Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed Ukraine-Russia energy infrastructure agreement without confirmation — While returning from a golf weekend in Ireland, Trump stated on Air Force One that he had asked President Zelenskyy not to strike Russian refineries, citing diesel price concerns. Later, Trump posted on Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy subsequently posted that no such agreement existed, stating Ukraine had only proposed that partners secure an agreement with Russia and that Russia had not committed to anything. The claim appeared designed to shift blame for rising oil prices from Russian actions to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Supporting reports

• U.S. consumers spent over $100 billion extra on fuel due to Iran War — According to the Iran War Energy Cost Tracker by Brown University, U.S. consumers have spent over $100 billion in extra money on gasoline and diesel since the start of the Iran War. The figure represents the additional cost burden imposed on American households due to the conflict's impact on global energy markets.

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed Iran war will end after midterm elections — Trump told reporters that Iran is prolonging the war to influence U.S. midterm elections and that he expects the conflict to end and gas prices to decline once the elections conclude. He stated, "They can't hold out any longer" and characterized Iran as "desperate to try and affect the election." However, Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that Trump's top advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have warned him the Iran war could continue through the remainder of his term. Hegseth has already extended troop deployments in the Middle East and planned additional extensions.

Supporting reports

• U.S. attacked and destroyed Iranian oil tankers — The U.S. military attacked and destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday. Iran responded by targeting two U.S. ships and eight oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, and fired at a U.S. military base in Jordan. The escalating military exchanges have driven oil prices upward, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel. CBS News reported that Iranian strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan caused damage to multiple American military aircraft, and U.S. forces launched more than 30 Patriot missiles in defense.

Supporting reports

• Trump campaign promises $5,000 dividend checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win midterm elections — At a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, Trump promised to distribute $5,000 checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win control of Congress, calling it the "Trump Dividend." The payout would cost approximately $1.2–1.3 trillion and would require congressional approval. Trump did not explain funding mechanisms. Multiple Republican lawmakers and observers noted the promise contradicts constitutional authority and echoes unfulfilled prior pledges (DOGE dividend, tariff rebates, stimulus checks).
• Trump suggests renaming geographic features after himself at convention speech — During the Dallas convention speech on September 9, Trump proposed renaming the Hormuz Strait the "Trump Strait," Lake Michigan "Lake America," and New Mexico "New America." He stated "I should get something out of it" regarding the strait naming and joked about personal financial benefit from geographic rebranding.
• VP Vance interviewed on Fox about $5,000 dividend promise — Fox host Bret Baier interviewed VP JD Vance after Trump's convention speech on September 9. When asked how a $1.3 trillion dividend payout would be funded without bankrupting the country, Vance claimed tariffs had generated substantial revenue and that the president was offering to share wealth created by his policies. A Community Note fact-check on X noted that annual tariff revenue (under $300 billion) cannot fund a $1.3 trillion payout and that previous cash dividend promises were never delivered.
• Trump claimed Iran war will end after midterm elections — Trump told reporters that Iran is prolonging the war to influence U.S. midterm elections and that he expects the conflict to end and gas prices to decline once the elections conclude. He stated, "They can't hold out any longer" and characterized Iran as "desperate to try and affect the election." However, Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that Trump's top advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have warned him the Iran war could continue through the remainder of his term. Hegseth has already extended troop deployments in the Middle East and planned additional extensions.
• Trump promised $5,000 checks to all adults if Republicans win midterms — At the "Trumpapaloosa" midterm convention in Dallas, Trump promised that if Republicans win the midterm elections, his administration will distribute $5,000 checks to all adult Americans. Trump branded the proposal the "Trump Dividend" and attributed it to "our tremendous strength and success economically." The plan would cost more than a trillion dollars and would require congressional approval, which Trump did not acknowledge.
• Trump pledges $5,000 payment to voters if Republicans win midterms — At the Republican National Convention in Dallas on September 10, President Trump promised a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult citizen if Republicans win the midterm elections. The pledge is widely understood within Trump's own circle as non-credible; no similar payments have been distributed during his second term despite prior promises. The announcement occurred during a lengthy speech that included incoherent remarks and calls for audience loyalty pledges.
• Trump Dividend: America Is Winning — and Americans Should Win With It — The White House published this release on 2026-09-10 through its releases channel.
• FDA announces priority review voucher fee rate for fiscal year 2027 — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice establishing the fiscal year 2027 fee rate for using priority review vouchers at $1,798,596. This fee applies to applications for tropical disease, rare pediatric disease, or material threat medical countermeasure products submitted with a priority review voucher, in addition to standard Prescription Drug User Fee Act fees. The rate is effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and was calculated based on the difference between average costs of priority and standard drug application reviews in fiscal year 2025, adjusted for cost increases.
• Trump gave cash gifts to executive assistant and staff — Trump gave his executive assistant Natalie Harp and two other young female employees gifts totaling $45,000 in cash last year, approximately one-third of their $150,000 annual salary. He also gave $20,000 to Walt Nauta, his co-defendant in the classified documents case. Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, stated the gifts appear to violate federal law prohibiting federal employees from receiving salary supplements from outside sources. Don Fox, acting director of the Office of Government Ethics under Obama, said the legality was unclear because such payments were not previously envisioned by OGE.
• Trump claimed he may not need congressional approval for $5,000 checks — During a backstage Fox News interview at the RNC convention, Trump was asked about the $5,000 dividend proposal. He responded that "there are a lot of people who think I don't even need congressional approval because we've made so much money," suggesting he might implement the policy unilaterally without legislative authorization.
• Trump claimed oil prices would drop after military conflict — Trump told reporters at the RNC convention that oil prices would drop "very rapidly" once the U.S. wins "the military conflict or war," and that he was "pretty sure" this would happen shortly after the election. The bulletin notes he has made similar claims for seven months while oil prices have continued to rise.
• Ron DeSantis criticized Trump's $5,000 check proposal — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly denounced Trump's proposal to deliver $5,000 checks to Americans if Republicans hold their ground in the midterm elections. DeSantis warned that the infusion of cash would stir more inflation and expressed concern about borrowing an additional $1.5 trillion and flooding it into the economy.
• Trump claimed $5,000 checks would be funded by growth — During a press availability at the RNC convention in Dallas on September 11, Trump was asked how he would pay for proposed $5,000 checks to Americans. He responded that the checks would be funded by economic growth, and when asked about deficit impact, he said he was not worried about it. Economic data cited in the bulletin indicates GDP growth is weak.

