President Donald Trump announced America's AI Action Plan today, aiming to accelerate innovation, build AI and energy infrastructure, and lead in international AI development. The plan, shaped by Silicon Valley tech leaders, seeks to make building data centers easier and promote American AI technology exports, according to White House officials. The administration's strategy emphasizes fostering open-source AI development and addressing concerns about "woke AI," while also streamlining data center permitting. The plan also includes evaluating national security risks associated with artificial intelligence. The White House released the "AI.Gov" portal to detail the initiatives. In parallel, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reportedly planning to reverse its scientific determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health, a move that would remove the legal basis for major climate regulations, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. This potential reversal could significantly impact regulations on vehicles, industries, and energy facilities that emit greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, in Congress, House Democrats are preparing additional amendment votes related to the Jeffrey Epstein case ahead of a Thursday markup for the Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. Separately, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered a federal judge to review whether more records should be unsealed in the Virginia Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell lawsuit, which is connected to the Epstein investigation. In other news, Vice President JD Vance raised $3 million at a fundraiser on Nantucket. Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens in the U.S. over claims made against them. Senator Marco Rubio has initiated an investigation into Harvard's handling of international visas due to potential national security risks. In domestic politics, a Marquette Law School poll indicates President Trump's approval rating is at 45% approve and 55% disapprove as of July 16th. Republicans in Congress have a 42% approval rating, while Democrats have a 34% approval rating. In Michigan, Representative Huizenga has decided against a bid for the U.S. Senate after consulting with President Trump. On the funding front, President Trump approved $56 million in disaster declarations for Kentucky following storms in April and May, according to Governor Andy Beshear. The Health and Human Services Department has moved to remove thimerosal from flu shots. Additionally, the largest U.S. power grid auction prices have risen by 22%, attributed in part to energy consumption by AI data centers, as reported by Ben Inskeep. Concerns have been raised about New Jersey's beach towns facing financial challenges due to federal funding cuts for beach replenishment, coinciding with other financial pressures. In the political sphere, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is investigating Harvard's handling of international visas, citing national security concerns. Representative Tim Burchett questioned funding for "drag shows" in Peru during a hearing with the State Department. Former U.S. Representative George Santos shared his fears about prison life, stating he did not get Botox before his sentence and will not willingly engage in sexual activity with other inmates. The House Speaker, Mike Johnson, has not yet committed to bringing new border and immigration legislation to the House floor, despite ongoing work on a package to codify President Trump's policies.
