Trump’s 21st Week: China Trade Deal, L.A. Riots, and Israel’s Iran Strike Shake Global Stage

President Donald Trump navigated a turbulent 21st week in office, balancing a landmark trade deal with China, escalating anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, and Israel’s bold strike on Iran. His administration’s focus on economic strength, border security, and global stability sparked both progress and controversy.

In London, Trump’s trade team, led by Treasury’s Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, secured a preliminary trade agreement with China. Trump hailed the deal on Truth Social, noting it includes China supplying rare earth materials and a 55% tariff advantage for the U.S. compared to China’s 10%. “We’re opening China to American trade,” Trump declared at a Kennedy Center event, emphasizing mutual benefits like Chinese students accessing U.S. universities. The deal, pending final approval with President Xi Jinping, marks a step toward easing tensions after months of retaliatory tariffs.

Domestically, Los Angeles became a flashpoint as anti-ICE riots erupted over immigration raids targeting illegal immigrants. Protests turned violent, with rioters attacking federal agents and looting. Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard members and Marines to restore order, posting on Truth Social, “We saved L.A. from burning to the ground.” California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, fueling tensions. A federal judge briefly sided with Newsom’s lawsuit against Trump’s Guard activation, but an appeals court granted a temporary stay, allowing federal control. The administration blamed Democratic rhetoric for inciting violence against ICE agents.

Globally, Israel’s sweeping strike on Iran, which killed top Iranian military leaders like Hossein Salami, intensified Middle East tensions. Trump, informed in advance, told Fox News’ Bret Baier, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb.” He urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal, warning of “even more brutal” Israeli attacks. On Truth Social, Trump underscored U.S. military support for Israel, stating, “They know how to use it.” Nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, planned for this weekend, now face uncertainty.

Trump’s week culminates in a Washington, D.C., military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with Flag Day and his 79th birthday. Critics decry the event as authoritarian, but Trump vowed to meet any protests with “very big force,” signaling unwavering resolve amid a polarizing week.