🎧 More than 50 former Swalwell staffers called for him to resign, and several lawmakers indicated they planned to try to expel him this week, NPR’s Elena Moore tells Up First. In his resignation announcement, he repeated similar remarks to those in a video he released on Friday, denying the allegations while admitting to making "mistakes in judgment in the past." Swalwell criticized efforts to remove him, arguing that expulsion without due process is wrong. But he also added that it was "wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties." Swalwell didn't specify when he would leave office. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to call a special election for his Bay Area seat when it happens. Moore says the seat is a super safe blue seat.

➡️ Swalwell is not the only lawmaker leaving his congressional seat. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales announced yesterday that he will resign after accusations that he had a sexual relationship with a staffer who later took her own life.

🎧 Iran's economy relies heavily on its oil exports. During the fighting, the country was getting some oil out, but the U.S. blockade has now cut off its flow. NPR’s Greg Myre says it's possible that Iran, which already has a crippled economy, will suffer the most economic pain in an extended blockade. Myre says that the vast majority of countries worldwide have taken an economic hit. This includes the U.S., which, despite its minimal oil imports from the Gulf, is seeing much higher gas prices after oil surged to right around $100 a barrel. In times of crisis, nations typically lean on their allies for support, but President Trump has alienated many U.S. allies by failing to consult them. So far, none of the U.S.' allies have answered Trump's call to take part in the blockade. Iran has long been internationally isolated, with few allies to turn to.

🎧 NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben says it is notable that the president removed the image. The last time Trump gained wide attention for deleting a post, it was a racist video depicting the Obamas as apes, which drew massive criticism. Time will tell how much Trump's latest post will alienate anyone.  While his Christian supporters have overwhelmingly stuck with him, Kurtzleben says the president is currently in a vulnerable position. The unpopular war continues, peace talks have stalled and prices are high. Trump's criticism of the pope could further erode his support, Kurtzleben says.

➡️ Pope Leo XIV said he is undeterred by Trump's criticism and will continue to speak out against war and advocate for peace, dialogue and cooperation between nations. As he began an 11-day tour of Africa yesterday, he emphasized the immense human suffering caused by global conflicts and insisted that moral leadership demands promoting alternatives to violence.