Rubio’s Sudden Power Shift

What happened in that chamber was more than a promotion for Marco Rubio; it was a recalibration of how invisible power moves through Washington. The agency he now commands doesn’t write laws or argue cases on cable news. It does something far more potent: it decides which rules ever see daylight, and which die quietly in a stack of drafts no voter will ever read. That chokepoint, once obscure, is now the battlefield where “efficiency” faces off against transparency.

In the coming months, the country will learn whether this was a safeguard or a slow-motion subversion. If Rubio opens the doors, publishes the paper trail, and subjects his own office to scrutiny, he could prove that reform and sunlight can coexist. But if key decisions vanish into closed-door reviews and unexplained delays, Americans may realize too late that the most dangerous power is the kind exercised where no one is looking.

Trump Warns Iran of ‘Total Obliteration’ if They Try To Harm Him HH

President Donald Trump warned Iran that continued assassination threats made by leaders in Tehran would be met with the country getting “blown up” and “total obliteration.”

“Well, they shouldn’t be doing it but I’ve left notification,” Trump said. “Anything ever happens, we’re going to blow the whole — the whole country’s going to get blown up.”

Biden-era Intelligence officials briefed Trump about the alleged threats against him during his presidential campaign in 2024. Former Attorney General Merrick Garland said the plot was retaliation for the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani by the U.S. in 2020, during Trump’s first administration.

Despite being briefed by his administration, Trump on Tuesday said President Biden “should have said something” on the matter, adding that presidents should defend each other on such matters.

“But I have very firm instructions,” Trump continued. “Anything happens, they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth.”

Trump also spoke about the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva.

“What are you expecting from these Iran talks in Geneva?” a reporter asked Trump aboard Air Force One.

“So, I’ll be involved in those talks indirectly, and they’ll be very important. We’ll see what can happen. Typically, Iran’s a very tough negotiator; they’re good negotiators — or bad negotiators. I would say they’re bad negotiators because we could have had a deal instead of sending the B2s to knock out their nuclear potential. We had to send the B2s. I hope they’re going to be more reasonable. They want to make a deal,” Trump said.

“Have you been told that a deal is next to impossible?” the reporter followed up.

Trump replied, “No. I think they want to make a deal. I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal. They want to make a deal.”

WATCH:

Trump previously said that he instructed officials to destroy Iran if they killed him.

The president said this after signing an executive order right after taking office that gave him all the tools he needed to talk to Iran’s government and put as much pressure on Tehran as possible.

“They haven’t done that and that would be a terrible thing for them to do,” Trump said at the time. “Not because of me — if they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end. I’ve left instructions, if they do it, they get obliterated, there won’t be anything left. And, they shouldn’t be able to do it.”

Trump warned last week that the United States could send additional warships toward Iran if ongoing diplomatic negotiations fail to produce a deal, signaling that military pressure could increase as talks over Tehran’s nuclear program stall.

In remarks to Axios, Trump said the administration is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region in addition to the USS Abraham Lincoln and 9 additional warships already positioned near Iran, though he expressed hope that a diplomatic agreement can still be reached.

“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” the president told Axios on Tuesday, a reference to the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites in June.

“Last time they didn’t believe I would do it. They overplayed their hand,” Trump added. “We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going.”

The president emphasized that the United States is seeking to persuade Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, halt the development of its ballistic missile program, and end support for militant proxy groups. Iranian officials have so far resisted expanding negotiations beyond nuclear-related issues.

He described the nuclear issue as a “matter of course” part of any negotiation, but also insisted that an agreement with Iran must also address Tehran’s ballistic missile stockpiles, per Axios.

Trump said the US “can make a great deal with Iran,” and Tehran “very much wants to make a deal.”

Trump’s comments came ahead of a planned visit to Washington, D.C. by Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to press for a tougher U.S. stance and broader terms for any Iran deal that would include constraints on Tehran’s missile capabilities and regional activities.

Before heading to DC, the Israeli leader previewed some of what he and Trump were going to discuss.

“I will present to the president our understanding of the principles of the negotiations (with Iran) – the essential principles that are important not only to Israel – but to everyone who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu told reporters, per the New York Post.

The administration has already bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, with multiple warships and aircraft deployed as a means of deterrence and leverage.

This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.

Trump Admits Fears About Heaven, Ties Peace Efforts to His Spiritual Legacy HH

In a strikingly candid moment during an interview on Fox & Friends, former President Donald Trump admitted he sometimes worries about his eternal fate, saying he fears he may not “get to Heaven.” Trump, never one to shy away from discussing his image, legacy, or faith, tied his spiritual concerns directly to his global peace efforts, suggesting that his push to end international conflicts could be his pathway to salvation.

