Economy
United States of America
Domestic Affairs
Congressional Defense Oversight in Focus: Senate and House Armed Services Committees Hold Key Hearings
Introduction On May 8, 2025, Congress sharpened its oversight of U.S. defense policy and military modernization with two high-profile hearings. The Senate Armed Services Committee convened to consider pivotal Pentagon nominations, including candidates for Under Secretary of the Army and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Global Affairs
The United States Accelerates Polar Security Cutter Production: Asserting Arctic Presence Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
Introduction On May 6, 2025, the United States announced a major step forward in its Arctic strategy: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved full-rate production of the nation’s first Polar Security Cutter (PSC). This decision marks the most significant modernization of the U.S. icebreaker fleet in nearly
Domestic Affairs
U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record as Pharmaceutical Purchases Skyrocket Before "Liberation Day"
Introduction In March 2025, the U.S. trade deficit surged to an unprecedented $140.5 billion, a 14% increase from the previous month and the largest monthly gap ever recorded. This dramatic widening was driven by a rush of imports as American companies raced to stockpile goods-especially pharmaceuticals-before the imposition
Economy
Federal Reserve May 2025 Policy Meeting: Analysis and Outlook
Introduction The Federal Reserve’s May 2025 policy meeting comes at a moment of heightened economic uncertainty for the United States. The central bank faces persistent inflation, a recent contraction in GDP, and the complex effects of President Trump’s new tariffs. Markets, businesses, and policymakers are watching closely for
Domestic Affairs
High-Stakes U.S.-Canada Summit: Carney and Trump Face Off Amid Deepening Trade War
Introduction On May 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Washington, D.C., for his first official meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump-a summit widely viewed as one of the most consequential and contentious in the modern history of U.S.-Canada relations. The two leaders met
Economy
U.S. Services Sector Expands, Inflation Pressures Rise: April 2025 Report
Overview The U.S. services sector, a cornerstone of the national economy, demonstrated unexpected resilience and expansion in April 2025. According to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 51.6, surpassing both the previous month’s reading and economists’ expectations. This marks
Domestic Affairs
FTC and DOJ Launch Major Review of Anticompetitive Federal Regulations
Introduction In a sweeping move with far-reaching implications for the American economy, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division have initiated a comprehensive review of federal regulations deemed to be anticompetitive. This initiative, announced on May 5, 2025, is a direct response to President
Domestic Affairs
President Trump’s 100% Tariff on Foreign Films: A Deepening Trade War and Hollywood’s Uncertain Future
On the evening of Sunday, May 4, 2025, President Donald Trump jolted the global entertainment industry and financial markets by announcing a sweeping 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. Framed as a measure to “save a dying Hollywood” and protect national security, the announcement immediately sent
Domestic Affairs
President Trump Unveils 2026 Budget Proposal
President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, unveiled on May 2, 2025, marks a significant shift in federal spending priorities, emphasizing a robust increase in defense and homeland security funding while proposing steep cuts to a broad range of non-defense discretionary programs. This budget, often described as a
Global Affairs
The U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal: Promise, Pitfalls, and the Complex Path to Resource Access
Introduction On April 30, 2025, after months of contentious negotiations, the United States and Ukraine signed a landmark minerals agreement in Washington, D.C. This deal grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s vast but largely untapped reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, lithium, titanium, and
Domestic Affairs
Lindsey Graham Wants to Crackdown on Russia: Senate Moves Toward “Bone-Crushing” Sanctions and Global Tariffs
Introduction Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of President Donald Trump, is spearheading a sweeping bipartisan effort to impose new, severe sanctions on Russia and to levy unprecedented tariffs on any country that continues to buy Russian oil, gas, or uranium. As Trump struggles to fulfill his campaign