Good morning, everyone. There is a lot to cover today. Overnight, the President and Vice President escalated their criticism of the pope and the Catholic Church. The President spent hours posting about Pope Leo and the Church, prompting renewed calls for an evaluation of his mental acuity and possible removal. The Vice President also weighed in, suggesting the pope should be “careful” when speaking on theology. At the same time, Iran is threatening new blockades, while Trump is urging China to stay out of the conflict and warning that the United States is very capable of fighting.
All in all, another busy morning. If you can, comment one person I have not yet interviewed that you would like to see on this platform. I am working on expanding the content I provide, so let me know and I will try to bring them on.
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Here’s what you missed:
Overnight, the President spent several hours complaining about Pope Leo and escalating his attacks against the Catholic Church. He even implied that he was the victim of attacks after posting the image of himself as Jesus. The renewed comments have led to more calls for an investigation into the President’s mental acuity, with some suggesting he should be removed from office. The latest post related to religion and Jesus is the following:
JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, publicly told Pope Leo XIV to be “more careful” when speaking on theology. His comment suggests criticism of the pope’s recent statements or interpretations.
Tom Homan said he loves the Catholic Church but believes it should stay out of politics after criticism from Pope Leo XIV over U.S. immigration policy. He argued that church leaders should focus on internal issues instead. Homan also said his decades of experience show that strong border security helps save lives.
Donald Trump said he exchanged letters with Xi Jinping about concerns that China might be supplying weapons to Iran. Trump claimed he urged Xi not to provide military support, and Xi responded by denying that China is doing so. However, U.S. intelligence reportedly indicates China may soon send new air defense systems to Iran, contradicting Xi’s claim. The situation has raised tensions, with Trump threatening steep tariffs on Chinese goods, while also planning a trip to China next month.
Trump claimed that Xi Jinping agreed not to send weapons to Iran and said China supports his efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump emphasized cooperation with China while also warning of U.S. military strength if needed. He suggested the move would benefit global trade, though shipping in the strait remains largely halted amid the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Trump is expected to visit Beijing soon as tensions continue.
Trump made a confusing remark about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, suggesting her death occurred shortly after an election that Democrats had won. In reality, Ginsburg died in September 2020 while Trump was still president, allowing him—not a Democrat—to appoint her replacement. His statement appeared to inaccurately describe the timeline and circumstances surrounding her death.
Trump said he was pleased with the reaction to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as “amazing” and stronger than expected. He suggested the response was even more significant than after prior U.S. actions, claiming the U.S. had already dealt major damage to Iran. Trump added that he believes the U.S. is “doing very well” so far. However, he emphasized that the ultimate outcome of the situation is what truly matters and said it could become clear soon.
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Iran has warned it may block shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea if the U.S. continues its blockade of Iranian ports. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi said such actions would be seen as escalating tensions and potentially violating a ceasefire. He added that Iran’s armed forces would respond forcefully and could halt all import and export activity in those waterways. The threat underscores rising risks to global shipping and regional stability if the standoff continues.
Iranian media claims that two of its tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. blockade. The reports say one was a supertanker and another a food supply vessel heading to an Iranian port. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and it’s unclear which ships were involved. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command maintains that the blockade has been fully enforced.
During an interview with Maria Bartiromo, Donald Trump responded to a reported Chinese cyberattack by suggesting such actions are reciprocal, saying “we do it to them” as well. Pressed on whether the U.S. would formally respond, he gave a vague answer, indicating he would address it but downplaying the situation as typical behavior between countries. His comments implied a normalization of cyber activity between the U.S. and China rather than outlining a specific policy response.
The Israeli military has ordered residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Zahrani River as airstrikes continue in the area. An Israeli spokesperson warned that anyone near Hezbollah personnel or infrastructure is at risk. The United Nations says the ongoing conflict has already displaced over one million people. It also described the humanitarian situation in Lebanon as “grave,” highlighting the worsening crisis.
JD Vance recently led lengthy in-person talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, and a second round could happen soon if U.S. officials travel quickly to Pakistan. The first round involved about 21 hours of negotiations after a long journey from Washington. Donald Trump has suggested progress could come within days. Timing is tight, as another trip would require significant travel on short notice.
According to Politico, Trump has threatened to tear up the U.S.-U.K. trade deal over Britain’s opposition to military action against Iran, escalating tensions with Keir Starmer. Starmer pushed back, saying the U.K. will not change its position despite pressure from Washington. The dispute has raised concerns about the future of the “special relationship” between the two countries. It also comes at a sensitive time for trade and diplomatic ties.
Donald Trump said he would fire Jerome Powell if Powell remains in his role after his term ends next month, escalating tensions with the central bank. Trump has criticized Powell over interest rates and a costly Federal Reserve renovation project, which is also under investigation. Powell has indicated he will stay in the position temporarily if a successor is not confirmed. The situation raises legal and political questions about presidential authority over the Federal Reserve.
Photos released by Getty Images show extensive destruction at the Shahid Boroujerdi residential complex in southern Tehran following a U.S.-Israeli strike last month. The images highlight significant damage to civilian buildings amid the recent conflict with Iran. The release comes during a fragile ceasefire, underscoring the ongoing impact of the war.
Trump walked back earlier remarks suggesting oil prices might rise before the midterm elections, saying he expects prices to return to previous levels or possibly fall. He acknowledged there could be a short-term economic hit but predicted a recovery. Trump also claimed his prior comments were misquoted, despite having said recently that prices could stay the same or increase. Overall, he expressed optimism that oil prices will stabilize and not significantly impact the economy by the midterms.
Iran-linked media and online creators have produced viral LEGO-style rap videos mocking Donald Trump and criticizing his actions, including his stance toward the pope and the war. The videos use satire and religious references to accuse Trump of disrespecting Christianity while promoting conflict. These clips are part of a broader digital propaganda effort using AI-generated content to influence public opinion during the war. Analysts say such content has gained millions of views and reflects a growing role of social media in modern information warfare.
Todd Blanche said Americans should be “happy” that Donald Trump is heavily involved in the Justice Department, framing it as strong executive leadership. He defended Trump’s public pressure on prosecutors, including urging action against political opponents, as transparency about expectations. Blanche also indicated the department may continue pursuing cases even after grand juries decline to indict. His stance contrasts with past norms that sought to keep the Justice Department independent from White House influence.
Today, on Tax Day, Republicans are struggling to gain political support from their 2025 tax cuts as many Americans feel little benefit. Tax refunds have risen modestly but fell short of expectations, and many voters remain unaware of or unconvinced by the relief. The impact of the Iran war and rising gas prices has overshadowed the policy, making it harder to promote ahead of midterm elections. Polls show widespread dissatisfaction with tax burdens, complicating Republican messaging.
HelloFresh responded to DoorDash’s White House stunt:
Democratic lawmakers, including Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer, are introducing a bill to prevent presidents and vice presidents from receiving settlement payments from the federal government. The proposal follows Donald Trump suing federal agencies for $10 billion over the leak of his tax records. The legislation would bar top officials and their families from benefiting financially from such settlements, with limited exceptions. Supporters say it aims to prevent abuse of power and protect taxpayer money.
Eric Swalwell is facing a new sexual assault allegation from a woman who claims he drugged and raped her in 2018, prompting an ongoing investigation by Los Angeles authorities. The accuser says the incident occurred in a hotel room and has recently filed a report with law enforcement. Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. The case adds to multiple other misconduct accusations and led to his resignation from Congress.
A new analysis finds that major oil and gas companies are making enormous profits from the Iran war, earning over $30 million per hour due to higher energy prices. The conflict pushed oil prices to around $100 per barrel, creating tens of billions in extra profits while increasing costs for consumers and businesses. Governments are considering windfall taxes as countries lose revenue from fuel tax cuts and face rising inflation. Experts warn the crisis highlights global dependence on fossil fuels and strengthens the case for investing in renewable energy.
The U.S. Department of Justice under Donald Trump has asked a federal appeals court to overturn seditious conspiracy convictions of members of far-right groups involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. The request targets figures from the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, including leaders previously given lengthy prison sentences. It follows earlier pardons and commutations issued by Trump to many individuals connected to the attack. The move marks a major reversal from prior efforts to hold participants accountable and could erase these convictions entirely.
Bob McCaffrey Jr., previously convicted in connection with his wife’s 2012 disappearance, has been arrested for a separate 1990 murder in New Jersey. Authorities say DNA evidence linked him to the killing of Lisa Marie McBride, whose case had remained unsolved for decades. McCaffrey was captured in North Carolina and now faces multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping. The arrest highlights how advances in DNA technology can help solve long-standing cold cases.
See you soon.
— Aaron
