ACTUAL NEWS Briefing | June 20th, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jun 20
- 17 min read
Trump Administration Races to Finalize Limited Trade Deals Before Tariff Deadline
With higher tariffs set to return on July 9, the Trump administration is rushing to strike last-minute trade deals with multiple countries. But instead of traditional, comprehensive agreements that take years to negotiate, officials are opting for short “framework deals” that lay the groundwork for future talks.
A typical trade deal — like the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement — can span over 1,000 pages and take more than two years to complete. In contrast, the recent U.S.-UK agreement is only a few pages long and addresses a limited set of issues, such as lowering tariffs on car and plane parts, while leaving major topics like agriculture unresolved.
With just weeks remaining, the administration is focused on quick wins — such as opening markets and easing taxes — but is avoiding anything that would require congressional approval. That limits their ability to make meaningful concessions, especially as countries like those in Europe seek reciprocal tariff cuts that Congress must authorize.
The result is a series of narrow deals aimed at avoiding tariff hikes in the short term, while deferring bigger, more complex negotiations to the future.
New “Dictator Approved” Statue Appears in DC
WaPo: It sits at the same location as the poop statue did last fall. The artwork's creators intended "Dictator Approved" as a response to the June 14 military parade and authoritarianism, according to a permit issued by the National Park Service.
Efforts at Iran Diplomacy
Foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the UK held a meeting today with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva amid rising tensions.
President Trump said he will decide on possible military action against Iran within two weeks.
Will the President seek congressional approval for any military action against Iran?
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, after talking to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last night, said a diplomatic window remains open to address Iran’s nuclear program.
The Latest on Iran:
Iran’s fortified underground nuclear sites remain largely impervious to conventional weapons — except possibly the U.S.-made 30,000-pound deep-penetrating bomb.
Iran built its key nuclear enrichment facility, Fordo, deep inside a mountain to protect it from attacks.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was wrong to suggest there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Trump challenged intelligence assessments relayed earlier this year by his intelligence chief, stating that Tehran is, in fact, pursuing a nuclear weapon. He made the remarks while speaking with reporters at an airport in Morristown, New Jersey.
Tensions surged on Thursday as Israel bombed nuclear-related sites in Iran, prompting Tehran to launch missiles and drones in retaliation after an earlier Israeli strike on an Iranian hospital. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation.
Israel accused Iran of using cluster munitions, which pose high civilian risks and are banned by over 100 countries—though not by Iran, Israel, or the U.S.
Trump’s statement that he will decide on action in two weeks is seen as a way to buy time and evaluate options; it's also a tactic he often uses.
A U.S. strike on Iran could expose the limits of China’s influence, as China relies on Iran for oil and to balance U.S. power.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked to British Foreign Minister David Lammy on Thursday and held separate calls with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have held multiple phone calls since Israel began striking Iranian targets last week, according to three diplomats, in efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
Senate Democrats will receive a classified briefing on Iran early next week, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed, as hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.
Senior U.S. officials are preparing for a potential strike on Iran in the coming days, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the situation. The report emphasized that planning remains fluid and subject to change.
In anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation, the U.S. military has repositioned certain aircraft and naval assets from Middle East bases considered vulnerable, two American officials told Reuters.
U.S. Strike Planning on Iran
The “Tier One” group advising on a potential U.S. strike against Iran includes Vice President JD Vance, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, according to an outside White House adviser who, like others, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
Command Decisions in the Middle East Crisis
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has granted an unusual level of authority to a single general amid the latest Middle East crisis — U.S. Central Command chief Gen. Erik Kurilla, an Iran hawk who is strongly advocating for a forceful military response. Officials say Kurilla has had nearly all his requests approved, including the deployment of additional aircraft carriers and fighter jets to the region, as clashes between Tehran and Israel escalate.
Who Is Sergio Gor? Spy Suspicions Swirl Around Trump Personnel Chief
Trump’s Director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, Sergio Gor, has now been in the job for six months — without clearing basic background checks. Gor, who claims to be from Malta, has no birth records or documentation to back up his identity.
Investigative journalist Brian Krebs uncovered evidence suggesting that “Sergio Gor” may actually be Sergey Goryachev of Saratov, Russia. Gor has so far refused to submit the SF-86 background investigation form required for security clearance, yet reportedly holds an interim clearance with no formal vetting.
