ACTUAL NEWS Briefing: June 6th 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- 6 minutes ago
- 16 min read
QUICK HITS
🇺🇸 Trump-Merz Meeting: Tension, Symbolism, and Missed Agreements
President Donald Trump welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the White House, where the Chancellor presented Trump with an unusual gift: a framed copy of Trump's grandfather’s original birth certificate. Despite the gold frame, Trump appeared unamused and later referred to Merz as “difficult.”
🎥 In the next clip, please watch out for this:
Merz’s frank, no-nonsense demeanor
Trump’s visibly stiff posture, appearing to "tolerate" the interaction
Trump’s attempt to derail the conversation with “Autopen? Someone said Autopen?!”
The tone turned awkward when Merz reminded Trump of June 6 as the D-Day anniversary, to which Trump responded, “Not a pleasant day for you.” Merz, undeterred, replied, “This was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship.”
Later, Trump compared Russia and Ukraine to fighting children, saying, “Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy… you’re better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart.”
Meanwhile, Russia launched a deadly barrage of missiles and drones across Ukraine, killing at least four and damaging infrastructure in Kyiv.
Trump also commented on Elon Musk’s black eye during the meeting:
Merz ultimately failed to convince Trump to increase pressure on Russia. Trump even doubled down, saying, “They may have to fight a little longer,” once again breaking his promise to end the bloodshed.
In a post-meeting Fox (Entertainment) News interview, Merz reflected:
“Ukraine applied for NATO membership in 2008 with U.S. support, but France and Germany opposed it. Had Ukraine joined—or kept its nuclear weapons—would this war have happened? Likely no.”
🤖 Trump vs Musk: The Feud Continues
The Trump–Musk feud escalated into a third day, with pointed back-and-forth exchanges on social media.
Vice President Vance weighed in after taking about 24 hours to comment:
🇺🇸 Biden Responds to Trump’s Executive Order Probe
Former President Joe Biden has responded to President Trump’s move to review the legality of Biden-era executive actions, following questions about his use of an autopen and alleged cognitive issues:
"Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn't is ridiculous and false."
🇵🇱 Dr. Jill Biden Visits Ukrainian Families in Poland
Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited RiO Edu Centrum, a Polish center supporting Ukrainian refugees and Polish orphans.The organization shared:
“It was an honor to spend time with Dr. Jill Biden—a woman with a big heart, educator, leader, change maker.”
Today, Dr. Biden spoke at the ChangeMAKERS 2025 business conference in Poland.
🍌 “Banana Republic” Senate Exchange Goes Viral
At Thursday’s Senate hearing:
Dean: “What’s the tariff on bananas?”
Lutnick: “Generally 10%.”
Dean: “Walmart has already increased the cost of bananas by 8%.”
Lutnick: “If you build in America, there is no tariff.”
Dean: “We cannot build bananas in America.”
🛰️ Drone War: China Tips the Scale Toward Russia
A Politico investigation reveals that Chinese companies are helping Russia outpace Ukraine in drone production by supplying electronics, optics, engines, and navigation systems through front companies to avoid sanctions.
📊 In Q1 2025:
According to Ukrainian customs, 98% of imported drones in the first quarter of 2025 were made in China — and almost all of them went to Russia.
Russia is now producing:
30,000+ long-range drones annually
Up to 2 million tactical drones
Ukraine, despite its previous leadership, is losing its advantage.
🇷🇺 Russia’s Drone Assault on Civilians, Ukraine’s Retaliation
Russia struck civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, killing multiple civilians.
In response, Ukraine launched a massive drone swarm attack on military targets deep inside Russia, striking:
Engels & Dyagilevo Air Bases
Military electronics plant in Tambov
Bryansk Airport
Podolsk (near Moscow) and parts of Crimea
🛑 Trump Blocks Crucial Drone Tech for Ukraine – WSJ
Despite earlier Biden-era approvals, the Trump administration denied Ukraine access to critical fuses used in drone-intercepting missiles.The Pentagon quietly notified Congress that the fuses would be rerouted to U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East.
🚢 Russia’s Black Sea Submarine Fleet Falling Apart
A leaked FSB report reveals that 90% of components in Russia’s Kilo II-class subs were imported before 2022. Now, domestic and Chinese parts are failing, with at least one sub, the Alrosa B-871, unable to fire and emitting black smoke.
🪖 D-Day Commemorations in Normandy
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Normandy, where he called on NATO allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Hegseth: “It cannot—and will not—be reliance on America alone in a world full of threats.”
Rutte: “Pete, thank you for your leadership and for being a staunch ally.”
"Trump, The Twins President" – A Satirical Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong
A modern Cantonese opera titled "Trump, The Twins President" has captivated audiences in Hong Kong with its comedic and satirical portrayal of U.S. President Donald Trump. Written by Edward Li, a Feng Shui master-turned-playwright, the opera debuted in 2019 and has evolved over the years, with the latest version featuring scenes like Trump’s dramatic quarrel with a Zelenskyy double in the White House and a mock assassination attempt.
The opera blends traditional elements of Cantonese opera with contemporary political themes, showcasing Trump as a central figure affected by global events such as trade tariffs and U.S.-China relations.
The story unfolds through a dream by Ivanka Trump, introducing a fictional Chinese twin brother of Trump who eventually impersonates him. Performed at Hong Kong’s Xiqu Theatre, the sold-out show "aims to bring humor, love, and peace to its audience". Actor Lung Koon-tin, who portrays Trump, emphasized the message of Sino-U.S. friendship. The performance resonated particularly well with younger viewers, who found the modern twist on the traditional art form "both entertaining and refreshing".
TODAY IN HISTORY
1523 – Gustav Vasa is elected King of Sweden, marking the end of the Kalmar Union and the beginning of modern Sweden.
1654 – Queen Christina of Sweden abdicates the throne and is succeeded by her cousin, Charles X Gustav.
1844 – The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is founded in London.
1882 – A cyclone in the Arabian Sea sinks the British ship RMS Quetta, killing 133 people.
1933 – The first drive-in movie theater opens in Camden, New Jersey.
1944 – D-Day: Allied forces land on the beaches of Normandy, France, in the largest amphibious invasion in history. This marks a turning point in World War II and begins the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
Let’s revisit former President Biden’s speech at Normandy, delivered on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Our dear supporter Lisa F. Moore generously shared some videos she recorded during her visit to Normandy a few years ago. We hope you enjoy them.
1966 – James Meredith, who integrated the University of Mississippi, is shot during his “March Against Fear” to promote Black voter registration in the South.
1982 – Israel invades southern Lebanon in Operation Peace for Galilee, beginning the 1982 Lebanon War.
2002 – A near-Earth asteroid measuring 10 meters in diameter explodes over the Mediterranean Sea with the energy of a small atomic bomb.
2021 – The G7 nations agree on a historic global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% to prevent tax avoidance by multinational companies.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Trump Signs Executive Orders on Drones and Next-Gen Aircraft
President Donald Trump on Friday signed a series of executive orders aimed at strengthening U.S. defenses against hostile drones and advancing emerging aviation technologies. The measures enable the routine use of drones beyond visual line of sight—critical for commercial delivery operations—and aim to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers. The orders also support the development and testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), potentially benefiting companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation.
Man Wrongfully Deported Returns to Face Charges
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador by the Trump administration, has been returned to the United States. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, he will now face criminal charges related to transporting undocumented immigrants within the country.
Concerns Over USDA Report Integrity
Agricultural analysts expressed concern this week about the credibility of U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting after the agency delayed the release of a report and omitted findings linking tariffs to a projected rise in the agricultural trade deficit. The issue was highlighted in interviews with four analysts conducted by Reuters.
Fed Chair Announcement Imminent, Trump Says
President Trump said Friday that a decision on the next Federal Reserve chair will be announced soon, noting that “a good Fed chair would lower interest rates.”
Supreme Court to Hear Alabama Death Penalty Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal from Alabama officials seeking to overturn a ruling that a man convicted of a 1997 murder is intellectually disabled—an assessment that spared him from execution. The state aims to proceed with carrying out the death sentence.
SCOTUS Declines GOP Election Law Challenge
The Supreme Court declined to take up a Republican-led challenge to a Pennsylvania court decision requiring provisional ballots to be counted even if voters made errors on their mail-in ballots. The ruling leaves intact current protections for such ballots in federal elections.
Federal Judge Blocks Harvard Ban on International Students
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to bar Harvard from enrolling international students, citing unresolved legal concerns.
Job Bias Ruling: SCOTUS Backs Woman Passed Over for Gay Colleagues
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court sided with a straight woman who claimed she was twice passed over for jobs given to gay coworkers, finding that she was unfairly discriminated against.
SCOTUS Clears Gunmakers in Cartel Case, Upholds Catholic Charity’s Tax Break
In two other unanimous decisions, the Court ruled that gun manufacturers cannot be held liable for cartel violence in Mexico and affirmed a Catholic charity's right to maintain its tax-exempt status.
Justices Decline D.C. Magazine Capacity Case
The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Washington, D.C.'s restriction on large-capacity ammunition magazines, sidestepping a potential expansion of Second Amendment gun rights.
