#trump

Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending 'filthy' air into US cities The US president has escalated tensions with Canada by threatening new tariffs after a surge in wildfires has blanketed northern US cities in smoke. Trump accused Canada of "willful negligence" for failing to manage its forests, citing the spread of hazardous air quality across multiple states. The dispute has reignited debates over cross-border environmental responsibility and trade relations between the two nations. As of Saturday, 955 wildfires were burning in Canada, with over 190 active in Ontario, many out of control. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System reported that nearly 3 million hectares of land have been scorched, with smoke spreading across the US Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Great Lakes. Air quality alerts have led to the cancellation of outdoor events, with Detroit ranking as the worst in the world for pollution, followed by Chicago, Washington DC, and New York. Trump's comments on Truth Social framed the crisis as a direct attack on American citizens, accusing Canada of "not properly maintaining" its forests. He vowed to call Prime Minister Mark Carney to demand accountability, echoing calls from Republican lawmakers to make Canada the 51st US state. The rhetoric has sparked backlash in Canada, with Premier Doug Ford condemning the "shameful" accusations and emphasizing that the two nations have a history of mutual aid during disasters. Ford highlighted Canada's past support for US wildfires in California and hurricane relief in North Carolina, stating, "You don't get on and start threatening and criticising because guess what? One day it's going to be your turn." Canadian officials have defended their efforts, noting investments of over C$12 billion in forest sustainability and fire prevention.#trump #canada #mark_carney #john_james #doug_ford

Trump's Frustration Over Poor Turnout at MAGA Rally and July 4 Event Challenges The president was reportedly "livid" over the low turnout at his MAGA rally-style event last week, which NBC News described as drawing "nowhere near" the 45,000-strong crowd he had boasted about on Truth Social. The event, intended to mark the launch of his Freedom 250 project, turned into a self-promotional spectacle for Trump rather than a celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The gathering faced criticism after a group of artists scheduled to perform withdrew, having been misled into believing the event was organized by the bipartisan America 250 group, which has been sidelined by Trump’s MAGA-aligned Freedom 250 organization. With just days left until the president is set to headline a similarly MAGA-coded July 4 celebration on the National Mall, his aides are growing increasingly concerned about the potential for another disappointing turnout. The event, billed as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for the country’s semiquincentennial, faces multiple logistical hurdles. Weather forecasters predict triple-digit temperatures in Washington, D.C., on July 4, turning the open-air National Mall into a sweltering environment with limited shade. Attendees will be exposed to extreme heat, with thermometers expected to top 100 degrees, making the open-air setting uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. The political nature of the event, driven by Trump’s involvement, is also expected to deter many Washington residents who might otherwise attend. The Secret Service’s strict security measures further complicate the experience, requiring attendees to arrive hours before the event begins and remain in place with minimal access to water or shade.#trump #secret_service #america_250 #freedom_250 #maga

Trump’s July Fourth Fireworks Event Amid Heat, Controversy and Security Concerns President Donald Trump’s 250th anniversary celebration for the United States will reach its climax on July 4 with a record-breaking fireworks display on the National Mall in Washington, DC, despite extreme heat, air quality concerns, and logistical challenges. The event, branded as the “Salute to America,” is part of a broader series of semiquincentennial commemorations organized by Trump’s nonprofit, Freedom 250, which aims to center the festivities around the president’s cultural and political agenda. The event will also include the “Great American State Fair” and other activities, such as the “Freedom 250 Grand Prix” and the “Patriot Games,” a youth athletic contest with a $250,000 prize. The fireworks show, set to begin at 10:30 p.m. ET, will feature nearly 850,000 fireworks shells launched from 10 locations, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Potomac River barges, and West Potomac Park. This is expected to surpass the current Guinness World Record for the largest firework display, which was set during a 2016 New Year’s countdown in the Philippines with 810,904 shells. The event will cost an estimated $850,000, according to previous reports. However, the display faces scrutiny over its environmental impact, as fireworks generate smoke pollution that can rival wildfire emissions and linger in the air for hours. Additionally, the scorching temperatures—forecasted to reach 101 degrees in Washington, DC, the hottest July Fourth on record—will exacerbate air quality issues by creating ground-level ozone, a pollutant formed from vehicle exhaust, heat, and sunlight. Trump has vowed to deliver a lengthy speech at the event, despite the extreme heat.#trump #national_mall #muriel_bowser #lincoln_memorial_reflecting_pool #freedom_250

