Trump Meets German Chancellor Merz After 12-Nation Travel Ban

President Donald Trump is hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House for their first in-person meeting, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine war, trade policy, and efforts to maintain U.S. commitment to Europe amid tensions with China. This meeting follows Trump's recent proclamation imposing a travel ban on 12 countries due to security concerns, alongside partial restrictions on seven others. Trump also held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade matters between the world's largest economies. Meanwhile, Congressional leaders are pushing a substantial tax and spending cuts package, nicknamed the “big, beautiful bill,” which faces opposition in the Senate and criticism from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Separately, Trump escalated tensions with Harvard University by signing a proclamation banning foreign students from entering the U.S. to attend the institution, citing concerns over national security and Harvard's alleged refusal to cooperate with government investigations. These developments illustrate the administration’s aggressive approach to both foreign policy and domestic security issues.