AUG 6: Trump on the Roof, Sanctions on the Table

Olga Nesterova
Aug 6
7 min read

This is today's NEWS RECAP.

In today’s news... President Trump escalates his rhetoric from the White House roof, controversial changes hit federal environmental and vaccine policy, and U.S. foreign policy shifts play out from Ukraine to Rwanda. From campus data sharing to looming pharmaceutical tariffs, here’s a breakdown of the day’s major developments at home and abroad.

Catch the full breakdown in today’s News Recap video, now live on YouTube

🇺🇸 Domestic Politics & Policy

Trump on the Roof: “I’m Paying for Everything”

President Trump made headlines again after being spotted on the White House roof, claiming he is “paying for everything” and “building nuclear missiles.”

Trump Threatens Federal Takeover of D.C. After DOGE Member Assaulted

Trump renewed threats of a federal takeover of Washington D.C. after a prominent DOGE member was assaulted in an attempted carjacking.

FOX NEWS: “Authorities announced the arrest of two teens in connection with the brutal beating of a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee that allegedly took place during an attempted carjacking in the nation’s capital over the weekend. A 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, both of Hyattsville, Md., now face charges of unarmed carjacking, Washington D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department said Tuesday. Police did not provide their identities as both suspects are juveniles. Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with multiple suspects still outstanding.”

Trump Establishes 2028 Olympic Task Force

President Trump has created a White House task force for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He will serve as chair, with JD Vance as vice chair. The task force includes:

The Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce, Transportation, Homeland Security; the Attorney General; top White House aides; the FBI Director; the FCC Chair; and other federal officials as designated by Trump or Vance.

Ivy League Settlements: Columbia and Brown to Share Applicant Data

As part of recent legal settlements, Columbia University and Brown University will share applicant data—including race, test scores, and grades—with the Trump administration.

Epstein Case Strategy Meeting at Vance’s Residence

Top Trump officials—including Susie Wiles, AG Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy AG Todd Blanche—are expected to meet tonight at JD Vance’s residence to discuss strategy related to the Epstein case.

Trump EPA Overturns Greenhouse Gas Ruling

Sen. Mark Kelly criticized the Trump administration for overturning the “endangerment finding,” which had allowed federal regulation of greenhouse gases.

“I could see our planet changing with my own eyes in just the 10 years between my first and last space flights,” Kelly said. “We should be working together to protect our planet… not undermining science.”

Bessent Out of Fed Chair Running

Trump announced that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has taken himself out of the running to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Ghislaine Maxwell Seeks to Block Grand Jury Transcript Release

Ghislaine Maxwell asked a federal judge to deny the DOJ’s request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the DOJ for related files.

Linda Yaccarino Named CEO of eMed

Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino is now CEO of eMed, a telehealth firm distributing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

HHS Slashes $500M from mRNA Vaccine Funding

The Department of Health and Human Services is cutting $500 million from mRNA vaccine development programs.

Vaccine scientist Dr. Paul Offit called Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s move a “policy decision that contradicts scientific data.”“The mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe and effective,” Offit said.

Trump: Pharma Tariffs Could Hit 250%

Trump told CNBC he’ll announce pharmaceutical tariffs within a week, possibly starting low but escalating to 250% to encourage domestic manufacturing. He also hinted at tariffs on Taiwanese-made semiconductors.

Pharma companies warned the tariffs could raise drug prices and hamper innovation.

Texas Governor Seeks Removal of Rep. Gene Wu

Gov. Greg Abbott asked Texas’ Supreme Court to remove Rep. Gene Wu, a Democrat who fled the state with colleagues to block GOP redistricting.

“There must be consequences,” Abbott said.

AG Ken Paxton tweeted he’ll pursue court orders to vacate the seats of absent lawmakers.

Democrats vow not to return.

The proposed GOP map could eliminate 5 Democratic House seats before the 2026 midterms.

Lockheed Martin Unveils Golden Dome Command Hub

Lockheed Martin launched a prototyping hub for the Golden Dome homeland missile defense system.

At a missile defense symposium in Alabama, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office reportedly barred officials from mentioning the Golden Dome, despite Trump’s public enthusiasm for it.

Army Expands Missile Defense Force by 30%

The U.S. Army plans to expand its air and missile defense force by 30%, adding:

3 Patriot battalions with LTAMDS radar
5 Indirect Fire Protection battalions
7 Counter-UAS batteries

🌍 Global Affairs

Israel to Allow Some Goods into Gaza

Israel will allow select private businesses to resume importing goods into Gaza, amid rising international pressure over starvation in the enclave.

Norway Orders Review of Israeli Investments

Norway’s finance minister ordered the sovereign wealth fund to review investments in Israeli companies due to Gaza/West Bank concerns. The PM expressed alarm after reports the fund increased its stake in a firm supplying parts used in Israeli airstrikes.

