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Most Americans support conservation – here’s how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative got politicians from both parties on board too
An analysis of one major effort shows how to get Democrats and Republicans to agree to spend billions of dollars on a decades-long environmental restoration project.
National Republicans put Rep. Greg Landsman on new 'target list'
The National Republican Congressional Committee has added Ohio's 1st District to its \
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Arizona’s state primary
Arizona Republicans will choose a nominee in a state primary Tuesday to challenge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in November.
Can Arizona Republicans Stop Feuding Long Enough to Win Back the State?
Some Republicans fear the party is poised to repeat past mistakes by nominating candidates in Tuesday’s primaries who are viewed as too extreme to sway moderate voters.
Republicans don’t want to go there again on Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims
The president pressed the GOP to embrace his latest allegations, but many candidates kept their focus on issues they see as more salient to voters.
Health care gives Democrats a potent issue for midterm elections in Iowa and beyond
In places like Iowa and rural America, health care cuts and lack of coverage are giving Democrats a potent issue to take votes from Republicans in their bid to retake control of Congress.
Colorado Republicans will have to live with the consequences of their candidate of choice
Two surprising election results this year in Colorado and Maine’s 2026 primaries compel us to examine the role of voters. It’s usually regarded as impolite, if not insulting, to question the judgment of voters. Democratic theory often implies the collective conclusions they reach capture some ephemeral element of shared wisdom. This may be true when […]
As Trump toys with disaster aid, Congress eyes FEMA change
New Jersey, snubbed for $84 million in aid after damaging cold, is among Democratic states turned away by a Republican president
Heat stroke, exhaustion biggest RAGBRAI concerns for county public health
The National Weather Service is predicting that Marshall County’s temperature and heat index – 92 degrees with a heat index of 101 – will persist and possibly increase on Monday. The high temperatures felt across the state will greet RAGBRAI riders as they start the journey on Sunday in Onawa. Once they reach Marshalltown on […]
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) July 19, 2026
On this episode of Politics Unplugged, political editor Dennis Welch sits down with Joana Mendoza — a former Marine Corps drill instructor and Democratic candidate — who is challenging incumbent Republican Juan Ciscomani in Arizona's Congressional District 6, discussing affordability, immigration, and ICE reform. Then, with Arizona's primary election just days away, Welch brings in Republican consultant Chip Scutari and Democrat Stacy Pearson to break down the most competitive races, including the GOP governor's primary between Andy Biggs and David Schweikert, the attorney general's race, and a crowded CD1 field. The panel also weighs in on what the early ballot returns and independent voter enthusiasm could signal heading into the general election this fall.
Andy Biggs and David Schweikert offer competing visions for Republican Party in Arizona governor primary
After decades coexisting in the fractious Arizona Republican Party, Biggs and Schweikert are on a collision course in Tuesday's primary for governor.
Tim Murphy, former U.S. congressman and state senator, dies at 73
Former U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, a Republican from Upper St. Clair, died Sunday. He was 73. Murphy died at his home from an apparent heart attack, according to ColdSpark, the political consultancy that worked on Murphy’s campaigns. A native of Cleveland, Murphy earned a doctorate in psychology from the University
Maine Democrats rally around logger Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner
Jackson, a progressive who champions worker rights and Medicare-for-all, has quickly emerged as the favorite to take on Republican Susan Collins in the Senate race in November.
Andy Biggs and David Schweikert offer competing visions for Republican Party in Arizona primary
Rep. Andy Biggs and Rep. David Schweikert are clashing in the Republican primary for Arizona governor
Andy Biggs and David Schweikert offer competing visions for Republican Party in Arizona primary
Rep. Andy Biggs and Rep. David Schweikert are clashing in the Republican primary for Arizona governor.
