//Grimes Criticizes Elon Musk for Bringing Their Son to Trump’s Oval Office Event//
The 36-year-old Canadian musician, who shares three children with the Tesla CEO, only learned about her son's unexpected appearance through social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she reacted to a post about the event, stating: "He should not be in public like this. I did not see this, thank u for alerting me. But I’m glad he was polite. Sigh."
Her response came after a user commented on Lil X’s behavior during the event, saying, "Lil X was very polite today! You raised him well. He was so cute when he told DJT ‘please forgive me, I need to pee.’”
Musk and Lil X were photographed standing next to Trump as he signed the executive order, which strengthened Doge’s authority within the federal government. The move has faced criticism due to Doge’s recent decision to terminate nearly $1 billion in U.S. Department of Education contracts, a cost-cutting measure announced in a post on X earlier that day.
During the press event, Lil X was seen mimicking Musk, picking his nose, and whispering to Trump as he stood beside the Resolute Desk. While some found the child’s presence amusing, others questioned whether it was appropriate for a four-year-old to be part of such a highly political moment.
Grimes has been vocal about her political stance and her concerns regarding Musk’s growing influence. Shortly before commenting on her son's public appearance, she praised journalist Ezra Klein for his podcast discussing Trump’s early weeks in office and the rise of the MAGA movement. "Ezra Klein is a national treasure," she tweeted, adding that his balanced discussions with opposing viewpoints were essential for political discourse.
This is not the first time Grimes has publicly expressed frustration over Musk’s decision to involve their son in political events. In January, Lil X appeared at Trump’s pre-inauguration victory rally in Washington, D.C., where he was seen on stage wearing a red sweater, bouncing around in front of a cheering crowd.
After facing criticism for not intervening, Grimes responded to a concerned X user, writing: "I have made it clear I do not approve of that in every conceivable way I know. I am desperate to solve it. It is a personal tragedy to me. But currently, I don’t know how to do that."
Despite their separation, Musk and Grimes continue to co-parent, though their differing views on politics and privacy often put them at odds. While Musk remains a high-profile supporter of Trump and his policies, Grimes has distanced herself from her ex’s political leanings, previously condemning any associations with the far-right.
As Musk's influence in government grows and his ties to the Trump administration strengthen, it remains uncertain how Grimes will navigate co-parenting amid their ideological differences. For now, her public statements make one thing clear—she is deeply concerned about her son being caught in the political spotlight.
//Fired Federal Watchdogs Take Legal Action Against Trump’s Dismissals//
The lawsuit, filed in a Washington, D.C. federal court, argues that Trump disregarded a 2022 law requiring the president to provide Congress with a 30-day advance notice and a detailed explanation before removing an inspector general. The plaintiffs, who served as independent watchdogs for key government agencies, claim the firings were both unlawful and an overreach of presidential power.
Trump’s decision to remove 17 inspectors general on the first Friday of his term sent shockwaves through Washington, signaling an aggressive assertion of executive authority. The former president has consistently resisted constraints on his power, often pushing legal boundaries and challenging the judiciary to intervene.
Among the plaintiffs are former inspectors general from the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Labor, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services, along with the Small Business Administration. Two of them—former Pentagon IG Robert Storch and former Small Business Administration IG Michael Ware—were initially appointed by Trump during his first term in office.
Represented by former Deputy Attorney General David Ogden and former Solicitor General Seth Waxman, the group is seeking an injunction to reverse the firings and force compliance with the 2022 law. Their lawsuit calls for urgent judicial review to address what they claim is a breach of federal oversight protections.
“The dismissal of independent, nonpartisan inspectors general was a clear violation of the law,” said Michael Missal, the former top watchdog for the Department of Veterans Affairs. “We are pursuing this legal action to ensure we can return to our roles protecting taxpayer dollars and holding government agencies accountable.”
The lawsuit details how the former watchdogs were swiftly cut off from government systems following their removal. According to the complaint, agency officials revoked their access to computers, phones, and security badges, while their personal belongings were retrieved under strict supervision.
