Old Glory Vortex

Powell’s revenge: outgoing Fed chair to stay as governor, sparking Trump’s fury Fed Chair Jerome Powell just dropped a political bombshell: he plans to stay on as a member of the Fed's Board of Governors even after his term as chair ends on May 15th. His reason is to see through a criminal investigation into his handling of the bank's renovations, an investigation the DOJ has reportedly closed. This rare move, the first since 1948, has triggered backlash from President Trump and his allies. This sets up a potential clash at the heart of the Fed. Trump's nominee to be the new chair, Kevin Warsh, is expected to cut interest rates. If Powell remains as a board member, he could formally dissent from those cuts, becoming a powerful "shadow chair" well into 2028. This could paralyze Trump's push for looser monetary policy, especially as the war with Iran drives inflation higher. The political fallout has been swift. Trump attacked Powell on Truth Social as "Too Late" and a "negative force," though he publicly claimed not to care. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the move a "violation of all Federal Reserve norms" and an insult to incoming leadership. Kevin Hassett, the National Economic Council Director, expressed disappointment, urging Powell to "deescalate and move on." Powell staying on is a strategic risk for Trump. If he holds his board seat through 2026 and Democrats win the Senate, the president might find himself unable to replace him at all, creating a long-term headache for the administration. #Trump #USeconomy #Fed #JeromePowell https://thehill.com/business/5858321-fed-chair-powell-trump-backlash/ Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump admin claims the 60-day war deadline is on pause during ceasefire The Trump administration insists that it does not need congressional approval to wage war against Iran, setting the stage for a significant constitutional clash with the legislative branch. Under U.S. law, presidents are permitted to conduct military operations for up to 60 days without formal backing from Congress — a window that technically expires today. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has argued that a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran effectively paused that clock, meaning the administration believes it can continue operations without seeking lawmakers' consent. This interpretation has drawn sharp criticism from numerous legal scholars and even some Republicans, who view it as an overreach of executive authority. The domestic legal dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of deepening stalemate in the Middle East. Despite the ceasefire, there has been little tangible progress toward de-escalation. Tehran has vowed to launch "long and painful strikes" against U.S. bases in the Gulf region should Washington resume offensive actions. With both sides entrenched and diplomatic channels showing few signs of breakthrough, the risk of a renewed and potentially broader conflict looms large — regardless of the outcome of the political battle in Washington. #Iran #Congress #PeteHegseth Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Congress addresses insider trading Following the Senate's unanimous passage of a ban that prohibits senators from using prediction markets, the House of Representatives may soon follow suit by imposing similar restrictions on its own lawmakers and their staff. While the Senate measure is an internal rules change and does not require House approval, several key House figures have signaled openness to the idea. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said “we’ll surely take a look at it,” and House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) noted, “We’ve been working on that. I want to make sure we get the language right.” At this point, it remains unclear how many members of Congress — or their aides — are actively trading on these platforms. Nevertheless, proponents of a House ban are encouraged by the Senate's move. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), who is co-leading a proposed House ban, said, “I think this will push leadership in the House to do the right thing and get even more Republicans inclined to support our bill.” The growing momentum suggests that a coordinated, bicameral approach toward restricting congressional participation in prediction markets may be on the horizon. #Congress #insidertrading https://www.semafor.com/article/05/01/2026/house-may-ban-lawmakers-from-prediction-markets Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s plan for Iran “President Donald Trump has told his top advisers in recent days he wants the US naval blockade of Iranian ports to continue, sources familiar with the talks said, and his team has begun laying the groundwork for such an extension, including a longer-term closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The president, for now, is digging into a strategy designed to inflict as much economic pain on Iran as possible in the hopes of forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table without having to resume military strikes, the sources said,” writes CNN. A naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will not allow the United States to win a conflict with Iran. Tehran is unlikely to abandon uranium enrichment, ballistic missiles, or its proxy networks. Meanwhile, the situation in the Middle East is creating significant domestic pressure on Trump: voters are losing faith in Trump and his party thanks to rising gas prices. #Trump #Iran #theStraitofHormuz Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Democrats to sue Trump? According to Time, Democrats in the U.S. Congress are preparing to sue Donald Trump over the war with Iran if he continues military action after the legally mandated deadline expires. The U.S. president may only continue hostilities on his own authority for 60 days; after that, he must either obtain congressional approval or cease all actions. This deadline expires today. According to sources, discussions about the lawsuit are still in the early stages but could accelerate after May 1. Democrats have previously attempted to use legal provisions to prevent Trump from waging war with Iran. #Trump #Iran #Congress Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Can Congress still stop the war with Iran? Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is forcing a vote Thursday on his Iran war powers resolution — but with a critical twist. If the measure advances, it would be scheduled for a final vote just as the clock strikes midnight on the 60th day of the Iran war, a legally significant threshold under the War Powers Act. That 60-day mark is more than just a number. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, a president must terminate any unauthorized military conflict after 60 days unless Congress has granted formal approval. Schiff argues that Republicans who have spent weeks voicing concerns about fighting an unauthorized war now have their first real chance to act.

