Joe Biden

On August 19, 2026, the U.S. national debt exceeded $40 trillion for the first time, more than doubling in a decade from $19.4 trillion. Driven by pandemic stimulus, tax cuts, rising health and social security costs, and interest payments nearing $1.2 trillion annually, the debt now represents nearly 125% of GDP. The milestone has raised concerns about fiscal sustainability, higher borrowing costs, and potential future crises, with the Treasury announcing increased long-term bond buybacks to manage yields.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 20, 03:23 PM UTC

The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s security clearance, alleging he disclosed classified information about Air Force One’s capabilities—specifically regarding a Qatari-donated Boeing 747—to media outlets. Kendall, who served under Biden, expressed bewilderment, claiming he avoided revealing classified details. The move continues the Trump administration’s pattern of stripping clearances from former Biden officials.

18 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 17, 06:15 PM UTC

U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) has started intelligence operations at its nascent headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, following President Trump’s reversal of a Biden-era decision to keep the command in Colorado. About 50 employees are conducting space analysis and allied coordination via the Joint Intelligence Support element. The command plans to relocate 200 of 1,800 Colorado-based positions by year’s end, half by 2028, and fully complete the move by 2032. The transition follows years of political controversy and congressional scrutiny.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 21, 06:58 PM UTC

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted along party lines (8-5 or 8-7) to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. Chairman Rand Paul argues the pardon from former President Biden invalidates Fauci’s Fifth Amendment claim. The resolution will be sent to Vice President J.D. Vance and then to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution. Democrats criticize the process as a rushed political stunt. If convicted, Fauci faces up to one year in prison.

13 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 12, 10:21 PM UTC

On July 29, 2026, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing chaired by Sen. Rand Paul, declining to answer questions about his COVID-19 pandemic response. Paul ordered security to remove Fauci’s attorney and threatened contempt of Congress, with a committee vote scheduled for next week. Fauci, who received a presidential pardon from Joe Biden in 2025, accused Paul of an “unhinged obsession.” The hearing highlighted deep partisan divisions over pandemic accountability.

15 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 6, 01:50 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared void several preemptive pardons issued by his predecessor Joe Biden, including those for members of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley. Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform that the pardons were invalid because they were signed by an autopen without Biden's knowledge, though he provided no evidence. He acknowledged that the courts would ultimately decide the matter. The move is part of Trump's broader effort to prosecute political opponents. On his first day in office, Trump had pardoned or commuted sentences for over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 attack. The article notes that both Biden and Trump have used pardon powers to protect allies, and that courts have historically been reluctant to limit presidential pardon authority under Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 06:35 AM UTC

The Oversight Project, an arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation, released audio tapes of private conversations between former President Joe Biden and his ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer from 2016-2017. The recordings, obtained through a FOIA lawsuit, were part of special counsel Robert Hur's investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents. In the tapes, Biden discusses keeping extensive notes from his vice presidency, mentions finding 'classified stuff downstairs,' and struggles to recall names of advisers. The release reignites criticism of Biden's mental acuity and his handling of classified materials, which were major issues during the 2024 presidential campaign. Biden's spokesperson condemned the release as political retribution, while Heritage Foundation officials mocked Biden's speech patterns. The tapes also reveal Biden's explanation for not running for president in 2016 and his awareness that verbal gaffes would be a political liability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 12:10 AM UTC

Senator Rand Paul released over 1,000 pages of Dr. Anthony Fauci's personal diaries from the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing Fauci's private reflections on his sudden fame, criticism of President Trump as an "obnoxious adolescent," and contradictions over school closures. The release intensifies a long-running feud ahead of a contentious Senate hearing where Paul plans to question Fauci on pandemic response, gain-of-function research, and transparency. The diaries show no evidence supporting Paul's claims of a Wuhan lab leak.

