Newsroom Briefing | July 14th, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- 28 minutes ago
- 12 min read
I’ve reported on the Trump visit to Texas, updates from Alligator Alcatraz, tariff letters to Mexico and the EU, as well as the aid to Ukraine flowing via Germany, in the latest video news recap. Catch it here.
Trump meets Rutte at the Oval Office
After promising “a major announcement in regard to Russia” on Friday, President Trump met NATO’s chief Rutte for another media event at the Oval Office. If we strip away the fluff, here’s what was actually announced:
NATO allies will use their pledge to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP to buy American weapons, some of which will support Ukraine. When asked what exactly would go to Ukraine, Trump answered “It's everything... It's all of them. It's a full compliment." What does that include? So far, we know about Patriot systems for Ukraine purchased and delivered by Germany, and the U.S. sending some rounds of ammunition—which, notably, was never mentioned again after the first round of reporting last week.
Trump announced his intention to impose 100% SECONDARY tariffs on countries that buy from Russia. He’s giving Putin 50 days to change his mind and strike a “Ukraine deal” BEFORE these tariffs go into effect. But nobody specified what that “deal” would mean: an unconditional ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Russian troops, push for a partial Ukrainian surrender? It’s unclear, so it’s impossible to say whether imposing such tariffs has any real leverage over Russia’s ambitions.
Because these are secondary tariffs, they would target Russia’s trading partners. In 2025, Russia’s key trading partners include China, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Belarus. China is a major importer of Russian goods, especially fossil fuels. Other significant partners include South Korea, the United States, and Italy.
Import partners: China, Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, Italy
Export partners: China, Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, Belarus, South Korea, US
Here’s a recent update on Russia’s fossil fuel trade (June 2025): Russian fossil fuel revenues have dropped to their lowest levels since the invasion, despite a significant increase in coal revenues.
So who would really be targeted by these 100% tariffs? In simple terms, it looks like Rutte—a former Prime Minister of the Netherlands—found Trump’s idea of a 100% tariff a “good solution,” even though it would mean hitting the Netherlands itself, which buys mineral fuels (87% of Russia’s imports to NL) from Russia. And what about Germany, Turkey, Italy—all NATO allies?
Context
You may recall my reporting on Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the weekend, and Ukrainian intelligence agencies warning that North Korea is expected to send 30,000 troops to Russia for an offensive planned before September. North Korea also vowed to fully support Russia’s ambitions regarding Ukraine. If you check the calendar, those “50 days” suddenly start to make sense.
Just imagine what Putin can do to Ukraine in 50 days before he, if it comes to that, sits down to “negotiate.” Getting into a better position would simply be common sense.
At this point, it’s all about how quickly weapons can get to Ukraine.
In other words:
The actual news is – US participates now in NATO primarily as a seller of weapons.
Rutte, while meeting with Trump, mentioned that “Canada, UK, etc” are all eager to purchase weapons from the US, while Trump promised “trillions of dollars in new profits”.
Let’s look at Canada—is it really so?
Canada and EU Deepen Strategic Ties Following SAFE Agreement
In a continuing effort to bolster economic and geopolitical cooperation, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada held a high-level discussion today with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The conversation builds on the momentum from the recent EU-Canada Summit and follows Canada’s recent entry into the SAFE (Strategic Access to Funding for Europe) program.
During the meeting, the two leaders emphasized the need to strengthen the Canada-EU relationship in light of shifting global trade dynamics and growing economic uncertainty. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic collaboration, particularly in areas such as industrial policy, digital trade, clean technologies, and access to critical raw materials.
Key points of discussion included Canada's role in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as well as new initiatives under the recently launched Canada-EU Security and Defense Partnership. Among these is a shared focus on joint efforts in defense industrial procurement and manufacturing.
Prime Minister Carney and President von der Leyen agreed to maintain close contact as they work to implement commitments made during the recent summit and explore new areas for cooperation.
In other words, not really what President Trump has envisioned or a picture that Rutte painted at the Oval Office.
