President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily pause his lawsuit against Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, due to a busy schedule of civil and criminal battles, as well as his 2024 presidential campaign. The lawsuit was filed in April 2018, alleging that Cohen had defamed him by making false statements to the media, and was dismissed in August 2018, but Trump appealed the decision. It is unclear when Trump will resume the lawsuit, but it is likely to remain on hold for the foreseeable future.
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The Biden administration has come under fire for waiving 26 federal laws in order to construct roughly 20 miles of additional border wall in South Texas. President Joe Biden defended the decision, saying that the Trump-era funding for the barrier must be used to stop illegal migration from Mexico. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas rejected criticism of the decision, saying that the Biden administration was bound by law to follow through with the project. The decision has sparked debate among both Democrats and Republicans, with some arguing that the wall is necessary and others contending that it is a waste of money and a violation of human rights.
Former President Donald Trump's lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss criminal charges against him for his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt, arguing that the charges are based on actions within the "outer perimeter" of his official duties and that the decision to charge him was politically motivated. The judge has yet to rule on the motion, and the outcome of the case remains to be seen.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted to oust Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his position as Speaker of the House, triggered by a motion from Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and supported by seven other Republicans and 208 House Democrats. Representatives Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) had differing opinions on the ouster, while Representative Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) suggested that the House Democrats should have provided McCarthy with votes to keep the Speakership, contrary to conventional wisdom.
Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio has declared his candidacy for speaker of the House, citing strong support from fellow House Republicans and a desire to unite the fractured GOP conference. He has also criticized federal spending and the alleged persecution of former President Donald Trump. Other lawmakers, such as Rep. Steve Scalise, have also signaled they will seek the speaker's gavel, and the House Republican Conference is expected to meet on Thursday to discuss the election.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), leaving the chamber in a state of paralysis and increasing the odds of a government shutdown. With no clear successor, the Republican Party is now tasked with finding a new leader to take the House forward and avoid a costly budget standoff. The future of the chamber is uncertain, and the party will need to find a consensus soon.
Laphonza Butler Sworn In as 12th Black Senator in U.S. History, Third Black Woman to Serve in Senate
Laphonza Butler Sworn In as 12th Black Senator in U.S. History, Third Black Woman to Serve in Senate
Vice President Kamala Harris swore in Laphonza Butler as the newest U.S. Senator from California, making her the first Black, openly LGBTQ+ woman to serve in either chamber of Congress. Butler was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to finish out the late Senator Dianne Feinstein's term, and her swearing-in ceremony was met with applause. Her appointment marks a historic moment for the U.S. Senate and a testament to the progress made in the fight for equality and representation.
Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has threatened to move forward with a motion to vacate the speakership of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), in response to McCarthy's decision to work with Democrats to pass a temporary measure to keep the government funded. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has advised Gaetz against following through with his plan, noting that he would lose all of his leverage if he did so and that there is no one else who has the votes to replace McCarthy. The future of McCarthy's speakership is uncertain, as Gaetz's threats remain unresolved.