Trump keeps candy and Diet Coke close in the Oval Office while pushing for FISA extension during Iran conflict

President Donald Trump hasn't changed his tastes since returning to the White House-candy stays within arm's reach in the Oval Office, and his Diet Coke button is always ready to go. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who recently visited the West Wing, shared that the president keeps sweets on hand like many Americans do at their desks, calling it a small but telling detail of his routine. It's a habit that feels familiar, even comforting, to some, though others see it as symbolic of a broader approach to leadership-unconventional, personal, and unapologetically American.

But the mood in Washington is anything but sweet. As the conflict with Iran stretches into its second month, Trump is pushing hard for a clean extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. He made the case directly to House Speaker Mike Johnson, arguing that robust surveillance tools are essential during wartime. The call for a clean bill-free of附加 reforms or oversight expansions-has reignited debate over civil liberties versus security, especially as critics warn against unchecked surveillance powers.

The war, which began with major U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, has already taken a toll. ABC News reports that nearly 400 American service members have been wounded in the fighting. While the administration describes the campaign as targeted and effective, the rising number of injuries is sharpening scrutiny on the war's scope and duration. With no clear end in sight, public and congressional patience could wear thin, especially if casualties increase.

Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson is making waves on the domestic front. He publicly stated that Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida should be expelled from Congress, a rare and serious call that follows recent controversies involving other lawmakers. Though Johnson didn't go into detail, his comments come amid growing Republican efforts to frame certain Democratic members as unfit for office. The move has sparked backlash from Democrats, who call it politically motivated and disproportionate.

The convergence of war, surveillance debates, and internal congressional drama paints a picture of a government under pressure. Trump's personal habits may seem trivial against this backdrop, but they underscore a leadership style that blends the everyday with the extraordinary. Whether it's hitting a button for a soda or authorizing military action, the rhythms of his presidency remain distinct.

Still, the stakes are high. FISA renewal must pass soon, or key surveillance authorities could lapse. Lawmakers are weighing not just national security, but also the legacy of a law long criticized for overreach. And as the war continues, every decision-from troop deployments to intelligence gathering-carries greater weight.

In the middle of it all stands Trump, as recognizable for his Diet Coke runs as for his foreign policy gambits. Love it or not, his version of the presidency feels fully in motion-candy drawer open, buttons pressed, and politics running hot.