Thursday, 16 October 2025

President Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest following a "productive" call between the two leaders. Trump stated he wants to "get Russia done" and end the Ukraine war as he prepares to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House to discuss providing Kyiv with cruise missiles.

A new poll found that 75% of Americans report soaring prices, contradicting Trump's claims that inflation is "over." Economic pessimism cuts across political lines, with inflation and a worsening job market cited as top concerns even among the president's MAGA base.

Trump revealed he authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, marking an escalation in pressure against President Nicolás Maduro. The administration is also mulling military strikes on Venezuelan territory as Maduro condemned the move as "coups d'état."

The Trump administration announced plans to push employers to increase IVF coverage and lower fertility drug costs, with the president framing the initiative as leading to "many more beautiful American children." A pharmaceutical deal was unveiled as part of a broader suite of proposals, though it remains unclear if companies will sign up.

A federal court approved a temporary injunction blocking the Trump administration from carrying out mass layoffs of federal employees as the government shutdown entered its third week. The US Senate also failed for the tenth time to pass a vote to end the shutdown.

Trump announced plans for an "Arc de Trump," a new arch monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe, as part of White House renovations. The project joins other planned additions including a new ballroom, flagpoles, gilding of the Oval Office, and paving over the Rose Garden.

Vice President JD Vance downplayed racist text messages from Republican operatives aged 24 to 35, including messages such as "I love Hitler," dismissing them as "what kids do" and "stupid jokes."

A federal judge in the Chicago area ordered immigration officers to wear body cameras, and agents also appeared to have violated an order banning the use of riot-control measures such as tear gas without warning.

San Francisco city leaders opposed Trump's threats to send troops to the city, calling it an "authoritarian crackdown" and rejecting the administration's claims of out-of-control crime, calling the troops "Trump's personal army."

Trump's DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bans are undermining anti-human trafficking efforts, according to a lawsuit filed against the administration. A Guardian investigation previously found the administration rolled back efforts to combat human trafficking while Trump officials deny a retreat from these efforts.