Concerns Mount Over Trump's Massive July Fourth Celebration Amid Health and Security Risks The National Mall in Washington, D.C., is set to host a record-breaking July Fourth celebration, but mounting concerns about extreme weather, air quality, and logistical challenges have cast a shadow over the event. Organized by Event Strategies Inc., a company with deep ties to former President Donald Trump, the spectacle is being billed as “the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all.” However, experts, organizers, and security officials warn that the scale of the event, combined with forecasted temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit and potential smoke plumes, could pose serious risks to public health and safety. The fireworks display, which will feature over 850,000 pyrotechnics launched from 10 locations, is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. — nearly two hours later than usual — due to a planned 45-minute speech by Trump. The delay aims to avoid the heat of the day, but the high temperature is expected to reach 107 degrees, with a heat index far higher. Organizers have already secured more than 500,000 water bottles and deployed “huge, huge, huge tents that are air conditioned” to manage the crowd. Despite these measures, the event’s timing has raised concerns about the health of attendees, particularly the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions. Air quality experts have sounded alarms about the potential for hazardous smoke plumes. The fireworks, which will include pyrotechnics set to American pop songs like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” could create an “inversion” effect under the extreme heat and cloudy conditions. This phenomenon, where warm air traps pollutants near the ground, could concentrate toxic particles in the air. Dr.#trump #uc_davis #national_mall #freedom_250 #event_strategies_inc

Trump reads to children on Usha Vance's podcast and veers off script | AP News President Donald Trump joined second lady Usha Vance on her podcast, where guests read children’s books to young listeners, but the former president’s appearance quickly deviated from the scripted format. During the episode of Vance’s “Storytime with the Second Lady,” Trump read a picture book titled “Presidents Play!” from the White House Historical Association, which features illustrations of past presidents engaging in recreational activities. The segment, posted online on Friday, was recorded in mid-June in the Oval Office, where Trump’s usual decor was augmented with a bald eagle stuffed animal, oversized book-stacked tables, and a Lego globe. As Trump navigated the children’s book, he interjected with commentary on historical figures, personal anecdotes, and remarks about his own time in the White House. When Vance asked if he had much time to read for fun while in office, Trump replied that he mostly read newspapers, adding, “I usually read stories about myself.” The book’s pages prompted him to describe Lyndon Johnson as a “tough cookie,” Ronald Reagan as a “high-quality person” and “like your father was president,” and John F. Kennedy as “the second-most good-looking president.” He left unspoken who he considered the best-looking president. Trump’s remarks extended to Richard Nixon, whom he described as having “got himself into trouble” after the Watergate scandal. He also referenced Herbert Hoover, who played a game called “Hoover Ball” during the Great Depression, quipping, “That worked out better for him than the economy.” Barack Obama, a long-time target of Trump’s criticism, was depicted playing basketball in the book.#trump #usha_vance #white_house_historical_association #storytime_with_the_second_lady #oval_office

Republicans brace for Trump SAVE Act showdown Sens. Mike Lee and Rick Scott have scheduled a potentially contentious lunch with President Trump and Senate Republicans, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the SAVE America Act. The meeting, set for Wednesday, comes after months of pressure from Lee and Scott on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to advance the legislation. The SAVE Act, which mandates voter ID requirements, proof of citizenship, and stricter mail-in voting restrictions, has become a central issue in the Republican Party's strategy for the upcoming midterm elections. However, Thune has remained resolute in his opposition, arguing that the bill lacks sufficient support within the Senate. Thune emphasized that the SAVE Act faces significant hurdles, stating, "There are not the votes to nuke the filibuster, and there aren't going to be 10 Democrat votes to all of a sudden support the SAVE America Act." His comments reflect the broader skepticism among Senate Republicans about the feasibility of passing the bill, particularly given the party's divided stance on voting reforms. The SAVE Act's provisions, which aim to curb voter access, have drawn criticism from moderate and centrist members of the party, who argue that the measures could alienate voters and undermine the party's electoral prospects. The tension within the Senate GOP leadership has intensified as conservative senators like Lee and Scott push for aggressive procedural tactics to force the bill's passage. Scott, who chairs the conservative Senate GOP Steering Committee, extended an invitation to Trump for the weekly lunch, a move that Thune humorously dismissed as unconsulted. "Well, he told me he did it," Thune remarked, highlighting the informal and sometimes contentious dynamics within the party.#trump #save_america_act #john_thune #mike_lee #rick_scott

