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?
As the administration inches towards the summer, it’s slowly advancing elements of its agenda while trying to move the Iran War to the back burner.
There could be a surge of momentum this summer across multiple policies domestically to shore up the base ahead of the midterms.
Coming up this week
Iran Negotiations at Decision Point | A long weekend of social media back-and-forth has brought the delicate negotiations into the spotlight, with supporters and opponents of a deal jockeying for the president’s ear.
Rubio Holds Court in India | The Secretary of State is on a trip to shore up the alliance with India and to hold a meeting of the ‘Quad’ intended to counterbalance China in Asia.
President Trump in Memorial Day Commemoration | The president will participate in a series of ceremonies, including at Arlington Cemetery.
Cornyn Faces Tough Test in Texas | The incumbent senator is likely to lose his race as the president endorses his opponent, Ken Paxton.
Housing Bill Gaining Bipartisan Support | Legislation on affordable housing championed by Democrats is gaining GOP support.
You may have missed
Shooter Takes Aim at White House | A gunman fired bullets at the White House and was subsequently shot by the Secret Service, in the latest of a series of attacks targeting the president.
Massie Loses Primary | The long-time Kentucky congressman lost his re-election bid, which he blamed on AIPAC and the Israel lobby.
Trump Reverses Poland Pivot | After the defense secretary initially announced that troops would not deploy to Poland, the president reversed the decision in a terse statement.
Green Card Applicants Put in Limbo | An announcement that non-immigrant visa holders must return to their countries to apply for permanent residency has left thousands of U.S. residents in a legal dilemma.
AI Order Postponed | A long-awaited executive order potentially regulating the AI industry has been put on hold after numerous Silicon Valley figures lobbied against it at the last minute.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
New York Times | “How Prediction Markets and Crypto Firms Steamrolled a Watchdog Agency.”
X | Cheung versus Pompeo
Meet the Press | Thomas Massie Interview
“The one guiding objective is to ensure American AI dominance. This includes attracting investment to bolster the upstream requirements for modern AI, from computing capabilities to data centers. It also includes attracting global talent while cultivating it in America, which will have tension with the priority of immigration reform. The focus of the Biden administration on AI safety will take a backseat.”
- p. 84 “Principles and Policies” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)