Key GOP senators exit as Trump reshapes Republican Senate ranks
Two key Senate Republicans—Tillis and Cornyn—are exiting, reshaping GOP Senate composition.
Event / Politics
Trump Administration Confirmations
Confirmation battles for Trump administration cabinet and judicial nominees, including attorney general nomination.
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2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 16 Jul, 01:01 UTC
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What happened
Federal judge criticized DOJ anti-weaponization fund settlement
A federal judge on Monday blasted the Department of Justice over the Trump-IRS settlement, particularly the anti-weaponization fund, saying it was an attempt to use the court to legitimize an attempt to earmark billions of dollars from American taxpayers to address grievances not defined in law.
DOJ faced criticism over handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files
The Department of Justice faced criticism for not releasing all documents related to the Epstein case, missing deadlines to publish records, and failing to properly redact victims' private information and photos when records were released. Additionally, the administration was criticized for moving Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum security prison camp from a maximum security facility.
Anti-weaponization fund from Trump-IRS settlement declared dead
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declared that a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund established as part of a settlement with Trump to end his lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns would not be paid out. However, the settlement provisions protecting Trump, his family, and his businesses from IRS audits of past tax returns remain in place.
Todd Blanche confirmation hearing held for attorney general position
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026 for Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general and Trump's nominee for the permanent position of attorney general. Blanche faced questioning from senators over five hours regarding his handling of various Justice Department matters.
Epstein victims attended Blanche confirmation hearing
A handful of victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sat behind Todd Blanche during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026.
Todd Blanche served as Trump's personal attorney before DOJ roles
Todd Blanche served as President Trump's personal attorney, representing the president in multiple criminal cases including the federal classified documents and election obstruction cases, before becoming deputy attorney general and later acting attorney general.
House passes bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent
The House of Representatives passed legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the United States.
Trump administration scraps $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund after bipartisan backlash
The Trump administration created a $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund designed to compensate allies of President Trump who claimed unjust persecution by the criminal justice system. The fund emerged from a settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over his leaked tax returns. The initiative was scrapped following fierce bipartisan criticism. At the confirmation hearing, Blanche insisted the fund was not moving forward, but lawmakers expressed concerns that Trump has not agreed in writing to permanently delete it.
Federal judge criticizes Trump and Blanche in ruling on IRS settlement
The judge presiding over Trump's IRS lawsuit issued a scathing ruling on Monday prior to the confirmation hearing, stating that Trump and his lawyers manipulated the court system through the lawsuit and subsequent settlement. The judge expressed concerns about Blanche signing the settlement given his prior representation of Trump and stated she was troubled by what she characterized as misleading testimony from Blanche.
Justice Department releases Epstein files with redaction errors exposing victims' identities
The Justice Department released files from the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation during a staggered process beset by problems. Redaction errors left exposed nude photos showing faces of potential victims, and some names, email addresses, and other identifying information were either unredacted or not fully obscured. Blanche acknowledged mistakes were made, estimating that approximately 1% of records had redactions requiring correction.
Justice Department approves Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance merger
The Justice Department signed off on a $110 billion merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance in June 2026, with the Antitrust Division determining that the deal was not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers. At the confirmation hearing, Senator Booker questioned Blanche about his involvement in approving the decision to close the department's investigation into the merger.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces Senate confirmation hearing for permanent position
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche attended a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026, to secure permanent appointment to the position. The hearing focused on multiple controversial matters including the Anti-Weaponization Fund, Trump's tax settlement with the IRS, the Epstein files release, and the administration's handling of January 6 prosecutions.
Senator Lindsey Graham dies, sister sworn in to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died. His sister was sworn in to serve the remainder of his Senate term. Graham's death reduced the Republican membership on the Senate Judiciary Committee from 12 to 11 members and Democrats to 10 members, making Blanche's confirmation dependent on unanimous Republican support among committee members.
Trump receives tax audit protection as part of IRS settlement
As part of the settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, Trump and members of his family received protection from tax audits. Blanche clarified at the hearing that this protection covers existing audits but does not shield the president from examination of future tax filings. The tax immunity deal remains in effect despite bipartisan concerns raised at the confirmation hearing.
Trump backs off Strait of Hormuz toll plan amid rising costs of Iran tensions
President Trump reversed his earlier position and stated he would back off a plan to impose tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as the estimated cost of potential conflict with Iran mounted.
Trump administration forces Epstein files release after bipartisan pressure and new law
The Justice Department released additional Epstein files only after Trump bowed to bipartisan pressure to sign a law forcing the department to do so. Blanche claimed at the hearing that the Trump administration had been more transparent on Epstein matters than any prior administration, despite initial resistance to the release.
Twelve states sue to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
On Monday prior to the confirmation hearing, 12 states filed a lawsuit to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, arguing the deal would harm competition and reduce employee pay in the entertainment and news industries.
Trump issues sweeping clemency benefiting over 1,500 people including Capitol riot participants
President Trump issued a sweeping clemency action that benefited more than 1,500 people, including those convicted of violently attacking police during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Democrats pressed Blanche during the confirmation hearing on the administration's handling of the pardons, while Blanche defended the president's constitutional right to grant clemency for any reason.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement halts most vehicle stops following fatal Texas and Maine shootings
Immigration and Customs Enforcement suspended most vehicle stops following fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Texas and Maine. The action came after criticism regarding the circumstances of the incidents.
Trump administration indicts former FBI Director James Comey on charges related to social media post
The Justice Department under the Trump administration indicted ex-FBI Director James Comey on charges of threatening the 47th president through a social media photograph of seashells arranged in the numerical pattern of "86 47." Comey has stated that the numbers were not a call to violence. The indictment exemplified the administration's efforts to bring cases against Trump's political opponents.
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2 alternative perspectives
Trump floats withdrawing Blanche nomination as confirmation collapses
Blanche's AG confirmation collapses over Republican demands for tax settlement limits.
Blanche confirmation stalls as Republicans demand tax deal limits
Blanche confirmation stalls over Republican demands for written tax deal limits amid Trump's threat to withdraw the nomination.
Tillis and Cornyn emerge as swing votes in Blanche confirmation battle
Republican swing votes by Tillis and Cornyn hold sway over Blanche's AG confirmation.
Blanche clarifies anti-weaponization fund status amid settlement scrutiny
Blanche says anti-weaponization fund dissolved amid settlement backlash; Cornyn raises scope concerns.
Tillis conditions Blanche confirmation on Epstein survivors meeting
Senator Tillis ties Blanche's AG confirmation to meeting with Epstein survivors.
Epstein victims confront Blanche over DOJ case handling
Epstein victims confronted Blanche at confirmation over DOJ's mishandling of case files.
Trump administration recalibrates foreign and domestic policy priorities
Trump administration recalibrates foreign policy, ICE operations, and supports permanent Daylight Saving Time amid shifting priorities.
DOJ approves merger as twelve states mount legal challenge
DOJ approves entertainment merger; twelve states sue to stop it.
Blanche faces confirmation amid controversial DOJ policy decisions
Blanche's confirmation hearing proceeds amid controversial DOJ policy decisions under scrutiny.