The Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as secretary of labor Wednesday, formally installing President Donald Trump’s nominee after Sonderling had led the department in an acting capacity for months. The Senate voted 47-41 along party lines to confirm Sonderling, who has held several positions at the Department of Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission during Trump’s … The post Senate Confirms Keith Sonderling as Labor Secretary first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would decide “very soon” whether to negotiate with Iran or “blow them up,” as Tehran said it had received Washington’s formal response to its proposal to end the seven-month war. “We have to make that decision: We blow them up or make a deal,” Trump told reporters at an … The post Trump Says He May ‘Blow Up’ Iran as Tehran Awaits U.S. Response first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday directing the federal government to stop referring to artificial intelligence as “AI” and instead use the term “super intelligence,” part of his broader effort to promote rapid development of the technology while resisting calls for stricter regulation. The order says “super intelligence” better reflects technology that increasingly … The post Trump Renames AI ‘Super Intelligence’ in New Executive Order first appeared on Poli Alert.

Former special counsel Jack Smith told senators Tuesday that he would not be intimidated into silence by threats of prosecution as Republicans pressed him over his investigations of President Donald Trump. Smith appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee as the Trump administration pursues investigations and disciplinary actions involving federal officials who worked on cases against … The post Jack Smith Defends Trump Probes, Says Threats of Prosecution Won’t Silence Him first appeared on Poli Alert.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday granted, for now, the Trump administration’s request to continue rapid third-country deportation of immigrants to countries not their own.  The decision will allow the Trump administration to carry out its aggressive deportation method of quickly removing immigrants to one of the countries — some with human rights concerns — the … The post Supreme Court Allows Trump to Resume Deportations Outside Immigrants’ Home Countries first appeared on Poli Alert.

U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalated Tuesday as the Trump administration’s ban on nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motorcycles, took effect. The ban represents a small fraction of the roughly $880 billion in annual two-way trade between the neighboring countries, but it marks another escalation in President Donald Trump’s … The post Trump’s Trade War With Canada Escalates as Nearly $1 Billion Import Ban Takes Effect first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Trump administration on Monday formally rescinded Biden-era Title IX regulations that extended federal protections against sex discrimination to LGBTQ students, while also reversing broader changes governing how schools respond to allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the new rule brings the regulations in line with court rulings and the … The post Trump Administration Rescinds Biden-Era Title IX Protections for LGBTQ Students first appeared on Poli Alert.

The first major changes to SNAP and Medicaid under President Donald Trump’s 2025 reconciliation law begin taking effect this week, shifting more costs to states and narrowing Medicaid eligibility for some lawfully present immigrants. The changes are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republicans passed last year over unified Democratic opposition. The … The post SNAP and Medicaid Cuts Begin Taking Effect as Trump Law Shifts Costs to States first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Senate on Monday passed the most sweeping federal overhaul of college sports in years, approving legislation that would establish national rules for athlete compensation, NIL deals and transfers while giving the NCAA greater authority to enforce them. The Protect College Sports Act passed 77-22, sending the bipartisan measure to a House that remains divided … The post Senate Passes Sweeping College Sports Bill With Bipartisan Support first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Trump administration is promoting its official White House app as a direct line between President Donald Trump and the public. But cybersecurity researchers say that access comes with a less visible cost: extensive data collection and third-party tracking that raise questions about how Americans’ information is handled. The app surged in visibility after the … The post White House App Raises Privacy Questions first appeared on Poli Alert.

