Trump OK’s Russian Tanker Helping Cuba with Energy Needs

President Donald Trump says he has “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island, which has been brought to its knees by a U.S. oil blockade.

VERBATIM:
On Sunday, President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington,“We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need it… they have to survive.”

When asked if a New York Times report that the tanker would be allowed to reach Cuba was true, Mr. Trump said: “I told them, if a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem whether it’s Russia or not.”

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

Senate Democrats Block SAVE America Act Amendments

Senate Democrats blocked an amendment to voter ID legislation backed by President Trump that would have done something they publicly support: require photo identification to vote in federal elections. This update from Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have shown interest in photo voter ID, which has grown in popularity among voters across the country.

Still, Democrats blocked an amendment to the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act from Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted, meant to put them on record for that position.

Schumer said ahead of the vote that “Republicans are once again wasting time on voter suppression.”

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

A NORC-AP Poll on the War in Iran

WASHINGTON (AP) – Most Americans believe recent U.S. military action against Iran has gone too far, and many are worried about affording gasoline, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
As the war launched by the U.S. and Israel continues in its fourth week, the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that while President Donald Trump’s approval rating is holding steady, the conflict could be swiftly turning into a major political liability for his Republican administration.

While the President is deploying more warships and troops to the Middle East, about 59% of Americans say U.S. military action in Iran has been excessive.

Meanwhile, 45% are “extremely” or “very” concerned about being able to afford gas in the next few months.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

U.S. Offers a 15-Page Agreement to Iran

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Iran has received an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East, a proposal sent even as Washington deploys paratroopers and more Marines to the region. An update from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: Tehran did not confirm receiving the plan and publicly dismissed the diplomatic effort while launching more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including an assault that sparked a huge fire at Kuwait International Airport. Iran has also continued to come under attack.

Two officials from Pakistan, which delivered the plan to Iran, described the 15-point proposal broadly, saying it addressed sanctions relief, a rollback of Iran’s nuclear program, limits on missiles and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

——————

***15 PAGE AGREEMENT

( ) 15 PAGE AGREEMENT-bennett-q-WEDam (:12) “the coming days.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Iran has received an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East, a proposal sent even as Washington deploys paratroopers and more Marines to the region.

OUTCUE: That’s reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
An Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts added that the proposal includes restrictions on Iran’s support for armed groups. At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent to the Mideast in the coming days.

U.S. Has a New Negotiator in Iran

Iran’s parliamentary Speaker has emerged as a possible U.S. contact for peace talks… even as the Iranian leadership remains under fire during the war.

VERBATIM: Reports suggest Washington may see Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf as a negotiating partner.

Iran’s theocracy has been in turmoil since a Feb. 28 Israeli strike killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His son Mojtaba has reportedly taken over. But he hasn’t been seen after reports of having been wounded.

Qalibaf is a former Revolutionary Guard commander and Tehran mayor. Critics link him to violent crackdowns and corruption claims. He denied on Tuesday that there are any talks with the U.S. underway.

The semiofficial Tasnim news agency called the reports about Qalibaf a Western plot to divide Iran.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Iran Wants Victory

The spokesman of Iran’s top military command says that its armed forces will fight “until complete victory.”

VERBATIM: The comments by Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters appeared related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that there were negotiations ongoing between Tehran and Washington.

Iran has denied any talks are taking place, though its foreign minister has been talking to counterparts around the region.

Iranian state television quoted Aliabadi as saying: “Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious and steadfast in defending Iran’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory.”

Bernie Bennett reporting

Sec. Rubio Visits the G7

Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to France to sell the Iran war to skeptical G7 allies. Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
He’ll attend a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting near Versailles outside of Paris on Friday “to advance key U.S. interests” and “discuss shared security concerns and opportunities for cooperation.”

The State Department said, “Areas of focus will include the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in the Middle East, and threats across the world to peace and stability.”

Nearly all of the other G7 nations – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan – have reacted coolly at best to the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran and have declined to participate.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Iran Names New National Security Secretary

Trump Delays Deadline

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – President Donald Trump has extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. will hold off on power plant strikes for five days. Bernie Bennett has more.

VERBATIM:
The President made the announcement on his Truth Social site Monday, just hours ahead of a deadline later in the day.

Writing in all capital letters, he said the U.S. and Iran have had “very good and productive conversations” that could yield “a complete and total resolution” in the war. Talks will continue “throughout the week.”

Mr. Trump did not elaborate on the diplomatic negotiations that had taken place. Iran did not immediately acknowledge any talks between the countries.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

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Speaker Johnson on Pentagon Request for War Funding

Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday Congress has to “adequately fund defense” amid the military campaign in Iran as he declined to rule out a possible $200 billion emergency Pentagon infusion.

