Louisiana’s Supreme Court on Friday granted a stay of a 16‑count criminal indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican who became the state’s first female attorney general. The court said the grand jury process and the trial‑court’s handling contained significant procedural defects and ordered the stay to allow Murrill to file defensive pleadings such as motions to quash. The indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleged that Murrill tried to intimidate New Orleans officials over a Republican‑led law restructuring the city’s courts. Murrill moved for a stay on Thursday, and the supreme court approved it early Friday, noting that the indictment could be used to file motions to quash or to seek recusal of the special prosecutor or trial judge. Governor Jeff Landry said he would pursue a swift pardon, describing the case as a “kangaroo court.” Murrill called the charges “retaliatory, meritless and unconstitutional” in a post on X, adding that she would continue to perform her duties. The special prosecutor, former judge Laurie White, previously represented ex‑court clerk Calvin Duncan, who argues his removal from office was politically motivated. Murrill’s office also represented White in a separate state lawsuit that was dismissed for alleged inappropriate conduct at a Christmas party. The indictment stemmed from a secret grand jury session; a New Orleans judge sealed the courtroom and ordered journalists to leave, leading to the handcuffing of a station producer and the outlet’s attorney. A court spokesperson said grand jurors must be present when indictments are returned to protect their anonymity, but the supreme court found the closure violated state law requiring public returns. The stay does not prevent Murrill from filing motions for recusal or responses thereto, and the legal dispute over the indictment’s validity remains unresolved.
Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.
The United States and Israel began a joint military campaign against Iran four months ago. President Trump announced that US officials would meet with Iran in Qatar the next day, but Iran said no negotiations were scheduled and only low‑level talks took place later. Both countries have continued to strike despite signing a memorandum of understanding on June 17 that called for a ceasefire.
The fighting has resulted in about 3,500 deaths in Iran and 4,300 in Lebanon, according to health ministries in each country. Analyst Nate Swanson of the Atlantic Council said Netanyahu’s conduct weakened US relationships in the region and made a large‑scale war with Iran more likely even before 2026. He noted that before the war the United States held significant leverage and Iran was open to a deal tougher than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, but the 12‑day war reduced those prospects.
Swanson said a Trump administration would have authorized the strikes carried out in June and February, whereas a Biden administration likely would have avoided them, emphasizing de‑escalation and the protection of Israel and Gulf allies. He added that the Abraham Accords had been moving toward normalization between Israel and Gulf Cooperation Council members, but the October 7 attacks damaged Saudi‑Israeli talks and led Gulf states to view the United States as a liability, especially when their bases are targeted.
Vice President Vance recently said Iran has agreed to nuclear inspections, suggesting a possible return to limited aspects of the JCPOA. However, he cautioned that a full restoration of the original agreement is unlikely and that a comprehensive phase‑two deal is improbable.
Iran’s nuclear program has advanced, with more efficient centrifuges that accelerate enrichment and shorten the time needed to produce a weapon compared with the JCPOA era. Oil exports fell to a few hundred thousand barrels per day after the 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA but have risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day, largely sold to China, and a new memorandum would allow Iran to sell oil without sanctions for the first time since the deal.
Iranian negotiations involve multiple officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the Revolutionary Guard Corps, with consensus required among several parties, complicating prospects for a deal. Swanson said the current memorandum terms are unfavorable and reflect the failure of the war, and while the United States seeks to end the conflict, deep mistrust and complex internal politics make a comprehensive agreement unlikely.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund announced its endorsement of Shevrin Jones, a Democratic candidate for Florida’s 24th Congressional District. In a statement, Victory Fund President and CEO Evan Low said the endorsement reflects Jones’ record of leadership and his commitment to civil rights. Jones, who has served in the Florida Legislature since 2012 and previously became the state’s first openly gay state senator, said he will work to lower costs for working families, expand access to affordable health care, and oppose what he described as attacks on civil rights. The organization noted that his election would make him the only openly gay member of Congress representing the South. He is running in a majority‑Democratic district that includes parts of Miami‑Dade and Broward counties, with the primary set for August 18. Other endorsements include statements from U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, former Miami‑Dade Commissioners Betty Ferguson and Barbara Jordan, and the mayors of West Park, Pembroke Pines and Hollywood. The campaign also received support from the Miami AFL‑CIO, United Teachers of Dade, New Politics, Equality PAC, 314 Action, Eduvoter, and Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar. If elected, Jones would become the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Florida. The primary will determine the Democratic nominee for the general election.
