ACTUAL NEWS Briefing: May 30th 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- 4 days ago
- 14 min read
QUICK HITS
Supreme Court Greenlights Mass Deportations Under Trump Administration
SCOTUS has authorized the Trump administration to begin deporting approximately 500,000 migrants who were part of a Biden-era parole program. Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented.
The Supreme Court’s one-paragraph order — issued without any explanation of its reasoning — overturns a lower court ruling that had previously blocked the administration’s mass termination of the programs.
Pope Leo to Address Youth Virtually and Lead Mass in Chicago
Pope Leo will address youth virtually while also organizing a large Mass in Chicago — on Trump’s birthday, during the parade.
$61 Billion–Where Did This Number Come From?
When asked about Trump’s claim that Canada is “considering” paying $61 billion for the Golden Dome, the White House shared an answer where it became clear that:
The number is fabricated.
Canada has shown no willingness to pay it.
As they put it: “Thanks for your attention to this matter.”
Canada Signals Shift Toward European Defense Strategy Amid Tensions with U.S.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his intention for Canada to join ReArm Europe, a major European defense initiative aimed at boosting military spending and reducing dependence on the United States. Speaking to CBC, Carney criticized Canada’s current defense spending structure, noting that 75% of capital defense dollars flow to the U.S.
His comments come amid strained U.S.–Canada relations and follow President Trump’s recent threats, though Carney has also expressed openness to joining Trump’s missile defense proposal.
A day later, Defense Minister David McGuinty reiterated the urgency of increasing Canada’s military readiness due to escalating global threats, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s growing assertiveness. He also emphasized a renewed focus on defending Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.
Defense priorities were further highlighted during the Speech from the Throne, read by King Charles III, which pledged to “rebuild, rearm, and reinvest” in Canada's military and to deepen ties with European allies—including a formal mention of joining ReArm Europe.
Zelenskyy: U.S. Can’t Ignore Rockets Killing Ukrainians
Q: Are you afraid Trump will cause more harm than good?
Zelenskyy: The U.S. has the economic power to weaken Russia’s ability to fight. They can say no to artillery or air defense. But they can’t ignore rockets killing us.
Zelenskyy added: Russian Shaheds against ordinary trolleybuses. This was a strike on Kharkiv – at least 8 Shahed drones destroyed a trolleybus depot and also damaged nearby residential apartment buildings. A typical Russian strike on ordinary civilian life.
In total, Russia used 90 attack drones and 2 ballistic missiles overnight. These attacks occur daily, mostly targeting civilian infrastructure with no military value. Russia’s strategy is simply to destroy lives.
Blast at Krušik Factory Follows Russian Allegation of Arms Supply to Ukraine
In Serbia, an explosion occurred at the Krušik arms factory, which manufactures ammunition, missiles, and other weapons. Five people were injured. The company stated that the explosion resulted from the accidental activation of a booster.
This came a day after the Russian foreign intelligence service claimed Serbian companies, including Krušik, were continuing to supply Ukraine with ammunition.
Waiting Game in Istanbul: Russia Sends Delegation No One Asked For
The Kremlin says a Russian “delegation” will fly to Istanbul and wait for the Ukrainian side on June 2.
Moscow is once again sending its familiar cast of political figures, led by “historian” Medinsky — the same envoy the U.S. previously requested not be sent.
The Kremlin intends to discuss both Russian and Ukrainian versions of the memorandum, though Peskov confirmed the documents will not be made public.
For the record: Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal has long been in Washington, while the Russian version remains unseen.
"A credibility test for the Americans": French President Macron has called on President Trump to take responsibility toward Putin, according to BFMTV.
If Russia "confirms that it is not ready to make peace," Washington must show its "commitment" to sanctioning Moscow, Macron said.
“I spoke 48 hours ago with President Trump, who expressed his impatience. The question now is: what do we do about it? We (Europeans) are ready,” he stressed.
“US will exit the peace talks if Russia continues the war,” said Acting Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN John Kelley.
