U.S. Government Acquires 10% Stake in Intel; IRS Halts Layoffs

Last week in America was marked by intense political, economic, and legal developments that will shape the nation’s future. From high-profile legal cases and federal interventions to immigration enforcement and policy shifts, the United States faced a series of impactful events. Each story carries weight, influencing governance, national security, and international relations, making it essential to track the latest updates for a clear picture of the country’s evolving landscape.

DOJ Releases Ghislaine Maxwell Transcripts, FBI Raids John Bolton’s Office

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) released more than 300 pages of transcripts from Ghislaine Maxwell’s July interview. In her testimony, Maxwell denied ever seeing Donald Trump engaged in inappropriate activities or receiving massages while carefully navigating questions about her connections with Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Clinton, and other high-profile figures.

• Meanwhile, the FBI raided the home and office of former National Security Adviser John Bolton over concerns regarding the handling of classified documents. Although former President Trump said he had not been briefed beforehand, he strongly criticized Bolton in his public statements.

U.S. Government Acquires 10% Stake in Intel; IRS Reverses Layoffs

• In an unprecedented move, President Trump announced that the U.S. government had acquired a 10% stake in Intel, marking one of the boldest federal interventions into the private technology sector in recent years. The decision has drawn debate over whether such a step strengthens U.S. tech independence or blurs the line between government and corporate control.

• At the same time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reversed its earlier decision to cut staff. The agency offered jobs back to employees who had previously accepted buyouts, signaling a push to increase workforce capacity ahead of the upcoming tax season.

Redistricting Battles and Political Maneuvers

• The redistricting debate intensified last week. In Texas, Republicans advanced a controversial congressional map that could give them an advantage in upcoming House elections. Democrats pushed back, with some threatening procedural delays and legal challenges.

• On the other side of the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom endorsed a new redistricting package aimed at countering Republican gains nationwide. This move is expected to spark heated legal battles and impact future representation.

• Adding to the political shifts, President Trump appointed Sergio Gor as U.S. Ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia. The appointment highlights the administration’s focus on strengthening ties with the region.

Homeland Security Expands ICE Detention with New Facility in Nebraska

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the construction of a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Nebraska, dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink.” The project aligns with the administration’s tougher stance on immigration enforcement.

• The expansion comes alongside new policies that propose monitoring immigrants’ social media activity for “anti-American” sentiments—a move critics say could raise privacy and civil liberties concerns.

Intelligence and Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny

• In another major development, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revoked security clearances for 37 officials, citing concerns over politicization within the intelligence community. The decision reflects an effort to consolidate control while raising questions about transparency.

• Meanwhile, the Justice Department began releasing files from the Epstein investigation to Congress, signaling more disclosures in the coming weeks. In Washington, D.C., federal prosecutors opened an investigation into allegations that police had falsified crime data.

National Guard Mobilized Across 19 States Amid Crackdown on Crime and Immigration

• The Trump administration has deployed up to 1,700 National Guard troops across 19 states, including Texas, Florida, and Virginia, to assist the Department of Homeland Security in enforcing immigration laws and combating crime. Operating under Title 32 authority, these troops will support administrative and logistical tasks such as case management, transportation, and biometric data collection, without engaging in direct law enforcement activities. Notably, Vermont has declined to participate in the deployment.

U.S. Immigrant Population Declines by Over One Million

• A report from the Pew Research Center indicates that the U.S. immigrant population has decreased by more than one million since the beginning of 2025, dropping from 53.3 million to 51.9 million. This decline is attributed to the Trump administration's implementation of 181 immigration-related executive actions and previous asylum restrictions under the Biden administration. The reduction has also led to a decrease in the foreign-born share of the workforce.

India Suspends Most Postal Services to U.S. Amid New Customs Regulations

• Effective August 25, 2025, India has temporarily suspended most international postal services to the United States in response to significant regulatory changes imposed by the U.S. government. The suspension aims to allow Indian postal authorities to adjust to the new customs requirements and logistical implications introduced by the U.S. Details on which services remain unaffected have not been specified.

Government Seeks Medical Records of Transgender Youth, Raising Privacy Concerns

• Under the Trump administration, the Department of Justice is seeking expansive medical records of transgender youth from multiple hospitals, even in states where gender-affirming care is legal. This move has raised serious privacy concerns among advocates and medical professionals. Additionally, Customs and Border Protection reported a record high of nearly 15,000 warrantless device searches in one quarter, amid aggressive immigration enforcement.

Federal Reserve Approves Updates to Monetary Policy Strategy

• The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee has approved updates to its monetary policy strategy, focusing on the longer-run goals and monetary policy strategy. This decision follows a comprehensive review process that included public input and research conferences. While the two percent longer-run inflation goal remains unchanged, the updates aim to enhance the Fed's ability to achieve its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices.

U.S. Tariffs Reach Highest Level in Nearly a Century

• The United States has implemented the highest tariff rates in nearly 100 years as part of the Trump administration's efforts to rectify trade imbalances and protect domestic industries. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy to address large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits. While the administration asserts that these measures will strengthen the economy, critics warn of potential retaliatory actions and negative impacts on consumers.

Last week underscored the complexity and dynamism of U.S. governance and policy. From legal investigations and political maneuvering to immigration enforcement and economic interventions, these events reveal how multifaceted decision-making shapes the country’s present and future. Staying informed about these developments provides clarity on the United States’ trajectory, both domestically and internationally.

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