Week of August 3: Dems Flee Texas, Trump–Putin Summit, and a $200M Golden Ballroom

This week’s episode dives into a whirlwind of political drama, strange headlines, and high-stakes diplomacy: Texas Democrats flee the state to block a Trump-backed redistricting plan — and the FBI gets pulled into the chase. Trump announces an August 15th Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin to negotiate a Ukraine ceasefire. The President calls for an off-schedule Census, excluding undocumented immigrants. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. cancels $500 million in mRNA vaccine grants. A double-tariff “oops” on Japan leads to refunds and red faces in Washington. VP JD Vance gets the Army Corps of Engineers to adjust river flows for a kayak trip. Trump’s $200 million golden ballroom plan for the White House sparks scrutiny. The U.S. offers $50 million for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. NASA ordered to shut down key climate-tracking satellites. Trump strolls around the White House roof, fueling social media speculation. Apple CEO Tim Cook gifts Trump a gold-based glass piece amid tariff carve-out talks. Former Superman actor Dean Cain joins ICE after the age limit is dropped. Trump reacts to the assault of “Big Balls” Coristine, reigniting debate over juvenile justice in D.C. Email us at [email protected] Follow us @thelonelyliberal on Instagram and TikTok