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US military says it has thwarted an Iranian missile attack on American troops
Follow the latest news on President Donald Trump and his administration | July 28, 2026
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BRIDGET BROWN, BERNARD MCGHEE, NELL CLARK and KIANA DOYLE
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- Iran launchedmultiple ballistic missilesat American forces in the Middle East on Tuesday,ending a brief pause in fighting as mediators tried to get both sides back to negotiations and toward a ceasefire, the U.S. military said.All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted,U.S. Central Command said in a statement, adding that U.S. forces “remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.”
- Sen.Lindsey Grahamwaseulogized at memorial services across Washington. President Donald Trumpdelivered remarks at the National Cathedral, calling him “a force to be reckoned with all over the world,” with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance.
- Netanyahu met with Trumpbefore the service. It was their first meeting since the two leaders launched a joint war againstIranand a chance for Netanyahu to smooth out strains in their relationship.Despite signs of tension between the two ahead of the sit-down, both leaders spoke effusively about the conversation.
- Trumpalso met with Zelenskyy, with the two leaders discussing ways for Ukraine to produce its own powerful weapons and “other ideas that could help” in its ongoing war against Russia. The meetings with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu were closed-door.
Zelenskyy in Capitol for vote on Russian sanctions
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
The Ukrainian president is watching the Senate vote on Russian sanctions from the chamber’s gallery, waving at the voting senators from above
Zelenskyy met with senators from both parties before the vote
The bipartisan sanctions bill would penalize countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and other exports after more than a year of negotiations
Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says
By BEN FINLEY
Recent fighting with Iran used up more of the U.S. military’s already diminished stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, potentially putting American troops at more risk if hostilities resume, a new analysis says
Shrunken inventories of Patriot and THAAD interceptors may force the U.S. and its Middle East allies to take more risks to conserve those air defenses, according to the analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank
For example American forces may launch fewer missiles against incoming Iranian drones and missiles, raising the chance of one getting through
The nation’s advanced weapons stockpiles have become a flashpoint in the five-month-long conflict, along with the threat to the lives of American service members, heightened gasoline prices and increasing costs to taxpayers
New national intelligence director has an atypical background
By BILL BARROW
Jay Clayton has a more extensive resume than interim director Bill Pulte — but still an atypical background for the job
Clayton was Securities and Exchange Commission chief and a U.S. attorney. Pulte, a developer, led the Federal Housing Finance Agency
Congress created the post in 2004, requiring that “any individual nominated … have extensive national security expertise.”
John Negroponte, George W. Bush’s inaugural pick, was a former deputy national security adviser with ambassadorships to the U.N. and Iraq, among others
Barack Obama’s last chief, Jim Clapper, was Pentagon undersecretary, Defense Intelligence Agency director and an Air Force general
In 2017, Trump tapped Dan Coats, a Senate Intelligence Committee member and previous ambassador to Germany
Trump started his second presidency with Tulsi Gabbard. She was a controversial pick but was a military officer who served on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committee
Senate confirms Jay Clayton as Trump’s national intelligence director
By MARY CLARE JALONICK, ERIC TUCKER
Jay Clayton testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing to be the next Director of National Intelligence on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Washington. /Mariam Zuhaib)
The vote Tuesday puts a permanent director in the job weeks after Trump sought to delay his nomination
Clayton is the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and a former Securities and Exchange Commission chair
Republicans had initially hoped to confirm Clayton in June, but Trump delayed his hearing in order to allow his temporary pick for the job, Bill Pulte, to take over for several weeks
The last director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, resigned in May
JUST IN: Senate confirms Jay Clayton to become director of national intelligence
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Trump looks to drum up support for Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles in primary fight
By AAMER MADHANI
Ogles, who is looking to win a third term, is facing a challenge in the 5th District’s Republican primary from Charlie Hatcher, a dairy farmer and former Tennessee commissioner of agriculture
Trump sought to give Ogles a boost with a tele-rally, reminding Tennessee Republicans that he gave the incumbent an early endorsement. Tennessee’s primary is Aug. 6, and early voting is underway
“He’s been a friend of mine. He’s been a terrific guy,” Trump said of Ogles
Zelenskyy arrives to applause at US Capitol
By LISA MASCARO
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, is joined by from left: Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, R-Ala., Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol for a meeting of bipartisan leaders of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. /Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Zelenskyy did not respond to shouted questions. He was greeted by senators and entered the private meeting
The Senate is considering a long-sought package of punishing sanctions on Russia over the war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s arrival on Capitol Hill comes after a whirlwind day in Washington meeting with Trump at the White House and attending the funeral services for Graham, a chief ally who brokered the sanctions package
Senators are hoping to advance the package in a late evening vote as a tribute to Graham
US military thwarts an Iranian missile attack on troops
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The U.S. military says Iran has launched multiple ballistic missiles at American forces in the Middle East, shattering a brief pause in fighting as mediators tried to get both sides back to negotiations
All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command on social media. It says U.S. forces “remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.”
