The Trump administration is pressing Congress for an extra $58 million to harden security for both the executive and judicial branches in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing. A White House official confirmed to Bloomberg about the request, first reported by Punchbowl News, noting it would be folded into a stopgap funding bill ahead of the September 30 deadline when the current spending law expires.
The move reflects rising anxiety over political violence, coming just months after the assassination attempt on Trump himself during last year’s campaign.
Congress faces a funding showdown
Republicans want a short-term spending bill to keep the government open but have resisted Democrats’ demands to attach healthcare provisions. That standoff has sharpened around Obamacare subsidies, which expire soon. Democrats are threatening to block any bill that doesn’t address the issue, while some moderate Republicans signal openness to a compromise to prevent steep premium hikes for millions of Americans.
So what started as a basic stopgap fight is quickly morphing into a battle over healthcare, security, and political optics, right on the edge of a funding deadline.
Kash Patel under the spotlight
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel is both praised and scrutinised. Patel announced the capture of Kirk’s suspected killer hours before the actual arrest, a misstep that critics argue undermined public trust. Though a 22-year-old man, Robinson, was indeed arrested within 33 hours in Washington, Utah, the premature claim highlighted what some see as Patel’s shaky leadership in a high-stakes moment.
Patel framed the speed of the investigation as 'historic progress,; crediting the 'full weight of the federal government' and Utah officials. He thanked Trump for resources that enabled the bureau to “bring justice at this speed,” before closing his press briefing with a striking tribute: “To my friend, Charlie Kirk: Rest now, brother. We have the watch. And I’ll see you in Valhalla.”
Trump doubles down on loyalty
For Trump, Patel’s slip didn’t change the narrative. He showered praise on the FBI chief: “I am very proud of the FBI. Kash, and everyone else, they have done a great job.” Trump also made his own fury clear, telling Fox News he hoped the shooter would face the death penalty.
Trump went further, describing Kirk as 'like a son' and crediting him with galvanising a youth movement unlike anything he had seen in politics.
Hearings ahead: Patel’s credibility test
Patel now heads into congressional oversight hearings facing tough questions, not only about the Kirk case but also broader concerns about his leadership. Democrats plan to grill him on a purge of senior FBI executives that has already triggered a lawsuit, his alignment with Trump’s grievances long after the Russia probe ended, and a reshaping of FBI resources to focus on illegal immigration and street crime.
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