The Trump administration has unveiled major modifications to the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare, signaling a shift in healthcare policy that will affect coverage timelines and immigrant beneficiaries.
Among the notable adjustments, the Trump administration reduced ObamaCare's open enrollment period and terminated insurance for immigrants known as "Dreamers," citing efforts to mitigate fraudulent enrollments and curb federal spending, as The Hill reports.
Effective immediately, the administration has shortened ObamaCare's open enrollment window. Previously spanning from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, the period will now conclude on Dec. 31. This change pressures consumers to make faster decisions regarding their health coverage. States that administer their insurance exchanges still retain some flexibility, with the allowance to conduct enrollments over any nine weeks during the November-December timeframe. This concession may provide some relief for states wary of the truncated federal window.
The policy update delivers a blow to "Dreamers," immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children, as their health coverage is being withdrawn. This reversal impacts a group that benefited from a Biden-era measure allowing certain immigrants to enroll in ObamaCare.
The fate of the previous administration's rule, which facilitated coverage for an estimated 147,000 immigrants, remains uncertain. Legal proceedings are ongoing, following a judge's partial blockage of the rule.
Beyond enrollment timelines and Dreamer coverage, significant procedural changes have been introduced. These changes, which include more rigorous income verification, will undergo a one-year evaluation period. This temporary phase allows Congress to consider solidifying these measures into a longstanding policy.
The alterations aim to save up to $12 billion by 2026, according to projections from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This forecast is based on the anticipated reduction of wasteful spending through strategic fiscal measures.
Plans offered through the federal exchange will now include stringent eligibility checks for special enrollment occasions, a move designed to close potential loopholes previously exploited to adjust consumer plans without consent.
An additional $5 monthly premium will be introduced on certain plans. This added cost amplifies the financial burden on some consumer segments but is viewed by the CMS as an essential step towards sustainable affordability of insurance markets for working families.
The reforms bring an end to a special enrollment phase for individuals with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level. This segment of the policy formerly allowed more frequent entry into the health insurance market, which, according to the CMS, had been susceptible to misuse.
A CMS spokesperson noted that the removal of the special enrollment period arose from instances where it was used to inappropriately change consumer plans without their oversight.
In addition to enrollment regulations and fiscal reforms, the administration has enacted a future prohibition on plans including "sex-trait modification" as a benefit post-2025. This measure targets policy demands in states where such benefits are currently considered essential.
Looking forward, the procedural transformations currently slated for trial could be adopted permanently if Congress decides to codify them. The administration’s aim with these trials is to demonstrate effectiveness in curbing insurance fraud and reinforcing market resilience. Overall, these developments reflect a broader strategy of fiscal tightening and adjusted health coverage priorities.
Notably, while budget reductions form a key motivation, the shifts also underscore ideological differences in how health coverage is provided to vulnerable groups. As the changes take root, impacted parties will undoubtedly express concerns, and challenges will likely arise, particularly regarding access for immigrant communities and low-income groups.
Legal actions and potential state-level adaptations may influence outcomes. With healthcare policy consistently a pivotal national issue, these sweeping changes by the Trump administration are set to provoke discussion and debate across the political landscape, affecting countless Americans dependent on their efficacy and scope.
President Donald Trump expressed concerns about the economic impact of national holidays as Americans celebrated Juneteenth. In a social media post, he lamented what he called "too many non-working holidays" and their financial toll on the country.
According to Fox Business, Trump claimed these holidays are "costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed." The president's comments came on June 19, as many Americans observed Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
While Trump didn't specifically mention Juneteenth in his post, the timing led many to interpret his remarks as criticism of the relatively new federal holiday. Juneteenth was designated a federal holiday in 2021 during Joe Biden's presidency.
During his first administration, Trump recognized Juneteenth with formal statements that celebrated its significance to American history. In 2019, he issued a proclamation acknowledging the holiday as "an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental truth that all people are created equal."
