MapQuest tops Apple App Store after refusing to change Lake Ontario to "Lake America" MapQuest has surged to the top of the Apple App Store’s free app rankings after choosing not to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America," a decision that sparked significant user interest and downloads. The digital mapping company’s refusal to comply with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week to rename the lake has positioned it as the most downloaded free app on the platform. The move has also led to a dramatic increase in app usage, with the company reporting that hundreds of thousands of users have downloaded the app since the announcement. The decision by MapQuest to retain the historical name of Lake Ontario was highlighted in a press release issued by the company on Monday. The statement emphasized that the company’s choice to keep the lake’s original name was part of a broader effort to preserve familiar geographical labels. “The surge follows MapQuest’s decision to keep the historical, familiar names for lakes and gulfs on its maps,” the company noted. This approach aligns with its previous stance on the Gulf of Mexico, where it chose not to rename the body of water despite similar executive directives. MapQuest’s decision was publicly announced on social media on August 27, the same day President Trump signed the executive order directing federal agencies to update maps to reflect the new name. The company’s social media posts included a simple message: “We’re not changing it.” Later, the company clarified its position, stating, “We are aware that Lake Ontario is being correctly labeled on our map.” Additionally, MapQuest introduced a feature allowing users to customize the name of the lake, further emphasizing its commitment to user choice.#president_donald_trump #apple_app_store #google_maps #lake_ontario #mapquest
Trump's Clock Plan Could Affect Halloween The debate over making daylight saving time (DST) permanent has resurfaced, with President Donald Trump pushing for legislation that would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes. The proposal, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, aims to keep clocks set forward year-round, ending the practice of adjusting time twice annually. While the plan could have implications for Halloween, the timing of the holiday means its direct impact remains uncertain. Under current rules, DST ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks are turned back one hour to 1 a.m. local time. This shift provides an extra hour of sleep but also leads to earlier sunsets during the winter months. Halloween, which falls on October 31, occurs before the clock change, meaning trick-or-treaters will not experience the disruption of the time adjustment. However, if the clock change is canceled, those seeking an additional hour of late-night activity after midnight would miss out. The House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act in July, but its fate in the Senate remains unclear. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, has expressed doubts about whether there is sufficient bipartisan support to move the bill forward before the fall time change. With the Senate in recess until September 14, lawmakers face a tight deadline to secure approval. If the legislation is enacted, it would require President Trump’s signature to take effect. Trump has long advocated for ending the clock changes, calling the practice “foolish, inconvenient, and, in some cases, very costly.#president_donald_trump #truth_social #senate_majority_leader_john_thune #house_of_republicans #sunshine_protection_act
Trump Strikes New Drug Pricing Deals with Nine Midsized Drugmakers President Donald Trump announced new drug pricing agreements with nine pharmaceutical companies, marking a significant expansion of his administration’s efforts to align U.S. drug prices with lower international rates. The deals, part of a broader "most favored nation" policy, aim to reduce healthcare costs for American patients by linking domestic prices to those in other countries. The companies involved include Alcon, Astellas Pharma, BeOne Medicines, BridgeBio, CSL, Kyowa Kirin, Sun Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and UCB. These agreements follow previous deals with 17 other firms, bringing the total number of companies under the policy to 26, which the administration claims represents 90% of the domestic pharmaceutical market. Under the new agreements, the nine companies agreed to provide discounts on outpatient medications to all state Medicaid programs, ensuring prices align with international rates. The deals impact drugs used to treat chronic and rare conditions, including hemophilia, liver disease, skin disorders, and certain cancers. Additionally, the companies committed to investing at least $19.6 billion collectively in U.S. manufacturing over the near term, a move intended to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Several companies also pledged to donate active pharmaceutical ingredients to the federal government’s strategic reserve. For instance, UCB agreed to contribute 163 tons of levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant used to manage seizures. These donations aim to enhance the U.S.’s preparedness for emergencies and reduce dependence on global suppliers.#president_donald_trump #alcon #astellas_pharma #beone_medicines #bridgebio
