Facing a House vote on a bill requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, President Trump announced he had nothing to hide and would allow full access, despite previously withholding the documents. Congressman Ro Khanna expects the bill to pass the Senate soon.
The Trump administration sued California, challenging state laws that ban federal officers from wearing masks and mandate identification badges, which the Justice Department called an unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement. As he prepared to host Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Trump stated he planned to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Saudis, contradicting US intelligence warnings about potential technology access by China.
Trump made a muddled attempt to mock Joe Biden by referencing what he believed was a gaffe about "the American dream," but his attempt to recall Biden's words was inaccurate. At a summit for McDonald's owners, Trump reiterated a false claim that Kamala Harris lied about having worked at the fast-food chain, despite company statements indicating no definitive proof either way.
Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, expressed confidence that his bill to compel the Justice Department to release Epstein files would quickly pass the Senate following a House vote. Texas Governor Greg Abbott delayed a special election to replace a deceased Democrat until January 31st, leaving the House seat vacant for nearly a year.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called for the demobilization of National Guard troops deployed to Portland, after a judge ruled their deployment under Trump was illegal. Congressman Troy Nehls, a Texas Republican and Trump loyalist, reportedly changed his stance from opposing to supporting the release of Epstein files.
