Donald Trump's efforts to limit mail-in voting and increase election monitoring ahead of the 2026 midterm elections have generated a series of court rulings. Several states conduct most elections by mail, and mail-in ballots are a component of voting in many jurisdictions. The Supreme Court recently overturned a lower‑court decision that had blocked parts of a plan to restrict mail‑in ballots. The Postal Service announced it would implement the plan, but a federal judge subsequently issued a temporary restraining order that halted the agency's actions, and the litigation is ongoing as mail-in voting is scheduled to begin in several states within weeks. The administration announced it will deploy 1,000 election monitors to polling places in November. Past administrations have used election monitors without major disruptions. The president has criticized state election officials and promoted claims that noncitizen voting is widespread. David Michael Levin, a lawyer hired for the election‑monitoring program, faced felony charges in 2016 related to alleged hacking of election systems; the charges were reduced, he pleaded guilty and served 20 days in jail. Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the civil‑rights division responsible for election monitoring, has expressed support for claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Speculation has suggested the administration might station military personnel, National Guard troops, or ICE agents at polling sites. Such proposals have raised concerns that voters could be deterred from casting ballots. Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said he would not deploy ICE agents to intimidate voters, though his statement is not binding. The Department of Homeland Security previously asserted it had identified 250,000 noncitizen voters on registration rolls in four states; subsequent reviews have not produced evidence, and the agency has revised the estimate downward. Eight states and Washington, D.C. conduct most elections primarily by mail, while other states rely heavily on mail‑in ballots. With 19 House seats currently viewed as competitive, the legal challenges and monitoring activities could influence voter participation and the balance of power in Congress. The legal proceedings and related actions remain unresolved, and the impact on the upcoming elections will be assessed after voting concludes.
Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.
Markwayne Mullin, the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, told reporters in New York on Tuesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers could be sent to polling places if a credible threat exists or if law enforcement is executing a warrant. "ICE isn’t there to patrol polling places. We’re there to enforce specific threats," Mullin said. The comment was made during a briefing on election security, and no directive to deploy ICE to polling sites has been issued. The Department of Homeland Security has not announced any plans to send agents to polling locations.
Miami-Dade County Commission approved a special tax district to fund $149 million in infrastructure for the redevelopment of the Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami.
The commission voted unanimously on April 21 to create the Downtown SoMi Community Development District (CDD), which will finance a $49 million public parking structure and a $41.7 million chilled water main.
The CDD covers 10.16 acres bounded by US 1, Red Road, Sunset Drive and Southwest 58th Avenue.
Sunset Opportunities B1 LLC and Sunset C1 LLC, whose sister company Midtown Development purchased Sunset Place for $65.5 million in 2020, petitioned for the district.
Developer Alex Vadia, whose firm also owns Midtown Development, presented a plan for 1,513 residential units, a 1,300‑seat movie theater, more than 200,000 square feet of retail and towers up to 33 stories, designed by Heatherwick Studio and ODP Architecture & Design.
The district will also fund the redevelopment of the South Miami Metrorail station, City Hall and a nearby library, according to officials.
Assessments are set at $2,475 for condos under 851 square feet, $3,725 for units between 851 and 1,750 square feet, and $4,975 for larger units, with estimated capital shares of $51,750 to $103,500 per unit over a 30‑year bond term.
The district is not a county obligation and carries no fiscal impact on Miami‑Dade, as county records state.
Board members include Vadia, partner Richard Perez, finance director Azam Malik, asset management director Antonio Ferrer, and Gustavo Cabrera, who replaced development executive Dean Warhaft.
Commissioners had previously approved a development agreement in 2024 and a South Miami Commission resolution supporting the CDD.
The measure passed after a five‑month review, initially filed April 10 and delayed twice before final adoption.
Regalado said she modeled the CDD after the Midtown CRA, making it more restrictive and focusing on infrastructure rather than housing or community benefits.
The project aims to increase the area’s residential footprint and improve water, sewer, sidewalk and street infrastructure after the mall’s occupancy fell to just under 60% in 2021.
The district will take effect September 11 unless Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoes it, an action considered unlikely as her administration recommended adoption.
