Key FactsTrump Launches Key Middle East Trip in Saudi Arabia
3h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
  • President Trump has commenced his first international trip of his second term in Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties with key allies.

  • He received a warm welcome from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is set to participate in a US-Saudi investment forum featuring Elon Musk.
  • It’ll be a key moment and a real opportunity to showcase what Saudi has to offer.— Dina Esfandiary, Middle East lead for Bloomberg Economics, discussing Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.
  • The US has announced a $1.4 billion arms sale to the UAE, with further significant economic and military agreements expected during Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

  • The trip aims to secure economic deals and lower oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Elon Musk greets US President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the Royal Court. #TrumpInKSA
First white South Africans leave for US as Trump refugees
independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/white-south-africa-trump-refugee-b2749142.html
First white South Africans leave for US as Trump refugees
Key FactsTrump Administration Defends Afrikaner Refugee Program
8h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abcnews.go.com
  • A flight carrying 59 South African refugees arrived in the U.S. as the Trump administration insists the expedited asylum process is not race-based.

  • President Trump stated the asylum program was initiated due to a race-based genocide affecting white farmers in South Africa.
  • They happen to be white, but whether they're white or black makes no difference to me, but white farmers are being brutally killed and their land is being confiscated in South Africa, and the newspapers and the media, television media doesn't even talk about it.— President Donald Trump defended his administration's decision to offer refugee status to the Afrikaners during remarks at the White House.
  • The South African government rejected allegations of discrimination, criticizing the Trump administration's stance as misleading.

  • The Trump administration expedited Afrikaner refugee applications while pausing programs for refugees from other regions, including Afghanistan.
Key FactsConcerns Grow Over Qatar Jet for Trump
7h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thehill.com
  • Senator Rand Paul expressed concerns that accepting a luxury jet from Qatar could impair the U.S.'s ability to criticize human rights violations.

  • Trump defended the potential acceptance of the jet as a smart gesture, despite other senators' worries about safety and political implications.
  • It's inappropriate. It's unconstitutional.— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) criticizes the acceptance of the jet, warning of corruption.
  • Senator Rick Scott stated he would not fly on a Qatari plane due to its support for Hamas, while Senator John Thune acknowledged delays in constructing a new Air Force One.

  • Democrats sharply criticized the situation, claiming that accepting the jet would violate the Emoluments Clause.
Key FactsSouth African Refugees Arrive in the U.S.
14h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
  • The Trump administration has granted refugee status to many Afrikaners from South Africa.

  • A group of White South Africans, including families, arrived at Dulles International Airport after being carefully vetted in South Africa.
  • "It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years."— Episcopal Bishop Sean Rowe spoke out in a statement regarding the government's decision to assist the South African refugees.
  • The South African government denies any discrimination and claims land seizure laws respect property rights.

  • Some resettlement organizations refuse to assist with the South Africans, while others are willing to provide support.
RFK Jr. Swims in D.C.’s Rock Creek, Which Flows With Sewage and Bacteria: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, shared photos of himself and his ...
nytimes.com/2025/05/12/us/politics/rfk-jr-rock-creek-bacteria.html
RFK Jr. Swims in D.C.’s Rock Creek, Which Flows With Sewage and Bacteria
Key FactsKennedy Jr. Swims in Contaminated Rock Creek
10h · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek, a contaminated waterway where swimming is prohibited due to sewage overflow.

  • The creek has high levels of bacteria, including E. coli, leading the city to ban swimming in all waterways for over 50 years.

  • Kennedy swam during a Mother's Day hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park, downstream from a tributary that receives around 40 million gallons of untreated sewage annually.

  • This incident adds to his reputation for risky outdoor adventures that have characterized his public persona.
Read: Episcopal Church won't help Trump admin resettle white Afrikaners
axios.com/2025/05/13/episcopal-church-refugees-letter-trump
Read: Episcopal Church won't help Trump admin resettle white Afrikaners
Key FactsEpiscopal Church Declines to Aid Afrikaner Refugees
8h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: axios.com
  • The Episcopal Church declined to assist the Trump administration with resettling white South African refugees.

  • Bishop Sean Rowe stated that the church's commitment to racial justice prevented them from taking on this responsibility.
  • "It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years."— The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, stated this in a letter to church members.
  • This decision came as the Trump administration welcomed the first group of Afrikaner refugees amid claims of racial discrimination.

  • Rowe criticized the preferential treatment of these refugees and announced the church would end its refugee resettlement agreements with the U.S. government.
The President has named a new Acting Librarian of Congress. It's his former defense lawyer.
npr.org/2025/05/12/nx-s1-5395879/trump-todd-blanche-librarian-congress
The President has named a new Acting Librarian of Congress ...
Key FactsTrump Appoints Former Lawyer as Acting Librarian
18h · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: axios.com
  • President Trump will name Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, as the acting Librarian of Congress.

  • Blanche, who represented Trump in his hush money trial, currently holds the second-highest position in the Justice Department.

  • This appointment illustrates how administration officials are managing multiple roles.

  • Trump recently ousted former Librarian Carla Hayden, the first woman and Black American to hold the position.
When Donald Trump launched his trade war on the world, he issued a stern warning: “Do not retaliate and you will be rewarded.” China ignored the warning ... Show more

China Called Trump’s Bluff
Trump promises to order that the US pay only the price other nations do for some drugs
twincities.com/2025/05/12/trump-prescription-drugs-executive-order/
Trump promises to order that the US pay only the price other nations do ...
Hamas has released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, held in Gaza since 2023
npr.org/2025/05/12/g-s1-65868/hamas-release-israeli-american-hostage-edan-alexander
Hamas has released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander ...
Key FactsHamas Releases US-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander
19h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: france24.com
  • Hamas released US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who had been held in Gaza since October 2023, on Monday.

  • The handover occurred in Khan Younis amid talks between Hamas and the US aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
  • We received the greatest gift imaginable – news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.— Edan Alexander's family speaks about his return home.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Donald Trump for his assistance in securing Alexander's release.

  • Alexander was abducted during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and spent 583 days in captivity.
Trump Asks Drugmakers to Voluntarily Lower US Prices, but Will They Comply?: Despite not having the legal authority to do so, President Trump signs an executive ...
cnet.com/health/medical/trump-asks-drugmakers-voluntarily-lower-us-prices-will-they-comply/
Trump Asks Drugmakers to Voluntarily Lower US Prices, but Will They ...
House Republicans unveil Medicaid cuts; Democrats warn consequences: House Republicans have unveiled the cost-saving centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s “big ...
nydailynews.com/2025/05/12/congress-tax-cuts-medicaid/
House Republicans unveil Medicaid cuts; Democrats warn consequences
Trump Kills 'Woke' Broadband Program Because It Has the Word 'Equity': The $2.75B program was created to boost digital skills and spur greater broadband adoption ...
cnet.com/home/internet/trump-kills-woke-broadband-program-because-it-has-the-word-equity/
Trump Kills 'Woke' Broadband Program Because It Has the Word 'Equity'
Josh Hawley warns against Medicaid cuts and says Republicans are in ‘identity crisis’
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/12/josh-hawley-republicans-medicaid-cuts
Josh Hawley warns against Medicaid cuts and says Republicans are in ...
Key FactsHawley Critiques GOP Medicaid Cuts Rigorously
18h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thehill.com
  • Senator Josh Hawley warns against his party's proposed Medicaid cuts, which could lead to millions losing health insurance.

  • In an op-ed, Hawley stated that funding Trump's agenda through healthcare cuts is both morally wrong and politically suicidal.
  • If Republicans want to be a working-class party — if we want to be a majority party — we must ignore calls to cut Medicaid and start delivering on America’s promise for America’s working people.— Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) warns against cuts to Medicaid and emphasizes the need to support social insurance programs.
  • He emphasized that Republican voters support and depend on social insurance programs.

