US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced direct questioning from lawmakers for the first time since the Trump administration began its war with Iran. The heated hearing before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday focused on the costs, strategy, and record military budget associated with the conflict. Although the session was originally scheduled to review the proposed 2027 defense budget, discussion shifted to the ongoing war that began on February 28.

Democratic members accused President Donald Trump of launching the costly war without congressional authorization. Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania criticized Hegseth for avoiding congressional scrutiny over the conflict. Republican members, however, supported expanding drone and missile defense systems in response to the war. Lawmakers pressed Hegseth to clarify the war’s ultimate objective and questioned him about civilian casualties, including a recent airstrike on a school that killed 175 people. The hearing also addressed rising global fuel prices after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth appeared alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kane. Both are scheduled to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday regarding the defense budget and war situation.

A new controversy has emerged in the United States after President Donald Trump shared a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The post included an image of Trump holding a weapon with a massive explosion in the background. Across the image, large text read, “No more Mr. Nice Guy!” In the accompanying message, Trump issued a warning to Tehran, saying that Iran must “quickly become smart.”

According to the post, Trump accused Iran of failing to move toward a nuclear weapons-free agreement. The image and message have drawn attention for their aggressive tone and the implied threat toward Iran. The post was reported by BBC Bangla and published by Amar Desh Online on April 29, 2026.

The controversy adds to ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, though the source does not specify any official responses or further developments following Trump’s post.

More than half of Americans believe their financial situation is deteriorating, according to a Gallup survey released on Tuesday. The 2026 poll found that 55% of respondents said their finances had worsened, up from 53% in 2025 and 47% in 2024. Gallup described the current situation as historically poor, marking the fifth consecutive year that more Americans reported financial decline. A similar trend was last seen during the 2007–2009 global recession.

The survey also revealed that 62% of Americans are worried about having enough savings for retirement, while 60% fear they could not afford medical costs in case of serious illness or accident. Additionally, 54% expressed concern about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living. Nearly half are anxious about regular healthcare expenses, 41% about paying monthly bills, and 40% about higher education costs.

Gallup attributed these concerns mainly to inflation and rising costs of energy, housing, and healthcare. It added that college, transportation, and childcare expenses are also creating significant financial pressure for households.

Britain’s King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, reminding the United States of its republican values—rule of law, democracy, and its example in international affairs. His speech, delivered with careful wording, was notably direct by royal standards. Without criticizing the Trump administration, the King subtly expressed concern over the current political direction of the United States and called for stronger support for Ukraine and protection of nature, signaling a call to address climate change.

Charles emphasized that allies can maintain enduring relationships despite differences, referring to the historic U.K.-U.S. “special relationship,” which had been strained by disagreements such as the Iraq war. He highlighted the continuing importance of America’s global influence and quoted Trump to affirm the spiritual bond between the two nations. The King presented President Trump with a Royal Navy submarine bell from World War II as a symbolic gift.

Charles also referenced the Magna Carta and the U.S. Bill of Rights, underscoring the shared commitment to the rule of law and independent judiciary that underpin both nations’ democratic traditions.

The United States Department of State has announced a special edition of passports featuring President Donald Trump’s image. The initiative, confirmed by the White House, will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence in July. According to a Fox News report, the limited-edition passports will be available exclusively through the Washington Passport Agency.

A State Department design preview shows Trump’s portrait surrounded by the text of the Declaration of Independence and the US flag, along with the president’s signature in gold. An administration official told the BBC that any American citizen will be eligible to apply for the commemorative passport once distribution begins.

The release marks an unprecedented decision by the US government to include a sitting president’s image on official passports as part of a national celebration.

The United States Senate has blocked a proposal that sought to require congressional approval before President Donald Trump could take military action against Cuba. On Tuesday, the Republican-led chamber voted 51–47 in a procedural move that prevented the Democratic-sponsored war powers measure from advancing. The vote was largely along party lines.

Democrats argued that Congress must play a decisive role in preventing unilateral military action by the president. Senator Tim Kaine, a key supporter of the proposal, said that actions such as restricting Cuba’s fuel supply could already be considered hostile acts. Republicans countered that there is currently no direct military conflict with Cuba, making the proposal unnecessary. Senator Rick Scott stated that since no troops have been deployed, a war powers vote is not required.

The debate emerged amid growing criticism that the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure and energy blockades against Cuba.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed allies to prepare for a long-term sanctions strategy against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The plan aims to maintain economic pressure on Iran by restricting ship movements at its ports instead of resuming military attacks.

The report states that Trump is demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years and remains firm on this position. He reportedly believes that maintaining sanctions is less risky than pursuing alternative measures. Iranian officials have informed mediators that they need more time for consultations before submitting a revised proposal.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, indicates that the sanctions approach is intended to sustain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports while avoiding direct military confrontation.

Investigators in Florida have uncovered alarming details in the murder of two Bangladeshi PhD students, Jamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti, who were last seen in Tampa about two weeks before Limon’s body was found. Police have arrested Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abughurbeh, charging him with premeditated murder using a weapon. A judge has ordered that he remain in custody without bail during trial proceedings.

Court filings show a detailed timeline of Abughurbeh’s actions before and after the killings, including purchases of duct tape, garbage bags, and lighter fuel, as well as disturbing ChatGPT queries about disposing of a body. Surveillance footage and phone data placed him near the victims’ last known locations. Evidence recovered from a landfill and a bridge linked him to the crime, including blood-stained items and a bag containing Limon’s remains.

Florida’s attorney general has added the case to an ongoing criminal investigation involving OpenAI, after prosecutors cited the suspect’s use of ChatGPT. OpenAI stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

During a state dinner at the White House, Britain’s King Charles III presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a historic submarine bell named ‘HMS Trump’. The bell came from a Royal Navy submarine that served in the Pacific during World War II. The King described the gift as a symbol of the two nations’ ‘bright future’. President Trump, in turn, called the U.K.–U.S. relationship unlike any other friendship in the world.

Earlier, King Charles addressed the U.S. Congress, emphasizing that the partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States is now more important than ever. He recalled that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had spoken in the same chamber in 1991. Buckingham Palace later said the bell symbolizes a new chapter of friendship between the two countries and evokes memories of the Liberty Bell gift during Queen Elizabeth’s 1976 U.S. visit.

The King also highlighted the importance of NATO and AUKUS alliances in strengthening technological and military cooperation, while noting the upcoming FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. and Canada as a shared moment of pride.

The closure of the Hormuz Strait has caused a disruption in global oil supply, leading to economic effects in the United States. Although President Donald Trump stated that the US is a net oil exporter and not dependent on oil passing through the strait, the indirect impacts are becoming evident across the economy.

Experts note that reduced oil supply has driven up fuel prices, directly affecting consumers. Americans are paying more for gasoline and everyday goods, as higher diesel costs have increased transportation expenses. This has led to a general rise in living costs, contradicting earlier assurances from Trump that such inflation would not occur.

The ongoing price increases have reportedly fueled public dissatisfaction, and analysts suggest the situation could influence the upcoming midterm elections in November, potentially affecting Trump and the Republican Party’s political standing.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran should never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and claimed that the United Kingdom’s King Charles shares his view. Speaking at a state dinner at the White House, Trump discussed the situation in the Middle East, saying his administration is currently working on certain matters in the region and that developments are progressing well, according to Al Jazeera.

Trump further asserted that his administration had militarily defeated a specific adversary and would never allow that opponent to obtain nuclear weapons, adding that King Charles agreed with him even more strongly. His remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement highlights continued US concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reflects diplomatic alignment between Washington and London on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications in the United States to protect her voice and image from artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes. The filings, submitted on Friday to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, include two audio clips of Swift’s voice and a stage photograph showing her in a sequined outfit holding a pink guitar. The applications list her company, TAS Rights Management, as the owner, though neither Swift’s representatives nor her lawyers have commented publicly.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben explained that while existing publicity rights laws offer some protection, trademarks could provide additional security. He noted that registering a voice as a trademark is a relatively new concept and remains largely untested in court. Previously, artists relied on copyright law to protect their work, but AI’s ability to mimic voices without using original recordings has created new legal gaps.

Experts cited in the report said Swift’s move follows a surge in AI-generated fake videos, ads, and misleading content using her likeness, and could set a precedent for digital identity protection among celebrities.

The Trump administration has dismissed all 22 members of the U.S. National Science Board (NSB), which serves as the policy and advisory body of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The move, confirmed by a former board member and lawmaker, is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to restructure federal agencies. Similar cuts were previously made at the Department of Education and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Former board member Dr. Beachy, a retired biology professor from Washington University in St. Louis, said the dismissal notice was brief, thanking members for their service. He expressed concern about the future direction of research and education, emphasizing that the board’s independence is vital for NSF’s success. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Zoe Lofgren, sharply criticized the decision, calling it another reckless act that undermines science and innovation in the United States.

The White House and NSF have not commented on the matter. The NSF, founded in 1950, spent over $8 billion on research and education in 2025. The long-term impact of the dismissals remains uncertain, though bipartisan support for the NSF has historically been strong.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmier announced that OpenAI has been included in a criminal investigation following the murders of Bangladeshi students Jamil Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti at the University of Florida. The main suspect, Hisham Abugarbiyah, allegedly used ChatGPT before committing the crime. Local media Tampa Bay 28 reported that the attorney general confirmed new charges would be filed against OpenAI as part of the ongoing probe.

According to court documents cited by CBS News, Hisham asked ChatGPT several questions about hiding bodies and other suspicious topics in the days leading up to the killings. His phone location was later traced to the site where Limon’s body was found. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and Hisham has been charged with premeditated murder.

The attorney general previously linked ChatGPT to a separate 2025 Florida State University attack plan, and this new case has now been added to that broader investigation.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is having a comparatively greater impact on the Asia-Pacific region, which remains heavily dependent on energy imports. She made the remarks during a meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, emphasizing that the close linkage between Australian and Japanese supply chains has helped maintain some stability in energy imports from Japan.

Wong noted that amid global instability, economic ties between the two nations have become increasingly vital. She stressed the need for coordinated responses following the effective closure of the key maritime route. The Strait of Hormuz typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, and its disruption has particularly affected Asian countries that rely on it for a major share of their energy needs.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of regional economies to disruptions in global energy transport routes and highlights the importance of cooperative strategies to mitigate supply risks.