Category: Protocol Novice

Trump’s Plan to Meet With AI Companies Was News to AI Companies – NOTUS — News of the United States

President Donald Trump announced Friday he had scheduled a meeting with major artificial intelligence companies to discuss the government acquiring equity stakes in their firms. The announcement blindsided the companies themselves, who learned of the purported meeting only through Trump’s comments to reporters on Air Force One, according to three sources familiar with private deliberations. As of Monday afternoon, the White House had provided no details about timing or location for the supposed meeting.

Trump stated he would meet with “all of the companies” to discuss how “the American people can benefit from the success of AI” through government ownership of “pieces” of their businesses. However, leading AI firms including OpenAI, Anthropic, SpaceX, and Google declined to confirm any scheduled meeting or prior coordination with the administration. The companies’ surprise at Trump’s public announcement underscores his pattern of using press statements to announce policy positions without advance notification to affected parties.

The proposal to nationalize equity in major AI companies would constitute one of the most consequential federal interventions in the private sector in modern history, forcing firms to forfeit billions in company value and creating novel legal and regulatory complications. Trump has already moved to claim equity stakes across American corporations, including a 10% share of Intel, and has signaled intent to execute similar deals. The AI companies face pressure to comply, as they depend on federal government support for logistics and regulatory matters, making direct confrontation with Trump administratively costly.

Internal disagreement exists within the tech industry about the nationalization proposal. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pitched the idea to Trump in early 2025 and discussed it again with senior officials recently. However, Anthropic, now valued at $900 billion as the world’s most valuable AI company, had not yet engaged in such discussions as of last week. David Sacks, Trump’s former AI czar, publicly opposed the plan, warning that government ownership would accelerate “corporate-government fusion” and risk establishing “a CCP-style social credit system in the U.S.”

Trump’s unannounced equity nationalization scheme demonstrates his authoritarian approach to governing, using public pressure and coercive threats rather than legitimate negotiation. By announcing policy to the press before consulting affected companies, Trump forced firms into a position where resistance becomes publicly visible and administratively risky. The schem(Source: https://www.notus.org/technology/trump-blindsided-ai-companies-equity-meeting-plan)e consolidates Trump’s control over critical technology sectors essential to national defense and economic competition, embodying his drive toward state control of private enterprise.

Trump UFC Octagon White House June 14 Freedom

Construction of a UFC Octagon cage has begun on the White House South Lawn for a scheduled June 14 event billed as "UFC Freedom Fights 250," timed to coincide with President Trump's birthday and Flag Day during America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The event will feature a lightweight title matchup between champion Ilia Topuria and interim title holder Justin Gaethje, plus four additional fights, with prize money partially funded by Crypto.com.

Trump claims the venue will accommodate approximately 100,000 spectators across the South Lawn and Ellipse, with 75,000 to 100,000 additional viewers in surrounding parks watching on large screens. The president announced tickets would be free and told reporters he has "never seen anybody want anything so much as people want those tickets," asserting broad public demand for the spectacle.

Visible scaffolding now frames the cage structure and rises above the West Wing and Oval Office, transforming the traditional seat of constitutional democracy into a fighting arena. The staging transforms the nation's symbolic center into a venue for combat sport, with the president positioned as the event's chief promoter and beneficiary of its association.

UFC released renderings showing the cage surrounded by stadium seating and a "UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest" setup in Ellipse Park. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle called the event "one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history" and framed it as evidence of Trump's "vision to celebrate America's monumental 250th anniversary."

The event underscores the blending of personal presidential interests with official state ceremony. Trump's repeated public promotion of ticket demand, the direct involvement of UFC leadership close to the president, and the appropriation of White House grounds typically reserved for constitutional functions into a combat sports venue reflect a consolidation of entertainment, business, and political authority into a single masculine spectacle centered on executive power.

(Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/construction-underway-ufc-octagon-white-house-flag-day/story?id=133316489)

Trump shares another bizarre AI image with Cabinet members in bathing suits | The Independent

Trump posted AI-generated images on Truth Social Friday depicting himself, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum shirtless in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The images circulated as the pool undergoes a $1.5 million renovation ordered by Trump and overseen by Burgum, aimed at repairing leaks and applying a new “American flag blue” coating before the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4.

