On May 16, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines with a high-stakes phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing for an end to Moscow’s three-year-old invasion of Ukraine. Trump described the two-hour conversation as productive, stating that Russia and Ukraine would immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire. He also revealed that the Vatican, represented by the Pope, had expressed interest in hosting the talks.
Meanwhile, Trump’s approval rating remained in the low 40% range, according to various polls. While his popularity had dipped since the start of his second term, Tennessee voters showed significantly higher approval, with 59% supporting his presidency.
Adding to the day’s controversies, Trump criticized Taylor Swift, claiming she was “no longer hot” following her political endorsements. The White House responded, stating that Trump was referring to Swift’s political views and their impact on public support for her work.
Trump also saw progress on his tax bill, which passed a key House committee vote after days of Republican infighting. The legislation, which aims to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, has sparked debate over its potential impact on the national debt and Medicaid funding.
May 16, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending high-stakes diplomacy, economic negotiations, and cultural controversies. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and international challenges.