What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The Angle – For the first time, the indomitable frame of the West Wing, Susie Wiles, appears vulnerable.

After the November elections, the president will likely reshuffle key personnel as he looks to the final two years of his term.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Rubio in Central and South Asia | The Secretary of State heads East to make stops in Uzbekistan and India as he seeks to shore up the new alliance structure of the administration.

• Knives Out for Wiles | The Chief of Staff faces press rumors about her impending departure, though she still appears stronger than ever.

• Midterms Campaigns Hit Home Stretch | Both parties are engaging in rallies across the country as the pivotal election nears, with the president expected to head to Michigan.

• Iran War on Brink of Escalation | Saudi cancelled a pivotal investment conference next week as it looks to retaliate against the Houthis in Yemen.

• Brazil Runoff to Sway South America | The Sunday vote will either reinforce or stem the right-wing tide on the continent.

You may have missed

• Press Secretary Fired within Days | Katie Zacharia was removed after just five days on the job as her performance was widely panned.

• Habba and Grenell in Feud | The president’s former legal advisor accused long-time Trump advisor, Richard Grenell, of misappropriating a donation by a shadowy Turkish businessman.

• Zelensky and Trump Trade Barbs | The Ukrainian and American presidents exchanged missives following the restriction of Starlink in Ukraine.

• Zampolli Finally Removed from Post | The quixotic figure who claims to have introduced the president to his wife in the 1990s was removed following disputes within the State Department.

• Settler Violence Called Terrorism | After Israeli settlers severely beat a Washington Post journalist, Ambassador Huckabee called it an act of terrorism.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• Air Mail | Larry David on the DSA

• CBS News | “Town Hall with JD Vance”

• YouTube | “Independent Counts – McConaughey”

“Susie Wiles | Chief of Staff— Wiles is considered to be the glue of the current White House and played a similar role on the campaign trail. She was influential in the cabinet appointments process and maintained discipline in the administration’s early days. Wiles has an extensive resume, going back to the Reagan administration. She served on the first Trump Campaign in 2016 and became CEO of the Save America PAC in 2021.”

- p. 103 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The Angle – President Trump is revelling in the campaign season, focusing on incendiary broadsides at rallies rather than mobilizing around the substance of his term’s accomplishments.

Notably, the MAHA and America First messaging that dominated the 2024 election has completely disappeared along with many of the messengers of that era.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Campaign Moves into Higher Gear | With rallies this week in Ohio, Alaska, Kansas, and Georgia, the president is going deep into GOP territory to try and stem potential losses in Congress.

• Public Execution Plans Facing Pushback | After a euphoric announcement of a plan to stream the execution of a convicted terrorist, senior officials have cautioned that this has yet to be approved.

• Mamdani Sees Opposition within Own Ranks | New York’s mayor saw protesters accuse him of complicity in genocide on the anniversary of October 7.

• AI Discussions Continuing in Congress | Despite an informal accord already agreed by leading companies, a bipartisan push is continuing on the Hill to create more regulatory oversight of AI.

• Bergen Group Plans to Meet in Poland | The so-called Bergen Group convened by Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby is planning to meet in Poland later this month.

You may have missed

• Ilhan Omar Under Investigation | Investigators raided the Minnesota congresswoman’s home as a criminal probe into her background picks up pace.

• Riyadh Airport Attack Raises New Fears | A missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis left a dozen civilians dead in Saudi Arabia, leading to fears a wider war may break out in the region.

• Talarico Evades GOP Crosshairs | The Democratic candidate for Senate was falsely reported to have checked into a mental institution, leading to blowback for his GOP accusers.

• Guilfoyle Asked to Resign | The American ambassador to Greece, and former fiancé of Donald Trump Jr., was told to step aside after startling allegations of corruption came to light.

• Diesel Deal Reached with Russia | Following a significant rise in fuel prices, the president announced that the United States was buying diesel from Russia, despite the continuing war and sanctions.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• Department of State | Rubio Remarks at Acropolis

• White House | “A New Golden Age Summit.”