September marks the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has designated the month as Florida Preparedness Month. The Florida Division of Emergency Management urges residents to know their evacuation zones, develop household disaster plans, and assemble emergency kits containing sufficient food, water, medication, and supplies for up to seven days. The agency also advises keeping vehicle fuel tanks or electric vehicle batteries at least half full and to travel short distances if evacuation is ordered. Since July 1, 2025, state sales tax has been waived for batteries, fire extinguishers, portable generators, and other designated disaster supplies, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. Residents can verify evacuation zones at FloridaDisaster.org/Know, customize disaster plans at FloridaMakeAPlan.com, and register individuals with special medical or electricity‑dependent needs through the state’s Special Needs Registry. The Division’s Executive Director Jared W. Perdue said the opportunity to prepare should be taken seriously. Additional recent developments include the release of the Hope Florida grand jury report, which recommends changes to state policy, and the removal of Flock camera systems from several Florida counties following Governor DeSantis’s statements. House Speaker‑designate Sam Garrison said the House is prepared to act on law changes outlined in the grand jury report. Other items in this digest cover polling trends, a statement by former President Donald Trump on oil policy, and updates on Florida’s affordable housing situation, while sports coverage notes that the Tampa Bay Rays remain atop the American League with a 82‑55 record and are scheduled to play a series against the New York Mets.
Tampa Police Department announced Tuesday that it will remove 17 automated license plate reader cameras located on state highway rights-of-way within 30 days, complying with a Florida Department of Transportation directive. The department said the devices have supported 622 arrests, 485 vehicle recoveries, 68 firearm recoveries and 14 missing‑person locates since 2021, and that access is limited to investigators with a legitimate law enforcement need.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a review of its ALPR installations to determine whether any devices are situated on state‑controlled rights‑of‑way. A public relations coordinator for the sheriff’s office said the office will remove any cameras found within those areas in accordance with the state memorandum.
Florida Department of Transportation revoked general‑use permits for ALPRs on state highway rights‑of‑way and required local agencies to remove affected equipment within 30 days. The action follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ public criticism of extensive license‑plate reader networks and concerns that such technology could track individuals not suspected of wrongdoing.
Tampa’s decision marks an early implementation of the state’s restrictions, while Hillsborough County continues to assess the scope of its ALPR network.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R‑KY) told the House floor that he had identified 14 people he said were associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, noting that the Department of Justice has not released more than three million files required by the 2023 Epstein Files Transparency Act. Speaking on the first day back from August recess, Massie cited the law’s mandate that the DOJ publish the documents and said the agency’s continued withholding impeded accountability. He listed former JPMorgan executive Jes Staley, investors Leon Black and Les Wexner, former Prince Andrew Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, and former Epstein assistant Lesley Groff, all of whom have appeared in the released documents. Massie added that the presence of names in the files does not prove wrongdoing. He called for the DOJ to face pressure to deliver justice and introduced a discharge petition that requires 218 signatures to force a House vote on a second version of the transparency law, which would give state courts greater access to the files and aid prosecutions. He said he had begun collecting signatures and needed three additional Republican co‑signers, noting he could reach the threshold after the November elections if Democrats regain a House majority. The DOJ has not responded to requests for the remaining documents. The petition’s outcome remains uncertain, and the Department of Justice has not indicated when it will release the outstanding files.
Since May, the United States has recorded more than 17,000 laboratory‑confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, the highest annual total for the parasite. In the same period, a listeria infection linked to ricotta cheese caused one death, nearly 100 people were infected with salmonella from recalled eggs, and more than 400 became ill in a separate salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños.
Summer typically brings increased consumption of fresh produce, which can raise the risk of foodborne illness. Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have allowed pathogens such as cyclospora to expand from tropical and subtropical zones into more temperate regions, according to Joseph Eisenberg, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan.
Recent outbreaks have involved alfalfa sprouts contaminated with salmonella and E. coli in 15 states, resulting in four hospitalizations. The FDA issued its highest urgency warning for frozen blueberries suspected of E. coli contamination. Experts say climate change is a factor in the spread of these organisms. Diez‑Gonzalez noted that domestic cyclospora cases have risen over the past decade, suggesting the parasite is now established in the U.S. food supply.
