Trump says kids may only get ‘2 dolls instead of 30’ due to possible toy shortage over trade war with China: Live updates

Virginian Rep. Gerry Connolly announced Monday that he would have to step down as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and will not seek re-election.

Connolly’s announcement came only months after he beat out New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to be head Democrat on the committee, despite the fact the 75-year-old Connolly learned shortly after the election that he had esophageal cancer.

Ocasio-Cortez has since left Oversight, and joined the Energy & Commerce Committee, which she always wanted to participate in since it deals with energy policy and health care, her two big priorities.

But it’s part of a larger trend happening within the Democratic Party: After years of valuing experience, and accusations of promoting a gerontocracy, the party is slowly passing the torch to its younger members.

Graig Graziosi has the story.

The wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took on an active role in managing his public appearances and even crafting messaging issued by the Department of Defense itself, a new report claimed on Wednesday.

Jennifer Rauchet, the Washington Post reported, often acts as a go-between who transmits her husband’s plans to agency staffers. The former Fox News producer does not hold an official position at the Pentagon but has been identified as a constant presence at the agency over the past several months.

John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump is due to join a town hall event hosted by NewsNation anchor Chris Cuomo.

The event, taking place at 8 p.m. ET, will also feature appearances from Bill O’Reilly, Stephen A. Smith among others.

Discussion will center on the first 100 days of Trump’s administration.

Alex Woodward reports on how, after 100 days in office, President Donald Trump’s agenda is facing pushback legally, economically, and in the polls.

“No, I think he should resign for his own safety’s sake, if nothing else,” he said.

Gustaf Kilander reports on what else Bolton had to say.

CNN has brushed off criticism aimed at Scott Jennings after the political commentator spoke at Donald Trump’s rally Wednesday night – claiming it’s standard practice for its paid contributors to make political appearances.

Justin Baragona has the story.

Axios and Bloomberg reported the deal was to be signed on Wednesday, citing senior Ukrainian officials.

John Bowden is following this developing story in Washington, D.C.

Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded to President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post this morning claiming that the current economic turbulence was somehow still the result of Joe Biden’s policies.

Said Rep. Jeffries: “This is not Joe Biden’s economy, Donald. It is your economy. It is the Trump economy. It is a failed economy, and the American people know it.”