Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the legacy media rounds Sunday saying that he and his Chinese negotiating counterpart had reached an agreement on export controls for rare earth minerals, that would lead to the United States not imposing 100 percent tariffs on China.

Secretary Bessent said that trade negotiations with China had been very productive. The plan was to create a deal for President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping this week in South Korea. However, NBC’s Kirsten Welker was not prepared for Bessent to make a positive announcement about U.S-China trade negotiations.

Because the script in front of her did not factor in the announcement by Bessent, what you see is Secretary Bessent breaking news about a U.S-China trade agreement, but Welker’s pre-scripted follow up questions didn’t align with that news. Welker ends up asking about tariffs and rare earth minerals, after Bessent says a deal to avoid tariffs and retain rare earth mineral access was developed.

Welker then continues asking about U.S-China trade conflicts until Bessent makes the point of saying something akin to ‘can you not hear me, the trade friction is resolved.’ Welker is then forced to abandon her script and ask about Canada. WATCH:

.

(more…)

Speaking to leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), President Trump delivered remarks during the working session.

.

(more…)

President Trump participates in a peace treaty, trade and critical mineral agreement signing with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

President Trump was the witness signatory for a declaration of peace and security between Cambodia and Thailand.

We, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, as witnessed by the President of the United States of America and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, having met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 26, 2025, declare the following:

We reaffirm the unwavering commitment to peace and security between our two countries — as declared in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on July 28, 2025 — and reiterate our firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international boundary and of international law, for the promotion of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region on the basis of mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of our respective nations.

(more…)

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and Presidency.

This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread.

(more…)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †

.

(more…)

Great respect was delivered by the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as President Donald Trump arrives for the ASEAN summit.  The full honor guard were present, and President Trump even enjoyed a little dancing fun with the cultural attachés.  Good Stuff.  WATCH: 

.

(more…)

I have talked to a lot of Canadians on the issues of economics and trade. As a result, I can say with complete sincerity that not since the COVID-19 examples of New Zealand (lockdowns) and Australia (vaxx), has a nation engaged in such a level of mass cognitive dissonance as the govt of Canada on the issue of economics and trade – in the past few years. It is stunning.

To understand the reality of the situation Here’s an IN-DEPTH LINK. Apparently, few really understand the full scope of the issues.

President Trump responds to the latest decision of the Canadian government.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Canada was caught, red handed, putting up a fraudulent advertisement on Ronald Reagan’s Speech on Tariffs. The Reagan Foundation said that they, “created an ad campaign using selective audio and video of President Ronald Reagan. The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address,” and “did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is reviewing its legal options in this matter.”

“The sole purpose of this FRAUD was Canada’s hope that the United States Supreme Court will come to their “rescue” on Tariffs that they have used for years to hurt the United States. Now the United States is able to defend itself against high and overbearing Canadian Tariffs (and those from the rest of the World as well!). Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t! Their Advertisement was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD.”

“Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” [SOURCE]

President Trump said he will not be meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Malaysia.

(more…)

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones were arrested Thursday over their alleged participation in two major illegal gambling schemes — one involving bets placed on NBA games, the other involving underground poker games — investigated by the FBI.

Working with organized crime groups, NBA “insiders” such as Rozier and Jones would pass along confidential information in exchange for some of the proceeds, said Joseph Nocella, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “They relied on corrupt individuals, including Jones and Rozier. They also used misused information obtained during long-standing friendships they had with NBA players and coaches,” he said. (more)

However, Stephen A Smith sees something more nefarious afoot, as President Trump is executing a conspiracy of criminal investigations against the cultural sports of black Americans.  Smith notes the NBA, NFL and WNBA are all likely targets of a vast FBI sting operation, intended to target people of color who are engaged in sports and conducting criminal activity.  There’s also the possibility of Russians being involved in the set-up.  WATCH:

.

Can you imagine the brain function that leads to this type of a conclusion?

(more…)

Airforce One was refueling in Qatar en route to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit.  In a little bit of a surprise, the Amir of Qatar came to the airport to pay a courtesy visit to President Trump.  Smiles all around.  WATCH:

.

President Trump held a press gaggle with the traveling pool immediately after taking off from the refueling in Qatar.  Below.

(more…)

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and Presidency.

This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread.

(more…)