The President's Daily Brief: Afternoon Bulletin | May 27th, 2025

Hosted by Mike Baker on The First TV

Introduction

In the latest episode of The President's Daily Brief Afternoon Bulletin, former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker delves into the critical geopolitical developments shaping the United States' international stance. Released on May 27, 2025, this edition focuses on President Trump's strategic maneuvering in international trade and escalating tensions with Russia, alongside significant movements within the BRICS nations that could redefine global economic dynamics.

1. President Trump Puts EU Tariffs On Hold

Timestamp: [00:43]

Mike Baker opens the bulletin by highlighting a significant shift in U.S.-EU trade relations. President Trump has temporarily halted his proposed 50% tariffs on all European Union imports, granting a six-week extension until July 9. This decision follows a personal outreach from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

• President Trump's Statement:

  "[...] I agreed to the extension until the 9th of July. It was my privilege to do so. She was ready to begin talks rapidly now." ([02:15])

Von der Leyen reciprocated positively, affirming the move as a "good call" and expressing Europe's readiness to "advance talk swiftly and decisively."

• Ursula von der Leyen's Statement:

  "Europe is ready to advance talk swiftly and decisively." ([04:05])

A European Commission spokeswoman further clarified that both parties have agreed to fast-track negotiations and maintain close contact, marking a hopeful diplomatic breather amidst ongoing trade tensions.

2. Underlying Trade Tensions Between the U.S. and EU

Timestamp: [03:30]

President Trump's initial threat of imposing a 50% tariff on EU imports was a direct response to what he cites as "years of lopsided trade policy, regulatory hostility, and structural imbalances favoring Brussels." He emphasized the U.S. trade deficit with the EU at approximately $250 billion annually, deeming it "totally unacceptable."

• President Trump's Critique:

  "Without serious reform, a blunt force tariff is the only viable countermeasure." ([05:20])

Trump accused the EU of manipulating monetary policies, imposing punitive taxes on American businesses, and leveraging its value-added tax structure to unfairly tilt trade in its favor. These measures were intended as pressure tactics to expedite negotiations with the EU.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's Insight:

  "The EU has a collective action problem, with 27 countries represented by one group in Brussels." ([06:10])

Bessant highlighted inefficiencies within the EU's negotiating framework, suggesting that member countries often lack clarity on the decisions made on their behalf. Despite Trump's longstanding criticisms of the EU as exploitative, the current engagement indicates potential for a diplomatic reset—though the outcome remains uncertain.

3. BRICS Summit and the Rio Reset

Timestamp: [05:45]

Shifting focus to the global economic landscape, Baker discusses the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled for July in Rio de Janeiro. This assembly of emerging superpowers—including Russia, China, Iran, and India—aims to challenge the dominance of the U.S. Dollar as the world's primary reserve currency through an initiative dubbed the "Rio Reset."

The anticipated decrease in demand for the U.S. Dollar could potentially depreciate its value, signaling a pivotal moment as BRICS transitions their objectives from theoretical to tangible action.

• Mike Baker's Recommendation:

  "To protect your hard-earned dollar savings, consider consulting with professionals at Birch Gold Group to explore options like tax-sheltered IRAs in precious metals." ([06:50])

Baker advises listeners to safeguard their financial assets amidst these economic shifts, emphasizing the growing importance of diversifying investments in anticipation of the Rio Reset's impact.

4. Escalating Tensions Between the U.S. and Russia

Timestamp: [07:13]

Baker returns to the pressing issue of U.S.-Russia relations, indicating a potential escalation in sanctions against Moscow. This marks a notable change from previous hesitations, influenced by President Trump's recent harsh rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• President Trump's Statement:

  "Putin has gone absolutely crazy. He is needlessly killing a lot of people." ([07:52])

In retaliation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump's remarks as an "emotional overload."

• Dmitry Peskov's Response:

  "President Trump’s statements are nothing but an emotional overload." ([08:15])

The impetus for renewed sanctions stems from a weekend surge of Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, resulting in significant civilian casualties in Kiev. In response, bipartisan support within Congress emerges as a robust foundation for potential punitive measures.

• Legislative Support: A bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal proposes a 500% tariff on goods from any nation purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other products—a bill already backed by 81 Senate co-sponsors.

• Congressman Don Bacon's Advocacy:

  "Peace talks are having zero effect on Putin. We must arm Ukraine, sanction Russia to the max, and confiscate $300 billion in overseas Russian assets." ([09:40])

Concurrently, European nations are contemplating increasing arms purchases from American defense contractors. However, Bloomberg reports skepticism regarding Europe's capacity to sustain Ukraine's defense independently, given their current stockpile and production limitations.

Conclusion

Mike Baker's comprehensive briefing underscores a period of significant geopolitical maneuvering. President Trump's temporary pause on EU tariffs suggests a nuanced approach to revitalizing trade negotiations, while the looming BRICS summit signals potential seismic shifts in global economic power structures. Concurrently, the intensifying discord with Russia highlights the precarious balance of diplomacy and sanction in U.S. foreign policy. As these developments unfold, staying informed and strategically planning for economic uncertainties becomes imperative for stakeholders across the spectrum.

For further inquiries or to share your thoughts on today's bulletin, reach out to Mike Baker at pdb@thefirsttv.com. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay cool.