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Politics

Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.

10 stories · Edition of 2026-06-26 · Curated by AI at Invalid Date

POLITICS

Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Restrict Asylum Access at U.S. Border

6h ago · Source: guardian-politics

The U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 on June 25 to permit the Trump administration to enforce a policy named 'metering' that bars asylum seekers from entering the United States before reaching a port of entry.

Immigration law provides that individuals who arrive in the United States may seek asylum, and the case turned on the interpretation of the phrase 'arrive in'.

Chief Justice Samuel Alito wrote that ordinary usage of the phrase does not require physical entry before the location is considered reached, while Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, arguing that the word must be read in statutory context.

The majority included Justices Alito, John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett; the dissent was joined by Justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor.

Human rights organizations said the ruling effectively undermines statutory protections that require officials to examine asylum seekers at ports of entry and to refrain from returning them to dangerous conditions.

The decision follows separate Supreme Court actions on June 24 that allowed the administration to end temporary protected status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian residents and to strike down a Hawaii gun restriction.

Other developments reported include a request for $87.6 billion in congressional funding for the administration’s foreign policy initiatives, Senate Republicans’ rejection of a war powers resolution after pressure from the president, Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement of the removal of 21,000 individuals from a detention facility in the Everglades, and a Pentagon decision to reinstate flu vaccinations for military recruits amid a flu outbreak.

Senate Oregon Senator Ron Wyden accused the Department of Health and Human Services of preparing an unprecedented legal framework to deport more than 500 unaccompanied migrant children in its custody.

California voters will decide in November whether billionaires will face a one-time 5 percent tax, after a deadline for withdrawing the ballot measure passed on Thursday.

POLITICS

Poll Shows 52% of Florida Voters View Trump Unfavorably Ahead of Midterms

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

A poll released by the campaign of Democratic Senate candidate Alex Vindman and conducted by Global Strategy Group found that 52% of Florida voters view former President Donald Trump unfavorably, while 46% view him favorably, resulting in a net approval of minus six. The numbers mark a ten-point decline from January, when Trump’s net approval was plus four.

Support among White college‑aged voters has dropped 15 points, and registered Republicans have fallen 10 points, with approval among self‑identified Trump 2024 voters also down ten points. The poll also shows Trump’s approval underwater in Ohio (41% approval, 53% disapproval) and Texas (41% approval, 54% disapproval). In 2018, exit polls indicated Trump remained more popular in Florida than nationally, and Republican Rick Scott defeated Democratic Senator Bill Nelson.

The findings indicate a potentially competitive Senate race in November, as Moody’s lead over Vindman is within the poll’s 3.1% margin of error.

POLITICS

Nick Howland Inaugurated as Jacksonville City Council President

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

Nick Howland, a Republican at‑large member, was inaugurated as Jacksonville City Council president on Thursday. He outlined priorities for his term, emphasizing public safety, infrastructure and government services. Howland said the council will focus on fiscal responsibility, accountability and job creation. He noted that the November ballot measure on property taxes is uncertain but hopes it passes to aid homeowners. The Finance Committee, chaired by Will Lahnen and vice‑chaired by Chris Miller, will review the budget in August hearings, aiming to deliver a budget lower than the previous year, the first such reduction since 2019. Some budget items will be held in reserve due to revenue uncertainty from the tax amendment beginning in 2027. He proposed a third‑party development incentive that would have companies fund completion grants in exchange for future tax credits. He said the city aims to be leaner, smarter and more innovative with its money. Howland said he will bring community advisory councils to Finance hearings, allowing neighborhood groups to submit recommendations. Transparency is a priority; the Jacksonville Aviation Authority has not recorded its meetings and the Jacksonville Economic Development Authority has not recorded workshops or committee discussions. As a Navy veteran, Howland said he will require that economic development incentives include set‑aside positions for military veterans. He plans to introduce legislation next week that would require at least 10% of new jobs created through city incentives to be filled by military veterans, guards, reserves or active‑duty spouses, a measure he calls the Stand for Service Act. He intends to create a more inclusive committee structure, breaking from the previous arrangement under outgoing President Kevin Carrico, with eight of ten chair and vice‑chair positions held by first‑term members and five by military veterans. All council members will serve on two committees, aiming for bipartisan cooperation. Committee assignments will be released on Friday, with Mike Gay named chair of the Rules Committee. He also urged the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to accelerate development at Cecil Spaceport this year, saying the space sector is growing and the city has an opportunity to assume a leadership role. He said the market is growing and the city risks missing opportunities if action is delayed.