His 2019 statement praised the contributions of African Americans, noting they "continue to enrich every facet of American life." Trump's earlier recognition of the holiday stood in contrast to his recent comments questioning the economic value of federal holidays.
The current White House appeared to take a different approach this year. When asked whether Trump would issue a proclamation for Juneteenth, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said she wasn't "tracking [Trump's] signature on a proclamation today," while acknowledging the federal holiday status.
Trump's social media post emphasized financial concerns, suggesting that Americans "don't want" additional non-working holidays. He warned that "soon we'll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year," concluding with his campaign slogan "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
The president's economic argument comes at a time when many Americans and businesses have embraced Juneteenth as an important cultural commemoration. The holiday marks June 19, 1866, when news of slavery's abolition finally reached Texas, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Supporters of the holiday argue that its significance transcends economic considerations. Pastor DeForest Soaries has described Juneteenth as an "extension of the Fourth of July," highlighting how it represents America's capacity to "self-correct, righting the worst wrongs in our society."
The timing of Trump's comments sparked immediate reaction from various political quarters. Critics suggested the president was specifically targeting Juneteenth, while supporters focused on his broader economic argument about federal holidays.
White House operations continued despite the holiday, with Press Secretary Leavitt noting, "I want to thank all of you for showing up to work. We are certainly here, we're working 24/7 right now." Her comments emphasized the administration's focus on maintaining productivity even during federal observances.
Juneteenth has occasionally been caught in political crossfire, but many advocates emphasize its patriotic nature. The holiday represents a fulfillment of America's founding promise that "all men are created equal," marking when those ideals became reality for millions previously enslaved.
A fatal accident involving a military transport vehicle has cast a shadow over President Trump's 250th anniversary Army celebration parade held in Washington, DC. The incident, which claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman, has prompted questions about the necessity of moving heavy military equipment through the city streets.
According to the Daily Mail, the White House has not issued any comment regarding the death of Sierra Nichole Smith, who was struck by a truck carrying an M1-Abrams tank that was part of the military parade convoy.
The tragic accident occurred on June 16 at the intersection of New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road in Northeast Washington. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive Smith after she was dragged for several blocks following the collision.
Metropolitan Police Department conducted a preliminary investigation revealing that Smith ran into the road, stumbled, and fell in front of the semi-trailer truck carrying the 70-ton tank. The impact caused her to become pinned under the vehicle.
As the truck continued eastbound, Smith was eventually dislodged from underneath the vehicle, only to be struck by a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban that was traveling behind the semi-trailer as part of the convoy. Both drivers remained at the scene following the incident.
The drivers involved were private contractors rather than military personnel, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the accident. Police have indicated that their initial investigation has cleared the truck driver of wrongdoing.
DC's "shadow senator" Paul Strauss expressed concerns about the parade and subsequent transportation of military equipment through city streets. He described the incident as "just a tragedy" that raises questions about the parade's purpose.
"These tanks did not need to be on local streets and consequently they didn't need to be hauled away in a big convoy," Strauss told the Daily Mail. He further characterized the parade as an "unnecessary exercise done for the sole purpose of appeasing the president's ego on his birthday."
Strauss also commented on the graphic nature of the accident, stating: "The details that have been made public are just horrific. She was dragged for blocks. It's horrific for so many reasons."
The Army's 250th anniversary parade, which coincided with President Trump's 79th birthday on Sunday, featured approximately 120 vehicles, 6,000 soldiers, flyovers, and a parachute jump. The event reportedly cost up to $45 million to stage.
President Trump had been highly invested in the parade's success, mentioning it during his brief trip to Canada for the G7 summit. During that visit, he commented on weather forecasts that nearly caused the parade to be canceled.
Despite speculation about the timing, Trump denied that the celebration was connected to his birthday. The president delivered a short speech at the event while accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.
