Newsroom Briefing | July 9th, 2025

Olga Nesterova
Jul 9
16 min read

Updated: Jul 11

ONEST NOW News Recap – July 8th

If you missed the latest video news recap, please catch it here!

Trump Cabinet Meeting - Summarized

NOTE: All of the quotes above can be seen in full in the video news recap.

On Texas Flood Kristi Noem: "We as a federal government don't manage these disasters. The state does."

On Epstein First, Trump tried to block the question, intervening to ask, "Why are we still talking about Epstein?"

Then DOJ’s Bondi attempted to explain why there’s no client list—and only made it worse:

The minute missing from the video… What we learned from the bureau of prisons, every night they redo that video. It's old from like 1999. Every night the video is reset. Every night should have the same minute missing. So we're looking for that video to release that as well showing that a minute is missing every night. That's it on Epstein.

On Ukraine Aid On Monday night, the Trump administration announced it would supply Ukraine with 10 Patriot missiles that Germany will deliver. As reported last week, this was discussed between Trump and Merz.

On Tuesday, Trump tried to confuse the press by asking:

“why don’t you tell me who paused the aid?”

According to The Guardian, the U.S. has only 25% of the Patriot missiles needed for war plans. The Pentagon’s munitions tracker shows stocks have fallen below acceptable levels, "sparking concerns that sending more to Kyiv could undermine U.S. readiness".

NOTE: The aid for Ukraine that has been withheld by the Trump administration was allocated months ago by the Biden administration.

On Ukraine at the International Court

During the cabinet meeting, Trump was asked about Ukraine taking Russia to court for using toxic chemicals:

TRUMP WHISPERING TO HEGSETH: What do you know about this? HEGSETH WHISPERING: John might know TRUMP: Well, I'd ask John to discuss it

John Ratcliffe then confirmed that chemical weapons are indeed illegal.

On Not Knowing Who Approved Aid

Today, President Trump was asked again to clarify who withheld the aid to Ukraine:

Q: Yesterday you said you were not sure who ordered the munitions to Ukraine. Have you figured it out?TRUMP: I haven't thought about it. Q: What does it say that such a decision could be made without you knowing? TRUMP: I would know. If a decision was made I will know.

On Putin Trump said he has had “a lot of bullshit” thrown at him by Putin and added he is considering sanctions on Russia.

NOTE: Today, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said there are “no disagreements” with the White House during negotiations with Ukraine:

"There are no disagreements here — there is a genuine desire to resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means, and to do so as quickly as possible. However, the complexity of the matter does not allow for an immediate resolution," he said.

Senator Lindsey Graham is expected to introduce a bill imposing tough new sanctions against Russia in the Senate tomorrow.

On Bombing Iran Trump described bombing Iran with “machines flying for 37 hours” and then going “skedaddle”:

Trump: “They went skedaddle. Do you know the word skedaddle? It means skedaddle.”

On the Clock from Marco Rubio President Trump recounted confiscating a clock from Marco Rubio while the room laughed:

"If I see anything I like, I'm allowed to take it. I'm in Marco's office, I see this gorgeous clock...I said 'Marco...' he didn't know about this, I had to read him the rule and regulation." "I said, 'Marco, I love this clock. Look at it. It's beautiful.' He said, 'what clock?' 'The clock that's in the other room is incredible. And nobody gets to see it there. Marco,' I tried to talk him into it first and it sort of worked. And then I had to use a little more..." "I said, 'I'd love to take that clock out and put it in the cabinet room.' He said, 'no, are you serious?' I said, 'Marco, I have the right to do it, Marco.' And he said, 'all right, what the hell?'" "That's his contribution to the Cabinet room."

On Tariffs

Trump claimed:

“we could make deals over the years, its just too time consuming”.

The Tariffs

New tariff rates will take effect on August 1st: 40% on Laos and Myanmar, 30% on South Africa, 25% on Kazakhstan and Malaysia, plus increases for seven other nations. Trump told reporters Monday evening the plans were “not 100 percent firm,” signaling openness to negotiation:

“If they call up and they say [they] would like to do something a different way, we’re going to be open to that.”

South Korea said it would intensify efforts to reach a “mutually beneficial result” with the U.S. before the tariffs take effect.
Japan’s top trade minister reported ongoing talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The EU plans to sign a temporary trade deal with Washington this week to stabilize tariffs at 10%, according to Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he plans to meet his Chinese counterpart in the coming weeks to discuss trade and other issues. Last month, Bessent met Vice Premier He Lifeng in London to ease some restrictions, but unresolved issues include Trump’s demand that China address fentanyl trafficking and force the divestiture of TikTok.

Today, Trump sent a letter to Brazil announcing a 50% tariff.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday that his country would respond with reciprocity, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on exports from Latin America’s largest economy.

President Trump on Wednesday issued tariff letters to seven countries, including Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. The letters set 30% tariffs on Algeria, Iraq, Libya, and Sri Lanka; 25% on Brunei and Moldova; and 20% on the Philippines.

In addition, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a 50% tariff on copper, stating on social media that it will take effect on August 1 and that the decision follows a national security assessment.

Deportations

Border Czar Tom Homan discussed targeting sanctuary cities:

Homan: "I'm gonna head to Portland. I'm going out there. They aren't gonna bully us ... we're gonna double down and triple down on sanctuary cities ... what you're gonna get, sanctuary cities, is exactly what you don't want: More agents in your communities and more collateral arrests."

Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, on farm laborers:

"There will be no amnesty. The mass deportations continue, but in a strategic way. And we move the workforce toward automation and 100% American participation, which with 34 million able-bodied on Medicaid we should be able to do fairly quickly."

Meanwhile, the Bishop of San Bernardino has “dispensed” the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation if parishioners fear ICE. Bishop Rojas said he was guided by the desire to extend pastoral care to all in his diocese, especially those "facing fear and hardship."

Supreme Court Greenlights Federal Layoffs

The Supreme Court has lifted the order blocking Trump’s mass federal layoffs. The federal workforce is now a target-rich environment. Tens of thousands of public servants — from climate scientists to DOJ staff — could be replaced with loyalists.

NATO Update

NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia is under new command, led by Canada. It includes troops from 14 Allies: Albania, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. This presence is part of NATO’s strengthened deterrence and defense posture, with eight multinational battlegroups provided voluntarily and on rotation.

Ukraine Deepens Ties with Africa

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Brusylo chaired an online meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors to Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Mozambique, Botswana, and Mauritania, alongside ministry officials.

The focus: expanding cooperation in agriculture, education, digital transformation, and countering cyber and hybrid threats. Brusylo called Africa a strategic ally for global food security.

They also discussed the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, which has fed over 10 million people in 12 African countries, as well as plans to share Ukraine’s digital expertise and grow educational exchanges.

U.S. Resumes SOME Key Weapons Deliveries to Ukraine

The United States is sending 155 mm artillery shells and GMLRS mobile rocket artillery missiles to Ukraine, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday. No PATRIOTS.

The officials, speaking anonymously, did not specify the quantity of weapons or confirm if the shipments were complete, and it remains unclear whether this marks any shift in the administration’s overall policy.

Macron in the UK

French President Emmanuel Macron is in London on a state visit. He met with Prime Minister Starmer and delivered a speech on the war in Ukraine.

NOTE: The “coalition of the willing” will meet on July 10, hosted by Macron and Starmer in the UK with other allies joining virtually.

Macron also met the royal family and attended a state banquet at the palace, where he remarked about Queen Elizabeth:

“to you, she was your Queen, to us, she was the Queen.”

Chancellor Merz Addresses Bundestag

Chancellor Merz:

"We will continue to support Ukraine — even in the face of resistance from the political left and the pro-Russian right here in this chamber. We will maintain this support. And let me be even clearer: the means of diplomacy have been exhausted when a criminal regime openly challenges an entire country's right to exist through military force and sets out to destroy the political order of freedom across the European continent. The federal government under my leadership will do everything in its power to prevent exactly that. And we know we are united in this task with the overwhelming majority of our population. This is why I strive for international and European cooperation. I do so to safeguard peace, freedom, and prosperity in our country — for no other reason."

Separately, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev declared:

"Azerbaijan will not arrest citizens of Azerbaijan who fought or are fighting on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but will arrest those who fought or are fighting on the side of Russia, thereby supporting the occupation of the territories of the sovereign Ukrainian state."

