US White House News

President Trump Discusses Iran Deal, Interest Rates in CNBC Interview

President Donald J. Trump appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box on April 21, 2026 for an exclusive wide-ranging interview covering Iran nuclear negotiations, U.S. military readiness, NATO, interest rates and the Federal Reserve, airline consolidation, and college athletics. The President stated that the U.S. is in a strong negotiating position with Iran and that the U.S. military is ready to act, while also expressing support for Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair and discussing Spirit Airlines' financial difficulties.

Riley Barnes Peace Corps Director, Multiple Nominations Sent

The White House transmitted nine nominations to the Senate on April 21, 2026, including Riley Barnes of Texas for Director of the Peace Corps. The nominations span leadership roles across federal agencies including Ambassador to Belize, Inspector General at the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Director of the CDC, and Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. All nominations require Senate confirmation before appointees can assume their respective positions.

American Manufacturing Surges to Four-Year High as Factory Activity Expands

The White House announced on April 22, 2026, that the Institute for Supply Management's key manufacturing index registered its third consecutive month of expansion at its highest reading since 2022. Major companies announced significant U.S. manufacturing investments including U.S. Steel restarting its Gary Tin Mill in Indiana (225 jobs), Apple committing $600 billion over four years, Nvidia pledging $500 billion for AI chip production, and Johnson & Johnson investing $55 billion in new U.S. manufacturing. Foreign pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca ($50 billion), Bristol Myers Squibb ($40 billion), and GSK ($30 billion) also announced major U.S. manufacturing expansions.