Key Events (11)
President Trump arrived at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey on July 7, immediately renewing criticism of the alliance and its defense spending, stating 'We don't need anybody's help.' He also reiterated his demand for NATO allies to increase military contributions, with some nations stretching the definition of military spending to meet targets.
The US military carried out strikes on Iran and revoked temporary oil sales waivers in response to Iranian attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. A tanker was struck by a projectile and caught fire near Limah, Oman, escalating the ongoing naval conflict.
Trump's controversial intervention in FIFA to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite a red card suspension backfired as Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in the World Cup last-16 match in Seattle. The decision sparked international backlash and multiple investigations into FIFA's conduct.
Trump's Fourth of July fireworks display as part of the Freedom 250 semiquincentennial celebrations created environmental and public health crises. The nearly 850,000 fireworks shells sent air pollution to record levels in Washington DC (6.7 times normal), fouled the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and sent dozens to hospitals.
Trump renewed calls for US acquisition of Greenland at the NATO summit in Ankara, continuing his long-standing demand. He also threatened to pull all American troops from Europe and expressed continued anger at NATO allies over their stance on the Iran war.
The US trade deficit widened significantly in May, reaching its highest level in over a year, driven by record imports of foreign goods including pharmaceuticals and data center equipment. This contradicts Trump's trade war promises and highlights the challenges in delivering on his economic goals.
About half of Americans (57%) report struggling to afford groceries and gas, with a majority believing the economy is worsening, according to a Harris poll. Meanwhile, Obamacare enrollment is plummeting in several states including Ohio, Oklahoma, and Arizona after federal subsidies expired.
A federal judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to restore four states' access to citizenship data in a ruling that contradicted an earlier Washington judge's order. The conflicting rulings underscore the administration's inconsistent approach to election security measures.
A federal judge quashed a Justice Department subpoena in the 2020 election inquiry, finding that it was too late to bring criminal charges in the case. The ruling cast serious doubts on the Trump administration's efforts to reinvestigate the 2020 race.
The Trump administration revoked a temporary waiver allowing Iranian oil sales less than three weeks after issuing it, escalating tensions in response to Iranian attacks on tankers. The move reflects the administration's volatile approach to Iran negotiations.
An Afghan national died while in ICE immigration detention after suffering a severe allergic reaction. ICE agents had rejected his wife's attempt to give them his asthma inhaler when he was taken into custody, raising serious concerns about medical neglect in detention facilities under the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.