• AP | First White House Press Briefing by Katie Zacharia

“The ability to discern fact from fiction is becoming extremely difficult. The hype cycle involves multiple accounts echoing the same story so that it appears singularly powerful, even if the underlying sourcing is thin. Without investigating beyond the headlines, the audience risks missing more significant developments and context.”

- p. 10 “Up Front” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

Political momentum is converging this week as the campaign season picks up intensity, with the president not looking to leave anything on or off the table.

The White House will use every pressure tactic to find votes, from promising cash giveaways to making flashy announcements, and could yet surprise with an unexpected midterms result.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• President Promotes Paying Voters | Trump continued his insistence that voters will get a $5,000 check if the GOP maintains control of Congress, in addition to a new $100 payment for Medicare recipients.

• Brazil Vote Advancing Right | Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of the jailed former president, will head to a runoff with the current president on October 25, as conservatives gain ground in Brazil.

• More Rallies For Trump, Vance | The president and vice president are due to headline rallies in at least Alaska, Nebraska, Texas and potentially New York this week.

• Rubio Travels to Europe | The Secretary of State will visit Europe to shore up alliances, with stops in Greece, Portugal and Iceland.

• Anduril Summit to Host President | The weapons supplier is hosting a summit where the president is expected to deliver a keynote Tuesday on defense manufacturing.

You may have missed

• Intelligence Accord Agreed | Leading technologists joined the White House for a lunch that led to a self-policing accord on AI/SI as well as appointing intelligence chief Jay Clayton as the AI Czar.

• Trump, Cotton Face off on Time | The president and senator have disagreed publicly about whether to end Daylight Saving Time.

• Pentagon Initiates Project Meridian | Elon Musk joined a new advisory board to map the future of defense under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership.

• US Withdraws from Iraq | On September 30, the United States withdrew its last troops from the country, marking a new milestone for the Middle East.

• Kushner in Nepotism Crosshairs | The president’s son-in-law has been accused in a media investigation of using his position to benefit his investment firm.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• TIME | Transcript of Interview with President Trump

• MDMEETS | Interview with Peter Thiel

• UCSB | Full Text of AI Accord

“Tom Cotton (R- Arkansas)— Senator Cotton is the Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Senate Republican Conference. After his military service, during which he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he briefly worked for a consulting firm. He became a congressman before running successfully for the Senate in 2014. He is one of the foreign policy hawks of the Senate and is at times on the other side of Trump’s agenda. That being said, he backed the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for DNI. Cotton will help shape the overhaul of the intelligence apparatus.”

- p. 121 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The next month will bring a dizzying pace of campaign rallies, interspersed with geopolitical negotiations to lock in deals ahead of a potential shift in domestic winds in the US.

What comes next is an open question, and the midterm elections will alter every aspect of engagement in Washington, from lobbying to congressional investigations.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• President Makes Huge Steel Announcement | The White House is set to announce the largest-ever steel plant in America in Iowa, valued at $15 billion.

• Lebanese PM Meets Rubio | As talks stall, PM Salam holds talks in Washington to try to find a path forward.

• Trump and Vance Set for Rallies | With the GOP’s chances waning in November, the president and vice president are headed to Alabama, Florida, Iowa, and beyond this week.

• Iran Negotiations Continuing | In the background, negotiations are continuing, with mediators expected to meet this week.

• Movie Industry Getting Bipartisan Boost | Following the president’s vocal support for Hollywood, senators from both sides of the aisle are working on legislation.

You may have missed

• Xi Makes Landmark Visit | Xi Jinping concluded a state visit to the US without a major announcement, but it had many photogenic moments.

• Trump Dines with Dario | The president had dinner with Anthropic’s CEO Sunday night to see if they could move past their differences.

• Deputy Director of FBI Departs | Andrew Bailey announced he was stepping down in the latest of high-profile officials to leave at the midway point.

• North Korea File Escalates | South Korea upbraided Ukraine for disclosing that North Korean PoWs were transferred to Seoul, which could inflame tensions on the Peninsula.

