---

Trump Issues Another 90-Day Delay on TikTok Ban Enforcement

President Donald Trump has again postponed the enforcement of a bipartisan law aimed at banning TikTok in the United States, marking the third delay since taking office in January 2025. The latest executive order, expected to be signed this week, grants ByteDance an additional 90 days to resolve a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is committed to keeping TikTok available to Americans while ensuring user data remains secure. “President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark,” she said, adding that the administration will use the extension to close a deal that separates TikTok from its China-based parent company.

Deal Stalled Over Trade War and Chinese Government Approval

Though a framework agreement had reportedly been reached in April to transfer U.S. TikTok operations to a company with majority American ownership, the deal hit a roadblock after Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods. ByteDance responded by signaling that China would not approve the deal without resolution on trade issues.

ByteDance later confirmed that no final agreement had been made and emphasized that any transaction would require the Chinese government's authorization. Trump, acknowledging the need for Beijing's cooperation, told reporters, “We’ll probably have to get China’s approval. China’s never easy.”

Still, he expressed optimism, stating, “I think President Xi will ultimately approve it,” and noted his personal connection to the platform, claiming, “I was No. 1 on TikTok in its history. Can you believe that?”

Congress Growing Impatient with Lack of Enforcement

The law banning TikTok unless ByteDance divests was passed last year with bipartisan support and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. It gave ByteDance until January 19 to complete a separation or face removal from app stores and web services. TikTok briefly shut down operations in the U.S. but resumed after Trump took office and issued the first delay.

Despite national security warnings, Apple and Google only restored TikTok to their platforms weeks later. Meanwhile, there has been little action from Congress to force compliance, though frustration is mounting.

Senator Josh Hawley, a longtime critic of TikTok, remarked, “The courts have been really clear on this. I think we ought to enforce the law.”

Senator Chuck Grassley added, “I want some certainty and just to know that Congress isn't being played when we make a decision [for TikTok] to be sold.”

Trade Talks Continue, But TikTok Left Out

Although President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke earlier this month in a 90-minute call focused on trade, neither side mentioned TikTok in official summaries. Days later, trade representatives from both countries met in London and reportedly reached a framework to ease tariffs.

However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified before the Senate Finance Committee that TikTok was not discussed during the meetings. “I have no visibility into TikTok,” he said.

National Security Concerns Persist, But Enforcement Lags

Lawmakers have long expressed concern that TikTok, under Chinese ownership, could be used as a tool for surveillance, data collection, or propaganda. Still, with the White House repeatedly extending deadlines and offering little enforcement guidance, critics worry the administration is sending mixed signals.

The current 90-day extension will expire in September unless a breakthrough is reached. Until then, TikTok’s fate remains in limbo, caught between high-stakes trade negotiations and a deeply politicized debate over tech regulation and national security.

As calls for clarity grow louder, it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will finally enforce the law—or continue to delay action in pursuit of a still-elusive deal.

---

Trump’s Threats Toward Iran Clash With Public's Growing Anti-War Sentiment

As former President Donald Trump intensifies rhetoric about potential U.S. military strikes on Iran, new polling trends suggest the American public may not be on board with another Middle East war.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, claimed that the U.S. now has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” and called Ayatollah Ali Khamenei an “easy target,” although he insisted he is “not going to take him out… at least not for now.” The former president also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” fueling speculation of imminent military action.

Isolationist Shift Among Americans, Especially Conservatives

For years, U.S. public sentiment—particularly among conservatives—has been drifting toward a more isolationist stance, skeptical of America’s role as global policeman. While Iran is still widely viewed as a national security threat, the willingness to use force remains low, especially in the absence of a clear and immediate danger.

A 2019 Fox News poll found that 53% of Americans supported military action to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, versus 30% opposed. However, that support hinges on the perception that Iran is actually building a nuclear arsenal—a claim that, as of March, was directly contradicted by Trump’s own Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.

She testified that U.S. intelligence believes Iran has not resumed its nuclear weapons program, which was halted in 2003. Trump has since disputed that, but any mismatch between presidential claims and official assessments could undermine public trust in military action.

Polling Shows Concern About Iran, But Not a Sense of Urgency

Recent polling paints a nuanced picture. A 2023 Fox survey showed that over 60% of Democrats and nearly 80% of Republicans expressed concern about Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. A 2024 Gallup poll found that 93% of Republicans and 70% of Democrats saw the issue as a “critical threat.”

However, a broader view of national priorities offers context. Pew Research polling in 2024 showed that far more Americans see China (64%) and Russia (59%) as significant military threats, compared to Iran (42%).

In another 2020 CBS News survey, only 14% of respondents felt Iran posed a threat that warranted immediate U.S. military intervention. The majority—64%—believed it was a threat that could be contained, while 17% didn’t see it as a serious threat at all.

Public Skepticism Informed by Past Military Interventions

Memories of the Iraq War still loom large in the American psyche, especially after the Bush administration’s failure to justify military action with credible evidence of weapons of mass destruction. Many fear a repeat scenario if Trump proceeds with strikes based on disputed intelligence.

This caution is evident in reactions to Trump’s 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. While a slim majority approved of the action at the time, CNN polling showed Americans believed it made the U.S. less safe overall. A majority (53%) disapproved of Trump’s handling of Iran, versus 42% who approved.

Support Possible—But Only Under Certain Conditions

The data suggest that while Americans are alarmed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions in the abstract, they don’t necessarily believe immediate military action is justified. The public remains wary of sending U.S. troops into harm’s way without overwhelming evidence of an urgent, existential threat.

That reluctance could change if new developments dramatically shift the narrative or if another provocation escalates tensions. Yet for now, even among Trump’s base, there’s notable resistance. Influential conservative voices like Tucker Carlson have criticized the idea of attacking Iran, signaling possible internal friction among Republicans.

Conclusion: Rising Tensions, But No Clear Mandate for War

As Trump continues to apply pressure and hint at aggressive military responses, the mood among Americans appears cautious and unconvinced. While they may acknowledge Iran as a long-term threat, there’s little evidence of strong public backing for launching another war in the Middle East—especially one without immediate justification.

Any escalation from here would likely deepen political divides, reignite debates about executive war powers, and challenge how much influence public opinion still holds over foreign policy in a hyper-polarized America.

---

Mount Lewotobi Spews Towering Ash Cloud in Major Eruption

A powerful volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia has forced dozens of flight cancellations and triggered an emergency response, after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island, unleashed a colossal ash plume reaching 10,000 meters (32,800 feet) into the sky.

The eruption occurred at 5:35 PM local time on Tuesday, according to Indonesia's volcanology agency. The twin-peaked volcano, standing at 1,584 meters, sits east of the popular tourist destination of Bali.

Indonesia Elevates Disaster Alert to Highest Level

In response to the eruption, authorities raised the country’s disaster alert to the highest level on its four-tier system. The volcano’s ash column was described as “grey with thick intensity,” a sign of the eruption’s potential danger.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage, authorities are warning of ongoing volcanic activity and tremors, which could signal further eruptions.

Flight Disruptions Ripple Across the Region

The eruption severely impacted air travel across the Asia-Pacific region. Virgin Australia canceled several flights between Bali and cities like Brisbane and Melbourne. Jetstar canceled four inbound flights from Australia to Bali, while Qantas stated it was monitoring the situation closely.

Air New Zealand canceled two routes between Auckland and Bali, citing safety concerns over the ash cloud. Similarly, Air India, Singapore’s TigerAir, and China’s Juneyao Airlines grounded flights, according to Bali’s international airport website.

Several domestic flights by AirAsia bound for Labuan Bajo on Flores were also suspended. A representative from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport confirmed that although the airport remains operational, cancellations depend on airline decisions and flight routes affected by volcanic ash.