POLITICS

Supreme Court Allows End of TPS Protections for Haitian and Syrian Migrants

Supreme Court voted 6‑3 on Thursday to allow the Department of Homeland Security to end temporary protected status for roughly 1.3 million people from 17 countries, including Ha...

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics · 2 min read

Supreme Court voted 6‑3 on Thursday to allow the Department of Homeland Security to end temporary protected status for roughly 1.3 million people from 17 countries, including Haiti and Syria. The decision reverses lower‑court orders that had temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to terminate the program. The Court held that immigration authorities have exclusive authority over TPS and that the statute does not permit judicial intervention. Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor dissented.

Florida officials responded quickly. Governor Ron DeSantis posted on social media that the ruling was a correct decision and said the three liberal justices who voted against it believed temporary protective status was effectively permanent. Representative Maxwell Frost warned that the decision would devastate families, communities and the nation, noting that TPS holders have built lives in the United States. Representative Jared Moskowitz said deporting Haitian TPS holders to a country the State Department deems unsafe would have cascading economic effects, reducing essential workers in health care, infrastructure and other sectors. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz described the ruling as despicable and said she would introduce legislation to reverse it, arguing that families who followed the law and paid taxes would be torn apart. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell emphasized that many TPS recipients are legal workers who pay taxes and contribute daily to their communities. State Representative Angie Nixon called the decision catastrophic and faulted Senator Ashley Moody for not acting to prevent it, noting that Florida has the largest number of TPS holders in the country. Miami‑Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien warned that the impacts would be felt beyond the Haitian community, potentially leaving jobs vacant in health care, hospitality, construction and other industries. Commissioner Oliver Gilbert linked the policy to racial hostility, while former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness described the ruling as legally reckless and morally bankrupt. Former Representative David Jolly expressed support for Venezuelan TPS holders.

Analysts noted that the decision marks another victory for the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown after a prior Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for a policy restricting asylum seekers. The ruling leaves the future of TPS uncertain and raises questions about the broader scope of executive immigration authority.

POLITICS

Judge Sets July Hearing on Challenge to Florida Property Tax Amendment

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

A Leon County circuit judge set a July 29 hearing on a lawsuit that challenges the wording of a Florida constitutional amendment concerning property tax exemptions.

The amendment, approved by the legislature earlier this month, would increase the nonschool homestead exemption to $150,000 starting January 1, 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028, and would lower the annual cap on assessment increases for non‑homestead property from 10% to 5%.

The suit was filed by a group called Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language, joined by former Stuart Mayor Thomas Campenni and former Key Biscayne Mayor Michael Davey. The plaintiffs argue that the ballot summary, which pledges to ensure funding for core services, is inaccurate because the amendment would reduce the local property tax base and thereby diminish revenues available for those services.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who has advocated for property tax relief, said the ballot language is not misleading and that the tight election schedule requires a quick resolution so that ballots can be printed in August.

State analysts estimate the proposal would cut local property tax collections by nearly $5 billion in fiscal year 2027‑28, with the annual impact rising to more than $10.7 billion by 2030‑31. DeSantis noted that the legislature amended state law to allow additional explanatory language beyond the usual 75‑word limit.

The hearing will determine whether Attorney General James Uthmeier must revise the ballot summary before the amendment appears on the November ballot.

POLITICS

DeSantis Vetoes Bills on E‑Bike Safety and Teen Poll Worker Program

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed Senate Bill 382 and House Bill 461, legislation that would have created a statewide system to track electric bike and scooter crashes and allowed high school students to serve as poll workers for community service credit, respectively.

Both bills passed the Florida Legislature unanimously earlier this year. SB 382, filed by Republican Sen. Keith Truenow, would have established a task force to study micromobility incidents, set a 10‑mph speed limit for e‑bikes on sidewalks when pedestrians are nearby, and classify violations as non‑criminal traffic infractions. HB 461, sponsored by Republican Reps. Kiyan Michael and Susan Valdés, would have permitted high‑school students to volunteer at polling places in exchange for credit toward graduation or Bright Futures scholarships.

