Trump is still Trump, even when faced with the question of war
He himself doesn't seem to yet know.
'You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question,' President Donald Trump said, when asked Wednesday morning if he had made a decision on U.S. strikes in Iran. 'You don't know that I'm going to even do it. You know, I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do."
It was the unpredictable president, once again, being unpredictable. It is still unclear whether his vague but muscular warnings are laying the groundwork for a military attack or something more strategically complex, part of a diplomatic gambit to steer a foreign adversary into a deal favorable to him and not to them.
He said that Iran had gotten itself into trouble, and that they now want to negotiate, and had even offered to come meet him at the White House.
'Why didn't you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine," he said. 'You would have had a country. It's very sad to watch this. I mean, I've never — I've never seen anything like it.'
Later in the day, he said that the Iranian regime could fall ('Anything could happen') and he said that he would be holding a meeting in the War Room ('Situation Room, as some people call it'). But asked to clarify his thinking, he refused to be pinned down.
'I have ideas as to what to do,' he said. 'But I haven't made a final — I like to make the final decision one second before it's due, you know, because things change. I mean, especially with war, things change with war. It can go from one extreme to the other. War is very bad.'
The past week has been a dizzying display as Trump has navigated how to handle what could be one of the most consequential decisions of his presidency. For months he had urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid doing anything to disrupt the as they tried diplomacy with Iran. But Trump grew frustrated with the pace of negotiations — and Netanyahu moved forward last week with military strikes that Trump quickly praised for their effectiveness.
'His handling of this crisis is the same as his presidency: This really is a presidency more than an administration. It's dominated by the president, and policy comes from the top down rather than percolate up from the bottom,' said Richard Haass, a veteran diplomat and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations.
'And this reinforces the sense of an extraordinarily forceful and powerful president,' he added. 'But with one odd caveat, that it's also an inconsistent one....the policies change constantly. There's an improvisational quality, and that is part of the difficulty of being an adversary, an ally, a journalist — to be a citizen.'
White House officials have largely declined to elaborate on Trump's decision-making process. He decided to return early from the G-7 summit in Canada to monitor the situation and hold meetings in person -- although some have also suggested that he had accomplished what he wanted to at the summit and had, as he has previously, grown tired of the meetings and felt his time was better spent elsewhere.
Administration officials have said that his ultimate goal has remained to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon — and they have pointed to his long history of making such claims — but it has not been certain whether he views the best coarse as a military one or a diplomatic one.
Still, the president has made it increasingly clear in public comments Wednesday that he is weighing potential action.
Any American military engagement in Iran would be a departure from Trump's campaign rhetoric and his actions during the first few months of his administration, when he repeatedly talked about being a peacemaker.
'We will quickly restore stability in the Middle East, and we will return the world to peace," he said during a campaign event in September.
His advisers now emphasize that ensuring that Iran does not have access to a nuclear weapon is the only pathway toward long-term stability in the region. But the lesson from many past presidents has been that involvement in conflicts in the Middle East can become like kudzu, quickly growing into an all-consuming problem.
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump often invoked the Middle East as a lesson of misadventures in American foreign policy.
He called the original deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear ambitions "a disgrace and an embarrassment.'
And he frequently spoke out about military involvement in Iraq as a way to ridicule his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton (even though he had previously supported the war efforts).
'I said it, and I said it loud and clear, 'You'll destabilize the Middle East,'" he said in a Republican primary debate in 2016. "That's exactly what happened.'
Another lesson that has been front and center for Trump is a 2012 threat that Barack Obama made toward Syria, saying that if the country used chemical weapons it would be crossing a 'red line' that would trigger an American military response. When, a year later, Bashar al-Assad used sarin gas to kill more than 1,400 people, Obama struggled with a swift response before Syria said it would give up its chemical weapons program.
That decision was criticized even by close Obama allies, and Trump has pointed toward the empty threat as having a broader impact, emboldening other countries and diminishing the power of threats from the United States.
'That red line in the sand from President Obama, that was just absolutely, it just didn't matter. It was just words,' he said during a rally in August 2021.
Trump has also pointed toward his own decision to authorize strikes in Syria in 2017 in an operation that launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a chemical attack that killed Syrian citizens.
'Everyone in the world knew not to mess around with America. They knew that,' he said. 'They understood our power and that I would not hesitate to use it in defense of our citizens.'
