Trump Fund Threat Sparks Ethics Debate.
Trump Threatens Fund Over AG Nominee Vote; Saudi Prince Urges Iran De-escalation; Spain Installs Border Barrier.
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President Donald Trump threatened to push ahead with an "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to pay his allies if two Republican senators refuse to back his attorney general nominee, according to AP News. The move has thrown fresh uncertainty into the Senate confirmation vote and raised serious questions about whether a president can use his public office to benefit his private business.
Trump said he plans to keep acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in place and move forward with the fund if Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis of Texas and North Carolina vote no. Critics are asking whether the threat amounts to insider trading or an abuse of presidential power.
Two Republican Holdouts Stall Attorney General Vote
Senators Cornyn and Tillis have refused to commit their votes for Trump's attorney general pick. Their resistance has stalled the confirmation process in the Senate, AP News reported. Without their support, the nominee lacks enough Republican votes to be confirmed.
Trump's response was a direct threat. He warned he would bypass the confirmation fight entirely by keeping Blanche as acting attorney general. At the same time, he would launch the settlement fund to reward allies who stood by him. The move puts both senators under heavy political pressure.
Anti-Weaponization Fund Raises Legal and Ethics Alarms
The "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is designed to compensate Trump allies who faced legal action during his time out of office. But legal experts are questioning whether creating such a fund crosses a line. The core concern is simple: is Trump using the power of his office to help his own financial and political interests?
Critics say the fund could amount to insider trading if Trump directs government resources or signals policy moves that benefit those close to him. There is no clear legal precedent for this kind of presidential action, AP News reported. Congress has not weighed in publicly on whether it would challenge the move.
Saudi Crown Prince Urges Trump to Avoid War With Iran
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally urged Trump not to escalate tensions with Iran, according to a person familiar with the leaders' discussion, AP News reported. The private message signals growing concern in the Gulf region about a broader conflict. Saudi Arabia sits between the two powers and would face serious risks if war breaks out.
Spain Installs Sea Barrier After 67 Migrants Die in Border Surge
Spain erected a sea barrier along its border with Morocco after a massive surge of migrants attempted to cross. At least 67 people died during the surge, AP News reported. The barrier is meant to stop boats from reaching Spanish territory. The deadly crossing has intensified pressure on European governments to act on migration at the continent's southern edge.
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