EU agrees to implement US trade deal struck last summer MEPs had twice frozen ratification process in protest at Trump’s threats to increase tariffs and take control of Greenland The Guardian - UK · May 20
Outrage grows over treatment of Gaza flotilla activists; US boards Iranian oil tanker – Middle East crisis as it happened US ambassador to Israel criticizes Ben-Gvir’s ‘despicable actions’ in video shared online as countries condemn treatment of activists; tanker was accused of violating blockade before being released The Guardian - UK · May 20
Michelle Obama Defends Trump Voters on Podcast Warning Liberals Not to Label MAGA Base as Racist Michelle Obama told liberals to stop calling Trump voters racist, saying their support was born from economic desperation, while separately praising community resistance to ICE in Minnesota. International Business Times UK · May 20
Beyond the guest list—what Russia and China really want from each other It’s been less than a week since Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, and now it’s Vladimir Putin’s turn to land in the Chinese capital for a state meeting with Xi Jinping. What does this actually signal for Europe? Euronews · May 20
IRS Is 'Forever Barred' From Examining Trump's Taxes Under New DOJ Settlement That Also Creates $1.8 Billion Fund A new DOJ addendum permanently blocks the IRS from examining Trump's past tax returns, shielding him and his family from audits that could have cost over $100 million. International Business Times UK · May 20
The harsh economic reality for Putin as he tries to upstage Trump in China IN DEPTH: As Vladimir Putin goes on a charm offensive with his 25th visit to President Xi Jinping just days after Donald Trump was in Beijing, James C. Reynolds takes a closer look at the economic realities facing all three countries as they jostle for power on the world stage The Independent UK · May 20
EU moves ahead with US trade pact before Trump deadline The European Union moved closer to implementing its trade pact with the United States on Wednesday after lawmakers and member states agreed to cut duties on US goods, keeping the bloc on track to meet a deadline set by President Donald Trump and head off steeper tariffs on European exports. Radio France Internationale · May 20
A closer look at state-level voting rights acts Welcome to the Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Brew. Ballotpedia · May 20
Afternoon Update: Tim Wilson calls budget an ‘earthquake’; NRL star’s shock MND diagnosis; and a whale’s 15,000km odyssey The shadow treasurer claims Labor’s federal budget will require a ‘substantial clean-up job’ The Guardian - AU · May 20
Donald Trump granted 'forever' immunity from ongoing tax audits Donald Trump, his business and his eldest sons have been granted immunity from ongoing investigations from US tax authorities The National (Scotland) · May 20
Newsletter: Breakthrough on EU-US trade deal Also in this newsletter: UK Minister of State for Trade, Chris Bryant, tells Europe Today the UK and EU are inching closer to a deal on steel, and we break down why the EU's envoy for talks with Russia could be the job from hell. Euronews · May 20
International Business Times UK · May 20 MAGA Mum Breaks Down Live On Air Saying 'Trump Abandoned Us' Over Iran War and Cost of Living Crisis A MAGA supporter from Long Island expresses feeling 'abandoned' by Trump due to rising living costs and concerns over the Iran conflict, reflecting growing unrest among his voter base.
The Independent UK · May 20 Deputy British ambassador in Washington abruptly leaves post without explanation James Roscoe stood in as interim ambassador after Lord Peter Mandelson was sacked but has now departed amid claims he was being investigated for leaking
AAP · May 20 Xi and Putin highlight their friendship and cooperation on energy and other issues in Beijing visit Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his close ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and said their countries are close partners in trade and international affairs as they opened bilateral talks Wednesday on his trip to Beijing
The Guardian - UK · May 20 ‘The door to the future of Gaza is still closed’: Trump’s reconstruction promises stall Diplomatic impasse and lack of progress on the ground has left countries that pledged funds to Board of Peace reluctant to pay
France 24 · May 20 Xi welcomes Putin in Beijing, hails China’s ‘unyielding’ ties with Russia Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing at the start of a visit focused on energy security. While Xi hailed his country's "unyielding" ties with Russia, Putin praised the "unprecedentedly high level" of bilateral cooperation despite "unfavourable external factors", without naming any third country.
International Business Times UK · May 20 Trump's Former Lawyer, Now Acting Attorney General, Signs Order Shielding Trump Family From IRS Audits Acting AG Todd Blanche signed an order shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits, sparking legal and ethical concerns. The settlement includes a £1.3 billion fund for alleged victims of government weaponisation
The Guardian - UK · May 20 The balance of global power is shifting fast, but Britain is stuck in the same old Brexit rut Without a reckoning about the epic strategic error of leaving the EU, there is no serious debate about the country’s future place in the world, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
The Economic Times · May 20 Donald Trump settles tax case, unlocks 'forever immunity' clause The US government has dropped all tax claims against Donald Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization. This move is part of a settlement resolving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. The government will not examine or prosecute their current tax matters. A new fund will compensate individuals who believe they…
The Economic Times · May 20 China says it will buy 200 Boeing jets, seek extension of US tariff truce China confirmed a major deal to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft. This agreement follows President Trump's visit to China. Beijing also plans to extend its trade pact with the United States. The deal includes reciprocal tariff cuts on billions of dollars of goods. This development signals a significant step in US-China…
The Guardian - US · May 20 Trump news at a glance: president forces out another Republican who crossed him Thomas Massie, who repeatedly broke with Trump, lost to retired Navy Seal Ed Gallrein who was recruited into the race by the president. Key US politics stories from Tuesday 19 May at a glance