Bessent says White House may 'veto' Federal Reserve presidents

The White House has appointed a new architect to advance President Donald Trump’s ambitious $300 million ballroom project, signaling a renewed commitment to the construction despite previous concerns about its scale. This decision was confirmed by officials on Thursday, highlighting the administration's focus on enhancing the East Wing of the White House.

The White House is set to submit plans for a new ballroom to the planning commission later this month, marking a significant step in the ongoing renovation of the East Wing. This project, which has been a focal point of President Trump's vision, involves a substantial investment of $300 million and aims to enhance the venue's functionality for official events.

President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on all pending asylum applications and increased scrutiny of migrants from 19 countries following a shooting incident near the White House that resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left another, Andrew Wolfe, critically injured. This directive from the Trump administration marks a significant escalation in immigration policy amid national security concerns.

The Pentagon is under increasing pressure to release video footage of a second military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat that occurred in September, which reportedly killed survivors from an earlier attack. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny for his comments regarding the incident, claiming he did not see survivors due to the 'fog of war.'

A scheduled House vote on the SCORE Act, aimed at regulating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for athletes, was canceled due to defections among GOP members and concerns regarding athlete rights, despite support from the White House.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized The New York Times' coverage of former President Trump's health during the DealBook Summit, predicting a decline in the newspaper's credibility over time. Bessent's remarks highlight concerns regarding the media's portrayal of Trump, particularly in relation to his health and energy levels.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a proposal requiring Federal Reserve regional bank presidents to reside in their districts for at least three years before assuming office, a move that could enhance the White House's influence over the Federal Reserve. This proposal reflects ongoing discussions about the governance of the Federal Reserve and its leadership dynamics.

The House Homeland Security Committee is holding a hearing on the increasing violence against law enforcement, following a recent targeted shooting incident that critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House. This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel amid ongoing tensions in the capital.