Friday, Aug 21 · Morning Edition

Your top U.S. political news for August 21, 2026.

Morning Edition · Morning Edition
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The Briefing
  1. 1
    White House

    Trump Asks Supreme Court to Allow White House Ballroom Construction

    The Trump administration has appealed to the Supreme Court to allow construction of a new White House ballroom to proceed [2.2.6]. A lower federal court recently paused the project, ruling that it requires congressional approval.

  2. 2
    Cryptocurrency

    Bitcoin Surges as Trump Urges Congress to Pass Crypto Bill

    Bitcoin prices jumped above $70,000 following President Trump's meeting with crypto executives at the White House. He is actively urging Congress to pass the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to establish federal regulations for the industry.

  3. 3
    National Security

    White House Hosts First 'Drone Dominance' Meeting

    Pentagon and White House officials met with dozens of drone manufacturers to discuss boosting domestic production. The meeting aligns with a new executive order aimed at eliminating critical materials from China and Russia by 2027.

  4. 4
    Foreign Policy

    U.S. Threatens Further Economic Pressure on Iran

    The Trump administration is threatening an 'economic D-Day' against Iran to force the country back into negotiations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to outline the new strict economic measures on Monday.

  5. 5
    Justice Department

    Federal Agents Seize Former Rep. Eric Swalwell's Devices

    The FBI seized electronic devices belonging to former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his home. The actions are part of a federal probe into allegations of sexual misconduct.

  6. 6
    First Lady

    Melania Trump Expands Foster Care Scholarship Initiative

    First Lady Melania Trump announced a $2 million donation to expand her Fostering the Future initiative. The new partnership with IndyCar and Fox Corporation will fund scholarships at Indiana and Purdue universities.

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Mother Jones
Mother Jones

MAHA and the Midterms

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. jumped on Donald Trump’s bandwagon in 2024, he brought with him the wellness-obsessed, vaccine-rejecting, food-label-reading Make America Healthy Again voters—who’ve been credited with helping Trump take back the White House. But there are signs the MAHA-MAGA alliance is wearing thin, from squabbles over inaction to a tense stand-off over regulating […]