$70 billion immigration funding package signed into law
President Donald Trump signed a $70 billion bill on Thursday to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations through the end of his term. The legislation provides the agencies with multi-year budget certainty, allowing them to plan enforcement operations without annual appropriations uncertainty. The signing underscores the administration's continued focus on immigration enforcement.
Trump nominates Jay Clayton as DNI
Trump announced the nomination of Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, filling a position that had been under acting leadership following the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard. Clayton, a former SEC chairman, brings financial regulatory experience to the intelligence role. The nomination faces Senate confirmation hearings in the coming weeks.
Inflation hits three-year high as midterm primaries reshape Congress
Trump drew attention by declaring 'I love the inflation' as the annual inflation rate hit a three-year high of 6.4%, driven in part by Iran war-related oil price shocks. The remark came as midterm primary elections in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina set the stage for November contests. In Maine, Democrat Graham Platner will face Republican Susan Collins in a Senate race with implications for chamber control.