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
Kai Trump Masters phone truth as Donald Trump's granddaughter told she risks ban Kai Trump, the granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, faced speculation about potential consequences for her social media posts during the Masters golf tournament, but the situation was clarified as not violating the course’s rules. The 18-year-old, daughter of Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Jr., was allowed to attend the event on a practice day, where she walked the grounds, observed the competition, and took photos with golfer Bryson DeChambeau. Her posts, which included a selfie in front of the iconic Amen Corner sign, sparked online debates about whether she risked being banned from Augusta National Golf Club. The controversy stemmed from the club’s strict policy against carrying mobile phones on the grounds. The rules explicitly state that anyone found with a phone will be removed from the course and barred from purchasing tickets. This policy is enforced to maintain the exclusivity and tradition of the event, with press members allowed to use phones only in designated media areas. However, Kai’s situation was distinct: she used a digital camera instead of a phone, meaning her social media activity did not breach the club’s regulations. Club officials confirmed that her presence posed no threat of a ban, as she adhered to the guidelines. The incident drew comparisons to a recent incident involving Mark Calcavecchia, a 1989 Open winner who was ordered to leave Augusta after being caught on his phone. While some social media users speculated that Kai could face similar consequences, the club’s clarification clarified that her actions were within the rules. The distinction between a camera and a phone was critical, as the club’s policy specifically targets mobile devices, not cameras.#donald_trump #kai_trump #bryson_dechambeau #augusta_national_golf_club #butch_harmon
Stock Market Volatility Amid Iran Conflict and Inflation Concerns The U.S. stock market experienced mixed performance on Friday, April 10, 2026, as traders grappled with the fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The S&P 500 closed slightly lower, dropping 0.11% to 6,816.89, but managed a weekly gain of 3.6%, marking its best weekly performance since November. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.35% to 22,902.89, driven by gains in semiconductor stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.56% to 47,916.57, losing 269.23 points. The market’s reaction was influenced by geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Iran, accusing its leaders of “short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways” and warning that the country should not charge fees for oil tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz. These remarks followed a day of heightened rhetoric, with Trump threatening to take action if Iran continued to impose such fees. Oil prices fluctuated amid uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz’s reopening. West Texas Intermediate crude futures closed at $96.57 a barrel, down 1.33%, while Brent crude fell 0.75% to $95.20. The conflict’s impact on energy prices was evident in March’s consumer price index (CPI) report, which showed a 10.9% surge in energy costs, pushing annual inflation to 3.3%. However, core CPI, which excludes energy and food, rose only 0.2% for the month and 2.6% year-over-year, below expectations. Inflation fears resurfaced as the University of Michigan’s survey revealed consumers now anticipate a 4.8% annual inflation rate over the next year, up from March’s 3.8%.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #federal_reserve #us_stock_market
White House Reportedly Warns Staff Against Insider Trading The White House reportedly issued a staff-wide warning against engaging in insider trading, following concerns raised by lawmakers about potential misuse of confidential information. The directive, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, was sent by the White House Management Office on March 24, a day after President Donald Trump paused military strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure. The email emphasized the ethical and legal obligations of federal employees to avoid using nonpublic information for financial gain. The warning comes amid scrutiny over trading activity linked to Trump’s decisions regarding the U.S.-Israel war on Iran. On March 23, Trump posted on Truth Social, announcing a pause in military strikes against Iran, which was followed by a surge in trading on futures markets. Bloomberg reported that contracts covering at least six million barrels of Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude were sold within two minutes starting at 6:49 a.m. in New York, far exceeding the average of 700,000 barrels sold during the same period in prior weeks. The rapid trading volume raised questions about whether insiders had access to Trump’s planned announcement. The email also addressed betting on prediction markets, where users trade contracts based on the outcomes of future events. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have seen increased activity, particularly around high-profile events such as the 2024 presidential election and Trump’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January. However, lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential for insider trading on these platforms. On March 23, Senators Adam Schiff (D, Calif.#donald_trump #white_house #kalshi #polymarket #wall_street_journal
