Thursday, 23 July 2026

President Trump announced that Saudi Arabia must recognize Israel as a condition for the landmark US-Saudi nuclear technology deal, signaling a shift in longstanding US policy. The requirement puts the Saudis in a difficult position, as they have historically tied normalization with Israel to Palestinian statehood, which the current Israeli government opposes.

Trump announced tariffs of 10-12.5% on more than 80 countries (some sources cite 60), citing forced labour violations as the justification. The new tariffs replace a 10% stopgap tariff that expired after a Supreme Court setback, targeting countries over claims they failed to adequately prevent forced labour.

Houthi forces claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking the first such incident since announcing a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia. The attacks followed US strikes on Iran and increased tensions in the region, with oil prices reaching $100 per barrel.

President Trump indicated that a decision on a major attack against Iran was imminent, following Houthi strikes on Saudi tankers and rising global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. The statement reflects escalating tensions in the Middle East conflict.

The US Justice Department withdrew subpoenas it had issued to three New York Times reporters regarding their sources for articles about Trump's Qatari-gifted Air Force One and alleged security concerns. The withdrawal followed a judge's questioning of the government's handling of the subpoenas.

A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President Vance's detail came under investigation over allegations of providing information about the VP's helicopter movements to media. The specific nature of the leaked information and the agent's identity have not been publicly disclosed.

Trump announced an expansion of a voluntary pledge with governors and electricity companies aimed at protecting US consumers from higher utility bills resulting from AI data center expansion. According to Trump, nearly 200 firms have signed the non-binding 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge.'

The House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution for the second time calling on President Trump to seek congressional authorization for the ongoing conflict with Iran. The measure is largely symbolic as Democrats lack leverage to enforce compliance.

A Republican-controlled House committee issued a criminal referral of former special counsel Jack Smith to the Justice Department, accusing him of misconduct in his investigation of Trump. The referral is viewed as part of Trump's broader retribution campaign against his former prosecutor.

Trump hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House for a championship celebration, though several players including Mookie Betts and Kike Hernandez declined to attend. The visit reflected broader tensions between Trump and some members of the sports community.

Oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since May, driven by escalating Middle East tensions including US attacks on Iran and Houthi strikes on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. The surge reflects fears of disruptions to global crude supplies.