Donald Trump is under increasing scrutiny as he navigates a complex landscape of economic challenges and shifting international alliances. While grappling with domestic issues, Trump is also facing pressure from European leaders seeking to address the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Economic Promises Unmet
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump made bold promises to tackle inflation and boost the economy. He vowed to "end inflation" on day one and lower the costs of everyday goods. However, critics argue that he has failed to deliver on these promises. "Forget about inflation," one commentator noted. "Now it's all about cutting 'waste' in the form of jobs and our already paltry social safety net."
Instead of focusing on inflation, Trump has shifted his attention to cutting government spending, targeting jobs and the social safety net. This shift has drawn criticism from those who argue that it unfairly blames workers for the country's economic woes. 
Transatlantic Tensions and the War in Ukraine
Adding to the complexity, Donald Trump recently met with Keir Starmer, the UK's Prime Minister, at a crucial moment for the war in Ukraine and the future of NATO. Europe is looking for leaders who can engage Trump on the future of the continent, especially given his perceived inclination to demand concessions from allies and cozy up to Vladimir Putin.
Sir Peter Westmacott, a former British ambassador to the US, called the meeting between Starmer and Trump one of the "most consequential meetings of a British prime minister and president that we have had since the Second World War." The question remains whether the "special relationship" between the US and the UK can withstand Trump’s "America First" approach. 
Starmer, bearing promises to raise defense spending and negotiate on trade, faces the challenge of overcoming Trump's potential desire to strike a deal with Russia to end the war quickly, possibly at the expense of European security.
Seeking Solutions for Peace
Following his meeting with Trump, Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These meetings are aimed at paving the way for a major London defense summit focused on securing "lasting and enforced" peace in Ukraine. The summit underscores the ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the conflict and maintain stability in the region. 
Meanwhile, in Russia, the FSB claims to have thwarted an assassination attempt on the Crimean metropolitan Tikhon, a religious figure close to Vladimir Putin, further highlighting the volatile geopolitical landscape. The FSB alleges Ukrainian intelligence was behind the plot, a claim Kiev denies. 
As Donald Trump navigates these challenges, his actions and decisions will have significant implications for both the domestic economy and international relations.