Trump Endorses John James for Michigan Governor, Boosting His Primary Bid President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James for Michigan governor on Monday, a move that significantly elevates James’s prospects in the August 4 primary election. The endorsement, announced via Truth Social, positions James, a Republican congressman from Shelby Township, as the frontrunner in the GOP race for the state’s top political office. Trump also backed Michael Bouchard for the 10th Congressional District and Amir Hassan for the 8th Congressional District, further solidifying his influence within the party. James, a second-term congressman and former Senate candidate, has long been a Trump ally, but some Michigan Republicans had speculated that Trump preferred him to seek reelection in his House district rather than run for governor. Trump’s endorsement, however, dismissed those claims, effectively ending the debate. The decision also weakened the campaigns of other Republican gubernatorial candidates, including Aric Nesbitt, Michigan Senate Minority Leader, who ended his campaign hours after Trump’s announcement. Nesbitt, who had been polling last in the race, pledged to support James, stating, “A divided primary only helps Democrats. It’s time to unite.” The remaining GOP contenders for governor are former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia and businessman Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills. Cox, who has framed his campaign as a fight against “elites,” vowed to continue his bid despite the endorsement, declaring, “I look forward to being President Trump’s favorite governor when I win.” Johnson, meanwhile, criticized Trump’s advice, arguing that endorsements alone do not determine outcomes.#trump #michigan #truth_social #john_james #shelby_township

Trump Finally Sealed Iran Deal. Now Talks on the ‘Final’ Agreement Begin President Donald Trump signed a 14-point interim agreement to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, marking a pivotal moment in international diplomacy. The deal, signed at the Palace of Versailles in France, was hailed by the White House as a breakthrough, though critics argue it prioritizes Iran’s interests over U.S. security concerns. The agreement, which includes provisions to lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets, sets the stage for a 60-day negotiation period between Washington and Tehran to finalize the terms of a broader accord. The interim agreement, described by Trump as “very strong,” aims to address several critical issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway for global oil trade—and the cessation of Iran’s nuclear program. However, the deal has drawn mixed reactions. While Iran’s leadership framed it as a victory, U.S. political opponents and analysts criticized it for failing to curb Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities or address regional instability. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of “giving away the store,” arguing that the agreement did not achieve key U.S. objectives. The deal’s terms include the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade on Iranian ports, a move confirmed by U.S. Central Command. The agreement also commits to the “disposition” and dilution of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, though Trump emphasized that immediate action was not necessary. The U.S. pledged to terminate all sanctions, including those on Iran’s oil exports, and announced plans for a $300 billion redevelopment fund to aid Iran’s recovery from wartime damage. However, Trump and a senior official denied that the U.S. would fund the initiative directly.#iran #trump #white_house #chuck_schumer #versailles

Trump Plans Rally With Patriotic Singer After Artist Withdrawals The planned concerts on the National Mall, organized by a Trump-backed group to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, have sparked significant controversy as numerous musicians withdrew from the event. President Donald Trump announced his intention to hold a rally on June 24, the day before the official start of the Great American State Fair, which was set to run from June 25 to July 10. The rally would feature performances by country singer Lee Greenwood and tenor Christopher Macchio, both of whom have been associated with patriotic themes. The cancellations of high-profile artists, including Young MC, Martina McBride, the Commodores, Morris Day, and Bret Michaels, have raised questions about the political nature of the event. These musicians were originally scheduled to perform as part of the “World’s Fair-style celebration” organized by the group Freedom 250, which Trump created in December to oversee the administration’s 250th anniversary initiatives. The group operates independently of America250, a nonprofit linked to the bipartisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by Congress in 2016 to manage the commemoration. Trump’s social media post highlighted his support for Greenwood’s anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.,” a song frequently performed at his political rallies. He also praised Macchio’s vocal abilities, comparing him to the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and announced that the rally would include performances of “Nessun dorma,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America.” The president described the event as “a Rally to end all Rallies,” emphasizing its significance.#trump #freedom_250 #great_american_state_fair #lee_greenwood #christopher_macchio

Trump signs order directing CDC to align with assessment calling for fewer childhood vaccines President Trump signed an executive order on Friday directing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to align with a scientific assessment released earlier in the year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advocates for reducing the number of childhood vaccines recommended. The order mandates the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to review the HHS assessment and the latest clinical data, then take any necessary steps to update the U.S. childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule. The move follows a December memo issued by Trump instructing HHS to align U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with "best practices from peer, developed countries." In early January, HHS released an assessment concluding that the U.S. recommends more childhood vaccines than any other peer nation and more than twice as many doses as some European countries. The report highlighted that the U.S. schedule includes vaccines for diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B, which are recommended only for high-risk children. However, the CDC retained recommendations for 11 diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Hib, pneumonia, polio, HPV, and varicella. The executive order was met with significant backlash from medical experts and health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP, which criticized the HHS assessment, released its own childhood vaccine recommendations, diverging from CDC guidance. The White House defended the order, stating it reaffirms Trump’s commitment to "gold-standard science" and empowers patients and doctors with "maximum flexibility.#trump #cdc #robert_f_kennedy_jr #hhs #acip

