Trump Backs ICE, Todd Blanche Testifies, World Cup, The Odyssey

Iran Strikes, Hormuz Pipeline, Truth Social and White House Bets

1. Renewed U.S. Strikes on Iran American forces are again bombing Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz. I examine Iran's failed diplomacy, President Trump's response, and J.D. Vance's accusation that Israel tried to undermine the peace deal. 2. A Pipeline That Could Bypass Hormuz Chevron is exploring a pipeline route through Iraq that could reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. I explain how new energy routes involving Iraq, Jordan, and Israel could weaken Iran's leverage. 3. Truth Social Sells Rapid Access Truth Social is selling faster access to President Trump's market-moving posts. I discuss why monetizing proximity to presidential statements creates another serious breach of public trust. 4. White House Prediction-Market Bets A longtime White House teleprompter operator is reportedly under investigation over suspicious prediction-market wagers involving presidential speeches. The controversy raises new questions about insider knowledge, corruption, and accountability. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com [http://www.erickerickson.com] https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson [https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson] https://rumble.com/ewerickson [https://rumble.com/ewerickson] Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Trump Backs ICE, Todd Blanche Testifies, World Cup, The Odyssey

1. Trump Restores ICE Traffic Stops President Trump has reversed ICE's suspension of traffic stops following two fatal encounters. I examine the need for effective immigration enforcement and the credibility problems created when operations appear disorganized. 2. Todd Blanche Faces Senate Questions Todd Blanche is defending the Justice Department's record on the anti-weaponization fund and the Epstein files during his confirmation hearings. I explain why skeptical Senate Republicans may still demand answers before confirming him. 3. England Faces Argentina in the World Cup England has brought its best players home from foreign clubs for a highly anticipated World Cup showdown with Argentina. I am not much of a soccer fan, but this matchup could be one for the ages. 4. The Odyssey Earns Extraordinary Reviews Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is receiving overwhelming praise from conservative, liberal, and middle-of-the-road critics. I plan to see it in IMAX and find out whether Nolan has delivered his best movie yet. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com [http://www.erickerickson.com] https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson [https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson] https://rumble.com/ewerickson [https://rumble.com/ewerickson] Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Iran's Shipping War, Fed Inflation, ICE Traffic Stops, Deportations

1. Iran Threatens Critical Shipping Lanes I explain how the battles over the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea could drain American resources, raise costs, and allow Iran to keep destabilizing global trade. 2. The Federal Reserve Confronts Inflation I examine Kevin Warsh's testimony, the latest encouraging inflation data, and why the Federal Reserve is still keeping potential interest rate increases on the table. 3. ICE Suspends Traffic Stops After Fatal Shootings I look at the decision to suspend vehicle stops during immigration operations after two deadly encounters and what it could mean for deportation arrests. 4. Deportation Requires Strength Without Cruelty I make the case for enforcing our immigration laws while recognizing that voters want a government that is firm, careful, and compassionate in how deportations are carried out. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com [http://www.erickerickson.com] https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson [https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson] https://rumble.com/ewerickson [https://rumble.com/ewerickson] Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

South Carolina Senate Race, Iran Blockade, CNN Merger, Pentagon Leaks

1. South Carolina's Senate Race Begins Lindsey Graham's departure sets up a major Republican primary in South Carolina. I explain the likely candidates, Donald Trump's potential influence, and why Russell Fry could emerge as the favorite. 2. Trump Tightens the Iran Blockade The Trump administration is expanding pressure on Iran by enforcing a tougher blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. I break down the strategy, the impact on oil prices, and what it could mean for the Middle East. 3. Blue States Target the Paramount-Warner Merger Twelve Democrat-led states are trying to stop the proposed Paramount and Warner Brothers merger. I explain why CNN is at the center of the fight and what it says about the battle over America's media landscape. 4. Pentagon Leaks Raise New Questions Pete Hegseth is launching a task force to investigate Pentagon leaks, but the story is more complicated than politics. I explain why some Republicans believe the leaks exposed information Congress needed to know. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com [http://www.erickerickson.com] https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson [https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson] https://rumble.com/ewerickson [https://rumble.com/ewerickson] Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Platner Chaos, Iran Escalates, Putin Tests NATO, Tariffs Fail

1. Graham Platner Holds the Cards in Maine Bernie Sanders wants Graham Platner out of the Maine Senate race, but Platner has leverage over Democrats and may be refusing to leave without concessions. I explain the looming ballot deadline, the fight over his potential replacement, and why this mess could get even worse for Democrats. 2. Iran Escalates Near the Strait of Hormuz Iran is targeting commercial shipping with missiles and drones while the United States tightens pressure on Iranian oil sales. I explain how a U.S.-protected shipping channel near Oman is undermining Iran's strategy and why another military confrontation may be approaching. 3. Putin Tests NATO as America Sends Mixed Signals Vladimir Putin is probing European defenses while NATO allies grow increasingly concerned about America's commitment to the alliance. I look at Russian pressure against Finland, the Baltic states, and Poland, and why weakness now could lead to a much larger war later. 4. Tariffs Are Not Delivering the Promised Manufacturing Boom New economic data shows health care growing while manufacturing jobs decline and promised foreign investment falls short. I explain why tariffs are raising costs for American businesses without producing the manufacturing revival the country was promised. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com [http://www.erickerickson.com] https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson [https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson] https://rumble.com/ewerickson [https://rumble.com/ewerickson] Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.