Air Traffic Controllers Warned Trump Helicopter Pilots About Radio Failures a Week Before Near-Miss with Jet Federal investigators revealed that air traffic controllers in Washington and the pilots of President Donald Trump’s helicopter met to address communication issues one week before a jet was allowed to take off as Marine One departed the White House. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report highlighted that controllers did not receive the standard three-minute warning call ahead of Marine One flights, prompting an alternative plan to relay the radio call through a third party. However, this plan also failed on the day of the Aug. 4 incident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The NTSB’s findings indicated that the absence of the three-minute warning call led to both the jet and helicopter being airborne simultaneously, which violated safety protocols established after last year’s midair collision near the airport that killed 67 people. Despite this, officials emphasized that the president was never in danger. The Pentagon has a longstanding agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide controllers with a three-minute warning before the president’s helicopter takes off, a protocol that predates the 2025 crash. Recordings from the air traffic control tower showed that controllers did not hear the calls from Marine One’s pilot warning of the helicopter’s imminent departure. However, separate recordings posted by ATC.com revealed that the helicopter did make those calls. The helicopter pilots attempted to relay the three-minute warning through the facility at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, but this effort was unsuccessful.#president_donald_trump #federal_aviation_administration #national_transportation_safety_board #air_traffic_controllers #joint_base_anacostia_bolling
High Turnover of Trump's Treasury Appointees Sparks Concern Over Compliance Issues Nearly half of the Senate-confirmed Treasury officials appointed by President Donald Trump have resigned or been dismissed, marking a significant exodus linked to the administration’s demands for compliance with controversial tax policies. According to the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, seven of the 16 appointees—approximately 44 percent—have left their posts, a rate far exceeding historical norms. This turnover has drawn criticism from former officials and experts, who argue that the pressure to bend or break tax laws has pushed appointees beyond legal boundaries. The scale of departures contrasts sharply with previous administrations. During the George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Trump’s first term, no Senate-confirmed appointees had left their roles by the same stage in their terms. The current administration’s record under Secretary Scott Bessent has seen unprecedented churn, with former officials attributing the exodus to demands for actions that violate standard tax regulations. These include sharing confidential taxpayer data for an immigration crackdown, creating a $1.8 billion fund to compensate allies in exchange for dropping IRS audits of Trump and his family, and resisting political interference in audit processes. Key figures involved in the departures include John Hurley, a Trump donor and undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, who resigned after raising constitutional concerns about a crackdown on international payments from Minneapolis. Ken Kies, an assistant Treasury secretary and acting IRS chief counsel, was dismissed for opposing political interference in audits.#president_donald_trump #scott_bessent #john_hurley #ken_kies #billy_long
U.S. Prioritizes Low Oil Prices in Iran Conflict as Naval Blockade and Economic Pressure Intensify Vice President JD Vance declared that keeping gas prices low is now the United States’ “goal No. 1” in the ongoing conflict with Iran, as Washington escalated its economic pressure on Tehran and threatened an indefinite naval blockade. The remarks came amid a prolonged standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies, and as the Trump administration sought to shift its strategy from military confrontation to economic coercion. The conflict, which began with a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, initially triggered a sharp spike in global oil and gas prices. While markets have since stabilized, prices remain significantly higher than pre-conflict levels. Vance, speaking on Fox News on August 14, acknowledged that oil prices had declined from their early-war highs but emphasized that maintaining affordability for American consumers remains the top priority. “That’s goal No. 1 — keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country,” he stated. He added that “goal No. 2 is ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon,” a stance consistent with the administration’s broader objective of curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. President Donald Trump, who has increasingly advocated for economic pressure over direct military engagement, framed the conflict as a long-term effort to weaken Iran’s influence. His administration has shifted from initial goals of inciting anti-government protests in Iran to a focus on dismantling the regime’s nuclear capabilities. Trump’s rhetoric has included threats of a permanent naval blockade of Iranian ports and a declaration of the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #vice_president_jd_vance #treasury_secretary_scott_bessant
President Donald Trump is renewing his support for the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the United States. In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, the president praised the House for passing the legislation last month and urged the Senate to approve it, calling the biannual clock changes “foolish, inconvenient, and costly.” He argued that year-round Daylight Saving Time would reduce crime, car accidents, and health risks like cardiac issues and seasonal depression, while also emphasizing its potential to unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents. The Sunshine Protection Act, which cleared the House in July, would eliminate the twice-yearly clock adjustments by making Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. However, it would also allow states to opt out of the change. Under the current system, most Americans switch to Daylight Saving Time in March and revert to Standard Time in November, shifting sunrise and sunset times by an hour during the warmer months. While some states have attempted to stay in Daylight Saving Time permanently, federal law prohibits this, though states can choose to remain in Standard Time year-round. Only Hawaii and most of Arizona have adopted this option. Supporters of the bill argue that permanent Daylight Saving Time would encourage outdoor activity and improve safety by extending evening daylight. However, critics, including sleep experts and medical associations, warn that the practice could disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to chronic sleep deprivation and increased risks of traffic accidents and health complications.#president_donald_trump #house_of_representatives #john_cornyn #sunshine_protection_act #senate_of_the_united_states
World War II Memorial in Washington Vandalized with Bubbles and Graffiti The World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., was defaced with bubbly soap and graffiti on Thursday, sparking a strong condemnation from U.S. authorities. The incident occurred at the iconic site, which is located on the National Mall and features 56 granite pillars arranged around an elliptical plaza. The memorial honors the 400,000 Americans who died and the 16 million who served during World War II, according to the National Park Service. The vandalism involved a fountain that overflowed with suds, creating a chaotic scene as visitors were kept away by yellow crime scene tape. Graffiti, including the phrase “Clean hands Dirty $” in red and green paint, was scrawled on one surface. Uniformed police and National Guard troops were deployed to secure the area, while workers arrived to begin removing the graffiti. Park Police officers confirmed the presence of the damage, with an investigator in plainclothes measuring the extent of the vandalism. The U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, issued a statement condemning the act as “an utter disgrace” and emphasizing that the perpetrator would be held accountable. “Our U.S. Park Police are on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act,” the department declared. The Friends of the National WWII Memorial, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the site, also expressed outrage. They called the vandalism “unacceptable” and stressed that the memorial, a “sacred place of remembrance,” should not be used for such acts. “There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement.#president_donald_trump #national_park_service #national_mall #world_war_ii_memorial #friends_of_the_national_wwii_memorial
Trump’s job approval rating is low by historical standards President Donald Trump’s job approval rating, standing at 34% as of mid-July 2026, has remained largely unchanged over the past several months. This figure is lower than his approval rating at a comparable point in his first term, which was 40% in August 2018, and also below the approval levels of most other recent presidents at similar stages in their presidencies. Trump’s current rating is comparable to President Joe Biden’s approval level in 2022 but remains lower than the ratings of other recent presidents at the same stage of their terms. The data, collected by Pew Research Center and Gallup, provides a historical comparison of presidential approval ratings. For instance, in August 2022, Biden’s approval rating was around 47%, while Trump’s current rating of 34% places him below the average of his predecessors. The analysis includes data from various periods, such as Reagan’s early presidency, George H.W. Bush’s first term, Clinton’s initial years in office, George W. Bush’s early tenure, Obama’s first term, and Trump’s first term. The table below outlines the approval ratings of presidents at specific points in their terms, with the latest data reflecting Trump’s approval rating as of mid-July 2026. The data shows that Trump’s approval rating is lower than that of most presidents at similar stages in their careers, with the exception of Biden’s 2022 rating. | Shared Date | Year | Date | Reagan (1981-83) | G.H.W. Bush (1989-91) | Clinton (1993-95) | G.W.#pew_research_center #president_donald_trump #gallup #president_joe_biden #president_george_h_w_bush
Trump's Economic Claims Under Scrutiny: Fact-Check the Record President Donald Trump has repeatedly highlighted his economic achievements, emphasizing record stock market gains, a surge in hiring, and a manufacturing boom. However, a closer examination of the data reveals a mix of truths, exaggerations, and complexities that challenge his optimistic narrative. As the November 3 midterms approach, voters remain divided over the state of the economy, with many citing rising living costs as a major source of frustration. The U.S. labor market has indeed seen record employment levels, with over 159 million jobs reported in June 2026. This marks a historic high, though the pace of job growth has slowed compared to earlier in Trump’s second term. In 2025, the average monthly addition of jobs was 9,700, the weakest hiring trend since 2002. This year, the rate improved to 92,000 jobs per month, but it still lags behind the average of nearly 329,000 jobs per month during President Joe Biden’s tenure. Analysts attribute the slower growth to factors such as high interest rates, Trump’s immigration policies, and the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. The stock market has also reached new highs, with the S&P 500 hitting 64 records since Trump’s 2025 re-election. Trump claimed the market had set 74 all-time highs since his return to the White House, though the exact metric he referenced remains unclear. The rally is driven by strong corporate profits and optimism about potential geopolitical developments, such as a U.S.-led resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, market volatility persists due to uncertainties surrounding the Iran conflict and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the economy.#president_donald_trump #sp_500 #us_labor_market #ism_survey #ap_norc_poll
