ACTUAL NEWS Briefing: May 21st 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- 25 minutes ago
- 17 min read
Updated: 2 minutes ago
QUICK HITS
President Trump welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House.
During their meeting, Trump showed videos in an attempt to support his false claims about the mass killings of a white ethnic minority in South Africa.
Sitting alongside his guest and accompanied by Elon Musk, Trump suggested that a white genocide was occurring in South Africa, saying, "I hope you can have an explanation of that."
Trump's team then rolled out a television, forcing President Ramaphosa to watch videos accusing South Africa of white genocide.
Trump: "These are burial sites. Over a thousand white farmers... Those people were all killed."
President Ramaphosa: "I would like to know where this is because this I've never seen."
Trump: "It's in South Africa."
After watching the videos, President Ramaphosa responded: "I am sorry I don’t have a plane to give you."
Trump: "I wish you did. I would take it."
By the way, I did a deep dive into the issue of South African "refugees" to the U.S. — you can watch it right here.
The U.S. Ambassador to South Africa from 2013 to 2016 shared his thoughts on today's meeting in a tweet:
Elon Musk Pulls Back from Politics — But Key Questions Remain
Elon Musk, once one of the most influential private donors in U.S. politics, announced this week that he plans to significantly reduce his political spending, saying, “I think I’ve done enough.”
The statement, made during a panel at the Qatar Economic Forum, marks a sharp turn for the billionaire who poured over $250 million into GOP campaigns, including Donald Trump’s 2024 bid, and played a central role in launching the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
But while Musk may be stepping back publicly, key questions remain unanswered:
What access has Musk gained to government infrastructure and sensitive databases, and how might this be used in the training and development of AI systems he controls?
What prompted his retreat? Musk and DOGE have overseen the closure of numerous federal offices and the dismissal of civil servants—many of whom were reportedly involved in investigations tied to Musk’s business interests.
Where is the transparency? DOGE operates as a quasi-governmental body with little oversight. Its membership and internal decision-making remain opaque. A recent Fox News segment showed young men jokingly attending a DOGE meeting using nicknames like “Big Balls”—raising further concerns about professionalism and oversight.
What now, under Russell Vought? The mastermind behind Project 2025 is next to assume the leadership of DOGE. With press access restricted to clickbaity headlines and the White House silent on facts that do matter, Americans are left in the dark about what agenda this unelected group will pursue.
For now, Musk may claim he’s done “enough,” but the country deserves answers to what he and DOGE have already done—and what comes next.
NEW: As reported by Politico, the Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to block efforts that would expose the inner workings of the DOGE cost-cutting initiative to public scrutiny. The Justice Department filed an emergency appeal on Wednesday, requesting the court to halt a judge’s order that grants a watchdog group access to documents related to firings, grant terminations, and other actions proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by Elon Musk.
Senator Whitehouse questioned U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin about the numbers behind DOGE's cuts to EPA-run programs in a heated 4-minute exchange.
Watch the full exchange here:
On Ukraine
Trump appears to be distancing himself from negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine, a conflict he once claimed he could end in 24 hours. This shift seems to benefit Vladimir Putin.
During a follow-up call with European leaders, Trump reportedly expressed the belief that Russia was winning, echoing several Kremlin talking points, according to sources familiar with the conversation. - Bloomberg
At an event at the White House on Monday, Trump also mentioned hearing that Putin “likes Melania better than him.”
BBC’s Steve Rosenberg reports that Russia continues to celebrate the Putin-Trump call.
Russian papers today read: “Trump’s stance couldn’t be more advantageous to Moscow.”
“Trump is our ideological partner.”
Another publication tells European leaders: “Just breathe in the smell of the new world order.”
As Ukrainians brace for a longer conflict, they are being reminded: “We have to rely on ourselves.”
Meanwhile, the E.U. approved additional sanctions on Russia, targeting ships involved in covert oil sales.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, commented on the recently passed sanctions, urging both the EU and the U.S. to exert pressure on Russia, which has shown no willingness to agree to the proposed ceasefire.
