President Donald Trump is conducting high-stakes discussions in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, though major breakthroughs on contentious topics like the Iran conflict, trade disputes, technology issues, and Taiwan remain unlikely.
During talks about Iran, Trump revealed that Xi expressed China’s willingness to help broker an end to the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Given that China purchases the most Iranian oil globally, Trump has been hoping Xi would leverage this relationship to pressure Iran into accepting a deal on American terms. Trump also mentioned that Xi provided assurances that China would not supply military equipment to Iran.
During private discussions, Xi cautioned Trump that disagreements over Taiwan — a self-governing island that Beijing considers its territory — could lead to confrontations or military conflict between the United States and China. Trump approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December but has not yet proceeded with the delivery. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently cautioned that China attempting to seize Taiwan through military force would be “a terrible mistake.”
Trump is also emphasizing trade negotiations and agreements for China to purchase additional agricultural goods and commercial aircraft, establishing a framework to resolve disputes and prevent another trade conflict like the one sparked last year following Trump’s tariff increases.
In related developments, Adm. Brad Cooper, a senior U.S. military commander in the Middle East, is appearing before the Senate for his first testimony since the Iran conflict started.
Trump began his final day in Beijing by posting on social media, asserting that when Chinese leader Xi Jinping “very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation,” he was not referring to Trump personally. The U.S. president, who did not clarify where these comments originated, claimed they were directed at former President Joe Biden. Trump stated that Xi has only praised his own accomplishments since returning to office last year. “In fact, President Xi congratulated me on so many tremendous successes in such a short period of time,” Trump posted.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Thursday post on X, where he shared design blueprints for a historic Washington golf course, has prompted a court filing from lawyers in a civil lawsuit challenging those plans. Attorneys for the DC Preservation League submitted a notice to inform the court that Trump administration officials continue discussing design proposals for the popular and historic golf course while the legality of these plans remains under judicial review.
In other national developments, the Supreme Court on Thursday maintained access to mifepristone, a medication used in the most prevalent abortion method, rejecting lower court restrictions while litigation continues. The court’s decision allows women seeking abortions to keep obtaining mifepristone at pharmacies or by mail without requiring an in-person doctor visit.
The Cuban government announced that CIA Director John Ratcliffe held Thursday meetings with officials from the Caribbean nation’s Ministry of the Interior during a senior-level visit to the island. According to official reports, Cuba used the meeting to present evidence claiming the nation presents no danger to U.S. national security.
A Democratic initiative to pass legislation limiting Trump’s authority to launch additional attacks against Iran failed in the House with a tied vote. The war powers resolution was defeated 212-212, with three Republicans joining Democrats in support while one Democrat opposed it.
The Department of Justice is charging Yale University with illegally factoring race into medical school admissions decisions. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated in a Thursday letter that data indicate Black and Hispanic students receive higher admission rates than white or Asian students despite having somewhat lower grades and test scores.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday its intention to ease regulations requiring coal-fired power plants to prevent toxic heavy metals from entering waterways. The agency cited the rule’s excessive costs to the energy sector during a period of increasing energy demand.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging attempts to sanction attorneys from Trump administrations, claiming the District of Columbia Bar is inappropriately politicizing the legal disciplinary system. The head of U.S. Border Patrol, Michael Banks, announced his immediate resignation during a Fox News interview Thursday, stating “It’s just time.”
U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz announced an additional $1.8 billion in funding for UN humanitarian assistance at a Thursday press conference. The funding will support life-saving aid for disaster victims, famine relief, and “people who are truly in critical need.”
