World’s richest man and key Trump aide appears to play down influence in interview with Sean Hannity of Fox NewsThe US delegation is now speaking to the media. My colleague Jakub Krupa reports that Michael Waltz, the US national security adviser, has said the Ukraine talks with Russia will include discussion of territory and security guarantees, adding:This needs to be a permanent end to the war, and not a temporary end, as we’ve seen in the past.What’s important to understand is two things. The first is [that] the only leader in the world who can make this happen, who can even bring people together to begin to talk about it in a serious way, is President Trump.The second thing I would say is that in order for a conflict to end, everyone involved in that conflict has to be okay with it has to be it has to be acceptable to them.The goal is to bring an end to this conflict in a way that’s fair, enduring, sustainable and acceptable to all parties involved. What that looks like? Well, t...
Summary of Key Events:
1. Trump and Musk Interaction: Donald Trump praised Elon Musk during a joint interview at the White House, where both criticized their political opponents.
2. Executive Orders and IVF Access: Trump signed executive orders, including one to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
3. Prosecutor Nomination: Trump nominated an activist involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot to serve as the top prosecutor in Washington, D.C.
4. Commerce Secretary Confirmation: Howard Lutnick was confirmed as the new Commerce Secretary.
5. Political Criticisms and Media Actions: Trump criticized the media, vowing to block the Associated Press until they relent in a Gulf dispute. He also criticized a "half-baked negotiator" regarding the Ukraine war.
6. Other Developments: The Defense Department prepared for layoffs, and a senior federal prosecutor resigned, citing demands from Trump officials to investigate Biden contracts. Thousands of federal workers faced potential job cuts, and the FDA's food safety head quit due to staff cuts under Trump.
