The Trump administration has defended its response to catastrophic flooding in Kerrville, Texas, following scrutiny over reports of unanswered calls to a disaster assistance line. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled a New York Times report claiming thousands of calls went unanswered as “fake news.” On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” she asserted that a policy requiring her approval for contracts over $100,000 did not impede the response effort, despite reports indicating that call-center contract lapses resulted in significant delays.
In other developments, President Trump expressed support for Attorney General Pam Bondi amid criticisms regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. He urged his followers to refrain from focusing on the investigation, which has faced backlash following the Justice Department's conclusion that Epstein's death was a suicide. Trump’s comments come as Bondi faces calls for resignation from some right-wing activists.
In trade news, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to negotiate while preparing countermeasures against potential tariffs from the U.S. Trump threatened to impose a 30 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and the EU, which has intensified concerns among European leaders about the implications for trade relationships.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to visit Washington this week to discuss defense spending and support for Ukraine, particularly in light of recent discussions about NATO purchasing weapons from the U.S. for Ukraine. This visit occurs as senators plan to propose sanctions on countries buying Russian oil amid escalating tensions from Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The Justice Department has dismissed charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore Jr., a Utah plastic surgeon accused of selling fake Covid-19 vaccine cards. Attorney General Bondi stated that the decision was in the interest of justice, emphasizing that Moore provided patients with choices during the pandemic. The dismissal has drawn criticism and support from various political factions.
In immigration policy, the Trump administration is expected to increase deportations to third countries, including South Sudan. Following a Supreme Court ruling, new guidelines from Immigration and Customs Enforcement may expedite deportations, raising concerns about potential violations of human rights and international law.
In response to escalating tariffs and trade tensions, the EU and other allies are seeking to strengthen economic ties amongst themselves, reflecting a shift in the global trade landscape as countries look for reliability amid U.S. policy changes. European officials have indicated a willingness to retaliate against U.S. tariffs, further complicating the economic relationship.
Overall, the administration's strategies on disaster response, trade, immigration, and legal actions reflect ongoing tensions both domestically and internationally, as key policies continue to provoke debate and scrutiny.