Trump Suspends Attacks on Iran Amid Economic Pressure Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, announced a suspension of military operations against Iran, raising questions about his strategic intentions. Analysts suggest this move may be part of a broader economic strategy to weaken Iran through sanctions. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s oil exports and the impact of U.S. sanctions on its economy. The suspension of attacks follows a period of heightened conflict, with Trump previously threatening military action against Iran unless a ceasefire agreement was reached. However, he has since retreated from this stance, prompting speculation about his true motives. Some experts believe the move is a calculated effort to pressure Iran economically, leveraging sanctions to cripple its oil-dependent economy. Iran’s primary source of revenue is oil exports, and the U.S. has imposed strict sanctions on its oil trade. These measures have led to significant financial losses for Iran, with estimates suggesting the country could lose billions of dollars daily. The sanctions have also disrupted Iran’s ability to export oil, particularly through key ports like Kharg Island, which serves as a critical hub for its oil shipments. The situation has reached a critical point, with Iran’s oil reserves nearing capacity. Reports indicate that the country’s storage facilities are nearly full, forcing it to halt new oil production. If this trend continues, Iran could face severe economic consequences, including a potential collapse of its oil industry. Analysts warn that once oil production is halted, restarting it would be extremely difficult, given the long-term damage to infrastructure and supply chains.#iran #donald_trump #kharg_island #oil_exports #us_sanctions
Trump cuts legal immigration more than illegal crossings; students, H-1B flows hit, reports Cato’s study The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has significantly reduced legal immigration, with the decline far outpacing the drop in illegal border crossings. A recent analysis by David J. Bier of the Cato Institute highlights that while illegal entries have continued their downward trend, legal immigration—particularly through student visas and high-skilled worker programs like the H-1B visa—has experienced a sharp, policy-driven contraction. Bier estimates that reductions in legal immigration flows are approximately 2.5 times greater than the decline in illegal crossings on a monthly basis. Illegal border crossings had already declined steadily before Trump took office, with much of the reduction occurring prior to his administration. In contrast, legal immigration has seen a reversal of the growth trajectory observed between 2021 and 2024. The Trump administration’s policies have targeted legal immigration channels, leading to stricter scrutiny, increased costs, and regulatory hurdles that have disrupted traditional pathways for international students and skilled professionals. International students, a critical component of U.S. higher education and a major draw for applicants from countries like India, face mounting barriers. Bier notes that heightened visa scrutiny, uncertainty around post-study work options, and delays in processing have discouraged enrollment. In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order that led to the cancellation of F-1 student visas, resulting in the revocation of between 1,700 and 4,500 visas between January and April. Several students were also arrested and detained for campus activism.#donald_trump #state_department #cato_institute #david_j_bier #harvard_university
Donald Trump: Strategic Pause or Political Gambit? The U.S. administration’s approach to Iran has once again sparked debate, as President Donald Trump extended an indefinite ceasefire with Tehran after initially threatening military escalation. The decision, announced on Tuesday, has been framed by the White House as a strategic pause to facilitate diplomacy, but critics argue it reflects a pattern of inconsistent policy and improvisation. Trump’s public rationale emphasized the need for Iran to present a “unified proposal,” the effectiveness of economic pressure, and the potential of backchannel negotiations via Pakistan. He also suggested that internal divisions within Iran’s leadership could be exploited to secure a more favorable outcome for Washington. However, the move has deepened skepticism in Washington, where many view the administration’s Iran policy as erratic rather than coherent. Analysts and policymakers have noted that Trump’s rhetoric has oscillated between maximalist threats of military action and optimistic predictions of imminent diplomatic breakthroughs. This unpredictability has left allies uncertain and adversaries emboldened, with markets reacting to every presidential statement as if it were both a policy directive and a fleeting impulse. The administration’s actions—threatening strikes, preparing military options, delaying action, extending the ceasefire, and maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian shipping—have been criticized as a cycle of escalation and retreat rather than a calculated strategy. Iran’s response has been a mix of official defiance and informal celebration. Iranian officials have pointed out that they did not request the ceasefire extension and are under no obligation to reciprocate.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #white_house #joint_comprehensive_plan_of_action
Trump Announces Iran Ceasefire Extension But Says Blockade Remains The United States President Donald Trump has announced an extension to the ceasefire with Iran, stating that the US military will delay its planned attack to allow Tehran more time to submit a proposal for ending the conflict. The decision, made on Tuesday, came at the request of Pakistani mediators, according to Trump. The original ceasefire, which was set to expire on Wednesday, now faces an open-ended extension, with Trump emphasizing that the US will maintain its naval blockade while awaiting Iran’s proposal. In a social media post, Trump declared, “I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.” This marked a significant reversal from his earlier stance, as Trump had previously expressed opposition to extending the truce, warning Iran that time was running out before a major US attack on its infrastructure. The abrupt change in position followed hours of conflicting statements, with Trump initially signaling his resistance to prolonging the ceasefire. Iran did not issue an immediate response to Trump’s announcement, though the semi-official Tasnim news agency noted that Tehran’s position would be “officially announced later.” The extension of the ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions, as Iranian officials condemned the US naval blockade on the country’s ports, casting doubt on their willingness to participate in scheduled talks. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump’s decision, expressing hope that the prolonged truce would enable a negotiated settlement.#pakistan #iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi
Trump reads Old Testament passage in marathon Bible event President Donald Trump and many of his leading Christian supporters and top Republicans are taking part this week in a marathon reading of the Bible in an America 250-themed event billed as encouraging a “return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country.” The Bible is “indelibly woven into our national identity and way of life,” Trump said in a statement commemorating the event. The statement cited historical figures such as the Puritan leader John Winthrop as “imploring his fellow Christian settlers to stand as a beacon of faith for all the world to see.” Critics say the event has a highly partisan list of participants and is part of a larger project to connect America’s upcoming 250th birthday with a Christian nationalist vision that portrays the nation’s founding as essentially Christian, something many historians dispute. White Christians, particularly evangelicals, have been crucial to Trump’s electoral base. The list of participants — which overwhelmingly includes Republican politicians and Christian supporters of Trump — shows it to be “very much a right-wing MAGA, Christian nationalist effort,” said Brian Kaylor, author of “The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power,” referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement. “If they wanted this to be a unifying American project, there would have been a whole lot more attention to getting political diversity and ideological diversity,” added Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word&Way, a progressive site covering faith and politics.#donald_trump #america_250 #bible_reading_event #christian_nationalists #vote_common_good
Trump Says He Does Not Want to Extend Ceasefire with Iran President Donald Trump told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday that he did not want to extend a ceasefire with Iran, asserting that the United States was in a strong negotiating position and would ultimately secure a favorable deal. When asked about the possibility of prolonging the ceasefire, Trump stated, "I don't want to do that. We don't have that much time," emphasizing his reluctance to commit to further pauses in hostilities. The U.S. government has expressed confidence that ongoing talks with Iran will proceed in Pakistan, where negotiations are expected to take place. A senior Iranian official confirmed that Tehran is considering participation in the discussions, though the exact terms and timeline remain uncertain. Despite the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts, Trump warned that the U.S. would resume military operations against Iran if a deal was not reached soon. "I expect to be bombing because I think that's a better attitude to go in with," Trump said, adding that the military was "raring to go" if necessary. His comments reflect a hardline stance toward Iran, which has been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy amid regional tensions. The administration has maintained that the ceasefire, which was brokered in recent months, has not fully resolved underlying conflicts, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The prospect of further peace talks remains unclear, with both sides expressing cautious optimism. However, Trump's public statements suggest a preference for maintaining military pressure as a bargaining chip. Analysts have noted that the U.S. approach balances diplomatic engagement with the threat of force, a strategy that has characterized U.S.-Iran relations for years.#pakistan #iran #middle_east #donald_trump #cnbc
