Thursday, 17 September 2026

President Trump claims the US is nearing the end of the Iran war and asserts direct talks with Tehran are underway. The conflict has now passed the half-year mark with continued military operations and diplomatic uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years despite Trump's public pressure for cuts. Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh avoided direct criticism from Trump, though the president attacked other Fed members and blamed prior policy for inflation.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament and welcomed the EU's proposal for Canada to become its first 'associate member.' Trump responded by threatening tariffs and calling the arrangement a potential 'hostile act,' escalating US-Canada tensions.

The White House withdrew the nomination of Lance Schroyer to lead ICE after Republican Senator Rand Paul blocked his confirmation hearing, citing concerns about the fatal killings of US citizens by immigration enforcement agents. The agency will remain without a Senate-confirmed leader.

A UN fact-finding mission reported reasonable grounds to believe the US committed war crimes in Iran, specifically citing two airstrikes including one on a school in Minab in February. Iran was also found to have committed crimes against humanity during crackdowns on protests.

A federal judge ruled that Trump officials must provide 30 days' notice before making any physical changes to the Kennedy Center, including demolition. The ruling restricts Trump's threats to tear down or rename the building.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. returned to the anti-vaccine organization he founded, Children's Health Defense, and told the gathering they have 'a strong and steadfast friend at the White House.' This occurs as measles outbreaks spread across multiple states.

An ICE agent, Christian Castro, appeared in Minnesota court facing multiple state and federal charges including assault in connection with the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant during the winter immigration surge. He was arrested after months as a fugitive.

A Fox News poll found that 53% of voters say ICE enforcement has gone too far, eroding the GOP's historical advantage on immigration. Meanwhile, Republican representative María Elvira Salazar released a campaign ad criticizing Trump's immigration enforcement as excessive.

Trump administration officials announced plans to dismantle key protections for endangered species. A Fish and Wildlife Service memo calls for changing what it means to 'take' an endangered species, weakening federal protections.