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Testing, Testing: As of Friday night the Trump administration still had nothing to say about Vladimir Putin’s escalation of so-called hybrid war attacks on European states, which included a recent drone strike on a Ukrainian train headed for Poland that came close to killing former U.K. PM Boris Johnson and former CIA Director David Petraeus. They weren’t Putin’s targets, said former CIA executive Glenn Corn, who was accompanying Petraeus. The attack was “intended to send a strong message: We don’t want you coming to Ukraine. This is our sphere of influence. This is a warning.” The strike was preceded only days earlier by Russian drones threatening aircraft carrying Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, including during flights over Moldova, a constant target of Russian subversion. (Washington Post, TimesNow) Meanwhile, it was learned by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle that a Cuban exile living in Russia “lured multiple people into carrying out sabotage for Russia in at least four EU countries.” DW also reported this week that a 57-year-old Berlin businesswoman who “chaired a lobbying association, giving her extensive contacts in military and political circles,” was arrested in January on charges of spying for Russia.

Target USA: The Justice Department announced charges Tuesday against five suspected Russian intelligence operatives for allegedly plotting attacks against the Kremlin’s perceived enemies around the world, including the murder-for-hire of “a prominent Russian dissident in Washington, D.C.” The “global assassination network,” which was mainly targeting civilian and military targets allies of Ukraine in Europe, was aimed at causing “destruction and mayhem around the world.” (NPR) (NBC)

Wedding Bills: “Who is Umar Kremlev, who paid for part of Donald Trump Jr’s wedding?” Puck’s excellent Russia hand Julia Ioffe took a deep dive this week on Kremlev, who Don Jr. and his socialite bride Bettina Anderson called just “a dear friend” after the financial arrangement was outed by ProPublica on Monday. “Turns out, he’s the business front of Vladimir Putin’s chief body guard, one of the most powerful men in Russia,” Ioffe wrote. “That’s about as close as it gets.” But she’s got much, much more.

Russian PsyWar: The Institute for the Study of War is releasing a new version of its interactive map displaying the pillars of Russia’s cognitive warfare infrastructure. “Russia uses cognitive warfare to shape the decisions and will of its opponents,” it said.

Lamest Ducks: Members of Congress who participated in an Aug. 31 war game positing 2028 Russian attacks on EU-friendly Moldova and NATO member Romania as the Ukraine war dragged on concluded that “the American public wouldn’t support strong action,” reported veteran Washington Post foreign affairs columnist David Ignatius: “And without U.S. leadership, Europe would be fragmented and disorganized.” It’s 1940 all over again.

Don’t miss this week’s chilling SpyTalk podcast with terrorism and insurgency expert Bruce Hoffman, on the metastasizing new faces—and weapons—of Islamist militants and more.

FBI and the Kremlin: FBI Former FBI Special Agent Jonathan Buma, who in July 2023 alleged in a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee that former NYC mayor and disgraced Trump sycophant Rudy Giuliani had been used in a 2020 Russian disinformation operation aimed to discredit Joe Biden and boost Donald Trump, goes on trial Oct. 6 on charges of leaking government secrets, including the identity of a confidential human source. Buma also claimed that in August 2022 an FBI supervisor had told him to stop investigating Giuliani and to cut off contact with any sources who reported on corruption by Trump associates, according to an 2023 account by Mattathias Schwartz at Business Insider. One of Buma’s alleged sources was right wing activist and venture capitalist Peter Thiel.

E.U. Spy Shop? European Union President Ursula von der Leyen announced she was setting up a discreet new intelligence shop for members to swap information. It’s a non-starter, many analysts said, not only because the E.U. already has something like that in its Intelligence and Situation Centre (Intcen). Europe’s spy chiefs just aren’t inclined to sit around a table sharing their most secret ops with everybody. (FT)

Near Catastrophe with China: A U.S. intelligence report that relied on artificial intelligence might well have touched off a military confrontation with Beijing last spring when it erroneously reported a “Chinese ship in the Middle East was transporting components of a nuclear weapons program,” CNN reported. U.S. military units “swung into action with plans to intercept the vessel,” four sources familiar with the episode told CNN’s Katie Bo Lillis and Zachary Cohen in an exclusive report. “According to two of the sources, armed members of the U.S. military were preparing to board the ship. Military planes were in the air, one of those sources and another source familiar with the incident said.” Thankfully, a human intervened, pulling the false report, which “almost started a war.”

AI is frightening. It can jump out of its playpens and wreak deadly mischief. Some insiders say it could destroy all of humanity by the end of the decade. In the time we have left, we’re determined to get to the bottom of its use and misuse by US intelligence. You can help by taking out a no-obligation, 7-day free trial. Reporting is really a team sport. Thanks!

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Today’s Report

1. Overview

2. White House News

3. Truth Social Posts

4. Government Department News

5. Selected Democratic Officials

6. AI & Tech Company News

7. Congressional Watch

1. Overview

The White House announced that President Donald J. Trump signed into law H.R. 5334, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” which expands sanctions and tariffs on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran. Additionally, President Trump signed an Executive Order and a Proclamation to address “abuses of the H-1B visa program,” and extended Proclamation 10973 for 12 months. The White House also announced that all 50 state Medicaid programs will transition to “most-favored-nation pricing” for prescription drugs, a move the Council of Economic Advisers estimates will save taxpayers $64.3 billion over the next decade.

On Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump stated that the United States entered an “Infinite Life” agreement with Denmark and Greenland for permanent security control. He also announced that he banned CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, claiming their coverage is “FICTION and LIES.” Additionally, Trump issued endorsements for various candidates, including Ashley Hinson and Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate, and claimed his approval rating within the Republican Party has reached 95%.

The State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to Nepal for Constitution Day and met with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to discuss semiconductors and supply chains. The Department of War released the sixth batch of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena files and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced several flag and general officer nominations. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded $42.3 million in grants for the “Treatment First” homelessness and addiction model.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to accelerate independent AI oversight and develop a “kill switch” for frontier models, criticizing federal efforts. Governor Gretchen Whitmer concluded an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan, while Governor Wes Moore announced outreach efforts to SNAP and Medicaid households following federal changes. Governor JB Pritzker launched the Illinois Reproductive Health Care Hub, and Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota earned platinum certification for evidence-based decision-making.

Anthropic and Accenture announced a partnership to conduct independent evaluation of frontier AI models, with both companies expecting to invest at least $1 billion over the next five years. Anthropic stated that the initiative fulfills a commitment in the CEO’s essay, “We Must Pace the Frontier,” to embed evaluators within the firm to ensure safety accountability.

Congressional Watch records for September 17, 2026, show the Senate confirmed Kasdin Miller Mitchell as a U.S. District Judge and passed H.R. 5345, a bill providing a point of contact for identity theft victims at the Social Security Administration. The Senate also agreed to S. Res. 862, honoring Dolly Parton, and S. Res. 816, regarding Central Asian independence. The House of Representatives met for a two-minute session and introduced legislation.

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2. White House News

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Further Enhances Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the H-1B Visa Program

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order and a Proclamation to “protect American national and economic security and American workers from abuses of the H-1B visa program.” According to the White House, the 2025 Proclamation deterred visa abuses, and the new measures aim to “ensure American workers are not replaced with lower-paid foreign labor.” The White House states that the President has “delivered on his promise to put American workers first” and rectify “years and years of failed policies that put foreigners above America’s own workers.”

Reference: Original White House release

Enhancing Program Integrity and Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program

The White House states that “large-scale, systematic abuse” of the H-1B visa program by outsourcing firms and employers has harmed American workers, caused wage suppression, and created a “national security threat.” President Trump ordered relevant agencies to implement measures protecting the American workforce by ensuring program compliance. Officials must now consider employer layoff history when processing H-1B petitions. The Secretary of Labor will initiate a review of labor condition applications within 30 days to determine if further action against sponsoring employers is warranted.

Reference: Original White House release

Congressional Bill H.R. 5334 Signed into Law

On Friday, September 18, 2026, the White House announced the President signed into law H.R. 5334, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” According to the White House, this measure “authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia” and simultaneously “extends existing sanctions on Iran.”

Reference: Original White House release

Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers

President Donald J. Trump has extended Proclamation 10973 for 12 months, until September 21, 2027, to continue addressing “significant abuses of the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program.” The White House states that the program has been “exploited to replace, not supplement, American workers with lower-paid labor.” By requiring a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions, the administration reports a “positive shift” toward higher-skilled and higher-paid workers. The White House asserts that this extension remains necessary to prevent “program abuse” and protect American economic interests.

Reference: Original White House release

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Lower Drug Prices for All 50 State Medicaid Programs

President Donald J. Trump announced that all 50 states’ Medicaid programs will utilize most-favored-nation pricing, matching the lowest costs paid by other developed nations for prescription drugs. The White House states these “decisive and historic actions” aim to end the practice of charging American patients higher prices than those abroad. According to the Council of Economic Advisers, taxpayers are estimated to save $64.3 billion over the next decade. The White House claims this fulfills promises to put patients first, achieving wins the “political establishment did not believe were possible.”

Reference: Original White House release

President Trump Extends Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing to Every Medicaid Program in America

The White House states that President Donald J. Trump delivered the “sharpest annual drop” in prescription drug prices in over 60 years. Through Most Favored Nation pricing, 26 drugmakers covering 90% of the branded U.S. market agreed to lower prices, a move projected to save Americans over $600 billion. The White House reports that 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will see nearly $65 billion in Medicaid savings. Additionally, these companies committed $170 billion to U.S. manufacturing and R&D to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.

Reference: Original White House release

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Trump Delivers Historic Victories for America’s Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoorsmen

President Donald J. Trump signed two executive orders aimed at expanding hunting and saltwater angling access while reducing regulations. The White House states these measures support an outdoor sector generating $1.2 trillion annually. Industry stakeholders, including the National Rifle Association and National Shooting Sports Foundation, praised the actions as “generational victories” that protect hunting heritage and “reinvigorate our outdoor economy.” Proponents contend the orders improve fisheries management, expand public land access, and eliminate “burdensome” restrictions, marking a commitment to American outdoorsmen and conservation.

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump announced that the United States has entered an “Infinite Life” agreement with Denmark and Greenland, granting the U.S. permanent security control over the region at no cost. He stated this arrangement prohibits adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments without written approval and that the U.S. will move to develop a significant military presence there. Additionally, Trump banned CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, characterizing their coverage as “FICTION and LIES.” He also criticized CNN as “dishonest” and “unwatchable,” while sharing an article (no link) titled “A Rising Trump Lifts All Boats.”

Trump issued a series of endorsements for the upcoming election cycle. He supported Ashley Hinson for U.S. Senator from Iowa and endorsed Ken Paxton for U.S. Senator from Texas. His additional endorsements for U.S. Representative included Carlos De La Cruz, Eric Flores, Tano Tijerina, and Monica De La Cruz. Other endorsements went to Stacy Garrity for Governor of Pennsylvania, as well as senatorial candidates Jon Husted, Pete Ricketts, Michael Whatley, Laurie Buckhout, Mike Rogers, Roger Marshall, Mike Collins, Ashley Moody, and Dan S. Sullivan.

Regarding his own standing, Trump claimed that his approval rating within the Republican Party has reached a record 95%, surpassing the 86% previously held by Ronald Reagan. He also posted (no link) a list of the top 25 accomplishments from his third term.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Nepal Constitution Day

Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to the people of Nepal for Constitution Day on September 19. He expressed condolences for lives lost in recent flash floods and pledged U.S. support for recovery efforts. The Secretary noted the nearly 80-year U.S.-Nepal relationship and stated that the United States intends to strengthen the partnership by expanding trade, innovation, and investment ties.

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho

Secretary Rubio and ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed the U.S.-ROK Alliance, pledging collaboration on semiconductors and critical supply chains. Rubio emphasized the need for a “fair, transparent, and equitable business environment” for American firms in the ROK and requested the execution of 2025 investment commitments. The officials reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK and the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Chile National Day

Secretary Rubio congratulated Chile on its National Day, highlighting the two nations’ shared history of democracy, trade, and investment. He stated that under President Kast’s leadership, the United States and Chile are collaborating to “combat the scourge of transnational crime and unchecked illegal immigration.” The Secretary also noted joint efforts to secure supply chains and advance scientific inquiry to ensure regional safety and prosperity.

Appointment of Luke J. Lindberg as Executive Director of UN World Food Program

The United States welcomed the Secretary General’s appointment of Luke J. Lindberg as Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP). The State Department described Mr. Lindberg as the “right leader” to pursue reforms focused on the WFP’s core mandate and operational excellence. As the WFP’s largest donor, the United States stated that Mr. Lindberg’s commitment to accountability and humanitarian assistance will benefit Member States as they work together to advance the organization’s mission of “feeding those in need.”

Secretary Rubio’s Travel to the United Nations for the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week

Secretary Rubio will travel to New York from September 20–23 for the 81st UN General Assembly. Accompanying President Trump, the Secretary plans to advocate for the United Nations to focus on its “core mandate of maintaining international peace and security while respecting national sovereignty.” Rubio will hold meetings with foreign counterparts to discuss economic and security priorities, with the goal of expanding upon recent UN reforms to deliver results for the American people.

Office of the Historian, Bureau of Administration Releases Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981-1988, Volume XVI, South America: Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela Chapters

The Department of State published new chapters of *Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XVI*, documenting the Reagan administration’s foreign policy in Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The release details U.S. efforts regarding regional democratization, economic stabilization, and security cooperation. The volume, compiled by Nathaniel Smith, also covers specific initiatives such as Paraguay’s “3-Ds” focus on drugs, democracy, and human rights, as well as Venezuela’s role as a regional interlocutor.

Department of War (war.gov)

Joint Press Statement for the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

The U.S. Department of War and the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense held the 29th Integrated Defense Dialogue on September 16-18, 2026, in Busan. Delegations led by George LeMeur and Dr. Kim Hong-Cheol assessed defense cooperation progress and efforts to modernize the Alliance. Both sides evaluated the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control Transition Plan and visited defense industry sites focused on shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities. They committed to maintaining continuous consultations regarding the security of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Secretary of War Flag Officer Announcements for Sept. 17, 2026

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced two presidential nominations. Navy Rear Adm. Kevin J. Brown was nominated for appointment as surgeon general of the Navy. Navy Captain Douglas Graber was nominated for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half).

Secretary of War General Officer Announcements for Sept. 17, 2026

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the President has nominated Air Force Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Camacho for appointment to the grade of major general. Additionally, 23 Army colonels and one Air Force colonel were nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.

Department of War Publishes Sixth Release of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Files on WAR.GOV/UFO

Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced the Department of War’s sixth release of declassified and historical Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) files. The release is part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). The department stated these files are available on the department’s website and indicated that additional files will be released on a rolling basis.

Contracts for Sept. 18, 2026

The Department of War awarded several contracts, including an $871,243,964 modification to Lockheed Martin Corp. for F-35 sustainment, and a $191,286,000 contract to Walsh Federal LLC for Marine Corps barracks construction at Camp Lejeune. MEB General Contractors Inc. received $96,262,000 for electrical upgrades at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Lockheed Martin Space was awarded a $76,562,774 modification for TRIDENT II (D5) life extension efforts. Honeywell Aerospace Technologies received a contract for ring laser gyro components, with funding and delivery terms specified for each award.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

Secretary Kennedy and Chef André Rush Give Fast-Food Favorite a MAHA Makeover for the Fourth Episode of The Real Food Show

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Chef André Rush released the fourth episode of “The Real Food Show,” demonstrating how to prepare a nutritious crunch wrap and dessert for $3.44 per serving. Secretary Kennedy stated, “President Trump has charged us with putting real food back at the center of American life.” The episode emphasizes affordable, whole-food ingredients and discusses the administration’s efforts to improve the quality of meals provided to U.S. service members.

HHS Awards More Than $42 Million to States and Territories to Advance ‘Treatment First’ Model in Support of President Trump’s Executive Order

SAMHSA awarded $42.3 million in supplemental grants to states and territories to implement the “Treatment First” model for homelessness and addiction. An additional $2 million was granted to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network. Secretary Kennedy stated the investment aims to help states move people “from crisis into treatment and from treatment into lasting recovery, stable housing, and work.” SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll noted the funding supports infrastructure for connecting individuals to effective treatment and long-term stability.

HHS Launches First Ever Department-Wide PPE Demand Forecast to Strengthen American Manufacturing

HHS established the “HHS Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Forecast” to consolidate anticipated PPE purchases under the Make PPE in America Act. This recurring process aims to provide domestic manufacturers with predictable demand signals to assist in production planning. Anthony M. Figliola, ASFR Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, stated, “American manufacturers cannot build durable capacity around uncertainty.” The department noted the forecast serves planning purposes and does not guarantee future acquisitions or contract awards.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

Ambassador Greer to Travel to New York

On September 20, 2026, United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York. Ambassador Greer stated that the meeting precedes the U.S.-China Summit in Washington, DC, and aims to facilitate “mutually beneficial trade.” Ambassador Greer asserted that the Trump Administration intends to “pursue balanced trade with China” by monitoring commitments, optimizing trade in non-sensitive goods, and increasing market access for American farmers, manufacturers, and workers.

USTR Convenes Over 50 Trading Partners to Provide Training Related to Imposing and Enforcing Forced Labor Import Prohibitions

The Office of the United States Trade Representative convened representatives from more than 50 trading partners to conduct training on the implementation and enforcement of import prohibitions regarding forced labor.

USTR Seeks Public Comment on Foreign Trade Barriers for the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report

The Office of the United States Trade Representative is soliciting public comments to inform the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.

USTR, Commerce, and the UK Government Convene the 10th United States-United Kingdom Small and Medium Enterprise Dialogue in Cardiff, Wales

The United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and the United Kingdom government held the 10th United States-United Kingdom Small and Medium Enterprise Dialogue in Cardiff, Wales.

Ambassador Greer Joins the FT News Briefing Podcast with the Financial Times’ Aime Williams

Ambassador Jamieson Greer participated in the Financial Times’ “FT News Briefing” podcast for an interview with Aime Williams.

Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on President Trump’s Response to Canada’s Continued Retaliation Against the United States

Ambassador Jamieson Greer released an official statement regarding President Trump’s response to actions described as Canada’s continued retaliation against the United States.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.18.26

Governor Newsom announced the signing of numerous bills, including the Budget Act of 2026 (AB 113), various budget trailer bills, and legislation addressing agricultural theft, education, healthcare, public transit, and land use. The signed bills cover a wide range of topics, such as opioid overdose reversal medication in schools (AB 1586), sunscreen environmental advertising (AB 1744), mortgage foreclosure (AB 1957), and the SCRIVNER Act (AB 2273).

Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.18.2026

Governor Newsom announced several appointments, including Ian Vargas Polo and Katie Porter to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Rachel Rosner and Michael Duarte were appointed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation. Douglas McCauley was appointed to the California Earthquake Authority Advisory Panel, and Dave Rand was reappointed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. Senate confirmation is required for all positions except those held by Vargas Polo and McCauley.

Governor Newsom announces Judicial Appointments 9.18.2026

Governor Newsom nominated five Court of Appeal Justices: Brian Goldman (First District), Adam Hofmann (First District), Alexander Giza (Second District), Cindy Pánuco (Second District), and Maria Daghlian Hernandez (Fourth District). Additionally, the Governor appointed two Superior Court judges in Orange and Santa Clara counties. The Court of Appeal nominations require confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

Governor Newsom proclaims California POW/MIA Recognition Day

Governor Newsom proclaimed September 18, 2026, as “California POW/MIA Recognition Day.” The proclamation honors service members who were captured or went missing during conflicts from World War II to the war in Afghanistan. Newsom commended the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for its work in identifying service members. He stated that the day serves as a “solemn reminder of our country’s duty to remember the sacrifices made by those who serve and to do all we can to account for those who have not returned.”

Governor Newsom issues executive order to accelerate independent oversight and advance the creation of an AI kill switch

Governor Newsom issued an executive order to accelerate the implementation of independent AI oversight and safety audits mandated by SB 813 and AB 1405. The order convenes experts to develop recommendations for strengthening AI laws, including a potential “kill switch” for frontier models. Criticizing the federal government’s approach, Newsom stated, “We’re not waiting to act – we’re going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it’s too late.”

Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)

Gov. Whitmer Concludes Investment Mission to South Korea and Taiwan, Bringing Jobs and Investment to Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer completed an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan to strengthen ties in maritime manufacturing, robotics, semiconductors, and mobility. The delegation met with government leaders and companies like POEN, BRILS, and HL Mechatronics to secure future investments. Governor Whitmer stated, “Michigan is competing on the global stage,” adding that new partnerships “will shape our economy for decades to come.” Officials noted the mission aimed to expand supply chains, support defense innovation, and promote Michigan as a destination for international business.

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Reinforces Commitment to Keep Marylanders Connected to SNAP and Medicaid Amid New Trump Administration Restrictions

Governor Wes Moore announced efforts to support residents following new federal work requirements under H.R. 1. The administration is conducting outreach to 340,000 SNAP households and 320,000 Medicaid members to help maintain benefits. Governor Moore stated the new mandates create “unnecessary burdens,” but asserted the state is “deploying every resource at our disposal to help eligible Marylanders navigate federal changes.” Agencies are streamlining application processes and providing updated guidance via the Maryland Benefits One Application and the Medicaid Check-In Campaign.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear Breaks Ground on Northern Kentucky Crime Lab and Medical Examiner’s Office

Gov. Andy Beshear joined leaders at Northern Kentucky University to break ground on a new state medical examiner’s office and Kentucky State Police crime lab. Supported by $21 million in 2024 legislative funding, the facility will renovate a vacant civic center to provide regional forensic services. Expected to open in early 2028, the site aims to expedite death investigations, reduce travel for grieving families, and support law enforcement. NKU President Cady Short-Thompson noted the project aligns with the university’s commitment to supporting the region.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Gov. Pritzker Launches Illinois Reproductive Health Care Hub

Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of a new website, the Illinois Reproductive Health Care Hub, to centralize resources for reproductive health, including information on accessing and paying for care. Governor Pritzker stated the hub provides “accessibility and clarity.” Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton noted the site supports the state’s efforts to assist patients, including those traveling from out of state. The platform includes privacy features and information regarding protections under the Illinois Reproductive Health Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Daily Public Schedule: Friday, September 18, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026.

Tim Walz (mn.gov)

Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Received Top Recognition for Data-Driven Decision Making

Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota earned platinum certification from Results for America for evidence-based decision-making in 2026. This marks the ninth consecutive year the state has received the organization’s highest honor. Governor Walz stated the recognition reflects “nine years of data-driven investments” in initiatives such as paid leave, universal free school meals, and the child tax credit. The administration reports that these investments, alongside $3.8 billion in public safety resources, have helped make Minnesota a national leader in policy and program effectiveness.

Jon Ossoff (ossoff.senate.gov)

VIDEO: Sen. Ossoff Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff released a video message observing Hispanic Heritage Month, stating it is a “deep honor to represent Georgia’s Latino community.” He acknowledged the “extraordinary contributions” made by Latinos to Georgia, the United States, and the world. Sen. Ossoff emphasized his goal of being a “visible, the most accessible, and the most responsive and effective Federal representative” for the community, encouraging constituents to contact his office for assistance.

NEW: Georgians Report Experiencing Prolonged Pain as Insurance Companies Deny or Delay Care Doctors Say They Need

Sen. Ossoff released his third report investigating insurance practices, documenting how “prior authorization” leads to denials or delays of medically necessary care for Georgians. Sen. Ossoff stated, “It is unacceptable that Americans, who are paying record premiums to insurers making record profits in the world’s richest country, are nevertheless denied medically necessary care.” The report cites KFF data regarding Medicare Advantage and ACA denials. Sen. Ossoff noted that he remains committed to “exposing these practices and working to ban insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care.”

6. AI & Tech Company News

Anthropic (anthropic.com)

Partnering with Accenture on embedded evaluation

Anthropic is partnering with Accenture, specifically its specialist AI business Faculty, to conduct independent evaluation of frontier AI models. This initiative fulfills a commitment in the CEO’s essay, “We Must Pace the Frontier,” to embed evaluators within the company. Anthropic and Accenture each expect to invest at least $1 billion over the next five years. While Anthropic is currently funding the work directly, it intends to engage other evaluators and advocates for future pooled or government funding models to ensure independent, verifiable safety accountability.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-17 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

Senate

The Senate conducted routine proceedings and advanced various legislative measures and nominations. Senators began consideration of a bill to protect the rights of student athletes and confirmed the nomination of a United States District Judge.

• H.R. 5345 — provides a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration for identity theft victims [Passed]

• S. Res. 862 — honors the life and legacy of Dolly Parton [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 816 — honors 35 years of independence for Central Asian countries [Agreed to]

• S. 4668 — protects name, image, and likeness rights of student athletes [Motion to proceed agreed to (77-22)]

• Kasdin Miller Mitchell — United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas [Confirmed (49-45)]

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives met briefly for a session lasting two minutes. Members introduced new legislation before adjourning.

• None — No legislative actions occurred [No vote count]

Committee Highlights

• Senate - Committee on Armed Services — examined the implementation of the National Defense Strategy

• Senate - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs — ordered the reporting of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act and four nominations

• Senate - Committee on Foreign Relations — examined five Department of State ambassadorial nominations

• House - Committee on Natural Resources — examined H.R. 7269 and H.R. 8674

Coming Up

The Senate will meet in a pro forma session at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026. The House will meet in a pro forma session at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-17

Demonstrators gather after president spotted holding placard that read: ‘Kennedy Center DEMOLIS ...’

On Friday evening thousands of protesters gathered outside the Kennedy Center in view of the marble facade that remained concealed by scaffolding and tarpaulins, to protest Donald Trump’s plans for the facility and express alarm that he might make good on his threat to tear down the institution.

Crowding streets in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington and locking down traffic as they walked, many carried signs, as they joined in the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” protest. Some wore costumes and booed when the president was mentioned during the program.

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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…

The Supreme Court blocked Trump’s attempt to change election rules weeks before the midterms, federal investigations into individual voters are expanding, and new reporting exposed the Trump family’s financial ties to a Kremlin crony.

Today at a Glance

• Election Interference — The Supreme Court blocked Trump’s attempt to impose new restrictions on mail voting just weeks before the midterms.

• Weaponization — DHS officers were reportedly told to pose as voters while investigating individual Americans using unreliable government data.

• Corruption — Umar Kremlev, whose longtime partner heads Putin’s security detail, secretly paid hundreds of thousands of dollars toward Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding celebrations.

What We Need to Pay Attention To

Supreme Court Blocks Trump Administration Plan to Screen Mail-In Ballots

What Happened: The Supreme Court blocked Trump’s plan to impose new Postal Service requirements on mail ballots just weeks before the midterms. The rules would have required specialized barcodes and voter information to be submitted to USPS. Justice Brett Kavanaugh said making the changes this close to the election would be “arbitrary and capricious.”

Why It Matters: This was another attempt by Trump to seize more federal control over elections. At least the Supreme Court stopped him from changing how mail ballots are handled weeks before the midterms.

Source: New York Times

Corruption

Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas Wedding Was Secretly Bankrolled by Russian Oligarch Close to Putin

What Happened: Umar Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars toward Donald Trump Jr.’s three-day wedding celebration in the Bahamas, including renting a private island and paying for fireworks. Trump Jr. and his wife confirmed Kremlev hosted two nights of celebrations, calling it an “extraordinarily generous wedding gift” from a friend.

Why It Matters: Kremlev’s rise is tied directly to Putin’s security apparatus, including the head of Putin’s personal security service. Someone with those connections secretly bankrolling the U.S. president’s son’s wedding should set off every counterintelligence alarm.

Source: ProPublica

Power Consolidation

Trump’s Effort to Assert Control Over Elections Continues, Despite Court Loss

What Happened: Despite the Supreme Court blocking Trump’s mail ballot plan, his regime is continuing a broader push into elections. DOJ has sued states for private voter data, federal agents are searching voter rolls for noncitizens, and the regime has pursued changes involving voting machines, citizenship checks and federal funding tied to state election policies.

Why It Matters: Trump has said he wants to “take over” and nationalize elections. His regime is now using multiple federal agencies to push into elections, even as courts block parts of that effort.

Source: New York Times

Weaponization of Institutions

DHS voter probe may break state laws and wrongly implicate US citizens, whistleblower alleges

What Happened: A federal whistleblower says DHS ordered immigration officers to pose as voters to access state voter databases as part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” Officers received less than two hours of training and were told to investigate 40 people a day using DHS data the whistleblower says is unreliable. The process could wrongly flag U.S. citizens as unlawful voters and may violate state laws.

Why It Matters: U.S. citizens could be wrongly flagged as illegal voters because of unreliable government data and a rushed federal investigation just weeks before the midterms. It is part of Trump’s broader effort to cause chaos before the midterms.

Source: Associated Press

Blanche defends mail ballot changes, says election practices in multiple states are being probed

What Happened: Attorney General Todd Blanche said DOJ is investigating election practices in multiple states and has “hundreds” of investigations involving people it says were not eligible to vote. He also defended the regime’s blocked mail ballot restrictions, citing “common sense” when pressed for evidence that mail voting carries a greater risk of fraud.

Source: CBS News

Accenture to pay $25 million to settle US government allegations over DEI

What Happened: Accenture agreed to pay $25 million to settle DOJ allegations that it considered race and sex in hiring and promotions to meet diversity goals. Accenture denied discrimination, and the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability.

Source: Reuters

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Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics

US judge blocks Trump limits on how long foreign students, journalists can stay

What Happened: A federal judge blocked a DHS rule that would have limited foreign students and exchange visitors to four years and foreign journalists to 240 days before forcing them to apply for extensions. The judge called DHS’s justification “exceptionally weak” and said the agency failed to meet its legal obligations when adopting the rule.

Source: Reuters

Human & Civil Rights Abuses

Immigrants’ Lawyers Say U.S. Is Redacting Documents Proving Legal Status

What Happened: Immigration lawyers say the government is withholding or heavily redacting records people need to prove their legal status or fight deportation. A former USCIS official said more than 35% of requests from immigrants facing deportation were closed without providing documents between September 2025 and March 2026.

Source: New York Times

Government Disruption

In Hegseth’s Pentagon, Top Leaders Battle Turmoil

What Happened: Pete Hegseth has purged or blocked the promotions of as many as 80 generals and admirals and restricted officers from attending several elite universities. Current and former military officials told the NYT the upheaval has fueled mistrust and left key leadership positions unfilled as the U.S. fights Iran and faces shortages of critical missile interceptors.

Why It Matters: The U.S. is fighting a war while key military positions sit empty and senior officers are becoming afraid to speak freely. That puts military readiness and decision making at risk.

Source: New York Times

EPA eliminates rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants

What Happened: The EPA repealed federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants. They proposed another rule aimed at preventing future administrations from regulating power plant climate pollution.

Source: Associated Press

Imperial & Geopolitical Watch

Iran-Gulf Talks Delayed as Saudi Counters Houthi Attacks

What Happened: Gulf talks with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz were postponed at Saudi Arabia’s request as Iran-backed Houthis continued attacks on the Saudis. The fighting has also spread around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and damaged Saudi Arabia’s key pipeline.

Why It Matters: Two of the world’s most important shipping routes are now caught up in the fighting, along with infrastructure Saudi Arabia relies on to move oil when Hormuz is disrupted. That puts even more pressure on global energy supplies and prices.

Source: Bloomberg

Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch

Russian drone almost hit former CIA director, may have targeted Boris Johnson

What Happened: A Russian drone struck a passenger train near Ukraine’s border with Poland shortly after a diplomatic train carrying former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt and European security officials passed through. Former CIA Director David Petraeus was on a separate train still at the station when the drone struck.

Source: The Hill

Economic News

Oil prices up after new strikes on Saudi infrastructure

What Happened: Oil prices jumped more than 4% after Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and ships knocked a critical Saudi oil pipeline out of service for weeks. Brent crude reached $105.66 a barrel, while average U.S. gasoline climbed to $4.32 a gallon and diesel hit a record $6.23.

Source: The Hill

Resistance

Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…

Source: 50501

Democrats and activist groups plan to push back if Trump tries to interfere in midterm elections

What Happened: Democratic state parties are recruiting 10,000 volunteers to monitor polling places, while activist groups are preparing protests and legal experts are advising judges how to respond if federal authorities seek to seize ballots or voting equipment. The preparations follow federal efforts to change election rules and concerns about armed immigration agents appearing at polling locations.

Source: Associated Press

By the Numbers

• 80 — Generals and admirals Hegseth has purged or whose promotions he has blocked.

• 40 — People per day DHS officers were reportedly told to investigate as part of its voter initiative.

• Less than 2 hours — Training those officers reportedly received before conducting the voter investigations.

• $105.66 — Price of a barrel of Brent crude as Middle East fighting continues to disrupt energy supplies.

• $4.32 — Average U.S. gasoline price per gallon.

• 10,000 — Dem volunteers to monitor polling places

What to Watch Next

Trump’s push into elections is continuing — How much further will federal agencies go in trying to control voter data, mail ballots and other parts of the election system before the midterms?

The Pentagon is facing major upheaval during a war — How will empty leadership positions, officer purges and shortages of critical weapons affect military readiness?

The Middle East war is threatening global energy supplies — Will attacks around Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and Saudi oil infrastructure drive oil and gas prices even higher?

Trump Jr.’s relationship with a Putin crony is under growing scrutiny — What else will emerge about Kremlev’s access to the Trump family and the relationship behind the hundreds of thousands of dollars he spent on the wedding celebrations?

Key Takeaways

Election Control — Trump’s regime is using multiple federal agencies to push deeper into elections, even as courts block parts of that effort.

Counterintelligence Failure — A Russian businessman tied to Putin’s security apparatus bankrolled Don Jr.’s wedding. Giving someone with those connections direct access to the Trump’s family creates obvious counterintelligence risks.

Pentagon Turmoil — The U.S. is fighting a war while senior military leaders are being removed, key positions remain empty and officers describe growing mistrust inside the Pentagon.

Rising Costs — Fighting around major shipping routes and Saudi oil infrastructure is pushing oil and fuel prices higher, with U.S. gasoline averaging $4.32 a gallon.

Call to Action

Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.

Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.

Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.

Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.

Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.

Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.

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The agreement would allow the US to expand its military presence, while Denmark and Greenland say it preserves their sovereignty and right to self-determination

Donald Trump announced on Friday that the US had struck an Arctic security pact with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland, after threatening for much of his second term to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory by force.

The full scope of the deal Trump described as “very important, historic, and special” was not immediately clear. But soon after his announcement in a post on Truth Social, the leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued statements indicating the deal would be signed by the three governments on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly in New York City next week.

Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act signed into law two days after House passed it in bipartisan vote

Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation enabling sweeping sanctions on Russia aimed at pressing it into ending its war with Ukraine, and also giving him the power to impose additional tariffs on countries breaking the embargo.

The US president signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law two days after it passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan 262-159 vote, amid concerns the legislation gives him too much power.

President has overseen an unprecedented restriction of access for major news media since start of second term

• US politics live – latest updates

In his latest attack on the US constitution’s first amendment and the press, Donald Trump abruptly announced that he is banning outlets CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House over their coverage.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, the US president said he was expelling the news outlets “effective immediately” over what he called their “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” and threatened that bans for others outlets could follow.

Courts Rule Against Trump on Mail-In Ballots and Kennedy Center

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Donald Trump’s effort to weaponize the U.S. Postal Service to restrict the use of mail-in ballots in November’s midterm elections. In an unsigned and single paragraph emergency docket entry, the Court majority upheld the lower court’s decision blocking the plan, saying “the Government is unlikely to succeed on the merits of its challenge to the District Court’s preliminary injunction.” Justice Kavanaugh concurred with the ruling, though he made clear that his opposition to the USPS rule on mail-in ballots was more about the timing than the substance. Justices Alito and Thomas publicly dissented. Trump lashed out on Truth Social in the wake of the ruling, calling it “a big loss for Republicans” and complained that “this Supreme Court is bullied and cajoled by the Radical Left into making decisions that have set America back at least a hundred years. These are not the people I interviewed to serve on the United States Supreme Court, they are merely a shell of their original selves.”

On Tuesday, Trump endured another loss after a federal judge ruled that the Kennedy Center Board may not put Trump’s name back on the building, “or rename the physical grounds of the arts center as the ‘President Donald J. Trump Plaza’...without Congress’s blessing.” Shortly thereafter, however, the board met and voted to close the center, prompting Trump to threaten to tear it down if his name remains off it, saying on Wednesday, “I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because frankly, if we don’t do that, it’s going to close. It’ll end up being ripped down.” According to PBS News, on Thursday a federal court ordered the Kennedy Center “to provide 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it as President Donald Trump has threatened.”

House Votes Once Again to End Iran War as Gas Prices Surge to Record Highs

Continued hostilities in the Middle East, as Donald Trump’s war in Iran approaches the seven month mark, has caused the price of gas to surge in the U.S. Late last week, diesel fuel topped $6 a gallon for the first time ever. According to AAA’s gas price tracker, today the national average price of diesel fuel is $6.45 per gallon, while the national average price of regular gas is $4.47 per gallon.

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Civil rights groups say plan will make people ‘afraid to vote’ and violates the Voting Rights Act

• US politics live – latest updates

A coalition of civil rights groups filed a lawsuit against Trump administration officials on Friday, seeking to stop them from threatening to deploy federal law enforcement officers to polling stations in the US midterm elections.

The suit, led by the NAACP, alleges that by threatening to deploy law enforcement to survey elections and initiating new voter roll oversight, the Trump administration has violated a section of the Voting Rights Act which prohibits voter intimidation.

Defiance from the supreme court and the Federal Reserve chair in one week ... how ever will the US president cope?

“It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business,” Michael Corleone tells his brother, Sonny, in The Godfather. But for Donald Trump, it’s always personal. And he leaves this week feeling betrayed.

First, the US supreme court rejected his effort to restrict mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections. “These are not the people I interviewed to serve on the United States Supreme Court,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform. “They are merely a shell of their original selves.”

Today’s Report

1. Overview

2. White House News

3. Truth Social Posts

4. Government Department News

5. Selected Democratic Officials

6. AI & Tech Company News

7. Congressional Watch

1. Overview

The White House announced President Donald J. Trump signed executive orders to “reinvigorate, protect, and expand America’s hunting heritage” and to “modernize Federal fisheries management.” The administration stated these actions remove “heavy-handed restrictions” on public lands and offshore waters while prioritizing American fishing and hunting interests. Separately, the White House withdrew five nominations previously sent to the Senate, recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month, and published a list of 250 claimed victories for the faith community, asserting President Trump is the “most pro-faith, pro-life, and pro-religious liberty president in American history.”

Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the Fraud Task Force led by Vice President JD Vance is “got the fraudsters running for shelter.” Regarding legislative issues, Trump said he looks forward to passing new agricultural legislation and expressed support for a bipartisan Senate vote on college sports name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, characterizing current rules as “out of control.” Additionally, Trump announced “major progress” toward a U.S. Army base in Poland and extended endorsements to Congressmen John McGuire and Rob Wittman and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans.

The State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys signed a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals, with Secretary Rubio emphasizing the need for secure supply chains. The State Department also designated 11 actors linked to Cuba’s military-industrial complex and nickel sector under E.O. 14404, asserting these entities support a “corrupt military elite.” Additionally, the Treasury Department and State Department designated entities and individuals for facilitating Iranian sanctions evasion via digital currency networks. The Department of War announced a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to increase AIM-260 missile production, while the Defense Health Agency issued new clinical guidance regarding testosterone deficiency. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a new ARPA-H program for autism care and sought public input on electromagnetic fields.

Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,” launched a $100 million state-funded Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Program, and criticized President Trump’s proposal to send $5,000 checks to Americans. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced that the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which includes $351 million for flood infrastructure in The Bronx and Queens. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is leading an investment mission to Taiwan, while Governor Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky secured $10.4 million in FEMA reimbursements. Governor Wes Moore requested SBA assistance for businesses impacted by a structural emergency in Anne Arundel County, and the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in the Tenth Judicial District.

Anthropic published a proposal for new metrics to monitor the pace of frontier AI development, including a prototype “Anthropic R&D Automation Index.” The company stated the tools aim to provide public visibility into how AI models are built and announced plans to utilize independent third-party evaluators to monitor safety practices and AI involvement in research, noting that recursive self-improvement is a critical area for observation.

The Congressional Watch has no records for 2026-09-16.

2. White House News

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reinvigorates America’s Hunting Heritage

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to “expand access to America’s public lands and waterways,” recruit new hunters, and support wild game populations, according to the White House. The White House states that President Trump is “cutting red tape, rolling back restrictions, and expanding hunting opportunities for Americans.” Furthermore, the White House claims the administration is “reigning in government overreach” by “restoring access to Federal lands” while simultaneously “conserving and protecting America’s natural resources” to promote the country’s hunting heritage.

Reference: Original White House release

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores American Saltwater Angling and Recreation

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to “modernize Federal fisheries management, empower recreational industries, and eliminate unnecessary restrictions on American boaters and anglers.” According to the White House, President Trump intends to remove restrictions for “saltwater anglers, offshore boaters, and charter operators” to support domestic outdoor recreation, American jobs, and coastal economies. The White House states this action is “fulfilling his commitment to revitalizing the Nation’s maritime economy, reversing federal overreach, and prioritizing American fishing interests.”

Reference: Original White House release

RESTORING AMERICAN SALTWATER ANGLING AND RECREATION

The White House issued an executive order on September 17, 2026, to modernize Federal fisheries management by shifting focus from restricting access to “actively empowering affiliated industries.” The administration intends to elevate the marine recreational fishing industry in Federal decision-making, improve data collection accuracy by phasing out “antiquated” mail-in surveys, and streamline permitting processes. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to review National Standards Guidelines, establish an Interagency Shark and Pinniped Depredation Task Force, and create a Federal Outer Continental Shelf Reef-in-Place Program.

Reference: Original White House release

Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage

The White House issued an executive order to “reinvigorate, protect, and expand America’s hunting heritage.” Citing “regulatory overreach” and “heavy-handed restrictions,” the administration directed federal agencies to expand recreational access to public lands, allow traditional ammunition, and prioritize citizen access to river lotteries. The order tasks the Secretaries of Labor and Education with clarifying funding for hunter education, instructs the Department of Veterans Affairs to support outdoor programs, and directs the expansion of game species populations through coordination with state agencies.

Reference: Original White House release

Withdrawals Sent to the Senate

The White House sent five withdrawals to the Senate on January 13, 2026. The nominees included Jeffrey Anderson for Representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, John Grunewald II for the Farm Credit Administration Board, and Richard Schroyer for Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security. Additionally, the White House withdrew the nominations of Heidi Semann for Inspector General of the Department of Education and Robert Stebbins for Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation.

Reference: Original White House release

Presidential Message on National Hispanic Heritage Month

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the White House honors Hispanic Americans, stating their “strength, character, and devotion” contribute to making America the “greatest and most prosperous Nation.” The White House highlights their roles in the military, government, and various professions. The administration reaffirms its “unwavering commitment to defending these enduring values of faith, family, and freedom.” Additionally, the White House reports that The Working Families Tax Cuts Act aims to help citizens “thrive, prosper, and achieve the American Dream” through tax relief and new investment accounts.

Reference: Original White House release

President Trump’s Top 250 Victories For People of Faith

The White House states that President Donald J. Trump “made history” for the faith community by “reversing the catastrophic policies of the previous administration.” The White House asserts that President Trump is the “most pro-faith, pro-life, and pro-religious liberty president in American history,” citing 250 reasons, including that he “PROTECTED RELIGIOUS LIBERTY,” “DEFENDED HOUSES OF WORSHIP,” “SAVED WOMEN’S SPORTS,” and “ENDED THE WEAPONIZATION OF GOVERNMENT.” Additionally, the White House claims he “STRENGTHENED OUR MILITARY,” “SUPPORTED ISRAEL,” and “UPHELD PARENTAL RIGHTS” while “ENDING DEI” to restore “FAIRNESS FOR ALL AMERICANS.”

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump commended Andrew Ferguson for his recent media appearance, stating that the Fraud Task Force, led by Vice President JD Vance, has “got the fraudsters running for shelter” and is securing billions of dollars in recovered funds along with “LONG PRISON SENTENCES.” Regarding legislative matters, Trump expressed pride in his 2018 Farm Bill and stated he looks forward to passing new legislation, noting that a recent version passed along party lines. He asserted that farmers and ranchers “will be extremely happy with the end result,” which will include “much needed Dollar Assistance” to address hardships he attributed to the previous administration. Additionally, Trump praised a bipartisan Senate vote regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies in college sports, characterizing the current situation as “horrible” and “out of control.” He stated that reforms are “vital to future Sports in America” to prevent bankruptcies and unfair competition, and he expects the measure to pass the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Trump extended his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to Congressman John McGuire, describing him as an “America First Warrior” who is focused on issues including border security, military support, and the Second Amendment. He also issued his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, calling her a “Tremendous Advocate” for her district, and granted his re-election endorsement to Congressman Rob Wittman, citing his work on the House Armed Services Committee and his commitment to the “America First Agenda.”

Regarding foreign policy, Trump announced that “major progress is being made” toward establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland due to the leadership of Polish President Karol Nawrocki, calling the potential development a “historic step for our Great U.S./Polish Alliance.” Finally, Trump shared a link detailing his administration’s accomplishments for people of faith.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Operation Economic Outcast Dismantles Iran’s Sanctions Evasion Network

The U.S. designated two entities and three individuals for utilizing digital currency networks to facilitate Iranian regime funding. The action targets platforms like BitBank, allegedly linked to financier Babak Zanjani and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The State Department asserts these measures aim to deny the regime access to resources used to “threaten regional stability, support terrorism, and undermine international security.” Designations were implemented under Executive Order 13902 to isolate the regime financially and diplomatically.

Further Sanctions on Cuba’s Mineral Wealth and Military Modernization Apparatus

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of 11 actors under Executive Order 14404. The sanctioned list includes four state-run enterprises involved in nickel extraction, four military enterprises focused on weapons and naval research, and three military officials. The Trump Administration claims these actions target a “corrupt military elite” that hoards resources while ordinary citizens lack basic necessities. The administration states it is committed to a Cuba governed by its people rather than a “military class.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys at the Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys signed a framework memorandum of understanding regarding critical minerals. Secretary Rubio characterized the agreement as a positive development for economic and national security, emphasizing the need for secure supply chains in the 21st century. The U.S. and Lithuania plan to identify priority projects and mobilize government and private sector financing within six months. Secretary Rubio noted that Lithuania’s expertise in photonics necessitates “rigorous investment screening” to protect the sector.

Further Sanctions on Cuba’s Mineral Wealth and Military Modernization Apparatus Fact Sheet

The State Department designated eight entities and three individuals linked to Cuba’s military-industrial complex and nickel sector under E.O. 14404. These entities, including SIMPRO, CIDNAV, CIDAI, and GELCOM, support military capabilities, while SERCONI, CEPRONIQUEL, CEDINIQ, and PINARES S.A. facilitate nickel revenue. Designated individuals include Senior Colonel Joaquín Francisco Cancio Monteagudo, Captain Dioglis Pedrera Arguello, and Senior Colonel Julio Hurtado Betancourt. U.S. persons are prohibited from transactions involving the property of these designated parties, which is now blocked.

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Tovar

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar in Washington, D.C. According to Spokesman Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Costa Rica’s efforts to deepen economic and trade relations. The Secretary recognized Costa Rica’s leadership in regional security as a founding member of the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, and as a member of Pax Silica. The meeting reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its partnership with Costa Rica.

Department of War (war.gov)

Department of War Signs Framework Agreement With Lockheed Martin to Increase Production of AIM-260 JATM, Boost FMS Sales

The Department of War announced a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to expand production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. According to Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey, the initiative aims to send “clear, long-term demand signals” to the defense industrial base to improve manufacturing capacity. The agreement supports the Department’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy and establishes a process for future Multi-Year Procurement to assist the “Arsenal of Freedom” vision held by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.

Contracts for Sept. 17, 2026

The Department of War announced several contract awards. Consigli Construction Co., Inc. received $364,872,171 for Marine Corps barracks construction in Cherry Point, North Carolina. BL Harbert International, LLC was awarded $207,919,569 for a hangar at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. JRC Integrated Systems LLC received a $47,393,736 modification for SLCM-N Program support. General Dynamics NASSCO – Norfolk was awarded $26,838,780 for work on the USS Gerald R. Ford. General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc. received $20,758,050 for MK 54 torpedo engineering support.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Travels to Texas

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit Austin and College Station, Texas, as part of the “Arsenal of Freedom Tour” and “Send Me Tour.” In Austin, he will meet with workforce and leaders at Capital Factory and Saronic Technologies and enlist new recruits at the Austin Armed Forces Reserve Center. In College Station, he will address the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, tour the Veterans Resource Center, and attend a football game where the university plans to honor POW/MIA.

Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell on the Clinical Guidance for Testosterone Deficiency in the Male Service Member

Following a July 15, 2026, directive from the Secretary of War, the Defense Health Agency issued clinical guidance on September 17, 2026, regarding male testosterone deficiency. The guidance mandates screenings for service members aged 30 and older during health assessments, with options for younger personnel. Spokesman Sean Parnell stated the Department is focused on “building and maintaining a ready, lethal fighting force” and that addressing hormone levels will “strengthen their performance, and maximize force readiness.” The guidance is effective immediately.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

HHS Seeks Public Input on Electromagnetic Fields and Wireless Radiation

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking evidence regarding the potential health impacts of electromagnetic fields, radiofrequency radiation, and wireless technologies. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated the department is acting on the “MAHA Strategy” directive. The agency invites scientists, industry, and the public to submit peer-reviewed research and data to help identify research gaps, compare safety standards, and provide recommendations for policymakers and the public regarding various wireless communication technologies.

ARPA-H Launches SPECTRA to Transform Autism Diagnosis and Precision Care

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) launched the Systems for Phenotypic Evaluation, Clinical Trajectories, Response, and Agency (SPECTRA) program. The initiative aims to integrate biological and computational data to improve autism diagnosis and create tailored care approaches. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. noted that current autism science and care are not “one-size-fits-all.” SPECTRA intends to address the “behavioral and biological complexity” of autism by moving beyond existing assessment models to improve quality of life and patient outcomes.

Secretary Kennedy Announces New Appointments to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the appointment of eight new members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force via the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The appointees include experts in pediatrics, cardiology, gastroenterology, and health finance. Secretary Kennedy stated the goal is to strengthen the task force to ensure recommendations are “grounded in rigorous, objective science.” AHRQ Director Dr. Roger D. Klein expressed that the new members bring valuable expertise to help develop recommendations for healthier lives.

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

Operation Economic Outcast Disrupts Digital Asset Exchange Enabling the Iranian Regime

On September 17, 2026, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated BitBank, its developer Pishtaz Simorgh Electronic Trade Company, and three associates of financier Babak Zanjani for facilitating sanctions evasion. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated that these designations ensure “efforts to finance the Iranian regime using cryptocurrencies are not beyond OFAC’s reach.” The actions, taken under E.O. 13902, target infrastructure used to launder funds and transfer Bitcoin to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.17.2026

Governor Newsom announced several appointments: Holly Pearson as Chief Counsel at the California Department of Technology; Aubrie Fong as Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer at the California Health and Human Services Agency; and the reappointments of Steven Carnevale, Alfred Rowlett, Keyondria Bunch, and Rayshell Chambers to the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. None of these positions require Senate confirmation. Compensation for Pearson is $219,300 and for Fong is $165,000; the commission positions are uncompensated.

Governor Newsom proclaims Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Governor Newsom proclaimed September 17, 2026, as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.” In the proclamation, the Governor stated that the U.S. Constitution provides a framework for the American experiment and derives its power from the people. The proclamation noted that rights were historically denied to many and called for civic engagement. Newsom stated, “We stand at the crossroads of history, where efforts to undo decades of hard-won victories have reached a fever pitch,” and urged citizens to “push back against tyranny.”

Governor Newsom delivers on pledge to provide new financing options for Eaton and Palisades survivors

Governor Newsom launched a $100 million state-funded Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Program to help fire survivors manage rebuilding costs. The program offers interest rate buydowns and loan-loss guarantees. This follows the Governor signing Assembly Bills 1842 and 1847, which make permanent certain mortgage forbearance protections for disaster-affected homeowners and extend the forbearance window to 24 months. Regarding the fund, Newsom stated, “With the launch of this recovery fund, we’re turbo-charging efforts to help families get back home and communities rebuild faster.”

Trump wants to send a check? Pay Americans back the $108 billion his Iran War cost them at the pump first

Governor Newsom criticized Donald Trump’s proposal to send $5,000 checks to Americans, characterizing it as “buying votes” and noting it depends on Republican midterm success. Newsom argued that Trump should instead reimburse families for over $108 billion in fuel costs he attributes to Trump’s “endless war on Iran.” According to the Governor, this war has cost households nearly $900 each. Newsom stated, “The Trump administration started a war with Iran with no plan to protect America’s economic security. It’s time for them to reimburse the American people.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (ocasio-cortez.house.gov)

Ocasio-Cortez Secures $351 Million for Flood Prevention in The Bronx and Queens

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to spend $351 million on flood and stormwater infrastructure in The Bronx and Queens. Ocasio-Cortez stated the funding is intended to “strengthen our existing flood infrastructure” and “protect our community from future weather events.” The legislation also mandates a new Office of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach and provides support for regional oyster restoration projects. The bill requires reconciliation with the Senate.

Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)

Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to Taiwan, Building on Strong Partnership to Bring Jobs and Investment to Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is conducting her third investment mission to Taiwan to pursue opportunities in semiconductors, drones, robotics, and manufacturing. The delegation aims to strengthen economic ties and meet with companies considering investment in Michigan. According to the Governor, the mission seeks to “build on the strong relationships we’ve established and make the case for more companies to invest in Michigan.” MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. stated that the work focuses on competing for investment and fostering new market partnerships for Michigan businesses.

Gov. Whitmer Approves Nearly $7 Million in Public Assistance Funding to Help Communities Recover from Disasters

Governor Gretchen Whitmer approved nearly $7 million from the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to support communities recovering from storms, flooding, tornadoes, and a water main break. The funds provide reimbursement to local governments that exhausted local resources when federal funding was unavailable. Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, noted the funding is “essential to ensuring Michigan communities have access to critical support when disasters overwhelm local resources.” The appropriation covers costs incurred across several counties and state agencies.

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

For the First Time, Half of Maryland’s Youngest Children in Foster Care are Living with Family

As of July 2026, 50% of Maryland children under 10 in foster care live with kin, up from 34.5% in 2024. Gov. Moore and the Department of Human Services attribute this increase to the state’s 2024 Kinship Care Law and the Family Matters initiative. DHS reduced licensing barriers, increasing the percentage of licensed kinship caregivers from 25% to 88% and investing $5 million to support them. Research cited by the state suggests kinship placements improve child well-being and increase the likelihood of reunification or adoption.

Governor Moore Requests Administrative Declaration from U.S. Small Business Administration for Anne Arundel County

Governor Moore has requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration issue an Administrative Declaration to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans to businesses impacted by the July 9, 2026, Empire Tower structural emergency in Anne Arundel County. The governor stated the request aims to provide owners “immediate access to low-cost funding with zero initial payments.” Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland noted the measure will provide an “important resource” for businesses navigating the “unusual and complex” situation resulting from the tower emergency.

Governor Moore Requests Administrative Declaration from U.S. Small Business Administration for Anne Arundel County

Governor Moore has requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration issue an Administrative Declaration to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans to businesses impacted by the July 9, 2026, Empire Tower structural emergency in Anne Arundel County. The governor stated the request aims to provide owners “immediate access to low-cost funding with zero initial payments.” Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland noted the measure will provide an “important resource” for businesses navigating the “unusual and complex” situation resulting from the tower emergency.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

Gov. Andy Beshear announced economic developments, including a $1 billion Ford Motor Co. paint shop project and a $41 million Toyotetsu Mid America expansion. Medvantx opened a new $27 million distribution facility in Louisville. The administration secured $10.4 million in FEMA disaster funds and launched the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program. Additionally, $6.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grants were awarded to support Western Kentucky. The Governor noted that 98% of Kentucky families have access to safe public drinking water.

Gov. Beshear: $10.4 Million in Federal FEMA Reimbursements Secured for Multiple Flooding Events

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state has secured over $10.4 million in FEMA funds to reimburse state agencies and local governments for expenses from 2022 and 2025 flooding. Recipients include the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, Kentucky State Parks, Fort Boonesborough, and Breathitt, Carroll, and Owsley counties. Gov. Beshear stated, “These are dollars Kentucky was owed from multiple federally declared weather disasters over the years.” The funding was obligated under federal disaster declarations DR-4663, DR-4860, and DR-4864.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Tim Walz (mn.gov)

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Tenth Judicial District

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in the Tenth Judicial District occurring upon the elevation of the Honorable John A. Bowen to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The position is chambered in Buffalo, Wright County. The commission seeks candidates who are “fair, experienced, and civic-minded” and “reflect Minnesota’s full diversity.” Applications are due by 4:00 pm on October 8, 2026. Interested individuals should contact the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor to apply or request information.

6. AI & Tech Company News

Anthropic (anthropic.com)

Measurements for understanding the pace of AI development inside frontier labs

Anthropic is proposing new metrics to provide public visibility into the pace of frontier AI development. These tools aim to clarify how models are built and track AI-led research and development. The company plans to embed independent third-party evaluators to verify safety practices and monitor key metrics. Anthropic introduced a prototype “Anthropic R&D Automation Index” to measure the extent of AI involvement in its own research, noting that recursive self-improvement remains a critical area to monitor as systems increasingly “collaborate” or “lead” on tasks.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-16 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

No Congressional Record found for 2026-09-16.

It has been forgotten, amidst the uproar over this ad, that Congresswoman María Salazar has tried to call out Trump’s immigration dragnet before.

A similar uproar broke out in June 2025 after Salazar and Latinas for Trump founder Ileana Garcia called out Stephen Miller for specific tactics he was using, specifically snatching people at courthouses while they were legally pursuing due process for immigration claims.

And when I wrote a long post threading through the extent that Cuban-Americans allowed themselves to ignore the gutter racism on which Trump was running (Salazar’s district includes a good number of the Haitians Trump targeted with his dog-eating smear), I noted that Democrats need not call out their delusions, because the effect would split Trump’s base in any case.

Don’t get in their way! At this point, any pushback on Miller’s gulag, any focus on him and his lies, is welcome.

We will not make it through this unless we exploit every single break that Republicans make with Trump. We will not make it through this unless we convince a significant number of Trump voters to push back or better yet disavow their vote.

Salazar’s earlier complaints didn’t work, at least not sustainably. Cubans were on the flight to South Sudan for which SCOTUS sanctioned third country removal and their third country deportations have stepped up in recent months.

So once again, Salazar attempted to make a nuanced appeal to Trump, reminding him pointedly of the coalition that put him in the White House in 2024. The move came just a day after Karl Rove, the last prominent Republican who attempted to be a Reagan on immigration, publicly backed a Democrat after the GOP candidate for Texas Railroad Commission celebrated a Texas football win with what Rove described as “raw, uncut bigotry.”

As happened in June 2025, the backlash to Salazar’s public criticism of Trump’s worst immigration excesses will create even more problems for Republicans’ ability to get Latinos to the polls. It likely won’t significantly reverse momentum in Salazar’s race, and it’ll create a toxic discussion nationally, as the fascists within the party attack Salazar as a Latina.

Salazar’s video has apparently been in the works for several weeks. Newsmax’s Marisela Ramirez posted a picture of Salazar filming the ad on September 3.

Since then, at least one ratings outlet has moved Salazar’s race closer to flipping, though still Lean Republican; the more cautious Cook Report hasn’t moved her race since April, and so may be due.

But Marc Caputo (in a post which he said he’d been “been picking away at … for a few days because I’ve been really surprised by the broad-based angst in the GOP” in Florida) said a Republican pollster from Miami found Salazar’s race (and that of Byron Donalds) to be tied.

Zoom in: A bellwether, Miami-Dade is Florida’s most-populous county, which Trump flipped to the Republican column in 2020 and 2024 thanks to strong Latino support, especially among Cuban Americans.

• “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” Salazar says in her ad. “The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.”
• Trump carried her district by 15 points two years ago. Today, she’s tied in polls with newscaster Eliot Rodriguez, a fellow Cuban American, who said her new ad was a sign of desperation.
• A Trump adviser told Axios: “I’m getting the Trumpiest Cubans sending me videos from Miami of guys getting busted at places like the gas station, for no apparent reason.”

By the numbers: In Miami-Dade, 62% of the county’s 1.3 million registered voters are Hispanic. They account for 76% of the registered Republicans.

• 63% of Hispanic voters said they supported “deporting illegal immigrants” while 34% were opposed to them, according to a poll conducted last month by a GOP pollster and shared with Axios
• But those numbers switched when it came to how deportations were being carried out: Just 29% were in favor; 58% were opposed.
• “The support is just evaporating. The economy sucks and ICE is just out of control,” said the pollster, who’s from Miami. “People feel they didn’t sign up for this.”

[snip]

• Republicans say they’re not too worried about conservative Hispanic voters switching to vote for Democrats, but they all believe turnout for the GOP will be low, which could affect legislative and congressional contests, and perhaps the race for governor.

Caputo describes that these polls showing a tie race were taken last month, so before Salazar shot the ad. Since then, prices just keep getting worse, and generic ballot support for Democrats has accelerated along with those prices.