Marco Rubio Defends Trump's Foreign Policy and Budget Cuts in Senate Hearing
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration’s foreign policy and budget cuts in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, responding to criticisms from former colleagues and others. Rubio rejected accusations that the U.S. was withdrawing from global affairs, asserting that his actions were intended to reform foreign aid and diplomatic programs. Here are the key points from his testimony:
Foreign Aid and Diplomacy:
Rubio stated that the changes he is overseeing in the State Department are not about withdrawing from the world but about streamlining U.S. foreign policy and prioritizing national interests.
He pointed to his travels, claiming, "I just hit 18 countries in 18 weeks," to counter claims of withdrawal.
He defended the cuts to foreign aid programs, arguing many were ineffective or duplicative.
Rubio's budget proposal of $28.5 billion for the State Department would remove $20 billion from "wasteful programs" and focus on the America First Opportunity Fund, which aims to align U.S. foreign aid with national security priorities.
U.S.-Russia Relations:
Rubio dismissed "accusations" of favoring Russia and stated that sanctions on Russia remain in place.
He emphasized that Vladimir Putin had not received any meaningful concessions from the U.S., countering "accusations" that Trump’s engagement with Russia was beneficial to Putin.
U.S. Congressman Bill Keating asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio whether Putin is a war criminal:
Keating: “Is Putin a war criminal?”
Rubio: “I think you can certainly call the incidents that happened there war crimes, but our intention is to end this war.”
Keating: “Is he a war criminal?”
Rubio: “We will not end the war without talking to Putin.”
Keating: “No, it's very simple. Is he a war criminal?”
Rubio: “That's the person we're negotiating with!”
Keating: “Is Putin a war criminal? It’s not difficult.”
Rubio: “I’ll try to answer your question by telling you that we’re trying to end the war in Ukraine.”
Immigration Policy:
Rubio was criticized for his role in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, particularly the policy of prioritizing the resettlement of white South Africans over refugees from other countries. Rubio argued that the policy was justified based on claims of discrimination against Afrikaners, though South Africa denies the allegations of genocide.
Middle East and Israel:
On the Israel-Gaza conflict, Rubio said that Israel could defeat Hamas while still allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, supporting Israel’s actions as aimed at Hamas militants.
He also commented on humanitarian aid to Palestinians, stating that the U.S. had discussed with regional countries whether they would accept Palestinians from Gaza who wish to leave voluntarily.
Syria:
Rubio addressed U.S. policy on Syria, acknowledging the ongoing sanctions but suggesting that the State Department might eventually consider revising Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism designation if the country meets certain criteria.
Protest Interruptions:
Rubio’s testimony was interrupted by protesters shouting “Stop the genocide” in reference to the situation in Gaza, a frequent occurrence at congressional hearings related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Support and Criticism:
Several Republican senators expressed support for Rubio, who has become a crucial figure in the Trump administration.
Trump praised Rubio, saying, "When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved."
Senator Rosen expressed her disappointment: "Secretary Rubio, I'm going to embrace my Jewish mother instincts for a moment. As a mother, a senator, and a fellow human being, I can tell you that I'm not even mad anymore about your complicity in this Administration's destruction of U.S. global leadership. I'm simply disappointed."
At the conclusion of the exchange, Rubio declared: “The U.S. can no longer solve all the world's problems.”
Dual Roles:
Rubio is serving simultaneously as Secretary of State and acting National Security Adviser, making him the first person since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s to hold both positions.
U.S. Aid Cuts Lead to Food Rations Rotting in Warehouses Worldwide
According to a Reuters report, food rations intended to supply 3.5 million people for a month are mouldering in warehouses around the world due to U.S. aid cuts, risking becoming unusable. The food has been stuck in four U.S. government warehouses since the Trump administration's decision in January to cut global aid programs. This information comes from five sources familiar with the situation, including former USAID staff and officials from other aid organizations.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1881: Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., marking a significant milestone in humanitarian aid history.
