AUG 11: Trump targets DC. Ukraine seeks peace. Legal battles intensify.
- Olga Nesterova
- Aug 11
- 8 min read
This is today's NEWS RECAP.
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🇺🇸 Domestic Politics & Policy
Trump’s Bold Claims on DC Crime: A Closer Look at His Rhetoric and Policy Actions
In a controversial statement, President Donald Trump labeled Washington, D.C. as “the worst place on earth,” comparing it to cities like Bogotá and Mexico City. He claimed the city had been “overtaken by drug maniacs and homeless people,” citing a supposed rise in crime. According to Trump, D.C. has become so dangerous that it “doubled up on Baghdad in crime,” citing unverified charts he claims no one has seen before.
Standing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump argued that the situation in D.C. had worsened so much that “they’ll get it passed with no [Democratic] vote” once Hegseth and Bondi “draw up something.” This was likely a reference to upcoming policies aimed at eliminating sanctuary cities, which Trump links to crime.
Despite data showing D.C.’s crime rate is at its lowest in 30 years, Trump insists the city faces a public safety crisis. In response, he signed two executive orders. The first grants the president broader powers over the D.C. police department in the event of “heightened national security threats or public safety concerns.” The second directs the Secretary of Defense to deploy the National Guard and work with governors to mobilize additional units to assist in D.C. and other cities facing “similar issues”.
Trump also declared a “public safety emergency” in D.C., admitting he felt “embarrassed” by the situation while preparing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He promised a major surge in law enforcement, including more police, military personnel, and FBI agents. “You’ll have more police, military, FBI agents on the streets and you’ll be happy about it. You’ll feel safe,” he said, pledging that these forces would launch “massive operations” to combat crime.
Hegseth supported this, confirming the National Guard and other units would begin operations soon, focusing on protecting ICE agents in their immigration enforcement efforts. “They’ll be pouring into the streets and being tough,” Hegseth stated, emphasizing the federal government's firm stance.
Bondi, now head of the DOJ, will oversee much of the operation. She declared, “DC crime stops today,” signaling an aggressive federal response to the city’s crime issues.
Trump also criticized urban crime more broadly, claiming “New York is horrible too,” but vowed to focus first on cleaning up D.C. before addressing other cities he believes are similarly troubled.
Critics, however, argue that Trump’s portrayal of D.C. is misleading. Crime in Washington has been declining for years, with significant drops in violent crime, including homicides and robberies. D.C.’s crime rate is lower than many major U.S. cities, leading many to question the validity of Trump’s crisis narrative.
Nvidia Strikes Deal With U.S. Over AI Chip Sales to China
According to reports from the Financial Times and New York Times, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with President Trump to offer 15% of revenue from AI chip sales to China in exchange for the necessary export licenses. Days later, the Commerce Department reportedly began issuing those licenses.
The deal centers on Nvidia’s H20 chip, designed specifically for China after Biden's 2022 export restrictions. Although Trump banned its sale to China in April, the administration reversed course in July—officially granting licenses just last week. AMD’s similar MI308 chip, also previously banned, is set to receive the same treatment.
This move represents a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, as the government’s negotiation for a revenue share on exports is virtually unprecedented.
Trump, Putin Set for Summit as Ukraine Presses for Seat at the Table
Ukraine and its European allies are intensifying calls for Kyiv’s inclusion in upcoming peace talks ahead of a high-stakes U.S.–Russia summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin this Friday in Alaska. The meeting, announced by Trump last week, will mark Putin’s first visit to the United States in a decade.
Trump has floated the idea that a peace deal could involve “swapping territories,” a suggestion Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected. Zelenskyy stressed that while Ukraine seeks a “lasting peace,” it will not cede any sovereign land — a position supported by European leaders from Finland, France, and the UK, who insist that a ceasefire must precede any meaningful negotiations. They have also urged Trump to pressure Putin through tougher sanctions.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance revealed that Washington is working toward a potential trilateral meeting involving Zelenskyy, but said such talks might not be productive before Trump and Putin meet face-to-face. Vance also noted that any eventual deal will likely leave both Russia and Ukraine “unhappy.” NATO’s U.S. ambassador, Matthew Whitaker, suggested Zelenskyy’s attendance in Alaska remains under discussion.
EU foreign ministers are meeting today to coordinate positions ahead of the summit.
White House Remarks Escalate Tensions
Speaking at a White House press conference today, Trump expressed disappointment with Zelenskyy, claiming the Ukrainian leader “needs Congressional approval for a land swap,” adding:
“He didn’t need any approval to go to war and kill everyone.”
Fact Check:
Zelenskyy’s reference is to the Ukrainian constitution, which enshrines the country’s sovereign borders.
Russia started the war with its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Trump said he intends to “hear what Putin has in mind” and, if the proposal seems “fair,” he will push for it — promising to call Zelenskyy first “out of respect,” followed by EU leaders. He described Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, as “prime waterfront property.”
When asked about inviting Zelenskyy to join the Alaska summit with Putin, Trump replied:
“Why would you invite someone who has been doing it for three years with no deals made?”
Once again, Ukraine is defending itself.