This legal challenge follows another high-profile watchdog firing. Just hours before the lawsuit was filed, Trump removed USAID Inspector General Paul Martin. Martin had recently reported that Trump’s efforts to dismantle the agency jeopardized nearly $500 million in undelivered food aid. While Martin is not part of the current lawsuit, legal experts anticipate that the case may be expanded to include him.
Inspectors general were originally established in the wake of the Watergate scandal to serve as independent watchdogs against government corruption, waste, and abuse. Appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, IGs are tasked with conducting audits, investigations, and oversight of federal agencies. Their role often places them in an uneasy position, balancing accountability with the demands of the administration they serve.
This lawsuit is just one of several legal battles over Trump’s controversial personnel decisions. A former National Labor Relations Board member is also suing for reinstatement, while Hampton Dellinger, another ousted government watchdog, recently won a temporary court order restoring him to his position at the Office of Special Counsel.
As the legal fight unfolds, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for presidential authority over federal oversight positions and reaffirm the independence of inspectors general. For now, the plaintiffs are determined to regain their roles and ensure that executive power is exercised within the bounds of the law.
//Lindsey Graham Defies House GOP, Pushes Senate Budget Plan Forward//
In a bold move, Senator Lindsey Graham is forging ahead with a Senate-led budget plan, bypassing Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans, who remain gridlocked over their own fiscal blueprint. The South Carolina Republican, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has decided not to wait for the House to take action, citing urgency in advancing Trump’s sweeping tax, budget, and immigration agenda.
For weeks, Senate Republicans have waited for their House counterparts to reach a consensus on a budget framework that would enable them to pass a comprehensive fiscal package with a simple majority vote. However, deep internal divisions within the House GOP—particularly regarding the extent of federal spending cuts—have stalled progress. Frustrated by the delays, Graham has introduced his own budget plan, which the Senate Budget Committee is set to review this week.
“I’m a huge fan, and nothing would please me more than one big, beautiful bill passing the House,” Graham reportedly told Johnson during a face-to-face meeting in New Orleans. “But we are living on borrowed time.”
Graham’s proposal prioritizes increased military and border security spending, allocating $150 billion for defense and an additional $175 billion for border enforcement, including the expansion of detention facilities and the hiring of more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He has assured that a separate bill to extend the 2017 tax cuts will follow.
“To the American people: If you’d like to finish the wall, we need more money to do it,” Graham declared on Tuesday. “If you believe that President Trump is right to track down and deport criminal aliens and clean up the mess that’s been created over the last four years, we need more ICE agents.”
Graham’s maneuver has exacerbated tensions between the Senate and House Republicans. The House GOP, led by Johnson, prefers a single, comprehensive bill that packages all of Trump’s policies together, believing it will force party unity and passage. Johnson has dismissed the Senate’s narrower approach, calling it a “nonstarter.”
Despite the House’s objections, Senate leaders are determined to proceed independently, driven by a sense of urgency and skepticism about the House GOP’s ability to swiftly pass a unified bill.
“We have a sense of urgency in the Senate to move forward now,” said Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican. “If the House can do the whole thing now, great. It does seem that they’re not there yet.”
Graham’s proposal notably omits specific spending cuts, though he has suggested that revenue from domestic drilling could help offset costs. This contrasts sharply with the House GOP’s strategy, which is centered on identifying spending reductions to balance the budget. Hardline conservatives in the House have pushed for significant cuts, including reductions to Medicaid and food stamp programs—measures that could face opposition from more moderate Republicans.
Adding to the complexity, the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus has called for $2.5 trillion in spending cuts, arguing that current federal expenditures remain unsustainable.
“We should not be negotiating with ourselves on how little to cut from Joe Biden’s insane spending levels,” the caucus stated in a press release.
