The “America First” U.K. Trade Deal
- On May 8, the White House announced its first trade deal with the United Kingdom under the “America First” Policy. The deal is expected to refine tariff agreements made between the U.S. and the U.K. The “America First” nationalist strategy is outlined to prioritize the interests of the U.S. over international affairs.
Trump Signed an EO for South African “Refugees”
- On February 7, Trump signed an Executive Order titled “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa,” prioritizing white South Africans. In the EO, Trump proposed that the United States act as a host country for white Afrikaners escaping race-based genocide. The first group of South Africans arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on May 12, then greeted by American officials.
Qatar Gifts the U.S. a Plane
- On May 13, Republican lawmakers raised security concerns over Qatar’s $400 million plane gift to the U.S. for use in Air Force One. Despite criticism, Trump accepted the gift, explaining it [the plane] could “help us out,” considering the aircraft’s newer model.
DOJ Revokes Police Reform Agreements
- On May 21, the Department of Justice, or DOJ, released a statement ending Biden-era police investigations linked to allegations of civil rights misconduct and police brutality. Lawsuits against the police departments of Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were terminated.
The House Passes the OBBBA
- The House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) on May 22, which includes changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. The legislation extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts.
The White House Releases the MAHA Report
- The Trump administration released the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report on May 22. The report is designed to address the causes of childhood chronic diseases, including poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise. However, the report is stirring controversy after it was revealed that the document cited studies that did not exist, per The New York Times.
A List of Trump Pardons
- Trump granted executive clemency to over two dozen individuals during May.
- Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, most known for their USA TV series Chrisley Knows Best, were pardoned on May 28, following their 2022 convictions of bank and tax fraud.
- Rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose legal name is Kentrell Gaulden, was pardoned on May 28 from gun-related charges, particularly for having a firearm as a felon.
- On May 28, Trump pardoned former New York Representative Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud in 2014.
- Trump also commuted the sentence of notorious Chicago kingpin Larry Hoover on May 28. Hoover was the leader of the Gangster Disciples in the 1990s and was given six life sentences. However, the ex-gangster will not be freed; Hoover will be transferred to a state prison in Illinois to serve the remaining 200-year prison sentence he was convicted of.
Elon Musk Leaves the White House
- On May 28, Musk announced his departure from the White House as a “Senior Advisor” to the President following the conclusion of a 130-day contract. Musk officially exited the Trump administration on May 30.
Trump’s Jab at Harvard University’s International Students
- A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to ban Harvard University from enrolling international students on May 29. This comes after the Department of Homeland Security granted a 30-day extension for the university to demonstrate that it meets the requirements of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which authorizes schools to host students on visas.
Steel Tariff Increase
Trump announced on May 30 that he would increase the price of steel imports to the U.S. by 50%, effectively doubling their current rate. He later posted on social media that a costlier tariff rate would take effect on Wednesday, June 4.