“I’ve been told I’m at the bottom of the totem pole,” Trump said with a half-smile, reflecting on how others view his spiritual chances. “Maybe I won’t make it [to Heaven]. But if I can stop wars, if I can save lives, that may be my way in.”

The unusual remarks came just hours after a high-profile White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. The discussions focused on charting a road map for peace in Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Trump revealed that he also held direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, in what sources described as the “most serious diplomatic opening in years.”

A Spiritual Dimension to Politics

While Trump has often emphasized his deal-making skills and “America First” agenda, rarely has he framed his political efforts in terms of spiritual salvation. His comments seemed to blend the political with the personal, painting a picture of a leader who not only wants to secure a lasting legacy on Earth but also fears what awaits him in the afterlife.

“Peace is the greatest thing we can achieve,” Trump told the Fox hosts. “And when you’re talking about wars, when you’re talking about people dying, it’s bigger than politics. If I can stop even one of these wars, maybe God looks at me differently.”

For many, the idea of Trump publicly doubting his entry into Heaven came as a surprise. Throughout his presidency and post-presidency, Trump has frequently aligned himself with evangelical leaders, often emphasizing his support for religious liberty and conservative social causes. Yet, his statement marked a rare acknowledgment of self-doubt and vulnerability.

The Push for Peace

Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of significant diplomatic activity. At the White House, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Trump and European Union leaders to discuss a framework for ending hostilities. According to officials, the meeting produced what participants described as the “most substantive progress toward peace since the start of the conflict.”

Zelensky, who has been steadfast in rallying Western support for Ukraine’s defense, struck a cautiously optimistic tone. “We have seen many promises over the years,” he said. “But today, I believe there is a genuine chance to move forward, and I welcome President Trump’s engagement on this.”

Trump revealed he had also spoken directly with Putin, signaling the potential for direct U.S.-Russia talks to complement ongoing European negotiations. While details remain scarce, Trump suggested both sides were “closer than people think” to at least discussing a cease-fire.

European leaders, often skeptical of Trump’s unorthodox diplomatic style, acknowledged the momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron described the talks as “the most movement we have seen in years,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them “a glimmer of hope.”

Linking Peace Abroad With Legacy at Home

For Trump, the intersection of faith, legacy, and global politics may become increasingly central as he positions himself for a potential return to the White House. His comments suggest he sees diplomacy not only as a political imperative but also as a moral and even spiritual calling.

“People talk about money, about power, about elections,” Trump said. “But when you’re talking about Heaven, that’s the real test. And stopping wars, saving lives — that’s about as big as it gets.”

Critics, however, were quick to question Trump’s sincerity. Some opponents argued that his remarks were calculated to appeal to religious voters as election season looms. Others pointed to his past rhetoric and policies, suggesting his record does not align with his newfound concern for peace.

Still, even skeptics acknowledged that Trump’s willingness to insert his spiritual anxieties into a discussion of global diplomacy was unusual for any U.S. leader, let alone one known for his brash confidence.

The Broader Implications

Political analysts noted that Trump’s comments could serve multiple purposes: signaling seriousness to international partners, reinforcing his appeal to religious conservatives, and reshaping his image as a statesman seeking peace rather than conflict.

“Trump has always been about image, legacy, and branding,” said political analyst Sarah Matthews. “Now he’s linking those to the ultimate legacy — what happens after death. It’s both strategic and deeply personal, and it sets him apart from the usual political script.”

Religious leaders, meanwhile, offered mixed reactions. Some evangelicals praised Trump’s willingness to discuss eternal matters openly, while others cautioned against politicizing faith.

“It’s rare to hear a political figure admit uncertainty about Heaven,” said Pastor Mark Robinson of Dallas. “But the sincerity will be judged by actions, not words. If President Trump is truly committed to peace, that’s something we should all welcome.”

A Moment of Reflection

As the interview wrapped up, Trump seemed almost contemplative, a tone rarely associated with his public persona. “I don’t know if I get there,” he said softly, referring to Heaven. “But if I can stop a war, maybe that’s my ticket. Maybe that’s how I do it.”

For a man whose career has been defined by controversy, combativeness, and an unyielding confidence in his own abilities, the admission stood out. Whether a moment of genuine self-reflection or a carefully crafted message, it underscored Trump’s effort to tie his political future — and perhaps his eternal one — to the quest for peace.