Vanilla Ice defends Great American State Fair gig, tells critics music 'has no political rules' Vanilla Ice has publicly defended his decision to perform at the Great American State Fair’s Freedom 250 concerts, dismissing concerns about the event’s political implications. The rapper, who has faced criticism from some fans and media outlets, emphasized that music is a form of entertainment free from political boundaries. In a social media post, he described the concert as “gonna be an epic party” aimed at uniting people for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The Great American State Fair, organized by the Freedom 250 group, is set to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 through July 10, 2026. The event is part of broader commemorations for America’s 250th birthday. Vanilla Ice expressed pride in participating, calling it an honor to perform during the celebration of the country’s independence. However, his involvement has sparked controversy, as several high-profile artists have withdrawn from the lineup. Among those who have pulled out are Bret Michaels, Morris Day and the Time, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, and country singer Martina McBride. McBride’s departure drew significant attention after she publicly criticized the event. In a statement, she revealed that she was initially invited to perform at a “nonpartisan” event but later found the show to be misleading. She expressed disappointment, stating that her music has always focused on real people and their struggles, and she feared fans might feel she was abandoning those values by leaving the event. McBride’s decision sparked a wave of backlash on social media, with some users accusing her of being “coward” and “caving” to pressure.#trump #freedom_250 #vanilla_ice #great_american_state_fair #martina_mcbride

Humiliated by Iran, the US wants an easy scalp: keep your eyes on Cuba The United States has intensified its focus on Cuba, with political and military actions escalating amid tensions. Marco Rubio, the Cuban-American secretary of state, has openly expressed a desire to see the collapse of Cuba’s communist government, despite publicly advocating for a “negotiated settlement.” However, he has dismissed the likelihood of such an agreement, reflecting a broader U.S. strategy of economic and political pressure. The situation has drawn parallels to the 2010s-era U.S. intervention in Venezuela, where similar tactics were employed to undermine the country’s leadership. The U.S. government has recently charged Cuba’s former president, Raúl Castro, with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, four counts of murder, and two counts of aircraft destruction, citing the 1996 downing of two U.S. planes. These charges have been criticized as politically motivated, with evidence suggesting they mirror the legal strategies used against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. The indictment is seen as part of a broader effort to justify potential military action against Cuba, despite the country’s weakened state and lack of significant military capabilities. The Trump administration has also alleged that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones, which could be used to target the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay. A senior U.S. official described this as a “growing threat,” though critics argue the claim is unfounded. The narrative of an imminent Cuban attack on the U.S. is portrayed as a desperate attempt to justify conflict, reminiscent of the “weapons of mass destruction” pretext used to invade Iraq. Trump himself has openly expressed his intent to take control of Cuba, stating in March that he believes he could “do anything I want with it.#trump #nicolas_maduro #marco_rubio #raul_castro #uss_nimitz

The article discusses the complex dynamics between the United States and China, focusing on the potential approval of a $14 billion military sale to Taiwan and its implications for U.S.-China relations. Here's a structured summary of the key points and context: Key Issues and Context: U.S. Military Aid to Taiwan: The U.S. has long supported Taiwan's self-defense under the Taiwan Relations Act, but China views any military aid as a provocation. The proposed $14 billion sale is part of this support, which could escalate tensions. Pressure on Trump: Both Democrats and Republicans are urging Trump to approve the sale, despite the risk of straining relations with China, especially ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the U.S. Geopolitical Tensions: Taiwan Strait: The sale could inflame tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where China has historically opposed any moves toward Taiwanese independence. A U.S. military buildup might be perceived as a threat to China's territorial claims. Diplomatic Impact: If approved, the sale could jeopardize Xi's visit, which is seen as a critical opportunity to address trade disputes and other bilateral issues. Trump's Approach: Shift in Strategy: The article notes that Trump's more conciliatory stance toward China differs from previous administrations. His approach might prioritize economic and strategic interests over traditional hardline policies. Domestic Pressure: Trump faces pressure from Congress and allies to act on the military sale, reflecting the broader U.S. debate over balancing Taiwan's security with China's sensitivities. Expert Analysis: David Shocks and Stephen Arlins highlight that Trump's decisions could signal a shift in U.S. policy, potentially leading to a more flexible stance on certain issues.#united_states #trump #china #xi_jinping #taiwan_relations_act

Few deals from Trump’s trip and no progress on Iran send global markets into a sell-off Government bonds around the world sold off sharply on Friday as oil prices surged, driven by geopolitical tensions involving the Iran war, U.S.-China trade dynamics, and stalled diplomatic efforts. The yield on a 30-year U.S. Treasury bond climbed to 5.127%, its highest level since 2007, with the Treasury Department selling 30-year bonds above 5% for the first time since that year. The 10-year Treasury note’s yield also rose to 4.595%, its highest since February 2025, marking the largest weekly increase in yields since tariffs disrupted global markets in early 2025. U.S. crude oil prices jumped 4.2% to $105.42 per barrel, pushing weekly gains past 10%, while international Brent crude rose nearly 3.3% to $109.26 per barrel, up 8% for the week. Stock markets tumbled across the board, with the S&P 500 declining 1.2%, the Nasdaq Composite falling 1.5%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 537 points, or 1%. The surge in bond yields and oil prices intensified pressure on consumers, as higher gas prices and increased borrowing costs loomed. On Friday, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.65%, according to Mortgage News Daily. Analysts warned that incoming Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh would face his first major challenge as bond yields appeared to be “getting a bit unhinged.” Société Générale’s Subadra Rajappa noted this on Bloomberg TV. Gas prices also rose sharply, with the average price of unleaded gasoline holding above $4.50 per gallon, up 51% since the Iran war began on February 28. The lack of progress in diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran further fueled market anxiety.#iran #trump #boeing #china #societe_generale

Senate Confirms Trump Nominee Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chairman The U.S. Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, in a 54-45 party-line vote on Wednesday. Warsh, a former Federal Reserve official, will replace Jerome Powell as chair of the central bank amid a period of heightened economic uncertainty. The confirmation comes as the Fed faces mounting pressure to address persistent inflation, a divided policymaking committee, and ongoing political scrutiny. Warsh, 56, will assume the role at a critical juncture for the Fed, which has struggled to balance its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment. Inflation, which has exceeded the Fed’s 2% target for five years, has recently accelerated due to surging gas prices linked to the war in Iran. The Fed’s interest rate-setting committee, known as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), has been deeply divided, with the most dissenting votes in over three decades recorded at its last meeting. Powell, who has faced years of personal attacks from Trump and an unprecedented Justice Department investigation, plans to remain on the Fed’s board even after his term as chair ends, potentially creating a competing power center within the agency. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, emphasized the importance of a Fed chair who understands both macroeconomic trends and the impact on everyday Americans. “Kevin Warsh is just such a person,” Thune stated during a floor speech, highlighting his commitment to addressing the challenges facing working families. Trump’s demands for change at the Fed have been a central theme of his administration.#trump #federal_reserve #john_thune #kevin_warsh #us_senate

Trump is cutting the numbers of US troops in Europe. Here’s how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly canceled two major US military deployments to Europe and ordered the removal of other personnel from the continent, according to two defense officials. The moves, which include the cancellation of a scheduled rotation of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and the future deployment of a long-range rocket and missile battalion to Germany, are part of a broader effort to reduce the number of US troops in Europe following criticism from President Donald Trump about support from European allies. The decision comes after Trump publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had accused the US of being “humiliated” by Iran and repeatedly called out NATO countries for not participating in the Iran war. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on May 1 that the Pentagon would withdraw roughly 5,000 troops from Germany after a “thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe.” The cancellation of scheduled rotations and deployments is seen as a way to address logistical challenges of quickly withdrawing forces permanently stationed in Germany, particularly those whose families are also stationed there, while still reducing troop numbers. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, which includes approximately 4,700 soldiers, had been scheduled to rotate through Poland and other countries including the Baltic states and Romania. Some personnel from the brigade were already in Europe and are now being redeployed back to the US. The memo also canceled the future deployment to Germany of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, a unit specializing in long-range rockets and missiles, and directed that a command in Europe overseeing those capabilities be removed from the continent.#trump #pete_hegseth #germany #friedrich_merz #sean_parnell

