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?
There is a lack of excitement on both sides of the aisle for America’s 250th anniversary, showing overall fatigue with the Trump administration.
While still pushing through executive actions and garnering support from the base, the White House has clearly stalled, both legislatively and geopolitically, in advancing its priorities.
Coming up this week
America’s 250th Plans Faltering | The White House’s attempt to override the original committee for the milestone celebration has had limited success, with artists now dropping out and unclear plans leading up to July 4.
President Trying to Sell Iran Deal | President Trump continues to try to sell the deal to both his base and the Iranians, without success so far.
GOP Attempting to Pass Bills | Congress is attempting to finally pass legislation on budget reconciliation, ICE, and FISA, but so far this year nothing much has happened.
Israeli Minister Due in Washington | Israel’s leading far-right minister is headed to the capital to advance the ‘Isaac Accords’, following his participation in the New York City Israel Day Parade.
LA’s Mayoral Race Could Surprise | Spencer Pratt has mounted a formidable challenge against the incumbent mayor, with the initial election on June 2, where he is expected to make the runoff.
You may have missed
Cornyn Loses Primary | The long-time Texan senator lost his primary race after the president endorsed his opponent, Ken Paxton.
Rocket Explodes in Setback for NASA | Blue Origin’s latest rocket launch ended in a fiery explosion, with implications for plans to return to the moon and the Artemis project.
Barrack’s Role Expands | Tom Barrack is now the Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, in addition to his formal role as Ambassador to Turkey.
Court Rules Against Kennedy Name Change | A federal court ruled against the addition of Trump to the Kennedy Center name, and it appears the White House may relent.
Rubio Concludes Trip in Armenia | The Secretary of State concluded his trip in Armenia, following visits to India and Sweden, where he was shoring up allies that are critical to containing China and Russia.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
Pro Publica | Pentagon Loan to Drone Company with Trump Ties
MAMA | “Inside the Spencer Pratt Fundraiser Circuit”
“One of the initial executive orders President Trump signed was “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday… The effort will be to create an affair that is inclusive and unifying. However, in today’s partisan age, there is likely to be politicization by all sides and controversies emerging in the media.”
- p. 174 “The Way Forward” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)