Free Republic

Iran has announced plans to introduce a system of maritime fees in the strait of Hormuz in two months, after the 60-day period of negotiation that has been triggered by the signing of the memorandum of understanding. Tehran, claiming a historic victory over the US, said the strait was under its control and a European plan for a naval mission to escort ships though the strait would not be welcome.

President Trump said on Thursday that he would nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan and the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to be the next director of national intelligence. Mr. Trump had been under pressure to move on from his decision to appoint Bill Pulte, a top housing official, as the acting director, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who announced last month that she would step down from the post. The appointment of Mr. Pulte derailed the congressional reauthorization of one of the government’s most powerful surveillance authorities. But the announcement of Mr. Clayton to be nominated...

President Donald Trump told the media on Wednesday, “I love the inflation” report that came out earlier in the morning, showing inflation had risen above 4% for the first time in three years. “Are you concerned, Mr. President, about the latest inflation number, which came out this morning? Could that be a–” a reporter asked Trump during an Oval Office Q&A. Trump cut in and answered, “No, I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation.” “You know why? Because as soon as this war is over, you know, I can say...