Trump vs. Europe: Guess Who Blinked

Trump and von der Leyen announce a major political deal to avoid a US-EU trade war.

It’s not a full FTA, but sets the tone for future tariffs, energy, and defense trade.

US imposes 15% tariffs on most EU goods (e.g., cars, semiconductors), but keeps exemptions for aircraft, drugs, and key raw materials.

EU commits to $600 billion in US investments and $750 billion in energy purchases over 3 years.

EU lowers barriers for US agriculture, autos, and arms. Some US exports to get zero tariffs.

Trump: Calls it the “biggest deal ever.”
EU: Mixed—Germany and Italy relieved; France calls it “unbalanced.”

Avoids tariff war, boosts US energy/defense sectors.

EU exporters face higher costs and tough competition.

Deal may test EU unity; some call for bilateral deals.

Germany's Merz:

Tariffs will cause "significant damage" to the German economy.

Ghislaine Maxwell appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn her sex trafficking conviction, arguing she was protected under Jeffrey Epstein’s 2007 plea deal, which promised no charges against his co-conspirators — named or unnamed.

This comes just days after she met with a Justice Department official reviewing the Epstein case.

Source: Axios

German carmakers are expected to lose €10 billion due to Trump’s new tariffs.

Mercedes-Benz’s cash flow may drop from €9.4B to €3B, VW from €7.1B to €3.5B, BMW from €4.8B to €4.4B.

Tariffs will raise export and supply chain costs.

Audi cut its profit forecast; Porsche’s Q2 profit fell 91%.

German industry leaders warn the EU is facing a heavy blow and losing global competitiveness.

Mozambique: Islamic State claims a series of attacks in Chiúre district, indicating insurgents are moving further south in the province.

Spanish Air Force says its F-18 jet made an evasive maneuver after detecting a flock of birds during the Gijón airshow.

The pilot followed standard safety protocol, reacted instantly, and avoided any danger without disrupting the show.

What appears to be signs of chronic venous insufficiency on Trump’s hand — reportedly covered with makeup — during his meeting with the UK Prime Minister today.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition where damaged leg veins can’t return blood efficiently to the heart, causing it to pool in the legs.

This leads to swelling, heaviness, varicose veins, skin discoloration, and sometimes ulcers.

Trump’s diagnosis of CVI was confirmed by the White House, describing it as common and non-serious for his age, with no deeper vein issues or heart problems.

For the first time since 2008, the U.S. has transferred nuclear weapons to the UK, deploying B61-12 bombs to RAF Lakenheath.

These low-yield, precision-guided weapons can be used with F-35A jets.

Source: Bloomberg

JD Vance on Gaza:

I don't know if you've all seen these images, you have got some really, really heartbreaking cases, you've got little kids who are clearly starving to death.

Israel's gotta do more to let that aid in and we've also gotta wage war on Hamas so that those folks stop preventing food from coming into this territory.

Israeli opposition Leader Yair Lapid:

The government has failed in Gaza.

The war must be ended in exchange for a comprehensive ceasefire and a comprehensive hostage deal.

This is not a total victory — it’s a total disaster.

Israeli opposition Leader Yair Lapid:

The Israeli government no longer knows why soldiers continue to die in Gaza.

If we don't end the war now, the IDF will continue to lose its best fighters, the humanitarian disaster will worsen, the world will close itself off to Israelis.

It doesn't have to be this way. There is an alternative to what is happening now.

Israeli opposition Leader Yair Lapid:

The military campaign in Gaza is out of control. We are capturing Khan Yunis for the fourth time, Jabaliya for the third time.

Russia's Medvedev:

Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia.

Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

If aggression is repeated, we will not hesitate to react in a more decisive manner and in a way that will be impossible to cover up.

Yes, our enrichment facilities are severely damaged, but our determination is not.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

More than a million Iranians need medical radioisotopes produced by the Tehran Research Reactor, an American-supplied facility fuelled by 20%-enriched uranium. Iran also needs enrichment to fuel our nascent nuclear power reactors.

No one in their right mind would abandon the fruits of tremendous investment in homegrown and peaceful technology which is saving lives—and simply because bulling foreigners demand it.

EU Commission has proposed to partially suspend Israel's participation in Horizon Europe research programme.

Source: Reuters

French Foreign Minister Barrot:

We will seek to persuade hesitant partners to recognize the State of Palestine.

Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia came into effect.

The Houthis have taken at least 10 crew members of the sunken ship Eternity C to Yemen.

The Russian government has decided to close 20 checkpoints on the border with Ukraine from August 1.

Source: TASS

Saudi Foreign Minister:

There is no credibility or justification for any talk about normalization amid the war and killing in the Gaza Strip