Perspective: Abandoning business
For businesses in our industry and similar sectors, the recent primary results were an alarming wake-up call that many read as “get out of Dodge, now.” To say that the results in both the Democratic and Republican primaries were surprising and disturbing to many in the business community would be an understatement. On the Republican […]
Perspective: Abandoning business
For businesses in our industry and similar sectors, the recent primary results were an alarming wake-up call that many read as “get out of Dodge, now.” To say that the results in both the Democratic and Republican primaries were surprising and disturbing to many in the business community would be an understatement. On the Republican […]
Why the Trump effect is different in 2026 than 2018
The brightest warning light for Democrats in this year’s election is the consistent finding in early national and state polls that they are not winning nearly as large a share of voters who disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance as they did during his first term. Paradoxically, that dynamic could represent a major danger for Republicans if it proves unsustainable through November.
What the regionality of Marx’s Republican primary win reveals about Colorado conservatives
Running for governor of Colorado, controversial outsider Victor Marx, 61, a self-proclaimed exorcist and a friendly ally to the late Charlie Kirk, pulled out a 39.9% Republican primary victory. State Sen. and Republican establishment candidate Barbara Kirkmeyer came in a close second with around 39.4% of the vote. Meanwhile, Scott Bottoms, a state legislator and […]
Lite Waite: How attending Boys State taught me that politics is a contact sport
by Bob Waite So how does one get pulled into politics? That was the gist of my recent Ipswich Museum talk. My earliest political memory comes from the old Shatswell School playground. This would have been in 1956. In those days, Ipswich tilted heavily Republican. John Dolan was our state rep, championing issues like wetland […]
Troy Jackson, a former Graham Platner ally, well-positioned to win Maine Democrats’ nomination against Sen. Susan Collins
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has built an overwhelming advantage in the short and unusual contest to replace Graham Platner and take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a must-win race for Democrats in their bid for control of the US Senate.
Nebraska’s Democratic Senate Nominee Files to Withdraw From Race
The move by Cindy Burbank could clear a path for Dan Osborn, an independent candidate backed by her party’s leadership. But Republicans have cried foul, and her effort could face obstacles.
Rep. Ralph Norman launches campaign to replace Lindsey Graham in Senate race
President Donald Trump endorsed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, to run for the Republican nomination in the special primary election.
Republican lawmaker Ralph Norman to join race to succeed Lindsey Graham in South Carolina
Congressman to run for seat despite Donald Trump backing Graham’s sister Darline, should she choose to run
Florida politics Re-Cap: Voter data, campaign cash and two lawmakers in court
The week brought major courtroom developments for two state lawmakers, a new fundraising milestone in Florida’s U.S. Senate race & another looming legal fight over the Republican primary for governor.
Business Briefcase: Women in Business event coming to PSU Schuylkill
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — According to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flyer, the Schuylkill Women in Business Luncheon, sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network, will be held 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Penn State Schuylkill Con…
Without Platner, Maine Democrats Scramble to Keep Grassroots Energy Alive
Graham Platner’s campaign for Senate imploded last week. The activists who backed him are seeking a candidate to carry his populist message in the race against Republican Susan Collins.
How Ron DeSantis turned Florida’s governor race into a Republican family feud
On paper, the Republican primary to be Florida’s next governor appears to be little more than a formality. But Ron DeSantis has refused to endorse a successor.
Republican elections expert on Trump’s election speech: ‘I was shocked there was nothing new’
Republican candidates for secretary of state share priorities for elections administration, business regulation
by Maya Shimizu Harris, WyoFile Republican candidates for Wyoming secretary of state shared their visions for the job and views on topics ranging from
Republican candidates for secretary of state share priorities for elections administration, business regulation
by Maya Shimizu Harris, WyoFile Republican candidates for Wyoming secretary of state shared their visions for the job and views on topics ranging from crossover voting to ballot drop boxes Thursday at a forum in Laramie. Wyoming’s secretary of state post has risen in prominence in recent years as worries about election integrity and shady corporations […]
House GOP seeks to push funding deadline to avoid shutdown before midterms
House Republicans released the text for a continuing resolution Friday which would extend government funding at current levels until Dec. 4.
Opinion | What Trump’s Charisma Has Wrought
What will the Republican Party look like after 2028?
Blanche meets with Epstein accusers after demand from Republican senator crucial to confirmation
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met Thursday with accusers of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the demand by a Republican senator whose support is crucial to advancing his nomination to lead the Justice Department.
GOP Package to Fund Iran War Runs Into Republican Doubts
The package is much smaller than the broader boost President Trump has been seeking, and its passage remains uncertain due to divides in the party.
Whole Hog Politics: Trump’s election obsession is a midterm loser
It isn’t that Republicans couldn’t pass a single major piece of immigration legislation in the 18 months that their party has had unified control of Washington. It’s that they wouldn’t. None other than the late Sen. Lindsey...
Are American politicians too old?
The debate about how old is too old to serve in public office has resurfaced this week after the shock death of the Republican senator Lindsey Graham and the surprise return of Mitch McConnell, the 84-year-old senator who published a photo of himself in hospital after a long absence from the spotlight
Trump doubles down on US election attacks in his primetime speech
President Donald Trump has used a primetime address to question the legitimacy of U.S. elections and push for more restrictive voting laws. The Republican president on Thursday revisited debunked theories
Strategists weigh the issues shaping N.Y. governor's race
Both Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman are trying to persuade voters they have the better answer to what appears to be the big issue of 2026: New York’s high cost of living.
Election officials in Arizona's largest county agree on how to oversee vote, ending legal battle
Republican Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap sued the predominantly GOP board of supervisors in June 2025, alleging it illegally took control of certain aspects of election administration. The board called the lawsuit frivolous and said Heap was wasting taxpayer money.
GOP frontrunner Minogue: Governors should put people above party politics
Mike Minogue, a Republican candidate for governor, says that he wants to make Massachusetts a place people can stay and raise families like his.
Republican candidates for secretary of state share priorities for elections administration, business regulation
Four republicans are vying for the post, which is responsible for overseeing elections and registering and authorizing businesses in the state.
These California Republicans have one advantage in the race for Congress: Money
Republicans have more cash than Democrats in California swing races. Could that help them foil Democrats’ Prop. 50 plan of gaining five seats?
Texas attorney general candidates have plans to fight corruption if elected
In the race to be the state’s top lawyer, there’s no love lost between the Republican and Democratic candidates.
NC elections board approves new rule making it easier to disqualify ballots
The elections board’s Republican majority approved a series of rules in a 3-2 vote, including one on ballots without voter ID.
Larry Rhoden: Rancher, welder and three-decade politician makes his case to earn SD's trust
South Dakota's governor reflects on his ranching roots and three decades in politics ahead of the Republican runoff.
Trump is expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national address
President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on Thursday night on topics he said will include elections and voting machines, suggesting he is likely to revisit some of the unproven claims he has previously made about Republican losses, particularly his own in 2020.
Democrats and Republicans engage in public life in similar ways
Each of the two major parties includes people who are deeply involved in public life – across politics, community, religion and news – and those who are less so.
Trump expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national address
Trump's comments suggest he's likely in Thursday's speech to revisit some of the unproven claims he's previously made about Republican losses
Trump to meet Darline Graham at the White House today
President will meet new Republican senator who has taken over the seat following the death of her brother Lindsey Graham
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Views on Fraud in Government Health Programs
As the 2026 midterms approach, health care costs remain voters' top health priority, but fraud in government health programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, is resonating with Republican voters, 55% of whom say it's extremely important for candidates to address. Most voters say there is at least “some” fraud in government health programs, but larger shares say there is fraud in the tax system, defense, and foreign aid, while the smallest share sees fraud in the ACA Marketplaces.
Poll: Costs Are the Top Health Care Issue for Voters in the Midterms, But Fraud Tops Republicans' List As Trump Administration Pushes Crackdown
Health care costs top the list of voters’ health care priorities for the midterm elections, though more than half of Republican voters say it is extremely important for candidates to discuss the issue of fraud in government health programs, according to a new KFF Health Tracking Poll. Most voters say there is at least “some” fraud in government health programs, but larger shares of voters see fraud in the tax system, defense, and foreign aid than in federal health programs. The smallest share of voters sees fraud in the ACA marketplaces.
