# Tags

TRUMP SECURES BILLION-DOLLAR DEALS IN QATAR, ATTENDS STATE DINNER

US President Donald Trump has secured significant deals with Qatar, including a record-breaking $96 billion order for Boeing jets. The agreement was announced during Trump’s visit to Doha, where he met with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two leaders also signed a defense agreement that could be worth tens of billions of dollars. According to the White House, the economic deals between the US and Qatar are valued at $243.5 billion, with a larger cooperation framework expected to generate over $1.2 trillion in economic exchanges. “I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relationship between Qatar and the United States,” Emir Al Thani said. Trump praised the Qatari leader, saying their meeting was “very good.” The President also met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, urging him to normalize relations with Israel. Trump described al-Sharaa as an “attractive guy, tough guy.” The US and Qatar have agreed on a statement of intent on defense cooperation. Trump said he wants to make a deal with Iran and discussed the possibility of attending talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey. Meanwhile, Syrians celebrated after Trump announced plans to lift all sanctions against the country. Lauren, general manager of the Al Mamluka Hotel Group in Damascus, said, “The celebrations filled the street… it was fantastic the atmosphere here.” Abdulhai, owner of the Dar Halabia Hotel in Aleppo, welcomed the news but stressed that Syrians still need to wait until the sanctions are fully lifted. Trump’s visit to Qatar is part of a four-day tour of Gulf countries. He will also visit the UAE on Friday, where he is expected to discuss a previously agreed $1.4 trillion strategic and investment partnership. Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man and chairman of Reliance Industries, attended the state dinner hosted by the Emir of Qatar for Trump. Ambani has business ties with Qatar, including a $1 billion investment in his retail venture by Qatar Investment Authority. The Trump administration has announced significant investment commitments from Saudi Arabia, including a $600 billion commitment to invest in the US. However, details of the deal remain scant, with the White House publishing a document listing individual deals worth $282.2 billion.

TRUMP SIGNS HISTORIC $600 BILLION ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SAUDI ARABIA

US President Donald Trump signed a strategic economic partnership document with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the countries’ relationship. The agreement, valued at over $600 billion, aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and covers various sectors, including energy, defense, mining, and more. Trump received a warm welcome in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler. “I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said, highlighting the strong bond between the two leaders. The economic partnership includes major deals, such as a $142 billion defense sales agreement, making it the largest defense cooperation deal in US history. The package will provide Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen US defense firms. Other notable agreements include energy cooperation, modernizing the Saudi armed forces, judicial cooperation, and collaborations between the Smithsonian Museum and Saudi institutions. Saudi Arabian DataVolt plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the US, while Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber will invest $80 billion in cutting-edge technologies in both countries. However, Trump’s trip has not been without controversy. The president plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar, worth approximately $400 million, which will reportedly be donated to a future presidential library. Critics argue that this could lead to ethical and security concerns. Senator Josh Hawley said, “It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America. That would be ideal.” Senator Rand Paul added, “I don’t think it looks good or smells good.” Nikki Haley, Trump’s first-term UN ambassador, tweeted, “Regardless of how beautiful the plane may be, it opens a door and implies the President and US can be bought.” Trump brushed off concerns, comparing the gift to favors on the golf course. “When they give you a putt, you pick it up and you walk to the next hole and you say, ‘Thank you very much,’” he said. The economic partnership and defense agreements demonstrate the strengthening relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia. Mohammad A. Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA Power, said, “We are happy with the President Trump administration because at least they come to reality and reality (is) fossil fuel, we need it forever.” Abunayyan added, “We don’t want people to lecture us… Each country has to decide by its own and no country will come and force you to do something.” Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any ceasefire deal with Hamas would be temporary, saying, “If Hamas were to say it would release more hostages, we’ll take them, and then we’ll go in. But there will be no way we will stop the war.”