Supporting reports

• Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities cause fires and injuries — On September 8, Houthi militants launched attacks on Saudi Arabian targets, starting fires at oil facilities and wounding more than 70 people. The attacks represent an escalation in clashes between Houthi forces and the Saudi Arabia–backed Yemeni government following weeks of intensified conflict.
• Houthi militants seize Mocha port and Red Sea shoreline near Bab el-Mandeb strait — Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants took control of the city and seaport of Mocha and much of the Red Sea shoreline near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global maritime trade. The Red Sea carries 12–15 percent of global maritime trade annually, worth approximately $1 trillion. This seizure follows escalated clashes between Houthi forces and the Saudi Arabia–backed Yemeni government, with a fragile truce that had held since 2022 now deteriorating.

Supporting reports

• Trump privately discussed declaring Iran war over — According to Wall Street Journal national security reporter Alex Ward, Trump is privately having discussions with senior aides about whether to declare the Iran war over. Trump has indicated he favors the idea and believes economic pressure will force the Iranian regime to dismantle its nuclear program or collapse.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz — Trump announced via social media that the U.S. was conducting strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. He threatened that if Iran retaliates, the U.S. will strike "much harder and higher," and warned of an even larger attack "waiting in the wings." Fox correspondent Trey Yingst reported Trump told him a third Iranian response would result in Iran being "totally wiped out as a country." Iranian officials reported the strike hit a wedding in Kuhestak, Sirik County, Hormozgan, killing at least 2 people and injuring 50, with potential for higher death toll.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts AI video of false Iranian attack — At 10:18 p.m., Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting military strikes and fires on Iran's Kharg Island, a major oil storage facility and seaport for 90% of Iran's oil exports, with the caption "Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!! President DJT." The Defense Department clarified the next morning that no such attack had occurred.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts false claims about Iran's collapse — At 8:09 a.m., Trump posted that Iran is "officially a Failed Nation" and "DEAD," claiming it has no Navy or Air Force, no currency, 300% inflation, unpaid soldiers and police, and over 100,000 dead protesters. He called for Iranian leadership to be tried for war crimes.

Supporting reports

• Marjorie Taylor Greene responds to Trump attack — Marjorie Taylor Greene responded to Trump's attack by stating that Trump "attacks us with such vitriol because we actually are everything he claimed to be, conservative and America First, and he has proven as President that he is nothing more than a neocon puppet for Israel, corporations, big donors with special interests, and his dear friends in the Epstein class." Greene stated that "Tucker and Thomas both have led me in prayer to the Lord our God. They are my brothers in Christ. Trump never once prayed with me and only recognizes God when it's in his staff written speeches." Greene stated she previously supported Trump "because of the policies he professed to support and passionately campaigned on, but now as president he's been revealed to be the Trojan horse who enforces many of the policies he claimed to be against." Greene expressed concern that "as Trump loses power and influence he will turn more and more towards war and take actions to make himself feel more powerful and in control, as he grasp and clings to the Oval Office."
• Trump attacks Tucker Carlson, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie Taylor Greene on Truth Social — Trump posted a lengthy Truth Social rant attacking Tucker Carlson, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling them "LOSERS ALL!" Trump claimed Carlson's "Views" have "fallen through the floor," called him "a very Low I.Q. individual" who "could barely get out of College," and suggested he should "be required to take a cognitive test." Trump claimed Carlson "wants to run for political office" and "could probably take a couple of points away from whatever the Republican ticket happens to be." Trump characterized Massie as "a failed politician, and a real JERK" who voted "NO" on everything. Trump attacked Greene, calling her "a highly neurotic young woman" who "went from Ultra Conservative to a Liberal 'Fool'" because he "refused to return her phone calls." Trump concluded by calling all three "THREE LOSERS, and a pocketful of change" and suggested their "only chance" is to "join the Radical Left Dumocrats."
• Trump posts dismissive statement about Canada on Truth Social — Trump posted on Truth Social: "Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!" The statement dismissed Canadian sovereignty and framed the trade conflict in terms of unilateral US grievance.
• Trump proposed renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America — Trump announced on social media that the United States is considering renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, stating the U.S. does not expect to conduct business with Ontario any longer. The Republican party account on X promoted the idea. The statement was made amid escalating trade tensions with Canada.

Supporting reports

• Trump held press conference in Oval Office addressing Iran, Oman, North Korea, and USS Abraham Lincoln conditions — Trump held a press conference in the Oval Office where he stated Iran should "raise the white flag of surrender," threatened to "bomb the shit out of" Oman if it interfered with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, declared his intent to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory, dismissed reports of poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as "fake news," and defended his relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un while suggesting reduced military exercises with South Korea. He also dismissed criticism from Senator Jon Ossoff regarding his aide Natalie Harp.
• Trump threatens military action against Oman over Iran peace talks — On Monday 17 August, Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman, a key US strategic partner and historical backchannel to Iran, if it "gets in the way" of his demands in stalled US-Iran peace negotiations. Trump also signaled he was not pressing for the war to end without Iran meeting his conditions, telling Fox News "I have no time schedule. I'm not in a hurry." The US and Iran missed their 60-day diplomatic deadline the same day, failing to reach agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
• Trump stated intent to declare Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory — Trump stated he believes declaring the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory is "a great idea" because "we control it with a blockade" and "we have total control over the strait." He indicated he would pursue this declaration.
• Trump threatened military action against Oman — Trump stated that if Oman interferes with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, "we'll bomb the shit out of them," and later told a reporter that Oman "didn't behave very well" but "we'll handle them very easily just like we do other things."
• Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with Iran negotiations — In an interview with Fox News Channel's Trey Yingst on the morning of August 18, Trump threatened military action against Oman, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. When asked about talks between Iran and Oman over control of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated: "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the sh*t out of them."
• AP reports Trump threatened to bomb Oman — The Associated Press reported new details regarding President Trump's recent threat to bomb Oman, a U.S. ally in the Middle East. The threat represents an escalation in rhetoric toward a country that has historically maintained diplomatic relations with the United States.

