On May 25, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines with strong remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing his continued attacks on Ukraine despite ongoing peace talks. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, Trump expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin. He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t like it at all.” He suggested that tariffs against Russia could be used as leverage to force progress in negotiations.
Trump Delays EU Tariffs
Trump also announced that he would delay the implementation of a 50% tariff on European Union goods until July 9, following a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The delay was framed as an opportunity to buy time for negotiations, with von der Leyen stating that the EU was ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.
Trump’s Walmart Tariff Feud
Trump’s ongoing dispute with Walmart over tariffs continued to escalate, with editorial cartoons depicting him as a Walmart employee struggling to explain rising prices. The debate centers on Trump’s insistence that retailers should absorb tariff costs rather than passing them on to consumers.
May 25, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending high-stakes diplomacy, economic negotiations, and political controversies. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.