1
Qatar feted President Donald Trump with a state dinner on the second day of his Middle East trip.
- On the menu: Trump appealed for help with the “perilous situation” with Iran — a close Qatar ally. Trump wants a new nuclear deal with Iran.
- More deals take flight: Trump signed an agreement for Qatar Airways to purchase 160 jets from Boeing. And he continued to defend the controversial idea of a new Air Force One.
- Earlier today: Trump met with Syria’s new leader in Saudi Arabia, a day after he announced plans to lift sanctions against the Syrian government. Syrians praised the news.
2
The president backed off of China tariffs after hearing it would hurt his voters.
- What happened: The White House on Monday announced it would reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 30 percent from 145 percent for 90 days. And China agreed to lower tariffs on American goods.
- Behind the scenes: Trump’s senior aides and officials convinced the president that the tariffs and less trade with China were hurting “Trump’s people.” That opened a negotiating window.
3
The Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow about birthright citizenship.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on May 15 in a case challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to end automatic U.S. citizenship. (Video: The Washington Post)
- How we got here: Trump tried to ban giving U.S. citizenship to children born to foreign visitors and undocumented immigrants. After judges stepped in, he appealed to the high court.
- Zooming out: The Constitution grants citizenship to people born on U.S. soil, and Trump’s order is at odds with past rulings. But justices may focus on who has grounds to challenge it.
4
Congress grilled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about budget cuts and vaccines.
- The setting: Trump’s health secretary appeared before House and Senate committees today. It was his first congressional testimony since being sworn in.
- The hot topic: His response to a measles outbreak. “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me,” he said, when asked if he’d vaccinate his own child.
5
Russia and Ukraine are set to have direct talks tomorrow in Istanbul.
- Who’s attending? That’s unclear. Trump said he doesn’t know about Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding: “I know he would like me to be there. And that’s a possibility.”
- What’s at stake: A breakthrough that could end the three-year war, but also the possibility of more sanctions on Russia.
6
Protesters are making plans for Trump’s military parade in D.C.
- What’s the occasion? The U.S. Army is celebrating its 250th anniversary, with thousands of soldiers, hundreds of vehicles and paratroopers on June 14. That’s also Trump’s 79th birthday.
- Competing visions: It’s a dream come true for Trump, who wanted a military parade in his first term. But the pageantry has turned off even some veterans, prompting protest plans.
7
Some doll collectors aren’t happy with President Trump.
- Why? Nearly 80 percent of toys sold in the U.S. come from China, and his ongoing trade war is upsetting the $2.7 billion doll industry.
- This also ticked them off: Trump said kids could make do with “two dolls instead of 30 dolls.” But collectors — some who own thousands of dolls — say their hobby helps the economy.
Before you go … Listen up: The latest episode of Post Reports hits the history of birthright citizenship.
Want to stay on top of President Trump’s second term? Sign up for the newsletter to get the top stories every weeknight.