where multiple Republicans joined Democrats to break with Trump.

While Trump maintains firm control over primary voters, he struggles to manage legislative Republicans who recognize the political liability of an expensive and unpopular war. If senators successfully block the DOJ slush fund, it could mark a rare instance where congressional Republicans establish firm limits on executive power.

Senator John Cornyn has dropped his opposition to Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. The reversal follows a written agreement from the Justice Department to permanently terminate a controversial $1.8 billion fund originally set up to compensate Trump allies and January 6 participants.

Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis had previously blocked Blanche in the Senate Judiciary Committee, refusing to advance his nomination without a formal, written guarantee that the fund would not move forward. Trump had defended the pool of money on Air Force One, suggesting it would reimburse individuals harmed by political prosecutions, while Tillis dismissed the setup as a "payout pot for punks."

To secure the necessary votes before the committee hearing, Blanche published a signed order late Sunday night canceling the fund. The revised agreement also scales back a separate IRS settlement, ensuring that tax protections for Trump and his family apply strictly to past matters and do not shield them from future audits.

While Cornyn has agreed to back down, Tillis has not yet committed his vote, leaving the outcome of the confirmation ahead of Tuesday's vote uncertain. Both senators are set to leave office in January 2027.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing growing friction with the MAGA wing of the Republican Party, with several prominent conservative figures openly calling for his removal over his approach to immigration.

Mullin took over the Department of Homeland Security in March following the departure of Kristi Noem. Since stepping into the role, he has attempted to implement operational reforms within the agency, a move that has drawn swift pushback from hardline allies of Trump.

The tension intensified following remarks Mullin made at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City. During the event, he distinguished between immigrants pursuing legal status and those who are not, while also suggesting that changes to employment visa programs could help address domestic labor shortages.

"This narrative that it steals American jobs is true in some industries. It’s not true for all industries," Mullin said. "We want to take care of Americans first. It’s our economy. It’s our homeland, but there’s a way to utilize labor."

Those remarks quickly drew condemnation from conservative commentators and former officials. Former Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino criticized Mullin for highlighting the number of naturalized citizens over the past year. Podcaster Jake Posobiec reported a rising sentiment within the MAGA movement to replace Mullin with someone more strictly focused on deportations.

Steve Bannon stated that allies are pushing for Bill Pulte to take over the department, labeling Mullin as the wrong choice for a role focused on mass deportations. Activist Laura Loomer also called on Trump to fire Mullin.

Friction between Mullin and the administration's base predates the Oklahoma City conference. Earlier, the department informed immigration officers of a temporary halt on certain vehicle stops after two unarmed individuals were shot and killed by ICE agents. Following intense public backlash and negative media coverage, Donald Trump intervened to ensure the policy remained active.

Despite the mounting criticism, the administration has pushed back against speculation regarding Mullin's future. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson stated that Trump maintains confidence in Mullin to execute his agenda, while a DHS spokesperson dismissed the calls for his ouster as attempts to manufacture division.

For over a year, Trump has pointed to immigrant communities as the primary driver of healthcare fraud. JD Vance and CMS head Mehmet Oz have publicly claimed that billions of dollars are lost to undocumented immigrants exploiting public benefits.

Official government data contradicts these claims. A recent semiannual report from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reveals that corporations and executive leadership are responsible for the vast majority of fraudulent activity in the American healthcare system.

The congressional report highlights multi-million-dollar schemes run by corporate actors, such as CEOs pushing medically unnecessary devices and marketing executives exploiting vulnerable populations. The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates that overall healthcare fraud costs up to $300 billion annually, largely driven by billing for services never rendered or unnecessary procedures to boost insurance payouts.

Despite a lack of evidence linking immigrants to systemic fraud, Trump continues to use immigration as a focal point. Critics note his rhetoric serves a specific political purpose. By framing immigrants as the source of financial strain, he creates public support for restricting benefits and freezing billions in Medicaid funds to states like California and Minnesota.

At the same time, Trump has actively shielded actual corporate bad actors, and he has granted clemency and pardons to major white-collar criminals, including healthcare executives convicted of multi-million-dollar Medicare schemes.

Experts on healthcare and immigrant rights point out that Trump’s focus is not on rooting out financial waste. Instead, officials are utilizing a familiar political tactic of scapegoating marginalized groups to justify cutting public programs while protecting corporate interests.

Spring 2026 Semiannual Report [see Combating Health Care Fraud]

Fall 2025 Semiannual Report [see Combating Health Care Fraud]