[VT – Washington, D.C. | August 2, 2025] This week, President Donald J. Trump continued to press forward with a wide-ranging agenda both abroad and at home, with key developments in trade negotiations, international diplomacy, veterans’ affairs, digital health, and tariffs.
1. Trade & Diplomacy
While in Scotland, President Trump held a bilateral meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The White House announced that the United States and the European Union reached a new trade agreement which includes:
- A $750 billion European purchase of U.S. energy exports;
- A $600 billion investment package into the American economy by the EU.
A separate trade deal was also finalized with South Korea. Meanwhile, talks with Mexico were extended due to the complexity of the negotiations.
While en route to the United Kingdom, President Trump also mediated a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia — marking the eighth peace or ceasefire agreement brokered during his current term.
2. Domestic Policy: Veterans, Health Tech, Fitness
President Trump signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, aimed at providing mortgage relief to veterans and their families facing financial hardship.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Digital Health Tech Ecosystem, a modernization initiative designed to improve healthcare delivery through new technologies.
The President also sent letters to major pharmaceutical companies urging them to adopt “most favored nation pricing” for prescription drugs in the U.S.
In addition, the administration revived the Presidential Fitness Test and reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to promote youth physical fitness and wellness.
3. Economy & Tariffs
- GDP Growth: According to the Department of Commerce, the U.S. economy grew by 3% in Q2 2025, beating forecasts.
- Consumer Confidence: July saw a 2-point increase in consumer sentiment.
- Tariff Revenue: The U.S. government has collected $150 billion in tariff revenue so far this year, with a record-breaking $28 billion in July alone.
In line with the August 1 deadline, President Trump signed a proclamation modifying reciprocal tariff rates with multiple countries and suspended de minimis duty-free import thresholds for certain goods.
4. Vice Presidential Outreach
Vice President J.D. Vance visited Canton, Ohio, to meet with steelworkers and promote what he called “Trump’s Big Beautiful Agenda.” He also appeared on the Ruthless Podcast, where he discussed the administration’s direction, football, and popular culture.
5. White House Infrastructure Project
The administration announced a new 90,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose ballroom to be constructed on the White House grounds. The $200 million project will be entirely privately funded by President Trump and other donors—no taxpayer money will be used.
6. Key Weekly Highlights
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Diplomacy | Trade deals reached with EU and South Korea; ceasefire negotiated between Thailand and Cambodia |
| 📈 Economy | Q2 GDP growth at 3%; $150B in tariff revenue YTD |
| 💊 Health | Digital Health Tech Ecosystem launched; call for lower prescription drug prices |
| 🪖 Veterans | VA mortgage relief bill signed into law |
| 🏋️ Fitness | Presidential Fitness Test reinstated |
| 🏗 Infrastructure | New White House ballroom project announced (privately funded) |