“In doing so, we are not abandoning our principles or our friends. Rather, we are recognizing Russia’s refusal to work with us to achieve the desired outcome. We condemn Russia’s decision over the weekend to launch some of its largest missile and drone strikes on Ukraine. This does not demonstrate a desire for peace. The deal being offered now is the best possible outcome for Russia. Putin must make a deal. If one side proves unable or unwilling to do so, it will bear the consequences. Additional sanctions against Russia are still being considered.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stated that Russia’s concern over NATO’s eastward expansion was legitimate and reiterated that the U.S. does not want Ukraine to join the alliance.
It may take 6 months for a local attack, 2 years for a conflict in the Baltics, and 5 years for a broader European war — that’s how long Russia would need after the end of the war in Ukraine before it could confront NATO, according to NATO generals from 20 countries, cited by Bloomberg.
Massive Leak Exposes Secrets of Russian Nuclear Bases
A leak of 2 million secret documents has revealed extensive details about Russia’s strategic nuclear facilities, marking what may be the largest intelligence breach in the Russian military's history.
Obtained by journalists from Danwatch and Der Spiegel, the trove includes:
Blueprints and tunnel diagrams from highly sensitive sites like the Avangard missile base in Yasny
Security system layouts, including alarm schematics and surveillance camera locations
Information on IT systems, soldiers’ leisure activities, and even wall posters
The documents were reportedly leaked through state procurement tenders, where contractors mistakenly uploaded classified files online. Analysts warn the breach could expose critical vulnerabilities and may force Russia to rebuild portions of its nuclear infrastructure, at a cost of billions. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented.
Homeland Security and Squirrels: Noem Wades Into Polish Politics
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem endorsed Karol Nawrocki for the Polish presidency while speaking at the CPAC Conference in Rzeszów. She also criticized rival candidate Rafał Trzaskowski.
At the same event, she also shared a fantasy about shooting squirrels.
"Great American Roadtrip"
Secretary of Transportation Duffy: “We're about to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The president has told all departments to come up with ways to celebrate this anniversary. So at DOT we have the best idea of all departments. We're going to do the Great American Road Trip... We have 40 cars here all made in America. What President Trump has done in with tariffs is bringing manufacturing back to this country.”
With the current administration, everything seems to contain a reality show component.
Hawaii Enacts Nation’s First Climate Change Tax on Tourists
Hawaii Governor Josh Green (D) has signed the nation’s first climate change tax into law.
Nicknamed the “green fee,” the tax will apply to tourists visiting Hawaii Island to offset their carbon footprint. Cruise passengers will also be taxed based on days docked.
Starting in January, the law imposes a 0.75% tax on hotel and short-term rental stays.
Bessent and Ramaswamy Offer Radical Visions for U.S. Economic Policy
Secretary Bessent on balancing taxes and services:"We want the US to be more like Florida and less like New York."
Vivek Ramaswamy has proposed solving the national debt by encouraging everyone to become billionaires. He says this would eliminate the need for Medicare or Social Security — and wants to test the idea in Ohio if elected governor.
China Trade Talks in Flux: Trump Claims Victory, Officials Signal Stalemate
Trump, two weeks ago: “We reached a breakthrough agreement with China.”
Trump, today: Claimed he “saved” China by hitting them with tariffs which he later lowered, only for them to "violate the agreement".
Treasury Secretary Bessent, yesterday: Talks with China are “a bit stalled,” but there may be a call between Trump and Xi soon.
Mixed Messages: Trump on GDP, Default Risk, and Trillions in Revenue
Trump on declining GDP: You probably saw some numbers today. I have to start off by saying that's Biden, not Trump. Because we came in on January – these are quarterly numbers.
Calendar check: The U.S. is currently in the second quarter of this administration.
Today, at the Oval Office, the President stated: We have to extend the debt. If we don't, we are in default. The Democrats might like our country to be in default…That was handed to them by a very well-meaning man that gave it to them because he thought it was the right thing to do. It could have been there a problem before the election, but this man thought it was the right thing to do.
May I remind you that just a week ago, the same President claimed we were receiving “billions of dollars daily,” and at other times, even “trillions”—with figures ranging wildly from $3 to $15 trillion. Yet none of these claims have materialized in any tangible way, at least so far.
