Newsroom Briefing | July 28th, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jul 28
- 12 min read

HIGHLIGHTS
Trump–Starmer Meeting: Theatre of Power or Diplomatic Ghost Dance?
The Visual
Donald Trump flips the narrative, “receiving” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his soil.
Imagine Churchill and Roosevelt in the same scenario—only this time, it’s a media stage, not a wartime alliance.
Many call appeasing Trump “master diplomacy,” but it’s simply bending over to a wannabe dictator with no ideology, driven purely by social media stats.
On Censorship
Trump was asked about the UK censoring Truth Social. He said he isn’t aware of it.
Starmer quickly shifted the conversation: he talked about protecting children from suicidal content. Trump responded that his wife is doing the same.
On the Environment
Trump launched into a rant about windmills. Starmer, once again, deflected—this time by praising an “energy mix” that includes oil, gas, and nuclear power.
In the UK, a great dance partner is referred to as a “ghost with a skirt”—you see her but don’t feel any weight. Prime Minister Starmer seems to have perfected that art.
On Epstein
Trump:
"Not interested in this topic at all".
Says the files are a hoax run by “scum” like Comey, Biden, and autopen.
Claims the names are fake: “If they had it, why didn’t they use it when I was "killing" Biden?”
Swerves into Kamala Harris being a failed border czar who “was slaughtered.”
When asked about the Epstein birthday card: “I don’t do drawings, especially women.”
Acknowledges Epstein was “controversial,” then pivots to his own reality show’s success.
Says poll numbers went up “4.5 points since the Epstein hoax.”
On dismissing Epstein from Mar-a-Lago: “He stole people [help] from me.”
Says he didn’t go to Epstein Island—“I had no privilege”—"but Bill Clinton did 28 times, as did the head of Harvard".
On a Maxwell pardon, sitting next to Starmer: “I’m allowed to give it, but I wasn’t approached on this. But this question is in the news. But now would be not appropriate to talk about it.”
On Gaza
Question: “Netanyahu said there is no starvation in Gaza. Do you agree?”
Trump: “I don’t know. Based on television, I would say not particularly.”
Then added: he needs to be thanked for the aid to Gaza.
On Russia
Trump: “I’m disappointed in President Putin. So we’re gonna have to look and I’m gonna reduce that 50 days that I gave him to a lesser number because I think I already know the answer what’s going to happen.”
He then resets the Russia–Ukraine "peace deal deadline" to 10–12 days starting today.
Note: Two weeks ago it was 50 days. Upon arriving in Scotland Friday, it was “2–3 months.” Today, it’s “10–12 days.”
Trump also claimed: “If I weren’t around, you’d have right now six major wars going on.”
Free Theater. But the war is real. The leadership isn’t.
Meanwhile, from Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov:
“We have a lot to do. The main of these things is, of course, to defeat the enemy. For the first time in history, Russia is fighting alone against the entire West. In the First World War, in the Second World War, we had allies. Now we have no allies on the battlefield. Therefore, you need to rely on yourself. Weakness must not be allowed—neither weakness nor hesitation.”
North Korea, Iran, China…How ungrateful you are, Mr. Lavrov.
Did Trump Strike a Controversial "Deal" with EU in Scotland?
“EU has been very very one sided, very unfair to United States,” says Trump, before he starts praising the ballroom they’re seated in—on his golf course—during a Sunday afternoon meeting in Scotland.
Ursula von der Leyen called him a “tough negotiator.” Trump interrupted to say he’s also fair, then pivoted to praising himself for his deal with China (?). She added that she’s looking forward to the negotiation. Trump replied that he’s not in a good mood but would still like to make a deal—although it’s 50/50.
Von der Leyen agreed: there’s about a 50/50 chance they could make trade sustainable. Trump declared he wouldn’t lower tariffs and implied he wants the EU to eliminate all trade barriers—including long-standing food quality standards.
When Trump shifted the conversation to migration—suggesting Europe should close its borders—von der Leyen pushed back, saying it’s up to Europe to decide who comes in and how. Trump doubled down, warning about “murderers pouring across borders,” then suddenly pivoted to windmills, which, according to him, “come from China.”
After about an hour, the "deal" was announced.
The newly reached concept of a deal includes:
The EU agrees to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy and invest an additional $600 billion into the U.S. economy over a three-year period
The U.S. imposes a 15% tariff on EU imports—including cars and pharmaceuticals, two of the EU’s top exports
Both sides agree to eliminate tariffs on select goods, including aircraft, certain pharmaceuticals, and some agricultural products
Trump confirmed that existing 50% U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum will remain, though von der Leyen indicated that could be subject to further negotiations
The EU will open its markets to U.S. goods tariff-free, giving U.S. companies cheaper access—if European buyers opt in
The EU also committed to purchasing a large volume of U.S. military equipment
An ecstatic Trump announced the deal seated beside von der Leyen. She called it a "breakthrough born of tough negotiations". Trump beamed.
But within hours, cracks appeared.
According to Politico, Brussels quietly acknowledged it doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally commit to such massive economic investments—raising serious doubts about the enforceability of the agreement.
And while Trump touts the tariff hikes as a win, it's unclear he grasps the broader consequences. By granting tariff-free access for U.S. goods into the EU, he’s essentially making American products cheaper for Europeans—but only if they decide to buy. Meanwhile, the 15% tariffs on EU goods, including cars and medicine, will likely mean higher prices for American consumers.
In short: Trump got the photo op and the headline. Whether he got an actual deal? That’s still very much in question.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Think of it this way: given this “military equipment purchase deal” with the EU and NATO, Russia expanding its war across Europe would benefit the U.S. Europe is paying up and fighting; China is paying up supporting Russia.
Russia’s New Internet Law Criminalizes Curiosity—and Dissent
The Kremlin has passed a sweeping new law that prohibits Russians from searching or accessing over 5,500 online topics. The law dramatically tightens control over digital life, criminalizing not just the content itself, but the act of seeking information.
Under the new policy:
Using VPNs to bypass restrictions is now grounds for criminal prosecution.
Businesses relying on apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will be “spoken to and helped to quit their bad habits.”
Searching for restricted topics—even out of curiosity—could result in prison time.
The law gives Russian authorities the power to label anyone an extremist with almost no limits. Once someone is designated as such, they risk losing everything: individuals face imprisonment, companies can have their assets seized and executives jailed.
What’s Considered “Extremist”?
The government’s list includes:
Content linked to banned groups like al-Qaeda or the Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny
Any reference to the LGBT movement, following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling
Broadly defined material said to incite extremism or hatred (as decided by the government)
Alleged “Nazi ideology”, a term the Kremlin applies broadly—including to Ukraine’s government and nearly any Ukraine-related content
Why It Matters
Russia’s definition of “extremist materials” is so vague and flexible that virtually any digital behavior—a meme, a message, a search—could be used as grounds for prosecution. The law effectively erases the boundary between private curiosity and public dissent.
It also gives the state a blank check to expand the banned list at any time, without public debate or transparency.
This isn’t just censorship. It’s a mechanism of control—designed to isolate Russians from global discourse, criminalize opposition, and tighten the regime’s grip on power.
NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Mulls Patent Tax Plan That Could Hit Innovators Hard
The Commerce Department is considering a proposal to charge patent holders 1% to 5% of their patent’s value, according to people familiar with the matter.
If implemented, this revenue-raising structure would mark a significant shift from the 235-year-old flat-fee model traditionally used in the U.S. patent system. Currently, patent holders typically pay a few thousand dollars—up to around $10,000—over several years.
The proposed change would impose a far more burdensome, property tax-like cost, likely sparking strong pushback from businesses, startups, and inventors across industries.
Religion in the Federal Workplace
Federal employees may now discuss and promote their religious beliefs at work, according to new guidance issued Monday by the Trump administration. Citing constitutional protections of religious freedom, Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management, stated that agency employees are permitted to “persuade others of the correctness of their own religious views” while in the office.
FDA Approves Drug for Rare Metabolic Disorder
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an oral medication developed by PTC Therapeutics to treat a rare inherited metabolic disorder. The condition hinders the body’s ability to break down specific amino acids, and the company confirmed the approval on Monday.
Cadence Design to Pay $140M in China Export Violation Case
Cadence Design Systems has agreed to plead guilty and pay over $140 million to settle charges related to the illegal sale of chip design software to a Chinese military university. The university is believed to be involved in simulating nuclear explosions, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs for Non-Cooperative Trading Partners
President Donald Trump announced Monday that most countries failing to negotiate individual trade deals with the U.S. will soon face export tariffs of 15% to 20%, significantly higher than the 10% blanket tariff introduced in April.
Judge Blocks Medicaid Defunding of Planned Parenthood
A federal judge on Monday halted enforcement of a provision in President Trump’s recently passed tax and spending bill that aimed to strip Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood. The judge ruled the provision likely violates the Constitution.
Trump Seeks Fast Deposition of Rupert Murdoch in Defamation Case
President Trump on Monday requested a U.S. court to swiftly schedule the deposition of billionaire Rupert Murdoch. The move is part of Trump’s defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over a July 17 article that claimed his name appeared on a 2003 birthday card for Jeffrey Epstein.
North Carolina Governor Launches U.S. Senate Bid
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Monday. The Democrat’s run offers his party a prime opportunity to flip a Republican-held seat in next year’s midterm elections.
Trump Urges Fed to Cut Rates Again
Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after their meeting in Scotland, President Trump reiterated his call for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. “I think he has to,” Trump said, referring to Fed Chair Jerome Powell, adding that a rate cut would further boost the U.S. economy.
Fed Expected to Hold Rates Steady Despite Trump Pressure
Despite mounting pressure from President Trump, the U.S. central bank is expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting this week. However, internal dissent may arise, with one or two Federal Reserve governors reportedly considering a rare vote in favor of cutting rates.
GLOBAL NEWS
U.S. Congress Eyes China Over Human Rights, Taiwan
Bipartisan U.S. senators are set to introduce legislation this week targeting China for its treatment of dissidents, minority groups, and its posture toward Taiwan. The effort underscores growing congressional focus on security and human rights—contrasting with President Trump’s continued emphasis on trade negotiations with Beijing.
