White House Increases Federal Law Enforcement Presence at Tourist Hotspots in Washington, DC
Good morning and welcome to the US Politics live blog! I’m Tom Ambrose, here to deliver the latest updates from the heart of political action.
In an effort to tackle rising crime rates, the White House has announced a significant increase in federal law enforcement presence in Washington, DC, for at least the coming week. This move follows former President Donald Trump’s recent suggestions that his administration might take full control of the city, according to reports from the Associated Press.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Washington, DC is a remarkable city, but it has suffered from violent crime for far too long. President Trump has instructed federal law enforcement to step up efforts to protect innocent citizens.” She emphasized that this heightened federal presence aims to ensure “there will be no safe haven for violent criminals in DC.”
Trump has openly expressed his desire for federal authorities to reclaim control over Washington, a shift that would necessitate repealing the Home Rule Act of 1973 in Congress—a move that may face significant opposition. “We have a capital that’s very unsafe,” Trump remarked to reporters this week. “We need to take charge of DC.”
This intervention comes in response to an alleged attack on a federal employee from the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge).
In Other News:
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Vice President JD Vance is set to embark on a trip to the United Kingdom, starting with a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. This visit will draw attention to Vance’s critical stance on the UK’s Labour Party. He will be accompanied by his wife and three children, staying at Chevening, the residence of the Foreign Secretary.
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In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have filed a lawsuit in Illinois to enforce arrest warrants against Democratic lawmakers who departed Texas to obstruct Republican efforts to implement a gerrymandered congressional map, which could potentially add five Republican seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
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The Trump administration has announced a doubling of the reward to $50 million for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing his involvement as a major narco-trafficker responsible for flooding the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Under President Trump’s leadership, Maduro will face justice for his heinous crimes.”
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In Israel, the political-security cabinet has approved a plan to expand military operations in Gaza City, amid growing criticism regarding the ongoing conflict that has lasted nearly two years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, including far-right allies, is advocating for a complete takeover of Gaza to eradicate Hamas militants, although military officials warn this could endanger remaining hostages.
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On the economic front, President Trump has nominated Stephen Miran, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, to fill a recently vacated seat on the Federal Reserve Board. This nomination comes as the White House continues its search for a permanent board member and a new Fed chair following Adriana Kugler’s unexpected resignation.
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Trump is also expected to announce a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, involving leaders Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan, despite the long-standing tensions between the two nations.
- Additionally, Trump criticized Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan, alleging connections to the Chinese Communist Party, calling for his immediate resignation and causing a drop in the company’s stock.
Stay tuned for more updates as the day unfolds in US politics!
