Trump Calls Mamdani “Communist Lunatic”

Democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday by campaigning on issues including affordable housing, fare-free buses, no-cost childcare, green schools, and raising the minimum wage—a platform that has "terrified" oligarchs, including Republican US President Donald Trump, who weighed in Wednesday afternoon.

In a pair of posts on his Truth Social network, Trump—an erstwhile New Yorker—called Mamdani "a 100% Communist Lunatic," said "we've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous," and attacked the winner's appearance, voice, intelligence, and supporters, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

"I have an idea for the Democrats to bring them back into 'play.' After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President," Trump wrote of a Democratic Texas congresswoman willing to call out him and his allies in Congress.

"AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet," Trump continued, referring to progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib. "Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really screwed!"

Critics of Trump took the comments as a clear signal that the second-term president is scared of Mamdani and other progressive political leaders fighting for policies that would improve the lives of working people.

"Trump attacking Mamdani is basically an endorsement at this point," wrote a Bluesky user called The Vivlia.

Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman—known nationally as the Palestinian American barred from speaking at last year's Democratic National Convention—said: "...is Trump jealous of Zohran? The focus of his posts is... something."

In an opinion piece published by Common Dreams before Trump's afternoon comments, political organizer Corbin Trent wrote that Mamdani beat disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo "by acknowledging what everyone already knows—life has become unaffordable—and saying we're going to build our way out of it. Housing that teachers can afford. Transit that actually works. Childcare centers so parents don't have to choose between working and raising their kids. And that the ultrawealthy are going to pay their fair share."

Trent argued that other Democrats, and especially the party leadership, have much to learn from Mamdani—both in style and substance—if they want to win back voters who have gravitated to Trump and his right-wing MAGA worldview.

"Mamdani hasn't even been elected yet," Trent noted. "But he's shown us how to stop lying about what needs fixing. He's shown that you can win by promising to build for everyone, not just donors."

 

 

 

 

Trump Blasts at Israel and Iran on Ceasefire Violations

What began as a high-profile diplomatic success is now unraveling, as US President Donald Trump openly criticized both Israel and Iran on Tuesday for violating the newly declared ceasefire. Speaking bluntly to the press, Trump said both countries have been fighting so long that “they don’t know what… they’re doing.”

The frustration comes after fresh violence erupted just hours into the ceasefire. Iran launched two missiles at northern Israel, prompting Defense Minister Israel Katz to authorize immediate retaliatory strikes on Tehran. In response, Trump expressed outrage over Israel’s rapid air assault, reportedly the most intense bombing campaign yet.

“I’m not happy with Israel,” Trump admitted. “You don’t go out in the first hour and drop everything you have on [them].” He added, “I gotta get Israel to calm down now,” before warning that the scale of the strikes exceeded anything previously witnessed.

While Trump insisted he was equally unhappy with Iran, his focus was on halting Israel’s response. He announced plans to travel to Israel to personally intervene and prevent the conflict from reigniting. “I’m gonna see if I can stop it,” he told reporters.

On social media, Trump doubled down, writing: “Israel is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect.”

Despite his demands, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly held firm during a phone call with Trump, insisting that a retaliatory strike was still “necessary.”

Ultimately, Israeli officials agreed to scale back their response to a single target in Tehran a compromise that maintains deterrence while keeping diplomatic lines open.

Trump’s remarks come at a critical juncture. With the ceasefire already showing signs of collapse, and international attention focused on Jerusalem and Tehran, Israel continues to act within its right to defend itself while weighing the diplomatic costs of continued escalation.

 

Trump announces ceasefire between Israel and Iran

According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a complete and total ceasefire, bringing an end to what he called “The 12 Day War.” The truce will last for 12 hours, after which the conflict will be officially declared over.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said the ceasefire would begin in approximately six hours, following the completion of final military operations by both sides.

“Iran will start the ceasefire, and upon the 12th hour, Israel will follow suit,” Trump said, adding that an “official end” to the hostilities will be marked at the 24th hour.

He praised both nations for showing “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in choosing to end the conflict.

The announcement follows days of escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran that raised fears of a broader regional war. Trump hailed the ceasefire as a moment the world would salute, urging all parties to remain “peaceful and respectful.”

“This is a war that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t—and never will,” Trump stated.

