AFBytes Quarter Rundown — Friday, August 14, 7:00 PM ET

Folks. Here's what's been making headlines today. According to the JPost, President Trump indicated that the US will apply strong economic pressure on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce new measures soon. This could raise global oil prices and affect household energy costs for American drivers and homeowners. For U.S. companies with regional supply chains, trade and investment exposure may shift. This move aims to protect U.S. economic leverage and reduce reliance on adversarial oil sources. The YNA reports that President Trump announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after completing operations against Iran. This affects global energy shipping routes and could raise fuel prices for US drivers and businesses. For America-first, asserting US control over a vital waterway aims to secure trade routes and energy leverage. Higher oil prices from strait tensions would increase gasoline and heating costs for American households. The Foreign Policy article details several national security initiatives by the administration, including unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, and naval expansion. These moves affect U.S. defense spending and industrial capacity, influencing jobs in manufacturing regions and long-term military readiness funded by taxpayers. For America-first, emphasis on domestic shipbuilding and technology aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Taxpayers fund defense programs that can shift resources away from domestic spending priorities. According to the Korea Times, U.S. retail sales rose at the slowest pace in over a year. Consumer sentiment also dropped significantly. This suggests weaker consumer spending, which can affect jobs, wages, and household budgets. Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates, which impact mortgages and savings, could be influenced by this data. For America-first, sustained consumer weakness can slow domestic manufacturing and job creation. Weaker sales and sentiment suggest households are pulling back on spending amid higher prices and borrowing costs. That's the day from where we sit — thanks for spending part of it with us. Stay with us at AFBytes for what's next.