Stories

Browse major news stories and see what officials have said.

Apr 15, 2026

Fight Over Clean FISA Section 702 Reauthorization

A conservative revolt in the House derailed President Trump's push for a clean 18-month reauthorization of FISA Section 702, the warrantless surveillance authority set to expire April 20. After Speaker Mike Johnson pulled the procedural rule vote on April 15 when it became clear he couldn't hold his caucus, leadership tried again on April 16 — but roughly 20 Republicans joined Democrats in tanking both a 5-year and the 18-month extension. In a chaotic late-night session, the House passed a 10-day stopgap extension through April 30 via voice vote at 2 AM on April 17. Rebels demanded warrant protections for Americans' communications and attachment of the SAVE America Act. Trump called FISA 702 vital for "SUCCESS on the battlefield," while civil-liberties critics from both parties — Raskin, Davidson, Wyden, Massie, Boebert, Luna — argued the administration had dismantled oversight safeguards. The fight resumes before April 30.

Trump Threatens 'Whole Civilization Will Die' in Iran Ultimatum

On April 7, 2026, hours before his 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump posted on Truth Social that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." The threat — his most extreme public rhetoric of the Iran war — drew condemnation from Democrats calling for the 25th Amendment, criticism from some Republicans, and accusations of a threat to commit genocide from Amnesty International. Iran called the statement "a sign of ignorance."

Trump's Easter Threat to Bomb Iran's Civilian Infrastructure

On Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 2026, President Trump posted an expletive-laden ultimatum on Truth Social threatening to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by Tuesday, writing "Open the F***in' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell" and signing off "Praise be to Allah." The post drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, with former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene declaring Trump "has gone insane" and Senator Bernie Sanders calling it "the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual."

25th Amendment and Impeachment Calls Over Trump's Iran Threats

President Trump's escalating rhetoric — from his profanity-laced Easter post threatening to bomb civilian infrastructure to his April 7 declaration that "a whole civilization will die tonight" — triggered an unprecedented wave of calls for his removal. Over 85 House Democrats called for impeachment or the 25th Amendment. Rep. John Larson filed 13 articles of impeachment. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment. The push extended beyond Democrats: former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene posted "25TH AMENDMENT!!!" and called Trump "insane," Tucker Carlson called the threats "a war crime, a moral crime," and Alex Jones floated invoking the amendment. Despite the bipartisan criticism, removal remains unlikely with Republicans controlling both chambers and no signs of Cabinet cooperation.

Trump Feuds With Pope Leo XIV Over Iran War and Immigration

An escalating clash between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pope — has emerged as one of the defining conflicts of 2026. The feud spans two fronts: Leo's condemnation of the Iran war (calling Trump's threats "truly unacceptable" and denouncing a "delusion of omnipotence") and his criticism of mass deportation policies as "extremely disrespectful." Trump responded with an extraordinary broadside, calling Leo "very liberal," "weak on crime," and "terrible for foreign policy," and claiming "If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican." The Vatican canceled a planned 250th anniversary visit over foreign policy disagreements.