Trump calls Israeli strikes excellent and warns more to come

US President, Donald Trump has called Israel’s strikes on Iran “excellent” after Tehran’s nuclear sites were damaged and top military commanders were killed, reports The Independent.

Israel said 200 fighter jets took part in strikes on more than 100 targets in Iran overnight in an escalation that threatens to spark a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Israel said Iran has launched more than 100 drones towards Israel in response - but Tehran has denied these reports, according to Iranian media.

"I think it's been excellent,” Trump told ABC News, adding there is “a lot more” to come.

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran over restrictions to Iran’s nuclear operations have stalled in recent weeks.

In a lengthy Truth Social post earlier, Trump said he “gave a chance” to Iran to make a deal but that they “couldn’t get it done”. It is unclear whether further talks due to take place in Oman on Sunday will go ahead.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed its chief, General Hossein Salami, was killed in the attack. Chief of staff of the armed forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri and at least two nuclear scientists were also killed.

“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left. No more death, no more destruction, just do it, before it is too late,” Trump added.

US president Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Friday that he and his team had known about Israel's plans to attack Iran.

The Wall Street Journal said that when asked what kind of a heads-up the United States received before the attack, Trump said in a brief phone interview, "Heads-up? It wasn’t a heads-up. It was, we know what's going on."

Trump said he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and planned to speak with him again on Friday. Trump called the operation "a very successful attack, to put it mildly," the Wall Street Journal said.

Donald Trump: America’s Embarrassment

On July 09, 2017, I read an interesting blog by Margaret Kimberley titled ‘America’s Embarrassment’.  I picked up a few paragraphs from that and copy pasted those. I salute Margaret, her lines look as fresh as written today.

Donald Trump is a national embarrassment. Corporate media pundits have declared this statement to be true and millions of people are in agreement. As a candidate and as president Trump has certainly deviated from the norms of acceptable public behavior, but how much does that really matter?

Many Americans love to brag that theirs is “the richest country in the world.” There are certainly big banks, rich individuals and trillions of dollars in the treasury but the masses of people rarely benefit from this wealth. This country routinely ranks near the bottom when compared to other “developed” nations in any measure of how it treats its people. It is now considered a “second tier” nation in terms of the wellbeing of its citizens.

It is certainly unusual to have such a decidedly boorish president. Trump literally pushes other presidents aside, engages in public feuds with celebrities and makes anyone an enemy who dares to oppose him or his policies. He makes up terms like “bigly” and “modern presidential” and excoriates the press when they criticize him. Condemning this kind of behavior is the lowest hanging fruit.

Trump can be blamed for quite a lot during his first six months in office. His travel ban against citizens of seven nations is an unconstitutional exercise in Islamphobia and has been struck down by federal judges. Trump bans Libyans from traveling to the United States, but Obama destroyed that country and created an ongoing humanitarian disaster.

The concluding remarks are most interesting, “The list of reasons to be embarrassed about America is very long and it existed before Trump was inaugurated. He has surely added to that ledger, but legitimate cause for concern shouldn’t be pushed aside in favor of phony outrage about optics. President Trump is an ill- mannered, impulsive, happily uninformed bigot. Most of his predecessors were better behaved and followed rules of public relations. But they filled the jails, ended the right to public assistance, killed millions of people abroad, kept wages low and used a variety of schemes to make the rich even richer. Despite his obvious shortcomings Donald Trump is not the worst among them. And that is the most embarrassing fact of all”.

Pentagon accepts Qatar jet for use by Trump

“The Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement to The Hill’s sister network NewsNation.

“The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States,” he added.

The Qatari gift was also raised at President Trump’s meeting with South Africa’s president at the White House on Wednesday. Trump shot down the question and pushed back on the reporter who asked about criticism around the jet.

Trump last week said he would accept the US$400 million luxury Boeing 747-8, previously used by the Qatari royal family, as a stand-in for the aging Air Force One fleet.

The plane — which is one of the largest foreign gifts ever accepted by a US president — has been criticized by US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who say it raises both ethical and security questions.

Numerous Republicans have argued that the purportedly free jet comes with strings, given it will need to go through the lengthy and expensive process of being transformed into Air Force One.

Others have raised safety concerns about the jet, including a group of senior Democratic senators led by Sen. Adam Schiff, who want the Pentagon’s watchdog to look into the Defense Department’s acceptance of the gifted plane and its role in the transfer. 

Trump has defended his decision to accept the jet, arguing it is legal and dismissing the bipartisan criticism as a “radical left story.”

Boeing has had a contract with the US government since Trump’s first term in 2018 to replace its pair of aging Air Force Ones, two military versions of the Boeing 747. The delivery of the aircraft has been delayed until at least 2027, a timeline Trump has latched onto in arguing the Qatari jet could serve as an interim plane.

But the gifted aircraft from Qatar would face a retrofit that could take years to complete and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with new power systems, electrical wiring and other technology for secure communications and self-defense needed.

US Allies Reject Trump’s Trade War

In recent political developments, close allies of the United States—Australia, Singapore, and Canada—have pushed back against former President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Last year was politically turbulent, with ruling parties in the United States, Britain and other nations losing elections, while governments in countries like Japan and India suffered setbacks. This year, however, the trend appears to be reversing.

Within a single week, Australia, Singapore, and Canada—despite their geographic and cultural differences—held critical elections. All three countries delivered remarkably similar outcomes: victories for incumbent parties that campaigned on strong opposition to Trump’s tariff threats and his transactional approach to global alliances.

Although foreign policy typically plays a minor role in national elections, this time was different. Voters went beyond domestic issues to send a clear message: they reject Trump's combative trade tactics and support leaders who are willing to stand up to them.

The broader takeaway from these elections is the emergence of a new political consensus among America's allies. Public opinion is coalescing around leaders who oppose Trump’s “America First” doctrine, which has disrupted global supply chains, strained diplomatic relationships, and undermined decades of multilateral economic cooperation. This shift signifies not just electoral continuity, but a popular mandate for resisting a zero-sum approach to international relations.

In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party faces another electoral test this summer, with elections for the less powerful—but still influential—upper house of the Diet. Ahead of this, Japan is eager to secure a trade agreement with the US.

Tokyo is preparing for a third round of tariff negotiations this month, though analysts remain skeptical about a breakthrough. Unlike Brirain, which recently secured a limited deal, Japan faces steeper challenges. It starts from a higher baseline tariff rate and must contend with the Trump administration’s firm stance on automotive trade—one of Japan’s most vital export sectors.

On the cybersecurity front, Sergiy Korsunsky, former Ukrainian ambassador to Japan and now a senior adviser at Nihon Cyber Defence Corporation, warns that excessive data accumulation poses serious risks in the age of artificial intelligence.

Diplomatically, Julia Longbottom, the British Ambassador to Japan, highlights recent British trade deals with India and the United States as evidence of shared values with Japan—particularly a mutual commitment to open and free trade.

Trump once again suggests US taking over Gaza

President Trump has once again suggested the United States would look to take control of the Gaza Strip and turn it into a “freedom zone,” highlighting one of his more controversial foreign policy proposals during a visit to Qatar, according to The Hill.

“I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good: Make it a freedom zone. Let the United States get involved, and make it just a freedom zone,” Trump said during a business roundtable.

“I’d be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone, let some good things happen. Put people in homes where they can be safe, and Hamas is going to have to be dealt with,” Trump added.

Qatar has played host to periodic ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in an attempt to stop the fighting between the two sides, but so far negotiations have been at a stalemate as bombings continue.

The president, earlier this year first proposed the idea of the US taking control of Gaza, which has been devastated by Israeli military strikes. 

Trump has previously suggested Palestinians living in Gaza would relocate elsewhere in the region while the US rebuilt the strip. He has brushed off questions about how the US would take over the territory, though he previously floated that Israel would turn it over at the conclusion of its war with Gaza.

The idea has drawn pushback from the head of the Palestinian National Authority, as well as from US allies such as Saudi Arabia.

 

Iran rejects Trump's negative portrayal of its regional role

Iranian foreign minister on Wednesday called his country's characterization by US President Donald Trump as the "most destructive force" in the Middle East "deceptive", days after a fourth round of Iran-US nuclear talks.

Abbas Araqchi also confirmed a Reuters report that the Iranian deputy foreign minister will meet in Istanbul with British, French and German diplomats on Friday to consult on the parameters of a potential new nuclear deal being negotiated between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian foreign minister said the fourth round of Iran-US talks held on May 11 was "difficult" as they focused on the controversial issue of enrichment, adding he hoped the US side would come with "more realistic positions" after gaining a better understanding of Iran's fundamental positions.