  • Hawley's opposition signals potential challenges for the bill in the Senate, where several GOP senators show little interest in Medicaid changes.
US President Donald Trump has arrived at Al Yamama Palace in Riyadh, flanked by members of the Saudi Royal Guard, as the US national anthem was played by a ... Show more
Hardening lines signal Ukraine peace process collapse: US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s latest comments on talks with Russia show that the ...
asiatimes.com/2025/05/hardening-lines-signal-ukraine-peace-process-collapse/
Hardening lines signal Ukraine peace process collapse
Key FactsZelenskiy Invites Putin to Talks in Turkey
May 11 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskiy expressed readiness to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15 following Trump's call for immediate acceptance of talks.

  • Zelenskiy and European leaders insist on a 30-day ceasefire, while Putin offers direct negotiations without clear commitment to attend.
  • "I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses."— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, responding to Putin's proposal for direct talks.
  • Trump emphasizes the urgency of the meeting to explore possible agreements, while Russia maintains its conditions for talks.

  • Zelenskiy remains cautious but insists on an immediate ceasefire to lay the groundwork for diplomacy.
Larry Summers: No question Trump blinked on China tariffs: Former Treasury Department Secretary Larry Summers said Monday that there was no question that ...
thehill.com/business/5296535-larry-summers-trump-china-tariffs/
Larry Summers: No question Trump blinked on China tariffs
Key FactsUS-China Tariff Deal Offers Temporary Relief
19h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
  • The US and China agreed to a temporary tariff reduction for 90 days, boosting global markets.

  • The US will lower tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%.
  • "The president is doing what he said he would. This is absolutely about resolving disparities in the trading relationship."— Kelly Ann Shaw, an attorney who worked as a key trade adviser during Trump's 2017-2021 term.
  • The agreement aims to pause the trade war, yet fails to address the fundamental trade imbalances affecting US manufacturing.

  • The talks in Geneva mark a victory for US Treasury Secretary Bessent, who advocates for a more balanced trade relationship between the two countries.
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Plane: Donald Trump is in talks to accept a $400 million gift from Qatar—presumably not simply out of generosity.
theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/05/trump-qatar-plane-gift/682785/
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Plane
Trump Taking a Gift Plane from Qatar Is an Ethics Nightmare: I was the White House ethics lawyer for a Republican president. What Trump is doing goes against the ...
usnews.com/opinion/articles/2025-05-12/trump-gift-plane-qatar-ethics
Trump Taking a Gift Plane from Qatar Is an Ethics Nightmare
Trump says US intervention stopped nuclear war between India and Pakistan
Two Men Claiming to Be Trump Appointees Blocked From Entering US Copyright Office
wired.com/story/us-copyright-office-trump-takeover/
Two Men Claiming to Be Trump Appointees Blocked From Entering US Copyright ...
Trump executive order gives drugmakers 30-day deadline to lower drug costs: President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order setting a 30-day ...
apnews.com/article/trump-prescription-drugs-prices-most-favored-nation-4c620a32ccd193b793ba1558f3fe93e0
Trump executive order gives drugmakers 30-day deadline to lower drug costs
Trump defends Qatar jumbo jet offer, says it would be 'stupid' to turn away free plane
abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-defends-qatar-jumbo-jet-offer/story
Trump defends Qatar jumbo jet offer, says it would be 'stupid' to turn ...
US convenes Newark airport task force, fast-tracks telecom fix: The Trump administration said on Monday it was convening an emergency task force and ...
reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/faa-proposing-newark-flights-cuts-saying-unable-handle-current-volume-2025-05-12/
US convenes Newark airport task force, fast-tracks telecom fix
Jasmine Crockett eyes top oversight panel job to push back on Trump: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, may run for a new position that would super-charge her ...
dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/05/12/new-role-would-boost-jasmine-crockett-as-face-of-democrats-opposition-to-trump/
Jasmine Crockett eyes top oversight panel job to push back on Trump
House GOP reveals Trump’s tax breaks for tips, overtime and car loans in bill: The package is touching off the biggest political debate over taxes, spending ...
bostonglobe.com/2025/05/12/nation/house-gop-bill-trump/
House GOP reveals Trump’s tax breaks for tips, overtime and car loans in ...
Kentucky’s Republican senators are key voices opposing Trump on tariffs: As tariffs and trade deals seem to change and shift day by day, Kentucky businesses are ...
lpm.org/news/2025-05-12/kentuckys-republican-senators-are-key-voices-opposing-trump-on-tariffs
Kentucky’s Republican senators are key voices opposing Trump on tariffs
Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ will harm Bay State families, Treasurer warns: A group of state treasurers are warning that a plan by Republicans in Congress to ...
bostonherald.com/2025/05/12/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-will-harm-bay-state-families-treasurer-warns/
Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ will harm Bay State families, Treasurer warns
Steve Bannon Predicts Friction Between Trump and Pope Leo: Donald Trump's former chief strategist said Pope Leo's election was "kind of jaw-dropping."
newsweek.com/steve-bannon-trump-pope-leo-2070773
Steve Bannon Predicts Friction Between Trump and Pope Leo
Key FactsPope Leo XIV Calls for End to All Wars
May 11 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: huffpost.com
  • Pope Leo XIV used his first Sunday blessing to call for an end to all wars, highlighting the tragedies in Ukraine and Gaza.

