Good evening everyone. There is a lot of major news to cover today as the White House grows increasingly concerned about Republican prospects in the midterms, with Trump’s approval rating now at its lowest point of his second term. At the same time, Trump is once again declaring victory in Iran and blaming the media for continuing coverage of the war, even as he approves the deployment of additional troops to the region, forces that could be used in a potential ground operation. The messaging from the White House is inconsistent and increasingly difficult to reconcile. Meanwhile, the government shutdown continues, and airport wait times are stretching beyond five hours.
In the coming weeks and months, I am working on expanding international coverage to bring real reporting from the ground across different parts of the world. There are big projects in motion, and all of this is being built without billionaire backing or institutional support.
Here’s the news:
- President Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36%, its lowest level since he returned to office, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The decline is largely driven by rising fuel prices and growing public disapproval of the Iran war. Only about a quarter of Americans approve of his handling of the cost of living, while most oppose the U.S. strikes on Iran. Despite this, his support among Republicans remains relatively strong.
- Trump claimed the war has already been won and blamed “fake news” for portraying it as ongoing. He suggested that continued coverage is what is keeping the perception of conflict alive, rather than actual conditions on the ground.
- Trump told reporters that Iran had given the U.S. a “very big” and valuable “present” related to oil and gas, which he framed as a positive sign in ongoing dealings. He declined to provide details but suggested it indicated the U.S. was negotiating with the “right people.” Trump emphasized the gesture was not related to nuclear issues and tied it to potential progress toward a deal.
- Delta Air Lines has suspended a key travel perk used by members of Congress amid ongoing funding and security concerns. The benefit, which helped lawmakers book last-minute flights and access dedicated services, has been disrupted due to broader government-related issues affecting airport operations. Delta indicated the decision reflects increasing strain on resources and prioritization of safety and frontline workers. The move highlights growing tensions around travel logistics and federal funding challenges.
- When asked about a deal to fund government agencies excluding ICE, Trump responded that he is generally unhappy with any deal made by Democrats. His comment suggests opposition to a partial funding agreement that leaves out immigration enforcement.
- Reports suggest Vladimir Putin has become increasingly wary following the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, a longtime Russian ally. His schedule has been curtailed and communication disruptions in Moscow have been attributed to security concerns, officially linked to Ukrainian drone threats. However, observers believe the situation reflects broader anxiety within the Kremlin about escalating regional instability and targeted attacks.
- A resurfaced comment shows Rep. Chip Roy acknowledging challenges the SAVE Act could create for some voters, including married women. He said he avoided highlighting the issue, noting even his own chief of staff faced significant hurdles and would need multiple trips to the DMV. The remarks suggest awareness within GOP ranks of potential complications tied to the legislation.
- Fox News has confirmed that Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, and his headquarters staff have been ordered to deploy to the Middle East as U.S. officials consider sending the full division. The move is part of contingency planning while the Pentagon and White House weigh potential ground operations. Speculation includes possible missions such as seizing Iran’s Kharg Island or conducting other operations inside Iran. The New York Times previously reported that deploying the 82nd Airborne is under consideration.
- Trump has approved deploying over 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to sources. The deployment includes headquarters staff and some ground forces but not a full brigade, totaling fewer than 1,500 soldiers. The troops have not yet departed but could be sent in the coming days. The 82nd Airborne specializes in rapid-response parachute assault operations.
- According to the New York Times, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged President Trump to continue the war against Iran, viewing it as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East. He has advocated for more aggressive actions, including targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and potentially pursuing ground operations. However, there are concerns among U.S. and regional officials that prolonging the conflict could lead to greater instability and economic damage, especially to oil markets. Saudi officials publicly deny pushing for an extended war and say they support a peaceful resolution.
- Unusually large oil market trades—worth about $580 million—were placed shortly before President Trump announced “productive” talks with Iran, causing prices to drop. Analysts say the timing appears highly abnormal and has raised questions about possible insider knowledge. The White House denied any wrongdoing, calling such claims baseless. The episode comes amid broader market volatility driven by tensions with Iran and shifting U.S. policy.
- Alan Dershowitz claimed that if Donald Trump had been president in the mid-1930s instead of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Holocaust might have been prevented. He argued Trump would have acted aggressively against Adolf Hitler and the Nazis early on. The statement is speculative and reflects Dershowitz’s personal opinion rather than a historical consensus.
- Food prices are expected to rise due to the Iran conflict, particularly because of disruptions in fuel and fertilizer supplies linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Farmers warn that produce like tomatoes and cucumbers could become more expensive within weeks, while other goods such as milk and crops may follow in the coming months. The impact is expected to ripple across the entire food supply chain, with some costs passed on to consumers. The government is monitoring the situation as part of broader concerns about rising living costs.