Supporting reports

• Trump instructed reduction of joint military exercises with South Korea — President Trump posted that he instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing cost concerns and claiming the exercises send an inappropriate signal to North Korea. Trump stated he has a "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un and framed the exercises as unnecessary given North Korea's purported non-threatening stance during his presidency. This marks the first time in U.S. history the country has reduced military commitments to South Korea, a 75-year ally.
• Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea — President Trump abruptly ordered the Pentagon to scale back Ulchi Freedom Shield, an 11-day joint military exercise with South Korea scheduled for August 17–27, involving approximately 18,000 South Korean troops. Trump announced the decision via social media, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and framing the drills as "inappropriate and hostile." The move came days after North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles. Congressional Democrats criticized the decision as punishing an ally and handing propaganda to a dictator.
• Trump defended relationship with North Korea and suggested reducing military exercises with South Korea — Trump stated that Kim Jong Un "has always treated me with great respect" and that he "understands" the North Korean leader better than previous presidents. He indicated that South Korea declined his request for assistance with Iran and suggested that the U.S. cannot "go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they're not there to help us," implying reduced commitment to South Korean defense.
• Trump ordered reduction of U.S.–South Korea military exercises — On Sunday evening, Trump declared that he had ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The drills were scheduled to begin the following day. Trump claimed the exercises sent an inappropriate signal to North Korea, though the decision coincided with North Korea deploying 50,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine.

Supporting reports

• Trump made remarks about young women in White House and Iran war sacrifice — At a rally in New York for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, Trump made comments objectifying young women in the White House, stated that Americans should accept higher gas prices as a sacrifice to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and declared his intention to declare the Hormuz Strait a U.S. territory after defeating Iran.

Supporting reports

• Trump falsely claims tariffs stopped eight wars — President Trump claimed that his tariffs have "stopped eight wars," including a conflict between India and Pakistan. The claim was made without evidence and misrepresented the causes of international disputes and the effects of trade policy.
• Trump claimed he stopped multiple wars through tariff threats — Trump claimed during a Fox & Friends interview that he "stopped 8 wars" and attributed five of them to tariff threats, including a claim that tariff threats prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. The claim lacks substantiation and contradicts the timeline of actual geopolitical events.

Supporting reports

• Trump claims personal control of Strait of Hormuz — President Trump called into Fox News and falsely claimed he personally controls the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint. The claim was made during a period of escalating tensions with Iran and Saudi refinery attacks, and contradicted established international law and geopolitical reality.
• Iran's IRGC threatens to bar countries from Strait of Hormuz — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a warning that any country that touches Iran's frozen assets will be barred from access to the Strait of Hormuz. The threat was made during escalating tensions and represented a potential blockade of global shipping.
• Saudi refineries burning; Jazan refinery shut down — Saudi Arabian refineries were reported burning on July 28, 2026, including a total shutdown of the Jazan refinery. The damage to critical energy infrastructure occurred during the escalating Iran conflict and threatened global oil supply.
• Trump posts "head for an eye" quote on Iran policy — President Trump posted a message quoting Secretary of State Rubio stating Iran is "begging" for a deal, while using the phrase "head for an eye" in reference to Iran policy. The post occurred during escalating military tensions with Iran and signaled an aggressive posture toward potential Iranian retaliation or negotiation.
• Trump threatened destruction of Iranian infrastructure including bridges and power plants — Trump stated in a Fox & Friends interview that if Iran does not make a deal, he will destroy Iranian bridges and power plants, claiming he could eliminate "most of the major bridges" in less than two hours and power plants in one day. He also threatened to destroy a site called "Pickaxe Mountain," claiming he had already destroyed Iranian nuclear sites previously.
• Trump threatens to level Iran's bridges and power plants — President Trump reiterated threats to destroy Iran's bridges and power plants during the escalating conflict. The threat targeted civilian infrastructure and was made publicly, signaling intent to conduct strikes that would harm non-combatants and critical services.
• White House issues release on Trump's Fox & Friends remarks on Iran strategy — The White House published a release documenting President Trump's July 28, 2026 appearance on Fox & Friends, in which he described U.S. military posture toward Iran. Trump stated the U.S. maintains naval control of the Strait of Hormuz, possesses intelligence on Iranian nuclear sites including "Pickaxe Mountain," and has imposed a blockade preventing Iranian shipping. He asserted readiness to conduct strikes on Iranian infrastructure if negotiations fail, stating he could destroy bridges and power plants, and contrasted his approach with prior administrations' policies.

Supporting reports

• Trump made unsubstantiated claims about Iran war justification — During his Michigan rally speech, Trump stated that the justification for the Iran war is simply "because we cannot let them have a nuclear weapon" and claimed this is "all you have to say" with "nothing else you have to say." This framing dismisses the need for detailed explanation, evidence, or Congressional deliberation on the rationale for ongoing military operations.