A fifth round of talks is to be announced by Oman's foreign ministry which has acted as mediator since the start of the talks in April.

On the first leg of his Gulf visit in Riyadh, Trump drew a stark contrast between what he called the "constructive vision" of Saudi Arabia and the "collapse and suffering" he said had been caused by Iranian leaders.

Washington has for long accused Tehran of "malign and destabilizing activity" in the region, including the support of non-state armed groups such as Yemen's Houthis which fall within the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance" to Israel and US influence in the region.

"Unfortunately, this is a very deceptive view. The Iranian nation pursues the same aspirations toward progress and prosperity as other regional countries. It is the US with its sanctions and threats which has blocked Iran's path to progress," Araqchi said.

"Trump turns a blind eye to Israel's crimes and wants to present Iran as a threat to the region," he said.

Iran's top diplomat explained his recent trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar was related to Iran-US nuclear negotiations, saying Tehran keeps its neighbours informed and seeks a regional understanding regarding a potential agreement with the US.

"We are very interested in having a regional understanding regarding these talks and potential agreement that will lead to increased security and improved regional understanding without the interference of any foreign country," he said.

 

 

Trump concludes visit to Saudi Arabia

US President Donald Trump departed Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a landmark official visit that saw the signing of a strategic economic partnership with the Kingdom, participation in the Saudi–US Investment Forum, Gulf-US Summit, and a historic meeting involving Syria’s new leadership.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman was present at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to see off President Trump.

Trump’s visit marked his first official overseas trip during his second term. He was received at the airport on Tuesday morning by the Crown Prince, and the two leaders held multiple high-level engagements throughout the visit.

At Al-Yamamah Palace, Trump and the Crown Prince co-chaired the Saudi–US Summit, where they signed the Strategic Economic Partnership between the two governments. The summit addressed bilateral relations and regional security, and resulted in the exchange of numerous agreements and memoranda across key sectors including defense, energy, justice, health, space, and scientific research.

The visit also included the US–Gulf Summit, held in Riyadh, where Gulf leaders and Trump reaffirmed the strength of US–GCC strategic ties. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman noted that trade between GCC countries and the US reached nearly US$120 billion in 2024, with the US remaining a vital commercial partner.

In a diplomatic development, Trump announced the full removal of US sanctions on Syria and began the process of normalizing relations with the new Syrian government. The announcement followed a trilateral meeting hosted by the Crown Prince and attended by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who joined via phone call. The talks emphasized Syrian sovereignty, stability, and reconstruction.

Al-Sharaa, who assumed office after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, thanked Trump for lifting sanctions, calling it a pivotal step toward rebuilding Syria. He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their diplomatic efforts in support of Syria’s reintegration.

During the visit, Trump toured Diriyah with the Crown Prince and learned about the area’s historical significance and future as a global cultural destination. The president was briefed on Diriyah’s development plan and praised Saudi Arabia’s transformation.

Trump’s departure follows a series of high-impact meetings and announcements, solidifying US–Saudi relations, expanding investment and security cooperation, and opening new diplomatic channels in the Middle East.

Courtesy: Saudi Gazette

Trump urges Syrian President to sign Abraham Accords with Israel

According to media reports, US President Donald Trump urged Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to sign the Abraham Accords with Israel during their meeting ahead of the GCC summit in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The US leader added that he is also looking to normalize relations with Sharaa. The meeting between the two comes one day after Trump said that the US was lifting sanctions on Syria.

Trump told the Syrian leader he has "a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country," according to an official statement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Trump also urged Sharaa to tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria, deport Palestinian terrorists, help the US to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, and assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in the northeastern parts of the country.

Shaara affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement with Israel, the White House statement continued, recognized the opportunities of Iranians leaving Syria, and expressed interest in joint US-Syrian efforts in combating terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons.

Trump also said that his Middle East trip doesn't push Israel aside, saying, "I think it's very good for Israel."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also present in the meeting, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined by video conference. Erdogan and the Saudi Crown Prince praised Trump for lifting the sanctions on Syria, Leavitt said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that Saudi Arabia would support Syria's economic recovery and thanked Trump for lifting US sanctions on Syria. He said that there are many investment opportunities in Syria after lifting US sanctions, possibly a "breakthrough" in Saudi support for Syria.