Both the White House and the Pentagon have been reserved in their comments about the fatal accident. When contacted by reporters, a Pentagon spokesperson referred all inquiries to the Army.
The Army has yet to provide detailed information about the incident or comment on potential changes to procedures for transporting military equipment through populated areas. USA Today reported that an Army document on the incident confirmed that no military personnel were directly involved.
The convoy was reportedly transporting the military vehicles back to Fort Hood, Texas, with a stop in Jessup, Maryland, when the accident occurred. The fatal collision has renewed debate about the wisdom of staging large military parades in urban settings
Judge Arun Subramanian issued a stern warning in court Tuesday about violations of sealing orders in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial, as juror controversies continued to disrupt proceedings. The judge referenced information about Friday's private hearing that had been improperly leaked to the media.
According to Fox News, Judge Subramanian warned both prosecution and defense teams that violating the court's sealing order could result in contempt charges "at the most extreme level." He reminded the parties that it was the defense that had initially requested the gag order.
The judge directly addressed lead counsel, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, and defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, telling them they were personally responsible for their teams' conduct. "The buck stops with you," he declared, emphasizing this would be his only warning on the matter.
On Monday, Juror No. 6 was removed from the case after questions arose about inconsistencies in his statements regarding residency. The dismissal came despite efforts from Combs' legal team to retain the juror, citing concerns about ethnic diversity on the panel.
Judge Subramanian rejected the defense's request to keep the juror or declare a mistrial, stating that "there is nothing the juror can say at this point that can put the genie back in the bottle and repair his credibility." He further noted that the jury composition did not raise diversity concerns and that the court "cannot and should not let race factor into what it should do."
The dismissed juror was replaced by the first alternate, and the judge specified there was no evidence of prosecutorial misconduct in the matter. Meanwhile, potential issues with a second juror have emerged, with prosecutors noting they're open to further questioning.
During Tuesday's proceedings, jurors were shown videos allegedly depicting "freak offs" involving Diddy, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and a male escort. The evidence presentation required special arrangements, with screens shut off for the public while special agent DeLeassa Penland and jurors used headphones to view the October 2012 footage.
A technical issue briefly allowed sound from the videos to be audible in the courtroom before staff ensured unused headsets were turned off and kept away from microphones. Defense lawyer Teny Geragos played additional video clips from December 2014, continuing for approximately 30 minutes while Diddy sat at the defense table, occasionally tapping his fingers on his legs.
Penland's testimony also covered credit card records showing hotel bookings and travel arrangements for Diddy, Cassie, and male escorts. During cross-examination, the jury reviewed text messages between Diddy and Cassie discussing the "freak offs," including exchanges about a male escort named Keith from a service called Cowboys for Angels.
The evidence included a September 2014 conversation where Cassie sent Diddy a screenshot of a message from the male escort Keith asking if she was in town. When Diddy questioned why she shared this, Cassie replied, "Because I never show you..." followed by Diddy asking if she wanted to have a "freak off."
Another exchange revealed Diddy asking, "Wanna freak off for the last time?" to which Cassie responded, "I wanna freak-off for the rest of our lives." These messages provided insight into the nature of their relationship, which is central to the prosecution's case.
The trial has also been complicated by the government's letter filed Monday, addressing the defense's argument that if Juror No. 6 was removed, another juror with possible communications with a former colleague should also be excused. Prosecutors disagreed with "linking the issues" but remained open to further questioning.
Judge Subramanian's warning about contempt charges reflects the high-stakes nature of Combs' trial, which has been plagued by juror issues and intense media scrutiny. The stern admonishment underscores the court's determination to maintain control over sensitive information in this high-profile case.
The federal judge made it clear that both defense and prosecution teams would be held accountable for any further leaks of sealed information. His direct approach to addressing the lead attorneys demonstrated the seriousness with which the court views these violations.
As the trial continues with testimony about "freak offs" and financial records, the dismissal of Juror No. 6 and potential concerns about a second juror add layers of complexity to proceedings that have already captured significant public attention since Combs' arrest in September 2024 on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Several Senate Republicans are pushing back against their party's tax and spending package, threatening to derail the legislation despite new details unveiled by GOP leadership. The critical holdouts remain unmoved by changes to Medicaid provisions and tax policies outlined in text released Monday by the Senate Finance Committee.
According to The Hill, Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed clear dissatisfaction with the bill after a Senate Republican conference meeting where members were briefed on its contents. Both senators could prove crucial to the bill's passage as GOP leadership faces a tight vote count.
The updated legislation contains numerous departures from the House-passed version, including significant changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements, Child Tax Credit amounts, and the handling of green energy tax credits from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.
Senator Ron Johnson delivered perhaps the most pointed criticism of the bill, declaring it fundamentally inadequate to address the nation's fiscal challenges. The Wisconsin Republican has consistently demanded more substantial spending cuts, pushing for a return to pre-pandemic spending levels.
"We're not doing anything to significantly alter the course of the financial future of this country," Johnson stated after emerging from the GOP conference meeting. He indicated plans to release his own report explaining why he's "not particularly uplifting" about the nation's financial condition.
Johnson, who has been heavily lobbied by the White House due to his pivotal vote, dismissed any possibility of meeting the party's self-imposed July 4 deadline for passage. "Not by July 4th. No way," he declared, suggesting the legislation remains far from ready for consideration.
Senator Josh Hawley maintained his firm opposition to Medicaid cuts, raising specific concerns about how the bill might affect rural hospitals in his home state of Missouri. His resistance centers on the bill's approach to healthcare spending while delaying the phaseout of renewable energy subsidies.
The Senate version takes a more aggressive approach to Medicaid than the House-passed bill, proposing to tighten eligibility requirements and lower the provider tax in expansion states to 3.5 percent from the current 6 percent. These changes have alarmed moderates and representatives from states with vulnerable rural healthcare systems.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), another key moderate whose vote remains uncertain, declined to comment on the updated text as she left the meeting. She has consistently expressed concerns about how Medicaid spending cuts might impact her constituents.
Senate Republican leaders face a challenging mathematical reality as they work to secure enough votes for passage. With a narrow majority, they can afford to lose no more than three votes, and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is already considered a definite "no" due to his opposition to the debt ceiling increase included in the package.
Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) indicated he hasn't yet committed to supporting the legislation, telling reporters he's still reviewing the updated text. Like Johnson, he has advocated for more substantial spending cuts throughout the negotiation process.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) presented the package during a special conference meeting Monday evening, with colleagues acknowledging ongoing disagreements. "It's just what you expect: Everybody's got an opinion, and I think it's going to be that way right up until we vote," observed Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
The treatment of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap has emerged as another contentious issue threatening the bill's prospects. The Finance Committee's text maintains the cap at $10,000, significantly lower than the $40,000 level negotiated in the House version.
This difference has sparked fierce resistance from House Republicans representing high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, and California, who struck a deal with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for the higher cap. These members have warned they won't accept anything less than the agreement they already reached.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged the disparity, calling the $10,000 figure a starting point for negotiations. "We understand that it's a negotiation," Thune said. "Obviously, there had to be some marker in the bill to start with, but we're prepared to have discussions with our colleagues here in the Senate and figure out a landing spot."
Republican leaders face increasing pressure as they work to reconcile competing demands within their caucus while maintaining their self-imposed July 4 deadline. The critical holdouts show no signs of wavering in their opposition to key provisions of the legislation.
Senator Johnson's dismissal of the July 4 timeline suggests significant work remains before a consensus can be reached. His concerns about inadequate spending cuts continue to be a major obstacle for leadership trying to advance the package.
As negotiations continue, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who serves as an unofficial liaison to the House, has been working to ease tensions with House members concerned about changes to their hard-fought SALT cap agreement. "Everything is being negotiated. Everything's being talked about," he assured reporters, adding that "everybody wants their fingerprints on it and make the bill better."
President Donald Trump has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to intensify deportation efforts in America's largest cities despite ongoing protests across the country. The directive specifically targets Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where the president claims "millions upon millions of illegal aliens reside."
According to Fox News, Trump announced this expansion Sunday evening through a Truth Social post, doubling down on his administration's immigration enforcement strategy even as anti-ICE demonstrations have erupted nationwide over the past two weeks.
The president's announcement comes amid escalating tensions between federal immigration authorities and protesters, with some demonstrations turning violent in cities like Los Angeles and Portland, resulting in injuries to both law enforcement officers and protesters.
What began as localized protests in Los Angeles on June 7 following ICE raids that resulted in hundreds of arrests has now expanded into a nationwide movement against the administration's deportation policies.
The president deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles when protests first erupted, a decision that drew immediate criticism from Democratic leaders who argued the military presence would only heighten tensions rather than restore order.
As demonstrations spread to other major cities, including Portland, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City, incidents of violence have increased. In Salt Lake City on Saturday, an innocent bystander was fatally shot when event peacekeepers opened fire on a suspect who approached the crowd with a rifle, accidentally hitting the wrong person.
Trump characterized the expanded deportation operations as part of "the largest Mass Deportation Operation of Illegal Aliens in History" in his Sunday statement, framing the effort as fulfilling a key campaign promise.
"Our Federal Government will continue to be focused on the REMIGRATION of Aliens to the places from where they came, and preventing the admission of ANYONE who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States," Trump wrote in his Truth Social post.
The president also claimed that Democrats use illegal immigrants "to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens" – assertions that Democratic leaders have consistently rejected.
Democratic officials in targeted cities have vocally opposed the expanded ICE operations, arguing they're causing unnecessary fear and economic disruption in immigrant communities.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the president's approach on Sunday during an appearance on "State of the Union," saying, "I don't think the president understands that we have entire sectors of our economy that cannot function without immigrant labor."
According to the New York Times, the Trump administration has already called for a halt on deportation raids at agricultural sites, hotels, and restaurants, and instructed agents not to arrest "noncriminal collaterals." This modification reportedly came in response to concerns that sweeping raids were negatively impacting key industries throughout the United States.
The Trump administration's focus on major urban centers represents a strategic shift in immigration enforcement, targeting what the president called "the core of the Democrat Power Center."
ICE has conducted several high-profile raids across the country as part of Trump's mass-deportation initiative. While the administration maintains it is prioritizing criminal illegal immigrants, critics allege the operations are separating families and targeting non-criminal workers essential to the American economy.
In his Truth Social post, Trump praised ICE officers, who he said are "subjected to violence, harassment, and even threats from Radical Democrat Politicians," adding that "nothing will stop us from executing our mission, and fulfilling our Mandate to the American People."
Texas authorities acted swiftly following the discovery of a possible threat against state legislators at the Texas Capitol on Saturday.
Amid anti-Trump protests, Texas Capitol law enforcement heightened security after identifying a credible threat with similarities to a previous Minnesota incident involving the tragic deaths of two lawmakers, as the Daily Caller reports.
On Saturday, the Texas Department of Public Safety heightened alert levels after confirming a credible threat that specifically targeted state legislators visiting the Capitol in Austin. This development coincided with protests within the state, igniting concerns around potential dangers faced by public figures during mass demonstrations. This threat took on significant weight due to its timing and proximity to a grievous event earlier in Minnesota.
The specific nature of the threat in Texas suggested it bore similarities to the violent scenario that unfolded in Minnesota, where two state legislators were murdered. Brad Johnson, a reporter based in Texas, shared this concerning information online, which informed many about the heightened state of alert. He utilized the platform X to disseminate the specifics of the government’s response, locking into public consciousness the severity of the issue at hand.
