Key Takeaways
- President Donald Trump is set to sign two executive orders on Thursday aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of foreign nationals visiting the U.S. for "birth tourism."
- The Walt Disney Company (DIS) has launched beta testing for AI-powered search and discovery tools on its Disney+ and ESPN streaming platforms to enhance user engagement.
- Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced a policy shift to share advanced procurement plans with contractors starting in 2027, aiming to stabilize its domestic defense industrial base.
- Iran’s naval forces reportedly struck "hostile targets" near the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz following explosions heard on Qeshm Island, heightening regional maritime tensions.
Trump Moves to Restrict Birthright Citizenship
President Donald Trump plans to sign two executive orders on Thursday specifically targeting the "birth tourism" industry. The measures aim to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil to foreign parents who traveled to the country specifically to give birth.
The orders are also expected to address the citizenship status of children born to certain foreign diplomatic staff and potentially those in U.S. territories. Legal experts anticipate immediate constitutional challenges, as the 14th Amendment has historically been interpreted to guarantee citizenship to nearly all children born in the United States.
Disney Leverages AI for Streaming Discovery
The Walt Disney Company (DIS) has begun beta testing new AI-powered search features on Disney+ and ESPN. The technology is designed to allow users to use natural language queries—such as "I want to watch something inspiring about space"—to receive more contextual and relevant content recommendations.
On ESPN, the AI tool enables fans to ask specific sports-related questions and receive real-time stats and curated highlights. This move comes as streaming services increasingly turn to generative AI to reduce "search fatigue" and improve subscriber retention in a highly competitive market.
Japan to Deepen Ties with Defense Contractors
In a significant policy revision, Japan will begin sharing specific, long-term defense procurement plans with private contractors starting in 2027. The Ministry of Defense intends to provide details on deliverables such as ammunition and missiles to companies that sign strict confidentiality agreements.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Japan's domestic defense industry by providing manufacturers with the predictability needed for long-term investment. The move follows the release of Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper, which highlighted the need for a "virtually integral" defense production base to counter regional security challenges.
Military Activity in the Strait of Hormuz
Two explosions were reported on Iran's Qeshm Island late Thursday, which Iranian state media attributed to operations against "hostile targets" near the Strait of Hormuz. The Tasnim News Agency cited informed sources stating that Iranian naval forces intercepted unidentified objects at the entrance of the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the world's most important oil transit chokepoint, and any military activity in the area typically triggers volatility in global energy markets. While no immediate damage to commercial shipping was reported, the incident underscores the fragile security environment in the Persian Gulf.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.