4 Things To Know This Afternoon

Can Iran Be Trusted? Plus Musk's Historic Wealth Milestone

1. Iran Nuclear Deal Nears Completion President Trump says a deal with Iran could be signed as early as Monday, but questions remain about enforcement, verification, and whether Iran will actually follow through on its commitments. 2. Elon Musk Becomes the First Trillionaire Elon Musk's wealth milestone is making headlines, but the bigger story may be the thousands of SpaceX employees who became millionaires through private ownership and free market wealth creation. 3. Kennedy Center Loses Bid to Keep Trump's Name A federal judge refused to halt an order removing President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center, citing congressional statutes governing the institution's official name. 4. UFC Fight at the White House Moves Forward Another federal judge rejected an attempt to stop the planned UFC event at the White House, setting the stage for a major sports weekend featuring UFC, basketball, hockey, and the World Cup. 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 Deal Confusion, Jay Clayton, Bolter Plea, Department of War

1. Iran Deal Claims Face Major Questions President Trump says a deal framework with Iran is close, but key regional players and Iranian officials say they have no knowledge of any agreement. Questions remain about whether negotiations can move forward. 2. Jay Clayton Nominated for Intelligence Role Jay Clayton has been nominated for Director of National Intelligence, potentially replacing concerns surrounding Bill Pulte's possible appointment. The nomination could reshape debate over FISA and intelligence policy. 3. Vance Bolter Pleads Guilty Vance Bolter has entered guilty pleas in the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with related stalking and firearms charges. Sentencing will follow. 4. Department of Defense May Become Department of War The Senate Armed Services Committee approved legislation to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The proposal now faces additional hurdles before becoming law. 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 Signals Iran Strikes, Inflation Hits 4.2%, Musk Blamed

Correction: During today's update, I referenced reports about the Belfast attack and incorrectly identified the immigrant involved. The suspect was reportedly from Sudan, not Somalia. 1. Trump Signals More Iran Attacks The White House indicates additional military action against Iran could be imminent. Reports of incoming strikes and concerns about the Strait of Hormuz continue to drive uncertainty across global energy markets. 2. Inflation Climbs to 4.2% The latest inflation report came in at 4.2%, increasing pressure on the Federal Reserve as analysts debate whether interest rates will remain elevated or move even higher. 3. Elon Musk, Belfast Riots, and the Sudan Attack Correction British politicians are targeting Elon Musk and social media following unrest in Belfast after videos circulated showing a violent attack allegedly committed by a Sudanese immigrant. Critics argue the focus should remain on the crime itself rather than those sharing information about it. 4. Trump's "I Love Inflation" Comment Sparks Backlash President Trump is facing criticism after a comment about inflation gave Democrats fresh ammunition. The White House now faces the challenge of explaining the broader context behind the remark. 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 Retaliation, CNN Shakeup, Social Security, Riley Moore

1. Trump Promises Response After Iran Downs Apache Helicopter Iran reportedly shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter in the Persian Gulf, prompting President Trump to signal military action. Markets reacted immediately as tensions in the Middle East escalated. 2. Bari Weiss Reportedly Headed for CNN Leadership Role Reports suggest Bari Weiss could soon oversee editorial decisions at CNN under Paramount ownership. The move could bring major changes to one of America's most influential news organizations. 3. Social Security Crisis Now Projected for 2032 New projections show Social Security reaching a funding crisis sooner than expected. Policymakers face growing pressure to address retirement age, revenue, and demographic challenges. 4. Riley Moore Labor Secretary Push Creates House Concerns A growing effort is underway to make Riley Moore the next Secretary of Labor. Some Republicans worry his departure from Congress would further weaken the GOP's narrow House majority. 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-Iran Rift, UFC Lawsuit, Kennedy Center, Talarico

1. Israel Grows Frustrated With Trump on Iran As fighting between Israel and Iran continues, Israeli leaders appear increasingly willing to move forward without waiting for White House approval. Middle Eastern allies are also expressing frustration with the administration's approach. 2. Virginia Woman Sues Over White House UFC Fight A Virginia resident is attempting to stop a proposed UFC event on the White House South Lawn, claiming aesthetic harm and even arthritis concerns. The lawsuit is raising fresh questions about frivolous litigation and tort reform. 3. Trump Backs Down in Kennedy Center Fight The battle over the Kennedy Center name appears finished after legal setbacks for the administration. Congress's original authority over the institution ultimately prevailed. 4. New James Talarico Allegation Surfaces Another former Texas Capitol staffer has reportedly come forward claiming a past relationship with James Talarico. The timing and significance of the allegations are becoming part of the broader political conversation. 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.