Saturday, 8 August 2026

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal lawyer, as Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote early Saturday morning. Blanche had served as acting AG and faced Democratic opposition over concerns about DOJ independence and his role defending Trump in criminal cases.

The Senate passed a short-term government funding bill (90-6 vote) that extends funding through December 11, avoiding a shutdown before the midterm elections. The move reflects bipartisan desire to prevent a messy fiscal fight before the November elections.

Trump intervened to delay Senate action on the SAVE America Act (a voting restrictions bill), pumping the brakes on GOP efforts to pass the measure before the August recess. Republican senators left Washington without passing the legislation that had been a top Trump priority.

A federal appeals court halted Trump's White House ballroom construction project, facing legal challenges from preservation groups. Legal experts say opponents of the $400 million project face a 'very tough argument' at the Supreme Court over standing and other procedural issues.

The Trump administration announced renewed efforts to limit birthright citizenship for children born to immigrant parents under specific circumstances and children resulting from 'birth tourism.' This comes after the Supreme Court struck down a previous executive order attempt in June.

A Georgia ICE operation netted over 1,200 immigration arrests, with DHS stating 720 individuals had criminal histories including sex offenses and child abuse. The operation, called 'Operation Safe Community,' occurred in Atlanta.

The US announced $1 billion in security aid to Colombia as Trump-aligned president Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in, pledging an 'all-out war' on narco-terrorism. De la Espriella replaces leftist Gustavo Petro and continues Latin America's rightward political shift.

The US Senate passed sweeping Russian energy sanctions legislation, including a 100 percent tariff on Russian oil and gas importers, amid continued Ukraine war. Vice President Vance said the US has made 'some progress' in Iran negotiations but remains 'in the middle of the game.'

US courts cleared the way for deportations of South Sudan and Myanmar nationals by allowing the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these nationalities. A separate ruling also affects Haitian nationals who lost protected status.

Iran stated that a deal with Oman on control of the Strait of Hormuz was close but would not by itself reopen the strategic waterway. Iran's leadership issued additional demands as conditions for resolving the ongoing blockade situation.