The Trump administration's State Department green-lit $322 million in arms deals for Ukraine, including HAWK Phase III missile systems and Bradley armored vehicles, on July 23rd. This development occurred as new details emerged regarding President Donald Trump's name appearing in the Jeffrey Epstein files, with the Justice Department informing Trump of this in May, according to reports. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly informed President Trump in May that his name appeared multiple times in the Epstein files, along with other high-profile individuals, stating the mentions contained unverified hearsay. Simultaneously, the White House has not denied that Trump's name is in the files, with an official stating this fact is included in shared briefing binders. Separately, an Obama-appointed judge, Robin Rosenberg, blocked the unsealing of grand jury testimony in the Epstein case, a move criticized by Republicans who claim Democrats have obstructed the release of information for years. In other news, the White House is reportedly tapping mining expert David Copley to head a National Security Council office focused on supply chains, a move that narrows the NSC's focus to Trump's stated priorities. House Oversight Committee Democrats announced a "forced subpoena" of Epstein files by an 8-2 vote in their subcommittee, which they stated will compel Chairman Comer to issue the subpoena, calling it an "enormous win." Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for not condemning "blatantly antisemitic" extremists, stating Mamdani left "far too much space for extremists." Former President Obama is scheduled to headline a fundraiser in response to Republican redistricting efforts. Separately, the Supreme Court allowed President Trump to remove three members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission despite an ongoing legal battle over his authority to fire them without cause. The DC Council has reportedly reached a deal with the Commanders on an RFK Stadium plan. Additionally, Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq has threatened U.S. forces and the Iraqi government over an alleged deal for a U.S. withdrawal by September. Representative James Comer issued a subpoena for Ghislaine Maxwell's deposition on August 11, 2025, at the Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee, with the Department of Justice cooperating. Federal prosecutors are certain to appeal a judge's order barring ICE from immediately detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia if released on bail in Tennessee, based on an order to restore him to his prior status. Senator Ted Cruz advocated for adding rioting as a RICO predicate to prosecute those paying for violent riots. Four banks reportedly waited until Epstein's arrest to flag $1.5 billion in suspicious transactions, including payments to women and wire transfers related to artwork. The Nelk Boys have admitted that pre-scripted questions for their podcast interview with Prime Minister Netanyahu were arranged by the Trump White House.
