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The White House has secured an additional $351.6 million for security-related upgrades, raising fresh questions about whether any of the money could ultimately support President Trump’s controversial ballroom project, which is being planned on the former site of the East Wing.

The funding was authorized Friday by the Office of Management and Budget. According to federal records, $340.8 million was directed to a “Procurement, Construction, and Improvements” account, while another $10.75 million was allocated to an “Operations and Support” account maintained by the Secret Service.

The newly released funds originate from the One Big Beautiful Bill, approved through the budget reconciliation process last July. That legislation provided the Secret Service with $1.7 billion earmarked for staffing, training facilities, technology upgrades, operational programs, retention incentives, and recruitment bonuses.

Whether the latest $351.6 million allocation will be used in any way for the White House ballroom initiative remains uncertain. The project is currently the subject of ongoing legal challenges.

Responding to questions from Fox News Digital, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the East Wing redevelopment effort is closely linked to presidential protection requirements.

“The East Wing Modernization Project is inextricably tied to the security of the President, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets”

Ingle noted that security agencies have been involved in planning the facility from the outset.

“The press release announcing the construction of the ballroom highlighted coordination with the White House Military Office and the United States Secret Service regarding design features and planning,” he said. “President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the ballroom to the tune of approximately $400 million, which will be a secure and appropriate venue for Presidents for generations to come.”

He also pointed to recent security concerns as evidence that the project is necessary.

“The events over the weekend and the foiled attack on the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House proves exactly why the East Wing Modernization Project is severely needed for large scale events, which include drone proof structures and drone ports among other critical security enhancements,” Ingle added.

The Secret Service did not immediately respond to requests seeking clarification about the funding.

Trump has described the planned development as far more than a ceremonial event space. According to the president, the ballroom will sit atop an extensive six-story underground complex housing a military hospital, research facilities, conference areas, and advanced systems designed to defend against drone and missile threats.

In remarks delivered in late May, Trump estimated the project’s price tag at roughly $400 million and reiterated that private donors—not taxpayers—would finance the construction.

That claim has been challenged by a report published Tuesday by The Washington Post, which cited a contractor’s estimate placing the total cost at approximately $600 million. According to the report, taxpayers could end up covering more than half of the final bill.

For years, Trump has argued that a White House ballroom would significantly improve security for major presidential events. His argument gained renewed attention after federal authorities announced Sunday that they had disrupted an alleged plan to launch explosive-equipped drones at buildings near the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House.

Construction plans required the demolition of the East Wing in October 2025, a move that sparked legal action from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The organization contended that the administration sidestepped required review procedures and lacked congressional approval for the project.

The legal battle intensified in March when U.S. District Judge Richard Leon concluded that the administration likely exceeded its authority and ordered all above-ground construction activity suspended.

That setback proved temporary. On April 17, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court put Leon’s ruling on hold, allowing work to continue while the appeal process moves forward.

Security concerns resurfaced only days later when a gunman opened fire at Secret Service personnel stationed at a security checkpoint outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

Following the arrest of the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, Trump and his supporters renewed calls for construction of the ballroom, arguing that a secure White House venue would reduce vulnerabilities associated with off-site events.

Another violent incident occurred on May 23, when a shooting took place outside the White House, prompting Trump to again make the case for the project.

“This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’s Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!” he wrote on Truth Social on May 24.

{Matzav.com}

A prominent activist assisting bnei yeshiva facing draft-related issues is warning bochurim and avreichim not to rely on private attorneys who promise to secure military exemptions for large fees, claiming that some bochurim ultimately end up arrested despite paying thousands of shekels for legal assistance.

Rabbi Ezra Ben Shimon, one of the leaders of the Chayei Olam organization, issued the warning during an interview on Kol Chai Radio’s “Central Edition” program hosted by Avi Mimran.

According to Rabbi Ben Shimon, some attorneys offer what appear to be quick solutions to students seeking to resolve their military status, but the results can be devastating.

“There are lawyers who tell a bochur: Bring me 5,000 or 7,000 shekels and I’ll arrange an exemption for you. In practice, they lead him to report, and then he gets arrested. The bochurim not only paid a deposit, but also found themselves in prison.”

He claimed that a significant number of those currently detained followed legal advice that ultimately resulted in their arrest.

Rabbi Ben Shimon urged students not to take any action without first consulting rabbanim and qualified advisers familiar with the issue.

“Don’t be tempted by promises,” he said. “There are attempts and tactics that simply do not work, and in the end the one who pays the price is the bochur.”

Beyond legal matters, Rabbi Ben Shimon described the support his organization provides to families of detainees, including legal assistance, emotional support, and practical help with daily needs.

