Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Marks 25th with Putin, Announces ISIS Kill, IRS Challenge

5/18/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump will host Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on May 19-20, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Friendship Treaty.
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in Borno State, Nigeria.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said the proposed Trump-IRS $1.7 billion settlement is unconstitutional because Congress never approved the spending.

History

Historical Context

From February 21-28, 1972 President Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China, ending 23 years of official silence. Backed by Henry Kissinger’s secret 1971 talks and motivated by the Sino-Soviet split, Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai signed the Shanghai Communiqué, opening trade and reshaping Cold-War alliances.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump will host Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on May 19-20, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Friendship Treaty.
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in Borno State, Nigeria.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said the proposed Trump-IRS $1.7 billion settlement is unconstitutional because Congress never approved the spending.

1 / 2