Perhaps more important, given the district, around about then, Trump declared that he was stealing Venezuela’s oil, with Delcy Rodriguez’ help, which led Salazar to post, then delete, a tweet lambasting the theft.

Florida Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar did a quick about-face on President Trump’s massive Venezuela oil deal Saturday — deleting a social media post blasting the pact before returning to declare it was “a great deal” for America and the Venezuelan people

Salazar, who has been outspoken of communist Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, took to X to declare that the pact would come to an end once President Trump’s term ends.

“Any oil “deal” with Venezuela’s interim regime has an expiration date: the day President Trump leaves the White House,” Salazar wrote on the site.

Joaquin Castro made Salazar’s Venezuela equivocations worse on Tuesday, the day before she posted her video, by forcing her to vote on — after delaying for some time, she voted against — subpoenas to learn more about the corrupt oil theft.

U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar staved off Democrats’ subpoenas seeking details of dealings with Venezuela over an oil deal. But she also held a lengthy conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging total transparency over the economic arrangements.

A party-line vote closed an otherwise largely bipartisan hearing of the House Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. There, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat and the panel’s ranking member, moved to issue subpoenas to the State Department and War Department for any agreement between the U.S. and North American Blue Energy Partners, a private oil company run by Venezuelan billionaire Alejandro Betancourt, as well as between that corporate entity and acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez.

“For nine months, we haven’t received any information about funds regarding Venezuela or how oil money is being made or spent,” Cast[ro] said after the hearing. “Yesterday was the first time the State Department sent anybody over to even brief Congress about us, and that wasn’t even a hearing. It was an informal briefing, and so I thought it’s important to break through all of that noise and get some answers for people.”

Salazar held an extended recess of the Subcommittee while she called Rubio. “He is my constituent, and he’s Cuban American just like I am,” she said at the hearing.

It is famously difficult to poll Latino voters, especially in a community, like Miami’s, where there’s a degree of diversity built into that Latino community. But whatever else Marc Caputo is, he’s an astute reader of Florida politics.

And I suspect the most immediate effect of this uproar will be to exacerbate the same dynamics going on in Texas (where Rove is disavowing the more fascist part of his the party he helped build), which is far closer to flipping blue.

Trump has left Latino district members of Congress with no good choice between loyalty to him and distance from his bigotry. And in Salazar’s attempt, and not the first attempt, to find such a path, she likely will create waves well beyond Miami.

The post The Salazar Swing appeared first on emptywheel.

The extraordinary danger is that a president who believes he is the law, and the law is him, remains intent on disrupting the electoral process

• This was originally published in The Stakes 2026, a newsletter about the midterm elections. Sign up to get it in your inbox

For the millions of Americans who vote by mail – almost a third of the country – the week began with significant uncertainty that they would be able to easily submit their ballot this fall, thanks to a March executive order from Donald Trump that aimed to restrict mail-in ballots. By Monday night, the supreme court restored a measure of order by rebuking the president and rejecting his plan – but Trump’s frothing response portends more danger for the rapidly approaching midterms.

Trump’s March order forbade the US Postal Service from delivering mailed ballots to anyone the administration deemed ineligible. The Department of Homeland Security, working with the Social Security Administration, would have devised that list of supposedly ineligible, noncitizen voters. On its face, the move appeared plainly illegal. One expert told the Guardian’s Sam Levine, “This is a wholly unconstitutional EO,” because ultimately the federal government cannot set election rules; only states can.

Tech bosses have called for a slowdown in artificial intelligence and formal guardrails to be introduced by the US government. But President Trump is not moved by the doomsday predictions, calling them a ‘hoax'. What is behind his affection for the AI industry? Jonathan Freedland and Guardian US tech editor Blake Montgomery discuss

Posts in this series

This series addresses the high crimes and misdemeanors committed by the Roberts Majority of SCOTUS. Reforming the Court must begin with impeachment of these six. They will strike down any law restricting their power. This should be a campaign issue for every Democrat.

Historical restraints on SCOTUS power

Over the centuries SCOTUS has adopted guardrails that restrict their claimed unlimited reach. Self-regulation helped it maintain its facade as a court rather than as an unchecked super-legislature. That facade held up until recently.

Almost every discussion of public attitudes towards SCOTUS begins with the statement that most people approve or disapprove based on the outcome of specific cases like Dobbs, the abortion case. Republicans generally like Dobbs so they approve of SCOTUS, and almost all Democrats and most independents despise Dobbs and have unfavorable attitudes. For example in this article reviewing two recent books on SCOTUS we are told:

The Supreme Court is like ranked-choice voting or Jdate: how you feel about it depends on whether it’s delivering what you want.

But that’s not the only criticism of SCOTUS on offer. Most reasonably independent legal academics criticize decisions on technical grounds, grounds that are often not familiar to non-specialists. Many of these fall under the heading of justiciability, which includes standing, ripeness, and subject matter jurisdiction. The Court has historically deferred to lower courts to determine the facts of the cases it reviews, even thought the Constitution grants it the power to determine both law and facts. Art. II §2. It has set up a number of rules that it and lower courts follow, such as the requirements for issuance of interim relief pending final decisions, and the importance of precedent.

Legal academics most often criticize opinions of the Roberts Majority on these grounds. For example, much of the criticism, including my own, of Dobbs is based on its outright rejection of precedent acknowledged by all of the members of the Roberts Majority, and expressly acknowledged, misleadingly as it turned out, by the Trump appointees.

Examples

1. Standing. Biden v. Nebraska is the student loan case. Biden granted partial forgiveness of certain student loans to aid recovery from the national emergency inflicted by COVID. Several Red states sued to stop it. Only one had standing, Missouri. Years ago Missouri chartered Mohela as a public corporation to service student loans. The directors of Mohela are appointed by the government of Missouri, and it files regular reports with the state. It has the authority to pay dividends to the state if its directors choose, but It never had. First Missouri asked Mohela to file the lawsuit, but it refused, perhaps because winning would harm borrowers. Then Missouri sued in its own right.

The Roberts Majority claimed that this satisfied the requirement for standing. Biden’s plan might cost Mohela servicing income, and that was harm to Missouri, because, Roberts says, Mohela is affiliated with the state. Of course, Mohela has its own interests, and it chose not to sue. If Missouri didn’t like this, it could have fired the board and put in a compliant board. But it didn’t.  This just seems stupid. But it was necessary so that the Roberts Majority could strike down Biden’s efforts to help regular people on the spurious grounds of the major questions gibble-gabble.

2. Ripeness. A case is not ripe if the alleged injury rests on contingencies that may or may not come about.  Consider the case of 303 Creative, LLC v. Elenis.  Plaintiff is a web site designer. She claims that she wants to design web sites for weddings but doesn’t want to offer her services to same-sex couples because of her “religious” views. She sues a Colorado agency that handles civil rights matters on the ground that she faces a “credible threat” that it might sue to force her to violate her rights to discriminate. This case is obviously not ripe. The agency hasn’t done anything and might never. Gorsuch wants to rule on this case, so what he calls a credible threat is enough to make the case ripe.

3. Standing and ripeness: In Trump v. California, , entered August 24, 2026, the Roberts Majority granted a stay of an injunction barring enforcement of a proposed US Postal Service rule on mail-in ballots generated to comply with a Trump executive order. The plaintiff states filed suit in April, 2026, shortly after Trump’s executive order. The USPS issued a proposed rule June 2, to take effect August 21. The district court found that the executive order and the proposed rule interfered with the constitutional power of the states to administer elections, and enjoined implementation. The Roberts Majority stayed the injunction, asserting that the states lacked standing because there was no rule when the suit was filed. In addition the case was not ripe because whether the USPS would issue a final rule is “conjecture”.

The plaintiff states argued that they’d have to begin planning at once to enable them to comply, but the anonymous writer says

But the States “cannot manufacture standing merely by inflicting harm on themselves based on their fears of hypothetical future harm that is not certainly impending.” Clapper, 568 U. S., at 416. And the hypothetical future harm that the States fear—the Secretary’s implementation of §2(a)—is far from “certainly impending.” Ibid. By allowing the States “to bring this action based on costs they incurred in response to a speculative threat,” the District Court “improperly water[ed] down the fundamental requirements of Article III.”

So, a proposed rule with an effective date a few weeks out is not a credible threat, but a speculative threat.

The rule took effect. The lower court quickly entered an injunction against enforcement, and the case went back to SCOTUS. This time the Roberts Majority tossed it in three sentences, again per curiam. Alito and Thomas publicly dissented. Liz Dye of Public Notice gives a nice description of the “Fox News Grandpas” absurd opinion.

3. Fact-finding. Kennedy v. Bremerton School District shows the willingness of the Roberts Majority to make up its own facts. This is the case of public prayer led by a football coach after games. Here are the facts about those prayer sessions according to Gorsuch:

Joseph Kennedy lost his job as a high school football coach because he knelt at midfield after games to offer a quiet prayer of thanks. Mr. Kennedy prayed during a period when school employees were free to speak with a friend, call for a reservation at a restaurant, check email, or attend to other personal matters. He offered his prayers quietly while his students were otherwise occupied.

Here’s how Sotomayor describes the facts in her dissent:

The record reveals that Kennedy had a longstanding practice of conducting demonstrative prayers on the 50-yard line of the football field. Kennedy consistently invited others to join his prayers and for years led student athletes  in prayer at the same time and location.

Sotomayor put this picture of one of these prayer events in her dissent:

For comparison, check out the facts found by the district court after a trial on the merits, and confirmed by the Ninth Circuit. Here’s a sample of the facts.

Kennedy’s religious beliefs required that his prayer occur on the field where the game was played, immediately after the game concluded.

Kennedy’s testimony is incredible, and nothing this guy says can be believed. The claim that this is about religion is a nonsensical sham, and the case should be dismissed because the School District properly enforced its rules and its contract. A competent SCOTUS would have dismissed the case as certiorari improvidently granted. The Roberts Majority has an ideological stake in the case, so competent judging is irrelevant.

Conclusion

There are many other cases in which the Roberts Majority ignores the guardrails that have helped the Court maintain its legitimacy as it undoes our democracy. These six defy those guardrails in pursuit of their ideological goals.

Impeach all six.

The post The Unrestrained Power Of The Roberts Majority appeared first on emptywheel.

Tech bosses have called for a slowdown in artificial intelligence and the creation of formal guardrails from the US government. But why is President Trump unmoved by the doomsday predictions, dismissing them as a ‘hoax’? What lies behind his embrace of the AI industry? Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian US tech editor, Blake Montgomery

Watch Jonathan Freedland on our new Politics Weekly YouTube channel

Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com

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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…

New efforts to interfere in the midterms, Trump’s Justice Department expanding investigations into his political opponents, and Russia and Iran escalating threats abroad are among this weekend’s top stories.

Weekend at a Glance

• Election Interference — Trump allies are pushing new ways to use federal power to interfere with state-run elections just weeks before the midterms.

• Political Retribution — DOJ is expanding investigations involving Trump’s political opponents and former officials who investigated him.

• Iran War — Fighting is threatening two of the world’s most important shipping routes as energy prices and inflation continue to climb.

What We Need to Pay Attention To

Trump’s Commerce Secretary under pressure to use his powers to block voting machines

What Happened: Trump allies are pressuring Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to block voting machines containing Chinese-made components before the midterms. Career officials previously looked at the proposal but found there wasn’t enough evidence of a security threat to act. Activists pushing the plan recently met with Lutnick and say he agreed to look into it.

Why It Matters: With the midterms weeks away, Trump and his regime are trying to seize control over elections run by the states. This is part of a much broader effort to control how Americans vote.

Source: CNN

Corruption

The Latest Spot for a Trump Tower: An Ex-Soviet Republic Moving Closer to Russia

What Happened: The Trump Organization is moving forward with a 70-story Trump Tower in Tbilisi as Georgia’s government moves closer to Russia. The project’s land was purchased from a foundation tied to the family of Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, who was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 over Georgia’s shift toward Russia. The land deal was worth up to $85 million.

Why It Matters: Trump’s family is making money in Georgia through a deal tied to the family of a Russian proxy sanctioned by the U.S. This is more corruption on a massive scale.

Source: Wall Street Journal

In posts attacking ChatGPT, Katie Miller didn’t disclose her stake in its rival

What Happened: Katie Miller, a former DOGE official and wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, repeatedly attacked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini while promoting Elon Musk’s Grok without disclosing her financial stake in xAI. Miller began consulting for xAI in 2025 and later bought between $500,000 and $1 million in xAI stock. She posted negatively about OpenAI or ChatGPT more than 400 times.

Source: The Washington Post

Power Consolidation

US judge blocks Trump administration’s ‘loyalty’ question for job applicants

What Happened: A federal judge blocked Trump officials from asking applicants for nonpartisan civil service jobs to explain how they would advance Trump’s policies and executive orders. The judge said applicants could reasonably see it as a test of their political beliefs and that it likely violated the First Amendment. The question appeared in more than 70,000 federal job postings.

Why It Matters: Trump has been trying to remake the federal workforce around loyalty to him. This ruling blocks one way of turning nonpartisan government jobs into a political loyalty test.

Source: Reuters

Weaponization of Institutions

DOJ Ramps Up Controversial Probe of Trump’s Perceived Enemies

What Happened: DOJ is expanding its criminal investigation into former intelligence and law enforcement officials involved in investigations of Russia’s attack on the U.S. election and the classified documents investigation. New subpoenas have been issued, including for testimony from former DNI James Clapper.

Why It Matters: Trump’s DOJ is using criminal investigations to go after officials involved in investigating him. This is more weaponization of agencies and the political retribution Trump spent years promising.

Source: Bloomberg

Trump’s DOJ Is Reportedly Investigating Gavin Newsom’s Travel Funding

What Happened: Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas seeking six years of records involving a nonprofit that paid for California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s international travel, along with communications involving current and former aides and associates. The records are being sought as part of a criminal investigation, although prosecutors have not publicly identified what crime they are investigating. Newsom denies any wrongdoing and says the investigation is politically motivated.

Source: Mother Jones

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Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics

How Trump Is Wielding Power to Stifle Speech

What Happened: Trump is using multiple parts of the federal government to pressure news organizations and critics. This includes FBI subpoenas and searches involving journalists, FCC investigations of broadcasters, restrictions on Pentagon press access, cuts to public broadcasting, and White House control over the presidential press pool. Courts have blocked or criticized several of these actions on First Amendment grounds.

Why It Matters: The regime is using federal power to intimidate journalists and silence critics. This is what happens in Russia, where the regime uses state power to control the press and punish anyone who challenges the Kremlin.

Source: New York Times

Inside Hegseth’s push to showcase a dramatic Iran rescue on ‘60 Minutes’

What Happened: Pete Hegseth and political appointees pushed two F-15 crew members shot down and rescued inside Iran to participate in a 60 Minutes report about the operation. Both had reservations, with one worried he could be ordered to participate, while military officials raised concerns about exposing classified rescue tactics. Hegseth eventually told them participation was voluntary, and one declined.

Source: CNN

Minnesota churches roiled by legal battle over ICE surveillance and right to protest

What Happened: Homeland Security agents surveilled University Baptist Church in Minneapolis four times while investigating anti-ICE protests, including sending an undercover agent inside. The church is part of religious groups that had already won a federal injunction restricting immigration enforcement at houses of worship.

Why It Matters: Federal agents went undercover inside a church while investigating people protesting ICE. People should be able to protest the government or gather in a place of worship without worrying that federal agents are secretly watching them.

Source: Associated Press

Human & Civil Rights Abuses

Trump criticizes Smithsonian’s focus on oppression

What Happened: Trump again criticized the Smithsonian for focusing too much on oppression and called for a five-year George Washington exhibition and a 30-foot Washington statue outside the National Museum of American History. He has also threatened Smithsonian funding and pushed changes to exhibits involving slavery and Confederate monuments.

Why It Matters: Trump and his cronies are trying to rewrite American history, including sanitizing slavery and downplaying oppression. Rewriting history and controlling what people are allowed to learn is a classic authoritarian tactic.

Source: Reuters

Government Disruption

Census Quietly Changes Charter for Key Policy Committee, Opening Door for Political Interference

What Happened: The Census Bureau quietly changed the charter of a key committee overseeing privacy, confidentiality, and statistical integrity. Political appointees now have leadership and permanent roles on a committee historically led by career officials, while language rejecting “undue political or other external influence” was removed.

Why It Matters: The Census is supposed to produce reliable data without political interference. Putting political appointees in charge of decisions involving that data opens the door to manipulating an agency Americans rely on for everything from elections to federal funding.

Source: Talking Points Memo

U.S. Postal Service Failed to Properly Handle Some Ballots During This Year’s Primary Elections, Audit Finds

What Happened: A Postal Service audit found training failures, tracking problems, and incorrect postmarks in the handling of ballots during this year’s primaries. In Pennsylvania, 56 ballots received the wrong postmark and another 108 had to be rushed across the state on Election Day after being mixed with other mail.

Source: ProPublica

A US Census Report on Noncitizen Voting Used Bad Data to Reach Faulty Conclusions

What Happened: A Census Bureau report claimed more than 24,000 noncitizens voted in the 2020 election, a finding Trump quickly promoted. But Census experts identified serious problems with the data and said the numbers were likely caused by data matching errors. The report also lacked key details explaining its methodology, and some of its authors were political appointees or researchers tied to Trump-aligned organizations.

Source: WIRED

US judge rules that Trump plan to halve FEMA workforce violated law

What Happened: A federal judge ruled that DHS broke the law by ordering FEMA to cut its workforce roughly in half, including thousands of disaster response reservists. The judge also found that FEMA and DHS officials used Signal on personal phones to discuss the cuts and deleted messages relevant to the case.

Source: CNBC

Imperial & Geopolitical Watch

Iranian vessel struck on Strait of Hormuz, as Houthis expand control of oil shipping lane

What Happened: An Iranian cargo vessel was struck near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one person and wounding four, according to Iranian state media. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthis are expanding their control around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as Saudi oil shipments are increasingly rerouted because of disruptions in Hormuz.

Why It Matters: Trump’s war with Iran is creating economic chaos with no end in sight. Two of the world’s most important shipping routes are now under threat, pushing energy and shipping costs even higher.

Source: CBS News

U.S. Links Chinese Satellite Imagery to Iranian Strike That Killed Three Troops

What Happened: U.S. officials concluded that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of a U.S. air base in Jordan from Chinese entities before a July ballistic missile attack that killed three American troops and wounded four others.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Ukrainians embed with US forces during drills in Germany to teach the latest in drone warfare

What Happened: Ukrainian troops embedded with U.S. forces during Army exercises in Germany to teach drone and electronic-warfare tactics developed while fighting Russia. The Army used roughly 1,900 drones during the drills, and some U.S. soldiers had previously traveled to Ukraine to learn directly from Ukrainian forces.

Why It Matters: Despite Trump’s betrayal of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces are still sharing what they have learned on the battlefield to help the U.S. military prepare for how wars are being fought today.

Source: Associated Press

Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch

Ukraine’s refusal to give up territory to Russia stalls peace deal, Trump envoy says

What Happened: Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner said Ukraine’s refusal to withdraw from its territory that Putin wants is the main obstacle to an agreement. Kushner said that if Ukraine withdraws to Russia’s proposed line, “the rest of the deal” is largely in place.

Why It Matters: Russia invaded a sovereign country and is committing genocide, yet Kremlin shill Kushner is blaming Ukraine for standing in the way because it refuses to surrender its land to Putin. It’s grotesque and un-American.

Source: Kyiv Independent

Russia is weaponizing US-built AI to make killer drones, cyberattack bots, and fake news

What Happened: Anthropic found Russia-based actors using Claude to develop autonomous attack drone technology capable of selecting human targets and issuing detonation commands without a person making the final decision. Other Russian-linked operations used AI for cyber espionage, fake news, propaganda, and influence operations. Anthropic says the drone technology was being tested but had not yet been deployed in the field.

Source: Defense One

Unmasking RussiaAnother Explosion Hits a Bulgarian Arms Company That Russia Has Targeted BeforeAnother weapons facility in Bulgaria was hit by an explosion and fire overnight. Normally, I would wait for an investigation to determine what happened, but this one immediately caught my attention because of the company behind the facility. It belongs to EMCO, a Bulgarian arms company whose owner and facilities have been at the center of several of Russia’s sabotage and assassination operations going back more than a decade…Read more6 days ago · 159 likes · 8 comments · Olga Lautman

Economic News

US consumer prices accelerate in August, push Fed closer to rate hike

What Happened: Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August and 3.4% from a year earlier. Gasoline jumped 3.9%, while other motor fuels, including diesel, surged 9.6% in a single month. Inflation-adjusted hourly earnings fell 0.3% from a year earlier as prices continued to outpace wages.

