Just 24 hours after King Charles III's visit to the White House, Donald Trump has been brought to heel by Vladimir Putin. The King's visit had sparked hope that his interventions might moderate Trump's policies on Iran, Ukraine, and other issues. However, a phone call with Putin saw Trump seemingly accept the Russian leader's positions without question.
Trump told reporters that Putin convinced him Russia is winning the war in Ukraine. 'Ukraine, militarily, they're defeated,' Trump said, adding that he suggested a ceasefire and believes Putin might agree. Putin also renewed an offer for Russia to handle Iran's enriched uranium, which Trump mentioned but said ending the war in Ukraine was more important.
Meanwhile, Pam Bondi, the former Attorney General who released the Epstein Files, will testify before a congressional panel on May 29 after Democrats filed a contempt resolution against her for missing a deposition. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced he will remain on the board after his term ends next month, citing 'unprecedented' legal attacks by the Trump administration that threaten the central bank's independence.
Trump also confirmed he will maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz until Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions, saying, 'The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing.' He defended the indictment of James Comey over an Instagram post, claiming '86' is a mob term for 'kill,' and noted that grand juries indict nearly all cases brought before them.