Former Kennedy Center employees are accusing the performing arts center’s leadership of delaying repairs to known roof and structural problems months before officials cited those same issues as a reason to abruptly close the building. In a whistleblower disclosure sent to Congress Thursday, attorney David Seide, representing anonymous former employees, alleged that Kennedy Center Executive … The post Whistleblowers Accuse Kennedy Center Leaders of Delaying Repairs Before Closure first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Trump administration is using taxpayer dollars to air a television advertisement that closely mirrors one of Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign videos, escalating a growing controversy over whether the White House is using public money to promote the president’s political message. The 30-second spot shows Trump walking down a hallway in dramatic black-and-white footage while … The post White House Uses Taxpayer Dollars to Air Trump Campaign-Style Ad first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, signaling that Washington is not prepared to ease pressure on Iran despite the economic stakes of the critical waterway. “I’m rejecting their deal,” Trump told reporters Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister … The post Trump Rejects Iranian Offer to Reopen Strait of Hormuz and Resume Nuclear Talks first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump is moving to cancel about $810 million in federal spending that Congress already approved, invoking a rarely used “pocket rescission” just days before the end of the fiscal year and reigniting a broader fight over how much power the White House has to override congressional spending decisions. The White House said Friday … The post Trump Moves to Override Congress and Cancel Nearly $1 Billion in Federal Spending first appeared on Poli Alert.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday drove a stake through the heart of Missouri’s undead congressional map, ordering it be buried for the year and for voters to cast ballots in the districts they’ve used the past two election cycles. In a unanimous decision, the court said that state law rules in the case. “In … The post US Supreme Court Again Blocks Missouri’s Gerrymandered Congressional Map first appeared on Poli Alert.

Television coverage of President Donald Trump’s White House events resumed Friday after a weeklong standoff between the administration and major news organizations over the president’s decision to bar POLITICO, CNN and MS NOW from the White House. CBS News resumed its role in the White House television press pool Friday, according to a pool report, … The post White House TV Pool Resumes Coverage After Trump Media Ban Fight first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration repeatedly sidestepped questions about some of the agency’s most politically charged issues Thursday, offering senators few direct answers about abortion medication, vaccines and flavored vaping products. Dr. Heidi Overton, a preventive medicine physician and White House official, repeatedly pointed to existing FDA standards and … The post Trump’s FDA Pick Dodges Questions on Abortion Pill, Vaccines and Vapes first appeared on Poli Alert.

A vast and growing network of artificial intelligence-driven Flock cameras could violate constitutional privacy rights, U.S. senators on a Judiciary Committee subcommittee said during a Wednesday hearing. GOP Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, the chair of the Crime and Counterterrorism Subcommittee, said the point of the hearing was to find out “what is going on … The post Flock Surveillance Cameras Raise Constitutional Questions, Bipartisan US Senators say first appeared on Poli Alert.

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore White House press access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, finding that the three news organizations were likely to succeed in showing that their credentials were revoked without constitutionally required due process. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly granted the outlets a 14-day … The post Judge Orders White House to Restore Access to Banned Media Outlets first appeared on Poli Alert.

The FBI is investigating an alleged breach of its employment website after the cybercriminal group ShinyHunters claimed it stole sensitive information belonging to thousands of bureau employees and job applicants. The FBI confirmed Wednesday that it was investigating unauthorized activity involving FBIJobs.gov, the bureau’s primary website for people seeking employment with the agency. The site … The post FBI Jobs Website Hacked, Group Claims Sensitive Data on Agents Was Stolen first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Pentagon has added another U.S. military death to its public casualty database for the war with Iran, bringing the disclosed total to 19 as questions continue over whether the government’s tally fully reflects the number of American service members who have died in the region. The Army identified the latest casualty as Capt. Bianca … The post New Military Death Added to Pentagon Database Amid Questions Over Iran War Toll first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Justice Department is asking a federal judge to uphold President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, arguing that the president has broad authority to control press access and that the outlets’ reporting created national security concerns. In a late Tuesday court filing, DOJ attorneys urged the … The post DOJ Defends Trump’s White House Media Ban, Says President Can Shut Out News Outlets first appeared on Poli Alert.

Missouri’s congressional map is headed back to the U.S. Supreme Court for the third time this month after a federal appeals court ordered the state to use a Republican-drawn map in November, reversing course after the justices had already blocked its implementation. The latest emergency appeal, filed Tuesday by opponents of the map, asks Justice … The post Missouri Redistricting Fight Returns to Supreme Court for Third Time first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Trump administration is removing about 760,000 people from Affordable Care Act health plans, saying they were improperly or fraudulently enrolled, in a crackdown officials say will save taxpayers $2.2 billion. Vice President JD Vance announced the action Tuesday alongside Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz. The administration is also subjecting roughly … The post 760,000 ACA Enrollees Lose Coverage as Trump Administration Escalates Fraud Crackdown first appeared on Poli Alert.

