Trump gives Russia ultimatum
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The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the 12:30 Report newsletter SubscribeIt’s Monday. A year ago today, the Republican National Convention began in Milwaukee. This was right after President Trump’s first assassination attempt, and we were all on high alert. If you want a refresher, check out my reporting from that day.
In today's issue:
- Trump makes two major Russia threats
- Threatens tariffs on any country trading with Russia
- Chilling new reporting on Camp Mystic
- Why many flood survivor calls went unanswered
- The Epstein saga is splintering MAGA World
🚨️ IN THE WHITE HOUSE
Trump is giving Russia 50 days. Then what?
President Trump is upping the ante with Russia to end its war with Ukraine. He has been growing increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and to that end, he just made two major announcements:
1) Secondary tariffs: Trump will impose 100 percent secondary tariffs on any country that trades with Russia unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire with Ukraine in the next 50 days.
“We’re very, very unhappy with them, and we’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in about 50 days,” Trump told reporters. He noted Congress wants 500 percent tariffs, so his 100 percent threat is far lower.
2) Sending weapons paid for by Europe: European countries will buy U.S.-made weapons to help Ukraine.
“In a nutshell, we’re going to make top-of-the-line weapons, and they’ll be sent to NATO,” Trump said alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Yes, Rutte, the person who infamously referred to the president as “daddy” a few weeks ago. 😅 (FWIW, he later tried to clarify it.)
Did we see these announcements coming?: Washington had been bracing for the “major statement” Trump had teased regarding Russia.
➤ WHAT ELSE TRUMP SAID DURING HIS ANNOUNCEMENT:
Trump said he spoke with Melania Trump about Russia: “I [got] home and told the first lady, ‘I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.’ She said, ‘oh really? Another city was just hit,’” Trump 📹 explained.
Trump’s intention: “I think this is a chance at getting peace,” Trump 📹 said in his announcement.
➤ TIDBIT — WANT TO SEE HOW THE ROSE GARDEN REMODEL IS COMING?:
Construction crews began work in June to complete the Rose Garden renovation Trump ordered. It includes replacing the grass with gravel. Well, The Hill’s Alex Gangitano is at the White House today and 📸posted a photo of the construction.
⏱️ ON CAPITOL HILL
‘I call no takebacks!’:
Republicans are trying to take back billions of........
© The Hill
