Trump’s Second Term Under Siege: Iran War, Jan 6 Fund, 250th-Anniversary

President Donald Trump is juggling three crises: a war with Iran, a $1.776 billion Jan 6 compensation fund, and controversy over the 250th-anniversary celebrations. The war began after a U.S.–Israel strike failed to topple Tehran, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz and launch drone attacks. Milestones include a Senate revolt on May 20 over the anti-weaponization fund, construction of a White House East Wing ballroom on May 29, and a planned UFC arena on the South Lawn for Trump’s June 14 birthday.

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The administration proposes a $1.776 billion Jan 6 compensation fund and a $1.176 billion anti-weaponization fund tied to a tax-return lawsuit settlement. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has lifted oil prices, driving high domestic gas costs.

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The White House calls Trump’s role in the 250th-anniversary events “important” for unity. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the president’s renovations, saying they improve the sites he touches, such as Union Station. The White House sent back a draft Iran peace proposal, demanding tougher nuclear-renunciation language and limiting Tehran’s financial relief. Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said he hopes gas-price pressures will ease soon.

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Senators Cory Booker and Chris Coons have denounced the Jan 6 fund as a “slush fund” and warned that Iran’s drone campaign has strengthened its position. GOP senators say the fund alienates moderate voters ahead of the midterms, and critics note the lack of disclosed donors to the Freedom 250 organization.

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The administration says it is making progress toward an Iran peace deal, yet no agreement has been reached and experts question the feasibility of the proposed terms. Corporate donors to the Freedom 250 initiative remain undisclosed, leaving ethics concerns unverified.

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• “The things that he touches, he makes better,” — Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary

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• “put his name on our money, on our passports, on our park passes. And when the courts stop him, he acts like a petulant child.” — Cory Booker, U.S. Senator (New Jersey)

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• “Chris Coons said on “Fox News Sunday” that if Trump is able to “secure a permanent bar on any nuclear enrichment by Iran, and we get visibility and control into their nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz with no control by Iran ever …” — Chris Coons, U.S. Senator (Delaware)

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The Senate will vote on the Jan 6 compensation fund and related immigration measures before the Memorial Day recess. Diplomatic talks with Iran continue, and the administration proceeds with the White House UFC arena and other 250th-anniversary projects before the November midterms.

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