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?
Political attention has begun to shift from the Middle East to artificial intelligence, putting the administration on the back foot once again.
With the White House linked to Silicon Valley donors and its economic agenda tied to data centers, it has little room to adopt a position that would resonate with its populist MAGA base.
Coming up this week
Fed to Announce Rate Decision | With Treasury yields running hot and inflation still persistent, there is worry in the GOP that the Fed could increase rates at the ‘wrong’ time.
G20 Energy Ministerial in Houston | G20 energy ministers are gathering in Houston to discuss global fuel supply at a precarious time.
Thiel to Deliver Antichrist Lectures | Technologist Peter Thiel is due to deliver four lectures on the antichrist over the coming month in Nashville.
AI Debate Ratcheting Up | After warnings by Anthropic’s CEO were echoed by Elon Musk and Sam Altman, a debate in Washington around AI regulation is now unfolding quickly.
Houthis and Saudis Square Off | The ruling group in Yemen is targeting Saudi infrastructure that could set energy markets alight.
You may have missed
GOP Convention Ends | The Republican midterm gathering in Dallas concluded without a major bounce, despite the president’s announcement of a $5,000 payout for voters if the GOP wins.
EPA Relaxes Climate Rules | The agency eased several pollution standards in line with the administration’s views on climate change.
Donald Trump Jr. Caught in Awkward Ties | The president’s son was revealed to have celebrated his wedding with a party funded by a Russian oligarch.
September 11 Commemoration Ends Era | The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was marked by leaders in Washington and New York, seemingly turning the page to a new geopolitical era still plagued by the past.
Trump Holds Course in Ireland | The president visited Ireland to watch a tournament and tour his properties, while also meeting with the country’s leadership.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
The New Yorker | “Jared Kushner’s Dollar Diplomacy.”
X | Joe Allen v. Joe Lonsdale on Data Centers
60 Minutes | “Brokers are offering felons a path to Trump pardons.”
“Peter Thiel—One of his era’s foremost investors and technologists, Thiel has a mixed relationship with both Elon Musk and Donald Trump. However, he spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016. He had a guiding role in JD Vance’s career, and now many of his protégés dot the administration at both senior and junior levels.”
- p. 136 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)