Trump administration argues that ballroom construction is ‘vital’ for national security in appeal to supreme court – US politics live

President Donald Trump plans to highlight his record on crime and safety during a visit to New York on Friday, pivoting to one of his strongest issues as he looks to boost Republicans in battleground races ahead of the November midterms.

Trump is visiting the Nassau County Police Academy in suburban Long Island, where the White House said he will release new FBI crime statistics showing a decrease in violent crime for 2025.

“President Trump promised to make America safe again and the data proves he has done just that,” White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said. “Unlike Defund-the-Police Democrats, President Trump will always stand with our law enforcement officers and deliver safer American neighborhoods.”

Trump’s visit is aimed at boosting Republican candidates in closely contested races across his home state, but just how much his presence will help is in question as he faces lagging approval ratings and a deeply unpopular war in Iran with no end in sight.

Trump narrowly won Nassau County in 2024, flipping it for Republicans for the first time in more than two decades. It’s home to two Democratic House seats that Republicans now see as winnable this fall, and it’s home turf for Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, the Trump-endorsed Republican challenging Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Luigi Mangione , the man accused of gunning down a ⁠health insurance executive, is due in federal court on Friday for a hearing where he is expected to plead guilty to stalking or similar charges. There is more on the story here .

The battle over the Kennedy Center’s future escalated Thursday as President Donald Trump ’s allies on the board took new steps to commemorate him with physical changes to the iconic performing arts institution that could defy a federal court order.

The Pacific-based aircraft carrier USS George Washington began heading toward the Middle East as reports have emerged of mental health and supply issues aboard the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln.

White ⁠House deputy ⁠national ⁠security adviser Andy ​Baker is ⁠leaving the Trump ⁠administration ​in ‌the coming ‌weeks, Axios ‌reported on Friday. The White House ‌did not respond ​to a request ⁠for comment outside ​business hours. ​The report has not been independently ​verified.

Tropical Storm Lala formed Thursday in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to become a hurricane while approaching the Big Island of Hawaii, where it could bring heavy rain and flooding this weekend, forecasters said. The storm is forecast to bring rain to the Hawaiian Islands starting late Friday as well as high winds and dangerous surf, the National Hurricane Center said.