The internet, freshly baked.

OpenAI's reported stake offer to US government signals bid to ease regulatory pressure

OpenAI has reportedly proposed giving the U.S. government a 5 percent ownership stake in the company, a move aimed at softening relations with the incoming Trump administration and addressing public concern over AI's benefits. The Financial Times first reported the early-stage talks, with multiple outlets confirming the discussions. CEO Sam Altman pitched the idea to Trump early last year, according to The Verge, arguing that public financial interest would be the best way to share AI's benefits. The proposal could help OpenAI avoid onerous regulation while positioning the company favorably in Washington. Altman has argued that allowing the American public to share in the benefits of AI through a government stake would be a natural way to distribute the industry's massive valuations, Hacker News reported. The proposal reportedly extends beyond OpenAI, with discussions that other U.S. AI companies might offer similar stakes to the government, though it remains unclear whether they would agree, according to bnnbloomberg.ca. The talks are still in early stages and details are sparse. The move comes amid increased scrutiny in Washington over the potential misuse of advanced AI models and whether the public will benefit from the sector's explosive growth. bnnbloomberg.ca noted that AI companies face heightened regulatory pressure, and OpenAI's stake offer may be seen as a preemptive gesture to demonstrate goodwill. The report follows a U.S. jury ruling against Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, which found the company not liable for straying from its original nonprofit mission. If implemented, a government ownership stake in a private AI firm would be an unusual arrangement, blending public interest with private profit. The proposal underscores how AI companies are navigating a politically charged environment, seeking to avoid restrictive regulation while signaling alignment with national interests. Whether the Trump administration or other AI firms embrace the idea remains uncertain, but the conversation itself marks a notable shift in how tech companies are engaging with government over emerging technology.

3 sources · 2 Jul

Weird Al Yankovic Refuses High-Paying AI Commercial Over Principle

Weird Al Yankovic has turned down a lucrative offer to appear in a commercial for an AI business software company, choosing his principles over a significant payday. Several outlets reported that on the eve of his "Bigger & Weirder" tour, Yankovic told Syracuse.com that he declined the deal after learning it involved artificial intelligence. "I'm not a fan of AI." The parody musician made clear that his opposition to the technology is strong enough to forgo what TheWrap described as "a nice pile of money." According to The A.V. Club, Yankovic stated he does not want to be the "poster boy for AI" and is willing to sacrifice income to maintain his integrity on the issue. "Poster boy for AI" Yankovic's refusal comes amid growing debate over the use of artificial intelligence in creative fields, a topic he has publicly criticized before. The offer was reportedly for business software, not a parody product, but the association with AI was enough to make him walk away from a deal that The A.V. Club characterized as "lucrative" and driven by a desire to avoid compromising his values. The revelation came ahead of a stop on his "Bigger & Weirder" tour in Syracuse, New York, as Variety noted. By turning down the offer, Yankovic reinforces a clear boundary between his work and the emerging technology he opposes.

4 sources · 2 Jul

Anthropic's Mythos 5 AI Model Gets Green Light for US Institutions After Two-Week Standoff

The US government has lifted its block on Anthropic's powerful Claude Mythos 5 AI model, clearing the way for the company to grant access to more than 100 US organizations including major corporations and government agencies, according to reports from Semafor and Wired. The decision marks a de-escalation in tensions between the Trump Administration and Anthropic, following export controls imposed two weeks ago that shut down the model and its cousin Fable 5 after warnings from Amazon and other companies. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed Anthropic in a letter that the move was made because "appropriate safeguards are in place," as reported by Wired, which had access to the letter. The reversal followed weeks of discussions between the White House and the AI lab, with Axios noting that Lutnick acknowledged "significant progress" from the company's engagement with the government. The abrupt removal of the models on June 12 had created uncertainty in the industry and among allies whose cyber capabilities were impacted. "appropriate safeguards are in place." The Verge characterized the process as a rollercoaster negotiation, revealing that while Mythos 5 has been reinstated for select organizations, the public-facing version remains unavailable. "The public-facing version, Fable 5, remains in limbo with no clear timeline for rollout," The Verge reported, citing a letter from Commerce Secretary Lutnick to Anthropic co-founder Tom Brown. That means the partial resolution leaves a key product in an uncertain status, even as institutional users regain access. "The public-facing version, Fable 5, remains in limbo with no clear timeline for rollout." Axios reported that the Commerce Department approved a limited return of both Mythos and Fable after the company addressed risks, though The Verge's account suggests Fable's public release is still stalled. The distinction highlights the targeted nature of the easing: institutional access has been restored under conditions deemed acceptable, while broader consumer availability remains under review. The agreement signals that Anthropic has satisfied the government's immediate safety concerns, but full commercial deployment of its cutting-edge models is not yet a done deal.

7 sources · 1 Jul

PlayStation Discs to Cease Production by 2028 as Sony Embraces Digital-Only Future

Sony has announced it will cease production of physical game discs for PlayStation by January 2028, transitioning to a fully digital distribution model. According to Hacker News and The A.V. Club, the decision applies to both first-party and third-party titles, though games will still be sold at retail without physical discs. Sony cited changing consumer preferences as the reason for the shift. The announcement was made through a blog post by Sony's Sid Shuman, as reported by The A.V. Club. This move effectively eliminates the second-hand game market for PlayStation titles, according to gamesmarket.global. Sidequesting.com noted that while this follows industry trends toward digital sales and digital-only consoles, it raises concerns about backwards compatibility for future hardware such as the PS6. "physical media gives consumers true ownership, while digital games can be revoked by corporations due to shifting rights, tax write-offs, or other reasons." The concern over ownership rights has been a growing issue as more publishers move to digital distribution, with consumers losing the ability to trade or resell their purchases. Nintendo Life described the move as "a controversial but increasingly inevitable shift in the gaming industry." The outlet noted that Sony's game-key cards, which contain digital codes in boxes, may now seem more palatable as a compromise compared to a fully digital future. Meanwhile, Circana analyst Mat Piscatella told videogameschronicle.com that while this decision was expected, it is unlikely to influence Nintendo's plans, as the company is expected to continue supporting physical media throughout the current generation. As January 2028 approaches, the PlayStation platform will join the growing number of digital-only ecosystems, marking a significant departure from the physical media that has defined console gaming for decades. With the second-hand market eliminated and ownership shifting from discs to licenses, the industry faces a new era of gaming distribution.

6 sources · 2 Jul

Xbox reportedly testing disc-to-digital swap as industry moves toward all-digital future

Microsoft is reportedly testing a program that would let Xbox users convert their physical game discs into digital licenses, a move that could eliminate the need for a disc drive in future consoles. The initiative is tied to Project Helix, the company's next-generation hardware, according to Polygon. "Xbox reportedly testing digital conversion of physical games ahead of Project Helix" Digital Foundry reported that the disc-to-digital entitlement program is seen as a necessary step for backwards compatibility ahead of a potential disc-free next-gen console. The outlet also indicated Microsoft will "likely" halt production of Xbox game discs, following Sony's similar announcement to cease physical PlayStation game production by 2028. "Microsoft is reportedly testing a disc-to-digital entitlement program for Xbox, which would allow users to convert physical game discs to digital licenses." While details remain scarce and unconfirmed by Microsoft, the reporting signals a broader industry shift. Both major console makers appear to be transitioning toward all-digital futures, with Sony committing to end disc production by 2028 and Microsoft now exploring a similar path for its own hardware. Polygon noted that the move signals a potential shift toward an all-digital future for Xbox, though it remains unclear whether Project Helix will include a disc drive. The testing phase suggests Microsoft is preparing for a marketplace where physical media becomes obsolete, even as it works to preserve access to existing disc libraries.

2 sources · 2 Jul

Bethesda Brings The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered to Switch 2 This August

Bethesda has announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11, bringing the classic RPG to the handheld hybrid nearly two decades after its original release. Gematsu reported that the physical edition, with the game on the card, is now available for pre-order at retailers like VGP. Both digital and physical versions will be available on launch day, according to Beth.games. Switch 2 owners can expect platform-specific enhancements. The Sixth Axis reported that the port is being handled by Virtuos, the same studio that developed the remaster for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. It will include motion controls, touch screen support, and mouse mode. Performance targets for the Switch 2 version have also been confirmed by Bethesda, though specific figures were not shared in the announcement. The remaster originally launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC on April 22, nearly 20 years after the original Oblivion helped define the RPG genre, as noted by Gematsu. Bethesda accompanied the Switch 2 reveal with a humorous trailer, Polygon reported, adding to the excitement for longtime fans eager to revisit Cyrodiil. "Explore Cyrodiil on the go when The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launches digitally and physically on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11." The trailer and feature list suggest Bethesda is tailoring the experience for Nintendo's next-generation console, with pre-orders now live for both versions. The August release gives players a few months to prepare before heading back to the Shivering Isles on the go.