 

Trump extends ‘olive branch’ to Iran with stern warning

US President, Donald Trump on Tuesday offered an “olive branch” to Iran as he projected optimism about the future of the Middle East in remarks from Saudi Arabia.

Trump speaking at a US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, praised leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for turning their capitals into hubs of commerce and called it his “fervent hope” that Saudi Arabia would eventually normalize relations with Israel.

The president portraying himself as a peacemaker for global conflicts, took a softer tone toward Iran as his administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran over its nuclear program.

“As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be very profound, which obviously they are in the case of Iran,” Trump said.

“I want to make a deal with Iran. If I can make a deal with Iran I’ll be very happy,” Trump added. “We’re going to make your region and the world a safer place. But if Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure.”

Trump said the olive branch to Iran “will not last forever.”

Officials from Iran and the US have been engaged in talks in recent weeks around Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump during his first term withdrew the US from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, which had offered sanctions relief in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.

The president has in recent days signaled he could be open to Iran having a civilian nuclear program but has been adamant that Tehran cannot have a nuclear weapon.

Trump also on Tuesday announced he was rolling back sanctions on Syria at the urging of allies in the Middle East in an effort to boost the new government in Damascus.

Israel after Trump strikes truce with Houthis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “defend ourselves alone” against Yemen’s Houthi rebels after the US President Donald Trump struck a deal with the Iran-backed group.

The US deal, announced just hours after the Israeli military carried out major strikes against Yemen’s international airport and other facilities in response to a Houthi attack on Israel’s main airport, was a surprise to Israel, which was not informed in advance about the truce, an Israeli official told CNN.

According to Trump, the US would halt an ongoing military campaign against the Houthis in exchange for the group stopping its attacks on US interests in the region.

The Houthis acknowledged the agreement but made it clear their attacks on Israel would continue. Senior Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi said after the announcement that the agreement was “a victory that separates US support for the temporary entity (Israel) and a failure for Netanyahu.”

On Wednesday, Netanyahu said, “Israel will defend itself by itself.” In the past, Israel has carried out joint strikes with the US against the Houthis, but two consecutive days of Israeli attacks on Yemen earlier this week were done alone.

“If others join us—our American friends—all the better. If they don’t, we will still defend ourselves on our own,” he said in a video posted on social media.

Trump referred to the deal as capitulation from the Houthis on Tuesday but on Wednesday he said they had a “good outcome with the Houthis,” adding they had a “great capacity to withstand punishment” from repeated US strikes.

“You could say there’s a lot of bravery there,” Trump said at a swearing-in of his ambassador to China at the White House. “It was amazing what they took.”

He added that the US would “honor their (Houthis’) commitment” not to attack US warships or commercial vessels in the region.

The US-Houthi truce sidelined the Israeli government, according to former US Middle East envoy Dennis Ross. He noted that Netanyahu was left in the dark when the US began talks with Hamas in March and only found out about US nuclear talks with Iran when Trump made the announcement seated next to the prime minister in the Oval Office last month. The US-Houthi ceasefire is one more instance where Israel’s concerns were a tertiary consideration for the White House, if at all, he said.

Whether Houthi ballistic missile launches against Israel continue remains to be seen, but Ross told CNN that Israel does not appear to have been a major factor in the White House’s thought process.

“The Trump Administration thinks about America’s interests,” said Ross.

There has been no public criticism of the White House decision from Israeli officials. Netanyahu, who once openly criticized the Biden administration’s requests and policies, is one of Trump’s most vocal international supporters. Other members of the government have reserved their judgment as well, instead focusing on Israel’s resolve against the Houthis.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Thursday that “Israel must be able to defend itself by itself against any threat and any enemy. This has been true in the face of many past challenges, and it will remain true in the future.”

Trump designated the Houthi group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in the final days of his first term as president. President Joe Biden revoked that designation early in his presidency in 2021, and Trump designated it again in January.

Gulf leaders to meet Trump in Riyadh

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will hold a summit meeting with US President Donald Trump during his visit to Riyadh in the middle of this month, according to the American news website Axios.

"During his meeting with Gulf leaders, US President Trump will present his country's vision for engagement in the Middle East affairs in addition to clarifying his policy priorities in the region," the website reported.

There are also plans to invite leaders of other Arab countries to the summit scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Axios reported. The leaders could be invited to a broader meeting, it reported.

