1. Evaluating the risk of ground troop deployment to Iran—According to CBS News, sources familiar with the matter revealed that former President Trump has not yet decided whether to send U.S. forces into Iran to seize the country’s nuclear materials, an operation considered extremely dangerous. In private conversations, Trump told close associates, "I have many decisions to make." It is reported that the Pentagon has prepared multiple options for Trump as potential next steps in the Iran conflict.
2. Waiving the Jones Act to curb high oil prices—International media reported that the Trump administration has temporarily exempted the century-old shipping mandate known as the Jones Act to reduce transportation costs for oil, natural gas, and other goods within the United States. On Wednesday, Trump authorized foreign-flagged vessels to transport a range of commodities between U.S. ports over the next 60 days.
3. Pressing Powell on interest rate cuts—Former President Trump questioned when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell would implement interest rate reductions.
4. Blaming Democrats for the Department of Homeland Security shutdown—Trump asserted that Democrats deliberately caused the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, leading to chaos at airports. He stated they bear full responsibility and must face consequences in the midterm elections for the nation’s interests.
5. Urging Israel to halt further strikes on Iranian energy facilities—According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials indicated that after Israel’s Wednesday attack on a significant Iranian natural gas field, Trump hopes to avoid additional strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
6. Threatening large-scale destruction of the South Pars gas field—Trump posted that the United States and Qatar were unaware of Israel’s strike on Iranian gas facilities. He warned that if Iran decides to attack Qatar, the U.S. will extensively demolish the entire South Pars gas field. While acknowledging the long-term impact on Iran’s future, Trump emphasized he would not hesitate to authorize such destruction if Qatar’s liquefied natural gas facilities are targeted again.
7. Considering deployment of additional troops to the Middle East—Sources noted that as Trump weighs his next moves regarding Iran, his administration is contemplating sending several thousand more U.S. troops to the Middle East.
8. Praising stock market highs—In a public address, Trump commended the stock market for reaching new peaks and highlighted gains in 401(k) retirement plans.
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