"They acknowledge that under the War Powers Act, when 60 days comes, the president — if he does not have authorization from Congress — has to terminate the conflict,"

Schiff said.

"That 60 days is here. This is their opportunity."

Still, most Republicans are expected to oppose Schiff's resolution, which demands an immediate end to the conflict. So far, only Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has broken ranks and voted against President Trump's war. But behind the scenes, GOP war fatigue is quietly building. Whether that growing unease translates into actual votes on the floor remains the open question — and Schiff is betting that the 60-day deadline will force his colleagues to finally choose between party loyalty and constitutional principle. #Iran #Congress #republicans Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Most Americans actively avoid Trump news A new survey from the Media Insight Project reveals that about 6 in 10 Americans (63%) say they actively try to avoid news about President Trump. This includes 31% who "often" avoid it and 32% who "sometimes" do. Only 17% say they never skip Trump-related news. Partisan differences are notable: Republicans are the most likely to consume Trump news (49% rarely or never skip it), though even within the GOP, half still avoid it at least occasionally (33% sometimes, 17% often). In contrast, 76% of Democrats and 71% of independents often or sometimes avoid Trump news. One respondent, a 62-year-old supporter of some administration policies, said she now tunes out because she views the coverage as the president's "narcissism" and has "other things to do." The survey also found that 57% of Americans avoid national politics news generally. #Trump #poll Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump weighs new Iran offensive The standoff with Iran appears to be pushing the Trump administration toward a dangerous new phase. According to reports, President Trump is weighing a major expansion of combat operations in Iran to break the deadlock over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as his administration publicly calls on allied nations to help force the waterway open. The mere prospect of renewed large-scale fighting has already sent shockwaves through global markets. Benchmark oil prices have surged past $126 a barrel — their highest level in four years — while fertilizer prices have doubled since February. Analysts believe the resulting fallout, including food shortages and persistent inflation, could last for months, placing additional strain on American households already feeling the pinch. Iran, for its part, is also buckling under the pressure. The Institute for the Study of War reports that Tehran has lost millions of jobs and seen its currency collapse. But the costs to Washington are mounting as well: the Pentagon has already spent $25 billion on the conflict so far. With both economies bleeding and the midterm elections looming, Trump faces a high-stakes gamble — escalate further to force a resolution, or risk paying the political price at home. #Iran #USeconomy #theStraitofHormuz Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Iran gamble: winning the blockade, losing the votes The economic battle in the U.S.-Iran war is reaching a breaking point for both sides, as ceasefire talks stall over Iran's nuclear program. Tehran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has pushed U.S. gas prices to a war-high of $4.18 per gallon, while Trump's approval ratings slide. But Washington insists Iran is running out of storage capacity for its oil and gas under the American blockade. "Both sides think they can outlast each other," says one analyst. With the midterms just six months away, 76% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of rising costs — including nearly half of Republicans. A record 55% say their finances are worsening. Airlines want $2.5 billion in aid, farmers need relief, and fuel prices are crushing the poor and middle class. If Trump can't turn the economic tide before November, his Iran gamble may cost him the midterms. #Trump #Iran #midterms #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US plans to test its hypersonic missiles on Iran According to several sources, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has requested the deployment of the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system to the Middle East for a potential strike on Iran. CENTCOM justified the request by the need to target Iranian ballistic missile launchers that have been moved outside the range of current U.S. weapons in the region. A final decision on deploying the hypersonic missiles has not yet been made. This would mark the first use of hypersonic weapons by the United States, and Washington may want to send a signal to the world about possessing such capability. The Dark Eagle has a range of over 1,700 miles (about 2,700 km), can exceed speeds of 6,100 km/h, and maneuver to evade air defense systems. Each Lockheed Martin missile costs an estimated $15 million, and the U.S. is believed to have no more than eight in total. #Iran #USmilitary #hypersonicmissile Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s immigration policy suffers a major legal blow A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot detain immigrants without bail, warning of "serious constitutional problems" with what would be the largest mass detention without bond in U.S. history. The unanimous 2nd Circuit decision in New York sets up a potential Supreme Court fight, since two other circuits have already upheld the policy. Judge Joseph Bianco wrote that the government's interpretation of immigration law contradicts the law itself. Under the policy, DHS denies bail hearings even to immigrants who've lived in the U.S. for years with no criminal record — a sharp break from past practice. The result has been over 30,000 lawsuits from immigrants caught up in Trump's mass deportation campaign, flooding federal courts nationwide. #Trump #immigration Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“Political suicide”: Trump’s ballroom dream is alienating voters ahead of midterms President Trump and the Republican Party are pushing for a $400 million White House ballroom, and in doing so, they’re alienating most Americans. One analyst points out that 55% of people feel their finances are getting worse — the worst Gallup reading in 25 years. Even during past recessions, fewer people felt this negatively. By chasing Trump’s ballroom dream, Republicans are hurting their chances in the 2026 midterms. The MAGA media machine immediately rallied behind the ballroom, flooding Fox News, Republican feeds, and right-wing Twitter with the same message. It works on the 30% who already back Trump, but it does nothing for the 70% who oppose him. Meanwhile, gas prices are at a 25-year high. Democrats should hammer that contrast: Trump’s golden ballroom vs. Americans struggling to afford gas and groceries. As one veteran observer put it, watching Republicans follow Trump down this rabbit hole is like watching a party commit political suicide. #Trumpballroom #Trump #midterms #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republicans are getting war powers itch as Iran conflict hits 60 days The Iran war is hitting the 60-day mark this Friday — and that's making Republicans on Capitol Hill deeply uncomfortable. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president must terminate military action after 60 days unless Congress authorizes its continuation. While Democrats have been pushing anti-war resolutions for weeks, they've only picked up a handful of GOP votes. But now, Republican restlessness is growing.