US WELCOMES WHITE SOUTH AFRICANS AS REFUGEES, STIRRING CONTROVERSY

A group of 59 white South Africans, mostly Afrikaners, arrived in the US on Monday, May 12, 2025, after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration. The move has sparked sharp criticism from Democrats, human rights advocates, and the South African government. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar welcomed the group at Dulles International Airport, handing out American flags and expressing support. “It is such an honour for us to receive you here today… it makes me so happy to see you with our flag in your hands,” Landau said, drawing parallels to his own family’s history of fleeing persecution. President Donald Trump defended the decision, claiming that Afrikaners face “genocide” in South Africa due to alleged racial persecution. “It’s a genocide that’s taking place,” Trump told reporters, despite South Africa’s government vehemently denying these claims. The South African government maintains that its land reform efforts aim to address historical injustices, not persecute anyone. President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had told Trump that his administration had received false information about white South Africans being discriminated against. “We think the American government has got the wrong end of the stick here, but we’ll continue talking to them,” Ramaphosa said. The resettlement program has been criticized for prioritizing a historically privileged minority over genuinely vulnerable populations. Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, called the policy “a racialized immigration program masquerading as refugee resettlement.” Laura Thompson Osuri, executive director of Homes Not Borders, criticized Trump’s policy, saying, “It’s for showing: ‘Look at us. We do welcome people as long as they look like us.’” Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen condemned the move, calling it “an outrageous insult to the whole idea of our country.” The Episcopal Church ended its decades-long work with the US government supporting refugees, citing its commitment to racial justice and reconciliation. The church refused to help resettle the white South Africans. The controversy highlights the stark racial disparities in South Africa, where white people own a disproportionate share of land and wealth. White South Africans typically have 20 times the wealth of Black people, and the Black unemployment rate is significantly higher than that of whites. Trump’s decision has also raised questions about the US refugee program, which has been largely suspended for other applicants. The Trump administration’s move has sparked an outcry, with many questioning the motivations behind prioritizing white South Africans over other refugees.

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order setting a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to voluntarily lower the cost of prescription drugs in the US or face new limits on what the government will pay. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to negotiate new price tags for drugs over the next month. If agreements aren’t reached, the department will develop a new rule tying US prices to lower prices paid by other countries. “We’re going to equalize,” Trump said. “We’re all going to pay the same. We’re going to pay what Europe pays.” The pharmaceutical industry has pushed back, calling the plan a “bad deal” for American patients. “Importing foreign prices from socialist countries would be a bad deal for American patients and workers,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of PhRMA. “It would mean less treatments and cures and would jeopardize the hundreds of billions our member companies are planning to invest in America.” The executive order’s impact on millions of Americans with private health insurance is unclear. However, the federal government has significant power to shape prices for drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Trump claimed his plan could save “trillions of dollars,” but the White House didn’t provide specifics on potential savings. The Department of Health and Human Services will meet with drug company executives to negotiate prices based on what other countries pay. Health law expert Rachel Sachs notes that Americans may not see immediate relief on rising drug costs due to the order’s long timeline. “This plan seems to ask manufacturers to voluntarily lower prices to some unknown point,” Sachs said. “If they don’t, HHS will take other actions, potentially lowering drug prices years in the future.” The US routinely outspends other nations on drug prices, a problem that has drawn bipartisan criticism. Trump’s “most favored nation” approach to Medicare drug pricing has been contentious since he first tried to implement it during his first term. Several pharmaceutical companies saw gains in the stock market following the announcement, with Merck jumping 3.9% and Pfizer rising 2.5%.

TRUMP DENIES THIRD TERM BID, BUT FLOATS WILDCARD IDEAS

US President Donald Trump has denied seeking a third presidential term, despite speculation fueled by his company’s sale of “Trump 2028” hats and previous comments on the matter. In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump emphasized his commitment to serving only two terms, saying, “I’ll be an eight-year president, I’ll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important.” Trump acknowledged receiving requests from supporters to consider a third term, but dismissed the idea, citing constitutional constraints. “It’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do. I don’t know if that’s constitutional that they’re not allowing you to do it or anything else,” he said. The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. Trump mentioned potential successors, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, praising Vance as a “fantastic, brilliant guy” and Rubio as “great”. Trump also discussed his economic policies, downplaying concerns about the US economy shrinking. “Look, yeah. Everything’s OK. This is a transition period. I think we’re going to do fantastically,” he said, adding that tariffs might be permanent. “If somebody thought they were going to come off the table, why would they build in the United States?” On immigration, Trump faced questions about his deportation plan and due process rights. When asked if he needs to uphold the Constitution, Trump replied, “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know.” He claimed the emergency at the border is now in the court system, saying, “The big emergency right now is that we have thousands of people that we want to take out, and we have some judges that want everybody to go to court.” Trump also touched on international relations, saying he doesn’t see a military conflict with Canada, despite discussions about Greenland. “I don’t see it with Canada. They think we are going to protect them, and really we are. But the truth is, they don’t carry their full share, and it’s unfair to the United States and our taxpayers.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit Trump at the White House.