1927: Charles Lindbergh completed the first nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, traveling from New York to Paris in approximately 33.5 hours.
1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Northern Ireland about 15 hours after departing Newfoundland.
1946: Physicist Louis Slotin was fatally irradiated during a criticality accident at Los Alamos National Laboratory while conducting an experiment with a plutonium core.
1991: Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber affiliated with the Tamil Tigers near Madras, India.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
CDC Adopts Advisory Panel’s Vaccine Recommendations for Chikungunya: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has accepted its advisory panel's recommendations for chikungunya vaccines, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. These recommendations, which were approved on May 13, 2025, are now the official guidelines of the CDC.
Pesticide Ban Unites Unlikely Allies: Environmental activists and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have found common ground in calling for a ban on chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide that scientists have linked to cancer and neurological damage. Once approved for agricultural use, chlorpyrifos has been restricted in several states due to mounting health concerns. Kennedy and several green groups are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a nationwide ban, marking a rare moment of unity between political outsiders and long-established environmental organizations.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Meets Elon Musk at the Pentagon: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with billionaire Elon Musk at the Pentagon on Wednesday, marking the second known visit by the close ally of President Donald Trump to the department's headquarters.
U.S. Interior Department Identifies Major Oil and Gas Resources: A new federal assessment has revealed significant undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, according to the U.S. Interior Department, which made the announcement on Wednesday.
U.S. Army to Skip Trump’s Birthday Celebration for its 250th Anniversary: The U.S. Army has announced that it will not recognize President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14 as part of its celebrations for the Army's 250th anniversary.
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commissioner to Resign: Democratic Commissioner Kristin Johnson of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has announced plans to resign, becoming the latest member of the currently four-person commission to step down.
Democratic Commissioners Sue Trump Administration Over Terminations: Three Democratic members of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming their terminations were unlawful. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland by Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, and Richard Trumka Jr., all of whom were appointed by former President Joe Biden.
Trump Administration Considers Visa Processing Solutions for World Cup: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the Trump administration is considering putting consular officers on double shifts and using artificial intelligence to speed up visa processing ahead of the World Cup next year.
Federal Judge Rules Against U.S. Deportation Plan to South Sudan: A federal judge ruled that the U.S. government violated a court order by attempting to deport migrants to South Sudan, opening a new front in the ongoing conflict between President Donald Trump and the judicial checks on his hardline immigration policies.
Twelve U.S. States Seek to Block Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs: Twelve U.S. states filed a legal challenge on Wednesday to halt President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, arguing that he overstepped his authority by declaring a national emergency to impose tariffs on countries with trade imbalances.
Companies Rush to Convert Warehouses to Avoid Trump's Tariffs: Companies importing goods from China are quickly converting warehouses into facilities that are exempt from President Donald Trump's tariffs until they can sell the merchandise.
Trump Administration Ends Efforts to Oversee Police Departments: The Trump administration has ended its efforts to secure agreements for federal oversight of police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, despite previous findings that these departments had routinely violated the civil rights of Black people.
Trump Chooses Darryl Nirenberg as U.S. Ambassador to Romania: President Donald Trump has selected Darryl Nirenberg, a lawyer and former U.S. Senate staffer, to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Romania.
Thomas Barrack Appointed as Special Envoy for Syria: The United States will appoint Thomas Barrack, President Donald Trump’s longtime advisor and current U.S. ambassador to Turkey, as a special envoy for Syria, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Judge Rejects Trump Administration’s Bid to Cancel IRS Union Contract: A federal judge has rejected the U.S. Treasury Department’s attempt to cancel a union contract covering tens of thousands of IRS staff, marking an early setback to President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many federal workers.
Democratic U.S. Representative Gerald Connolly Passes Away: Democratic U.S. Representative Gerald Connolly passed away on Wednesday following a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. He was 75 years old.