Two X accounts were deactivated after officials said they were linked to Layla Collins, wife of Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, and posted criticism of Governor Ron DeSantis. The allegations emerged from statements by Christina Pushaw, a communications specialist in the Governor’s Office, and Jeremy Redfern, Deputy Chief of Staff to Attorney General James Uthmeier. Both said screenshots obtained by Florida Politics showed that the accounts used phone numbers and email addresses associated with Layla Collins, and that the accounts promoted Jay Collins while attacking those who did not endorse him. Pushaw identified the accounts @FSUdude01670 and @bobnamy1, saying the content appeared to advance Jay Collins’ gubernatorial ambitions. Redfern noted that the @FSUdude01670 account was tied to a personal cell phone number. After the criticisms were posted, both accounts were deactivated. Florida Politics requested comment from Jay and Layla Collins and received no response. Pushaw and Redfern previously served as press secretaries for DeSantis, and Redfern now works for Uthmeier, who has endorsed Representative Byron Donalds for governor. DeSantis appointed Jay Collins as lieutenant governor in 2023 to build a statewide profile, but has declined to endorse any candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial race and cannot seek a third term.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a speech on July 3, 2026, at City Hall to mark the United States' 250th birthday, highlighting the contributions of immigrants to the city's history. Speaking from a desk historically associated with George Washington, Mamdani was surrounded by naturalized citizens and listed various immigrant groups, including Irish, Chinese, Jewish, Italian and Syrian arrivals. The address contrasted with former President Donald Trump's planned remarks at Mount Rushmore later that day. The speech occurred after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the principle of birthright citizenship, rejecting a challenge by Trump. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018, emphasized that immigrants helped build New York City and urged resistance to policies that promote exclusion. He described patriotism as the right to dissent and to protest. The address followed local election results in which candidates endorsed by Mamdani won races in New York City and performed strongly in other liberal urban areas.
A video posted by journalist Amanda Moore captures National Guard personnel patrolling the reflecting pool on the National Mall and a promotional event called the Trump Great America State Fair, taking place near the Lincoln Memorial during the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. The National Mall, a historic site in Washington, D.C., has been the focus of increased security presence in recent weeks. Moore, who has spent the past 18 months documenting the administration’s actions, posted the eight‑second clip that quickly gained widespread attention. The audio in the video warned, “Loitering is not permitted in this area,” and instructed viewers to “Please proceed to a designated location.” Uniformed National Guard members were seen walking along the pool’s edge, which has been described as algae‑covered. The event featured a model of a triumphal arch that the president has said he intends to build across the Potomac River. Moore reported finding few visitors, limited supplies of napkins, and a weathered arch model. She said the footage has attracted attention. The State Fair continues as part of the 250th birthday observances, and the planned arch remains a subject of discussion.
The Great American State Fair opened in Washington, D.C., as part of the United States 250th anniversary celebrations, with President Donald Trump describing it as the nation’s most unforgettable birthday party. Temperatures rose above 100°F (37.8°C) across the region, leading to heat‑related illnesses; NBC Washington reported that more than a dozen people received treatment and 11 were taken to hospitals.
The fair featured a series of state pavilions on the National Mall, each displaying themed exhibits such as a Nebraska market goat cutout, an Illinois sandpit filled with corn and toy Caterpillar machines, and Nevada’s giant dice. The programming theme for the day was “Wings of Freedom,” following “Maha (Make America Healthy Again) Monday” and “Horsepower of America.”
Some attendees expressed disappointment with the state offerings; a Washington‑state visitor said the pavilions “sucked.” Others noted the fair provided a welcome escape from the heat. State participation varied; Oregon officials said the event was becoming partisan and declined to fund its booth, while California’s pavilion was sparsely staffed. A stage collapse during rehearsals narrowly missed a dance troupe, and the Confederate flag was removed from North Carolina’s booth. Food prices were high, with turkey legs listed at $23 and novelty ice at $7.
Political messages were scrawled on walls, including “Trump 2028,” “Release the Epstein Files,” and “No kings.” The event was postponed due to heat, with organizers instructing guests to leave and promising reopening after 5 p.m. Attendance remained lower than expected after the holiday weekend, and the president’s scheduled address on Saturday night drew limited interest.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced his selection of The Burg Bid as the preferred plan for redeveloping Tropicana Field and the surrounding Historic Gas Plant District, a proposal that outlines an $8.1 billion mixed‑use development.
