The stock market was still in a party mood early Thursday after a raucous Wednesday that saw the S&P 500 hit a new high.

S&P futures, Nasdaq 100 futures, and Dow Jones futures all were pointing upward early in the day, according to CNBC.

The catalyst for the optimism was a Wednesday announcement from President Donald Trump that he considers the war with Iran nearly over, paired with an announcement that talks between Lebanon and Israel will take place Thursday.

The S&P 500 just hit a new all time record high. It is now up 2000 points since last April when the “experts” told you our economy was collapsing. pic.twitter.com/XwER75ofte

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) April 15, 2026

“We’re basically back to where we were in late February in terms of the sentiment indicators and the valuation,” Tim Hayes, chief global investment strategist at Ned Davis Research, said.

“If we’re going to continue higher, I think we are going to have to have a broadening out here and not be just about the Nasdaq,” he added.

CNBC’s Joe Kernen Brutally Confronts Hakeem Jeffries with Data that DESTROYS His Anti-Trump Talking Points

“If we’re facing a recession, it’s unlikely for the stock market to be doing well. We can look at the bond market as well.”

– S&P and NASDAQ back to ALL-TIME HIGHS

-… pic.twitter.com/g9KEVZPJrw

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 15, 2026

The S&P 500 rose about 0.8 percent to close above 7,000, higher than any previous closing, according to The New York Times.

The index had tumbled at one point during the war with Iran, but has since risen 2 percent above the level it was at when the war began.

“The market is trading assuming we have seen the worst of the conflict,” Stefano Pascale, an equity analyst at Barclays, said.

More than 80 percent of the S&P’s companies are higher than on March 30, when stocks were at their lowest.

The S&P 500 appears ready for its third straight week of gains.

Trump: We’re the hottest country anywhere in the world by far, with no inflation, record setting investments coming into the United States, over $18 trillion and the highest stock market ever pic.twitter.com/x6tYj74VYB

— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) April 2, 2026

Corporate earnings are also rising.

“As corporate earnings are the biggest driver of stock returns, this level of steadfast earnings growth is an incredibly positive sign given that the market has been hammered in the first quarter by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent oil prices skyrocketing to some of their highest levels in decades,” Hardika Singh, a strategist at Fundstrat, said.

JPMorgan Chase reported a profit of nearly $17 billion in the first quarter of the year. Other financial institutions, such as Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Bank of America, also reported strong profits.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies has risen more than 12 percent since March 30 and is approaching a new record high.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.

The post S&P 500 Smashed Another Record Wednesday, Signaling the Markets Believe Trump That the Iran Conflict Is Ending appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Germany’s political landscape continues to undergo a dramatic and increasingly undeniable transformation, as a new YouGov poll places the right-wing, anti-globalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) firmly at the top of national support.

With 27 percent of the German electorate backing them, the AfD now clearly leads the political field, surpassing the once-dominant Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian counterpart, the CSU.
The numbers mark more than a statistical shift—they signal a deep and growing revolt among German voters against what they view as an entrenched, out-of-touch political establishment that’s hostile to their interests. The CDU/CSU bloc has fallen to just 23 percent, its lowest level in this poll series since 2021, while the Social Democratic Party languishes at 13 percent.

Meanwhile, smaller left-globalist parties such as the Alliance 90/The Greens and The Left have made only marginal gains, reaching 14 and 10 percent respectively. These incremental shifts, however, do little to mask the broader collapse of trust in Germany’s ruling class.

At the center of this political earthquake stands Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, who wasted no time highlighting the significance of the results. Reacting to the poll, she declared: “4 percentage points ahead of the Union… We no longer have time for undemocratic firewalls. The political turnaround must happen now.”

4 Prozentpunkte Abstand zur Union, 4 von 5 Bürgern unzufrieden mit Merz: Wir haben keine Zeit mehr für undemokratische Brandmauern. Die politische Wende muß jetzt erfolgen. pic.twitter.com/rWe3sm04RU

— Alice Weidel (@Alice_Weidel) April 15, 2026

Her reference to “firewalls” strikes at one of the most controversial features of modern German politics—the refusal of establishment parties to cooperate in any way with the AfD, regardless of electoral outcomes. This strategy is increasingly seen as a mechanism to sideline the voters rather than protect democracy.