Source: Reuters

Resistance

Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…

Source: 50501

By the Numbers

• 70,000+ — Federal job postings that included Trump’s political “loyalty” question

• $85 million — Value of the Georgia land deal tied to the planned Trump Tower in Tbilisi

• 24,000+ — Noncitizens a flawed and disputed Census report claimed voted in the 2020 election

• 1,900 — Drones used during U.S. Army exercises in Germany where Ukrainian troops helped train American forces

• 9.6% — One-month jump in the price of motor fuels including diesel

What to Watch Next

Election interference is escalating ahead of the midterms — How much further will Trump and his allies go in trying to expand control over elections?

Federal surveillance and pressure on critics is expanding — Will the regime go further in using federal agencies to monitor protesters, journalists, and other critics?

Trump’s DOJ is expanding investigations into his political opponents — Who will prosecutors target next as the investigations widen?

Trump’s Iran war is spreading across the region — Will fighting around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb cause even greater disruption to global shipping and energy supplies?

Trump’s team is pressuring Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia — How much further will the U.S. push Ukraine to surrender while Russia continues its genocidal attacks?

Key Takeaways

Rising Costs — Inflation accelerated again in August as gasoline and diesel prices jumped and wages failed to keep pace. Trump’s expanding Iran war is putting even more pressure on global energy and shipping costs.

Election Interference — With the midterms weeks away, Trump and his cronies are pushing several different ways to expand federal power over elections.

Political Retribution — DOJ is expanding investigations involving Trump’s political opponents and former officials who investigated him, while other parts of the federal government are being used to pressure journalists, protesters, and critics.

Authoritarian Tactics — From political loyalty tests and surveillance inside a church to pressure on the Smithsonian and the press, the regime is using federal power to control institutions, information, and dissent.

Russia & Ukraine — Trump’s cronies are blaming Ukraine for refusing to surrender its own territory while Russia continues its invasion. At the same time, Russia is experimenting with American AI for drones, cyber operations and propaganda.

Call to Action

Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.

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Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.

Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.

Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.

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Today’s Report

1. Overview

2. White House News

3. Truth Social Posts

4. Government Department News

5. Selected Democratic Officials

6. AI & Tech Company News

7. Congressional Watch

1. Overview

President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to remove Canadian-origin goods from federal civil procurement, citing what the White House describes as discriminatory “Buy Canadian” policies. Additionally, President Trump signed an Executive Order replacing the previous Chesapeake Bay water quality policy to prioritize “results-driven” projects and eliminate “rain taxes.” The President also signed S. 32 and S. 307 into law, the latter addressing sexual harassment of Bureau of Prisons staff, and proclaimed September 17–23 as Constitution Week. During a visit to North Carolina, the White House claimed the President’s policies have “driven crime down” and provided tax cuts.

President Donald J. Trump asserted via Truth Social that United States interest rates “should be 1%, or less” and proposed that ceasing trade with countries with which the U.S. has a deficit would generate “at least, 1.5 Trillion Dollars a year.” Trump also highlighted reports that the National Weather Service is changing the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” and noted that the first-ever midterm RNC event received over 100 million live stream views.

The State Department reported to Congress that the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization failed to meet commitments under the Middle East Peace Commitments Act, leading to an extension of visa sanctions against their officials. Additionally, the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team released a report estimating that North Korean overseas labor programs generate $800 million annually for weapons programs. The U.S. congratulated Mexico on its 216th anniversary, noting bilateral cooperation on trade and security. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Gen. Christopher Mahoney are scheduled to host a POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony on September 18, 2026.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1050 to require disclosures for AI-generated performers in advertisements and SB 1392, “Jay Leno’s Law,” to provide smog-check exemptions for certain collector cars. Governor Newsom also certified a zero-emissions ferry project for judicial streamlining, criticizing House Republicans’ stance on clean air protections. Governor Wes Moore announced $1.36 million in grants for gun violence prevention. Governor Gretchen Whitmer published a Wall Street Journal op-ed arguing against Republican tariff policies. U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock announced $12 million in federal funding for the Tybee Island beach renourishment project. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act to ban the corporate practice of medicine. First Lady Britainy Beshear of Kentucky stated that 837,000 residents face hunger, attributing the issue in part to the “President’s tariffs and unforgiving policy decisions.”

OpenAI introduced a framework for disclosing model misalignment, stating its view that the “AI industry has solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.” The company released six initial reports detailing observations of model behaviors such as concealing information or taking unsanctioned actions.

On September 15, 2026, the Senate confirmed Matthew R. Byrne as a U.S. District Judge and advanced legislation regarding student athlete rights. The House passed several measures, including the Whistleblower Protection Act, and voted to table a resolution impeaching President Donald John Trump. The House also approved a resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran and passed H.J. Res. 210 to disapprove of an EPA rule regarding vessel pollution standards. Various committees conducted hearings on topics including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, nuclear spent fuel policy, and the Economy Act.

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2. White House News

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores Reciprocity in Government Procurement

President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to remove Canadian-origin goods from Federal Civil Government Procurement. According to the White House, this action responds to Canada’s measures that have “denied U.S. firms access to Canada’s federal and provincial procurement markets.” The White House states President Trump is acting to “hold Canada accountable” for its “continued unreasonable and discriminatory treatment of U.S. goods,” which the White House claims has “burdened and disadvantaged hardworking Americans,” while continuing to “deliver on his promise” to prioritize American workers, farmers, and businesses.

Reference: Original White House release

Restoring Reciprocity in Government Procurement

The White House issued a memorandum directing officials to address what it describes as “unreasonable or discriminatory practices” regarding Canada’s “Buy Canadian” policy, which the administration claims limits United States company access to Canadian procurement markets. The President directed the Office of Management and Budget and the United States Trade Representative to identify Canadian-origin items in the federal civil procurement system to be “removed or made non-available for purchase.” The Trade Representative will monitor these markets and report any circumstances warranting further action or policy reversals.

Reference: Original White House release

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Provides Meaningful Water Quality Improvements Through Collaboration and Oversight of Federal Support

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal resources toward projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality, aiming to create a “more efficient, accountable, and results-driven effort.” According to the White House, the administration intends to support a healthy bay while avoiding “burdensome and costly ‘rain taxes.’” The White House stated that President Trump has taken action “to protect Americans’ pocketbooks while ensuring Americans have clean air and water” and intends to remove “unnecessary administrative costs” associated with these environmental efforts.

Reference: Original White House release

Providing Meaningful Water Quality Improvements Through Collaboration and Oversight of Federal Support

The White House revoked Executive Order 13508, stating it lacked clarity and led to “harmful economic impacts” via “rain taxes” that impose financial burdens on residents. The administration reports that watershed jurisdictions have made significant progress toward pollution reduction goals. Under this new order, federal agencies must prioritize direct, measurable projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency is directed to coordinate with local jurisdictions to assess stormwater fees and encourage their repeal, focusing on strategies grounded in “objective metrics.”

Reference: Original White House release

Constitution Day, Citizenship Day, and Constitution Week, 2026

President Donald J. Trump proclaimed September 17 through September 23, 2026, as Constitution Week. The White House states that the Constitution is “the very foundation of our Republic” and claims the administration is “restoring truth and sanity to American history.” The President asserts he ended “the weaponization of Government” and accuses “communists and far-left radicals” of promoting “failed ideologies.” Trump calls on leaders to educate students on citizenship rights, stating his administration will ensure the Constitution is “defended as the supreme law of the land.”

Reference: Original White House release

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2026

President Donald J. Trump proclaimed September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The White House stated the occasion pays tribute to those held in captivity and the “approximately 80,000 souls still missing in action.” According to the White House, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recently reached its 800th identification of remains from the Korean War. The proclamation emphasizes a commitment to “achieve the fullest possible accounting of all missing warriors,” asserting that the administration “will spare no effort or resource” to fulfill this promise.

Reference: Original White House release

Congressional Bills S. 32 and S. 307 Signed into Law

On September 16, 2026, the President signed S. 32, the “Local Access to Courts Act,” into law, authorizing court proceedings in College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California. Additionally, the President signed S. 307, the “Prison Staff safety Enhancement Act.” The White House stated this legislation “establishes requirements for the Bureau of Prisons within the Department of Justice to address sexual harassment and sexual assault on Bureau of Prisons staff by incarcerated individuals.”

Reference: Original White House release

Safer, Stronger, Built in America: President Trump’s Record in North Carolina

The White House announced President Donald J. Trump is visiting North Carolina to promote Republican leadership, claiming his administration “driven crime down,” increased investments in various sectors, and provided “historic Working Families Tax Cuts.” The White House states these actions have made the state “stronger, safer, and more prosperous.” Asserting a contrast in leadership, the White House claims North Carolinians must choose between building on current gains or handing “Radical Left Democrats” the power to “bring the chaos back” to the state.

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump shared that interest rates in the United States “should be 1%, or less” because the nation possesses the “Best Credit in the World — BY FAR.” He asserted that the country is “BOOMING with new Investment” and proposed that ceasing trade with countries with which the United States has a deficit would generate “at least, 1.5 Trillion Dollars a year.” Describing the word deficit as “nothing more than a fancy word for LOSS,” Trump argued that the United States is “carrying” almost every country in the world and called to “LOWER THE INTEREST RATES FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND FAST!”

Regarding domestic news and party affairs, Trump highlighted reports that the National Weather Service is beginning to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” on maps and weather forecasts. He also noted that the first-ever midterm RNC garnered over 100 million live stream views.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Sanctioning Officials of the Palestinian Authority and Members of the Palestine Liberation Organization

The State Department reported to Congress that the PLO and PA failed to meet commitments under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act and Middle East Peace Commitments Act. The Department cites actions undermining peace, including seeking unilateral recognition, internationalizing the conflict, and paying stipends to terrorists. Consequently, the U.S. will extend visa sanctions against PA officials and PLO members under the MEPCA, while maintaining an existing waiver for the PLO Observer Mission to the UN.

Joint Statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) on the Report Covering the DPRK’s Overseas Labour Program

Participating states of the MSMT released a report on North Korea’s evasion of UN sanctions through overseas labor programs. The MSMT estimates 35,600 to 101,280 laborers, primarily in China and Russia, generate up to $800 million annually to fund North Korea’s weapons programs. The report addresses the monitoring gap following the 2024 disbandment of the UN Panel of Experts, and the participating states urge the UN Security Council to reestablish the panel to ensure continued implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Mexico National Day

The United States congratulated Mexico on its 216th anniversary of independence. The statement notes that under President Trump, the nations have established “fairer trade” and “deeper cooperation on security.” The U.S. characterizes the bilateral relationship as impacted by transnational organized crime, narcoterrorism, and mass migration. The U.S. expresses commitment to a “safe, free, and prosperous Mexico” and highlights collaborative efforts to “degrade and dismantle the narcoterrorist groups” as part of ongoing work between the two countries.

Department of War (war.gov)

Hegseth, Mahoney Host the War Department’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Mahoney will host the Department of War National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony on September 18, 2026, at the Pentagon River Terrace Parade Field. The event honors individuals held captive and returned, as well as those remaining unaccounted for from past conflicts. Media coverage requires an RSVP by September 17, and journalists must undergo security screening. The event is open to the press, excluding pooled TV/video coverage.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

February

This page lists speeches and remarks published by the United States Trade Representative during February 2026.

Don’t Let International Law Get In the Way of Peace and Prosperity

This item is a speech or remark titled “Don’t Let International Law Get In the Way of Peace and Prosperity” published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.16.2026

Governor Newsom announced several appointments: Patrick Brown as Chief Deputy Director of the Housing Development and Finance Committee; Kevin Hixon as Deputy Director for Facility Support of the Division of Adult Institutions; Rohit Chopra to the Governor’s Military Council; and Andrea Rosales to the Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training. These positions do not require Senate confirmation.

Governor Newsom cuts red tape to accelerate new zero-emissions ferry project in San Francisco Bay

Governor Newsom certified the San Francisco Bay Ferry and City of Berkeley’s water transportation project for judicial streamlining under Senate Bill 149. The project will replace the Berkeley Municipal Pier with a dual-purpose pier supporting recreation and all-electric ferry service. The Governor criticized House Republicans for voting to challenge clean air protections for ships and boats, labeling the actions a “giveaway to Big Oil.” The project aims to reduce vehicle traffic and improve climate resilience.

Governor Newsom signs new law to protect workers, require disclosures on AI-generated advertising

Governor Newsom signed SB 1050, authored by Senator Angelique Ashby, requiring clear disclosure in video or audio advertisements that use AI-generated performers. The bill prohibits the use of advertisements that violate these disclosure requirements. Governor Newsom stated the law puts “commonsense guardrails in place to protect consumers, performers, and promote stronger transparency.” The bill was sponsored by SAG-AFTRA to prevent AI from replacing human performers and to ensure consumers are informed when synthetic figures are utilized.

Governor Newsom visits Jay Leno’s Garage to sign legislation celebrating and preserving California’s classic car and lowrider heritage

Governor Newsom signed SB 1392, known as “Jay Leno’s Law,” to create a phased smog-check exemption for specific collector cars from 1976–1985 that are driven under 1,000 miles annually or insured as collector vehicles. He also signed AB 2541, which establishes a specialized lowrider license plate to honor Chicano and Latino cultural heritage. Additionally, the Governor signed SB 1069 to expedite the review process for aftermarket parts manufacturers. Newsom stated these measures protect “a treasured part of California culture.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (ocasio-cortez.house.gov)

Ocasio-Cortez, Warren, Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Subramanyam Introduce Bill to Ban the Corporate Practice of Medicine

Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Val Hoyle, and Suhas Subramanyam, alongside Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley, introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act. The bill seeks to ban the corporate practice of medicine to ensure health decisions remain with physicians. Proponents argue that private equity and corporate entities prioritize shareholder profits over patient care. The legislation is modeled after Oregon state law and aims to prevent corporate entities from utilizing management services organizations to influence clinical operations, staffing, and billing.

Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)

Governor Whitmer Pens Wall Street Journal Op-Ed Against Tariffs

Governor Whitmer published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, arguing that “costly tariff policies” from Republicans in Washington are harming Michigan families and businesses. Citing the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, she stated that Michigan families have faced an “highest tariff burden at more than $5,600 per household since January 2025.” Whitmer called for a “smarter, strategic trade policy” to lower costs and support American manufacturing, while highlighting her administration’s efforts to lower costs through tax cuts, free pre-K, and school meals.

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Announces $1.36 Million in Awards to Expand Prevention, Reduction of Gun Violence

Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Health announced $1.36 million in grants awarded to 17 organizations to address gun violence. The funding supports community groups, law enforcement, and health departments in promoting firearm safety, victim services, and suicide prevention. Governor Moore stated that the administration is “getting tough on crime and the root causes of crime.” Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani described gun violence as a “public health epidemic,” noting that these programs inform future strategies to address the issue.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Check On Your Neighbors During Hunger Action Month

First Lady Britainy Beshear writes that Hunger Action Month serves as a reminder to assist neighbors, noting that 837,000 Kentuckians, including 258,000 children, currently face hunger. She attributes this to high costs, “the President’s tariffs and unforgiving policy decisions,” and federal restrictions on SNAP benefits. The First Lady details Team Kentucky’s efforts to address hunger, including funding food banks, supporting student summer meal programs, and legal action against the Trump administration regarding SNAP suspensions. She calls on citizens to volunteer or donate to help fellow Kentuckians.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Jon Ossoff (ossoff.senate.gov)

Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Delivering $12 Million in Federal Funds to Support Tybee Island Beach Renourishment Project

U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock announced the delivery of $12 million in federal funding for the Tybee Island beach renourishment project. Following the exclusion of the project from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2026 work plan, the Senators urged the agency to allocate funds. Tybee Island Mayor Brian West stated the Senators are “persistent advocates” who helped secure resources to “nourish our beach and protect our island.” The project aims to mitigate storm surge and erosion damage.

6. AI & Tech Company News

OpenAI (openai.com)

Our framework for reporting model misalignment

OpenAI introduced a framework to track, investigate, and disclose model misalignment. The company states that current industry practices for reporting are “ad hoc and less frequent than ideal” and believes “the AI industry has solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.” The framework prioritizes transparency even when significance is uncertain. OpenAI also released six initial reports on observed model behaviors, ranging from concealing information to taking unsanctioned actions.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-15 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

Senate

The Senate confirmed one judicial nomination and continued proceedings on two separate measures regarding digital assets and college athlete rights. Senators also conducted committee business, including hearings on nominations, FBI oversight, and intelligence matters.

• Matthew R. Byrne — Confirmation of U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio [Passed 52-45 (Vote No. EX. 233)]

• H.R. 3633 — Motion to close debate on proceeding to consider digital asset regulation [Rejected 49-50 (Vote No. EX. 234)]

• S. 4668 — Motion to close debate on proceeding to consider legislation regarding student athlete rights [Passed 74-24 (Vote No. EX. 235)]

House of Representatives

The House passed several bills under suspension of the rules, including measures addressing elder fraud, whistleblower protections, and energy standards. Additionally, the House tabled an impeachment resolution against President Donald John Trump and approved a resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

• H. Res. 1486 — Motion to table the resolution impeaching President Donald John Trump [Passed 232-147-47 (Roll No. 298)]

• H. Res. 1530 — Rule providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 210 [Passed 214-211 (Roll No. 300)]

• H.R. 2978 — Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act [Passed 414-7 (Roll No. 301)]

• H.R. 8278 — Fostering the Use of Technology to Uphold Regulatory Effectiveness in Supervision Act [Passed 417-7 (Roll No. 302)]

• H.R. 4646 — Whistleblower Protection Act [Passed 424-0 (Roll No. 303)]

• H.R. 2140 — Diesel Emissions Reduction Act [Passed 343-79 (Roll No. 304)]

• H.R. 9500 — Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act [Passed 408-17 (Roll No. 305)]

• H.J. Res. 210 — Congressional disapproval of an EPA rule regarding vessel pollution standards [Passed 216-11 (Roll No. 306)]

• H. Con. Res. 93 — Directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran [Passed 220-204 (Roll No. 307)]

Committee Highlights

• SENATE - Committee on Finance — examined the nominations of Gerard Klomp, Ge Bai, James Gadwood, and Andrew A. De Mello

• SENATE - Committee on the Judiciary — examined the Federal Bureau of Investigation

• SENATE - Select Committee on Intelligence — examined intelligence matters in a closed session

• HOUSE - Committee on Appropriations (Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government) — examined the Economy Act

• HOUSE - Committee on Appropriations (Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies) — examined the Federal Aviation Administration

• HOUSE - Committee on Education and Workforce — examined union politics

• HOUSE - Committee on Energy and Commerce (Subcommittee on Energy) — examined nuclear spent fuel policy

• HOUSE - Committee on Energy and Commerce (Subcommittee on Health) — examined legislative proposals to reform Medicare provider payment and bolster cybersecurity

• HOUSE - Committee on Financial Services — examined the international financial system

• HOUSE - Committee on Foreign Affairs (Europe Subcommittee) — examined U.S. policy in the Western Balkans

• HOUSE - Committee on Foreign Affairs (South and Central Asia Subcommittee) — examined covert foreign malign influence operations in America

• HOUSE - Committee on Foreign Affairs (Western Hemisphere Subcommittee) — examined the Ortega-Murillo regime

• HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement) — examined sanctuary laws

• HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance) — examined missing and murdered indigenous people

• HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet) — examined the International Criminal Court

• HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Oversight) — examined voter fraud in New Jersey

• HOUSE - Committee on Natural Resources — marked up various measures concerning public lands, water rights, and wildlife management

• HOUSE - Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services) — examined oral chemotherapy affordability

• HOUSE - Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency) — examined homelessness services

• HOUSE - Committee on Oversight and Government Reform — marked up a resolution to find Leon David Black in contempt of Congress

• HOUSE - Committee on Science, Space, and Technology — examined technology for disaster prediction and response

• HOUSE - Committee on Small Business — examined the impact of digital assets on small businesses

• HOUSE - Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure — marked up various infrastructure and aviation-related measures

Coming Up

The Senate will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to the Protect College Sports Act on September 16, 2026. The House is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. on September 16, 2026.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-15

Today’s Report

1. Overview

2. White House News

3. Truth Social Posts

4. Government Department News

5. Selected Democratic Officials

6. AI & Tech Company News

7. Congressional Watch

1. Overview

The White House reported that First Lady Melania Trump visited Mountain View Elementary in Ashe County, North Carolina, to observe regional recovery efforts and celebrate student progress alongside 2026 Presidential AI Challenge National Champion Carrie Robledo. The White House stated that the First Lady, joined by NVIDIA, StudyFetch, and BE BEST Fostering the Future, facilitated the donation of 1,500 AI literacy licenses and 100 robotics kits. Additionally, the White House announced that one year after the creation of the Memphis Safe Task Force, city crime fell 28% in 2025, claiming President Trump “restored law and order.”

