The Natalie Harp Trump row has intensified after Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff publicly targeted President Donald Trump’s close working relationship with his executive assistant. The remarks triggered an unusually aggressive White House response and renewed attention on Harp’s access, personal letters and role inside Trump’s circle. Ossoff remarks put Natalie Harp in spotlight Democratic Sen

Karoline Leavitt will leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday. The high-profile Trump aide cited the demands of raising two young children but plans to remain connected to the president as an outside adviser ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Karoline Leavitt exit follows family decis

The legal battle over President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom has intensified after a federal appeals court upheld an order blocking construction unless Congress authorizes the project. The ruling marks another significant constitutional dispute involving presidential powers and could soon be decided by the US Supreme Court. The case has drawn nationwide attention because it raises questions about executive authority, federal oversight, and the future of one of the administration's most ambitious construction projects. Congress Approval Required for Ballroom Appeal A divided panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled 2-1 that the administration cannot continue building the ballroom without explicit approval from Congress. The majority agreed with an earlier district court decision, stating that the dispute is about legal authority rather than the merits of the project itself. According to the judges, the proposed ballroom represents a substantial modification to the White House complex, making congressional authorization necessary before construction can move forward while litigation continues. The court temporarily paused enforcement of its ruling for two weeks, allowing the administration time to seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Challenge Planned by Trump President Donald Trump sharply criticized the ruling, describing it as "horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful." In statements posted on Truth Social, he argued that the decision threatens national security and announced that his administration will immediately appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump also criticized the judges who formed the majority, noting they were appointed by Democratic presidents, while the dissenting judge had been nominated during his administration. The White House maintains that the project falls within executive authority and says the ballroom is necessary to improve facilities for official ceremonies, diplomatic receptions, and state dinners. East Wing Demolition and Ballroom Cost Construction began after the historic East Wing was demolished to make room for the new ballroom and an underground complex. Recent images from the site show major structural work already underway, including concrete sections extending above ground level. The administration has also cited security improvements, including underground infrastructure, as an additional justification for the project. The project's financial estimates have increased considerably since it was first announced. Initial projections placed the cost near $200 million before later revisions increased the estimate to $400 million. More recent reports indicate the total expense could approach $600 million. Although President Trump has repeatedly stated that private funding would cover the ballroom, reports suggest public funds are also contributing to the development. Ballroom Cost Faces More Legal Challenges The ballroom project is one element of President Trump's broader plan to reshape several prominent landmarks in Washington before the end of his current term in 2029. Other proposals, including modifications near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and construction of a large ceremonial arch, have also attracted legal scrutiny. The White House ballroom dispute now appears likely to become the first of these cases to reach the Supreme Court. The justices could ultimately determine how much authority a president has to undertake major construction projects on federally protected government property without direct congressional approval. The decision may establish an important constitutional precedent affecting future administrations and executive construction projects. The information in this case is based on the federal appeals court ruling, public statements from President Donald Trump, and filings connected with the ongoing litigation. A Supreme Court decision, if accepted for review, is expected to clarify the balance between presidential authority and congressional oversight regarding significant changes to the White House complex.

US President Donald Trump has launched another attempt to narrow birthright citizenship, signing new executive orders that target birth tourism and several categories of foreign nationals. The move comes after the Supreme Court rejected his broader effort to deny automatic citizenship to children born to undocumented migrants and temporary residents. Trump birthright order targets birth tourism

The Netanyahu Trump Iran talks placed Tehran’s nuclear programme at the centre of a wider discussion covering Syria, a proposed Saudi nuclear deal and future US aid to Israel. The 90-minute White House meeting came as both governments assessed diplomatic, economic and military options following the Iran war. White House Talks Rebuild Strategic Coordination Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Neta