Understanding Trump’s “Tariff Letters”
Today at the Oval Office, while meeting with Rutte, Trump was asked about the deals and replied, “these tariff letters are the deals.”
NOTE: These are not actually deals. A deal requires the other side to (at least) know about it. These letters aren’t truly legal instruments either, if you think about it. Simply mentioning "fentanyl" and claiming the tariff “is closely connected to national security” does not, on its own, justify the measures allegedly being imposed.
Let’s make sure we’re all on the same factual page:
First, tariffs are ultimately passed on to the end consumer—which means these will hurt Americans.
Second, if you hear anyone say the US is going to “impose 100% tariff on Russia,” remember to add the word SECONDARY—because these would actually target third-party countries.
China and Russia Discuss U.S. Relations and Ukraine War Resolution in High-Level Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing on Sunday to discuss U.S. relations and prospects for ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting occurred ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's foreign ministers summit.
Both nations emphasized deepening coordination across global platforms such as the UN, SCO, BRICS, G20, and APEC. They also discussed issues including the Korean Peninsula and Iran's nuclear program.
The talks reflect the ongoing strategic alignment between China and Russia, which declared a "no limits" partnership in early 2022, shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Trump’s Faith Luncheon at the White House
Trump hosted a Faith Luncheon at the White House to mark the anniversary of “an attack on his life and God saving him” a year ago in Butler, PA.
Aside from speaking about his mission to “save America,” offering prayers, and other faith-themed remarks, he also talked about gas prices across the country:
“But the gas has gotten to the lowest level in decades. And you're seeing $1.99, $1.98..8, I saw $1.95 at certain states. Not California, because every time it goes down, they add taxes. You’re at $6-$7. They just add taxes… terrible governor”
Gas prices today ⬇️
Pentagon Confirms Iranian Missile Hit Al Udeid Air Base in June Attack
The Pentagon has confirmed that an Iranian ballistic missile struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during Iran’s June 23 missile attack, marking the first acknowledgment of damage to the U.S. military’s largest base in the Middle East.
Although most of the missile barrage was intercepted by U.S. and Qatari Patriot systems, one missile impacted the base, causing minor equipment damage but no injuries. The strike came in retaliation for U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities the day before. Satellite imagery revealed damage to a $15 million communications radome. The base remains fully operational. U.S. forces had partially evacuated the base in anticipation of the attack, which had been reportedly warned by Iran.
NATIONAL NEWS
Appeals Court Blocks TPS Stripping for Afghans (for Now)
A U.S. appeals court has blocked, at least temporarily, the Trump administration’s effort to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from thousands of Afghans in the United States. The ruling gives them more time to argue their case in court.
Federal Worker Layoffs Reduced
The Trump administration will reduce planned federal worker layoffs after tens of thousands of employees accepted buyouts or retired early to avoid dismissal. “Several agencies are now not planning to proceed” with staff cuts, Office of Personnel Management senior adviser Noah Peters said in a statement filed in federal court.
Political Questions in Nuclear Regulator Job Posting
A job notice posted by the U.S. nuclear power regulator includes political questions for applicants, as President Trump’s administration seeks greater influence over this traditionally independent agency.
First Judicial Nominee of Second Term Confirmed
President Trump secured approval of his first judicial nominee of his second term, with the U.S. Senate confirming a former clerk to three Supreme Court conservative justices for a seat on a federal appeals court.
Fed Chair Powell Orders Fresh Review of Overhaul Project
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has asked the Fed board’s inspector general to conduct a new review of a project aimed at overhauling Federal Reserve buildings, according to a letter to lawmakers cited by Politico.
Commerce Department Opens National Security Investigations
The U.S. Commerce Department announced national security investigations into imports of drones and related components, as well as polysilicon—a key material for solar panels and semiconductors.
New York–Texas Abortion Conflict Deepens
A county official in New York has, for a second time, rejected Texas’s effort to enforce a $100,000 judgment against a New York doctor accused of violating Texas’s abortion pill ban. The move further escalates an unprecedented interstate legal conflict.
