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The Trump administration’s attack on the 87-year-old food aid program that supports tens of millions of low-income Americans escalated last week as the agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, claimed that 14,000 Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (Snap) recipients included owners of luxury vehicles such as Ferraris, Bentleys and Teslas.
Why it matters: The Trump administration’s attack on the 87-year-old food aid program that supports tens of millions of low-income Americans escalated last week as the agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, claimed that 14,000 Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (Snap) recipients included owners of luxury vehicles such as Ferraris, Bentleys and Teslas.
Instead, he confronted something the Trump Administration has largely avoided during two months of war with Iran: direct, sustained questioning over whether it has misled the public about why the United States entered the conflict, what it has achieved, and how or when it will end.
Why it matters: Instead, he confronted something the Trump Administration has largely avoided during two months of war with Iran: direct, sustained questioning over whether it has misled the public about why the United States entered the conflict, what it has achieved, and how or when it will end.
Southern Poverty Law Center seeks disclosure of grand jury transcripts in criminal case Washington — The Southern Poverty Law Center moved to force the disclosure of grand jury materials in the criminal case against the organization, citing what it said were "misleading" statements from Trump administration officials in the aftermath of the indictment last week and "obvious legal infirmities" in court filings.
Why it matters: Southern Poverty Law Center seeks disclosure of grand jury transcripts in criminal case Washington — The Southern Poverty Law Center moved to force the disclosure of grand jury materials in the criminal case against the organization, citing what it said were "misleading" statements from Trump administration officials in the aftermath of the indictment last week and "obvious legal infirmities" in court filings.
Manifesto reportedly written by suspect had Trump administration officials at top of list. Plus, the world’s first marathon run in under two hours Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here Good morning.
Why it matters: Manifesto reportedly written by suspect had Trump administration officials at top of list. Plus, the world’s first marathon run in under two hours Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here Good morning.
The move Trump and first lady were safely evacuated and police arrested Cole Tomas Allen of southern California at event The gunman who tried to breach the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night is believed to have been targeting members of the Trump administration, the acting US attorney general, Todd Blanche, said on Sunday morning.
Why it matters: The move Trump and first lady were safely evacuated and police arrested Cole Tomas Allen of southern California at event The gunman who tried to breach the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night is believed to have been targeting members of the Trump administration, the acting US attorney general, Todd Blanche, said on Sunday morning.
The White House planned a Pakistan trip to push ceasefire talks with Iran, then Trump called it off. That matters because it shows how one decision in the executive branch can r...
Why it matters: The White House planned a Pakistan trip to push ceasefire talks with Iran, then Trump called it off. That matters because it shows how one decision in the executive branch can r...
Trump canceled a planned trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan for talks with Iran and said Washington has “all the cards.” The decision matters because it can shift the pace of U.S.-...
Why it matters: Trump canceled a planned trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan for talks with Iran and said Washington has “all the cards.” The decision matters because it can shift the pace of U.S.-...
A family that spent 10 months in U.S. immigration detention was re-arrested hours after returning home. The case shows how federal power can keep punishing people even after a c...
Why it matters: A family that spent 10 months in U.S. immigration detention was re-arrested hours after returning home. The case shows how federal power can keep punishing people even after a c...
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan as the U.S. pushes new Iran peace talks. The trip matters because it shows how much of this conflict is being handled thr...
Why it matters: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan as the U.S. pushes new Iran peace talks. The trip matters because it shows how much of this conflict is being handled thr...
President Trump said he is weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines, with a plan to resell it later for what he calls “the right price.” That would put public mone...
Why it matters: President Trump said he is weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines, with a plan to resell it later for what he calls “the right price.” That would put public mone...
The White House has shifted from shock-and-awe strikes in Iran to a slower pressure campaign. That change matters because there is still no clear endgame, while the fallout spre...
