On May 17, 2025, President Donald Trump faced economic and political challenges, as his tariff policies continued to stir controversy.
Trump vs. Walmart: Tariff Dispute
Trump took aim at Walmart, demanding that the retail giant “eat the tariffs” instead of raising prices for consumers. In a Truth Social post, he accused Walmart of making billions in profits and insisted that the company should absorb the costs rather than passing them on to customers. Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon responded, stating that while the company would try to keep prices low, the tariffs were too significant to fully absorb.
Springsteen vs. Trump: The Feud Continues
The Bruce Springsteen-Trump feud escalated as Springsteen repeated his criticism of Trump’s administration during a concert in Manchester, U.K.. The musician described the government as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous”, prompting Trump to fire back on Truth Social, calling Springsteen a “dried out prune” and “not a talented guy”. The exchange sparked widespread reactions, with Pearl Jam and Jason Isbell showing support for Springsteen by covering his songs at their own concerts.
Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Deportation Plan
Trump suffered a legal setback as the U.S. Supreme Court blocked his administration’s attempt to deport Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. The court ruled that the migrants were not given enough time to contest their removal, marking another obstacle in Trump’s immigration crackdown. Trump reacted angrily, accusing the court of preventing him from “getting criminals out of our country”.
Trump’s Push for Ukraine Peace Talks
Trump announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19 to push for an end to the “bloodbath” in Ukraine. His statement followed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, which resulted in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war. Trump expressed hope that a ceasefire would soon be reached, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to call for stronger sanctions against Moscow.
Trump’s Approval Rating Rebounds
Despite recent controversies, Trump’s approval rating showed signs of recovery, reaching 52% according to a new poll. The increase followed his trade negotiations with China and his Middle East tour, which secured major investment deals. Analysts suggested that Trump’s economic messaging may be stabilizing his base, though concerns about inflation and recession remained high.
May 17, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending economic disputes, legal battles, and international diplomacy. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges