Welcome to DailyMail.com’s U.S. politics live blog for the latest news from Washington D.C.
It is one day until Donald Trump and Joe Biden meet for their first 2024 debate, which could have a massive impact on the election.
Biden’s campaign has refused a request from Donald Trump that they both take a drug test beforehand.
Follow live updates from our reporters in Washington D.C. and around the country.
12:00
Biden campaign dismisses Trump drug test request as 'silly'
Donald Trump has suggested Biden be drug-tested ahead of Thursday night’s debate, and has offered to take one himself.
Biden campaign spokeswoman Adrienne Elrod was asked on CNN to respond. She said:
I mean, I don‘t even really know what to say about that. I worked on Hillary Clinton‘s campaign. She had also debated him very effectively. He accused her of being on drugs. President Biden defeated Donald Trump twice in previous debates.
This is what he does because he doesn‘t have anything else to run on. And so he has to resort to these types of tactics which are frankly just silly and turn off a lot of voters, especially voters who want to see their president fight for them.
15:09
Most U.S. adults plan to watch some of the Trump-Biden debate
Six in 10 U.S. adults plan to watch some element of Thursday’s presidential debate, according to an Associated Press-NORC poll.
That proportion said they are ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ likely to watch the debate live or in clips, or read about it, or listen to commentary about the performance of the candidates in the news or social media.
The poll suggests tens of millions of Americans are likely to be impacted by the debate.
Going into the debate most Americans, 56 percent, say they are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ dissatisfied with Biden being the Democratic Party’s likely nominee.
A similar majority are dissatisfied with Trump as the likely GOP nominee.
14:37
Paris Hilton glams up on Capitol Hill as she exposes devastating child abuse stories including her own
Paris Hilton testified on Capitol Hill about the devastating experience she suffered through in a youth rehabilitation facility as she advocated for sweeping reforms to the foster and youth rehab system.
‘When I was 16 years old. I was ripped from my bed in the middle of night and transported across state lines to the first four residential facilities,’ Hilton told the House Ways and Means Committee.
‘For two years I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff. I was violently restrained … stripped naked, thrown in solitary confinement,’ the Hilton hotels heiress went on.
14:32
Speaker Johnson says GOP will file lawsuit against DOJ to get Biden audio tapes
Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed that the House of Representatives will file a lawsuit next week in federal court to try and force the Justice Department to hand over Biden’s special counsel audio tapes.
Johnson accused DOJ of ‘editing’ Biden’s transcript in some ways, so ‘it’s really appropriate and important’ to get their hands on the audio tapes.
‘We will fight vigorously to get it,’ he added.
The speaker noted that Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's proposal to file an ‘inherent contempt’ resolution that would lead to Garland’s arrest if he doesn’t hand over the tapes has ‘not been settled on yet.’
Earlier this month, House Republicans voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress after he refused to hand over audio of President Biden’s special counsel interview with Robert Hur.
During the interview, Hur said that Biden appeared ‘elderly’ with a ‘poor memory’ as he mixed up his son Beau's death date and had a series of other stumbles.
The contempt charge is a formal recommendation that Garland be prosecuted. He’s likely to be shielded from legal repercussions since Biden has asserted executive privilege over the audio.
And DOJ said it won’t pursue a prosecution against Garland for defying the subpoena.
14:03
Breaking: Supreme Court rules on social media censorship
In its first opinion of the day, the court reversed a decision by the 5th Circuit Court of appeals on social media censorship.
They ruled 6-3 that that the plaintiffs – the conservative states in this case – do not have standing, handing a win to the Biden administration.
The Republican-led states had argued that the Biden administration illegally and unconstitutionally worked with social media companies to squash conservative views on their platforms during the COVID pandemic.
13:49
Supreme Court set to issue decisions at 10 a.m.
All eyes are on the Supreme Court this morning as the justices still have 14 cases to decide.
The most closely watched cases include: Whether ex-President Trump has immunity, the January 6 defendants’ obstruction charges (which will impact Trump’s case too), social media and abortion.
13:13
Republicans swear in one more member, giving a buffer to their razor-thin majority
On Tuesday night Republicans swore in Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, bringing the total number of members to 432 – 219 Republicans, 213 Democrats.
Rulli replaced retiring Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio.
There are three vacancies: late Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-N.J., died. Former Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., and Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., resigned.
Republicans can lose two of their own votes and still pass party-line legislation.
13:05
FEC grants 45-day extension for Trump to file financial disclosures
Donald Trump was granted a 45-day extension to file personal financial disclosure with the Federal Election Commission.