• Supreme Court Sides with White House | In a new ruling, the court authorized the administration to vet voting rolls against existing lists.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• New York Times | “Interview with Mark Carney.”

• The Independent | “Google Earth exposes devastation in Gaza.”

• The Correspondent | “Inside Alina Habba’s wedding.”

“Alina Habba | Counselor— Habba was in a role as a communications surrogate but has since been appointed as an interim U.S. attorney. In 2019, she became acquainted with Trump at his golf club in Bedminster and has served as his lawyer in civil cases.”

- p. 98 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

This is a presidential week for Donald Trump as he raises his profile through meetings with foreign leaders, highlighted by the visit of Chinese President Xi.

While high on optics, there is little depth under the surface, and even less legislative backing, given the House is once again in recess.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• World Leaders Line Up for Trump Meeting | Today the president delivers remarks to the UN, signs the Greenland deal, and meets with Japan, Ukraine, the UK, the Gulf, Latin American leaders, and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez.

• Major Trump-Xi Summit | The first visit of China’s president to the United States during the second Trump term promises to be an affair full of pomp and splendor.

• President Visits Mamdani’s Mansion | President Trump kicked off his New York visit with a visit to Gracie Mansion to discuss the Sunnyside housing project.

• NIH Grants Tussle to Continue | The NIH leadership is in a face off with the White House over grants to Harvard University.

• Houthis Focus of Iran War | The Saudi-Yemen front is now the key flashpoint in the Iran War and is affecting global oil prices.

You may have missed

• White House Bans Media Outlets | The administration banned MS Now, CNN, and Politico from covering the president, prompting a wider press boycott.

• Bessent Meets Chinese Vice Premier | The Treasury Secretary met with his counterpart to pave the way for the high-level meeting later this week.

• Canada’s PM Goes on Roadshow | PM Carney has gone to Europe to make the case for a broader relationship with the EU as he tries to lead a global political movement without America.

• Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Ukraine has struck Moscow with hundreds of drones, which is likely to lead to massive strikes in response that will target core infrastructure.

• Tentative Greenland Deal Reached | A trilateral deal between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States was reached but still needs to be ratified.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• Pro Publica | “Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas Wedding.”

• NYC Mayor’s Office | “Mayor Mamdani Joins U20 Conference.”

• USA Today | White House Helipad Opens

“Donald Trump Jr.— The eldest son of President Trump co-leads the Trump Organization with his brother Eric Trump. He is one of three children from President Trump’s marriage to the late Ivana Trump. Don Jr., as he is known, has been outspoken politically and hosts a podcast. He took personal credit for JD Vance’s selection as the vice presidential candidate.”

- p. 94 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

Political attention has begun to shift from the Middle East to artificial intelligence, putting the administration on the back foot once again.

With the White House linked to Silicon Valley donors and its economic agenda tied to data centers, it has little room to adopt a position that would resonate with its populist MAGA base.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Fed to Announce Rate Decision | With Treasury yields running hot and inflation still persistent, there is worry in the GOP that the Fed could increase rates at the ‘wrong’ time.

• G20 Energy Ministerial in Houston | G20 energy ministers are gathering in Houston to discuss global fuel supply at a precarious time.

• Thiel to Deliver Antichrist Lectures | Technologist Peter Thiel is due to deliver four lectures on the antichrist over the coming month in Nashville.

• AI Debate Ratcheting Up | After warnings by Anthropic’s CEO were echoed by Elon Musk and Sam Altman, a debate in Washington around AI regulation is now unfolding quickly.

• Houthis and Saudis Square Off | The ruling group in Yemen is targeting Saudi infrastructure that could set energy markets alight.

You may have missed

• GOP Convention Ends | The Republican midterm gathering in Dallas concluded without a major bounce, despite the president’s announcement of a $5,000 payout for voters if the GOP wins.

• EPA Relaxes Climate Rules | The agency eased several pollution standards in line with the administration’s views on climate change.

• Donald Trump Jr. Caught in Awkward Ties | The president’s son was revealed to have celebrated his wedding with a party funded by a Russian oligarch.

• September 11 Commemoration Ends Era | The 25^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was marked by leaders in Washington and New York, seemingly turning the page to a new geopolitical era still plagued by the past.

• Trump Holds Course in Ireland | The president visited Ireland to watch a tournament and tour his properties, while also meeting with the country’s leadership.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• The New Yorker | “Jared Kushner’s Dollar Diplomacy.”

• X | Joe Allen v. Joe Lonsdale on Data Centers

• 60 Minutes | “Brokers are offering felons a path to Trump pardons.”

“Peter Thiel—One of his era’s foremost investors and technologists, Thiel has a mixed relationship with both Elon Musk and Donald Trump. However, he spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016. He had a guiding role in JD Vance’s career, and now many of his protégés dot the administration at both senior and junior levels.”

- p. 136 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

All eyes remain fixed on November, with progress on domestic and geopolitical files at a standstill until the political winds clear.

Unless there is a dramatic turn in the coming weeks, it appears that the prospects for GOP-led legislation will come to an end.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Midterm Convention Begins | The Dallas GOP confab has much less fanfare with the MAGA coalition fractured, and is a top-down affair from the White House.

• 25^th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks | Washington, D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania will host major commemorative events colored by today’s political context.

• Courts and White House Spar on Voting | The Supreme Court continues to be brought into adjudicating the procedures around mail-in ballots ahead of the midterms.

• Iran Escalation Returns | Another round of tit-for-tat strikes may signal wider escalation across the Middle East between the U.S., Iran and other countries.

• Lutnick Heads to Mexico | The Commerce Secretary is headed to Mexico to advance trade talks, as negotiations with Canada stall.

You may have missed

• Army Secretary Departs | Dan Driscoll left in another high-profile resignation from the Pentagon, raising questions about force readiness.

• White House Envoys Conclude Trip | Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian and Russian leadership to try to jump-start peace talks.

• Huckabee Enters the Fray in Israel | The U.S. Ambassador to Israel traveled to the West Bank to look into claims of harassment of Palestinian Americans by settlers.

• AfD Wins in Germany | The right-wing party won regional elections and may form a state-level government.

• Stopgap Funding Bill Signed | The president signed budget legislation that will keep the government funded through mid-December.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• New York Times | “Kennedy Promised Children’s Health Reforms.”

• Wall Street Journal | “Lewandowski’s Power Moves at DHS.”

• BBC News | “Lake Ontario/Lake America.”

“There is likely to be a nationwide initiative to promote voting transparency and drive new requirements for voter identification. The federal government has oversight over certain aspects of voting, even though each state determines its procedures... This issue may become a point of contention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.”

- p. 89 “Principles and Policies” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

A sense of unease has descended on the GOP, the online right, and the White House as it appears that the generational coalition that achieved victory in 2024 has permanently fractured.

Look for a last-minute Hail Mary campaign, including shock policy announcements, that will leave no stone unturned ahead of the midterms.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Major GOP Convention Planned | Next week, the Republicans will hold an unorthodox midterm convention in Dallas to rally their base.

• No Surprises Expected in Massachusetts Primary | Tuesday will see a Democratic Senate race, which incumbent Ed Markey is expected to win.

• Vance to Headline Michigan Rally | The vice president will travel to Sterling Heights with a pivotal Senate race and Canada as a backdrop.

• Bessent Heads to G20 Ministerial | The treasury secretary is presiding over a G20 finance ministerial as the United States seeks to increase economic pressure on Iran.

• Jobs Report to Pace Economic Narrative | This week’s employment figures could become a dominant theme for the month’s economic messaging.

You may have missed

• MAGA Provocateur Milo Deported | Long-time political agitator, Milo Yiannopoulos, was sent back to the United Kingdom after being detained for an expired visa, to the delight of critics like Laura Loomer.