The FDA eliminated about 3,500 positions at the start of the second Trump administration, and combined cuts across the FDA, USDA, and related agencies have reduced the workforce by roughly 22 percent, or more than 11,000 jobs. The CDC has lost approximately one‑quarter of its staff since January 2025, decreasing the number of scientists tracking food parasites from 11 to three by the summer, according to reports. These staffing declines have limited the ability of state and local health departments to receive timely information and to conduct investigations, as noted by Dr. Kathleen Linder, a hospital epidemiologist at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Ann Arbor.
The continued rise in foodborne illness cases highlights the need for strengthened surveillance and staffing in public health agencies. Rebuilding capacity will be essential to mitigate future outbreaks.
A POLITICO poll released on August 31 found that 55% of Americans think politicians mention the working class mainly to win votes, and only 25% believe politicians genuinely want to help them.
The survey indicates that working‑class voters are split: 38% say Democrats represent them best, 32% say Republicans do, while 37% of all respondents favor Democrats and 30% favor Republicans.
Both parties view working‑class voters as pivotal for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race.
Democrats are debating whether progressive or moderate wings better appeal to these voters. Jim Kessler, executive vice president of the centrist think tank Third Way, said the party has been out of touch on cultural issues and perceived as ineffective on economic matters.
Senator Bernie Sanders said progressive Democrats are speaking to working families’ needs, noting that many working‑class Republicans acknowledge that the United States does not guarantee health care to all people.
Former Ohio Representative Jim Renacci said many independents and Republicans feel the president has not prioritized working‑class concerns amid high gas prices, food costs and the war in Iran.
Survey data show 35% of working‑class respondents hold Trump fully responsible for the economy, and half say he has devoted considerable time to international matters.
Renacci added that candidates must address domestic issues to regain trust.
Definitions of working class vary. A majority, 59%, say the term describes them, but only 16% select “working class” from a list of social categories.
Some politicians, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, argue the definition should include anyone who must work to pay bills.
Economic data indicate more than one‑third of working‑class adults are unemployed, and 35% say Trump is responsible for the economy. Additionally, 50% say he has devoted considerable time to international matters.
Candidates are using biographies to signal working‑class credentials. Trump worked at a McDonald’s fry station in Pennsylvania in 2024. Vice President JD Vance visited his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, speaking at a steel plant linked to his grandfather. In Georgia, Representative Mike Collins highlights his experience as a truck driver, while Senator Susan Collins has expressed concern that Trump’s tariff policy may hurt working families in Maine, where she is seeking reelection.
These efforts occur amid ongoing concerns about the economy related to the conflict in Iran.
Democrats are also targeting working‑class voters in swing districts. Union leader Sam Forstag is running in a Montana seat that Trump won by double digits in 2024, and firefighter union chief Bob Brooks challenges Representative Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania.
Progressive Abdul El‑Sayed performed well in wealthy, highly educated areas of Michigan, while moderate Representative Haley Stevens performed better in lower‑income regions during the state primary.
The 2026 election will test whether either party’s outreach to working‑class voters succeeds, with implications for the 2028 presidential contest.
The Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to continue construction of a 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom on the White House East Wing, rejecting a district court order that ha...
The Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to continue construction of a 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom on the White House East Wing, rejecting a district court order that had paused above‑ground work.
The majority voted to let the project proceed while the case remains pending.
Chief Justice John Roberts dissented, saying the construction is likely unlawful and violates congressional authority over federal property and funding.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and architect Alison K. Hoagland, who said the project would affect her professional and personal view of the building, were denied standing.
Roberts argued that the plaintiffs’ claim was comparable to environmental challenges that confer standing, and that they had asserted a viable injury.
The majority held that any potential harm to the preservationists was not greater than the minimal, speculative harm to the president, so it declined to stay the construction.
The decision follows a series of rulings in which the Court has allowed Trump administration actions to proceed despite lower‑court blocks, often finding that the president would suffer greater harm if his actions are halted.
The administration is using private money to demolish the East Wing and rebuild the ballroom, which conflicts with a statute that bars private construction on federal grounds without congressional approval.
Roberts noted that an administration operating from an illegally constructed building might be more likely to disregard the law in future actions, quoting Winston Churchill.
The Supreme Court indicated the litigation is expected to continue for months or years, potentially allowing the ballroom to be completed before a final decision.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to replace Army Secretary Dan Driscoll with chief spokesperson Sean Parnell after Driscoll's resignation, leaving the Army without a senior leader.
