Billionaires, UFOs, and Tariffs: A Week in US News

The past week has seen a mixed bag of news in the United States, ranging from the Epstein estate's settlement of a lawsuit accusing its advisers of aiding sex trafficking, to Senator John Fetterman's praise for President Trump's promise to declassify UFO files. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed a Supreme Court ruling that struck down some of Trump's tariffs as a victory for American consumers. One of the most significant developments came from Annie Farmer, a survivor of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Farmer called for the US to go after billionaires connected to Epstein's crimes, following the arrest of Prince Andrew by British authorities. "In this country, it feels like our system prioritizes profit over all else, and so our version of royalty is really the billionaire class," Farmer said. This statement highlights the growing scrutiny of the billionaire class and their potential connections to Epstein's crimes. In a surprising turn of events, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa) praised President Trump's remark that he will direct his administration to release all classified files about UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Fetterman called this move "incredible" and a show of bipartisanship. "I remember growing up on 'The X Files,'" Fetterman said in an appearance on Fox News. "This is a moment where we can come together and find some common ground." On the economic front, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) hailed the Supreme Court's ruling that struck down a significant amount of President Trump's tariffs. Schumer called this decision "a win for the wallets of every American consumer." The ruling is expected to have a positive impact on the US economy, which has been affected by the ongoing trade tensions. In a more lighthearted note, First Lady Melania Trump gave remarks at the National Museum of American History in Washington, as her 2025 Inauguration Day gown made its debut at the Smithsonian. The Hervé Pierre-designed white gown, featuring a dramatic black stripe, was worn by Trump at the inauguration balls to celebrate President Trump's return to the White House. Lastly, the co-executors of Jeffrey Epstein's estate agreed to pay up to $35 million to settle a lawsuit accusing them of aiding his alleged sex trafficking operation for nearly two decades. The agreement, made public on Thursday in Manhattan federal court and pending approval by a judge, would settle a lawsuit filed by a group of Epstein's victims. As the US navigates these diverse developments, it remains to be seen how these events will shape the country's future. One thing is clear, however: the billionaire class is under increasing scrutiny, and the public is eager for accountability.