Catégorie oBox : BuzzNews

Trump poll numbers continue to slip as disapproval reaches an all-time high in a new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll that shows a decline across nearly every major aspect of his presidency. One of the sharpest drops comes from his handling of the economy, with 65 percent disapproving and 34 percent approving. The president’s lowest marks are tied to the cost of living, where 76 percent disapprove compared to just 23 percent approval. On the Iran war, 66 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s actions, while 33 percent say they approve, reflecting a broad erosion of confidence.

The findings illustrate a widening gap between the president and key segments of the electorate, particularly outside his core political base. While Trump has maintained strong support among Republican voters, broader national sentiment has shifted significantly, especially among independents and Democrats. According to the poll, Democratic approval of Trump stands at just 5 percent, with 95 percent expressing disapproval. Among independents, approval is at 25 percent, underscoring growing skepticism toward his leadership at a time of heightened domestic and international challenges.

Economic concerns remain central to the decline in public support, particularly as voters continue to prioritize inflation and the cost of living. The poll suggests that perceptions of financial strain are playing a decisive role in shaping public opinion. Despite longstanding messaging from the administration emphasizing economic performance, the data indicates that many Americans remain unconvinced. Analysts have pointed to persistent price pressures and affordability issues as key drivers behind the president’s declining ratings on economic management.

The Iran war

The president’s handling of the Iran war has also contributed to the drop in approval, with a majority of Americans expressing concern over his approach. The 66 percent disapproval rating on the issue reflects unease about the direction of U.S. foreign policy and the potential consequences of continued escalation. Foreign policy has historically been a volatile factor in presidential approval ratings, and the current figures suggest that the conflict is weighing heavily on public perception of Trump’s leadership.

Independent voters appear to be a decisive factor in the latest polling trends, with Republican-leaning independents reaching a new low of 56 percent approval. Among independents overall, Trump’s approval rating stands at just 25 percent, highlighting a significant shift in a group often seen as critical in determining electoral outcomes. The decline among these voters suggests that dissatisfaction is extending beyond traditional partisan divides, raising questions about broader political momentum.

His core Republican base

Despite these challenges, Trump has largely maintained his core Republican base, polling at approximately 85 percent approval among party supporters. This stability within his base has helped cushion the overall political impact of declining national approval ratings. However, the widening gap between Republican support and broader public opinion reflects an increasingly polarized political environment, where shifts among independents and moderate voters may play a crucial role in shaping future electoral dynamics.

The United Arab Emirates says Iran launched a drone as part of a wider missile and drone strike targeting the Fujairah oil terminal, in what authorities describe as a renewed escalation in regional hostilities. «Air defenses are now dealing with a missile threat.» the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said on X as the incident unfolded. Officials in the eastern emirate of Fujairah reported that the drone strike ignited a fire at a key oil facility, wounding three Indian nationals. The attack comes as tensions intensify around the Strait of Hormuz, with competing narratives emerging over alleged ceasefire violations.

Authorities in Fujairah confirmed that emergency response teams contained the fire and secured the perimeter of the facility, one of the UAE’s most strategically important energy hubs located outside the narrow Strait of Hormuz chokepoint. The terminal has long been viewed as critical infrastructure, designed in part to bypass risks associated with maritime disruptions in the strait. Officials did not immediately release full details of the damage but indicated that operations had been partially affected. The incident follows a pattern of previous targeting of oil infrastructure in the region during earlier phases of confrontation involving Iran and its regional adversaries.

«We warn that any foreign armed forces—especially the aggressive American military—will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.»

-Major General Ali Abdollahi from the Unified Armed Forces Command

The escalation coincides with new U.S. efforts to reopen maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, where several commercial vessels have been stranded amid rising security threats. Trump announced the initiative, described as «Project Freedom», on Truth Social, presenting it as a humanitarian mission aimed at assisting neutral shipping caught in the standoff. The move follows reports that multiple international vessels have remained immobilized due to safety concerns, raising alarm among global shipping companies and governments reliant on uninterrupted energy flows through one of the world’s most critical trade corridors.

«Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.» Trump wrote, before outlining the broader objective of the operation. «Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders! For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.»

Iranian officials responded with a warning against any foreign military presence in the strategic waterway, signaling the risk of direct confrontation. Major General Ali Abdollahi from the Unified Armed Forces Command stated that any attempt by outside forces to enter the strait would be met with force, reinforcing Tehran’s position that the area remains under its security oversight. The statement came as reports circulated of Iranian actions targeting regional infrastructure and maritime traffic, further heightening concerns among international observers about the possibility of miscalculation in an already volatile environment.

«Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump on Truth Social

«We warn that any foreign armed forces—especially the aggressive American military—will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.» Abdollahi said, as Trump later claimed U.S. forces had already engaged Iranian assets during the operation. «Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission! We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, “fast” Boats. It’s all they have left. Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.»

The president of the United States spent part of his weekend on Truth Social, posting a series of messages targeting media figures and political opponents, including CNN contributor Van Jones and Fox News, which aired coverage of an interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom on Real Time with Bill Maher. Trump referred to the governor as «Gavin Newscum» and described the HBO host as a «Moron» but «slightly more talented» than Jimmy Kimmel. His posts focused heavily on Maher’s interview with Newsom, accusing both men of misrepresenting California’s situation while criticizing conservative media for amplifying the segment.

Trump began with a lengthy post criticizing Fox News for platforming Bill Maher and giving visibility to his commentary. He argued that Maher should not be treated as a relevant voice within conservative political discourse and used the opportunity to revisit a past encounter with the host. His message blended personal anecdotes with broader political criticism, portraying Maher as ineffective and unprepared while accusing Newsom of misleading viewers about California’s performance. The president also criticized what he described as policy failures in major California cities, referencing homelessness, infrastructure projects, and population trends.