Hackers Breach Communications Service Used by Trump Adviser Mike Waltz: A hacker who breached the communications service used by former Trump national security adviser Mike Waltz earlier this month intercepted a broader range of messages from American officials, raising concerns about data security under the Trump administration.
Donald Trump Jr. Hints at Potential Presidential Run: U.S. President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested on Wednesday that he may run for president one day, during a panel appearance in Qatar.
Intelligence Report Altered: An aide to Tulsi Gabbard, the current Director of National Intelligence, reportedly instructed intelligence analysts to alter a classified report to prevent it from being "used against" her or President Trump. According to sources familiar with the matter, the report originally contradicted Trump's public assertion that a Venezuelan-backed criminal gang was operating within the United States. The edits allegedly softened conclusions that undermined this claim, raising concerns within the intelligence community about politicized interference.
Criminal Probe into Andrew Cuomo: The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over his sworn testimony related to the handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. Prosecutors are reportedly examining whether Cuomo misled Congress or federal investigators regarding his administration's decision to withhold data about nursing home deaths in the early months of the pandemic.
South Sudan Deportation Flight Controversy: A federal judge has refused to halt a deportation flight carrying several migrants to South Sudan, despite arguments from attorneys that the individuals on board could face imminent danger upon return. However, the court ordered the U.S. government to ensure that all deportees remain in U.S. custody while still aboard the aircraft, pending further legal proceedings. Human rights advocates have criticized the flight as inhumane, citing ongoing conflict and instability in South Sudan.
DEFENSE
The U.S. Army has decided to alter the records of transgender soldiers, showing only their sex at birth, according to internal guidance seen by Reuters. This step is part of an effort to push transgender soldiers out of the service.
President Donald Trump aims to have his signature Golden Dome missile defense program operational before the end of his term. He has appointed Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael A. Guetlein to lead the project. Trump estimates the cost at around $175 billion, significantly lower than the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate of $831 billion over two decades. The administration is seeking a $25 billion down payment for the program’s first phase through a Republican-led spending package currently advancing on Capitol Hill. Details on which components may be prioritized were not disclosed by Trump, Hegseth, or Guetlein.
Qatar had struggled to sell a luxury Boeing 747-8 for years, but Trump’s team decided to accept the jet as a gift for use as Air Force One. The process involved weeks of secret coordination between Washington and Doha. The Air Force is now planning modifications to the 747-8 to ensure it meets the presidential transport requirements, with Air Force Secretary Dr. Troy E. Meink confirming the jet will fulfill all basic mission needs as of May 20.
Meanwhile, the Space Force faces a 14% cut to its civilian workforce due to the Trump administration’s push to reduce the number of civilians working for the defense sector. This has resulted in significant reductions to Space Force personnel instead of the expected workforce growth.
The Air Force Reserve Command is running short on funds to maintain necessary flying hours for pilot readiness. Lt. Gen. John P. Healy testified before the House Appropriations Committee on May 20, stating that the program is $26 million in the hole, putting pilot proficiency at risk as the funding is expected to run out by early September.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on May 20 that the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan would be reviewed to ensure accountability. Specific actions resulting from the review were not detailed.
The Department of Homeland Security has requested 20,000 National Guardsmen to assist with mass deportations under the Trump administration, with the National Guard Bureau’s chief confirming the review on May 20.
The Marine Corps is collaborating with federal immigration authorities on a pilot program aimed at preventing unauthorized access to military installations by foreign nationals. This was confirmed by Marine Corps spokespeople on May 20.
In a disturbing development, U.S.-sanctioned terrorist organizations appear to be using premium, verified accounts on the social media platform X, potentially violating U.S. sanctions.
On the ground, the Army has extended its combat medic training course, conducted realistic exercises with partner nations, and is developing distributed command-and-control nodes in the Pacific. These measures will allow medics to perform blood transfusions, extending patient survival without hospitalization.
GLOBAL
The Kremlin indicated on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile shield could lead to the resumption of talks between Moscow and Washington regarding nuclear arms control.
