Major breaking news: the far-right has lost in Hungary. Viktor Orbán, a key ally of Donald Trump and JD Vance, was defeated despite backing from both the U.S. president and vice president. At the same time, tensions are escalating globally, with Trump announcing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—pushing the world closer to a broader conflict.
The political shockwaves from Europe are already being felt. Some analysts are warning this could foreshadow serious trouble for Republicans in the upcoming U.S. midterms. Meanwhile, Trump is escalating attacks on Bruce Springsteen, and I’m continuing to uncover new developments tied to the Epstein story.
Here’s the news:
- Breaking news: In a historic upset, Viktor Orbán has lost Hungary’s election. The opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, has defeated Orbán’s party and is set to secure more seats in parliament. While final results are still pending, this marks a stunning setback for the long-serving leader. Orban has just congratulated his opponent:
- Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban for re-election:
- Vance campaigned for Orban in Hungary recently:
- The Epstein files deepen this morning. In a new interview, Brazilian former model Amanda Ungaro says she was deported from the U.S. after being detained for several months. She links her case to broader immigration policies under Donald Trump. She describes the experience as traumatic and says it disrupted her life and family. Ungaro claims her ex-partner, businessman Paolo Zampolli, played a role in her detention and deportation. She says he contacted immigration authorities during a custody dispute over their son. Zampolli denies the allegations and disputes her version of events.
- Ungaro says that as a minor she flew on a private jet owned by Jeffrey Epstein with many other young girls. She recalls briefly meeting Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell but says she had no further interaction and never saw him again. She later described the experience as confusing and unsettling at the time.
- She recounts difficult conditions in detention, including overcrowding and poor treatment. Ungaro also says the deportation prevented her from properly defending herself against fraud charges, which she denies. She maintains that the truth will eventually come out. Ungaro previously moved in high-profile social circles and attended events with the Trump family. She later worked in diplomatic roles connected to small Caribbean nations at the United Nations. Her story highlights a dramatic shift from elite connections to legal and personal struggles.
- Donald Trump said the U.S. would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks with Iran failed. He framed the move as a response to Iran allegedly extorting ships for passage and ordered the Navy to intercept vessels that paid such tolls. Trump emphasized that ships engaging with Iran’s system would not have safe passage in international waters. He also warned of possible further military action, signaling readiness to escalate the conflict if needed.
- Trump said a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would be an “all or nothing” action, applying to all ships rather than selectively targeting certain countries. He emphasized that even allies would not be exempt, framing it as a decisive and comprehensive move. Trump justified the idea by criticizing Iran’s control over the passage and its ability to charge or restrict oil shipments. Overall, he portrayed the blockade as a way to prevent Iran from profiting off or manipulating global energy transit. These are the redlines for the United States:
- During negotiations, Trump and Marco Rubio were at a UFC fight:
- Trump claims the U.S. could rapidly devastate Iran’s critical infrastructure (energy, power plants, bridges), emphasizing overwhelming military capability while acknowledging long-term destruction. He is now again threatening to take out all of Iran “in one day.”
- Trump said he hopes oil and gas prices will fall before the midterm elections but acknowledged uncertainty. He suggested prices could stay about the same or even rise slightly.
- Five people, including three women, were killed and 25 others injured in an Israeli attack on Qana in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
- Israeli forces have reportedly demolished entire villages in southern Lebanon using large-scale detonations, destroying homes and infrastructure and displacing residents. Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure embedded in civilian areas, but rights groups warn the widespread destruction may amount to unlawful “domicide.” Residents described losing their homes, livelihoods, and communities, with many saying entire towns have been wiped out, leaving them effectively homeless.
- Donald Trump spent the afternoon mocking Bruce Springsteen during the war:
- Dan Patrick warned that Republicans could face significant challenges holding their Texas House majority in the upcoming midterms, signaling growing concern within the GOP. He stressed that party divisions—especially from a contentious Senate primary between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton—could hurt Republican chances if the losing candidate does not unify behind the winner. Patrick also noted that past elections have shown Democrats can gain ground when Republicans are divided, pointing to close races and recent Democratic wins in traditionally conservative areas.
- Former CIA Director John Brennan called for Donald Trump to be removed from office, arguing the 25th Amendment applies due to concerns about his behavior. He described Trump as “clearly unhinged” and warned that his rhetoric about Iran poses serious risks. Brennan’s comments come amid broader debate and calls from some lawmakers for Trump’s removal. However, such action is considered unlikely given support within Trump’s administration.
- Miguel Díaz-Canel, the President of Cuba, said he has “no fear” of threats from Donald Trump and is willing to die defending Cuba if necessary. He emphasized that Cuba does not seek war but would resist any U.S. military action, warning of high costs for all sides. Díaz-Canel criticized U.S. policies, including the blockade, calling them unjust and harmful to the Cuban people. He also rejected calls for regime change, affirming Cuba’s independence and refusal to yield to U.S. pressure.
- One person was killed and several others were injured in a mass shooting at a Chick-fil-A in Union Township, New Jersey. Authorities say at least six people were shot, with victims taken to hospitals and one pronounced dead at the scene. The attack reportedly involved multiple masked individuals, though no suspects or motives have been confirmed. The incident remains under investigation by local officials.
- Donald Trump has proposed painting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with a so-called “magic” silicate paint to improve its appearance and durability. Experts, however, warn the paint would not properly bond with the building’s granite and could cause permanent damage. Preservation groups argue the plan may be illegal without proper review and could harm the historic structure.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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