Hundreds of .new .internet .top-level .domain .names .could .appear .very .soon as ICANN announces new gTLD round 14 years after one that gave us .africa .google .Microsoft and .bananarepublic — but will POTUS register .trump? ICANN has reopened applications for new top-level domains, allowing organizations to create custom extensions. #Microsoft #internet #trump #africa #google #POTUS_register #gTLD_round #ICANN_announces #bananarepublic #top-level_domains

Trump has a new Strait of Hormuz plan. The market isn’t buying it The world is desperate for a solution to break up the oil tanker traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration is trying to do that: It announced it had successfully guided two U.S. vessels out of the strait Monday. But its “Project Freedom” does not appear to be the gamechanger that’s needed to end the historic energy crisis. At least, that’s the message from the market. Energy prices did not tumble after President Donald Trump announced the new U.S. effort to “guide” ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil futures climbed higher above $100 a barrel and then went even higher as ships and key energy facilities in the Middle East were targeted on Monday, raising questions about the durability of the ceasefire. And gasoline futures jumped, too, signaling pain at the pump will get worse before it gets better. At this point, the market is betting Project Freedom will not unlock the vast amount of energy trapped in the Middle East. The skepticism reflects a few realities. First, this is not an escort mission: Project Freedom is an effort to “restore freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz that will feature more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft and 15,000 service members, according to U.S. Central Command. While Trump’s announcement shows U.S. officials are rightly focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, this is not a promise to have the U.S. military accompany vessels trying to transit the narrow waterway. In fact, a U.S. official told CNN this will not be an escort mission. Second, Iran says it violates the ceasefire: Officials in Iran quickly responded to Project Freedom by arguing it violates the fragile ceasefire with the United States. Not only that, but Iran appeared to respond by resuming attacks in the region.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #project_freedom

Cadillac Championship at Trump's Doral Reschedules Final Round Due to Rain The Cadillac Championship, the PGA Tour event held at Trump National Doral, has rescheduled its final round due to a forecast of rain and thunderstorms. The revised schedule, announced on May 2, 2026, moves the start time to 7:30 a.m., with golfers teeing off in threesomes from both the first and 10th tees. The leaders are set to begin their rounds at 9:40 a.m. Meteorological predictions indicate rain will move into the area around 5 a.m., with a 70 percent chance of thunderstorms by 8 a.m. The precipitation is expected to persist throughout the day and into the night. The decision to shift the start time aims to mitigate the impact of the weather while ensuring the tournament can proceed under safer conditions. The rescheduling may affect President Donald Trump’s plans to attend the event. Originally, Trump was expected to arrive at the course in the late afternoon. However, the new start time could conflict with his schedule. Temporary flight records show Trump is scheduled to arrive in Miami at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and depart at 8:30 p.m. on May 3. This timeline suggests he may not be able to witness the final round as planned, as play will have already begun by the time he arrives. Trump’s itinerary for the week includes staying at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach estate, on Friday, May 1, following a speaking engagement at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted by the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches. His absence from the course on Saturday and the early start of the final round may limit his ability to observe the event’s conclusion. The tournament’s schedule change highlights the impact of weather forecasts on major sporting events.#trump #pga_tour #mar_a_lago #trump_national_doral #cadillac_championship

Trump vows to maintain Iran blockade, Tehran threatens ‘practical’ action President Donald Trump has declared his intention to sustain the naval blockade of Iran until a nuclear agreement is reached with Tehran. The U.S. leader told Axios on Wednesday that he does not want to end the blockade on Iranian ports, rejecting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a prerequisite for resuming talks. Trump described the blockade as more effective than military strikes, claiming it is “choking” Iran like a “stuffed pig” and warning that it will “be worse for them” as the country struggles to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran has positioned the lifting of the blockade as a necessary condition for returning to negotiations. According to media reports, Iran proposed a limited deal this week that would end its own blockade on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. ceasing its economic pressure on Iranian ports. However, Trump has expressed comfort with the current status quo, indicating he is not in a hurry to pursue a comprehensive agreement or escalate hostilities. The blockade has led to the seizure of at least two commercial vessels linked to Iran by U.S. forces. The military reported redirecting 39 ships in regional waters over recent weeks, while Iran has retaliated by seizing vessels it claims violated maritime regulations. This escalation has sent oil prices soaring, with the international benchmark Brent crude futures reaching over $119 per barrel on Wednesday. In the U.S., gasoline prices have surged past $4.22 per gallon, up from less than $3 before the conflict. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of attempting to “activate economic pressure and internal division” to weaken the country.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi #mohammad_bagher_ghalibaf