Why it matters: The White House has shifted from shock-and-awe strikes in Iran to a slower pressure campaign. That change matters because there is still no clear endgame, while the fallout spre...
The Trump administration is considering increasing refugee admissions for white South Africans, according to reporting from The Independent. The move would raise a simple but ug...
Why it matters: The Trump administration is considering increasing refugee admissions for white South Africans, according to reporting from The Independent. The move would raise a simple but ug...
Amnesty International and U.S. civil rights groups have issued a World Cup travel advisory for the United States. The warning says Trump’s immigration policies and broader crack...
Why it matters: Amnesty International and U.S. civil rights groups have issued a World Cup travel advisory for the United States. The warning says Trump’s immigration policies and broader crack...
The Trump administration has extended the Iran ceasefire while U.S. pressure on Tehran keeps the region on edge. That matters because the fight is not just about guns and diplom...
Why it matters: The Trump administration has extended the Iran ceasefire while U.S. pressure on Tehran keeps the region on edge. That matters because the fight is not just about guns and diplom...
South American migrants deported to the Democratic Republic of the Congo say they are being pushed to give up and go home. The case matters because it shows federal power being...
Why it matters: South American migrants deported to the Democratic Republic of the Congo say they are being pushed to give up and go home. The case matters because it shows federal power being...
Iran appears to have held onto far more missile power than the Trump administration is saying out loud. That matters because public understatement can distort the next U.S. move...
Why it matters: Iran appears to have held onto far more missile power than the Trump administration is saying out loud. That matters because public understatement can distort the next U.S. move...
The U.S. pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and called it the “worst deal ever.” That decision blew up a major nuclear agreement and helped reset U.S.-Iran relations ar...
Why it matters: The U.S. pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and called it the “worst deal ever.” That decision blew up a major nuclear agreement and helped reset U.S.-Iran relations ar...
The U.S. says its Marines took custody of an Iranian-flagged vessel as Iran reportedly rejected peace talks and kept pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. This matters because a shi...
Why it matters: The U.S. says its Marines took custody of an Iranian-flagged vessel as Iran reportedly rejected peace talks and kept pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. This matters because a shi...
The U.S. government is backing a $50 million rare earths investment in South Africa to help reshape a supply chain dominated by China. This matters because critical minerals sit...
Why it matters: The U.S. government is backing a $50 million rare earths investment in South Africa to help reshape a supply chain dominated by China. This matters because critical minerals sit...
Trump’s energy secretary says gas prices may not fall back under $3 a gallon until 2027. That matters because fuel costs hit nearly every household and business, and they shape...
Why it matters: Trump’s energy secretary says gas prices may not fall back under $3 a gallon until 2027. That matters because fuel costs hit nearly every household and business, and they shape...
The White House signed an executive order to expand federal research into psychedelics for mental health treatment. The move could speed up policy changes around drugs like ibog...
Why it matters: The White House signed an executive order to expand federal research into psychedelics for mental health treatment. The move could speed up policy changes around drugs like ibog...
A conservative attorney who helped try to overturn the 2020 election is being tapped to oversee a criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan. That matters beca...
Why it matters: A conservative attorney who helped try to overturn the 2020 election is being tapped to oversee a criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan. That matters beca...
Rümeysa Öztürk finished her doctorate after the Trump administration targeted her over a pro-Palestinian op-ed. Her case matters because it shows how the government can use immi...
Why it matters: Rümeysa Öztürk finished her doctorate after the Trump administration targeted her over a pro-Palestinian op-ed. Her case matters because it shows how the government can use immi...
A federal judge in Rhode Island dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter rolls from the state. The ruling matters because it blocks a federal demand f...
Why it matters: A federal judge in Rhode Island dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter rolls from the state. The ruling matters because it blocks a federal demand f...
Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that could start within hours, according to President Trump. The deal matters because it shows how U.S.-backed diplomacy can...
Why it matters: Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that could start within hours, according to President Trump. The deal matters because it shows how U.S.-backed diplomacy can...