JUST IN: The US military says it’s thwarted an Iranian missile attack on American troops, breaking the pause in the fighting
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pentagon ties new casualty category to end of ‘Operation Epic Fury’
By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN
The Pentagon says a new, separate category was created in its official casualty tally for those killed and wounded in the renewed U.S.-Iran fighting because “Operation Epic Fury” has ended
That’s the military’s official name for combat operations in Iran. The Defense Casualty Analysis System has removed the four soldiers killed and dozens of troops wounded in the latest exchange of fire from its Iran war tally and placed them in a new category called “Overseas Operations.”
A Pentagon official said Tuesday that since Operation Epic Fury has concluded, the military has decided to classify casualties tied to the latest strikes in the new category
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters, wouldn’t offer a date for the formal end of the operation
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at a White House briefing in May that the operation had “concluded,” saying that “we achieved the objectives of that operation.”
Trump teleprompter operator accused of using inside information for prediction market bets no longer in post
By AAMER MADHANI
A White House teleprompter operator who was put on unpaid leave after news reports stated he had used inside knowledge to make bets about Trump’s speeches on the online prediction market Kalshi is no longer in his post, according to a White House official familiar with the matter
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the personnel matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed on Tuesday that the teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, “no longer works in the federal government.” The official did say whether Perez had resigned or was fired
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed earlier this month that Perez had been placed on unpaid leave after ABC News reported the teleprompter operator had used his inside knowledge to win more than $100,000 betting on what the president would say in big speeches, including the State of the Union address earlier this year
Air Force begins process to rename base after Sen. Lindsey Graham
By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN
The U.S. Air Force has begun taking steps to rename Joint Base Charleston in honor of the late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, an Air Force official says
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal military matters, said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink signed a memo Monday to begin the process of renaming the base to Joint Base Lindsey Graham
The official said there was no immediate timeline on how long the process would take to rename the base, which is adjacent to Charleston International Airport. The renaming was reported earlier by the Post and Courier
Graham served in the Air Force, the Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard for more than 30 years as a lawyer before retiring at the rank of colonel, according to his Senate website
He was honored at a memorial service Tuesday after he died suddenly on July 11
Both Zelenskyy and Netanyahu are at the memorial service for Lindsay Graham
By JACQUELYN MARTIN, ALEX BRANDON
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh arrive for the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaks with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, before the funeral service for Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Tuesday July 28, 2026, at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Trump reflects on Graham’s loss in rare display of emotion
By COLLIN BINKLEY
Speaking at the lectern during his tribute to Graham, Trump paused to note the difficulty of the moment
“I will say, this memorial service — it’s so hard to say: memorial service for Lindsey,” Trump said before continuing
Toward the end of his roughly 12-minute tribute, Trump looked upward and suggested Graham was “watching us” now
“Our nation needs more men and women like that great person sitting, laying — wherever he may be,” Trump said. “I think I know where he is, and I think he’s up there. I think he’s watching us. I’m pretty sure of it.”
Trump highlights defense of Kavanaugh as perhaps Graham’s ‘finest hour’
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Trump recalled the passionate defense Graham issued during the confirmation hearing in 2018 for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, during Trump’s first term as president
Christine Blasey Ford had come forward and accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her at a party when they were in high school, an allegation he denied
Graham, who was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee considering the nomination, passionately defended Kavanaugh, who later was confirmed to the high court
“His impassioned defense of a wonderful person, a great gentleman, Justice Kavanaugh, ended a disgraceful attack on this very good man and gave us one of the greatest moments the Senate has ever seen,” Trump said. “It was a truly monumental moment in Senate history. I believe it was Lindsey’s perhaps finest hour.”
Kavanaugh was among the mourners at Washington National Cathedral
Trump eulogizes Graham, says ‘he left us much too soon’
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
President Donald Trump speaks at the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. /Alex Brandon, Pool)
Trump remembered Graham as someone who became a “constant fixture of American politics at the highest level, and a force to be reckoned with all over the world.”
“For more than 30 years, nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it. Nothing of significance happened anywhere in the world without Lindsey Graham having a view on it,” Trump said. “And no bill became law in the most exceptional Republican human history without Lindsey Graham having a say in it.”
“He was a man who gave America the full measure of his good and mighty heart until that heart itself just gave out,” Trump said
Trump said Graham “went out at the peak of his career and the top of his game.”
Netanyahu says his talk with Trump was ‘one of the best’
By NATALIE MELZER
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Netanyahu described his meeting with Trump on Tuesday as “excellent.”
He added that it was “a conversation with full partnership, with mutual support, with an understanding of the common goal of ensuring that Iran does not have nuclear weapons, and other goals as well. One of the best conversations I’ve had with the President of the United States, our friend Donald Trump.”
The Israeli Prime Minister met with Trump in the White House for about 90 minutes of talks, in a meeting that was closed to press coverage. He said that Trump’s “entire senior team” was present at the meeting, as well as “our senior team,” and that it was “an opportunity to exchange ideas and to coordinate arrangements that are important for the security and future of the State of Israel.”
Netanyahu departs White House after meeting Trump
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
The Israeli prime minister departed after about 90 minutes of talks
As he was leaving, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement on X noting that Trump had concluded his meetings with Netanyahu and Zelenskyy
She said: “Both meetings were positive and productive!”
They were closed to press coverage
Netanyahu attended a memorial dinner for Graham, calling him a ‘dear friend’
By NATALIE MELZER
The event was held in Washington on Monday evening and was also attended by Graham’s sister and replacement in the Senate, Darlene Graham, as well as other relatives, friends of the late senator, “senior administration officials and members of Congress,” according to a statement by Netanyahu’s office
Speaking at the event, the Israeli leader praised Graham as “deeply committed to the security of the United States, to the security of Israel, and to the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism,“ the statement said
Netanyahu, who is meeting with Trump at the White House, is among several foreign leaders who are expected to attend Graham’s Washington funeral held later on Tuesday
“America has lost a great patriot. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends and supporters. And I have lost a dear friend,” Netanyahu said at the memorial dinner
Zelenskyy reports having a ‘good meeting’ with Trump
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
In a social media post afterward, the Ukrainian leader said his first act was to offer his condolences to Trump on the death of Graham, who was close to Trump and a strong supporter of Ukraine
Zelenskyy says he and Trump discussed licenses for Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors and “several other ideas that could help.” They also discussed diplomacy
Zelenskyy said he expressed gratitude to the United States for “its firm support” and said their teams will arrange future communication
The White House closed the meeting to independent journalists. Zelenskyy released photos showing him posing with Trump and that U.S. secretaries Rubio, Bessent and Hegseth attended the Oval Office meeting
Iran’s government details damage from recent escalation
By JOSEPH KRAUSS
Crowds of people packed Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on Tuesday as daily life continued amid regional efforts to restart negotiations between Iran and the United States to end the war
Iran says recent U.S. strikes destroyed an airport and a marine control tower, and caused damage to 12 bridges and two tunnels, among other infrastructure
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani provided the details Tuesday in an announcement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency
The U.S. military said it struck numerous military targets this month in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Arab countries hosting U.S. forces
Both sides paused their attacks over the weekend, though tensions remain high
Mohajerani said Bushehr International Airport, on the Persian Gulf, has been “rendered inoperable.” Both tunnels have been reopened and alternate routes have been established around the damaged bridges, she said
She said other civilian infrastructure had also been destroyed, including a meteorological center and fishing boats. The U.S. says it targeted small boats used by Iranian forces to harass ships in the strait
Former colleagues of Graham offer personal goodbyes as they walk up to his flag-draped casket
By KEVIN FREKING
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Vice President JD Vance speaks during a congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Nathan Howard/Pool Photo
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Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., attends a congressional tribute to late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Tierney L. Cross/Pool
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Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., attends a congressional tribute to late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Tierney L. Cross/Pool
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Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., pays her respects during a congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool
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Vice President JD Vance speaks during a congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Nathan Howard/Pool Photo
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Vice President JD Vance speaks during a congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Nathan Howard/Pool Photo
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Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., attends a congressional tribute to late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Tierney L. Cross/Pool
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Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., attends a congressional tribute to late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Tierney L. Cross/Pool
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Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., attends a congressional tribute to late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Tierney L. Cross/Pool
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Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., attends a congressional tribute to late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Tierney L. Cross/Pool
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Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., pays her respects during a congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool
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Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., pays her respects during a congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., placed both hands on his casket and then placed her hand on her heart. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., saluted from her wheelchair. And Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., gave a fist bump
Scores of former senators also traveled to the Capitol to pay their respects, including former Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who bowed and then briefly kissed the casket
Others stood briefly before his casket and offered a short prayer and a sign of the cross
Netanyahu now at White House for Trump meeting
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
The black SUV carrying the Israeli prime minister arrived on West Executive Avenue minutes after Zelenskyy departed after his own meeting with Trump
Netanyahu stepped out of the passenger side of the vehicle and buttoned his suit jacket before entering through a side entrance to the West Wing. The meeting is also closed to press coverage
Israel’s UN envoy says `number one’ on Trump-Netanyahu agenda will be scaling down Iran war
By EDITH M. LEDERER
Ambassador Danny Danon told U.N. reporters Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu definitely wants to hear from President Trump what he wants to see in the coming days or weeks
“I cannot tell you which direction it will go. There are different options,” he said. “We are prepared for all scenarios, and we will discuss it with the president.”
