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Trump Official Slams Iran Strikes
A high-ranking official from the federal agency that oversees personnel for President Donald Trump's administration has reportedly spoken out against the U.S. airstrikes on Iran, calling the move "pointless."
Andrew Kloster, a general counsel member at the Office of Personnel Management, criticized the strike in a series of now-deleted posts on X, according to the New York Post. His message directly contradicts President Trump's claim that the mission targeting Iran's nuclear facilities was a success.
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Andrew Kloster's Now-Deleted Posts
"I apologize and will never again doubt the power of the deep state," Kloster wrote following the attack on Saturday, June 21. When another X user suggested, "Iran's nuclear sites being crushed seems a long-term benefit for the US," Kloster responded candidly, "I think it was just kind of pointless."
He also reportedly reposted a message from Vish Burra, the former director of operations for ex-Rep. George Santos. In the post, Burra described the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict as a "tribal squabble" following Tehran's violation of the ceasefire.
President Donald Trump's Agenda
Kloster's posts have since been deleted, but the controversy surrounding his message hasn't gone away. His public criticism comes as a surprise given his senior role, especially considering the administration's ongoing efforts to enforce Trump's "Schedule F" — aimed at ensuring federal employees align with the president's agenda.
Back in April, Trump emphasized that government workers must "be held to the highest standards of conduct and performance," adding that anyone who fails to support his policies or engages in corrupt behavior "should no longer have a job."
Kloster isn't the only one who has been wary of Trump's attack on Iran. His comments align with other Americans who worry that the United States' involvement could lead to a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asked the country to "trust in Trump," claiming that he will secure "peace through strength." Following the United States' direct involvement, Trump brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. The agreement was later broken by both parties, prompting condemnation from the president.
Trump Issues Chilling Warning
Oil Prices Are on the Rise
Oil prices rose on Wednesday, June 25, following the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. After taking a sharp drop earlier this week, prices climbed roughly 2% as markets regained confidence amid easing tensions.
Brent crude futures, the global benchmark, rose $1.22, or 1.8%, to $68.36 a barrel by 12:50 p.m. EDT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased $1.25, or 1.9%, to $65.62. The latest rise may reflect investors' optimism that the ceasefire could bring some stability between the two foreign adversaries.
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Peace Deal Lowers Fears
On Tuesday, June 24, President Donald Trump announced the peace agreement between the nations, but Brent still settled at its lowest level since early June, while WTI dropped to its lowest since June 5. Prices had been rising following Israel's June 13 airstrikes on Iranian military leaders and nuclear facilities. After a U.S. follow-up strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, crude prices rose to a five-month high.
"While concerns regarding Middle Eastern supply have diminished for now, they have not entirely disappeared, and there remains a stronger demand for immediate supply," ING analysts noted in a client report.
Beyond looking at oil prices, U.S. gasoline stocks also saw some fluctuation. Inventories fell by 2.1 million barrels, way more than the expected 381,000-barrel increase.
Forecasts for Oil Prices
"We are looking at big draws across the board," Phil Flynn, senior analyst with the Price Futures Group said. "This type of report can refocus on U.S. supply and demand, and less on geopolitics."
Adding to the mix, new U.S. economic data released on Tuesday, June 24, showed weaker-than-expected consumer confidence, hinting at a possible slowdown in the country's economy. Because of this, many now expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates later this year, which could affect oil demand and prices.
Looking ahead, oil prices are expected to stay between $65 and $70 a barrel, according to market analyst Tina Teng, as traders wait for more economic updates and the Fed's next decision.
Musk Says Top Trump Aide Is a Russian Spy
The tension between former "first buddy" Elon Musk and Donald Trump continues to escalate, as the Tesla CEO is now making damaging accusations against a top White House aide. In his most recent outburst, Musk slammed Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor, whom the tech tycoon branded a "snake."
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According to the New York Post, Gor was frequently mentioned in articles explaining Trump and Musk's abrupt falling out. The outlet reported Gor was the brains behind Trump's "revenge tour" against the father of 14, who accused the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office of sabotaging his NASA nomination.
According to The Post, Gor has claimed he is from Malta, but the country has no record of his birth: "No acts are registered with the provided details," the nation shared.
Igor Sushko — a Ukraine-born American race-car driver and political activist — claimed on X that people familiar with Gor in Malta often refer to him as "the Russian boy."
In response to Suhsko's thread, Musk alleged, "Gor is breaking the law."
Musk later corrected Gor's name to "Goryachev" — a reference to rumors online that Gor is actually a Russian spy named Sergey Goryachev. The conspiracy theory has been proven to be false, as the real Goryachev has been identified.