The White House has moved to nominate Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director. This is a big power choice because the CDC helps steer how the U.S. handles public health cris...
Why it matters: The White House has moved to nominate Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director. This is a big power choice because the CDC helps steer how the U.S. handles public health cris...
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his record and Trump’s proposed budget cuts in a House hearing on Wednesday. The hearing mattered because it put federal health l...
Why it matters: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his record and Trump’s proposed budget cuts in a House hearing on Wednesday. The hearing mattered because it put federal health l...
Trump is hinting that U.S.-Iran talks could restart while the administration keeps up military pressure and public feuds with allies. It matters because this is not just wartime...
Why it matters: Trump is hinting that U.S.-Iran talks could restart while the administration keeps up military pressure and public feuds with allies. It matters because this is not just wartime...
The Trump administration is pushing countries to sign a “trade over aid” declaration at the United Nations. The move matters because it uses U.S. diplomatic power to turn foreig...
Why it matters: The Trump administration is pushing countries to sign a “trade over aid” declaration at the United Nations. The move matters because it uses U.S. diplomatic power to turn foreig...
The Senate voted down a War Powers Resolution for the fourth time this year, keeping U.S. military action in Iran alive without new congressional approval. That matters because...
Why it matters: The Senate voted down a War Powers Resolution for the fourth time this year, keeping U.S. military action in Iran alive without new congressional approval. That matters because...
The Trump administration is sending senior officials into in-person talks with Iran while Vice President JD Vance calls the negotiations "positive" on his way to Pakistan. That...
Why it matters: The Trump administration is sending senior officials into in-person talks with Iran while Vice President JD Vance calls the negotiations "positive" on his way to Pakistan. That...
Minnesota officials say the federal government is blocking a real investigation into deadly ICE shootings in Minneapolis. That matters now because two U.S. citizens are dead, a...
Why it matters: Minnesota officials say the federal government is blocking a real investigation into deadly ICE shootings in Minneapolis. That matters now because two U.S. citizens are dead, a...
President Trump is warning of more violence while the U.S.-Iran ceasefire strains under fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon. That matters because one broken stopgap can pull the U....
Why it matters: President Trump is warning of more violence while the U.S.-Iran ceasefire strains under fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon. That matters because one broken stopgap can pull the U....
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending protected status for Ethiopians. The ruling matters because it stops the government from using executive power to pu...
Why it matters: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending protected status for Ethiopians. The ruling matters because it stops the government from using executive power to pu...
Trump’s Iran war is splitting the young MAGA crowd that helped carry him back to power. That break matters because it turns a foreign war into a political liability inside his o...
Why it matters: Trump’s Iran war is splitting the young MAGA crowd that helped carry him back to power. That break matters because it turns a foreign war into a political liability inside his o...
Trump’s “two weeks” line is back again, this time tied to the Iran ceasefire and a fresh round of negotiations. That matters because the phrase is doing political work, not just...
Why it matters: Trump’s “two weeks” line is back again, this time tied to the Iran ceasefire and a fresh round of negotiations. That matters because the phrase is doing political work, not just...
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and that single claim can rattle oil markets far beyond the Middle East. It matters because a regional air war is now feeding into a gl...
Why it matters: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and that single claim can rattle oil markets far beyond the Middle East. It matters because a regional air war is now feeding into a gl...
Oil prices climbed and stocks slipped as traders braced for Trump’s Tuesday deadline on Iran. The market is reacting now because one presidential move can change the temperature...
Why it matters: Oil prices climbed and stocks slipped as traders braced for Trump’s Tuesday deadline on Iran. The market is reacting now because one presidential move can change the temperature...
Trump is using the Iran talks to back opponents into a corner with threats of strikes. That matters because it turns foreign policy into a pressure campaign, where one man’s dea...
