America, Updated Hourly.
Reports about Elon Musk’s political giving highlight the difference between legal campaign financing and concerns about concentrated influence. Super PAC rules permit unlimited contributions from eligible sources, while independence and disclosure requirements still apply.
Congress has constitutional powers to investigate and impeach presidents. Whether lawmakers are using those powers responsibly is a serious debate, but allegations and political criticism do not automatically establish an oath violation.
Oil prices declined after Trump pledged to avoid attacks on Iran before the midterms. China’s planned fuel exports offered further relief, but shipping and production disruptions continued to cloud the outlook.
The DNC has sued over taxpayer-funded television ads featuring Trump. The dispute centers on spending authority, the administration’s public-service defense and whether future political funding resolves questions about earlier expenditures.