President Trump used Truth Social to criticize the Supreme Court for rulings on “Mail-In voting,” tariffs, and birthright citizenship, alleging the Court is “bullied and cajoled by the Radical Left.” He further claimed the FBI mishandled the investigation into his assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, and called for consequences for Christopher Wray. Regarding the Kennedy Center, Trump announced the board voted to close the building for reconstruction due to a ceiling collapse, asserting that he has contributed 17 million dollars to the facility. Additionally, Trump endorsed books by Charles Payne and Brian Pannebecker.

The State Department announced new visa restrictions for foreign nationals involved in race-based discrimination in South Africa and held discussions with officials from Syria and Oman regarding regional security and counter-proliferation. The Department of War announced that Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg signed a memorandum to align defense industrial contracting with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to align U.S. and German defense industrial strategies. The Department of Health and Human Services announced $1.5 million in supplemental funding for faith-based substance use prevention in Alabama, Kansas, and West Virginia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Administration is focusing international financial institutions on core mandates and emphasized the impact of domestic economic policies. The Office of the United States Trade Representative convened 50 trading partners to provide training on enforcing forced labor import prohibitions.

Governor Newsom proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2026, as “Latino Heritage Month” and signed a wildfire recovery package mandating smoke damage remediation standards. Results For America awarded California platinum certification for data-driven operations. Governor Whitmer announced a $93.2 million expansion by Hansae Mobility in Michigan. Governor Moore announced a new Holly Poultry facility in Maryland expected to create 140 jobs. Governor Beshear signed an executive order to erase $250 million in medical debt for 130,000 Kentuckians. Governor Pritzker requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA for Illinois and scheduled a press conference to address the impact of the federal “Operation Midway Blitz.” Governor Walz stated that Minnesota is safer, citing a 14% decrease in violent crime in the Twin Cities.

There is no relevant source material for AI and tech companies for this date.

On September 14, 2026, the Senate voted 47-46 to invoke cloture on the nomination of Matthew R. Byrne and passed a resolution supporting Patriot Week. The House passed numerous measures, including H.R. 3276 regarding family and medical leave for military families and H.R. 10167 regarding the minting of pennies, while Representative Green announced an intent to offer a privileged resolution to impeach President Trump. The House Committee on Rules examined resolutions concerning EPA rules and sanctions on Russia and Iran.

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2. White House News

First Lady Melania Trump’s Special Visit to Ashe County, North Carolina Bearing Witness to a Community’s Resilience

First Lady Melania Trump returned to Mountain View Elementary in Ashe County, North Carolina, marking a new chapter in the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. The White House reported that Mrs. Trump highlighted the community’s resilience and shift toward artificial intelligence. Alongside 2026 Presidential AI Challenge National Champion Carrie Robledo, the First Lady celebrated the progress of students. Additionally, BE BEST Fostering the Future, NVIDIA, and StudyFetch donated 1,500 AI literacy licenses and 100 robotics kits to support students in exploring new technical skills.

Reference: Original White House release

President Trump Promised to Make Memphis Safe Again. One Year Later, the Numbers Prove It.

One year after President Donald J. Trump created the Memphis Safe Task Force, the White House reports that the city is “being reclaimed from the violent crime and chaos.” The White House states that the task force coordinated over 30 agencies to conduct arrests and seize illegal firearms. According to the White House, overall crime fell 28% in 2025 compared to 2024, with murders dropping 26% and robberies 31%. The White House claims President Trump “restored law and order” and “proved that decline is a choice.”

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump shared an opinion piece regarding leaks about Iran. Regarding domestic affairs, Trump criticized the United States Supreme Court for a series of rulings he described as a “disaster,” specifically citing decisions related to “Mail-In voting,” tariffs, and birthright citizenship. He claimed the Court is “bullied and cajoled by the Radical Left” and argued these rulings cause “irreparable and unrecoverable harm” to the nation. Additionally, Trump alleged that the FBI under the “Crooked Joe Biden” administration mishandled the investigation into the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, characterizing the event as a “Democrat Plot.” He stated that “Dirty Cop Christopher Wray should pay a price” for his handling of the situation.

Concerning the Kennedy Center, Trump announced that the Board of The Kennedy Center voted to close the building for safety reasons and reconstruction. He stated that a concrete and steel ceiling collapse had recently occurred, which he asserted would have killed people had the building been occupied. Trump contended the facility was “failing badly” when he took over and noted that he has contributed 17 million dollars to keep it afloat. He added that a “hostile and conflicted Judge” has hindered efforts to renovate the building, which he claims is currently in a “virtual state of collapse.”

In matters of media and literature, Trump endorsed a book by Charles Payne, describing him as a “true professional” who understands how to “unleash the American Dream.” He also promoted a book by Brian Pannebecker, for which he wrote the foreword. Trump praised Pannebecker as a “Great Patriot” who understands the “Wisdom, Courage, and TARIFFS required to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” and credited him with helping to secure “Historic Victories” in three presidential campaigns.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Secretary Rubio’s Call with Foreign Minister al-Shaibani

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss increasing bilateral cooperation and regional security. According to Spokesman Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of integrating Syria’s minority groups and “lauded Syria’s progress with the IAEA.”

Announcement of New Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Foreign Nationals Involved in Race-Based Discrimination

The State Department announced visa restrictions under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for foreign nationals complicit in uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, or the incitement of violence against minority groups in South Africa. Referencing President Trump’s Executive Order 14204, the announcement states that the U.S. is “gravely concerned” regarding discrimination against Afrikaners and other minorities. The policy aims to address actions that the State Department asserts “directly undermine peace, economic stability, and the rule of law.”

Papua New Guinea National Day

The United States extended congratulations to Papua New Guinea on its 51st anniversary of independence. The statement noted that the U.S.–Papua New Guinea Strategic Partnership Dialogue builds on momentum to strengthen security and prosperity, and expressed an intention to further enhance ties between the two nations.

Secretary Rubio’s Call with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Oman’s role in regional deescalation and “condemned recent Iranian attacks on commercial ships and countries in the region.” According to Spokesman Tommy Pigott, the Secretary reiterated the U.S. commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while expressing support for deepening U.S.-Oman relations.

Nicaragua National Day

The United States issued a statement of solidarity with the Nicaraguan people on their independence day. The release stated that Nicaraguan aspirations for a future “free from tyranny” persist despite the “Murillo-Ortega dictatorship’s brutal efforts to annihilate it.”

Costa Rica National Day

The United States congratulated Costa Rica on its Independence Day, highlighting a partnership focused on dismantling criminal organizations, securing telecommunications, and disrupting illegal immigration. The State Department noted Costa Rica’s role as a member of the “Shield of the Americas” and “Pax Silica.” The statement expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Laura Fernández, the bilateral partnership will continue to advance regional security and prosperity.

Department of War (war.gov)

Deputy Secretary of War Directs Actions to Foster One Strong Industrial Base

Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg signed a memorandum to remove accounting and compliance barriers between the defense industrial base and the broader economy. The directive replaces government-unique cost accounting with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and mandates reliance on competitive market forces. Deputy Secretary Feinberg stated, “Selling to the Department of War should be a line of business, not a corporate identity.” The policy implements Executive Order 14402, prioritizing fixed-price contracts and simplifying business-system criteria to improve speed and supply chain transparency.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Hosts Honor Cordon and Meeting With Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius met to intensify bilateral defense industrial cooperation. Secretary Hegseth announced plans to sign a statement of intent aligning U.S. acquisition strategies with Germany’s industrial strategy to facilitate joint production and sustainment. Minister Pistorius highlighted Russia as the primary threat to the alliance and noted Germany has increased its defense spending to $147 billion USD. Both parties emphasized the necessity of European nations assuming greater responsibility for conventional deterrence within NATO.

Contracts for Sept. 15, 2026

The Department of War announced several contract awards, including $117.7 million to Clark Construction Group for barracks construction and $73.7 million to Walsh Federal for a secure operations facility. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. received a $28.4 million harbor dredging contract. Additionally, four companies will compete for a $26.2 million software engineering contract. The Department issued corrections for two contracts announced on September 11, 2026, noting an updated completion date for Onebrief Inc. and the cancellation of a Northrop Grumman award.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

HHS Announces Supplemental Funding Awards for Faith-Based Prevention in Alabama, Kansas, and West Virginia

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $500,000 in supplemental funding for each of three states—Alabama, Kansas, and West Virginia—to support faith-based substance use prevention. Part of the Strategic Prevention Framework–Partnerships for Success grants, the funding aligns with President Trump’s “Great American Recovery.” The initiatives focus on engaging youth through community-based needs assessments and partnerships. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated, “Faith leaders are uniquely positioned to reach young people at a critical point in their lives.”

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

Statement from Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent Before the United States House Committee on Financial Services

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated that the Administration is focusing international financial institutions on “core mandates” and economic growth. Domestically, he cited President Trump’s economic policies for creating over 1 million jobs, noting that real wages are outpacing inflation. Bessent credited the Working Families Tax Cuts with providing tax relief and preventing a $5 trillion tax hike. Additionally, he stated that the U.S. is conducting an “economic isolation campaign” against Iran to end its threat, utilizing American economic strength to support these foreign policy goals.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

USTR Convenes Over 50 Trading Partners to Provide Training Related to Imposing and Enforcing Forced Labor Import Prohibitions

The Office of the United States Trade Representative convened representatives from over 50 trading partners to provide training and technical assistance on enforcing forced labor import prohibitions. This initiative involves the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Labor. According to the USTR, 12 additional economies have adopted similar prohibitions by July 2026 following a Section 301 investigation. The Trump Administration stated it is “committed to addressing this unfair trade practice” to establish a new global standard for worker protection.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

Governor Newsom proclaims Latino Heritage Month

Governor Newsom proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2026, as “Latino Heritage Month.” The proclamation states that Latino communities are “inseparable from the life and identity” of California and have served as a “driving force” for the state. The Governor asserted that honoring this heritage requires confronting “xenophobia, harmful stereotypes, and rhetoric that attempts to cast its members as outsiders,” while committing to state investments in education and childcare to ensure all families have opportunities to pursue their dreams.

California honored for nation-leading efficiency and data-driven improvements in state services and programs

Results For America awarded California platinum certification for its use of data and evidence in government operations. Governor Newsom stated this reflects the administration’s success in increasing the impact of taxpayer dollars. According to Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros, the state has modernized operations through integrated systems like the Cradle-to-Career Data System and simplified hiring processes. The administration highlighted various efficiency efforts, including the AI-powered “AskCA” digital assistant, DMV modernization, and new technology tools for wildfire and extreme heat management.

Governor Newsom signs wildfire recovery package to strengthen protections and focus on rebuilding for survivors

Governor Newsom signed four bills aimed at enhancing wildfire recovery and mortgage protections. The legislation mandates scientific testing and remediation standards for smoke-damaged homes—a first-in-the-nation measure—and requires insurers to cover these costs. Assemblymembers Harabedian and Gipson noted the laws aim to provide “scientific certainty” for residents. Additionally, the package permanently extends mortgage forbearance for disaster-affected homeowners and provides further relief for survivors of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires, ensuring they are not forced to pay mortgages for destroyed homes.

Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)

Gov. Whitmer Announces 102 New Jobs Coming to Chesterfield Township by South Korean Automotive Components Manufacturer Hansae Mobility

Governor Whitmer announced that Hansae Mobility USA Manufacturing, LLC will invest over $93.2 million to expand operations in Chesterfield Township, creating 102 jobs. The company specializes in vehicle driveline systems and will open a 400,000 square-foot facility to consolidate assembly and machining. The project received a $625,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant and workforce support. MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. stated the project reflects “the state’s ongoing leadership in the automotive industry” and helps “bringing supply chains home.”

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Announces Expansion of Holly Poultry in Maryland With 140 New Jobs

Holly Poultry, a Baltimore-based company, opened a new 80,000-square-foot manufacturing and production facility in Hanover, Anne Arundel County. The expansion aims to support the company’s retail grocery platform and is expected to create 140 full-time jobs over four years. Funding support includes a $750,000 conditional loan and a $50,000 grant through the Maryland Department of Commerce, plus a $75,000 conditional loan from the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation. Governor Moore stated the administration is “dedicated to supporting businesses” to create economic opportunities.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear To Relieve $250 Million in Medical Debt for More Than 130,000 Kentuckians

Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order establishing the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program, directing $2.5 million to the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to erase $250 million in debt for over 130,000 residents. Gov. Beshear stated, “Relieving this debt is the right thing to do to help Kentuckians who are overwhelmed by these extreme costs.” There is no application process; eligible residents will be notified via mail. The program covers those earning at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Gov. Pritzker Requests FEMA Disaster Assistance for Recent Severe Weather Across Illinois

On September 15, 2026, Governor Pritzker requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA following severe storms that impacted eight Illinois counties from August 11-16, 2026. The Governor also extended a Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation for these counties by thirty days. If approved, FEMA assistance would provide grants, low-cost loans, and public infrastructure support. Governor Pritzker stated, “I will always fight to secure all available federal resources needed most by our communities,” adding, “I fully expect our request for FEMA aid to be granted.”

Daily Public Schedule: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Governor Pritzker scheduled a press conference for 11:00 AM CT on September 15, 2026, at La Villita Community Church to address the impact of the Trump Administration’s “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Governor’s office described this federal immigration enforcement operation as one that “brought fear, chaos, and disruption to communities across Chicago and Illinois.”

Tim Walz (mn.gov)

Governor Walz Statement on the 2025 Uniform Crime Report

Governor Tim Walz stated that Minnesota is safer due to public safety priorities. The 2025 Uniform Crime Report shows violent crime decreased by 14% in the Twin Cities and 9% in greater Minnesota, while murders dropped from 172 to 132. Carjackings fell 31% and motor vehicle theft declined over 22%, placing the state’s violent crime rate at its lowest level since 2019. Walz attributed these results to $3.8 billion in investments for law enforcement, infrastructure, and the “One Minnesota Plan.”

6. AI & Tech Company News

No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-14 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

Senate

The Senate conducted routine proceedings and processed numerous nominations and reports. Senators also agreed to a motion to close debate on a judicial nomination and passed a resolution designating Patriot Week.

• Matthew R. Byrne — Nomination for U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio [Cloture agreed to by 47-46 vote]

• S. Res. 849 — Expressing support for Patriot Week [Agreed to]

House of Representatives

The House passed a large volume of legislation under suspension of the rules, including measures related to public land management, tribal affairs, and federal agency operations. Representative Green also announced his intent to offer a privileged resolution to impeach President Donald John Trump.

• H.R. 10159 — Conveying Fort Bragg land to North Carolina for veterans’ housing [Passed]

• H.R. 9360 — Sunset the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress [Passed]

• H.R. 9342 — Revising Government Publishing Office authorities [Passed]

• H.R. 10204 — Modifying appointment/removal of legislative branch officers [Passed]

• S. 283 — Standardizing methodology for identifying seafood country of origin [Passed]

• S. 759 — Standardizing public access to federal waterway recreational data [Passed]

• H.R. 4219 — Establishing National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team [Passed by 371-33 vote]

• H.R. 4931 — Authorizing National Park System lease extensions without bidding [Passed]

• H.R. 5063 — Ensuring staffing continuity at federal beaches [Passed]

• H.R. 6021 — Clarifying Migratory Bird Treaty Act treatment of Alaska Native handicrafts [Passed]

• H.R. 8121 — Designating the Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand in St. Croix [Passed]

• H.R. 8454 — Providing for administrative land transfers in California [Passed]

• H.R. 741 — Elevating the Director of Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary [Passed]

• S. 240 — Amending the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act [Passed]

• H.R. 2406 — Addressing sexual harassment/assault involving NOAA personnel [Passed]

• S. 550 — Providing for equitable settlement of Indian land disputes in Illinois [Passed]

• H.R. 7889 — Reauthorizing water resources research and technology institutes [Passed]

• H.R. 8658 — Modifying notification requirements for emergency Indian health services [Passed]

• S. 790 — Upgrading National Park System emergency communications to Next Generation 9-1-1 [Passed]

• H.R. 3276 — Improving family and medical leave for military families [Passed by 345-60 vote]

• H.R. 3925 — Providing for a land exchange in San Bernardino County, California [Passed]

• S. 603 — Designating the General George C. Marshall House as a national park affiliated area [Passed]

• H.R. 309 — Providing funding for the National Law Enforcement Museum [Passed]

• H.R. 6893 — Reauthorizing the Chesapeake Bay Office of NOAA [Passed]

• H.R. 2317 — Providing for transfer/disposal of federal lands in northern Nevada [Passed]

• H.R. 10167 — Stopping the minting of pennies and rounding cash transactions [Passed]

Committee Highlights

• HOUSE - COMMITTEE ON RULES — Examined several resolutions including disapprovals of EPA rules, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act, the PROOF Act, and Senate amendments regarding sanctions on Russia and Iran.

Coming Up

The Senate will continue consideration of the Matthew R. Byrne nomination and vote on confirmation at 11:15 a.m., followed by a vote on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act cloture at 2:15 p.m. The House will meet to consider H. Res. 1530, providing for the consideration of several fraud-related bills, EPA disapproval resolutions, and sanctions against Russia and Iran.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-14

Among the people who participated in an online mob targeting Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko after he refused arrest warrants for Don Lemon and Georgia Fort in January were Jack Posobiec, whose past incitement led a guy from North Carolina to drive to DC and shoot up a pizza joint filled with children.

It included Brandon Straka, who played a role in ginning up confrontation at the Michigan vote count in 2020. Straka who was prosecuted, then pardoned, for his role in January 6; at one point current makebelieve Los Angeles US Attorney Bill Essayli — a close ally of Harmeet’s — represented him.

Straka posted Don Lemon’s video with Micko’s image superimposed on it.

Others who targeted Micko included Libs of Tik Tok, who has a long history of ginning up violence against those whose political views she dislikes.

Libs cited Fox News; Fox News’ deportation propagandist, Bill Melugin, was among the first to target Micko.

Reminder: Harmeet picked a hilarious fight with Ed Whelan over his correction of Melugin’s attempt to target the Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz.

It’s one tidy mob, this far right fever swamp.

And according to a NYT story on the struggles Minnesota’s judges have faced to uphold rule of law in January, this mob had the expected result: in the wake of Harmeet’s attack on Micko on Megyn Kelly’s show, he and his family had to be moved for their own safety.

Justice Department officials were blasting Judge Micko, noting that his wife works in the office of Minnesota’s attorney general, Keith Ellison, a Democrat.

“I don’t even want to say ‘judge,’” Harmeet K. Dhillon, a senior department official, said in an interview that day with the journalist Megyn Kelly. Judge Micko, she said, “exhibited bias.”

The condemnation of Judge Micko by Trump-aligned media outlets was followed by a series of violent threats, which have not been previously reported. In the interview, Judge Schiltz revealed that Judge Micko and his family had to be moved to a secure location, where they remained for several days. Judge Schiltz said that the administration’s statements were part of what had put Judge Micko in danger.

[snip]

Behind the scenes, the district’s judges were dealing with a deluge of violent threats. After major rulings, the phones in judges’ chambers would sometimes ring nonstop, with clerks logging hundreds of incoming communications each day. Judge Jerry W. Blackwell shared one anonymous email vowing to “kill u soon.” The volume of hostile communications led the bench to create its own internal system for tracking people responsible for multiple threats, supplementing the U.S. Marshals Service, which normally handles judicial security.

The response to the NYT article describing the threats against Micko and at least one other Minnesota judge is — predictably — more attacks, including from senior Trump officials.

I think in every case I’ve covered in the last five years, at least one of the case participants  faced serious threats (including, to be sure, Aileen Cannon).

But the Don Lemon case is the one where I’ve most worried about how this currency of threats might affect defendants’ ability to get a fair trial.

And that’s because the other behavior of DOJ and DHS is so outrageous. Not just Harmeet’s platforming of bets on the outcome and her comments that appear to have led to the threats against Micko, but the way DHS fabricated their entire case against Georgia Fort in the wake of Harmeet’s failure to get arrest warrants.

It should be an easy thing to throw out the case against Fort, at least, for misconduct. Harmeet’s people literally responded to that denial of an arrest warrant, first, by riling up a violent mob, then lying about what the Eighth Circuit said, then by making shit up, and during it all, by illegally spying on journalists.

This should be an easy decision.