China expressed serious concern about the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense shield project and urged Washington to abandon its development, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday.
Germany’s defense minister said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump misjudged his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a phone call that yielded no progress in peace talks for Ukraine. The exchange led Europe to announce new sanctions on Russia.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath warned on Wednesday that U.S. fiscal deficits are too large, and the country must address its growing debt burden, according to an interview with the Financial Times.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the U.S. State Department has designated four Cuban regime officials for gross human rights violations, including prosecutor Yanaisa Matos Legrá and judges Gladys Maria Padrón Canals, Maria Elena Fornari Conde, and Juan Sosa Orama.
The Trump administration announced it would halt $365 million in solar power funding for Puerto Rico, redirecting it to fossil fuel plants and infrastructure maintenance.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on people and entities providing Iran with construction-related materials used in its nuclear, ballistic, or military programs.
Venezuela released a U.S. Air Force veteran to American officials, a move aimed at improving bilateral relations with the Trump administration and encouraging it to allow Western oil companies to resume operations in Venezuela.
Britain, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s expansion of the war in Gaza as "wholly disproportionate."
Israel recalled its senior diplomats from ceasefire talks in Doha yesterday. Qatari officials, who are mediating the talks, noted that significant gaps remain between the two sides.
According to CNN, citing unnamed U.S. officials, Israel is considering bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, a decision that would add another layer of tension between Israel and Washington, which is currently negotiating a nuclear deal with Tehran.
The European Union has decided to lift economic sanctions on Syria to support reconstruction efforts. Germany's foreign minister emphasized that Brussels seeks a fresh start with Syria, but insists on “inclusive” domestic policies. This move follows Trump’s recent announcement that the U.S. would also ease sanctions on Syria.
Africa’s newly established space agency will focus on climate monitoring and aims to expand successful projects, such as early warning weather systems for fishermen. The agency, launched by the African Union (AU) last month and headquartered in Cairo, seeks to improve information sharing both within and beyond the continent.
China’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in Europe grew for the first time in seven years, according to the Mercator Institute for China Studies and the Rhodium Group. The increase was driven by electric vehicle and battery projects in Hungary. However, China's total FDI of approximately $11 billion was just a fifth of its peak in 2016.
Taiwan continues to seek “peace” and “dialogue” with China, but will also bolster its military defenses, President Lai Ching-te stated during his speech marking the first year of his presidency yesterday. China has rejected multiple offers for talks from Lai, with its Taiwan Affairs Office dismissing the speech as “a waste of effort” and “doomed to fail.”
Hungary’s legislature approved a bill yesterday to initiate a one-year withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously announced his intent to leave the court, calling it “political” rather than “impartial.” The ICC began noncompliance proceedings against Hungary after it refused to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during a March visit to Budapest, despite an ICC warrant.
The Future of Alliances: A CFR Discussion on Burden Sharing and Credibility of Commitments
On May 20, 2025, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) hosted a crucial discussion titled The Future of Alliances: Burden Sharing and Credibility of Commitments.
The conversation was led by Michael Froman, President of the CFR; Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute; Stefan Mair, Director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs; and Frances Fragos Townsend, former Assistant to President George W. Bush for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security. The panelists explored urgent topics surrounding global alliances, the role of the U.S. in the current geopolitical landscape, and the challenges to trust in international relationships.
Key Insights from the Discussion:
The Trust Challenge in U.S. Alliances: Stefan Mair pointed out that a core challenge for global alliances is the issue of extended nuclear deterrence while facing difficulties in fully relying on the U.S. He also referenced JD Vance's speech in Munich, which had been detrimental to trust and respect in U.S. leadership.
U.S. Leadership and Its Global Impact: Michael Fullilove discussed how Australia views the current U.S. administration with increasing discomfort, noting that the country has long relied on U.S. security. He emphasized, however, that Australia understands the importance of the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific for maintaining peace, even if trust in President Trump has fallen from 56% to 36%. Fullilove also acknowledged that, despite the challenges posed by the Trump administration, U.S. alliances remain irreplaceable.
