Trump’s fourth week in office could include meeting with Zelenskyy, ironing out steel deal

A New Week of Diplomacy and Domestic Policy for President Trump

President Donald Trump officially kicked off his fourth week in office with a mix of leisure and work, including attending the highly anticipated Super Bowl. Following the game, Trump returned to Washington, D.C., late Sunday evening, fresh from a weekend retreat at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The week ahead promises to be action-packed, with potential meetings with foreign leaders, discussions on international conflicts, and significant policy announcements. Among the highlights of the upcoming week is a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking their first encounter since Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The two leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has raged since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, resulting in devastating loss of life and widespread destruction on both sides.

Ukraine-Russian War and Diplomatic Efforts

The war between Ukraine and Russia remains a critical focus for Trump, who has expressed a desire to bring the conflict to an end. During a press conference on Friday, Trump revealed that he has been in communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Putin wants to "see people stop dying." Trump also hinted at a potential meeting with Zelenskyy, expressing his willingness to engage in discussions aimed at ending the war. "They’re killing so many people," Trump remarked, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict. The President also referenced the staggering casualties on both sides, estimating that hundreds of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or seriously injured. While Trump acknowledged that the official numbers may be lower, he made it clear that he views the situation as a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention.

In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Trump has proposed a unique solution to the ongoing conflict. He suggested that Ukraine could strike a deal with the U.S. to provide rare earth minerals, such as titanium, lithium, graphite, and uranium, in exchange for continued military aid. Trump highlighted Ukraine’s rich reserves of these critical resources, which are essential for various industries, including defense and technology. He stated, "We’re putting in hundreds of billions of dollars. They have great rare earths. And I want security of the rare earth, and they’re willing to do [that]." Zelenskyy responded positively to the idea, calling it an "investment" from partners who are helping Ukraine defend its land and push back against Russian forces.

Economic Policy and Trade Tariffs

In addition to his foreign policy agenda, Trump is expected to make significant moves on the economic front. Later this week, he is set to announce a new approach to trade tariffs, specifically "reciprocal trade" tariffs, which aim to ensure a level playing field with other countries. Unlike the flat 10% or 20% tariffs he had previously threatened, the reciprocal approach would mean that the U.S. would mirror the tariffs imposed by other nations on American goods. "I’ll be announcing that next week, reciprocal trade, so that we’re treated evenly with other countries," Trump told reporters. "We don’t want any more, any less. They charge us, we charge them. It’s the same thing, and I seem to be going in that line as opposed to a flat fee tariff," he added. This policy is part of Trump’s broader strategy to bolster border security, combat illegal immigration, and curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., particularly from Mexico and China.

The President also met with House GOP leaders at the White House to outline his tax plan, which is expected to play a key role in shaping the administration’s economic agenda. While details of the plan are yet to be fully revealed, it is likely to include measures aimed at stimulating domestic industries and creating jobs, while also addressing the federal government’s spending habits.

International Business Deals and Strategic Partnerships

Trump’s schedule for the week also includes a meeting with the CEO of Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steel company. The Biden administration had previously blocked a nearly $15 billion deal for Nippon Steel to acquire U.S. Steel, an American steelmaker. However, Trump revealed that Nippon Steel is now exploring an alternative approach: investing in U.S. Steel rather than purchasing it outright. "Nippon Steel is going to be doing something very exciting about U.S. Steel," Trump said on Friday, mistakenly referring to the company as "Nissan" during his initial remarks. "They’ll be looking at an investment rather than a purchase," he clarified. Trump expressed optimism about the potential deal, calling Nippon Steel a "very great company" and offering his support to help "mediate and arbitrate" the details.

This meeting underscores Trump’s focus on fostering international partnerships that benefit American industries while strengthening global alliances. His administration is also expected to continue its efforts to root out corruption and inefficiency within federal agencies, as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s mission to streamline government operations and cut waste.

Domestic Policy and Administrative Priorities

In addition to his foreign policy and economic initiatives, Trump’s administration is expected to maintain its focus on domestic policy. The Department of Government Efficiency, established by Trump, is tasked with identifying internal corruption and reducing government overspending. This effort is part of Trump’s broader agenda to reform federal agencies and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively. The President has emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, vowing to "drain the swamp" in Washington and restore trust in government institutions.

As the week progresses, Trump is also set to announce more details about his tax plan, which is expected to include measures that will benefit American businesses and households alike. The plan is likely to align with his campaign promises to reduce taxes for middle-class families and create incentives for businesses to invest in the U.S. Additionally, Trump’s administration will continue its investigations into the federal government’s various agencies, aiming to identify and address inefficiencies.

A Focus on Results and the Road Ahead

As Trump enters his fourth week in office, his administration is signaling a strong focus on results, both domestically and internationally. From addressing the Ukraine-Russia conflict and negotiating trade deals to advancing domestic policy initiatives, the week ahead promises to be one of significant action. The President has made it clear that he is committed to ending the war in Ukraine, securing fair trade deals, and ensuring that the U.S. remains a global leader in industry and innovation.

With a packed schedule that includes high-stakes meetings, major policy announcements, and ongoing efforts to reform federal agencies, Trump is poised to make his mark on both the national and international stages. As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on the President to see how he navigates these complex challenges and delivers on his promises to the American people.