Johns Hopkins University Lays Off 110 Employees as Federal Research Funding Declines 
US Seizes Nearly 400 Illegal World Cup Streaming Domains in Global Anti-Piracy Crackdown 
ICC Judges Sue Trump Administration Over Sanctions, Calling Measures Unlawful 
Iran Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise After Ship Attack Delays IMO Escort Mission 
US Senate Approves War Powers Resolution Urging Trump to End Iran Military Action 
US Seeks Gulf Support for Iran Peace Deal Amid Regional Tensions 
Texas Approves Bible-Inclusive Reading Lists for Public Schools Starting in 2030 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Pelosi Discloses Major Intel and Uber Call Option Purchases Worth Up to $6 Million 
US Strikes Iran After Strait of Hormuz Attack as Ceasefire Tensions Escalate 
Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
US Urges States and Businesses to Strengthen Taiwan Ties Amid China Pressure 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Marco Rubio Reassures Gulf Allies Over U.S.-Iran Peace Deal 
Trump Orders DOJ Investigation Into Exxon, Chevron Over High Gas Prices 
US Mobilizes Aid After Powerful Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
The U.S. Senate has confirmed about half of President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, shaping his administration’s key policies.
Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News commentator, was confirmed as Defense Secretary with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote. He has criticized Pentagon leadership and reversed his stance on women in combat. Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, secured confirmation as Attorney General, emphasizing law enforcement while dodging questions about prosecuting Trump’s adversaries.
Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, was unanimously confirmed, balancing Trump’s non-interventionist stance with his hawkish foreign policy approach. John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, now leads the CIA, having previously been criticized for politicizing intelligence.
Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, oversees infrastructure and transportation policies, while Chris Wright, Energy Secretary, champions fossil fuel expansion. Russ Vought, a key figure in Trump’s government overhaul plan, awaits confirmation as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Doug Burgum was confirmed as Interior Secretary and National Energy Council chair, prioritizing energy production on public lands. Lee Zeldin, confirmed as EPA Administrator, pledges regulatory rollbacks to boost oil and gas production.
Other confirmed cabinet members include Doug Collins (Veterans Affairs), Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), and Scott Bessent (Treasury). Awaiting confirmation are Tulsi Gabbard (DNI), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor), and Kash Patel (FBI Director), among others.
Elon Musk, appointed to lead a new government efficiency initiative, will advise on reducing bureaucracy, though without formal authority. Tom Homan, serving as “border czar,” is ramping up immigration enforcement. Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign strategist, now serves as Chief of Staff, aiming to bring stability to the administration.
With key confirmations in place, Trump’s cabinet is set to drive his second-term agenda.