Ice Cream Producers to Remove Artificial Colors by 2028
Dozens of U.S. ice cream producers, representing over 90% of the market, plan to remove artificial colors from their products by 2028. The initiative follows Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement in April of a national push to phase out many synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply.
NY Governor Urges Trump to Boost Anti-Drone Defenses
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday called for President Trump to strengthen federal defenses against drone attacks, citing high-profile events like the World Cup and the U.S. 250th anniversary as "prime targets."
Crypto Bills Move Toward Mainstream Integration
The cryptocurrency industry is set to take a step closer to mainstream adoption this week, as industry-friendly bills advance in Congress, potentially enabling broader integration with traditional finance.
Wall Street Ends Slightly Higher Amid Tariff Threats
Wall Street stocks closed marginally higher on Monday as investors avoided major moves following President Trump’s latest tariff threats, while looking ahead to a busy week of economic data and the start of earnings season.
DOJ Unit Defending Trump Policies Sees Staffing Collapse
The U.S. Justice Department unit tasked with defending legal challenges to signature Trump policies—such as restricting birthright citizenship and slashing funding to Harvard University—has lost nearly two-thirds of its staff, according to a list reviewed by Reuters.
Trump Spending Bill to Raise Medicaid Plan Costs
President Trump’s spending bill is expected to raise administrative costs and complicate cost management for insurers like UnitedHealthcare and CVS Health’s Aetna, which operate Medicaid health plans, according to experts.
DEFENSE
Space Startups See Strong Funding Boost
Space startups continued to attract investor dollars in the April–June period, making it the second-strongest quarter on record for funding. The sector is expected to benefit from increased U.S. defense spending, according to an industry report released Monday.
Major AI Firms Win Defense Department Contracts
OpenAI, Alphabet’s Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s firm xAI have each secured contracts worth up to $200 million to help scale adoption of advanced AI capabilities within the U.S. Department of Defense, the agency announced Monday.
F-16 Jets Shifted from Japan to South Korea
The U.S. Air Force permanently transferred F-16 fighter jets from Misawa Air Base in Japan to Osan Air Base in South Korea late last month. The move is part of the broader transition to base F-35s in Japan.
Bomber Task Force Deployment to Guam
The Air Force has launched a bomber task force deployment to Guam, coinciding with a large-scale USAF exercise in the region aimed at reinforcing deterrence against China.
Service Members on Track for 3.8% Pay Raise
Service members are expected to receive a 3.8% pay raise next year, under versions of the annual defense policy bill currently moving through the House and Senate.
Pentagon Urged to Treat Small Drones Like Ammunition
In a July 10 memo, the defense secretary advised the Pentagon to treat small drones more like ammunition than airplanes—a move that could significantly boost production. “There's a chance for this to go really fast,” said Allan Evans, CEO of Unusual Machines, which manufactures drone parts.
Senate Panel Wants Review of Cyber Power Use
The Senate Armed Services Committee wants the Department of Defense to review its use of cyber capabilities beyond U.S. Cyber Command. A provision in the committee’s version of the annual defense policy bill, summarized on July 11, would require the secretary of defense to examine future force employment concepts for cyber operations. The full text of the bill has not yet been released.
U.S. Clears $2.6 Billion Helicopter Sale to Norway
The U.S. State Department on July 11 approved the potential sale of up to nine HH-60W helicopters to Norway, in a deal valued at $2.6 billion, according to a notice from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Air Force Recruiting Chief Sees Turnaround as Solid
The head of the Air Force’s recruiting efforts, who has overseen the service’s rebound from missing its goal for the first time since 1999 to hitting it three months early, believes those recruiting slumps are firmly in the past.
Special Operations Surveillance Drones to Gain Air-Launched Capability
U.S. special operations Long Endurance Aircraft (LEA) surveillance drones—based on a popular civilian powered glider design—are set to gain the ability to launch smaller uncrewed aerial systems. This air-launched drone capability will act as a major force multiplier, allowing ultra-quiet LEAs to be used in new ways, including kinetic strikes.
