Trump targets trade and foreign conflicts in cabinet meeting
President Trump, shifted focus Tuesday to escalating global tensions and sweeping trade changes.
(NBC)- President Trump, flanked by his full Cabinet, shifted focus Tuesday to escalating global tensions and sweeping trade changes—announcing new tariffs and signaling a tougher U.S. posture abroad.
“I just want you to know, a letter means a deal,” the President said during the meeting, referring to letters sent Monday to 14 of America’s global trading partners. Those letters, he said, serve as warnings: negotiate new trade agreements by August 1—or face higher tariff rates.
Trump confirmed that new trade announcements involving seven countries would be unveiled by morning. Among them, a new 50% tariff on copper imports, though no implementation date was given. He also revealed upcoming pharmaceutical levies—some reaching up to 200%.
“It’s a better way. It’s a more powerful way,” Trump said, defending the aggressive strategy as a necessary pivot in the face of what he called years of one-sided trade.
International response was swift. Chinese officials issued a statement warning the U.S. not to reignite trade hostilities, threatening retaliation if Chinese economic interests are harmed.
On the national security front, President Trump addressed the intensifying war in Ukraine. He confirmed he authorized a new shipment of defensive weapons to Kyiv, following a temporary pause by the Pentagon over supply concerns.
“Putin is not—he’s not treating human beings right. He’s killing too many people,” Trump said, in a marked shift from his previously more restrained rhetoric toward Russia’s leader. The administration is now reviewing a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at pressuring Moscow further.
Meanwhile, on the Middle East front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington meeting with Republican lawmakers and defense officials amid a renewed push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The goal: to end the deadly conflict in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages.
In a separate development, the White House is celebrating a legal win after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the administration can move forward with the mass layoffs of federal workers at 19 agencies. The Court’s decision temporarily overruled a California judge who had said congressional input was required before such cuts could proceed.
