Donald Trump claims the U.S. and Iran have held “productive” negotiations even as critics argue market swings tied to the conflict are being used as part of a broader economic strategy. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna blasts Lindsey Graham for pushing escalation around Iran’s Kharg Island, while JD Vance’s Middle East adviser steps down amid internal turmoil. The administration’s proposed $200 billion war funding request is branded “America First” by Sen. Jim Banks despite scrutiny over AIPAC ties, as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker attempts to distance himself from past donations to the group. Media fractures deepen with a high-profile Tucker Carlson–Economist clash, and controversy explodes after Trump appears to celebrate Robert Mueller’s death. Meanwhile, violence intensifies abroad as Israeli operations wreak havoc in the West Bank, adding to the growing regional crisis.