VERBATIM:
Johnson spoke shortly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to rule out a supplemental spending request of that size at a morning news conference.

Johnson told reporters at the Capitol, “I’m sure it’s not a random number,” saying he expected any funding request to be “detailed and specified.”

Several Democrats immediately rejected the suggestion of a $200 billion funding bill out of hand, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise declined to say if such a request could pass the House.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

House GOP- SAVE America Act

Several House Republicans say they won’t pass any bills coming out of the Senate until the SAVE Act is passed. More details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
A growing number of House Republicans are vowing to kill any bills coming from the Senate until the chamber passes what’s known as the SAVE America Act, which would require people to provide proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID at the polls.

They want Senate Majority Leader John Thune to try to get the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk via a simple majority by forcing a “talking filibuster,” which could hold up the Senate floor for months.

President Trump has “called on the Senate to use the talking filibuster to secure passage of the SAVE Act immediately, superseding everything else. Tweny-five House Republicans wrote in a Wednesday letter to Thune, “We agreee! Consider this our filibuster.”

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

Mullin Nomination Passes in Senate Committee

Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security advanced out of Committee on Thursday. Reporter Bernie Bennett has more.

VERBATIM:
The roughly three-minute meeting was a whirlwind process after a testy hearing one day prior in which Chair Rand Paul repeatedly pressed Mullin on past comments referring to the chair as a snake and questioned whether the Oklahoma Republican had the correct temperament to lead the sprawling department.

Paul made clear Wednesday he planned to vote no on Mullin, a declaration that would have otherwise sunk his nomination had the Oklahoma senator not received the backing of Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, allowing him to move forward on a 8-7 vote.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

Trump Healthcare Plans

More states are encouraging businesses to help employees sign up for universal healthcare. They’re using a policy backed by President Donald Trump to do it.

POSSIBLE OUT CUE: Obamacare enrollment has already dropped by more than 1 million this year, with further decline expected.

VERBATIM: President Trump explained why he didn’t support an extension of government subsidies that made Obamacare plans more affordable for millions. Those subsidies have now expired, sending premiums soaring. But Mr. Trump has continued to support a 2019 rule issued in his first term that allowed states to offer tax credits to businesses that help employees enroll in Obamacare plans.

That offer is now finding more takers, among Republicans and Democrats, as state lawmakers look for ways to keep the uninsured rate down. At least six states are looking at offering the tax credits to businesses that adopt the Trump policy… to stem the damage.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Trump on Obamacare

More states are encouraging businesses to help employees sign up for universal healthcare. They’re using a policy backed by President Donald Trump to do it.

POSSIBLE OUT CUE: Obamacare enrollment has already dropped by more than 1 million this year, with further decline expected.

VERBATIM: President Trump explained why he didn’t support an extension of government subsidies that made Obamacare plans more affordable for millions. Those subsidies have now expired, sending premiums soaring. But Mr. Trump has continued to support a 2019 rule issued in his first term that allowed states to offer tax credits to businesses that help employees enroll in Obamacare plans.

That offer is now finding more takers, among Republicans and Democrats, as state lawmakers look for ways to keep the uninsured rate down. At least six states are looking at offering the tax credits to businesses that adopt the Trump policy… to stem the damage.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

HOUSE ELECTION 2026-GEORGIA

ATLANTA (AP) – Months after Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress after a falling out with President Donald Trump, voters in her Georgia district will vote for her successor in a special election Tuesday.

OUTCUE: That’s Bernie Bennett reporting.

VERBATIM:
Top candidates include Republicans Clay Fuller and Colton Moore and Democrat Shawn Harris. President Trump has endorsed Fuller, a district attorney. But with nine Republicans, three Democrats, a Libertarian and an independent running, a majority for one candidate may be elusive. The winner will serve out the remaining months of Greene’s term. The winner will have to run again later this year to secure a full two-year term.

IRAN WAR POLL

A new poll suggests a majority of voters favor President Donald Trump’s decision to order the U.S. military to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile capabilities.

OUT CUE: That’s Bernie Bennett reporting from Washington.

VERBATIM:
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters approve of Trump’s decision to attack Iran, including 35% who Strongly Approve. Forty-two percent (42%) disapprove of the attack, including 30% who Strongly Disapprove.
The number corresponds with the latest data from Rasmussen, suggesting that 41% of possible voters say that the U.S. overall is heading in right direction.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

FETTERMAN SUPPORTS THE WAR IN IRAN

Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, is defending U.S. military action against Iran. Correspondent TBD reports.