«When a devastated (he was crying like a baby!) Van Jones of CNN came to me with a group of African American leaders, he had “DEAD” in getting Criminal Justice Reform approved in Congress… Now I watch this guy, Van Jones, every chance he gets, calling me a “Dictator,” and far worse. He should be ashamed of himself!!!»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump on Truth Social

«I hate seeing Fox, and other Conservative Outlets, constantly making Low Rated Bill Maher “relevant” as it pertains to the Republican Party, and beyond. Bill Maher is a weak and ineffective person who I got to know very well during my dinner with him at the White House. He was nervous, scared, and the first words he uttered as he entered the Oval Office were, “Can I have a drink?” It was very endearing but, at the same time, absolutely pathetic. He was much different from what people think but, last night, I happened to watch Gavin Newscum, an admittedly Low IQ person, who said he can’t read a speech, is dumb, and essentially, incompetent, and he took Bill Maher “over the coals.” Bill Maher was defenseless, and totally deficient.»

In a follow-up message, Trump continued his criticism of the interview, arguing that Maher failed to challenge Newsom’s claims about California’s economic and social conditions. He described the exchange as one-sided and accused the governor of presenting misleading information without pushback. The president also turned his attention to Maher’s television performance more broadly, questioning his audience reach and suggesting declining relevance. The tone remained consistent with his earlier remarks, combining media criticism with political messaging aimed at undermining confidence in both figures.

«Bill Maher got “eaten up” by Gavin Newscum when Newscum said how well California is doing, A COMPLETE LIE, and Bill Maher never challenged him, not even a little bit. Also, Bill Maher’s “Ratings” SUCK! President DONALD J. TRUMP»

The posts also extended to CNN contributor Van Jones, whom Trump accused of hypocrisy over past cooperation on criminal justice reform. The president referenced efforts during his administration to pass legislation, arguing that Jones had previously sought his support when prospects in Congress were limited. Trump framed the interaction as a political contrast, highlighting what he described as his role in securing bipartisan backing while criticizing Jones for subsequent public commentary. The remarks continued a pattern of revisiting past policy achievements while responding to current media criticism.

«I hate seeing Fox, and other Conservative Outlets, constantly making Low Rated Bill Maher “relevant” as it pertains to the Republican Party, and beyond. Bill Maher is a weak and ineffective person who I got to know very well during my dinner with him at the White House.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump on Truth Social

«When a devastated (he was crying like a baby!) Van Jones of CNN came to me with a group of African American leaders, he had “DEAD” in getting Criminal Justice Reform approved in Congress. Van Jones and these Black reps had been unsuccessfully fighting to get “Reform” for many years. He was just wasting everyone’s time – Needed 5 Conservative Senators – there was no chance, or even hope, for a win. I liked some of the people he was with, agreed with what they were saying, and quickly rounded up the votes needed to get CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM approved. It was NOT easy! Nobody else, including Obama, who tried to for years, could have done this! Now I watch this guy, Van Jones, every chance he gets, calling me a “Dictator,” and far worse. He should be ashamed of himself!!! President DJT»

Three dead and one in critical condition is in intensive care in a suspected rare rodent-linked hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions that was sailing on the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization. The vessel is currently docked in Cape Verde as at least two crew members, who remain on board, are experiencing symptoms consistent with the virus. Authorities have not yet authorized passengers to disembark as containment protocols remain in place. The outbreak has raised immediate concern among international health agencies monitoring the situation closely.

The World Health Organization confirmed that one of the three deaths has been officially linked to hantavirus, while investigations continue into the other fatalities. The victims include one German national and a Dutch couple, according to preliminary reports. A British citizen tested positive for hantavirus after being transported to a hospital in South Africa for specialized care. Health officials are continuing to trace contacts and assess possible exposure risks among the approximately 150 passengers and 60 crew members currently confined to the ship under strict monitoring conditions.

The MV Hondius had departed from Argentina roughly three weeks ago and was en route to the Canary Islands, located off the coast of northwestern Africa, when the first suspected cases began to emerge. Passengers reported early symptoms resembling flu-like illness, prompting onboard medical evaluations and eventual intervention by international health authorities. The WHO has previously stated that «Hantavirus infections are caused by contact with rodent excreta, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces», emphasizing the environmental conditions that can facilitate transmission.

Hantavirus remains a rare but potentially fatal disease, typically contracted through inhalation of airborne particles contaminated by dried rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Early symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches, which can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress. In more serious cases, the infection can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a life-threatening condition. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, «Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a mortality rate of approximately 38 percent in the United States».

«Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a mortality rate of approximately 38 percent in the United States.»

– U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The current situation has revived memories of previous outbreaks aboard cruise ships, where confined environments and shared facilities can accelerate the spread of infectious diseases. The global public first became widely aware of such risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cruise vessels were among the earliest sites of large-scale outbreaks. More recently, in 2025, a norovirus outbreak affected more than 230 individuals on another cruise ship, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in maritime health safety protocols despite enhanced preventive measures.

As the Hondius remains docked, authorities in Cape Verde and international health organizations are coordinating efforts to manage the situation and prevent further transmission. Testing, isolation, and sanitation procedures are ongoing, while passengers remain on board awaiting authorization to disembark. The situation continues to evolve as medical teams work to stabilize affected individuals and determine the full scope of the outbreak, with health officials closely monitoring all suspected and confirmed cases.