1. Trump Urges Federal Reserve to Cut Interest Rates Quickly, Says US Interest Rates Should Fall Below 1%
—Trump stated on social media that US interest rates should fall to 1% or lower, arguing that the US has the strongest credit in the world and that its economy is currently attracting a large amount of new investment. Trump claimed that if the US stopped trading with countries with which it has a trade deficit, the US could gain at least $1.5 trillion annually. He again urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates quickly, saying that lower borrowing costs would help the US economy.
2. Proposes Excluding Canadian Goods from Federal Government Procurement
—A White House announcement on the 16th indicated that the Trump administration plans to exclude Canadian-origin goods from US federal civilian procurement. The US claims this move is in retaliation for Canada's "Buy Canadian" policy, accusing Canada of restricting US companies' access to its various levels of government procurement markets.
3. Claims the US is Feeding European Countries
—Trump: We are feeding European countries. All we have to do is tell them, 'You know what? We're not doing business with you anymore. We don't need anything from you.' We have cars. We have lumber. We have food. We have everything.
4. Trump says he still has confidence in Warsh, saying he has a difficult board and interest rates are too high, and he hopes Warsh will remain independent.
5. Trump warns of tariffs and trade cuts if Canada becomes an EU "associate member"
Trump hinted that allowing Canada to become an associate member could be a "hostile act" and threatened to respond with higher tariffs on Europe. He said, "If the intention is good, that's fine; if the intention is bad, we'll impose very heavy tariffs on Europe." He also suggested the US might cut off trade with Europe in certain areas.
6. Reportedly to meet with Gulf leaders on Iran next week
According to Axios, three sources familiar with the matter said Trump is expected to meet with Gulf leaders or foreign ministers next Tuesday at the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the next steps in the war with Iran. The meeting is expected to focus on the US's post-war strategic vision, and Trump and his senior team are developing a plan expected to be finalized after the midterm elections. A source said the meeting may be expanded to include other Arab and Muslim leaders.
7. Trump says the war with Iran will end soon
—Trump: That war will end soon. You'll see. Trump is right about everything. You'll see. They're being destroyed. They (Iran) really want a deal. They call and say, we want a deal! Americans are paying higher gas prices, but it's a "very cheap price" relative to what the US has achieved.
8. US House passes Russia sanctions bill to be sent to Trump for signature
—The US House of Representatives passed a bill imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia by a vote of 262 to 159. The bill will be sent to Trump for his signature. The plan aims to put pressure on the Russian economy to force Putin to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
