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Lincoln Memorial Charges Withdrawn | US Attorney Pirro asked to dismiss the case against an individual accused of vandalizing the reflecting pool.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