US Senator Jon Ossoff has questioned the use of taxpayer-funded resources for travel involving President Donald Trump’s entourage, focusing particular attention on White House aide Natalie Harp.

The Democratic senator from Georgia cited travel records, flight information and spending documents while alleging that some arrangements may have blurred the distinction between official presidential duties and activities connected to Trump’s political operation.

Ossoff Questions Travel Spending

Speaking at a press conference on Capitol Hill, Ossoff raised questions about the expenses incurred by White House staff members accompanying Trump on domestic and international trips.

He pointed to records that he said showed Harp travelling with the president on multiple occasions. The senator also referred to hotel invoices and other spending documents that he said reflected thousands of dollars in expenses related to staff travel.

Ossoff argued that taxpayers should not be responsible for costs that are unrelated to legitimate government business, particularly as Americans continue to deal with higher household expenses.

The senator called for closer scrutiny of how executive branch travel budgets are being used.

Who Is Natalie Harp?

Natalie Harp is a White House aide who has frequently accompanied Trump during his presidency. Before joining the administration, she worked as a television host at One America News Network.

Harp has become a visible member of Trump's inner circle and is known for assisting the president with information and communications-related tasks.

She has reportedly been involved in bringing Trump printed news reports, social media posts and other material for his review.

Although she does not hold a Cabinet-level position, her frequent presence alongside the president has made her a recognisable figure within the White House operation.

Questions Over Official Duties

Ossoff's criticism centres on whether all travel associated with members of Trump's entourage is directly connected to official government responsibilities.

The senator said the documents he presented warrant further examination to determine whether public funds were used appropriately.

The issue also raises broader questions about the rules governing presidential travel. When the president travels, government personnel may accompany him for security, communications, administrative and other official responsibilities. Determining whether particular expenses comply with federal rules requires examination of the purpose and circumstances of each trip.

White House Rejects Allegations

The White House has rejected Ossoff's accusations and characterised them as partisan criticism.

A White House spokesperson said staff travel is conducted in accordance with federal regulations and ethics requirements. The administration also defended Harp's presence in Trump's travel entourage, saying her communications and administrative responsibilities form part of the support provided to the president.

The White House has therefore disputed the suggestion that the travel arrangements identified by Ossoff necessarily represent inappropriate spending.

Democrats Seek Greater Transparency

Ossoff's office has called for greater transparency surrounding presidential travel expenses, arguing that public records should make it possible to determine whether taxpayer-funded resources are being used for official purposes.

Some Democratic lawmakers have also supported calls for congressional scrutiny of presidential travel and related expenses.

The issue comes as Congress faces continuing disputes over federal spending and budget priorities, adding another point of tension between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats.

Congressional Review Possible

The controversy is currently centred on competing interpretations of the travel records and the responsibilities of White House personnel accompanying Trump.

A formal congressional review could examine the expenses, travel schedules and applicable federal rules to determine whether any regulations were breached.

Until such a review takes place, the central dispute remains whether the travel arrangements involving Harp and other staff members represent legitimate presidential support operations or an inappropriate use of taxpayer-funded resources.

Iranian state media has mocked US President Donald Trump following reports that he was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller government aircraft during his visit to Turkey last month after US authorities received an alleged threat involving a shoulder-fired missile.

The reported security operation has been portrayed by Iranian media as evidence of Tehran's military reach and has become the latest point of tension between Washington and Tehran amid the ongoing conflict.

Trump Aircraft Switch Reported

According to US media reports, Trump and a small group of aides were secretly transferred from the presidential aircraft to a smaller C-32A government jet while preparing to leave Ankara on July 8.

The transfer was reportedly carried out using a catering truck in an effort to conceal the president's movements.

Air Force One later departed separately, carrying senior administration officials, White House staff and members of the travelling press corps.

The unusual arrangement was first reported by The Washington Post and subsequently drew attention in Iranian media.

Security Threat Behind Move

The reported aircraft switch followed what US authorities considered a credible and imminent threat that Trump's presidential aircraft could be targeted by a shoulder-fired missile.

According to reports, the US Secret Service launched the operation to protect the president and prevent potential attackers from determining his movements as he left Turkey.

The New York Times reported that US officials were particularly concerned after allegedly learning that Iranian operatives knew where Trump was staying in Ankara, including the floor of his hotel.

Neither the White House nor Tehran had officially commented on the reported threat or the aircraft switch at the time of the reports.

Iranian State Media Mocks Trump

Iranian state television seized on the episode to ridicule the US president.

A presenter described the incident as a source of embarrassment for Trump and suggested that the security measures demonstrated the extent of concern over Iran's military capabilities.

