The Weekly Primer is a ‘pop-up’ newsletter that highlights the latest developments from the Trump White House with a view into the deeper agenda underway.
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.
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)