Trump extends TikTok shutdown deadline to Dec. 16
President Donald Trump has again extended the deadline for TikTok to avoid a ban in the United States — this time until Dec. 16.
The move comes as Trump said he’s reached a deal with China on TikTok and that he will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to “firm” up the details. Trump said on Tuesday that a group of companies wants to buy the app, but didn’t provide any more specifics.
Trump says Republicans will hold ‘Midterm Convention’
President Donald Trump has confirmed that Republicans will hold a “Midterm Convention” ahead of the 2026 elections, posting Tuesday on social media that the time and place for the gathering is still to be determined.
“The Republicans are going to do a Midterm Convention in order to show the great things we have done since the Presidential Election of 2024,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “Stay tuned, it will be quite the Event, and very exciting!”
Sen. Graham signals deal on Russia sanctions bill could be coming soon
On Capitol Hill, there is increasing pressure from some Republican senators for action on a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the bill’s sponsors, said GOP leaders have been somewhat reluctant to bring forward the popular bill in the House or Senate floor for a vote without President Donald Trump’s explicit blessing to move forward. But Graham said Tuesday he’s been in communication with the administration, and he believes a deal could be struck as soon as Wednesday.
“I think it’s time to move. I think Europe needs to follow President Trump’s lead,” Graham said
Graham said he’s been working “very closely with President Trump” and that he believes that “by Wednesday we’ll have our differences resolved as to how the waiver works.” A plan for moving the bill, Graham said, could be coming in the next few days.
Trump reacts to Israel starting ground offensive in Gaza
President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter for his reaction to Israel beginning a ground offensive in Gaza City.
“We’re going to see what happens because I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal, and if they do that, they’re going to be in big trouble,” Trump said as he left the White House on Tuesday. “They’re going to be in big trouble. They put it out two days ago that they’re going to use the hostages as human shields.”
Trump says a group of companies want to buy TikTok
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a “group of very big companies” wants to buy TikTok, and they would be announcing details soon.
“I’ve reached a deal with China. I’m going to speak with President Xi on Friday to firm everything up,” Trump told reporters.
Trump leaves for historic state visit to UK
President Donald Trump said it is an “honor” to be going on a second state visit to the United Kingdom and called King Charles a “friend” as he departed the White House on Tuesday.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump will be hosted by the British monarch this week, and Trump will also meet with top U.K. officials to deepen ties with one of America’s closest allies. Read more about the trip here.
Senate confirms Stephen Miran to fill vacancy on Fed Board of Governors
The Senate voted 48-47 Monday night to confirm White House Economic Adviser Stephen Miran’s nomination to serve as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.
Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted with all Democrats against the nomination. All other voting Republicans cast votes in favor of Miran, giving him enough support to be narrowly confirmed.
His nomination comes as President Donald Trump has made increasingly clear his desire to reshape the Fed. Miran will now be a Trump loyalist installed on the seven member board.
Miran was nominated by Trump to fill the void left by the sudden resignation of Adriana Kugler last month. Miran will now serve out the remainder of Kugler’s term, which expires in January.
Appeals court rejects Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
Ahead of a critical Federal Reserve meeting on Tuesday, a federal appeals court has denied the Trump administration’s request to remove Lisa Cook from her position as a Federal Reserve governor.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request to lift a lower court order that kept Cook in her position.
“Appellants have not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending appeal,” the order said.
Johnson leads prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Capitol
Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP House leaders led an emotional vigil in the Capitol Monday night to honor Charlie Kirk’s life.
“Our friend Charlie did not pass away in a car accident. He was assassinated for standing for his political beliefs. And so, it’s for so many of us it has felt as if the ground has been shaken, and it’s not just the people assembled here,” Johnson said.
“What we do know about Charlie is that he would not want us to be overcome by despair. He would want us to carry the message forward to honor his memory and to expand the legacy they left behind,” he said. “We should not be overcome by evil, but we should overcome evil with good. That is the legacy of Charlie Kirk.”
Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “We can never let whatever people think drives them not to debate but to try to resort to political violence. It can never be accepted as the norm in this great country. It goes against everything that our country was founded upon.”
Majority Whip Tom Emmer and GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain also gave brief remarks.
Johnson led a moment of silence then read a prayer.
Republican lawmakers mainly attended the vigil as well as a handful of Democrats, including Reps. Tom Suozzi, Debbie Dingell, Don Davis, John Larson and Chris Pappas. Notably, House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were not present.