AP Barred from White House Events—For Now
A federal appeals court temporarily paused a lower court’s order requiring that Associated Press reporters be allowed into all White House events, allowing the Trump administration to continue restricting press access pending further legal review.
Trump Administration Granted Broad Access to SSA Data
The Supreme Court permitted the Department of Government Efficiency—central to President Trump’s federal workforce reduction agenda—temporary access to personal information held in Social Security Administration databases while a legal challenge proceeds.
Columbia Faces Accreditation Trouble Over Antisemitism
The Department of Education announced that Columbia University failed to meet accreditation standards, citing its alleged failure to address the harassment of Jewish students. Separately, President Trump signed an executive order banning international students from enrolling at Harvard, part of a broader administration crackdown on how universities handle "campus antisemitism".
RFK Jr. Promotes Access to Unproven Medical Therapies
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed support for expanding access to alternative medical treatments, including stem cell therapy and chelation. He acknowledged, however, that the industry is plagued by fraud and lacks consistent oversight.
GOP Caught in Trump–Musk Feud Crossfire
Republican lawmakers are working to distance themselves from the escalating public spat between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, concerned that the feud could damage the party’s chances of maintaining its majority in the 2026 midterm elections.
Transportation Dept. Eases Path for Lower Fuel Standards
The U.S. Transportation Department announced Friday that the Biden administration overstepped its authority when it factored in aggressive electric vehicle adoption while crafting fuel economy rules. This opens the door for the Trump administration to roll back federal efficiency standards.
Michael Horowitz Named Fed Inspector General
The Federal Reserve has appointed Michael Horowitz, former Justice Department Inspector General, as the Fed’s new Inspector General. He replaces Mark Bialek, who retired earlier this year. Horowitz will also serve as the watchdog for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Pardoned Proud Boys Sue U.S. for $100M
Four Proud Boys leaders, previously convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and later pardoned by President Trump, have filed a $100 million lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming unlawful prosecution and damages.
“Pathogen” in Smuggling Case Turns Out to Be Common Fungus
A biological sample a Chinese researcher was accused of smuggling into the U.S. — labeled by prosecutors as a potential “dangerous pathogen” — has been identified by experts as a common fungus already found in U.S. crop fields, with minimal food safety risk.
U.S. Halts Nuclear Equipment Sales to China
The U.S. has suspended licenses for nuclear suppliers selling to Chinese power plants, sources said, amid escalating U.S.–China trade tensions.
Interior Dept. Approves Coal Expansion for Asia Exports
In response to President Trump’s energy-emergency directives, the Interior Department approved a plan by Signal Peak Energy to expand coal mining operations, aimed at boosting coal exports to Japan and South Korea.
SpaceX Reverses Course on Dragon Retirement
Elon Musk reversed a prior announcement just hours after declaring that SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, stating instead that the capsule will remain in use. The move comes amid Musk’s deepening feud with President Trump.
Trump Administration's $1 Billion Vanity Projects Funded by Taxpayers
President Donald Trump's administration has allocated over $1 billion in taxpayer funds for various initiatives aimed at personal glorification, according to a report by Rolling Stone. These expenditures include a lavish ad campaign by the Department of Homeland Security, a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., and the conversion of a Qatari airplane into a new Air Force One for Trump's post-presidency use. Additionally, a $100 million ballroom is being added to the White House.
Political analysts suggest that these actions reflect a broader pattern of behavior associated with authoritarian politics, emphasizing the president's need for constant adulation. For instance, after Attorney General Pam Bondi's exaggerated claim that fentanyl seizures under the Trump administration saved 119 million lives, staffers compiled instances of Democratic criticism to present to the president, aiming to boost his morale.
These vanity projects have drawn widespread criticism for their extravagant use of public funds to cater to the president's personal desires.
DEFENSE
Air Force One Retrofit Costs Under $400M
Transforming a former Qatari royal jet into President Donald Trump’s new Air Force One will likely cost under $400 million, according to Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink. He noted the platform includes classified capabilities but emphasized the overall retrofit is expected to remain within this lower-than-anticipated cost.
Formula One Inspires Military AI
Government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton is turning to Formula One racing for inspiration in developing autonomous combat vehicles, aiming to enhance speed, efficiency, and tactical edge through racing-derived tech.
DoD Shifts Priority to F-47 Program
Citing schedule delays and cost overruns across multiple aircraft programs, the Pentagon recommended prioritizing the Air Force’s F-47 fighter to allow the Navy’s F/A-XX program additional time for development. Officials say this phasing will reduce pressure on the strained defense industrial base.
