Welcome to the web model of From the Politics Desk, a night e-newsletter that brings you the NBC Information Politics workforce’s newest reporting and evaluation from the White Home, Capitol Hill and the marketing campaign path.
In at present’s version, now we have the primary feedback from Kristen Welker’s unique interview with President Donald Trump. Plus, we’re taking a look at one other U.S. ally — after Canada — that has seen its upcoming election roiled by Trump as he reshapes not simply American politics however international politics as nicely.
Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.
— Scott Bland
Trump downplays recession fears, saying the U.S. could be ‘OK’ in the long run
By Alexandra Marquez
President Donald Trump on Friday downplayed considerations about potential financial hassle, saying every part could be “OK” in the long run, even when the useconomy skilled a recession within the brief time period.
Requested twice by “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker whether or not it will be OK in the long run if there was a recession within the brief time period, the president stated, “Look, yeah, it’s — every part’s OK. What we’re — I stated, this can be a transition interval. I believe we’re going to do fantastically.”
Following up, Welker requested Trump if he was frightened a few recession, to which he responded, “No.” Requested whether or not he thinks one may occur, Trump replied, “Something can occur, however I believe we’re going to have the best financial system within the historical past of our nation.”
The remarks come as analysts on Wall Road are increasingly worried that the nation may face a recession attributable to Trump’s altering tariff coverage.
“Effectively, you realize, you say, ‘Some folks on Wall Road say’ — nicely, I let you know one thing else. Some folks on Wall Road say that we’re going to have the best financial system in historical past. Why don’t you discuss them?” Trump stated throughout the interview at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
“There are numerous folks on Wall Road say that is going to be the best windfall ever occur,” the president added.
In accordance with preliminary measurements launched by the Commerce Division on Wednesday, the U.S. financial system shrunk by 0.3% within the first quarter of 2025, a discount largely pushed by a fall in exports and a increase in imports forward of Trump’s anticipated tariffs.
On Wednesday, whereas assembly with members of his Cupboard, Trump deflected blame for the first-quarter gross home product numbers, saying that it was a results of the financial system former President Joe Biden left behind.
“You in all probability noticed some numbers at present,” Trump stated, “and I’ve to begin off by saying, that’s Biden.”
After Canadian election, Trump may drag down conservatives in Australia too
By Mahalia Dobson
Days after a Canadian election that hinged on who would best stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump, he’s on the center of an election in one other liberal democracy.
Belief in the USA is plummeting in Australia, which votes Saturday amid global financial turmoil sparked by tariffs Trump has imposed on trading partners around the globe together with Australia, a U.S. ally and very important safety companion in countering China.
As in Canada, Australia’s opposition conservative occasion, the Liberal Get together, was primed to win earlier than Trump returned to workplace, due to public anger over the price of dwelling and record-high dwelling costs. However it has since misplaced help amongst voters more and more involved about how their authorities will deal with Trump.
A poll released last month by the Lowy Institute, a analysis basis, discovered solely 36% of Australians expressed any degree of belief in the USA — the bottom within the annual ballot’s two-decade historical past.
Whereas 81% of Australians disapprove of Trump’s tariffs, the overwhelming majority (80%) proceed to say the U.S. alliance is necessary for Australia’s safety.
These numbers mirror the financial and safety dichotomy Australia faces: easy methods to stability its safety ties with the U.S. and its commerce pursuits with China.
Read more on Saturday’s election in Australia →
🗞️ At the moment’s different prime tales
- 📃 Trump’s want checklist: Trump launched a funds proposal calling for cuts to packages associated to public well being, schooling and clear power, and boosts in spending for the army and border safety. Read more →
- 🥊 Trump vs. Harvard: Trump stated in a Fact Social publish that his administration is “going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Standing.” Read more →
- 🥊 Trump vs. NPR & PBS: Trump signed an govt order directing the Company for Public Broadcasting to cease funding NPR and PBS. Read more →
- 🥊 Trump vs. regulation corporations: Attorneys who’ve been vital of regulation corporations hanging offers with Trump are forming their very own agency to symbolize purchasers focused by the White Home. Read more →
- 🌎 Rubio’s world: Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s new position as nationwide safety adviser is the most recent instance of his swift rise in Trump’s orbit. Rubio has sought to ascertain his position as an in depth Trump ally after being initially caught off guard by a few of Trump’s early international coverage bulletins. Read more →
- 👀 Eyes on 2026: Trump’s technique for the 2026 midterms is taking form, with the White Home in shut session with congressional leaders, his political operation elevating tens of millions for aligned outdoors teams, and his occasion seeking to energize his core supporters. Read more →
- 💰 Meme coin murmurs: Some Senate Republicans are elevating considerations about Trump’s supply of a personal dinner and White Home tour to traders in his meme coin. Read more →
- ✍️ Sounding the alarm: Democratic senators issued a letter calling on the Trump administration to research offers between Elon Musk’s Starlink and international international locations, alleging Musk used his perch on the White Home to additional the agreements. Read more →
- 🐶 DOGE within the states: Greater than 20 states have established their very own Departments of Authorities Effectivity, however the state-level variations have taken extra modest approaches to chopping authorities packages and jobs. Read more →
- ✋ Not throwing away his Schatz: Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, has been racking up some early endorsements from fellow senators as he vies to be the following Democratic whip. Read more →
That’s all From the Politics Desk for now. At the moment’s e-newsletter was compiled by Scott Bland and Bridget Bowman.
When you’ve got suggestions — likes or dislikes — e-mail us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com
And for those who’re a fan, please share with everybody and anybody. They’ll enroll here.
