Russia's state-run media mocks Trump over his weakness toward Putin
In recent days, Russia has launched large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian targets, and according to officials in Kyiv, the latest offensive is the largest aerial assault on the country since the war began. The developments come almost exactly a month after Donald Trump published an item to his social media platform that read, 'Vladimir, STOP!' — a directive that Russian President Vladimir Putin obviously ignored.
As a result, a growing number of U.S. senators, including some Republicans, are pressing the White House to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow. In theory, that wouldn't just be the obvious move, it would also be in keeping with the American president's months' worth of threats. In practice, for reasons the administration hasn't explained, it's a step Trump has been highly reluctant to take.
With pressure mounting, the American president published a new item to his social media platform Tuesday morning that read, 'What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!'
Trump has yet to elaborate on what exactly this was supposed to mean, but at face value, it was a curious message to share with the world. The Republican apparently wants the public to know that he's quietly taking steps to prevent Russia from facing 'really bad' consequences, which necessarily leads to a great many follow-up questions, such as, 'Why is the American president protecting Russia from 'really bad things'?'
While we're at it, it's also worth asking, 'What exactly is Trump doing to protect Russia from 'really bad things'?' 'How is Trump protecting Russia from 'really bad things'?' 'For how long has Trump been protecting Russia from 'really bad things'?' and, perhaps most importantly, 'Why has Trump kept secret the actions he's apparently taken to protect Russia from 'really bad things'?'
But while those questions linger, let's not overlook how Russia responded to the American president's online missive. Just eight minutes after Trump published his item, RT used its social media account to highlight the Republican's message.
In case this isn't obvious, RT isn't just a media outlet in Russia: It's the Russian state television network. In other words, there is little difference between RT publicly ridiculing the American president and the Putin regime doing the same thing.
It's possible that Trump will be outraged by such mockery — there's little that seems to bother him more than being laughed at — and that RT will spur the White House to take fresh action against Russia. But it's probably a safer bet that Trump will instead continue to show weakness toward Putin.
On Capitol Hill, however, some of Trump's allies appear to be growing weary of the status quo. Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota said last week that 'nobody likes to see somebody try to play the president.'
Nobody except Trump, that is, who doesn't seem to mind.
This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Analysis-Global economy's 'sugar rush' defies trade drama
By Francesco Canepa FRANKFURT (Reuters) -For all the drama surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, the world economy is holding up better than many had expected. The latest data from the United States, China and, to a lesser extent, Europe are showing resilience and the global economy as a whole is still expected to grow modestly this year. This is in part due to U.S. buyers and foreign sellers bringing forward business while many of the import duties unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump remain suspended. While that effect may prove short-lived, Trump's decision to pause tariffs and some glimpses of progress in trade talks, particularly between the United States and the European Union, have fuelled cautious optimism. "We are seeing a bit of a sugar rush in industry, with manufacturers bringing forward production and trade," said Holger Schmieding, an economist at investment bank Berenberg. "The other thing is that we have evidence that Trump pedalled back on tariffs. The bet in markets and to some extent in the economy is that he barks but doesn't bite." Investment banks and institutions generally expect the United States to avoid a recession this year and the global economy to keep growing. The International Monetary Fund downgraded its global GDP growth forecast by just 0.5 percentage points last month to 2.8%. This is roughly in line with the trend over the past decade and a far cry from the downturns experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2008 financial crisis or even the turmoil that followed the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. No one is venturing a prediction on where the trade negotiations will eventually settle, particularly with a U.S. president who sees himself as unstoppable. This week alone, separate U.S. courts first blocked and then reinstated Trump's tariffs - creating a degree of legal uncertainty that will do little to facilitate trade deals