On May 22, 2025, President Donald Trump faced political and economic scrutiny as his tax bill advanced to the Senate and his private crypto dinner sparked controversy.
Trump’s Tax Bill Moves to Senate
Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill passed the House in a narrow 215-214 vote, marking a major victory for Republicans. The bill includes deep Medicaid cuts, temporary tax breaks for tipped wages, and $140 billion for mass deportations. However, its projected $3 trillion deficit increase over the next decade has raised concerns among fiscal conservatives. Senate Republicans signaled that they would rewrite portions of the bill, complicating its path to becoming law.
Trump’s Private Crypto Dinner Sparks Ethics Concerns
Trump hosted a private dinner at his Virginia golf club for top holders of his memecoin, a cryptocurrency linked to his brand. The event, billed as the “most exclusive invitation in the world,” drew criticism from lawmakers who warned that Trump could be violating the Emoluments Clause if foreign governments purchased large amounts of the coin. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley called for greater disclosure of attendees, arguing that the dinner amounted to a pay-to-play scheme.
Trump’s Call with Netanyahu and Harvard Crackdown
Earlier in the day, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the murder of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington and upcoming nuclear talks with Iran. Meanwhile, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, escalating tensions with the Ivy League school. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the move, warning that other universities could face similar restrictions.
Trump’s Approval Rating Holds Steady
Despite recent controversies, Trump’s approval rating remained at 45%, with 51% disapproving. His numbers have stabilized after a late-April polling slump, though concerns over tariffs and economic uncertainty persist.
May 22, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending high-stakes legislative battles, ethical concerns, and international diplomacy. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.