While working for Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, Gor joined the senator on a week-long trip to Russia in August 2018. Just months later, Paul promoted him to Deputy Chief of Staff in early 2019.
With no paperwork, no verified past, and growing questions — one thing is clear: something is seriously off.
More:
Putin and Xi Hold Call Ahead of September Meeting
In a recent call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly condemned Israel’s actions, which they said violate the UN Charter, and agreed the crisis cannot be resolved through military means. The two leaders also discussed the G7 summit, noting tensions among its participants. Putin and Xi are scheduled to hold in-depth talks in China in September.
Putin at Economic Forum: Ukraine ‘Is Ours,’ Warns of Further Military Moves
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a series of provocative and wide-ranging remarks, reaffirming Russia’s territorial ambitions and defending the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours,” Putin declared, adding cryptically: “One foot steps — the other doesn’t…”
Key statements from Putin included:
On Ukraine and Territorial Claims:
Russia has no goal to take the city of Sumy, but such a possibility is not ruled out.
"I consider the Russian and Ukrainian peoples to be one people, and in that sense, all of Ukraine is ours."
Russia has never questioned Ukraine’s right to independence, but it was declared as a neutral state.
Moscow does not need Ukraine’s capitulation — only recognition of the territories it has seized as Russian.
On the War and Its Justification:
Russia’s actions during the "special military operation" in Ukraine after the coup were aimed at protecting the population.
The detonation of a "dirty bomb" would be Ukraine’s last mistake.
On International Relations:
Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country today. Moscow takes this into account.
Anyone who says that Russia is an unreliable ally in the context of Iran is a provocateur.
On Trade:
Vodka shipments to South Africa have already been established — "this is an important step".
Kremlin Uncertain About Trump-Putin Meeting Amid Global Turmoil
The Kremlin said Friday it was uncertain whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet with U.S. President Donald Trump this year, citing global instability. While open to a meeting, the Kremlin noted that such an encounter would require extensive expert-level preparations.
Moments from G7
President Macron welcoming President Zelenskyy to the G7: “It’s a difficult night.. but we are happy you’re here.”
He is referring to the night prior to G7 Day Two when Russia attacked Ukraine with 440 Shaheds and 38 missiles.
Back in Kyiv, President Zelenskyy visited the site of the recent horrific massacre by Russia to honor the victims.
PM Carney Welcomes House Passage of Bill C-5: One Canadian Economy Act
Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrated the House of Commons passing Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which aims to:
Remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility
Expedite nation-building infrastructure projects while upholding environmental and Indigenous rights
Deepen Indigenous partnerships through meaningful consultation and shared prosperity
Carney updated provincial and territorial premiers on the initiative, with leaders agreeing to remain in close contact. He will meet with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders in the coming weeks.
The bill now moves to the Senate and is expected to bring Canada closer to internal free trade by Canada Day.
NATIONAL NEWS
A U.S. appeals court on Thursday allowed Donald Trump to maintain control over California's National Guard, even as the state's Democratic governor pursues a legal challenge against the Republican president’s deployment of troops to quell protests in Los Angeles.
Also on Thursday, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from requiring 20 Democrat-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive billions in transportation grants.
The Department of Homeland Security has imposed new restrictions on congressional visits to immigration enforcement offices following several incidents in which Democratic lawmakers were denied access or detained.
President Trump has extended the deadline for enforcing divestment of TikTok to September 17, 2025.
The White House recently rejected the Pentagon's pick to lead the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, Politico reported Friday, citing three people familiar with the decision. It is unclear why the White House chose not to move forward with the nomination of Army Lieutenant General Richard Angle, according to Politico.
On Friday, the Senate’s nonpartisan budget referee ruled that Republican proposals to cut funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other financial regulators violate budget rules. This decision threatens their inclusion in a broad tax-cut and spending package championed by President Trump.
The Trump administration announced new Iran-related sanctions on Friday, targeting eight entities, one vessel, and one individual accused of supplying sensitive equipment to Tehran’s defense sector.
President Donald Trump said Friday that he is considering immigration policy changes that would allow farms to take responsibility for the workers they hire. "We're looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can't put the farms out of business," Trump told reporters. "And at the same time, we don't want to hurt people that aren't criminals."
In a decision on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal statute allowing American victims of overseas attacks to sue Palestinian authorities for damages tied to past violence in Israel and the West Bank.
