On Politics: Buying access to the president ~ ⛾:Kaffibolla

May 12, 2025

Good evening. So, about that plane. President Trump said only "stupid" people would reject a gift like the $400 million jet that Qatar has offered for use as the new Air Force One. The president's former defense lawyer is now the acting librarian of Congress. And Trump himself is headed to Saudi Arabia, seeking business deals.

We're working on a new way to bring you stories like these in this newsletter. For now, take a look at our coverage below, and send me your questions about the Trump administration. — Jess Bidgood

President Trump descending the stairs of a plane.

Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

Auction to Dine With Trump Creates Foreign Influence Opportunity

When the bidding stops Monday, the top buyers of a Trump family crypto coin will win a tour of the White House.

By Eric Lipton and David Yaffe-Bellany

A portrait of President Trump, wearing a blue jacket and a red-and-white striped tie.

Eric Lee/The New York Times

For Trump, It's a New Era of Deal-Making With Tech's Most-Coveted Commodity

As the president heads to the Middle East, America's dominance over A.I. chips has become a powerful source of leverage for the president.

By Ana Swanson and Tripp Mickle

Members of the Chinese trade delegation, most of whom are wearing dark suits and white shirts, walking outside a building with leafy green trees in the background.

Denis Balibouse/Reuters

U.S. Says 'Substantial Progress' Made in Trade Talks With China

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the details would be announced on Monday after two days of negotiations in Geneva.

By Alan Rappeport and Ana Swanson

JD Vance with his wife and three young children walking through the Taj Mahal.

Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Not Just More Babies: These Republicans Want More Parents at Home

As the Trump administration shrinks federal child care programs, Republicans are backing policies they hope will allow more parents to scale back at work.

By Caroline Kitchener

Doug Mills/The New York Times

Trump, Pressed on Qatari Jet, Says Only 'Stupid' People Reject Gifts

The president grew angry when questioned about the ethical implications of accepting a luxury jetliner from a foreign government.

By Maggie Haberman

Speaker Mike Johnson, wearing a dark suit and blue striped tie.

Tierney L. Cross for The New York Times

Republicans Propose Paring Medicaid Coverage but Steer Clear of Deeper Cuts

The proposal, which is to be considered this week by a key House panel, omits some of the furthest-reaching reductions to the health program but would leave millions without coverage or facing higher costs.

By Margot Sanger-Katz and Catie Edmondson