Stephanie Grisham files temporary restraining order against Rep. Max Miller Stephanie Grisham, the former White House press secretary, has filed a temporary restraining order against Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, according to her attorney’s announcement on Monday. The filing came amid an ongoing legal dispute between the two, which has spanned several years and included allegations of misconduct, defamation, and breach of a settlement agreement. Grisham and Miller, who dated in 2019 and 2020, had previously been embroiled in a separate legal battle. In 2021, Grisham published an op-ed in the Washington Post describing an abusive relationship with her then-boyfriend, who was a White House staffer at the time. She did not disclose his identity in the piece. Shortly after the op-ed was published, Miller, who was running for a House seat in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, sued Grisham for defamation, denying any allegations of abuse. The case took a significant turn when both parties reached a settlement. According to court documents obtained by the Ohio Capital Journal, the agreement included promises from Miller to Grisham that he would not make disparaging remarks about her. However, Grisham’s lawyer, Marc Dann, claimed these promises were broken. “The settlement included certain promises that Congressman Miller made to our client Stephanie Grisham, and those promises were broken,” Dann stated in a comment to the Journal. Miller, who now represents Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, has faced renewed scrutiny over the allegations. His current position in Congress has not prevented him from continuing his political career, but the legal actions against him have raised questions about his conduct.#president_donald_trump #stephanie_grisham #rep_max_miller #marc_dann #sen_bernie_moreno
U.S. Officials Deny New Iran Negotiations Amid Escalating Tensions President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that negotiations with Iran would begin "today" following his decision to cancel planned strikes against the country, but U.S. officials told CBS News that no new talks are planned. The conflicting statements came after Iran denied direct discussions with Washington, with its only ongoing negotiations reportedly focused on Oman. The situation remains tense as the U.S. military continues to enforce a blockade against Iran, redirecting commercial vessels and boarding ships under its control. The dispute has also led to a significant disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. A British maritime agency reported that an "unknown projectile" struck a cargo ship in the strait, though details about the incident, including damage or casualties, were not disclosed. The attack occurred 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Al Khasab, raising concerns about the safety of maritime routes. Meanwhile, data firm Kpler noted that traffic through the strait and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains constrained, with only nine confirmed vessel transits recorded on Sunday, including two sanctioned ships and two shadow fleet vessels. Trump’s rhetoric has intensified the crisis, with the president accusing U.S. oil companies of profiting excessively from high prices driven by the conflict. During an executive order signing at the White House, he criticized Chevron and ExxonMobil for "making too much money" from the situation, vowing that oil prices would "drop through the floor" once the Iran war concludes. However, neither company responded to requests for comment, leaving the administration’s claims unchallenged. The U.S.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #central_command #us_officials
Middle East crisis live: Jordan says it foiled Iranian missile attack as US launches ‘heavy’ strikes on Iran after pause The United States launched a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran on Thursday, escalating tensions in the Middle East amid fears of a broader conflict. The attacks, carried out by US military forces, targeted dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, including military command centers, according to US Central Command. The strikes followed a days-long pause in violence between the US and Iran, which had been triggered by Iran’s alleged targeting of American bases in Jordan. The operation was launched hours after President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate “very hard” against Iran, marking a significant shift in the region’s volatile dynamics. Jordan’s military confirmed it had intercepted five Iranian missiles aimed at the kingdom, with no casualties reported. The state news agency reported the incident occurred after the US military announced its strikes. Jordan’s defense against the missile attack came amid a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, which has included missile strikes and drone attacks on several Arab nations, including Kuwait and Jordan, with Iran claiming the attacks were targeting US military installations. The US’s retaliatory strikes were accompanied by joint operations with Saudi Arabia, which targeted Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The Saudi-US strikes killed at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers, according to reports. Saudi Arabia had previously reported drone attacks on its crude oil facilities, which it attributed to Iran-backed groups. The attacks in Iraq, combined with the US strikes in Iran, pushed the region into “uncharted territory,” raising concerns about the potential for all-out war.#saudi_arabia #president_donald_trump #us_central_command #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #jordan_military