Danon was responding to a question on whether Israel expects the two leaders to talk about specifics of scaling down or ending the war in Iran
“Well, I’m sure that will be number one on the agenda in the meeting today between the prime minister and the president,” he replied
Amid somewhat strained U.S.-Israeli relations, Danon stressed, “We fought shoulder-to-shoulder against Iran, and we are prepared to continue supporting the U.S. in pursuing peace and stability in the region.” He added that Gaza will also be on the Trump-Netanyahu agenda
Thune hails Graham as a towering figure in the Senate and the international stage
By KEVIN FREKING
Sen. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., pays his respects during a Congressional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. /Allison Robbert)
“I traveled with Lindsey all over the world as part of the congressional delegations and I saw firsthand just how much he was respected by our allies and just how well he was able to connect with foreign leaders around the world,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said
Thune and others are honoring Graham at a tribute Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda
Thune and others also cited Graham’s sense of humor. He said that when lawmakers would gather for dinners in Washington, Graham was always the first call. He said no one was more capable of cracking up a room
Choking up, he closed by telling Graham to “rest in peace my friend.”
“I look forward to the days when you make us all laugh again,” Thune said
Americans’ confidence in US economy fell this month as Iran conflict sent gas prices back up
By MATT OTT
The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell to 90.8 in July from 92.2 in June
Consumers’ view of current business and labor market conditions fell by 3.6 points to 114.9, the third straight monthly decline
Views about their near-term futures held steady from last month with a reading of 74.7
Consumer attitudes had improved modestly in June as gas prices came down to around $3.70 a gallon from more than $4.50 a gallon in late April and early May. But as fighting in the Middle East escalated, the average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. started to rise again. On Tuesday it was $4.10, according to the auto club AAA
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Trump and Zelenskyy are meeting
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
The White House says the meeting started at 9:47 a.m. It is “closed press,” meaning journalists at aren’t likely to see the leaders together in the Oval Office
Graham’s casket arrives at the Capitol
By LISA MASCARO
The flag-draped casket of Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, arrives at the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington, as his sister, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., top right, and other family members, look on. /Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
The remains of the Republican senator have arrived at the U.S. Capitol, his flag-draped casket carried inside by an armed forces team, in recognition of his military service
He’s being honored at a tribute in the Rotunda, the start of two days of services for the South Carolina senator
Vice President JD Vance is expected to speak and several Cabinet officials, including former Sen. Markwayne Mullin, the Homeland Security secretary, were in attendance, as was acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who faces a rocky Senate confirmation for the job
JUST IN: Americans’ confidence in US economy fell this month as Iran conflict sends gas prices higher
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Iran says anyone tapping its frozen assets will be barred from the Strait of Hormuz
By JOSEPH KRAUSS
The threat came in response to President Trump’s post on social media last week, in which he threatened to use Iranian assets frozen abroad to pay for damage to ships from Iranian attacks in the strait
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, said Tuesday that any countries or companies that join in Trump’s “unlawful action” will be barred from using the strait. The critical waterway carried a fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas before the war. His video message was carried by Iranian state TV
Trump had said damage to ships would be “paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls.” It was unclear what legal mechanisms Trump would use to seize and spend the funds
Zelenskyy arrives at White House to meet Trump
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
The Ukrainian leader’s car pulled up on West Executive Avenue, a private road within the White House complex. He stepped out of the passenger side of a black SUV and walked around the rear to enter the White House for the meeting
Journalists wait outside the West Wing of the White House to try and see the arrival of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting with President Donald Trump, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Washington. /Alex Brandon)
Acting national intelligence chief announces more job cuts
By ERIC TUCKER
Bill Pulte, the acting director of national intelligence, has sought to leave his mark during his interim status in the job
With the Senate poised to confirm Jay Clayton for the role, Pulte released Tuesday on X a series of intelligence community documents from 2020 that described China’s capacity to interfere in the American political process as well as vulnerabilities in the election system
