Most people don’t know this, but China managed to build and get online 52 coal-fired power plants last year alone. Meanwhile, the bros who were running Joe Biden’s regime spent four years trying to close as many of those plants in the U.S. as possible.

It’s ignornace on steroids but when you understand the Democrat commie plot is the destruction of our country, it makes sense.

President Trump, as has often said, is 180 degrees the opposite of the woke Democrat left on energy. He knows that to power the economy he’s building, we need energy. Lots of it, not less of it. That’s why he invoked the Defense Production Act to direct nearly $700 million toward coal plants, coal mines, and export infrastructure.

In doing so, Trump told Americans that the money will support 14,000 coal industry jobs. It’ll generate $50 billion in electricity rate savings. And, again, the move helps power our economy:

Under Biden, the EPA issued regulations that would have forced the closure of dozens of coal plants. The DOE has since issued nearly 19 emergency orders just to keep aging plants running long enough to prevent blackouts. Thursday’s announcement is the administration’s most aggressive move yet to stop the bleeding and go on offense.

From the Oval Office, Trump was joined by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and a group of governors and members of Congress. The money will protect 14 coal plants and 42 coal mines, build two new plants, and construct a major new export terminal.

More than $425 million will be used to upgrade and keep open 13 existing coal-fired plants across West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arizona, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Another $185 million, pulled directly from climate programs, will fund new coal projects in Alaska, Maryland, and West Virginia.

The remaining $75 million will be used to build the West Gateway coal export terminal in Northern California, with capacity to handle 12 million tons of coal for markets in Japan, Taiwan, and other Asian nations.

.@POTUS: "Today, we're taking historic action to bring down the price of energy and the cost of living for all Americans with the power of clean, beautiful coal... As a result of the $700M investment that I'm announcing today, we will protect 14 coal plants and 42 coal mines, and… pic.twitter.com/37elZ0ImxF

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 4, 2026

Trump said:

Today, we’re taking historic action to bring down the price of energy and the cost of living for all Americans with the power of clean, beautiful coal… As a result of the $700M investment that I’m announcing today, we will protect 14 coal plants and 42 coal mines, and build 2 new coal plants and one massive new export terminal… these actions will support over 14,000 jobs and save the American people $50B in electricity costs.

He added: “If you look at China, if you look at so many of the successful countries, they’re using coal. If you look at some of the real great failures, countries, they’re using wind. This keeps blowing, blowing, blowing, and puts you right out of business.”

Trump knows that the economy we must build, in the short and long term, will require a lot of power. AI data centers alone will need a sizeable portion of the new power generation he’s building out.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright told reporters that coal remains indispensable to generating electricity and for heavy industry.

“It’s been the largest source of global electricity for 125 years in a row and will be for decades to come in the United States. It remains a critical source of our electricity. Also, a critical source for our industry. We can’t produce steel and cement and other materials without coal,” he said.

Thursday’s actions were not an isolated incident. In February, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Pentagon to seek long-term supply contracts with coal-fired power plants. Additionally, the Interior Department has increased coal leasing on federal lands.

And the Department of Energy (DOE) has allowed aging plants to continue operating through emergency orders rather than permitting their closure. The administration is systematically building a wall around the coal industry, one directive at a time.

Mind you, the woke Democrat left ‘environmental’ movement rejected Trump’s plan out of hand. “What’s next — a taxpayer bailout to build new phone booths?” said Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Yeah, sure. Funny, funny, bozo. The two aren’t even remotely the same. Coal powers economies, and more than likely, Kennedy issued his statement from the comfort of an office powered by a coal plant.

There is still the possibility that California’s Democrat terrorists will try to stop the Oakland-based coal export hub. If that happens, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon (R), whose state is a coal exporter, said he’ll see them in court.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, calling it a “contorted” attempt and “not how federal courts work.”

“It’s an inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship,” said Manhattan Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, an appointee of President Donald Trump.

Vyskocil said she would not be “drafted to oversee an abusively presented spat,” yet she recognized that both sides have a “real dispute. ”

Last year, the first lady’s lawyer issued Wolff a letter demanding he delete the statements he made about Trump and threatening that she would have “no alternative” but to sue him if he didn’t
That spurred him to sue her in state court in October.

Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, had the complaint moved to federal court, where Vyskocil declared that while federal court does have jurisdiction, she was declining to exercise it and “dismisses this case to be litigated like any other. ”

A Melania Trump spokesperson said that the first lady “is proud to continue standing up to, and fighting against, those who spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods as they desperately try to get undeserved attention and money from their unlawful conduct.”
A Melania Trump spokesperson said that the first lady “is proud to continue standing up to, and fighting against, those who spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods as they desperately try to get undeserved attention and money from their unlawful conduct. ”

The 56-year-old’s lawyer previously claimed that Wolff’s statements caused her “overwhelming reputational and financial harm. ”

The first lady has denied any association with Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of child sex trafficking.

The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” the first lady said in an April press conference
“The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation,” she added at the time.

Wolff claimed in his lawsuit that the president and first lady “have made a practice of threatening those who speak against them” with costly legal actions “to silence their speech, to intimidate their critics generally, and to extract unjustified payments and North Korean-style confessions and apologies. ”

He added that some of his statements were taken out of context and some were protected speech, including a statement he made that claimed the Trumps have a “sham marriage, trophy marriage,” that his lawsuit says was a “fair and justified” opinion
It also said in his lawsuit that Wolff never accused the first lady of being involved with criminal activity associated with Epstein.

The Daily Beast retracted an article last summer, titled “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author,” which was based on an interview with Wolff, after the outlet received a letter from Brito.

In the interview that formed the basis for the retracted piece, Wolff said he reported that the first lady was “behind the scenes” dealing with the situation at the White House, but was not involved criminally
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praised Melania Trump at the time for coming out against Epstein.

“Melania Trump stands with Epstein victims,” Mace said, citing the first lady’s advocacy for legislation addressing the distribution of fake intimate images. “The truth will prevail. ”

Democratic lawmakers also commented following the statement
Rep. Robert Garcia called for a public hearing, writing, “We agree with First Lady Melania Trump’s call for a public hearing,” Garcia said. “We encourage Chairman Comer to schedule a hearing immediately.”

Garcia said the remarks renewed attention on the broader investigation.

In her remarks, Melania Trump called on Congress to take action
“Now is the time for Congress to act,” she said.

She urged lawmakers to allow victims to testify under oath.

The House delivered a massive bipartisan victory this week, passing a housing bill designed to expand homeownership, lower costs, and limit institutional investors from snapping up single-family homes.

The amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed by a commanding 396-13 vote, sending the legislation to the Senate and giving Republicans a potential cost-of-living win heading into the midterm elections.

House leaders framed the bill as a direct response to the housing affordability crisis squeezing millions of Americans.

Speaker Mike Johnson argued the stakes could not be bigger

“Increased housing costs and lack of quality supply are two issues that impact nearly every American family,” Johnson said.

He called the legislation a “strong bipartisan package that will put more American families into homes.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise made a similar argument.

“This is something that every American in this country is going to be happy to see, to have lower housing costs,” Scalise said.

At the center of the legislation is a provision aimed at institutional investors.

The House version preserves a ban on large corporate investors buying newly built single-family homes, a priority backed by the Trump administration.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill said the bill directly aligns with President Donald Trump’s housing agenda.

“This bill prioritizes American families by expanding homeownership, enhancing affordability, reducing burdensome regulations that drive up costs, and increasing housing supply nationwide,” Hill said.

“Importantly, it delivers on President Trump’s call to limit institutional investors from competing with the American people as they seek to purchase a home.”

A White House official confirmed support.

“The White House supports the House’s housing bill thanks to the changes that were made,” the official said.

The House, however, rejected a tougher Senate-backed provision that would have forced large institutional landlords already holding single-family rental homes to sell them off within seven years.

That proposal had support from progressives, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, but House lawmakers opted for a narrower approach that targets future purchases without forcing divestitures that could disrupt renters.

Polling suggests the political move may be popular.

A recent survey found seven in ten voters support banning major investors owning more than 350 homes from buying additional residential properties.

Despite the overwhelming margin, conservative opposition did emerge.

The 13 Republican “no” votes came largely from Freedom Caucus-aligned members objecting not to the housing provisions, but to language dealing with central bank digital currencies.

Rep. Warren Davidson explained his opposition in stark terms.

“A temporary ban is the worst of both worlds: political cover today, a clear runway tomorrow,” Davidson wrote. “Make it permanent, or take it out.”

The provision temporarily blocks a government-backed digital currency through 2030, but some conservatives fear that simply delays rather than prevents future implementation.

Now the bill moves to the Senate, where its path becomes more uncertain.

Because the House amended the Senate’s earlier version instead of passing it unchanged, lawmakers in the upper chamber must now decide whether to accept the changes, negotiate further or stall the package entirely.

The biggest flashpoint could be the removal of the forced-sale requirement for institutional landlords.

The bill also faces the Senate’s 60-vote threshold, always a major obstacle.

Still, the lopsided House vote gives the legislation strong momentum.

For Republicans, the politics are straightforward.

Housing affordability remains a top concern for voters dealing with high mortgage rates, tight inventory, and growing competition from deep-pocketed corporate buyers.

For Democrats, opposing a bill aimed at limiting investor competition in the housing market could also carry political risk.

Whether the Senate quickly advances the legislation or lets it bog down in procedural fights could determine whether Congress delivers a tangible housing win before voters head to the polls.

President Donald Trump will hold a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday after nixing plans to gather top administration officials at Camp David.

The high-level meeting comes as the United States is “close” to finalizing a phase one deal to end the war in Iran.

Trump said Wednesday that Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and “they want very much to make a deal.”
“So far, they haven’t gotten there, we’re not satisfied with it, but we will be,” Trump said.

“We will be. Either that or we’ll have to just finish the job. Their navy is gone, as I’ve said a thousand times, their navy is gone, their air force is gone, everything’s gone,” Trump added.

Trump said the American people understand Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.

“They thought they were going to out wait me, you know,” Trump said.

“‘We’ll out wait him. He’s got the midterms.’ I don’t care about the midterms. Look what happened last night. That was the prelude to the midterms. People understand it. They know that, very simple, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” the president added.

Former CENTCOM Commander Gen. Joseph Votel said Iran’s reported effort to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz suggests Tehran is “hedging its bets” and attempting to ramp up pressure on the U.S. amid ongoing negotiations.

“Clearly the Iranians are trying to hedge their bets here and put more pressure on the U.S., and what we saw here was CENTCOM detecting that and then taking military action to address it very, very quickly,” Votel said during a Tuesday appearance on Fox News’ “America Reports.”

Votel praised CENTCOM’s swift response as an “effective use of military force,” while noting that both military and diplomatic efforts will likely be needed moving forward.
The comments came after CENTCOM said U.S. forces carried out “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and two Iranian boats allegedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, as a “designated target” would have to stay in hiding, and any final arrangement with the U.S. would have to be approved via secret courier networks, counterterrorism experts warned Tuesday.

The unusual structure, they said, implies Washington is negotiating a high-stakes deal with a wholly invisible counterparty, with a prospective memorandum signed by a regime leader and a “designated target” who can never publicly show his face.

“Khamenei is a designated target, and every confirmed sighting is a coordinate,” Dr. Omar Mohammed told Fox News.

“The courier system used for messaging is not transitional. It is the operating system of his rule,” Mohammed added.

“Any deal the United States signs will have to be designed for a permanently invisible counterparty whose enforcement depends on his continued survival. That is not arms control as it has been conventionally understood. It is a memorandum signed under American military pressure, with a regime whose leader cannot show his face.”

Iran is seeking to get the release of $24 billion in frozen cash as part of a possible deal with the US, Tasnim News, which is affiliated with the IRGC, said.
Tasnim News stated that Tehran wants $12 billion to be released immediately after a memorandum of understanding is declared, with the rest of the money delivered over a 60-day period of discussion.

NYMEX data showed oil prices were hovering around $93.57 per barrel Tuesday afternoon, down 32 cents.

Tuesday, FOX Business hosts David Asman and Lauren Simonetti said markets seemed to be preparing for tensions in the Strait of Hormuz to relax despite threats from Iran after U.S. strikes against Iranian sites.

“Investors are betting that the strait will eventually reopen and oil prices will decline, even as inflation and rising interest rates continue to squeeze consumers,” Asman said.