Driscoll's resignation follows months of disputes with Hegseth over the removal of senior military officials and concerns about technology adoption initiatives. The Wall Street Journal reported the planned change on Monday.
Driscoll served 18 months; Hegseth has removed several top officials since taking office in January, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of naval operations, the Army vice chief of staff, and commanders of US forces in Europe and Africa, according to Military Times.
Hegseth also removed the only two female four‑star officers and delayed promotions for several female and Black Navy officers, citing an anti‑diversity stance, though the administration has not provided a detailed justification.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Driscoll had been effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to improve military readiness and lethality, and had assisted in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, though the accuracy of those claims is not independently verified.
Driscoll raised concerns with President Trump about the impact of the personnel changes, a discussion first reported by The Atlantic. Trump expressed surprise and concern, according to sources familiar with the talks.
Parnell, who has faced allegations of domestic abuse, is under consideration to succeed Driscoll, though no formal nomination has been announced.
Critics note that the personnel shifts appear aimed at installing loyalists who support Hegseth’s policy direction, particularly regarding diversity and technology adoption.
Statements from Hegseth and the White House have characterized the firings as reflecting the president’s desire for the right personnel to execute national‑security objectives, without providing specific evidence of operational necessity.
Paxton allies are launching a $15 million advertising campaign on Tuesday, the first major TV ad buy for his Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.
The campaign, funded by the Lone Star Liberty super PAC, will run in 18 Texas markets for two weeks.
One ad highlights Paxton’s record as attorney general, noting a state agreement with Kellogg’s to remove certain food dyes and settlements with Meta and Google. The second ad accuses Talarico of supporting policies that aid China, citing his vote against restrictions on Chinese investments and a Chinese billionaire’s ownership of land near Laughlin Air Force Base.
Paxton’s campaign says the ads show his willingness to confront external threats. Talarico’s campaign disputes the claims, stating Paxton is weak on China and emphasizing his votes on security, privacy and First Amendment protections. A Lone Star Liberty spokesperson said Talarico’s record is too extreme for Texas.
Talarico holds a large cash advantage, with $21.5 million in the bank compared with Paxton’s $1.8 million, according to July FEC filings. Talarico has spent about $39 million on television since the primary, while Paxton’s campaign has focused on the new ad buy. A Texas Public Opinion Research poll released Thursday showed Talarico leading 48 percent to 42 percent. Some Republicans have urged former President Donald Trump to use part of his MAGA Inc. cash reserve, which holds over $400 million, to support Paxton; Trump has said he will provide financial backing.
DHS purchased 6,650 pairs of electric shock gloves from Kentucky‑based Compliant Technologies for $16.7 million, about $2,400 per pair, including accessories, in August. The purchase has drawn criticism from members of Congress, who have sent letters seeking information on usage and urging cancellation, citing concerns about militarization and human rights. The Senate and House Homeland Security Committee letters were sent on August 27 and August 31, respectively. A coalition of 49 Democratic lawmakers, led by Rep. Delia Ramirez, requested Secretary Markwayne Mullin to terminate the contract, describing the gloves as part of an escalating militarization of DHS and noting reports of police using the devices to inflict pain while avoiding liability. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Center for Victims of Torture, have said the technology is unregulated and has been used for torture, recommending its destruction. Local police departments in Omaha and Sacramento have faced community backlash after officers used the gloves on students and detainees; Omaha halted use in schools, and California passed legislation banning wearable electroshock devices for law enforcement through 2030, pending a safety study. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, the only California agency known to have bought the gloves, opposes the ban, as do many law enforcement groups, who argue the equipment is necessary for officer safety. A DHS spokesperson said the agency will not comply with any unconstitutional bans, asserting the Supremacy Clause prevents state restrictions on federal law enforcement equipment. The ban in California is expected to face legal challenges from the federal government, leaving the future of the contract unresolved.
A Democratic poll shows Leela Gray leading Anna Paulina Luna in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, with 51% support to 46% in a head‑to‑head matchup.
The Hart Research Associates survey, commissioned by House Majority PAC, surveyed 500 voters from August 25 to August 27, and has a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points; 48% of respondents were Republicans, 39% Democrats, and 12% independents.
