Monday, 7 July 2025

Trump announced tariff notifications will be sent to countries by July 9, with rates taking effect August 1, delaying enforcement beyond the original 90-day deadline. The President threatened BRICS-aligned nations with an additional 10% tariff and told more than two dozen countries they face at least 20% tariffs unless they reach agreements.

Japan and South Korea were notified they will face 25% tariffs unless they reach trade agreements with the United States by August 1. The letters were posted on social media, stoking confusion among markets about the tariff implementation timeline.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss Middle East issues, including Gaza cease-fire negotiations and a potential new nuclear agreement with Iran. Netanyahu said he had nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize following recent joint military strikes against Iran.

Trump accused Brazil of a "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, stating Bolsonaro was "not guilty of anything." Brazilian President Lula rejected what he called foreign interference in Brazil's domestic legal proceedings.

The State Department revoked the terrorist designation for Syria's HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), changing the legal status of the group that controls much of northwest Syria.

Trump declared a major disaster in Texas following severe flooding that killed at least 100 people and left 27 children and counselors dead at Camp Mystic youth camp. Rescuers continued searching for missing persons as authorities issued warnings of more rain.

Trump ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans and Nicaraguans, affecting an estimated 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans. The termination will go into effect in approximately two months.

Tesla shares fell 8% in early trading, wiping $79 billion off the company's value, as investors feared CEO Elon Musk's new political party venture would distract from his role running the company. Trump publicly criticized Musk, saying he was "off the rails" with his America Party project.

The Justice Department and FBI completed a review confirming that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, with investigators noting they found no evidence to predicate investigations against uncharged third parties. This contradicted months of promises by Attorney General Pam Bondi about major revelations.

Planned Parenthood sued the Trump administration over funding cuts, estimating that the defunding could force approximately 200 of their clinics to close. A pregnant doctor also sued the Trump administration over RFK Jr.'s advisory against COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and healthy children.