Trump's Approval Rating Dips Amid Economic and Iran War Concerns A recent poll reveals President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit a new low, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the economy and the ongoing conflict with Iran. The NBC News Decision Desk poll, released April 19, 2026, found that 63% of adults disapprove of Trump’s performance as president, marking his lowest approval rating since he assumed office in January 2025. Conversely, 37% of respondents approve of his leadership. The survey, conducted between March 30 and April 13, included a national sample of 32,433 adults aged 18 and older, with a margin of error of ±1.8 percentage points. The decline in approval is largely attributed to worsening public sentiment over the economy and the U.S. involvement in the joint war on Iran. The poll highlights that economic concerns have become a central issue for voters, with 29% of respondents identifying it as the most pressing issue, followed by 24% who cited threats to democracy. Disapproval of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living has surged, with 68% of respondents expressing disapproval, compared to 32% who approve. Notably, 52% of Americans “strongly disapprove” of his economic management, a 7-point increase from August 2025. The Iran war has also drawn significant criticism. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the conflict, with 54% expressing “strong disapproval.” Only 33% approve of his approach, and just 19% strongly support the war. The poll underscores a growing divide within the Republican base, as younger Republicans increasingly question the war’s justification. This sentiment is echoed in other recent surveys, which show a similar pattern of declining approval tied to economic struggles and the Middle East conflict.#midterm_elections #united_states #iran_war #donald_trump #nbc_news
US Importers Begin Seeking Refunds for Nullified Trump Tariffs A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump without constitutional authority is set to launch on Monday, allowing importers and their brokers to begin claiming reimbursements for the taxes the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled invalid. The process, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will open an online portal at 8 a.m. for companies to submit declarations detailing the goods on which they paid billions in import taxes. If approved, refunds could take 60-90 days to process, though the government plans to handle claims in phases, prioritizing more recent tariff payments. The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on February 20 declared that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing new import tax rates in April 2020, citing the U.S. trade deficit as a national emergency. The ruling invalidated tariffs on products from nearly every country, though the court did not explicitly address refund mechanisms. However, a judge at the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled last month that companies subjected to the IEEPA tariffs were entitled to refunds, setting the stage for the current system. CBP estimates that over 330,000 importers paid a total of $166 billion in tariffs on more than 53 million shipments. However, not all cases qualify for the initial phase of refunds, which applies only to tariffs estimated but not finalized or within 80 days of a final accounting. To participate, importers must register for CBP’s electronic payment system, with 56,497 businesses already enrolled as of April 14, eligible for refunds totaling $127 billion, including interest. Accuracy is critical for successful claims.#donald_trump #us_supreme_court #us_customs_and_border_protection #us_court_of_international_trade #ice_miller
Young Voters Vehemently Oppose Trump, ICE; See Big Risks and Some Benefits to AI The Spring 2026 Yale Youth Poll reveals stark divisions among young voters on key political and technological issues, with overwhelming opposition to former President Donald Trump, skepticism toward artificial intelligence, and widespread criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The survey highlights generational divides in attitudes toward the 2028 presidential primaries, antisemitic beliefs, and the role of AI in society. Young voters, particularly those aged 18-29, expressed deep disapproval of Trump’s leadership. A majority of 57% of all voters disapproved of his job performance, with 68% of 18-22-year-olds and 72% of 23-29-year-olds holding the same view. This represents a significant decline from the Fall 2025 poll, where Trump’s support was stronger among younger demographics. The shift was most pronounced among women under 35, who turned against Trump by 28 points, while men in the same age group showed a smaller but notable increase in support. Despite this, Democrats maintained a narrow lead in the generic ballot, with a 2-point advantage overall. Young voters aged 18-22 and 23-29 leaned heavily Democratic, with margins of +23 and +30, respectively. The 2028 Democratic primary electorate is fragmented by age. Kamala Harris leads with 20% of the vote, followed by Gavin Newsom (19%), Pete Buttigieg (14%), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (13%). Among Democrats under 35, Ocasio-Cortez is the top choice, while Newsom dominates among older voters. Newsom is viewed as the most electable candidate by Democrats, followed by Mark Kelly, Andy Beshear, and JB Pritzker. In contrast, the Republican primary is dominated by JD Vance, who leads with 43% of the vote, compared to Marco Rubio’s 17%.