Thomas Jefferson Is Rolling in His Grave; Could Kamala Harris Lose California Gubernatorial Race? Trump's Moves Benefit Russia; Jeffries Has His Moment
+ Military leaders aghast as Zuckerberg crashes classified Oval Office meeting. Video captures ICE agents allegedly urinating on school grounds in broad daylight.
This is a quick roundup of some of the more notable recent news stories from the United States:
Arms deliveries, sanctions loopholes: How Trump's recent moves benefit Russia (France 24)
Donald Trump’s recent suspension of U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine and the creation of a sanctions exemption for Russian nuclear firms have directly benefited Russia both militarily and economically. The halted weapons shipment weakens Ukraine's defenses while signaling a shift in U.S. commitment, and the exemption allows Rosatom to finance projects like Hungary's Paks-2 nuclear plant, aiding Trump ally Viktor Orban. Together, these moves undermine Western pressure on Moscow and open the door to greater Russian influence in Europe’s energy future.
Jeffries Has His Moment in Hourslong Speech Opposing Trump’s Policy Bill (The New York Times)
Representative Hakeem Jeffries delivered a six-hour speech in the House using the “magic minute” rule to protest a Republican bill advancing President Trump’s domestic agenda. He condemned the legislation — which included cuts to Medicaid and SNAP — as cruel and harmful to vulnerable Americans, while mocking the bill’s name and calling it a “big, ugly” assault on healthcare.
From ICE to Harvard, Trump’s authoritarian-style vision comes into focus over 24 hours (MSNBC)
In a 24-hour span, Donald Trump exhibited a sweeping authoritarian approach, issuing threats to allies like Japan, targeting institutions like Harvard, and escalating attacks on political opponents and media outlets. These events reflect a broader, increasingly overt pattern of disregard for democratic norms and legal constraints by the former president and his administration.
Elizabeth Warren urges bribery investigation over Trump-Paramount settlement (Le Monde)
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for a bribery investigation into Paramount Global after it paid a $16 million settlement to Donald Trump - funds earmarked for his future presidential library - amid its need for federal approval of an $8 billion merger. The lawsuit, which critics view as part of Trump's wider attack on press freedom, was initially deemed meritless by Paramount, prompting outrage from journalists and lawmakers who see the settlement as a threat to the First Amendment.
How Rhode Island finally pushed a partial assault weapons ban over the finish line (AP News)
After over a decade of effort, Rhode Island passed a law banning the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of assault weapons - set to take effect in 2026 - while notably allowing current owners to keep their firearms, a legal strategy aimed at avoiding constitutional challenges. This victory was made possible by persistent advocacy, a pivotal change in Senate leadership, and strategic tailoring of the bill to sidestep legal hurdles that have hampered similar bans in other states.
Scientists warn U.S. will lose a generation of talent because of Trump cuts (The Guardian)
A Guardian investigation reveals that the Trump administration’s political interference and restructuring of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is dismantling its historically rigorous peer-review system, endangering scientific progress and U.S. global competitiveness. Through the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), thousands of grants have been arbitrarily canceled - especially those focused on diversity, equity, and environmental justice - while new research proposals face ideological scrutiny. Scientists warn that these actions undermine the NSF’s core mission, risk losing a generation of researchers to overseas institutions, and threaten innovations vital to national well-being and security.
Trump’s immigrant deportations are ‘morally repugnant,’ senior US Catholic leader says (CNN)
Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, DC and close ally of Pope Leo XIV, condemned the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies as “morally repugnant” and accused them of fostering fear and racial bias against immigrant communities. In a wide-ranging interview, McElroy also criticized Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill for enriching the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable Americans, and warned that recent U.S. strikes on Iran could trigger dangerous nuclear proliferation. A vocal advocate for inclusive Church reforms, McElroy voiced support for ordaining women as deacons and emphasized the importance of elevating women's roles in Church leadership.
Trump allies caught off guard by Pentagon’s Ukraine weapons freeze (Politico)
The Pentagon’s unexpected decision to pause certain weapons shipments to Ukraine, led by policy chief Elbridge Colby, caught top U.S. officials and allies off guard and sparked widespread confusion and frustration within both domestic and international circles. The move, made with minimal coordination and reportedly without input from the State Department, the National Security Council, or key congressional figures, raised fears of a deeper U.S. pullback from Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Although the Pentagon and White House downplayed internal discord, officials across the administration expressed concerns about transparency, chain of command, and the undermining of cohesive national security strategy.
Military leaders aghast as Mark Zuckerberg crashes classified Oval Office meeting on fighter jets (The Independent)
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's unexpected appearance during a classified Oval Office briefing on America’s next-generation fighter jet, the F-47, startled military leaders and raised concerns about compromised national security protocols under President Trump’s second term. The incident exemplifies the increasingly chaotic and informal atmosphere of the current White House, which Trump reportedly refers to as “Grand Central Terminal” due to the constant flow of aides, officials, and guests with little oversight. Military officials were left rattled by the lack of operational security, reflecting broader worries about the administration’s casual handling of sensitive national matters.
Why Thomas Jefferson is rolling in his grave (The Economist)
The forced resignation of University of Virginia President James Ryan under pressure from the Trump administration and a conservative-dominated board marks a significant political incursion into public higher education, upending the institution’s traditional independence. Unlike private universities like Harvard, UVA lacked legal autonomy to resist federal pressure due to its state governance structure and Republican-appointed leadership, leaving Ryan vulnerable despite potential legal protections. The episode, marked by ideological battles over DEI programs and partisan oversight, starkly contrasts with Thomas Jefferson’s founding vision of decentralized, academically governed institutions - making the current turmoil, as some put it, a situation that would have Jefferson “rolling in his grave.”
Could Kamala Harris Lose California Gubernatorial Race? What New Poll Says (Newsweek)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris leads early polling for California’s 2026 gubernatorial race with 24% support, though 40% of voters remain undecided and she has yet to announce her candidacy. A University of California Irvine poll highlights her name recognition advantage, but analysts caution that her support is still soft and she’ll need to solidify her appeal if she enters the race. While Harris weighs her political future - whether a run for governor, president, or another path - rivals like Rick Caruso and Katie Porter trail significantly, leaving the field wide open if she opts out.
Trump got another trade deal. This one could cost you (CNN)
President Trump’s newly announced trade framework with Vietnam imposes a minimum 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports - double the current rate - despite claims that the agreement would promote freer trade. This hike is expected to raise prices for U.S. consumers on goods like electronics, shoes, and clothing, as businesses pass along the increased costs or absorb losses. Critics argue the tariffs will hurt rather than help American industries, many of which depend on foreign-made components, and warn of consumer burdens and market instability.
Video captures ICE agents allegedly urinating on Pico Rivera school grounds in broad daylight (LA Times)
Surveillance footage captured approximately 10 ICE agents urinating in broad daylight on the grounds of Ruben Salazar High School in Pico Rivera, near a preschool and an elementary school where summer classes were in session. The El Rancho Unified School District condemned the agents’ actions as trespassing and indecent exposure, demanding a federal investigation and accountability from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE leadership. Local officials, including L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, expressed outrage, citing the incident as a serious violation of community trust and safety, particularly with minors nearby.