Trump Mulls Pulling Blanche Nomination Temporarily | Balance of Power 07/30/2026

Summary

The program covers Apple and Amazon earnings, with Amazon surging on strong AI-cloud traction while Apple fell on weak China sales. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper advocates blockading Iran, warning it would raise global energy costs. Heather Boushey criticizes Fed Chair Warsh’s communication as credibility-damaging and market-upsetting. Political spending by Elon Musk and tight Senate races are also discussed.

• Amazon beat on AWS growth, raised 2026 capex to $220B mostly on AI, and provided data showing AI returns, sending shares up 8% after hours.
• Apple missed on services and China, shares fell ~5% in after-hours trading.
• Former Defense Secretary Esper says the Iran conflict is widening horizontally and vertically, and advocates a full economic blockade that would raise global energy prices.
• Boushey says Fed Chair Warsh’s press conference confused markets, hurting the central bank's credibility and contributing to a rise in mortgage rates to a one-year high.
• 30-year Treasury yield remains above 5% for a tenth straight day, highest since 2007.
• Elon Musk reportedly plans to spend up to $120 million on midterm turnout for Republicans, focusing on eight states including Michigan.
• The Democratic Senate primary in Michigan is tightening between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens.