The Trump administration's 'self-deportation' program, Project Homecoming, is on track to account for over 200,000 unauthorized immigrant departures from the U.S., according to internal data. The nearly $600 million initiative, which offers stipends and travel assistance, has helped about 132,000 people exit so far, with 70,000 more signed up. About half of the cases involve detained immigrants, and the program has reduced average detention times. The government contract runs out of funds by end of August, and DHS is seeking new bids. Critics question the program's oversight and post-departure support.

Background: House Republicans narrowly passed a $95 billion reconciliation framework, including defense, farm aid, and SAVE Act incentives, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune has resisted moving quickly. Today: The White House is escalating pressure on Senate Republicans to pass a budget resolution for reconciliation 3.0 before the August recess. Officials, including OMB Director Russell Vought and legislative affairs director James Braid, will press senators at their weekly lunch on Wednesday, urging them to adopt a resolution mirroring the House-passed framework, with $73 billion for defense, $12 billion for farm aid, and $10 billion for election security. The White House wants the Senate to pass the resolution by the end of next week and to include instructions for up to a dozen committees to maximize flexibility, aiming to pass as much of the SAVE America Act as possible. They are not planning to include a debt ceiling increase in this package, deferring it to a potential lame-duck session. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated the process could involve up to a dozen committees.

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians, limiting judicial review of Homeland Security decisions. The ruling leaves recipients at risk of losing legal status, work authorization, and deportation protection. The Trump administration has ended TPS for nationals of over a dozen countries, affecting roughly 1.3 million people. Advocates warn of economic impacts, as about 80% of TPS holders participate in the labor market. Litigation over other TPS terminations (Burma, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia) continues, but faces a higher legal bar. The Supreme Court's ruling has now taken effect, ending TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians. A federal judge temporarily delayed termination for Ethiopians, a move DHS general counsel called 'mutiny against the Supreme Court.' TPS designations for Salvadorans (170,000) may also expire after September 9. DHS urges recipients to use the self-deportation app, while advocates predict widespread public backlash and mixed-status family impacts.

Newly released court documents in a lawsuit against the Trump administration reveal that ICE agents used racial slurs in text messages during immigration raids in Los Angeles in summer 2025. The filings, made public on Monday, show agents referring to subjects with derogatory terms, and plaintiffs allege racial profiling and unlawful detentions. The case involves five men who claim they were stopped and arrested without justification, including a U.S. citizen. The Department of Homeland Security defended the agents, while civil liberties groups condemned the behavior. The revelations have intensified scrutiny of ICE's tactics and the broader immigration enforcement crackdown.

Background: The U.S. Navy maintains two carriers in the CENTCOM region supporting blockade operations and self-defense strikes, with the Iran ceasefire agreement scheduled to be signed in Geneva. The weekly carrier tracker for July 28, 2026, reports that the naval blockade remains in effect, with 17 commercial vessels redirected, two disabled kinetically, and two boarded since reinstatement on July 14. USS George Washington transited the Luzon Strait into the South China Sea on July 22, escorted by cruiser USS Robert Smalls and destroyers USS Benfold and USS Shoup, following a serious incident between Philippine and Chinese forces at Second Thomas Shoal that involved the medical evacuation of a Filipino Navy SEAL. USS Theodore Roosevelt led a group sail with over 20 allied warships approximately 100 nautical miles northeast of Kauai, Hawaii, on July 22 as part of RIMPAC 2026. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower conducted an ammunition onload with USNS Medgar Evers in the Atlantic on July 22. USS Tripoli returned to Sasebo, Japan, after a six-month deployment, having disembarked elements of the 31st MEU at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa. USS Boxer conducted a vertical replenishment with USNS Carl Brashear on July 20.

The Trump administration, through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced a ban on imports of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as connected power inverters, citing national security and cybersecurity risks. The move targets Chinese manufacturers, who dominate the global market for these technologies, and is expected to strain US-China relations ahead of a Trump-Xi summit. The ban applies to new models and does not affect previously authorized devices, but the FCC retains authority to revoke existing authorizations. China's embassy in Washington condemned the move as politicizing trade and vowed to take necessary measures in response.