4 sources · 1 Jul

A24's 'Backrooms' Surpasses $330 Million, Now Getting Theatrical Extended Cut This Friday

A24 is rushing an extended version of its horror sensation 'Backrooms' to theaters this Friday, titled 'Backrooms: Everything Must Go.' The new cut adds 16 minutes of footage, including additional lore and Easter eggs, according to Deadline. The film, directed by Kane Parsons from his viral YouTube series about liminal spaces, stars Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve alongside Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell. 'Backrooms' has already become A24's highest-grossing movie ever, Deadline reported, with Bleeding Cool noting the original film earned $330 million worldwide since its May 29, 2026 release. Although the second week saw a considerable drop, the outlet highlighted that "strong word of mouth and opening weekend momentum sustained its run." "takes audiences deeper into the mystery of the eerie furniture showroom." IndieWire reported that details about the new material remain scarce, but the extended cut promises to expand the film's unsettling world. The original movie's success has made it a cultural talking point, particularly regarding audience obsession with the property, according to Bleeding Cool. With the extended cut arriving barely two weeks after the original release, A24 is clearly capitalizing on the film's momentum. The new footage could offer enough novelty to draw both returning fans and curious newcomers back into the liminal nightmare.

3 sources · 2 Jul

Couple from Netflix Climbing Documentary Arrested After Empire State Building Engagement

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the daredevil couple featured in Netflix's rooftop climbing documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story," proposed marriage atop the Empire State Building and were promptly arrested at the base of the building, according to Vulture. The couple, known for their illegal "rooftopping" stunts, turned their high-risk romance into a public spectacle in New York City. "turned their high-risk romance into a public spectacle in New York City." The proposal took place at the building's highest accessible point. As reported by The A.V. Club, the couple climbed to the antenna spire at 1,454 feet to get engaged. After the proposal, they also displayed an anti-war banner before coming down and being taken into custody by authorities. "the antenna spire at 1,454 feet" Decider noted that the incident occurred in July 2023, when masked climbers were spotted atop the New York City landmark holding a flag with a peace-themed message. The climb and engagement are chronicled in the Netflix documentary, which follows the couple's relationship amid their dangerous stunts. "holding a flag with a peace-themed message" The arrest capped a dramatic stunt that blended personal romance with political expression, all while putting the spotlight on the couple's extraordinary and illegal climbing feats. Their story continues to draw attention as the documentary brings their high-altitude life to a wider audience.

3 sources · 2 Jul

Michael Weatherly Brings Tony DiNozzo Back to NCIS for Extended Season 24 Run

Michael Weatherly is returning to CBS's NCIS as Tony DiNozzo for a season-long arc in Season 24, set to air in the 2026-27 season. TVLine reported that the actor, who originally left the show in 2016 after 13 seasons, will reprise his beloved role in a major storyline. "This marks one of the most significant returns in the show's history, bringing back a fan-favorite character for an extended arc rather than a brief cameo." The return comes nearly six months after the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spin-off starring Weatherly and Cote de Pablo was not renewed for a second season, according to Bleeding Cool. That spin-off was announced as a continuation of the characters' story after Weatherly's departure from the flagship series. Weatherly originally joined NCIS through a backdoor pilot on JAG and remained a main cast member until the end of Season 13. Bleeding Cool noted that his Season 24 arc follows the announcement that Mark Harmon will have a season-long role on NCIS: Origins, signaling a broader trend of veteran cast returns to the franchise. Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Weatherly last appeared on NCIS in February 2024, making this his first extended return in nearly a decade. The season-long commitment suggests a significant story arc that may tie into the show's ongoing narrative and legacy characters.

3 sources · 2 Jul

June jobs report shows hiring slowdown as labor force shrinks, unemployment dips to 4.2%

The U.S. economy added only 57,000 jobs in June 2025, sharply missing the Dow Jones consensus forecast of 115,000 and signaling a notable cooling in the labor market. According to CNBC, the figure was down from a revised 129,000 in May, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised downward the April and May job totals by a combined 74,000 jobs, as reported by Deadline. While the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 4.2%, CNBC noted that the decline was largely due to a drop in the labor force participation rate, which slid to 61.5%. This suggests that fewer people were actively seeking work, rather than a surge in hiring. "The report signals a sharp cooling in the labor market heading into summer." The entertainment sector continued to struggle, with employment in movies and music losing 3,600 jobs in June, according to Deadline. However, broadcast and content providers saw modest gains of 1,400 jobs, offering a slight counterpoint to the broader downturn in media and entertainment. "Employment in movies and music continued to decline, losing 3,600 jobs, while broadcast and content providers saw modest gains of 1,400 jobs." The weak jobs report, combined with the downward revisions to earlier months, reinforces a narrative of a slowing economy. The data may influence Federal Reserve policy decisions as officials weigh the risks of inflation against the need to support a softening labor market.

2 sources · 2 Jul

Trump's cryptocurrency ventures generated over $1 billion in 2024, disclosure shows

President Donald Trump's personal financial disclosure, released Tuesday, reveals that he earned over $1 billion from his cryptocurrency ventures last year, according to multiple outlets. The disclosure includes income from two main sources: World Liberty Financial and CIC Digital LLC, an affiliate of the Trump Organization. ABC7 reported that Trump earned at least $524 million from the sale of cryptocurrency tokens through World Liberty Financial. In addition, the disclosure lists $636 million from CIC Digital LLC, with the bulk of that sum coming from a licensing deal. "the bulk of which came from a $635 million licensing agreement with Celebration Coin for the sale of the $TRUMP token." This figure accounts for nearly all of the CIC Digital earnings, underscoring the significant role that the $TRUMP token has played in the president's crypto portfolio. NPR noted that Trump denies any conflict of interest related to these earnings. The disclosure, which covers the previous year, did not detail how the ventures are managed or whether Trump retains direct control over the token sales. "Trump denies any conflict of interest." In a separate development covered by NPR, the Vatican has declared that the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X has entered schism, excommunicating the group. That news came alongside the release of Trump's financial data, though the two events are unrelated.

3 sources · 2 Jul

Trump's crypto earnings hit $1.4 billion in 2025, disclosure shows, as memecoin and family firm dominate income

President Donald Trump's 2025 annual financial disclosure, released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, reports at least $1.4 billion in income from cryptocurrency and related ventures, according to the Japan Times. The 927-page filing, covered by multiple outlets, reveals that Trump's crypto earnings far surpass his traditional business revenue, marking what Substack described as "the most profitable year of his life." The single largest source of that windfall was Trump's memecoin, which generated $635 million in royalties through his company CIC Digital, BBC reported. A second major contributor was World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm co-founded by Trump, his sons, and diplomat Steven Witkoff, which Fortune said brought in nearly $600 million in token sales. Combined, the two ventures made Trump a crypto billionaire, according to Fortune. Additional income came from blockchain-related stock investments, including a stake in Michael Saylor's Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), Fortune noted. The Japan Times reported that the crypto haul represents the largest source of Trump's income for the year, outpacing real estate and merchandise sales. BBC added that the White House denied Trump was profiting from the presidency. The sheer scale of the disclosure drew attention beyond policy circles. RawStory reported that Fox News host Dana Perino expressed shock at the nearly $1.4 billion in crypto earnings when the figures were revealed during a press gaggle outside Air Force One, where reporters grilled Trump about the filing. While the news highlights Trump's financial ties to the volatile crypto market, the value of the memecoin has since plunged, BBC noted. The disclosure nonetheless underscores the unprecedented intersection of a sitting president's personal wealth and the digital asset sector, a situation that ethics watchdogs and political opponents are likely to scrutinize further.

