October 13, 2026

Key Points:

• President Trump posted videos of lion and tiger attacks on humans, seen as a distraction amid damaging reports about Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who was revealed to have spent New Year’s Eve 2024 in Dubai with two fugitives charged with federal healthcare fraud.
• The fugitives allegedly embezzled $15 million from a Chicago hospital and received $195 million for fraudulent Covid-19 tests; one donated $190,000 to Paxton, including $25,000 after indictment, raising questions about Republican claims of fighting healthcare fraud.
• Diesel prices surged about 5% amid skepticism that Trump’s lifting of Russian sanctions will reduce U.S. fuel costs, while bipartisan senators condemned the deal as a betrayal of Ukraine and a gift to Russia, urging Trump to rescind it.
• Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, faced criticism for an awkward debut and lack of legal credentials, while Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as U.S. ambassador to Greece amid controversy over alleged financial misconduct.
• A recent poll found nearly 60% of Americans believe Trump is either illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, while Republican lawmakers express concern about post-midterm congressional attendance and legislative productivity.