Welcome back to the Unify Brief, where we track the latest developments facing our nation.
U.S. and Israel attack Iran
On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran with the intention of destroying the country’s military and preventing Iran from creating a nuclear weapon, according to President Donald Trump.
Iran countered by firing missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Using information from the Red Crescent, Iranian media state that at least 201 individuals have been killed, and more than 700 have been injured.
PBS news reports that this attack took place two days after President Trump pressured Tehran on a deal constraining its nuclear program.
That same Saturday, Trump confirmed on Truth Social that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died during the attack.
National: What to know about the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran (PBS News)
Local: Colorado leaders react to U.S. strikes against Iran (Fox 21 News)
What other college campuses have to say: GU Suspends Dubai Graduate Program Following US Strikes on Iran (The Hoya)
2026 State of the Union address
On Feb. 24, President Trump delivered his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol. He set the record for the longest spoken address in recent history at one hour and 48 minutes. The address took place at a time when the president’s approval ratings are at record lows, with voters citing Trump’s tariffs as a reason.
Trump asked Congress to codify his attempts to lower drug prices, pass a law that would ban commercial licenses for immigrants without legal status and pass the SAVE America Act which requires proof of citizenship to vote to prevent voter fraud.
Some Democrats did not attend the address as a form of protest while others who were present vocalized their lack of support. Rep. Al Green, for example, held a sign that said “Black people aren’t apes” in response to a racist social media post shared by President Trump about the Obamas.
National: 5 takeaways from Trump’s State of the Union address (National Public Radio)
Local: Colorado’s Congressional delegation divided over Trump’s State of the Union speech (Colorado Public Radio)
What other college campuses have to say: Opinion: A Golden Age for One, Trump’s State of the Union (The Dolphin)
Mamdani and Trump meet again
On Feb. 26, New York Mayor Mamdani and President Trump met at the White House. Both said they had a productive discussion, during which Mamdani proposed to build 12,000 housing units in Queens, a plan he estimated would cost more than $21 billion.
At the meeting, Mamdani also urged Trump to secure the release of a Columbia University student who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that same day, and also provided a list of four other individuals in similar situations.
The Columbia University student, Ellie Aghayeva, was released later that day. In a statement to the Columbia Spectator, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that they arrested Aghayeva due to a terminated visa from 2016 for failing to attend classes.
National: Why the Mamdani-Trump ‘bromance’ makes sense right now (The Hill)
Local: Mamdani pitches Trump on housing with mock newspaper in latest White House visit (Fox 31 Denver)
What other college campuses have to say: Elmina Aghayeva, GS ’26, released from ICE custody, after Mamdani, Trump talks (Columbia Spectator)
Take Action:
On Your Own:
- Browse Change.org to find petitions concerning ICE
- Call your representatives
- Denver County Representative: Diana DeGette