The episode has provided Iranian hardliners with an opportunity to portray Trump as vulnerable despite Washington's continued military pressure on Tehran.

Iran's embassy in South Africa also joined the criticism on X, posting a meme depicting Trump inside a catering box.

The post mocked the reported use of a catering truck during the aircraft transfer and suggested that Trump could eventually be hidden in a trash container.

Tensions Between Washington and Tehran

The incident comes against the backdrop of continued confrontation between the US and Iran.

Washington and Tehran remain involved in efforts to find a lasting settlement to the conflict, while attempts to revive an interim agreement reached earlier have reportedly made little progress.

The latest reports have also revived attention around previous allegations of Iranian plots against Trump.

In 2024, the US Justice Department charged an Iranian national over an alleged plot to assassinate Trump, who was then president-elect. US authorities said the alleged operation had been ordered by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran rejected the allegations at the time.

Iranian Hardliners Welcome Reports

Analysts said the reported security measures were likely to be welcomed by Iranian hardliners who have repeatedly called for retaliation following the deaths of senior Iranian political and military figures.

Ali Vaez, deputy programme director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group, said Iranian hardliners were likely to view the episode as evidence that Washington was concerned about Trump's safety.

The incident has therefore taken on significance beyond the aircraft transfer itself, becoming part of the wider information and propaganda battle between the two countries.

Trump’s Earlier Iraq Experience

Iranian commentators have also linked the latest episode to Trump's previous visit to Iraq in 2018.

During that trip to the Ain al-Asad air base, Trump travelled under extensive security precautions. He later described the flight as unusually secretive, recalling that the aircraft's windows were covered and the cabin was kept dark.

Iranian commentators have used those remarks to draw parallels between Trump's earlier security arrangements and the reported aircraft switch in Turkey.

For now, the reported threat and aircraft operation remain the subject of media reports, with no detailed public confirmation from the White House or Iranian authorities.

US President Donald Trump’s secret aircraft switch in Ankara last month has drawn renewed attention after details emerged about which senior officials remained on the decoy plane and who accompanied the president on a smaller military aircraft.

Trump switched from the older Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft after US and Turkish intelligence agencies reportedly identified a credible threat from Iran following the NATO summit in Ankara.

While Trump left Turkey aboard the smaller aircraft, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained on the original plane, along with other senior White House officials and members of the travelling press.

Why Trump Switched Planes

The aircraft switch took place on July 8, following the NATO summit in Turkey.

According to reports, intelligence collected by the CIA and Turkey’s MIT indicated that Iran could potentially target Air Force One with a surface-to-air missile.

Reports also suggested that an Iranian-linked team operating in Turkey had been tasked with carrying out such an attack. Intelligence agencies had reportedly obtained information about Trump’s location in Ankara as well.

The security concerns prompted the Secret Service and US military to devise an elaborate deception operation.

Trump publicly boarded the older Air Force One, creating the impression that he would leave Turkey on that aircraft. He was then secretly transported to a military aircraft, reportedly using an airport catering vehicle as part of the operation.

Trump later confirmed that the decision was made because military and Secret Service officials wanted him to travel on a different aircraft.

Rubio and Bessent Stayed Behind

One of the most notable aspects of the operation was the decision to leave senior Cabinet officials Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent on the original aircraft.

According to reports, both officials knew that Trump was no longer aboard the plane. They remained there with Stephen Miller, the president’s top domestic policy adviser, and Steven Cheung, the White House communications director.

Travelling journalists and some White House staff members, however, were reportedly not informed about the deception.

Those aboard the decoy aircraft were also reportedly instructed to keep the window shades closed.

Maintaining Presidential Succession

Reports citing US officials said Rubio and Bessent were kept on the decoy aircraft partly to maintain the presidential line of succession.

Under US law, if the president dies or becomes incapacitated, the vice president is next in line, followed by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

The Secretary of State and Treasury Secretary follow further down the succession order.

By keeping senior officials on the decoy aircraft, officials could ensure that multiple people in the presidential line of succession were not travelling with Trump on the same aircraft.

Trump’s Close Aides Joined Him

Trump was accompanied on the smaller military aircraft by several close aides, including Dan Scavino, White House deputy chief of staff; Walt Nauta, director of Oval Office operations; and Natalie Harp, a 34-year-old executive assistant who has been nicknamed Trump’s “human printer”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also travelled with Trump aboard the smaller C-32A aircraft.

Harp frequently travels with Trump and is known for providing him with printed copies of news reports, social media posts and other material.

Scavino has been associated with Trump for many years, while Nauta, a former Navy culinary specialist and White House valet, has remained part of Trump’s close circle.

Questions Over the Decoy Plane

The aircraft switch has also triggered criticism over the decision to keep journalists and other personnel aboard the decoy aircraft without informing them of the potential threat.

Critics have questioned whether the operation unnecessarily exposed people on the original aircraft to danger while protecting the president.

Trump, however, has defended the decision, arguing that the aircraft he boarded may actually have faced greater risk because an attacker would have been more likely to target the plane believed to be carrying the president.

Former US intelligence and national security officials have also debated whether the same security objective could have been achieved without misleading so many people.

Security Operation Remains Controversial

The Ankara aircraft switch highlights the extraordinary security measures surrounding the US president when intelligence agencies identify a potential threat.

While the operation succeeded in moving Trump out of Turkey without publicly revealing his actual aircraft, questions remain over the decision to keep senior officials and members of the travelling press on the decoy aircraft.

The incident has therefore become a subject of debate not only over presidential security but also over transparency, risk management and the responsibilities of officials during covert security operations.

 US President Donald Trump has announced that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position by the end of August, saying she wants to spend more time with her family following the birth of her daughter.

Trump made the announcement on Wednesday through a post on Truth Social, praising the 28-year-old official and saying she would continue to remain close to his administration as one of his top outside advisers.

Leavitt separately confirmed her departure, describing the decision as “bittersweet” and saying the demanding nature of the press secretary's job had made it difficult for her to balance her responsibilities at the White House with motherhood.

Leavitt Cites Family Responsibilities

Leavitt said that after returning to the White House following the birth of her daughter Viviana in May, she realised she could not give both her children the time and attention they deserved while continuing in one of the administration's most demanding positions.

She said the decision was ultimately driven by her desire to be a better mother to her two young children.

Her departure will bring an end to a high-profile tenure during which she became one of the most recognisable members of Trump's communications team.

Trump said Leavitt would now serve as one of his key advisers outside the White House.

Youngest Press Secretary

Leavitt became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary when Trump returned to office in January 2025.

She was 27 when she assumed the position, surpassing the previous record associated with Ronald Ziegler, who was 29 when he served as press secretary to President Richard Nixon.

Leavitt had already worked with Trump during his first presidency, serving as a press aide.

She later entered electoral politics and ran as the Republican candidate for New Hampshire's First Congressional District in 2022, but lost the election.

She subsequently joined Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and became part of his transition team before being selected as White House press secretary.

Frequent Exchanges With Media

Leavitt's tenure at the White House briefing room podium was marked by frequent confrontations with journalists.

She became known for aggressively defending Trump's policies and challenging reporters over questions involving the administration.

Her statements also attracted scrutiny from fact-checkers. Among the claims that drew criticism was her assertion that tariffs amounted to a tax cut for Americans, a statement that was rated false by PolitiFact.

Despite the controversies, Trump repeatedly praised her communication skills and performance as his chief spokesperson.

In one of his earlier comments, he described her as an effective communicator and publicly praised her prominence within his administration.

Departure Comes During Difficult Period

Leavitt's exit comes at a politically challenging time for the Trump administration.

Trump's approval ratings have faced pressure in recent surveys, with voters expressing concerns about rising prices and the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The White House press secretary has therefore been operating at a time when the administration has faced intense questioning over foreign policy, economic conditions and domestic political issues.

Leavitt's departure will mean the White House will have to appoint a new public face for its daily interaction with journalists.

Trump's announcement did not immediately identify her successor.

Trump Praises Leavitt

Trump's announcement was notably positive toward Leavitt despite her decision to leave the administration.

He praised her service and said she would remain part of his broader political team as an outside adviser.

The president has frequently highlighted Leavitt's loyalty and ability to defend his administration during difficult exchanges with the media.

Her decision, however, appears to be primarily driven by family considerations following the birth of her second child.

Who Will Replace Her?

The White House has not yet announced who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary.

During Trump's first presidential term, the White House went through four press secretaries — Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham and Kayleigh McEnany.

The next appointment will be closely watched as the administration prepares for another phase of its presidency amid political and economic challenges.

For now, Leavitt is expected to remain in the role through the end of August before beginning what she described as a new chapter in her life.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he secretly switched aircraft in Turkey last month after the U.S. Secret Service directed him to leave Air Force One following a security threat. The unusual move took place after the NATO summit in Ankara and was reportedly linked to concerns over a possible Iranian assassination threat.

Trump made the comments on Tuesday, August 11, as questions continued to emerge over why he was moved from the aircraft that had been publicly identified as carrying him from Turkey to Britain.

Secret aircraft switch in Ankara

According to reports, Trump was initially scheduled to leave Turkey aboard Air Force One. However, shortly after boarding, he reportedly exited the aircraft through a catering truck and was transferred to another military aircraft.