22 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 4, 12:30 AM UTC

Singer Sam Smith has confirmed their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan, as reported to The New York Times. The couple, who have been dating for about three years, met online in 2022 despite growing up near Cambridge, England. The announcement comes weeks before the release of Smith's fifth studio album, 'Hazel Eyes,' whose title references Cowan's eye color and includes songs inspired by their relationship. Smith, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, expressed happiness about the engagement. The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Met Gala, where Smith wore a Cowan design. In December 2022, Cowan accompanied Smith to the White House for a performance after the Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law. Smith described being queer and singing love songs as 'radical' in the current world.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:37 PM UTC

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a fifth round of layoffs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), reducing staff by approximately 30% from weeks prior. The cuts, announced via social media, come hours before the Senate is expected to confirm Jay Clayton as permanent DNI. Pulte, who lacks national security experience, has overseen rapid downsizing following predecessor Tulsi Gabbard’s earlier reductions. The move has drawn criticism amid ongoing declassification of foreign election interference documents.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 3, 03:02 PM UTC

The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28, 2026, following his tenth visit to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked debate about the transformation of the Republican Party under MAGA influence. Experts interviewed by Defence24 argue that Graham's passing represents the end of the neoconservative era in US politics, as hawkish foreign policy figures age out without successors. Graham was a key advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia, and served as a crucial mediator between President Trump and Kyiv. The article notes that while most Republicans still support NATO, isolationist voices are growing, prioritizing national interests over global engagement. The analysis highlights that the current generation of politicians communicates more bluntly, using faits accomplis rather than diplomatic persuasion, a trend predating Trump's 2016 campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

In early January 2025, devastating wildfires broke out across the US West Coast, with the most severe fires occurring in the Santa Monica Mountains north of Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Sunset Fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, killed dozens, and forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate. Hurricane-force Santa Ana winds (up to 129 km/h) and eight months of drought created explosive fire conditions. The fires spread to Hollywood Hills and threatened iconic landmarks. President Joe Biden declared a disaster area, and Mayor Karen Bass called it the largest firestorm in the city's history. The article is the final episode of WELT's series on 80 years of the publication.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:01 AM UTC

Over two hours of audio recordings from 2016 and 2017, in which former President Joe Biden was interviewed by his memoir ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer, were released on Monday after Biden fought to keep them private. In the recordings, Biden acknowledged that some notes he kept at his home contained classified information. He also struggled to recall key details and names during the interviews. The release adds to ongoing scrutiny of Biden's handling of classified documents and his cognitive fitness, drawing political attention ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:03 PM UTC

CNN anchor and reporter Kaitlan Collins responded dismissively to attacks from former President Donald Trump, including remarks he made at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner. Collins stated she has always maintained a consistent approach regardless of who is president, whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump, both of whom she has covered. The article highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and the media, particularly Collins, who served as a White House correspondent during his administration. Trump's comments at the dinner were seen as part of his broader criticism of the press. Collins emphasized her professional detachment from such attacks, underscoring her commitment to impartial reporting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:00 PM UTC

Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster testified before the House Select Committee on Intelligence on July 21, 2026, delivering a pointed critique of President Donald Trump's election conspiracies. McMaster stated that undermining confidence in U.S. elections 'is doing the bidding of our adversaries.' He specifically referenced the January 6 Capitol insurrection and Trump's recent address to the nation, where Trump repeated false claims about his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden, blamed China for interference, and criticized mail-in ballots. McMaster argued that political leaders who compromise faith in democratic processes for partisan gain are 'aiding and abetting' foreign enemies. The testimony marks a significant public break from the former Trump administration official, who served as National Security Adviser from 2017 to 2018 before being fired.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:00 AM UTC

Former President Joe Biden on Friday voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit seeking to block the public release of audio recordings from interviews he gave to a memoir ghostwriter several years ago. Biden's lawyers filed a notice of voluntary dismissal in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., after a panel of circuit court judges rejected his petition to block the recordings' release. The decision marks the end of a legal effort to keep the recordings confidential, though the specific content and context of the interviews remain undisclosed in the brief report. The case had drawn attention due to Biden's former role as president and the potential sensitivity of the recorded discussions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 01:12 PM UTC

President Donald Trump has made significant changes to the White House Rose Garden during his second non-consecutive term, culminating in a major redesign completed in August 2025. The renovation replaced the grass lawn with stone tiles and added table seating with yellow and white striped umbrellas, inspired by the terrace at his Mar-a-Lago club. The space, now referred to by the White House as 'The Rose Garden Club,' features gold presidential seals on the tiles and American flag-inspired designs. Trump has also added portraits to the West Wing Colonnade (dubbed the Presidential Walk of Fame), which notably omits a photo of Joe Biden and instead displays an autopen. In January 2026, gold lettering in Shelley Script font was added. Additionally, five statues of the Founding Fathers have been installed, including a George Washington statue moved from the Washington Monument in October 2025. The article traces the garden's history from horse stables through redesigns by first ladies including Ellen Wilson, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Melania Trump.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:45 PM UTC

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts expressed regret over his decision to attend President Donald Trump's White House celebration for the team's 2024 World Series win, following political backlash. Speaking to The Orange County Register, Betts said he realized he 'didn't do it for me' and that the decision made some people unhappy. He skipped the Dodgers' 2026 White House visit, citing a desire to spend time with family and avoid political controversy. Betts previously attended a White House visit under President Joe Biden in 2021 but skipped the Boston Red Sox's visit to Trump in 2019. The Dodgers' acceptance of Trump's invitation has drawn scrutiny, especially amid heightened political tensions between Trump and Los Angeles over immigration policies. Betts acknowledged that no decision would satisfy everyone, apologizing to those his choice would 'piss off.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

The Trump administration signed a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to enrich uranium domestically. Critics, including U.S. Democrats and Israeli officials, warn the deal could enable a Saudi nuclear weapons option and trigger a regional arms race. The agreement lacks stringent IAEA oversight and faces congressional review amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.

11 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:23 PM UTC

The article analyzes a major shift in US politics regarding Israel, where criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza has become mainstream among Democrats. Over 100 House Democrats voted to end military aid to Israel, and polls show a majority of Democratic voters believe the US is too supportive of Israel. The piece details how the Biden administration failed to use military aid leverage to restrain Israel, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan admitting more pressure should have been applied. It notes that this failure contributed to lower Democratic turnout among young voters in 2024, aiding Trump's election. Former Biden adviser Rahm Emanuel publicly criticized Netanyahu, and the article concludes that Israel is increasingly isolated globally, with Netanyahu weakened ahead of an election.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:19 PM UTC

Coinbase has settled a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to a Wall Street Journal op-ed by Coinbase's chief legal officer Paul Grewal. The lawsuit sought records from the SEC, including text messages between former Chair Gary Gensler and other officials that the agency said were 'automatically wiped' due to data retention policies. As part of the settlement, the SEC will pay $150,000 and revise its record-retention policies. Coinbase originally sued the SEC and the FDIC in 2024, alleging a coordinated effort by U.S. regulators to suppress crypto companies. The settlement follows major wins for Coinbase under President Donald Trump, including the dismissal of a prior SEC lawsuit and the passage of a stablecoin bill. The SEC did not immediately comment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:41 AM UTC

Coinbase has settled a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to a Wall Street Journal op-ed by Coinbase's chief legal officer, Paul Grewal. The lawsuit sought records from the SEC, including text messages between former Chair Gary Gensler and other officials that the agency said were 'automatically wiped' due to its data retention policies. As part of the settlement, the SEC will pay $150,000 and reform its record-retention policies. Coinbase originally sued the SEC and the FDIC in 2024, alleging a coordinated effort by U.S. regulators to suppress crypto companies. The exchange has since achieved significant legal victories under President Donald Trump, including the dismissal of a major SEC enforcement action and the passage of a stablecoin bill in Congress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:41 AM UTC

In Arizona's 2026 Republican primaries, three candidates who played key roles in challenging the 2020 election results won their races. Rep. Andy Biggs won the gubernatorial primary, state Rep. Alexander Kolodin won the secretary of state primary, and state Senate President Warren Petersen led the attorney general primary. All three have been involved in efforts to cast doubt on Joe Biden's 2020 victory, including Biggs' role in the Jan. 6 events, Kolodin's representation of fake electors, and Petersen's audit of Maricopa County's election system. The article notes that while election denialism helps in GOP primaries, it has proven toxic in general elections, citing 2022 losses by similar candidates. Democrats plan to highlight these positions in the fall campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:15 AM UTC

