Key Events (10)
The Department of Justice and Trump administration reached a settlement that dismisses a $10 billion IRS lawsuit and creates a $1.7 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' to compensate Trump's political allies. As part of the deal, the IRS is permanently barred from auditing Trump's past tax returns and pursuing a separate ~$100 million penalty involving the Trump Organization's claimed losses.
Senate Republicans blocked an amendment by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) that would have barred the Trump administration from creating the anti-weaponization compensation fund for Trump's allies.
Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, calling Paxton an 'America First Patriot' and 'MAGA Warrior' despite warnings from some Republicans about Paxton's scandal history.
Trump urged Kentucky voters to oust Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican critic of the president, while primary elections were held in six states including Kentucky, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
Trump threatened 'a big hit' against Iran if Tehran does not make a deal soon, renewing military pressure after stating he had postponed a scheduled strike to allow negotiations to continue. Vice President JD Vance stated the US remains 'locked and loaded' to restart military operations.
The United Arab Emirates said that drones that targeted its Barakah nuclear power plant came from Iraqi territory, indicating that Iranian-backed Shiite militias were likely responsible for the Sunday attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reaffirming Russia-China ties less than a week after Trump's own visit to Beijing, as Xi seeks stability with the Trump administration.
The Senate voted to advance a resolution to curb Trump's war powers regarding Iran for the first time, with four Republicans joining almost all Democrats in support.
A federal judge in New York banned ICE arrests at Manhattan immigration courts except in rare cases, responding to protests over law enforcement tactics at court facilities.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated at a Senate hearing that he would not recommend a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, the Epstein associate serving time for sex trafficking crimes.