Good afternoon everyone. As promised, here is a longer news update. We are seeing a sharp escalation across multiple fronts. Trump is now claiming Democrats are America’s greatest enemy following what he calls the “death of Iran,” a statement that is drawing bipartisan backlash. At the same time, ICE is set to deploy to airports tomorrow and may establish checkpoints before TSA screening areas. Iran is openly threatening large-scale retaliation as Trump issues an ultimatum, and Cuba is preparing for the possibility of conflict with the United States.
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Here’s the news:
- Donald Trump sparked bipartisan condemnation today after asserting that, now that Iran has “died,” the biggest enemy to the American people is the Democratic Party:
- Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Trump’s language will get people killed:
- President Trump gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face U.S. strikes on its energy infrastructure. Iran warned it would retaliate by targeting U.S. and regional energy assets, further escalating tensions in the ongoing war. The standoff has disrupted a key global oil route, causing oil prices to surge and raising concerns about economic impacts worldwide. Meanwhile, missile exchanges between Iran and Israel continue to intensify the broader regional conflict.
- Iran warned it would “irreversibly destroy” Middle East infrastructure if the U.S. attacks its energy facilities, escalating tensions in the ongoing war. The conflict has intensified with missile strikes between Iran and Israel, causing casualties and damage while drawing in regional actors. The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil supplies, driving up energy prices and raising fears of a wider economic crisis. As both sides threaten further retaliation, the war is entering a more dangerous and unpredictable phase.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended U.S. strikes on Iran, arguing that escalation is necessary to eventually reduce conflict. President Trump has threatened further attacks, including on energy infrastructure, while giving Iran a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran warned it would retaliate if its energy facilities are targeted, raising fears of broader escalation. The conflict has already disrupted global oil markets, increasing energy prices and drawing criticism from U.S. lawmakers concerned the war is spiraling out of control.
- Iranian missile strikes on southern Israel injured about 200 people, hitting cities near a nuclear facility after air defense systems failed to intercept the projectiles. The attacks caused significant damage to residential areas and raised concerns about civilians unable to reach shelters in time. Israel has launched investigations into the defense failure and vowed continued retaliation against Iran. The escalating violence highlights growing risks in the regional conflict, with increasing pressure on Israel’s defense systems and fears of further casualties.
- Sean Duffy defended the president, arguing he deserves “grace” because he prioritizes economic issues like gas prices and seeks peace. He said the president is often not given enough credit for his efforts to resolve conflicts. Duffy portrayed him as both economically focused and diplomatically motivated.
- Lindsey Graham compared a potential U.S. move on Iran’s Kharg Island to the World War II battle of Iwo Jima, suggesting confidence in U.S. military capability. His remark implies support for aggressive action and frames the situation as achievable despite its risks.
- According to NBC News, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister said the country is preparing for possible U.S. military aggression amid rising tensions between the two nations. The warning follows U.S. actions in Venezuela and statements from President Trump suggesting potential intervention in Cuba. Cuban officials emphasized they hope to avoid conflict and insist their sovereignty and political system are not negotiable. Ongoing U.S. pressure, including an oil blockade, has worsened Cuba’s economic and energy crisis.
- Cuba’s power grid collapsed for the third time in March, causing a nationwide blackout triggered by a failure at a thermoelectric plant and worsened by aging infrastructure. Ongoing fuel shortages and limited oil imports have made outages more frequent and destabilized the system. The blackouts have disrupted daily life, including work, food storage, and hospital operations. Officials are working to restore power as economic challenges and external pressures continue to strain the country’s energy supply.
- Kristen Welker questioned why Americans are facing higher costs despite promises of relief, highlighting economic concerns. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded by arguing that economic prosperity depends on national security. He suggested that current policies prioritize long-term stability over short-term cost reductions.
- John Thune declined to comment on Trump’s post about Robert Mueller, saying “I got no words” before walking away.
- Former President George W. Bush expressed deep sadness over Robert Mueller’s passing, praising his lifelong dedication to public service and his bravery as a decorated Marine in Vietnam. He highlighted Mueller’s leadership as FBI director, especially in guiding the agency after the September 11 attacks to help prevent further terrorism. Bush also emphasized Mueller’s commitment to duty and country throughout his career. He extended condolences to Mueller’s wife, Ann, and their family, honoring both his professional legacy and personal life.
- President Trump announced plans to deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown caused by a funding dispute in Congress. The shutdown has left TSA workers unpaid, leading to staff shortages and long security lines at airports. Trump said ICE agents would help with security and potentially arrest undocumented immigrants, while lawmakers continue to argue over funding and immigration policy.
- Dana Bash questioned how well planned the rapid deployment of ICE agents to airports could be if it was being implemented within 24 hours. In response, Tom Homan downplayed the complexity, suggesting the task is straightforward and does not require extensive planning. He framed the role as simply securing exits to prevent unauthorized movement. The exchange highlights concerns about preparedness versus the administration’s view that the operation is simple to execute.
- Tom Homan said ICE agents could check identification before travelers enter airport security screening areas. He framed the proposal as a straightforward extension of enforcement at key entry points. The comment reflects plans to expand immigration enforcement into routine airport security processes.
- Trump shared a post claiming he deserves a third presidential term as a “reward” for what he described as a stolen election.
- An Underground Railroad museum in New York is suing the Trump administration, alleging it unlawfully canceled a federal grant due to race and anti-DEI policies. The lawsuit claims the decision violates constitutional protections and is part of a broader effort to target programs focused on Black history. The canceled funding has disrupted the museum’s expansion plans and impacted its operations. The case highlights ongoing legal and political disputes over diversity initiatives and federal funding priorities.
- Trump said on Truth Social that anyone could defeat Talarico in Texas but has not endorsed a candidate in the Republican Senate primary. The race is headed to a May 26 runoff between Cornyn and Paxton.
- According to The Guardian, federal prosecutors dropped charges against a woman accused of participating in an anti-ICE church protest after evidence showed she was not involved. The case appears to have resulted from mistaken identity, possibly due to cellphone location data and resemblance to someone in protest footage. The charges were dismissed permanently, preventing them from being refiled. The situation raised concerns about investigative methods and the handling of protest-related prosecutions.
- A sharp decline in volunteer firefighters across the U.S. has led to some departments closing and raised concerns about public safety. Volunteer numbers have dropped significantly over the past decade, with some states like New York facing their lowest levels in decades. Officials warn this could delay emergency response times, especially in rural areas that rely heavily on volunteers. Rising living costs and time demands are key factors discouraging people from volunteering.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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