United States Congress
US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on goods from Japan and South Korea starting August 1. This applies to countries that have not yet concluded trade agreements with his administration and is part of his policy of reviewing trade relations.
The White House called "disgusting" claims of improper staffing of the meteorological service during the massive flood in Texas. The Trump administration plans to cut 800 jobs at NOAA and its budget by 30%, which has drawn criticism.
US President Donald Trump signed a bill that raises the national debt limit by $5 trillion, cuts social programs, and increases military funding. The document also provides for tax breaks and funding for combating illegal migration.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth unilaterally suspended military aid to Ukraine for the third time, despite military conclusions that there was no threat to US stockpiles. This decision surprised the State Department, Congress, and European allies, drawing bipartisan criticism.
Donald Trump is planning a multi-year mega-celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence, which will include a "Great American States Fair," "Patriot Games," a "Freedom Plane," and a UFC fight on the White House grounds. The events will take place against a backdrop of low levels of patriotic pride among Americans.
Gold prices rose 0. 5% to $3343.07 per ounce, heading for a weekly gain of 2.1%. This comes amid a decline in the US dollar and uncertainty surrounding President Trump's trade deals.
The US Department of Defense continues to provide Donald Trump with recommendations on military aid to Ukraine, analyzing and adjusting the approach to achieve the goal of ending the war. The review of arms supplies is aimed at aligning with US defense priorities, but details regarding the types of weapons and timelines are not disclosed.
The US has suspended arms supplies to Ukraine, including Patriot and GMLRS missiles, which are currently in storage in Poland. The decision was made due to concerns about dwindling American weapons stockpiles.
Republican congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick and Michael McCaul called on President Trump to resume military aid to Ukraine and hold an emergency briefing for Congress. Democrat Jeanne Shaheen also expressed concern about the suspension of supplies, which the White House explains by the low level of its own military reserves.
In the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk region, more than 20 children took part in the "All-Russian Drone Piloting Championship," where they are taught to assemble, program, and operate drones used for military purposes. For "success," participation in the final in Sochi is promised, where loyal youth from the TOT will be selected.
American billionaire Elon Musk is threatening to create his own political party if the Republican Party's tax and spending bill is passed. US President Donald Trump, in response, hinted to Musk that he should "return to South Africa" due to his criticism of the bill.
The US Congress has introduced a draft resolution condemning Russia's abduction and forced displacement of Ukrainian children. American parliamentarians demand the return of children before the conclusion of any peace agreement.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that thanks to US strikes, Iran's only metal processing plant was destroyed, setting Tehran's nuclear program back years. Most of the enriched uranium remains under the rubble at facilities in Isfahan and Fordow.
The US Senate did not support a bill that would have required congressional approval for the use of the military against Iran. 53 out of 100 senators voted against limiting powers, including one Democrat and one Republican.
The US administration intends to limit the exchange of classified intelligence with Congress due to the leak of a preliminary assessment of damages from the strikes on Iran. This decision followed the publication of data on the temporary suspension of Iran's nuclear program.
U. S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has extended extraordinary measures to avoid exceeding the statutory debt limit. The Treasury will no longer be able to meet all of its obligations without congressional action to raise or suspend the debt limit by mid-to-late summer.
A scandal has erupted in the US over media reports about the alleged failure of strikes on Iran's nuclear program, which intelligence considers an attempt to undermine President Trump's authority. The White House plans to limit intelligence sharing with Congress after the leaks.
House member Al Green initiated Trump's impeachment over strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities without Congressional approval. Green accuses the president of abuse of power and threatening democracy, citing unconstitutional usurpation of legislative branch powers.
Since July 1, Yale University's humanitarian research laboratory, which documented Russian war crimes, including the abduction of Ukrainian children, has ceased operations. This happened due to the cessation of funding from the Trump administration, which could lead to the disappearance of most data on abducted children and the abducted children themselves.
The US Secretary of Defense confirmed the transfer of air defense systems from Ukraine to protect bases in the Middle East. Zelensky said that the US will redirect the promised missiles against Shaheds to the Middle East.
Ukraine managed to influence the content of the new, 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions of the EU, which includes restrictions on the import of petroleum products and increased pressure on the "shadow fleet". It may become the strongest in a year, but it is still not effective enough to bleed the aggressor country.
Donald Trump said he is open to reconciliation with Elon Musk, but it is not a priority. The reason for the quarrel was a bill that would increase the US debt.
J. D. Vance met with Republican Senator Ron Johnson to persuade him to support Trump's tax and spending cut package. The bill has a lot of criticism due to the consequences.
The USA and Russia agreed to move consultations from Istanbul to the capitals. A new round of negotiations on bilateral diplomatic relations will take place in Moscow in the near future.
Political scientist Oleg Lisny stated that the protests in the US are a consequence of Trump's policy, which ignores the law and pushes people to radical actions. This may affect support for the Republican Party.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report on the visit to the USA, where they discussed defense, sanctions against the Russian Federation, diplomacy, protection of freedom and countering disinformation. They also discussed preparations for a meeting with Trump.
The visit of the Ukrainian delegation to the United States was preparation for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump in Canada at the G7 summit. Yermak emphasized the importance of the US Congress's support for organizing this meeting.
Donald Trump said he was disappointed with Elon Musk after he criticized the tax bill. Musk replied that the document was not shown to him and called for the removal of unnecessary items.
Alexander Stubb emphasized the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia from the US and the European Union. He assured close cooperation between members and partners of the Alliance.
73-year-old Thomas Strivel has been charged with threatening to kill Donald Trump. The man allegedly wrote angry messages on Facebook before and after the election.