The Supreme Court also sided with fuel producers challenging California’s vehicle emissions and electric car standards under a federal clean air law, ruling that their lawsuit should not have been dismissed.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Friday to expedite its consideration of whether to hear a challenge to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, choosing to wait until lower courts have ruled in the dispute.
Despite President Trump's inaugural promise of a “golden age of America,” Federal Reserve officials remain skeptical, warning that his policies may slow economic growth, raise unemployment and inflation, and contribute to uncertainty—particularly as tariff disputes remain unresolved.
In a setback for transgender rights, the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. However, legal experts noted the ruling was limited in scope and left open the possibility of future challenges to similar restrictions.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, many Democrats are calling for new party leadership, expressing concerns that the party is "neglecting economic priorities while placing too much emphasis on issues like transgender rights and electric vehicles".
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering a potential plan to vaccinate poultry against bird flu for the first time, including an evaluation of how such a move could affect exports, the agency told Reuters this week.
On Wednesday, a federal judge struck down a Biden-era rule aimed at strengthening privacy protections for women seeking abortions and for patients undergoing gender transition treatments.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly considering asking a key federal advisory panel to review vaccines containing aluminum, Bloomberg News reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Wednesday plans to open a sterile fly dispersal facility in Hidalgo County, Texas, as part of efforts to combat the spread of the New World screwworm.
President Trump’s administration is discontinuing funding for an LGBT suicide prevention hotline, claiming it promotes “radical gender ideology.” The organization operating the hotline called the decision "devastating."
On Wednesday, President Trump announced his intent to nominate Chad Meredith to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Meredith, formerly Kentucky’s solicitor general and now a litigation attorney in Ohio, was described by Trump as "highly experienced and well-qualified."
DEFENSE
U.S. Air Force Movements
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors arrived at RAF Lakenheath in England on June 18, as President Donald Trump weighs whether to join Israel’s military action against Iran.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Project
The White House this week formally appointed the Space Force’s No. 2 officer, Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, as the direct reporting program manager for the expansive Golden Dome missile defense project, the Pentagon announced June 18. A prior notice in the Congressional Record on June 16 signaled Guetlein’s reassignment but did not specify the new role.
Air Combat Command Leadership
Lt. Gen. Adrian L. Spain, currently Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, has been nominated to lead Air Combat Command — the Air Force’s largest command — the Pentagon announced on June 18.
New Chief of Naval Operations
President Donald Trump has nominated Adm. Daryl Caudle to serve as the next Chief of Naval Operations, nearly four months after the dismissal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti.
House Oversight on Air Force Acquisitions
The House Appropriations Committee is urging the Air Force to provide greater transparency in managing its multibillion-dollar weapons acquisition programs to ensure they are fully funded and combat-ready.
Concerns Over Airborne Early Warning Transition
Pentagon officials have raised concerns about the Air Force’s plan to purchase 26 E-7 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft — in light of a competing proposal to temporarily use five Navy E-2 aircraft while transitioning this mission to space — warning the shift could undermine America’s ability to maintain air superiority.
VA Anti-Discrimination Policy Changes
The Department of Veterans Affairs has revised its bylaws concerning discrimination for its doctors and healthcare staff, but officials deny reports that these changes would permit providers to refuse care to certain patients.
Valor Has No Expiration Act
The proposed Valor Has No Expiration Act would eliminate the current five-year limit on awarding the Medal of Honor to veterans and service members for heroic actions.
Confederate Base Renaming
Seven Army installations referenced by President Trump are among nine originally named for Confederate military leaders. These names were recommended for removal by an independent commission directed by Congress.
GLOBAL NEWS
EU Halts Talks on Lowering Russian Oil Price Cap
The European Union has frozen discussions on reducing the price ceiling for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, Politico reports. The move reflects divisions among member states and concerns over market stability as global energy prices remain volatile.
Meanwhile, Kremlin Spox Peskov: We have a strategic advantage, why should we lose it? We're making progress. We don't need a ceasefire.”
Latvia Bans Russian and Belarusian Citizens from Buying Property Over Security Concerns
Latvia's parliament passed a bill on June 19 prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus from purchasing real estate in the country, Latvian media reported. The law includes exceptions for EU citizens, Latvian permanent residents, Belarusian refugees, and repatriates. It also bars entities that are at least 25% owned by Russian or Belarusian nationals from acquiring property. The restrictions are framed as measures to safeguard national security.