Despite ongoing Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Iran war, data analysis shows that at least 84 ships transited the waterway during two conflict periods: from the start of the war on February 28 until the ceasefire on April 7, and following renewed attacks on July 6 and 7. Most vessels are registered in the UAE, India, and Greece, with many sailing under flags different from their owners' countries. The continued transit is driven by financial incentives, as alternative pipelines can only offset a fraction of the oil flow. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait poses additional risks due to Houthi attacks.

A targeted gang-related shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday killed three people and injured at least four others. The victims were identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, and Ashley Whitehead, 56. Police believe Semo was involved in the gunfight and are seeking at least two other suspects, including a 15-year-old in custody. Three guns were recovered, including a ghost gun with an extended magazine. The incident has sparked condemnation from local leaders and renewed calls to address gun violence.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) documented a 183% increase in incidents targeting Islamic places of worship in the US during May-July 2026 compared to the same period last year, recording 17 incidents including a terroristic attack, threats, arson, and intimidation. CAIR attributed the rise to Islamophobia and cited the May 18 attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego, where three men were killed defending children from white supremacist extremists. The group urged community leaders to adopt safety measures.

The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 party-line vote, replacing acting director Bill Pulte. Clayton, a former SEC chairman and US attorney, will lead 18 intelligence agencies amid ongoing leadership turmoil and staff cuts. His confirmation follows a contentious hearing where he declined to explicitly state that Joe Biden won the 2020 election, raising concerns about political interference. The confirmation is expected to revive negotiations on renewing Section 702 of FISA, which lapsed in June.

Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the Pentagon's revision of the death toll from a strike in Iran, describing it as 'an act of cruelty.' The revision reportedly reduced the number of casualties, raising concerns among lawmakers about the accuracy and transparency of military reporting. This development highlights ongoing tensions between Congress and the Pentagon over accountability in military operations. Senator Warren publicly condemned the Pentagon's decision, reiterating that the revision was 'an act of cruelty' and questioning the military's reporting accuracy and transparency.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington as the Trump administration investigates potential violations of Nvidia chip exports to China. The meeting coincides with the administration finalizing a framework for early government access to advanced AI models and weighing policies on open-source AI and China. Huang also met with lawmakers including Sen. Mark Warner. The Commerce Department is probing potential Blackwell chip export violations, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has threatened sanctions against Chinese labs for alleged IP theft.

Background: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US military force posture in Europe at a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, criticizing allies for insufficient defense spending and framing the review as a test of progress toward 'NATO 3.0'. Today: The Pentagon has formally kicked off the review, with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby confirming the process has begun. The review will examine U.S. troop presence, basing, and force posture across Europe, with input from U.S. European Command and consultations with Congress and allies. Colby emphasized the goal of accelerating NATO's transition to Europe taking primary responsibility for its conventional defense, and the review is expected to take up to six months. The move comes amid ongoing transatlantic tensions over burden-sharing and the U.S. shift toward Asia. The review was formally initiated on June 18, 2026, and will align with the 2025 National Security Strategy and 2026 National Defense Strategy. Colby will work closely with NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. currently maintains approximately 76,000 troops across Europe, with a statutory floor of 76,000 set by Congress in the National Defence Authorisation Act 2026.

Background: A federal appeals court had rejected Biden's bid to block release of recordings from his ghostwriter interviews, citing public interest. Today, the conservative Oversight Project, affiliated with the Heritage Foundation, released around three hours of audio and 117 pages of partially redacted transcripts after Biden lost his legal battle. The recordings, made between 2016 and 2017, capture Biden discussing sensitive foreign policy matters and appearing to acknowledge retaining classified information from his vice presidency, including a handwritten 40-page memo to the president about Afghanistan. They also show Biden struggling with memory during pre-2020 election interviews. Special Counsel Robert Hur had decided in 2024 not to charge Biden, but his report noted Biden's 'poor memory,' fueling age and fitness debates. Biden's spokesman TJ Ducklo blasted the release as politically motivated, accusing the administration of weaponizing the DOJ for retribution. The Oversight Project's Jeff Clark claimed the tapes prove Biden's decline. The release follows Biden's failed legal battle and intensifies political scrutiny over his cognitive fitness and handling of sensitive documents.

Background: The U.S. Department of Justice had previously subpoenaed The Wall Street Journal over Iran war leaks, escalating a crackdown on press freedom. Today, Senate Democrats have launched a formal investigation into the DOJ's subpoenas of New York Times reporters, expanding congressional scrutiny beyond the earlier Wall Street Journal case. The probe examines the legality and justification behind the subpoenas, which are reportedly linked to leaked national security information. This development signals growing bipartisan concern over press freedom and potential executive overreach in the administration's crackdown on leaks, marking a broader congressional challenge to leak prosecutions.