US officials confirmed that President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will focus on bilateral issues, particularly investments, arms sales, and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, Axios reported.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh on May 13 on the first leg of his three-nation Gulf tour that will also take him to Qatar and the UAE.

After the Saudi visit, President Trump will travel to Doha to meet Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He will then travel to Abu Dhabi on May 15 to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

First 100 days of Donald Trump as US President

In the first 100 days of his second term (January 20–April 29, 2025), Donald Trump as President of the United States has implemented sweeping changes across domestic and foreign policy, marking a significant shift in US governance. This period is marked by aggressive executive action, political polarization, and early challenges in advancing his legislative agenda. He focused on fulfilling campaign promises, particularly on immigration, deregulation, and trade, but faced setbacks in healthcare reform and legislative coordination. Here's a brief review:

Domestic Policy

Government Overhaul
Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to streamline federal operations. This initiative led to substantial staff reductions and a freeze on new regulations and hiring, excluding the military.

Immigration Policies
The administration intensified immigration policies by invoking the Alien Enemies Act for mass deportations and signing the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention of undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes. Additionally, plans were set to expand the Guantanamo Bay Migrant Operations Center to detain up to 30,000 individuals.

Pardons and Clemency
Approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 06 Capitol attack received pardons, including leaders of groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road darknet market, was also granted clemency.

Education and Social Policies
Federal funding was cut for institutions promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Trump also challenged birthright citizenship and reinstated bans on transgender individuals serving in the military and participating in women's sports.

Energy and Environmental
Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, rescinded numerous environmental regulations, and withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time. He also halted new federal leases for wind energy projects.

Foreign Policy

International Relations and Aid
Executive Order 14169 initiated a 90-day pause on foreign development aid, excluding emergency food assistance and military aid to Egypt and Israel. The administration also reinstated Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and withdrew from the World Health Organization.

Conflict Resolution
Efforts to swiftly end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza faced setbacks. While initial diplomatic engagements showed promise, renewed hostilities impeded progress. A Kremlin-declared ceasefire in Ukraine offered some hope, but the Gaza ceasefire collapsed in March, exacerbating humanitarian concerns.

Trade and Alliances
Trump's aggressive tariff policies disrupted global markets and strained relationships with traditional allies. His administration's unilateral actions challenged longstanding international alliances and norms.

Domestic and Global Response

Domestically, public approval waned, with only 11% of Americans feeling better off since Trump's inauguration and 44% rating his performance as poor. Internationally, Amnesty International reported that Trump's policies contributed to a global decline in human rights, citing increased repression and erosion of international law.

Cases dropped against Inauguration donors

A new analysis released on Monday, following the latest Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, reveals that the Trump administration has dropped or paused federal enforcement actions against at least 17 corporations that contributed to the president’s inaugural fund.

The findings suggest that corporate donations to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration are yielding favorable outcomes for the companies involved.

Corporations facing federal lawsuits and investigations aren't giving millions to Trump's inauguration out of the kindness of their hearts. They're buying goodwill.

The watchdog group Public Citizen cross-referenced FEC data published on Sunday with its Corporate Enforcement Tracker, which monitors companies embroiled in federal legal actions.

According to the report, corporations under federal investigation or enforcement lawsuits contributed a total of US$50 million to Trump’s inaugural committee. Trump raised a record-setting US$239 million for his second inauguration, the filings show.

“Corporations facing federal lawsuits and investigations aren't donating millions out of goodwill,” said Rick Claypool, a researcher with Public Citizen. “They're attempting to buy influence. When a company is under investigation or prosecution, that influence can mean having cases dropped, settlements withdrawn, or even pardons granted.”

Notable companies whose federal enforcement cases were dismissed after donating to Trump’s inauguration include Bank of America, Capital One, Coinbase, DuPont, and JPMorgan Chase.

The report also highlights potential benefits for Google, which donated US$1 million. During an ongoing antitrust case, the Trump Justice Department abandoned a proposed breakup plan that would have required Google to divest its artificial intelligence assets. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, was among several prominent corporate leaders given high-profile roles during the January ceremony.

Other inauguration donors have reaped different rewards. For instance, after Intuit, the tax preparation giant, donated US$1 million, the Trump administration moved to dismantle the IRS’s free Direct File program—a move that critics say serves Intuit’s interests.