Canada’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Canada announced new tariffs on steel imports from countries without trade agreements if they exceed 2024 levels. Ottawa may also adjust its 25% counter-tariffs against the U.S. depending on trade negotiations progress by July 21. Canadian PM Mark Carney met with Trump, and both agreed to aim for a deal within 30 days. The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on global steel and aluminum imports, excluding the UK.
Trump Predicts Trade Deals with India and Pakistan
President Donald Trump predicted on Friday that the United States will be able to negotiate trade deals with both India and Pakistan. Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in New Jersey, Trump expressed optimism about the potential for future trade agreements with the two countries.
Taiwan to Hold Recall Vote That Could Shift Legislative Power
Taiwan will hold a recall vote next month for about a quarter of its parliament—targeting lawmakers from the main opposition party—which could potentially allow the ruling party to regain legislative control, the election commission announced Friday.
U.S. Pledges to Protect Its Own in Eastern Mediterranean
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos today to discuss regional developments. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for a longstanding partnership and noted U.S. preparedness to counter threats to U.S. personnel and civilians in the Eastern Mediterranean and throughout the region.
NOTE: The Eastern Mediterranean is home to U.S. bases and naval forces, including those in Cyprus and Greece, which could be targeted or drawn into a larger regional conflict.
Chinese Hacking of Russia
Chinese cyber groups intensified their efforts to hack Russian military information shortly after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, according to cybersecurity experts and a leaked Russian counterintelligence document. The document refers to China as an “enemy.” Neither the Kremlin nor China’s embassy in Moscow commented.
Thailand Leak Scandal
A major Thai political party left the ruling coalition following the leak of a phone call between PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian PM Hun Sen. The call, which Hun Sen made public, included remarks suggesting tensions between Shinawatra’s government and Thailand’s military. The party’s withdrawal threatens government stability.
Spain Rejects NATO Spending Target
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez rejected NATO’s proposed defense spending target of 5% of GDP, calling it incompatible with Spain’s welfare state. NATO will discuss the proposal at next week’s summit, though any decision requires unanimous support.
Meanwhile, Latvia's president is confident that NATO will agree to raise its defense spending target, as requested by U.S. President Donald Trump, despite objections from Spain. He believes the alliance has little choice due to the increasing threat posed by Russia.
Warning on Russia’s Economy
Russia’s economy is nearing recession, according to its economy minister, who urged the central bank to lower the current 20% interest rate. Amid ongoing war with Ukraine, President Putin said he would only meet President Zelenskyy if peace talks reached their final stage.
New Zealand Cuts Aid Over China Ties
New Zealand has suspended aid to the Cook Islands due to concerns over recent defense-related agreements with China. The Cook Islands and New Zealand have a longstanding defense pact and shared governance on security matters. The Cook Islands government says discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue.
Finland Landmine Treaty Exit
Finland’s parliament voted to move forward with leaving the Ottawa Convention, which bans antipersonnel landmines. Citing national defense needs against Russia, Finland joins Latvia and Lithuania, which have also voted to exit the treaty earlier this year.
DRC and Rwanda Agreement
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have reached a draft peace agreement after three days of talks in Washington, mediated by the United States and Qatar. The deal, expected to be signed on June 27, comes in response to escalating violence in eastern Congo that has killed thousands and displaced millions since late last year. Previous peace efforts led by Angola had failed. According to a joint statement, the agreement includes commitments to respect territorial integrity, cease hostilities, disarm and conditionally integrate armed groups, facilitate the return of refugees, ensure humanitarian access, and promote regional economic cooperation. A security coordination mechanism will also be established, incorporating elements from earlier Angola-led negotiations. While the agreement does not directly address the minerals sector, U.S.-DRC talks are ongoing for a separate deal involving American investment in the country's mineral resources. Challenges remain, as multiple ceasefires have collapsed since the M23 rebel group launched its offensive in 2021. Although M23 is not a direct party to this agreement, Qatar is holding separate negotiations between the group and the Congolese government. Rwanda continues to deny supporting M23, despite claims from the DRC, the United Nations, and Western governments. The success of the deal will depend on effective implementation and progress in related talks with rebel groups.
OP-ED
President Biden Reflects on the Meaning of Juneteenth in New Op-Ed
By Joseph R. Biden, Jr. 46th President of the United States: 2021—2025
The people of Galveston, Texas, have been commemorating Juneteenth since the Civil War ended. Yesterday, in honor of the 160th anniversary, I went there to join them.
