President Donald Trump wrapped up a busy week in his 29th week in office, focusing on the U.S. economy and international diplomacy. This coincided with a major renovation of the Rose Garden at the White House.
“In just 200 days, President Trump has transformed America into the hottest country in the world,” said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers. Reflecting on Trump’s 200th day since his inauguration, she claimed that under Joe Biden, families struggled and America was in decline. However, Trump has since revitalized the nation, achieving historic trade and peace deals that made his second 100 days as noteworthy as the first.
The first 100 days of an administration often serve as a key metric for assessing a president’s early achievements. White House officials conveyed that Trump’s successes are evident not only in his first 100 days but throughout his time leading up to his 200th day.
Economy and Tariffs
This week marked a continued emphasis on attracting new business investments within the U.S. and imposing new tariffs on foreign entities to address historical trade deficits. Notably, Trump announced that Apple will boost its U.S. investments by an additional $100 billion, raising their total to $600 billion over the next four years.
“Today, Apple announces it will invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, which is $100 billion more than originally intended. This is the largest investment Apple has made in the U.S. and anywhere else,” he emphasized.
This announcement was one of several moves aimed at improving the economy. Trump also signed executive orders allowing Americans to invest their 401(k) plans in cryptocurrency, private equity, and real estate, as well as preventing banks from denying service based on political or religious beliefs.
At the start of the week, he mentioned increasing tariffs on India for those purchasing Russian oil, indicating that Indian goods were facing 50% tariffs. These changes follow months of trade negotiations that appear to have been complicated by ongoing tensions.
“India is a friend, but we’ve not worked together as much as we should have. The tariffs are excessively high; they deal with considerable non-monetary trade barriers,” Trump stated via social media.
He noted that India, which relies heavily on military imports from Russia at a time when tensions with Ukraine are high, would now have to deal with a 25% tariff starting in August.
Trump’s tariff plan aims to bolster U.S.-manufactured products and companies. He added that a 100% tariff would apply to semiconductor and chip imports, but companies committing to build within the U.S. can avoid these tariffs.
International Diplomacy
Ending the week, Trump facilitated a trilateral meeting with leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan, resulting in a peace agreement after decades of territorial disputes. The agreement will create an autonomous enclave, linked by roads, now named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.”
“The roadmap they have agreed upon will encourage a collaborative future, beneficial for both the South Caucasus and beyond,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
This peace deal arrives as Trump works towards reaching a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, amid ongoing conflict that began in 2022.
Earlier in the week, he expressed willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanting to resolve the ongoing war.
On Friday, he confirmed a meeting with Putin in Alaska is scheduled for August 15th, saying, “The much-anticipated meeting between myself as President of the United States and President Putin will occur in Alaska.”
Rose Garden Update and Trump’s Unexpected Roof Appearance
Trump previously mentioned plans to update the Rose Garden, citing issues with muddy grass hindering visitor access. This week he shared that the area has been nicely paved, featuring a bright white patio with the White House crest.
“It’s a beautiful white stone that matches the White House, helping to reflect heat,” he remarked.
On Tuesday, Trump surprised onlookers by appearing on the rooftop of the White House, overseeing from the West Wing while reporters shouted questions at him. This appearance followed his announcement that he and private donors would cover the estimated $200 million cost of a new White House ballroom.