Ivanka Trump Reflects on the 2024 Assassination Attempt on Her Father Ivanka Trump described the moment she witnessed her father, Donald Trump, being shot during a 2024 campaign rally as "incredibly difficult," revealing how the event fundamentally altered her perspective on life and family. The incident, which occurred on July 13, 2024, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, unfolded in real time as Trump was attacked by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle from a rooftop outside the security perimeter. The Secret Service counter-snipers swiftly neutralized Crooks, killing him within seconds of his first shot. During the attack, Trump was struck in the upper part of his right ear, though he survived. A rally attendee, Corey Comperatore, was killed while shielding his family, while two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were critically injured but survived. Trump, who famously raised his fist and mouthed "Fight! Fight! Fight!" as he was escorted offstage, later recounted the harrowing experience. Ivanka, who was at her home in Bedminster, New Jersey, with her two children, described watching the events unfold on television. She recalled turning her children away from the screen, stating, "It was incredibly difficult," as she grappled with fear and protectiveness. Despite the trauma, Ivanka expressed a sense of knowing in that moment that her father would survive. "I just knew it wasn’t his time," she said, acknowledging the horror and fear she felt for her family. She emphasized that her belief in his safety was rooted in a "sensation of knowing" that the worst had not occurred. The experience left her deeply shaken, prompting her to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of love and connection.#donald_trump #jared_kushner #ivanka_trump #thomas_matthew_crooks #corey_comperatore
L&T stock price rallies 7% on Iran-US ceasefire; Middle East exposure back in focus Shares of Larsen & Toubro surged more than 7% on March 8, 2026, following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire in the ongoing West Asia conflict. The engineering major’s stock climbed to Rs 3,991.30, up Rs 268.00 or 7.20% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), marking a sharp reversal from earlier in the month. This rally came after months of investor concerns over project disruptions and geopolitical risks in the Middle East, which had previously pressured L&T’s stock. At the height of tensions, the company’s market capitalisation had slipped below the Rs 5 lakh crore mark on March 13, making it the top loser on the Nifty index that day. The newly announced two-week ceasefire, declared in the early hours of March 8, is expected to alleviate fears of project delays and geopolitical instability, which had weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Larsen & Toubro’s international business remains a cornerstone of its operations, with international orders accounting for over half of its total inflows. For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the company secured international orders worth Rs 1,91,084 crore, representing 55% of total order inflows. In the December quarter alone, international orders reached Rs 66,848 crore, contributing 49% of inflows, while international revenues totaled Rs 38,775 crore, making up 54% of total revenue. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is highlighted as a key growth driver, with strong investment momentum in AI infrastructure, data centres, and large-scale urban development projects. These projects have positioned L&T as a major player in the region’s infrastructure expansion, despite the volatility of the geopolitical landscape.#donald_trump #abbas_araghchi #gulf_cooperation_council #larsen_toubro #us_iran_ceasefire
L&T shares zoom 8% as Donald Trump announces two-week ceasefire with Iran. Why does it matter for construction major? Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shares surged 8.11% to Rs 4,025 on the BSE on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, linked to the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The critical oil route, which handles about one-fifth of global oil flows, is expected to resume operations without disruption. This development has sparked optimism for L&T, a major player in the Middle East, where the company has significant business operations and a large workforce. The ceasefire announcement has had an immediate positive impact on L&T’s stock, reversing recent declines. Over the past month, the company’s shares had corrected nearly 15% due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Since the start of the year, the stock has fallen 10%, reflecting investor concerns about regional instability. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, however, signals a potential easing of hostilities, which could stabilize L&T’s operations in the region. L&T’s exposure to the Middle East is substantial. As of December 2025, the region accounted for nearly 40% of the company’s total order book, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Within its international portfolio, West Asia contributes approximately 75% of the order book. The company operates over 100 sites across key markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. These operations employ 8,000 full-time staff, along with 2,000 family members and 20,000 contractual workers. The strategic importance of the Middle East to L&T is underscored by its extensive infrastructure projects, including power plants, industrial facilities, and transportation networks.#donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #saudi_arabia #motilal_oswal_financial_services #larsen_toubro