But thus far, it has not been.

Virtually every case I’ve covered over the last 20 years has been politically charged. But none has been tainted with this much abuse. So it should be an easy decision, at least with respect to Georgia Fort.

And yet what do you do about it with Harmeet’s mob, lurking in the background?

The post Harmeet Dhillon Dialed Up Threats against Douglas Micko appeared first on emptywheel.

This past week, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel set a record by surpassing $6 for the first time ever. And each day this week, the price has inched higher still.

The reason for it is clear: As even Fox Business admitted, “the price surge comes as the ongoing war between the United States and Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.”

What may not be quite as clear is who is bearing the brunt of these rising costs. As I examined earlier this week, increases in the price of diesel hit America’s rural areas the hardest. These are the very same areas that supported Donald Trump with a whopping 93% of the vote in the 2024 election.

What a way to pay them back.

But Trump’s betrayal of rural America goes well beyond just surging gas prices. Since his return to the White House, Trump has thrown his own rural supporters under the bus time and again. And they are not having it.

With just weeks until the midterm elections, a backlash against Trump’s devastating policies is brewing among the rural voters who helped return him to office. And Republicans on the ballot in November are about to pay the price for his betrayal.

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US AID

The first clue that Trump would have no reservations about screwing over his rural base came just hours into his second term. On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order titled “Reevaluating And Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” which initiated a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign development assistance programs.

While the devastating effect of the shuttering of USAID on starving children and families understandably received most of the world’s attention, the termination of food support programs also hit U.S. farmers hard. As AgWeb reported last February,

In Pawnee County, Kan., some farmers are rethinking their spring planting plans. With the sudden dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sorghum farmers are worried there won’t be a market for their product. They’re not alone. At least 400 producers around the country rely on contracts with USAID, and many more rely on the agency without even knowing it.

“USAID often buys from grain elevators, so that impacts smaller farmers,” says Jordan Schermerhorn, a recently furloughed USAID contractor who worked with two countries in Asia. “Tons of small farmers provide USAID assistance without even knowing it.”

USAID spent about $5 billion in food assistance globally in the 2023/24 fiscal year, with roughly $2 billion of that going to purchase U.S. commodities.

And sure enough, while emergency food assistance was initially exempted, by March, at the recommendation of Elon Musk and DOGE, over 80% of USAID programs had been canceled and by July, the entire agency was shuttered, with much of remaining USAID operations folded into the State Department.

By December, the Trump administration shifted USAID’s $1.2 billion Food For Peace program over to the USDA through an interagency agreement, which, according to Civil Eats, meant that “more than a billion dollars in funds allocated to the program for fiscal year 2025 were carried over [to 2026] because they were not spent.” But by then, much damage had been done. And farmers already had a new problem: Trump’s trade war.

Tariffs

On April 2, 2025, Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs, broad-based tariffs on a huge swath of foreign trade partners, imposed supposedly to “rectify trade practices that contribute to large and persistent annual United States goods trade deficits.” In Trump’s mind, the new tariffs would make the U.S. “good and wealthy.” But in reality, for U.S. farmers in particular, they only injected chaos and caused a massive hit to their bottom line.

As The Guardian reported shortly after Trump announced his new tariff regime,

Trump’s tariff announcements began when most farmers already had spring crops in the ground – or at the very least had prepared the land and purchased inputs such as seeds and pesticides, making it impossible to switch to crops that could potentially find a market domestically.

Consensus is growing among experts that the turmoil represents an opportunity for rival agriculture economies – and disaster for US farmers.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, warned at the time that the tariffs would “Increase input costs, shut farmers out of export markets and cause middle-class families to pay more at the grocery store.”

And sure enough, according to an AEI analysis,

US agricultural exports fell by 3 percent in 2025 compared with 2024. Most of the overall decline in US exports is accounted for by two countries: China, where imports of US goods fell by $16 billion, and Canada, where imports from the US fell by $1.3 billion.

China’s retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s trade war hit U.S. soybean growers particularly hard.

US soybean exports to China in 2025 totaled just 7.4 million metric tons, almost 20 million metric tons less than in 2024 (a decline of over 72 percent.)

And that inured to the benefit of other agricultural exporting countries.

Brazil and other soybean exporters have benefited from the Trump administration’s most recent trade war with China. Brazil’s exports to China hit record levels in 2025, topping 85 million metric tons (an increase of almost 18 percent). Argentina’s 2025 exports to China increased to 11.5 million metric tons, almost tripling their 2024 sales to that market.

According to Flathead Beacon, Trump’s trade war hit farmers in other ways as well. Take agricultural producers in Montana:

While Montana’s exports aren’t as directly impacted by the Trump administration’s tariffs, things like the 50% levy on steel have driven equipment prices up dramatically while fertilizer prices are through the roof. Nitrogen-based fertilizer, for example, costs $660 per ton while phosphorus costs $875.

“The biggest front is our input costs due to unfortunate tariffs,” Koch said. “Our fertilizer was almost the highest it’s ever been in the history of farming. The steel tariffs raised your repair bills, your parts, anything that has metal in it. It jacked those prices up – it was very, very expensive.”

Trump tried to defray these impacts with a series of trade adjustments, including a bilateral agreement with China announced last November. But again, the damage was done. On December 8, 2025, the Trump administration announced “a new $12 billion aid package for farmers who have been hit by high costs and trade troubles, especially in export markets.”

But Montana farmers scoffed at the aid program. As Tryg Koch, part-owner of Heritage Custom Farming in the Flathead Valley of Montana, told Flathead Beacon,

“The $30 per acre will help, but it’s a far cry from what the actual losses are,” Koch said.

And

In Conrad, wheat farmer and Montana Farm Bureau Federation President Cyndi Johnson said the funds will barely cover fuel costs. While she doesn’t notice direct tariff impacts for exports, she too says input prices like high fertilizer and equipment costs have been her most significant overhead.

With the expanded global supply of cheap wheat and other crops, Johnson said American farmers are pushed out of the market as they compete with countries like Russia, Ukraine and Brazil who produce cheaper and lower quality products.

ICE Raids

According to NPR, the USDA estimates that around 42% of crop farmworkers do not have legal status in the U.S. Agriculture producers get access to these seasonal workers through H-2A visas, which allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. farm sector on a temporary basis.

For months into Trump’s second term, even as his mass deportation program and ICE raids roiled communities around the country, farmworkers were largely spared. That is, until June 2025,

when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested more than 70 people at a meatpacking plant in Omaha, Neb., and other federal agents targeted farms north of Los Angeles on the same day, June 11.

A day later, Trump took to Truth Social to try to do damage control, vowing to “protect our farmers” and that “changes are coming.”

But it was clear the official policy of the Trump administration was not changing. And by July there were several stories like this:

Lisa Tate is a sixth-generation farmer in Ventura county, California…says she can see with her own eyes how raids carried out by agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) in the area’s fields earlier this month, part of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, have frightened off workers.

“In the fields, I would say 70% of the workers are gone,” she said in an interview. “If 70% of your workforce doesn’t show up, 70% of your crop doesn’t get picked and can go bad in one day.

According to FoodPrint,

One preliminary analysis shows agricultural employment declined 6.5 percent nationwide between March and July of 2025. Even if workers were to come back eventually, those temporary disruptions have big consequences on fruit and vegetable farms where crops might have a harvest window of only a few days.

Some farmers have already reported that they’ve reduced plantings in response to raids, which could quickly cut production of labor-intensive crops in areas like Florida.

Crucially,

The fear of further raids hasn’t just had a chilling effect on remaining staff’s attendance: It has also made hiring more workers difficult. And for those who do show up, the pressure to keep up production threatens to make meatpacking — already one of the most dangerous industries for workers in the country — even more risky.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Trump’s signature budget bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which he signed into law last July after it barely passed Congress along party lines, has been especially devastating for rural communities.

In order to offset the cost of the bill’s massive tax cuts, the OBBBA slashed federal Medicaid spending to the tune of a trillion dollars over ten years.

Per a KFF analysis,

The Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) latest cost estimate shows that the reconciliation package would reduce federal Medicaid spending over a decade by an estimated $911 billion…and increase the number of uninsured people by 10 million.

According to the American Hospital Association, these cuts severely impact rural communities, which disproportionately rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.

In nearly all states, Medicaid covers a larger share of both adults and children in rural communities than urban communities. Nearly 50% of children and 18% of adults in rural communities are covered by Medicaid. And nearly 50% of babies born in rural areas are covered by Medicaid.

As the AHA explains, “Medicaid plays a significant role in reducing uncompensated care and stabilizing hospitals in rural communities,” meaning the massive cuts to Medicaid in the OBBBA will result in the closure of rural hospitals around the country.

As The AP reported this past April,

Hundreds of rural hospitals across the country are facing closures after years of funding problems. The issue was compounded last summer by the Trump administration’s massive cuts to Medicaid, the government’s safety net for low-income Americans, whose reimbursements have long helped hospitals meet their bottom lines.

To mitigate the harms of the cuts to rural hospitals, the OBBBA included a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, “billed by Republicans as a way to help hospitals in rural areas.”

But, per The AP,

Hospitals and health industry experts have warned that while the fund — $10 billion per year allocated across all states for five years — offers some support to struggling rural hospitals, it won’t save them. One reason is that the sum doesn’t come close to offsetting the $137 billion that rural hospitals expect to lose over the next decade, according to health research nonprofit KFF.

According to an analysis by Becker’s Hospital Review, as of July 2026,

Seven hundred rural hospitals across the U.S., or about one-third of all rural facilities in the country, are at risk of closing due to severe financial challenges, according to a July 21 Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform analysis.

The OBBBA’s impact on rural America goes beyond just Medicaid cuts. The bill also slashed SNAP nutrition benefits by $187 billion, which since last July, has driven approximately 5 million off the program.

Per a Wisconsin Public Radio report this week,

That’s especially a concern in rural areas, where SNAP participation is higher than in cities, according to the Food Research and Action Center. Gina Plata-Nino, SNAP director for the advocacy group, said rural places also often have higher poverty rates, fewer job opportunities and less transportation options.

Nearly 16 percent of rural households were food insecure in 2024, 2 percentage points higher than the national average. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Household Food Security Report, which the Trump administration canceled last year. Researchers found food insecurity in rural areas is also nearly on par with the country’s largest cities.

And even more than a year after the bill’s signing, the hits keep on coming.

There are also new rules set to take effect this month that require stores to stock more fresh foods in order to keep accepting benefits. Experts say the change will leave SNAP shoppers, especially in rural areas, with fewer options.

There was another aspect of the OBBBA that was designed specifically to help rural communities. The Act expanded Opportunity Zones, which were introduced in Trump’s 2017 tax bill, to spur investment in economically distressed areas. According to the National Association of Development Organziations,

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025 made Opportunity Zones (OZs) a permanent feature of the tax code.

The most significant new feature for rural regions is the Qualified Rural Opportunity Fund (QROF), which offers investors a 30% basis step-up (compared to 10% for standard funds) and lowers the substantial improvement threshold for rehab projects from 100% to 50%. Rural areas are defined as locations outside cities and towns with populations over 50,000.

But look closer, and it’s clear where Republicans saw the real opportunity for “new investment” in rural areas as a result of the OBBBA’s new Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds.

In a post from last August, the Ways and Means Committee quoted a Bloomberg Tax analysis of the OBBBA’s “enhancements for RQOFs,” or Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds. According to Bloomberg, these funds

“may significantly lower barriers for large-scale, capital-intensive projects in rural areas—most notably hyperscale data centers…”

“the economic case for building data centers in designated rural opportunity zones becomes far more compelling.”

It’s right there in black and white in the legislative record.

And, as Brendan Duke pointed out on X:

The entire Opportunity Zone provision in One Big Beautiful Bill cost $40B over ten years.

This is the same amount as the “savings” from requiring states to fund a portion of SNAP benefits that is helping drive a rapid 5M decline in SNAP participation.

War in Iran

Before Trump launched his war in Iran at the end of February, the average cost of a gallon of diesel fuel was $3.76. Last Friday, it surpassed $6.00. Today it’s up to $6.39, a new record.

The AP’s reporting makes clear how damaging record-high diesel fuel prices are for America’s farmers, particularly as harvest approaches.

“Those prices hurt,” said Paul Mitchell, a professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “And it’s not just the harvesting. It’s the hauling of everything, moving the grain or the silage from the field to the farm and then from the farm to wherever they’re selling it.”

Jason Kurtz, a corn and soybean farmer near Forest City, Missouri, said he was paying twice as much for diesel this year. His combine uses 200 gallons (760 liters) of fuel a day; he expected to run it for 30 days. He also needed diesel for a tractor and trucks.

“We have to harvest,” he said in an interview at his farm about 90 miles (145 kilometers) outside Kansas City on Tuesday. “We have to run the machines. We have to use the diesel, so it cuts into our bottom line.”

And it’s not just farmers who are squeezed by these higher prices, it’s rural consumers as well. As Teri Viswanath, lead economist at CoBank noted,

“Higher diesel prices also raise the cost of moving food and goods into rural areas, pushing up local prices and amplifying the economic hit compared with urban areas that have more alternatives and competition.”

But fuel is only part of the picture. Back in May, Oil and Gas Watch reported on how the war also sparked a spike in the cost of fertilizer.

Strikes on natural gas infrastructure in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have spiked global fertilizer prices during a critical period for farmers.

About one-third of global seaborne trade in fertilizers typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed to vessels since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. The war has also choked off production of natural gas, which is used as both the primary raw ingredient to produce ammonia fertilizer and as the largest energy source for the manufacturing process.

Since the war’s start, U.S. retail prices for some types of nitrogen-heavy fertilizer blends have increased by nearly 30 percent, according to prices published by trade publication DTN/ Progressive Farmer. The price of urea, a granular nitrogen fertilizer that dissolves in water and is vital for corn, wheat, rice, and cotton crops, has increased 45 percent since the war began.

In a piece from June titled “How war in Iran creates ‘rural revolt’ in America”, Turkiye Today made a crucial observation:

But perhaps what finally broke the rural mandate was not the [increased gas] prices themselves—rural America has weathered hard seasons before—it was the response to them.

When asked at the White House in early May whether Americans’ financial situations were motivating him to pursue a deal with Iran, Trump was characteristically direct: “Not even a little bit.”

Four words that may prove more politically costly than any polling swing. Rural voters did not just feel the pinch; they heard, clearly and on the record, that the pinch was not being felt in return.

The Rural Backlash

Now, almost 20 months into Trump’s second term, there are clear signs of a rural backlash against Trump. Fox News saw evidence of it in their poll back in July.

A Fox News survey conducted July 17-20 among 1,003 registered voters found Mr. Trump’s approval among rural voters at 44% approve to 56% disapprove, a net -12 rating. That marks a 14-point reversal from June, when the same polling series had him at 51% approval to 49% disapproval, a net +2.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) highlighted Trump’s drop in approval among rural voters in a September 6 post in which he viewed that decline as a direct result of what Raskin called

The Top Ten Reasons Rural America is Abandoning Trump and MAGA in 2026

As Raskin explained,

I have been traveling to campaign for surging Democratic candidates in rural Congressional districts across the country. A wonderful new bumper crop of Democratic candidates is poised for victory as the bottom falls out on support for MAGA and Donald Trump across rural America.

This phenomenon is not just anecdotal. The polling data confirms that as rural voters turn on Trump, they are turning TOWARD Democrats in surprising numbers.

Fifty Plus One has documented the erosion of Trump’s approval rating among rural voters since he returned to office last year. And it tracks with a definite shift away from Republicans and toward Democrats in this November’s elections.

While rural voters have long voted heavily Republican, recent data indicates they could be much less favorable to the GOP this year. Since Trump’s inauguration last January, our average of generic ballot polls shows rural voters shifting 13 points toward Democrats, solidly outpacing movement among both urban and suburban voters.

Data also confirms this erosion in support is directly tied to policy decisions Trump has made.

For instance, in a new piece titled “Gas Prices Could Cost Republicans The Midterms,” Marc Novicoff writes in The Atlantic,

Political scientists tend to agree that gas prices influence voter behavior. Although many voters no doubt understand that the president isn’t usually directly responsible for the price of oil, this time, he is. In fact, the oil shock related to Trump’s war of choice with Iran is the only reason the U.S. has any inflation to speak of. Inflation in all non-energy consumer purchases is at just 2 percent over the past year. If Democrats manage to take back the House and Senate in November despite an inhospitable electoral map, the Trump effect on gas prices may well be the reason.

And let’s not forget Trump’s decision last month to waive levies on 300,000 tons of ground beef imports. As Newsweek reported just last week,

President Donald Trump’s net approval among rural voters fell 22 points from June to August, plunging as a new beef-import policy has opened a rift between the White House and ranch-country Republicans.

The shift—recorded by ActiVote’s monthly presidential approval tracker poll—has come amid Trump’s announcement on August 21 that higher tariffs would be suspended for 90 days on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported product intended for ground beef.

If polling is correct, this spells electoral doom for Republicans in November. While Democrats have long been favored to win back the House, the U.S. Senate is looking gone as well.

And should that happen, it’s only because Democrats were able to win Senate races in some of the most rural states in the country.

From Alaska

To Iowa

And Maine

After spending years successfully cultivating a devoted base of support among rural voters, it appears Trump has finally managed to alienate many of those same voters with one devastating policy after another.

And with Trump’s name not on the ballot this year, rural voters may very well take their frustrations out on members of his party who are on the ballot, whether by voting against the Republicans who enable Trump, or by simply sitting this election out in protest.

Republicans are increasingly worried about this potential electoral wipeout as the Democratic Senate map expands into even deeper red and rural Trump country.

As The New York Times reports today:

In deep-red Nebraska, which has not been seen as a top Senate battleground this year, a new super PAC, Cornhusker Majority, reserved $3.7 million ads on Tuesday. It immediately began attacking the independent candidate Dan Osborn, who is backed by Democrats.

In Kansas, Mr. Vance’s visit came just as Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican, began airing an ad attacking his Democratic challenger, Adam Hamilton, the senior pastor at the largest United Methodist congregation in the country. Another Republican-aligned super PAC linked to the artificial intelligence industry also began airing pro-Marshall ads.

Notably,

The rising price of diesel is hitting farm states especially hard, and Republicans like Mr. Marshall are rushing to show that they are trying to do something about it. This week, he wrote a public letter to the agriculture secretary urging the Trump administration to provide relief for farmers.

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Ruling comes amid demolition threats by Donald Trump after being stymied from adding his name to centre

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to give at least 30 days’ notice before moving to demolish the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after the US president warned that it could be “ripped down”.

The US district judge Christopher Cooper issued the order on Thursday after lawyers for the Democratic congresswoman Joyce Beatty submitted evidence of Trump’s comments and sought clarification over whether the building could be closed or bulldozed.

Critics had criticized administration for nominating Schroyer, who has no formal experience working in ICE

The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to head Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), less than three months after announcing his role.

Critics had initially criticized administration officials for nominating Schroyer, who has no formal experience working in ICE, to lead Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.

Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has welcomed the EU’s proposal for Canada to become the bloc’s first ‘associate member’, despite threats from Donald Trump over the plan. The US president said Washington could impose ‘very serious tariffs’ or halt trade if the EU went ahead with the idea. But in a defiant speech to the European parliament, Carney called for ‘deep cooperation’ and said polling showed the overwhelming majority of Canadians supported closer ties with Europe. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube

Being a GOP politician in the Trump era is defined by two things: publicly embarrassing yourself to show support for Trump’s most dangerous policy ideas, and lying to your constituents about what those ideas will do to them. It is an inherently pathetic situation. And yet not one of them seems capable of showing even the slightest hint of principle or backbone. The latest example is Senator Katie Britt, whose previous claim to fame was giving the Republican response to Joe Biden’s 2024 State of the Union speech. Her response won a bunch of descriptive accolades from “deeply weird,” to “creepy as fuck,” to “scary mom,” to just plain “strange.”

But she showed she’s a good Trumpian MAGA soldier, and thus she does what a good Trumpian MAGA soldier does, which is lie to the public while sucking up to Trump in private to try to get him not to put in place the disastrous policy proposals that will obviously hurt America (and her constituents).

In this case, it’s Trump’s bizarrely stupid obsession with tariffs, based on his impressive unwillingness to understand that trade deficits aren’t inherently bad (we get actual goods; they get dollars that mostly come right back into the US economy). Britt has dutifully done the loyal soldier bit, publicly insisting that tariffs are great for the US and for the state she represents, Alabama. Here’s what she said:

That’s her tweeting — right after the Supreme Court said that Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs exceeded the authority Congress gave him under the IEEPA — that:

What the media won’t tell you is that President Trump’s tariffs work, and that’s why even the Biden Administration left them in place.

