Ukrainian and European leaders are voicing concerns that Donald Trump could be outmaneuvered again when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Their apprehension stems from fears that inadequate preparation could leave Trump vulnerable in high-stakes negotiations. Analysts suggest that if Trump wants to be seen as a master negotiator rather than a pushover, his best strategy might be to delay the summit until stronger groundwork is laid. The meeting is set against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, where diplomatic missteps could carry significant consequences for regional security.
THE RICH GET RICHER UNDER TRUMP’S TAX LAW
President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law will reduce income for the poorest Americans while boosting earnings for the wealthiest, according to a report released Monday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The CBO estimates that the bottom 10% of earners will lose about $1,200 annually due to cuts in programs such as Medicaid and food assistance. In contrast, the richest 10% will gain roughly $13,600 a year from tax reductions. While most U.S. households, including middle-income families, will see some benefit from the legislation, the report concludes that the largest gains will overwhelmingly go to the highest earners.
TRUMP PUSHES BACK CHINA TARIFF DEADLINE
U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the tariff truce with China by 90 days, delaying steep tariff hikes and averting triple-digit duties on Chinese goods ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season, a White House official said Monday. Trump signed the executive order pushing the deadline to mid-November, shortly after giving a noncommittal response to reporters about maintaining lower rates. On Sunday, he demanded that China quadruple its purchases of U.S. soybeans, though it remains unclear if Beijing agreed. The extension preserves lower tariffs during the seasonal import surge for Christmas goods such as electronics, clothing, and toys.
