Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump has tasked Arab nations with developing a Gaza Strip peace plan, following a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah. This request comes after Trump’s previously announced plan to relocate Palestinians and develop a resort, which has been met with resistance from Arab leaders, including Egypt’s President Sisi, who is reportedly delaying a White House visit. An Arab summit is planned to formulate this alternative plan, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction without displacement, and potentially involving the EU and UN for funding. Simultaneously, the ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile due to Israeli violations and pressure from the US regarding the release of hostages.
Read More
Senator McConnell argues that the Trump administration’s tariffs are detrimental, increasing business costs and consumer prices. These tariffs, particularly impacting Kentucky’s agriculture, bourbon, and auto industries, could cost Kentuckians up to $1200 annually. Retaliatory tariffs from trading partners further exacerbate the issue, harming American businesses and jobs. McConnell advocates for collaboration with allies, not trade wars, to ensure long-term economic prosperity and avoid unnecessary financial burdens on American families.
Read More
President Trump’s executive order barring transgender individuals from openly serving in the military contradicts the core principles of military service. The order prioritizes a singular focus on “warrior ethos” over individual merit, ignoring the reality of shared experiences and mutual trust crucial in combat situations. This discriminatory policy is unconstitutional, harmful, and will likely decrease military readiness by creating artificial divisions and hindering recruitment of qualified personnel. The order’s numerous contradictions expose its true aim: the exclusion of a specific group, undermining the military’s meritocratic nature. Therefore, immediate rescission is warranted.
Read More
West Coast gas prices are expected to surge in the coming weeks due to refinery issues and the switch to summer gasoline blends, according to GasBuddy. This increase, potentially reaching 10-45 cents per gallon, is exacerbated by rising oil prices fueled by concerns over reduced Iranian and Russian oil supplies and increased sanctions. Nationwide, gas prices are rising, currently averaging $3.141 per gallon, although still slightly lower than a year ago. The increase impacts American consumers significantly, potentially affecting President Trump’s popularity due to his campaign promises on inflation and energy prices.
Read More
Following a meeting at the White House, Canadian premiers reported a “constructive” conversation with senior Trump advisors regarding the threatened US tariffs on Canadian goods. The premiers emphasized the strong economic ties between the two nations and Canada’s role as a secure supplier of essential commodities. While the US cited national security and unfair trade practices as justifications, Canadian officials highlighted the deep integration of their steel and aluminum sectors and Canada’s ongoing efforts to address US border security concerns, including the recent appointment of a new fentanyl czar. The potential impact of the tariffs, particularly the stacking effect on steel and aluminum, remains a significant concern for Canada.
Read More
The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment for the nation. To ensure continued access to unbiased, vital journalism during this transformative period, HuffPost is introducing an ad-free experience for contributing supporters. This initiative directly supports the newsroom’s commitment to fearless reporting. The offer aims to strengthen the platform’s ability to deliver crucial information to its readership.
Read More
Hamas announced it will not release all Israeli hostages this Saturday, citing Israeli violations of a previously agreed-upon deal and President Trump’s plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza. The group called for global protests against Trump’s plan and stated that only a partial release of hostages, as originally planned, might occur. Despite the postponement, Hamas expressed optimism regarding ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt to resolve the situation. Israel’s commitment to delivering aid to Gaza has been confirmed, with reports of aid shipments already entering the region.
Read More
In response to questioning about alleged fraudulent federal spending, Leavitt asserted that the expenditures were wasteful, abusive of taxpayer funds, and contrary to the president’s priorities. However, he failed to provide supporting evidence, instead appealing to public opinion to discredit media scrutiny. This approach contrasts with the administration’s simultaneous reduction of federal oversight, potentially hindering legitimate investigations into actual fraud.
Read More
FEMA has revoked over $80 million in grants from New York City, escalating a dispute over migrant shelter funding. A federal judge declined to halt the reclaiming of funds, which included a $59 million grant challenged by the Trump administration and a further $21.5 million award. Mayor Adams is exploring legal options and plans to discuss the matter with Trump administration officials, while the White House suggests the funds were misallocated. The funds were disbursed under the Biden administration but were later flagged by Elon Musk, prompting the action and the firing of four DHS employees involved in the transactions.
Read More
The House Republican budget resolution proposes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase and allocates $4.5 trillion for tax cuts, primarily to make permanent the Trump-era tax reductions. This plan, which also includes spending cuts and allocations for immigration and military initiatives, faces internal GOP divisions, particularly between the Freedom Caucus and more moderate members. Democrats strongly oppose the tax cuts, citing concerns about increased deficits and potential cuts to social programs. The resolution, while aiming to enact a significant portion of the Trump agenda, will likely undergo substantial negotiation before final passage.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker