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Westerman Disappointed In Trump’s Messaging On Iran

Published

2 months ago

April 9, 2026

Grant Merrill

Grant Merrill · Congressman Bruce Westerman – April 9th, 2026

EL DORADO — U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman said he was disappointed by social media posts made by former President Donald Trump on Easter Sunday regarding the conflict involving Iran, criticizing both the tone of the message and the language used.

Westerman made the remarks in comments to South Arkansas Now while discussing ongoing tensions in the Middle East and recent developments in the conflict involving Iran, Israel and U.S. military involvement in the region.

Recent weeks have seen heightened tensions involving Iran, including military exchanges involving Iranian-backed forces and U.S. allies in the region. The situation has included missile and drone attacks targeting neighboring countries and shipping routes, as well as U.S. military operations designed to counter threats to regional stability and protect strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

Trump drew attention nationwide after posting messages on social media on Easter Sunday referencing the conflict, drawing criticism from some lawmakers and observers over the tone and language included in the posts.

Westerman said his reaction to the posts was immediate.

“Well, I can tell you that with the social media posts he did on Easter morning, when I got that, I thought this is a prank — this can’t be real — and unfortunately it was. I thought that was totally uncalled for, and the horrible language in it — I was very disappointed in it. I don’t think there’s any way you can look at that any other way, and I don’t know what it accomplished. Then he followed up with another tweet or post the next day that was not much better.”

The conflict involving Iran has been a long-standing source of international tension, particularly due to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support of militant groups across the Middle East. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a top national security priority. Tensions have increased in recent months due to attacks involving Iranian-backed forces and concerns about the security of key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply moves.

Westerman also addressed the status of a recent ceasefire and expressed cautious optimism about short-term stability, while emphasizing skepticism about Iran’s long-term intentions.

“It was good to see that the ceasefire is in place for a couple of weeks. I’m very skeptical of any kind of deal with Iran. You know Reagan used to say, ‘Trust but verify.’ I think the only trust that comes out of this has to be through daily verification because they’ve been a culture of terror for 50 years. They’re trying to get a nuclear weapon. They’ve got all these other weapons that they’re using, it seems like almost randomly, on their neighbors.”

Westerman continued by stressing concerns about the potential risks if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons and the implications for regional and global security.

“I don’t think they would hesitate one minute if they had a nuclear bomb to bomb Israel and try to bomb us with it. So it’s great to see some relief and some peace. It’s great to see the unbelievable heroics of our military. You know, the rescue of those pilots was just something like you’d see in the movies, and pulling that off in real life is a huge credit to the men and women in our armed services.”

He said recent military actions and responses have demonstrated the strength and capability of U.S. forces, noting that rescue operations involving American personnel highlighted the professionalism of the armed services.

Westerman also pointed to the economic and geopolitical importance of maintaining open shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, which has historically been considered international waters and remains vital to global energy markets.

“Hopefully there will be an agreement so that there can be a lasting ceasefire. I think that definitely has to be an agreement where you don’t have a nuclear-armed Iran, where you don’t have the defense industrial complex there where they can continue to make missiles and drones, and you’ve got to be able to ship through the Strait of Hormuz without them practicing extortion on all their neighbors. That’s always been considered international waters, and the fact that they’re charging a dollar a barrel — you know, some of those tankers, that’s three million dollars a trip just to pass through there — so there are a lot of details to work out. Then there’s got to be a lot of verification on the back end.”

Despite his concerns, Westerman noted that recent developments, including the temporary ceasefire, have provided some relief to global markets and investors.

“At least there are positive signs this week. The stock market really appreciated the pause yesterday. I think everybody who has a 401(k) appreciated that as well.”

Officials continue to monitor developments in the region as negotiations and military operations evolve, with national security leaders emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, verification measures and international cooperation to prevent further escalation.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.