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Today’s briefing covers a range of topics: the financial implications of the recent House-approved GOP tax and spending legislation, upcoming congressional hearings with the secretaries of commerce and labor, and more. But first, let’s dive into the headline news.
Major Developments in U.S. Policy
Last night, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that bans entry to nationals from a list of countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. This directive will take effect starting Monday. It’s important to note that visas already issued remain valid, but travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face heightened restrictions, though not complete bans.
This move echoes a similar travel restriction Trump implemented during his first month in office, targeting seven predominantly Muslim nations. That initial ban caused widespread confusion and legal battles, ultimately being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 after several modifications. The current order signals a continued focus on immigration and national security concerns, with potential implications for diplomatic relations and international travel.
More details are provided by reporters David Nakamura, Emily Davies, and Marianne LeVine.
Potential for Diplomatic Tensions: A Meeting with Germany’s New Leader
Today, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with President Trump in what marks their first face-to-face encounter since Merz assumed office last month. The tone of this meeting could set the stage for future diplomatic interactions-will it be cordial or confrontational, reminiscent of Trump’s contentious exchanges with Ukrainian President Zelensky and South African President Ramaphosa earlier this year?
Senator Chris Murphy (Connecticut), the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee for Europe, expressed concern: “We hope this doesn’t turn into a national embarrassment. Our goal is to avoid appearing foolish on the world stage.”
Merz and Trump have already had indirect clashes. Merz publicly criticized Trump’s aggressive behavior during Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. in March. Additionally, Merz rebuked Vice President JD Vance for criticizing Germany’s mainstream parties over their stance toward the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which German intelligence classifies as extremist. Vance’s meeting with AfD leader at the Munich Security Conference in February drew further criticism from the Trump administration, which continues to scrutinize Germany’s approach to extremism and censorship.
Trade issues are also likely to surface. Germany’s exports to the U.S. exceeded $160 billion last year, making it America’s largest European trading partner. Trump’s tariffs-initially 20% on EU goods and doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum-remain a point of contention. Merz has been preparing for the meeting by consulting with other European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking advice on how to navigate Trump’s unpredictable style, according to reports by Michael Birnbaum.
“Effective diplomacy requires adapting your approach without diminishing your own position,” Merz stated in German media interviews.
On a positive note, Merz is expected to highlight Germany’s commitment to NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP, with plans to allocate 5% of GDP to defense-an issue Trump has long emphasized. Recently, Germany hosted Zelensky in Berlin and announced increased military support for Ukraine, signaling a strengthening of European solidarity.
As a member of the European Union, Merz cannot negotiate trade agreements directly with the U.S., as trade policy is handled collectively by the bloc. Nonetheless, American officials may raise trade concerns, and Merz will need to clarify that he is not acting as a bilateral negotiator, which could help prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
Expert Constanze Stelzenmüller from the Brookings Institution notes that even a seemingly polite meeting doesn’t necessarily predict outcomes. “This administration can be both courteous and unpredictable-sometimes friendly, sometimes abrupt,” she explains.
While UK Prime Minister Starmer’s recent visit was less contentious than Zelensky’s, it still involved efforts to persuade Trump to maintain support for Ukraine and avoid tariffs. The ongoing criticism from U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vance, regarding Germany’s stance on the far right, underscores the persistent tensions within transatlantic relations.
Analysis of the GOP’s Budget and Policy Proposals
The Republican-backed bill that recently cleared the House is projected to increase the national debt by approximately $2.4 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Additionally, the CBO estimates that around 10.9 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage due to proposed changes in healthcare policy.
These figures align with earlier estimates, which predicted a $2.3 trillion rise in debt based on initial drafts. As the Senate works through amendments, these numbers may shift, but the core concerns about fiscal impact remain central to the debate.
Partisan reactions are intense. Democrats tend to dismiss the CBO’s findings, arguing that the agency’s estimates are overly cautious or politically biased. Conversely, Republicans criticize the CBO, with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller claiming the office is compromised by partisan staffers. He asserted that the CBO’s reports are unreliable, a claim that fact-checkers at The Post have rated as false, awarding it four Pinocchios.
Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Policy Discussions
Today, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will testify before Congress regarding the 2026 budget request for his department. The focus is expected to be on tariffs and trade policies, with Democrats likely questioning how tariffs have influenced the global economy and the administration’s ability to negotiate new trade agreements.
Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will appear before the House Education and Workforce Committee to discuss the department’s priorities, including the ongoing shutdown of Job Corps centers nationwide. This program, which provides education and vocational training for young adults, has bipartisan support, but recent closures have sparked criticism. Several current and former participants plan to attend the hearing to voice their concerns.
Updates from the White House
Karine Jean-Pierre, who recently served as President Biden’s press secretary, has announced her departure from the Democratic Party, opting to register as an independent. Her forthcoming book, published by Hachette’s Legacy Lit imprint, will explore her experiences within the administration and her reasons for leaving the party, emphasizing the importance of transcending partisan divides.
This announcement has sparked debate within Democratic circles, especially given her recent criticisms of the party’s handling of Biden’s potential re-election bid. Some critics argue her decision reflects internal disagreements and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2024 elections.
Public Reactions and Perspectives
In response to our recent coverage of President Trump’s use of televised meetings with foreign leaders, readers shared diverse opinions:
- Robert Slade questioned the effectiveness of such public displays, calling them “grandstanding” that diminishes meaningful diplomacy.
- Elizabeth Dimon described these sessions as “theatrical,” likening them to a modern Coliseum rather than genuine diplomatic negotiations.
- Jerry Gillis emphasized the importance of private discussions, suggesting that transparency should follow behind-the-scenes negotiations to build trust.
- Julia Misplon from Maryland expressed concern that public meetings often turn into “reality TV,” undermining diplomatic integrity and fostering distrust among the public.
Local Stories Worth Noting
- Florida: A golf course developer in Hernando County initially planned to acquire over 300 acres of state forest land but has now shifted to selling the land for conservation purposes after public backlash.
- Colorado: Following three moose encounters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued a warning about the potential dangers of moose, especially during calving season.
- Wyoming: The University of Wyoming faces an investigation by the Trump administration over allegations of Title IX violations related to a transgender sorority member.
Share Your Voice
Are you a current or former participant of Job Corps? A parent of someone enrolled? We want to hear about your experiences and reactions to the Department of Labor’s plans to close some Job Corps centers. Share your story with us at [email protected].
Thank you for reading. Follow our reporters Dan and Matthew on X: @merica and @matthewichoi for more updates.
