President for Life … in the normal course of history, the president of the United States is a figure who inspires optimism in the American people.  The 47th president prefers to stir feelings of fear, vulnerability, hopelessness, and political inevitability—the sense that he, and only he, can rescue the nation from looming peril.

GOP-led Oversight Committee says Biden pardons signed by autopen are ‘void’ in final report  —  Former President Joe Biden experienced such “cognitive decline” while in office that it remains a serious question as to whether he was aware of the substance of the various pardons and commutations signed …

Trump plans to install Border Patrol officials to lead a more aggressive migrant crackdown  —  The White House has approved a list of ICE leaders to be replaced by Border Patrol officials in coming days amid disappointment with arrest numbers.  —  WASHINGTON — The Trump administration …

‘Washington Post’ editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties  —  A year ago, in explaining why he had blocked the publication of an endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Washington Post owner and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos conceded that …

Key GOP senator offers proposal to pay essential and furloughed workers during shutdown  —  Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.), the lead Senate Republican negotiator on a bill to pay key federal workers during the shutdown, says he has offered Democrats a proposal to pay all federal workers …

Texas attorney general sues Tylenol company over autism claims  —  This lawsuit comes a month after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. updated guidance discouraging pregnant women from taking acetaminophen, citing it as a possible cause of autism.  —  TAKE OUR CONTENT — PLEASE!

A judge slammed Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem over ‘troubling’ remarks about Kilmar Abrego Garcia … Crenshaw said Noem violated the rule by declaring that Abrego is a “MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator.”  And the judge said Bondi ran afoul of the rule …

The Hunger Games Begin  —  40 million Americans are about to lose food stamps  —  There's a bodega around the corner from my apartment where I often make small purchases, especially fruit, vegetables and bread.  No, I'm not afraid to cross the street to buy bread.

Hegseth Is Waging War Against the Laws of War  —  If you're still not sure whether the United States is at risk of sliding into authoritarianism, talk to some Americans who know all about the proper and improper uses of violence.  They are the men and women who are or were in the military's so-called Judge Advocate General's Corps.

The Strategist's Fallacy in American politics  —  The average American voter does not think about politics the way elite strategists and pundits do  —  I was going to write today's post about social media, attention, and politics — specifically, why I think the increasing use …

Donald Trump Confuses Dementia Screening for ‘Very Hard’ IQ Test as He Brags About Results  —  The president predicted that Democratic Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could not perform as well as he did in a cognitive exam  — President Donald Trump seemed to refer …

Why Biden's White House Press Secretary Is Leaving the Democratic Party  —  Karine Jean-Pierre feels that Democrats were so mean to Biden that she is becoming an Independent.  —  In a new book, “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines,” …

Top media analyst proposes Comcast hire Charlie Kirk's widow as editor-in-chief of NBC and CNN  —  ‘Sure, at first blush it sounds crazy, but Trump loves a deal, and Brian Roberts needs to think big and differently,’ media analyst Rich Greenfield wrote this week  —  Your support helps us to tell the story

Democrats get aggressive on remapping congressional lines … Virginia lawmakers on Monday began to amend the state's constitution to enable drawing new lines ahead of the 2026 midterms.  And in New York, a prominent Democratic election lawyer's firm filed suit Monday challenging …

Another shutdown consequence: Democrats can't visit ICE detention facilities … “ICE is no longer funding the operation of its detention facilities ... with any funds that were appropriated subject to [the requirement for lawmaker visits]” Justice Department attorneys indicated.

Lawyers allege cover-up after fed shoots at man during D.C. traffic stop  —  A Homeland Security agent shot at the man, leaving bullet holes in his car window, seat and jacket, attorneys said.  A D.C. police report about the arrest does not mention gunfire.

Doctor Identifies Possible Reasons for Trump's Secret MRI  —  EXPERTS WEIGH IN  —  A neurological issue was the first possibility the doctor mentioned.  —  A prominent cardiologist believes President Donald Trump may have quietly had an MRI scan because he showed symptoms associated with a neurological issue.

ICE Barbie Deports Trump-Fanatic Cuban Immigrant to Africa  —  PROMISES MADE...  MAGA devotee Roberto Mosquera thought Trump would unify the country.  Now he's 8,000 miles away.  —  Roberto Mosquera was once a self-proclaimed “super Trump supporter.”  Now, he's trapped in a maximum-security prison …

MAGA singles are looking for love in Washington.  It's a challenge. … When Morgan Housley, 29, moved to Washington for her job in April, she had some non-negotiables for the conservative man she was looking to date: He had to “love the Lord,” genuinely enjoy going to church, and be able to …

The Republican Plan to Reform the Census Could Put Everyone's Privacy at Risk  —  A little-known algorithmic process called “differential privacy” helps keep census data anonymous.  Conservatives want it gone.  —  President Donald Trump and the Republican Party have spent the better part …

Here's What Trump's Ballroom Donors Want  —  A comprehensive rundown of Prospect reporting on the companies that gave to Trump's monument to himself on the White House grounds  — Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email  —  The cost of Donald Trump's garish ballroom …

2 Illinois National Guard members speak out: “I won't turn against my neighbors”  —  Chicago — Two Illinois National Guard members told CBS News they would refuse to obey federal orders to deploy in Chicago as part of President Trump's controversial immigration enforcement mission …

Obama's reaction to Nancy Pelosi's ‘surprise’ endorsement of Kamala Harris revealed: ‘What the f-k did you just do?’  —  Former President Barack Obama was “not happy” with Rep. Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) quick endorsement of then-Vice President Kamala Harris — and he let it be known in a phone call …

Former DOJ officials say Comey case is vindictive, call for dismissal  —  The amicus brief signed by more than 100 former Justice Department officials urged a federal judge in Virginia to dismiss charges against the former FBI director.  —  More than 100 former Justice Department officials urged …

Border Patrol's Gregory Bovino expected in federal court today in tear gas case  —  The top U.S. Border Patrol commander has been ordered to appear at 10 a.m.  —  A federal judge made a big statement last week when she ordered top U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino into her downtown courtroom.

Voter turnout surges in NYC mayor's race, with Boomers and Gen X leading the charge … We rely on your support to make local news available to all  —  Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2025.  Donate today  —  Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations