Cost of Trump's war exceeds $100 billion — and there's no plan to pay the bill: analysis

A new analysis estimated that President Donald Trump racked up a $103 billion bill for the Iran war in 120 days.According to an analysis by Popular Information, the Trump administration has no plan to pay for the Iran war, and neither do congressional Republicans.The analysis found that over four months, the U.S. spent more than $103 billion on the war in Iran, based on budgetary costs such as operations, personnel, and matériel. It also noted that Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, told the House Appropriations Committee last week that the U.S. has spent $30 billion on the war.According to Popular Information, expenses for weapons such as missiles, interceptors, and bombs total about $46.7 billion, making it the highest cost. The other major expenses included operations such as mobilization, administration, and combat, which cost $28.5 billion, and losses such as damage or destruction of military assets, which cost $20.3 billion, per the analysis."The Trump administration has offered Congress lowball war cost estimates," Popular Information noted. In May, Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that the war cost only $29 billion. In April, the estimate was $25 billion.The Trump administration and congressional Republicans are declining to pay for the war costs through tax increases or spending cuts, according to Popular Information, which included a quote from House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) saying, "War is never paid for when you fight it."However, taxes were levied to pay for the costs of World Wars I and II, Popular Information noted.

Trump Backs Ukrainian Strikes Deep Inside Russia

Plus, Iran faces a second day of U.S. strikes, and a wall built to protect a golf course causes an uproar.

Kentucky governor makes unusual request as mystery deepens over Mitch McConnell's health

Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has taken a dramatic step after Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) was hospitalized last month.On Wednesday, Beshear issued a letter requesting that McConnell answer questions about his health after weeks of silence.'Allowing speculation to continue in the media is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians.' McConnell has been dealing with health issues and was admitted to a hospital on June 14. His office has released almost no substantive updates, leading to some speculation that his condition may be very grave.After several of McConnell's colleagues and acquaintances reported talking to him since Monday, Beshear made a formal request of the Republican leader."Over the last several weeks, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of Sen. McConnell. As Governor — and a fellow public official who understands the commitment we've made to the people we serve — I am requesting the Senator provide an update on his current health status," the governor said in the letter."Allowing speculation to continue in the media is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians," he added, "and my hope is that this provides him the opportunity to share the information in a transparent manner, direct from the source. I wish him a safe and speedy recovery."Among those who said they had spoken with McConnell were CNN contributor Scott Jennings, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).The reports led to some seemingly mocking posts."I spoke to McConnell for about 20 minutes this morning. He said we should end the war with Iran, quit giving aid to Israel, stop spying on Americans without a warrant, and he's really sorry about how my primary turned out," Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky wrote."I spoke to Mitch McConnell for 20 minutes yesterday. He said America needs an assault weapons ban, ICE should take their masks off, and that Gavin Newsom is very presidential. Then he said he was 20 minutes late for pickleball and hung up," wrote Saddam Azlan Salim, a Democratic Virginia state senator.RELATED: Concerning new details emerge about Mitch McConnell's latest health scare Other voices are calling for McConnell's office to be more transparent. "We need the truth about Mitch McConnell NOW. It is unacceptable that the party who spent four years criticizing Joe Biden's health is now silent on McConnell's," Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck said on social media."What's the difference between that and what Iran's leaders are doing with the new Ayatollah?" he added. "Is McConnell braindead? Or is he chatting about Graham Platner and Iran? It is OUR RIGHT to know. That seat isn't McConnell's. It belongs to the people of Kentucky."McConnell announced in Feb. 2025 that he would retire at the end of his current term in office. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

It's On: Trump Orders New Strikes on Iran to Protect Ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Let's Just Finish the Job': Trump Confirms Iran Strikes to Likely Come Wednesday Night

Daily on Energy: Ceasefire over, Trump backs Texas transmission, and Arizona mining

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Wednesday, readers! President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire in Iran has ended, following the U.S. and Iran exchanging attacks overnight. The president also threatened to continue launching strikes at Iran. The escalation in the Middle East has sent oil prices back up. 🛢️🇺🇲🇮🇷 In other news, the […]

Oil Climbs as Trump Threatens Iran Strikes, Blockade | Bloomberg Businessweek Daily 7/8/2026

Today, Bloomberg's Tyler Kendall reports the minutes from the first FOMC meeting of Kevin Warsh's tenure as Fed chair. Then, Bloomberg Economics senior geoeconomics analyst Adam Farrar breaks down oil market reaction as the US threatens more strikes against Iran and a renewed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, Stephanie Roth, chief economist at Wolfe Research, reacts to news that some Fed members initially saw the case to hike rates despite eventually falling in line with fellow committee members in holding rates. Then, Brian Dobson and Greg Pendy from Clear Street discuss their SpaceX buy rating and where they see the stock going. Finally, Bloomberg 'Business of Sports' podcast co-host Vanessa Perdomo-Maglione talks the Unites States' exit from the World Cup and the future of soccer in the US. (Source: Bloomberg)

Trump asks Supreme Court for rehearing over $5M E Jean Carroll civil judgment

Lawyers for Trump filed a rehearing petition after the Supreme Court rejected his appeal of the $5 million E. Jean Carroll civil judgment last week.