4 Things To Know This Afternoon

1. America's $40 Trillion Debt Crisis
   The national debt has surpassed $40 trillion as the Treasury considers borrowing billions more to buy back government bonds. I ask the question Washington refuses to answer: What spending is America willing to cut?

2. Federal Authorities Seize Eric Swalwell's Devices
   Federal authorities reportedly confiscated Eric Swalwell's electronic devices at San Francisco International Airport am...

1. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is buying back bonds to calm rising yields — short-term market relief that deepens long-term debt

2. Federal Reserve minutes reveal growing inflation concerns driven by energy prices and Middle East disruptions, with possible rate hikes ahead

3. The president is now considering lower tariffs on Canadian metals and autos after previously threatening steep increases that have already driven u...

1. Bond Yields Send a Fiscal Warning
   I explain why decade-high bond yields could push mortgage rates higher and signal deep concern about bipartisan government spending. Washington's fiscal addiction is pulling investment away from the private sector and making life more expensive.

2. Iran, Oil and China's Struggling Economy
   I explain why I believe Iran was responsible f...

1. Trump Threatens Oman
   I examine President Trump's warning against Oman and the country's alleged role in encouraging Iran to demand more money during negotiations.

2. The Swalwell and Fang Fang Scandal Returns
   A reported FBI leak has revived allegations involving former Congressman Eric Swalwell and suspected Chinese operative Fang Fang, raising new questions about his conduct and political downfall.

3. Republicans Boost...

1. Trump Rolls Back a Burdensome Business Registry
   Erick Erickson explains why the Trump administration is eliminating a federal reporting requirement that forced small-business owners to surrender sensitive personal and financial information.

2. USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Amid Pentagon Scrutiny
   As the aircraft carrier returns from the Middle East, Erick examines allegations about conditions aboard the ship, th...

1. Strait of Hormuz Crisis
   President Trump says the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz, but commercial shipping has collapsed and oil prices are rising as Iran continues to threaten the vital waterway.

2. Ukraine Dominates U.S. Drone Exercises
   Ukraine defeated American forces in every scenario during a recent drone warfare exercise. The results expose a dangerou...

1. U.S. Navy Confronts Iran in the Persian Gulf
   The United States disables a ship that reportedly defied naval commands as President Donald Trump claims Iran privately accepted a trade agreement it will publicly deny.

2. University of Michigan Replaces Freshman Grades
   The University of Michigan moves first-semester freshmen to pass/fail grading in response to mental heal...

1. Iran Calls America's Bluff in the Strait of Hormuz
   Erick Erickson examines Iran's refusal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the troubling reports that U.S. missile supplies are running low.

2. Taylor Farms Recalls Fresh Jalapeños
   A Taylor Farms recall raises new salmonella concerns and renewed questions about contaminated water and produce supply chains.

3. Chinese Ca...

• Weak Jobs Report Raises Economic Concerns
  The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs as workforce participation declined and previous job estimates were revised downward. The numbers suggest a slowing economy, especially for displaced white-collar workers.

• Todd Blanche Appears Headed for Confirmation
  Todd Blanche has gained support from key Republican senators, giving him the votes needed for confirmation as the next U.S. at...

1. Senate Panel Holds Fauci in Contempt
   A Rand Paul-led Senate panel votes to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt after he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment. Newly obtained records raise questions about differences between Fauci's public statements and private views.

2. U.S. Missile Shortages Complicate Trump's Iran Strategy
   The White House denies reports of a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Defense...

1. A Strait of Hormuz Deal Could Enrich Iran
   The United States, Oman, and Iran are negotiating a potential agreement that could impose fees on oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. 

2. The Gaza Peace Plan Is Already in Trouble
   Renewed fighting between Israel and Hamas threatens the administration's plan for rebuilding Gaza. Hamas remains committed to terrorism, ...

1. Iran Peace Talks and the Strait of Hormuz
   Erick Erickson examines negotiations involving the United States, Iran, and Oman as attacks threaten global shipping. New oil pipelines could also weaken Iran's long-term leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.

2. Max Miller Threatens a Safe Republican Seat
   Serious allegations and an escalating family dispute have placed Congressm...

1. Iran Rejects Strait of Hormuz Talks
   Iran says it will not negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz despite President Trump suspending bombing operations in hopes of securing talks. Divisions inside Iran raise doubts about whether anyone offering negotiations can deliver an agreement.

2. Oil Falls and Markets Rally on Hopes of Peace
   Oil prices slid while the Dow surged more...

1. Trump Threatens Iran Over the Strait of Hormuz
   President Donald Trump is threatening to strike Iran's power plants if Tehran attacks more ships. Erick Erickson examines whether rising oil prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Black Sea will finally force Trump to act.

2. Trump's Base Turns Against the Iran War
   Support for the Iran war among Trum...

1. Iran's Deeply Buried Nuclear Threat
   I explain why Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site could withstand conventional bunker-buster attacks and why stopping the nuclear program may require far more than another bombing campaign.

2. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown
   I examine the Trump administration's decision to freeze $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California...

1. New York Mayor Threatens to Arrest Benjamin Netanyahu
   I explain why the mayor's campaign promise to arrest Netanyahu over the International Criminal Court warrant would collide with federal authority and President Trump's protection of an official United States guest.

2. Houthis Threaten a Maritime Blockade Against Saudi Arabia
   The Iranian-backed Houthis say they will attack ships carrying Saudi oil, creating another d...

1. Iran War Widens Across the Middle East
   American forces continue striking Iranian positions as Tehran and its proxies target military sites, allies, and shipping routes. I explain why Israel remains on the sidelines and why regime change may be unavoidable.

2. Trump's Election Claims Face an Evidence Test
   President Trump warned about Chinese interference and weaknesses...

1. Renewed U.S. Strikes on Iran
   American forces are again bombing Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz. I examine Iran's failed diplomacy, President Trump's response, and J.D. Vance's accusation that Israel tried to undermine the peace deal.

2. A Pipeline That Could Bypass Hormuz
   Chevron is exploring a pipeline route through Iraq that could reduce dependence on th...

1. Trump Restores ICE Traffic Stops
   President Trump has reversed ICE's suspension of traffic stops following two fatal encounters. I examine the need for effective immigration enforcement and the credibility problems created when operations appear disorganized.

2. Todd Blanche Faces Senate Questions
   Todd Blanche is defending the Justice Department's record on the anti-we...