US Senate Votes on Russia Sanctions Bill, Sparks Tariff Fears for India and China The US Senate is set to vote on a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, which could lead to 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas. The legislation, named the "Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026," aims to curb Moscow’s energy revenue and limit Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The bill’s passage could have significant implications for India and China, which are among the world’s largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. The proposed law grants President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs on nations that continue importing large quantities of Russian energy. This comes amid heightened tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the US seeking to weaken Moscow’s financial resources. The bill’s timing coincides with the funeral of late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a key architect of the legislation. India and China face heightened risks due to their reliance on Russian energy. India imports approximately 85% of its crude oil, with around 17 lakh barrels per day sourced from Russia. China, meanwhile, imports nearly 20 lakh barrels daily. Both nations have become critical buyers of Russian energy since the 2022 Ukraine war, as global energy markets shifted due to Western sanctions. Russian oil has provided India’s refineries with cost advantages, helping stabilize domestic fuel prices despite global inflation. The bill’s potential implementation could disrupt India’s energy supply chain and strain its trade relations with the US. Analysts warn that tariffs could increase costs for Indian industries reliant on Russian imports, while also complicating ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.#india #china #president_donald_trump #lindsey_graham #us_senate
President Donald Trump's administration has addressed allegations that a White House teleprompter operator bet on the content of the president's speeches using an online prediction market, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming the president is aware of the reports. Leavitt stated that Trump views the situation as "deeply unfortunate and frankly a disgrace," leading to the employee's placement on unpaid administrative leave, a decision made by the president. The individual, identified as Gabriel Perez, is alleged to have wagered over $100,000 on bets placed through Kalshi, a platform that allows users to predict outcomes of political events. Perez is accused of placing bets on more than a dozen of Trump's speeches, including the State of the Union address in February and a speech at a Medal of Honor ceremony. Leavitt emphasized that the White House has strict ethical guidelines prohibiting such activities, which are communicated to all staff during onboarding. She noted that the individual "unfortunately violated the plan" and is now facing consequences, including cooperation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The White House counsel's office was reportedly unaware of the alleged bets, and Leavitt confirmed that no other staffers are under investigation. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the ethical boundaries of political engagement and the use of prediction markets. Kalshi, which has faced scrutiny for its role in election-related betting, recently suspended three congressional candidates for wagering on their own elections. The White House's stance aligns with recent actions by the Trump administration, which has supported platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket amid state efforts to ban prediction markets.#white_house #president_donald_trump #karoline_leavitt #kalshi #gabriel_perez
Judge Accuses Trump of Attempting to Manipulate Judicial Process in IRS Lawsuit A federal judge ruled Monday that President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS was an effort to “manipulate the judicial process” and that his legal team acted in bad faith. US District Judge Kathleen Williams, appointed by President Barack Obama, ordered sanctions against attorneys involved in the case, which led to an attempt to create a $1.8 billion fund for allies of the president and justify a Trump administration order granting amnesty for past tax issues. The judge’s 56-page opinion criticized both the Justice Department and private attorneys for their conduct, calling the lawsuit an effort to use the court to legitimize an agreement that provided immunity to Trump’s associates and allocated taxpayer funds to unspecified grievances. Williams’ ruling highlighted the legal and ethical violations she alleged in the case. She accused the Justice Department of abandoning its duty to defend the United States by entering into a “settlement” that disregarded DOJ policies and federal law. The settlement, which included a tax amnesty order for Trump and his associates, was described as an unauthorized agreement that deviated from standard litigation procedures. The judge also referred one private attorney representing Trump to the Florida Bar for potential disciplinary action and barred another lawyer from appearing in court in the Southern District of Florida for a year. The lawsuit, which Trump filed in 2025, stemmed from a 2023 leak of tax information by a government contractor, Charles Littlejohn, who worked for an IRS-contracted consulting firm. Littlejohn pleaded guilty to leaking sensitive data to media outlets and was sentenced to five years in prison.#president_donald_trump #us_department_of_justice #acting_attorney_general_todd_blanche #charles_littlejohn #judge_kathleen_williams
Judge Criticizes Trump's IRS Lawsuit as 'Improper Purpose' U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled Monday that President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service was filed for an “improper purpose,” accusing the former president of manipulating the court system to advance a political agenda. The judge recommended disciplinary action against one of Trump’s attorneys and characterized the $10 billion complaint as an attempt to exploit the legal process for self-dealing. The lawsuit, which centered on Trump’s leaked tax returns, was dismissed as a tool to secure immunity for allies of the president and establish a fund to compensate individuals claiming they were wrongfully targeted during investigations. Williams’ decision highlighted the lack of adversarial interests between the parties involved, as the lawsuit was filed against a federal agency under Trump’s control. The judge emphasized that the case was not about resolving a legal dispute but rather about creating a settlement that granted Trump immunity from tax audits and established the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” This fund, intended to compensate allies of the president for alleged persecution, was reportedly abandoned after bipartisan backlash, though the judge noted that the administration had not formally filed any documents to confirm this. The ruling resurfaced a politically sensitive issue for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is set to face Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings. Williams criticized Blanche’s earlier testimony in June, where he stated the anti-weaponization fund was no longer moving forward.#president_donald_trump #internal_revenue_service #judge_kathleen_williams #attorney_general_todd_blanche #anti_weaponization_fund