Supporting reports

• House approves $73bn budget for Iran war without Senate Democratic input — House Republicans approved a budget plan allocating $73 billion for the ongoing war with Iran on July 23, 2026, using reconciliation procedures to circumvent the Democratic filibuster in the Senate. The authorization falls short of the Pentagon's original $350 billion request needed to reach the administration's $1.5 trillion overall defense spending target for fiscal 2027. The move reflects Republican efforts to fund military operations without requiring bipartisan Senate approval.
• House passes $1.15tn defense bill with partisan voting and embedded voting restrictions — The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a 216-212 vote on July 23, 2026. The bill includes military pay raises, codifies renaming the Pentagon the "Department of War," and allocates funds for the ongoing war with Iran. Democrats largely opposed the measure, citing Trump's unilateral decision to attack Iran without congressional authorization, the inclusion of the Save America Act (banning mail-in ballots and imposing voter ID restrictions), and provisions deepening US-Israel defense cooperation. The bill now proceeds to the Senate.
• House passed National Defense Authorization Act with Section 219 — The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes Section 219, a controversial provision requiring the U.S. military to share sensitive technology with Israel. Six Democrats voted for the bill: Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX), Donald Davis (NC), Jared Golden (ME), Vicente Gonzalez (TX), Adam Gray (CA), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA). Seven Republicans voted against it: Reps. Josh Brecheen (OK), Tim Burchett (TN), Elijah Crane (AZ), Harriet Hageman (WY), Anna Paulina Luna (FL), Thomas Massie (KY), and Chip Roy (TX).
• Rep. Lauren Boebert missed NDAA vote citing Section 219 concerns — Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) told TMZ she missed the NDAA vote because she was waiting for a call from Secretary Hegseth and the vote was closed before she could participate. She stated she opposed Section 219 because her constituents do not want the military technology swap with Israel and said she was trying to avoid reporters due to recent Botox injections.
• Rep. Thomas Massie opposes NDAA Section 219 — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) stated that Section 219 of the NDAA "tragically merges our military technology and supply chains with Israel's" and called it "a betrayal of our sovereignty," expressing hope the provision would fail in the Senate.
• House Republicans merge NDAA with voting restrictions (Save America Act) — House Republicans, bowing to pressure from rightwing lawmakers and Trump, merged the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with the Save America Act, legislation that would ban mail-in ballots and impose new voter identification requirements at registration and ballot-casting. Democrats objected to the $1.15tn NDAA cost and halted advancement of the Senate version in protest of renewed Iran hostilities, complicating the defense budget's Senate passage.
• House Republicans pass $95bn Iran war spending and voting restrictions before summer recess — House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, passed a $95bn budget blueprint for Iran war spending and a super-sized military budget (NDAA) merged with voting restrictions (the Save America Act) during their final week before summer recess. Four dissident Republicans joined Democrats to pass a symbolic war powers resolution mandating Trump withdraw troops from Iran. Senate Republican leader John Thune signaled he would place the budget on "hold" as leverage in funding negotiations, raising the likelihood the Iran spending question remains undecided until September.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure in response to maritime incidents — Trump posted on social media that the United States will bomb and destroy one bridge or power plant in Iran, including those in Tehran, in response to any Iranian attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the policy as "a head for an eye," indicating escalation beyond proportional response. Such targeting of civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law.

Supporting reports

• Trump reported close to decision on massive attack against Iran — Axios reported that Trump is "close to making a decision" regarding a "massive attack" on Iran. According to the report, Trump stated that Iranians "want to negotiate" but "haven't received enough pain yet," indicating that further military escalation is under consideration as a precondition to negotiations.
• Trump announces consideration of massive attack on Iran — President Trump told Israel's Channel 12 and Axios that he is considering a "massive attack" on Iran larger than any previous operation, including Operation Epic Fury. Trump stated he was close to making a decision on the strike. The announcement came amid Iranian military strikes on U.S. positions and allies in the region.

