Tuesday July 29th, 2025
EU squawks, Trump blusters, and Maxwell sings: tomorrow’s chaos
Trade peace, Epstein sleaze, Gaza carnage, and clinics in limbo—plus, the Democrats’ worst poll numbers ever. Here’s what the hell happens next.
Today in one sentence: Hot off the diplomatic dumpster fire: the US and EU barely dodge a tariff war, Trump’s UK trip dissolves into Epstein drama, Congress smells blood over Maxwell immunity, Trump splits with Israel on Gaza starvation, a judge shields Planned Parenthood from Trump’s axe, and Democrats can’t buy a decent poll number.
1. EU Threatens WTO Over Tariff Deal
Expect the EU to howl about America’s 15% tariffs, with trade reps hinting at WTO complaints—especially as the devilish details leak. European industrial lobbies are demanding clarity while lawmakers blast the deal as ‘rushed and incomplete’ (The Guardian, Politico). Look for Brussels to drag its feet on U.S. energy purchases, fueling fresh market jitters. Ripple: Transatlantic stocks may dip as investors brace for retaliatory whispers.
2. Trump-Epstein Circus Sparks UK Backlash
The UK press and Labour MPs will grill Starmer for letting Trump’s Epstein meltdown hijack their summit (CNN, Global News). Starmer’s team rushes damage control, while Tories gloat over his ‘weakness.’ Expect new calls for a formal code of conduct for state visits. Ripple: UK tabloids will run wild with fresh cheating-at-golf memes—Trump’s PR team will try (and fail) to pivot back to trade.
3. Congress Moves to Grill Maxwell—And DOJ
Congressional committees are set to subpoena more DOJ records after the Maxwell immunity deal leaks (Newsweek, CNN). House leaders prepare to haul Maxwell in for a closed-door grilling; grand jury records could follow. Expect Republicans to grandstand, Democrats to demand public transcripts, and the White House to squirm about pardons. Ripple: Angling for leverage, several House moderates threaten to stall budget votes until they see the unredacted Epstein files.
4. Trump’s Gaza Food Pledge Stirs UN, EU Wrath
UN officials and EU diplomats blast Trump’s ‘no boundaries’ food center plan as an uncoordinated PR stunt (CNN, NPR). Israel’s government digs in, calling genocide claims ‘absurd’ even as B’Tselem demands outside monitors. Ripple: EU mulls curtailing Israeli research funding (Reuters), while US aid NGOs brace for chaos as nobody has a clue who’s in charge of distribution.
5. States Scramble After Planned Parenthood Ruling
After the judge’s block, red states vow new legal attacks while blue states prep emergency funding for clinics (KFF, ABC News). At least a dozen clinics warn of staff cuts or closures. Expect a patchwork of access and more lawsuits as the White House appeals. Ripple: At least two GOP state AGs will announce new restrictions on clinic licensing within 24 hours.
Notables
SNAP Data Showdown Looms
Lawsuits fly as USDA’s demand for years of personal data faces pushback from 20 states and DC. State officials vow defiance and privacy watchdogs say expect an emergency injunction request tomorrow (NPR).
Project 2025 Civil War Brews
The far-right’s Project 2025 architect Paul Dans ramps up his Senate primary against Lindsey Graham, with MAGA groups threatening to withhold cash from Graham’s campaign. Watch for open GOP infighting (NBC News, AP).
Dems’ Despair Grows
DNC leadership calls a rare crisis huddle after new polling hits a 35-year low in party favorability. Expect leaks of ‘radical rebranding’ proposals and a scapegoat hunt by tomorrow afternoon (Fox News, KOMO, Boston Review). (70% chance)
Tomorrow’s headaches, today’s hangover. Drink water and stay mean.