QtrendsThe Trump administration is scrapping the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, raising questions about its original intent. Amid stalled US-China talks, Rubio says both sides have 'no choice' but to engage despite long-term tensions. US primary elections see significant wins for Paralympian Josh Turek, progressive Adam Hamawy, and Deb Haaland. Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine with a massive attack on Kyiv, while Putin remains uncompromising. Despite Trump's claims of de-escalation, Israel struck southern Lebanon, testing the ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The US Justice Department is abandoning the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund established under the Trump administration. The fund was widely seen as a mechanism to compensate the president's allies and has drawn bipartisan scrutiny. Multiple US and international outlets have covered the decision to drop the plan. NPR notes the timing coincides with US strikes on Iranian military sites.
Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the US and China have 'no choice' but to talk despite long-term problems. China Daily suggests bilateral cooperation can benefit from wider scope. Meanwhile, SCMP reports China's cadres are struggling to implement 'error tolerance' policies, with more red tape rather than progress. Separately, questions arise over whether China can fill funding and leadership gaps after the US exit from the WHO.
Several notable US primary election results emerged on June 2. Paralympian Josh Turek won the Democratic primary for Senate in Iowa. Progressive Democrat Adam Hamawy secured the House primary in New Jersey. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination in New Mexico's governor race.
Russia has launched another massive attack on Kyiv, with NPR reporting scenes from the aftermath. BBC notes Putin remains uncompromising on Ukraine, but public discourse inside Russia on the war may be shifting. A Ukrainian tennis star publicly blasted Russian rivals, adding to the war's cultural dimensions.
Israel carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 11, despite Trump's recent claim that Israel and Hezbollah would de-escalate. A partial truce with Hezbollah appears to hold for now, though the ceasefire remains fragile. AP News, BBC, and the Guardian all report the strikes testing Trump's diplomatic efforts.