Zelenskyy in Rome

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Rome for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, hosted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He also has meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.

After meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Zelenskyy tweeted:

“I am grateful to Pope Leo XIV for the warm welcome at his private residence — the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo. It is a great honor for me to be here, in a place which has contributed to shaping the history of Europe and the world for the past four centuries. This meeting, and the support for Ukraine and our people, are of immense importance. We deeply value the assistance, solidarity, and all efforts that bring us closer to a just peace. We feel your sincere prayers and your desire to help our people.”

Speaking to the press, he added:

“Naturally, we want this war to end, and naturally, we rely heavily on the Vatican, that the Vatican and His Holiness can help us with a high-level meeting place to end this war. Thank you”

Grok Controversy

Grok, the chatbot from Elon Musk’s company X (formerly Twitter), began aggressively glorifying Adolf Hitler after a recent update—even in unrelated responses.

One post suggested tackling “anti-white sentiment” “the way Hitler would,” calling him “the mustache man.” The Guardian reported Grok even referred to itself as “MechaHitler” multiple times.

After widespread backlash, Grok issued a public “apology” and said it had been “retrained.” X admitted errors in its language model and promised it wouldn’t happen again.

Meanwhile, Grok is now banned in Turkey after allegedly insulting Erdoğan, Atatürk, and religious values. A Turkish court ordered content taken down, and about 50 “toxic” responses were scrubbed.

On Wednesday morning, X announced that CEO Linda Yaccarino is stepping down after two years, just a day after Grok’s antisemitic outburst that invoked Hitler. She did not give a reason for her departure.

Trump Meets African Leaders

At the start of the meeting, when leaders were introducing themselves, Trump told them to:

speed it up, "say country, name" and keep it moving.

To the President of Liberia:

Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?

Note: English is Liberia’s official language.

When asked if he expected any of the countries present to face tariffs:

TRUMP: I haven't thought of it, but maybe, I don't know. Let's see, I like him, him, him, him, and him. No, I don't think so. These are friends of mine now.

NATIONAL NEWS

NASA Staff Cuts and Leadership Change

Around 2,145 senior-ranking employees at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration are set to leave under a staff reduction plan, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing documents obtained by the outlet. Trump also announced that current Secretary of Transportation and former reality show star, Sean Duffy, will, in the meantime, also lead NASA.

Supreme Court Blocks Florida Immigration Law

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday maintained a judicial block on a Republican-backed Florida law that makes it a crime for immigrants in the United States illegally to enter the state.

Federal Lawsuit Over California Farm Rules

President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday sued California over its regulation of eggs and chicken farms, arguing that the state's anti-animal-cruelty laws created "unnecessary red tape" that has "driven up egg prices across the U.S."

DOJ Sues California Over Girls’ Sports

Southern California Cities Sue to Stop Immigration Raids

The city of Los Angeles and other Southern California municipalities are joining a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration seeking to halt immigration raids that have spread panic among immigrant communities and sparked widespread protests.

Noem Calls to Scrap FEMA

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday called for eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its current form, even as the agency deployed specialists and supplies to Texas to help respond to devastating floods.

Noem also claimed one in six survivors of the Lahaina wildfires had to trade sexual favors in return for basic supplies.

U.S. Treasury Extends Mexico Sanctions Deadline

The U.S. Treasury said on Wednesday it had extended a deadline to September 4 for prohibiting certain transactions involving three Mexican financial institutions that were sanctioned last month over alleged money laundering linked to fentanyl trafficking.

State Department Waives Safeguards for Gaza Aid

A top U.S. State Department official waived nine mandatory counterterrorism and anti-fraud safeguards to rush a $30 million award last month to a Gaza aid group backed by the Trump administration and Israel, according to an internal memorandum seen by Reuters.

TikTok Prepares Standalone U.S. App

TikTok is preparing to launch a standalone app for U.S. users that is expected to operate on a separate algorithm and data system from its global platform. This move is seen as laying the groundwork for a potential sale orchestrated by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.

Trump Pressures Fed to Cut Rates

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on the Federal Reserve to lower the federal benchmark interest rate by at least 3 percentage points, renewing his push for the central bank to reduce rates to help lower the cost of servicing the nation’s debt.

Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, is leading the search to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair. He is also a candidate for the position himself.

Deadly Flash Flooding in New Mexico

Flash flooding in southern New Mexico has killed at least three people. The floodwaters also swept away homes.

Sun Valley Conference Brings Together Tech and Media Giants

Formally known as Allen & Co.’s Sun Valley Conference, the annual A-list gathering offers executives a chance to talk shop and negotiate major deals. This year’s guest list includes Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos (fresh off his Venetian wedding).

Likely discussion topics: tariffs, the AI talent wars, and cable TV mergers.

DOJ Investigates UnitedHealth Over Medicare Payments

Investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice are questioning former UnitedHealth Group employees as part of a probe into the company's Medicare payment practices, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

IRS to Allow Churches to Endorse Political Candidates

The IRS announced it will allow churches to endorse political candidates from the pulpit without losing their tax-exempt status, reversing a 70-year-old policy.

Previously, churches risked their tax-exempt status if they formally backed political candidates, though the rule was rarely enforced. A group of churches sued the IRS last year, arguing the rule violated their constitutional rights.

First Amendment advocates applauded the change, while experts warned it could open the door for political campaigns to funnel money through nonprofits.

Appeals Court Overturns Conviction of 2016 Election Disinformation

A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday overturned the conviction of a social media influencer who used Twitter posts resembling Hillary Clinton ads to spread false information about the 2016 election and help Donald Trump win.

Judge Dismisses Some Claims in Uber Assault Lawsuits

The federal judge overseeing more than 2,300 lawsuits that seek to hold Uber liable for sexual assault or harassment by drivers dismissed some key claims in the nationwide litigation.

Automakers Urge EV Purchases Before Tax Credit Ends

Automakers are encouraging customers to buy electric vehicles before a $7,500 U.S. tax credit expires this fall. Tesla’s homepage on Tuesday featured a banner reading: "$7,500 Federal Tax Credit Ending. Take Delivery by September 30, 2025."

DEFENSE

Major U.S. Air Force and Space Force Exercises Begin

The Air Force and Space Force kicked off a busy summer of major exercises across the Pacific on July 8, with thousands of Airmen and Guardians and hundreds of aircraft and satellites set to participate in a so-called Department-Level Exercise series.

KC-46 Tanker Boom Incident Off Virginia

A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine confirmed. Reported radio communication from the crew indicated the boom “detached.”

Retired Generals Urge Congress to Save Air Force Programs

On July 7, more than a dozen retired top Air Force generals—including six former chiefs of staff—released a letter urging Congress to reverse Pentagon plans to kill the E-7 Wedgetail program and slash F-35 procurement.

Report Flags Risks in Rapid Satellite Delivery

The Space Development Agency’s focus on rapid satellite delivery may expose the office to “undetected or misunderstood risks,” according to a report from the Air Force Inspector General obtained by Defense News.

Trump Drawn to General “Razin” Caine

Trump seems to have been drawn to Air Force General Dan “Razin” Caine at least in part because he loved his nickname—which happens to be Caine’s F-16 call sign. ... Heather Penney, a retired Air Force major who flew F-16s with Caine, put it this way:

“Making an offensive counter air push with Razin in the lead—man, everything died in front of us. He was just so good.”

GLOBAL NEWS

Record Russian Air Strikes on Ukraine

Heavy Russian air strikes last night saw a record 700-plus drones and 13 missiles launched onto Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force. The attack was most severe in the northwestern city of Lutsk, though ten other regions were also hit.

Tonight, it is reportedly worse, especially in Kyiv.

Kremlin Responds to Trump’s Criticism

The Kremlin, asked on Wednesday about U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Moscow was "calm" regarding the remarks and that it would continue efforts to repair a "broken" U.S.-Russia relationship.

U.S.–Russia Diplomatic Meeting Planned

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

ASML Drops Inclusion Targets in U.S.

Dutch semiconductor equipment supplier ASML announced on Wednesday it has dropped its inclusion and diversity targets in the United States to comply with local regulations.

U.S. Apparel Imports from China Plummet

The value of apparel imports from China to the U.S. fell in May to its lowest monthly level in 22 years, according to the latest trade data. The sharp decline highlights the impact of steep U.S. tariffs.