The operation was kept secret, with the White House initially maintaining that Trump was travelling aboard Air Force One.

The unusual transfer was first reported publicly by The Washington Post on August 10, citing unnamed sources familiar with the episode.

Trump later confirmed that the aircraft change had taken place but said the decision was made by the Secret Service and military officials responsible for his security.

Trump says alternate plane was also at risk

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the aircraft he ultimately used may actually have presented a greater security risk because adversaries could have been more likely to target it.

“I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk,” Trump said.

He added that he did not seek extensive details about the threat and generally follows instructions from the Secret Service and military when it comes to his personal security.

Trump said he receives many threats and indicated that the security concern was serious enough for officials to alter his travel arrangements.

Catering truck operation draws attention

The aircraft transfer has attracted considerable attention because of the unusual method used to move the President.

Trump reportedly travelled from Air Force One to the replacement aircraft using a catering truck, apparently as part of an effort to prevent the movement from being detected.

The episode subsequently became the subject of social media memes, with images and jokes portraying Trump as hiding inside the catering vehicle.

Trump, who frequently engages with online memes and has cultivated a strong public image around his personal toughness, appeared to acknowledge the attention while stressing that the decision was made by security officials.

Iran threat concerns during NATO summit

The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

Trump had travelled to Ankara for the NATO summit aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar. The aircraft's first international trip had already attracted scrutiny over its cost, security and modifications.

The situation was particularly sensitive because Turkey shares a border with Iran and tensions in the region had intensified at the time.

U.S. officials reportedly feared that the aircraft publicly associated with Trump could become a potential target if an attack was being planned.

White House did not disclose change

The White House did not publicly reveal the aircraft switch at the time. Officials had initially indicated that Trump was flying aboard Air Force One from Turkey to Britain.

The secrecy surrounding the operation has raised questions about the risks faced by Trump's aides, journalists and other personnel who remained aboard the aircraft that was believed to be carrying the President.

Trump, however, defended the decision by saying presidential security is ultimately determined by the Secret Service and military authorities.

Security remains a key concern

The incident highlights the extraordinary security measures surrounding presidential travel, particularly when the U.S. President visits regions experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions.

While Trump did not provide specific details about the alleged threat, his remarks confirmed that security officials considered the aircraft switch necessary.

The episode also comes as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a period of heightened tensions, making presidential travel arrangements a significant security concern.

For now, U.S. authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific intelligence behind the decision to move Trump from Air Force One to another aircraft.

Greenland authorities have issued a strong warning after an American oil company linked to US President Donald Trump began moving equipment to the Arctic territory in preparation for oil exploration, despite not having received the necessary approval from local authorities.

The development comes at a politically sensitive time, with Trump having repeatedly expressed interest in Greenland and renewed his claims about the strategic importance of the Arctic territory.

Greenlandic officials raised concerns after drilling equipment was brought ashore on the island's eastern coast in recent days.

Greenland Warns Oil Firm

The Greenland government said all future logistical operations related to mineral resources must be notified to and approved by the relevant authorities before being carried out.

Officials said no permission had been granted for the landing of the equipment at the time it arrived.

However, the government also said it would not be proportionate to immediately demand that the equipment be removed because an application for permission was already being processed.

The episode has highlighted tensions between Greenland's regulatory framework and the ambitions of private companies seeking to explore its mineral and energy resources.

Greenland Energy Plans Two Wells

The company at the centre of the controversy is Greenland Energy, a Texas-based firm established in 2025.

The company claims that as much as $1 trillion worth of crude oil could potentially lie beneath the Jameson Land region in eastern Greenland.

It had announced plans to spend around $60 million on drilling two wells to assess the area's oil potential. The company has subsequently indicated that it intends to begin with one well.

Greenland Energy's corporate filings state that it would acquire a majority stake in the project in return for financing the exploration programme.

Oil Licences Stopped in 2021

The proposed drilling faces a major regulatory hurdle.

Greenland stopped issuing new oil exploration licences in 2021, citing environmental concerns.

However, a British company, 80 Mile, had already secured exploration rights covering the Jameson Land area. Greenland Energy has sought to become the principal financial backer of the project.

Despite the existing exploration rights, drilling activities still require approval from Greenlandic authorities.

Equipment Arrives by Barge

The controversy intensified after local residents in the sparsely populated Jameson Land region reported seeing a tugboat bringing a barge towards the coast.

The barge reportedly unloaded around a dozen containers.

According to the Greenland government's statement, the equipment was brought ashore in connection with planned oil exploration drilling at Nunap Qeqqa in Jameson Land.

A Danish investigative outlet also reported that the shipping company involved confirmed the delivery was intended for Greenland Energy.

Company Says Approvals Are Progressing

Greenland Energy has maintained that discussions with Greenlandic regulatory and oversight authorities have been constructive.

In a letter to shareholders, the company said it remained encouraged by progress towards obtaining the approvals required for drilling.

The company has also said that the project is not connected to the wider political debate over US control or annexation of Greenland.

Greenland Energy chair and major shareholder Larry Swets has rejected suggestions that the oil project is part of an American annexation effort.

Trump Links Add Political Sensitivity

The company's connections to figures in Trump's political orbit have added another layer to the controversy.

Greenland Energy has reportedly been associated with Phil McGraw, popularly known as Dr Phil, who previously served on Trump's religious freedom commission.

The company has also appointed a director who is a US Navy veteran involved with Trump's Golden Dome missile defence initiative. Trump has previously described control of Greenland as strategically important in the context of US security.

Meanwhile, Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana who has been serving as Trump's Greenland envoy, has suggested that Greenland could potentially begin producing oil as early as next year.

Earlier Permission Claim Disputed

The company also faced criticism after representatives reportedly claimed at a June community meeting that they had permission to conduct drilling activities.

Greenland Energy chair Larry Swets later acknowledged that the company's enthusiasm had resulted in communication that created confusion over the project's approvals.

The latest dispute has therefore raised questions about how Greenland's authorities will regulate the project and whether the company will ultimately receive permission to proceed.

For now, the application remains under consideration, while Greenland's government has made clear that future logistical operations connected to mineral exploration must receive the required approvals before being undertaken.

US President Donald Trump has signed two new executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship and curbing so-called "birth tourism", renewing one of the most contentious immigration debates in the United States. The move comes weeks after the US Supreme Court blocked an earlier attempt by the Trump administration to limit automatic citizenship for children born on American soil.

The latest executive actions seek to broaden the categories of children who would be denied automatic US citizenship and tighten scrutiny of foreign nationals travelling to the United States to give birth.

New Restrictions on Birthright Citizenship

The first executive order expands the list of people whose US-born children may not automatically qualify for citizenship.

According to the White House, the order includes children born to individuals identified as members of foreign terrorist organisations, certain foreign government representatives, "alien enemies" of the United States, and individuals accused of obtaining immigration benefits through fraud.

The administration has argued that the existing interpretation of birthright citizenship is being misused and requires stricter enforcement.

Crackdown on Birth Tourism

The second executive order targets birth tourism—the practice of travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so that the child automatically acquires American citizenship.

The order directs federal agencies to identify and take action against organisers facilitating such travel. It also instructs US visa officials to increase scrutiny of visitor visa applicants where birth tourism is suspected.

Officials have indicated that visa officers may reject applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is childbirth, even without formal evidence.

Legal Challenges Expected

The executive orders are already facing criticism from immigration experts and civil rights organisations.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the orders are unconstitutional, arguing that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly everyone born in the United States regardless of their parents' immigration status.

Legal experts expect multiple lawsuits to be filed immediately, similar to the legal challenges that blocked Trump's previous executive order on birthright citizenship earlier this year.

Impact on Indians

The latest executive orders are not expected to directly affect Indian professionals living in the United States on H-1B, L-1, student or other long-term visas.

However, Indian nationals applying for short-term visitor visas could face increased questioning if authorities suspect travel is intended for childbirth.

Immigration lawyers say the policy could result in longer visa processing times and greater uncertainty for pregnant applicants seeking tourist visas.

Why the Issue Matters

Trump has repeatedly argued that birthright citizenship, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment since 1868, was originally intended to protect the rights of formerly enslaved people and is now being exploited through birth tourism.

Supporters of the administration say the measures are necessary to strengthen immigration enforcement and prevent abuse of the system.

Opponents, however, contend that executive orders cannot override constitutional protections and maintain that any fundamental change to birthright citizenship would require either a constitutional amendment or a definitive ruling by the US Supreme Court.

With fresh legal battles expected, the future of Trump's latest birthright citizenship orders is likely to be decided in the courts before any major policy changes take effect.

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a temporary government funding bill aimed at preventing a federal shutdown before the current fiscal year ends on September 30. The proposed continuing resolution (CR) would keep federal agencies operating through December 11, giving Congress additional time to negotiate a full-year spending package.

The legislation, announced after days of negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House, is expected to be voted on later this week before lawmakers leave Washington for the traditional August recess.

If approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the measure will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Funding deadline pushed beyond elections

The proposal effectively postpones a major budget confrontation until after the upcoming elections, reducing the immediate risk of a politically damaging government shutdown during the campaign season.

