Barack Obama

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on 31 Oct that negotiations with Iran are progressing and that Washington is not in a hurry to resume offensive action, citing that most of Iran's military and nuclear capabilities have already been degraded. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urging Trump to launch a new wave of strikes on Iran immediately after the U.S. midterm elections, seeking to use a renewed conflict to bolster his political position. Qatari mediators continue to work on a framework to de‑escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump defended the White House renovation, saying he used the finest artisans, after former President Barack Obama likened the decor to a Cheesecake Factory. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent then visited a Cheesecake Factory in Washington, D.C., criticized Obama’s comment, ordered his regular French Dip Cheeseburger priced at $22.95, and posted a recommendation for the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls on X. The restaurant chain reported record quarterly revenue with sales up 15% and a stock that has more than doubled this year.

Barack Obama denounces President Donald Trump as chaotic and cruel during speeches in Ohio, Michigan and a Democratic campaign event, while Trump replies on Truth Social that Obama is incompetent, highlighting a sharp exchange between the two former presidents.