ICC Issues Warrants for Top Taliban Leaders

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday issued warrants for the arrest of the Taliban’s supreme leader and Afghanistan’s chief justice. They are charged with persecuting women, girls, and those who do not conform to the Taliban’s hardline gender policy since seizing power in 2021.

A spokesperson for the Taliban rejected the ICC’s authority in a statement.

Wildfires Devastate Syria

In less than a week, wildfires in Syria have burned an area roughly the size of Washington, D.C.

Fatal Airport Incident in Milan

A man died after being sucked into a jet engine at a Milan airport, an official confirmed.

New Malaria Drug Approved in Switzerland

Medical officials in Switzerland have approved a malaria drug treatment for newborns and babies under eleven pounds for the first time. Developed through a partnership between a Swiss nonprofit and a pharmaceutical company, the drug is expected to fill a treatment gap for the mosquito-borne illness, which remains a major global threat. Malaria caused more than half a million deaths in 2023, according to the World Health Organization.

Leaked Call Implicates Former Bangladesh PM

The BBC reports that an audio recording of a phone call between officials and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appears to reveal that she authorized the use of lethal weapons against student-led demonstrations last year. The United Nations estimates that up to 1,400 people died in the clashes.

Hasina is currently in India, where she fled last August.

Wildfires Burn Near Marseille

Wildfires are also raging on the outskirts of Marseille, France’s second-largest city. The fires have injured over 100 people.

Deadly Protests in Kenya

Police and demonstrators clashed during antigovernment protests in Kenya. At least 31 people have been killed, according to a Kenyan human rights group.

Netanyahu Visits the White House

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington to discuss a newly proposed sixty-day ceasefire in Gaza and recent operations in Iran. The latest proposal sent to Hamas includes a hostage and prisoner exchange along with increased aid distribution by the United Nations, according to AP.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross warned that casualties at aid sites have nearly overwhelmed the health system. The latest round of ceasefire talks in Qatar ended without a breakthrough, though indirect negotiations continue.

Netanyahu at the Pentagon: Today Hegseth welcomed Netanyahu to the Pentagon.

" the skill of your professionals, what was accomplished was absolutely incredible," Hegseth told Netanyahu."The precision with which you went at the nuclear capabilities, and then the opportunity we had … to help put the 'finishing touches' — you might say — on those facilities, it was an honor to be part of it," he added.

U.S. Sanctions U.N. Official Critical of Israel

The United States announced on Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. Albanese has been highly critical of U.S. ally Israel’s war in Gaza.

Surge in Libyan Migrants Detained in Greece

Greek authorities reported detaining more than 1,200 migrants from Libya over the past several days. The migrants are being held in Crete and Gavdos.

The surge in arrivals comes as Greece’s foreign minister visits Libya to address the migration crisis. Later this week, European Commissioner Magnus Brunner is also expected in Libya to encourage stronger action to curb migrant departures.

Follow @onestpress on Bluesky (or X) for live updates.

TODAY IN HISTORY

Political & Historical Events

1540 – King Henry VIII of England annuls his marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.
1755 – French and Indian War: British General Edward Braddock is mortally wounded at the Battle of the Monongahela near present-day Pittsburgh.
1776 – American Revolution: The Declaration of Independence is read aloud to George Washington’s troops in New York City for the first time.
1816 – Argentina declares independence from Spain.
1850 – U.S. President Zachary Taylor dies after 16 months in office; Vice President Millard Fillmore is sworn in as the 13th President.
1868 – The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting citizenship to former slaves, is ratified.
1944 – World War II: American forces secure the island of Saipan in the Pacific.
1962 – Starfish Prime: The U.S. conducts a high-altitude nuclear test 400 km over the Pacific, producing an artificial radiation belt.

Science & Culture

1877 – The inaugural Wimbledon tennis championship begins in London.
1893 – Daniel Williams performs the first successful open-heart surgery in the United States.
1922 – Johnny Weissmuller swims 100 meters freestyle in 58.6 seconds, breaking the minute barrier.
1955 – The Russell–Einstein Manifesto is issued, calling for peaceful resolution of international conflict and warning of nuclear dangers.
1981 – Donkey Kong, the video game that introduces Mario, is released by Nintendo in Japan.