On May 18, 2025, President Donald Trump faced major legislative battles as his sweeping tax-cut bill advanced in Congress. After days of Republican infighting, the bill narrowly won approval in a key House committee vote, setting the stage for a full House vote later in the week. The legislation, which aims to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, has sparked controversy due to its projected impact on the national debt, with analysts warning it could add $3 trillion to $5 trillion over the next decade.
Meanwhile, Trump offered well-wishes to former President Joe Biden, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. In a Truth Social post, Trump expressed sympathy for Biden and his family, marking a rare moment of unity between the two political rivals. However, the situation quickly turned political as Donald Trump Jr. questioned whether Jill Biden had concealed the diagnosis, fueling conspiracy theories online.
Trump also continued his push for Ukraine peace talks, announcing plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19. His administration has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations, as Moscow ramps up its attacks despite ongoing discussions in Turkey.
May 18, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending high-stakes legislative battles, international diplomacy, and political tensions. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.