America This Week: Trade Deals, Ceasefires, and More Democrat Fake-Hero Attempts (May 5 – 11, 2025)

Reading Time: 13 Minutes

| By Scribe | May 11, 2025 |

It’s been another wild week in America.

Here are just a few (but certainly not all) the things that went down this week:

President Donald Trump strikes a trade deal with the United Kingdom, might reach a deal with China soon, and considering offers from an eager India.

The Trump administration also successfully played mediator to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.

Deeply conflicted “Get Trump” New York Attorney General Letitia James is being investigated for fraud and misrepresentation crimes.

President Trump signs executive orders to facilitate boosting domestic production of prescription drugs, and do cut funding for harmful gain-of-function research. European pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca opened its first U.S.-run facility in Maryland.

CNN finds new ways to humiliate themselves. This time, by conducting softball and sympathetic interview with infamous and brutal Sinaloa Cartel gangster. Meanwhile, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, gets himself arrested by ICE officers for failed publicity stunt.

Ed Martin gets appointed to key posts in the Department of Justice by President Trump, despite initial setbacks caused by RINO Republicans in the Senate.

Over at the FBI, Deputy Director Dan Bongino announces massive efforts to increase transparency and accountability, including releasing information about major scandals and events covered up by previous administrations.

Trump Administration Strikes Trade Deal with United Kingdom

The Trump administration has announced a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, marking the first major deal following the introduction of “Liberation Day” tariffs. This agreement provides $5 billion in new market access for U.S. exporters while maintaining a ten percent baseline tariff, expected to generate $6 billion in external revenue. Key American exports gaining increased access include ethanol, beef, fruits, vegetables, and industrial goods such as chemicals and machinery.

Under the deal, the first 100,000 British-made cars imported annually to the U.S. will face a reduced ten percent tariff, with a 25 percent tariff on any above that limit. British-made plane parts, like Rolls-Royce engines for Boeing, will be exempt from tariffs, and a U.K. airline is set to purchase $10 billion in Boeing aircraft. The U.K. will also adopt U.S.-style steel tariffs and quotas to revive its steel industry, aligning with Trump’s goal of an “economic security alignment” that reinforces both nations’ industrial bases and job protection strategies.

Trade Deal with China Might Be on Horizon

The United States and China have reached a preliminary trade agreement aimed at easing tensions in their ongoing trade war, following negotiations in Switzerland. While full details will be released soon, Trump officials say the deal marks significant progress toward resolving what they describe as a “national emergency” tied to the U.S.’s $1.2 trillion trade deficit. The agreement follows months of escalating tariffs—some as high as 145%—between the two nations, and it comes on the heels of a U.S.-U.K. trade deal announced earlier this week.

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels.com

The Trump administration has long criticized China for practices like intellectual property theft, forced tech transfers, and fentanyl exports, with annual U.S. losses from IP theft estimated between $225 and $600 billion. Despite these deep issues, negotiators reported rapid progress over just two days, suggesting the gap may not be as wide as assumed. With a July 8 deadline looming for higher “Liberation Day” tariffs, Trump is pushing to finalize deals quickly with multiple countries to strengthen his trade agenda.

India Offers Tariff Cuts to Chase New Trade Deal with Trump

India has reportedly offered sweeping tariff cuts to secure a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., seeking relief from President Trump’s steep tariffs. The proposed deal would narrow the tariff gap between the two nations from 13% to just 4%, with India eliminating duties on select U.S. imports and granting preferential access to nearly 90% of American goods. Targeted U.S. exports include aircraft, cars, medical equipment, and wines, while India hopes to gain expanded access for its own exports like jewelry, textiles, and produce, as well as U.S. technology in AI, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.

India currently holds a $45.7 billion trade surplus with the U.S., prompting Trump to impose a 26% tariff to address the imbalance—on top of a general 10% base rate. Both India and Japan are vying to be next in line after the U.K. in reaching a trade agreement. Analysts note that India’s willingness to consider “zero-for-zero” tariffs on key sectors marks a significant policy shift, driven by its desire for American market access and foreign investment to meet its growth ambitions.