CNBC rated Ohio 'Top State for Business.' Here's what that means — and what it doesn't.
Ohio Republicans are touting a CNBC business rating, but one of its authors says it doesn't mean that life is great for average Ohioans.
Republican candidates for secretary of state share priorities for elections administration, business regulation
Four republicans are vying for the post, which is responsible for overseeing elections and registering and authorizing businesses in the state
This middle-finger politics is 'dangerous': Reince Priebus
Fox News contributor Reince Priebus and Republican strategist Erin Maguire discuss the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party as the midterms approach on 'Hannity.'
Blakeman vows to end Hochul's 'crazy' data center moratorium
Gov. Kathy Hochul's Republican rival for reelection vowed to rescind her one-year moratorium on new large data centers.
The ’Gay’ Attacks on Lindsey Graham Are All About Politics
Was Lindsey Graham gay? As the author of a book about the history of gay Washington, D.C., it’s a question I’ve been asked frequently for years, and even more so since his sudden death last weekend. The South Carolina Republican’s lifelong confirmed bachelorhood, vocal intonation, and Southern dandy demeanor (if not sartorial choices) prompted many to conclude that he was, as they say in that part of the country, “light in his loafers.” Graham’s repeated attestations to the contrary had zero effect on those invested in the narrative that he was. Only about the matter of J. Edgar Hoover’s rumored cross-dressing (for which there is much circumstantial but no direct evidence) am I questioned more. Whenever I’ve been asked to speculate upon Graham’s sexuality—and speculate was all that I or anyone else could do—I always answered the question honestly. While my personal sense is that Graham was probably gay, as a journalist and a historian I cannot rely on my intuition to make factual assertions. (Gaydar hasn’t yet been scientifically perfected.) Given the absence of any known female or male romantic interests, Graham may very well have been a heterosexual unlucky in love. He might also have been asexual. Barring the highly unlikely postmortem emergence of a personal diary or some other unassailable evidence attesting to Graham’s innermost yearnings, we will never know the answer. As is depressingly the case these days when a public figure dies, a chorus of voices reveled in Graham’s passing, many of them making light of his presumed homosexuality.
Trump rule that would politicize grants faces fight from scientists and many others
A Trump administration proposal would give political appointees power to screen and terminate federal grants. Scientists, local governments and a Republican senator are resisting.
Report: Trump administration policies cost the average Ohio household $2,175
Two new reports suggest Trump administration policies are hitting Americans' pocketbooks. Being tied to those policies could spell trouble for Republican candidates in November's elections.
Here Are the Maine Democrats Running to Replace Graham Platner
To win, they’ll have to convince Democrats at a July 25 convention that they’re the best candidate to take on Senator Susan Collins, a Republican.
Trump endorses 'Pillow Man' Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor
Trump praised Lindell as “one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots” and gave formal backing to a fellow election denier a day before the Republican president delivers a national address he says will focus on election security.
How Lindsey Graham’s ability to read the moment propelled him to political relevance for 3 decades
Sen. Graham repeatedly moved in the direction South Carolina and Republican politics were headed rather than where they had been.
Todd Blanche, Trump’s Attorney General Pick, Faces Crucial Hurdle After Rocky Hearing
Even a single Republican “no” vote would block Mr. Blanche’s nomination from consideration by the full Senate, which could sink his confirmation.
Trump drops political bomb on Minnesota Republicans with Lindell endorsement
President Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell is a five-alarm fire for many in the GOP. The MyPillow CEO is widely seen as the worst candidate to take on U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Top US science body readies climate report as Republicans push back
The United States' leading scientific body is set Thursday to launch a major report on the link between climate change and extreme weather, a growing research field now underpinning lawsuits seeking b...
