As of May 30, 2025,
Tariffs Legal Battle: A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after a lower court had ruled them unlawful. The decision allows Trump to continue collecting tariffs under emergency powers law while the administration appeals the earlier ruling. This follows a pattern of Trump using tariffs to pressure trading partners, though negotiations for bilateral trade deals remain challenging.
Elon Musk’s Departure and Press Conference: Trump announced a press conference scheduled for today, May 30, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. EST in the Oval Office with Elon Musk, marking Musk’s last day as a special government employee with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite his official exit, Musk is expected to continue as an unofficial adviser to Trump. The departure follows tensions over Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” a spending and tax cut package Musk criticized for increasing the national deficit.
Pardons and Clemency: Trump has continued to issue pardons, including high-profile cases like reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud. These actions are part of a broader pattern of granting clemency to politically aligned or well-connected individuals, drawing criticism for undermining accountability.
Foreign Policy and Russia: Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over stalled Ukraine peace talks, warning that Putin is “playing with fire” after a deadly drone attack. Trump is considering additional sanctions on Russia but has not committed to specific actions, focusing on pushing for a ceasefire.
Domestic Policy and Spending Bill: Trump is pushing for the passage of a massive spending and tax cut bill to advance his domestic agenda, including tax cuts, border wall construction, and ending clean energy incentives. House Speaker Mike Johnson is urging Senate Republicans to minimize changes to ensure its passage, though some GOP senators are resistant.
Financial Ventures: Reports highlight Trump and his family’s unprecedented monetization of the presidency, including $320 million in cryptocurrency fees, billions in overseas real estate deals, and a new exclusive club in Washington charging $500,000 for membership. These activities have raised concerns about conflicts of interest.
