Tangent
Trump in his speech on Friday urged Americans to accept higher gas prices as a result of the Iran war, telling the crowd, “a tiny little bit more for your gasoline” is worth it to prevent “a very evil country” from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump made the comments as gas was up 29% from a year ago, to $4.08/gallon, on Friday, according to AAA.
Key Background
Trump’s escalated rhetoric toward Iran Friday is part of a pattern of declaring the war to be nearing an end, only to threaten or launch more attacks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Newsmax on Thursday that more economic penalties against Iran would be imposed soon. Another sign the U.S. is pouring more resources into the war is the USS Abraham Lincoln’s prolonged deployment in the Middle East. The ship left its home port in San Diego in November and has spent more than 200 consecutive days at sea without making a port call. Family members of sailors and lawmakers have raised concerns about deteriorating mental health among sailors on board, dangerous conditions, and lack of food, basic supplies and sanitation, conditions Trump and military officials have denied. Trump on Friday said the deployment hasn’t lasted “nearly long enough” and denied families’ concerns, angering some Democrats who have pressed the administration for answers about the conditions on board and what they’re doing to improve them. The USS George Washington is reportedly en route to replace the ship, though it’s unclear when the sailors on board the USS Lincoln will return home.
further reading
Trump Says USS Lincoln Hasn’t Been Deployed ‘Nearly Long Enough’—Denies Families’ Concerns (Forbes)
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Iran Says U.S. Must Meet Demands Before Strait Of Hormuz Reopens (Forbes)
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