The morning brought news of EPA's massive environmental deregulations while Russia recaptured territory in Kursk. By midday, trade tensions escalated dramatically as Trump threatened 200% tariffs on European wines and spirits in retaliation for EU's proposed whiskey tariffs, further expanding the trade war that began with steel and aluminum.
Trump's administrative reshaping continued with the abrupt withdrawal of David Weldon's CDC director nomination just before his confirmation hearing. A federal judge delivered a significant blow by ordering reinstatement of thousands of fired probationary federal employees, calling the terminations unlawful.
Putin expressed openness to the US-proposed 30-day Ukraine ceasefire while demanding further negotiations. The government shutdown crisis appeared resolved by evening when Senate Majority Leader Schumer surprisingly announced Democrats would support the Republican funding bill, effectively surrendering in the standoff.