Trump Administration Mediates Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan

After several days of intensifying conflict between India and Pakistan—including airstrikes and missile attacks on each other’s military bases—President Trump announced on Saturday that the U.S. had successfully brokered a “full and immediate ceasefire.” The announcement followed overnight negotiations led by the Trump administration and was confirmed by both Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Both countries agreed to halt all military operations by land, air, and sea, and reestablish lines of communication between their governments and armed forces.

The conflict began after a terrorist attack on April 22, which India blamed on groups with ties to Pakistan. India responded with airstrikes on Tuesday, prompting retaliatory fire from Pakistan. The situation escalated further on Friday night when India struck multiple Pakistani airbases, including one near Islamabad, triggering Pakistan’s major counteroffensive, “Operation Bunyan Marsoos.” With tensions at a peak, U.S. diplomacy, involving high-level talks with leaders and military officials from both nations, succeeded in halting hostilities and setting the stage for broader peace discussions at a neutral site.

Trump-Hating, Lawfaring New York Attorney General Investigated for Fraud and Misrepresentation

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Albany have reportedly launched a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James over alleged mortgage fraud. The inquiry, sparked by a referral from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, centers on accusations that James falsified records to secure favorable loans on properties in Virginia and Brooklyn. Specific charges being considered include wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to financial institutions.

James is accused of misrepresenting the Virginia home as her primary residence and underreporting the number of units in her Brooklyn property to obtain better loan terms. She has labeled the allegations as baseless and politically motivated retaliation for her “Get Trump” civil fraud case against President Trump during the Biden era. Critics argue she has applied double legal standards, with conservative commentators and social media influencers lauding the investigation as overdue justice.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost Domestic Prescription Drug Manufacturing

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at boosting domestic prescription drug manufacturing and speeding up FDA approval processes for U.S. pharmaceutical facilities. The order directs the FDA to cut unnecessary regulations, streamline plant reviews, and support drugmakers earlier in the development process. It also increases inspection fees for foreign plants, enforces stricter reporting on ingredient sources, and considers publicly naming non-compliant foreign facilities.

The order reflects growing national security concerns over America’s dependence on foreign drug imports, which total over $200 billion annually. Trump emphasized the need to restore domestic medical supply chains to prepare for future crises or conflicts. The Environmental Protection Agency was also instructed to fast-track construction permits for pharmaceutical plants. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced plans for unannounced inspections of overseas factories to align oversight standards with those in the U.S.

European Pharmaceutical Giant Opens Facility in Maryland as Part of Massive Investment in U.S.

AstraZeneca has opened its first U.S.-operated cell therapy facility in Rockville, Maryland, as part of a $3.5 billion investment in American innovation. The $300 million site will focus on CAR-T cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment for blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia. Company executives praised Maryland’s scientific talent and collaborative environment, while cancer survivors highlighted the life-saving potential of the treatment. The plant symbolizes AstraZeneca’s confidence in the U.S. as a global leader in science and manufacturing.

The launch follows recent remarks by AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, who criticized Europe’s lagging healthcare investment compared to the U.S., citing America’s appeal for pharmaceutical R&D. The new factory complements AstraZeneca’s other U.S. investments, including facilities in Massachusetts and Texas. President Trump celebrated the expansion as part of a broader surge in U.S. innovation and manufacturing during his second term. The company aims for U.S. operations to generate half of its global revenue by 2030, emphasizing a long-term commitment to American healthcare leadership.

CNN Roasted Again, This Time for Sympathetic Interview with Sinaloa Cartel Gang Member

CNN faced widespread mockery after airing an interview with a masked Sinaloa Cartel member in which the reporter asked how he felt about being labeled a terrorist by President Trump. Surprisingly, the gang member responded with respect for Trump, saying he understood the president was protecting his people and blamed American drug consumers for fueling the cartel’s operations. The segment, filmed in a secret Mexican hideout, appeared to aim for a critical soundbite against Trump but backfired.