5 sources · 2 Jul

GKids to Bring Studio Ghibli Classics to UK and Ireland Theaters, Including Imax Showings

GKids has taken a major step into the European market, acquiring the distribution rights to Studio Ghibli's entire 23-film library for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The deal covers theatrical, home video, TV, and digital rights, while Goodfellas retains streaming rights, which are currently licensed to Netflix in the region, according to Deadline. "GKids has acquired the UK and Ireland distribution rights to Studio Ghibli's 23-film library, including classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke." The acquisition will kick off with an Imax release of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' on August 21, as reported by Variety. That rollout marks the first time many of these beloved animated films will be shown in the large-format premium screens in the region. Variety noted that the catalog spans major titles such as 'Spirited Away,' 'The Boy and the Heron,' 'Princess Mononoke,' and 'My Neighbor Totoro.' GKids also plans additional Imax releases for other entries in the library, bringing a fresh theatrical experience to audiences who may have only seen the films on home video or streaming. The move extends GKids' footprint beyond North America, where the distributor has long been the home for Studio Ghibli's theatrical releases. By securing UK and Ireland rights, GKids ensures that the films will be handled by a team deeply familiar with the brand, rather than being parceled out to multiple local distributors. "Gkids has acquired U.K. and Ireland distribution rights to Studio Ghibli's 23-film library, covering theatrical, home video, TV, and digital rights." With Imax screenings of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' leading the charge, the partnership gives fans in the UK and Ireland a reason to return to theaters for a studio whose hand-drawn artistry has rarely been seen on such large screens. The deal also solidifies GKids' role as the global steward of Ghibli's theatrical legacy outside of Japan.

2 sources · 2 Jul

As Canal+ Yanks TF1 Channels, TF1 Strikes Netflix Deal for French Viewers

Canal+ Group has removed several TF1 channels from its pay-TV services in France, Switzerland, and Africa after carriage fee negotiations broke down, according to Deadline. The move affects channels including TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV, and Histoire TV in Africa, while in France and Switzerland, TV Breizh, Histoire TV, and Ushuaïa TV have been pulled. Variety reported that the disruption follows failed negotiations between the two French media rivals. "TF1 expressed regret over the decision, which leaves subscribers without access to these channels." The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Canal+ and TF1, two of France's largest broadcasting groups. The removal affects subscribers across multiple territories, with TF1 notably absent from Canal+ platforms in its home market for the first time in years. Just before the channels were dropped, TF1 Group struck a separate deal with Netflix, Variety reported. The partnership offers TF1+ content to Netflix subscribers in France at no extra cost, giving them access to live broadcasts and VOD content from France's largest commercial network. This move appears to diversify TF1's distribution amid the carriage dispute. "giving them access to live broadcasts and VOD content from France's largest commercial network at no extra cost." The timing of the Netflix deal suggests TF1 is hedging its bets, shifting some content to an international streaming giant while its traditional carriage agreement with Canal+ unravels. Subscribers who rely on Canal+ for TF1 programming now face an uncertain path to watching shows like the network's flagship news and entertainment lineup, while Netflix users gain a new window into French broadcast television.

2 sources · 2 Jul

Warner Bros. Secures Siren Head Movie Rights After Heated Hollywood Auction

Warner Bros. Pictures has emerged victorious in a fierce bidding war for the rights to adapt the internet horror sensation Siren Head into a feature film. The creature, a towering, rotting skeletal figure with two sirens for a head, was created by artist Trevor Henderson and has become a viral phenomenon across social media and gaming platforms. Hollywood Reporter broke the news that the studio closed the deal with a massive multi-million-dollar payout, beating out four other major studios in what was described as a heated auction. "The project has attracted major talent, with Zach Cregger and Brian Duffield teaming up to write the script." Cregger, who directed the horror film 'Barbarian' and the upcoming 'Weapons,' brings a proven track record in the genre, while Duffield has written acclaimed genre films like 'The Babysitter' and 'Underwater.' Their collaboration signals Warner Bros.' serious commitment to treating the property as a premium horror offering rather than a quick cash-in. "The deal closed with a massive multi-million-dollar payout, reflecting Hollywood's growing interest in adapting internet-born horror phenomena for the big screen." The acquisition underscores a broader industry trend of mining Gen Z digital culture for intellectual property. Siren Head first went viral in 2018 through Henderson's eerie artwork and later gained traction in video games like 'Minecraft' and 'Roblox,' amassing a dedicated fanbase that studios are eager to convert into ticket buyers. The five-studio bidding war further highlights how internet-born horror has become a coveted commodity in Hollywood’s current IP-driven landscape. Warner Bros. has not yet announced a director for the film, but with Cregger and Duffield attached as writers, the project is expected to move into active development quickly. Given the source material’s minimalist premise, a silent, towering entity that emits haunting siren sounds, the creative team will have wide latitude to build a narrative around the character while preserving its viral mystique.

2 sources · 2 Jul

FBI: Three Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Case Are Fake, But Probe Into Other Demands Continues

The FBI has determined that three ransom notes sent to media outlets after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, are fake and have no connection to the case. Yet authorities are still investigating other ransom demands as potentially legitimate, leaving the inquiry open. "All three ransom notes ... are fake." Two of the notes were sent to a local Tucson news station in February and a third to TMZ in April, according to the FBI. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the notes demanded Bitcoin payments totaling millions of dollars and later claimed Guthrie was dead. A third note sent to TMZ in April also demanded Bitcoin and claimed she was dead, per Vulture. Despite dismissing those three, the FBI Phoenix office stated that some ransom notes were illegitimate extortion attempts, while other demands may be credible and remain under investigation, CNN and the Chicago Tribune both reported. This creates a murky picture in which investigators are sifting through a mix of hoaxes and possibly real threats. Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson-area home on January 31, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The case is being treated as a kidnapping for ransom, with the Pima County Sheriff's Department also involved in the investigation, the Chicago Tribune reported. The ongoing work by multiple agencies underscores the complexity of separating genuine leads from opportunistic fraud.

4 sources · 2 Jul

Trump Uses AI-Generated Video to Mock Celebrities With 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated deepfake video on Truth Social that depicts himself as a doctor treating celebrity critics who supposedly suffer from 'Trump derangement syndrome.' The post, which Deadline reported mocks figures like Rosie O'Donnell, Robert De Niro, and Julia Roberts, arrives as Hollywood pushes for new anti-deepfake legislation. "depicting himself as a doctor treating celebrities like Rosie O'Donnell, Robert De Niro, and Julia Roberts who lament their 'Trump derangement syndrome.'" The video, framed as a treatment plan from 'Dr. Trump,' uses fake AI-generated testimonials to mock the celebrities' opposition to the president, according to Variety. Variety noted that the post was shared late at night heading into the July 4th holiday weekend, giving it a holiday timing that may have aimed for maximum attention. "fake AI-generated testimonials from celebrities Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert De Niro" The release of the video coincides with a legislative push by Hollywood against deepfakes. Deadline reported that the No Fakes Act, which aims to combat unauthorized AI-generated content, recently passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. The video's mocking tone underscores the tension between Trump's embrace of AI-generated political content and the entertainment industry's efforts to regulate such material. "The video comes as Hollywood pushes for anti-deepfake legislation, including the No Fakes Act which recently passed the Senate Judiciary Committee." Trump's video appears to both capitalize on and fuel the cultural divide over AI-generated media. While the president uses deepfake technology to ridicule his critics, the same technology is being targeted by lawmakers and industry figures who warn about its potential for misinformation and harm.

2 sources · 2 Jul

High Court Upholds 14th Amendment Guarantee, Strikes Down Presidential Bid to End Birthright Citizenship

The Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, affirming that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly all children born on U.S. soil. Rolling Stone and The Guardian both reported that the ruling dealt a significant legal blow to the president's anti-immigration agenda. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by five other justices, according to Irish Star, which noted that CNN broke into programming with the 6-3 decision. In the opinion, Roberts described citizenship as "the right to have rights" and emphasized that the Framers extended that promise to every free-born person in the land, Deadline reported. That framing underscores citizenship as a foundational constitutional principle rather than a policy matter for the executive branch. The decision strikes down Trump's executive order that sought to deny automatic citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and temporary foreign residents, The Guardian reported. Hacker News also noted that the Justice Department announced a parallel crackdown on "birth tourism" schemes, though analysts described the court's ruling as narrow. The constitutional principle, settled for over 150 years since the Civil War era, remains intact despite political efforts to overturn it. Reaction from Trump administration officials and right-wing commentators was swift outrage, Rolling Stone reported, with some ethnonationalist figures denouncing the ruling. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer characterized the decision as a "major defeat" for the president, according to Irish Star. The opposition, Rolling Stone argued, ignores that the 14th Amendment's text and history are clear. The ruling reaffirms long-standing precedent and leaves birthright citizenship untouched for the time being, though the political battle over immigration continues.

6 sources · 1 Jul