July 18, 2025 - Trump-Led Push Sparks Tumult in Politics, Economy, Courts, and Media

Trump Sued Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Allegation

Former President Trump filed a libel lawsuit today against Rupert Murdoch, Dow Jones, and two Wall Street Journal reporters. The suit is in response to a report suggesting Trump contributed a “bawdy” illustration and note to Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday album. The dispute deepens scrutiny over Trump’s past ties to Epstein and intensifies tensions between the former president and media institutions.

House Approves $9B in Cuts to Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting

The U.S. House passed a narrow 216–213 bill endorsing Trump’s proposal to slash $9 billion from federal spending—targeting programs like USAID and public radio and TV—with the Senate previously safeguarding $400 million in HIV/AIDS support. The measure advances to Trump's desk and signals a hard pivot toward decreased government aid and media funding.

Nationwide ‘Good Trouble’ Protests Over Trump Policies

Tens of thousands took to the streets yesterday under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On,” a campaign protesting Trump’s immigration and healthcare policies and applauding the late Congressman John Lewis. Demonstrations swept across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including major gatherings in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and dozens of Californian cities, reflecting widespread civil dissent.

Aides Invoke Fifth Amid House Autopen Probe

As the House Oversight Committee expands its inquiry into President Biden’s use of the autopen, several senior aides—including Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal—have invoked the Fifth Amendment rather than testify. The move occurs amid Republican charges that aides may have signed documents without Biden’s awareness, raising questions of presidential capacity and prompting Democratic warnings of a politically driven investigation.

Markets Dip as Trump Hints at EU Tariffs

Wall Street’s major indexes fell today after reports emerged that Trump is “mulling” tariffs of 15–20 percent on EU imports, potentially effective August 1. Though economic data remains robust—with June retail sales strong and business confidence rising—the tariff rumors rattled stocks, especially in industrials and financials, reviving investor anxiety.

Looking Ahead

In the coming days, attention will turn to the Senate’s response to the House’s spending cuts and whether Trump will sign the bill. The judiciary is expected to rule by July 21 on Planned Parenthood's lawsuit challenging Medicaid restrictions. The Oversight Committee’s autopen probe remains active, with potential legal battles and subpoenas. On financial fronts, investors will await clarity on the EU tariffs and new inflation data. Finally, as protests continue, analysts will monitor whether "Good Trouble Lives On" sustains broader momentum into fall.