Why it matters: Trump is using the Iran talks to back opponents into a corner with threats of strikes. That matters because it turns foreign policy into a pressure campaign, where one man’s dea...
A U.S. service member was rescued after two raids tied to a fighter jet shootdown over Iran, according to President Trump. The operation matters because it puts the White House,...
Why it matters: A U.S. service member was rescued after two raids tied to a fighter jet shootdown over Iran, according to President Trump. The operation matters because it puts the White House,...
Trump turned a rescue story and a war briefing into one fast-moving White House question session on Iran. It matters because the president's words can shape U.S. pressure, publi...
Why it matters: Trump turned a rescue story and a war briefing into one fast-moving White House question session on Iran. It matters because the president's words can shape U.S. pressure, publi...
President Trump's new budget proposal asks Congress for $1.5 trillion in defense spending — a 42% increase — while cutting nondefense spending by $73 billion, or 10%. This budge...
Why it matters: President Trump's new budget proposal asks Congress for $1.5 trillion in defense spending — a 42% increase — while cutting nondefense spending by $73 billion, or 10%. This budge...
Trump’s budget plan would push defense spending up by $445 billion while cutting other programs by 10%. That is not just a budget tweak. It is a blunt statement about who gets p...
Why it matters: Trump’s budget plan would push defense spending up by $445 billion while cutting other programs by 10%. That is not just a budget tweak. It is a blunt statement about who gets p...
The Trump administration has pushed out Army Chief of Staff Randy George in another Pentagon shake-up. This is not normal turnover. It is a power move that tightens control over...
Why it matters: The Trump administration has pushed out Army Chief of Staff Randy George in another Pentagon shake-up. This is not normal turnover. It is a power move that tightens control over...
President Trump fired Pam Bondi as Attorney General and announced she would take a role in the private sector. This significant change in leadership raises concerns about accoun...
Why it matters: President Trump fired Pam Bondi as Attorney General and announced she would take a role in the private sector. This significant change in leadership raises concerns about accoun...
The Department of Justice is suing several states to obtain sensitive voter data, igniting a fierce debate over federal authority in elections. This issue matters now as it rais...
Why it matters: The Department of Justice is suing several states to obtain sensitive voter data, igniting a fierce debate over federal authority in elections. This issue matters now as it rais...
The Trump administration is turning to the nuclear option on endangered-species protections in the name of national security. A rarely tapped panel nicknamed the “God Squad” wil...
Why it matters: The Trump administration is turning to the nuclear option on endangered-species protections in the name of national security. A rarely tapped panel nicknamed the “God Squad” wil...
The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could decide whether children born in the United States can be denied citizenship by executive order. That is not a small legal tweak. I...
Why it matters: The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could decide whether children born in the United States can be denied citizenship by executive order. That is not a small legal tweak. I...
Vice President JD Vance opened the first meeting of a new federal anti-fraud task force aimed at benefit programs. The move signals a push to tighten oversight of taxpayer-backe...
Why it matters: Vice President JD Vance opened the first meeting of a new federal anti-fraud task force aimed at benefit programs. The move signals a push to tighten oversight of taxpayer-backe...
Garbled source material mixes several Trump-related headlines, but the core story is not reliable enough to publish. Because the summary fails fact-check review, the post should...
Why it matters: Garbled source material mixes several Trump-related headlines, but the core story is not reliable enough to publish. Because the summary fails fact-check review, the post should...
A top Trump Justice Department official told CPAC that his team fears indictment if Democrats win in 2028. That matters because it shows how openly political revenge is now bein...
Why it matters: A top Trump Justice Department official told CPAC that his team fears indictment if Democrats win in 2028. That matters because it shows how openly political revenge is now bein...
Pam Bondi’s Fox News comments about citizenship set off immediate backlash because they sounded like a test balloon for tougher executive power over who belongs in the U.S. That...
Why it matters: Pam Bondi’s Fox News comments about citizenship set off immediate backlash because they sounded like a test balloon for tougher executive power over who belongs in the U.S. That...