Government funding battles in Washington have frequently been resolved at the last moment, with the United States experiencing two major shutdowns over the past year.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said avoiding another shutdown before lawmakers leave for the August recess remains Congress's top priority.

Key changes in the Senate proposal

While the House had already passed its own temporary funding bill, Senate negotiators introduced several significant revisions during bipartisan talks.

Among the major changes:

• A proposed $1 billion allocation for new "Trump-class" battleships has been removed following objections from Senate Democrats.

• The legislation restricts the administration's authority to transfer funds from other government programmes to expand Border Patrol operations.

• It temporarily blocks a proposed rule that would have allowed senior political appointees to review discretionary federal grant applications to determine whether they aligned with the President's policy priorities.

Debate over federal grants

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins expressed concern that the proposed grant review policy could politicise federal funding decisions.

She warned that the measure might affect rural development projects, biomedical research and other public programmes that rely on discretionary grants.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray also opposed the proposal, saying she would continue efforts to permanently eliminate the rule, arguing that federal grants should remain free from political influence.

Larger budget fight delayed

The temporary funding measure gives Congress approximately two and a half additional months to negotiate the 12 annual appropriations bills required to finance the federal government.

However, major disagreements remain between lawmakers and the White House over spending priorities.

The administration has advocated deeper reductions in non-defence spending while seeking increased defence funding. Congress also remains divided over healthcare tax credits, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding, and several domestic spending programmes.

Shutdown risk reduced for now

If Congress approves the continuing resolution before the September 30 deadline, federal agencies will continue operating without interruption until December 11.

The broader debate over federal spending will then shift to the post-election "lame duck" session, when lawmakers are expected to negotiate a long-term government funding agreement.

Indian-American doctor and former state legislator Amish Shah has won the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, setting up a closely watched general election contest that could influence control of the US House of Representatives.

US media projected Shah as the winner on Wednesday after ballots from Arizona’s July 21 primary were counted. The moderate Democrat will contest the November 3 election against Republican nominee Jay Feely, a former National Football League player endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Shah called the result a grassroots victory and said Arizona voters had made their voices heard. He added that his next task would involve earning support from every section of the district.

Establishment Choice Defeated

The result delivered a setback to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which had backed former television journalist Marlene Galán-Woods during the primary.

The party organisation reportedly spent more than $500,000 supporting Galán-Woods. Shah, however, maintained his focus on local support and presented himself as an independent-minded candidate with experience in medicine and state government.

Both Shah and Galán-Woods ran as broadly moderate Democrats, making the contest less about ideology and more about whether voters would accept the preference of the party establishment in Washington.

Rematch Without Incumbent

Amish Shah also won the Democratic nomination for the same seat in 2024. He later lost the general election to Republican David Schweikert by nearly four percentage points.

Official congressional election statistics show that Schweikert received 225,538 votes, while Shah secured 208,966.

The political landscape has changed this time. Schweikert vacated the congressional contest to seek the Republican nomination for Arizona governor but lost that primary to Andy Biggs. His departure has turned the 1st District into an open-seat race, removing the advantage of an incumbent lawmaker.

Trump-Backed Rival Awaits

Shah will now face Jay Feely, who defeated former Arizona lawmaker Joseph Chaplik in the Republican primary. Feely played in the NFL for 14 seasons and later became a television sports analyst.

Trump’s endorsement helped place Feely firmly within the president’s political camp. The Republican nominee campaigned as an outsider who would support conservative priorities and help protect the party’s House majority.

The contest has an unusual personal link. Feely played for the New York Jets while Shah worked at the team’s home games as an airway-management physician during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

India Connection Matters

Shah was born and raised in Chicago to parents who moved to the United States from India as engineering students during the 1960s. He is an emergency medicine doctor, served in the Arizona House of Representatives and speaks Gujarati fluently.

For India, his victory has immediate symbolic importance rather than a direct diplomatic impact. A general election win would add another Indian-origin voice to the US Congress and underline the community’s expanding participation in American public life.

However, heritage alone does not determine a lawmaker’s foreign-policy position. Shah’s influence on India-related matters would depend on his election, committee assignments and positions on trade, immigration, defence and the wider US-India partnership.

Stakes for Trump

The Arizona contest carries a more direct political meaning for Trump. Feely’s primary win strengthened the president’s endorsement record among Republican voters, but the general election will test whether a Trump-backed candidate can retain a competitive suburban seat.

The district includes northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley. Republicans retain a voter-registration advantage, although the area has moved towards the political centre. Joe Biden carried it in 2020, while Trump won it narrowly in 2024.

