Live updates: DHS Secretary Mullin says he'll chase voter fraud after Trump revives election claims - AP News

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin pledged to aggressively pursue voter fraud cases during a White House briefing on Friday, following President Donald Trump's primetime speech Thursday night that revived debunked election claims.
Trump's address renewed his long-running effort to cast doubt on U.S. election legitimacy and dispute his 2020 loss, using it to justify pushing a strict voter ID bill; his interference allegations centered on China but lacked evidence that votes or outcomes were manipulated. He also said he would release previously classified documents tied to the 2020 and 2018 elections.
Mullin declined to comment on a fatal shooting in Maine and other deadly encounters involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying the Maine shooting was under investigation; AP reported the officer involved had a history of mental health issues and violent behavior, raising questions about how ICE officers are vetted.
The president's return to election themes came amid persistent voter concerns over the cost of living and escalating U.S. strikes on Iran in an ongoing conflict.
A federal judge in Boston ruled the Trump administration cannot rely on an obscure agency-priorities clause to cancel grants to states; 23 states had accused the administration of using it to cut billions from programs including crime prevention, food security, and scientific research, and the judge granted summary judgment blocking that approach.
Trump attended a FIFA reception at Trump Tower on Friday, July 17, 2026, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, praising both teams and singling out Argentina's Lionel Messi.