Supporting reports

• Oil prices spiked amid regional conflict — Oil prices increased significantly during the period of escalating military conflict in the Middle East, with Brent crude reaching $94.50 per barrel. The price increase reflects market concerns about the impact of the conflict on global energy supplies.
• Oil prices surge past $100/barrel amid escalating Iran-U.S. tensions — Brent crude oil surged past $100 per barrel, up 42% in twenty days, as regional military tensions between the U.S. and Iran intensified. The 10-Year Treasury yield spiked above 4.70%, and the 30-year climbed past 5%. Major stock indices sold off sharply at market open, with the Nasdaq down nearly 2.7%. The escalation followed overnight Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers and Iranian strikes near Iraq-Kuwait border positions.
• Oil prices surge 7 percent following Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers — Following claims by Iran-backed Houthi rebels that they attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, the price of Brent crude oil surged 7 percent to more than $100 per barrel. The attacks raise concerns about potential closure of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, through which 12 to 15 percent of the world's maritime trade passes annually. The average price of gasoline in the United States rose to $4.09 per gallon.
• Brent crude surges past $91 per barrel and national gas prices hit $4 per gallon — Brent crude oil surged past $91 per barrel, and national gasoline prices reached $4 per gallon for the second time in 2026. The price increases reflect market response to regional conflict and supply disruptions, affecting consumers and the broader economy.
• Iran conflict escalation drove oil prices to $100 per barrel and gas prices above $4 per gallon — A widening military conflict with Iran entered a dangerous new phase, spooking energy markets and sending global oil prices to $100 per barrel. Gas prices topped $4 per gallon in much of the country. The economic turmoil coincided with the Trump administration's formalization of new tariffs on dozens of countries, creating compounded economic pressure on American families and businesses already weathered by over a year of trade war shocks.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon requests $67 billion emergency appropriation for Iran war operations — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting an emergency injection of $67 billion to fund Pentagon operations through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The Pentagon has sunk billions into the war in Iran; Hegseth stated the war cost $37.5 billion, though independent analysts estimate the true cost is significantly higher. The Navy and Air Force are projected to run out of money at the end of July 2026.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth requests $67 billion supplemental appropriation for Iran War operations — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before Congress on Tuesday, July 22, requesting an additional $67 billion in supplemental funding to sustain Defense Department operations through the end of September. The request follows escalating military operations in Iran that have exhausted the expanded budget Congress previously provided. Senator Lisa Murkowski raised concerns that the administration may be attempting to use supplemental appropriations as a backdoor mechanism to satisfy War Powers Resolution requirements without explicit congressional authorization for military action.
• Hegseth requests $88bn supplemental funding for Iran war at Senate hearing — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate appropriations committee on the US-Israel war on Iran, disclosing that the conflict has cost $37.5bn to date and requesting approximately $88bn in supplemental funding ($67.1bn specifically for Iran operations). Hegseth warned that without the funds, the Pentagon faces "critical shortfalls" affecting military pay, equipment replenishment, and operations. The hearing occurred amid a collapsed ceasefire, recent American combat deaths, and bipartisan criticism over shifting war rationales and lack of congressional authorization.
• Hegseth requests $454bn defense budget increase to $1.5tn, citing "generational investment" — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate appropriations committee on July 21, 2026, requesting a $454bn increase in military spending for 2027, bringing the total to approximately $1.5tn—a 44% increase that would match World War II spending levels when adjusted for inflation. The request includes $67bn in emergency defense funds for 2026, with $37.5bn allocated to ongoing Iran war operations through September 30. Hegseth also disclosed that $75bn from a prior $156bn appropriation remains unobligated with no detailed spending plan.

