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As of Feb. 24–25, 2026, the Trump administration is weighing an executive action that would require U.S. banks to collect and verify customers’ citizenship—potentially from both new and existing account holders—and could demand documents such as passports, people familiar with the talks said. (washingtonpost.com) The proposal, reportedly being discussed within Treasury and FinCEN, has not been approved and the White House called reports “baseless speculation.” (semafor.com) It’s unclear whether banks would only collect data or also close accounts of those lacking papers; roughly half of Americans lack passports. (washingtonpost.com) Officials warn of legal challenges, privacy risks and burdens on community banks and customers, with potential nationwide impacts. (semafor.com)
Federal agents executed court-authorized search warrants Wednesday at the home of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and at LAUSD headquarters, and video shows FBI personnel entering the San Pedro house and district offices. Authorities say supporting affidavits are sealed and declined further comment; the U.S. attorney’s office confirmed the searches but gave no details. The actions come amid a civil lawsuit alleging LAUSD misused about $76.7 million in Proposition 28 arts funding; the district says it is cooperating and denies wrongdoing. The investigation’s target and potential charges remain unclear as the probe develops and detectives continue investigating. (latimes.com)
On February 25, 2026, Cuba’s Interior Ministry said its border guards intercepted a Florida-registered speedboat near Cayo Falcones in Villa Clara province and, after the boat allegedly opened fire and wounded the Cuban patrol commander, returned fire, killing four people and wounding six aboard. (aljazeera.com) The ministry identified the vessel’s Florida registration as FL7726SH and said the injured were evacuated for medical treatment, but it did not release identities or motives. (euronews.com) Havana framed the action as defense of territorial waters amid rising U.S.–Cuba tensions; U.S. officials had not immediately commented. (washingtonpost.com) Investigations by Cuban authorities and inquiries by U.S. agencies are underway. (cbsnews.com)
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During President Trump’s State of the Union address, Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on Bill Hemmer’s America’s Newsroom program Wednesday he saw “cowardice” among congressional Democrats after many remained seated while Republicans stood for Trump’s line that government must protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants. Vance said some Democrats “politely clapped” but looked to colleagues instead of standing, suggesting fear of being primaried by the party’s left. He called the behavior a “sad commentary” and the moment became a viral clip circulated by Trump allies. Democrats defended their conduct, saying applause isn’t a meaningful measure of policy agreement. (foxnews.com)
On February 25, 2026, Vice President JD Vance blasted House Democrats for refusing to stand during President Trump’s State of the Union request that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” Vance, appearing on Fox News, accused Democrats of “cowardice,” saying some merely clapped while avoiding standing because they feared being primaried and lacked the “courage of their convictions.” He framed the moment as proof Democrats prioritize special interests over citizens and urged lawmakers to publicly affirm the administration’s border-first stance. The exchange intensified partisan fallout from the address across Washington today. (washingtonpost.com)
President Trump’s administration on February 25, 2026 intensified its “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, imposing new sanctions that target more than 30 ships, companies and individuals tied to Iran’s oil trade and weapons programs ahead of a fresh round of nuclear talks in Geneva. The Treasury identified vessels, brokers and firms it says form Iran’s “shadow fleet” and named officials and companies linked to ballistic‑missile and drone procurement; measures freeze any U.S. assets and bar U.S. business with the designees. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the moves aim to disrupt revenue streams funding weapons and proxies, and deter further aggression. (apnews.com)
At the State of the Union on February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump scolded lawmakers, telling Rep. Ilhan Omar “You should be ashamed of yourself!” after she and others remained seated when he asked legislators to stand if they agreed the government’s first duty is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. Omar shouted that Trump had “killed Americans” while the president urged an end to sanctuary cities and penalties for officials blocking deportations. The exchange occurred amid Democratic interruptions, protests in the chamber, and controversy over immigration enforcement and ICE actions in Minnesota. Video and outlets carried the confrontation. (cbsnews.com)
On February 25, 2026, during his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump challenged lawmakers to “stand if you agree” with his assertion that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” He used the moment to press for tougher immigration enforcement and criticized Democrats who largely declined to rise. The speech — record‑length and sharply partisan — prompted protests and walkouts on the floor, drew fierce Democratic denunciations, and drew defenses from White House aides who accused opponents of dishonoring victims and enabling lawlessness. The moment intensified partisan divisions nationwide politically. (transcripts.cnn.com)
During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, he challenged members of Congress to “stand up” if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” When many House Democrats remained seated, Trump chastised them and Republicans cheered, turning the moment into a viral bit of political theater. Media accounts said the exchange punctuated an otherwise long, combative speech focused on immigration, crime, and economic claims. The interaction highlighted the sharp partisan divide in the chamber and drew widespread immediate nationwide coverage and video circulation online. (washingtonpost.com)