Trump’s legal team requested the extra time due to the complex financials of the former president and presumed 2024 Republican nominee.
“A hard copy of the report bearing Mr. Trump’s original signature is now due and should be received by the Federal Election Commission by August 15, 2024.”
Trump’s financial closures are closely watched because it gives insight into his personal wealth, which is often a topic of debate.
The extension comes after Trump was levied a $300 million civil fraud fine and $80 million E. Jean Carroll judgment.
12:35
Democrats welcome 'convicted felon' Trump to Atlanta with mugshot billboard ahead of debate
Democrats are welcoming Donald Trump to Atlanta for the debate with a billboard calling out his new felon status.
With an image of his mugshot from his election interference case in Georgia, the DNC’s five billboard reads: ‘Donald. Welcome to Atlanta for the first time since becoming a convicted felon. Congrats – or whatever…’
Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in the Manhattan hush money trial, but is still facing three other criminal trials – including in Fulton County, Georgia.
‘The DNC understands the importance of Southern hospitality, so it is our pleasure to welcome Donald Trump back to the Peach State for the first time since becoming a convicted felon,’ DNC Spokesperson Jackie Bush said in a statement on the ads.
‘The man Georgia voters rejected in 2020 has only gotten more unhinged and vengeful in the past four years.’
12:32
Mike Johnson: 'No one expects Biden will be on cocaine' at the debate
Speaker Mike Johnson commented on speculation from Donald Trump’s camp that Joe Biden will be on drugs or using a performance-enhancing substance at Thursday’s debate.
Trump has suggested his rival will be ‘so pumped up’ and hinted that he could even take cocaine before their primetime CNN showdown.
Johnson appeared on the network on Tuesday night and was asked about the former president’s comments.
‘Look, there’s a lot of things that are said in jest. Of course, no one expects that Joe Biden will be on cocaine.’
Johnson did say that questions about Joe’s ability to lead are warranted and his energy levels are a concern.
12:21
Trump campaign trolls VP speculation… and keeps people guessing about announcement
Speculation about who will be Donald Trump’s running mate and when he will announce his pick is changing every day.
Some reports have said the major reveal could come as soon as this week, while others have said it won’t be until the Republican convention later this month.
But the Trump campaign is lapping up every development, and keeping everyone guessing.
‘ahh this is such an amazing scoop! yes ..it could come as soon as today …or …sometime in mid july !!’, senior Trump campaign advisor Chris LaCivita wrote in response to an NBC News report that the pick could be revealed in the coming days.
12:13
Biden 'can't hit a golf ball 10 yards' says Trump
Donald Trump is attacking his debate opponent on Truth Social. He writes:
Crooked Joe Biden’s “Handlers” are loudly and profusely complaining that there will be no Fact Checkers during the Debate on Thursday. Actually, that is just DISINFORMATION – They could not be happier, because there is nobody that’s as loose with the TRUTH as Crooked Joe.
He accuses Biden of being a ‘walking LYING MACHINE, and a Fact Checker’s DREAM.’
The Republican candidate adds:
From the 51 Fake Intelligence Agents, to Russia, Russia, Russia, to the Fake “Suckers and Losers Story” he created about our beloved Military, to cheating in College and saying he was first in his Law School Class when he was actually LAST, to claiming he marched for Civil Rights, drove trucks, and has a 6.2 Handicap (He can’t hit the Golf Ball 10 yards, but that’s a minor detail!)…Maybe we should call him “Lyin’ Joe” in addition to Crooked?
12:11
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger endorses Biden and Harris
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger has endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris the day before the debate.
The Trump critic and ex-January 6 committee member announced in a video that he was backing the Democrats in 2024. despite being a ‘proud conservative’.
‘I’ve always put democracy and our Constitution above of all us. It’s because of my unwavering support for democracy that today, as a proud conservative, I’m endorsing Joe Biden for reelection.
The Illinois lawmaker, a frequent guest on CNN, admitted he never thought he would be voting for the Democrats.
Biden replied: ‘This is what putting your country before your party looks like’.