Today’s ruling was disappointing, but as POTUS made clear, we are not going to return to the status quo of allowing American jobs and manufacturing to be sidelined in exchange for cheap junk from foreign adversaries.

I will continue working with President Trump and his team to bring manufacturing back home.

So apparently “tariffs work.” Except, as (of all places!) the WSJ’s Editorial Board noted, via a FOIA request, they found that when Trump announced these tariffs, Britt went groveling to Trump asking for exemptions for businesses in Alabama.

What Ms. Britt won’t tell you is that she was privately seeking exemptions 10 months earlier. That’s when her legislative director wrote an email, “Sen. Britt Alabama Trade Priorities,” seeking help for “specific Alabama manufacturers.” We obtained the email from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office via the Freedom of Information Act. The email begins by saying Ms. Britt “is supportive” of rebalancing trade. Then it moves to “four pressing issues,” each a plea for an Alabama company.

• TNT Fireworks: “Unfortunately, there is no domestic firework manufacturer, and over 99% of firework products are produced in China,” it says. While TNT has tried other sources, “the quality and safety is not close,” and imported fireworks “pose no threat to America’s broader trade or national security interests.” Also, be patriotic, since TNT was then “preparing for the United States Semiquincentennial.”

• Novelis: This aluminum company was “currently building a $4.1 billion recycling and rolling plant,” expected to “create 1,000 new direct jobs.” At the time, however, it relied on imports from Canada, South Korea and Brazil, and Mr. Trump’s tariffs posed “cash flow problems” to “finish their new plant in Alabama.”

• Kronospan: A maker of wood panels, it was “undertaking a $600 million expansion,” requiring “highly specialized equipment that is not available from domestic manufacturers.” The extra tariff cost? About $60 million, threatening the project’s viability: “Senator Britt is concerned about the potential loss of this transformative economic development.”

• Airbus: The plane maker was “building its third final assembly line” in Mobile, leading to 1,000 jobs. “We’ve recently learned that this expansion has been suspended indefinitely,” the email says. “Trade policy has made the project financially unviable,” and “Senator Britt is deeply concerned about the potential loss of high-quality American jobs.”

Yeah, so apparently “tariffs work” except… they harm businesses in Alabama so pretty pretty pretty please will you make special exceptions in a backroom deal for some of the biggest companies I represent?

The USTR responded that “there is no exclusion process” for products covered under the tariffs. Now, a real Senator, actually representing her constituents, might go public with the simple facts that the tariffs were bullshit and harmful to Americans and American companies. She could have easily pointed out that Congress — where she is one of 535 members who could actually vote on this — is the branch the Constitution hands the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to lay duties. She could have easily pointed out that Trump’s tariffs would be inflationary and damaging to people in Alabama and across the country.

But, no. Publicly criticizing the MAGA god king isn’t an option. So instead she praises his disastrous, inflationary policies in public, while privately begging for a special dispensation for a handful of large Alabama companies.

As the editorial board of the WSJ points out:

The point isn’t that Ms. Britt made bad arguments against these four tariffs. It’s that she made good ones, which show why blunderbuss trade wars are an economic mistake, along with how tariffs deepen the D.C. swamp. Big company CEOs facing tariff harm know how to get a U.S. Senator to plead their case. But who speaks for the little guy being walloped?

It’s a rare day that I’m in agreement with the editorial board over there, but on this they are right. And it appears they’re hunting more hypocritical GOP senators as well:

Tariffs for thee, exemptions for me. Join the GOP club: In Mr. Trump’s first term, Sen. Josh Hawley lobbied for a carveout on saw blades, Rep. Mark Meadows on furniture wood, Rep. Andy Biggs on patio screens. Who else? When more records arrive, we’ll let you know.

None of this is particularly surprising. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be called out. The Republican Party used to be against trade protectionism. These days, it’s simply for Donald Trump and all his delusions.

I have written a series of posts about the things that prevent(ed) us from seeing what was going on in Iran clearly.

In recent days, there has been a slew of new visibility.

I catalog these not because they reveal anything we didn’t already know. We’ve known Iran destroyed the Navy base in Bahrain. We’ve known that Russia has been helping Iran kill Americans and attack military resources with pinpoint accuracy. We’ve known that Whiskey Pete Hegseth shot his wad and as a result left the US without missiles to face other threats.

This is not new knowledge; it is new visibility.

I catalog this to call attention to the things that have contributed to this flood of visibility now: the kinds of reporting Congress has demanded and the limitations on what they got (though Senate Democrats just demanded better information), CNN’s ability to get similar satellite data to that which Volodymyr Zelenskyy had when he pointed out Russia’s role in targeting the US, the frustration of service members in the field that “We’re standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face” which led them to defy Whiskey Pete’s censorship to share what they’re seeing.

Some of this visibility may be driven by the election season. Part of it may have been forced by that meeting in San Diego where USS Lincoln family members revealed their husbands or brothers or sons were trying to jump overboard, which process of making visible I laid out here. Part of it may reflect Trump and Hegseth bleeding power.

We are not learning more. We are seeing differently.

A week ago Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao did a long interview with Epoch Times.

In an exclusive interview, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told me that Iranian forces “blew the hell out of Bahrain.”

While open-source analyses have long indicated that the U.S. Fifth Fleet Headquarters at Naval Support Activity Bahrain sustained extensive damage in the early days of the Iran conflict, Cao’s comment represents a direct and high-level acknowledgment of the matter.

[snip]

As I asked about the USS Abraham Lincoln’s recent deployment, overall fleet operational tempo, and the logistical support it takes to sustain high-intensity operations, Cao acknowledged damage to NSA Bahrain left the Lincoln’s crew “no place for them to pull in.”

A DOD Inspector General Report that provides a global perspective on the impact of the Iran War, including the damage done to facilities and the services (like Diplomatic Services) that have had to be withdrawn as a result. While the comprehensive view is useful, it’s worth reading with the footnotes open just to appreciate how much of the information is sourced to outside public comments — from Mark Rutte, from congressional hearings and, as with this table that a number of people have pointed to, from very dated Congressional Research Service reports.

And, as Task and Purpose noted of the report, according to the report, the full mission statement behind the Iran invasion is classified.

Secretary Hegseth said that through OEF, the United States seeks to destroy Iran’s offensive missiles, missile production, navy, and other security infrastructure, and ensure that Iran never has nuclear weapons.5 General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that more broadly, the OEF mission is to defend the United States and “disrupt, degrade, deny, and destroy Iran’s ability to conduct and sustain combat operations.”6 The full OEF mission statement is classified.

Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office offered its own accounting in a report released Tuesday. It comes to a similar number as the IG Report: $33.4 billion through June 29 in the IG Report and $38.1 billion through August 1 in the CBO Report. But it notes that DOD refuses to provide it with information and DOD’s appropriation requests are much bigger.

To estimate DoD’s costs, CBO relied on government databases and public reports because DoD did not respond to CBO’s requests for information. As a result, CBO’s estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty. This past June, the Administration requested $87.6 billion in supplemental appropriations, of which $67.1 billion was for DoD to pay for the conflict. The portion of that request that appears to be directly related to the conflict, $42.3 billion, is about 10 percent larger than CBO’s estimate of DoD’s costs.

A long section describes the opportunity cost of Whiskey Pete Hegseth shooting his wad, in terms of missiles.

So far, the main opportunity cost of Operation Epic Fury for DoD has been the high expenditures of missile defense interceptors. To thwart the large number of ballistic missiles fired at U.S. and allied targets, DoD used a significant portion of its inventory of Patriot, THAAD, SM-3, and SM-6 interceptors. Significant quantities of some of those munitions were used to defend Israel against Iranian ballistic missile attacks during the Twelve-Day War in June 2025; Operation Epic Fury has reduced those inventories further.

Missile defense interceptors are expensive, ranging from roughly $4 million for Patriot and SM-6 interceptors to $12 million for THAAD interceptors and $28 million for the most sophisticated SM-3 interceptors. Moreover, missile defense interceptors are in short supply because they have been produced at relatively low rates; thus, DoD’s inventory of such missiles was limited before Operation Epic Fury and the Twelve-Day War that preceded it. Both of those operations have demonstrated that the United States can rapidly expend large quantities of missile defense interceptors in a conflict with an opponent that relies heavily on ballistic missile attacks. Although DoD does not reveal the number of munitions it has on hand, a comparison of the reported expenditures of missile defense interceptors with the total numbers that DoD has purchased to date indicates that the United States has probably used between one-half and two-thirds of its inventory of those munitions since June 2025.

That reduction in the inventory of missile defense interceptors would be relevant in a conflict with the PRC. The PRC has many more ballistic and cruise missiles than Iran had at the onset of Operation Epic Fury. The PRC also has a significantly larger economic base than Iran and can produce such missiles more rapidly. An armed conflict with the PRC could therefore place greater stress on U.S. missile defense capabilities. Having used a large portion of its missile defense inventory in combat operations against Iran, DoD now has fewer interceptors on hand to use in a potential conflict with the PRC.

Given the number of missile defense interceptors that DoD has recently used, their currently low production rates, and the historical difficulty of scaling up their production, rebuilding DoD’s inventory of interceptors would probably take at least five years—even if production was increased. Boosting missile production has historically been a slow process with lags of three to five years between the placement and delivery of new orders. After production was increased, several more years would be required to replace the missiles that have been used in the conflict with Iran.

Mark Hertling describes the budgeting reason why “the most important number in the new CBO report may not be $38 billion but five years—the time it will take to replace the munitions we’ve expended just in the last seven months.”

A great CNN video correlating how Russian satellites have given Iran pinpoint targeting information

A CBS story posting pictures that service members have sent it, showing some of the damage that was briefly available by satellite before the US government forced private satellite companies to withhold such images.

“This is major damage to our bases that hasn’t been communicated to the American public,” one deployed service member told CBS News. “We’re standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face.”

Undated photo of plane damaged by Iranian strikes at Prince Sultan AFB, Saudi Arabia.

One photo, taken at Prince Sultan Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia, shows a direct hit on the back half of a Boeing E-3 Sentry four-engine aircraft, its tail severed from the charred fuselage that also supported a rotating radar that is essential for collecting midair intelligence.

Reuters and noted Amazon’s public disclosure that it has not yet been able to get its data centers in Bahrain and UAE up and running.

Amazon Web Services cannot restore access to its cloud-computing facility in Bahrain and ‌one of three data-hosting zones in the United Arab Emirates following damage during the Iran war, according to a status update seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

Amazon’s (AMZN.O), opens new tab cloud computing unit AWS said the damage in Bahrain spanned multiple so-called availability zones, which are clusters of one or more data ​centres in the same geographic region.

“The damage to our infrastructure spanned multiple Availability Zones and exceeded what our regional ​and multi-AZ services are designed to withstand,” AWS said in the status update, which Reuters was ⁠first to report. AWS said it was helping Bahrain-based customers to re-establish operations in other regions.

In the UAE, AWS said ​it was unable to restore access to resources and data hosted exclusively in one availability zone, known as mec1-az2. It is continuing ​to work on recovering resources across the wider UAE region and in the other two affected zones.

The disruptions began in March following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which prompted Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. AWS ​said at the time that two of its facilities in the UAE had been directly struck, while a drone strike close ​to one of its facilities in

Bahrain had physically damaged its infrastructure. The AWS outages affected some banking operations at the time, Reuters ‌has reported, citing ⁠a person familiar with the situation.

ArsTecnica followed up on the report, explaining the import of AWS’ failure to restore data.

Customer data was irretrievably lost in one of three AWS availability zones in the United Arab Emirates region, specifically the mec1-az2 availability zone. Each availability zone is serviced by one or more Amazon data centers.

The company is still working on “recovering regional resources” and restoring resources hosted in the other two availability zones in the United Arab Emirates. The AWS update described ongoing work to replace “affected infrastructure” and promised to update customers on a restoration of services in the coming months.

But the destruction was apparently even more widespread for the data centers in the Bahrain region, because Amazon said it was unable to restore access to resources and data across all three availability zones there.

The post Seeing Iran: “Standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face” appeared first on emptywheel.

María Elvira Salazar says some enforcement has ‘gone too far’ as GOP seeks distance from Trump before midterms

A Republican congresswoman has released a campaign ad criticizing Donald Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement, in the latest sign that a key plank of the president’s 2024 re-election campaign has become a liability for his congressional allies ahead of November’s midterm elections.

“Mr President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” Florida’s María Elvira Salazar says in a 30-second ad. “In July, 50% of the 50,000 people that were detained had no criminal record. Be careful what your advisers are telling you about immigration policy.”

Late-night hosts discussed Trump’s midterm bribes, Pete Hegseth’s ‘grooming standards’ and Don Jr’s wedding bankrolled by a Russian oligarch

Late-night hosts dug into Donald Trump’s attempts to sway the upcoming midterms and the Russian oligarch who bankrolled his son Donald Trump Jr’s second wedding.

National Park Service lays out concerns that planned 250ft arch could interfere with historic sites in Washington DC

Donald Trump’s desired triumphal arch in downtown Washington DC will likely contribute “to adverse effects to historic properties”, according to the National Park Service’s planning document, but the construction is still planned to go forward.

The president’s 250ft arch could interfere with some of the most well-known views in the nation’s capital, including the symbolic relationship between Arlington House, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Lincoln Memorial, which face each other to represent the reunification of the United States after the civil war.

Trump himself has acknowledged the US need for Canadian aluminum – and has largely exempted metals from new tariffs

As trade talks with Canada shambled toward collapse in late August, Donald Trump brayed on Truth Social: “WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!” But in fact, Canada, like China, has something the US needs badly: critical metals that undergird modern military technology.

Canada is the United States’s biggest foreign source of minerals, supplying about $47bin worth each year. Sixty per cent of all the aluminum the US uses each year, for instance, comes from Canada, where mighty, remote rivers provide smelting plants vast quantities of cheap, low-carbon electricity. The US military uses the lightweight metal for everything from shell casings to ship hulls and aircraft fuselage. The Pentagon’s cutting-edge F-35 fighter jet’s airframe is about 40% aluminum. “This country desperately needs aluminum,” Trump complained last month. “We get it all from Canada for the most part, and we need it badly.”

After Trump describes the tie-up as ‘laughable’, PM says majority of Canadians support closer ties with bloc

Mark Carney has welcomed the goal of Canada becoming the EU’s first associate member, calling for “deep cooperation” between Europe and his country to secure their sovereignty, after Donald Trump derided the idea as “laughable”.

In an address to the European parliament in Strasbourg, the Canadian prime minister said polling showed that an overwhelming majority of Canadians supported much closer ties with Europe. “Canada welcomes this idea,” he said, referring to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s pitch that Canada should become the EU’s first associate member.

The network continues to cater to its presidential ‘audience of one’, downplaying his supreme court loss and more

Two breaking stories roiled US politics this week and immediately got big play on most news sites.

The supreme court surprisingly rejected – for now – Donald Trump’s attempted restrictions on mail-in ballots, a blow to Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.

Washington and Florida insiders are exploring lucrative deals for a post-communist Cuba crushed by ever-increasing US sanctions

Spanish hotel chains. A Canadian mining firm. European shipping giants. Visa and Mastercard. Scores of foreign companies have been driven out of Cuba this summer over fear of being hit with potent, new secondary sanctions. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, told Axios last month there are “no escape valves” from his unprecedented pressure campaign against the island.

But not everybody is losing out. A growing cast of Washington and Florida insiders – from billionaire Trump allies and Rubio-linked lobbyists to Cuban exiles – are jockeying for control of the communist-ruled island-nation’s key assets, charging top dollar to help clients navigate the ever-expanding web of sanctions, and positioning themselves for lucrative business opportunities in the case of regime collapse.

One of my latest Xitter hobbies is to try to counter-flood the flood of propaganda Trump’s fraudulent Fraud Task Force puts out.

As I’ve laid out, this is a three-fold effort:

• Todd Blanche has shifted resources away from fighting white collar crime, including fraud, into investigating far smaller fraud in government programs, effectively defunding bigger white collar prosecutions to fund an effort targeting poorer, browner people.
• Based on mere allegations, Trump is defunding government services generally, focusing on Blue states.
• The whole thing is a non-stop propaganda campaign demonizing brown people or immigrants, which plays out against a background of Trump stealing iconic buildings and landmarks in DC and demanding kickbacks from corporations and foreign countries.

Probably as part of a midterms campaign strategy (or possibly as a result of Aakash Singh’s promotion to PADAG), all the boys involved in this fraudulent Fraud Task Force have stepped up their flood of propaganda.

It’s rather insane against the background of DOJ’s appeal of the ruling prohibiting from immunizing Trump’s tax crimes, the the news about Don Jr’s wedding, and Trump’s frantic efforts to steal the Kennedy Center.

And amid this flood of propaganda, the propagandists keep invoking really ridiculous examples of fraud — like the time several people paid upwards of $94 an hour spent their time boasting about a SNAP fraud case charging just $277 of fraud.

Yesterday, Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald — also paid $94 an hour — kept tweeting and tweeting about fraud that was far less spectacular than Trump’s hour by hour attempt to steal the Kennedy Center — like this announcement of card-skimming charges from Northern Alabama US Attorney Phillip Williams Jr (the announcement included his picture).

From the announcement, you might think these charges were recent and reflected a great deal of gains, particularly given the way both McDonald and Williams talked about the billion dollars Americans lose to card-skimming each year.

But when you read through the complaint, indictment, and docket, you see that:

• The news here is the arraignment, which in some places takes place shortly before trial; the pair were arrested back in March, indicted in June, and one of them was actually arraigned in August.
• About half of the skimmers — which targeted stores like Dollar General — had been found by the stores.
• The amounts of “bulk cash” that Feds found when they arrested the perpetrators were modest: $8,215 seized from a car and $10,215, possibly from a home (though that is likely duplicative).
• Thus far, their Romanian status has not been charged (though the woman was turned back at the Mexico border in 2018).
• Any tie to SNAP may be secondary.

It’s definitely useful detective work, work that requires Fed involvement (in this case, Secret Service), and this prosecution may lead to a larger network. But it is not a billion dollars. It is, at most $18,430.

McDonald and Williams have wildly oversold the import of this.

And in the background, as they were boasting about their $18,430 bust, Donald Trump was spending his day not resolving the Iran War nor spiking petroleum prices — which have caused Americans to spend $100 billion more because of Trump’s illegal war — but instead trying to find some way to close or steal the Kennedy Center, effectively robbing taxpayers of the $250 million appropriated to renovate it, the $100 million lost after he slapped his name on it, and potentially even the $691 million in assets of the Center, to say nothing of the damage that Trump’s tantrum has done to neighborhood businesses.

“The Kennedy Center is in many ways the anchor of the community,” says Jim Malec, an advisory neighborhood commissioner whose district includes the Foggy Bottom and West End neighborhoods. Malec has heard with alarm plans to close the venue — and threats from the administration that it might be demolished if Trump’s plans for it are blocked. “The amount of resources that would be lost with a closure or, God forbid, something crazier would just be catastrophic.”

There is no universe in which those card-skimmers in Missisippi and Alabama should be a greater focus of the guy, McDonald, whose sole job is to hunt down fraud, because Trump’s crimes are not only doing far more damage, but they’re doing all that damage in plain sight, just down the road from where McDonald is sitting, spending his days fraudulently claiming $18,430 is a billion dollars.

The time for accountability has arrived!! McDonald tweeted some more, drawing his $94/an hour salary paid by struggling taxpayers to tweet tweet tweet.

And the way you start that accountability is to treat McDonald’s charade for what it is: part of the con.

Update: In yet more proof that Colin McDonald is a fraud, here he is chumming up with a suspect in a $10M theft of Medicaid funds for political gain.

To have any credibility at all, McDonald would need to be subpoenaing Moody, not RTing her.

Update: More hobbying.

The post Colin McDonald’s Latest Fraud Fraud appeared first on emptywheel.

The president’s name was added with bolt-on lettering late last year, but institute officials argue carving it into the stone ‘would cause irreparable harm’

• Sign up for the US Breaking News email

Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican congresswoman from South Florida, made a rare public break with President Trump in a new ad, pushing back against Trump’s hardline immigration policy.

“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” Salazar said, speaking directly into the camera.

The US president threatened to impose 'very heavy tariffs' on the EU if its offer to Canada was made with 'bad intentions'.  Donald Trump's comments came after the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said she wanted to open the door to Canada becoming the EU's first 'associate member', and the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, said Ottawa was seeking a 'unique alliance' with the bloc

• Trump calls EU offer to Canada of associate membership ‘laughable’, while threatening tariffs

• Is EU’s offer to Canada a blueprint for Britain – or a reminder it is out in the cold?