CATHOLIC BISHOPS REBUKE TRUMP FOR SHARING AI IMAGE OF HIMSELF AS POPE

The New York State Catholic Conference has condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image depicting himself dressed as the Pope. The organization, which represents the state’s Catholic bishops, expressed outrage over the post, saying it was insensitive and mocking. “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,” the Catholic Conference wrote in a statement. “We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.” The image, which appeared on Trump’s Truth Social platform and was later reposted by the White House’s official X account, shows him in elaborate papal attire, including flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre. The post sparked a mix of amusement, disbelief, and heated debate across social media platforms. The timing of the post has been widely criticized, coming just days after Pope Francis’ death and ahead of the papal conclave to elect his successor. Trump had previously joked about his interest in becoming the Pope, saying “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice.” He also mentioned New York Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan as a potential candidate, saying “I must say we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good.” The Vatican’s daily conclave briefing on Saturday discussed the image, with Italian and Spanish news reports lamenting its poor taste and offensiveness. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the criticism, saying that “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects for Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.” Trump’s actions have sparked controversy, with some defending his right to free speech and others criticizing his insensitivity towards the Catholic community. The incident highlights the complex relationship between politics and religion, particularly during sensitive events like the papal conclave.

TRUMP SHAKES UP NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM, NOMINATES MIKE WALTZ AS UN AMBASSADOR

In a surprise move, President Donald Trump announced on May 1 that Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, would be leaving his White House post to take on a new role as the US ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz’s departure comes amid controversy surrounding a messaging chat with top national security officials that was accidentally shared with a journalist. Trump praised Waltz, saying, “From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first.” Waltz expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as national security adviser on an interim basis while continuing to lead the State Department. Rubio’s additional responsibilities include acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and acting archivist of the United States. The decision to move Waltz to the UN role caught some Trump officials off guard, with State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce saying, “Well, there you go ‒ fabulous. It is clear I just heard this from you.” Vice President JD Vance defended the decision, saying, “He has my complete trust and I know the president really likes Mike Waltz, he just thought that the UN ambassador position would be a better place for Mike Waltz to be.” Waltz’s departure marks the first major staff shake-up since Trump returned to the White House in January. The controversy surrounding Waltz began in March when he accidentally invited journalist Jeffrey Goldberg into a Signal chat with top national security officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, where they discussed military plans to strike the Houthi militant movement in Yemen. Despite initially defending Waltz, Trump ultimately decided to make the change, with conservative podcast host Laura Loomer reportedly influencing the decision. Loomer recounted a recent Oval Office visit with Trump, saying she was prepared to show the president footage from his 2016 campaign of Waltz criticizing him for remarks he made about US service members. Waltz, a former member of the Army’s Green Berets, served three terms representing Florida’s sixth congressional district. He retired from the National Guard last fall at the rank of colonel and had previously served as a defense policy director in the Pentagon and counterterrorism adviser in the George W. Bush administration. The position of UN ambassador requires Senate confirmation.

TRUMP, BIDEN, AND ZELENSKY FACE CRITICISM FOR DRESS CODE BREACH AT POPE’S FUNERAL

World leaders gathered at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, with many adhering to a strict dress code. However, some prominent leaders, including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, faced criticism for breaching the dress code. Trump wore a mid-blue suit with a shiny blue tie, while Biden opted for a dark suit with a blue tie. Zelensky, on the other hand, wore an all-black combat-style jacket over a black shirt and trousers, but no tie. The dress code specified that men should wear a dark suit with a long black tie and white shirt. Many onlookers criticized Trump for his outfit, saying he stuck out like a sore thumb among other leaders. “Why is Trump the only male world leader who is wearing a blue suit?” asked Alison Graham. “Has he no sense of appropriacy? Shame on him.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with some questioning whether Trump had a black suit or a dark blue one to wear. “Did he not have a black suit? At least a dark blue one? Where is the respect?” fumed Madaelene. The controversy comes just two months after Zelensky faced criticism for wearing combat clothes during a visit to the White House. Trump had defended Zelensky’s attire at the time, saying he was “dressed beautifully.” However, reports suggested that Trump was actually irritated by Zelensky’s clothing. The funeral dress code was strict, with men required to wear dark suits, long black ties, and white shirts. Women were asked to wear long black dresses, gloves, and veils, with only a string of pearls allowed as jewelry. Melania Trump, attending the funeral on her 55th birthday, wore a conservative black coat with a lace veil and gloves, while Jill Biden opted for a black blazer and skirt with a delicate lace veil. Despite the criticism, the funeral ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners, who packed into St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets. The pontiff was remembered as “a pope among the people, with an open heart,” who strove for a more compassionate and open-minded Catholic Church.

