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?
This is a presidential week for Donald Trump as he raises his profile through meetings with foreign leaders, highlighted by the visit of Chinese President Xi.
While high on optics, there is little depth under the surface, and even less legislative backing, given the House is once again in recess.
Coming up this week
World Leaders Line Up for Trump Meeting | Today the president delivers remarks to the UN, signs the Greenland deal, and meets with Japan, Ukraine, the UK, the Gulf, Latin American leaders, and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez.
Major Trump-Xi Summit | The first visit of China’s president to the United States during the second Trump term promises to be an affair full of pomp and splendor.
President Visits Mamdani’s Mansion | President Trump kicked off his New York visit with a visit to Gracie Mansion to discuss the Sunnyside housing project.
NIH Grants Tussle to Continue | The NIH leadership is in a face off with the White House over grants to Harvard University.
Houthis Focus of Iran War | The Saudi-Yemen front is now the key flashpoint in the Iran War and is affecting global oil prices.
You may have missed
White House Bans Media Outlets | The administration banned MS Now, CNN, and Politico from covering the president, prompting a wider press boycott.
Bessent Meets Chinese Vice Premier | The Treasury Secretary met with his counterpart to pave the way for the high-level meeting later this week.
Canada’s PM Goes on Roadshow | PM Carney has gone to Europe to make the case for a broader relationship with the EU as he tries to lead a global political movement without America.
Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Ukraine has struck Moscow with hundreds of drones, which is likely to lead to massive strikes in response that will target core infrastructure.
Tentative Greenland Deal Reached | A trilateral deal between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States was reached but still needs to be ratified.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
Pro Publica | “Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas Wedding.”
NYC Mayor’s Office | “Mayor Mamdani Joins U20 Conference.”
USA Today | White House Helipad Opens
“Donald Trump Jr.— The eldest son of President Trump co-leads the Trump Organization with his brother Eric Trump. He is one of three children from President Trump’s marriage to the late Ivana Trump. Don Jr., as he is known, has been outspoken politically and hosts a podcast. He took personal credit for JD Vance’s selection as the vice presidential candidate.”
- p. 94 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)