As an example, he pointed to the case of an avreich from Ofakim who was recently arrested. He said Chayei Olam volunteers assisted the man’s blind mother, his wife, and his children, helped provide groceries and food, and filed an appeal against the 14-day jail sentence that had been imposed.

“The emotional and physical support for the families falls upon us,” he said. “You cannot leave a wife and children alone. Sometimes you even need to arrange a babysitter so the wife can visit her husband in prison.”

Rabbi Ben Shimon said many families, particularly within the Sephardic community, are increasingly anxious about the situation. He noted that concerns are especially pronounced in peripheral areas and mixed neighborhoods, where families fear the possibility of unexpected encounters with law enforcement.

To address those concerns, he said the organization operates a 24-hour assistance hotline that helps connect parents and students with rabbanim, advisers, and other professionals.

He also revealed that Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud is considering organizing a major gathering of tefillah and chizuk outside Prison 10, with hundreds of students expected to participate.

“The bochurim need to know that there are people standing behind them and looking out for them,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Behind the scenes of Israel’s ongoing draft crisis, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has presented Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu with a legislative proposal aimed at stopping the arrests of bnei yeshiva classified as draft evaders, as the government seeks to defuse growing tensions and repeated protests across the country.

According to a report aired Tuesday evening on i24NEWS, Smotrich recently approached Netanyahu with a new framework designed specifically to address the issue of arrests, which have become a flashpoint in the escalating dispute over the military status of Torah students.

The initiative comes after months of arrests involving bochurim who did not report to draft offices in accordance with the directives of leading Torah authorities and were subsequently designated as draft evaders. Those arrests have sparked major demonstrations and clashes in multiple locations throughout Israel.

According to the report by Amiel Yerachi, Smotrich believes the most effective approach is a narrowly tailored legal solution that directly addresses the arrest issue itself. Supporters of the proposal argue that the current situation has generated significant political and social unrest and that a direct remedy is preferable to indirect efforts focused on economic benefits or sanctions.

The proposal reportedly mirrors frameworks that have been discussed publicly in recent days and is part of a broader effort to find a workable solution before the political crisis deepens further.

The move follows reports that Netanyahu has held a series of urgent consultations on the matter. According to i24NEWS, the prime minister instructed Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs to immediately begin coordinating with relevant government officials to advance the process.

At the same time, the issue remains legally complicated. Any proposal affecting the status of bnei yeshiva and draft evaders is expected to face intense scrutiny from the Attorney General’s Office and other legal authorities, making the path forward far from simple.

The framework currently under consideration would reportedly take the form of expedited emergency legislation enacted as a temporary measure. Coalition leaders hope to fast-track the proposal through the legislative process before the anticipated dissolution of the Knesset next month.

Supporters of the initiative argue that passing the temporary measure before new elections are called could immediately halt the ongoing arrests of bochurim who refuse to report for military service and prevent further confrontations on the streets.

Meanwhile, a separate controversy involving the Daycare Law continues to generate friction within the coalition. The legislation has encountered growing resistance from within the government, with Welfare Minister Ofir Sofer reportedly threatening to resign if the measure advances. As a result, the bill has, for now, been removed from the legislative agenda.

{Matzav.com}

The closely guarded agreement between the United States and Iran was made public Wednesday, shedding new light on the terms that ended weeks of speculation about what concessions were included in the accord and whether Tehran received significant economic benefits.

The disclosure came three days after the agreement was formally signed electronically, when a senior U.S. official publicly outlined the contents of the 14-point memorandum of understanding during a conference call with reporters.

According to the official, the agreement commits the United States to immediately end its blockade measures against Iran and suspend sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports while negotiations toward a permanent arrangement continue.

Additional economic rewards for Iran, including the full lifting of broader sanctions, are not scheduled to take effect immediately. Instead, those benefits are being held in reserve and would only be implemented after the parties finalize a comprehensive agreement.

The release of the long-awaited document brings clarity to days of conflicting reports, political spin, and intense debate over the contents of the deal, particularly amid concerns from critics that Iran may have secured overly favorable terms in exchange for its commitments.

1. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war, by signing this MOU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph.
2. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
3. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days expendable with mutual consent.
4. Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of pre-war traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal.
5. 5. Upon the signing of this MOU, Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman, and vice versa, the traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start, and considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf or [Gulf] states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.
6. United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least USD $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalized as part of a final deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers, and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America.
7. The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, i.e. a Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral US sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed upon schedule as part of the final deal. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned and expressed their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them to paragraph eight. Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpile enriched material pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule mentioned in paragraph seven, with the minimum methodology to be down blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA.
8. The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal. The final deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them.
9. Pending the final deal, the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region.
10. The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of MOU until the termination of sanctions, US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.
11. The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Upon the implementation of this MOU, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, whether retained in the original account or transferred, shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designed by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly.
12. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and the future compliance of the final deal.
13. After signing this MOU, and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of the MOU, and the continuing implementation of these measures, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs.
14. The final deal will be endorsed by a binding UNSC resolution.

{Matzav.com}

[Photos below.] Thousands of Gerer chassidim gathered Wednesday outside Military Prison No. 10 at Beit Lid for a mass protest against the arrest of yeshivah bochurim and, in particular, the detention of Gerer chassid Yechiel Kotainer, who was taken into custody at a military induction office.

Kotainer had reportedly arrived at the enlistment office to arrange a medical exemption when he was arrested and transferred to Prison No. 10. Despite the fact that his family recently suffered the tragic loss of a son, Rafael Ari a”h, who was killed in a serious accident just a few weeks ago, appeals on his behalf were unsuccessful, and he was incarcerated.

The demonstration was organized on short notice and was led by the Gerrer Rebbe, who made a special trip from Yerushalayim to attend the gathering at the prison gates.

Thousands of participants assembled outside the facility as the protest began with Minchah. The davening was led by Motty Babchik, who is currently observing the year of aveilus following the passing of his father. Following the davening, Tehillim were recited by MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, and words of chizuk and protest were delivered by the prominent Gerer leader, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Denderowitz.

In his remarks, Rabbi Denderowitz declared that the gathering was rooted in the belief that all of Klal Yisrael stood together at Har Sinai, including those who today oppose Torah study.

“We believe that all of Klal Yisrael was present at Matan Torah,” he said. “Even those who are now fighting against us over Torah, their ancestors also stood at Har Sinai, and they too heard the words, ‘Woe to those who insult the Torah.’ We did not come here with violence. We came with tefillos, to ask HaKadosh Baruch Hu that these people also return in teshuvah and stop bringing disgrace upon the Torah.”

Rabbi Denderowitz sharply criticized law enforcement authorities, arguing that their priorities are misplaced.

“There is so much theft and so much destruction in this country,” he said. “The police do not go to such lengths to stop the thieves. But what do they devote all their efforts to? The small sheep. The police found time to concern themselves with those who learn Torah—the small sheep. They say that we are evading a duty imposed upon us. Our bochurim and avreichim are devoted and bound to Torah. We are the ones evading?”

He continued by rejecting accusations that yeshivah students are shirking responsibility.

“We are not evading the first obligation placed upon us,” he said. “Yet all around us are masses of people who have evaded the obligations of Toras Yisrael, of Shabbos observance, and of mitzvos—and they call us draft dodgers. They are the ones evading avodas Hashem.”

Drawing a comparison to the persecution of religious Jews under Communist regimes, Rabbi Denderowitz recounted a story about a rabbi imprisoned during the Soviet era.

“In Communist countries under Lenin and Stalin, people who sat and learned Torah were sent to prison,” he said. “Once, one of the rabbanim was arrested and told, ‘We want a list of everyone working on your behalf to teach Torah.’ The rav replied, ‘I will not give you a list.’ The commander told him, ‘We have dealt with many wise men like you and they all surrendered. Now we will see about you,’ and he pulled out a rifle.

“The rav answered him, ‘Do you know who is afraid of your rifle? Someone who has only one world. We have two worlds—this world and the Next World. We are not afraid of your rifle.’ We strengthen those who have been imprisoned, and we stand beside them.”

Prior to the protest, Ger’s leadership issued instructions to participants urging them not to clash with police officers, to remain patient and orderly, and to avoid entering private property during the demonstration.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States and Iran have reached a sweeping agreement aimed at ending the conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring that Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons. Speaking at the G7 Summit in Evian, Trump hailed the accord as a major diplomatic and economic victory.

“On Sunday, we reached an agreement with Iran that achieves everything we set out to accomplish,” Trump began, “ending the current conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

Trump pointed to the financial markets as evidence of confidence in the agreement, saying investors reacted positively while energy prices declined following the announcement.

“If we didn’t do this deal, we could have dropped bombs for another three weeks, two weeks, four weeks, two years. You would never have the Hormuz Strait open. You would never have success. Your market, instead of going up at levels that no one has ever seen before, would go down at levels that nobody ever saw before,” he said.

The president argued that the agreement was the result of years of pressure and strategic decisions rather than a rushed diplomatic effort.

“This wasn’t a three-month deal. This was years in the making. And you know why? Because I was the one who killed General Soleimani. If I didn’t kill General Soleimani, we probably wouldn’t be talking about this deal right now, because he was a mad genius. They never were able to replace him.”

Trump said discussions with world leaders over the last several days reinforced international support for the accord.

“The past two days have provided a chance to discuss the details of this historic agreement with many of our closest friends and allies, including the G7 nations and many presidents and prime ministers,” he said. “They are thrilled that we made a deal. There’s not one nation that came to us and said, ‘Please, sir, keep dropping bombs on them.’ Stupid people say that.”