House Republicans unveil $95B plan for Iran war, farm aid and elections
The package would be a sequel to the massive tax and spending cut bill President Donald Trump signed into law last year
House Republicans release $95 billion spending bill with no offsets, which could endanger support
Republicans are racing to get money for the Pentagon and farm aid, but fiscal hawks have been asking to balance the budget request.
House G.O.P. Releases Budget to Unlock $95 Billion for Iran War and SAVE Act
The plan faces a rocky path amid Republican divisions and would pave the way for votes months before the midterm elections to fund a war that polls show is deeply unpopular.
Trump will speak on elections in primetime address
The topic suggests he could revisit long-debunked conspiracy theories about his 2020 defeat to President Joe Biden as he's escalated calls for Republicans to pass tighter federal voting rules before November's midterm elections
Pennsylvania Republicans won on lowering prices. Then came the Iran war.
Two Republicans who unseated House Democrats in 2024 after promising to lower the cost of living are fighting to keep their seats amid rising prices.
Trump administration scales back immigration crackdown after ICE shootings
The administration is again retreating from some aggressive actions, but Republicans expect Democrats to expand calls to “abolish ICE.”
That's not Kathy Hochul. AI campaign ads are going too far.
Artificial intelligence is being used to create ads that disparage Democrats – and make Republicans appear to have more support than they might have.
An ICE Shooting in Maine Puts Pressure on Senator Susan Collins
The Democrats hoping to challenge Ms. Collins, a vulnerable Republican, have seized on the fatal incident, drawing attention to her record on immigration matters.
Sen. Ted Budd discusses Iran, Helene recovery funds and Graham
Capital Tonight guest host Reuben Jones had the opportunity to speak with North Carolina Republican Sen. Ted Budd as both the House and Senate get ready to tackle some big issues.
How Lindsey Graham’s keen ability to read the moment propelled him to political relevance for 3 decades
Sen. Graham repeatedly moved in the direction South Carolina and Republican politics were headed rather than where they had been.
GOP health fraud fight escalates
Republicans are hoping GOP-led efforts to combat health care fraud could help pay for a new spending package.
Health care, food aid enrollees down as deeper federal cuts loom
Three Republicans from NJ stand by their votes as nutrition program loses 5% of recipients and almost 70,000 residents drop insurance
Report raises questions over Attorney General Ken Paxton’s voter registration
A new investigation scrutinizes whether the Republican Senate nominee may have violated the same voting laws his office has aggressively enforced.
Darline Graham Nordone: Lindsey Graham’s sister and interim US senator
Nordone was 13 when brother became her legal guardian – and was a key presence as he rose in the Republican ranks
Jesse Watters: Political world 'in shock' after sudden death of Sen Lindsey Graham
Fox News host Jesse Watters takes a closer look at reaction to the passing of longtime Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham at age 71 on 'The Five.'
Lindsey Graham’s Death Transforms the Race for His Democratic Challenger
Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, has offered condolences to those who loved Mr. Graham while considering the political fallout from his death. Republicans are scrambling to arrange a new primary election.
Lindsey Graham’s Death Creates Rare Political Scenario That’s Gripping DC
The thin majority that Republicans have in Congress is complicating things.