DeSantis’ veto was announced in a news release issued shortly before 8 p.m. on Thursday. The governor also rejected HB 4075, a local measure for Davie in Broward County that would have allowed an exemption from outdoor advertising rules for agricultural land signs, sponsored by Democrat Rep. Michael Gottlieb.

The vetoes leave the measures undistributed, and the governor has not announced alternative proposals. Lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to discuss options for improving micromobility safety and expanding student involvement in elections.

POLITICS

Florida Attorney General Announces Arrest in Teacher Certification Exam Fraud Case

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Kashaundra Knowles, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, on charges alleging a proxy‑testing scheme in which she impersonated individuals taking Florida Teacher Certification Examinations and other professional exams.

The arrest was part of a broader investigation that began with allegations of cheating on the NCLEX‑RN nursing licensure exam and involved biometric data, photographs, surveillance footage, phone records and text messages that linked Knowles to multiple exam attempts.

Knowles faces charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud, Unlawful Use of a Two‑Way Communication Device and Money Laundering, with a potential sentence of up to 15 years if convicted. The investigation used her 2018 FTCE exam result as a biometric baseline to identify her in subsequent alleged fraudulent attempts, and additional arrests are expected as the probe continues.

Other political news included statements by former President Donald Trump, who criticized Republican leadership during a series of public remarks, as reported by Chris Cillizza of So What, Philip Wegmann, Marianne LeVine and Lindsay Wise of The Wall Street Journal, and Carl Hulse of The New York Times. Additional reporting covered Trump's construction financing, changes to Park Police regulations that resulted in the death of an individual, an audio recording in which RFK Jr. urged an Iowa candidate to assist the GOP in winning a House seat, and a proposal by the U.S. government to create a 'BioVault' for endangered species, as described by Judd Legum of Popular Information, Dan Diamond of The Washington Post, Emily Mullin of WIRED, and Eric Levitz of Vox.

Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the state would secure reimbursement for the shuttered Alligator Alcatraz property, according to a quote reported by Florida Politics.

In sports, the U.S. Men’s National Team concluded group play with a 2‑0 victory over Australia at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The United States has already clinched the group and will begin knockout round play on July 1 in Santa Clara, California. Star Christian Pulisic, sidelined with a calf injury, may be available for the match, though his participation remains uncertain. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said the team must approach the game as if it were the World Cup final.

The article was compiled by Peter Schorsch, edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, and includes contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.

POLITICS

Florida Republicans Hold Sunshine State Showdown; Trump Approval Drops; Byron Donalds Launches $20 Million Ad Campaign