US President Donald Trump is considering a renewed Trump Iran air war as military officials prepare options for a potentially intensive two-week operation. The reported US air plan would focus on Iran’s missile capabilities, although Trump has not announced a final decision. US air plan The Wall Street Journal reported that US military planners have developed a two-week air campaign intended to weaken Iran’s ability to produce, store and launch missiles. The proposal would represent a wider and more sustained operation than the limited retaliatory strikes conducted during earlier stages of the confrontation. People familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that Trump is examining several military choices. One option involves a concentrated campaign against a broader range of Iranian missile facilities. Another would limit the scale of US action and leave greater room for negotiations with Tehran. The president has not publicly approved the reported campaign. The absence of a final decision remains important because planning by the Pentagon does not automatically mean that military action will take place. CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, reportedly developed the more intensive proposal. CENTCOM oversees American military activity across West Asia and has already directed US operations involving Iran, regional missile defence and maritime security. According to the report, Cooper believes sustained strikes could severely reduce Iran’s offensive missile capacity and ease pressure on US defensive systems. However, senior officials are also considering the strain that an expanded campaign could place on American interceptor supplies and military resources needed in other regions. Official CENTCOM material confirms that Cooper currently leads the command and has overseen recent US operations involving Iran. However, CENTCOM has not publicly released the reported two-week proposal. Iran arms Iran’s missile infrastructure remains central to Washington’s calculations. Previous US and allied strikes damaged launchers, storage areas and production facilities, but assessments cited in recent reporting suggest that Tehran still retains missiles and can rebuild parts of its military network. Iran has also continued launching missiles and drones despite months of military pressure. That resilience has raised questions about whether air power alone can permanently remove the threat or merely delay Iran’s ability to restore its arsenal. A wider campaign could target launch systems, underground facilities, command centres and manufacturing sites. Such an operation would also carry substantial risks, including retaliation against US forces, Gulf partners, energy facilities and commercial shipping routes. Trump call The final Trump call will determine whether Washington chooses a major escalation or a narrower response. The president has recently promised strong retaliation following Iranian attacks, but he has also paused military action at different stages to allow diplomatic efforts to continue. The White House and Pentagon had not publicly confirmed the specific two-week plan when the report emerged. Any article describing the proposal should therefore present it as a reported option under consideration, not as an approved military operation. Iran talks Iran talks remain a possible alternative even as military preparations continue. Washington and Tehran remain divided over Iran’s nuclear programme, missile forces, regional activities and support for armed groups. A limited US response could preserve space for intermediaries to pursue negotiations. A prolonged air campaign, however, could trigger another cycle of Iranian retaliation and American strikes, increasing the danger of a wider regional conflict. Trump now faces a difficult choice: attempt to reduce Iran’s missile threat through sustained military force or pursue a more restrained response that keeps diplomacy alive. The Pentagon can prepare options, but the political and strategic consequences will depend on the decision made by the White House.

President Donald Trump’s comment describing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as "nasty" quickly gained attention online after the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner. While the word sparked debate, Trump repeatedly praised Leavitt's work, calling her one of the administration's strongest communicators and congratulating her on returning to work after welcoming her second child.

The Trump Saudi nuclear deal has entered uncertain territory after President Donald Trump said the civilian nuclear partnership would move forward only if Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defended the condition, arguing that Trump understands Saudi leaders and their negotiating approach. Miller Defence of Trump’s Strategy Speaking to reporters

The Tate brothers UK extradition case will proceed without intervention from President Donald Trump’s administration. White House officials and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government would allow courts to handle the request as Andrew and Tristan Tate face 59 UK charges. White House response to Tate extradition The White House has said President Donald Trump does not plan to preven

Trump restores direct US flights to Lebanon after more than four decades, marking a major policy shift during Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's White House visit. The announcement comes amid discussions on regional security, Israeli troop withdrawal, Hezbollah, and stronger US support for Lebanon's stability. Trump Restores Direct US Flights to Lebanon After 40 Years

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The announcement, shared by Vance on X, marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first sitting US vice president in more than 150 years to welcome a child while in office. JD Vance fourth child announced on X US Vic

A federal regulatory inquiry is examining whether Gabriel Perez, President Donald Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator, used advance knowledge of presidential speeches to place profitable bets on Kalshi. Sources familiar with the investigation said the disputed trades generated more than $90,000 in profits before Kalshi froze the account. Perez has worked with Trump since 2016 and reportedly had access to prepared remarks and late chan

An Iraqi armed group has reportedly announced a $10 million bounty targeting US President Donald Trump, according to reports carried by Iran's IRNA and Russia's RT. The claim has not been independently verified, and US officials had not publicly responded at the time of publication.   Iraqi Group Claims Trump Bounty An armed group identifying itself as the Islamic Resistance in

