Trump doubles steel and aluminum tariffs to 50 percent
US President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, raising them from 25 percent to 50 percent. Speaking at a rally near Pittsburgh, Trump said the move aims to strengthen the US steel industry and protect American jobs, according to Reuters.
The new tariffs, which go into effect Wednesday, will apply to both raw metals and related products. The statement coincided with Trump's approval of a $14.9bn merger between Nippon Steel and US Steel.
Allies criticized the decision, with Canada and Australia describing it as damaging to economic cooperation and commerce. Meanwhile, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc's shares rose 26 percent on anticipation of increased profitability as tariffs rise, Reuters reported.
Trump Administration bans use of demographic data in federal hiring
The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to stop using race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin data in hiring, as part of efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
A memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directed agencies to base choices entirely on merit and job-related criteria, and prohibited the use and broadcast of demographic statistics in recruitment, Reuters reported.
The directive also promoted broader recruiting beyond elite institutions, including as public universities, vocational schools, and religious colleges.
India, US hold talks on FATF coordination
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender in Washington from May 27–29 to discuss deepening economic ties and coordination on upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) processes, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The conversations were part of a larger effort to improve the India-US COMPACT project, which focuses on defense, trade, and technological collaboration, according to Firstpost.
The talks come as India prepares to advocate for Pakistan's removal from the FATF grey list, claiming substantial proof of its support for cross-border terrorism following the recent Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir.
India is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s increasing defence spending amid economic crisis, raising concerns over misuse of international financial aid, Firstpost reported.
Tensions rise as Israel blocks Arab delegation visit
Israel has decided to block the entry of foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates who intended to visit Ramallah on Sunday for a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, according to Xinhua.
Israeli Foreign Ministry officials condemned the planned visit as a "defiant act" to promote the formation of a Palestinian state. They also cited the Palestinian Authority’s continued refusal to condemn the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as a reason for the decision.
“Israel will not cooperate with actions that threaten its security,” the officials stated.
EU backs stronger defence ties amid China-Russia threats
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe is boosting defence spending following pressure from the Trump administration, calling it “tough love.”
At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Kallas supported US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for allies to invest more in defence, noting EU unity on security, Xinhua reported.
She connected European and Indo-Pacific security, warning about China's economic power and military ties with Russia and North Korea.
Kallas recommended further cooperation with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and others to combat common threats. Hegseth credited US President Trump for pushing Europe to “step up”, according to Xinhua.
Trump bids farewell to Musk after DOGE exit
US President Donald Trump bid farewell to Elon Musk on Friday after Musk stepped down from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump praised Musk for driving major reforms and credited him with transforming outdated government practices. As a gesture of thanks, Trump presented him with a golden key.
Musk said he would continue to advise the president but plans to scale back political donations, stating, “I think I’ve done enough.” He also criticized Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” calling it a “massive spending bill” that increases the deficit and undermines DOGE’s mission, Associated Press reported.
Trump says China violated trade agreement with US
US President Donald Trump has accused China of violating a recent agreement to ease tariffs and trade restrictions on critical minerals. The deal, made during May talks in Geneva, included a 90-day pause on tariffs.
Trump said on Truth Social that China had "totally violated" the agreement, but provided no details. He said his tariffs of up to 145 percent had severely impacted China’s economy, according to Reuters.
Trump later told reporters that he planned to contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping to address the matter. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller warned that China's noncompliance could trigger US action.
China's embassy said it is still in contact with the US, but expressed concern over new US export limits and urged Washington to follow the Geneva agreement, Reuters reported.
Gaza faces severe hunger as ceasefire nears
The UN has declared Gaza the “hungriest place on Earth,” with all 2.3m residents facing catastrophic hunger, Al Jazeera reported.
Israeli forces killed two more people at an aid site in Rafah, southern Gaza.
US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is “very close” and may be announced today.
Gaza’s death toll has surpassed 61,700, including thousands missing under rubble. Over 1,100 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks, according to Al Jazeera.