In a three‑way race that also includes Libertarian candidate Tony D’Arrigo, Gray received 44% support compared with Luna’s 43% and D’Arrigo’s 7%; unaffiliated voters favored Gray 56% to 36%, and 24% of Republicans crossed party lines to support Gray, while 9% of self‑identified Donald Trump voters backed Gray.
The poll indicates Luna’s approval rating stands at 43% approval and 57% disapproval, and 49% of district voters would support a generic Democrat while 44% would support a generic Republican.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Anna Elsasser said Gray is positioned to serve the community and noted momentum in Pinellas and Pasco counties, while Luna’s campaign cited its own internal Fabrizio, Lee & Associates poll showing Luna at 49% and Gray at 41%, dismissing the Hart poll as typical election‑cycle polling.
Gray’s May Public Policy Polling numbers showed her within the margin of error but trailing Luna 41% to 39%, and Luna’s campaign suggested Gray’s poll results may be influenced by her investments in data‑center companies.
The findings place Democrats in a favorable position for the November election, though the race remains within the poll’s margin of error.
A public poll of the House District 2 race indicates that Republican candidate Jon Fay leads Democrat Johnny Austin Thompson 56% to 31% among 545 respondents surveyed online from August 30 to September 1 by the consulting firm 5PT Strategy; 13% of respondents remain undecided. The poll mirrors the margin found when undecided voters are prompted to lean toward a candidate (57% to 33%) or when likely‑voter screens are applied (56% to 32%).
Fay succeeded Alex Andrade, who won the district in 2024 with 58% of the vote and is now term‑limited. Fay captured 78% of the vote in the August 18 Republican primary, defeating Trei McMullen. He is also endorsed by Andrade, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Medical Association PAC. Thompson, a Pensacola native, ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination and centers his campaign on healthcare access and insurance costs.
The survey found that 96% of Fay’s support comes from Republicans and Republican‑leaning independents, while 77% of Thompson’s support is from Democrats and Democratic‑leaning voters, with 14% of his supporters identified as unaffiliated. About 8% of respondents with no partisan lean supported Fay, and 8% supported Thompson. Approximately 61% of the sample identified as Republicans, 28% as Democrats, and 61% as Republicans or Republican leaners; 82% of respondents were 60 years or older.
Respondents who approve of President Donald Trump backed Fay 94% to less than 1%, while those who disapprove backed Thompson 67% to 12%, with 21% undecided. Among Republicans who disapprove of Trump, Fay led 46% to 25% with 29% undecided. Independents with no partisan lean favored Thompson 52% to 13% with 35% undecided, while moderates supported Thompson 55% to 22%.
When asked about top issues, 56% of respondents cited cost of living (23%), property insurance (21%), property taxes (9%) and housing (2%). Voters prioritizing property insurance favored Fay 63% to 28%, while property‑tax voters favored him 78% to 12%. Those citing cost of living leaned toward Thompson, 44% to 40%. Government ethics ranked seventh among Republicans but second among independents with no lean, and voters selecting it favored Thompson 64% to 13%.
Financial self‑assessment showed that 42% of respondents felt worse off than a year earlier and 19% felt better off. Those indicating they were somewhat worse off favored Thompson 52% to 32%, while those indicating they were much worse off favored him 63% to 16%. Among Republicans reporting worse finances, Fay retained a 71% to 12% lead, though 18% remained undecided.
Regarding expectations of neighbor support, 76% of Fay voters expected their neighbors to vote for Fay, compared with 32% of Thompson voters who expected their neighbors to support Fay, 27% to support Thompson, and 41% uncertain. The district includes parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, encompassing Gulf Breeze, Navarre and Pensacola Beach.
The poll was a self‑administered online questionnaire distributed via an open link, with 708 initial attempts and 545 completions; the firm reported a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points, though this reflects random sampling and the survey was not weighted or residency‑screened. Two years ago, Andrade’s Democratic opponent received 35% of the vote; Thompson began the race at 31% with 42% of the district yet to form an opinion and two months remaining before the election.
