Trump's whirlwind week: Ceasefires, trade deals, and a surprise gift

The past week was eventful for US President Donald Trump, marked by a string of unexpected developments — from foreign policy breakthroughs and trade negotiations to a controversial diplomatic gift.

He announced a ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis, a limited trade deal with the UK, and a 90-day tariff pause with China. Trump also claimed the US averted a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan.

CEASEFIRE WITH HOUTHIS

Trump’s week of surprising announcements began with a ceasefire with the Houthis. The US will halt its bombing campaign against Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-aligned group agreed to stop targeting shipping in the Red Sea.

The halt was announced by President Donald Trump during an Oval Office meeting with Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister.

“The Houthis have announced that they don’t want to fight any more. They just don’t want to fight. And we will honour that, and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated,” Trump said.

TRADE DEAL WITH UK

President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on May 8 announced a limited bilateral trade agreement. It leaves in place Trump’s 10% tariffs on British exports, modestly expands agricultural access for both countries, and lowers prohibitive US duties on British car exports.

The US agreed to reduce the import tax on cars — which Trump had raised by 25% last month — to 10% for 100,000 cars a year. This will help luxury carmakers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, but it could limit future growth as it matches the UK’s export volume from last year.

Tariffs on steel and aluminium, which were increased to 25% earlier this year, have also been cut. The US will instead establish a quota system, as previously existed.

INDIA-PAK CEASEFIRE ANNOUNCEMENT

President Trump was the first to break the news of ceasefire 'understanding' between India and Pakistan. He also claimed that the US didn’t just broker the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, but actually averted a “nuclear conflict.” Trump said he had threatened to stop trade with both countries unless they agreed to de-escalation.

However, government sources told India Today TV that trade was not discussed during separate conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

TARIFF PAUSE WITH CHINA

Four days after signing a trade deal with the UK, the US and China agreed on Monday to pause tariffs for 90 days. Trump said he plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the US would drop the 145% tax imposed last month to 30%. China agreed to reduce its tariff on US goods from 125% to 10%.

The announcement came a day after Trump said “great progress” was being made in the ongoing US-China talks in Switzerland, and suggested a “total reset” was on the table.

GIFT FROM QATAR

Another highlight of the week was a super-luxurious gift from Qatar. The Trump administration is preparing to accept a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the Qatari royal family — potentially one of the most valuable gifts ever received by the US from a foreign government.

Trump defended the decision, saying it would be “stupid” to reject the offer.

“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” Trump posted on social media Sunday night.

US officials said the plane could be converted into a potential presidential aircraft.

AMERICAN HOSTAGE BACK HOME

A 21-year-old Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, was released on Monday after 19 months in captivity in Gaza. His reunion with family came during a brief humanitarian pause in fighting.

Hamas said it freed Alexander as a goodwill gesture to President Trump, who is visiting the region this week.

“Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!” Trump posted on social media earlier on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited both military pressure and political efforts by Trump for the release.

PUTIN–ZELENSKYY READY TO MEET

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday. The statement came after President Trump publicly urged him to accept Putin’s proposal for direct talks.

Zelenskyy’s announcement followed 48 hours of diplomatic activity, with European leaders pushing for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. Putin, however, proposed direct talks instead — the first since the early months of the 2022 invasion.