Skip to content
Project 2025
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories
Charlie Kirk’s Death Sparks Martyrdom Narrative Amid Rising Political Violence

Charlie Kirk’s Death Sparks Martyrdom Narrative Amid Rising Political Violence

Governor Cox’s Prayer Wasn’t Just Misguided—It Was Dangerous

Governor Cox’s Prayer Wasn’t Just Misguided—It Was Dangerous

Supreme Court

MAGA Supreme Court Justices Show Their True Colors by Joining Trump’s Attack on the Federal Judiciary

Donald Trump and the Rise of Political Violence

Donald Trump and the Rise of Political Violence

Iran Warns ‘The Battle Begins’—What Role Will Trump Have the U.S. Play?

Iran Warns ‘The Battle Begins’—What Role Will Trump Have the U.S. Play?

artistic animated picture of Donald Trump

Hugo Balta
By Hugo BaltaJun 18, 2025
Hugo Balta
Hugo Balta is a journalist, educator, and communicator. Hugo is the executive editor of the Fulcrum and a board member of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, the parent organization of The Fulcrum. He is the publisher of the Latino News Network, a trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network, and an adjunct professor teaching journalism courses.
See More Writings by author

The sixth day of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel saw a stark warning from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who declared on social media: “The battle begins.” This came shortly after President Donald Trump referred to Khamenei as an “easy target” and stated that America’s “patience is wearing thin,” demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

The president cut short his trip at the Group of Seven summit in Canada, citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Trump appears increasingly inclined to utilize US military assets against Iranian nuclear sites, moving away from diplomatic solutions to the conflict, according to two officials speaking with CNN. This aggressive stance marks a notable shift in Trump’s strategy, although he remains open to diplomacy, contingent on Iranian concessions.

Analysts note that Trump’s next steps could redefine the conflict and expose divisions within his Republican base.

One faction aligns with his “America First” doctrine, prioritizing domestic concerns over foreign intervention. Another supports a more aggressive neoconservative approach, including military action to influence regime change.

These opposing views are reflected among Trump’s advisers, with confidants like Vice President JD Vance advocating for restraint in U.S. involvement.

Public opinion in the United States leans heavily against direct military action in Iran, with a preference for diplomatic solutions.

According to The Economist/YouGov poll:

  • A significant majority, 60%, oppose US military involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
  • Only 16% support US military involvement.
  • Even among Republicans, 53% oppose US military intervention.
  • Majorities across political parties (Democrats, Independents, and Republicans) favor negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, with 56% of all Americans supporting these talks.

President Donald Trump campaigned for re-election, vowing to bring a swift end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. However, he is now facing the reality of another major escalation.

Despite publicly urging Israel to refrain from striking Iran, in favor of focusing instead on securing a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program -Trump's efforts fell short.

Hugo Balta is the executive editor of the Fulcrum and the publisher of the Latino News Network.

Latest news

Political Assassinations Are Part of the “Constitutional Rot” That Afflicts America
Democracy

Political Assassinations Are Part of the “Constitutional Rot” That Afflicts America

Meacham: Political Violence in America Linked to Deep Questions of Identity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Meacham: Political Violence in America Linked to Deep Questions of Identity and Inclusion

Two speech bubbles overlapping each other.
Bridging & Common Ground

Taking Outrage Seriously: Understanding the Moral Signals Behind Political Anger

The Constitution and the American flag
Democracy

The Hidden Hinge of History: A Refreshing Look at the Constitution on Its Day

Read More

Just the Facts: Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Health Care

U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage during a reception for Republican members of the House of Representatives in the East Room of the White House on July 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump thanked GOP lawmakers for passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Getty Images, Chip Somodevilla

Just the Facts: Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Health Care

The Fulcrum strives to approach news stories with an open mind and skepticism, striving to present our readers with a broad spectrum of viewpoints through diligent research and critical thinking. As best we can, we remove personal bias from our reporting and seek a variety of perspectives in both our news gathering and selection of opinion pieces. However, before our readers can analyze varying viewpoints, they must have the facts.

What are the new Medicaid work requirements, and are they more lenient or more restrictive than what previously existed?

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Constitution
Imagining constitutions
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

A Bold Civic Renaissance for America’s 250th

Every September 17, Americans mark Constitution Day—the anniversary of the signing of our nation’s foundational charter in 1787. The day is often commemorated with classroom lessons and speaking events, but it is more than a ceremonial anniversary. It is an invitation to ask: What does it mean to live under a constitution that was designed as a charge for each generation to study, debate, and uphold its principles? This year, as we look toward the semiquincentennial of our nation in 2026, the question feels especially urgent.

The decade between 1776 and 1787 was defined by a period of bold and intentional nation and national identity building. In that time, the United States declared independence, crafted its first national government, won a war to make their independence a reality, threw out the first government when it failed, and forged a new federal government to lead the nation. We stand at a similar inflection point. The coming decade, from the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026 to the Constitution’s in 2037, offers a parallel opportunity to reimagine and reinvigorate our American civic culture. Amid the challenges we face today, there’s an opportunity to study, reflect, and prepare to write the next chapters in our American story—it is as much about the past 250 years, as it is about the next 250 years. It will require the same kind of audacious commitment to building for the future that was present at the nation’s outset.

Keep ReadingShow less
Texas redistricting maps

Two bills have been introduced to Congress that aim to ban mid-decade redistricting on the federal level and contain provisions making an exception for mid-decade redistricting.

Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images

Congress Bill Spotlight: Anti-Rigging Act, Banning Mid-Decade Redistricting As Texas and California Are Attempting

Trump claims Republicans are “entitled” to five more Texas House seats.

Context: in the news

In August, the Republican-controlled Texas state legislature approved a rare “mid-decade” redistricting for U.S. House seats, with President Donald Trump’s encouragement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Independent Madness- or How the Cheshire Cat Can Slay the Gerrymander

The Cheshire Cat (John Tenniel) Devouring the Gerrymander (Elkanah Tisdale )

Independent Madness- or How the Cheshire Cat Can Slay the Gerrymander

America has a long, if erratic, history of expanding its democratic franchise. Over the last two centuries, “representation” grew to embrace former slaves, women, and eighteen-year-olds, while barriers to voting like literacy tests and outright intimidation declined. Except, that is, for one key group, Independents and Third-party voters- half the electorate- who still struggle to gain ballot access and exercise their authentic democratic voice.

Let’s be realistic: most third parties aren't deluding themselves about winning a single-member election, even if they had equal ballot access. “Independents” – that sprawling, 40-percent-strong coalition of diverse policy positions, people, and gripes – are too diffuse to coalesce around a single candidate. So gerrymanderers assume they will reluctantly vote for one of the two main parties. Relegating Independents to mere footnotes in the general election outcome, since they’re also systematically shut out of party primaries, where 9 out of 10 elections are determined.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025