  • He emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a quick path to lasting peace for Ukraine.
  • "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people."— Pope Leo XIV speaks about the war in Ukraine during his first Sunday blessing.
  • Leo expressed hope for a lasting peace agreement between India and Pakistan, despite reports of resumed bombings following a ceasefire announcement.

  • Cardinal Blase Cupich noted that Leo will continue the Church's social justice agenda, focusing on issues like immigration and climate change.
House GOP unveils plan to raise debt limit by $4 trillion: House Republicans are moving forward with plans to raise the nation’s debt ceiling by $4 trillion as ...
thehill.com/business/budget/5296087-house-gop-debt-limit-increase/
House GOP unveils plan to raise debt limit by $4 trillion
Global Perception of the U.S. Plummets Amid Trump’s Second Term: Both the country and its leader are viewed largely in a negative light across 100 countries ...
usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-05-12/global-perception-of-the-u-s-plummets-amid-trumps-second-term
Global Perception of the U.S. Plummets Amid Trump’s Second Term
Trump endorses Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey governor's race: The former assemblyman met with Trump in March. His top competition is radio host Bill Spadea ...
nbcnews.com/politics/elections/trump-endorses-jack-ciattarelli-new-jersey-governors-race-rcna206404
Trump endorses Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey governor's race
Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu are trying to project an image of control. But don't be fooled. In reality, the government has sent the country spiraling into ... Show more

Israel Is Spiraling
House Republicans Finally Unveil Their Deadly Medicaid Cuts: Millions of Americans will lose their health insurance under this plan.
newrepublic.com/post/195119/house-republicans-deadly-medicaid-cuts
House Republicans Finally Unveil Their Deadly Medicaid Cuts
Trump Live Updates: China Tariff Pause, Drug Prices and More
nytimes.com/live/2025/05/12/us/trump-news
Trump Live Updates: China Tariff Pause, Drug Prices and More
Trump’s tariffs have already failed at their main job: Trump’s team had grand ambitions for reordering global trade. They’re backing down.
vox.com/politics/412751/trump-us-china-trade-war-tariff-pause-90-days
Trump’s tariffs have already failed at their main job
A bill introduced in Congress, dubbed the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act, aims to create a new denomination of U.S. currency featuring the president’s image ... Show more
Judge refuses to block IRS from sharing tax data to identify and deport people illegally in U.S.
apnews.com/article/irs-ice-tax-data-deportations-federal-judge-fd696d215843bdc16260dfad471f500d
Judge refuses to block IRS from sharing tax data to identify and deport ...
Schumer: China ‘got the better of Trump’: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) says China “got the better” of the Trump administration after Treasury ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5295577-schumer-china-tariffs-trump/
Schumer: China ‘got the better of Trump’
Trump says European Union is "nastier than China": Trump said the U.S. has "all the cards" in trade deals with the EU.
axios.com/2025/05/12/trump-european-union-trade-war-china-tariffs
Trump says European Union is
House Republicans propose $5 billion for private school vouchers: The Trump administration is downsizing the Education Department and cutting resources to public ...
twincities.com/2025/05/12/education-tax-credit-scholarship/
House Republicans propose $5 billion for private school vouchers
Trump is visiting 3 countries where his family business made recent deals: Donald Trump's trip to the Middle East brings attention to the Trump Organization's ...
businessinsider.com/trump-middle-east-family-business-deals-saudi-arabia-qatar-uae-2025-5
Trump is visiting 3 countries where his family business made recent deals
SAP is cutting diversity programs in response to Trump's policies: The German software company SAP makes a lot of money from its US business ...
tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/sap-frauenquote-100.html
SAP is cutting diversity programs in response to Trump's policies
Key FactsSAP Cuts Diversity Programs Amid Political Pressures
17h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesschau.de
  • SAP has decided to end targeted gender diversity programs in response to President Trump's policies.

