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. This double edition covers the weeks of July 20 and July 27.
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.
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)