That could make it harder for him to come down from the escalating threats about Iran. His social media feed – where on Tuesday he demanded 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' from Tehran, without detailing what that would mean. He has also described the supreme leader as an 'easy target.'
'If he wants a diplomatic outcome, I don't think his posting on social media is helping,' Haass said. 'The call for unconditional surrender makes it more difficult for them to accept any proposal we would put forward.'
'I would basically let the Israeli military actions and all this talk about a US military move speak for themselves,' he added. 'And then I would have a serious effort putting forward a very demanding proposal to the Iranians, essentially to denuclearize them.'
Trump on Wednesday still seemed to be toying with the idea of a deal, complimenting Iranians for their 'courageous' offer to come meet him at the White House. Asked if he had given them an ultimatum, he said, 'You could say so. Maybe you could call it the ultimate ultimatum.'
'Nothing's finished until it's finished. You know, war is very complex," he added. 'A lot of bad things can happen. A lot of turns are made. So I don't know. I wouldn't say that we won anything yet. I would say that we sure as hell made a lot of progress. We'll see.'
'And the next week is going to be very big, maybe less than a week, maybe less.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
84 Lumber Sponsors 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
"Christmas in July" event celebrates historic first for Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest LAS VEGAS, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in history, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, affectionately known as "The People's Tree," will come from the state of Nevada. In celebration of this milestone, 84 Lumber, the presenting sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree since 2022, unveiled its $100,000 sponsorship at a public celebration in Las Vegas, drawing state and national leaders, community members, and key partners from across the forestry and conservation sectors. Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with the Architect of the Capitol, selects a tree to adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from one of the 154 national forests it manages. This year, it will be harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. "84 Lumber is proud to help bring 'The People's Tree' to Washington, D.C.," said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. "This time-honored tradition celebrates the beauty of our nation's forests and the communities they represent. As a privately held company with deep local roots, including our dedicated team and store serving the Las Vegas community, we're proud to support something that unites people across the country in celebration and stewardship." "The Governor would like to extend his deep appreciation to the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters who will be joining us throughout this journey to share the significance of this time-honored tradition," said Sonny Vinuya, Southern NV Outreach Director, Office of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. "We also recognize that this extraordinary effort would not be possible without a strong public-private partnership—and that's why 84 Lumber's leadership as the presenting sponsor is so meaningful," he said. "Their support is a shining example of what happens when the private sector steps forward to embrace civic pride and national unity." A Milestone for Nevada This marks the first time Nevada has been selected to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and the choice of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the largest national forest in the lower 48 states, highlights the state's diverse landscapes, forest heritage, and deep public land legacy. The honor places Nevada on a national stage and offers residents across the state the chance to engage with the project as the tree makes its journey to the U.S. Capitol. The tree's multi-stop national tour will serve as an opportunity to showcase Nevada's identity and foster civic pride during events in Nevada and 13 other states throughout the country, while allowing people in local communities to join in the holiday spirit. Society of American Foresters: Sponsorship Is Vital The Society of American Foresters (SAF), the non-profit partner of the USDA Forest Service, called attention to the importance of corporate and community sponsorships in making this massive nationwide effort possible. "We are deeply grateful to sponsors like 84 Lumber for helping bring The People's Tree to the nation's capital," said SAF CEO Terry Baker. "These sponsorships are an investment in conservation, community, and national goodwill. Together, we can ensure this tradition continues to thrive." As the nation's oldest organization representing forestry professionals, SAF is dedicated to sustainable forest management, environmental responsibility, and connecting Americans to their public lands. SAF's partnership in the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative reinforces the importance of our nation's forests and the people and partners who care for them. "With Nevada in the national spotlight, the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree offers unique opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals across the state—especially in Las Vegas—to contribute to a historic community-driven celebration," said Baker. "The private sector can play a meaningful role in preserving and promoting America's natural heritage." Tree Selection and Journey to the U.S. Capitol Each July, the Architect of the Capitol works with the USDA Forest Service in selecting a tree according to a rigorous set of criteria: Height: Between 65 and 85 feet Shape: A perfect conical form that looks symmetrical from every angle Characteristics: Straight stem, dense branching, uniform color, and species-typical features Following its harvest later this year, the tree will be transported on a custom-designed 104-foot tractor trailer. The tour will include numerous public stops, culminating in its arrival in Washington, D.C., where it will be adorned with thousands of handmade ornaments created by Nevadans and lit during a national ceremony. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in early December. Tour dates and locations are subject to change. For more information on the stop tour events, starting at the end of October, visit: Website: Facebook: Instagram: 84 Lumber is the leading supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates more than 320 facilities in 34 states and is continuing to grow. For more information about 84 Lumber, visit or follow 84 Lumber on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. ABOUT 84 LUMBERFounded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities, which include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall. 84 Lumber, a certified women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, has earned widespread recognition for its industry leadership and commitment to excellence. Named one of Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America for both 2024 and 2025, 84 Lumber was also honored as one of USA Today's Top Retailers in 2024. For three consecutive years, 84 Lumber has been honored as one of America's Best Large and Mid-Size Employers by Forbes and has also earned a spot on the list of America's Top Private Companies from 2019 to 2024. In 2023, the company was also honored with a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies. For more information, visit or join us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. ABOUT THE U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREEThe U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of the nation's 155 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2024 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, visit and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE 84 Lumber Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe
Premier Scott Moe says as trade talks between Canada and America hurtle towards an Aug. 1 deadline, taking an 'elbows up' approach is 'nothing more than a slogan.' The Saskatchewan premier made the comment on Wednesday at the conclusion of the Council of the Federation (COF) meeting, adding that the prospect of completely separating Canada from the economy of the United States is an 'unreasonable dream.' 'When someone says we need to move away from dealing with the United States, that can be true in part, but it certainly can't be true in all. They are our largest trading partner,' said Moe. But the premier also acknowledged the relationship between Canada and the U.S. will be changed, 'if not forever … for a long period of time' given combative rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration. Trump kicked off a trade war on March 4 when he announced 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy. Over time, those tariffs have changed to now only apply to select goods that are non-Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant. Trump has indicated new tariffs are coming for Canada if a trade deal is not struck by Aug. 1. 'Our objective is not to reach a deal whatever it costs … We are pursuing a deal that will be in the best interest of Canadians.' said Prime Minister Mark Carney during the COF meeting. Moe said he's holding out hope that there will be zero tariffs come the start of next month, but noted efforts made by his government and others have already resulted in exemptions and lowered tariffs on certain goods, like oil and potash. Still, about five per cent of trade to the U.S. is subject to tariffs, Moe said, adding that CUSMA 'is working for Saskatchewan.' And while the tariffs are impacting Saskatchewan, the premier said 'it's maybe to a lesser degree' than elsewhere in Canada. That doesn't discount the larger impact of the tariffs, stressed Moe, saying the rhetoric and actions from the U.S. make this 'very much a time of uncertainty' as trade relationships are tarnished or reset. Moe noted that the 100 per cent import tariff imposed by China on canola in March is a direct result of Canada standing in lockstep with the U.S.'s own policy, which placed 25 per cent tariffs on aluminum and steel and 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. 'The federal government continues to engage with China and we're supporting them every step of the way,' said the premier. A 'change in tone' As conversations continue between Ottawa and Saskatchewan to push forward energy and other projects, and as the feds continue to negotiate with Saskatchewan's two largest trade partners (China and the U.S.), Moe maintained that he was 'cautiously optimistic' about the Carney government. Moe acknowledged that this was a 'change in tone' from himself and spoke favourably of Bill C-5, which received royal assent on June 26 and was passed into law. It gives the federal government new powers to fast-track approvals for what it calls 'nation-building projects.' The bill has been opposed by Indigenous leaders and groups who have voiced concerns it might override their fundamental rights. The government amended the bill on June 18 so that it cannot override the Indian Act. Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation of Canada as the 51st state have spurred things like Bill C-5 as the Canadian government shifts priorities to large-scale domestic projects. The bill aims to 'strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security,' according to a government website. At the same time, provincial and federal leaders have also been spurred to improve interprovincial trade in the face of tariffs. Though Moe started the COF inviting all provinces and territories to join the binding and interprovincial New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA), it seems to be that the fellow premiers have landed on expanding the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) instead. 'We'll continue to push all of the other provinces to expand the CFTA, to make it as close to a mirror image as we can to the New West Partnership,' he said. Having signed five memorandums of understanding since June 2 related to energy corridors, interprovincial trade and breaking down economic barriers, Moe said the renewed focus on improving trade between provinces and territories might be the only good to come out of Trump's threats. 'What you're seeing now is actual action in this space and I'd say it's high time.' — with files from The Canadian Press Related Saskatchewan's Scott Moe invites all Canadian premiers to join western trade agreement Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signs two more MOUs to open up interprovincial trade routes alsalloum@ The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jerome Powell hit with a criminal referral over Fed's $2.5B renovation project — what it might mean for your nest egg
Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces a criminal referral from Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna — the latest escalation in GOP scrutiny of the central bank's spending and leadership. On July 19, Luna sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Department of Justice to investigate Powell for potential perjury and making false statements to federal officials. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how The referral centers on Powell's June 25 statements under oath before the Senate Committee on Banking, where he addressed the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's historic Eccles Building. In a news release, Luna claims he 'knowingly misled' officials about the nature of the project during testimony, in which he 'denied the inclusion of luxury features.' '[Powell] stated: 'There's no VIP dining room, there's no new marble … there are no special elevators, just old elevators that have been there; there are no new water features, there's no beehives and there's no roof terrace gardens,'' she wrote in the letter. But according to Luna, his statement doesn't match up with filed documents. Citing the Federal Reserve's final submission to the National Capital Planning Commission, she said nearly all of Powell's denials — aside from the beehives — are contradicted by actual renovation plans. She also pointed in the letter to Powell's statement that the building 'never had' a serious renovation, despite a previous project from 1999 to 2003. If Powell knowingly misrepresented the facts, Luna argues, his actions may constitute perjury or materially false statements under federal law. According to Fox News, trade outlet Mortgage Professional reported that Powell has denied all allegations of perjury and has called for a formal watchdog investigation into the Eccles Building's renovation costs. Trump, Powell and the fate of your heard-earned dollar There's been growing tension between President Donald Trump and Powell based on a fundamental disagreement over interest rates. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell — calling him names like 'numbskull,' 'Mr. Too Late' and a 'major loser' — for the Fed's decision to keep its benchmark rate in the 4.25% to 4.50% range throughout the year. Trump insists rates should be as much as three percentage points lower to help the economy Trump has said he isn't planning on firing Powell, but also hasn't ruled out the possibility. Powell's term as Fed chair runs through May 2026, and he has said he does not intend to leave early. While uncertainty lingers around Powell's future, it's worth remembering the core purpose of the Fed. As the nation's central bank, it operates under a dual mandate: to pursue maximum employment and maintain price stability. In a statement released June 18, the Federal Open Market Committee noted that unemployment remains low and labor market conditions are solid — but inflation 'remains somewhat elevated.' That may explain why the Fed isn't cutting rates. While lower interest rates — the kind Trump has called for — could boost economic activity, they also risk reigniting inflation. And the 40-year high inflation rate Americans endured in 2022 is still fresh in the rearview mirror. The good news? Savvy investors have long relied on certain assets to shield their wealth from inflation's bite — no matter who's running the Fed. A safe haven shines again Gold has helped people preserve their wealth for thousands of years. Today, its appeal is simple: unlike fiat currencies, the yellow metal can't be printed at will by central banks. It's also widely regarded as the ultimate safe haven. Gold is not tied to any one country, currency or economy, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors often flock to it — driving prices higher. Over the past 12 months, the price of the precious metal has surged about 40%. Ray Dalio, founder of the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, has repeatedly emphasized gold's importance in a resilient portfolio. 'People don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,' he told CNBC earlier this year. 'When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.' One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to help shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties. When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $10,000 in precious metals for free. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — A time-tested income play Gold isn't the only asset investors rely on to preserve their purchasing power. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that can adjust for inflation. Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has jumped by more than 50%, reflecting strong demand and a limited housing supply. Of course, high home prices can make buying a home more challenging, especially as mortgage rates remain elevated. And being a landlord isn't exactly hands-off work — managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly eat into your time (and returns). The good news? You don't need to buy a property outright — or deal with leaky faucets — to invest in real estate today. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class. Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants. The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you'd like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment. Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord. With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns. Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties. What to read next How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement 5 simple ways to grow rich with US real estate — without the headaches of being a landlord. Start now with as little as $10 This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Car insurance in America now costs a stunning $2,329/year on average — but here's how 2 minutes can save you more than $600 in 2025 Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.