#donald_trump #kamala_harris #gavin_newsom #pete_buttigieg #alexandria_ocasio_cortez
Young voters shun Trump, plan to vote blue in midterms, poll says A newly released national poll conducted by Yale’s Youth Poll indicates that young voters are increasingly disapproving of President Donald Trump’s performance and are leaning toward the Democratic Party in the 2026 midterm elections. The survey, which sampled 3,429 registered voters including 2,008 aged 18 to 34, found that more than two-thirds of young voters aged 18 to 34 expressed disapproval of Trump. This figure exceeds his overall disapproval rating among all voters aged 18 and older, which stands at 57%. Among specific age groups, large majorities disapproved of Trump. Voters aged 18-22 (68%), 23-29 (72%), and 30-34 (75%) all expressed disapproval, representing a double-digit gap compared to the 57% disapproval rate for all voters aged 18 and up. The poll’s margin of error, after weighting, is ±1.4 percentage points for the full sample and ±2.0 percentage points for the youth sample. The survey, conducted in March, shows a steady decline in Trump’s approval ratings among young voters since he returned to the White House in January 2025. Since the last Youth Yale Poll in October to November 2025, his approval has dropped across all age brackets under 35. The most significant declines were observed among younger age groups, with disapproval rates rising by four percentage points among 18- to 22-year-olds, 7 percentage points among 23- to 29-year-olds, and 11 percentage points among 30- to 34-year-olds. In contrast, Trump’s approval rating in the spring 2025 survey was slightly more favorable, with 46% approval and 52% disapproval. Since then, his approval has dropped by five points, while his disapproval score has increased by the same margin.#donald_trump #kamala_harris #democratic_party #gavin_newsom #yale_youth_poll
Another Catastrophe on Wednesday: Trump's Shocking Statement Washington: Tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate as President Donald Trump issues a new warning regarding the potential resumption of military action. The situation remains volatile, with Trump reiterating his threats to restart bombing operations if a ceasefire agreement is not reached. The dispute centers around the Hormuz Strait, a critical maritime passage, and ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. regarding its control. Iran has recently opened the Hormuz Strait, which had been closed since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. However, the country has emphasized that it will maintain its blockade unless a formal agreement is reached. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that commercial and civilian vessels can pass through the strait during the ceasefire period, but military ships are prohibited. This decision aligns with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which Iran claims is being upheld. Trump, however, has warned that if Iran fails to reach a deal, the U.S. will resume bombing operations. In a statement, he said, "Maybe I won't extend the ceasefire. But the blockade is going to remain. So you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we'll have to start dropping bombs again." This remark has intensified fears of renewed conflict, with analysts and officials expressing concerns about the potential for further escalation. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Ghailibaf, has criticized Trump's statements, calling them "lies." He accused the U.S. of attempting to manipulate the situation through false claims and warned that Iran will not allow its naval forces to be restricted.#iran #united_states #donald_trump #abbas_araghchi #mohammad_ghailibaf