Authorities Warn of Possible Secondary Hazards

Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s geology agency, urged residents and tourists to avoid entering a 7-kilometer radius around the volcano. He also warned of potential lahar floods—dangerous mudslides formed by volcanic material—especially if heavy rains occur near river areas.

To protect against ash inhalation, Wafid recommended the use of face masks. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed that ash rain has been reported in several villages beyond the exclusion zone, and at least one community has been evacuated.

Recent Volcanic History and Geographic Context

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki last erupted in November, killing nine people and displacing thousands. This twin volcano system includes the slightly taller Mount Perempuan (1,703m), named after the Indonesian word for “woman.”

Indonesia is highly prone to volcanic activity due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and eruptions. This latest event underscores the ongoing risks faced by communities living near active volcanoes in the region.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert and prioritize safety as volcanic activity remains unpredictable.

---

Trump’s G7 Exit Derails Sheinbaum’s Planned Bilateral Debut

Donald Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7 summit in Canada—amid mounting conflict between Israel and Iran—has sidelined what was set to be a high-stakes diplomatic meeting between the U.S. leader and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

For Sheinbaum, this was supposed to be her first face-to-face engagement with Trump, focused on critical topics like U.S. tariffs on Mexican aluminum and steel, the ongoing migrant crisis, and a proposed remittance tax targeting Mexican workers in the United States.

Instead, their only interaction was a brief, cordial phone call. “A good call,” the White House noted. Sheinbaum echoed that tone via social media: “We agreed to work together on the issues that concern both nations.” However, the pivotal in-person meeting remains unscheduled.

Sheinbaum’s Global Diplomacy on Display Despite U.S. Setback

Though denied her main diplomatic test with Trump, Sheinbaum took advantage of the moment to cultivate relationships with global leaders. In her closing speech, she proposed expanding the guest list of the G7 and called for an Economic Well-Being Summit to enhance equitable development and fair trade among nations.

Her administration released images of friendly interactions, handshakes, and smiles—particularly with Canadian business leaders open to deepening investment in Mexico’s infrastructure and energy sectors.

Brazil, India, and Europe: Building New Strategic Bridges

Sheinbaum engaged warmly with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and had a notably productive conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi congratulated her on taking office, and the two leaders discussed the potential for Indian investments in Mexico across scientific, agricultural, technological, and critical minerals sectors.

Though Mexico is not a G7 member, its invitation by Canadian host Mark Carney was seen as a diplomatic gesture recognizing Mexico’s growing relevance in global affairs. An expected trilateral meeting with Carney and Trump didn’t happen—but Sheinbaum and Carney met privately.

In a symbolic exchange, Sheinbaum gifted Carney a soccer ball crafted by Mexico’s Wixárika Indigenous community, a nod to next year’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. Carney praised her leadership and emphasized the importance of Mexico’s role in international cooperation, paraphrasing Sheinbaum’s own words: “There’s no progress unless it’s shared.”

Closer Ties with the European Union

Sheinbaum also met with European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on shared economic interests. The Mexican president extended an invitation to von der Leyen to visit Mexico—a gesture warmly received.

“Dear Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico is a key partner for Europe,” von der Leyen wrote, affirming joint commitments on climate, trade, and investment. “We’re looking forward to signing a modernized agreement—and to visiting you in Mexico!”

Present at these talks were top Mexican officials, including Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, and Security Chief Omar García Harfuch.

World Stage Engagement Despite Uncertainty at Home

While many hoped to see Sheinbaum assert herself in a tense exchange with Trump, the summit still offered her an opportunity to demonstrate diplomatic agility. Leaders from Germany, South Africa, South Korea, the United Nations, and the World Bank all engaged with the Mexican president.

As Trump’s international posture grows more unpredictable—reflected in his sudden G7 departure and hardline rhetoric—Mexico’s Sheinbaum is positioning herself as a pragmatic, globally engaged leader focused on multilateral cooperation.

Although key issues like tariffs, migration, and remittances remain unresolved, Sheinbaum leaves the summit with enhanced global visibility, stronger strategic alliances, and a renewed call for inclusive economic development on the world stage.