between the United States and those threatened with the levies. While the EU celebrated "new impetus" in its trade talks with the United States, negotiations with China were "a bit stalled" according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Companies are counting the cost of the ongoing impasse. A Reuters analysis of corporate disclosures shows Trump's trade war had cost companies more than $34 billion in lost sales and higher costs, a toll that is expected to rise as ongoing uncertainty over tariffs paralyses decision making at some of the world's largest companies. Car-makers from Japan's Toyota to Germany's Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are bracing for lower, or lower-than-previously expected profits if they have not given up making predictions altogether, like Volvo Cars and Dutch-based Stellantis. This is likely to result in a hit especially for Japan. The United States is Japan's biggest export destination, accounting for 21 trillion yen ($146.16 billion) worth of goods, with automobiles representing roughly 28% of the total. "While the worst shocks may be over, there's still a lot up in the air," Xingchen Yu, a strategist at UBS's Chief Investment Office, said. "We don't really know what a new normal for tariffs would look like, unfortunately." PAYBACK But so far the global economy has held up pretty well. China's output and exports are resilient as its companies re-route trade to the United States via third countries. Even in Europe, manufacturing activity was at a 33-month high in May, rebounding from a slump induced by more expensive fuel following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Confidence was also buttressed by the prospect of greater fiscal spending in Germany, a missing ingredient for European growth for the past couple of decades. The robustness of the world economy has surprised even professional forecasters. A measure produced by U.S. bank Citi that tracks the degree to which global economic data has surprised to the upside is now at its highest in more than a year. Some of that strength circles back to the tariffs themselves and the attempts by U.S. households and businesses to front-load purchases to beat anticipated price increases later this year. U.S. imports were up around 30% in March from where they were in October. The risk to the upbeat outlook comes from the expected "payback" of those advance purchases, which are unlikely to be repeated and will mean slower activity - in the U.S. and elsewhere - later. Economists still fear a triple whammy in which the front-loaded boost to the goods sector is unwound while U.S. household purchasing power is squeezed by higher prices and companies put off investment and hiring. At the margin, however, this scenario is starting to appear a little less likely after Trump's pause on tariffs. "The balance has slightly shifted towards more optimism, albeit with uncertainty and volatility," ING's global head of macro Carsten Brzeski said. ($1 = 143.6800 yen) (Additional reporting by Dan Burns in Washington, Claire Fu in Singapore, Ellen Zhang in Beijing and Leika Kihara in Tokyo; Editing by Mark John and Jane Merriman) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Classics and Rare Innovation Shine at Lucky Car Collector Auctions
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Lucky Car Collector Auctions' upcoming event will showcase a rich array of postwar American innovation and design, with a spotlight on six exceptionally rare and distinctive classics from the 1940s through the 1960s. Each vehicle represents a unique story of mid-century engineering, luxury, or creative ambition—traits that continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts today. Lot #152 – 1955 Nash Ambassador Country Club A rare 2-door hardtop from Nash's golden era, this Ambassador Country Club is one of fewer than 1,800 produced and is believed to be one of the finest surviving examples. Powered by a Packard Jetfire 320 V8 and mated to a Packard Ultramatic transmission, this air-conditioned Nash features Pininfarina styling and a completely restored interior with authentic fabrics. With just over 41,000 believed-original miles and extensive mechanical upkeep, it's a stunning testament to George Mason's vision and the early days of American Motors. Lot #198 – 1956 Nash Statesman While details are pending, this Nash Statesman is expected to present another appealing slice of mid-century Americana. Known for value and comfort, Statesmans offered quality engineering and were key players in Nash's transition into AMC. Lot #145 – 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster by Pinin Farina An early example of transatlantic collaboration, this Nash-Healey Roadster is one of only 160 bodied by Pinin Farina in 1953. Retaining its numbers-matching engine and chassis, it represents a fascinating blend of British engineering, Italian design, and American power. With racing pedigree and Hollywood cachet, this project-ready classic is a potential showstopper in the right hands. Lot #196 – 1949 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Sedan A true rarity, this Frazer Manhattan Convertible is one of only 62 ever produced and among the very few survivors. Winner of a Kaiser-Frazer National Gold Award and restored to factory specs in Caribbean Coral, this six-cylinder luxury sedan exemplifies early postwar elegance and remains ready for concours or comfortable cruising. Lot #171 – 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire Regal Dubbed one of the earliest crossovers, the Studebaker Wagonaire wowed buyers with its retractable roof design—big enough for a refrigerator, according to period ads. This Regal-trim example sports a 289ci V8 and a column-shifted manual transmission. With unique design flair and mechanical dependability, it remains an eye-catching oddity ready to drive. Lot #131 – 1954 Kaiser Manhattan Powered by a supercharged 226ci six and one of only 1,200 built for 1954, this Kaiser Manhattan embodies the automaker's fight for relevance in a tough market. Featuring a McCulloch VS-57 supercharger and GM Hydramatic transmission, this well-maintained survivor has been both show and road worthy in recent years. Recently serviced brakes and working electrics (minus the clock) make it an excellent candidate for continued enjoyment or full restoration. #147 1948 Kaiser Custom Sedan This 1948 Kaiser Custom Sedan is a true one-off, originally built for Edgar Kaiser—son of industrialist Henry Kaiser—while he served as general manager of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation. Assembled at the Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, this special-order vehicle featured every luxury option available at the time, plus several bespoke elements unique to the boss's car. Each of these cars not only offers rarity but also a tangible connection to the ambition and inventiveness of America's independent automakers. Lucky's auction is shaping up to be a celebration of vehicles that dared to do things differently—and are all the more collectible for it.
CNN
16 minutes ago
- CNN
Stocks futures drop as Trump claims China has ‘violated' trade agreement
Stock futures fell Friday after President Donald Trump said China has 'totally violated' its trade agreement with the United States, sending another jolt to markets after a whiplash week of tariff developments. Dow futures were down 100 points, or 0.3%. S&P 500 futures and those tied to the Nasdaq 100 both slid 0.3%. 'The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,' the president posted on social media. 'So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!' Wall Street has been cautious about the next steps in Trump's trade war. Stocks had received a boost this week after the Court of International Trade late Wednesday blocked most of Trump's tariffs on legal grounds, but that rally lost steam as traders bet the White House would aggressively appeal and pursue another legal strategy. A federal appeals court on Thursday paused the CIT's ruling to block Trump's tariffs, leaving the president's massive tariff agenda in limbo as the courts deliberate its legality. 'The stunning, head-spinning, mind-boggling trade fiasco will not be resolved quickly,' said Greg Valiere, chief US policy strategist at AGF Investments, in a note. 'It probably will land in the Supreme Court — and even that may not settle the issue.' Investors on Friday also digested fresh data that showed the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge cooled in April slightly more economists had expected, but also revealed a significant drop in consumer spending. Trump has reignited his trade war in the past week, which has stirred up uncertainty in markets after Wall Street had begun to turn the page on tariff concerns. The S&P 500 has been steadily climbing out of an early April slump instigated by the president's back-and-forth on his 'reciprocal' tariffs. Despite the recent fluctuations, investors who sold at the start of May missed out on a historically strong month for markets. The benchmark index is up more than 6% this month and is on track for its best month since 2023 and its best performance in May since 1990. 'Even though the stock market has staged a decisive rebound since the April lows, there is still plenty of uncertainty on tariffs, especially given the legal battle that is brewing over the 'Liberation Day' tariffs,' said Clark Bellin, president and chief investment officer at Bellwether Wealth. The dollar slightly gained on Friday. Yet the US dollar index, which measures the dollar's strength against six major foreign currencies, is on track to end the month in the red. It would be the dollar's fifth month of decline in a row. 'We expect bouts of market volatility ahead as investors continue to navigate a range of market, economic and geopolitical risks,' said Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO of global equities at UBS Global Wealth Management, in a Thursday note. The benchmark S&P 500 is up about 0.5% this year. This is a developing story and will be updated.