Johnson, attempting to downplay divisions within the party, insisted that House Republicans and Graham share the same ultimate goals. “There is no animus or daylight between us,” he told reporters. “We all are trying to get to the same achievable objectives. And there’s just different ideas on how to get there. But I told my good friend Lindsey that I have to manage the House in the best and only way it can be managed, and that they’re going to have to give us a little more patience.”
With the House GOP still struggling to unify around a fiscal strategy, Graham’s decision to push forward could prove pivotal in advancing Trump’s agenda. However, it also risks deepening rifts within the Republican Party, setting up a showdown between the House and Senate over the best path forward for conservative policy-making in the new administration.
//Trump Secures Release of U.S. Teacher from Russia Amid Prisoner Deal//
Brittney Griner, also held in Russia on a cannabis possession charge, was freed in 2022/
A Surprise Diplomatic Exchange
Fogel landed at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening before heading to the White House, where he stood alongside Trump. Expressing his gratitude, Fogel called Trump "a hero," while Trump remarked, "To me, he looks damned good." The U.S. president emphasized that Russia had received "not much" in return for the deal, though Kremlin officials later confirmed that a Russian citizen was also being released in the U.S. as part of the agreement.
At a press briefing, Trump described the exchange as "very fair, very reasonable," and hinted at another detainee’s upcoming release. "Somebody else is being released tomorrow that you will know of," he stated, without revealing further details.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
According to U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played an instrumental role in securing Fogel’s release. "He was encouraging, pushing, and looking for the right result. He was really helpful," Witkoff told reporters.
Sources confirmed that Russian sovereign wealth fund chief Kirill Dmitriev was also involved in the negotiations. These efforts, according to Trump’s administration, signal a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, even as tensions persist over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Family and Legal Team React
Fogel’s family, overjoyed at his return, released a statement expressing relief: "This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we begin to heal." His legal team also praised Trump’s decisive action, criticizing what they described as "bureaucratic inaction" from the previous Biden administration. "President Trump secured Marc's release in just a few weeks, wasting no time in taking action to bring him home," read a statement from his lawyers.
Despite his arrest in 2021, the U.S. government did not classify Fogel as "wrongfully detained" until December 2024. His exclusion from previous prisoner swaps—including the 2022 exchange that freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in return for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout—left his family feeling abandoned by the previous administration.
The Bigger Picture: U.S.-Russia Relations and Ukraine
Trump framed the prisoner exchange as a "show of good faith" from Russia, suggesting that it could pave the way for broader diplomatic discussions, particularly regarding Ukraine. "We were treated very nicely by Russia," Trump said. "Actually, I hope that's the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war and millions of people can stop being killed."
His remarks contrast with those of Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who acknowledged that such exchanges "build trust" but were unlikely to be a "turning point" in relations. The war in Ukraine, which began nearly three years ago, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to visit Ukraine later this week. Trump, who had previously promised to end the war within 24 hours if re-elected, recently softened his stance, telling Fox News, "Ukraine may make a deal, they may not. They may be Russian some day, or they may not."
More Americans Still Detained
Fogel’s release is a rare win in U.S. efforts to bring home Americans detained in Russia, but many remain imprisoned. Among them are U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, accused of theft while visiting his Russian girlfriend, and Robert Woodland, a Russian-born American teacher convicted on drug charges.
As Trump celebrates Fogel’s return, questions remain about what, if anything, the U.S. conceded in the exchange and whether this signals a broader shift in diplomatic relations with Moscow. With another release expected imminently, the world will be watching closely to see how these negotiations unfold.
//Severe Storms Threaten California and Midwest: Life-Threatening Debris Flows and Heavy Snowfall on the Way//
California on High Alert for Deadly Debris Flows
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that a powerful storm system will bring torrential rain to Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Areas affected by last month’s Palisades and Eaton wildfires face a high risk of flooding and mudslides. Officials have issued evacuation warnings for residents near the Lake Fire burn scar in Santa Barbara County, urging them to prepare for potential disaster.
“This is the most significant storm we’ve seen so far this winter,” said Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the NWS in Los Angeles. “The risk for significant debris flows is elevated, and residents should take precautions immediately.”
Officials have deployed over 7,500 feet of concrete barriers and 6,500 sandbags to protect vulnerable areas. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that while wildfire burn areas are at the highest risk, the entire region should be prepared for heavy rainfall and urban flooding.
Josh Mortensen clears snow in Des Moines, Iowa, Wednesday.
Rainfall totals are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches across the Los Angeles Basin, with mountain regions seeing as much as 6 inches. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Thursday afternoon into early Friday morning, accompanied by damaging wind gusts capable of toppling trees and power lines.
Midwest Battling Snow, Ice, and Travel Disruptions
As California braces for heavy rain, another powerful winter storm is sweeping through the Midwest. Chicago is expecting its most significant snowfall of the season, with up to 6 inches forecasted. Areas near the Illinois-Wisconsin border could see even higher accumulations exceeding a foot.
Schools in Chicago, Kansas City, and parts of Nebraska have been forced to close or transition to online learning due to hazardous road conditions. In Virginia, more than 170,000 residents were without power Wednesday morning due to ice accumulation from an earlier storm, which also caused over 300 traffic accidents statewide.
Snowfall from this storm will continue into the Northeast through Thursday, bringing icy conditions to Pennsylvania and New York. A significant glaze of ice is expected across portions of the Ohio Valley, making travel extremely hazardous.
Tornado Threat Looms Over the South
Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in the South, with the highest risk centered in Mississippi and Alabama. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 warning for severe thunderstorms, warning that some could produce strong tornadoes (EF2 or stronger).
Meteorologists caution that these tornadoes could form after dark, making them even more dangerous. Nighttime tornadoes are historically twice as deadly as daytime tornadoes because they are harder to spot and can catch residents off guard.
Preparedness is Key
With the potential for widespread flooding, heavy snowfall, and tornadoes, officials are urging residents in affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Californians in burn areas should heed evacuation warnings, while Midwest and Northeast residents should prepare for difficult travel conditions.
As these storms unfold, authorities will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates to keep communities safe. Residents in affected regions should stay tuned to local weather advisories and take action to protect themselves and their homes.
//Ukraine’s Critical Minerals: The Key to Securing U.S. Aid?//
This development follows a concerted effort by Ukrainian officials to align their appeals with Trump’s business-minded approach, moving away from the moral justifications emphasized during the Biden administration. As negotiations unfold, the fate of Ukraine’s mineral riches could become a defining factor in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Trump’s Proposal: Aid for Minerals
Over the past week, Trump has openly discussed the possibility of exchanging U.S. aid for Ukrainian rare earths and other critical minerals. Speaking to Fox News, he stated his desire for "the equivalent of $500 billion worth of rare earths" in return for continued American support. He suggested that Ukraine had "essentially agreed" to such a deal, though specifics remain unclear.
For Ukraine, this signals a potential lifeline. With Trump long skeptical of continued aid to Kyiv, aligning military and financial assistance with economic benefits for the U.S. could be the key to ensuring sustained support. However, questions remain over whether Trump’s demand applies to past aid already provided or only future assistance.
Ukraine’s Strategic Shift: From Moral Appeals to Business Deals
Understanding Trump’s preference for transactional diplomacy, Kyiv has been working to showcase its economic value to the U.S. since last fall. Ukrainian officials and business leaders have engaged in discussions about potential deals for the extraction of lithium and titanium—two minerals critical to advanced technology and defense industries.
Among those involved in these discussions is Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, who has emphasized Ukraine’s untapped mineral wealth. "If we help Ukraine now, they could become the best business partner we’ve ever dreamed of," he stated last June.
This push for economic collaboration gained traction among U.S. investors, with notable figures like Ronald S. Lauder and the investment firm TechMet exploring bids for Ukraine’s mineral assets. Lauder, a longtime Trump associate, has reportedly engaged in discussions with stakeholders on both sides, though he denies direct conversations with Trump about the matter.
