Thursday, 8 October 2026

Trump announced the U.S. will not resume large-scale strikes on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, offering a temporary pause in a conflict that has cost $11.3 billion in its first six days. The Pentagon has drafted options for three days of strikes, but Trump has repeatedly vetoed plans to restart military operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the execution of Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad scheduled for December 3 will be livestreamed and open to the public—the first public execution in modern U.S. history if carried out.

Oil prices spiked above $105 per barrel as Trump considered renewed military strikes on Iran, with markets reacting to fresh Middle East tensions and supply concerns. Gas prices have risen to $4.30, marking a 46% increase from pre-war levels.

The Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit against Trump over his administration's use of taxpayer-funded campaign-style ads, alleging illegal use of federal resources for political purposes. Trump said he would help pay for the ads after the lawsuit was filed.

Reports surfaced that Trump operatives were paid to advise pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik ahead of parliamentary elections, raising alarm about U.S. interference in foreign elections and alignment with Russia-friendly politicians.

Trump awarded Elon Musk and other tech executives National Medals of Science at a White House summit billing the event as the start of a 'golden age' of American science. Musk and Trump reconciled after their bitter 2025 feud over DOGE spending.

A DOJ grand jury is investigating former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who was a key witness testifying before the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. Her prosecute represents political retaliation against a Trump critic.

Trump announced he would award baseball legend Roger Clemens the Presidential Medal of Freedom despite Clemens being denied a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame due to steroid allegations. Trump called Clemens 'maybe the greatest pitcher of all time.'

A Mississippi Valley State basketball player Qingfang Pang was detained by ICE after overstaying his visa, marking another instance of the administration's broad immigration enforcement targeting student-athletes. Previously, Kentucky State women's basketball player Aminata Seck was released on bond after 61 days in ICE custody.

Trump faced multiple interruptions from protesters at a San Antonio rally where he campaigned for Ken Paxton. At least 10 protesters were removed from the event as Trump briefly stepped away from the microphone when one appeared to approach the stage.