Trump has weaponized criticism of the landmark’s previous condition to justify the renovation, falsely attributing maintenance failures to the previous administration. The project represents Trump’s pattern of using federal resources and monuments to advance his personal political brand and self-aggrandizement.

On the same day Trump posted the AI images, the Reflecting Pool renovation site was vandalized with “86 47” spray-painted graffiti under investigation by U.S. Park Police. Republicans have interpreted the number “86” as a coded threat against Trump, comparing it to the recent indictment of James Comey for a social media post containing “8647,” demonstrating how Trump supporters conflate unrelated incidents to amplify victimhood narratives.

Trump’s distribution of fabricated images depicting government officials in demeaning scenarios violates norms of presidential conduct and demonstrates his abuse of Truth Social to disseminate disinformation for ent(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-ai-photo-jd-vance-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-b2969540.html)ertainment and self-promotion. The bizarre nature of the content underscores Trump’s contempt for the dignity of office and serious governance.

Trump’s Disastrous Disaster Relief Mismanagement Exposed

The Biden administration has revealed serious communication failures regarding federal disaster relief efforts, specifically citing President Donald Trump’s unpredictable and haphazard approach. In recent incidents, the White House has approved significant assistance for states without informing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), leading to frustrating delays in aid distribution.

In a striking example, millions in aid was approved for Virginia in response to severe winter storms, yet FEMA was not notified until days later. As a result, communities in urgent need of resources faced unnecessary waiting periods, demonstrating a dangerous pattern of disorganization that could worsen with the current hurricane season looming. Traditionally, FEMA plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster relief, but under Trump, this collaboration has diminished greatly.

The lack of a structured communication process has left state officials, including Republican leaders, exasperated. With urgent timelines for assistance in disaster recovery at stake, the failure to promptly relay this information not only hinders FEMA’s efficiency but also endangers lives by delaying the relief that hard-hit communities desperately require. One FEMA official highlighted that such delays “prevent FEMA from fulfilling its statutory roles,” creating further chaos during emergencies.

Moreover, the Trump administration has indicated a shift in how disaster aid is determined, potentially complicating future requests. The President now insists that he is not obligated to heed FEMA’s recommendations, which have historically been based on data and verified methodologies for assessing disaster needs. These developments raise alarms around an already strained agency grappling with staff shortages and uncertain leadership.

The confluence of bureaucratic turmoil within FEMA, Trump’s unpredictability, and the lack of solid disaster response plans threatens to undermine effective disaster management at a time when climate catastrophes are increasing in frequency and intensity. With senior agency officials resigning out of frustration and morale declining, this administration’s handling of federal disaster assistance reveals a systematic dismantling of critical support systems for the American people.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/politics/fema-white-house-disaster-relief-funds)

Trump’s Diplomatic Faux Pas Highlights Disengagement from Cultural Etiquette

During a recent ceremonial welcome in Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump notably declined to drink the coffee offered to him by Saudi officials. This incident took place as a part of a larger Middle East trip and was characterized by a grand display of hospitality, featuring the national anthems of both the United States and Saudi Arabia.

As the ceremony unfolded, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud was present to greet Trump and partake in the traditional coffee and tea serving ceremony. While other high-profile officials engaged in drinking their beverages, Trump appeared to exhibit discomfort, merely placing his coffee cup on his lap without taking a sip.

This awkward moment garnered attention and calls into question Trump’s grasp of diplomatic etiquette. His actions seemed to illustrate a broader disengagement from cultural practices that are important in international relations, bearing testament to a leadership style that often glosses over traditional values.

Such behaviors add to the ongoing narrative critical of Trump’s presidency, highlighting a pattern where personal demeanor intersects poorly with diplomatic responsibilities. For many observers, this incident is emblematic of Trump’s inability to adapt to complex global settings, reflecting a disconnection that is troubling given the significant geopolitical issues at hand.

Moreover, Trump’s visit coincides with ongoing critiques of his foreign policy decisions and connections, particularly given his history of prioritizing personal businesses over national interests. This event raises questions about how these diplomatic missteps may affect America’s international standing and relationships moving forward.

Trump cancels WW1 memorial at US cemetery in France due to rain

President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for U.S. soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said.

The last minute cancellation prompted widespread criticism on social media and from some officials in Britain and the United States that Trump had “dishonored” U.S. servicemen.

