Donald Trump’s week began with a notable outburst, but it ended on a triumphant note, with the US president celebrating a series of significant victories both domestically and internationally.
Trump beamed with pride at the White House, answering questions for over an hour during a news conference that turned into a showcase of his accomplishments.
One of Trump’s major wins was brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, following a US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21. Despite a rocky start, with Iran firing ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Qatar, Trump managed to convince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call off further attacks. The president proudly claimed that his military gamble worked, and he pointed to evidence that he is a “peacemaker” – a much-needed win given the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Major Wins
- Ceasefire in Israel-Iran Conflict: Trump’s diplomatic efforts led to a “complete and total” ceasefire, despite initial fears of a wider war in the Persian Gulf.
- Nato’s Commitment: US allies committed to 5% defence spending at the Nato summit, with Secretary General Mark Rutte jokingly referring to Trump as “Daddy” due to his role in brokering the ceasefire. Trump seemed to enjoy the moniker, saying, “I think he likes me. If he doesn’t… I’ll come back and hit him hard.”
- Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court issued a ruling that will curb judges’ power to block Trump’s orders nationwide, allowing him to pursue policy items that had been thwarted by injunctions. The president hailed the ruling as a “monumental victory for the constitution, the separation of powers, and the rule of law”.
- Peace Deal in Africa: Trump met with foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who signed a peace deal aimed at ending decades of fighting. The deal also secures access to critical minerals in the region for the US government and American companies.
However, Trump’s week wasn’t without challenges. His massive tax bill, dubbed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” has hit roadblocks in the Senate, with certain provisions violating Senate rules.
Additionally, Trump has yet to deliver on his promises for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, saying “We’re working on that one” regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. When asked if he would consider bombing Iran again if they restarted their nuclear program, Trump responded, “Sure, without question, absolutely”.
Despite these challenges, Trump remains optimistic about his accomplishments, saying, “This was a tremendous win, and we’ve had tremendous wins… But this was a tremendous win today”. The president’s confidence and enthusiasm are evident, but critics argue that his emotional instability and spiritual dissonance are concerning.