After a year of tariffs, automakers are still resistant to moving production to the US Toyota announced last week it would do something other automakers have been reluctant to do – shift some production from Mexico to the United States. The Japanese automaker will soon build half of its best-selling midsize Tacoma pickups at an expanded plant in San Antonio, where it already builds the Tundra full-size pickup and Sequoia SUV. But it will also continue to build Tacomas in Mexico. President Donald Trump heralded the shift to US soil, calling it “a really big deal” and proof of “Tariffs at work!” Toyota didn’t cite tariff policy as the catalyst. “While we are impacted by evolving trade policies, our investments are multi-decade decisions based on broader strategic goals,” the company told CNN. And more than a year after the Trump administration announced sweeping auto tariffs to spur construction of new American factories, Toyota’s move is the exception, not the rule. Few automakers have announced plans to move production to the United States. Most would rather pay tariffs than spend billions to build new facilities – and the product lines that are coming to the US are moving into existing factories. Forty-six percent of the cars purchased by US consumers last year were imported, according to Mobility Global, down only slightly from 47.7% in 2024. Some of that drop was because automakers wound down the sale of imported vehicles with lower price tags, such as the Nissan Versa. But there are too many costs and too much uncertainty for automakers to make widespread changes in their factory footprints. “It’s a huge commitment (to build a factory) and to do it on a whim would be borderline crazy,” said Ivan Drury, director of insights at car buying site Edmunds. “So the safest action is no action.#toyota #president_donald_trump #san_antonio #general_motors #usmca
Fuel Prices Are Slamming Consumers Even as Crude Crisis Fades Prices for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel are rebounding even as crude oil prices ease, a rare divergence that is driving up costs for peak-season travelers and challenging President Donald Trump’s promise to curb inflation ahead of the midterm elections. The gap between refined fuel prices and raw crude has reached record levels in the U.S. and other regions, despite global oil benchmarks having largely reversed the spike caused by the Iran war. Analysts warn consumers may face further price increases as supply constraints from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East tensions continue to tighten markets. The situation highlights the complex interplay between global supply chains and regional demand. Russia, the world’s second-largest diesel exporter after the U.S., banned diesel exports in response to sustained Ukrainian attacks on its refineries, leading to domestic shortages. Countries reliant on Russian supplies, such as Brazil and Turkey, have engaged in fierce competition for alternative sources, exacerbating price pressures. Meanwhile, renewed clashes around the Strait of Hormuz—following Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire—have disrupted refined product flows, with daily shipments through the strait dropping to near 1 million barrels from 5 million before the conflict. In the U.S., regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.88 per gallon as of July 10, the third-highest price on record for this time of year, while diesel prices are the second-most expensive for the season. Jet fuel costs remain elevated, with airlines struggling to offset earlier war-related expenses.#trafigura_group #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #wood_mackenzie #russia_ukraine_conflict
Stock Market Tumbles Amid Escalating Iran Tensions U.S. stock markets experienced significant declines on Wednesday as President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran was over, sparking renewed hostilities in the Middle East and sending oil prices sharply higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 576.76 points, or 1.09%, to 52,348.39, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.28% to 7,482.71. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.2% to 25,870.65, bucking the broader market downturn. The turmoil followed Trump’s announcement at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, that the U.S. would abandon its ceasefire with Iran. The president accused Iran of violating the agreement, stating, “I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum.” Trump later threatened to launch further attacks, declaring, “We’re going to hit them hard tonight.” His remarks came after U.S. strikes against Iran on Tuesday, in retaliation for attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices surged as a result of the escalating tensions. International Brent crude futures rose 5.43% to $78.19 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 4.37% to $73.52. Energy stocks gained, with ConocoPhillips up 2% and Chevron rising 1%. Marathon Petroleum surged 5%, reflecting investor optimism about higher oil prices. However, consumer and travel-related stocks faced pressure. Home Depot fell 2%, McDonald’s dropped over 1%, and Booking Holdings lost 4%. Airline stocks also declined, with American Airlines down nearly 4%, United Airlines falling 2.5%, and Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue all dropping around 2%. Analysts warned that renewed conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, drive up energy costs, and dampen demand for travel, further pressuring airline profits.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #conocoPhillips #nato_summit_ankara