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

Republican leaders gathered at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for the Sunshine State Showdown, where gubernatorial candidates Jay Collins, Byron Donalds, Paul Renner and Bobby Williams, U.S. senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, U.S. representatives Kat Cammack and Mario Díaz‑Balart, state officials and congressional candidates in Florida’s 19th and 25th districts spoke to attendees and participated in debates moderated by Marc Caputo and Kim Leonard. A Global Strategy Group poll showed President Trump’s approval in Florida fell to a net minus six, with 52 percent unfavorable and 46 percent favorable, a ten‑point decline among registered Republicans and Trump 2024 supporters since January. Friends of Byron Donalds began a $20 million statewide advertising campaign from June 30 to August 18, the largest media buy by the committee, while Donalds’ campaign reported $65 million in cash on hand. James Fishback announced Sean Lozano, a former police officer, as his running mate for the 2026 governor race, saying Lozano would help enforce law and order. The Florida Education Association endorsed former Representative David Jolly for governor, citing concerns over the state’s voucher program and teacher pay, and Jolly said he would strengthen public schools with Gwen Graham as his running mate. Angie Nixon, a U.S. Senate candidate, scheduled campaign events in Tampa on Sunday focused on working‑class Floridians. A Leon County judge will consider arguments on July 29 about the ballot language for a property tax amendment that would raise homestead exemptions and lower local revenue, with Governor DeSantis urging a quick resolution. Republicans plan to spend $6.5 million on advertising in Tampa’s 14th Congressional District to support efforts to unseat Democratic Representative Kathy Castor, whose district now leans Republican after redistricting. The Florida Education Association also endorsed Amanda Green in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. An internal poll in Florida’s 7th District showed Democrat Dalton leading Republican Mills 41 percent to 39 percent, within the survey’s margin of error. Republican candidate Green released a list of endorsements including state Senator Danny Burgess, Sheriff Wayne Ivey and retired Navy SEAL Mark Donald as he seeks the nomination in Florida’s 9th District. Democratic candidate Leela Gray added U.S. Representative Ted Lieu to her support in Florida’s 13th District as she challenges Republican Anna Paulina Luna. Pia Dandiya secured endorsements from several Broward County officials and community leaders in her bid for Florida’s 22nd District. Democrats accuse Representative María Elvira Salazar of misrepresenting her vote on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after she missed votes following her mother’s death. Republican lawmakers in Pinellas County backed Melissa Rutland for Florida House District 60, describing her as a problem‑solver. Republican candidate Melton Little added two law enforcement endorsements and reported a campaign account exceeding $500,000. Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed two bipartisan bills on e‑bike safety regulations and teen poll worker service hours, citing the recent e‑scooter fatality and primary timing. The Florida Board of Governors proposed a rule that would bar undocumented students from enrolling in state universities beginning Fall 2027, pending a Board of Education vote. The emergency ban on 7‑OH kratom products faced legal challenges from retailers who argue the measure lacks scientific basis. Florida is piloting the ElliQ AI companion for seniors through the Department of Elder Affairs, though waiting lists remain. Experts say Florida’s earthquake risk remains low after the last recorded quake measured 4.4 on the Richter scale in 1879. The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Trump’s plan to end Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Haitians and Syrians, ruling that judges cannot review executive decisions on TPS unrelated to constitutional claims. The Supreme Court also allowed the administration to revive a policy that turns away asylum seekers at the border, stating that individuals physically present in the United States may apply for asylum. Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s $45 million donation to a Trump‑supporting nonprofit and his company’s involvement in AI infrastructure and the TikTok deal have heightened his political influence. Six Florida Republican House members voted against the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after Trump canceled its signing ceremony. An internal poll in Florida’s 7th District shows Democrat Dalton ahead of Republican Mills, while a poll in Florida’s 19th District features candidate Green with numerous endorsements from veterans, law enforcement and elected officials. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was named the top U.S. amphitheater and second worldwide in Pollstar’s 2026 Mid‑Year Top 50 report. Various items, including a Pride weekend security update in St. Petersburg, a new beach sign ordinance in St. Pete Beach, a lawsuit over contractors removing memorabilia from a hurricane‑damaged home, Manatee County considering a tourist tax for a new indoor sports complex, and Jacksonville officials celebrating Pride Month at City Hall, were also reported.

POLITICS

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Praised Bipartisan Housing Bill After Missing Vote

6h ago · Source: floridapolitics

Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar stated she supported the 21st Century Road to Housing Act after the House passed the bill 358-32, but she did not cast a vote because her mother died. The legislation, which includes the RESIDE Act, aims to increase housing supply and cut regulatory barriers. It cleared the House on May 30, 2025, following committee and floor votes. Salazar’s office said she helped shape the bill in the Financial Services Committee and twice on the House floor, and that the RESIDE provision reflected her housing priorities. Madison Andrus, a DCCC spokesperson, said Miami residents face rising housing costs and expect elected officials to attend votes. The bill now proceeds to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain, and Salazar’s role in the 2026 election cycle is yet to be determined.

POLITICS

JD Vance Says Watergate Would Be a 12-Hour News Story Today

6h ago · Source: guardian-politics

At a speech at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California, on Thursday, JD Vance promoted his book Communion and discussed his conversion from atheism to Catholicism. During the event, he stated that if the Watergate scandal had occurred in the current media environment, it would have dominated news coverage for about 12 hours and would not have led to a presidential resignation. Vance added that the institutions that brought down Nixon were the same that pursued investigations into Donald Trump during his first term, when Trump was impeached twice, once for actions related to Ukraine and once for the January 6 Capitol attack. He said Nixon’s legacy is experiencing a renaissance, with renewed attention to his diplomatic efforts that ended the Vietnam War and opened relations with China, and described Nixon as a political genius with whom he shares traits. Vance noted that Nixon was a young senator, vice president, author of bestselling books, and was widely disliked by the media, and said this resembles his own profile. He did not mention Nixon’s role as president.