Discussing Iran’s postwar leadership, Trump said the officials who emerged after the conflict are more pragmatic than those who previously led the country. He described recent developments as a type of “regime change” and predicted that Iran’s conduct would shift significantly after the heavy losses it sustained.

Trump emphasized that avoiding a severe global economic shock was one of his chief objectives throughout the conflict.

“The one thing I didn’t want to see is economic catastrophe,” he said. “If you kept this going, this could have happened. But all I know is that every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship.”

Reflecting on the economic consequences of prolonged instability, Trump remarked that “the one President I did not want to be was the late, great Herbert Hoover,” referencing the president associated with the onset of the Great Depression after the 1929 stock market collapse.

Trump also disclosed that Israel had received a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding reached with Iran.

Turning to earlier U.S. policy, Trump sharply criticized the Obama-era nuclear agreement, arguing that it failed to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions and instead enabled them. He also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a “very good man” and “an amazing prime minister.”

The president acknowledged occasional disagreements with Netanyahu, particularly concerning Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

“We had a little dispute over Lebanon,” Trump said of his relationship with Netanyahu. “I said, ‘You can do a little softer touch, Bibib. You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah.’ It’s been an amazing partnership. But he will say, we’re the big partner and they’re the very small partner, and that’s true.”

At the same time, Trump suggested Israel could be more aggressive in confronting Hezbollah.

“They could do a much better job on Hezbollah,” Trump said of Israel.

Highlighting what he sees as a key difference between the new agreement and the JCPOA, Trump stressed that the current arrangement includes a strict deadline and the possibility of renewed military action.

“It’s a Memorandum of Understanding. If it doesn’t get done in 60 days, that’s alright – we go back to bombing. I don’t want to do that because it’s so good, but we might have to because we’re never going to let them have a nuclear weapon. But they’ve agreed not to, and you’ll see that very clearly in the agreement.”

The president said immediate negotiations would begin regarding the removal of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves.

“Technical discussions on the removal of all stockpiles of enriched materials will begin immediately.” He added, “And unlike Barack Hussein Obama, who sent Iran pallets of cash, any relief they receive under this deal, they’ll have to get based on merit-and it won’t be from us.”

Trump argued that previous administrations failed to halt Iran’s nuclear progress and claimed that his approach succeeded where others fell short.

“Every administration, for decades, has sought to get Iran to relinquish its nuclear ambitions, but the threat only got bigger… What I’m doing-and what I did-should’ve been done years ago… but it wasn’t,” Trump said. “No President in history has ever been tougher on Iran than I have – and they know that. If they don’t honor the agreement… we’ll probably go back to bombing them until they honor it.”

Concluding his remarks, Trump said the agreement goes further than prior nuclear arrangements by addressing both the development and acquisition of nuclear weapons.

“Iran agreed that they will neither produce nor procure nukes,” he said, contrasting that formulation with previous formulations that only included language on the building of nuclear weapons but would technically allow Iran to purchase nuclear weapons from third parties.

{Matzav.com}

A rare albino water buffalo in Bangladesh has been spared from ritual slaughter and relocated to the national zoo after capturing worldwide attention for a distinctive blond tuft of hair that many people said resembled President Donald Trump’s signature hairstyle.

The unusual animal, which weighs nearly 1,540 pounds, had already been sold ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday and was destined for sacrifice. But after images and videos of the buffalo spread across social media, public fascination grew rapidly, ultimately prompting government intervention.

In Bangladesh, where livestock markets play a major role in holiday preparations, the buffalo became an unlikely celebrity. Nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its striking blond forelock, the animal quickly transformed from a market-bound farm animal into a national curiosity.

During the days leading up to the holiday, crowds flocked to the farm where the buffalo was being kept. Social media users were captivated by its unusual appearance—a light-colored body, golden hair, and remarkably calm temperament. Before long, the animal had become a viral sensation.

The buffalo’s owner, Ziauddin Merida, said the nickname originated with his younger brother, who noticed what he believed was a humorous resemblance between the buffalo’s hair and Trump’s well-known hairstyle.

According to Merida, the buffalo is notable not only for its appearance but also for its gentle nature. He said the animal requires significant attention, including regular feeding, close care, and frequent bathing.

As public interest intensified, Bangladeshi authorities decided to step in. According to reports from Sky News and Reuters, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the buffalo not be sacrificed, directed that the purchaser be reimbursed, and arranged for the animal to be transferred to the National Zoo in Dhaka.

A government official said the decision was made because of security concerns and the extraordinary level of public attention surrounding the case, ensuring that the now-famous buffalo will remain alive as one of the country’s most unusual animal attractions.