ECB RATE CUT ALL BUT CERTAIN AS GLOBAL MARKETS REACT TO TRUMP’S TARIFF ANNOUNCEMENT

The European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates for the seventh time this year, with economists predicting a 25 basis point reduction to 2.25%. According to ECB President Christine Lagarde, the bank’s monetary policy stance remains attentive to market movements, particularly exchange rates, which impact inflation and economic growth. Lagarde emphasized that the ECB doesn’t target specific exchange rates but monitors them closely. The euro’s trade-weighted exchange rate recently hit an all-time high, making imports cheaper and potentially lowering inflation. However, this could slow economic growth as exports become more expensive. “We remain attentive to movements since they impact inflation and need to be factored into economic models,” Lagarde said. She added that the ECB is always ready to act and has a solid track record in devising new instruments when required. “In Europe and in the euro area in particular, it can be observed that market infrastructures and… the bond market (are) functioning in an orderly fashion,” Lagarde noted. Traders are pricing in a 25 basis point cut, a move that was previously seen as uncertain but gained momentum after Trump’s tariff announcement. Societe Generale suggested a larger 50 basis point cut could be possible to exit a restrictive monetary policy stance. The ECB’s interest rate decisions are crucial in shaping the eurozone’s economic landscape.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO IMPOSE 104% TARIFFS ON ALL CHINESE IMPORTS AS TRADE WAR INTENSIFIES

The Trump administration announced plans to impose sweeping 104% tariffs on all Chinese imports starting Wednesday, escalating a rapidly worsening trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the decision Tuesday, framing it as a response to China’s refusal to withdraw retaliatory measures targeting U.S. goods. The move follows an initial 34% tariff hike set to take effect Wednesday as part of President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” trade package. The administration added another 50% duty after Beijing defied a noon Tuesday deadline to abandon its own planned 34% tariffs on U.S. exports, resulting in a cumulative 84% increase layered atop existing tariffs from before Trump’s second term. China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the escalation, calling the additional 50% tariffs “a mistake upon a mistake” and vowing to amplify its retaliation. “We firmly oppose this unilateral, protectionist move,” a ministry spokesperson said, warning of “resolute measures to safeguard China’s legitimate rights and interests.” U.S. stock markets, which had surged earlier Tuesday, retreated following Leavitt’s announcement. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 slipped into negative territory by mid-afternoon, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average clung to modest gains. Leavitt defended the tariffs as a necessary response to China’s trade practices, stating, “Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake. President Trump has a spine of steel, and he will not break.” She added that while China “wants to make a deal,” it “doesn’t know how to do it,” though she declined to specify potential terms for reducing tariffs. The measures risk severe economic fallout. China supplied $439 billion in goods to the U.S. last year, making it America’s second-largest import partner, while the U.S. exported $144 billion to China. Analysts warn the tit-for-tat duties could disrupt supply chains, raise consumer prices, and trigger job losses in both nations. Dozens of other countries and the European Union also face new U.S. tariffs ranging from 11% to 50%, with deadlines set for midnight Tuesday. Leavitt confirmed Trump remains committed to implementing the levies despite diplomatic appeals, though she noted the president instructed his trade team to craft “tailor-made deals” for nations seeking negotiations. “He expects these tariffs are going to go into effect,” Leavitt said, emphasizing there would be no “off-the-rack deals” for trading partners. The announcement marks Trump’s latest expansion of tariffs initially introduced in February, when he imposed a 10% across-the-board duty on Chinese goods—later doubled—citing China’s alleged role in facilitating illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.