The U.S. auto industry is rapidly replacing Chinese-made connected-car hardware in response to federal regulations adopted in January 2025 under President Biden and maintained under President Trump. The rules ban Chinese connectivity software from model year 2027 and hardware from model year 2030, citing national security and data privacy concerns. Eagle Wireless, a new Ohio-based electronics manufacturer formed in late 2025, exemplifies the industry's pivot, aiming to grow from 140 to 1,000 employees and nearly double revenue to $100 million. The shift is costly, with non-Chinese components typically significantly more expensive. The urgency increased after Polestar, majority-owned by China's Geely, was banned from U.S. sales. The affected components include satellite communications systems, external antennas, and microcontrollers for external vehicle communication.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:04 AM UTC

The U.S. auto industry is rapidly replacing Chinese-made connected-car hardware in response to federal regulations adopted in January 2025 under President Biden and maintained under the Trump administration. The rules ban Chinese connectivity software from the 2027 model year and hardware from 2030, citing national security and data privacy concerns. Eagle Wireless, a new Ohio-based manufacturer formed in late 2025, is scaling up production of modules—small circuit boards enabling wireless vehicle connectivity—to fill the gap left by Chinese suppliers. The company aims to grow from 140 to 1,000 employees and nearly double revenue to $100 million. The shift is costly, with non-Chinese parts typically more expensive, and follows the recent ban of Polestar (majority-owned by China's Geely) from U.S. sales. The uncoupling extends beyond modules to battery materials and rare earth minerals amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:04 AM UTC

This analysis from Reason.com examines the likelihood of Democrats pursuing Supreme Court expansion (court packing) if they regain control of Congress and the presidency. It notes that President Joe Biden resisted progressive pressure to pack the court during his term, agreeing with liberal justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer that such a move would undermine the Court's credibility and independence. However, with Biden, Ginsburg, and Breyer no longer in positions of influence, the article questions whether younger liberal figures will oppose court packing in the future. It cites a Washington Post-Ipsos poll showing that over half of Americans disapprove of the Supreme Court's performance, and 46% believe the Court rules based on ideology rather than law. The author argues that growing public distrust of the Court may make court packing a serious debate in a future Democratic-controlled Congress, despite past opposition from prominent liberals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 AM UTC

This analysis from Reason.com examines whether Democrats would pursue expanding the U.S. Supreme Court (court packing) if they regain control of Congress and the presidency. It notes that President Joe Biden resisted progressive pressure to pack the court during his term, agreeing with liberal justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer that it would undermine the Court's credibility. However, with Biden, Ginsburg, and Breyer no longer in positions of influence, the article questions whether younger liberal figures will oppose court packing in the future. It cites a Washington Post-Ipsos poll showing over half of Americans disapprove of the Supreme Court's performance, and 46% believe it rules based on ideology rather than law. The author argues that growing distrust of the Court may make court packing a serious debate topic in a future Democratic-controlled Congress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 AM UTC

This analysis from The Week examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It highlights his transformation from a principled, bipartisan senator and close ally of John McCain to a fawning supporter of Donald Trump. Initially a vocal critic of Trump in 2016, Graham later became his key Senate ally, abandoning his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' for political relevance. The article draws on multiple sources, including The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Politico, to explore whether Graham's shift was a cynical adaptation to the new GOP or a genuine change. It notes that Graham used his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing policy goals, such as bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. The article traces his transformation from a bipartisan, hawkish patriot who initially condemned Donald Trump as a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot' to becoming Trump's most important Senate ally. Graham's career is divided into two phases: loyalty to John McCain as a 'Three Amigos' member advocating American military power for good, and later a 'head-spinning transformation' to align with Trump. Critics note Graham craved influence and chose adaptation over leaving politics, using his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing goals like bombing Iran. The piece questions whether his legacy of abandoning principles for relevance was ultimately worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It traces his transformation from a principled, bipartisan hawk in the John McCain mold—who once called Donald Trump a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot'—into Trump's most important Senate ally. The article highlights Graham's 'head-spinning transformation' after Trump's 2016 victory, driven by a craving for influence and relevance. It notes that Graham abandoned his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' to become an opportunistic collaborator, enabling him to advance long-standing policy goals like bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC