Donald Trump’s advisers reportedly urge him to find an exit ramp from the Iran conflict as Republican anxiety spikes over soaring energy prices. Senator John Kennedy apologizes for the strike on an Iranian girls’ school, while Trump ally Lindsey Graham escalates tensions by threatening Saudi Arabia over the war. Inside Israel, critics warn of extreme censorship as the conflict intensifies. Meanwhile, conservative media fractures with Ben Shapiro feuding across the right-wing ecosystem, and Jake Tapper draws controversy after hosting an Israeli intelligence figure to discuss what’s best for Iranians.

Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns from his post, breaking with the Trump administration over the Iran war and exposing deep internal divisions about the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes reportedly kill two senior security officials as Iranian leaders signal they’ve been ignoring backchannel outreach from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting diplomacy is stalled. On the ground, journalists in Lebanon become key sources as the conflict threatens to widen, while backlash grows at home after ICE releases a Columbia protester who had been held for a year without resolution. Adding to the controversy, Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett draws criticism after saying the quiet part out loud on policy priorities, reinforcing concerns about the administration’s economic messaging amid mounting instability.

Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns from his post, breaking with the Trump administration over the Iran war and exposing deep internal divisions about the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes reportedly kill two senior security officials as Iranian leaders signal they’ve been ignoring backchannel outreach from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting diplomacy is stalled. On the ground, journalists in Lebanon become key sources as the conflict threatens to widen, while backlash grows at home after ICE releases a Columbia protester who had been held for a year without resolution. Adding to the controversy, Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett draws criticism after saying the quiet part out loud on policy priorities, reinforcing concerns about the administration’s economic messaging amid mounting instability.

U.S. intelligence reportedly concludes Iran’s government is not at risk of collapse despite the escalating conflict, undercutting claims of imminent regime change. Senator Ted Cruz warns the threat of a terrorist attack is now higher—after previously insisting America was “much, much safer” following the Ayatollah’s killing. Media controversy erupts as The Free Press and CBS fixate on the social media activity of Zohran Mamdani’s wife, fueling accusations of political targeting. Meanwhile, the FBI joins the search for a retired Air Force major general who has been missing for nearly two weeks, and the White House quietly urges Republicans to stop emphasizing “mass deportations” as public opinion turns sharply against ICE.

U.S. intelligence reportedly concludes Iran’s government is not at risk of collapse despite the escalating conflict, undercutting claims of imminent regime change. Senator Ted Cruz warns the threat of a terrorist attack is now higher—after previously insisting America was “much, much safer” following the Ayatollah’s killing. Media controversy erupts as The Free Press and CBS fixate on the social media activity of Zohran Mamdani’s wife, fueling accusations of political targeting. Meanwhile, the FBI joins the search for a retired Air Force major general who has been missing for nearly two weeks, and the White House quietly urges Republicans to stop emphasizing “mass deportations” as public opinion turns sharply against ICE.

A U.S. military refueling plane crashes in Iraq, killing six service members as tensions tied to the Iran conflict continue to ripple across the region. Donald Trump faces criticism for misleading claims about the war while also issuing a 30-day sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil at sea. Meanwhile, the right-wing media ecosystem fractures as Ben Shapiro blasts Tucker Carlson as a “nut,” exposing deep divisions over foreign policy. Trump escalates pressure on Congress by saying he won’t sign any bills until the Senate passes his voting legislation, even as Elizabeth Warren and Tim Scott unveil a bipartisan housing proposal packed with dozens of ideas to lower costs. Behind the scenes, reports say Trump is urging Republicans to avoid talking about mass deportations ahead of the midterms—and raising eyebrows by gifting allies $145 shoes and insisting they wear them, whether they fit or not.

Israel strikes Iranian oil facilities as crude surges past $100, triggering the long-feared Gulf supply squeeze and rattling global markets. Senator Lindsey Graham escalates the rhetoric, vowing the U.S. will “blow the hell out of these people” and warning strikes on Iran could intensify. New reports say a U.S. Tomahawk missile hit a naval base next to an Iranian school, fueling outrage, while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries declines to commit to blocking additional war funding. Meanwhile, Israeli military officials admit the IDF is struggling to intercept Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon, raising fears the conflict could widen further across the region.

Israel strikes Iranian oil facilities as crude surges past $100, triggering the long-feared Gulf supply squeeze and rattling global markets. Senator Lindsey Graham escalates the rhetoric, vowing the U.S. will “blow the hell out of these people” and warning strikes on Iran could intensify. New reports say a U.S. Tomahawk missile hit a naval base next to an Iranian school, fueling outrage, while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries declines to commit to blocking additional war funding. Meanwhile, Israeli military officials admit the IDF is struggling to intercept Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon, raising fears the conflict could widen further across the region.