#trump

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

U.S. Immigration Policy Shifts Under Trump: Legal Admissions Plummet Amid Border Control Focus A new analysis by the Cato Institute reveals that the Trump administration has significantly reduced legal immigration to the United States, with monthly admissions dropping by 132,000 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decline far outpaces the reported 50,000 monthly decrease in illegal border crossings, according to the study. The findings challenge the administration’s narrative of prioritizing border security, highlighting a broader reshaping of immigration policy. The study, led by Cato Institute’s David Bier, attributes the sharp decline in legal immigration to a series of restrictive policies. Key measures include the suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effectively halting family reunification for U.S. citizens. These countries, which account for about half of all legal immigrants, now face a de facto ban on legal entry. Additionally, the administration has suspended entries from 40 other nations, further narrowing legal pathways. Refugee admissions have also been drastically curtailed, with only white South Africans allowed entry at a rate just 10% of pre-Trump levels. High-skilled workers, international students, and asylum seekers have faced stringent restrictions, including barriers to H-1B visas and limited access to legal asylum processes. These policies have created a system where most asylum seekers are now forced to cross borders illegally, as legal ports of entry for asylum applications have been eliminated. The administration’s focus on border control has led to a dramatic reduction in illegal crossings, with arrests dropping from around 47,000 at the end of the Biden term to approximately 8,600 in recent months.#united_states #trump #immigration_policy #cato_institute #david_bier

Trump suffers rare defeat with House Republicans on FISA The House GOP revolt on FISA Friday marked a rare setback for President Trump with his own party, exposing the limits of his influence over House Republicans. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faced a significant challenge as the White House and GOP leadership struggled to secure support for a clean extension of Section 702, a controversial national security tool. This failure highlighted the growing fractures within the Republican conference and the challenges of aligning diverse factions on contentious issues. The White House had pushed for a clean extension of the FISA program, which grants intelligence agencies broad surveillance powers. However, some of Trump’s closest allies resisted, citing longstanding concerns about privacy and oversight. Over two dozen Republicans voted against two procedural votes early Friday, a move that was previously uncommon for majority members but has become increasingly frequent in recent months. This resistance forced GOP leaders to fall back on a last-resort 10-day extension of the spy powers program. Efforts to secure support included an intense pressure campaign by the White House and GOP leadership. CIA Director John Ratcliffe addressed Republicans at their weekly meeting, and the administration held multiple briefings at the White House specifically for holdout lawmakers. A makeshift "SCIF" (Secure Compartmented Information Facility) was even set up off the House floor to streamline access to classified information during legislative strategy sessions. Despite these measures, the White House’s push failed to sway enough Republicans to support the clean extension.#trump #house_republicans #mike_johnson #john_ratcliffe #fisa

Trump Expected to Nominate Cameron Hamilton to Lead FEMA President Donald Trump is set to nominate Cameron Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who was previously fired as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting leader, to serve as its permanent administrator. The move comes after Hamilton was dismissed from his role in May 2024, just days after he testified before a Capitol Hill committee about his disagreements with proposals to dismantle FEMA. The agency, which coordinates the federal government’s response to disasters, has been without a permanent leader since Trump’s second term began, relying on three temporary appointees. Hamilton’s tenure as FEMA’s acting administrator lasted from January to May 2024. During his time in the role, he criticized plans to reduce the agency’s size, which Trump had repeatedly advocated. In a testimony to the House Appropriations subcommittee, Hamilton stated, “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” His dismissal followed a heated exchange with officials over the agency’s structure, as Trump sought to reshape FEMA’s role in disaster response. The potential nomination of Hamilton marks a pivotal moment for FEMA, which faces uncertainty amid ongoing debates about its structure and effectiveness. Trump has emphasized shifting disaster management responsibilities to states and has established a FEMA Review Council to propose sweeping reforms. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has publicly supported FEMA while advocating for changes, contrasting with his predecessor, Kristi Noem, who had pledged to “eliminate FEMA as it exists today.” Noem’s tenure was marked by conflicts with the review council, which Trump created to oversee potential reforms.#trump #kristi_noem #fema #markwayne_mullin #cameron_hamilton

Iran War Live: Ceasefire Begins in Lebanon as Trump Claims Tehran Deal Near A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on April 17, 2026, following a significant escalation in violence that had left 2,196 Lebanese casualties by Thursday, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The agreement, announced by Lebanese officials, aims to create a temporary pause in hostilities to facilitate negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese representatives over a long-term security and peace accord. The United States State Department confirmed its support for the ceasefire, emphasizing its role in brokering talks between the two nations. The ceasefire comes amid widespread devastation in Lebanon, where displaced residents began returning to their homes in Sidon, a city heavily impacted by Israeli airstrikes. Despite the temporary pause, tensions remain high, with many Lebanese citizens expressing caution about the agreement’s permanence. The National News Agency warned that the ceasefire’s success hinges on the ability of Israeli and Lebanese officials to address deep-seated grievances, including the status of Hezbollah, which has been a central figure in the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance that a deal to end the war on Iran is “very close,” signaling potential renewed diplomatic efforts. Trump hinted at resuming negotiations with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, as early as the weekend of April 17-18, 2026. This claim follows a recent U.S. House vote that rejected a measure aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to unilaterally escalate military actions against Iran. The vote, which passed by a narrow margin, underscores the political challenges facing any attempt to de-escalate the crisis.#israel #trump #hezbollah #lebanon #lebanon_national_news_agency

Trump’s own actions against Powell and the Fed are working against him President Donald Trump’s repeated attempts to pressure the Federal Reserve and its chair, Jerome Powell, have inadvertently stalled his efforts to secure rate cuts and remove Powell from his position. Despite years of public criticism and threats, Trump’s policies and legal maneuvers have instead emboldened Fed officials to delay any easing of interest rates, citing ongoing economic uncertainties. The central bank’s cautious stance is tied to a combination of Trump’s trade wars, the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran, and the legal battles surrounding Trump’s efforts to oust key Fed officials. Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, introduced during his second term, have contributed to persistent inflation. The administration’s decision to impose broad tariffs on imports, coupled with its refusal to abandon the policy despite a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated some of the measures, has created a patchwork of trade restrictions. These tariffs have raised costs for consumers and businesses, prompting the Fed to adopt a wait-and-see approach. Fed officials initially held off on rate cuts in late 2025, citing the need to monitor inflation trends, and now face renewed uncertainty due to the Iran conflict. The war between the US, Israel, and Iran, which began in late February 2026, has had a dramatic impact on global markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, disrupted supply chains and drove up energy prices. The conflict led to a threefold spike in US inflation in March 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report. Fed Chair Powell had previously suggested the war’s effects would be temporary, but as of April 2026, the strait remains partially blocked, and the Fed has delayed any rate cuts.#trump #strait_of_hormuz #federal_reserve #iran_conflict #jerome_powell

Trump Threatens to Fire Powell If Fed Chair Doesn't Leave Office on His Own President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from office if the central bank chair does not resign before his term ends, escalating tensions over Powell’s continued role as a Fed governor. During an interview on Fox Business, Trump stated that he would have Powell fired if the chair remained in his position after his successor, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, is confirmed. The president emphasized that he had delayed the action to avoid controversy but warned that Powell’s tenure would end if he did not step down voluntarily. Powell’s term as chair expires on May 15, 2026, but he holds a dual role as a Fed governor, which allows him to stay in the position for an additional two years. While most past Fed chairs have resigned after being replaced, Powell has remained in his role as chair despite repeated questions about his plans post-confirmation. His continued presence has been complicated by an ongoing investigation into the renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who led the probe, attempted to issue a subpoena to Powell for information but faced a judicial rejection. Pirro has vowed to appeal the decision, signaling the probe’s persistence. Trump has also demanded that the investigation into the renovation project continue, accusing the Fed of both corruption and incompetence. “What they’ve done to that so it is probably corrupt, but what it really is is incompetent, and we have to show the incompetence of that,” Trump said during the interview. The renovation project has drawn scrutiny for its cost overruns and delays, with critics arguing it reflects mismanagement within the central bank.#trump #jeanine_pirro #jerome_powell #kevin_warsh #fed

Trump Threatens to Fire Powell Over Fed Renovation Probe Amid Legal and Political Standoff President Donald Trump has vowed to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from his position if he does not resign by May 15, the date when Powell’s term at the helm of the central bank is set to expire. During an interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “Then I’ll have to fire him,” in response to questions about Powell’s continued tenure. The threat comes amid a high-profile criminal investigation into Powell by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which accuses him of lying to Congress about the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. The DOJ’s probe, led by prosecutors including Jeanine Pirro, has become a focal point of Trump’s repeated criticism of Powell’s leadership. The investigation centers on Powell’s testimony last year, where he defended the renovation project’s cost overruns, which have ballooned to nearly 80% above the original budget. Trump has publicly questioned the project’s management, calling it “incompetent” and demanding accountability for the alleged waste. “I want to know who the contractor is, because that contractor is making billions of dollars, perhaps,” Trump said, suggesting potential corruption. Despite Trump’s nomination of former Fed governor Kevin Warsh to replace Powell in January, the confirmation process has stalled. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a key member of the Senate Banking Committee, has refused to vote for Warsh’s nomination until the DOJ investigation concludes. Tillis’s opposition has delayed the confirmation, leaving Powell in a precarious position. Under Fed regulations, if Warsh is not confirmed by May 15, Powell would remain as chair “pro tempore” until a successor is appointed.#department_of_justice #trump #jerome_powell #fed #maria_bartiromo

US-Iran War: Has The War Given Pakistan A Diplomatic 'Lifeline' In The Middle East? Pakistan has emerged as a pivotal mediator in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, leveraging its strategic position to broker a 14-day ceasefire between the two warring nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement of the truce, coupled with his invitation for US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations, marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the country. This move has been hailed as a redemption for Pakistan, which had faced a major fallout with its Gulf patrons a decade ago during the 2015 Yemen conflict. The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions following President Trump's warning that "an entire civilization will die tonight" if the conflict escalated. Pakistan's role in facilitating this truce has drawn praise from both Tehran and Washington. Trump credited Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts, while Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed gratitude for Pakistan's tireless mediation. The gesture has also earned endorsements from China, Turkey, and Egypt, underscoring Pakistan's growing influence in regional diplomacy. The 2015 Yemen conflict serves as a critical backdrop to Pakistan's current diplomatic resurgence. At the time, Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intervened militarily to support the internationally recognized government against Iran-backed Houthis. Pakistan, which had previously provided military and policing services to Gulf monarchies in exchange for financial aid, hesitated to commit. Domestic opposition and fears of sectarian divisions within Pakistan constrained the then-government of Nawaz Sharif, who had strong ties to Saudi Arabia through marriage and political asylum.#pakistan #trump #abbas_araghchi #shehbaz_sharif #asim_munir