Called Out, Called Off, and Signed Off
What has President Trump said this week?
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What has President Trump said this week? 〰️
1. Is China being Called Out?
On May 30, President Donald Trump accused China of "totally violating" a recent trade agreement, asserting that Beijing failed to uphold commitments to reduce tariffs and trade restrictions on critical minerals. The original deal, reached during May negotiations in Geneva, marked a significant de-escalation: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods were cut from 145% to 30%, while China lowered its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10% (BBC, 2025).
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared: "China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!"
Trump followed up by announcing that the U.S. would double tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%, effective the following week, with the UK as the only exemption (Reuters, 2025).
However, the situation is more complex. China contends that it was the United States that breached the truce first, citing new export controls on AI technologies, restrictions on Chinese-made chips, and the revocation of student visas. Analysts note that both sides have taken actions that compromise the agreement, suggesting mutual grievances rather than a one-sided violation. The growing tensions have renewed fears of a broader trade war with potential ripple effects across global markets and supply chains.
2. A very long phone call, but still no peace?
On June 4, President Donald Trump held a 75-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a “good conversation.” However, he acknowledged that the exchange did not yield immediate progress toward peace in Ukraine. According to Trump, Putin “very strongly” indicated he would “have to respond” to Ukraine’s June 1 drone strikes on Russian airfields, which reportedly damaged or destroyed 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes—a signal of potential escalation in the conflict (AP News, 2025). That same day, Putin rejected a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for direct leader-level negotiations (Bloomberg, 2025).
While Trump has repeatedly claimed he could broker peace swiftly, the persistence of hostilities and the lack of tangible outcomes from high-level talks suggest that a resolution remains out of reach. The international community is watching the situation closely amid growing concerns over regional instability and escalation risks.
3. Thank you, Elon!
Elon Musk has announced his departure from the Trump administration, where he served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His exit comes amid sharp criticism of Trump’s recently passed tax and spending bill, which Musk condemned on his social platform X as a “disgusting abomination.” He urged lawmakers to “KILL the BILL,” warning it could add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade (AP News, 2025).
This move marks a significant break, especially considering Musk’s prior $250 million in campaign contributions to Trump. The parting highlights growing tensions between the two figures. While Musk’s resignation is notable, the Department of Government Efficiency is expected to continue its work. The White House has yet to comment publicly, and Trump responded on X with a simple, “Thank you, Elon! 🇺🇸🚀.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged Musk’s influence but defended the bill, calling it stimulative for the economy. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed Musk’s criticism as “flat wrong,” emphasizing that the legislation includes both tax cuts and deficit reduction measures (ABC News, 2025).