Early Morning Political News: 4‑Minute Read
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Saturday, July 25, 2026
Federal Level
Democrats Pick South Carolina to Lead 2028 Primary
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to recommend South Carolina hold the first 2028 presidential primary, awarding the state 26 votes over Nevada’s 19 and New Hampshire’s four. The panel also recommended Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia round out the early window ahead of Super Tuesday. Party leaders said the move reflects a broader push to elevate Black and Hispanic voters after South Carolina helped revive Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and his path to the presidency. South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain told the committee that the South represents the party’s future, not its past. The full DNC will vote on the proposed calendar next month. 1, 2
Energy Dept. Admits Grants Cut Over Political Votes
The Trump administration acknowledged in a court filing Friday that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants across 16 states last October based solely on the fact that those states had voted for Kamala Harris in 2024. The admission contradicts Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s earlier claim that the projects were cut because they were not economically viable or did not adequately serve the nation’s energy needs. Illinois, New York, California, and 13 other Democratic-leaning states were affected, prompting Senator Patty Murray and Representative Marcy Kaptur to demand congressional accountability for what they called a weaponization of federal funding against working families. 3
Senate Eyes Bipartisan Deal on Funding, Russia Sanctions
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Friday he is optimistic Democrats will help pass a stopgap government funding bill before the chamber’s August recess, avoiding a third shutdown this Congress. Lawmakers in both parties are also pushing to pass a Russia sanctions bill, newly renamed after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, that would sanction Moscow’s energy and defense sectors and add tariffs on countries still buying Russian oil. President Trump has asked senators to fold Iran sanctions into the same package, and Thune said Republicans intend to comply with the request. 4
Trump Slaps New Tariffs on Dozens of Trading Partners
The Trump administration imposed tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent Friday on goods from more than 80 countries, including the European Union, citing insufficient enforcement of forced-labor import bans. The move relies on Section 301 trade authority after the Supreme Court struck down an earlier tariff scheme in February, and a separate court challenge to a follow-up measure remains pending before the Court of International Trade. Critics, including a former Biden trade official, argue the forced-labor justification is a workaround to preserve tariffs the courts have repeatedly found unlawful. 5
State Level
Illinois Governor Demands Restoration of Lost Funding
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker demanded Friday that the Trump administration immediately restore $583 million in canceled clean energy grants after federal officials admitted in court that the cuts were politically motivated. Pritzker said the funding would have gone toward lowering energy costs, strengthening grid reliability, and creating jobs across Illinois. The dispute adds to Pritzker’s ongoing standoff with the administration, which also includes his earlier demand for an $8.68 billion tariff refund for Illinois households following a Supreme Court ruling against the president’s tariffs. 6
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Article Sources
1. NPR, “For Democrats in 2028, South Carolina is up first, again,” July 24, 2026.
https://www.npr.org/2026/07/24/nx-s1-5906834/dnc-primary-election-calendar-south-carolina-2028
2. The Washington Times, “DNC plan puts South Carolina on track to be first in 2028 nominating lineup,” July 24, 2026.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/24/dnc-plan-puts-south-carolina-track-first-2028-nominating-lineup/
3. ABC News (AP), “Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics,” July 24, 2026.
https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/trump-administration-admits-grants-clean-energy-canceled-based-135071063
4. The Washington Times, “Senate seeks return to bipartisanship with government funding stopgap,” July 24, 2026.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/24/senate-seeks-return-bipartisanship-government-funding-stopgap/
5. The New York Times, “Trump Administration Live Updates: New tariffs on imports from over 80 nations,” July 24, 2026.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/07/24/us/trump-news
6. Capitol Fax, “Department of Energy admits billions of dollars in grants canceled solely for partisan reasons,” July 24, 2026.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/24/department-of-energy-admits-billions-of-dollars-in-grants-canceled-solely-for-partisan-reasons/