Mentioned in this edition: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, JD Vance, Tulsi Gabbard, Pope Leo XIV, and more.
Good morning. In an age where Donald Trump looms larger than life, an American pope represents another towering figure as a moderate alternative. We’ll get into the pope’s history and why his significance cannot be overstated. Also, India and Pakistan are nuked-up and escalating their war quickly. Should the US stay out?
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING
1. 🇬🇧 UK signed a major trade deal with Trump. President Trump announced a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, generating $6 billion from tariffs and $5 billion in new export opportunities for American farmers. The deal creates an Aluminum and Steel Trading Zone while fast-tracking American goods through British customs. This marks Trump's first international trade victory, showcasing his promised "America First" approach.
2. 🇸🇦 Saudi nuclear deal advances without Israel requirement. The Trump administration removed the demand that Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel before proceeding with civil nuclear cooperation talks. The policy shift comes ahead of Trump's visit to Riyadh, where the US will offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth over $100 billion. This pivot essentially cuts Israel out of the equation, representing an immense pivot away from involving the US’ closest ally in the region.
3. 🇬🇱 US intel targets Greenland. A classified directive from DNI Tulsi Gabbard ordered intelligence agencies to gather information on Greenland's independence movement and identify local leaders receptive to American overtures. The Arctic territory holds approximately 25 percent of the world's rare-earth minerals and vast oil and gas reserves. This operation signals Trump's shift from territorial ambition to concrete action in pursuing America's strategic foothold in the Arctic.
4. 🇨🇳 Chinese troops march alongside Russia's in Moscow. Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared as the most prominent foreign guest at Russia's 80th anniversary commemoration of World War II's end. As part of Xi’s visit, Chinese troops marched in the WWII victory parade in Moscow. Both powers condemned the United States in their pre-march statements, representing a closer alignment between these two powers.
EUROPE
Mentioned behind the paywall: Spying, blackouts, drone attacks, Germany’s AfD party, and Counter Terrorism arrests.
US watches as India and Pakistan brawl
The story
This week, India launched missile strikes against what it called nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has struck back in an ongoing tit-for-tat…
An American pope stands athwart Trump
The story
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV.
He is the first American to hold the papacy, though he has spent the majority of his career in Peru, where he holds dual citizenship.
Though relatively unknown before the conclave — where 108 of the 133 cardinals who elected Leo XIV were appointees of Pope Francis — he is suspected to have been a centrist choice…
MEDIA BIAS SPOTTER
How left and right outlets frame the US-UK deal
Mentioned behind the paywall: The BBC, CNBC, National Review, and The New York Post.
THE DAILY DEBATE
Should the US get further involved in the India-Pakistan conflict?Results will be in tomorrow's newsletter |
POLL RESULTS FROM YESTERDAY
At this point in time, who would you prefer to see as Trump’s successor?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🧔🏻♂️ JD Vance (856)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🙎🏻♂️ Marco Rubio (337)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🤔 Unsure (196)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 💬 Someone Else (42)
🧔🏻♂️ JD Vance: “He is getting valuable experience and is already seen as well-spoken and fair. Also, he fits the profile of a president, with his careful rhetoric.” — Smitti
🙎🏻♂️ Marco Rubio: “Marco is demonstrating his ability to get things done without setting people off, which would be very useful in a president.” — Ann
🤔 Unsure: “Both Vance and Rubio are very intelligent men. Either would probably do a good job as Trump’s successor.” — K.M.
💬 Someone else: “DeSantis for Trump's successor. He has done an excellent job as governor of Florida.” — E.B.
POP QUIZ
Who signed off on US intel spying on Greenland? |
Today’s newsletter was written by Brandon Goldman, Anthony Constantini, and Ari David. We scoured 100s of sources to bring you stories and insights you won’t find in the mainstream media.