“The stock market is looking through this current crisis as something that will mitigate very soon after we open the Strait,” Asman said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have voiced support for President Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran, defending the administration’s actions amid escalating tensions and growing debate over the conflict.

Speaking about Iran’s long-standing hostility toward the United States and its allies, McConnell argued that Tehran has been responsible for violence throughout the Middle East for decades. He said Iran’s military and strategic capabilities have been significantly weakened, though he acknowledged uncertainty about how the broader conflict may ultimately conclude.

The discussion intensified after Pope Leo XIV appeared to criticize the war during recent remarks emphasizing peace and warning against violence. His comments prompted responses from several Republican leaders, including Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, who referenced the Christian concept of “just war” to defend military action under certain circumstances.

Just war theory, rooted in centuries of Christian theology and philosophy, argues that the use of force can be morally justified under specific conditions, such as self-defense or the protection of innocent lives. The doctrine is often associated with the writings of Saint Augustine and later theologians who sought to establish ethical limits on warfare.

Johnson, a Southern Baptist, told reporters that he was surprised by some of the pope’s comments and argued that the doctrine of just war remains a well-established part of Christian thought. He said he believes the Trump administration’s actions are intended to prevent future acts of terrorism and enhance regional security.

While emphasizing his respect for the pope, Johnson suggested that religious leaders who comment on political matters should expect public debate and criticism. He described the issue as one on which people of good faith may reasonably disagree.

The Trump administration has maintained that its strategy toward Iran is designed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to counter what U.S. officials describe as Iran’s role in supporting terrorist organizations across the region. Administration officials have also emphasized diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and reaching a negotiated resolution.

Meanwhile, Trump has continued to publicly challenge the pope’s position, arguing that Iran’s actions and human rights record justify a firm international response and insisting that preventing the country from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a critical security objective.

Iran attacked American bases in Jordan and Bahrain on Wednesday, warning its Gulf neighbours that they had a “responsibility” to stop the United States and Israel from using their territory to strike the Islamic republic.

The strikes came after the US carried out attacks on Iran in response to the downing of an American helicopter, straining a ceasefire that took effect in April.

The exchange drew international calls for restraint on the eve of the World Cup, which the US is co-hosting and Iran is participating in.

It has also cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s claim that negotiations on an enduring settlement to end the Middle East war were in their “final throes”.

The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, threw the region into chaos and rattled global markets before the shaky truce began.

In Bahrain, an AFP correspondent in the capital Manama said several loud explosions could be heard, as Iran’s Guards said they had struck a US base there.

Iranian forces also fired “long-range missiles” at US targets in Jordan, the Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday.

Jordan’s military said it shot down five missiles, with no casualties or material damage, while Bahrain said it intercepted and destroyed “a number of Iranian aerial attacks”.

Elsewhere, the Kuwaiti military said its air defences were engaging “hostile aerial targets”. Iran has recently carried out deadly attacks there too.

Iran’s foreign ministry “reiterated the legal and moral responsibility of all countries in the region (especially those located along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf) to prevent the US military and Israel from using their territory or facilities to plan, organise, execute, or support hostile actions against Iran”.

Illinois Health Officials Issue Measles Alert After Exposure at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Illinois public health authorities have issued an advisory after a confirmed measles case was linked to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, raising concerns because of the airport’s heavy passenger traffic and the highly contagious nature of the virus.

According to officials, the infected individual spent a significant amount of time in Terminal 1 on April 22 and April 23, between approximately 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day. Health experts warn that measles can spread quickly in crowded indoor settings, making airports particularly challenging locations for contact tracing efforts.

The individual had previously received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. While a single dose offers some protection, health authorities note that the recommended two-dose series provides much stronger immunity. The person later developed symptoms consistent with measles, including fever, cough, and general respiratory illness, followed by the characteristic rash on April 25. Laboratory testing confirmed the infection, and the individual is now isolating at home.

Following confirmation of the case, health departments launched contact tracing efforts to identify travelers, airport workers, and visitors who may have been exposed. Officials acknowledged that tracing contacts in a major transportation hub such as O’Hare is particularly complex due to the large number of people moving through the terminal each day.

A second measles case has since been reported in the same Illinois county. Investigators are still determining whether the two cases are connected or represent separate exposures.
Measles is among the most contagious diseases known and spreads through respiratory droplets. The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, allowing transmission even without direct contact.