Radar Delivery Delays Raise Concerns
A letter from Lockheed Martin’s CEO to the Air Force, obtained by Breaking Defense, warned of risks to the radar production timeline—raising concerns about potential delays in future production lots.
Space Interceptor Engagement Quietly Canceled
The Pentagon has canceled a planned industry event on space-based missile interceptors, marking another setback for the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative and its most ambitious component to date.
ARRW Hypersonic Missile Back in Play
At separate hearings, Air Force officials revealed the previously shelved Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) is once again a viable part of their hypersonic arsenal. The Army also announced plans to evaluate new hypersonic weapon rounds.
Army Modernization Faces Bipartisan Skepticism
Army leaders met bipartisan frustration in a June 4 House hearing, as lawmakers expressed support for the Trump administration’s modernization agenda—but withheld full backing due to the lack of a concrete budget to fund the initiatives.
Capitol Hill Criticizes Defense Budget Delays
Lawmakers from both parties criticized the Trump administration for continued delays in releasing the FY2026 defense budget, calling it unacceptable amid escalating global threats.
German F-35s Get Stealth-Compatible Cruise Missiles
Germany’s F-35A fighters will be equipped with new cruise missiles that enhance land-attack and anti-ship capabilities without compromising stealth—a major upgrade to NATO’s forward-operating strength.
Senators Propose Space Defense Cooperation Bill
Amid growing concerns about China and Russia’s space activity, two U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening military space coordination between the U.S. and its Indo-Pacific allies.
Navy Scraps British E-3D Acquisition Plan
The U.S. Navy has abandoned plans to repurpose a British E-3D Sentry aircraft into a dedicated E-6B trainer jet, opting instead to scrap the airframe after acquisition.
GLOBAL
U.S. & INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Merz Criticizes U.S. View of Russia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after meeting with President Trump, said some U.S. lawmakers underestimate the scale of Russia’s rearmament, signaling widening transatlantic gaps on how to handle Moscow.
Trump Pushes to Soften Russia Sanctions
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump is privately pressuring senators to weaken Russia sanctions by inserting waiver provisions and changing enforcement language from “shall” to “may,” giving the White House more discretion.
Russia Signals Nuclear Arms Deal Collapse
A top Russian arms control official said there’s little chance of saving the last remaining nuclear accord with the U.S., set to expire in eight months, due to the “ruined” state of bilateral relations.
Trump and Xi Hold First Call Since Inauguration
President Trump said he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for 90 minutes, marking their first call since Trump took office. The two reportedly discussed trade and rare earth exports, though China’s official readout omitted mention of the minerals.
Rare Earth Breakthrough?
Trump later announced that Xi had agreed to resume rare earth exports to the U.S., a "major development in the ongoing trade dispute".
U.S.-China Trade Talks Resume Monday
Three of Trump’s senior aides will meet their Chinese counterparts in London on Monday to continue efforts to resolve the high-stakes trade conflict.
SANCTIONS & FOREIGN POLICY
U.S. Sanctions ICC Judges Over Israel Probes
The State Department announced sanctions on four International Criminal Court judges in retaliation for their investigations into U.S. military conduct and the issuance of arrest warrants for top Israeli officials.
$500M Gaza Aid Under Review
The State Department is considering a $500 million contribution to a new foundation supporting aid efforts in war-torn Gaza, a move that could deepen U.S. involvement in a politically fraught and volatile region.
New Iran Sanctions Target 'Shadow Banking' Network
The Treasury Department unveiled sanctions against more than 30 individuals and entities tied to an alleged Iranian shadow banking system accused of laundering billions of dollars globally.
North Korea Backs Russia’s War in Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged “unconditional support” for Russia during a visit from Russia’s top security official. The Pentagon estimates around 10,000 North Korean troops are already aiding Russia on the ground.
GLOBAL ECONOMY & ENERGY
India Eyes Rare Earth Independence
India is in talks with firms to create a long-term rare earth magnet stockpile and is considering tax incentives for domestic producers to reduce reliance on China, Reuters reports.
China’s Coal Surge Threatens Climate Goals
China approved more coal-fired power plant capacity in Q1 2025 than in all of H1 2024, per a Greenpeace report. The expansion threatens Beijing’s progress toward its 2030 carbon emissions peak target.
SECURITY
Navy Abandons British Aircraft Trainer Conversion
The U.S. Navy has scrapped plans to convert a British E-3D Sentry into an E-6B trainer jet after acquiring the airframe.
HUMAN RIGHTS & MIGRATION
Trump Travel Ban Draws African Union Rebuke
The African Union criticized Trump’s newly announced travel ban affecting several African nations, urging a "balanced, evidence-based" approach that respects U.S.–Africa relations.
