UAE Exits OAPEC Amid Shift Toward Independent Oil Strategy and Market Uncertainty 
U.S. Fast-Tracks $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies Amid Rising Tensions 
Kim Jong Un Highlights Youth Role in North Korea’s Military and Political Agenda 
Australia Launches Public Hearings on Bondi Beach Shooting and Rising Antisemitism 
Japan Eases Arms Export Rules, Opening Door for Potential Ukraine Defense Support 
Trump Expands Cuba Sanctions Targeting Key Sectors and Foreign Entities 
Taiwan President Lai Defends Global Engagement During Eswatini Visit Amid China Criticism 
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal as Tensions Persist Amid Fragile Ceasefire 
Iran Proposal on Strait of Hormuz and U.S. Blockade Faces Rejection from Trump 
US Gaza Coordination Overhaul Raises Concerns Over Ceasefire and Aid Efforts 
Medicare to Cover GLP-1 Weight-Loss and Diabetes Drugs Starting July 1 
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid Rising China Pressure 
Ukraine Drone Strikes Hit Russian Oil Port Primorsk and Naval Targets 
Poland Sees No Delays in U.S. Patriot Missile Defense Deliveries Despite Stockpile Concerns 
US to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany Amid Growing Rift with European Allies 
Trump Announces “Project Freedom” to Aid Stranded Ships in Strait of Hormuz 
Japan Signals Potential Shift on Arms Exports, Opening Door to Ukraine Support 
The ongoing protests in the United States that spread towards the rest of the world was sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. US first lady Melania Trump recently tweeted her condolences to Floyd’s family.
Melania took to Twitter to send her condolences to George Floyd’s family. “As the Memorial Service for George Floyd takes place in Minneapolis today, I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. It is my hope our country will come together in peace & heal from these challenging times,” tweeted the first lady.
Despite her message paying respects to Floyd’s family, many users on social media criticized her, especially noting the actions of her husband Donald Trump. One user tweeted, “Biden is at the funeral and Trump has build a wall around the White House hiding in his bunker,” referring to the reports that the first family was brought to the bunker following the escalated protests in Washington D.C.
Journalist Helen Kennedy also replied to the FLOTUS’s tweet, pointing out her husband’s consideration of invoking the Insurrection Act or deploying active-duty soldiers to disperse the protests. “Your husband is siccing the US military on peaceful protesters. Your tweets ring very hollow,” tweeted Kennedy.
The protests began over the weekend, which eventually escalated into heated altercations between the protesters and local law enforcement. Properties were also damaged in the midst of the protests, cars were burned, and some businesses were looted by those who are supposedly joining in the protests. George Floyd was the latest unarmed African-American to be killed by police officers and now many are calling for an end to racial injustice that continues to be prevalent. Public figures have also spoken up and addressed the issue, including former vice president Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, the first lady was also briefed on hurricane preparedness at the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA. According to the readout from the White House, FEMA officials, as well as officials from the Red Cross, were present to inform the first lady about the resources available to children and families in the event of a hurricane. Melania previously attended another hurricane preparedness briefing alongside her husband last week.
