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 are six months to the pivotal midterms, and the White House is picking up the pace on all fronts.
Geopolitics continues to be in focus with the Iran War showing no signs of abating, potential confrontation with Cuba looming, and an all-important trip set for China.
Coming up this week
US to Clear Hormuz Strait | American warships are set to guide vessels through the contested waterway this week and could come under Iranian fire.
Rubio to Meet with the Pope | The secretary of state is set to fly to the Vatican in a bid to reestablish a productive working relationship following a volley of rhetorical back-and-forth.
U.S. Ties with Germany Fraying | Following German Chancellor Scholz's remarks critical of the Iran War, the Pentagon is undertaking a troop drawdown from the NATO ally.
Blanche Could Steer DOJ Through Midterms | The deputy attorney general could remain at the leadership of the Justice Department for the remainder of the year, without a formal appointment.
China Summit Preparation Underway | President Trump is still planning to travel to Beijing in the middle of the month despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.
You may have missed
Kentucky GOP Race Gets Endorsement | The president moved aside a leading MAGA challenger for the Senate and endorsed another candidate.
Trump Levies New Tariffs on EU | New tariffs on automobiles were enacted due to delays in implementing an agreed trade deal last year.
Comey Surrenders on New Charges | The former FBI director is facing a potential trial over a satirical image he posted that contained cryptic messaging.
Supreme Court Restricts Redistricting | In a landmark decision, the highest court ruled against voting districts that took racial composition into account.
Royal Couple Conclude US Visit | King Charles and Queen Camilla spent the early part of last week in a series of formal events that helped warm UK-US ties.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
New York Times | Interview with Tucker Carlson
Ipsos | American Views on Trump and Iran
SNL | Sketch on Kash Patel & Pete Hegseth
“President Trump presides over one of the most expansive political forces—the United States of America— the world has ever seen. In recent decades, the presidency has often been derided as a symbolic office in the sense that no individual has ultimate control, given the term limits and the institutional fabric of the government. Trump, however, is expanding the breadth of executive power with each passing day.”
- p. 13 “The Man, the Myth, and MAGA” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)