12:05
Biden pardons thousands of veterans convicted under military law against gay sex
11:51
Lauren Boebert wins Colorado primary
11:49
First 'Squad' member is ousted from Congress in New York
TOP STORIES
- Blacklist of federal employees who oppose Trump for president set to be released right before 2024 election
- Trump leads Biden by five points in Georgia ahead of debate
- Biden 'rights historic wrong' and pardons thousands of US veterans convicted under law banning gay sex despite their 'courage and great sacrifice' for the country
- Debate coaches reveal what Biden has to avoid during his Trump showdown on CNN to prevent 'serious discussions' about dropping out
- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen gives unbelievable response when asked if she goes grocery shopping and if she has felt 'sticker shock'
- Biden allies call Trump 'senile' after Fox News 'cut away' from his rally rant about 'washing machines' and 'no water in faucets'
- Trump gets massive poll boost after hush money trial conviction
- Donald Trump is delivered a blow in Utah's Senate primary election after his 'natural Viagra' candidate loses bid to replace Mitt Romney
- The View host Whoopi Goldberg has a shocking reaction after being 'tricked' into saying Donald Trump's name out loud: 'I'm sick of this guy'
- Trump claims he was 'tortured' in Fulton County Jail when arrested… as he releases new mugshot merchandise: 'I want you to remember what they did to me'
- Gavin Newsom is moving his children AWAY from California's capital city… so his daughter can attend a $60,000-a-year private school in one of the wealthiest areas in the U.S.
- Trump promises to release ALL the JFK files and reveals who he thinks was 'probably behind' assassination cover-up
- Biden officials pushed to REMOVE age limits for trans children to get gender-affirming surgeries, horrifying report claims
- One presidential candidate ran up twice as much national debt as the other – as US faces spiraling 'debt bomb'
- Why Melania Trump might not live with husband Donald full-time in the White House if he wins the presidential election, according to friends and allies
- Joe and Jill Biden have been using their Delaware house for fast cash – refinancing 20 times with loans totaling $4.2M since buying the $350k home
- Group of 16 Nobel prize-winning economists all agree which presidential candidate would be worst for inflation
- Authors of books on vaccines, Big Pharma censored by the Biden admin working with Amazon speak out against 'modern-day book burning'
- Monica Lewinsky calls for Judge Aileen Cannon to be IMPEACHED as she tears into her handling of Trump's classified documents case
- VP frontrunner JD Vance urges Donald Trump to use a secret weapon in his debate with Biden, even as he warns that a 'biased' format and medications will help 81-year-old president
- First Squad member Jamaal Bowman ousted from Congress despite AOC's last-ditch effort to save him
- AOC hits back at mockery of her cringeworthy WWE-style rally entrance in front of small crowd… as she tries to help fellow Squad member Jamaal Bowman avoid a crushing primary defeat
- Judge Aileen Cannon was told to STEP DOWN from the Donald Trump classified documents case by fellow judges in shocking move
- Trump group rolls out 'No Tax on Tips stickers' as it steps up effort to woo working class voters
- Gavin Newsom blasts 'delusional California bashers' as he boasts about 'weird, wild, free-spirited' state that produced Metallica, Kendrick Lamar, blue jeans and Barbie – but there's on big problem with his speech
- Judge Aileen Cannon appears to side with prosecutors as Trump's lawyers try to block Jack Smith using boxes of classified documents seized during the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago
- Michael Phelps says false doping accusations eroded 'a lifetime of mental health growth' – and now regulators turning a blind eye to accusations of China doing just that
- Biden's student loan forgiveness plan suffers huge blow as two federal judges block key measure that would cost nation $160 BILLION – here's what if means for you
- US ambassador to China slams Beijing for undermining diplomacy in extraordinary rebuke… and accuses them of bizarre plot to cut electricity from concert
- Donald Trump DEMANDS 'crooked' Joe Biden take a drug test before the presidential debate: 'I would also immediately agree to one'
- Billionaire TikToker who's become one of the most influential election voices online gives shock 2024 prediction
- Biden campaign reveals central tactic to target Trump at first debate – but it could backfire with voters
- Russia warns the U.S. to brace for retaliation after Kremlin blamed Washington for missile attack that killed four in Crimea
- Trump 'narrows VP search to THREE candidates'
- Intel contractors on CIA's payroll colluded with the Biden campaign to discredit Hunter's laptop as 'Russian disinfo,' bombshell new report claims
- 'I'll protect what's mine at all costs': Mother (who has black belt in Taekwondo) seen launching herself through the air to tackle thief to the ground after he stole her motorbike in extraordinary CCTV