Harvard Student Ban Temporarily Blocked
A federal judge temporarily halted Trump’s executive order banning international students from enrolling at Harvard, pending further legal review.
POPULATION & PUBLIC HEALTH
Japan’s Birth Rate Hits Record Low
Japan recorded just 686,061 births in 2024—its lowest ever and the 16th consecutive year of decline. With a fertility rate of 1.15, projections show the population could fall to 87 million by 2070.
U.S. Aid Cuts Leave Contraceptives Stranded
Millions of contraceptives meant for low-income countries are reportedly stuck in warehouses due to U.S. aid cuts. Aid groups warn they may soon expire or be destroyed.
DIPLOMACY
Canada’s Carney Speaks with Modi and NATO Chief
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held separate calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Both leaders are expected to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta.
Ghana Endorses Morocco’s Western Sahara Plan
Ghana became the latest country to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, joining the U.S., UK, and Kenya. The plan is opposed by Algeria-backed separatists seeking independence.
Israel Collaborating with Gaza Militia Against Hamas
Reports emerged that Israel is coordinating with a Palestinian militia in Gaza as part of efforts to combat Hamas, reflecting a tactical shift in its approach to the conflict.
TECH & BUSINESS HEADLINES
🤖 Amazon’s Delivery Robots Are Coming
Amazon is developing AI-powered humanoid robots to deliver packages. The robots will be trained on an indoor obstacle course—nicknamed “humanoid park”—at a San Francisco office before real-world testing begins. They’ll be delivered to deployment zones via Amazon’s fleet of electric vans, including over 20,000 Rivians. While Amazon is building the software in-house, it plans to test various hardware models from other companies, including Unitree’s $16,000 humanoid. Amazon already uses bipedal robots from Agility Robotics in its warehouses. This move is part of Amazon’s broader push toward full automation, which includes Zoox’s self-driving vehicles—and could eventually replace hundreds of thousands of delivery jobs worldwide.
📜 Reddit Sues Anthropic Over AI Training
Reddit has filed a lawsuit against AI startup Anthropic, accusing it of using Reddit content to train language models without permission or compensation.
📉 Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholders Reject CEO Pay
Shareholders at Warner Bros. Discovery voted down CEO David Zaslav’s $52 million pay package. However, because the vote is nonbinding, the board may still approve the compensation.
🔁 Procter & Gamble Cuts 7,000 Jobs
P&G announced it will eliminate 7,000 roles as part of a restructuring plan. The company insists the move isn’t about cutting costs—but earlier this year it signaled cost reductions after reporting soft sales and a reduced annual outlook. As part of the restructure, P&G is also planning to exit some product categories.
🎮 Nintendo Switch 2 Sells Out Instantly
Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 launched yesterday—and sold out within hours at major retailers like Walmart. The company expects to sell 15 million units by March 2026, though analysts say that estimate may be conservative. The original Switch has sold more than 152 million units since its 2017 release.
🎾 French Open Finals This Weekend
The French Open women’s and men’s singles finals take place this Saturday and Sunday in Paris, closing out one of the year’s biggest tennis events.
COMING UP
Today, Argentine President Javier Milei visited Italy for bilateral meetings and diplomatic outreach.
G7 Summit in Canada: World leaders will gather for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15–17, where discussions are expected to focus on global security, trade, climate, and emerging technologies.
Upcoming Travel – NATO Secretary General: On Monday, June 9, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to the United Kingdom for high-level meetings.
ANNOUNCEMENT
I'm headed to the 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta — accredited as a journalist and a geopolitical analyst.
This is a milestone. Global leaders from Canada, the U.S., the EU, Japan, and beyond will gather to confront some of the most urgent challenges of our time — from climate and AI to global security and democracy.
And I’ll be there — representing independent journalism, with you in mind.
If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to history, this is it.
👉 Over the weekend, I’ll be launching a private app experience where supporters will get exclusive G7 coverage, including:
Behind-the-scenes video updates throughout the summit
Off-the-record reflections I can’t always share publicly
An exclusive post-G7 Zoom Q&A + debrief
Early access to key insights and stories before they’re released
To those who have already donated — thank you deeply. Your support powers this work.
If you haven’t yet, I’d love to invite you to join in. There’s no minimum. Every contribution, big or small, helps sustain honest, human-first journalism that doesn’t answer to corporate sponsors or political agendas.
Let’s cover history — together.
🧭 Donate here: https://www.onestnetwork.com/donate
📬 I’ll take you behind the scenes — every step of the way.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Weekly News Recap - Canada Edition will arrive tomorrow.
