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Good morning. Today the president says he doesn’t want a deal while the White House eyes a bombing campaign, oil blows past $105, and a former Fox host is accused of asking a donor to make a $100,000 credit card bill vanish. Meanwhile, ex-officials are cashing in on Venezuela, Senate Republicans can’t agree on a single way to lower gas prices, and Trump wants his golf club to double as Camp David. Here are the six stories shaping your day.
Trump Rejects Iran Deal as U.S. Weighs Massive Bombing Campaign Ahead of Midterms
President Trump said at a San Antonio rally that he no longer wants a deal with Iran, even as his administration reportedly weighs a return to large-scale military operations within weeks. NBC News and Axios report that the options include “massive bombing” of Iranian energy, infrastructure, and nuclear targets, possibly before the midterms. Trump says Tehran would “offer us anything to stop” and praised envoy Steve Witkoff, yet he waved off the deal itself. Iran blames mixed messaging from Washington. Meanwhile, Gulf crude exports have recovered to about 18.5 million barrels per day, though prices remain stubbornly high.
Source: CNBC
Kimberly Guilfoyle Asked Trump Donor to Pay $100,000 Amex Bill While Offering Access to Top Officials
A Wall Street Journal investigation alleges that Kimberly Guilfoyle, now ambassador to Greece, urged Kentucky donor Eric Deters to wire $100,000 to her American Express account days before her confirmation hearing. Her reported Signal message said it “won’t show up anywhere.” Deters refused. The messages also describe offers to help him with an IRS dispute and a Justice Department probe through contacts like Billy Long, Kash Patel, and Pam Bondi. Guilfoyle disputes the messages’ authenticity through her attorney, who says she was owed money for speaking engagements. No criminal wrongdoing was reported.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Oil Surges Past $105 as Trump Weighs New Iran Strikes, Sending Stocks Tumbling and Gas Prices Soaring
Brent crude jumped more than 5% above $105 a barrel as markets reacted to reports that Trump is weighing a return to large-scale strikes on Iran.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 5.35%, and stock futures fell. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains a fraction of prewar levels, and shipping a tanker of American crude to Asia now costs about $77 million. At the pump, regular gasoline averages $4.36 per gallon and diesel $6.28. Bank of America warns that a wider conflict could push oil as high as $150, just as early voting is underway.
Source: NBC News
Former Trump Officials Cash In on Venezuela Oil Boom After U.S. Takeover
A Washington Post investigation finds that former Trump officials are landing lucrative Venezuela oil jobs after the U.S. operation that removed Nicolás Maduro in January. Michael Jensen left his National Security Council post and joined crypto billionaire Fred Ehrsam’s new energy firm three days later. Brittany Kelm moved to Sable Offshore, and Micah Ketchel joined a lobbying firm. The government even holds a 35% stake in a major Venezuelan oil company. Those involved say they followed ethics rules, and the White House defends them. Critics ask whether foreign policy is creating profits for the people who shaped it.
Source: The Washington Post
Republicans Turn on Each Other Over Gas Prices as Election Day Looms
Senate Republicans cannot agree on how to lower fuel prices before the November 3 midterms, and the party’s own factions keep killing every proposal. A 90-day diesel export ban collapsed under opposition from oil-state senators and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. A federal gas tax holiday ran into resistance from fiscal conservatives, including Rand Paul. Year-round E15 gasoline pits farm-state senators against refining interests. Strategists admit nothing will move prices quickly while Iran disrupts the Strait of Hormuz, so relief may wait until after Election Day.
Source: The Hill
The Trump Grift Continues: President Wants to Turn His Private Golf Club Into a New Camp David
President Trump wants his privately owned West Palm Beach golf club recognized as an official presidential retreat, an alternative to Camp David. A letter from the club’s attorney proposes a “U.S. Presidential Golf Course” with presidential lodging financed by the club and free government access. The club earned Trump nearly $37 million in his first year back in office. Palm Beach County, which owns the land, must approve the plan, and its administrator welcomed the idea. Unlike Camp David, the retreat would stay tied to a private Trump business, and it is unclear who would cover long-term costs.
Source: NPR
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