Trade Talks: U.S.–China Dialogue Continues in Stockholm
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials met for more than five hours in Stockholm on Monday, seeking to resolve long-standing economic disputes at the core of the ongoing trade war. The meeting aimed to extend the current truce by three more months.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has paused export restrictions on tech products to China in order to avoid disrupting the talks and to support Trump’s ongoing efforts to secure a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the Financial Times.
Trump Raises Tariffs Amid Pressure on EU, Asia
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on European cars and industrial goods on Monday, delivering another blow to Europe’s automakers already grappling with the shift to electric vehicles and intense Asian competition.
U.S. Hosts British PM Amid Golf Diplomacy in Scotland
Trump welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his two golf courses in Scotland for bilateral talks.
Sudan’s Civil War Deepens with Shadow Government Declaration
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—a paramilitary group fighting Sudan’s army since April 2023—announced a self-declared rival government on Saturday. The move raised fears of a permanent territorial split, with regions like Darfur now having two competing governors. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has named himself president, and former transitional politician Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi will serve as prime minister.
China Unveils AI Action Plan to Counter U.S. Strategy
China released a new artificial intelligence action plan on Saturday, calling for international cooperation on AI governance and development. The announcement follows Washington’s release of its own strategy, which prioritizes blocking adversarial technologies from U.S. supply chains. Two Chinese AI alliances were also announced at the Shanghai conference to boost domestic innovation and reduce foreign dependence.
Syria Schedules Elections Post-Assad
Syria’s interim government announced plans to hold parliamentary elections from September 15–20, the first since Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December. One-third of the new legislators will be appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa; the remaining two-thirds will be elected. These lawmakers will serve until a future general election is held.
At the UN, the U.S. urged the Security Council to adjust sanctions on Syria to assist the government in what Washington described as its “fight against terrorism.”
U.S. Threatens New Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
President Trump warned Monday that the U.S. would order new strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if Tehran attempts to rebuild any sites targeted in last month’s attacks.
Gaza: “Tactical Pauses” and Escalating Hunger
The Israeli military announced daily ten-hour tactical pauses in fighting across three population centers in Gaza to allow more aid trucks in. Permissions for airdrops and water plant operations have also been expanded. While humanitarian groups welcomed the changes, they said aid remains insufficient. Gaza’s health ministry reported 14 deaths from malnutrition in the last 24 hours.
At the UN headquarters in New York, a two-day conference on a two-state solution—organized by France and Saudi Arabia—kicked off Monday. The U.S. has rejected the initiative. Speaking on the issue, President Trump said the top priority in Gaza is feeding people because "you have a lot of starving people," but added he is not taking a position on Palestinian statehood at this time.
Cambodia–Thailand Truce
In Malaysia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed State Department officials were assisting ceasefire talks between Cambodia and Thailand. The two countries have agreed to halt cross-border hostilities starting at midnight local time, following nearly a week of fighting that left at least 35 people dead. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered the talks in his role as ASEAN chair.
U.S. Restores Argentina to Visa Waiver Path
The Department of Homeland Security announced it is taking steps to reinstate Argentina in the U.S. visa waiver program. The move was revealed Monday during Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Buenos Aires.
Taiwan’s Recall Vote Fails
An effort to recall 24 opposition politicians from Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party failed on Saturday. It was the largest recall attempt in the island’s history. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which holds the presidency but not a parliamentary majority, has accused the KMT of being too close to Beijing.
UN Refugee Chief Warns of Surge in Migration
UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi warned Monday that funding cuts—especially the $1.6 billion withdrawn by the Trump administration—are accelerating migration to Europe. Grandi urged donor countries to support frontline nations such as Chad, Kenya, and Iran, which are already hosting large numbers of displaced people.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Political & Global Events
1914 – World War I Begins
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official start of World War I after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand one month earlier. The war would eventually draw in much of the world and result in over 16 million deaths.
1945 – Plane Crashes Into Empire State Building
A U.S. Army B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into the Empire State Building in New York City due to heavy fog, killing 14 people and causing significant damage to the 79th floor.
1932 – Bonus Army Evicted from Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Herbert Hoover ordered the military, under General Douglas MacArthur, to forcibly remove World War I veterans (the Bonus Army) who were camped in Washington demanding early payment of promised bonuses. The move was widely condemned.
Science, Culture & Milestones
1866 – Metric System Adopted in U.S. Law
The U.S. Congress legalized the use of the metric system in the United States (though it remains unofficial for most daily use).
1976 – Tangshan Earthquake
A devastating earthquake struck Tangshan, China, killing an estimated 242,000 people—one of the deadliest earthquakes of the 20th century.
2005 – IRA Announces End to Armed Campaign
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) formally announced an end to its armed campaign and committed to pursuing its goals through peaceful means—a major step in the Northern Ireland peace process.
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WHAT ELSE
Tomorrow, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will release an updated edition of its World Economic Outlook, offering fresh insights into global growth trends, inflation forecasts, and regional economic risks.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Newsroom Briefing will arrive on Wednesday.