TRUMP: HAVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH UKRAINE WITH REGARDS TO NATO

The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady at its April 29 meeting, likely the final one led by Jerome Powell. Sticky inflation near 3% and resilient labor conditions leave little room for cuts, despite slowing growth signals. Officials are increasingly focused on inflation risks, especially amid rising energy prices linked to Middle East tensions. Markets see virtually no chance of easing, while debate shifts toward how long restrictive policy must remain. With Kevin Warsh expected to succeed Powell, the meeting is viewed more as a transition point than a signal of imminent policy change.

1. Trump claims Iran wants the Strait of Hormuz open soon – On the 28th, Trump wrote on social media: “Iran just told us they are in a state of collapse. They want us to open the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.” 2. Plans long-term blockade of Iran – According to the Wall Street Journal, US officials said Trump has instructed aides to prepare for a long-term blockade of Iran, a move aimed at crippling Iranian revenue and forcing concessions on the nuclear issue. 3. Warning Iran with a picture and caption: No more “Mr. Nice Guy” —Trump posted on social media, “Iran can’t agree. They don’t know how to sign a nuclear-free agreement. They better get smart!” Trump also included a photo of himself with the caption, “No more ‘Mr. Nice Guy’.” 4. Approval rating drops to a new low for his term – A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a new low for his term, with only 34% of Americans approving of his performance, down from 36% in mid-April and 47% at the beginning of his term. 5. Meeting with Oil and Gas Industry Executives —According to Axios, Trump met with oil and gas company executives at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the impact of the Iran war on energy. Chevron CEO Voss, White House Chief of Staff Wiles, Treasury Secretary Bessenter, Special Envoy Witkov, and advisor Kushner were reportedly present. 6. Sparring with Merz: He Has No Idea What He's Talking About —Merz claimed the US was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership. Trump responded, “German Chancellor Merz thinks it’s okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons. He has no idea what he’s talking about!” Trump added, “No wonder Germany’s economy and other things are so bad.” 7. Portrait to Appear in US Passports—The US State Department announced on the 28th that it will issue limited-edition passports featuring President Trump’s portrait as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the United States. 8. Jokingly Says He'll Discuss Moving into Buckingham Palace with the King —According to the Daily Mail, research shows Trump and King Charles of the United Kingdom are fifteenth-generation relatives, sharing a common ancestor, the 3rd Earl of Lennox. Trump responded, "Wow, that's fantastic. I've always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!! I'll discuss this with the King and Queen in a few minutes!!!" 9. Nominates Bessant's Former Aide for Key Treasury Position —Trump has nominated G. Hunter McMaster II to be the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets. He previously served as head of trading at Key Square Group, a macro hedge fund founded by current Treasury Secretary Bessant. 10. Will Meet with Artemis II Mission Team—According to CNN, Trump will meet with the Artemis II mission team in the Oval Office at 2 p.m. on April 29 (2 a.m. Beijing time the following day).