- According to Reuters, Iran is entering potential talks with a firm set of demands. These include guarantees against future attacks, compensation for wartime losses, and formal control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is also insisting that its ballistic missile program is non-negotiable. The tougher stance reflects Tehran’s broader position that any agreement must come with major concessions.
- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier strongly criticized the U.S. war against Iran, calling it illegal under international law and a major political mistake. He warned the conflict could cause a lasting rupture in transatlantic relations similar to Europe’s break with Russia. His remarks add pressure on Germany’s government as debate grows over its stance on the war. Steinmeier also urged Europe to become more independent from the U.S. in defense and technology.
- Pakistan has offered to host potential peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, with discussions possibly taking place in Islamabad, though no formal agreement has been reached. Reports suggest U.S. Vice President JD Vance could serve as a key negotiator, as Iran has rejected other proposed U.S. representatives. Pakistani officials and regional intermediaries are actively trying to broker dialogue amid the ongoing conflict. However, Iran has expressed deep distrust of Washington and has publicly denied that direct negotiations are currently underway.
- According to the Washington Post, the Justice Department acknowledged in a closed-door hearing that there is no evidence of wrongdoing in the investigation into the Federal Reserve’s building renovations. The admission undercuts President Trump’s claims that the project involved “criminality.” The case has centered on the costs of the Fed’s office upgrades but currently lacks proof of misconduct.
- Trump said Kuwait had a “mishap” in which three planes were shot down using U.S. missiles, adding that the aircraft turned out to be American.
- Russia launched a large-scale daytime drone attack against Ukraine. Footage shows a Shahed drone striking a building in Lviv. The incident highlights the continued use of drone strikes in populated areas.
- Rep. Jim McGovern said he supports appointing a special prosecutor to handle the Epstein files, arguing the administration has failed to comply with efforts to release the documents. He accused officials, including the attorney general, of ignoring the law and deliberately stalling. McGovern emphasized that the issue will not fade despite delays.
- A Reuters report reveals that a special counsel investigation into Kash Patel was more extensive than previously known, seeking over two years of phone, text, and financial records. The probe, tied to investigations into the 2020 election and classified documents, included subpoenas for detailed communications data but not message contents. The exact focus of the investigation and whether wrongdoing was found remains unclear. The newly disclosed records have fueled political debate over the conduct of the investigation.
- Minnesota has filed a federal civil lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing federal agencies of withholding evidence related to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge. The state is seeking a court order to force the release of investigative materials, arguing the refusal to share information is unlawful and obstructs state investigations. The lawsuit claims the federal government’s actions are “arbitrary and capricious” and may be shielding agents from accountability. The case is the latest escalation in ongoing legal battles over the controversial immigration crackdown and related shootings.
- NASA plans to scrap its lunar orbit space station project and instead invest about $20 billion to build a base on the moon’s surface. The shift is part of major changes to its Artemis program under new leadership, aiming to support sustained operations on the moon. Existing hardware and partnerships from the canceled Gateway project may be repurposed for the new plan. The move comes as the U.S. looks to accelerate lunar efforts amid competition from China.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city will resume clearing homeless encampments, but with a more outreach-focused and humane approach. Instead of police-led sweeps, outreach workers will engage individuals for several days before sanitation crews remove encampments. The policy shift comes amid concerns after multiple deaths during extreme cold weather, though none were confirmed to be from encampments. Critics argue the plan may still undermine trust with homeless individuals, while supporters say it prioritizes safety and shelter access.
- Politico has confirmed that the Department of Agriculture has canceled a $300 million program that helped farmers buy and retain land, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The program had funded about 50 projects aimed at supporting underserved farmers, including Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities. Officials said the grants involved “discriminatory preferences” and did not align with the agency’s priorities. The decision comes amid broader legal and political disputes over DEI-related funding.
- A New Mexico jury ruled that Meta failed to protect children from sexual predators on its platforms and misled users about safety risks. The company was found liable for unfair and deceptive practices and ordered to pay $375 million in damages. The case highlighted concerns that Meta knowingly ignored internal warnings and allowed harmful activity to persist. Meta disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal.
- Sen. Thom Tillis said he expects incoming DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to avoid the mistakes made by his predecessor, Kristi Noem. He criticized Noem for often “winging it” in the role. Tillis expressed confidence that Mullin will take a more disciplined and effective approach.
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to temporarily fill a U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, who is becoming Homeland Security secretary. Armstrong, who has no prior political experience, will serve until a special election in November.
- According to Politico, King Charles III is expected to make his first official state visit to Washington next month, where he will address Congress. It will be the first time a British monarch has spoken to Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The visit comes amid ongoing tensions over the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, as the UK has distanced itself from the conflict.
See you soon.
— Aaron
Loading comments...