• Canada and America Trade Barbs | Ontario’s premier launched a verbal tirade after President Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, now reflected on Google Maps.

• U.S. Makes Play for Venezuela Oil | The White House announced that a deal had been struck with Caracas, making the U.S. the primary beneficiary of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

• Neocon Columnist Meets President | Following a meeting with the president, Marc Thiessen called out colleagues at the Washington Post for endangering national security.

• Jackson Hole Foreshadows Hike | At the annual finance meeting, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh indicated that interest rate hikes could be possible if inflation continues.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• NBC News | Settlers Attack NBC News Team

• PBS | Interview with Marjorie Taylor Greene

• X | Palmer Luckey v. Paul Graham

“Milo—The flamboyant conservative influencer from the United Kingdom re- emerged on X during the presidential election in 2024. He often gets into unique gossip fights with influential right- wing figures. He has managed crisis communications for Kanye West, also known as Ye.”

- p. 152 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The future of the GOP beyond Trump looks closer at hand as the administration struggles to regain momentum.

Even if deals can be reached with Iran, Canada and China, they have already caused significant damage to the domestic and foreign policy agendas.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Iran Sanctions Heading into Overdrive | Secretary Bessent announced new measures targeting countries that engage in trade with Iran.

• South Carolina Primaries on Tuesday | All eyes are on the Republican Primary for Senate as the late Lindsey Graham’s sister looks to be his successor.

• Data Centers Challenge Looms Large | Private memos from the Republican Party have laid out that campaigns need to change course in Ohio and elsewhere.

• Preparation Underway for Xi Visit | New tariffs on China could be announced as the two presidents prepare for their September 24 meeting.

• Supreme Court Paves Way for Voting Change | The highest court allowed the administration to begin changes in how mail-in ballots can be delivered, before the case is fully adjudicated.

You may have missed

• Canada Deal Falls Apart | Despite initial optimism, the Canadian PM announced that he could not accept the deal on the table

• Argentina Cattle Receives Support | The president announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would waive tariffs on beef imports to support lower prices.

• Israel Targets Syria | Airstrikes were conducted on a military base in Syria ostensibly to counter Turkish influence.

• Florida Election Results Surprise | Favored candidate Alexander Vindman lost his Democratic primary for the Senate to a DSA candidate.

• Military Drill with South Korea Canceled | Several reasons were offered for the cancellation of regular military exercises with the U.S. ally.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• White House | VP Vance Remarks in Ohio

• New York Post | “Trump Takes Lap at Freedom 250 Grand Prix.”

• CBS | “Cuban Immigrant Speaks Out”

“With so many personalities in the current White House, Vance may be crowded out by others... he is a critical part of the administration and should not be underestimated or forgotten amidst all the noise.”

- p. 98 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The administration is seeing a transition of key officials, which is likely to accelerate in the coming months.

There is a feeling that Washington is gradually moving on from the president as the epicenter of politics.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Kushner Leads Middle East Agenda | The president’s son-in-law is back at the forefront, meeting with the leader of Hamas and Israel’s PM this week.

• Iran War Could See Aggressive Turn | Both the United States and Iran have expressed that they will not wait indefinitely for a resolution at the negotiating table.

• Key Administration Officials Depart | White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt and the VP’s National Security Advisor Andy Baker are exiting, as another cabinet official may soon follow.

• Supreme Court to Review Ballroom | The construction plans will be reviewed by the highest court to find a way forward.

• Canada-US Talks at a Critical Point | Both sides are far apart, and a deal must be reached to avoid massive new tariffs.

You may have missed

• President Indicates Thaw with North Korea | Washington has said it would reduce military exercises with South Korea and pursue détente with Pyongyang.

• Navy Under Scrutiny After Leaks | Numerous stories have emerged about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Lincoln amidst an unprecedented deployment.

• Vaccine Announcement Causes Controversy | The new vaccine schedule announced by the administration last week is raising eyebrows in Washington.

• Ohio Rally Falls Flat | The Patriot Games were held without much national fanfare as the president attended the finale.