The Quintessential Trump-era Politician
In 2020, I wrote an article about collaboration and collaborators. The title was History Will Judge the Complicit, and it started with the story of two famous East Germans, Markus Wolf and Wolfgang Leonhard, who both landed in East Berlin just after the end of the war. Although they came from very similar backgrounds, the former stuck with the regime, eventually becoming its spy boss; the latter, horrified by the brutal reality of Soviet-style communism, escaped. By way of juxtaposition, I also wrote about Lyndsey Graham and Mitt Romney. These two men also made very different decisions when confronted by Donald Trump’s assault on the ideals that they had both grown up believing: A glance at their biographies would not have led many to predict what happened next. On paper, Graham would have seemed, in 2016, like the man with deeper ties to the military, to the rule of law, and to an old-fashioned idea of American patriotism and American responsibility in the world. Romney, by contrast, with his shifts between the center and the right, with his multiple careers in business and politics, would have seemed less deeply attached to those same old-fashioned patriotic ideals. Most of us register soldiers as loyal patriots, and management consultants as self-interested. We assume people from small towns in South Carolina are more likely to resist political pressure than people who have lived in many places. Intuitively, we think that loyalty to a particular place implies loyalty to a set of values. But in this case the clichés were wrong. It was Graham who made excuses for Trump’s abuse of power. It was Graham—a JAG Corps lawyer—who downplayed the evidence that the president had attempted to manipulate foreign courts and blackmail a foreign leader into launching a phony investigation into a political rival. It was Graham who abandoned his own stated support for bipartisanship and instead pushed for a hyperpartisan Senate Judiciary Committee investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden’s son. It was Graham who played golf with Trump, who made excuses for him on television, who supported the president even as he slowly destroyed the American alliances—with Europeans, with the Kurds—that Graham had defended all his life. By contrast, it was Romney who, in February, became the only Republican senator to break ranks with his colleagues, voting to impeach the president. “Corrupting an election to keep oneself in office,” he said, is “perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one’s oath of office that I can imagine.” In the wake of Graham’s unexpected death on Saturday, I wrote about him again. He was, in many ways, the quintessential politician of Trump’s Washington, a man who shifted 180 degrees. Graham had been a fervent American patriot, proud reserve officer and military lawyer; he became one of the most important defenders of a president who believes soldiers are “suckers and losers” and shows no respect for law of any kind. As his politics changed, his language grew coarser and his behavior grew worse: He urged Israel to “level the place” in Gaza, and insulted the Danish prime minister in Munich, prompting a colleague, Senator Elissa Slotkin, to issue an apology. Here’s an excerpt from the article, which you can read in The Atlantic (gift link here) Like his close friend John McCain, Graham believed that America should stand at the center of a broad democratic alliance. The few times I met him were in that context, at the Munich Security Conference or at other European-American gatherings, which he once attended with great regularity. He also took seriously the practice of American democracy at home. In a 2014 conversation with The Atlantic, he described himself as a pragmatic politician who eschewed populist slogans. “I know Washington is broken, but what’s broken about it is everybody yelling and nobody trying to fix it,” he said. “I’m trying.” When Donald Trump first appeared in U.S. politics, Graham recognized him immediately for what he was: the spokesman for an alien ideology, one radically different from the idealistic patriotism that Graham had practiced and preached since childhood. Trump privately mocked the military that Graham loved as nothing but “suckers and losers.” He put falsehoods, cynicism, and personal greed at the center of his politics, while expressing disdain for transparency, accountability, and democracy itself. In 2015, Graham described Trump as a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot” who should “go to hell.” Also as a “nutjob.” When Trump won, Graham understood, as did so many others, that he would have to make some important choices. For a while, he went silent. In the spring of 2016, I saw him at one of those conferences in Europe. He seemed too depressed to speak. But then, like many other Republicans—and, more important, like many other people who have lived under political occupation or experienced radical regime change—he made the decision to abandon his previous ideals, to bury the patriotism that was once so important to him, and to become, instead, a loud, opportunistic collaborator. As I wrote in 2020, it’s very hard to look in to anyone’s heart and to understand their motivations from the outside. But it does seem that Graham had a deep need to be relevant, to be in the game, to be a player, at any cost. And that, rather than any particular achievement, is what he will be remembered for. Continuing to monitor conflicts of interest, ostentatious emoluments, outright corruption and policy changes that will facilitate outright corruption. (Read my original article, Kleptocracy Inc and check out the SNF Agora Institute chart) June 27 Trump diverted funds from more than 900 projects nationwide—including safety upgrades at national parks—to finance beautification projects around Washington, including $700,000 used to fix a White House walkway. June 28 After a years-long Department of Justice investigation into Abbott Laboratories over its management of a baby formula facility where potentially deadly bacteria turned up enough evidence to criminally charge the firm, top department