Screenshot of Donald Trump's Truth Social post showing an AI-generated image depicting Trump as Jesus Christ healing a sick man in a hospital bed, surrounded by praying Americans, soldiers, and a nurse, with an American flag and Statue of Liberty in the background

President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick on the same day he called the first American pope "WEAK on Crime." (Screenshot of Truth Social post by @realDonaldTrump)

What Happened Today – April 12, 2026

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The United States Navy will blockade the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday morning under a ceasefire the president says is holding well.

The two-week truce is five days old and already fiction. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that any military vessels approaching the strait would violate the ceasefire. Trump sent them anyway, announcing the blockade hours after peace talks in Pakistan collapsed while oil climbed back above $100 a barrel and gas hit $4.12 a gallon.

Trump conceded Sunday that gas prices may not come down before November. We will pay for his war every time you fill your tank between now and Election Day. Find the candidates who will actually check his power, and start working today to get them elected.

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🟡 GovBrief Intensity Score 85
Typical range for this administration.
Volume: Low (6)
Severity: Moderate (2.33)
Defining Moments: 0
Previous 5 Days
🟡91|🟠124|🟠116|🟡88|🟢68
100 = normal day. Volume is headline count. Stories weighted by significance. Defining Moments are the ones history remembers.
📈 What's Trending This Week
Based on analysis of the past 7 days of headlines, these are the most frequently covered topics and categories.
Story Categories
MilitaryCourtsOversight
Specific Topics
ICEImmigration and Customs EnforcementStrait of HormuzIranJD VanceDepartment of Homeland Security
Analysis covers Apr 6 - Apr 12, 2026 • Historical data
Today's Quote
Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.
Donald Trump speaking on April 12, 2026 about the Pope
Yesterday's Most Read

ICE detains second Venezuelan doctor in South Texas in a week, separating an ER physician with a valid work permit from her 5-year-old U.S. citizen daughter.

Catch Up

Today’s GovBrief News

War 1 of 6

Trump orders U.S. Navy to blockade Iranian ports after peace talks fail, prompting all shipping to stop in the Strait of Hormuz, passage for 20% of global oil.

Oil surges 8% past $100 again

Source: The Associated Press

April 12, 2026Details

Economy 2 of 6

Trump concedes gas prices may stay elevated through midterm elections after March saw the largest monthly gasoline price spike on record.

69% cite fuel costs as top war concern

Source: USA Today

April 12, 2026Details

Military 3 of 6

U.S. military has killed at least 168 people in 50 boat attacks targeting alleged drug traffickers since September, with no public evidence of narcotics recovered.

Administration claims "armed conflict" with cartels

Source: CNN

April 12, 2026Details

Oversight 4 of 6

Trump fires all six members of the Presidio Trust board, the federal entity managing San Francisco's national park that has been financially self-sustaining since 2013.

No fed funds received in 13 years

Source: NBC Bay Area

April 12, 2026Details

Congress 5 of 6

Rep. Swalwell drops out of California governor's race two days after sexual assault allegations as criminal investigations open in two states.

Pelosi, Schiff, 50 former staffers urged withdrawal

Source: The Sacramento Bee

April 12, 2026Details

Religion 6 of 6

Trump attacks Pope Leo XIV as "WEAK on Crime," claims the first American pope was chosen only to curry favor with his administration.

Catholic voters backed Trump 55-43% in 2024

Source: UPI

April 12, 2026Details

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