Former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich drew attention to the pattern on social media noted, Apple donated US$1 million. Trump exempted most of Apple's imports from tariffs.

Coinbase donated US$1 million. Trump's SEC dropped a major lawsuit against them.

Observers have raised growing concerns about apparent pay-to-play corruption in the early months of Trump’s second term. Critics argue the administration has effectively put a “For Sale” sign on the White House.

Further blurring the lines between governance and corporate influence, CBS News reported that this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll was largely sponsored by private companies—a departure from the traditional support of the American Egg Board. Sponsors included Amazon, YouTube, and Meta, which funded various stations at the event.

“Nothing says Happy Easter in Trump 2.0 like corporate sponsorships at the White House Egg Roll,” Public Citizen commented. “They never miss an opportunity for a little old-fashioned corporate bribery.”

Gold record run gains further traction

Gold remarkable run higher is reaching new heights, with the market touching US$3,500 per ounce as confidence in the US economy further erodes after President Donald Trump's renewed attack on the Federal Reserve chair. Spot gold was trading around US$3,428 per ounce by 1417 GMT, after hitting a record US$3,500.05 earlier in the session, reports Reuters.

Trump said on Monday the US economy could slow down unless interest rates are lowered immediately, repeating his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell as being slow to act and calling him a "major loser".

That was followed by a furious flight from US assets which undermined Wall Street and the dollar, while concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve piled fresh pressure on Treasuries.

"Gold is recalibrating to reflect what can only be described as epic changes in the global financial system. And those changes are a widespread and fundamental shift in confidence in the world’s reserve currency and its bond markets," said independent analyst Ross Norman.

Bullion, renowned as a hedge against uncertainties and a highly liquid asset, has surged more than US$800 since the start of the year. It surpassed US$3,300 last Wednesday, and its strong momentum pushed it up by nearly US$200 in just a few days.

Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault, said central bank demand is very likely chasing gold's move higher, because Trump 2.0’s chaos only hardens gold’s appeal as a geopolitical asset".

In the final quarter of 2024, when Trump won the US election, central bank purchases accelerated 54% year-on-year to 333 tons, according to an estimate from the World Gold Council.

Data showed that China's central bank added gold to its reserves in March for the fifth straight month. China is considering setting up overseas warehouses to aid international settlement of specific products on the Shanghai Gold Exchange, its central bank said.

ANZ last week also raised its year-end gold price forecast to US$3,600.

Asked about a pause in the rally, analysts and experts said any correction is likely to be short-lived, and greater gains are most likely on the horizon if instability persists.

"It is hard just now to see a scenario where gold could correct sharply lower as a physical floor of Johnny-come-lately buyers would support or cushion the decline," said Norman.

Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke said a major road block for gold would be a less confrontative President Trump, either on the side of trade or on the side of monetary policy - both of which seem rather unlikely at the moment.

Spot gold has hit 28 record highs so far in 2025, of which 16 are above the US$3,000/ oz milestone. Prices are up 31% so far this year, after ending 2024 with a 27% annual rise.

Threat to Powell tanks markets

According to Bloomberg, President Donald Trump sent the US stock market plummeting again, this time with social media snark and derisive playground nicknames aimed at the Chair of the US Federal Reserve.

The president, under increasing pressure for singlehandedly destabilizing global markets with his trade war, has turned his attention to interest rates in a bid to avoid what economists increasingly fear is a recession dead ahead.

Trump’s public mulling over whether he can legally fire Powell have market watchers eyeing a potential broad-based loss of confidence in the US economy if he were to try it.

The 78-year-old Republican’s taunts came before he met with executives of major retailers at the White House—those whose businesses are set to bear the brunt of tariffs the White House has temporarily suspended. The Monday meeting was said to have included representatives from Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target. 

By the time markets closed, the S&P 500 and other major US stock indices had dropped around 2.5%, The gauge of the dollar weakened to a 15-month low. The benchmark 10-year Treasury fell with the yield reaching 4.4%.

As investors turned away from US securities, haven assets climbed. Gold jumped to another record, above US$3,400 an ounce, while the Swiss franc gained around 1% against the dollar. 

United States being labelled untrustworthy

Donald Trump, after assuming charge of president of United States has issued many administrative orders. Though, many of these have been suspended for a predefined period, the super power and the largest democracy is being labelled "untrustworthy". It is also being said that the perception can vary depending on who is saying it, their political stance, and the context. Here are some of the narratives, it is left at the reader to have his/ her own view.