  • The targeted 40 percent female representation goal is being abandoned, and the Diversity & Inclusion Office will merge with Corporate Social Responsibility.
  • "Due to the latest legal developments, our own initiatives on diversity and inclusion must be adjusted."— This was communicated in an internal email from SAP.
  • Trump and his administration oppose diversity initiatives, with critics arguing that such programs disadvantage other groups.

  • Other companies, like Deutsche Telekom, have also made adjustments due to new US regulations to comply with the changing environment.
All Trump's roads lead to the Gulf: Forget the allies, Trump's partners of first resort are in the Gulf.
axios.com/2025/05/13/trump-gulf-trip-saudi-uae-qatar-partners
All Trump's roads lead to the Gulf
Ukraine says Russia attacking with drones amid ceasefire calls: Russia attacked Ukraine with over 100 Shahed and decoy drones overnight, Kyiv said Monday ...
france24.com/en/europe/20250513-ukraine-russia-drones-ceasefire-calls
Ukraine says Russia attacking with drones amid ceasefire calls
Trump executive order demands pharma industry price cuts: U.S. President Donald Trump signed a wide-reaching executive order on Monday directing drugmakers to ...
reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/trump-says-he-will-cut-drug-prices-by-59-2025-05-12/
Trump executive order demands pharma industry price cuts
Some GOP senators concerned over prospect of Qatar gifting Trump a jet: Trump ally Rick Scott said Qatar
axios.com/2025/05/13/trump-qatar-jet-gift-republican-senators-concerned
Some GOP senators concerned over prospect of Qatar gifting Trump a jet
Pharmaceutical industry criticizes pricing plan Trump says he'll sign: President Trump’s plan to change the pricing model for some medications is facing fierce ...
orlandosentinel.com/2025/05/12/trump-prescription-drugs-pharmaceutical-backlash/
Pharmaceutical industry criticizes pricing plan Trump says he'll sign
Trump administration welcomed white Afrikaners while ending Afghan protections: The first flight carrying a group of South Africans granted refugee status ...
axios.com/2025/05/12/trump-afghanistan-south-africa-refugees
Trump administration welcomed white Afrikaners while ending Afghan ...
U.S. added to int'l human rights watchlist over Trump attacks on democratic norms - UPI.com
upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/05/11/CIVICUS-Trump-watchlist/3341747013972/
U.S. added to int'l human rights watchlist over Trump attacks on ...
Another GOP senator joins Josh Hawley in opposing Medicaid cuts: Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno joins Hawley in speaking out against a U.S. House plan to cut $880 ...
stltoday.com/news/local/column/joe-holleman/article_1f46411f-5020-404c-a3c2-a5bdf6a56e5a.html
Another GOP senator joins Josh Hawley in opposing Medicaid cuts
Cop suspended after drinking at Trump event, showing up for mayor's detail: The Chicago police officer allegedly was drunk when arrived for his shift at the ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/05/12/mayor-detail-suspended-trump-inauguration-celebration/
Cop suspended after drinking at Trump event, showing up for mayor's detail