President Trump has assembled his Cabinet today with a lot to discuss. His press conference has been very newsy — and it's still happening. 💻
🔷 Texas: Trump kicked off his meeting by mentioning the devastating fatal flash floods in Texas. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the heartbreaking details of visiting a Camp Mystic cabin where victims stayed and meeting with their families. Trump said he will travel to Texas on Friday but stressed he doesn't want his visit to get in the way of recovery efforts.
The incident has increased scrutiny on the Trump administration's cuts to weather and disaster agencies.
🔷 Trade: Trump then pivoted to his newly unveiled tariffs.
"The big money will start coming in on Aug.1. I think it was made clear by the letters sent out yesterday," Trump said, referring to the sent new tariff letters sent to Japan, South Korea and 12 other countries, giving them until Aug. 1 to cut a deal with the U.S. If not, they will be slapped with a tariff of at least 25 percent.
Keep in mind that Trump had postponed most tariffs for 90 days. That extension expires Wednesday, so this new Aug. 1 deadline is meant to get the ball rolling again.
Will Trump extend the deadline again? Trump said yesterday that the deadline was "not 100 percent firm," but then insisted today there would be "no extensions."
🔷 Ukraine: A reporter asked Trump about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "We get a lot of bulls--- thrown at us by Putin," Trump said. "It's turned out to be tougher," Trump said about to war.
For context: Trump announced on Monday that his administration would send Ukraine more weapons, reversing his decision last week to halt shipments of some missiles and munitions to Kyiv. Last week's decision sparked backlash from those who support Ukraine.
The New York Times reports that Ukrainians are appreciative of the support but are skeptical of the president's U-turn on the Russia-Ukraine war.
