President Donald Trump is scheduled to tour the Federal Reserve's $2.5 billion renovation today, July 24th, escalating his pressure campaign on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to announce its reorganization plan this morning, which includes closing several major Washington D.C. buildings and relocating staff to five locations across the country. The USDA reorganization will see the closure of buildings including the South building in D.C., with staff being moved to Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Fort Collins, Indianapolis, and Raleigh. This announcement comes as the president continues his efforts to influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. In other developments, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reportedly claimed three homes as primary residences, a move that could violate state and federal laws, according to the Associated Press. Separately, RNC Chair Michael Whatley is expected to announce his candidacy for the Senate in North Carolina soon, with President Trump's full support. Further, concerns have been raised regarding the sale of over $1 billion in Nvidia chips on Chinese black markets in the three months since the U.S. tightened export controls. Nvidia has stated it only offers support for authorized products. Representatives privately expressed that House Republicans may consider asking the Department of Justice to reduce the sentence of sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in exchange for her testimony, depending on what she says, according to sources. House Speaker Mike Johnson has reportedly told members that the Epstein measure should not come to the floor as it would divide the party and that he believes courts and the White House will handle the issue, citing legal reasons such as victim information. Some Republicans believe Johnson is unwilling to cross Trump's White House on the matter. In Georgia, former college football coach Derek Dooley (R) is anticipated to enter the Senate race in the coming weeks. Some Republican Senators have voiced frustration about remaining in session while the House departed a day early for August recess, noting the House's work schedule and extended breaks.