You can read about the events of Juneteenth, but there’s nothing quite like going to Galveston and seeing where it all happened.
After General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, Union troops marched across the South for two months, freeing enslaved people along the way. Their final stop was Galveston, an island off the Gulf coast of Texas. There, on June 19, 1865, Union troops went to Reedy Chapel, a church founded in 1848 by enslaved people, and posted a document titled simply “General Order #3.”
“The people of Texas are informed,” it said, “that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
We can only imagine the joy that spread through Galveston – and across the state and nation – on that day and those that followed.
Yesterday, there was once again joy in Galveston, with a parade, picnic, and fireworks. There was also great solemnity, because Juneteenth is a sacred day – a day of weight and power.
The Book of Psalms tells us: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and the promise of that joyful morning to come.
As President, I had the great honor of signing the law declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday. It was our nation’s first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was created in 1983.
Our federal holidays say a lot about who we are as a nation. We have holidays celebrating our independence… the laborers who build this nation… the servicemembers who served and died in its defense.
And now, we also have a national holiday dedicated to the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans.
Signing that law was one of my proudest acts as President.
Yet for 156 years, Juneteenth was not written about in textbooks or taught in classrooms. Still today, there are those who say it does not deserve a holiday. They don’t want to remember the moral stain of slavery and the terrible harm it did to our country.
I’ve always believed that we need to be honest about our history, especially in the face of ongoing efforts to erase it. Darkness can hide much, but it erases nothing. Only with truth can come healing, justice, and repair.
I also believe that it’s not enough to commemorate the past. We must also embrace the obligation we have to the future. As Scripture says, “Faith without works is dead.” And right now, we Americans need to keep the faith and do the work.
In honor of Juneteenth, let’s help people register to vote.
For decades, we fought to expand voting rights in America. Now we’re living in an era when relentless obstacles are being thrown in the way of people trying to vote. We can’t let those tactics defeat us. In America, the power belongs with the people. And the way we show that power is by voting.
So let’s reach out to family, friends and neighbors – especially those who have never voted before. Remind them that with voting, anything is possible. And without it, nothing is possible.
Yesterday in Galveston, we gathered in Reedy Chapel to commemorate Juneteenth, just like people have done for 160 years and counting. We prayed, sang, and read General Order #3 again. The pews were full of families. How many people must have prayed for freedom inside those walls. How many must have sent fervent thanks to God when slavery finally ended.
I remembered the words of my late friend John Lewis. He said, “Freedom is not a state. It is an act.”
Juneteenth did not mark the end of America’s work to deliver on the promise of equality. It only marked the beginning. To honor the true meaning of Juneteenth, we must continue to work toward that promise. For our freedom. For our democracy. And for America itself.
In celebration of Juneteenth, I would like to invite you to watch my video compilation of the Juneteenth Celebration at the White House in 2024. Happy Juneteenth!
TODAY IN HISTORY
1782 – The Great Seal of the United States is adopted.
Congress approved the final design of the Great Seal, which includes the bald eagle, shield, olive branch, and arrows—symbols of American sovereignty and ideals.
1837 – Queen Victoria ascends the British throne.
At just 18 years old, Victoria became Queen following the death of her uncle, King William IV. Her reign lasted 63 years and defined the Victorian era.
1863 – West Virginia becomes the 35th U.S. state.
During the Civil War, West Virginia broke away from Confederate Virginia and was admitted to the Union.
1944 – U.S. Army captures Cherbourg, France in WWII.
American forces advanced after the D-Day invasion, securing the critical port of Cherbourg from German control.
1963 – U.S. and Soviet Union agree to establish a “hotline.”
Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the two superpowers agreed to set up a direct communication link to prevent nuclear misunderstandings.
1991 – Germany's parliament votes to move the capital to Berlin.
In a symbolic and political decision after reunification, the Bundestag chose Berlin to replace Bonn as the capital of a unified Germany.
2003 – The Wikimedia Foundation is founded.
The non-profit organization behind Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects was established to support global access to information.
COMING UP
TODAY:
Nigeria kicked off the West Africa Economic Summit today.
The Northern Hemisphere marks the summer solstice.
SUNDAY:
Tokyo will hold its metropolitan assembly election.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Weekly Recap - Canada Edition will arrive tomorrow.
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