Todd Blanche sworn in after narrow Senate confirmation
Todd Blanche was sworn in as attorney general after a 50-49 Senate vote, putting Trump’s former lawyer atop DOJ as scrutiny of its independence intensifies.
Executive Power
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Trump names Will Scharf as White House counsel
President Donald Trump announced that Will Scharf will replace the current White House counsel after serving as staff secretary and chairing the National Capital Planning Commission.
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D.C. Circuit says Trump cannot build White House ballroom without Congress
A divided federal appeals panel upheld an injunction blocking above-ground construction of the planned White House ballroom unless Congress approves the project.
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Appeals court blocks White House ballroom construction without congressional approval
The D.C. Circuit upheld an injunction requiring congressional authorization for above-ground construction on the planned $400 million White House ballroom, while staying the injunction for 14 days.
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Justice Department Seeks Role in Lawsuit Targeting xAI-Related Mississippi Data Center
The Justice Department has asked to intervene in a Clean Air Act lawsuit involving an xAI-related artificial-intelligence facility in Southaven, Mississippi, and wants the case dismissed. A federal hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.
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Proposed OMB grant rule raises concerns over presidential control
A proposed OMB grant rule would formalize federal requirements and add political review and termination powers, prompting concerns from Congress, states and cities.
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Supreme Court Broadens Firing Power but Preserves Fed Distinction
The Supreme Court expanded presidential control over agencies while allowing Fed Governor Lisa Cook to remain in office during litigation.
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Schedule Policy/Career puts presidential control against civil-service protections
OPM’s July 23 guidance makes Schedule Policy/Career operational, while a pending lawsuit challenges whether it weakens protections Congress created.
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Federal Judges Question DOJ Credibility in Trump Administration Cases
A ProPublica review and federal court records show judges demanding sworn, verified evidence from Justice Department lawyers in cases affecting executive power.
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DOJ Says Some Federal Workers May Download TikTok on Official Devices
A July 16, 2026, Justice Department opinion says some federal workers may install TikTok on official devices, but agency rules still control access.
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Supreme Court keeps Lisa Cook at the Fed, but broadens removal power
United States Fresh Federal Documents and Draft Reports – The Court kept Lisa Cook at the Fed for now while sharply weakening job protections at many other federal agencies.