A Shah victory would give Democrats a Republican-held seat and could complicate Trump’s ability to move legislation through the House. A Feely victory would preserve the seat for the Republicans and reinforce Trump’s influence over the party.

November Battle Ahead

The campaign will now shift towards healthcare costs, abortion rights, inflation, immigration and the direction of the Trump administration. Shah has highlighted his record as a doctor and state legislator, while Republicans have started linking him to the Democratic Party’s national agenda.

The race will remain prominent in Latest News Today, India News Update and National and International News coverage because it combines Indian-American representation with the struggle for control of Congress.

US President Donald Trump's political fundraising network has amassed more than $400 million in cash reserves, significantly strengthening Republican campaign efforts ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. The latest filing with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) shows that the Trump-aligned MAGA Super PAC has dramatically expanded its financial resources, positioning it as one of the most influential political spending organizations in the country.

The fundraising milestone comes at a critical time, as Republicans prepare to defend their narrow majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with several closely contested races expected to determine control of Congress.

Campaign War Chest Crosses $400 Million

According to the FEC filing, the MAGA Super PAC ended June 2026 with more than $400 million in cash, up from approximately $300 million at the beginning of the year.

The substantial increase provides Republicans with significant financial resources months before voters head to the polls in November. Political analysts believe the committee's large cash reserve will enable extensive spending on television advertisements, digital campaigns, grassroots outreach, and voter mobilization efforts in key battleground states.

Super political action committees (Super PACs) are permitted to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose political candidates, provided they operate independently and do not coordinate directly with official campaign organizations.

Billionaire Donors Boost Fundraising

The latest fundraising report highlights continued support from several high-profile and wealthy contributors.

Among the notable donors is NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who contributed $1 million to the committee.

Cryptocurrency entrepreneurs Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss each donated $10 million, with FEC records indicating that both brothers sold portions of their Bitcoin holdings to finance their contributions.

The donations underscore Trump's continued ability to attract major financial backing from influential business leaders despite an increasingly competitive political environment.

Republicans Aim to Protect Congressional Control

The Republican Party currently holds slim majorities in both chambers of Congress, making the 2026 midterm elections particularly significant for President Trump's legislative agenda.

Control of the House and Senate could depend on a relatively small number of competitive races, increasing the importance of campaign funding and political advertising.

The MAGA Super PAC played a major role during the 2024 presidential election, spending nearly $377 million to support Trump's successful White House campaign and Republican candidates across the country.

Party strategists expect the organization to remain central to Republican campaign efforts throughout the 2026 election cycle.

Political Challenges Remain

Despite its fundraising success, the Trump administration enters the midterm campaign facing several political challenges.

Public opinion surveys have indicated declining approval ratings in recent months, driven by concerns over the US-Israel-Iran conflict, rising energy prices, and broader economic pressures affecting American households.

Democrats are expected to focus heavily on these issues while campaigning to regain control of Congress.

Political observers note that although fundraising alone cannot determine election outcomes, substantial financial resources allow campaigns to communicate more effectively with voters, expand outreach operations, and respond rapidly to political developments.

High-Stakes Midterm Battle Ahead

With more than $400 million already available months before Election Day, the MAGA Super PAC enters the campaign season with one of the largest political war chests in recent US history.

The fundraising advantage is expected to play a crucial role in competitive House and Senate contests, where even a handful of closely fought races could determine which party controls Congress after the November elections.

As campaigning intensifies in the coming months, both Republicans and Democrats are expected to increase fundraising efforts, making the 2026 midterms one of the most closely watched electoral contests in recent years.

US President Donald Trump used the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebrations to deliver a strongly patriotic address that celebrated America’s history, honoured military veterans and renewed his criticism of communism, while outlining his vision for the country’s future.

Speaking at the "Salute to America" event on the National Mall in Washington, Trump addressed thousands of attendees despite severe weather that had temporarily disrupted the programme earlier in the day. Thunderstorms and lightning forced officials to evacuate parts of the venue before the ceremony resumed later in the evening.

Opening his nearly 40-minute speech, Trump thanked the crowd for returning after the weather interruption, saying the celebration would continue "rain or shine."

"I want to thank everybody because they did the right thing," Trump said, adding that the difficult weather had made the occasion even more memorable.

Throughout the address, Trump repeatedly praised American history, democracy and constitutional freedoms, describing the country's 250-year journey as a story of resilience and achievement.

A major theme of the speech was his criticism of communism. Trump argued that communist ideology was fundamentally incompatible with American values and warned against what he described as efforts to reshape the nation's historical narrative.

"You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both," Trump said, while accusing supporters of Marxist ideas of undermining America's heritage and future.