Social media users quickly criticized CNN, accusing the network of attempting to elicit anti-Trump sentiment and instead unintentionally validating the President’s stance. Critics also slammed CNN for giving a cartel member a platform and appearing sympathetic toward a violent major criminal network. Many viewed the interview as tone-deaf and offensive, arguing that the network prioritized political spin over journalistic responsibility.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Curb Funding for Shady Gain-of-Function Research

President Trump signed an executive order restricting U.S. funding for gain-of-function research, particularly in countries like China, citing concerns that such experiments contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic through a lab leak. The order halts support for life sciences research in nations lacking strong oversight and calls for a federal strategy to monitor risky biological studies, even those without federal funding. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others praised the move as a safeguard against future pandemics caused by lab accidents.

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels.com

The order reflects Trump’s continued emphasis on the lab-leak theory, now supported by several U.S. intelligence agencies including the FBI, DOE, and CIA. It also highlights past controversies, such as NIH-funded research at the Wuhan Institute via EcoHealth Alliance and debates over whether that work qualified as gain-of-function. The directive is part of broader efforts by Trump to reshape U.S. science policy, including restructuring of federal health agencies.

New Jersey Democrat Mayor Tries Publicity Stunt, Gets Arrested by ICE

Another Democrat attempted a fake-hero publicity stunt that backfired horribly. This time, the Department of Homeland Security reported that Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and others tried to force their way into the Delaney Hall Detention Center. The so-called protesters ignored multiple warnings from ICE, leading to an escalation and the subsequent arrest of Baraka.

The Department of Homeland Security has accused the mayor and other Democrats of “body slamming” ICE agents, along with other acts of violence. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) denies these claims. Comically, Rep. Coleman is attempting to pre-empt the alleged video evidence against those involved. She claims—without evidence—that ICE is trying to manipulate the narrative and may even produce “manufactured” video footage to support their version of events.

President Trump Appoints Ed Martin to Key Posts to Combat Lawfare and Government Overreach

After his nomination for U.S. Attorney for D.C. was blocked by a few Senate Republicans led by RINO Sen. Thom Tillis, Ed Martin was quickly appointed by President Trump to even more powerful roles: Director of the Weaponization Working Group, Associate Deputy Attorney General, and Pardon Attorney. Martin views this as a promotion and a strategic move by Trump as part of his America First agenda. He described his brief time as interim U.S. Attorney as a major success, citing a 25% drop in crime in 100 days.

Martin’s new role focuses on investigating the weaponization of the federal government under the Biden administration, particularly against conservatives, pro-life advocates, and January 6 defendants. He says his team, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is already overwhelmed with cases and sees the pardon process as essential for repairing the damage done to targeted individuals. Martin also plans to expand his investigations into issues like COVID-19 misinformation, the January 6 prosecutions, and broader DOJ politicization dating back to the Obama era.

Martin is adamant about uncovering the full truth, calling for exposure without partisan spin and vowing to hold wrongdoers accountable. He cited the Russiagate hoax and various other intelligence community actions as early targets, promising transparency and justice for citizens harmed by government overreach. With strong backing from Trump and a personal mission to reveal systemic abuse, Martin’s appointment signals an aggressive approach to reshaping narratives around federal enforcement and accountability.

Dan Bongino Teases Significant Info Release, Increased Transparency and Accountability

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino took to X to update the public on the agency’s efforts to increase transparency under the new leadership. He highlighted that unlike past directors, the current FBI is cooperating with Congress and the public on controversial cases that were previously shrouded in secrecy. These include investigations into the attack on Rep. Scalise, the Nashville shooting, Crossfire Hurricane, and the COVID-19 origins. Bongino emphasized that efforts are also ongoing with the DOJ to process large volumes of data from the Epstein case.

In addition to addressing high-profile investigations, Bongino outlined aggressive operations targeting child predators and violent criminals, particularly those in the U.S. illegally. He warned that illegal aliens who prey on Americans are being swiftly removed and that operations like “Restoring Justice” have already led to the arrest of hundreds of offenders nationwide. Bongino made it clear that child exploitation will be met with the harshest penalties, and these operations are just the beginning of a broader crackdown.

Bongino also took aim at the media, calling recent stories about FBI Director Kash Patel “entirely fabricated.” He defended Patel’s work ethic and commitment, noting Patel spends long hours in high-level meetings and is deeply involved in national security efforts. As a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, Bongino reaffirmed his dedication to transparency and public accountability, encouraging citizens to stay engaged and continue scrutinizing government institutions.