Trump admin updates: Trump wants Senate to cancel August recess to work on nominees

Trump also suggested the Senate cancel long weekends.

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 5:25 PM EDT

President Donald Trump continues to face backlash from his MAGA supporters over his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi "to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval" related to the case.

On Friday, Trump signed the GENIUS Act -- the first major federal cryptocurrency bill -- into law.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jul 17, 2025, 11:15 PM EDT

DHS to start 'initiative' for info sharing on Medicaid benefits

The Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will start an "initiative" to ensure that "illegal migrants are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans," a DHS official said.

The Associated Press first reported the agreement between the departments.

“President Trump consistently promised to protect Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries," DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin.

An official with the Department of Health and Human Services told ABC News the department takes the integrity of the Medicaid program and the protection of American taxpayer dollars extremely seriously.

HHS acted within its legal authority – and in compliance with all applicable laws – to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them, according to the official.

DHS has also entered into an information sharing partnership with the IRS.

-ABC News' Luke Barr and Michelle Stoddart

Jul 17, 2025, 5:34 PM EDT

Schumer says Trump should fire Vought over less bipartisanship remark

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Trump to fire Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought over his suggestion that Congress should be less bipartisan when it comes to congressional appropriations.

"Russ Vought has now said the quiet part out loud. He said he even wants less bipartisanship in the Congress. He wants to destroy: Destroy the way the Congress works, destroy the balance of power, upend our entire constitution. Russell Vought doesn't believe in this democracy," Schumer said to a group of reporters this afternoon.

Schumer called Vought a "great danger to the American people"

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer gives a statement after a policy luncheon with Democratic senators at the Capitol, July 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

"He wants to impose his right-wing views on America almost unilaterally. He said he will break the law by pocket rescissions, by impoundment. He is a very great danger to the American people, to our democracy, and the things people believe in," Schumer said. "Where are our Republican colleagues? Are they going to let this guy run rampant in one of the most powerful positions in government? Where the Republicans? I'm just furious. Donald Trump should fire Russell Vought immediately before he destroys our democracy and runs the country into the ground."

Schumer dodged a number of questions about how Vought's comments coupled with the GOP move to pass a rescissions package Wednesday would affect how Democrats maneuver in the upcoming government funding fight.

"Ask the Republicans,” he answered repeatedly.

-ABC News’ Allison Pecorin

Jul 17, 2025, 3:28 PM EDT

White House dodges questions on Maurene Comey firing

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt didn't answer a question on the firing of Maurene Comey from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

Leavitt deferred reporters to the Department of Justice, saying that it was their decision to fire Comey.The press secretary was later asked whether the White House had knowledge of the firing and whether Trump signed off on it. Leavitt sidestepped, saying only that it was a decision from the DOJ.

Comey prosecuted high-profile cases, including the Sean "Diddy" Combs prosecution and the office's case against Jeffrey Epstein. She is the daughter of former FBI director James Comey, who Trump fired during his first term.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, July 17, 2025, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Jul 17, 2025, 2:12 PM EDT

President would not recommend special prosecutor to Epstein case: Leavitt

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about calls to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The press secretary said although the idea was floated by someone in the media, "the president would not recommend a special prosecutor in the Epstein case."

"That's how he feels," she added.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, July 17, 2025, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP

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