The price tag for the U.S.-Mexico border wall has skyrocketed from the original $8 billion estimate during Trump's first term—when he claimed Mexico would foot the bill—to a staggering $46 billion recently approved by Congress.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights how political promises can collide with fiscal reality, sparking debates over government spending priorities and the effectiveness of border security measures. For taxpayers, it’s a reminder of how costly large-scale projects can become—especially when initial plans don’t pan out as advertised.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazil, with some exemptions, starting next week. He framed the move as retaliation against what he calls a "witch hunt" targeting Brazil's ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces coup-plotting charges after his 2022 election loss. Trump invited current Brazilian President Lula to discuss the tensions, but analysts warn both countries could suffer economic fallout from the trade dispute.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about tariffs—it's a political flashpoint with real economic consequences. Trump's move risks escalating tensions between the U.S. and Brazil while tying trade policy to Bolsonaro's legal troubles. Businesses on both sides could face higher costs, and the situation underscores how global trade is increasingly weaponized for ideological battles.

Former Bureau of Labor Statistics chief Erika McEntarfer was dismissed by President Trump following a disappointing jobs report, which he labeled as "rigged." McEntarfer had previously navigated the agency through challenging periods, but her departure underscores tensions between the administration and independent economic data agencies.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the growing distrust between political leaders and nonpartisan institutions that provide critical economic data. When officials dismiss or attack unfavorable reports, it raises concerns about the independence of government agencies and the reliability of the information they produce—something that affects public trust and policy decisions.

A top Trump trade adviser, Jamieson Greer, explained that the president's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) commissioner stemmed from long-standing doubts about the accuracy of jobs data—not just the disappointing recent report. Greer suggested these concerns date back to election season, when erratic job numbers raised suspicions.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it highlights tensions between the White House and nonpartisan government agencies—especially when economic data clashes with political messaging. If Trump’s team distrusts official jobs reports, it could fuel skepticism about economic recovery and undermine public trust in federal statistics.

Federal authorities are investigating Jack Smith, the former special counsel who previously led an inquiry into President Trump before the election. The probe raises questions about potential misconduct or procedural issues tied to Smith's work.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it suggests possible scrutiny over how high-profile investigations are handled, especially those involving major political figures. If the probe uncovers wrongdoing, it could fuel debates about fairness and accountability in legal proceedings—or, if it finds nothing, it might be dismissed as a political distraction. Either way, it’s a development worth watching for anyone following U.S. political and legal drama.

Federal authorities are investigating Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led the probe into Donald Trump during his reelection campaign, over allegations of illegal political activity. The investigation raises questions about potential misconduct during a high-profile political case.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it involves a key figure in a politically charged investigation, potentially undermining public trust in legal proceedings. If misconduct is proven, it could fuel further polarization and skepticism about the fairness of investigations into political leaders.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel is investigating Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led probes into Donald Trump, over accusations that he violated the Hatch Act—a law meant to prevent federal employees from engaging in political activities while on the job.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has launched an inquiry into former special counsel Jack Smith, who previously led investigations into Donald Trump's role in the January 6 Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents. The agency confirmed the investigation to NBC News, though details about the scope or reasons remain unclear.

The federal government is investigating special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the criminal probes into former President Donald Trump, over potential violations of the Hatch Act—a law that limits political activity by government employees. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel confirmed the probe, which stems from concerns about Smith's alleged political involvement during his investigations.