Washington D.C., February 2026 —In a high-stakes briefing from the West Wing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined a complex week for the Trump administration, dominated by a “peace through strength” agenda. As the President prepares for the State of the Union, the administration is juggling delicate nuclear negotiations with Iran, a massive humanitarian pledge for Gaza, and a booming domestic labor market.
The Iran Deadline: “Diplomacy is Always the First Option”
The primary focus remains the escalating tension over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Leavitt confirmed that while President Trump is currently pursuing a diplomatic resolution, the window for a deal is closing. Following the previous success of Operation Midnight Hammer, which the administration claims “totally obliterated” Iranian nuclear facilities, the President is now weighing whether further military intervention is necessary.
White House officials noted that while there was “a little bit of progress” in recent talks, the two nations remain “very far apart” on key issues. Iran is expected to return with detailed proposals within two weeks, but Leavitt warned that the regime would be “wise to make a deal” before the President’s patience runs out.
Gaza Reconstruction: A $5 Billion Humanitarian Bet
In a major shift toward regional stabilization, the President is set to host a Board of Peace meeting. Member states have already pledged more than $5 billion toward the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The plan is not just financial; it includes the commitment of thousands of personnel for an International Stabilization Force to maintain local security. The administration believes that by first achieving security, they can pave the way for a prosperous “rebuilt Gaza,” an ambitious goal that Leavitt noted was once met with skepticism by the press.
Economic Surge: Shattering Labor Predictions
On the domestic front, the White House celebrated a “record successful year” for the American economy. The January jobs report revealed the addition of 172,000 new private sector jobs, a figure that is two and a half times higher than economists’ forecasts.
The administration highlighted that 100% of all job creation under the current term has occurred in the private sector, while the federal government workforce has shrunk to its lowest level since 1966. Leavitt attributed this growth to the President’s “pro-growth” agenda and the strategic use of tariffs to secure trillions in domestic investment.
Affordability and the “American Dream”
The briefing also focused on falling costs for American families. The administration claims that:
- Housing: Annual mortgage costs for new homes have fallen by $4,000, with median rents hitting a four-year low.
- Energy: Fuel prices have dropped by nearly 10% over the past year, with gas prices in many states now dipping below $2 per gallon.
- Groceries: Prices for staples like dairy, eggs, and fresh fruit have seen a decline since the President took office.
Bottom Line
The White House is projecting an era of “hyper-activity,” balancing the threat of military force with the promise of global peace funds. As Leavitt noted, the administration is working to prove that “sovereign independence” and “mutual respect” can redefine global relations, provided that allies and adversaries alike “connect” rather than fall behind.
