Politics

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Elizabeth Colbert Busch to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, placing a longtime figure in the state’s business and political circles at the center of an expedited succession process. President Donald Trump praised the decision, calling the pick a strong choice for the state as South Carolina prepares for a special election later this year.

WASHINGTON — After years of maintaining one of the busiest schedules in the Senate, Sen. Mitch McConnell is taking what aides describe as a long-overdue vacation, following persistent encouragement from his staff to step away from work for a period of rest.

According to a spokesperson, McConnell initially resisted the idea, preferring to remain focused on legislative matters and constituent responsibilities. Staff members, however, reportedly spent weeks convincing the senator that taking time off would ultimately benefit both his well-being and his work.

Washington - Federal authorities said they are still searching for a clear motive following a reported assassination attempt targeting President Donald Trump, according to remarks made Sunday by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Speaking to reporters during a brief press availability, Patel said investigators have yet to determine why the suspect allegedly attempted to harm the president. “I doubt we’ll ever find a motive,” Patel said, adding that the case remains under active investigation.

WASHINGTON — A document described as an internal Department of Justice memorandum, circulating among senior officials late last week, suggests Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. has privately considered stepping down from the bench to explore a possible run for the White House.

Sacramento - Congressman Eric Swalwell today said he will end his campaign for California governor and resign from Congress later this month, citing a “strategic recalibration” ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.

Washington - President Donald Trump threatened Tuesday to “cut off all ties” with Congress if lawmakers move forward on a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting his authority to initiate military action without prior approval.

Washington — A deposition involving former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly descended into brief chaos Thursday after Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) allegedly shared a photo of the closed proceeding with a right-wing media personality, prompting an angry outburst and a temporary halt to the session.

ATLANTA — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard arrived at the Georgia Elections Center late Sunday evening wearing a striking sheer blue gown. The occasion, reportedly linked to a federal inspection of election security protocols, quickly drew national attention both for its operational significance and its unusual optics.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Minnesota on Tuesday, vowing to send what he termed a “massive armada” to the state in a statement that raised eyebrows among political observers and defense officials alike.

“They’ve got a thousand lakes in Minnesota, and we’re going to put a ship on every one of them,” the President said during an unscheduled press appearance at the White House. “It’s going to be tremendous—nobody’s ever seen anything like it.”

Minneapolis - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Vice President J.D. Vance stoked controversy by suggesting limits on how constitutional gun rights should apply, particularly to political opponents and broader interpretations of presidential authority.