Morning Briefing · Tuesday, October 13, 2026
6 stories, five minutes, and what each one means for you.
The big story
Guilfoyle allegations put ambassador's job in Trump's hands
President Donald Trump said on Oct. 12 that he is weighing whether to fire Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, amid allegations she sought $100,000 from a donor for a personal credit card bill. A State Department inspector general investigation is reportedly under way, but Guilfoyle serves at the president's pleasure, so the call is his.
What it means for you
- The decision on Guilfoyle's job is Trump's alone, since an appointee like her can be removed without congressional approval.
- A State Department inspector general probe is reportedly under way and could compel her testimony, though the office will not confirm it.
Politics
Trump says he is weighing firing Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle
President Donald Trump said on Monday, Oct. 12, that he is considering firing Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, and that he is "not happy." The move follows reports alleging misconduct by Guilfoyle, which have drawn criticism from both parties.
What it means: A decision on Guilfoyle's job could come soon, according to the Journal's reporting on senior officials' discussions.
Federal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington Home
Homeland Security Investigations agents searched the Washington, D.C., home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on Oct. 12 under a judicially authorized warrant, the Justice Department said. The search is part of an ongoing federal investigation, and the department did not describe its subject in the statement quoted by the outlets.
What it means: A search warrant is not a charge. The reports reviewed did not say Omar has been charged with anything.
Your paycheck
What It Means: Diesel Deal Promises Meet a $6.27 Pump Price
President Trump says Russia will ship millions of tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets, but an oil analyst doubts it will bring real relief to truckers and drivers. With diesel near $6.27 a gallon, the test is what shows up at the pump, not what is announced.
What it means: If diesel stays near $6.27 a gallon, roughly $2.60 above a year ago per AAA, a 5-cent weekly dip does little to change the cost pressure on truckers.
Analyst doubts Trump's Russia diesel deal will cut prices
Oil analyst Patrick De Haan said Oct. 12 that President Trump's announced diesel deal with Russia may not lower prices for truckers and drivers. Diesel averages about $6.27 a gallon, roughly $2.60 above a year ago, according to AAA data cited by The Hill.
What it means: Diesel averages about $6.27 a gallon, roughly $2.60 above a year ago, according to AAA.
Washington State
What It Means: Border money, Trump ads and a court order
A federal judge in Manhattan ordered the Trump administration on Oct. 11 to stop airing government-funded ads featuring the president and to spend no more of the money set aside for them. The ruling raises a plain question for taxpayers about whether money Congress approved for one job can pay for another.
What it means: About $19 million of the $20 million set aside for the ads has been spent, according to CNBC, and the White House says Trump will not repay it.
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