Trump’s Gladiator Delusion
The president’s South Lawn fight lacks the ambition of ancient Rome.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was one of the lucky Trump administration officials who was asked to go on the Sunday morning news shows, but things apparently didn't go according to plan, according to some political analysts and observers. Hegseth joined CBS News' Margaret Brennan on Sunday, where he was asked about the ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and the Iranian regime to end the war against Iran. President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that the two sides were "so close" to a deal before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved another strike in Beirut, Lebanon. Iran considers Israeli strikes on Lebanon — particularly Beirut — a red line because of its ties to HezbollahDuring the interview, Hegseth claimed that Trump's "strength" was compelling Iran to make a deal to end the war. Brennan noted that the two sides have not yet signed a memorandum of understanding, which is the first step toward agreeing to a formal peace deal of any kind. Political analysts and observers had a field day with Hegseth's comments on social media. "Exactly the quality of intellect and integrity you'd expect from a Fox anchor," journalist John Harwood posted on X. "These twits can’t ever do a single interview without singing hosannas to Trump’s godlike qualities," Michael Freeman, a writer, posted on X. "Let’s be super clear. Iran was not 'compelled' to do anything. Trump got bored and thought it would be a good idea to COMPLETELY TACO the day before the SpaceX IPO and his birthday weekend," Jim Stewartson, a political commentator and writer, posted on X. "The deal where we hand over billions of dollars to reopen the Strait, which was open before we started. The deal they haven’t even agreed to yet," economist Patrick Chovanec posted on Bluesky. HEGSETH: It's been strength from President Trump that has compelled Iran to this dealBRENNAN: Right. But we're not even at the memorandum yet pic.twitter.com/5p390G29UU— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2026
The president’s South Lawn fight lacks the ambition of ancient Rome.
Eric Trump, the oldest of President Donald Trump's sons, was allegedly texting a UFC insider about whether any of the fights on the "UFC Freedom 250" event card were "rigged," according to a new report. Daniel Cormier, a UFC commentator, shared images on his X account of Trump texting him for information about whether any fighters were injured ahead of their matches, as well as other information he could use to place bets. "I'll just cut to the chase. Are any of the fights tomorrow rigged?" one image showed Trump asking Cormier. "I've been eyeing the Lopes fight and I think an upset wouldn't be too unrealistic $$" Screen grabs of the since-deleted post were reshared by several MMA fan accounts, and MMA journalist Adam Martin confirmed that he, too, had seen the original post before it was taken down. Martin also questioned the authenticity of Cormier's original post. "I will say that the DMs from Trump were a bit weird," Martin wrote on X. "I do wonder if he got hacked and some hacker sent the DMs to DC. But DC's post 100% was legit. He pulled the classic Jon Jones 'tweet and delete' move. Hopefully, he comments on this sometime tonight. DC didn't do anything wrong [by the way]." Cormier seemed to respond to the speculation that Trump had sought inside information from him in a cryptic post on X. "Are people really this dumb?" Cormier asked.
President Donald Trump's announcement on Sunday that the U.S. and Iran had reached a new agreement that provides a pathway to ending the more-than 100-day-old conflict was mocked by some political analysts as "insulting."Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had fully authorized the "toll-free" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a global waterway that accounts for 20% of global energy trade. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating the talks, posted on X that the agreement "[laid] the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony," which is scheduled for this Friday. The announcement was made less than one hour before Trump's "UFC Freedom 250" event at the White House began. It also sent Brent crude oil prices tumbling to roughly $83 per barrel, its lowest level since the war began. Initial details of the deal from Iranian state media say the U.S. agreed to include a reconstruction package worth at least $300 billion and to release $12 billion of the regime's frozen assets. Political analysts and observers mocked the announced deal on social media, arguing that it was yet another instance where Trump backed down from his threats. "The reported details of this Iran deal are so insulting to the 13 U.S. servicemen and women who died," Mike Nellis, a Democratic political strategist, posted on X. "We’ve accomplished nothing. Iran is reopening the Strait of Hormuz, not giving up its uranium, and Trump is going to give them $25 billion. That’s way worse than the deal Obama negotiated.""Congrats on things being back to how they were before you and Israel started this nonsense. What an incredible achievement," Barry Malone, a journalist and political commentator, posted on X. "Until this is in writing and all parties sign in agreement, there is NO deal," Gabe Sanchez, who hosts the "What Was That Show" podcast, posted on X. "Trump gave away everything and I’m positive that he will screw it up even more.""The president surrendered on his birthday," writer Peter Rothpletz posted on X.
Former Vice President Mike Pence cast doubt on the possibility of a deal between Iran and the U.S. over the two countries’ war shortly before President Trump announced a deal has been reached on Sunday. “My concern right now is not with the intentions of the president. Look, I think the president has earned a [...]
UFC takes over White House lawn for seven-fight cardThe stratospheric rise of the UFC’s Dana WhiteUFC to pay fighters in crypto from Trump companyReach out to Bryan on Bluesky or by emailThe most dangerous opponent on the card may prove to be the weather radar. Thunderstorms remain in the forecast over Washington, with a 60% chance of rain, heavy downpours and wind gusts approaching 34mph threatening to disrupt tonight’s festivities. While the canopy should keep the octagon dry, UFC officials will be monitoring lightning closely. A single strike within eight miles of the venue would trigger an automatic 30-minute suspension of the event.The Weather Channel highlighted the meteorological challenges earlier on Sunday, warning that oppressive humidity, triple-digit heat indices and even swarms of mosquitoes and gnats could complicate proceedings alongside the threat of thunderstorms. Continue reading...
President Trump and Pakistan's prime minister announced Sunday night that the U.S. and Iran had completed a deal to end fighting in the Middle East. Mr. Trump also said the U.S. blockade on the Strait of Hormuz would end immediately. Olivia Gazis reports.
President Trump announces U.S.-Iran peace deal, authorizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the naval blockade with a signing set for Friday.