Trump Plans Meeting with Putin in Budapest Following ‘Productive’ Call
Former President Donald Trump recently shared that his two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin was “good and productive.” The two leaders have agreed to arrange a high-level staff meeting next week that will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, although the location remains undisclosed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that he and Putin will reconvene in Budapest to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which Trump referred to as the “inglorious War.” He expressed optimism, stating that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House to discuss the call, believing that “great progress was made.”
Trump also mentioned that he believes successes in the Middle East could aid in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Additionally, he revealed that Putin expressed gratitude to Melania Trump for her work with children and discussed prospective trade relations between the United States and Russia post-conflict.
Update on IVF Accessibility Initiative
In related news, Trump is reportedly set to announce a new policy proposal aimed at making in vitro fertilization (IVF) more accessible. According to reports from the New York Times, the administration plans to provide guidance encouraging employers to offer infertility coverage as a benefit, similar to vision or dental plans.
However, there are questions about the actual impact of this initiative, as IVF typically costs between $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle, and the White House will not be offering subsidies to employers. This announcement follows months of discussions with IVF advocates and conservative groups concerned about the ethical implications of the procedure.
Congressional Updates: Government Shutdown and Healthcare Provisions
On the political front, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune for not presenting a proposal to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 16th day. Schumer stated that Thune has not approached him with any concrete plans, countering claims made by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed skepticism regarding the reliability of Republican commitments to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, emphasizing the need for solid commitments rather than vague assurances. He warned that without a clear path forward, many Americans could face significant healthcare challenges.
Potential Indictment of John Bolton
In legal news, federal prosecutors are expected to seek an indictment against John Bolton, the former national security adviser during Trump’s presidency, over allegations of mishandling classified information. Bolton’s legal team maintains that he has acted appropriately concerning classified records.
As developments unfold, we will continue to provide updates on these significant political events.
