Preparing For War, Board Of Peace Convenes, For British Royal Arrested Over Epstein Ties, Trump Visits Georgia

Today on America in the MorningPreparing For War The US military presence in the Middle East is growing to now include the U.S.S Gerald Ford - the world's largest aircraft carrier, five destroyers equipped to shoot down incoming missiles and Tomahawks that can strike targets 1,000 miles away.  It comes amid a maximum pressure campaign to get Iran to agree to stop making nuclear weapons, as President Trump is threatening war.  Correspondent Joan Jones has the latest.    Board Of Peace Convenes   President Trump hosted his inaugural Board of Peace meeting Thursday in Washington, and in the process, pledged a $10 billion dollar commitment from America for Gaza relief and reconstruction.  Correspondent Katie Clark has the story.   New Mexico Investigates Epstein Property There were two major developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case.  First, the former Prince Andrew was arrested in the UK and faces charges for his involvement with the late-sex offender.  And in New Mexico, correspondent Ed Donahue reports on a state investigation of a property Epstein once owned.   Widower of Texas Congressman’s Aide Speaks Out In Texas, the widower of an aide for Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez is speaking out months after his wife died.      Trump Banner Controversy A controversy is brewing in Washington after a big banner featuring President Trump's face has been unfurled on the Justice Department's headquarters.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.   Ballroom Approval President Trump’s vision for a grand ballroom at the White House has taken an important step forward.  Correspondent Donna Warder gives an update on President’s plans which has now been fast-tracked for approval with a unanimous vote, despite over 2 thousand public comments that were nearly all negative.   Former British Royalty Arrested Thursday marked the highest-profile arrest since the Epstein files were released by the Department of Justice, and it happened overseas.  The former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor since he was stripped of his Royal title, was arrested by British authorities.  Correspondent Karen Chammas reports on the arrest of the brother of King Charles the third.   Taxing The Rich Plans by Democrats to tax millionaires and billionaires is gaining traction in New York City, Washington State and California.  Correspondent Rich Johnson checks the status of all three efforts which has drawn the support of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.   Trump Visits Georgia President Trump made a trip to Georgia on Thursday and touched on unproven claims of voter fraud linked to that state.    Ambulance Crashes Into DHS Office State and federal authorities are investigating after a person allegedly stole an ambulance, loaded up staged gas cans and plowed the emergency vehicle into a Department of Homeland Security office in Idaho.   Trade Gap Widens President Trump says the tariffs he enacted have brought in much needed revenue, and it was also supposed to narrow America’s already wide trade deficit.  Lisa Dwyer reports the trade gap for 2025 has instead reached a record high.   Finally   In the midst of the horror of a mass shooting this week by a transgender man at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, came heroic efforts by people in the crowd who subdued the gunman before others could be shot or killed.  One man is being called a hero for stopping that gunman.  Correspondent Donna Warder reports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices