Trump's Military Threats and Record-Breaking Shutdown: Live Updates

“Do you own a MAGA hat?” The question posed to Second Lady Usha Vance hinted at her preference for Disney over the political arena, suggesting a disconnect from the White House's more contentious atmosphere.

President Trump, during a recent flight aboard Air Force One, described his controversial $400 million ballroom project as little more than a “shed.” “The ballroom essentially becomes a shed for what’s being built under,” he remarked, revealing a glimpse into the ambitious construction plans beneath.

What lies beneath? Trump elaborated, “The military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that’s under construction, and we’re doing very well.” He justified discussing the military project, claiming it would inevitably surface due to a “stupid lawsuit” filed against him.

In a separate discussion, Trump’s threats against Iran raised eyebrows. He suggested the U.S. might “completely obliterate” critical infrastructure in Iran, including electrical plants and desalination facilities. Such statements have drawn scrutiny for potentially violating international law.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced tough questions regarding these threats. When pressed about the implications of targeting civilian infrastructure, she maintained that Trump is “not afraid to use” military force if negotiations fail.

Meanwhile, the British royal family faces its own controversies. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will skip this year’s Easter service amid their father Andrew's ongoing scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, stripped of his royal title in 2025, has faced public backlash following his arrest for misconduct.

In the Middle East, tensions continue to escalate. The U.S. is attempting to manage conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, while missile threats loom large. The situation has contributed to rising oil prices, as reported by senior correspondents.

Tragedy struck in southern Lebanon when an explosion killed two peacekeepers from the U.N. Interim Force. The blast occurred near Bani Hayyan, adding to a troubling trend of violence against U.N. personnel in the region.

UNIFIL confirmed that an investigation is underway but has not attributed blame for the attacks. The organization emphasized the need for all parties to respect international law and protect peacekeepers.

In a significant legal development, Match Group agreed to settle a lawsuit with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission over unauthorized data sharing from its OkCupid app. The settlement prohibits misrepresentation of user privacy and requires compliance certification.

Usha Vance, while acknowledging her role as an adviser to her husband, Vice President JD Vance, clarified that they do not always align on policy decisions. “I’m not his staffer... there’s no expectation that we are going to see eye-to-eye on everything,” she stated in a recent interview.

Former Congressman Mark Sanford has announced his candidacy for his old seat in South Carolina, emphasizing fiscal responsibility—a stark contrast to current Republican priorities under Trump.

Critics have lambasted Trump’s ballroom design as flawed and disproportionate. Reports highlight missing doors and a staircase leading nowhere, raising questions about the project’s oversight.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his retirement following backlash over his response to a recent aviation tragedy that claimed two pilots' lives. His inability to communicate effectively in French has drawn criticism in a predominantly French-speaking region.

The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security has now reached an unprecedented 44 days. This marks the longest shutdown in U.S. history, surpassing previous records.

Despite President Trump’s order to pay TSA officers during this period, many federal employees remain without paychecks. The American Federation of Government Employees criticized Congress for leaving town while workers struggle financially.

As negotiations stall, TSA workers report receiving overdue paychecks, but many are still waiting for compensation from earlier months. The ongoing shutdown has led to increased resignations among TSA staff, resulting in longer wait times at airports nationwide.

The situation remains fluid as both parties grapple with the implications of the shutdown and escalating international tensions.