The Daily Populous

Monday April 13rd, 2026 evening edition

image for Poll: Catholic Support for President Donald Trump Drops Below 50% Amid Iran War

A poll shows Catholics disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance as president, overall, including on how he has handled the conflict with Iran.

President Donald Trump was elected in 2024 with support from a majority of Catholic voters, but a poll shows his support from Catholics dipping below 50% amid the U.S. war against Iran.

Pope Leo XIV and Catholic bishops in the United States and globally have encouraged Trump to pursue peace and diplomacy, as opposed to war, in Iran.

In the 2024 election, Trump won the Catholic vote by a 12-point margin, securing 55% of the voting bloc’s support, compared with former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 43%.

In 2020, Trump won 49% of the Catholic vote, compared with former President Joe Biden’s 50%.

“What may carry more resonance with Catholic voters are the strong and blunt statements about the war from Pope Leo.

“Support for Trump’s strong stance on Iran seems to be coming now … from Catholics who were wary of Trump earlier.”. »

NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Iranian port blockade

Authored by yahoo.com
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It has been seeking to make its control of the strait permanent and possibly collect levies from ships that use it.

Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.

NATO could play a role in the ‌strait if its 32 members could agree on the formation of a mission, Rutte said on Thursday. »

Strikes on alleged drug boats kill 5 in eastern Pacific, U.S. military says

Authored by whro.org
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As with most of the military's statements on the dozens of strikes in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes.

The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs.

The Coast Guard confirmed it was coordinating the search and said updates would be provided when available. »

Iran's forced nationwide internet blackout becomes second-longest on record as it passes 1,000 hours offline — possessing Starlink terminals punishable by death, country using 'military-grade jamming'

Authored by tomshardware.com
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Starlink isn't the solution, either, as Iran is actively seeking those who possess Starlink terminals, and if caught individuals are punishable by execution.

Starlink inside the country is reportedly being blocked by “military-grade jamming,” per one researcher who spoke to IranWire back in January.

This near-total Internet blackout follows on from earlier restrictions imposed on January 8 during widespread protests against the Iranian regime. »