• Meta in the Crosshairs | A new multi-state lawsuit against Meta has reached federal court and will likely spark debate in Congress in the fall.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• X | Loomer: “We are kind of doomed”

• YouTube | Rally with Jon Ossoff

• GEOPOLITICO | “Surviving in a World of Hard Power.”

“Jared Kushner— The president’s son- in- law married Ivanka Trump in 2009, and they have three children together. After playing a lead role in Middle East policy during Donald Trump’s first term, he has stepped back to devote his time to growing business interests. Notably, Saudi Arabia has given his fund, Affinity Partners, deep financial backing.”

- p. 95 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

A deep malaise has set in for the MAGA base as grassroots Democrats gain momentum in successive primaries as the president continues to back the establishment GOP on the other side.

All signs point to the November midterms as a deep political inflection point that will lead to a freewheeling dynamic the day after for both the left and right.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Trump Likely to Attend Patriot Games | The president is due to travel to Ohio for the finale of the Patriot Games that are marking America’s 250^th anniversary without fanfare.

• AI Framework Facing Scrutiny | The White House has unveiled its plans to regulate frontier models in private, prompting criticism from both corporate players and the wider public.

• Fraud Ledger in Focus for VP | JD Vance is making fraud the central focus of his political agenda and is growing the profile of investigations ahead of the midterms.

• New Russia Sanctions in Play | The Senate passed a bill to enhance economic restrictions on Russia, which will now go to the House for approval.

• Iran War Simmers on Backburner | The conflict continues to wreak economic havoc and could restart in full in the future, with no comprehensive deal imminent.

You may have missed

• Michigan Senate Race Heats Up | With the conclusion of the primaries, the race heats up between Rogers and El Sayed.

• Blanche Confirmed as AG | The personal lawyer of the president is now the Attorney General of the United States.

• Netanyahu Rejects Hamas Deal | The Israeli Prime Minister has formally indicated he will not accept the already agreed-upon terms of disarmament with Hamas.

• New White House Counsel Named | Will Scharf is the new top lawyer at the White House.

• Colombia Gets Billion-Dollar Deal | The right-leaning government in Colombia has been rewarded with a financial lifeline by the Trump administration.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• TCN | Tucker Interview with Hunter Biden

• Fox News | “JD Vance gives update on Iran.”

• FB | “Zuckerberg: The Future is for Everyone.”

“The Trump administration has signaled that it wants to be a leader in AI. It sees AI as a national security asset, similar to energy and critical minerals. The Trump administration also sees AI as part of a modernized American economy in the years to come. The one guiding objective is to ensure American AI dominance.”

- p. 84 “Principles & Policies” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The battle for the future of the GOP is bubbling to the surface, and with the Iran War continuing to draw the president’s attention, his grip on the party is loosening.

Establishment senators are coalescing on one side, and on the other, ‘podcaster populists’ led by Tucker Carlson are developing a new consensus.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Iran War on Repeat | In an expected pattern, the president followed up his bellicose rhetoric with an entreaty for continued negotiations with Iran this week.

• Michigan Primary Takes Center Stage | The Democratic Senate race spotlights the party’s position on Gaza on Tuesday.

• Blanche Nomination Picking up Momentum | With a deal on the IRS relief fund for the president and family, two holdout senators said they would support the acting AG’s confirmation.

• Congress Attempts Funding Workaround | The Senate passed a potential funding bill to keep the government open through the end of the year.

• Farm Bill Gaining Supporters | The comprehensive agriculture legislation is drawing industry groups to Washington to shape the final text.

You may have missed

• Hamas Agrees to Disarmament Terms | The militant group agreed to give up its arms in Gaza in a phased plan, although Israel has expressed skepticism.

• Trump Social API Raises Alarms | An application-layer service to provide faster access to the president’s posts is seen as enabling insider trading.

• FIFA Privatization Plans Shelved | The FIFA president’s plan to create a fund benefitting from the World Cup, led in part by Jared Kushner, has been canceled following massive opposition.