The president was scheduled to pay tribute at a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, about 85 km (50 miles) east of Paris, with his wife Melania. But light steady rain and a low cloud ceiling prevented his helicopter from traveling to the site.

“(Their attendance) has been canceled due to scheduling and logistical difficulties caused by the weather,” the White House said in a statement, adding that a delegation lead by Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired general, went instead.

The decision prompted a rash of criticism on Twitter, with Nicholas Soames, a Britishmember of parliament who is a grandson of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, saying that Trump was dishonoring U.S. servicemen.

“They died with their face to the foe and that pathetic inadequate @realDonaldTrump couldn’t even defy the weather to pay his respects to the Fallen,” Soames wrote on Twitter.

White House officials said the decision was taken due to the weather and cited security concerns in hastily arranging a motorcade. Similar concerns prevented Trump from reaching the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea a year ago when foggy weather prevented his helicopter from landing.

Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security adviser for strategic communications under President Barack Obama, said the excuse about the inclement weather did not stand up.

“I helped plan all of President Obama’s trips for 8 years,” he wrote on Twitter. “There is always a rain option. Always.”

Despite the light rain, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a moving ceremony in Compiegne, northeast of Paris, to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the World War One armistice.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeauattended his own ceremony to pay tribute to Canadian troops killed at Vimy Ridge, on the battlefields of northeastern France.

Others compared Trump’s memorial snub to the National Football League’s kneeling protests.

Around 70 leaders, including Trump, are scheduled to gather at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday morning to mark the commemoration of the centenary of the end of the war, when some 10 million soldiers were killed during four years of grinding conflict.

It was not clear what Trump decided to do instead of attending the cemetery. The White House said he was at the residence of the U.S. ambassador in Paris. During that time he sent a tweet wishing a “Happy 243rd Birthday” to the U.S. Marine Corps.

The president is scheduled to take part in a ceremony at the Suresnes American Cemetery to the west of Paris on Sunday afternoon, when he is expected to make formal remarks.

[CNBC]

President Trump Committed a Royal Faux Pas During His Visit With the Queen

The internet is up in arms over a breach in royal etiquette President Donald Trump committed during his visit with Queen Elizabeth II on Friday.

The internet is up in arms over a breach in royal etiquette President Donald Trump committed during his visit with Queen Elizabeth II on Friday.

The awkward interaction amounted to a minor faux pas on Trump’s part, as it is considered rude to turn your back to the Queen, according to the BBC, or to walk ahead of her. Trump was reportedly also 12 minutes late to their appointment to have tea, although some have contested that assertion.

[TIME]

Trump Kicks Off NATO Summit With Breakfast Rant: ‘Germany Is A Captive Of Russia’

President Donald Trump on Wednesday kicked off what is shaping up to be a contentious NATO summit by lashing out at Germany, saying the country is “captive to Russia” because of a gas pipeline deal.

In a bilateral breakfast meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, in front of reporters, Trump immediately launched into a tirade about the pipeline.

“It’s very sad when Germany makes a massive oil and gas deal with Russia where we’re supposed to be guarding against Russia and Germany goes out and pays billions and billions of dollars a year to Russia,” he said.

“If you look at it, Germany is a captive of Russia, because they supply ― they got rid of their coal plants, got rid of their nuclear, they’re getting so much of the oil and gas from Russia,” he added. “I think it’s something NATO has to look at.”

“Germany is totally controlled by Russia, cause they are getting 60 to 70 percent of their energy from Russia and a new pipeline,” he said.

Trump’s comments referred to Berlin’s support for the construction of the $12 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline to bring gas across the Baltic Sea into the European continent. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the project is merely commercial, but the U.S. and other European Union members believe the pipeline could be a geopolitical incursion by Russia.

Stoltenberg responded by emphasizing NATO’s unity.

“NATO is an an alliance of 29 nations and sometimes there are differences and different views and also some disagreements, and the gas pipeline from Russia to Germany is one issue where allies disagree,” said Stoltenberg.

Trump is in Brussels for the NATO summit on Wednesday and Thursday, then will spend Friday and the weekend on a working visit to the UK, then will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on Monday.

There are concerns that Trump will alienate NATO members ― traditional allies of the U.S. ― while cozying up to Putin.