He further described communism as "a cancer" that should be stopped before it spreads, asserting that the ideology had consistently failed wherever it had been implemented.

Trump contrasted what he called America's constitutional freedoms—including freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equal justice under the law—with authoritarian political systems, saying these principles remain central to the country's identity.

The President also used the occasion to promote his domestic political agenda. Referring to election reforms, he reiterated support for legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voting and stricter rules governing mail-in ballots. Trump argued that such measures would strengthen election integrity.

On foreign policy, Trump briefly highlighted recent US actions overseas, mentioning operations involving Venezuela and military strikes targeting Iranian naval assets as examples of his administration's approach to national security.

Military service and American history featured prominently throughout the celebration. Trump honoured veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, recognising their contributions before a cheering audience.

Several historic American flags were displayed during the event, including flags associated with the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Theodore Roosevelt's military service and the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Calling them "the real deal," Trump said the historic flags symbolised the courage and determination that shaped the United States.

The event also highlighted America's achievements in space exploration. Members of the Artemis II mission, which recently completed a lunar flyby, appeared alongside former Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, the last surviving astronaut to have walked on the Moon.

As the ceremony concluded, Trump declared that America was entering what he described as a new "golden age," expressing confidence about the country's future.

The Independence Day celebrations ended with an elaborate fireworks display over the National Mall, accompanied by music and patriotic performances. Despite the earlier thunderstorms, large crowds remained until the conclusion of the event, marking one of the centrepiece celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

The address reflected themes that have remained central to Trump's political messaging, combining patriotic symbolism, tributes to military service, criticism of ideological opponents and calls for preserving what he described as traditional American values.

 Cryptocurrency has emerged as the biggest source of income for US President Donald Trump, overtaking his long-established real estate and golf businesses, according to his latest annual financial disclosure filed with the US Office of Government Ethics.

The disclosure reveals that Trump's family-owned cryptocurrency ventures generated more than $1.4 billion (over ₹13,000 crore) in 2025, marking a significant shift in the composition of his business empire. The development has also reignited debate over potential conflicts of interest, although the White House has rejected all such allegations.

Crypto becomes Trump's largest revenue source

The financial disclosure indicates that digital assets have now become Trump's most profitable business segment. His family's cryptocurrency ventures outperformed traditional businesses such as luxury hotels, golf resorts and real estate holdings, which have historically been the foundation of the Trump Organization.

The report highlights the rapid growth of Trump's digital asset portfolio amid the broader expansion of the global cryptocurrency market.

World Liberty Financial drives massive earnings

A major share of the earnings came from World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture launched by Donald Trump and his sons.

According to the disclosure, this single venture generated approximately $800 million (around ₹7,500 crore) in income during 2025.

Trump also earned substantial revenue through the sale of his Trump Meme Coins, which reportedly generated $635 million (nearly ₹6,000 crore).

The latest figures represent a dramatic increase compared to 2024, when Trump had declared earnings of $57.35 million from token sales linked to World Liberty Financial.

Traditional businesses continue to perform strongly

Despite cryptocurrency becoming the largest revenue contributor, Trump's conventional businesses remain highly profitable.

The disclosure states that his golf courses and luxury resorts generated nearly $500 million (around ₹4,700 crore) in revenue during 2025, representing an increase of about 15 percent over the previous year.

Revenue from the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida also increased significantly, rising from $50 million in 2024 to approximately $77 million in 2025.

Additional income from settlements and branding

Apart from cryptocurrency and hospitality businesses, Trump also earned income through media-related legal settlements and international branding agreements.

The report states that settlements with media companies contributed nearly $80 million (around ₹760 crore), while licensing the Trump brand to overseas property developers, particularly partners in the Middle East, generated approximately $52 million (around ₹500 crore).

Conflict of interest debate resurfaces

Trump's growing financial interests in cryptocurrency have once again sparked criticism from ethics experts and political opponents.

Critics argue that the administration has adopted several policies favourable to the cryptocurrency industry after Trump's return to the White House. These include support for creating a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins and a softer enforcement approach toward the crypto sector by agencies such as the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

However, the White House has firmly denied any conflict of interest.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said neither President Trump nor his family had violated any ethical rules. She maintained that the administration's cryptocurrency policies are designed solely to strengthen America's position as the world's leading crypto hub.

Business management remains with Trump's family

The White House has previously clarified that Trump's business interests are managed by his children while he serves as President.

However, according to the disclosure, Trump remains the principal beneficiary of the trust that ultimately receives income generated from the family's businesses and digital assets.

The latest filing underscores how cryptocurrency has become a central pillar of Trump's business empire, reflecting the growing financial significance of digital assets in global markets while continuing to fuel political and ethical debate in the United States.