GERMANY'S MERZ: WE WILL DISCUSS TOMORROW IN PARIS WHETHER US INVOLVEMENT IS ALSO NECESSARY ALONGSIDE EUROPE

1. Announces Israeli-Lebanese Leaders' Meeting – Trump announced on Wednesday that talks between Israel and Lebanon will begin on Thursday. Trump stated he is “trying to create some breathing room between Israel and Lebanon.” 2. Reiterates Threat to Attack Iranian Civilian Infrastructure – Trump again threatened to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure, but stated he “hopes it won’t come to that.” 3. Reiterates Threat to Fire Powell – Trump stated he will dismiss Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell if he remains in office beyond the end of his term. He also indicated he does not intend to abandon the investigation into Powell. 4. Bullish on Warsh, Interest Rates May Decline After Taking Office – Trump expressed hope that Warsh will be confirmed next week (at his nomination hearing for Fed Chairman). He believes interest rates may decline after Warsh takes office. 5. Issues Permits to Facilitate US-Canada Oil Transportation – Trump issued several pipeline permits on Wednesday, including one for a new pipeline designed to facilitate the transportation of crude oil and refined products between the United States and Canada. 6. On AI Risks: Anthropic Threat is Not Systemic —Trump: The threat of Anthropic is not systemic. When asked about the risks of banking and artificial intelligence, Trump claimed that AI could make the banking system great. 7. To Submit Plans for “American Arch of Triumph” Construction—White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that Trump and the Department of the Interior will submit plans for the construction of “American Arch of Triumph” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. 8. Another “Jesus Embracing Him” Image Posted, Continued Verbal Sparring with the Pope—Trump posted a photo of Jesus embracing him on Wednesday, and the war of words between his administration and the Pope shows no signs of abating.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama: Trends in the oil market are influencing the foreign exchange market.