Oil Prices Drop 13% After Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Fully Open The global oil market saw a sharp decline on Friday as Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be "completely open" for commercial traffic during the remaining period of a ceasefire agreement. This declaration triggered a 13% drop in Brent crude prices, which fell to $86.30 per barrel, and a similar 13% decline in U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, which dropped to $79.20 per barrel. The announcement came after Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, stated in a post on X that the strait would remain open for all commercial vessels in alignment with the ceasefire in Lebanon. The decision to declare the strait open followed a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. The news triggered a surge in U.S. stock markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 1,032 points—2.1%—and recovering all losses since the start of the conflict with Iran. The S&P 500 gained 1.3%, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.6%, extending its gains after rebounding from earlier losses tied to the conflict. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq had previously reached historical highs in consecutive trading days. The market rally was fueled by optimism surrounding the ceasefire agreement and the recent decline in oil prices. The S&P 500 had gained over 11% since its recent low on March 30, marking a significant rebound. The Nasdaq Composite extended its winning streak to 12 consecutive days, its longest since 2009, with today’s gains potentially setting a new record for the longest winning streak since 1992. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments, had been a focal point of market concerns.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #seyed_abbas_araghchi
Trump to Nominate Cameron Hamilton as FEMA Chief After Less Than a Year of Previous Tenure President Donald Trump is set to nominate Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) less than a year after he was abruptly dismissed from the role. Three individuals familiar with the decision confirmed to CNN that Hamilton, a former acting administrator of FEMA, will be nominated despite his recent termination. The move marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to the agency, which had previously faced intense scrutiny and restructuring under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Hamilton’s initial appointment to FEMA occurred at the start of Trump’s second term, during a period when the administration was actively considering dismantling the agency and transferring disaster response responsibilities to state governments. However, his tenure quickly became contentious. Hamilton clashed with Noem and her key ally, Corey Lewandowski, over the agency’s future. Lewandowski reportedly criticized Hamilton for not acting swiftly or decisively enough to implement the administration’s plans. Meanwhile, Hamilton himself grew increasingly vocal about preserving FEMA, arguing that while the agency required reforms, its dissolution would be detrimental to public safety. The conflict reached a critical point in May 2025, when Hamilton was informed of his impending firing just hours before he was scheduled to testify before a congressional committee. Despite the looming threat, he proceeded with his testimony, publicly opposing the administration’s stance on FEMA’s elimination. “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he stated during the hearing.#donald_trump #kristi_noem #fema #corey_lewandowski #cameron_hamilton
Ten-day Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon Begins Amid Uncertainty A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon officially took effect on Thursday, marking a tentative pause in the ongoing conflict. The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to provide temporary relief amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which operates within Lebanon. Despite the formal start of the truce, analysts and officials have emphasized its fragility, warning that the agreement is more of a temporary reprieve than a lasting solution. The ceasefire, which began at 22:00 BST, follows a period of intense clashes along the Lebanese border, where Israeli and Hezbollah forces exchanged artillery fire in the hours leading up to the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as a "historic opportunity" for peace, though he reiterated that a more permanent resolution would require Hezbollah to be disarmed. Netanyahu also confirmed that Israeli troops will remain in a 10-kilometer-deep "security zone" in southern Lebanon, a stance that directly contradicts Hezbollah’s demands for their withdrawal. Trump, who has been a central figure in brokering the ceasefire, expressed hope that Hezbollah would "act nicely" during the truce, calling it a "GREAT moment" for the group if they comply. However, the U.S. president’s comments have drawn criticism for their lack of specificity, as he did not elaborate on the terms of the agreement or the role of Iran in the conflict. The ceasefire is technically between Israel and Lebanon, but Hezbollah’s involvement complicates its effectiveness, as the group is deeply embedded in Lebanese politics and military affairs.#israel #donald_trump #hezbollah #benjamin_netanyahu #lebanon