Background: The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied an en banc rehearing of President Trump's challenge to the $83.3 million defamation verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll, allowing Trump to appeal to the Supreme Court on grounds of presidential immunity. Today, Trump and the Justice Department filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn the verdict, arguing presidential immunity and the Westfall Act shield him from liability for statements made while in office. The filing was submitted electronically and is expected to be formally docketed. This is the second Carroll-related case before the Supreme Court; in June, the Court declined to hear his appeal of a separate $5 million verdict. Lower courts have upheld the verdict, and the 2nd Circuit previously rejected his appeal on procedural grounds without deciding the immunity question.

The Pentagon has acknowledged that US drone production is far behind Ukraine's, with Ukraine expected to manufacture 6-7 million FPV attack drones this year versus fewer than 200,000 ordered by the US through its Drone Dominance program. Pentagon official Travis Metz noted the US is in the early stages of building domestic drone industry capacity, facing challenges from strict supply-chain requirements banning Chinese components. Ukrainian manufacturers are establishing US joint ventures to localize production and transfer battlefield experience.

Apple has overtaken Nvidia to become the world's most valuable publicly traded company, driven by strong investor confidence and market performance. This shift reflects changing dynamics in the tech sector, with Apple's market capitalization leading global markets.

Background: Venezuela's interim government and opposition are set to begin formal negotiations on August 1, facilitated by the United States, following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro and the June earthquakes. Today: On July 28, pro-government and opposition supporters held separate rallies in Caracas ahead of the talks. The rallies also marked the second anniversary of the disputed 2024 presidential election, which the opposition claims was fraudulent. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, excluded from the negotiations, said in a recorded video that she would not obstruct the process and called for elections. Pro-government militants criticized the US supervision, with some saying Rodriguez negotiates 'with a pistol to her temple.' US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about Venezuela's readiness for new elections, praised interim President Delcy Rodriguez's economic focus, and observers say he is blocking Machado's return to the country.

Background: Canadian visits to US metropolitan areas have dropped 42% year-over-year due to Trump administration policies including tariffs, immigration enforcement, and annexation threats. Today, new Statistics Canada data reveals Canadians spent $3.3bn less on travel to the US in 2025, totaling $18.8bn, while redirecting $3.6bn to other international destinations. Return trips from the US fell by about a quarter, with the deepest declines in July 2025, indicating a persistent shift in Canadian travel preferences.

Background: Former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stressed the importance of simulations and training to build trust in autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), citing successful exercises and a recent live-fire test. Today, Anduril announced that its first YFQ-44A semi-autonomous aircraft has rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio, just four months after production began. This milestone follows the Air Force's first live-fire test of a CCA and an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech Air Force Base, which showcased CCA operations and integration with manned platforms. The Air Force has awarded CCA contracts to Anduril and General Atomics, with plans to field 100-150 aircraft initially and up to 1,000 long-term. The production line has capacity for 150 aircraft per year.

Background: Oil prices had fallen below $100 per barrel amid reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump was considering a 'massive attack', heightening geopolitical uncertainty. Today's development: Trump's ability to talk down oil prices through rhetoric is being tested, as geopolitical and economic factors complicate his efforts to influence market prices. The article reports that under current market conditions, Trump's influence on oil prices through rhetoric is facing significant challenges from geopolitical and economic pressures, underscoring the difficulty of talking down prices in this environment.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has sent a second letter to Senator Mitch McConnell, demanding he publicly address his health and demonstrate his ability to serve or resign. McConnell, 84, has been absent from public view for over 40 days following a June fall and hospitalization. Beshear also urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to investigate McConnell's capacity to serve. The senator's office released a statement from the attending physician saying he is undergoing strenuous physical therapy, but speculation about his fitness continues.

The US Navy has updated its policy to restrict temporary transfers of sailors under investigation for sexual assault, sexual misconduct, or stalking to brief relocations to shore commands. This change follows the murder of Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz by fellow sailor Jermiah Copeland, who was sentenced to 44 years in prison. Copeland, under investigation for multiple sexual assaults at the time, strangled Resendiz in a barracks at Naval Station Norfolk. The new policy requires commanders to obtain approval from the receiving command, advice from the staff judge advocate, and coordination with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.

Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine has publicly criticized President Trump's proposal to deport Haitian immigrants, labeling it a 'mistake.' Citing economic and humanitarian concerns, DeWine's remarks highlight growing divisions within the Republican Party over immigration policy. This opposition underscores a notable intra-party rift over immigration policy.

The U.S. Congress, through the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act, has directed the Secretary of the Navy to overhaul torpedo inventories and production capacity to support a two-major-regional-conflict strategy. The initiative includes establishing inventory floors for all torpedo types (MK-48 ADCAP, MK-54, advanced variants, training rounds, countermeasures), assessing industrial base bottlenecks, improving testing infrastructure, and formulating a plan to massively increase production capacity. The Navy must report findings within 120 days of enactment. This effort aligns with ongoing development of new torpedoes like the MK-58 CRAW and RAPTOR.

Background: Gulf states are reassessing their U.S. partnership after the Iran war exposed vulnerabilities, including Iranian missile and drone attacks despite U.S. security guarantees. An analysis argues that the U.S. should transition from a security guarantor to a 'security integrator' role, reducing its military presence while helping Gulf states build their own capabilities and fostering like-minded coalitions. The piece highlights Gulf frustration and the risk of losing influence if Washington fails to articulate a credible new approach, focusing on integrated air defense, maritime operations, and intelligence sharing. The analysis proposes a concrete shift in US strategy, emphasizing reduced military presence while building partner capabilities. It outlines three key assets the US brings: convening power, ability to connect partners, and advanced expertise. The approach would be capability-based and modular, focusing on integrated air defense, combined maritime operations, and intelligence sharing. The article criticizes the US-Israeli campaign against Iran for departing from integrator principles by assuming the lead role and failing to consult Gulf partners. It also notes the failure of the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) due to Washington's incomplete embrace of the shift and intra-Gulf distrust, and suggests Israel has a role in cooperation but not at the expense of other partners.

A new study from the University of Hawaii's Maui Wildfire Exposure Study reveals that nearly half of adults still report depressive symptoms and one in five experience PTSD three years after the devastating Maui wildfires. The study, which screened over 2,500 participants, also found increased severe depressive symptoms, PTSD, high blood pressure, and obesity among children and adolescents. Researchers emphasize that biological, emotional, and social consequences can last for years, calling for long-term monitoring and interventions such as 'clean air centers' as climate change increases wildfire frequency. The findings highlight the need for sustained public health support beyond immediate disaster response.

The United States Central Command and the United Arab Emirates announced the creation of Task Force Talon Synapse, the first bilateral task force focused on military artificial intelligence applications. Based in Abu Dhabi, the unit will comprise about 20 American and Emirati personnel and will work on AI for intelligence support, critical infrastructure protection, and regional security monitoring. The task force is slated to launch in the coming weeks, marking a historic milestone in US-UAE defense cooperation.

A leak of white phosphorus occurred at the U.S. Osan Air Base in South Korea, prompting brief neighborhood evacuations. No casualties were reported, and the evacuation order was lifted after about half an hour as South Korean fire authorities and U.S. forces conducted decontamination. The air base established a safety cordon and confirmed a munitions-related accident. White phosphorus is a highly toxic substance used in smoke screens and incendiary weapons.

Background: Gabriel Perez, President Trump's teleprompter operator since 2016, was suspended after allegedly using inside knowledge to win over $100,000 betting on Trump's speeches via Kalshi, with the CFTC investigating. Today: A White House official confirmed on Tuesday that Perez no longer works in the federal government, though it was not specified whether he resigned or was fired. The departure follows his unpaid leave and Kalshi's referral of the trades to the CFTC. Kalshi's lawyer and head of enforcement, Robert Denault, stated that the platform's surveillance team promptly flagged, investigated, and referred the trades to the CFTC. The incident highlights broader concerns about insider trading on prediction markets, which have seen trading volume on Kalshi soar from $100 million last year to $3 billion today. Kalshi recently began requiring users to disclose their place of employment and prohibits betting based on job-related information. The report also notes that in April, federal prosecutors indicted a US soldier for betting on Maduro's removal, and Kalshi fined three political candidates who bet on their own races.

