President trump“>donald trump is hosting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday at the White House, as the two countries are seeking closer security and economic ties in the face of shifting geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Marcos’ three-day visit, where he also met Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shows the importance of the alliance between the treaty partners at a time when China is increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have clashed over the hotly contested Scarborough Shoal.
Washington views Beijing, the world’s No. 2 economy, as its biggest competitor, and consecutive presidential administrations have sought to shift U.S. military and economic focus to the Asia-Pacific in a bid to counter China. Tariffs also are expected to be on the agenda. Trump has threatened to impose 20% tariffs on Filipino goods on Aug. 1 unless the two sides can strike a deal.
Other news we’re following today:
- The Epstein files: The Justice Department is seeking to interview Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of helping the financier sexually abuse underage girls and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence, a senior official said Tuesday. The administration has faced sharp backlash from Trump’s base over its earlier refusal to release additional records in the investigation and suing The Wall Street Journal for reporting on the president’s relationship with Epstein. House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House’s session early to avoid being forced to vote on the release of the Epstein files.
- Marines leave LA: Over a month since their deployment to the city by Trump, 700 Marines will leave Los Angeles. The Marines were tasked with guarding the ICE office and detention facility downtown. Local leaders have characterized Trump’s use of the military as “political theater.” Mayor Karen Bass said, “Los Angeles stands with our troops, which is why we are glad they are leaving.”
- Over 10 million will be left uninsured, says CBO: The Congressional Budget Office has updated its projections regarding Trump’s newly signed tax and spending law: an added $3.4 trillion to the deficit and over 10 million left uninsured (a slight tick down). A recent AP-NORC poll found about two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new tax law will help the rich.