Rep. Seth Moulton is challenging Sen. Ed Markey for the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts' primary election on Tuesday. Markey, 80, has served in the Senate since 2013 and previously represented the 7th Congressional District from 1976 to 2013. Moulton, 47, has represented the 6th Congressional District since 2014 after serving four tours in Iraq and was first elected in 2014. Moulton said the Democratic Party is stuck in a status quo and asked what Markey could accomplish in the next six years that he has not achieved in the past 50. Markey responded that Moulton's moderate positions make him out of touch with Massachusetts voters and cited his 2022 climate bill and his call to end the war in Iran. Markey also criticized Moulton for opposing Medicare for All, although Moulton has expressed support for universal health care. During the campaign, Markey noted that Moulton said he did not want his daughters playing sports against transgender girls, a statement that echoed former President Donald Trump's position on transgender athletes. Moulton later apologized, saying his remarks were not intended to harm the transgender community and reaffirmed his support for transgender rights legislation. In the 8th Congressional District, lawyer Patrick Roath, 39, is running against incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, who emphasizes his experience in Congress. In the 1st District, teacher Jeromie Whalen, 39, is challenging Rep. Richard Neal, 77, the longest‑serving member of the New England House delegation, after Whalen called for Medicare for All and questioned Neal's opposition to the Trump agenda. Whalen received an endorsement from Our Revolution, a progressive organization founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Voter Antoine Hilaire, 76, said age can provide experience and wisdom and indicated that if Markey is doing a good job, the age issue is not a problem. Markey fended off a 2020 primary challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy III, aligning with the liberal wing of the party. Moulton, a former Marine who served four tours in Iraq, launched a 2020 presidential campaign that ended after a few months. The primary is viewed as an important contest for Democrats in Massachusetts, and the winner is expected to win the November general election.
Four former supporters of the MAGA movement have publicly explained why they left, describing personal struggles, ideological shifts, and the creation of a support network called Leaving Maga.
The MAGA identity has persisted through political setbacks, but internal dissent is growing as individuals seek to reassess their beliefs.
Rich Logis, a former Trump campaign volunteer, founded Leaving Maga after publishing a public apology in 2022; the organization now runs support groups and a billboard campaign in 27 states, offering a safe space for people to unpack their involvement.
Steven Francisci, from Virginia, joined Leaving Maga in 2024 after therapy helped him question his previous allegiance, leading him to vote for Kamala Harris and become active in his local Democratic committee.
Stephania Messina, from Michigan, described leaving after experiencing postpartum depression, religious conversion, and exposure to COVID‑related misinformation, which shifted her toward a progressive outlook.
Rich Logis also said that observing Ron DeSantis’s comments on COVID‑19 and the Uvalde school shooting prompted him to distance himself from the movement, publish a mea culpa, and focus on rebuilding his life.
Carter Brown, from Georgia, recounted a strict evangelical upbringing, a period of opiate addiction, and a later realization that the movement’s teachings conflicted with her understanding of trauma and mental health, leading to a crisis after watching a video questioning the existence of hell.
The participants emphasize that leaving the movement is a gradual process that involves renouncing false narratives and rebuilding personal identity, while Leaving Maga aims to provide a bridge for others seeking to step away.
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to serve as the permanent Navy Secretary. Cao, a combat veteran, has served as acting secretary since John Phelan left the position in late April. Critics have said that some sailors have been overstretched during the ongoing conflict with Iran, though the administration did not cite personnel strain as a factor in the nomination. The Navy confirmed Cao's selection and said the process will continue per standard procedures.
Federal judges across the United States have reported a significant rise in threats and harassment, with some building safe rooms at home and others limiting family activities, according to a report by the Brennan Center for Justice.
Threats to the federal judiciary have increased substantially since 2024, with the 2025 fiscal year seeing a 57 percent increase in security incidents, the US Marshals Service said. The Brennan Center surveyed 35 sitting and retired judges, many of whom requested anonymity.
One judge installed a safe room after receiving more than 700 threatening phone calls following a contentious immigration case, while another said he avoided grocery shopping and missed his grandchild’s recital due to a 24/7 security detail. Threats have included swatting incidents, pizza deliveries with threatening notes, and hate mail. In July, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan reported that Supreme Court Police expected a 38 percent increase in threats to justices in 2026, after a 25 percent rise in 2025. The annual average of threats and hostile communications toward judges, prosecutors, judicial staff and courts rose from 1,180 in the decade before Donald Trump’s first campaign to 3,810 in the seven years afterward, according to a Reuters analysis. US District Judge William G. Young said he had never experienced an executive branch so openly hostile to the judiciary.
Since Trump returned to office, more than 850 lawsuits have been filed challenging administration policies, and judges have blocked over 150 of those policies, according to the Brennan Center. While immigration cases have become the most frequent source of threats recently, judges noted that threats were previously concentrated on January 6‑related cases.
Many judges expressed concern for their families, with some limiting children’s social media use, altering home routes, and requesting additional security. Some have paid out‑of‑pocket for home protection, and courthouse security funding remained flat between fiscal years 2023 and 2025 before Congress raised the budget from $750 million to $892 million in February. The administration has reassigned some US Marshals from judicial protection to other duties, raising fears of further resource cuts.
Supreme Court officials are reportedly developing an internal police force, according to a colleague of the reporter, as the justices continue to rule in favor of the administration while expressing concerns about their personal safety.
Judges told the Brennan Center they would not let external pressure affect their rulings, but many said they are uncertain how long they can continue serving under the current threat level, and some have considered early retirement.
Republican leaders gathered in Tampa on Tuesday for a leadership forum, with Governor Ron DeSantis presiding over candidates Byron Donalds, James Uthmeier, Blaise Ingoglia and Wilton Simpson. The forum was intended to present the Republican ticket ahead of upcoming elections. Demonstrators interrupted speakers, prompting DeSantis to comment on the funding of protest groups and the effectiveness of protest tactics. He said that individuals funded by George Soros were underperforming and urged protesters to be respectful and improve their methods. DeSantis referenced past confrontations with groups such as Antifa and the Dream Defenders. When Donalds began to speak, another protester shouted, and DeSantis urged attendees to ignore hecklers. Ingoglia said the Democratic Socialists of America had infiltrated the Florida Democratic Party, citing the Senate nomination of Angie Nixon. A protester greeted Simpson, calling him the poster child of the DSA, which led DeSantis to repeat criticisms of Soros‑funded protesters. Uthmeier discussed the state’s efforts to combat online child exploitation, while a demonstrator denounced former President Donald Trump. DeSantis later mocked the interruption, describing the protester’s remarks as “brilliant.” The candidates then addressed legislative priorities, with DeSantis and Donalds noting a desire to pass an AI bill of rights and medical freedom legislation quickly. Uthmeier said the incoming legislative leadership would be more cooperative than the previous speaker, Daniel Perez. The event concluded with a focus on substantive policy issues.
Vice President JD Vance delivered a closed‑door speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit in Las Vegas on Monday, addressing concerns about Israel’s declining favorability among younger Americans and rising antisemitism.
Vance has faced skepticism from some members of the Jewish Republican community over his positions on the Iran conflict and criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as his past association with Israel‑skeptical commentators.
At the summit, held at the Venetian Resort and attended by GOP Jewish leaders, Vance said the United States and Israel share a concrete alignment of interest that should be articulated to the American public. He condemned antisemitic claims such as blood libel, describing them as contrary to Christian teachings, and called for continued support of Senate candidate Mike Rogers in his race against Democratic nominee Abdul El‑Sayed.
Senator Jim Banks praised the speech, noting that Vance received several standing ovations and that attendees did not perceive it as pandering. RJC CEO Matt Brooks said the audience’s bullshit detector confirmed that the remarks were substantive rather than political.
The appearance formed part of Vance’s effort to secure backing from Jewish donors ahead of the 2028 presidential nomination, a goal that may require stronger support from the community. While some major donors have expressed preference for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance’s cross‑country itinerary signaled a deliberate focus on the Jewish donor base.
Senator Ed Markey secured the Democratic nomination for Massachusetts on Tuesday, defeating congressman Seth Moulton in the primary election. Markey, 80, will appear on the November ballot against Republican John Deaton and is favored to win a third full term in the heavily Democratic state. Polls released before the vote indicated Markey held a sizable lead over Moulton. During the campaign, Markey emphasized his progressive platform, including support for a single‑payer health system and expansive clean energy legislation, and received endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Moulton, 47, positioned himself as a moderate and faced criticism for remarks about transgender athletes made after the 2024 presidential election. The primary debate in August highlighted concerns about the candidates' ages; Markey said he remained energetic, while Moulton questioned the senator’s familiarity with modern technology. Markey’s victory comes amid broader Democratic concern about the age of senior lawmakers following President Joe Biden’s 2024 re‑election loss and the party did not prevent Donald Trump's return to the White House. Other primary contests this year have seen incumbent Democrats lose to younger challengers, though Massachusetts differed because Markey is a longtime progressive advocate and Moulton pursued more centrist positions. The general election will determine whether Markey continues his service in the Senate.
Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership summit in Las Vegas on Monday. The closed‑door address was intended to reassure pro‑Israel donors about his position on U.S.-Israel relations and to demonstrate his opposition to antisemitism. Vance stated that “Jew‑hatred is corrosive to the soul” and said Republicans must explain to young Americans why an alliance with Israel serves U.S. interests. He was asked how he separates his appearances on programs hosted by Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Joe Rogan and Nick Fuentes. Vance replied that he distinguishes between individuals such as Rogan and Fuentes and those who host antisemitic content, and that he would engage with Rogan despite disagreements. Attendees expressed mixed reactions. Real estate developer Josh Katzen, a member of the RJC board, said Vance alleviated some concerns but failed to address his relationship with Carlson. Former Senator Norm Coleman, the RJC board chair, asked how Vance would draw the line between platforms that host antisemites and those that do not. Shabbos Kestenbaum, a pro‑Israel campus activist, said Vance’s alliance with Carlson complicates support among Jewish conservatives. Major GOP donor Eric Levine said Vance could have taken a stronger stance, noting that he wishes Vance had explicitly condemned Carlson by name. Radio host Sid Rosenberg criticized Vance for not directly attacking Carlson and Megyn Kelly, saying Vance defended Joe Rogan instead. Carlson responded via text that he finds the claim that an organization defending genocide is a victim absurd. Human rights groups have accused Israel of genocide in the Gaza war; Israel denies the allegation. Vance’s office did not respond to a request for comment. An individual close to Vance, speaking anonymously, said the goal of the speech was to lower tensions and present Vance as an ally, a goal he said was achieved. RJC spokesperson Sam Markstein said the organization includes many opinions and will continue to support leaders who engage with the Jewish community. Vance, elected to the Senate in 2022, is a relative newcomer to the Republican presidential field. Potential 2028 Republican contenders such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz have long cultivated relationships with pro‑Israel voters, with Rubio advocating visa revocations for individuals promoting antisemitism and Cruz criticizing Carlson’s rhetoric. Rubio remains the favored candidate among many RJC attendees, as indicated by spontaneous applause when his name was mentioned. If Rubio does not run, analysts expect Cruz to gain greater support within the group. Ari Fleischer, an RJC board member, said Vance made progress but building trust with the pro‑Israel community takes time, noting that repeated engagement is needed to assess his standing.
The House approved a short-term funding measure on Tuesday, keeping the federal government operational through December 11. The 370-48 vote follows Senate approval and moves the bill to President Donald Trump for signature. The legislation funds agencies at current levels until the end of the fiscal year and is intended to prevent a shutdown during the election campaign. Representative Tom Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the bill provides certainty that the government will stay open and that service members will be paid. Democrats, led by Representative Rosa DeLauro, criticized provisions that would allow the administration greater authority over grant allocations and said the delay on a rule concerning grant eligibility is only a first step. DeLauro said the rule could affect disaster relief distribution based on voter preferences. Republicans seek substantial increases for the military and reductions in non-defense spending, while Democrats favor a bipartisan approach that maintains parity for domestic programs. The short-term measure gives Congress additional time to negotiate a full-year budget.
The Leaving Maga organization says that leaving the Trump‑built movement is comparable to overcoming an addiction. Four former supporters have described their reasons for departing, including Stephania Messina, a member of the Quiverfull Christian church outside Detroit, Michigan. Messina, who had five children, said she was celebrated within her church community for her large family, which the church described using the metaphor of arrows shot from a quiver. She was encouraged to lead worship and Bible study groups for women and children, but was not permitted to discuss politics. "I’d been addicted to fear and rage," she said. The organization reports that the four defectors have explained their motivations for leaving the movement. Leaving Maga, a nonprofit based in the United States, was founded to help individuals exit the Trump‑built movement. The group says it plans to increase its outreach to others who are questioning the movement.