Trump's Latest Foreign Policy Gamble

Good morning.

We’re monitoring developments out of the Middle East. Early this morning, Israel launched “extensive strikes” against Hamas targets in Gaza. Here’s the latest:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes — the most intense since the January ceasefire — were a response to Hamas’s “repeated refusal” to release hostages and its rejection of mediator proposals. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said the strikes killed more than 320 Palestinians. The New York Times reported that four senior Hamas officials were among those killed.

• Axios reports that Israel notified the Trump administration ahead of the strikes and shared what its objectives moving forward are.

• Mediators — including officials from the US, Egypt, and Qatar — had been trying to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, but talks have stalled. The strikes could fully reignite the war that has lasted 17 months.

We’ll continue to monitor the latest developments. For now, let’s get to the other stories making headlines…

— The Editors

What's Happening

International

Trump's Latest Foreign Policy Gamble

What's going on: President Donald Trump is threatening Iran in response to ongoing attacks in the Red Sea. This comes after he ordered airstrikes over the weekend on dozens of Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen, as well as on multiple leaders of the Iran-backed rebel group. The Trump administration said the strikes — which killed at least 53 people, according to the Houthi-run health ministry — were in response to the group’s continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea, sinking vessels, killing sailors, and disrupting trade. The Houthis have already tried to retaliate, attempting (unsuccessfully) to hit a US aircraft carrier and several warships. Trump put Iran on notice on Truth Social: “America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!”

What it means: Analysts have struggled to predict Trump’s foreign policy approach, which has been inconsistent and at odds with his campaign promises. Critics say his latest comments and actions could further complicate America’s already strained foreign relations. The Associated Press warned that the strikes could trigger more violence across the Middle East. Still, Trump’s team says the preemptive attack might be the key to taking on a group that has outlasted its enemies for years — a challenge that has escaped other leaders (including former President Joe Biden).

Related: Officials at the US Institute of Peace Said DOGE “Has Broken Into Our Building” (CNN)

Immigration

Immigrant Family Detentions Are Back

What's going on: The Trump administration has started detaining immigrant families with children, reviving a controversial practice that the Biden administration ended. Over a dozen families have already arrived at one of two facilities that reopened in southern Texas. Some people had been in the US for a few weeks, while others had lived here for nearly a decade, according to RAICES, a legal nonprofit. Immigration advocates have denounced the return of family detention, warning of its harmful effects on children — including abuse, psychological trauma, and, in some cases, death. A children’s rights lawyer told The New York Times that the stories of detained children “haunt” her.

What it means: Previous administrations (like former President Barack Obama’s) have used family detention centers. But experts say the Trump admin’s move is part of a broader promise to deport “millions and millions of criminal aliens.” Since Trump’s return to office, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded its contracts with facilities in New Jersey, Ohio, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. With border encounters now at their lowest levels since tracking began, ICE has shifted its focus inland, targeting many people who have been part of local communities for years. The move has sparked fierce debate, with critics warning of widespread disruption to families and communities — while supporters argue it’s a necessary step to enforce immigration law nationwide.

Related: An Ivy League School’s Message to Their Immigrant Students and Faculty: Don’t Leave the US (WSJ Gift Link)

Lifestyle

Who Else Wants to RSVP "No"?

What's going on: The days of yelling “cabs are here” while pregaming could be behind us. Some reports suggest that America’s days of partying might be long gone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 4.1% of Americans attended or hosted a social event on weekends or holidays in 2023. So why are so many people hanging up their party hats? For starters, it’s expensive. In this economy, it’s hard to justify a $70 Uber home (thanks, surcharge) or $15 for an espresso martini. Plus, many people got comfortable spending Saturday nights on the couch after doing it for so long during the pandemic. We’ve gone from lounges to lounging.

What it means: It’s not over until it’s over (unless a bouncer says so). Just because people have left their party or clubbing days behind, doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t looking for connection — they’re finding new ways to get out there, and different businesses are stepping up to meet the demand. One DJ came up with the idea of early evening dance parties, which have since evolved into a weekly social club. And as more people drink less, nonalcoholic bars are popping up in major cities. Still, even as more people decide to host a party-of-one at home, too many nights alone could be bad for your health if they lead to loneliness. Meanwhile, some are hopeful that America has more parties ahead as people relearn how to hang out.

Related: We Just Might Be in the “Anti-Social Century” (The Atlantic)

Your Political Briefing

The week in political chaos.

By the numbers: An NBC News poll shows 47% of registered voters approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, with 44% believing the country is headed in the right direction — the highest since 2004. Meanwhile, Democrats’ popularity has reached its lowest point since the ’90s.

John Hancock here please: President Trump says former President Joe Biden’s pardons for Jan 6th congressional committee members are “void” because he didn’t use a real pen. Trump hasn’t challenged the signature in court, and if he does, the claim likely wouldn’t hold.

Call me maybe: President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to talk on the phone today. On the agenda: A proposed 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine.

Settle This

Ben Stiller is reportedly releasing a new “healthy” soda brand. What’s it called?

Extra Credit

Laugh

After recording six stand-up specials for Netflix, Iliza Shlesinger has made her Amazon Prime debut with A Different Animal. But despite the streaming switch-up, fans can still expect the same “no-holds-barred, explosive” and yes, raunchy material. In her hour-long performance, the comic covers everything from shower sex, dealing with “mom brain” (Shlesinger filmed the special when her second son was eight months old), and how millennials and Gen Z actually aren’t that different. Leave it to Illiza to unite us all.

Game Time

Start your Tuesday off right with Typeshift, a fun new game that challenges you to create words from a set number of letters. Warning: It’s very addicting. Start playing.