Supporting reports

• Secretary Hegseth provides inconsistent testimony on Iran war objectives — During Senate Appropriations Committee testimony, Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about statements made early in the Iran conflict claiming core objectives were to "destroy the missile threat" and "obliterate Iran's missiles and drones." Hegseth had declared four months earlier that all objectives had been achieved. When pressed, Hegseth declined to confirm whether the missile threat had been defeated, instead redefining "combat ineffective" to mean Iran could not deploy missiles at scale against the United States. Ossoff noted that Hegseth had assured the American people of Iranian surrender on day nine of the war and asked whether his statement that Iran's military had been "destroyed and made combat ineffective" was truthful.
• Senator Murray challenged Hegseth's claim that Iran's missile program is "functionally destroyed." — Senator Patty Murray cited Hegseth's April 8 statement that Iran's missile program was "functionally destroyed" with "launchers, production facilities and existing stockpiles depleted and decimated." She noted that Iran has been firing missiles at U.S. military bases and ships for the past week, contradicting Hegseth's assessment. Hegseth responded only that "Iran is at the weakest point militarily it has ever been in in the past decade."
• Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Caine testified on $1.5 trillion DOD budget request. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine testified before the Senate to defend a $1.5 trillion DOD budget request—nearly double the 2024 budget of $841 billion. Hegseth stated "not funding this department at $1.5 trillion is the greatest threat our nation faces," while Caine acknowledged air power has limits in achieving military objectives.
• Senator Durbin questioned unobligated DOD funding and "woke priorities" pivot. — Senator Dick Durbin asked Hegseth about $75 billion in unobligated DOD funding from the prior year's reconciliation package. Hegseth acknowledged the figure and stated "There's plans and designs on that - move away from all the woke priorities of what the Biden admin was pursuing," indicating funds would be redirected away from diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Senator Merkley pressed Caine on civilian infrastructure targeting in retaliation. — Senator Jeff Merkley questioned Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine on whether the U.S. would target civilian infrastructure in retaliatory strikes, noting that international law prohibits such targeting. Caine responded only that "we have a robust process," declining to provide explicit assurance that civilian infrastructure would be protected.
• Senator Murray questioned necessity of National Guard funding and Caribbean strikes for Iran war. — Senator Patty Murray asked Hegseth why "billions of dollars more for the National Guard and this administration's illegal strikes in the Caribbean" are urgently needed for the Iran war. Hegseth responded by blaming "gross negligence and neglect of the Biden admin" without addressing the substance of her question about the connection between Caribbean operations and Iran conflict.
• Senator Reed challenged Hegseth on war authorization and Strait of Hormuz contingencies. — Senator Jack Reed accused Hegseth of "gross negligence" for failing to fully inform Trump that the Strait of Hormuz could be effectively closed by Iranian action. Reed questioned whether Trump should be "praised for starting war without authority" and creating conditions where "the world economy is suffering tremendously," challenging the administration's failure to obtain congressional authorization.
• Senator Reed questioned whether airstrikes alone will defeat Iran; Caine declined to address ground troop escalation. — Senator Jack Reed asked Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine whether airstrikes alone would defeat Iran. Caine acknowledged that "air power has got limits" but declined to address whether ground combat escalation would follow, stating "I think it'd be unhelpful for me to opine on hypotheticals."

Supporting reports

• House Republicans pass budget resolution authorizing $95bn reconciliation bill for Iran war, farm aid, and voting restrictions — The Republican-controlled House passed a 216-214 budget resolution on Wednesday authorizing a $95bn reconciliation bill. The measure allocates $73bn for military operations against Iran (responding to the Trump administration's $88bn supplemental request), $12bn for farm aid affected by the Iran conflict and tariffs, and $10bn for the House administration committee to attempt passage of the Save America Act, which would ban mail-in ballots nationwide and impose strict voter ID requirements. The reconciliation process allows passage with a simple Senate majority, bypassing the Democratic filibuster.
• House Dem Whip criticizes GOP budget as prioritizing Trump's war and voter suppression — House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark issued a statement criticizing the House GOP's latest partisan budget, stating it allocates $73 billion for Trump's war, $10 billion for voter suppression, and $0 to lower costs. Clark characterized the budget as a misallocation of priorities away from helping constituents.
• House GOP leaders schedule packed floor agenda including Iran war funding and defense policy — House GOP leaders scheduled a packed floor agenda for the week of July 20, with only four days remaining before summer recess. The schedule includes the annual defense policy package, a bill to fund the government beyond the midterms, a budget resolution to unlock the reconciliation process, and a GOP-led stock trading ban measure. The agenda includes a $95 billion fiscal blueprint that includes funds for Iran war and farm aid, along with a watered-down version of an elections bill.
• House Democrats criticized Secretary of Defense Hegseth's Senate testimony — Multiple House Democrats, including Jeffries, Raskin, and AOC, publicly criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's testimony before the Senate. The criticism followed Hegseth's appearance before the Senate, where he faced questioning about his qualifications and positions.
• House voted on budget resolution for third GOP reconciliation package — The House of Representatives voted on a budget resolution on July 22, 2026, that sets up a third GOP reconciliation package. Reconciliation packages allow the majority party to pass legislation with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the normal 60-vote threshold.
• Rep. Ted Lieu criticized UN Ambassador Mike Waltz over wounded troop figures — Rep. Ted Lieu publicly criticized UN Ambassador Mike Waltz during a hearing, challenging the accuracy of figures Waltz provided regarding the number of wounded troops. Lieu's criticism focused on what he characterized as misrepresentation of casualty data.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts threat that Iran will "pay" multiple times for each American soldier killed — Trump posted on Truth Social that "Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!" and stated that this directive had been passed to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Caine, and military leadership. The post represented an escalatory threat following the deaths of two service members.