Russian Leaflets Over Pokrovsk as Troops Push South

Russian forces dropped propaganda leaflets over Pokrovsk using drones, urging civilians to support the occupation. Intercepts show commanders are under orders to reach the city’s southern outskirts by Sept. 1.

Trump-Zelenskyy Call: New Sanctions on the Table

Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy spoke yesterday. Key points:

They discussed possible new U.S. sanctions on Russia—the first of Trump’s second term.
Zelenskyy cited intensifying attacks: June saw the highest civilian casualties in three years.
Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden pledged $1B in U.S. arms purchases to support Ukraine.
The White House hinted at “biting sanctions” if Russia doesn’t end the war.

Backdrop: Senate Democrats released a report blaming Trump’s sanctions pause for enabling Russia’s war effort.

Witkoff Meets Putin in Moscow—Alone, Again

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate lawyer with no foreign policy experience, met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Kremlin footage showed the beginning of a three-hour meeting with minimal diplomatic presence.

“Dialogue will prevail,” said Russian official Kirill Dmitriev—though no deal emerged ahead of Trump’s alleged Ukraine deadline, set to expire tomorrow.

NEW: Trump Promises to Impose Tariffs on Indian Imports

The White House issued an Executive Order to address threats from Russia. As a result, it imposes an additional 25% ad valorem duty on Indian imports (updated total: 50%) into the United States. The tariff will go into effect in 21 days from today.

If you are wondering, no, it’s not going to end anything. Indian imports will be more expensive for US consumers. That’s all.

Also, this ⬇️

Russian Crude Oil buyers:

China - 47%

India - 38% EU - 6%

Russian Pipeline Gas buyers:

EU - 37% China - 30% Turkey - 27%

Russian LNG buyers:

EU - 50% China - 21% Japan - 19%

Shortly after the announcement, India has issued a response:

Wendy Cutler, Senior Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative:

“This turnaround in bilateral relations has occurred quickly and neither side can afford to be at odds with each other.Beijing is most probably welcoming these developments and may take modest steps now to improve its relations with Delhi.It’s time for U.S. and Indian officials to try to work out their differences in private.”

Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives:

There will be a lot of domestic pressure on India's political leadership to simply give in to the U.S. demands. India would not want to compromise relations with Russia either so this will be a tough road to navigate. Prudent foreign policy is more crucial than ever to ensure that India can continue the balancing act it had so far mastered.“The next round of negotiations between the trade teams in August will ask more of India, but the question is, what would India give? The U.S. side must also take into account India's strategic importance as a China counterweight. If U.S.-India ties get strained further, it only helps China's maintain and expand its influence. It also makes a strong case for India to ensure that its own relations with China remain stable.”

Spain Drops F-35, Chooses European Fighter Jet

Spain has shelved plans to buy U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets and is instead choosing between the Eurofighter and FCAS, the Defense Ministry confirmed.

Bangladesh Announces February Elections

Interim leader Mohammad Yunus said Bangladesh will hold elections in February, one year after student-led protests ousted PM Sheikh Hasina. Yunus pledged to honor reform demands.

Rwanda to Accept U.S.-Deported Migrants

Rwanda will take in 250 deported migrants from the U.S., as part of a broader, undisclosed migration deal. Similar U.S. agreements exist with Eswatini and South Sudan.

Turkey to Fund Industrial Zones in Syria

Turkey announced plans to build industrial zones in post-Assad Syria, aiming to revive the local economy and bolster trade, which has already surpassed 2024 levels.

China–South Korea Travel Reopens

South Korea will allow visa-free travel for Chinese tourists from Sept. 29 to June 2026, signaling improved relations. China began a similar pilot program last November.

Taiwan Probes Chipmaker Employees in Trade Secrets Case

Taiwanese authorities detained three current and former TSMC employees over alleged trade secrets theft—the first such case under Taiwan’s 2022 tech security law.

Canada and Mexico to Boost Trade, AI Cooperation

Canada and Mexico agreed to strengthen cooperation on trade, energy security, and AI development, despite growing U.S. tariff pressures. Mexico recently received a tariff pause from Washington.

🌐 Coming Up

4:30 PM ET, TODAY – President Trump to make an Oval Office announcement
TOMORROW – Higher U.S. tariff rates take effect on several trade partners

🎷 Coming Up in NYC: The Jazz Age Lawn Party Returns

I’ll be attending the iconic Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island this weekend — one of New York’s most beloved and stylish summer traditions.

Think live jazz, vintage fashion, dancing, and a time-travel escape into the 1920s. I’ll also be interviewing the creator of the event, Michael Arenella, for a special Sunday Edition feature — so stay tuned.

🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://feverup.com/m/298772

🧺 Don’t forget your picnic blanket (and your best Gatsby look). See you there!