President Donald Trump has announced he will not sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering housing costs, unless the Senate first passes the Save America Act, which would impose strict voter ID requirements and limit mail-in voting. The housing bill, which passed with large majorities in both chambers after months of negotiations, represents one of the most significant federal efforts in decades to increase housing supply and reduce prices.
Trump Calls Housing Bill of 'Minor Importance'
Despite rare bipartisan support, Trump dismissed the housing legislation on Wednesday as being of “minor importance.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the president’s stance, stating: “It’s utterly amazing. Trump is running away from one of the very few accomplishments that could actually help the American people.” The bill had been cheered by both Democrats and Republicans as a key achievement ahead of November’s midterm elections, where affordability concerns are expected to be a major issue for voters.
Republican Senator Clashes with Trump Over Iran
In a separate development, a Republican senator who lost re-election after Trump endorsed his primary challenger reportedly engaged in a heated argument with the president on Wednesday. The confrontation occurred amid growing congressional discontent over the war with Iran and Trump’s push for the GOP to pass the voting bill.
Federal Judge Blocks Voter ID Executive Order
A federal court has blocked Trump’s executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, ruling that the president overstepped his authority. The order would have mandated voters to present passports, birth certificates, or other documentation when registering or updating their registration. Democracy advocates celebrated the ruling as a victory against efforts to restrict voting access.
Pressure Mounts Over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Claims
The Trump administration faces growing demands to release evidence supporting allegations of sabotage at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. The $14.7 million renovation has been plagued by algae blooms, peeling paint, and dead ducks just days before the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Crews have been observed erecting fencing near the site.
Trump Orders Probe into Oil Companies for Price Gouging
Trump announced Wednesday that he has directed the Department of Justice to investigate oil companies for alleged price gouging, accusing them of failing to lower gas prices sufficiently amid Middle East conflicts.
Judge Demands Explanation for Kennedy Center Tarp
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to explain why a tarp and scaffolding have been placed over the Kennedy Center’s facade after Trump’s name was removed from the building under a court order. The administration must report by July 31 on the purpose and status of the covering, which was installed after workers stripped Trump’s name in a predawn operation this month.
ICE Surveillance Arsenal Expands
A new report reveals that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically expanded its use of high-tech surveillance tools, including AI and advanced tracking technologies, to locate and monitor migrants. Spending on these technologies has reached record levels during Trump’s second term.
Other Key Developments
- Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she is ending her support for the Republican Party, aligning instead with right-wing media figure Tucker Carlson ahead of the midterms.
- Eleven senators sent a letter urging Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove a federal website directing users to anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers.
- Elon Musk’s net worth fell below $1 trillion as Tesla and SpaceX shares plunged; Forbes listed his wealth at $970.2 billion by market close Wednesday.
- NASA’s Perseverance rover detected complex carbon molecules in Martian rocks that may indicate ancient microbial life.
- Camp Mystic, a Texas Christian summer camp where 28 people died in a flood last July, has filed for bankruptcy.
- The U.S. Army’s commander in Europe and Africa, who was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021, is stepping down after 18 months in the role.