Shifting Foreign Policy

The US has had a tendency to change its foreign policy dramatically between administrations. What one president supports, another might reverse. For allies and international partners, this unpredictability creates a sense of instability and mistrust. The example often cited is that of the US joining and then withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, Paris Climate Agreement, and even the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Military Interventions

The US has a long history of military involvement in other countries—some could be justified, but many remains controversial i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya. These interventions often came with promises of democracy or stability but often result in prolonged conflict or power vacuums. This forces the people in those regions, and globally, to question US intentions.

Economic Sanctions and Trade Wars

The US commonly uses economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool, which annoys people of these as well as other countries. Though US says, sanctions target governments, but people are the ultimate sufferers. The recent trade war with China and even allies cements the perceptions of unpredictability and economic aggression.

Domestic Issues Tarnish Global Reputation

Events like the Capitol riot, racial tensions, mass shootings, and political polarization have impacted how other countries view the governance and values of the US administration. Not only the image of US administration is tarnished, but its moral authority to dictate other countries is questioned.

Intelligence and Surveillance Concerns

Revelations like the Snowden leaks showed that the US was spying not just on adversaries but on allies also, even leaders of friendly nations like Germany. That definitely dents the trust.

Broken Promises/ Inconsistent Support

Countries/ groups that relied on US support—like the Kurds in Syria or Afghan have often felt abandoned when political priorities changed. That history leads others to question whether American support will endure when it is needed the most.

Way Forward

It must be kept in mind that despite all these broken promises, last minute ditches and sudden and abrupt change in policies, many people still see the United States a global leader in innovation, freedom, and human rights. The “untrustworthy” label is becoming universal and once an alternative currency to the Greenback becomes a reality the United States would be left alone.

 

 

 

 

US imposes China centric global trade war

US President Donald Trump's stunning decision to pause the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries sent battered global stock markets surging on Thursday, even as he ratcheted up a trade war with China.

Trump's turnabout on Wednesday, which came less than 24 hours after steep new tariffs kicked in on most trading partners, followed the most intense episode of financial market volatility since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upheaval erased trillions of dollars from stock markets and led to an unsettling surge in US government bond yields that appeared to catch Trump's attention.

"I thought that people were jumping a little bit out of line, they were getting yippy, you know," Trump told reporters after the announcement, referring to jitters sportspeople sometimes get.

US stock indexes shot higher on the news, with the benchmark S&P 500, opens new tab index closing 9.5% higher, and the relief continued into Asian trading on Thursday with Japan's Nikkei index surging 8%.

European futures also pointed to big gains, but there were already signs the rally may be short-lived with US stock futures trading lower. Oil prices also fell around 1%, extending a grim spell fuelled by fears that the trade tensions could push the global economy towards recession

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened an array of punitive measures on trading partners, only to revoke some of them at the last minute. The on-again, off-again approach has baffled world leaders and spooked business executives.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserted that the pullback had been the plan all along to bring countries to the bargaining table. Trump, though, later indicated that the near-panic in markets that had unfolded since his April 02 announcements had factored in to his thinking.

Despite insisting for days that his policies would never change, he told reporters on Wednesday، "You have to be flexible."

But he kept the pressure on China, the world's second economy and second biggest provider of US imports. Trump immediately hiked the tariff on Chinese imports to 125% from the 104% level that kicked in on Wednesday.

Chinese companies that sell products on Amazon are preparing to hike prices for the US or quit that market due to the "unprecedented blow" from the tariffs, the head of China's largest e-commerce association said.

Beijing may again respond in kind after slapping 84% tariffs on US imports on Wednesday to match Trump's earlier tariff salvo. It has repeatedly vowed to "fight to the end" in the escalating trade war between the world's top two economies.

"The US and China are currently in a powerplay game of brinkmanship," said ING global head of markets Chris Turner.

Beijing said it had held talks with the European Union and Malaysia on strengthening trade in response to the tensions, although Australia said it had rebuffed an offer from China, its top trading partner, to work together to counter the tariffs.

"We are not going to be holding hands with China in respect of any contest that is going on in the world," Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told Sky News.

Hopes of state support helped prop up Chinese stocks on Thursday, even as its yuan currency fell to its weakest level since the global financial crisis.