The rise of the AfD is occurring alongside an unprecedented collapse in public confidence in the federal government led by Friedrich Merz. According to the same YouGov survey, a shocking 79 percent of Germans now express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.

This figure represents a dramatic increase from just 55 percent less than a year ago, underscoring the speed at which public sentiment is deteriorating. The trend suggests not a temporary fluctuation, but a systemic rejection of the current political order.

Perhaps most alarming for the governing coalition is the erosion of support within its own base. Among CDU voters, satisfaction with the government has plunged from 48 percent in March to just 34 percent in April, indicating a growing fracture within establishment ranks.

This internal discontent reflects broader frustrations over economic stagnation, migration pressures, and what many voters perceive as a political elite increasingly disconnected from everyday realities. The ruling coalition’s inability—or unwillingness—to address these concerns has fueled the AfD’s ascent.

While legacy media and political elites continue to label the AfD as “far-right,” the party’s growing support suggests that such characterizations are losing their effectiveness. For millions of Germans, the AfD represents an alternative to a status quo they view as failing.

The polling data also aligns with trends observed in other recent surveys. Institutes such as Insa, Forsa, and Infratest Dimap have similarly placed the AfD either at or near the top, with support ranging between 25 and 26 percent.

Taken together, these figures point to a consistent and sustained shift in German public opinion. The AfD is no longer a fringe challenger—it is emerging as the dominant political force in the country. Yet despite this reality, establishment parties continue to insist they will not form a coalition with the AfD under any circumstances. This refusal raises serious questions about the future of democratic governance in Germany, particularly if current trends continue.

If the AfD maintains or expands its lead, forming a stable government without its participation is likely to become increasingly difficult. The political class may soon face a stark choice: adapt to voter demands or risk deepening the legitimacy crisis already underway.

At the heart of this crisis lies a growing perception that democratic processes are being constrained by informal rules designed to exclude certain viewpoints. The so-called “firewall” against the AfD is increasingly seen by critics as one such mechanism.

For many voters, this dynamic reinforces the belief that elections alone are no longer sufficient to bring about meaningful political change. Instead, outcomes appear pre-determined by an entrenched network of parties unwilling to relinquish control.

The AfD’s rise must also be understood in the context of broader European trends. Across the continent, national-conservative and anti-migration movements are gaining ground, challenging decades of globalist policymaking.

Germany, long considered the anchor of Europe’s political consensus, now finds itself at the forefront of this shift. The implications extend far beyond its borders, potentially reshaping the balance of power within the European Union.

The issue of migration, in particular, remains a central driver of voter dissatisfaction. Years of mass immigration, coupled with rising concerns over integration and security, have eroded public confidence in mainstream parties.

Economic pressures have further compounded these frustrations. Inflation, energy costs, and declining living standards have left many Germans questioning the priorities of their government.
Against this backdrop, the AfD’s message of national sovereignty and political accountability is resonating with an increasingly broad segment of the population. What was once dismissed as protest voting is now evolving into a durable political realignment.

The response from the political establishment has largely been one of resistance rather than reflection. Instead of addressing the underlying causes of discontent, many leaders continue to focus on isolating the AfD.

This approach risks backfiring. As support for the AfD grows, efforts to marginalize it may only reinforce the perception that the system is working against the will of the people. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Germany’s political system can adapt to these changes. The gap between voters and their representatives is widening, and the consequences of ignoring it could be profound.

The post AfD Tops Polls at 27% While 79% of Germans Say Current Government Isn’t Working appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Peace between Iran and the United States has seemingly taken a step forward as Iran has moved to reopen traffic on the Strait of Hormuz.

As The Gateway Pundit reported, Iran last week declared tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was traffic “suspended” after Israel continued hammering Hezbollah following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.

President Trump responded by ordering the U.S. Navy to immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical oil chokepoints in the world.

This move has significantly damaged Iran’s already struggling economy.

Then, with the encouragement of Trump, Israel and Lebanon negotiated a 10-day ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.

Trump’s savvy moves appear to have worked, because Iran has now declared the Strait completely reopened for the remainder of the ceasefire.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran,” Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced on X.

In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026

As a result of Iran’s announcement, the oil prices are now plummeting.