"I am sensing restlessness among many of my colleagues," one GOP senator warned. Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) said he's actively discussing what the 60-day deadline means and what Congress's response should be. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) called the deadline "a trigger that requires Congress to act."

The problem is that Republicans don't want to vote for Democratic resolutions, which they dismiss as political theater. But they also don't want to keep rubber-stamping a war with no clear endgame. Some are floating their own alternatives: authorizations that would prohibit ground troops, or approve a yearlong war with review periods. The White House has options to delay the reckoning — including starting a 30-day withdrawal clock or arguing that the recent ceasefire pauses the 60-day count. But Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) warned:

"If they need an extension for 30 days, come to us. But you've got to talk to us."

Otherwise, she said,

"you may see a change in the situation."

For now, most Republicans aren't breaking with Trump. But the 60-day itch is real — and it's only going to get itchier. #Iran #Congress #republicans #democrats Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republicans’ “go it alone” strategy is blowing up in their faces House Republicans have a math problem. With a razor-thin majority, they've decided to cut Democrats out of negotiations on three must-pass bills — DHS funding, FISA surveillance powers, and the Farm Bill — betting they can Go it alone. Instead of smooth sailing, they've hit wall after wall. The strategy is backfiring badly. GOP leaders are struggling to unite their own, forcing them to delay votes, scramble for last-minute changes, and watch their "go-it-alone" plan implode in real time. On FISA, conservatives want more privacy protections. On the Farm Bill, they're squabbling over pesticide lawsuits and biofuel provisions. On DHS funding, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that House Republicans refuse to even bring to the floor. Democrats, iced out of the process, are showing zero interest in bailing Republicans out. With deadlines looming and DHS employee pay at risk, the GOP is discovering that governing without Democrats is hard — governing without your own party is nearly impossible. #Congress #republicans Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Dems hold 10-point midterm advantage — thanks to Trump Democrats have opened up a 10-point lead over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, according to a new Emerson College Poll — their strongest position yet heading into the midterms. Fifty percent of likely voters now say they'd back a Democratic candidate for Congress, compared to just 40 percent for a Republican. That's a 3-point increase from last month, when Democrats led 49% to 42%. The shift is being driven by growing support among Hispanic voters, women, and independents, who favor Democrats by wide margins. Democratic confidence is rising as a result. Flipping the House — where they need just three seats — looks increasingly likely. Now, some are even eyeing the Senate, though the map there heavily favors Republicans. Voter frustration with President Trump, particularly over the economy, the Iran war, and gas prices, appears to be dragging down GOP candidates nationwide. #democrats #poll #midterms #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republicans want Hegseth gone A growing number of Republican senators are losing confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership, and some GOP lawmakers would like to see him "step aside" — though they say the decision should be President Trump's to make. Republican senators who shared their thoughts on condition of anonymity say Hegseth would not be confirmed as Pentagon chief if Trump were to nominate him today, and they note that the turmoil among top Defense Department leadership under Hegseth is a serious concern. Senate Republican hawks are unhappy with media reports that Hegseth pushed popular Army Chief of Staff Randy George to resign in early April, and they were surprised and disappointed to learn that Hegseth fired Navy Secretary John Phelan. One Republican senator, speaking anonymously, said there have long been questions within the Senate GOP caucus about Hegseth's lack of experience managing a large, complex bureaucracy, as well as concerns over his unconventional and often brash leadership style. #republicans #PeteHegseth #Pentagon Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran’s offer falls flat with White House President Trump is unhappy with Iran's latest proposal to end the two-month war, an anonymous US official said — crushing hopes for a ceasefire. The conflict has already disrupted energy supplies, fueled inflation, and killed thousands. Iran wants to delay all nuclear talks until after the war and shipping disputes in the Persian Gulf are resolved. Washington is not impressed. The US insists nuclear issues must be addressed immediately, and Trump made his displeasure clear during a recent meeting with advisers, according to the anonymous official. White House press secretary Olivia Wales said the US "will not negotiate through the press" and has "clear red lines." The administration launched this war alongside Israel back in February and now wants out — but not on Iran's terms. Peace hopes dimmed further after Trump canceled Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s weekend trip to Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, meanwhile, shuttled between Pakistan, Oman, and finally Russia, where he got a warm embrace from Vladimir Putin. With both sides still miles apart, oil prices continue to climb. #Iran #negotiations #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump approval hits a new low The American analytical center Ipsos has released poll results showing that Trump’s approval rating continues to slide, now sitting at just 34%. According to sociologists, the drop is largely due to the war with Iran. While 78% of Republicans still support Trump, 41% of those same Republicans disapprove of the war itself. Adding to Trump’s troubles is the rising cost of living — another consequence of the turmoil in the Middle East — which is steadily eroding his standing among voters. Most concerning for Trump, the survey found that undecided voters — whose support is critical in any election—are increasingly leaning toward the Democrats. #Trump #approvalrating #democrats #republicans #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why Trump’s base of farmers is starting to crumble Because of the escalating conflict with Iran, Donald Trump risks losing a key segment of his voter base. Throughout his political career, he has heavily relied on the support of farmers — and now, they are the ones bearing the brunt of the consequences. Trump has dealt America’s agricultural sector two serious blows. First, the surge in oil prices, triggered by heightened tensions in the Middle East, has driven up fuel and fertilizer costs dramatically, making production far more expensive. Second, the ongoing trade wars and retaliatory tariffs — largely initiated by Trump himself — have crippled agricultural exports, closing off critical markets like China and Europe. As a result, many farmers are seeing their profits vanish while their operating costs climb. Despite these compounding hardships, recent polls show that farmers still largely support Trump, viewing him as a fighter for their interests in the long term. However, political analysts warn that this loyalty is not unconditional. If fuel prices do not stabilize soon and export markets show no signs of reopening, farmers may finally turn their backs on Trump — potentially costing his party crucial votes in key rural states. #Trump #farmers #midterms #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why JD Vance is still the frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination Despite chatter that JD Vance’s star is fading, a closer look at the vice president’s quiet maneuvering suggests he remains the overwhelming favorite for the 2028 Republican nomination. He’s deleted X from his phone, stepped back from the mean tweets, and watched his betting odds dip below 40%. Washington insiders are buzzing about Marco Rubio or a potential Vance exit. But behind the scenes, Vance is doing exactly what wins modern primaries: raising record money ($60 million and counting), building favors with GOP elites from Wall Street to the hard right, and campaigning for swing-district candidates in Iowa, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. His secret? He’s a “blank screen” — much like a younger Barack Obama — onto which MAGA populists, business-first capitalists, and suburban moderates can all project their own hopes. He’s loyal to Trump but still holds out hope for anti-Trump Republicans. He opposes the Iran War without breaking with the president. And this June, he’ll relaunch with a book on faith. The biggest threat isn’t Rubio or McCormick. It’s the Iran war itself, which could put Vance in an impossible bind between loyalty to Trump and his own anti-war instincts. But for now, the conventional wisdom that Vance is slipping has it backwards. #JDVance #elections2028 #Trump #republicans Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