Trump news at a glance: Dan Bongino ‘wants to go back to his show’ says president, as deputy FBI director resigns

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino to step down in January

Earlier on Wednesday, MS Now reported Bongino “quietly told confidants he plans to formally leave his job early in the new year”. Citing eight people briefed on his account, the outlet said Bongino would not be returning to the bureau’s headquarters this month.

Those individuals also told MS Now that Bongino, the No 2 official at the FBI under Kash Patel, considered announcing his departure on Friday.

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Trump attacks Democratic foes in White House presidential portraits

White House officials on Wednesday revised what they call the “Presidential Walk of Fame,” installing plaques beneath portraits of former presidents that reflect Trump’s own views, including branding Joe Biden as “the worst president in American history”.

The changes are part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape the White House environment to match his preferences. Along the colonnade, portraits of past presidents now feature expanded text that permanently records Trump’s assessments of their records.

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Four Republicans join Democrats to force vote on bill that would extend Obamacare subsidies

In a major setback for Mike Johnson and the House GOP, four Republicans have joined with Democrats to sign a petition forcing a vote on legislation that will extend for three years premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act healthcare plans.

The stunning move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a healthcare bill that does not address the soaring monthly premiums that millions of people will soon endure as the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.

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Trump administration to dismantle key climate research center in Colorado

The Trump administration is breaking up a research center praised as a “crown jewel” of climate research after accusing it of spreading “alarmism” about climate change.

Russell Vought, the director of the White House’s office and management budget, said the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, would be dismantled under the supervision of the National Science Foundation.

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FCC chair suggests agency is not independent amid fears of Trump power grab

The Federal Communications Commission is not an “independent” agency, its chair suggested on Wednesday, as the word was scrubbed from its online mission statement.

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Congress passes $901bn defense bill that includes support for Ukraine and Europe

The US Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to advance a $901bn bill setting policy for the Pentagon, sending the big piece of legislation to the White House, which has said Trump will sign it into law.

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