In a news wrap on Wednesday, the White House defended President Trump's gift of $45,000 to his executive assistant Natalie Harp and other aides. The payments, disclosed in financial records, included the same amount for communications adviser Margo Martin and White House aide Chamberlain Harris, as well as $20,000 for Director of Oval Office Operations Walt Nauta. These payments have raised legal and ethical concerns, as federal employees generally cannot receive outside compensation for their work, leading experts to warn that the payments could create a financial obligation to the president.
The White House stated that Mr. Trump has a "longstanding practice of giving such gifts," asserting that they are "entirely permissible under relevant legal and ethical standards."
In other news, tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated, particularly regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices rising above $100 a barrel. Iran reported launching missiles at various targets, including tankers and two American ships, which U.S. Central Command denied. Tehran also targeted a U.S. base in Jordan, with the missiles reportedly intercepted. Residents in Iran expressed concerns about the impact of U.S. pressure on their daily lives, with one resident stating that war is detrimental to the economy.
The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog has reported Iran to the Security Council for the first time in 20 years due to its lack of cooperation in an investigation into uranium found at undeclared sites. This action is viewed as largely symbolic, given that Iran's allies, China and Russia, can veto any sanctions.
The trade conflict between the U.S. and Canada is intensifying, as the Trump administration announced a ban on certain Canadian imports, including dairy products, motorcycles, molasses, and most alcoholic beverages, effective later this month. In response, Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of U.S. imports.
In Hawaii, residents and crews are cleaning up after Hurricane Lowell caused significant damage, with reports of flooding and power outages. The governor confirmed one fatality due to a fallen tree. Although Lowell has weakened to a tropical storm, the risk of floods and mudslides persists.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reinstating gateside goodbyes and post-flight pickups for certain individuals without tickets. This program, available to TSA PreCheck members and others with known traveler numbers, allows them to enter gate areas at select U.S. airports. The practice was discontinued after the September 11 attacks 25 years ago, and the TSA plans to expand this initiative to more airports soon.
On Wall Street, stocks closed lower following the rise in oil prices, with the Dow Jones industrial average dropping around 400 points, and both the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also finishing in negative territory.