Ahead of the NATO summit, Trump sent letters to allies Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium blasting them for not spending enough on defense ― an oft-repeated criticism of the alliance. Meanwhile, he told reporters on Tuesday that his meeting with Putin “may be the easiest of them all.”

Trump’s continued downplaying of Russian election interference has also deviated from broader international attitudes.

“Russia continues to say they had nothing to do with Meddling in our Election!,” he tweeted last month before tearing into the FBI and its former director James Comey. The U.S. intelligence community, backed by a Republican-led Senate panel, has definitively concluded that Kremlin meddled in the 2016 election to help Trump win.

Trump also called Putin “fine” in a fiery speech last week in which he also attacked European allies.

Back in the U.S., the Senate on Tuesday voted 97-2 on a motion of support for NATO.

“Unfortunately, this motion has become necessary because some of our closest allies have come to question the US commitment to collective self-defense. President Trump has at times called the alliance ‘obsolete.’ Our allies are starting to wonder whether they can rely on the United States to come to their defense in a crisis,” said Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), who authored the nonbinding motion.

[Huffington Post]

Media

Trump Says He Will Revisit DACA Decision If Lawmakers Don’t Act

President Trump said Tuesday that he would revisit his decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program if lawmakers are unable to pass legislation on the matter in the next six months.

“Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can’t, I will revisit this issue!” he wrote on Twitter.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday morning that the Trump administration would rescind the Obama-era program, which shielded certain young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

The administration said, however, that DACA would be phased out over the next six months, a delay intended to give lawmakers time to pass legislation addressing the issue.

Trump defended the decision to rescind the program earlier Tuesday, saying that the six-month delay would give lawmakers “a window” to act.

“As I’ve said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion — but through the lawful democratic process,” he said.

Several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have already expressed support for the DREAM Act, which would grant young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children reprieve from deportation. The DREAM Act was first introduced in 2001.

[The Hill]

Reality

Donald Trump’s reasoning for kicking DACA over to Congress was that the president does not have the legal authority to unilaterally enact prosecutorial discretion (which he does). But what Trump is saying now is that if Congress doesn’t act within his time frame then he will unilaterally enact prosecutorial discretion.

So then why did he pass the buck to Congress in the first place?

Trump: ‘Everyone’ at G-20 talking about Podesta not giving server to authorities

At this week’s G-20 summit in Germany, one subject the world’s most powerful leaders are discussing is why Democrat Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman did not cooperate with U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials as they investigated cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee, President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter Friday morning.

“Everyone here is talking about why John Podesta refused to give the DNC server to the FBI and the CIA. Disgraceful!” Trump wrote on Twitter Friday morning. He did not explain why Podesta, who did not work for the DNC, would have been responsible for its email server.

Adrienne Watson, a spokeswoman for the DNC, noted that discrepancy in a post to Twitter, linking to Trump’s post and writing that “1) Podesta never ran the DNC. 2) DNC worked with FBI to kick out Russians. Worked with DHS. 3) Putin make you tweet this before mtg?”

Amid the months-long swirl of reporting surrounding Russia’s efforts to interfere in last year’s presidential election, as well as allegations that Trump associates may have colluded with Russia in those efforts, the president has sought to cast blame on the DNC, former President Barack Obama and others for not doing enough to stop the hacking.

And while he has eagerly accused Obama, the DNC and Podesta of negligence or worse, the president has stopped short of outright blaming Russia for launching the campaign of cyberattacks. Instead, he has said only that he thinks Russia was involved, but that other nations and individuals could have been involved as well.

Trump said Thursday at a press conference that “nobody really knows for sure” if Russia was behind the campaign of cyberattacks, even though the intelligence community he leads as president has expressed certainty that the Kremlin is to blame.

The president is scheduled to meet Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the pair’s first face-to-face meeting since Trump’s election. The White House has not said whether or not Trump plans to bring up Russia’s campaign of election-year cyberattacks.

[Politico]

Reality

At this week’s G-20 summit, Donald Trump again attacked an American while on foreign soil.

Two issues here:

  • Podesta worked for the Clinton campaign and did not work for the DNC, so he would not have been responsible for its email server.
  • Reporting about the DNC hack shows the FBI never asked for the servers. (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/us/politics/russia-hack-election-dnc.html)
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