Washington, July 8, 2025 – It was a day that, even by the hyperactive standards of the Trump era, delivered an exceptional level of intensity: a cabinet meeting at the White House, a visit from Israel marked by geopolitical weight, new punitive tariffs, a debate about Epstein – and a clear message to opponents and allies alike: Donald Trump is determined to push through his agenda. Uncompromising, confrontational, and charged with symbolic politics. From the start of the cabinet meeting, it was clear where the president was headed. Vice President J.D. Vance, still operating in the shadow of his surprise nomination, admitted in a confidential tone, “I never told you this, but I was skeptical we would be able to get the legislative package through by July 4th.” It was a moment of rare honesty – followed by polite applause for the White House, which had indeed delivered: tax cuts, border security, social reforms – all wrapped into a single, heavyweight piece of legislation. Trump praised the package as “something for everyone” – a political grab bag with calculated effect. But while he played the domestic stage, tensions rose on the international front. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had already joined Trump for dinner the night before, announced another meeting for Tuesday evening – at 6 p.m. in the White House. Trump confirmed, “He’s coming over later.” Netanyahu used his US visit for strong statements: Israel and the United States were “in agreement on the goal of destroying Hamas.” They were “closer to a hostage deal,” but military operations had to continue. Israeli forces had “fought like lions,” and cooperation with Trump was “closer than ever before in the history of our countries.” Even deliveries of the most advanced US bombers were reportedly on the table – “Who wouldn’t want that?” Netanyahu said curtly.
In parallel, Trump used the cabinet meeting to make a series of economic announcements that are likely to cause international unrest: a 50% import tariff on copper would be imposed by executive order on Tuesday – “on par with steel and aluminum,” as Trump emphasized. Even more drastic were his plans for pharmaceuticals: here he threatened a punitive tariff of “200 percent.” Some countries could soon face rates of up to 70 percent. As early as Monday, Trump had sent letters to the governments of 14 countries – a pressure tactic within his self-imposed 90-day negotiation period. “It’s more powerful, more direct,” Trump said. “We send you a letter. You read it. I think it was well crafted.” But the geopolitical choreography was abruptly disrupted when a reporter in the room brought up the topic of Epstein. The trigger was an internal Justice Department memo from the previous day which – to the surprise of many – stated that Jeffrey Epstein had not maintained a “client list.” The narrative of an elite conspiracy, fueled for years by right-wing influencers, suddenly collided with the official line from Trump’s own administration. Trump’s reaction was sharp. He demonstratively stood by his Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Why are you asking about a guy who’s been talked about for years?” he snapped at the journalist. It was a “desecration,” especially at a time like this – a reference to the deadly flooding in Texas. Bondi herself had suggested in a Fox interview that an Epstein client list was “sitting on her desk.” She has now clarified that she was referring to the case file in general. Trump, for his part, stated that he stands by her.
The president did not hold back in domestic politics either. When asked how Republicans should vote in the New York City mayoral election in November, he said, “I’m not getting involved.” But he took the opportunity to take a verbal swing at Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “disaster” who had sold New Yorkers “a good line of bullshit.” He mentioned his own party colleague Curtis Sliwa in passing – “runs every four years.” The incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, a Democrat, is now running as an independent. In the event of a Mamdani victory, Trump even threatened federal intervention – an unprecedented move in the history of municipal politics. And of course, an old enemy was not to be missed: wind energy. Trump reiterated his opposition in familiar tones. Wind was expensive, unreliable, and “bad for beautiful surroundings.” “Smart countries don’t rely on wind and solar,” he said. America was “brilliant” – by which he meant: powered by coal. It was a day full of threats, gestures, and isolationism. The central figures – Trump, Vance, Bondi, Netanyahu – appeared like players in a political endgame already in full motion. Those who had escaped reality yesterday were overtaken by it today. And Trump? He once again portrayed himself as the only one who brings it all together – war and peace, tariffs and fury, power and morality. In his own way.
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