The plan calls for purchasing 58 acres of city‑owned land for $275 million and constructing 3,600 income‑restricted housing units over 15 years, along with a museum, cultural park, workforce training center, hotels, offices and retail space.
The development would be organized around Samuel Davis Park, a 13‑acre civic and cultural space that would house the Woodson African American Museum of Florida and other amenities, and would include a 4,000‑to‑5,000‑seat Resilience Event Center designed to serve as a generator‑powered hurricane evacuation shelter.
The project is divided into three five‑year phases; Phase 1 would establish cultural and workforce anchors such as the Woodson and the Collaboratorium, Phase 2 would add mixed‑income neighborhoods and expand connections to existing arts districts, and Phase 3 would complete the district with additional retail, hotel and event facilities. Partners include Blue Sky Communities, the Pinellas County Housing Authority, CareerSource Tampa Bay, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations.
The proposal must be negotiated with the development team, approved by the City Council and could be affected by the upcoming mayoral election; Council Member Brandi Gabbard has called for a slower review and questioned the wisdom of selling the land outright versus using long‑term ground leases.
An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted in April found that pride in the United States' history, democracy and national identity has fallen since 2017. Pride in the way democracy works dropped 14 percentage points, from 42% in February 2017 to 28% in 2024. Pride in the armed forces declined 19 points, and pride in the nation's history fell 14 points. The Gallup poll, also released in April, reported that 53% of U.S. adults are "extremely" or "very" proud to be American, the lowest level since 2001. Among party identifiers, 70% of Republicans expressed extreme or very high pride, compared with 14% of Democrats and 28% of independents. About 90% of Republicans said the military makes them extremely or very proud, versus roughly 60% of all adults.
The decline is driven largely by Democrats, whose share of extremely or very proud Americans fell from 44% in 2017 to 14% in 2024, while independents shifted from 30% to 28% and Republicans from 72% to 70%. Younger adults are less likely than older adults to consider being American highly important to their personal identity; roughly 75% of respondents aged 60 and older said the identity is extremely or very important, compared with about one-third of those under 30.
Race and ethnicity also affect identity importance. Seventy-three percent of Black Americans said their race or ethnicity is extremely or very important, compared with 50% of Hispanic Americans and 22% of White Americans. Vincent Harris, a 60-year-old Black man from California, said his identity as a Black man is paramount because of how Black men are treated in the United States. "A lot of people are scared of Black men just because we are Black and we are male. And that's crazy," he said. "People don't even take you for who you are as a person; they just look at your race." He added that being an American is "a wonderful thing" because of the freedoms it affords, despite obstacles he has faced.
Samantha Fulks, a Republican from Texas, said she is proud to be American and displays that pride with flags in her yard. "I still support our troops no matter what they do," she said, noting that she views the United States' involvement in Iran as unnecessary but remains supportive of the military.
Matt Stafford, a centrist from Massachusetts, said he loves America but is frustrated by political extremes on both sides. "I love America, but our biggest problem is how we're pushing both sides — like the left and the right — to the extremes," he said. He described himself as politically homeless and called for greater cooperation between parties to serve middle-America constituents.
Supreme Court term ended with a series of decisions that expanded presidential authority, curtailed congressional power, and altered voting rights protections.
The Court, composed of a 6‑3 conservative majority with Chief Justice John Roberts, has issued rulings that affect the structure of government and civil rights.
On April 29 the Court decided in Louisiana v. Callais that states may redraw congressional districts in ways that dilute minority voting power, effectively weakening the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and limiting Congress’s ability to enforce the Fifteenth Amendment.
On June 29 the Court held in Trump v. Slaughter that the president may remove the heads of independent regulatory agencies for any reason, overturning the 1935 precedent Humphrey’s Executor.
In three immigration cases the Court allowed the administration to terminate temporary protected status for Haitian and Syrian residents, to limit asylum processing, and to give border officers discretion to deny green‑card status.
In Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections the Court ruled that a prisoner could not sue over the removal of his religious head covering, limiting enforcement of religious‑rights provisions in federal funding statutes.
