Live updates: Trump and Netanyahu meet at White House as US president brushes off pressure to escalate Iran war

• The U.S. Supreme Court's approval rating has fallen to a record low, with a notable decline in support among Republicans. • This drop follows several major 2026 legal defeats for the Trump administration regarding birthright citizenship, tariffs, and the Federal Reserve.

• President Donald Trump visited Michigan on Monday to claim that his economic policies and tariffs have successfully revived American manufacturing and the auto industry. • The visit highlights a conflict between the administration's narrative and local business owners who argue that sweeping tariffs have actually harmed the state's economy.

• Former President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss regional stability and joint diplomatic efforts. • The meeting occurs as the U.S. and Iran attempt to negotiate a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has controlled since the war began on February 28.

• A majority of Americans support significant political reforms, including the implementation of term limits, campaign spending caps, and changes to the Electoral College. • These initiatives would likely require formal amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which is widely regarded as one of the most difficult governing documents in the world to change.

• Slovak Interior Minister criticized the European Union for applying double standards regarding the rule of law, arguing that the EU is too lenient toward Hungary. • The Minister claimed that if Viktor Orbán were treated like other leaders, Hungary would be blacklisted and face severe restrictions.

• Lawmakers are increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence to build credibility with voters and strengthen their standing within their respective political parties. • Rep. Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, asserts that AI policy will become a "decisive issue" by the 2028 presidential election.

• On July 27, 2026, the United States paused new military strikes, while Iran's Foreign Ministry denied that any negotiations are currently underway with the US. • Tehran asserted it will not allow the US to dictate the timing of war and peace, following drone attacks launched from Iraq into Saudi Arabia.

• Justice Amy Coney Barrett is facing criticism from populists for refusing to "legislate from the bench" regarding mail-in voting. • The backlash follows the inability of Congress to secure enough votes to eliminate mail-in voting through the SAVE America Act.

• India is losing its regional dominance due to increasing influence from Beijing and Washington. • Professor Syed Munir Khasru highlights the need for India to find a new path, rather than trying to restore its old hierarchy.

• North Korea continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions with overt nuclear enrichment and long-range missile development efforts. • U.S. intelligence agencies estimate that North Korea has enough plutonium to produce at least six nuclear weapons, and possibly up to sixty.

• India made a significant adjustment to its China policy in March 2026 by easing the Press Note 3 regime. • The policy change is part of India's selective derisking doctrine, which aims to reduce vulnerabilities created by dependence on China.