officials instead opted for a financial penalty—illustrating the department’s move away from strict corporate enforcement under the Trump administration. June 29 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stacked the Defense Policy Board—which is charged with providing independent national security recommendations to the Office of the Secretary of Defense—with Trump allies, including tech billionaire Marc Andreessen, who has invested in defense contractors like OpenAI and SpaceX, after purging the panel last year. Trump purchased between $1 million and $5 million worth of stock in Axon—which makes about 90% of US tasers—two weeks before ICE solicited bids for a $220 million taser contract. The White House unveiled limited-edition US passports for America’s 250th birthday, featuring a portrait of Trump overlaid on the Declaration of Independence. June 30 Trump made around $1.2 billion from his various crypto companies last year, including more than $500 million from World Liberty Financial and $600 million from sales of his meme coin. Trump is considering issuing 250 pardons to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. These are expected to be largely doled out through the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s informal network of intermediaries. White-collar defense attorneys say they can typically win pardons for clients for $2 million. Last year, Trump administration officials awarded a no-bid contract worth up to $500 million to Clark Construction for the White House ballroom—negotiations in which the president was directly involved. July 1 The Amazon MGM Studios documentary about Melania Trump earned the First Lady more than $10 million. Trump made hundreds of individual stock purchases worth as much as $12.8 million the day before his announcement pausing “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days sent the S&P 500 soaring nearly 10%—one of the largest single-day gains ever. Mar-a-Lago and Trump National Doral saw record surges in revenue during Trump’s first year in office, earning $77.5 million and $121.9 million respectively, compared to average annual revenues of $25 million and $75 million during Trump’s first term. Entities across the Persian Gulf paid more than $300 million to Trump’s businesses last year, including $263 million from the sale of half his stake in World Liberty Financial to a firm backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a top UAE royal and brother of the country’s president. Kash Patel failed to properly disclose his stock purchase of a Department of Justice contractor, MicroStrategy, worth up to $250,000 last year, despite laws requiring disclosure within 45 days of the trade. July 2 Trump has been directing administration officials to steer more government contracts—so far worth more than $2.4 billion—to Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin aerospace firm, after Amazon gave $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, donated to the White House ballroom project, and reached a $40 million deal to license a Melania Trump documentary. Alongside the billions he made from cryptocurrency last year, Trump earned millions of dollars from real estate licensing fees, including $21 million from organizations in the UAE and $9.2 million in Saudi Arabia, along with smaller sums from merchandise sales, including $4.7 million from Trump Watches and $35,920 from 45 Guitar, a guitar brand endorsed by the president. House Democrats accused consultants tied to the Trump administration of financial fraud, alleging they gave prospective donors to America250—the bipartisan committee created by Congress to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial—the banking and routing numbers for Freedom 250, the White House’s fund for events like the UFC cage fight. Democrats also allege that Freedom 250’s CEO traveled to the World Economic Forum in Davos to solicit donations from foreign government officials and business leaders. The Trump administration’s proposed rollback of gun regulations would lift the prohibition on mailing handguns to individuals, a significant win for GrabAGun—the direct-to-consumer firearm retailer on whose board Donald Trump Jr. sits and in which he holds a 1.1% ownership stake. GrabAGun currently must rely on a middleman to transfer firearms to customers. Trump’s financial disclosure revealed that he made more than 21,000 securities trades during his first year back in office, growing his investment account to at least $858 million across stakes in around 1,600 companies, compared to the 13 total trades Joe Biden made during his entire presidency. July 4 Nearly 1 million people who bought the president’s meme coin—Trump Coin—collectively lost $3.8 billion on the token, while he walked away with $636 million. July 6 Shares of Dell closed up 4.4% after Trump recommended people buy the firm’s computers during a speech announcing the launch of Trump investment accounts for children, boosting the more than $1 million worth of shares the president owns in the company. July 9 Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh named crypto investor and Trump ally Marc Andreessen to a task force aimed at modernizing the Federal Reserve, including rethinking its approach to inflation—a key factor keeping interest rates elevated. Palm Beach International Airport has officially changed its name to Trump International Airport—a move that will require Florida to pay royalties to the president’s family for licensing his name. I was there a few months ago, during a trip to Barcelona. The sculptures were a revelation, I’d never seen so many together before. Each one has its own personality. Enjoy the good weather, if you are lucky enough to have it. History Will Judge the Complicit The Quintessential Politician Autocracy Inc Open Letters, from Anne Applebaum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
South Carolina's governor names Lindsey Graham's sister to serve out his term
South Carolina's governor says he is appointing Darline Graham Nordone to finish the term of her late brother. Top Republicans, including President Trump, have coalesced around the pick.
