GOP's Mast drops opposition to Syria sanctions repeal – with conditions

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into its own handling of mortgage fraud allegations against Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). A federal grand jury in Maryland has been convened to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, which raises concerns about potential influence from allies of former President Trump.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed President Trump's 'quiet piggy' remark, stating that he is 'very frank and honest' in his communications. This comment came in response to a reporter's inquiry about the meaning behind Trump's statement.

The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance President Trump's nomination of Mike Selig to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an agency that will play a crucial role in regulating cryptocurrency. This decision comes as the CFTC prepares to address the growing complexities of the digital currency market.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the United States has assured Israel's 'qualitative advantage' in the Middle East, despite President Trump's plan to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This sale has raised concerns among Israeli and U.S. officials regarding the potential impact on Israel's military edge.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, described as a 'communist', will meet President Trump on Friday. This characterization reflects the ongoing political tensions as Mamdani prepares to take office in New York City.

A former aide to President Trump, Caroline Sunshine, stated that the White House must improve its economic messaging to avoid significant Republican losses in the upcoming midterm elections. She emphasized the urgency of this course correction on the social platform X, warning that failure to act could jeopardize the party's performance next November.

A federal judge has blocked President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., amid his efforts to address local crime. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled against the deployment, marking a setback for the president's attempts to send military forces to Democratic cities without local support.

Rabbi Yusuf Hamra, a founding member of the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation, has urged Congress to repeal the Caesar Act sanctions. His call aligns with previous appeals from officials of the Trump administration and activists advocating for the alleviation of economic hardships faced by Damascus.