The White House press pool has become the center of a growing legal and constitutional dispute between President Donald Trump and news organizations after CNN, MS NOW and Politico were barred from the White House and the television pool suspended coverage of the president. The three news organizations sued the Trump administration Monday, arguing that … The post White House Press Pool Becomes Battleground as Trump Faces Lawsuit Over Media Ban first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Trump administration’s top wildlife official issued a directive last week that expands a recent rollback of endangered species protections much further than the feds had told the public. Individuals and industries may kill endangered animals in the course of logging projects, developments and other activities, it said — so long as the activity’s purpose … The post Trump Administration says Developers, Loggers Can Kill Endangered Species first appeared on Poli Alert.

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President Donald Trump is moving to give the White House greater control over National Institutes of Health grants after a tense Oval Office meeting in which budget chief Russell Vought criticized the agency for funding research priorities he said conflict with the administration’s agenda. Trump has directed Vought to draft an executive order that would … The post Vought Pushes for Greater White House Control of NIH Grant Decisions first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump has recast his proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery as a military installation, saying Sunday that the monument will be redesigned to house drones, deploy snipers and store ammunition in the name of national security. Trump said the change came at the “strong request” of the U.S. military, but neither … The post Trump Recasts Proposed D.C. Triumphal Arch as Military Complex for Drones and Snipers first appeared on Poli Alert.

CNN, Politico and MS NOW announced Monday that they are suing the Trump administration after the White House revoked their journalists’ credentials and barred them from the White House grounds following President Donald Trump’s public criticism of their coverage. The three news organizations said they notified the administration Monday that they were filing the lawsuit … The post CNN, Politico and MS NOW Sue Trump Administration Over White House Press Ban first appeared on Poli Alert.

An immigration enforcement agent shot and injured a man in Austin on Sunday, city officials said. Police nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified the man. But Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Austin immigration lawyer, said she was hired to represent the man and that he was released from the hospital and into federal custody Sunday … The post ICE Officer Shoots, Injures Man in Austin, Texas first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that would give Washington “permanent control over security” on the strategically important Arctic island, paving the way for an expanded American military presence while leaving Greenland under Danish sovereignty. The agreement has not yet been signed, and its … The post Trump Says U.S. Reaches Greenland Security Deal, Expanding Military Access While Preserving Danish Sovereignty first appeared on Poli Alert.

Four years after the fall of Roe v. Wade, abortion — which defined the 2022 midterms and much of the subsequent presidential campaign — has largely receded from the spotlight as 2026 candidates focus on issues of affordability, the proliferation of data centers and the prolonged war in Iran.  But in four midterm races spanning different … The post Where Abortion Is On The Ballot In 2026 first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he was banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three news organizations of repeatedly publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS” about his administration. Trump announced the move in a Truth Social post, saying the outlets should not be allowed to “write or report FICTION … The post Trump Takes Aim at CNN, MS NOW and Politico With White House Ban first appeared on Poli Alert.

The average U.S. price for a gallon of diesel has climbed to about $6.43, near a record high, as disruptions tied to the war with Iran and attacks on energy infrastructure tighten global fuel supplies. The surge is adding pressure to businesses and households already facing higher energy costs, with transportation, food, heating and other … The post Diesel Prices Hit Record $6.43 as Iran War Pushes Up Fuel and Household Costs first appeared on Poli Alert.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar is now warning President Donald Trump that his immigration crackdown has gone too far. But the Florida Republican’s new campaign message comes after years of supporting many of the same enforcement policies she is now criticizing. “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” Salazar says in … The post María Elvira Salazar Attacks Trump’s Immigration Crackdown After Voting for His Enforcement Agenda first appeared on Poli Alert.

Federal agencies spent an estimated $9.5 billion in salary costs on paid administrative leave in 2025, a sixfold increase from 2023, as the Trump administration pursued a sweeping effort to reduce the size of the federal government. The Government Accountability Office said Wednesday that use of paid administrative leave increased 435% from 2023 to 2025, … The post Trump Administration Paid Federal Workers $9.5 Billion While on Administrative Leave, GAO Finds first appeared on Poli Alert.