TODAY IN HISTORY
c. 1431 – Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, France, at the age of 19 after being convicted of heresy by an English-backed ecclesiastical court.
1536 – King Henry VIII of England married Jane Seymour, his third wife, just 11 days after the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn.
1806 – Andrew Jackson participated in a duel with Charles Dickinson and killed him, becoming the only U.S. president known to have killed a man in a duel.
1911 – The first Indianapolis 500 automobile race was held. Ray Harroun won the race, averaging 74.6 mph.
1922 – The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., by former U.S. President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft.
1967 – Biafra declared independence from Nigeria, leading to the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War).
1971 – The American space probe Mariner 9 was launched toward Mars. It would become the first spacecraft to orbit another planet.
2012 – Former Liberian president Charles Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” lowers the dependent child age for SNAP exemptions from under 18 to under 7. This means parents of children aged 7 and older must work at least 20 hours per week or risk losing benefits. The bill does not change how dependents are defined in other federal programs. It has passed the House and awaits Senate action. Critics warn the change could negatively impact up to 1.5 million children.
Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration after leading a tumultuous government efficiency campaign. Though he disrupted several federal agencies, he failed to deliver the sweeping savings he promised. His exit follows growing controversy over both policy outcomes and his personal behavior while in office.
According to the New York Times, the administration has terminated over 80% of USAID grants. A Boston University global health professor estimates these cuts have already caused around 300,000 deaths, mostly among children.
“That is what Musk’s foray into politics accomplished.” NYT Opinion
The NYT also reported on Musk’s increasingly chaotic private life during his time in Trump’s orbit. He allegedly told people he was taking so much ketamine that it affected his bladder. He also used ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and traveled with a medication box containing around 20 pills, some marked as Adderall.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims it saved Americans billions by reversing regulations on credit card fees and appliance standards. In practice, these rollbacks have had the opposite effect, increasing consumer costs.
Federal authorities are investigating an attempt to impersonate White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to the Wall Street Journal. Wiles reported that some of her phone contacts were hacked, enabling the impersonator to access private numbers.
The Department of the Interior announced it is implementing emergency permitting procedures to accelerate approval for geothermal energy projects, aligning with President Trump’s energy agenda.
The Trump administration formally notified Congress of plans for a major overhaul of the State Department, including cutting thousands of jobs, reorienting the human rights bureau toward "Western values," and shifting the refugee bureau's focus toward repatriation.
Two senior immigration enforcement officials are being removed as the White House demands a surge in arrests of undocumented migrants, according to three people familiar with the decision.
A federal judge has ordered the administration to resume processing applications for migrants living in the U.S. under parole programs, including those seeking work permits or more permanent immigration status.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved NuScale Power’s design for 77-megawatt small modular reactors, a key milestone as the company moves to become the first to build such reactors in the U.S.
President Trump told Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in a private meeting that he was making a “mistake” by not lowering key interest rates, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Trump’s trade war has cost U.S. companies more than $34 billion in lost sales and higher costs, according to a Reuters analysis. Ongoing tariff uncertainty continues to paralyze business decisions globally.
On Thursday, a U.S. trade court ruling initially blocked Trump’s most sweeping tariffs, but by afternoon, a U.S. appeals court had reinstated them. Senior officials expressed confidence they could continue pursuing tariffs through "other legal channels".
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said three trade deals are nearly finalized and predicted more would follow, despite ongoing legal hurdles related to tariffs.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will extend a program allowing Boeing to perform some of its own inspections for another three years, citing recent improvements by the company.
The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow to environmentalists by ruling that federal agencies can narrow environmental impact reviews, a decision that clears the way for a Utah railway project designed to transport crude oil.
Stealth BioTherapeutics, a privately held biotech firm, announced that the FDA has rejected its therapy for Barth Syndrome, a rare disease. The decision prompted the company to lay off 30% of its workforce.
Finally, a report on children’s health released last week by the Make America Healthy Again Commission was found to have cited scientific studies that do not exist, raising serious concerns about the report’s legitimacy.
DEFENSE
Meta and Anduril Team Up on VR Headsets for the U.S. Army
Meta and defense contractor Anduril are partnering to develop mixed-reality headsets for the U.S. military, the companies announced yesterday. The devices aim to enhance soldiers’ vision, hearing, and interaction with AI-powered weapons. Notably, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, who was fired from Meta (then Facebook) in 2017, will now regain access to some of his original VR designs.
“I finally got all my toys back,” Luckey told the Wall Street Journal.
China's Defense Minister Skips Key Dialogue as Tensions Simmer
China’s defense minister is skipping this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, avoiding a potential meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While trade tensions have cooled slightly, the U.S. has introduced new tech export restrictions and is planning to revoke certain Chinese student visas.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that U.S.–China trade talks remain “a bit stalled.”
Pentagon Eyes Reform of Frequent Military Moves
The Pentagon is launching an initiative to reduce permanent-change-of-station (PCS) moves, aiming to ease stress on military families and cut costs. Experts caution that real impact would require a broader rethink of career advancement models within the military.
Child Care Shortage Persists for Military Families
Facing long waitlists and limited child care options, the Pentagon is exploring off-base partnerships and expanding programs that allow military spouses to operate home-based child care centers.
Northrop Grumman Invests in Firefly Aerospace
Northrop Grumman is investing $50 million in Firefly Aerospace to support the development of a new medium-lift launch vehicle. The project includes a rebranding of the vehicle, though the new name has yet to be announced.
Air Force Reserve Faces Fighter Jet Shortage
The Air Force Reserve is projected to lose nearly half its fighter jets by the end of the decade, according to its top general. The drawdown could undermine combat readiness and worsen the military’s ongoing pilot shortage.
EU Unveils Bold Black Sea Security Plan to Counter Russia and Boost Regional Defense
The European Union has launched a comprehensive Black Sea security strategy aimed at countering Russian threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure in the region. Announced in The Hague, the plan includes the creation of a "Black Sea Maritime Security Hub", which will act as an early-warning center offering real-time monitoring from space to seabed, and intelligence sharing on potential threats.
Key priorities include:
Monitoring undersea cables, offshore energy sites, and other strategic maritime infrastructure
Addressing hybrid warfare and sabotage risks, similar to past incidents in the Baltic
Enhancing mine clearance, securing commercial shipping lanes, and tracking Russia’s “shadow fleet” of illicit oil tankers
The Security Hub may also play a role in overseeing any future Russia–Ukraine ceasefire or peace deal, according to EU diplomat Kaja Kallas.
While the location and implementation of the hub are still under discussion, planning will advance over the summer. The strategy lacks a dedicated budget but will draw from the EU’s existing €150 billion SAFE defense fund.
Other initiatives include:
Major upgrades to Black Sea regional infrastructure (ports, roads, railways, airports) to improve military mobility
Tighter screening of foreign ownership in strategic assets, especially in light of Chinese port investments
Strengthened ties with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, promoting both security cooperation and regional economic connectivity
The strategy also includes components aimed at economic development and environmental protection, reflecting a broad approach to long-term stability in the region.
GLOBAL
Tariff Expansion Considered
The Trump administration is weighing a stopgap tariff measure under existing law that would allow tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days across large swathes of the global economy, according to the Wall Street Journal.
U.S. to Expand Arms Sales to Taiwan
The United States plans to increase weapons sales to Taiwan beyond levels seen during Trump’s first term, aiming to deter growing Chinese military pressure, two U.S. officials confirmed.
Canada–U.S. Trade Dispute
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade, which found that American tariffs on Canadian goods were unlawful and unjustified.
G7 Guest Invitation
Canada has invited Mexico’s President Sheinbaum to the upcoming G7 meeting, though she has not yet confirmed her attendance.
Asia-Pacific Outreach
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will travel to Asia this weekend to persuade regional defense leaders that the U.S. remains a more reliable partner than China, U.S. officials told Reuters.
Sanctions Pressure on Trump
Frustration is mounting among Republicans and White House advisers, who are urging President Trump to support new sanctions on Russia over its continued assault on Ukraine.
