Year: 2026

President Trump announced sweeping new import tariffs on February 24, 2026, replacing earlier emergency duties after the Supreme Court struck down his prior IEEPA-based measures. (theguardian.com) Reports say he signed a global tariff implemented at 10% (the White House signaled a rise toward 15%) under Section 122 of the Trade Act; specifics and exemptions remain unclear. (ft.com) Markets reacted sharply—futures and major indexes fell and volatility spiked—as investors feared retaliatory measures and higher consumer prices. (barrons.com) Multiple outlets warned of legal challenges and sustained market turbulence; social posts had promoted a 9:00 p.m. ET “huge” announcement.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned President Donald Trump that an attack on Iran would carry “acute risks,” citing depleted munitions stockpiles—drained by support for Israel and Ukraine—and limited allied backing, officials said. Caine told a White House meeting last week that shortages of interceptors (THAAD, Patriot) and ship‑launched missiles would increase danger to U.S. forces and complicate any large campaign, which could require striking hundreds to thousands of targets. The White House disputed that Caine opposed action; Trump later called the reporting “100% incorrect.” The reporting is based on people familiar with the discussions. (washingtonpost.com)

The Pentagon has warned President Trump that military plans to strike Iran carry serious risks, cautioning that an extended campaign could cause heavy U.S. and allied casualties, deplete critical air-defense munitions, and strain U.S. forces. General Dan Caine and other senior leaders have pressed those concerns in internal meetings, noting that options range from limited strikes to a prolonged aerial campaign that might prompt broad Iranian retaliation against U.S. troops, regional bases and allies. Officials say allies are hesitant to provide basing, evacuations and bolstered defenses are underway, and Mr. Trump has not yet decided on action, according to officials. (wsj.com)

A 21-year-old identified as Austin Tucker Martin of Cameron, North Carolina, was shot and killed early Feb. 22, 2026, after driving into the north gate of Mar‑a‑Lago carrying a shotgun and a gasoline can. (apnews.com) Confronted by two U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy, he put down the gas can but raised the shotgun to a firing position; officers fired and he was pronounced dead at the scene. (ft.com) His family had reported him missing, and the FBI and local authorities say the motive is unknown and the shooting remains under active investigation, according to officials. (apnews.com)

Neal Katyal, who won a Supreme Court decision striking down President Trump’s prior unilateral tariffs, said Trump’s newly announced 15% global tariff increase is unlikely to hold up in court. Katyal noted the administration’s Justice Department previously told justices that Section 122 of the Trade Act — which Trump cited after the court rebuked his IEEPA strategy — does not obviously apply to deficits-based tariffs, and he urged the president to seek congressional approval instead. Trump announced the 15% hike Feb. 21 and reacted angrily to the court’s ruling, deepening the legal and political fight over presidential trade powers now. (businesstoday.in)

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell told Jim Acosta on his podcast that President Trump is a “serial pedophile,” reigniting their decades‑long feud after she moved to Ireland. Trump previously threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship and his allies have denounced her remarks. Legal experts and observers say if Trump sues for defamation, he could seek substantial damages — recent high‑profile cases show awards or settlements in the millions, including an $83.3 million jury award in E. Jean Carroll’s case and a roughly $15 million network settlement — meaning O’Donnell might face suits seeking tens of millions, and legal bills could be crippling. (thedailybeast.com)

A Washington Post–ABC News–Ipsos poll (Feb. 12–17, 2026; n=2,589; ±2%) finds Americans oppose abolishing ICE by 13 points, 50% to 37%. The survey also shows broad anger after two deadly Minneapolis shootings, with 62% opposing aggressive ICE tactics and 53% opposing expanded operations. (washingtonpost.com) The results reveal sharp partisan splits—about seven in ten Democrats favor abolition while roughly eight in ten Republicans oppose it—prompting Democrats to express frustration as they weigh political strategy. (wsjm.com) The poll underscores a public that distrusts enforcement methods even as many still back deportations and could shape midterm messaging for both parties nationally.

Quakertown, Pennsylvania Police Chief Scott McElree was seen on video placing a teenage girl in a chokehold while in plainclothes during a student-led anti‑ICE walkout. (whyy.org) Videos and photos shared with local reporters show a man in a light‑brown jacket grabbing a student as other teens rush in; witnesses say the man later spoke with officers and left in an unmarked white vehicle with flashing lights. (hindustantimes.com) About 35 students marched; five or six juveniles and one adult were arrested. (6abc.com) The Bucks County district attorney has opened an investigation, and the Quakertown police have not yet commented. (whyy.org) Community members demanded answers.

A White House inside source told John Kiriakou that President Trump has decided to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday. According to Kiriakou’s account shared on social media, only Vice President J.D. Vance and DNI Tulsi Gabbard dissent, while Senator Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Joint Chiefs reportedly back strikes. The claim circulated in a viral post and was picked up by multiple outlets. Other reporting, including mainstream coverage of a large U.S. military buildup and senior advisers’ comments, says Trump had not publicly made a final decision. No official White House confirmation was available. (albawaba.com)