The First Trump Administration Visit to Ukraine
Trump’s interest in Ukrainian minerals has already led to action. On Tuesday, he announced that his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, would travel to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This marks the first official visit by a member of the Trump administration to Ukraine, underscoring the significance of the mineral negotiations.
Bessent’s primary task will be to explore what a mineral-for-aid deal could look like. Ukrainian officials have reportedly prepared proposals outlining how they can grant American firms access to critical deposits while ensuring long-term economic and security benefits for both nations.
Ukraine’s Mineral Wealth: A Geopolitical Asset
Ukraine possesses some of the world’s largest reserves of key minerals essential to the global economy. The Kyiv School of Economics estimates that Ukraine holds the largest titanium reserves in Europe and a third of the continent’s lithium. These resources are indispensable for producing everything from electric vehicle batteries to fighter jets.
However, some of these deposits remain in Russian-occupied territories, raising concerns about the potential loss of these valuable assets. Ukrainian officials argue that securing access to these resources through U.S. partnerships is not only an economic necessity but also a strategic move to prevent Russia and China from gaining dominance in the market.
A New Foundation for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
Ukraine’s approach to securing aid has evolved significantly. Previously, Zelensky and his administration focused on appealing to Western nations by emphasizing democracy, sovereignty, and the moral obligation to counter Russian aggression. Now, with Trump’s return to power, Kyiv is adjusting its strategy to appeal to economic and security interests instead.
One proposed model for a deal involves using Ukraine’s mineral resources as collateral for loans to purchase U.S. weapons. This approach aligns with Trump’s emphasis on ensuring that foreign aid benefits American interests directly.
Uncertain Future, High Stakes
While Ukraine’s pitch has captured Trump’s attention, it remains to be seen whether an official agreement will materialize. A draft agreement previously prepared under the Biden administration focused on cooperation rather than direct trade deals. Whether this document will be revised to accommodate Trump’s vision is still an open question.
One thing is clear: Ukraine’s ability to navigate this new landscape will play a critical role in determining the level of American support it receives. By positioning itself as a valuable economic and strategic partner, Kyiv is betting that mineral wealth can secure its future.
//How Metal Tariffs Could Drive Up Prices for Everyday American Goods//
With steel and aluminum being critical components in numerous products, industries relying on these materials may pass the increased costs onto consumers. Here are three major sectors where Americans may feel the impact of rising prices.
1. Canned Foods, Beer, and Soft Drinks
In 2018, when similar tariffs were imposed, many can manufacturers were granted exemptions to avoid significant price increases. However, as domestic steel production has declined since then, securing such exemptions may be more challenging this time. Robert Budway, president of the CMI, has cautioned that without these exemptions, grocery prices for canned food products could rise, affecting everyday essentials such as soups, vegetables, and canned meats.
Aluminum, another material affected by the tariffs, is widely used in beverage cans. Soft drink producers and breweries, including Coca-Cola, have warned that higher aluminum costs could lead to increased prices for consumers. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence that the company could adapt. However, without government concessions, price increases on canned drinks are likely unavoidable.
2. Automobiles
The automobile industry, one of the largest consumers of steel and aluminum, is bracing for a significant cost increase. When steel and aluminum tariffs were introduced during Trump’s first term, major car manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors reported an additional $1 billion in costs each. Analysts at Morningstar estimated that these tariffs resulted in an average price increase of about $300 per vehicle for consumers.
Now, with the return of tariffs, industry experts anticipate similar effects. David Whiston, an analyst at Morningstar, suggests that Ford and other automakers could face comparable financial pressures. However, affordability concerns in an already struggling car market may limit how much of these costs can be passed on to consumers.
Michael Wall, an analyst at S&P Global Mobility, believes that some price increases are inevitable, but the extent will depend on broader economic conditions. Adding further uncertainty, Trump’s proposed tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico—currently on hold—could raise vehicle prices even further, with TD Economics estimating a potential increase of up to $3,000 per car if those tariffs take effect.
