🇺🇸 Weekly U.S. Political Recap (Aug 3–9, 2025)
Here’s a quick rundown of the top political developments from this past week. These stories were covered during our livestream and are now available here for reference:
1. Trump–Putin Summit Set for August 15
President Trump announced a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The summit aims to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, with controversial proposals involving territorial swaps.
🔗 Al Jazeera Coverage
Trump asked about it before it went public:
Why is John Bolton going out there to sling mud on behalf of Democrats?
2. U.S. Deploys Nuclear Submarines Near Russia
Ahead of the summit, the U.S. Navy deployed two nuclear submarines to the Arctic, signaling strength and raising tensions with Moscow.
🔗 TIME Magazine Summary
3. “Liberation Day” Tariffs Take Effect
Trump’s new tariff regime—dubbed “Liberation Day 2.0”—imposed steep duties on imports from over 90 countries. Average rates jumped from 3% to 18%, with some as high as 50%.
🔗 Red Folder Analysis
4. Texas Redistricting Standoff
Texas Democrats fled the state to block a GOP-led redistricting plan that could flip five U.S. House seats. Republicans responded with civil arrest warrants and legal action.
🔗 Texas Tribune Series
5. IRS Commissioner Billy Long Fired
Trump removed IRS Commissioner Billy Long less than two months after his confirmation. Reports suggest internal disputes over immigration-related data sharing.
🔗 MSN Report
6. RFK Jr. Cuts $500M in Vaccine Funding
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled $500 million in mRNA vaccine research, citing concerns over effectiveness. Experts warn this could harm pandemic preparedness.
🔗 Healthline Coverage
7. ICE Removes Age Limits for Recruits
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the removal of age caps for ICE applicants, part of a broader push to expand immigration enforcement.
🔗 DHS Press Release
8. Stephen Miran Nominated to Federal Reserve
Trump nominated economic adviser Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve Board. He’s expected to serve a short term and support Trump’s push for lower interest rates.
🔗 MSN Profile
