Domestically, the United States faced its own political earthquakes. The New York Times reported that a new accuser, Lonna Drewes, has come forward alleging that former Congressman Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her. Drewes said she had “waited years to speak, because of fear, not doubt.” Swalwell recently resigned from Congress, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has called a special election to fill his seat. Separately, Texas Representative Tony Gonzales also resigned; Governor Greg Abbott had yet to announce a special election for his successor.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance drew widespread attention — and controversy — by publicly criticising the pope on matters of theology. The remarks, reported across multiple Australian outlets, added to tensions between the White House and Catholic leadership at a time when Pope Francis’s stances on social issues have made him a lightning rod in American political debate.
On Capitol Hill, Republicans moved to fund the Department of Homeland Security “the hard way” after bipartisan talks collapsed. Democrats signalled they would continue to push for agency reforms, setting up yet another fiscal showdown.
