International-News

Trump meets Netanyahu and prepares to tighten tariffs. Anticipation for trip to Texas and criticism of Musk

The US president: ‘Close to an agreement on Gaza. Tariffs will return on 1 August without an agreement.’ Criticism of Musk on the third party

As he prepares to receive Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House today, US President Donald Trump begins a week full of strategic appointments and delicate deadlines. The agenda includes a meeting with the Israeli prime minister, the possible sending of letters to trading partners to restore tariffs, and a trip to Texas, which has been hit by devastating floods.

Speaking to reporters before leaving New Jersey for Washington, Trump took stock of the ongoing negotiations with Israel and Hamas: ‘We are working on many issues with Israel, including a permanent agreement with Iran. Our attack destroyed Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. I believe we are close to an agreement on Gaza. Some hostages could be released as early as next week.’

The squeeze on tariffs: letters ready for partners
On the other front, the economic one, the Trump administration is preparing to reintroduce the original tariffs of 2 April starting on 1 August if no bilateral agreements are reached. The freeze on tariffs, imposed three months ago, expires on 9 July. ‘We are about to send out about 15 letters. Some on Monday, others on Tuesday and Wednesday. But there will also be agreements. It will be a combination of letters and agreements,’ the president said.

Emergency in Texas: ‘I will be there on Friday’
The tragedy in Texas remains one of the most serious emergencies. The death toll from the floods has exceeded 80. The Guadalupe River swept away a summer camp for girls, and dozens of young people are still missing. Trump announced a visit to the site on Friday, calling the event ‘a once-in-a-century catastrophe.’ He then rejected any responsibility for alleged cuts to the federal weather service.

Attack on Musk: “Third party? That’s crazy”
Finally, the president sarcastically dismissed Elon Musk’s idea of creating a third party in the United States: “It’s ridiculous. The American system is designed for two parties. The Republican Party is doing very well, the Democrats are in disarray. A third party has never worked, it only creates confusion”.

On Ukraine: “The war would not have started”
To those who accuse him of not supporting Ukraine enough compared to the attention given to Israel, Trump replied: “We are also helping Ukraine. But that war should never have started. Zelensky is under attack, as I predicted. If the 2020 elections had not been rigged, there would have been no conflict”.

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