Iran War: Trump’s Hormuz Blockade Tests U.S. Ties with China and India The U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified diplomatic tensions with two key Asian allies—China and India—as Washington’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran risks destabilizing fragile relationships. The move, which has disrupted global oil flows, has exposed vulnerabilities in both nations’ energy dependencies while raising concerns about potential miscalculations that could escalate into a crisis. The blockade, part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to pressure Iran, has had a dual impact. While it aims to cripple Tehran’s economy by cutting off oil exports, it has also created ripple effects across Asia. China, which relies heavily on Iranian oil, has faced criticism for its stance, while India, a major importer of Middle Eastern energy, has found itself caught between U.S. policy and its own economic interests. China’s exposure to the crisis remains more manageable than that of other major economies. With roughly 98% of Iranian oil exports bound for Beijing, the nation’s vast oil reserves and diversified energy mix have provided a buffer. Maritime intelligence firm Windward estimates that over 157.7 million barrels of Iranian crude were en route to China as of Tuesday, underscoring the scale of the disruption. Analysts note that China’s strategic stockpiles, combined with barrels in transit, cover more than 120 days of net imports. This allows the country to absorb the shock by shifting to alternative sources like coal, according to Dan Wang of Eurasia Group. However, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, accused China of being an “unreliable global partner,” criticizing Beijing for hoarding oil supplies instead of easing the global energy crunch.#donald_trump #china #strait_of_hormuz #scott_bessent #guo_jiakun
Jon Stewart Reacts to Trump's Jesus Meme, Questions His Own Appearance Jon Stewart took a personal jab at President Donald Trump’s controversial AI-generated meme, which depicted the president as Jesus Christ, by expressing confusion over his own appearance in the image. During a Monday-night segment on The Daily Show, Stewart scrutinized the meme, which Trump had shared over the weekend, and questioned whether he was the subject of the image. The meme portrayed Trump as a bearded man in a bed, surrounded by figures resembling family members, with a glowing orb above him. Stewart leaned in to examine the image, initially mistaking the person in the bed for himself. “Wait… the guy in the bed…,” he said, then grew concerned. “Am I okay?” he asked the audience, adding an exclamation of disbelief: “What the f*ck?!” Stewart joked about his physical state, referencing his age and past vitality. “I mean, I know I don’t have the vigor and spunk of my MTV days. But I didn’t know we were here already,” he said, lamenting that his appearance had reached “leper territory.” He then turned his attention to the other elements of the image, identifying the figures around him as his wife, Amy Lynne, his brother, Sergeant Chisel Jaw, and his father, Pappy Joe. Stewart also highlighted the image’s surreal details, such as the eagle delivering mail and a hand touching his “penis,” which he humorously attributed to the meme’s creator. “I’m just glad that Jesus Trump brought his healing orb!” he quipped, referencing the glowing orb in the image. The comedian then critiqued the AI-generated nature of the meme, pointing out its limitations. “AI is like, ‘I can give you the fireworks, and the healing powers. And I can make you Jesus. But you weigh what you weigh. Sorry.#donald_trump #the_daily_show #jon_stewart #aigenerated_meme #amy_lynne
Trump Refuses to Apologize to Pope Leo Amid Iran War Dispute President Donald Trump on Monday refused to apologize to Pope Leo XIV after criticizing the pontiff for opposing U.S. military actions in Iran. Trump accused the pope of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” asserting that Leo’s stance on the war threatened to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that he would not apologize for his comments. The exchange intensified as Trump defended his controversial social media post, which depicted him as Jesus, and criticized the pope’s public rebuke of his policies. The feud between the two figures, both prominent Americans, escalated amid the ongoing U.S. military campaign in Iran, which entered its seventh week. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, responded by emphasizing the Vatican’s commitment to peace and reconciliation, framing his criticism of Trump’s war policies as rooted in the Gospel. “To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is,” Leo told reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria. He reiterated that the Church’s mission is to promote peace and dialogue, not to engage in political disputes. Trump’s criticism of the pope followed a social media post in which he accused Leo of failing to address global conflicts effectively. The president claimed that Leo’s election as pope was influenced by his American nationality, suggesting that the Vatican sought to “deal with” Trump by appointing him. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump wrote, accusing the pope of catering to “the Radical Left” and failing to prioritize the Catholic Church’s interests.#iran #donald_trump #pope_leo_xiv #jd_vance #vatican
