Good afternoon. This is the Final NOTUS newsletter for Aug. 14, 2026. You can get it in your inbox every day by signing up here — it’s free!
THE LATEST
Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for his White House ballroom project, arguing in part that his safety is at stake. A federal appeals court in D.C. halted construction last week, ruling that congressional approval would be required to continue.
- The administration cites multiple threats and attempts on the president’s life — including the July 8 threat from Iran that caused the Secret Service to covertly remove the president from Air Force One.
- The request included new renderings of the completed ballroom, which apparently would have gold seals and gilding, The Washington Post’s Dan Diamond spotted.
Relief is coming for service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, some of whom have expressed serious mental health concerns — which Trump downplayed in an exchange with a reporter today.