Nvidia is reportedly behind a $50 billion lease on a data centre in Texas that will utilize its chips. This development highlights Nvidia's expansion into data centre infrastructure and its strategic investment in AI computing capacity in the United States.

The Wall Street Journal's editorial board published an opinion piece opposing President Trump's proposal to eliminate the Senate filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, calling it a 'terrible trade.' The board argues that such a move would undermine Senate traditions and could have long-term negative consequences for legislative stability, reflecting ongoing political debate over procedural changes in the U.S. Senate.

The U.S. Marine Corps accepted the 359th and final MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, marking the end of the program of record. The milestone shifts focus to sustaining and modernizing the fleet through 2055, with efforts including wiring improvements, pro-rotor gear boxes, and safety redesigns. The Osprey, produced by Bell and Boeing, has been involved in 114 deployments and flown over 683,300 hours since 2007. Despite its operational significance, the aircraft has a history of safety issues, including over 60 deaths since 2000 and a 2023 grounding after a fatal crash. The platform remains a key component of Marine Corps aviation, representing three-quarters of rotary wing support.

An analysis outlines policy measures to accelerate US nuclear energy deployment domestically and boost exports. Recommendations include updating electricity market mechanisms to value baseload power, redirecting ESG funds into nuclear project finance, reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, creating a government revolving fund for global projects, strengthening nuclear diplomacy, and updating fuel cycle regulations to allow spent fuel recycling and take-back programs. The piece argues these steps are needed to compete with Russia and China and achieve US nuclear leadership.

The USS Georgia, one of four Ohio-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs), returned to its homeport for the final time and will be inactivated on July 31. Commissioned in 1984 and converted to SSGN in 2008, the boat can carry up to 154 Tomahawk missiles and supports special operations. The Navy plans to retire all four SSGNs by 2029, with no direct replacement in the pipeline, though Virginia-class Block V submarines with the Virginia Payload Module will offer some capability.

A new analysis by Stripe chief economist Ernie Tedeschi finds that recent U.S. labor productivity growth is driven more by higher utilization of existing capital than by AI adoption. While sectors with high AI use show higher productivity, this trend predates the pandemic. Tedeschi argues that AI is part of the story but not the main driver of the macro trend, and cautions against overstating its role in the current productivity surge.

The Pentagon is renaming Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died July 11 from an aortic dissection at age 71. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink signed a memo directing staff to work with Air Mobility Command and Joint Base Charleston to rename the base to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, citing Graham's decades of distinguished service. Graham, a 33-year Air Force veteran, had secured $212 million in Coast Guard funding for the base's pier infrastructure and a new medical/dental facility. The announcement coincided with memorial services in Washington, where President Trump delivered remarks at Washington National Cathedral. Joint Base Charleston houses the 628th Air Base Wing, 437th Airlift Wing, and reserve 315th Airlift Wing, with over 90,000 personnel across four installations.

FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to a controversial plan to create a $20 billion commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell minority stakes to private investors, despite unanimous opposition from UEFA and rejection by CONCACAF and AFC. UEFA's 55 member associations voted to boycott all FIFA competitions if the plan proceeds, citing concerns about selling football's soul to private investors. FIFA insists it is not selling football and will continue consultations with its 211 member associations, with a September 19 deadline for support. The proposal, led by a fund associated with Joshua Kushner, requires a simple majority for approval and has sparked a major governance battle within world football.

The U.S. Army deactivated the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, a unit with lineage tracing back to the original Buffalo Soldiers, during a ceremony at Fort Irwin, California. The deactivation is part of the Army's broader transformation of its force structure to meet future large-scale combat operations, incorporating emerging capabilities like unmanned systems and electronic warfare. The unit's 160-year legacy includes service in the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World War II, and Korean War.

At the Farnborough airshow, Sikorsky showcased its S-97 Raider coaxial rotorcraft, pitching it for NATO's Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program after the U.S. Army canceled the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft effort. The company is weighing a bid alongside European firms Airbus and Leonardo, and U.S.-based Bell, with Boeing also considering participation. Sikorsky emphasizes the Raider's speed and maneuverability for military operations, and plans to produce the aircraft in Europe if selected.

The US State Department will reinstate funding for a global humanitarian vaccine alliance, reversing a previous cut. The decision, announced by Senator Susan Collins, supports international public health efforts and reflects a policy shift in US foreign aid.