Appeals Court Overturns 9/11 Plea Deal
A federal appeals court on July 11 overturned a plea deal that would have resolved the Sept. 11, 2001, case with life sentences. The ruling could restart lengthy proceedings toward a potential death penalty trial at Guantánamo Bay.
GLOBAL NEWS
Mexico’s President Pushes Back on U.S. Fentanyl Criticism
Mexico’s president on Monday rejected U.S. criticism that her government is not doing enough to combat fentanyl trafficking. She called on the United States to do more to arrest drug traffickers on its own soil and to stop the flow of weapons south across the border.
U.S. Imposes Duty on Mexican Tomatoes
The Trump administration announced on Monday a roughly 17% duty on fresh tomatoes from Mexico—which account for two-thirds of tomatoes eaten in the U.S.—and the end of an export agreement between the two countries.
Senate Democrats Warn of China’s Expanding Diplomatic Reach
China is expanding its diplomatic influence while President Donald Trump’s administration reduces America’s international presence, according to a report released Monday by Democrats on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Six Children in Gaza
An Israeli airstrike killed ten people, including six children, at a water collection point in Gaza yesterday, emergency service officials said. Israel’s military blamed a “technical error” and said it would investigate. Israel’s strikes on Sunday killed at least 32 people in total, bringing the Palestinian death toll in Gaza since the start of the war to over 58,000, according to health officials.
Deadly Clashes in Southern Syria
At least thirty people were killed and one hundred injured on Sunday in violence between Sunni Bedouin and Druze groups in southern Syria, the country’s interior ministry reported. A UK-based war monitor put the death toll at more than fifty. The ministry called the clashes a “dangerous escalation” and said security forces were being deployed. Meanwhile, Israel struck military tanks in the area.
ICC Issues Warning on Sudan Conflict
The civil war in Sudan “has reached an intolerable state,” the International Criminal Court’s deputy prosecutor told the UN Security Council last week. The ICC believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place in Sudan’s Darfur region. The United Nations estimates about 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced in the conflict.
Malaysia Imposes Restrictions on U.S. AI Chips
Malaysia’s trade ministry announced new permit requirements on U.S.-origin artificial intelligence chips entering the country. The move aims to curb illegal trade and close regulatory gaps, following reports last month that a Chinese company was using Nvidia and other chips to train AI models in Malaysia. Individuals and countries will now need to give thirty days’ notice before shipping or exporting these chips.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies
Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, died in London yesterday at age eighty-two. Buhari first led the country after a military coup in the 1980s before later becoming the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through a democratic election. He was known for his strong anticorruption agenda.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1789 – Storming of the Bastille in Paris: A pivotal moment in the French Revolution, as revolutionaries seized the Bastille prison, symbolizing the overthrow of royal tyranny. It’s why July 14 is Bastille Day, France’s national holiday.
1790 – Fête de la Fédération: First anniversary of the Bastille’s storming, celebrated with a huge unity festival in Paris.
1850 – First public demonstration of ice made by refrigeration (by Dr. John Gorrie in Florida).
1881 – Billy the Kid was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
1933 – Nazi Germany passed the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, introducing forced sterilization policies.
1958 – Iraq’s monarchy was overthrown in a violent coup d'état, killing King Faisal II and ending the Hashemite dynasty.
1965 – NASA’s Mariner 4 spacecraft sent back the first close-up photos of Mars.
2015 – NASA’s New Horizons made its historic flyby of Pluto, returning stunning images.
WHAT ELSE
NATO Deputy Secretary General to Address European Parliament Committees On Wednesday, 16 July 2025, NATO Deputy Secretary General Ms. Radmila Shekerinska will take part in a joint meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) for an exchange of views.
U.S. Senate to Review Trump’s $9.4 Billion Foreign Spending Cut Request This week, the Senate will consider President Trump’s request to cut $9.4 billion in foreign spending, which includes funding for PEPFAR and international broadcasting programs. Lawmakers face a Friday deadline to act on the proposal.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Newsroom Briefing will arrive on Wednesday.
