Thursday, 3 September 2026

A federal judge blocked Trump's latest attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, citing the Supreme Court's prior June ruling that found such restrictions unconstitutional. Judge Deborah Boardman found the new executive order "almost certainly unconstitutional."

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow restrictions on mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, requesting the justices lift lower court blocks. A federal judge warned the postal rule could cause "major disenfranchisement."

Federal prosecutors charged ICE officer Christian Castro with lying to investigators about the January shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa Celis in Minneapolis. The charge is rare but limited—prosecutors had initially sought civil rights charges similar to those in the George Floyd case but were blocked by Trump DOJ officials.

Trump threatened additional strikes on Iran as the death toll from recent US airstrikes rose to at least 18, including casualties from strikes on a wedding party. Iran's government called the strikes war crimes while Tehran targeted US military bases in response.

VP JD Vance declined to offer a timeline for ending the Iran war, expressed skepticism about calling it a war despite recent escalations, and dismissed Iranian claims about civilian casualties at a wedding, saying "things happen."

US data on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz contradicts Trump administration claims. Trump said the US is helping approximately 30 ships cross daily, but ship-tracking data suggests far fewer vessels are transiting.

Oil prices approached $97 per barrel amid renewed US-Iran clashes, with diesel prices surging to their highest level since 2022—up over 53% since the Iran war began in February. Experts warn of mounting inflation pressures on consumers.

Chevron and Italy's Eni signed deals to expand oil projects in Venezuela days after Venezuela agreed to grant the US control of a fifth of its oil reserves, formalizing resource extraction arrangements following the Trump administration's military intervention that captured former president Maduro.

The Netherlands moved approximately $10 billion worth of gold out of Federal Reserve custody in New York, citing "geopolitical unrest"—the second European nation in 2026 to reduce or eliminate US gold holdings, reflecting international concerns over American political stability.

Trump called the media "treasonous scum" over reports of munitions shortages in the Iran war, continuing his rhetorical attacks on press coverage critical of administration policies.