The named protest, "No Kings," formed part of a larger national response against the policies of President Donald Trump, with over 1,800 demonstrations occurring across the nation. The protestors, animated and numerous, had security forces on edge, given the new intelligence warning. In light of this risk, a coordinated effort between state authorities and federal law enforcement agencies saturated the Texas Capitol with resources aimed at protecting lawmakers and the public.
The alert broadcast to legislators included strong language indicating the urgency of the situation. It mentioned an "active law enforcement event" at the Capitol, with the Department of Public Safety leading the charge in identifying the credible threat. The agency's goal was to ensure the possibility of violence did not escalate or pose further risk.
As the situation developed, Texas State Rep. Charlie Green communicated to fellow legislators about the potentially linked incidents. His correspondence, shared with other officials, focused on informing them of its possible connection to the brutal events that transpired in Minnesota. Rep. Green’s intention was to ensure all legislators were aware of the perceived threat and the steps being taken to mitigate any escalation.
Officials reiterated the importance of collaboration among law enforcement partners to address this threat thoroughly. They marshaled all available resources, emphasizing constant vigilance against the threat of copycat crimes or individuals inspired by the Minnesota event. For those gathered at the Capitol, the city became both a platform for public expression and a focal point for potential danger.
The threat was serious enough to also involve federal partners as a part of the response strategy. The level of coordination required to maintain safety emphasized the continued commitment of officials to utilize all available measures to enforce security. Officials highlighted keeping every participant in the loop as a pillar in these collective efforts to maintain not just security, but also a peaceful environment amid dissent.
Amid the turmoil and under the watchful eyes of enhanced security personnel, the protest continued with vigilance maintained by those tasked with protection. Authorities provided participants with updates as more information became available, ensuring transparency remained integral to the process.
Public figures and spectators were reminded of the broader context. Johnson’s communication to the public played a crucial role in maintaining awareness and accountability at this event. This situation underscored the importance of a well-informed public, along with active media participation to keep everyone abreast of developments where public safety and security were concerned.
Looking forward, the government remained watchful of potential similar threats, underscoring the importance of being perpetual amid the volatile mix of protest and security concerns. The mood in Texas, while anxious, demonstrated resilience and the resolve to uphold both democratic rights and public safety against emerging threats.
In a world of increasing unpredictability, the events at the Texas Capitol serve as a sobering reminder of ongoing vigilance in the face of threats to civic life and safety.
Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives have secured a narrow victory on legislation that would rescind $9.4 billion in federal spending, including significant cuts to public broadcasting. The contentious bill codifies actions previously taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
According to a New York Post report, the bill passed by a razor-thin margin of 214-212 on Thursday, with four Republicans breaking ranks to vote with Democrats against the measure. The legislation targets approximately $8.3 billion previously allocated to the US Agency for International Development and $1.1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and PBS.
The rescissions package now heads to the Senate, where it will need only a simple majority to advance to President Trump's desk for signature. This rare congressional maneuver allows lawmakers to cancel funding that had been previously appropriated for fiscal year 2025.
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the Department of Government Efficiency for its work identifying potential cuts, framing the legislation as necessary fiscal discipline. The Louisiana Republican has positioned the bill as fulfilling GOP promises to formalize DOGE initiatives into law.
"I want to thank DOGE for their heroic and patriotic efforts," Johnson told reporters after the vote. "What we're trying to do is ensure that every dollar spent by the federal government is used efficiently and effectively."
The bill comes amid pressure from fiscal conservatives to address government spending, though the $9.4 billion represents only a fraction of the federal budget. President Trump had previously described the measure as a "no-brainer" and urged all House Republicans to support it.
House Democrats mounted a passionate defense of public broadcasting, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dramatically brandishing an Elmo doll during floor debate. The New York Democrat characterized the legislation as harmful to educational programming for children.
"It actually represents an attack on children. This is extraordinary to me," Jeffries said during the debate. "We're on the floor of the House of Representatives, not debating legislation that is designed to make this country and our economy more affordable, but actually debating legislation that targets Elmo and Big Bird and Daniel Tiger and Sesame Street."
The four Republicans who voted against the bill were Representatives Mark Amodei of Nevada, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Nicole Malliotakis of New York, and Mike Turner of Ohio. Two other Republicans initially voted no but switched their votes under pressure from party leadership.
The rescissions package targets what Republicans describe as wasteful spending, including $3 million for an Iraqi version of "Sesame Street," $6 million for constructing "Net Zero Cities" in Mexico, and $2 million for educating children on environmentally friendly reproductive decisions.
A White House budget memo reported in April accused the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of having a "lengthy history of anti-conservative bias." The document, drafted by White House budget director Russ Vought, specifically cited NPR CEO Katherine Maher's past criticism of Trump as a "fascist" and "deranged racist" – statements Maher told Congress last month she now regrets.
The bill represents the first major legislative victory for DOGE, which was established to identify inefficiencies in government spending. Tech billionaire Elon Musk had previously criticized Congress for failing to codify DOGE recommendations, prompting Republican leadership to accelerate legislative action.
The House vote sends the bill to the Senate with a 45-day timeline for action under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Unlike previous administrations, the Trump White House has embraced the rarely-used rescissions tool to cancel already-appropriated funding.
Trump had attempted only one rescissions package during his first term, totaling about $14.7 billion, which failed in the Senate by a 50-48 vote. Former Presidents Biden, Obama, and Bush all declined to pursue such measures, according to the Government Accountability Office.
The effort represents just one front in the ongoing fiscal battle in Washington. Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act features $1.25 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade, though the Congressional Budget Office estimates it would add $3 trillion to the deficit during that same period.
President Donald Trump revealed he had prior knowledge of Israel's preemptive military strikes against Iran before they were executed. The military operation targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several top Iranian military commanders, raising tensions in the Middle East.
According to Fox News, Trump told the network's chief political anchor Bret Baier that he was aware of Israel's planned strikes on Iran beforehand, stating there were "no surprises" when the operation unfolded. The president has maintained frequent communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days.
During his conversation with Baier, Trump emphasized his position on Iran's nuclear ambitions, declaring, "Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership in Iran that will not be coming back."
The Israeli military operation resulted in significant casualties among Iran's military leadership. Three of Iran's top military commanders were killed during the precision strikes that targeted military installations across the country.
Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami was among those killed, along with Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and Commander of Iran's Emergency Command Gholam-Ali Rashid. These losses represent a major blow to Iran's military command structure.
The Trump administration reportedly reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to inform them that the strike would occur while clarifying that the United States was not directly involved in the operation. This communication strategy appears designed to maintain diplomatic channels while supporting Israel's security objectives.
Israeli forces deployed approximately 200 fighter jets in the coordinated assault on Iran. The operation targeted and destroyed dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers, significantly degrading Iran's air defense capabilities.
Several nuclear facilities were also struck during the operation, though specific details about damage to Iran's nuclear program remain unclear. The scale of the assault represents one of the largest Israeli military operations against Iran in recent history.
Iran responded by launching approximately 100 drones toward Israel hours after the initial strikes. Israeli defense forces indicated they were working to intercept these retaliatory attacks, highlighting the continued risk of escalation between the two nations.
The military strikes have complicated ongoing diplomatic initiatives between the United States and Iran. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his team had scheduled negotiations with Iranian counterparts in Oman for Sunday, but Iran has now signaled its intention to withdraw from these talks.
President Trump expressed hope that Iran would return to negotiations despite the recent hostilities. His administration has been attempting to forge a diplomatic solution to tensions with Iran while simultaneously preparing for potential military contingencies.
In recent weeks, the United States has replenished Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, underscoring American commitment to Israeli security. Trump noted that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) remains on high alert for any further escalation in the region.
President Trump stated that he is closely watching for any retaliatory actions from Iran following the Israeli strikes. He affirmed that the United States stands ready to defend both itself and Israel should Iran launch additional attacks.
The president is scheduled to attend a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning to assess the situation and determine appropriate responses to the evolving crisis. This meeting will likely evaluate intelligence regarding Iran's military capabilities and intentions.
The strikes and subsequent drone attacks highlight the volatile nature of Middle East security dynamics. With key Iranian military leaders eliminated and nuclear facilities damaged, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern for U.S. policymakers and regional allies.
A once-celebrated mall fashion brand is dramatically scaling back its physical presence. Plus-size retailer Torrid has announced plans to shutter nearly 200 locations nationwide following disappointing sales figures in an increasingly challenging retail environment.
According to Daily Mail, Torrid will close approximately 180 stores after experiencing a 4.9 percent decrease in net sales. The closures represent nearly a third of the company's current 658 locations, bringing their total store count down to around 450.
CEO Lisa Harper framed the decision as part of a strategic pivot toward e-commerce, noting that 70 percent of Torrid's customers already shop online. The company aims to eventually generate 75 percent of its sales through digital channels, with physical stores accounting for just 25 percent.
Torrid, founded in 2001, built its reputation as a pioneer in the plus-size fashion market with high-profile collaborations and fashion industry milestones. The brand partnered with celebrities, including Rebel Wilson, who launched the "Rebel for Torrid" collection in 2015.
The retailer made history in 2014 when it featured Georgina Burke as its first official face, further cementing its status in the fashion world. Three years later, Torrid broke new ground again by becoming the first plus-size label to present at New York Fashion Week.
Despite these achievements and collaborations with designers like Betsey Johnson and models like Tara Lynn, the company has struggled to maintain sales growth in recent years. Retail expert Neil Saunders told Daily Mail that Torrid's declining sales have put "store productivity under pressure," ultimately damaging profitability.
The store closure announcement has reportedly left many Torrid employees feeling shocked and betrayed. Some staff members claim they first learned about the closures from customers who asked questions after seeing news reports.
One employee expressed frustration on Instagram, writing: "When customers started asking me during my shift if our location was the one closing, I had nothing to say... because I didn't know either. I was completely in the dark and had to go online to see what they were talking about."
Another employee described the situation as "confusing, disheartening, and honestly just sad," adding: "We're the ones holding the stores together, and yet we're the last to know? It shouldn't be like this." The company has not yet released a complete list of which locations will be shuttered.
Torrid's downsizing comes amid what many industry observers have labeled a "retail apocalypse" affecting brick-and-mortar stores across the United States. The trend has accelerated dramatically over the past year, with retailers closing approximately 7,300 stores through mid-December 2024—nearly 60 percent more than in 2023.
Department store giant Macy's is currently in the process of closing 150 underperforming locations, including its Center City, Philadelphia store. Several other well-known retailers have filed for bankruptcy protection, including Forever 21 and pharmacy chain Rite Aid, which entered its second bankruptcy in two years.
Home improvement and decor retailers have been particularly hard hit. Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops, Bargain Hunt, Conn's, and LL Flooring all announced bankruptcies and store closures, though The Container Store and LL Flooring have since emerged from bankruptcy proceedings.
Retail analyst Neil Saunders believes Torrid's store closures represent a sensible strategy that will free up capital for marketing and product development. The company will also invest in remaining stores that show growth potential.
Beyond store closures, Torrid has made other operational changes, including discontinuing its shoe line. The company cited rising costs from tariffs imposed under President Trump as the reason for this decision.
Harper's strategy appears focused on adapting to changing consumer habits rather than simply cutting costs. With most Torrid customers already shopping online, the company aims to strengthen its digital presence while maintaining a more targeted physical footprint.