Health officials are advising anyone who was in Terminal 1 during the exposure period to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward. Individuals who suspect exposure should contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.

Authorities continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing about 97% protection. Officials are urging residents to verify their vaccination status and remain alert as the investigation continues.

Vice President JD Vance was expected to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday to lead a U.S. negotiating team, but the trip was abruptly delayed as uncertainty grew over whether Iran would participate in the planned talks. Instead of departing for Pakistan, Vance was called back to the White House for policy meetings, according to CNN’s Alayna Treene. Sources indicated the trip has been postponed, though it remains unclear whether it will ultimately take place.

“We don’t know if this trip is definitely off,” Treene reported. “All we do know is that it is definitely delayed and that we should expect to see now the vice president at the White House for meetings today, not leaving this morning on that plane as we had previously reported.”

The planned talks come after an earlier round of negotiations involving Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner failed to produce an agreement. Vance said at the time that Iranian officials would not provide the “affirmative commitment” Washington was seeking that Tehran would not pursue nuclear weapons.

“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” Vance said. “And I think that’s bad news for Iran, much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”
Tensions remain high as diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that American forces had instructed 28 ships to turn around or return to port amid ongoing restrictions tied to Iran. A U.S. official declined to say whether any vessels had entered Iranian ports but stated that ships departing Iran would be unable to pass through the Gulf of Oman under current enforcement measures.

With the two-week ceasefire involving the United States, Israel, and Iran nearing its expiration, uncertainty persists over whether Iranian representatives will attend the Islamabad talks. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said a formal response from Tehran had not yet been received but emphasized that communication between mediators and Iranian officials remained active.

“Pakistan is in constant touch with the Iranian side,” Tarar said, describing the proposed talks as critical.
Adding to doubts about the negotiations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the initiative in a post on X, suggesting that those pressing Iran to attend the talks lacked an understanding of the situation.

Meanwhile, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met Tuesday with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss efforts aimed at reducing tensions. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Dar reiterated his country’s long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy offer the best path toward lasting regional peace and stability. He also urged Washington and Tehran to continue engaging and consider extending the ceasefire to allow negotiations more time.

President Trump, however, signaled little interest in prolonging the temporary truce.
“I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” Trump told CNBC when asked about extending the ceasefire. “Iran can get themselves on a very good footing if they make a deal. They can make themselves into a strong nation again, a wonderful nation again.”

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the future of the Islamabad talks—and broader efforts to secure a lasting agreement—remains uncertain.

THE TRUTH ABOUT PRINCESS BEATRICE’S DAUGHTER REVEALED — AND THE ROYAL FAMILY IS OVERJOYED

After months of quiet speculation and public curiosity, the Royal Family is celebrating as new details about Princess Beatrice’s daughter have finally been revealed — and the news has brought nothing but joy behind palace walls.

Princess Beatrice, 36, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their second child earlier this year, joining big sister Sienna Elizabeth, who was born in September 2021. While the couple has always been protective of their children’s privacy, they have now chosen to share a few heartfelt truths about their youngest daughter — and it’s a revelation that has melted royal hearts.

A Joyful and Healthy Little Girl

According to palace insiders, the little princess — whose name has not yet been made public — is thriving, happy, and already charming everyone around her. “She’s a beautiful, healthy baby with the sweetest disposition,” a close family friend told reporters. “Beatrice says she hardly cries, and Sienna has taken to her role as big sister with incredible enthusiasm.”

The news comes as a relief to royal well-wishers who had been concerned after the baby’s prolonged absence from public view. While the family had remained quiet to protect her privacy, rumors had circulated in some corners of the press. The new information puts all speculation to rest.

Family Celebration Inside the Palace

The truth was shared privately within the Royal Family during a small gathering at Windsor. Sources say King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among the first to hear the update, and both expressed delight. Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s younger sister, was reportedly “over the moon” to meet her newest niece.

“This is the kind of news the family needed,” said royal commentator Helena Davies. “In a year marked by challenges, the arrival of a happy, healthy child is a reminder of joy, continuity, and the bonds that tie the royal family together.”

