Here’s what happened during Trump’s 18th week in office
President Donald Trump has been making headlines this week for his involvement in various international affairs and trade negotiations. From speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine to hosting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House and threatening tariffs against the European Union, Trump has been busy on the diplomatic front.
During his meeting with Ramaphosa, Trump raised concerns about the treatment of White farmers in South Africa, showing a video of what he claimed were burial sites of over 1,000 White Afrikaner farmers. The White House defended the video, stating that it was substantiated, but reports later emerged suggesting that the crosses shown were from a memorial demonstration rather than actual burial sites.
In a phone call with Putin, Trump discussed advancing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Trump expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire and the possibility of ending the war, but emphasized that the U.S. would let Moscow and Kyiv take the lead in negotiations. He described the conflict as a “European situation” and indicated that the U.S. would not play a central role in the peace talks.
In response to a fatal attack against two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, D.C., Trump condemned the incident as an act of antisemitism. The White House vowed justice for the victims and stated that those responsible would face prosecution. Trump reiterated his commitment to eradicating antisemitism from society and called for an end to such hateful acts.
On the trade front, Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on imports from the European Union, citing trade barriers and unfair practices that have led to a significant trade deficit with the U.S. The move comes after the administration signed a historic trade deal with the U.K. and adjusted tariffs on Chinese goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed hope that the tariff threat would push the EU to negotiate more favorable trade deals with the U.S.
Overall, Trump’s actions this week reflect his administration’s focus on international diplomacy, trade negotiations, and addressing key issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and antisemitism. As the president continues to navigate complex global challenges, his approach to foreign policy and trade relations will undoubtedly shape the future of U.S. international engagement.