The substance of the material was largely recycled and already known, but its disclosure is part of a broader Trump administration effort to raise concerns about the integrity of U.S. elections — most especially the 2020 presidential race he lost to Democrat Joe Biden
Pulte has also presided over a downsizing of the national intelligence office, which functions as a coordinating hub for the U.S. government’s intelligence agencies
He boasted on X that with a latest round of job cuts, the office is carrying out about a 30% staff reduction from weeks ago
Trump urges Iran to make a deal so he won’t have to hurt the people
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Trump has repeatedly retreated from threats to knock out bridges, power plants and other infrastructure but he told Fox News Channel in an interview that Iran knows he’ll “finish the job” if its leaders don’t make a deal to end the war
He says millions of people would then struggle to get by
Trump claimed he would need less than an hour to “take out” most of Iran’s bridges and said he could blow up their power plants “within one day” and then target desalinization plants
“You know, if I can avoid doing that, I’d like to do that,” he said
Trump says he doesn’t need Netanyahu’s advice on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain
By BILL BARROW
The president says he’s not worried about construction activities at Iran’s potential nuclear site at Pickaxe Mountain, a complex Trump has threatened to bomb
And Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for publicly expressing concerns about the site ahead of the two leaders’ meeting Tuesday at the White House
“I know exactly what’s going on at Pickaxe,” Trump told “Fox & Friends,” adding that whatever Iran is doing is “not a big problem.”
On Netanyahu’s statements ahead of his visit to Washington, Trump said, “Why don’t you just tell it to me? Why do you have to announce to the world.”
The bilateral huddle, on the same day that both men are attending the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral, is the first since Netanyahu and Trump launched their war in Iran five months ago
Trump remembers Sen. Lindsey Graham both for his kindness and his hawkishness
By COLLIN BINKLEY
Speaking fondly about his friend and ally, Trump said he admired Graham as a nice person who was quick to call for military action
“He was a guy that liked war,” Trump said Tuesday in a Fox News interview. “I jokingly say, and there’s nothing funny about it, but he’s never seen a war that he didn’t like.”
Trump added that Graham was “very much a hawk on Iran” but had also told Trump it was time to make a deal to end the war. That sentiment did not extend to the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said
“Ukraine he’s very militant about,” Trump said. “Lindsey liked war, to be honest with you.”
Senate expected to confirm Jay Clayton as next intelligence director on Tuesday
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
Jay Clayton testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing to be the next Director of National Intelligence on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Washington. /Mariam Zuhaib)
It will ensure that a permanent director is in place as the midterm elections approach
Clayton is expected to be confirmed along party lines after a contentious hearing two weeks ago in which he repeatedly refused to say that former President Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Still, Democrats have said they have more confidence in Clayton than they do in Trump’s temporary pick for the job, Bill Pulte, who has no known intelligence experience and investigated the president’s perceived enemies in his previous post as a federal housing regulator
Senators from both parties have expressed concerns about Pulte, who took over on an interim basis last month after Tulsi Gabbard resigned. Pulte was in charge when Trump delivered a speech from the White House earlier this month doubling down on his false claims about the 2020 election, which he lost, and released classified documents he said were relevant to his arguments
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Security around the White House is tight due to Zelenskyy and Netanyahu visits
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, July 8, 2026. /Alex Brandon)
Only foot traffic is allowed on streets surrounding the complex. Vehicular traffic is blocked by city police cars and dump trucks at key intersections, like Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th St and near Lafayette Park
Netanyahu is staying at Blair House, the U.S. government’s guest house across from the White House
Zelenskyy has the first meeting with Trump, scheduled for 9:30 a.m., followed by Netanyahu at 11 a.m
US looks to boost anti-China spending worldwide by hundreds of millions, documents say
By MATTHEW LEE
The Trump administration is preparing to ramp up funding by hundreds of millions of dollars for programs designed to counter China’s growing influence around the world, after it had put a halt to many of those initiatives last year during a flurry of budget and personnel cuts
The administration notified Congress late last week that it intends to spend $175.8 million to replace outdated and aging undersea telecommunications cables in the Caribbean and Central America to prevent China from moving in. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the notification on Monday
The administration has expressed deep concern about China’s activities in the Americas, pushing back on Chinese ownership of ports at either end of the Panama Canal, infrastructure projects funded by China’s Belt and Road initiative in the region, and Chinese investment in the telecommunications sector
