All articles tagged with #utah politics
Sen. John Curtis denounced as corruption ProPublica’s report that Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch tied to Vladimir Putin, secretly funded Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding-after-party, including island rental and a fireworks show; Trump defended the arrangement, saying Jr. reimbursed Kremlev, while Curtis promised more remarks as the story unfolds.
Conservation groups filed federal lawsuits to challenge Trump's orders shrinking Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, arguing the reductions violate the Antiquities Act; Utah leaders welcomed the downsizing, protesters gathered outside the Governor's Mansion, and the suits seek to void both the 2017 and 2026 proclamations, with the outcome unclear and mining claims following the order.
Federal DHS says it will use existing detention space, casting doubt on Salt Lake City’s planned ICE detention facility, a development reported by the New York Times. Utah leaders offered mixed responses: Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla called the news welcome and criticized rights violations in such facilities; Rep. Matt MacPherson said a facility could help free jail space and would like to see the federal government proceed; Gov. Spencer Cox hasn’t commented, and there has been no official federal word on future plans.
The Pentagon revised its simplified faith codes after pushback from Utah lawmakers over labeling The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as not Christian; the change also dropped 'Christian' labels from Catholic, Baptist and evangelical groups, earning praise from Utah's senators who argued the government should not adjudicate theology.
Calls to boycott Layton's J&J Nursery have emerged after owner and state Sen. Jerry Stevenson, who sits on the Military Installation Development Authority board, helped approve a hyperscale data center project near Box Elder County. Stevenson declined comment; the nursery asks that supporters direct criticism at the decision-makers, not its employees.
Sen. Mike Lee faced backlash for posting conspiracy theories and inflammatory content on social media, which has sparked calls for accountability from Utah Democrats and increased opposition efforts, though his strong Republican base and Utah's political landscape make his vulnerability limited. Democrats are strategizing to challenge him in future elections, but the state's deep Republican lean and historical voting patterns pose significant hurdles.