The White House has announced plans for a new ballroom, with construction set to begin in September 2025. The project, estimated to cost $200 million, will be financed by President Donald Trump and unnamed donors, as stated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt noted the historical need for a larger event space within the White House complex, emphasizing that previous administrations have sought such a facility for over 150 years. Currently, the White House lacks the capacity to host significant functions for international leaders without resorting to temporary structures, which are often criticized for their appearance.

The ballroom will be located adjacent to the East Wing of the White House, which houses the office of the First Lady and visitor services, necessitating temporary relocations during the construction. The design is expected to reflect the opulent style associated with Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, featuring gold trim and luxurious details. Trump has characterized the project as a legacy initiative, aiming to enhance the White House's functionality for state events while preserving its historical integrity.

In Wyoming, the Trump administration's immigration policies have begun to take effect, with the state experiencing increased deportations despite its previously insulated status. By mid-2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations expanded into Teton County, impacting the state's undocumented population, which the American Immigration Council estimates at approximately 9,800 individuals. State legislators, including Governor Mark Gordon, have initiated several bills aimed at enhancing state-level immigration enforcement, traditionally a federal responsibility. This includes a law that invalidates driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants by other states.

Sheriff Brian Kozak of Laramie County has joined a federal program to receive training on immigration status checks, raising concerns among immigrant advocates about potential racial profiling. Reports indicate that many individuals detained do not have criminal convictions, contradicting claims that enforcement efforts primarily target those with criminal records. The involvement of local law enforcement in federal immigration policies has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the human costs associated with such actions.

Looking ahead to 2026, various potential outcomes for the U.S. political landscape are anticipated, largely influenced by Trump's ongoing presence in politics. Scenarios range from a decline in Trump's popularity leading to a strengthening of democratic norms, to a concerning trend toward authoritarianism. The likelihood of these scenarios varies, with some predicting a significant electoral victory for Democrats, while others foresee a stabilization of Trump's influence or even an increase in authoritarian practices.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom is addressing allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement within the state's budget, which has faced persistent deficits projected to rise from $12 billion to $18 billion. Contributing factors include costs associated with providing taxpayer-funded healthcare to undocumented immigrants and challenges in managing expenditures amid fluctuating tax revenues. An audit of California's spending on homelessness has revealed a lack of oversight, raising concerns about the effective use of public funds and implications for social equity and governance.