Trump also referred to Alaska as Russia twice during the meeting, stating he is “going to Russia to meet with Putin”.
NATIONAL NEWS
Flash Flooding Hits Milwaukee as Severe Storms Sweep Midwest
Milwaukee declared a state of emergency on Saturday after flash floods dumped 5.74 inches of rain in just a few hours, causing major disruptions. The Wisconsin State Fair was forced to close a day and a half early, and dozens of people had to be rescued from vehicles, according to the city’s fire chief. Widespread power outages and property damage were reported. The National Weather Service has since warned of continued heavy rainfall across the Midwest, Central Plains, and Southwest through today.
Court to Decide Legality of Trump's National Guard Deployment in LA
The legal battle over President Trump’s deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests against ICE raids heads to court today. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass opposed the move, arguing it violated a 147-year-old law governing when the president can federalize the Guard. Newsom’s attorneys claim Trump overstepped his authority, while Trump’s lawyers argue the troops were sent solely to protect federal property, not engage in law enforcement.
QUICK NEWS
Trump Says Qatari Jet Could Be Ready for Air Force One in 6 Months, Experts SkepticalTrump remains optimistic despite skepticism from experts about the timeline for the Qatari jet’s readiness.
Katie Miller to Launch Podcast for Conservative MomsHer first episode will feature a sit-down with Vice President JD Vance.
120 FBI Agents to Be Temporarily Reassigned to Nighttime Patrols in WashingtonPart of Trump’s effort to crack down on street crime in the capital.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Proposes Easing Vaccine Injury Claims ProcessExperts worry this could lead to more lawsuits and reduced access to vaccines.
Immigrant Aid Groups: Undocumented Flood Victims in Texas Fear DeportationSome undocumented individuals may avoid seeking assistance due to deportation concerns.
New Hampshire Reverses Plan to Pay Compensation to Victims of Abuse in State CareOther states are also reconsidering payouts for victims of historical abuse.
AOL to Discontinue Dial-Up Internet ServiceAOL ends its iconic service, marking the end of an era for early internet access.
🌍 Global Affairs
Netanyahu Expands Gaza Offensive as Israeli Strike Kills Al Jazeera Journalists
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expansion of military operations in Gaza, stating that strikes will now target “central camps” and the Muwasi area—locations the UN says shelter around 500,000 displaced people—in addition to Gaza City. He claimed the broader offensive is needed to “finish the job.”
Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including reporters Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh. The journalists were in a tent near the hospital's main gate when the strike occurred. The IDF stated it was targeting al-Sharif, labeling him a Hamas militant—an accusation both al-Sharif and Al Jazeera have denied. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 186 journalists have been killed since the war began nearly two years ago, with at least 178 of them being Palestinians killed by Israel. Just minutes before his death, al-Sharif posted on social media: "If this madness does not end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop."
Australia's Plan on Palestinian State
Australia will officially recognize a Palestinian state at next month's UN General Assembly after Palestinian Authority commitments to demilitarize Gaza and hold elections, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Australia joins Canada, France, and the UK in this pledge, aiming for a two-state solution to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East and help resolve the war in Gaza.
India's Immigration Raids
Indian authorities have detained a large number of Muslims and Bengali-speakers following an April terrorist attack in Kashmir. Rights groups have condemned the raids as arbitrary, with most of the detained individuals living far from Pakistan, which India blamed for the attack. Thousands have been expelled to Bangladesh, including some Indian citizens who were later readmitted.
U.S., Mexico Cartel Stances
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out any U.S. military action on Mexican soil after reports that President Trump secretly directed Pentagon operations against drug cartels. A White House spokesperson clarified that Trump's priority is "protecting the homeland" but did not confirm any new military actions.
South Korea's Shrinking Military
South Korea’s armed forces have decreased by 20% over the past six years, largely due to a declining birthrate, a ruling party lawmaker reported. The country is short 50,000 troops for adequate military readiness, with compulsory military service for men and a growing concern about defense capabilities.
Pakistani Official in Washington
Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, made his second visit to the U.S. in under two months. He held talks with the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and invited them to visit Pakistan. The two countries are reportedly close to finalizing a trade and investment deal, according to a senior Pakistani economic official.
Cholera on Chad-Sudan Border
Cholera cases are spreading across Sudan’s Darfur region and a Chad refugee settlement near the border, the UN refugee agency reported. Over 4,300 cases were reported in Darfur, and 264 in the Chad settlement. The agency is facing funding shortfalls and has appealed for $130 million in aid to address the outbreak.
🌐 Coming Up
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, whom President Trump has called on to resign, will visit the White House today.
The UN Security Council holds a meeting on international maritime security in New York today.
Vietnamese leader To Lam is in South Korea for a state visit today.
Tuesday is the deadline for the US and China to extend their tariff truce.
The July consumer price index will be released on Tuesday, providing Wall Street insight into potential tariff-related price increases. Prices rose 0.3% in June, with several consumer goods reflecting the impact of tariffs. There’s also anticipation surrounding President Trump’s reaction to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following his dismissal of the agency’s head after the last jobs report.
Fresh retail sales data will be released on Friday.
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