Oil price collapse as Iran announces the Strait of Hormuz is open to all. Stocks will also surge to yet another record at the opening bell. World War III and an economic apocalypse deferred yet again until the next “crisis.” Blue Sky in total mourning. pic.twitter.com/3jlZsDVNMD

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) April 17, 2026

Trump responded in all-caps on Truth Social. He celebrated the news, but warned that the naval blockade will remain in “full force” until a deal with Iran is finalized.

“THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE,” Trump wrote.

“THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED,” he added. “THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!”

The post NEW: Iran Caves, Declares Strait of Hormuz “Completely Open” for All Commercial Ships – Trump Responds appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Far-left activist Analilia Mejia has just been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway in the special election to fill the seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill.

This win narrows the already razor-thin Republican majority in the House and hands a powerful platform to one of the most extreme voices in the Democrat Party.

As The Gateway Pundit reported back in March, Mejia is no moderate. This Squad-endorsed Democratic Socialist has a long history of unhinged statements, including claiming that Jesus Christ was “likely a Democratic Socialist” and bizarrely declaring that public toilets are a form of socialism that critics should stop using if they oppose big government.

Mejia, a former national political director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and co-executive director of the far-left Center for Popular Democracy, ran on a full-blown socialist wishlist that reads like a blueprint for economic destruction:

• Abolish ICE entirely and open the floodgates to illegal immigration.
• Universal healthcare and childcare for all because nothing says “affordability” like making every American taxpayer foot the bill.
• A punishing $25 federal minimum wage that will crush small businesses, spike unemployment, and drive up costs for everyone.
• Massive tax increases on the wealthy and corporations to fund her giveaway schemes.
• Cancel all student loan debt and provide free tuition for college

This is the same radical who previously worked in the Biden Department of Labor, served as director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, and has been endorsed by Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapal, Elizabeth Warren, and Cory Booker. She’s spent years pushing the most extreme left-wing policies imaginable, from comparing migrant detention centers to concentration camps to expressing sympathy for the “desire for destruction” during the 2020 George Floyd riots.

WATCH:

NEW JERSEY… good luck!

Far-left Socialist Analilia Mejia just Won the US House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District

– Abolish ICE
– Universal Healthcare/childcare for all
– $25 Federal Minimum Wage
– Increase Taxes on wealthy/corporations
– Cancel… pic.twitter.com/uQxO1m3xHk

— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) April 17, 2026

The post Far-Left SOCIALIST Who Says Jesus Was a ‘Democratic Socialist’ and ‘Toilets are Socialism’ WINS New Jersey’s 11TH Congressional District appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Far-left Democrat Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the same purple-haired radical we’ve repeatedly exposed for her unhinged public meltdowns, completely lost it Thursday during a House hearing while grilling HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over Americans’ right to drink raw milk.

DeLauro demanded that RFK Jr. publicly condemn raw milk as “dangerous” and essentially toe the corporate line pushed by Big Pharma and pasteurized milk lobbyists. When Kennedy refused to play along with the fearmongering, the 83-year-old Connecticut congresswoman went full meltdown mode.

“You are the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Is there not some moral responsibility or compunction to say, ‘Don’t drink raw milk, don’t do that, because it’s unpasteurized and can cause serious harm to your health?’ Is that not something you view as your responsibility?

“If I were the head of HHS, I would by God say don’t take raw milk! It is dangerous to your health and if you can’t say that well maybe there are some other conclusions that can be drawn!” DeLauro said.

Kennedy told lawmakers that agencies should “inform the public” and “let people make a choice,” rather than dictate behavior outright.

WATCH:

This is the same Rosa DeLauro whom The Gateway Pundit previously reported on when RFK Jr. absolutely buried the purple-haired Democrat back in May 2025 during his first major HHS hearing. She tried to lecture him then too, and got completely owned.

The radical left, Big Pharma, and the corporate food cartel hate raw milk because it represents everything they despise: freedom, tradition, local farms, and real nutrition that doesn’t come in a plastic-wrapped, government-approved package.

RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement are finally giving Americans the truth they’ve been denied for generations, and the DeLauros of the world are losing their minds.

DeLauro’s purple-haired meltdown is just the latest example of how out of touch these Democrat dinosaurs are. While real Americans are waking up to the poisons in our food system, the radical left is still stuck in 1990s FDA propaganda mode, demanding the government nanny-state dictate what you can and cannot drink straight from the cow.

The post UNHINGED: Purple-Haired Radical Rosa DeLauro Has Total MELTDOWN Over Raw Milk appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.