Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. This meeting makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to visit Trump since he announced new tariffs affecting countries worldwide. The potential outcomes of this visit regarding Israel’s tariffs remain uncertain, but it could influence how other leaders handle the tariff situation.
In recent developments, Beijing has criticized Trump’s tariffs by referencing past U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech. Reagan had warned that high tariffs often lead to retaliatory actions and trade wars, which can damage markets and result in job losses. This historical context has been highlighted by the Chinese Embassy to argue against Trump’s actions.
Netanyahu was warmly received by Trump at the White House, though the President sidestepped questions about global market declines and the possibility of lifting tariffs on Israel. A planned joint press conference between Trump and Netanyahu was unexpectedly canceled, leaving the reasons undisclosed.
Beijing is anticipated to hold firm against Trump’s threat to increase tariffs unless China retracts its own. Analysts suggest that China’s leadership sees the tariffs as part of a broader strategy by Trump to reclaim manufacturing jobs in the U.S., making negotiations difficult.
In a significant policy shift, a member of the Department of Government Efficiency associated with Elon Musk has ended crucial humanitarian programs in the Middle East. This move has halted funding to the World Food Program and disrupted educational opportunities for Afghan women. These decisions have been secretly disclosed by anonymous U.S. and U.N. officials.
The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House to celebrate their World Series win. Trump acknowledged the accomplishments of players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, though he also took a jab at the former team of Betts, the Boston Red Sox. Trump then highlighted that egg prices have dropped significantly during his time in office.
Trump has ordered a review of Nippon Steel’s possible acquisition of U.S. Steel, a transaction he previously opposed during his campaign. The review will assess any national security concerns associated with a Japanese entity acquiring an American company.
Adding to the chaotic economic climate, Trump warned of increased tariffs on China, which intensified concerns about a looming trade war. Trump’s warnings came after China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s defiant tone persisted despite the turbulence in the stock market and growing recession fears.
The Trump administration has informed the World Food Program of the termination of several essential humanitarian contracts in the Middle East. This cut has affected aid distribution in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and other conflict-impacted regions.
A legal conflict has emerged regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The Justice Department is appealing a judge’s order to return Garcia to the U.S., asserting that retrieving him is no longer feasible.
In Miami’s “Little Venezuela,” there is mounting concern over the Trump administration’s changes to migration policies, which provide legal protection for many Venezuelans. These changes have caused unrest within the community, highlighted by the major policy shifts affecting various immigrant groups.
During his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump is expected to discuss tariffs along with other issues like the Gaza conflict and Iran tensions. The meeting will also cover Netanyahu’s diplomatic challenges, including the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court.
A report suggesting the potential for a temporary pause in tariffs led to a brief surge in the stock market, though the details remained unclear. Official statements avoided confirming any such pause, maintaining the ambiguity of the situation.
Vice President JD Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, recently celebrated her 10-year sobriety milestone in a White House ceremony. The event was a personal highlight amidst the administration’s predominantly tariff-focused agenda.
An appeals court has reversed two of Trump’s firings related to board members of independent government agencies, potentially setting the stage for a Supreme Court case regarding presidential powers over such bodies.
The tariffs dispute has caused divisions among Trump’s supporters. Some within the financial sector, like hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, have suggested that the president’s actions might lead to an economic downturn. Meanwhile, others defend the tariffs, framing them as necessary corrections for longstanding trade imbalances.
Trump remains unwavering in his tariff stance, likening them to “medicine” needed to remedy trade injustices. As the global markets experience volatility, Trump insists that previous U.S. leadership had allowed detrimental trade practices to persist.
In Alabama, a recent GOP event led by local party Chair John Wahl saw continued endorsement of Trump’s policies, despite the prevailing global economic instability caused by the tariffs. While some attendees quietly voiced concerns, overt support for Trump’s trade agenda was predominant at the gathering.