Monday, 26 May 2025

President Trump delayed the threatened 50% tariff on the European Union from June 1 to July 9, following a call with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The decision represents a U-turn from Trump's earlier statement that he was 'not looking for a deal,' with Trump describing the call as 'very nice' and both sides aiming to 'reach a good deal.'

Russia launched what Ukraine claims is its largest drone attack since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, killing at least six people. Trump responded by saying Putin has 'gone absolutely CRAZY,' though he has refused to join Europe in imposing new sanctions against Russia.

Trump criticized both Putin and President Zelenskyy over the Ukraine conflict, telling the Ukrainian president that 'everything out of [Zelenskyy's] mouth causes problems' while saying Putin is 'needlessly killing a lot of people.' The comments came after Zelenskyy had condemned Trump's 'silence' over Russian attacks.

Trump's federal budget cuts are disrupting disaster recovery efforts in Los Angeles following recent wildfires, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cutting staff at FEMA, the EPA, and the Army Corps of Engineers—agencies crucial for helping survivors rebuild.

Trump suggested in a social media post that $3 billion in research grant funding frozen or withdrawn from Harvard could be redirected to trade schools, though he provided no detailed implementation plan.

The FBI announced it will reinvestigate the 2023 White House cocaine discovery, the leak of the Supreme Court's Dobbs draft decision, and pipe bombs found outside Democratic and Republican offices in 2021.

Trump delivered Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery in which he honored fallen soldiers and their families while also crediting himself with U.S. hosting of world sports events.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Israel to express continued U.S. support despite recent disagreements between Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu over Gaza policy.

Data from hotel booking site Trivago shows fewer U.S. bookings by tourists from countries heavily impacted by Trump's tariffs, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Germany.

British business figures report that many companies in the UK and US are disguising or 'rebranding' diversity and inclusion initiatives to avoid political attention in the face of rightwing attacks on such programs.