Iran continues US talks despite military pressure, according to the White House, which says Tehran remains interested in reaching an agreement with Washington. Officials also stressed that the Trump administration will continue protecting international shipping while pursuing diplomacy alongside military deterrence. Iran Continues US Talks Despite Military Pre

Trump rejects US school strike claims Iran as the White House defends military actions and says American forces do not intentionally target civilians. Officials also discussed Iran-US negotiations, regional tensions, and security in the Strait of Hormuz following recent military exchanges. Trump Rejects Allegations Over Iran School Strike

American flags seen flying at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings were lowered to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, not because of President Donald Trump’s health or renewed threats from Iran. Online speculation grew after Trump’s recent visit to Walter Reed, but the official reason was national mourning for his longtime ally. US flags lowered after Lindsey Graham’s death Background: Lindsey Graham's Death Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 71 after suffering a sudden medical emergency. Preliminary findings from his office stated that the cause of death was an aortic dissection resulting from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Graham had served in the US Senate since 2003 and was one of President Donald Trump's closest political allies, playing a leading role on national security, foreign policy, judicial nominations and defence issues. His death prompted tributes from leaders across Washington and led President Trump to order US flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide in his honour while South Carolina prepares to appoint a temporary replacement to his Senate seat. Read more on: Graham’s final political request The White House flag and flags at federal properties were lowered following Graham’s sudden death. Trump described the South Carolina Republican as a close friend and ordered the tribute as the country mourned one of the Senate’s most prominent foreign-policy voices. Graham’s death was confirmed by fellow senators and official congressional statements, which described his passing as sudden and offered condolences to his family and constituents. He had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003 and remained closely involved in national security, judicial and foreign-policy debates until his death. Trump said flags across the country would remain at half-staff through Saturday evening as a mark of respect. The order applied to the White House, federal buildings and other government facilities. Trump health rumors spread online The lowered flags prompted speculation because Trump had recently undergone a medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Some users incorrectly suggested that the display might signal a serious development involving the president. The White House has described the Walter Reed visit as a scheduled six-month physical rather than an emergency hospitalization. Trump also said publicly that the examination went well and referred to his previous cognitive assessments. There is no verified evidence connecting the half-staff order to Trump’s health. The timing of the medical visit, Graham’s death and heightened international tensions created an environment in which unrelated events were quickly combined into unsupported online theories. Iran threats add to public concern The rumors also circulated as Iranian state-aligned publications intensified threatening rhetoric against Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Western leaders. Iran has pledged retaliation following the killing of its former supreme leader, increasing security concerns around senior US officials. Those threats are serious, but they were not identified as the reason for lowering American flags. The display followed the established practice of honoring prominent public officials after death. Official tribute ends speculation Trump paid tribute to Graham in public statements, calling him a patriot and praising his service to South Carolina and the United States. The president said Graham would be deeply missed and highlighted their political friendship. The episode shows how quickly symbols such as a half-staff flag can fuel misinformation when several major events occur at the same time. In this case, the explanation was straightforward: the flags were lowered to honor Lindsey Graham. The White House maintains an official record of presidential proclamations and flag-related orders, while congressional offices have separately confirmed Graham’s death and public service.

Trump’s Air Force One switch after the NATO summit in Turkey put new focus on the Qatar-gifted jet, presidential aircraft security, Iran-related threats and the stop at RAF Mildenhall, where he later boarded the newer plane for Washington after meeting U.S. service members. President Donald Trump’s Air Force One switch after the NATO summit in Turkey has drawn new attention to presidential aircraft security a

President Donald Trump’s mention of Nicki Minaj at a White House event has turned into a major online talking point, shifting public attention from a policy-focused gathering to a viral celebrity-politics moment. The event, held in the Rose Garden, was organized to promote Trump Accounts, a child-focused savings initiative connected to the administration’s economic agenda. Minaj’s presence at the White House immediately attracted att

White House trolls Taylor Swift wedding with Trump-themed post The White House found itself at the center of online discussion after its official social media accounts shared a series of Taylor Swift-inspired posts during the wedding celebrations of Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce. The celebrity wedding, held on July 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, quickly became one of the biggest trending topics across social media. As f

Report questions control of America250 events A congressional report has accused President Donald Trump of reshaping the United States’ 250th birthday celebration into a politically charged project focused on his personal image, policy priorities and business interests. The report, released by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, examines