• Lincoln Memorial Charges Withdrawn | US Attorney Pirro asked to dismiss the case against an individual accused of vandalizing the reflecting pool.

• Bessent Backs the Yen | The Treasury Secretary prominently indicated that the United States will buy the Japanese currency.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• France24 | “40,000 migrants swim from Morocco into Spain”

• CNN | Dana Bash Interview with RJK Jr

• X | Post from MTJ

“Since 2026 is an election year, there is a narrow window to demonstrate progress. While the executive branch can drive the agenda, meaningful changes require alignment with Congress, and this is likely to be a continuing challenge.”

- p. 7 “Up Front” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

As political leaders gather in Washington this week for Senator Lindsay Graham’s funeral, President Trump will need to decide if his legacy is a renewal of the old GOP or a revival of the populist platform he campaigned on.

The Iran War continues to cast a long shadow over both the domestic and foreign policy agendas of the White House, with nearly every issue filtered through that prism.

Trump 2.5

Coming up this week

• Graham Memorial Service to Draw Dignataries | The president will make special remarks as a range of foreign leaders descend on the nation’s capital for the funeral of the late senator.

• Iran War in Lull as Netanyahu Visits Washington | All eyes are on the Israeli Prime Minister’s attempt to shape the contours of the conflict and stalled negotiations.

• Saudi Nuclear Agreement Remains Uncertain | The deal has raised controversy on the Hill as lawmakers express guarded criticism of the yet-to-be-finalized terms.

• Key Federal Nominations In Queue | Jay Clayton is expected to be confirmed as intelligence director, as Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general faces additional scrutiny.

• AI Policy in Seminal Moment | The White House had set an August 1 deadline to create a new framework to manage key AI models, leading to a frenetic week of top technology leaders lobbying officials.

You may have missed

• White House Resets Tariffs Baseline | New tariffs were announced for Canada as well as 60 trading partners, under a new long-term framework for the measures.

• President Trump Launches Election Integrity Push | In a major speech, the president outlined attempts by China to interfere in the 2020 U.S. elections.

• Chinese Official Attends Pentagon Meeting | Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby hosted a high-level Chinese delegation at the Pentagon ahead of a trip later this year by President Xi.

• Lebanese President Makes Landmark Visit | President Aoun cemented ties with the United States in the context of his country’s negotiations with Israel facilitated by the Trump administration.

• Medicaid Fraud Claims Lead to Funding Block | The federal government is withholding $1 billion in payments to California and Minnesota in a move being labeled partisan politics.

Readings & Viewings

Snapshots from around the media from the past week.

• “The Reading Room” | Rand Paul Releases Fauci Diary

• Laura Loomer | Interview with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

• FIFA | World Cup Final Highlights

“The Trump administration will endeavor to minimize and contain Chinese influence in geostrategic regions like the Gulf, African countries with critical supply chains, and Greenland, where there are critical supply chains for tomorrow.”

- p. 63 “Principles & Policies” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The euphoria from the July 4 weekend was short-lived as the Iran ceasefire is all but gone, shifting geopolitics back into the spotlight.

The administration is …

Read more

What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

With America basking in a celebratory glow amid the 250^th anniversary and the World Cup festivities, the White House has had a brief reprieve that may continue i…

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What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

America’s 250^th anniversary was meant to be a crowning moment for the president, but his coalition is fractured, domestic progress has been intermittent, and geo…

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What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

The president will look to generate momentum for the domestic agenda over the summer while raising the temperature in Congress, as seen with the delayed DNI appo…

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What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

A provisional deal with Iran has bought the administration time to celebrate the World Cup and America’s 250^th without the shadow of war hanging overhead

The seco…

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What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

While turmoil in the Middle East continues in the background, the president is immersed in spectacle this week, first at the Knicks game on Monday and then at th…

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What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?

There is a lack of excitement on both sides of the aisle for America’s 250^th anniversary, showing overall fatigue with the Trump administration.

While still pushi…

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