Beatrice’s Hands-On Approach

Those close to the Princess say she has embraced motherhood with her trademark warmth and dedication. Friends describe her as deeply involved in every aspect of her children’s lives — from bedtime routines to school drop-offs — despite juggling charity work and royal appearances.

“Beatrice is determined to give her daughters as normal a childhood as possible,” a friend explained. “That means privacy, but also plenty of love and freedom to grow.”

Public Reaction

The revelation has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages online. Fans of the Princess have shared their excitement and relief, praising her for protecting her children’s privacy while still allowing the public a glimpse into their happiness.

One Twitter user summed up the mood: “We don’t need to know everything — just knowing the little one is happy and healthy is enough to make us smile.”

A Bright Future

For now, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo plan to keep their daughters out of the public eye, but sources say they may release an official family portrait later this year. Whatever the future holds, the joy radiating from Windsor this week proves that sometimes the sweetest royal stories are not about politics or protocol — but about the quiet, beautiful milestones of family life.

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday against AT&T and Verizon in a closely watched dispute over federal penalties tied to the sale of consumers’ real-time location data.

The nation’s highest court held that the Federal Communications Commission’s enforcement process does not violate the constitutional right to a jury trial.

The decision preserves the FCC’s authority to impose financial penalties through its administrative enforcement system.

It is a major victory for federal regulators seeking to police privacy violations in the telecommunications industry.

The case reached the Supreme Court after a split among federal appeals courts.

Last year, AT&T persuaded the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to throw out an FCC fine, arguing that the agency’s process improperly bypassed a jury.
Verizon, however, lost a similar challenge before the 2nd Circuit, creating conflicting rulings that prompted Supreme Court review.

In an 8-1 decision, the justices sided with the FCC and overturned the 5th Circuit’s ruling. Justice Clarence Thomas was the lone dissenter, ARSTechnica reported.

The ruling strengthens the federal government’s power to impose administrative penalties on companies accused of breaking telecommunications and privacy laws, while reducing a constitutional challenge that could have greatly restricted the enforcement powers of regulatory agencies.

The dispute stemmed from $104 million in FCC fines imposed on AT&T and Verizon in 2024 over allegations that the companies improperly handled customers’ real-time location data, conduct first brought to light in 2018, the outlet noted.

After paying the penalties, both companies challenged the FCC’s enforcement process in federal court, arguing that the agency’s system violated their Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.

Under the FCC framework, companies can pay a fine and seek review through the federal appeals courts rather than having the case initially decided by a jury.

The carriers contended that this process deprived them of a constitutional safeguard guaranteed in civil cases involving substantial financial penalties, ARSTechnica noted further.

Writing for the Court’s majority, Chief Justice John Roberts rejected that argument, concluding that the companies were not denied access to a jury trial because an alternative path remained available to them.

According to the Court, the carriers could have refused to pay the fines and forced the government to pursue collection efforts, a process that ultimately could have resulted in a jury trial.

“The FCC’s forfeiture proceedings fit comfortably within” the Supreme Court’s Seventh Amendment precedents, Roberts wrote.

“The orders at issue did not settle the carriers’ legal obligations because, stated simply, they did not create an obligation to pay,” he went on.

“And the orders did not reflect the ultimate determination of any fact because, before the carriers could have been made to pay, the Government was required to prove its case to a jury,” said the chief justice.

The outcome was foreshadowed during oral arguments, where several justices appeared unconvinced by AT&T’s and Verizon’s constitutional objections and suggested that FCC penalty orders do not become legally binding until a court is asked to enforce them.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh notably suggested that the carriers had already secured an important concession from the government.

He noted that federal officials acknowledged FCC penalty orders are not self-executing nonbinding sans a jury trial.

“It seems like you’ve won on the law going forward, one way or the other,” Kavanaugh told the attorney representing the carriers, per ARSTechnica.

John Bergmayer, legal director at advocacy group Public Knowledge, hailed the ruling.

“The Supreme Court got this one right,” Bergmayer said in a press release.

“AT&T and Verizon sold access to their customers’ location data, then failed to stop bounty hunters and even a rogue sheriff from using it to track people who had no idea they were being followed,” he added.

“The FCC investigated, found the carriers liable, and proposed penalties—which the carriers were always free to challenge in court,” he said, noting further: “This decision keeps the FCC able to do the job Congress gave it.”