Millions of people are expected to take part in No Kings protests on March 28, with events planned in all 50 states and on every continent except Antarctica. The scale matters b...
Why it matters: Millions of people are expected to take part in No Kings protests on March 28, with events planned in all 50 states and on every continent except Antarctica. The scale matters b...
Trump has pushed back his Iran deadline again while strikes and missile attacks keep spreading across the region. This matters now because the White House is mixing military pre...
Why it matters: Trump has pushed back his Iran deadline again while strikes and missile attacks keep spreading across the region. This matters now because the White House is mixing military pre...
Trump’s Justice Department says the cabinet is already bracing for investigations if Democrats win in 2028. That is not normal government behavior. It shows how deeply politics...
Why it matters: Trump’s Justice Department says the cabinet is already bracing for investigations if Democrats win in 2028. That is not normal government behavior. It shows how deeply politics...
Trump’s midterm problem is not the campaign trail. It is the possibility of losing Congress and the power that comes with it. If Democrats take the House, or even narrow the GOP...
Why it matters: Trump’s midterm problem is not the campaign trail. It is the possibility of losing Congress and the power that comes with it. If Democrats take the House, or even narrow the GOP...
President Trump appeared to doze during a Cabinet meeting as his top officials defended the U.S. military campaign in Iran. That is not just a bad look. It raises a basic questi...
Why it matters: President Trump appeared to doze during a Cabinet meeting as his top officials defended the U.S. military campaign in Iran. That is not just a bad look. It raises a basic questi...
President Donald Trump has received millions in donations from his Cabinet members — except for three people, according to a new report Tuesday. The Swamp, The Daily Beast's Sub...
Why it matters: President Donald Trump has received millions in donations from his Cabinet members — except for three people, according to a new report Tuesday. The Swamp, The Daily Beast's Sub...
The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a policy that lets the federal government turn back asylum seekers before they reach the U.S. border. A ruling like that would make it...
Why it matters: The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a policy that lets the federal government turn back asylum seekers before they reach the U.S. border. A ruling like that would make it...
The Justice Department has sued Harvard, saying the university failed to protect students from discrimination tied to the post-October 7 fallout. The case matters because it cou...
Why it matters: The Justice Department has sued Harvard, saying the university failed to protect students from discrimination tied to the post-October 7 fallout. The case matters because it cou...
The Trump administration is under fire after more than 100 asylum seekers were wrongly deported in violation of a court-approved settlement. That is not just an immigration mist...
Why it matters: The Trump administration is under fire after more than 100 asylum seekers were wrongly deported in violation of a court-approved settlement. That is not just an immigration mist...
Trump is signaling a bigger war effort while Congress faces a possible $200 billion funding demand. That is a fight over war powers, public money, and who gets to say yes before...
Why it matters: Trump is signaling a bigger war effort while Congress faces a possible $200 billion funding demand. That is a fight over war powers, public money, and who gets to say yes before...
The Trump administration is using U.S. military power against Iran without a clear path to end the conflict. That matters now because vague war aims can turn a limited strike or...
Why it matters: The Trump administration is using U.S. military power against Iran without a clear path to end the conflict. That matters now because vague war aims can turn a limited strike or...
Gov. JB Pritzker is pushing Democrats to consider criminal prosecutions of Trump officials if they win back the White House. The story matters because it turns legal accountabil...
Why it matters: Gov. JB Pritzker is pushing Democrats to consider criminal prosecutions of Trump officials if they win back the White House. The story matters because it turns legal accountabil...
James Comey has been subpoenaed in a federal investigation tied to claims of a “grand conspiracy” against President Trump. The move matters because it puts the Justice Departmen...
Why it matters: James Comey has been subpoenaed in a federal investigation tied to claims of a “grand conspiracy” against President Trump. The move matters because it puts the Justice Departmen...