In NRSC v. FEC the Court struck down a campaign‑finance rule that capped direct contributions to candidates, permitting donors to route large sums through party committees and increasing the influence of wealthy contributors.
The decisions collectively shift authority toward the executive and private wealth while reducing congressional ability to enforce laws, and they leave open questions about future challenges to birthright citizenship and the scope of agency independence.
On New Year’s Eve, fireworks were displayed behind the Washington Monument, and a birthday candle projection accompanied the playing of “The Star‑Spangled Banner,” marking the start of Freedom 250’s countdown to the semiquincentennial. The federal celebration has been criticized for emphasizing a narrow view of American history that centers predominantly white male figures, while some state commissions have developed alternative programming that highlights diverse historical contributions. Rhode Island’s commission, established by governor appointment, has highlighted the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the first Black battalion in U.S. military history, and supported a presentation on the regiment’s experiences at the John Brown House Museum. North Carolina’s commission has featured the Edenton Tea Party, noting 51 women’s pledge to boycott British goods, and has published a children’s book on the topic; roughly 3,700 copies have been sold. The commission also secured funding for a new children’s book about Martin Black, a free Black participant in the Revolution, and has worked with the Rhode Island Historical Society to bring related programming. In Illinois, the state commission created a free passport with about 60 historic sites, including the Elijah P. Lovejoy memorial and Cahokia Mounds, and has distributed 100,000 copies as of June. Georgia’s commission, led by chair Cameron Bean, has focused on grant‑making and sponsorship to support events such as the African Film Festival Atlanta and an African American Heritage Symposium. Connecticut’s commission has awarded over $800,000 to more than 80 organizations, prioritizing programming that reflects local history and community involvement, and has avoided a focus on “drums and guns,” according to commission vice chair Jason Mancini. Boulder, Utah, resident artist spent 250 hours carving handprints into a boulder to mark a year of volunteering, while Connecticut’s project manager Cyndi Tolosa noted plans to translate materials into Spanish and increase outreach to Spanish‑speaking communities. Tribal communities in Connecticut have expressed reservation about the historical language used in founding documents, and some tribal members have chosen not to participate actively in the commission’s activities. Illinois commission chair Gabrielle Lyon said the state’s approach aims to include a broad range of voices, building on lessons from earlier anniversaries. North Carolina’s public historian Ansley Herring Wegner said the semiquincentennial offers an opportunity to provide history to the public in accessible ways, through ongoing educational resources and partnerships with museums and libraries. Despite funding shortfalls—such as a reduction in support for a humanities organization in Illinois and a zero base budget for North Carolina’s commission—the state commissions have relied on fundraising, private funds, and existing networks to continue their work. The effort is intended to strengthen cultural infrastructure and create inclusive commemoration, with the hope that the 250th anniversary will reflect the diverse experiences of all Americans.
Hillsborough County communities are holding Fourth of July events across the county to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary, with celebrations scheduled from early July through July 31. The anniversary adds a milestone to the traditional Independence Day weekend, which includes fireworks, boat parades, drone shows and other public gatherings. ZooTampa at Lowry Park will run a month‑long themed celebration from July 1 to July 31, featuring themed animal enrichment, special food offerings and merchandise, with a dedicated orangutan enrichment session on July 4 at 9:45 a.m. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will observe the 250th anniversary with extended evening hours, live entertainment and a drone and fireworks show on Festival Field from July 3 to July 5, included with park admission. The Florida Aquarium will host Sea to Shining Sea: All‑American Weekend from July 3 to July 5, offering animal encounters, costumed divers, scavenger hunts and a mangrove planting project. Tampa’s flagship Liberty by the Bay celebration at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on July 4 will provide a free family zone, food trucks, a beer garden, live music, a themed pet show, a water ski show, a 250‑drone light display and a fireworks finale from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Additional Riverwalk activities include a patriotic boat parade, an Armature Works event, fireworks viewing at Jackson’s Bistro and Freedom Fest aboard the American Victory Ship. The Patriotic Boat Parade will cruise the downtown waterfront from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. Temple Terrace will hold its 51st annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4, featuring a morning parade at 10 a.m., evening music, food vendors and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The Greater Brandon Action Network will host a Fourth of July Parade and FunFest at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on July 4, with live music, food, vendors, contests and family activities beginning at 10 a.m. Plant City will hold its annual Fourth of July Celebration at Plant City Stadium on July 4, with live music, food trucks, vendors and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Lutz will begin its holiday with races at 7:30 a.m., a one‑mile fun run at 8:15 a.m., a ceremony at 9 a.m. and a parade at 10 a.m., followed by Guv’na of Lutz festivities, awards and a kids zone. The Museum of Science & Innovation will present Stars, Stripes & Science from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, with hands‑on science activities, demonstrations and sensory‑friendly fireworks visuals. The Tampa Bay History Center will screen the documentary “A Star‑Spanged Story: Battle for America” hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. The American Victory Ship will host a waterfront celebration beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4, offering live entertainment and fireworks views. Yacht StarShip and Pirate Water Taxi will provide fireworks cruises departing from Channelside Drive on July 4, with dinner, drinks and DJ entertainment. Armature Works will host a Fourth of July celebration on July 12, featuring a muscle car show, live music, carnival games and fireworks at 9 p.m. Centro Asturiano de Tampa will hold a Salute to Service and Shared Heritage event on July 12, with barbecue, music and a tribute to military service. Attendees are advised to check local event listings for updates on parking, traffic and weather conditions.
