Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has become the third Cabinet member to depart during Trump’s second term, resigning amid an inspector general probe into potential misconduct. Multiple top staffers were already placed on administrative leave before ultimately leaving their positions. Her attorney insisted the resignation stems from personal reasons, not legal wrongdoing, but the timing raises questions about the investigation’s scope and findings.
House Ethics Battle Erupts Over Mills
Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution to expel Rep. Cory Mills from Congress over serious allegations including sexual misconduct and dating violence. The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills for these accusations plus campaign finance violations. Mills has denied all wrongdoing. Mace declared the swamp has protected Mills too long after both parties blocked earlier attempts to censure him and strip committee assignments. The South Carolina Republican announced she won’t back down despite institutional resistance.
House Balance Shifts After New Jersey Special Election
Rep. Analilia Mejia was sworn in by Speaker Mike Johnson after winning a special election to fill Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s former seat. The House now stands at 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats, plus independent Rep. Kevin Kiley who caucuses with Republicans. Republicans maintain exactly 217 votes for a majority, meaning they can only afford to lose one member when Kiley votes with the GOP. The razor-thin margin gives individual members significant leverage on contentious legislation.
Nation Mourns First Asian American Governor
Former Hawaii Gov. George R. Ariyoshi died peacefully at age 100 surrounded by family. Ariyoshi served as the nation’s first Asian American governor, leading Hawaii from 1973 to 1986 across three terms. Current Gov. Josh Green praised Ariyoshi’s humility, discipline, and unwavering sense of responsibility. Ariyoshi first became acting governor in October 1973 when Gov. John Burns fell ill with cancer, having been elected lieutenant governor three years earlier. His legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations.
Trump Invokes Defense Production Act for Energy
President Trump signed five presidential determinations invoking the Defense Production Act to fund energy projects, aiming to counter rising oil and gas prices from the Iran conflict. The White House stated these determinations allow the Department of Energy to use funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill to strengthen grid infrastructure and unleash reliable, affordable, secure energy. The determinations cover grid infrastructure, natural gas transmission and storage, coal supply chains, domestic petroleum production, and refining capacity. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers emphasized this fulfills Trump’s promise to fully unleash American energy dominance.
