Trump dropped his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS Monday in exchange for a $1.776 billion fund he controls.
The move came 48 hours before a federal judge’s deadline requiring Trump’s side to explain whether a sitting president can legally sue agencies he runs. Now Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer, will appoint the commission deciding who gets a piece of nearly $2 billion. Claims stay open through the end of his term.
Rep. Jamie Raskin called the fund unconstitutional. Treasury’s top attorney quit hours after the announcement. Use 5 Calls or Resistbot to tell Congress to stop the payoffs to Trump’s allies before he starts cutting checks.
I’ve emailed 7,461 stories over 473 straight nights, free and without ads. The algorithm can’t show them all to you. Add your email address at govbrief.today and I will.
#GovBriefToday #Resist
🟢79|🟡91|🔴132|🚨164|🚨184
Trump's Greenland envoy, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, arrives in Nuuk for business conference he wasn't invited to, no Greenlandic politicians scheduled to meet him.
Today’s GovBrief News
Pentagon undersecretary Elbridge Colby pauses 86-year-old defense board with Canada, claiming Ottawa "failed to make credible progress" on its defense commitments.
Source: CTV News
May 18, 2026
Trump calls off Tuesday strike on Iran at Gulf Arab states' request, latest deadline he set then walked back.
Source: CBS News
May 18, 2026
JAMA study finds miscarriage patients in 14 abortion-ban states get less effective treatment as doctors avoid mifepristone over criminal liability fears.
Source: News From The States
May 18, 2026
Trump adds 600 generic drugs to TrumpRx site that links to discount programs already offered by Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon Pharmacy, and GoodRx.
Source: CNBC
May 18, 2026
FBI seeks $36 million contract for nationwide license plate reader access across all 50 states and territories, no warrant required for queries.
Source: 404 Media
May 18, 2026
Federal judge bans ICE from arresting people in three Manhattan immigration courthouses, ruling Trump policy reversal likely "arbitrary and capricious."
Source: The Associated Press
May 18, 2026
Texas AG Paxton opens investigation into Southern Poverty Law Center after April DOJ fraud charges over alleged $3 million paid to KKK-tied individuals.
Source: KTVC Austin
May 18, 2026
Trump administration raises refugee ceiling from 7,500 to 17,500 to admit more white South Africans while keeping other vulnerable populations excluded.
Source: CNN
May 18, 2026
Defense Secretary Hegseth campaigns for Trump-backed challenger to Rep. Massie a day before Kentucky primary, claiming "personal capacity" as private citizen.
Source: The Kentucky Lantern
May 18, 2026
Senate confirms 49 Trump nominees in single batch vote including Billy Long as ambassador to Iceland after his "52nd state" joke about the country.
Source: The Washington Post [gift link]
May 18, 2026
Trump pressures Senate Majority Leader Thune to fire parliamentarian after she rules $220 million ballroom funding can't ride filibuster-proof reconciliation bill.
Source: NOTUS
May 18, 2026
EEOC orders Interior Department to pay damages to three Bureau of Indian Education employees denied religious exemptions to Biden's 2021 COVID vaccine mandate.
Source: Government Executive
May 18, 2026
Long Island Rail Road and unions reach deal ending three-day strike, restoring service Tuesday for 300,000 daily commuters.
Source: WPIX New York
May 18, 2026
New York Times sues Pentagon for second time in five months over Hegseth rule requiring escorts for journalists in the building.
Source: The Associated Press
May 18, 2026
DOJ creates $1.776 billion fund to pay anyone "weaponized" by past administrations as Trump drops his $10 billion IRS suit.
Source: Roll Call
May 18, 2026
Hennepin County charges ICE officer Christian Castro with four felony assault counts for firing through Minneapolis home's front door during Jan. 14 chase.
Source: KSTP St. Paul
May 18, 2026