Burden Sharing and Military Spending: Michael Froman discussed how, under President Trump, European countries have been encouraged to increase their defense spending. He highlighted that the U.S. has historically been instrumental in keeping both Europe and the Indo-Pacific free, but now faces the challenge of making sure allied nations invest more in their own defense.
Mair noted Germany’s recent increase in defense spending, confirming that it is not being directly coordinated with the European Union. He raised concerns about Germany’s rather bold declaration to build the strongest army in Europe, which might stir tensions with France.
China and Russia’s Role in Shaping Alliances: Michael Froman pointed out that China and Russia are not likely to emerge as major winners in the current geopolitical context. While China is a key trade partner for many nations, including the U.S., its increasing influence is seen as a double-edged sword. The U.S. and Europe are united in seeing China as a growing security threat, particularly due to its support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Froman stated that China’s alignment with Putin has united the U.S. and Europe in their stance against both nations, and Europe is now taking steps to counter China’s influence, including military exercises in the South China Sea.
The Predatory Nature of U.S. Alliances: Fullilove noted that U.S. alliances remain crucial, particularly for junior allies who benefit from U.S. protection and access to the global network. He remarked on the "predatory flair" of the U.S., which seeks to gain a portion of everything through trade and investments. He described the U.S. as a superpower whose democracy and values align with its economic interests, making it a desirable partner.
Frances Townsend pointed out the benefits the U.S. has reaped as a superpower, spending relatively little, but maintaining significant global influence.
The Question of Ukraine’s Sovereignty: The panel briefly turned to the issue of Ukraine’s sovereignty in the context of the ongoing war. Mair referenced the Trump-Putin call that outlined Russia’s demands, including the demilitarization, denazification, and surrender of territories in Ukraine, which would strip Ukraine of its sovereignty and further complicate peace efforts.
The Refugee Crisis and UN's Role: The issue of refugees was also discussed, with Fullilove highlighting the weakness of the United Nations in addressing this issue. He expressed little optimism for a breakthrough, noting that without stronger coordination, refugee agreements are unlikely to be achieved.
This CFR discussion highlighted the complexities of maintaining strong alliances amid shifting political landscapes. While Trump’s administration has raised important questions about the cost-sharing of global defense, the panel emphasized that U.S. leadership remains indispensable in maintaining peace, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Yet, the evolving dynamics of global trade and security continue to challenge traditional alliances, especially with the U.S.’s obvious unwillingness to exercise pressure on Russia and the EU’s slow effectiveness in countering Putin’s ambitions in Europe.
ICYMI
Fleet Week is back in New York City, kicked off with the much-anticipated Parade of Ships up the Hudson River.
ONEST will be covering the event, including the boat tours, in the upcoming Sunday Edition.
Home Depot announced it has no plans to raise prices in response to tariffs, contrasting with Walmart’s recent decision to do so.
Levi Strauss has sold its Dockers brand to Authentic Brands Group—owner of Reebok and Aeropostale—for $311 million.
CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker, surged in its Hong Kong market debut after raising $4.6 billion in its IPO.
Elon Musk stated he plans to remain CEO of Tesla for at least another five years, saying he would only step down “if I’m dead.”
NFL league owners unanimously voted 32–0 to allow active players to participate in tryouts for the 2028 Olympic flag football teams. The move marks a significant step as flag football makes its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games, with stakeholders viewing it as a new frontier to globalize and grow the sport.
COMING UP
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte Visits Norway: On May 22, Mark Rutte will meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and senior officials in Oslo to discuss Arctic security, regional defense cooperation, and NATO’s strategic posture in the High North.
G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (May 20–22): Held in Banff, Canada, this summit gathers G7 finance leaders to address global economic stability, inflation trends, and responses to emerging trade challenges.
That's all from me for now. Thank you for reading. The next News Briefing will arrive on Friday, May 23rd, 2025.
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