Politics

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Embassy staffer Yaron Lischinsky, known for praising President Trump's leadership, was tragically killed in a terror attack with his almost-fiancée, Sarah Milgrim, seemingly driven by antisemitic motives. Lischinsky advocated for peace through firmness, supporting Trump's foreign policy, especially in dealing with Iran and China. Trump condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to end hatred in the country. The incident is under investigation as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.

Donald Trump has gathered over $600 million in political donations for the upcoming midterms, aiming to secure $1 billion for his agenda and GOP candidates. Trump seeks to counter Democrats routinely outpacing Republicans in fundraising, while planning to maintain influence over the party beyond his term. By accumulating money, Trump sees it as a means to accumulate power and leverage for the future, potentially lasting until 2028.

A federal judge in Washington has blocked the Trump administration from ending the legal status of thousands of international students on F-1 visas. Judge White granted protection, stating the students could challenge the administration's actions successfully. The injunction prevents immigration officials from arresting or deporting them until the case is resolved, providing stability and security. The students were admitted through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program overseen by ICE, with records in the SEVIS database.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the Trump administration during a House Committee hearing. The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia over alleged discriminatory admissions practices against Asian students. The controversy started in 2020 when changes were made to promote diversity by eliminating standardized testing and application fees, and implementing a holistic review process. Virginia's Attorney General found reasonable cause for discrimination, prompting the investigation.

Top investors in a cryptocurrency project linked to President Trump dined with him at his golf club in Virginia. Some worry about potential shady dealings and accusations of presidential influence for personal gain. Despite donations to Trump and pro-crypto lawmakers, industry insiders are concerned about Trump's role in meme coins hurting their image. Pro-Trump supporters in the crypto industry question the president's approach and prefer a focus on favorable legislation. Trump's involvement in meme coins has stirred controversy since before his inauguration.

A recent poll suggests Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is nearly tied with Democrat incumbent Kathy Hochul in a hypothetical gubernatorial race in New York, with Stefanik being the strongest contender among potential Republican candidates. Stefanik also leads in a hypothetical Republican primary against other contenders. The survey of nearly 1,200 likely voters revealed dissatisfaction with Hochul, giving Stefanik a strong position. The findings come amidst speculation about Stefanik's potential candidacy for governor.

The House narrowly passed President Trump's domestic policy bill, named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, by one vote after an all-night session. New York Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino missed the vote, admitting he was asleep. The bill seeks to increase the SALT deduction cap. Despite Democratic opposition, the measure passed 215-214 with two Republicans voting against it. House Speaker Mike Johnson commended Garbarino's efforts in the negotiations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended a video shown by President Trump to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa allegedly depicting burial sites of White South African farmers. NBC's Yamiche Alcindor questioned the credibility of the video, suggesting the crosses shown were not burial sites but from a memorial demonstration. Leavitt and Alcindor exchanged words at the briefing, leading to a disagreement over the video's authenticity and questioning protocols for unsubstantiated information.

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending legal status for foreign students studying in the US, citing harm to students amid efforts for mass deportation. The ruling by US District Judge Jeffrey White halts an initiative to modify SEVIS records, affecting international students on education visas. The administration's actions were criticized for causing upheaval and jeopardizing students' legal presence in the country. The judge's decision is part of a case involving such students seeking protection.