Economists dispute claims by Trump's chief economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, that Americans are spending more due to optimism. They argue rising costs of essentials like groceries and gasoline, coupled with falling real incomes and weak consumer sentiment, are forcing increased spending, not confidence.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have both expressed a need for China to leverage its tight relations with Tehran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz for “their own interests”.
A shooting incident near the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night prompted Secret Service to evacuate President Trump and first lady Melania Trump. During the chaos, Trump senior adviser Dan Scavino climbed onto a chair and attempted to lead 'USA! USA!' chants, but was met with awkward silence and shushing from other attendees. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, was taken into custody after exchanging gunfire with officers. The incident follows two assassination attempts on Trump in 2024.
