President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser, Michael Waltz, recently clarified the stance of the United States on Ukraine becoming a member of NATO. Waltz stated, “That is not back on the table. I do not see the United States having Ukraine enter into NATO,” during an interview with Fox News. He emphasized the U.S. commitment to NATO at large and the Article Five treaty agreements but noted that security guarantees for Ukraine are a separate conversation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to resign if it would lead to peace in Ukraine, suggesting a potential swap for NATO membership. However, Waltz's comments indicate that this possibility is not currently being considered by the U.S.
President Trump expressed gratitude towards Apple CEO Tim Cook for the company’s announcement of a $500 billion investment into expanding U.S. facilities over the next four years. Trump attributed this investment to confidence in his administration's policies, highlighting the potential creation of 20,000 jobs and helping Apple circumvent new tariffs on Chinese imports.
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Trump is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. The meeting underscores European leaders' efforts to reclaim a central role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine after being sidelined in U.S.-Russia talks.
This morning, the two leaders will participate in a G7 summit leaders call, followed by a bilateral meeting, lunch, and a press conference. The discussions are expected to focus on the implications of the ongoing Ukraine conflict and potential European involvement.
A federal judge in Virginia is set to hear arguments on whether to pause the Trump administration’s move to dismiss intelligence agency officers involved in diversity programs. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., another judge will consider a motion from the Associated Press regarding White House access restrictions.
The deadline for federal workers to respond to an email from the Department of Government Efficiency is approaching. This email, which has caused significant unrest, demands a weekly work report, with non-compliance seen as a resignation.
Amid growing tensions, European leaders are strategizing to assert their influence in the Ukraine conflict. French President Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit the White House to discuss potential European “reassurance force” plans, though hurdles remain due to the improbability of an agreeable peace deal for both Zelensky and Putin.
President Trump’s approach to NATO and European allies has introduced new challenges to the transatlantic alliance, questioning long-standing security guarantees and defense spending commitments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resisted U.S. demands for a share in Ukraine’s mineral resources as part of a war-ending negotiation. Trump’s proposed $500 billion deal, equivalent to U.S. aid provided during the conflict, has been deemed untenable by Zelensky, who argues it would burden future generations.
Zelensky is advocating for U.S. security guarantees to be included in any agreement involving Ukraine’s mineral wealth. Despite earlier assurances from the alliance, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently stated that Ukraine joining NATO is unrealistic.
The Trump administration’s directive for federal employees to report their weekly work has led to confusion and potential legal battles. Some agencies have advised employees not to respond, while others are complying, leading to a complex legal landscape.
Major federal agencies, including the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, have instructed staff not to reply to the email. Conversely, agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have urged compliance, highlighting the varied responses across government entities.
