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Donald Trump did not choose to go to Florida last weekend, on the 4th and 5th of April. He is at the White House, facing a countdown to find one of his pilots. Initially silent, he then issued a new ultimatum towards Iran. At the same time, he is requesting a historic increase in the budget of the American army.
This text corresponds to a part of the above reporting transcript. Click on the video to watch it in full.
While the pace of strikes on Iran does not slow down, from the White House, on Saturday, April 4, Donald Trump published a message reflecting his growing impatience: “Do you remember when I gave Iran ten days to find a supply and reopen the Strait of Hormuz? They have only 48 hours left before we unleash hell on them.” Threats, but an embarrassing silence on the American planes shot down on Friday, April 3, and the ongoing rescue mission.
A twist that undermines the triumphant version of the American president presented to America mid-week. “They no longer have marines, they no longer have air forces, and their missile stocks are at their lowest or destroyed,” said Donald Trump. A widely disputed assertion. Quoting several sources within the intelligence services, CNN claims that Iran still has half of its missiles and thousands of drones.
So, is Donald Trump at an impasse? Time magazine publishes on its cover a photomontage showing him concerned, holding a map of the Middle East, with the title: “Where is the way out?” During the week, bombings of civilian infrastructures in Iran, like a bridge or universities, caused confusion. The dismissal of the army’s ground forces chief in the midst of war and without an official reason also gave an impression of disarray.
The White House will ask Congress to vote on the largest defense budget in recent history. The War Minister justifies the expenses with a statement worthy of a western movie: “You know, it’s expensive to kill bad guys,” said Pete Hegseth, the American War Minister.
The over 40% increase in the budget would be funded by cuts in health, education, and environmental protection. Does this colossal budget foreshadow a long-term war? Just three days ago, Donald Trump announced the end of the operation within two to three weeks. His constant reversals give the impression that he struggles to disengage from a costly and uncertain conflict.
/2026/04/05/69d279ec87acc666892239.jpg "War in the Middle East: Donald Trump threatens and insults Iranian officials, whom he calls a gang of t")
