Newsroom Briefing | July 7th, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- 13 hours ago
- 11 min read
Deal or No Deal?
The much-anticipated tariff deadline, originally set for July 9, is fast approaching, hence it dominated the Trump administration’s Sunday media circuit.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave multiple interviews on the topic. In one, he was pressed directly about the tariffs and the promised “90 deals in 90 days”:
Q: The president has a reputation as a dealmaker, so why haven't we seen the kind of trade deals he promised in the last 90 days? BESSENT: He didn't promise this ... many of these countries never even contacted us.
In another interview, Bessent dismissed critics for “obsessing” over tariff policy:
Bessent: Trump Derangement Syndrome has turned into Tariff Derangement Syndrome.
Bessent also confirmed that tariffs on goods from countries failing to reach new bilateral trade agreements will rise on August 1 to the levels first announced on April 2. Trump said he will send 12–15 “tariff letters” on Monday.
White House adviser Lutnick confirmed these tariff increases would indeed take effect on August 1.
By the end of the day, Bessent claimed that the United States would make several trade announcements in the next 48 hours, ahead of Wednesday’s deadline to finalize new trade deals.
New Tariffs on Allies
Today, the president announced 25% tariff hikes on two of the U.S.’s closest allies, Japan and Korea, effective August 1, delivering the news via "formal" letters:
Commenting on the strategy, Leavitt told reporters:
They will take the letters seriously because they have taken the president seriously. And that's why the president's phone, I can tell you, rings off the hook from world leaders all the time who are begging him to come to a deal.
Deadly Flood at Texas Camp
Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, confirmed at least 27 campers and counselors have died, calling the flooding an “unimaginable tragedy.” The statewide death toll has risen to at least 104.
President Trump issued a proclamation allocating disaster relief funds to cover 75% of the damages.
White House press secretary Leavitt defended the administration’s response:
"The alerts imminently were sent out before the flood when people were sleeping because the flood hit in the very early hours of the morning. People were sleeping in the middle of the night when this flood came. This was an act of God, it is not the administration's fault that the flood hit when it did."
Notably, an "Act of God" clause in insurance contracts refers to damage caused by natural events beyond human control—like earthquakes, floods, or wildfires. Such clauses typically limit or remove liability for losses caused by these unpredictable disasters.
It's worth asking: Is this the intention of the statement?
Leavitt further insisted:
“The National Weather Service executed timely, precise forecasting and warnings, despite unprecedented rainfall overwhelming the region. During this time of tragedy, it is shameful that the mainstream media and politicians would deliberately lie about the events leading up to the catastrophic flooding in Texas.”
The Trump team also released a statement urging Americans to “pray for Texas.”
Yet questions remain about whether Texas’s emergency systems functioned properly, especially given deep cuts to the National Weather Service.
Judge Rob Kelly, Kerr County’s chief elected official, admitted:
“We do not have a warning system” and “we didn’t know this flood was coming.”
Although the National Weather Service issued a flood watch Thursday afternoon and sent multiple urgent alerts as water levels rose, the intensity of the rainfall still caught many off guard.
No one so far has accepted responsibility for major funding cuts to the NWS, NOAA, or FEMA.
Former U.S. presidents, international leaders, and the global community have offered condolences:
Heavily Armed Immigration Operation at MacArthur Park
On Monday, July 7, 2025, dozens of federal immigration agents—including ICE, Customs and Border Protection officers, and around 90 California National Guard troops—briefly descended on MacArthur Park. They arrived equipped with rifles, tactical gear, horseback units, armored vehicles, and Humvees.
The operation appeared to support an immigration enforcement action. However, officials acknowledged it was largely symbolic or protective rather than arrest-focused. The agents aimed to safeguard ICE officers during a suspected raid. No arrests were reported.
Mayor Karen Bass called the operation a “political stunt”, “outrageous and un-American”, and likened the park to being “under siege”.
Bass personally confronted federal agents and demanded they leave, after which the troops withdrew.
She said children at a summer camp were frightened and detained in a basement for their safety, and healthcare workers assisting the homeless were forced out.
LAPD officials stated they had no prior knowledge of the federal operation.
BRICS Summit Tensions
Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries aligned with BRICS policies as leaders of the group met in Rio de Janeiro.
The BRICS summit issued a joint statement condemning recent bombings in Iran, calling for more open global trade, and announcing loan guarantees from its development bank to spur investment. Participants also condemned recent attacks on Russia’s railway infrastructure and called for a “sustainable peace settlement” between Russia and Ukraine.
By day’s end, the Trump administration clarified it would not immediately impose the new 10% tariff on BRICS members but reserved the right to do so if those countries pursue so-called "anti-American" policies.
Executive Orders and Memorandums
The White House announced an executive order to end subsidies for wind and solar energy.
The Office of Communications shared an order extending the modification of reciprocal tariff rates. Now the suspension of additional duties now expires on August 1, 2025.
The Office of Communications announced a federal hiring freeze until October 15, 2025.
Ukraine Under Attack
Ukraine continues to endure heavy assaults from Russia.
These are the systems that were promised to Ukraine, delivered to Poland, and then withheld:
92 AIM missiles
30 Patriot (PACMSE) missiles
8,496 155mm Howitzer rounds
142 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
252 GMLRS missiles
25 Stinger missiles
125 AT-4 grenade launchers
These air defense systems are critical to shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.
During travel this weekend, President Trump was asked why the U.S. doesn’t help Ukraine the way it helps Israel. He responded:
I am helping Ukraine. I'm helping it a lot. And it's a war that should have never happened. It's a war that should have never started. If I were President, if the election weren't rigged, and it was rigged — rigged so badly — and that's come out — read Miranda Devine in the New York Post today. The election was totally rigged. And if it weren't rigged, you wouldn't have a war with Russia right now, and you wouldn't have had inflation, and you wouldn't have had the horrible Afghanistan — the way they left. Not that they left. We would have been out before them, but the way they left. I think the most embarrassing day in the history of our country. You wouldn't have had the October horror show with Israel and Hamas. You wouldn't have had any of it.You wouldn't have had the recent showdown with Iran. You wouldn't have had any of it. And you wouldn't have had inflation.
It’s a familiar response that’s often repeated when asked for solutions on Ukraine—some of which he has later described as “sarcasm.”
Trump Media & Musk's New Political Party
Trump Media & Technology Group launched its global TV streaming platform, Truth+, on Monday. It features the Newsmax cable channel as part of its expansion.
The move also gives Newsmax—which went public in March—a stronger foothold outside the United States.
Meanwhile, tensions between Trump and Elon Musk escalated after Musk announced plans for a new “America Party”:
Trump fired back:
“Off the rails” and a “train wreck” after Musk said he was creating a political party.
The feud between the Republican president and his major campaign financier deepened on Saturday after Musk said Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill would bankrupt America.
Trump dismissed Musk’s plan on Sunday as “ridiculous,” and criticized the idea that Musk—whose companies rely on government contracts—could have conflicts of interest if he were to hold political office.
On Monday, Wall Street's major indexes fell after Trump’s new tariffs against Japan, South Korea, and other trading partners were announced. Tesla shares dropped nearly 8% after Musk’s announcement reignited concerns about his focus on the company amid declining sales.
NATIONAL NEWS
Major Cuts at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs just announced significant staffing reductions, with plans to cut 30,000 employees by the end of September.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Campaigns Against Synthetic Dyes
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is urging food manufacturers to stop using synthetic dyes in their products.
Officer Shot Outside Texas ICE Facility
A police officer was shot outside an ICE detention center in Texas. Authorities said several armed individuals were taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Lawsuit Targets RFK Jr. Over COVID-19 Vaccine Policies
Several leading medical organizations filed a lawsuit on Monday against U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services. The suit argues that current federal policies on COVID-19 vaccines pose an imminent threat to public health.
Judge Allows Wrongful Deportation Case to Proceed
A U.S. judge ruled Monday that Kilmar Abrego’s legal challenge over his alleged wrongful deportation to El Salvador can continue, despite the Trump administration’s decision to bring him back to the United States to face criminal charges.
Planned Parenthood Sues Over Medicaid Provision
Planned Parenthood sued the Trump administration on Monday over a provision in President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill that would bar its health centers from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. The lawsuit, filed in Boston federal court, argues the measure is unconstitutional because it targets members for advocating sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion services.
DHS to End Protections for Hondurans and Nicaraguans
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it will terminate deportation protections for thousands of Hondurans and Nicaraguans living in the United States. According to government notices posted Monday, this move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to revoke legal status for many migrants.
GLOBAL NEWS
Canada Diversifies Exports
Looking to reduce reliance on the U.S. after Trump’s trade war, Canada has begun shipping natural gas to Asia.
Trump Defends Bolsonaro
U.S. President Donald Trump defended former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in a social media post Monday, calling his ally the victim of a "witch hunt," a term Trump often uses to describe his own treatment by political opponents.
Israeli Strike on Iran’s Evin Prison
The Israeli military struck Evin prison in Iran—a notorious symbol of oppression where dissidents were held—killing numerous prisoners and social workers in the attack. The strike has angered many Iranians.
Ukraine’s Eastern Front Battles
Ukrainian troops are struggling to hold the line against sustained Russian attacks on the eastern front.
Also in the east, Ukrainians are stringing fishing nets across roads—a low-tech but effective way to thwart Russian drones that are too fast to shoot down.
Trump Signals More Defensive Weapons for Ukraine in Netanyahu Meeting
During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump addressed questions about U.S. military aid to Ukraine that had been allocated under the Biden administration but was later withheld after arriving in Poland.
Trump acknowledged the situation, saying:
"We will have to send more weapons to Ukraine, defensive primarily. A lot of people are dying in this mess."
Russian Minister Found Dead
Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead near Moscow just hours after being fired by President Putin. Domestic media reported it as an alleged suicide.
Suriname Elects First Female President
Suriname’s parliament elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as the country’s first female president on Monday. Her party narrowly won the most seats in May's election and formed a coalition with smaller parties to secure her victory. She pledged to make revenue from the country’s anticipated oil boom “available to all.”
UK Restores Diplomatic Ties with Syria
The United Kingdom restored full diplomatic relations with Syria during a visit to Damascus by Foreign Secretary David Lammy over the weekend. Lammy said a stable Syria would help reduce irregular migration, ensure chemical weapons are destroyed, and address terrorism threats. He also pledged $129 million in humanitarian and economic development support.
Iran’s President Speaks with Tucker Carlson
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of sabotaging diplomacy by bombing during U.S.-backed talks and blamed Netanyahu for derailing peace.
He insisted Iran did not start the war and does not want it to continue, emphasizing Iran’s policy of "internal unity, regional peace, and dialogue based on law and respect".
He warned the U.S. must choose between restraining Netanyahu to restore peace or enabling another endless war. Pezeshkian condemned Israeli attacks on civilians and officials as crimes fueling the crisis, stressed Iran has not attacked another country in over 200 years, clarified that “Death to America” refers to destructive policies rather than people, welcomed American investment, and underscored that despite political differences, Iranians are united in defending their sovereignty.
Trump and Netanyahu Talk Iran: Peace or Force
While meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, President Donald Trump said that Iran allegedly wants to negotiate peace and that he would welcome such talks. But he also issued a warning, saying the U.S. would be ready to act if negotiations fail.
Netanyahu, for his part, described Iran’s military capabilities as “two tumors” threatening the region—the ballistic tumor and the nuclear tumor—underscoring what he sees as the importance of U.S. operations targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities to contain the threat.
Trump also criticized existing restrictions, referring to them as the “Biden sanctions,” and said he would like to remove them to allow Iran to “rebuild.” He cited the lifting of sanctions on Syria as an example of how easing restrictions could help stabilize and benefit a country.
The visit comes amid negotiations over a potential Gaza truce and after Israel claimed to have bombed Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen overnight. Israel said those ports received weapons from Iran and that the strikes were in response to Houthi attacks on Israel. Two missiles were reportedly launched from Yemen toward Israel afterward.
Green Climate Fund Approves Record Package
A multilateral climate fund backed by the United Nations approved its largest-ever financing package in a single board meeting, despite the U.S. withdrawal of a $4 billion pledge. The fund endorsed more than $1.2 billion for new projects across small island developing states, African countries, and other regions.
China-EU Trade Restrictions Escalate
China announced it will bar European Union-based companies from bidding on certain government contracts for medical devices, in response to a similar ban the EU issued last month.
Chinese medical device exports to the EU more than doubled between 2015 and 2023, according to the European Commission.
OPEC+ Plans Production Hike
The OPEC+ alliance of oil-producing countries announced plans to increase global production in August by 548,000 barrels per day—a larger spike than the previous three months combined.
Recently, actual oil deliveries have fallen short of announced quotas. Saudi Arabia also said it will raise the August price of its flagship crude oil by $1 per barrel for Asian buyers, signaling confidence in continued demand.
Rio’s Beaches Face New Rules
In Rio de Janeiro, the city’s mayor is pushing to regulate vendors and music along the coastline. Residents worry this could end the beaches’ famously freewheeling, chaotic vibe.
Papal Summer Retreat Tradition Revived
Pope Francis has given up Castel Gandolfo, Italy, as his summer retreat. Pope Leo XIV is now restoring the tradition.
MOMENT OF KINDNESS
In a moment that surprised even his security team, French President Emmanuel Macron paused to warmly greet a young supporter eager to catch his attention. Watch this gesture of kindness here:
TODAY IN HISTORY
1456 – A retrial posthumously acquits Joan of Arc of heresy, 25 years after her execution.
1898 – The United States annexes Hawaii by joint resolution of Congress.
1937 – The Marco Polo Bridge Incident sparks the Second Sino-Japanese War between China and Japan.
1946 – Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini is canonized as the first American citizen to become a saint.
1954 – Elvis Presley makes his radio debut when DJ Dewey Phillips plays his first recording, “That’s All Right,” on WHBQ in Memphis.
1967 – Civil war breaks out in Biafra (Nigeria) after the region’s attempted secession.
1978 – The Solomon Islands gain independence from the United Kingdom.
1981 – U.S. President Ronald Reagan nominates Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
2005 – London is attacked by suicide bombers on the transit system (“7/7 bombings”); 52 civilians are killed and over 700 injured.
COMING UP
On Tuesday, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will begin meetings in Kuala Lumpur.
On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Berlin to attend the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO. He will meet Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, President of the Bundestag Julia Klöckner, and members of the Defense Committee.
This week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Malaysia to attend ASEAN meetings—his first trip to Asia as America's top diplomat, the State Department said Monday.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Newsroom Briefing will arrive on Wednesday.
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