Iran war’s enormous daily price tag comes with all kinds of consequences

The initial estimate was $1 billion a day, and the administration has since revised that number to roughly $1.6 billion a day.

Friday, March 13, 2026 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS Iran war's enormous daily price tag comes with all kinds of consequences Iran war's enormous daily price tag comes with all kinds of consequences The initial estimate was $1 billion a day, and the administration has since revised that number to roughly $1.6 billion a day. MORE Trump pushes a misguided boast about his failed efforts to create U.S. jobs The president took the total number of jobs created in 2025, doubled it and then boasted about setting "a record" (despite reality). MORE Trump pushes a misguided boast about his failed efforts to create U.S. jobs The president took the total number of jobs created in 2025, doubled it and then boasted about setting "a record" (despite reality). MORE New GDP data paints an even uglier picture on the faltering Trump-era economy In the first year of Trump's second term, economic growth fell to a nine-year low, and job growth fell to a 16-year low. The White House hasn't said why. MORE New GDP data paints an even uglier picture on the faltering Trump-era economy In the first year of Trump's second term, economic growth fell to a nine-year low, and job growth fell to a 16-year low. The White House hasn't said why. MORE Florida Republicans give away the game with unnecessary new voting restrictions If Florida's system of elections is among the nation's best, why do Republicans keep putting new hurdles between voters and ballot boxes? MORE Florida Republicans give away the game with unnecessary new voting restrictions If Florida's system of elections is among the nation's best, why do Republicans keep putting new hurdles between voters and ballot boxes? MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG In second week of the Iran war, the White House emphasizes 'fun' and meme videos Trump pushes GOP to focus on health care in midterms, which would be fine with Democrats White House thinks it's not too late to rebrand 'mass deportations' Republicans reject proposal to reopen much of DHS, including TSA Team Trump offers Russia more sanctions relief, brushing off allegations it's aiding Iran Senate advances bipartisan housing bill, which faces an uncertain fate OTHER STORIES WE'RE WATCHING ✋ Former USG war crimes lawyer here. Apropos of SecDef's remarks this morning:  Denial of quarter—even the declaration of no quarter—is a war crime. And recognized as such by the US Government. From DoD's Manual for Military Commissions. "Declaring that no quarter will be given" is specifically prohibited by Art 23 of the Annex to the Hague Convention IV, which means it is a war crime under US domestic law by virtue of the War Crimes Act (18 U.S. Code § 2441)." (Brian Finucane) "NEW: Jared Kushner has been involved in the most serious foreign policy and national security issues but has so far not been subject to federal ethics rules. We sent a letter urging the White House to swiftly collect and review Kushner's public financial disclosure report." (CREW)  "I love the idea that *this* US government, which has been nabbing landscapers and five year olds knows where Iranian sleeper cells are but just hasn't gotten around to doing anything about it yet." "DOOCY: If Iran tries to hit us back, have you been briefed about how many Iran sleeper cells there could be inside the US right now? TRUMP: I have been, and a lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border. But we know where most of them are." (Chris Hayes shares Aaron Rupar's video post) "Another federal district court panel has declined to approve a Trump US attorney, this time Western Virginia's acting chief prosecutor Robert Tracci who replaced Trump's first pick after he got pushed out. Story from @ccastronuovo.bsky.social" (Ben Penn shares BloomberG Law) "EXCLUSIVE: A dark money group is offering influencers $1,500 for posts attacking Chicago Democratic primary candidate @katmabu.bsky.social" (Brandy Zadrozny has a thread and links to her reporting) Follow Rachel Maddow on BlueSky here. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up to follow it yourself or send this sign-up link to someone you know would appreciate it. NEWS TIPS? SEND IT TO RACHEL FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM RACHEL MADDOW ON BLUESKY 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER