Donald Trump has stated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is "the only thing that matters," as the US midterm election campaign becomes increasingly defined by economic concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict.
Trump's Remarks on Iran
"I think about one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all," the US president told reporters at the White House before departing for China. His comments came shortly after official data revealed US prices surged 3.8% in April, the fastest pace since 2023, driven largely by energy costs that have escalated since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February.
Economic Impact
Gasoline now averages over $4.50 per gallon, the highest in four years, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Food prices have risen nearly 4%, electricity and utility bills have climbed, and airlines have increased fares by more than 20%. Trump's top officials have struggled to explain when or if these pressures will subside.
Trump's Stance on Americans' Financial Hardship
Trump has said the growing financial burden on Americans due to the war with Iran is "not even a little bit" motivating him to seek a peace deal. "I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody," he stated on Tuesday, despite US inflation hitting a three-year high and fuel costs continuing to climb.
Senate Fails to Curb War on Iran
The US Senate on Wednesday rejected a seventh attempt by Democrats to end American involvement in the Iran conflict, even as Republican opposition to Trump's strategy grows. The war powers resolution, proposed by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, failed in a 49-50 vote. All Democrats except John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supported it.
Kevin Warsh Confirmed as Fed Chair
The Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve in a 54-45 vote, split along party lines except for Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who joined Republicans. Warsh will serve a four-year term as chair and a 14-year term on the Fed's rate-setting board.
Alligator Alcatraz Closure Welcomed
Environmental groups and immigration advocates have welcomed the imminent closure of Alligator Alcatraz, a notorious immigration jail in the Florida Everglades that Trump had celebrated for its harsh conditions.
Stacey Abrams on Redistricting
Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has described Republican-led states' efforts to redraw congressional maps to favor their party as "evil incarnate." In an interview with the Guardian's podcast Stateside with Kai and Carter, Abrams argued that this amounts to intentional "cheating" to suppress minority voting power and must be fought in courts and at the ballot box.
Other Developments
- JD Vance has threatened to "turn off" federal funding for health insurance programs in states that refuse to comply with the Trump administration's crackdown on suspected fraud.
- More than 30 members of Congress have urged Trump's top officials to end the use of Guantánamo Bay for immigrant detention and rule out military action on Cuba.
- An 85-year-old woman detained at an ICE immigration center described horrific conditions at a Louisiana facility, stating, "The guards could not speak without yelling."
