Good morning everyone. Lots of news to cover this morning. Trump spent the evening posting dozens of messages on Truth Social, calling for the arrest of Obama and Hillary Clinton for treason, the permanent erasure of the 2020 election, and more. I want to be clear about why I cover these posts: it is important not to normalize this kind of behavior from elected leaders, no matter who they are.
New video footage from inside Iran shows nurses rushing to save babies during US and Israeli bombings on hospitals. Netanyahu has announced a cancer diagnosis. Trump is also facing protests at a dinner hosted by the Ellisons in his honor and in the name of the First Amendment.
This weekend will be busy with White House Correspondents’ Dinner events. I will not be attending. I do not believe in celebrating figures like Brendan Carr, who actively undermine the First Amendment. I will, however, be reporting around the clock to bring you real-time updates.
Here’s what you missed:
President Donald Trump posted dozens of overnight messages on Truth Social, targeting political opponents like Chuck Schumer and reviving claims against Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. He amplified accusations of conspiracies and called for investigations or arrests, while also criticizing organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center. The posts echoed broader administration claims, including a controversial legal case against the SPLC that some former prosecutors say lacks merit. Trump continued by promoting allies’ social media content and reiterating policy positions like ending birthright citizenship, capping off hours of late-night activity.
Trump called for the arrest of Obama for treason:
And of Hillary Clinton:
Trump reiterated false claims about the 2020 election, stating: “The 2020 Presidential Election should be permanently wiped from the books and be of no further force or effect! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT.” The remark reflects his continued effort to challenge the legitimacy of the election despite its certification and widespread rejection of fraud claims.
Trump faced protests upon arriving at a high-profile Washington, D.C. dinner hosted by David Ellison, amid controversy over a major media merger and concerns about monopoly power. Demonstrators, joined by lawmakers like Jamie Raskin, criticized the event as emblematic of political favoritism and corporate influence.
The dinner also highlighted turmoil within CBS News following Ellison’s takeover and the appointment of Bari Weiss as a controversial leader, which has led to layoffs, editorial disputes, and accusations of a pro-White House bias. Additionally, CBS’s decision to invite Trump allies to media events has sparked internal backlash, raising concerns about press independence and access-driven journalism.
Harry Enten reported that President Donald Trump currently has the worst net approval rating on the economy at this point in a presidency, ranking below Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter.
A recent Fox News poll shows Americans prefer Democrats to Republicans on the economy (D+4) for the first time since 2010.
New research suggests measles is spreading silently in the U.S., with far more cases than officially reported due to underdiagnosis and low testing. Genetic sequencing indicates some outbreaks may have begun months earlier than detected and could be significantly larger—potentially over six times the reported size. Wastewater surveillance and other data also show the virus is more widespread than case counts suggest, especially in undervaccinated communities. This hidden transmission threatens the U.S.’s measles elimination status, as sustained spread may have already exceeded the one-year threshold.
A reporter from O’Keefe Media Group asked whether an Army nuclear chief—accused of sharing classified national security information with someone he met on a dating app—would face termination and prosecution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded that the official “won’t work here anymore,” making clear the Army nuclear chief has been fired. The brief exchange underscores swift action following the alleged breach, though no details were given about possible prosecution.
At a Pentagon news conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the war in Iran as a “gift to the world,” echoing messaging aligned with President Trump’s framing of the conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer without metastasis and underwent targeted radiation treatment following surgery, which successfully eliminated the tumor. Doctors have confirmed there is no evidence of recurrence or spread, and he is now said to be in excellent health. The disclosure of his condition was delayed by about two months to avoid giving Iran potential propaganda leverage during the war.
When asked about concerns over insider trading tied to prediction markets and the Iran war, President Donald Trump responded bluntly: “The world is a casino. It is what it is,” appearing to dismiss the issue rather than directly address the ethics or potential implications.
JD Vance made a cryptic and somewhat flippant remark to a journalist amid speculation about insider trading within the White House, suggesting, “Let Marco Rubio make his Polymarket bet on that first.”
Pope Leo XIV expressed a personal and emotional opposition to war, saying, “I carry in my pocket the image of a Muslim child killed in Lebanon… I cannot be in favor of war,” using the example to underscore the human cost of conflict and his broader anti-war stance.
Poland’s leader trolled Hungary’s Viktor Orban following his election loss:
According to The Guardian, an internal Pentagon email reportedly outlines potential U.S. responses to NATO allies that did not fully support operations in the Iran war. Proposed measures include suspending countries like Spain from key NATO roles and reconsidering U.S. positions on issues such as Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands. The discussion reflects frustration over some allies’ refusal to grant access, basing, and overflight rights, which officials say are a minimum expectation within NATO. The options are said to be circulating among senior Pentagon leadership.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez downplayed a leaked Pentagon email suggesting the U.S. could punish Spain for opposing the Iran war—including a highly unlikely proposal to suspend it from NATO—stressing that Spain remains committed to the alliance while acting within international law. The report reflects growing tensions between European allies and President Donald Trump, whose administration is considering retaliatory measures against countries seen as insufficiently supportive of the conflict, though experts say many such actions would be difficult to implement.
Trump announced plans to renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool by adding a new “American flag blue” pool-like surface, aiming to improve its appearance and address maintenance issues. He estimated the project would take about a week and cost around $1.5 million, framing it as a beautification effort inspired by his background in real estate development. However, the proposal is part of a broader push to reshape major Washington landmarks, which has drawn criticism from preservationists and lawmakers concerned about changes being made without sufficient public or congressional input.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds most Americans blame Donald Trump for rising gas prices linked to the Iran war, creating political pressure ahead of the midterm elections. About 77% of voters say he bears at least some responsibility, including majorities across Republicans, independents, and Democrats. The issue appears to be affecting voter sentiment, with 58% saying they are less likely to support candidates who back his approach to the conflict. The findings suggest the surge in fuel costs could hurt Republican prospects in November.
Crude oil prices surged above $105 a barrel amid ongoing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and stalled peace efforts involving Iran. Both major benchmarks—Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate—rose sharply, gaining about 17% and 16% respectively over the week. The spike has pushed U.S. gas prices to over $4 per gallon, about 36% higher than before the conflict. Officials warn that consumers may continue to face elevated fuel costs in the near term.
A convoy of six trucks carrying medical supplies has departed eastern Turkey for Iran, according to Turkish officials. The aid shipment left from Van and is crossing through the Gurbulak border. It includes medicines and other essential medical materials. With this delivery, Turkey will have sent a total of nine trucks to support healthcare needs in Iran.
Former U.S. NATO envoy Kurt Volker warned European leaders not to openly criticize President Donald Trump over the Iran war, arguing that doing so could damage transatlantic relations. He suggested leaders instead take a more diplomatic approach to avoid provoking Trump, even as many in Europe strongly oppose the conflict and have called it illegal or misguided. Volker defended Trump’s actions as aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation between the U.S. and its allies.
A tornado struck the city of Enid, Oklahoma during a severe weather outbreak, causing significant damage but no reported fatalities and only minor injuries as emergency crews continued search and response efforts. Officials, including Kevin Stitt, said the community was “severely impacted,” with damage also being assessed at Vance Air Force Base. Residents were urged to avoid affected areas while first responders and aid organizations worked to assist those impacted by the storm.
See you soon.
— Aaron
