Trump backs Patriot missiles for Ukraine
US President Donald Trump expressed support for providing Patriot missile systems to Ukraine following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said Ukraine needs the systems for defense amid intensifying Russian airstrikes and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for refusing to consider a ceasefire, calling their recent conversation “very disappointing”, Firstpost reported.
Zelensky stated the two leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, including joint production, investment, and purchases. Ukraine has repeatedly urged the US to resume Patriot missile deliveries, warning that delays weaken its ability to protect cities and resist Russian advances.
A source familiar with the Trump-Zelensky call described it as “very good,” raising hopes that US support will continue. Germany is also exploring Patriot acquisitions to assist Ukraine, according to Firstpost.
Trump threatens tariffs on European food, EU warns of retaliation
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 17 percent tariff on European food and farm products, including key exports like Belgian chocolate, Irish butter, and Mediterranean olive oil, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. The warning was delivered during meetings in Washington with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and senior US officials.
Trump also announced plans to send letters to 12 countries warning of permanent tariffs of up to 70 percent after July 9, and is pushing over 60 nations to reach new trade deals within days.
If talks fail, the EU plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on US commodities like as Bourbon and Boeing airplanes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged a full agreement may be difficult given the short period, but emphasized the necessity for a framework accord, especially for sectors like autos, which are presently facing significant US tariffs, Financial Times reported
Trump signs sweeping tax and spending bill into law
US President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law on Friday during an Independence Day-themed ceremony at the White House, featuring a B-2 bomber flyover. The bill narrowly passed the House 218–214, with all Democrats and two Republicans opposing it, BBC reported.
The legislation includes major tax cuts, increased funding for the military and border security, and deep cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs. It is projected to add $3.3trn to the national debt.
Trump praised Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson for their leadership, calling them “a team that is not going to be beat.” The White House called the bill a “victorious day” and a fulfillment of Trump’s core campaign promises, according to BBC.
Nagarik Unmukti Party withdraws support to Sudurpaschim government
The Nagarik Unmukti Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Sudurpaschim Province government.
The Parliamentary Party meeting held in Dhangadhi today made the decision to this effect after Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah dismissed Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Rameshwor Chaudhary, who was representing the party in the government.
Chief Minister Shah had dismissed Minister Chaudhary from his post on Thursday.
The decision to withdraw support was based on a communication received from the party's central leadership, said Parliamentary Party leader Ghanashyam Chaudhary.
The Nagarik Unmukti Party is the fourth largest party in the provincial assembly with seven members.
Despite the withdrawal of support by Nagarik Unmukti, the Kamal Bahadur Shah-led government still holds a majority.
In the 53-member Provincial Assembly, the ruling Nepali Congress has 18 members supported by CPN-UML with 11 members.
The main opposition CPN (Maoist Center) has 11 members, the CPN (Unified Socialist) has four (one suspended), one member is from RPP and one is an independent member.