Federal Judge Dismisses Trump’s WSJ Defamation Lawsuit, Allows Refiling A federal judge on Monday dismissed President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, ruling that the former president failed to meet the legal standard for proving “actual malice” in the case. U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles concluded that Trump’s original complaint did not plausibly allege that the Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper acted with “actual malice” when it published a 2023 article about a lewd birthday letter allegedly written by Trump for Jeffrey Epstein. The dismissal was without prejudice, meaning Trump’s legal team has until April 27 to file an amended complaint addressing the judge’s concerns. The lawsuit, filed last summer, centered on a Wall Street Journal article that reported on the letter, which included Trump’s denial of authorship. The article was published in the context of a broader investigation into Epstein’s criminal activities. Gayles emphasized that Trump’s claims of malice were based on “formulaic” assertions rather than concrete evidence. To succeed in a defamation claim against a public figure like Trump, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant “knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.” The judge criticized the original complaint for relying on vague allegations that the Journal “knew or should have known” the story was false, which he deemed insufficient to meet the legal threshold for defamation. In his ruling, Gayles highlighted the Journal’s reporting process, noting that the article included Trump’s denial of the allegations and reflected the publication’s efforts to verify the claims.#donald_trump #jeffrey_epstein #federal_judge #wall_street_journal #rupert_murdoch
Díaz-Canel refuses to make political concessions amid U.S. pressure Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has reaffirmed his refusal to make significant political concessions to the United States, despite escalating tensions between the two nations. In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker recorded in Havana, Díaz-Canel emphasized that his government would not resign or alter its socialist system to meet U.S. demands. The interview, aired on Sunday, comes amid heightened diplomatic friction, with U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the U.S. could “take Cuba” and framing the island as the next target for potential military action. Secretary Marco Rubio, leading U.S. negotiations, has called for economic and political reforms, including leadership changes, to ease sanctions. Díaz-Canel’s statements, however, suggest that any progress remains stalled. Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba seeks dialogue with the U.S. but insisted that its political system is non-negotiable. He rejected calls for his resignation, stating, “I have no fear. I am willing to give my life for the revolution.” The Cuban leader also dismissed U.S. conditions for lifting sanctions, such as releasing political prisoners, holding multi-party elections, or recognizing free unions and a free press. “We have established that respect for our political system or constitutional order are issues that are not under negotiations with the United States,” he said. Díaz-Canel criticized U.S. interference, arguing that the Trump administration’s approach to Cuba is driven by prejudice and manipulation of narratives about democracy and human rights. The Cuban government has announced the release of 2,000 prisoners, but human rights groups report that no political prisoners have been freed.#donald_trump #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #justicia_11j
UK Shelves Chagos Islands Deal Amid Trump Opposition Sir Keir Starmer has postponed his plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after worsening relations with Donald Trump led to the US failing to formally approve the agreement. The deal, which would hand control of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, has been delayed due to the lack of a required exchange of letters from Washington, a legal prerequisite for the treaty to proceed. UK officials confirmed they have not received formal confirmation from the US, leaving the agreement in limbo. The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British control since the early 19th century. The proposed deal would see the UK cede sovereignty to Mauritius in exchange for an annual £101m ($136m) lease payment for the US military base on Diego Garcia. A government spokesperson emphasized that Diego Garcia is a "key strategic military asset" for both the UK and the US, stating the agreement remains a priority for ensuring the base's long-term operational security. However, the UK has admitted it has run out of time to pass legislation before Parliament is prorogued in the coming weeks, and a new Chagos bill is not expected to appear in the King’s Speech in mid-May. Trump, who initially supported the agreement, has since criticized it as an "act of total weakness" and urged Starmer to abandon the plan. In early 2026, the former president posted on his Truth Social platform, accusing Starmer of "giving away Diego Garcia" and calling the deal a "blight on our great ally." These remarks have intensified scrutiny over the UK’s commitment to the agreement, which was signed in May 2025 and initially welcomed by the US.#mauritius #donald_trump #uk #diego_garcia #chagos_islands