After primary silence, Trump endorses GOP candidate in SC’s 1st Congressional District race
After sitting out the GOP primary, President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District race.
Trump recommends South Carolina’s governor appoint Lindsey Graham’s sister to finish his Senate term
Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, is expected to announce his appointment of a temporary replacement for Graham on Monday.
Lindsey Graham’s sister should finish his term, Trump says
A special election will be held next month to pick a new Republican nominee in the general election for Graham’s seat
Trump administration live updates: GOP scrambles to find replacement for Lindsey Graham
Get the latest news and live updates on the Trump administration as Republicans scramble to find replacement for Lindsey Graham and McConnell give his first statement since he was hospitalized a month ago.
The State of Politics: How Evers ‘Fixed the Damn Roads’
He got help from Republican legislators and federal pandemic funding.
Republicans feel increasingly upbeat about their chances in the midterms
GOP strategists who spoke to NBC News said they are less worried than they were a few months ago about the Iran war and rising prices hurting their party.
Graham’s death complicates Senate Republicans’ packed agenda
Republicans return to Washington facing a thinner working margin, stalled spending bills and a fight over Trump’s attorney general nominee.
Grace abandoned: Ohio’s journey to politicians stealing power from voters in elections
Ohio’s mail-in ballot grace period began as an effort to help all Ohioans vote and avoid embarrassing catastrophes like 2004, but axing it has become a tool for disenfranchising Democrats and concentrating power in the hands of Republicans.
Graham’s death highlights a power shift and a new question: What’s coming next in Washington?
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the long hospitalization of former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell are poignant reminders that time conquers even political careers marked by great power and ubiquity.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) July 12, 2026
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes talks about the DOJ threats to prosecute election workers for allowing non-citizens to vote – even though there are no documented cases of that happening, going back decades. Plus, we talk with Katherine Haley, a Republican candidate for Treasurer. Then, consultants Dawn Penich and Wes Gullett talk about the impact of Turning Point USA, as a Republican lawmaker accuses a leader of the group of racism.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) July 12, 2026
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes talks about the DOJ threats to prosecute election workers for allowing non-citizens to vote – even though there are no documented cases of that happening, going back decades. Plus, we talk with Katherine Haley, a Republican candidate for Treasurer. Then, consultants Dawn Penich and Wes Gullett talk about the impact of Turning Point USA, as a Republican lawmaker accuses a leader of the group of racism.
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Sen. Lindsey Graham leaves political legacy in New Hampshire
Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who died Saturday night, leaves behind a political mark in New Hampshire through years of campaign visits, media appearances, and personal friendships.
Mitch McConnell releases health update, says he is ‘regaining’ strength
The Republican senator has been absent from Congress during a weeks-long hospitalisation, spurring party concern.
McConnell breaks silence on his health, says a fall led to hospitalisation
After weeks of speculation about the Republican’s wellbeing McConnell, 84, said he developed pneumonia while hospitalised for the fall.
McConnell says fall led to hospitalization, breaking weeks of silence on health
Sen. Mitch McConnell on Sunday revealed for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health. McConnell, 84, said in a statement that he was “briefly unconscious” around the time he was first taken to the hospital and has undergone a battery of…