Up First briefing: Trump on Iran; SCOTUS Birthright case; VA home loan
April 2, 2026
By Brittney Melton
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Last night, President Trump delivered a 20-minute address to the nation, presenting his argument for the ongoing war with Iran, which has been in effect for over a month. He characterized the military operations as a success and projected that U.S. forces would be withdrawing in a few weeks. Criticizing U.S. allies, he stated that it is their duty to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for oil transportation.
During his address, President Trump emphasized the threat posed by Iran, declaring that the possession of nuclear weapons by Iran would be unacceptable. He categorized U.S. involvement in the conflict as a proactive investment in future security. However, his messaging surrounding U.S. actions and the timeline for withdrawal has lacked clarity. The American public's disapproval of the war is reflected in rising gas prices and presents significant political challenges for Trump and the Republican Party as midterm elections approach.
Trump reiterated his threats against Iran, emphasizing that he would target “each and every one of their electric-generating plants very hard” should a diplomatic solution not be reached promptly. In response, Iran has acknowledged its intention to strike power plants in Israel and throughout the Gulf region if its own facilities come under attack. Currently, the Gulf states lack a unified approach to addressing this conflict, partially due to uncertainties surrounding U.S. strategic intentions.
In a related matter, the Supreme Court has wrapped up its questioning of attorneys in the birthright citizenship case. The 14th Amendment clearly delineates that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." D. John Sauer, the solicitor general representing Trump, contended that the amendment does not automatically grant citizenship to every child born in the U.S., a position that contradicts long-established legal interpretations.
A majority of the justices appeared skeptical regarding the administration's perspective and seemed poised to uphold the principle of automatic citizenship for individuals born on U.S. soil. NPR's Nina Totenberg noted that while Trump's attendance at the court held significance, the justices maintained a commitment to professionalism throughout the proceedings.
Moreover, over 10,000 veterans have experienced home foreclosure since May 2025, a direct outcome of the Trump administration's closure of a vital safety net within the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program. This crisis, which began during the Biden administration when pandemic assistance measures were terminated, has left many veterans grappling with substantial repayment difficulties. While the VA is preparing to introduce a new program, it will not be operational for several months, raising concerns among housing advocates about the potential lack of options available to veterans compared to other homeowners.
Listen to the full briefing for more details.
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