TAG: Senator Fetterman dismissed concerns over the torpedoing of an Iranian ship in international waters, framing it as a justified military action.

(VERBATIM)
Senator Fetterman, along with Republicans, blocked efforts to end U.S. strikes on Iran. He also supports the targeting of Iranian leadership, including Ayatollah Khamenei. In an exchange with a reporter, Fetterman emphasized his pro-Israel stance, support for eliminating Iranian leadership, and criticized perceived hypocrisy from media outlets covering Iran.

TORNADO-MICHIGAN

Four people were killed Friday in southern Michigan as powerful storms that produced at least one tornado reduced homes to rubble, sent parts of roofs flying into the air and left a trail of debris hanging from power lines. Reporter Bernie Bennett has the story.

VERBATIM:
In the Union Lake area, three people were killed and 12 injured after an apparent tornado hit, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office. About 50 miles southwest, Cass County officials reported one death and several injuries after a tornado touched down.

According to the National Weather Service, at least one tornado has been confirmed near Union City, and there were reports of possible others.

David Roth, a meteorologist at the weather service’s Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, said the state had the right conditions for a tornado because of a weather system that pulled moisture out of the Gulf of Mexico and a warm front that moved north.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

SENATE-GEORGIA RACE

The Senate Race in Georgia is drawing national attention as the Republican Primary approaches. Reporter Bernie Bennett explains.

VERBATIM:
President Donald Trump has yet to endorse a candidate in Georgia’s Republican primary.

Some Republicans are worried that a three-candidate field will make it harder to beat incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff. He has raised more than any other U.S. candidate, far outpacing his opponents. He is also making his case to voters while the Republicans compete with each other.

All three have touted their support for President Trump. Strategists believe that Mr. Trump is remaining cautious to avoid endorsing someone who loses. The Texas Republican primary is primed for a bitter and expensive runoff after the President declined to endorse anyone, but he said he would make his pick soon.

I’m Bernie Bennett.

TRUMP FIRES NOEM

President Donald Trump has dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristie Noem.
Bernie Bennett has this report from Washington.

VERBATIM:
President Donald Trump said he’s replacing his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from GOP members as well as Democrats.

Trump says he’ll make Noem a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term. Bernie Bennett, Washington.

HOUSE IRAN VOTE

The House is set to vote today on a resolution to halt military action in Iran unless it’s approved by Congress. Details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
Thursday’s roll call will offer a snapshot of the support or opposition in Congress for the widening conflict that’s reordering U.S. priorities at home and abroad. It’s the second vote in as many days, after the Senate defeated a similar measure along party lines Wednesday.

Lawmakers are confronting the sudden reality of representing the nation in wartime and all that entails — with lives lost, dollars spent and alliances tested by a president’s decision to go to war with Iran. Republicans largely back the war, while Democrats oppose. But there are splinters in both parties.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Myanmar Holds Second Round of Elections

YANGON (AP) – Myanmar holds a second round of elections amid armed conflict in the country.
Correspondent Bernie Bennett has this report.

VERBATIM:
Myanmar resumed voting Sunday in the second round of its first general election in five years, expanding polling to additional townships, including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents.

Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time in 100 townships across the country.

Many of those areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under heightened security, underscoring the risks surrounding the vote.

The election is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts. The first round took place on Dec. 28 in 102 of the country’s total 330 townships, followed by the second phase on Sunday.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

GOP Voters Support Military Action in Venezuela

A new poll shows that Republicans embrace President Trump’s military mission in Venezuela. Correspondent Bernie Bennett has this report.

VERBATIM:
A new poll shows that once hesitant or disapproving of using the U.S. military to invade Venezuela, the vast majority of Republicans now say they approve of President Donald Trump’s miltary action and the stunning capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro.

Nearly three-quarters of Republicans said they somewhat or strongly support the U.S. using military force to invade Venezuela in a YouGov poll released Wednesday and conducted after last weekend’s operation.

In an Economist-YouGov survey conducted Jan. 2-5th, 53% of Republicans said they’d support such military force.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

U.S. Launches Strikes Against ISIS

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. has launched another round of retaliatory strikes against the Islamic State in Syria following last month’s ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian interpreter in the country. Correspondent Bernie Bennett explains.

VERBATIM:
The large-scale strikes, conducted by the U.S. alongside partner forces, occurred around 12:30 p.m. ET, according to U.S. Central Command. The strikes hit multiple Islamic State targets across Syria.

Saturday’s strikes are part of a broader operation that is part of President Donald Trump’s response to the deadly ISIS attack that killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, the civilian interpreter, in Palmyra last month.

The Pentagon said Saturday’s strikes were carried out alongside partner forces without specifying which forces had taken part.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.