On May 7, 2025, President Donald Trump faced scrutiny over his latest nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Casey Means. The nomination quickly drew criticism, as Means—a wellness influencer—never completed her medical residency and does not currently hold a valid medical license. Despite initially praising Means as potentially “one of the finest Surgeon Generals in U.S. history,” Trump later told reporters, “I don’t know her,” when questioned about her qualifications. The nomination, heavily backed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparked debate over the administration’s approach to healthcare leadership.
Meanwhile, Trump signaled a potential shift in U.S.-China trade relations, suggesting that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports “seems right” ahead of upcoming negotiations in Geneva. The statement raised questions about whether the administration was softening its stance, as previous tariffs had been set at 145%, effectively halting trade between the two nations. Chinese officials labeled U.S. tariffs “illegal and unreasonable,” warning that negotiations would fail if the U.S. continued its coercive tactics.
Trump also weighed in on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, urging Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to meet “now” instead of waiting for scheduled peace talks in Istanbul next week. His remarks followed Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire before negotiations could proceed. European leaders threatened to increase pressure on Putin if he failed to agree to a 30-day ceasefire by Monday.
Adding to the day’s controversies, a viral AI-generated video falsely depicted Trump complaining about being banned from the Met Gala. The clip, which circulated widely on social media, showed Trump criticizing former Vice President Kamala Harris for attending the event while he was allegedly excluded. The White House dismissed the video as “fake news,” confirming that Trump never made such remarks.
May 7, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending high-stakes trade negotiations, healthcare controversies, and international diplomacy. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.