U.N.-commissioned human rights experts say they found “reasonable grounds” to believe the United States committed war crimes in two February airstrikes in Iran, including a missile attack on a school in the southern city of Minab that killed civilians. The independent fact-finding mission also accused Iran’s government of crimes against humanity, citing killings, torture, arbitrary … The post U.N. Experts Cite Possible U.S. War Crimes in Iran Strikes, Accuse Tehran of Crimes Against Humanity first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while the war in Iran drags on. The central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to increase its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of … The post Fed Raises Interest Rates for First Time in 3 Years, Battling Persistent Inflation first appeared on Poli Alert.

The House on Wednesday passed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump after months of negotiations over how aggressively the United States should pressure Moscow and countries that continue buying Russian energy. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed 262-159, with 203 … The post House Passes Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill, Sending It to Trump first appeared on Poli Alert.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., moved Tuesday to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Trump administration’s war with Iran, accusing the Pentagon chief of exceeding his constitutional authority and defying Congress. Massie read his articles of impeachment aloud on the House floor shortly after the chamber convened, arguing that Hegseth committed multiple “high crimes and … The post Thomas Massie Moves to Impeach Pete Hegseth Over Iran War first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel that would include 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, reviving the transfer of weapons whose delivery the Biden administration paused in 2024 over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. The proposed package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, according to U.S. officials familiar with … The post Trump Administration Plans $2.8 Billion Bomb Sale to Israel first appeared on Poli Alert.

President Donald Trump’s push to reshape cryptocurrency regulation suffered a major setback Tuesday when the Senate blocked a procedural motion to advance a sweeping crypto market-structure bill, leaving the industry’s long-sought legislative framework stalled on Capitol Hill. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, known as the Clarity Act, received 49 votes in favor and 50 … The post Trump-Backed Crypto Bill Crashes Into Senate Roadblock first appeared on Poli Alert.

FBI Director Kash Patel sidestepped questions about FBI agents at polling places in the midterm elections at a U.S. Senate hearing Tuesday that also featured a tense exchange between GOP Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey. With the November midterm elections fast approaching and the parties jockeying for … The post FBI’s Patel Dodges Questions on Election Interference at Rambunctious US Senate Hearing first appeared on Poli Alert.

The Kennedy Center board voted Tuesday to close the historic Washington performing arts complex after a federal judge again blocked efforts to put President Donald Trump’s name on the building, prompting Trump to threaten to halt a planned $257 million renovation unless the ruling is overturned. The board’s decision came minutes after U.S. District Judge … The post Kennedy Center To Close After Judge Blocks Trump Name, President Threatens to Halt Renovation first appeared on Poli Alert.

Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding was partly financed by Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch with close ties to President Vladimir Putin, according to records and interviews reviewed by ProPublica. Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses for the May wedding, including the rental of a private island where guests stayed and a … The post Russian Oligarch Bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas Wedding, Investigation Finds first appeared on Poli Alert.

Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday for the first time in three months, appearing in a wheelchair and acknowledging that he is still recovering from a June fall that led to hospitalization and rehabilitation. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican briefly addressed reporters outside the Senate chamber before casting his first vote since June. … The post Mitch McConnell Returns to Senate After Three-Month Absence first appeared on Poli Alert.

States, cities and counties filed a pair of lawsuits Monday challenging new federal rules that will allow immigrants’ use of safety net resources to be taken into account for green cards and other applications to stay in or enter the country. The new federal policy goes into effect Friday and broadens the discretion of immigration … The post States, Cities sue Trump Administration Over New Green Card Restrictions first appeared on Poli Alert.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts could face bankruptcy within weeks unless it secures a major financial rescue, and center officials say President Donald Trump’s fundraising support may depend on restoring his name to the building. The warning is contained in a 57-page packet prepared for the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees … The post Kennedy Center Warns of Bankruptcy Without Financial Rescue Tied to Trump first appeared on Poli Alert.