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?
America’s 250th anniversary was meant to be a crowning moment for the president, but his coalition is fractured, domestic progress has been intermittent, and geopolitical deals have evaded him.
As always, the administration will emphasize pomp and pageantry over policy and progress this week as the clock starts next week towards the midterms.
Coming up this week
White House Readies for 250th | The focus of America’s 250th anniversary will be in Washington, with a series of events, shows, and celebrations planned, as the wider cross-country effort has faded.
Iran War in Precarious Territory | With weekend attacks by both the US and Iran, the focus this week is on negotiations scheduled for Doha.
President and Congress Facing Off | The Speaker is trying to get the president to sign off on a housing bill that he has refused to sign until there is progress on the SAVE Act on voting.
NATO Summit Looms | Next week, Turkey will host NATO leaders, where there may be continuing tensions between the president and European countries from the G7 trip, in particular Italy.
Supreme Court Rulings This Week | The highest court is issuing a wide range of rulings that could reverse precedent, including on executive authority to terminate officials.
You may have missed
America Responds to Venezuela Earthquake | The United States has sent search-and-rescue teams to support recovery efforts following two devastating earthquakes.
Lebanon and Israel Strike Deal | The two neighbors have signed a deal that faces some opposition in the region but lays the groundwork for future negotiations.
Mamdani’s Slate Takes New York | The mayor has demonstrated political strength once again as all three endorsed candidates won their congressional primaries.
Supreme Court Sides with White House on TPS | The administration now has the go-ahead to begin deportation procedures for migrants from Haiti.
Anthropic Reaches a Way Forward | The AI leader has been given the green light to selectively release its latest LLM.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
BBC | The US that World Cup fans didn't expect to love
WSJ | Bessent: Hamilton Inspires Trump’s Economic Statecraft
Forbes | Dr. Oz and RFK Jr Send Direct Message
“The 250th anniversary promises to be a spectacle and a mobilizing moment for American industry and innovators. With Trump’s background as a showman and entertainer, he will see this as an iconic moment.”
- p. 175 “The Way Forward” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)