- Dutch volleyball player who was jailed for raping a 12-year-old British girl after meeting her on Facebook qualifies to compete in the Paris Olympics
- Jay Slater probe is thrown into further confusion as Tenerife Mayor says Spanish police are examining CCTV footage – and suggests 'several witnesses' claim to have 'seen the teen watching Euros'
- Katie Price's £2M Mucky Mansion is repossessed by bailiffs after she was evicted amid double bankruptcy blow… but model seems unbothered as she jets to Brussels for her 17th boob job
- Anne's agony after horse accident horror: Princess will 'hate' to miss public engagements after 'being hit by horse's head or legs' – as Charles sends touching message to his sister in hospital
- At least England's good at something: Enjoy the funniest memes on social media – as Three Lions fans react to boring Euros draw with Slovenia
- 'Blindsided' woman who hoped to modernise 1930s home left without a kitchen for months and forced to wash dishes in the bath after builders 'walk out of £20,000 renovation job'
- Elderly British couple kidnapped from their South African home 'may have been dismembered with their body parts sold to a witch doctor', court hears – as devastated family fear cover-up over 'slaughter'
- Fir tree which was sliced right down the middle by 'pettiest neighbours ever' becomes unlikely tourist attraction
- How Diana's ultimate Revenge Dress SHOULD have looked: Princess's iconic LBD would have faded into cream obscurity but for a last-minute change of design, an intervention from her loving brother… and a fall-out with a very famous designer
- Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori puts on an EXTREMELY busty display as she goes topless in suspenders for dinner with him in Paris
- Goal-den oldies! The England squad are reimagined as retro footballers thanks to new AI generator app to celebrate Euro 2024 – but can you tell which one is which?
- Just Stop Oil protester who invaded Twickenham pitch during rugby match and threw orange powder insists he was 'doing my duty as a doctor' – as he and fellow eco-clown are cleared
- Death of amateur boxer, 23, who suffered traumatic brain injury from being punched in a charity match was an accident, coroner rules – as inquest hears he was a 'dreamer' who wanted to work for the NHS
- Flying off the handle! Comic Ross Noble exasperated at EasyJet after emergency door panel falls on him and gets no apology – and then gets trolled by automated customer service bot
- Pictured: 'NHS worker', 24, found dead alongside body of woman as police probe murder
- Is this Britain's worst estate? Neighborhood which was setting for 1980s cult film Rita, Sue and Bob Too now so violent families fear going out at night
- Martin Lewis reveals two simple ways to check whether you're overpaying council tax
- Labour Party member arrested over Westminster 'honeytrap' plot that saw Tory MP hand over contact details of colleagues to man he met on Grindr
- Rishi Sunak wades into Tory trans row with David Tennant saying the ex-Dr Who star is 'the problem' after actor uses LGBT award win to tell equalities minister Kemi Badenoch to 'shut up'
- Security guard 'who plotted to kidnap' Holly Willoughby 'sent video of bondage kit including ankle shackles and a ball gag to potential accomplice' – and 'captioned it 'it's play time''
- Dramatic moment hero off-duty cop tackles prolific knife-wielding thief who stole dishwasher tablets and marshmallows from Poundland
- Dragons' Den entrepreneur who won investment for her hi-vis horse riding gear firm is locked in a High Court battle with a rival over a competitor's firm 'copying' her designs
- Boy, four, is left behind on nursery trip to wildlife park by staff for 40 minutes, his horrified mother reveals – as investigation is launched
- Hunt for missing Jay Slater takes new turn after Spanish police reveal they found 'tired and disoriented' Brit hiker stuck in a ravine during their search on holiday island Tenerife
- White West Virginia couple forced their adopted black children to work as slaves and live in barn
- Can you see what's wrong with this passport? British holidaymaker was refused entry to TUI flight over 'damage' a different airline had no problem with accepting
- Pictured: British hiker, 51, found by search teams hunting Jay Slater – as he insists he 'didn't need saving' from ravine and accuses Tenerife police of trying to 'show how good they are'
- Lauren Dickason sentencing: Mum's apology for killing her kids – and the sentence that will leave you fuming
- 'I will not be silenced by … a rich, lefty, white male celebrity blinded by ideology': Kemi Badenoch lashed out at 'bigot' ex-Dr Who star David Tennant after he uses LGBT award speech to wish trans-critic minister 'didn't exist anymore'
- England send fans and WAGs into despair with bore draw against Slovenia – as supporters sleep, families WEEP and Gareth Southgate is pelted with booze (and boos)… but his side win group so avoid Germany, Spain, Portugal or France until the final
- Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth weather: Even more rain and 'cold season tornado' coming for one state
- George Clooney caught in the middle as human rights lawyer wife Amal skipped his $28 million Biden fundraiser after her call to arrest Israeli leader Netanyahu
- A feast for the eyes… and ears! King Charles makes Pokemon jokes as he and Queen Camilla throw lavish Buckingham Palace State Banquet for Japan's Emperor and Empress
- Shock coroner's report reveals death of boy, 12, at Trails Carolina 'wellness' camp was 'homicide' after he was sealed into sleeping bag-like 'burrito'
- 'My grandfather was the greatest mass murderer of all time': German pastor describes 'guilt' after realising he was related to Auschwitz monster Rudolf Höss whose family lived in 'Zone of Interest' villa at Nazi death camp
- California doctor Dharmesh Patel to be freed from jail and reunited with his family whom he 'tried to kill' by driving their Tesla off 250ft Devil's Slide cliff
- Mother, 66, left 'absolutely shattered' after her daughter and son kill themselves within five years of each other
- Fed-up England fans pelt Gareth Southgate with beer cups and BOO as the team goes on lap of 'honour' after mind-numbing 0-0 bore draw with Slovenia sent supporters to sleep… but the side DID top the group and now it's likely Holland on Sunday
- Armed teenagers attempt to hold up sneaker store in Toronto – but heroic staff quickly turn the tables
- This is the number one trait shared by highly successful individuals, says Harvard Business School professor – and it's a habit that's 'increasingly in demand'
- Former air traffic controller, 31, accidentally 'strangled' himself after strapping his arms and legs into a bondage cage, inquest hears
- US city has the worst traffic in the WORLD and it's costing residents $9B a year in lost time
- The looming war so gruesome it would make Gaza look like child's play: MARK DUBOWITZ's grave warning about the imminent clash that might even wake Sleepy Joe Biden
- Woman blows up 'cheating husband' she spotted trying to pick up a female passenger on his flight to New York
- John Forge: Award-winning philosophy professor is found dead at Cataract Gorge, Launceston, after a knock on the door from Tasmania Police
- Dramatic court scenes as Jocelyn Nungaray's family hear how she fought with her dying breath 'as migrants raped her'
- Jay Slater's mother is 'at her wits' end with worry' and has barely slept since teenager went missing nine days ago – as more friends fly to Tenerife to help with search
- Tennessee husband, 20, kills his pregnant wife, 28, and their unborn baby in horror crash
- Broadmeadows, Melbourne: Abdul El Sayed among four dead in suspected mass overdose
- Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth weather: Polar blast about to strike
- Shocking moment thugs armed with Rambo knives fight in the middle of the day on residential London street
- Aussie couple's $8,000 nightmare in Bali after birthday trip turns into holiday from hell
- Chaos at Heathrow Airport after British Airways IT failure leaves passengers 'stranded on planes' and 'suffering panic attacks' while those in Terminal 5 say there are now hours of delays collecting luggage 'and some planes left without bags'
- Broadmeadows, Melbourne: New details emerge after four are found dead
- Surfing legend and actor Tamayo Perry's eerie post about shark-infested waters is revealed after his death
- Designer Projects Victoria Pty Ltd: Melbourne home building company liquidated after being fined for underpaying worker
- 'Hawk Tuah' girl Hailey Welch sells merchandise after going viral
- Now Tenerife police hunting for missing Jay Slater call in reinforcements from Madrid – with sniffer dogs joining operation after cops widened search areas
- Carwarp crash, Victoria: Two people dead and multiple others injured in horror crash near Mildura that closed Calder Highway
- Wave of beaches are shut down after officials make sickening discovery in the sea water
- Alchemy Brewing Co closes its doors: Melbourne-based brewery shuts up shop
- Wild conspiracy theories, claims of ransom demands, mystery men and a violent past. Ten puzzling questions about Jay Slater the British teenager who's vanished into thin air on Tenerife
- Brit tourist, 21, is left 'scarred for life' with horrific facial injuries after speeding car ploughs in to her quad bike sending her flying during Greek holiday – as family issues safety warning
- Postmistress who was wrongly jailed while pregnant breaks down in tears as she refuses apology from expert witness who gave evidence against her – saying it's 'too little too late'
- Moment tourist hurtles to the pavement after being 'headbutted' by King's Guard horse… but some people aren't convinced
- Married police chief makes stunning claim about his glamorous wife before suddenly resigning over affair with a fellow officer's wife
- Julian Assange breaks down in tears as judge on US-controlled island declares him 'a free man' and sentences him to time served for espionage: WikiLeaks founder released without supervision for the first time in 14 years