3. Construction, Housing, and Appliances
The construction sector, another major consumer of steel, is likely to see increased costs, impacting housing prices and infrastructure development. Steel is essential for building frames, appliances, and reinforcement materials used in homes and commercial buildings.
Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, has criticized the new tariffs, stating that they contradict Trump’s goal of making housing more affordable. Higher material costs could slow down construction projects, making homes more expensive for buyers and renters alike.
Similarly, appliance manufacturers, which rely on steel and aluminum for products like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, may pass their increased costs on to consumers. In 2018, Whirlpool reported an unexpected $350 million surge in expenses due to rising steel prices, forcing the company to adjust its pricing strategy. A similar situation could unfold again, raising concerns for both manufacturers and consumers alike.Whether it’s canned foods, cars, or home construction, consumers are likely to feel the impact of these tariffs in the form of higher prices. With businesses and industry leaders pushing for exemptions, it remains to be seen whether the government will make adjustments or if Americans will have to brace for a more expensive future.
//Jordan’s King Firmly Rejects Trump’s Proposal to Resettle Palestinians from Gaza//
Firm Opposition to Displacement
During what was described as a "constructive" discussion with President Trump, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s unwavering position against any forced removal of Palestinians.
“This is the unified Arab position,” he stated in a social media post after the meeting. “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
His remarks came in response to Trump’s insistence that the United States has the authority to "take" Gaza and relocate its population. The president's comments have faced widespread criticism from Arab nations and international observers, who view such a move as a violation of Palestinian rights and regional stability.
Trump’s Controversial Stance
While seated beside King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, Trump told reporters, “We will have Gaza. It’s a war-torn area. We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it. We’re going to cherish it.”
King Abdullah refrained from directly responding to the comment in front of the press, instead calling the president a key figure in peace efforts. However, his private remarks to Trump were far more direct, emphasizing that a two-state solution is the only path to regional stability and that US leadership should focus on achieving just peace rather than forced displacement.
Regional Pushback and International Reaction
Trump’s proposal has been met with firm resistance not only from Jordan but also from Egypt, another key US ally in the region. Egyptian officials have reaffirmed their stance that Palestinians should remain in their homeland, with a foreign ministry spokesperson stating that the country remains committed to working with the US for a “just settlement of the Palestinian cause.”
The pushback comes amid an increasingly fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that fighting could escalate if hostages are not released by Hamas by Saturday. Trump has echoed this ultimatum, further increasing tensions in the region.
Jordan’s Strategic Balancing Act
Jordan finds itself in a delicate position as it navigates its response to Trump’s demands while safeguarding its own national interests. The country receives over $1.5 billion in foreign aid from the United States, a critical factor in maintaining economic and military stability.
estonians but later softened his stance, stating, “We’re above that.”
For Jordan, the issue is not just economic but also social and political. The country already hosts around 700,000 refugees, mostly from Syria, and more than half of Jordan’s 12 million citizens are of Palestinian descent. Accepting an additional two million Palestinians could heighten domestic tensions and destabilize the kingdom.
In a move to address humanitarian concerns while avoiding a broader resettlement commitment, King Abdullah announced that Jordan would accept 2,000 Palestinian children suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses. Trump hailed this as a “beautiful gesture,” though analysts pointed out that Jordan had already signaled willingness to accept sick children from Gaza before Trump’s latest push for mass displacement.
As tensions over Gaza continue to escalate, Arab leaders, including King Abdullah, remain in what experts describe as “reaction mode,” responding to a shifting and unpredictable landscape. Analysts warn that Trump’s proposal—if pursued—could inflame regional unrest and complicate broader US efforts to expand the Abraham Accords by securing Saudi recognition of Israel.
For now, Jordan stands firm in rejecting any displacement of Palestinians, positioning itself as a key voice in the broader Arab consensus. As diplomatic negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see how Jordan, Egypt, and other regional players will navigate the ongoing crisis in Gaza while maintaining their strategic alliances with the United States.