Trump on Kim Jong Un: I Get Along With Him | Balance of Power 08/17/2026

Summary

Balance of Power covers Trump's threats to bomb Oman and his decision to scale back South Korea military exercises amid outreach to Kim Jong Un. Guests discuss the Iran/Strait of Hormuz conflict, sanctions on Iranian oil, Florida Democratic primaries and DOJ independence. The market segment highlights elevated oil prices, Treasury yield highs, NVIDIA data-center spending and Anthropic's IPO trajectory. Key trade-relevant implications center on oil supply disruption and long-end Treasury yields.

• Trump says the US would handle Oman if it interferes in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
• The 60-day Iran memorandum window expires without a final nuclear deal.
• Trump scales back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Kim Jong Un outreach and Seoul's lack of Iran help.
• Rep. Issa argues Iran sanctions fail unless enforced and a blockade may be needed.
• Florida primaries test Democratic socialist candidates before the midterms.
• Power Moves notes S&P 500 pullback, 30-year Treasury yield highest since 2007, NVIDIA $105B data-center spend, and Anthropic $65B run rate.
• Michael O'Hanlon expects Strait of Hormuz oil disruption to persist for months at a low-level simmer.
• Alberto Gonzales discusses DOJ independence under Todd Blanche.