U.S. government debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time, as federal borrowing continues to rise at a historically rapid pace.
The milestone comes despite President Donald Trump's stated commitment to stabilizing America's public finances. Public spending has surged, widening the gap between government revenues and expenditures.
The trajectory raises pressure on Congress and the administration to address long-term fiscal sustainability, with debt levels now exceeding the size of the entire U.S. economy.
🕊 Trump Confirms Plan To Meet Kim Jong Un This Year
President Donald Trump told reporters he plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year, marking a significant diplomatic development.
Trump offered no further details on timing or location. A direct meeting between a sitting U.S. president and North Korea's leader is rare — Trump previously held three summits with Kim during his first term.
⚖️ 29 States Sue Meta Over Children's Mental Health
A landmark trial against Meta Platforms opened Tuesday in California, with a bipartisan coalition of 29 U.S. states accusing the company of intentionally addicting children to Facebook and Instagram.
California's lead attorney told the court "kids are the product," alleging Meta designed its platforms to maximize youth engagement while knowingly disregarding harm to minors. The states are seeking penalties potentially reaching tens or hundreds of billions of dollars, along with structural changes to how Meta operates its platforms.
The case draws on a 2021 whistleblower's claims that Meta prioritized profit over user safety and children's wellbeing. The four lead states — California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey — argue Meta's product design decisions were deliberate. The outcome could force sweeping changes to two of the world's most widely used social media platforms.
🇨🇳 Swalwell Admits Sexual Relations With Suspected Chinese Spy
Newly declassified documents show former Rep. Eric Swalwell told FBI investigators in 2015 that he had a physical relationship with Christine Fang, a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy.
The documents were released by the White House Transparency Task Force. Swalwell, a California Democrat, left Congress in April. Fang had previously been reported as a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who cultivated ties with U.S. politicians.
🇮🇷 Iran: Hormuz Stays Shut Until U.S. Meets Deal Terms
Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States fulfills conditions set under an interim deal signed in June, the country's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tuesday in remarks to parliament published by state media.
Qalibaf listed four conditions: the U.S. must lift its blockade of Iranian ports, remove oil sanctions, release Tehran's frozen assets, and end military operations and threats on all fronts.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, and its continued closure carries significant implications for global energy markets and U.S. foreign policy in the region.