New Export Restrictions on China
The U.S. government has ordered a wide range of companies to halt shipments to China without a license, and has revoked certain previously approved licenses, according to sources familiar with the policy shift.
Japan–U.S. Tariff Negotiations
Japan is reportedly considering using its defense purchases from the U.S. as leverage in ongoing tariff negotiations, said lead negotiator Ryosei Akazawa.
Ceasefire Efforts in Gaza
The U.S. has sent an Israeli-backed ceasefire proposal to Hamas, but the group responded that it lacks strong guarantees to ensure a true end to the war.
Recommended read: Five Questions (and Expert Answers) on the State of the Netanyahu Government – Atlantic Council
Syria Energy Deal
Syria’s interim government signed a $7 billion preliminary agreement with U.S., Turkish, and Qatari firms to build three gas power plants and one solar plant, aiming to provide over 50% of the country’s electricity within 2–3 years.
Portugal’s Political Shift
Luís Montenegro, leader of Portugal’s center-right coalition, will begin a second term as prime minister following a snap election. While his bloc gained seats, it fell short of a majority. The far-right Chega party surged ahead of the Socialists to become the main opposition.
Nigeria Offers Oil Tax Breaks
President Bola Tinubu has issued an executive order granting tax incentives to oil companies that demonstrate cost reduction, as part of ongoing efforts to attract energy investment in Nigeria. Previous incentives led to expansion in existing fields but not new development.
U.S.–Mongolia Talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg to discuss expanded economic cooperation and reaffirmed U.S. support for Mongolia’s democratic values and independent foreign policy.
ICYMI
China Tests Reusable Rocket, Raising Global Stakes
Chinese private company Sepoch successfully conducted a 125-second test flight of a reusable rocket, reaching an altitude of 2.5 km and landing smoothly on water. The move draws comparisons to SpaceX, and experts suggest it could reshape the global space race if China continues to close the technological gap.
Trump Administration Cancels $600M Moderna Bird Flu Deal
The administration has terminated a $600 million contract with Moderna for the development and potential purchase of a human bird flu vaccine, the company announced Wednesday.
Sunnova Loan Guarantee Pulled by Department of Energy
Sunnova Energy said the federal government has rescinded a $2.92 billion loan guarantee it had previously been awarded. The Department of Energy "de-obligated" the support, meaning taxpayers are no longer backing the loan. Bloomberg first broke the story.
Paramount Offers $15M in Trump–CBS Lawsuit Talks
Paramount Global has offered $15 million to settle President Trump’s lawsuit against CBS News, though sources say the two sides remain far apart in ongoing negotiations. (Wall Street Journal)
DOJ Probes Google Search Dominance Amid AI Boom
During an antitrust hearing Friday, a federal judge asked the DOJ how new search engines could emerge in an era dominated by AI and Google, as regulators push for structural changes to restore search market competition.
United and JetBlue Form Strategic Partnership
United Airlines and JetBlue Airways unveiled a deep partnership, allowing passengers to book across both carriers and share perks. The deal also paves the way for United’s return to JFK Airport in 2027, after exiting in 2015. While not a formal merger, the arrangement is subject to regulatory review, particularly given JetBlue's blocked merger with Spirit Airlines.
COMING UP
Saturday, May 31: OPEC and allied oil producers will hold a virtual meeting to decide on global oil output levels, amid market uncertainty and geopolitical pressures.
Sunday, June 1:
Poland will hold a presidential runoff election, a closely watched vote likely to shape the country’s political direction.
Mexico will hold a national referendum to elect judges, a major move in its judicial reform process.
Monday, June 2: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Vilnius, Lithuania, to attend a summit with B9 and Nordic countries, hosted by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. The summit will focus on regional defense cooperation and NATO’s eastern flank security posture.
ANNOUNCEMENT
ONEST Network has been officially accredited to cover the G7 Summit in Canada — with founder Olga Nesterova heading to Kananaskis to provide exclusive coverage from June 15-17, 2025.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Weekly Recap will arrive tomorrow.
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