The underseas cable funding appears to be part of a broader push to restore support for initiatives aimed at blunting Chinese influence globally that would cost many hundreds of millions of dollars more
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Trump demands Senate cancel August break until it passes voting bill
By JOEY CAPPELLETTI, MARY CLARE JALONICK
Trump on Monday demanded that Senate Majority Leader John Thune cancel the chamber’s upcoming August break until senators pass a strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill, even as Republicans lack the votes to advance it
Trump has repeatedly urged Thune to scrap the legislative filibuster, which effectively sets a 60-vote threshold for most legislation in the 100-member Senate, or find another workaround to pass the voting bill, known as the SAVE America Act. But Republicans hold only a 53-47 majority, and Thune has consistently said they don’t have the votes to pass the bill or change the rules to get around the filibuster
“John Thune should not allow the United States Senate to ‘leave town’ until it passes The Save America Act or, far better still, TERMINATES THE FILIBUSTER,” Trump wrote on social media
He later insisted to reporters Monday that he has a good relationship with the Senate majority leader but said Thune has “got to get his job done.”
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Trump administration urges Supreme Court to allow order targeting mail-in voting before midterms
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday to clear the way for an executive order from Trump that could dramatically change mail-in voting ahead of November’s midterm elections
The Justice Department asked the justices to halt for now lower court decisions blocking the sweeping changes in nearly half the country
The request comes shortly after Trump delivered a primetime address elevating his yearslong push to raise doubts about the legitimacy of elections, and could be one of several voting-related challenges before the court ahead of the high-stakes midterm contest
Trump ordered the government in March to create a “state citizenship list” of eligible voters and deliver mail ballots only to people on that list
Democratic officials in 23 states and the District of Columbia sued, saying the Constitution gives states and Congress the authority to set election rules, not the president. Their attorneys have said Trump’s proposed changes are ripe for abuse and could cause chaos
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Zelenskyy will visit Trump at the White House before Sen. Graham’s funeral
By SEUNG MIN KIM
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during their meeting at Trump Tower, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. /Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet Tuesday ahead of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral, their second sit-down this month and after a far-right activist with the U.S. president’s ear had a widely publicized change of heart on Russia’s war against Ukraine
Trump is set to welcome Zelenskyy to the White House as the Ukrainian leader travels to Washington to honor Graham, whose final act as a public official was visiting Kyiv and securing an agreement on a package of sanctions that seek to punish countries that purchase Russian oil, gas and other exports
Zelenskyy posted on X early Tuesday that he had arrived in the U.S. and listed the goals for his visit
“Our schedule includes meetings with President Trump, his team, and those who can support our defense,” the Ukrainian leader said. “Our number one priority is anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America. Peace needs to be brought closer.”
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Support for Israel has eroded
By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, MICHELLE L. PRICE
Israel has lost a significant amount of bipartisan support in the United States, particularly over its conduct in Gaza
In June, Vance warned Israeli officials that Trump was their only friend among world leaders. Vance is expected to attend the meeting with Netanyahu, according to a person familiar with the plan who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity
An AP-NORC poll published earlier this month found a dramatic erosion of support among American adults for Israel
“We’ve lost America. Thank you, Bibi,” wrote Ben Caspit, a political commentator for Israel’s Maariv newspaper
Netanyahu’s first meeting with Trump since the Iran war began is a chance to smooth over strains
By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, MICHELLE L. PRICE
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday is the first since the two leaders launched a joint war against Iran and a chance for Netanyahu to smooth out strains in their relationship
The meeting comes as both face growing pressures at home. Netanyahu is up for reelection and is embattled in part because of his deteriorating relationship with Trump. Trump is under pressure to end an unpopular war that has wreaked economic havoc and driven prices higher ahead of midterm elections this November
The two leaders also plan to discuss the framework agreement the U.S. and Israel signed with Lebanon over the Israel-Hezbollah war and the expansion of the Abraham Accords, according to a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the meeting
“We have a little difference,” Trump said Monday when asked by reporters if he and the Israeli prime minister were on the same page with Iran. “But pretty close, yeah.”
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