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To the editor:
Recently, our President’s war budget was funded for the first time in history at one trillion dollars.
Obama reported that in his own term of office, the level of U.S. “defense” budgeting was higher than the world’s next ten largest national defense budgets combined.
Now, Pistol Pete Hegseth wants a supplemental war appropriation of $200 billion for the Iran War (“Hegseth on seeking $200 billion for Iran war: ‘That number could move,’” Axios, 3-19-26).
Pentagon Pete says he wants to be “properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition is refilled . . . above and beyond.”
Turns out, that short-term “supplemental” $200 billion is more than the annual defense budget of every other country except China and the U.S.
Our President is using these war funds to purchase personal military play toys, saying he might use them to hit the oil infrastructure on Iran’s Kharg Island “just for fun.” As far as future “fun,” he says about Cuba, “I can do anything I want with it.”
Maybe take it to the course with you like a brand-new golf bag, huh Mr. President?
Kimball Shinkoskey
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fcannisi
Last night's address by Trump on the war in Iran was a complete embarrassment. Trump sounded more like a drunk in a bar bragging about his virility than a president trying to win the hearts and minds of his fellow Americans.
Trump offered nothing new regarding why the war was necessary, what our objectives are or when the conflict will end. With billions of tax dollars spent, exorbitant prices at the pump and supermarket, the American people deserve better.
Thursday, April 2 Report this
Valete
On April 1, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time address from the White House, marking his first official update to the nation since the commencement of Operation Epic Fury on February 28. In his 19-minute speech, he announced that the United States had achieved “swift, decisive, and overwhelming victories” and that the war was “approaching its conclusion.”
Below are key excerpts from his address, categorized by major themes.
On Military Progress and "Evisceration"
Trump characterized the Iranian regime as decimated, stating that their navy, air force, and leadership were largely eliminated, rendering them no longer a threat. He added that Iranian missile capabilities and production facilities were being destroyed.
On the Escalation to Come
Despite claiming the war was near its end, Trump promised an intense final phase.
He declared that U.S. military objectives would be met shortly, promising an intense, "hard" campaign in the coming weeks.
He suggested the goal was to "bring them back to the Stone Ages,".
He threatened swift military retaliation if Iran attempted to move their nuclear materials.
Trump’s Closing Statements
According to the official White House transcript, the President ended his remarks with these words:
"When it's all over, the United States will be safer, stronger, more prosperous and greater than it has ever been before. May God bless the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much, and good night.
Trump’s speech was informative and delivered with Trumpian fervor, resolve, and conviction.
Thursday, April 2 Report this