On July 4, 2026, the United States observed the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Podcast host Jon Stewart discussed the document with Yale historian David Blight and Harvard historian Annette Gordon‑Reed, who described the text as a statement that outlines the right of people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of their rights.
The Declaration, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, asserts that all men are created equal and are endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It further explains that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and that when a government becomes destructive of these ends, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
Stewart recommended the full text to listeners, noting that the document is relatively brief. A previous article by David Corn and Tim Murphy a year earlier highlighted similarities between grievances listed in the Declaration and actions taken by the current administration, though the earlier piece did not draw a direct causal link. The article includes the opening passage of the Declaration, which declares the colonies' reasons for separating from Great Britain, and a list of 27 specific grievances directed at King George III, such as refusal to assent to laws, dissolution of legislative bodies, and the presence of standing armies without consent. It also notes Ben Franklin’s 1787 remark that a republic can be maintained only if citizens remain vigilant: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
The piece ends with the Declaration’s concluding statement asserting the colonies’ right to be free and independent states, followed by a birthday greeting to America.
The State Department has awarded a $978,750 contract to Military Hire, a subsidiary of RedBalloon, to recruit new Foreign Service Officers. Foreign Service Officers are senior diplomats who represent the United States abroad; their hiring has historically involved rigorous screening and a multi‑hour examination. In 2025 the Trump administration issued a memo directing the removal of DEI language from department policies and recalled 29 ambassadors and dismissed 246 Foreign Service Officers as part of a broader restructuring. Secretary Marco Rubio described the changes as aimed at eliminating a culture he said was dominated by "radical ideologues" whose agendas conflicted with the president's priorities. The new contract seeks to attract candidates who share the administration's values. RedBalloon CEO Andrew Crapuchettes said on the CrossPolitic podcast that previous recruiting had emphasized diversity and inclusion and that many former hires were reluctant to implement the administration's "America First" agenda. He said the department removed its recruiting staff and was "cleaning house" to bring in personnel more closely aligned with current leadership. Crapuchettes invited Christians to apply for Foreign Service positions, noting that officers could serve abroad in places such as Germany, Botswana or Thailand and build long‑term influence. He added that RedBalloon is pursuing similar contracts with the Department of War and the Department of the Interior and has a separate agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs for political‑appointee recruitment. RedBalloon's spokesperson Isaac Lopez said the company does not screen applicants based on political affiliation, religion or ideology, and that the remarks made on the podcast reflected only a personal hope that public‑service‑minded individuals of faith would consider federal careers. A State Department spokesperson later stated that the department is committed to recruiting the best and brightest from all backgrounds, without regard to political or religious affiliation, and noted that interest in the Foreign Service has risen sharply since the Trump administration. The contract marks a new phase in the department’s recruitment strategy, but it remains unclear how the focus on ideological alignment will affect the pool of applicants.
