August 23, 2026

The American Conservative Morning Briefing · Aug 23, 2026 · 5m

Good morning! Today is Sunday, August 23rd 2026, and this is The American Conservative's Morning Brief. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll is set to exit the Pentagon by year's end amid a broader departure of Vance allies from the administration, fueling speculation about Hegseth's rising star and a possible Vance 2028 campaign. On Day 176 of the Iran War, Tehran declares a shift from defensive to offensive posture as Trump calls the Strait of Hormuz "American territory" and gas prices climb to $4.10 a gallon. Republican lawmakers and cattle producers revolt against Trump's temporary easing of…