Palm Beach County municipalities will hold free July 4 celebrations on July 4, featuring concerts, fireworks and a day‑long civic program that marks the nation’s 250th anniversary. The gatherings are part of a countywide series of Independence Day events that have been held for decades, and this year they coincide with the United States’ 250th anniversary. West Palm Beach will host Fourth on Flagler from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard to Fern Street, centered at 100 N. Clematis Street, described by the city as the largest free outdoor Independence Day event in South Florida. The event includes live entertainment on three stages, a patriotic flag ceremony, a kids’ interactive zone and food and beverage vendors, and a Florida Crystals laser show timed to an 18‑minute fireworks display over the Intracoastal Waterway. Boca Raton’s Fabulous Fourth Finale will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Countess de Hoernle Park, featuring live music at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., followed by a 20‑minute fireworks display at 9:10 p.m. Attendees may park for free at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus and use shuttles to the park; coolers, pets, alcohol, sparklers and drones are prohibited. Sugar Sand Park will host a free Block Party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering kids’ crafts, yard games, a DJ and food trucks for all ages. Sunset Cove Amphitheater at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park will open gates at 5:30 p.m., present a concert by the Viva Band, provide a kids’ fun zone starting at 5:30 p.m., and conclude with fireworks. In Delray Beach, the Fourth of July Celebration runs from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along East Atlantic Avenue between the Intracoastal Bridge and A1A, beginning with the opening of a 1976 bicentennial time capsule at 5 p.m., a 60‑foot flag‑raising at 6 p.m., and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Delray Beach Historical Society, followed by an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band and fireworks at 9 p.m. Boynton Beach’s Red, White & Blue celebration at Intercoastal Park will feature live music and food trucks, with a fireworks display synchronized to music scheduled for 9:05 p.m.; parking is reserved for ADA use and free shuttles are available from off‑site lots, and personal fireworks, grilling and pets are not allowed. Palm Beach County will waive entry fees at several state and national parks, including Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, from July 3 to 5.
Americans expressed frustration over President Donald Trump's reported earnings of more than $1 billion from his cryptocurrency businesses while serving as president, according to recent financial disclosures.
A survey conducted by The Guardian collected responses from more than 400 readers who described feelings of outrage, disgust and despair about the president's wealth amid concerns about high gas and grocery prices.
Financial disclosures filed with the Office of Government Ethics indicated that Trump's crypto ventures generated revenue exceeding $1 billion after he took office. Critics argued that the earnings could create a conflict of interest given his policy decisions on energy and consumer costs. The White House declined to comment when asked for clarification.
Ethics experts said the disclosures will be reviewed by congressional oversight committees, and the public response highlights ongoing concerns about the intersection of presidential policy and personal business interests.
Donald Trump delivered a 30‑minute speech at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on Friday, kicking off the United States’ 250th birthday weekend.
The celebration marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and coincides with the midterm election cycle. Trump’s appearance follows a pro‑immigrant address by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a series of primary victories by progressive candidates, including three democratic socialists, in several states.
Trump praised the four presidents carved into the monument — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — and said their qualities of action, ambition and intelligence defined American exceptionalism. He stated that recent efforts to undermine the nation’s history and to promote progressive policies represented a communist menace and described communism as a greater threat to liberty than world wars and the September 11 attacks. He said the enemy of July 4, 1776 includes those who seek to replace the nation’s identity with Marxist ideas. Trump linked the alleged communist threat to immigrants, saying they could be expelled and that the country would vanquish communism quickly. He urged Congress to end the filibuster and pass the Save America Act, describing it as necessary to preserve elections for a century. He asserted that communists do not respect God, law, principle or tradition and that one cannot be both a communist and a patriot. The speech took place in the Black Hills, a region the U.S. government seized from the Sioux Nation in 1877. Observers said his framing of progressive Democrats as communists was widely criticized for rewriting history and marginalizing groups including Native Americans and immigrants.
Earlier in the evening, actors portraying the four presidents recited famous quotations on a blue‑carpeted stage while country musician Chancey Williams performed. A crowd member held a handwritten sign reading Trump the GOAT.
Trump is scheduled to speak on the National Mall on Saturday before a fireworks display, amid a heatwave that has disrupted Independence Day events across the country.
Paula Stark, a Republican candidate for Florida House District 47, filed her qualifying paperwork less than 30 minutes before the June 12 noon deadline, leading to a lawsuit over her eligibility. State law requires submission of Form 6, a financial disclosure, to qualify, and election officials say the form was not received. Secretary of State Cord Byrd asked the Leon Circuit Court to block Stark from appearing on the ballot, citing missing paperwork and statements from election staff. Five employees submitted sworn declarations that Treasurer Joel Davis did not submit Form 6 and was not given the form back during final submission. Election Records Division Bureau Chief Erica “Ikay” Reeve said the office cannot verify Stark’s qualification without the form. She noted Stark was one of 12 candidates who failed to submit the required form, half of whom corrected the issue and qualified. Reeve also highlighted other campaign finance issues, including a late filing report, excessive contributions, an incorrect address on file, and past audits indicating inconsistent transfers and unpaid fines, which led to the revocation of her political committee in November for $16,000 in unpaid penalties. The August primary for the district will be open to all voters if Stark remains off the ballot, as no other Republican candidates filed. Ballots for overseas military must be mailed by July 4, with vote‑by‑mail ballots scheduled for July 9‑16, and Byrd warned that altering the contest could cause confusion and increase costs. The lawsuit will determine whether the August primary includes a contested Republican race or only Democratic candidates.
The Associated Press‑NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll of 2,596 U.S. adults conducted April 16‑20 found that about 30% of Black adults say they ever fly the American flag, compared with roughly 50% of White and Hispanic adults. The survey indicated that Republicans and adults aged 60 and older are especially likely to display the flag, with about 70% of Republicans and roughly 60% of those 60 and older reporting regular flag display, while about 60% of Democrats and independents say they never fly it, a proportion that rises to 75% among Democrats under 45. Opinions on the flag's symbolic meaning varied: about 47% of respondents described the flag as more unifying, 16% as more divisive, and 36% said it was neither. Among Black adults, 22% viewed the flag as unifying, compared with 55% of White adults and 42% of Hispanic adults. Matthew Delmont, a history professor at Dartmouth College, noted that many Black Americans see the flag as a symbol that can both include and exclude, and that it may be used to suggest that some do not belong. Allison Wiltz, a Black author and founder of Writers and Editors of Color, described the flag as a painful reminder of unmet promises for Black people, Indigenous peoples and people of color. Ben Gaskins, chair of political science at Lewis & Clark College, said the flag holds central importance for many older, White and conservative Americans. Nancy Hansen, a retired Customs and Border Protection clerk, said she views the flag as representing freedom to live, travel and raise children as one chooses. Linda Cunningham, a retiree from Michigan, expressed love for the flag and said she does not consider flag display a political statement. The survey highlights continuing divisions in how different demographic groups interpret the American flag, with no consensus on its role as a unifying or divisive symbol.
The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal would cut Federal Railroad Administration funding by 81 percent and reduce Amtrak’s budget by 69 percent, according to the High Speed Rail Alliance. The proposal was released in May 2026 and targets a program that supports passenger rail service across the United States. Passenger rail has long served rural Republican districts by providing an alternative to car travel and supporting local economies. The administration’s broader budget request also reduces funding for health care subsidies and immigration enforcement programs. High Speed Rail Alliance analysts derived the 81 percent and 69 percent figures from the administration’s budget documents and agency financial reports. Rural Republican legislators have historically supported Amtrak funding in their districts despite the administration’s cuts. During a train trip from Newark to Washington, D.C., and then to Pittsburgh, reporters observed passengers who identified as Trump supporters. Some supporters said the cuts could free resources for other priorities, while others expressed concern about higher travel costs and reduced service. Federal Railroad Administration officials described the changes as part of an effort to streamline federal spending and redirect money to defense and infrastructure projects. Congressional leaders have not yet voted on the proposal, and its passage remains uncertain before the November midterm elections. The debate over the rail funding cuts will affect millions of travelers and may shape voter attitudes ahead of the midterms.
Trump administration officials announced that the July 4 fireworks display at the National Mall will feature approximately 850,000 fireworks over a 40‑minute period, roughly 50 times the usual quantity and double the typical show length. The National Park Service, which organizes the event, advised residents to remain indoors during and after the fireworks and to wear N95 masks when outdoors to reduce irritation symptoms. Funding for the display comes from $1.6 million in entry‑fee revenue, a amount five times greater than normally allocated for the celebration. The administration has directed at least $90 million from park entry fees toward projects including $76 million for repairs to fountains such as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The Department of the Interior noted a $35.4 billion maintenance and repair backlog as of September 2025. Internal documents obtained by the Washington Post indicate that the president may have circumvented congressional oversight by using a public‑private partnership named Freedom250. The agency has not responded to requests for comment.