Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Wednesday was met with significant protests, as various civic groups and opposition politicians raised their voices against what they termed unfair US trade policies. Demonstrators gathered in Gyeongju, vocally opposing Trump’s approach to tariffs and defense spending demands from South Korea. Protesters displayed banners, waved red cards, and chanted slogans such as “No kings, Trump not welcome” and “No to APEC,” reflecting widespread discontent.
This backdrop of civil unrest comes as Trump held critical discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung regarding the ongoing trade agreements between the two nations. During a dinner with regional leaders just prior to the protests, Trump expressed optimism about finalizing the trade deal, claiming, “We made our deal, pretty much finalized it.” He also looked forward to a substantial meeting with China’s Xi Jinping the following day, emphasizing the potential for easing global trade tensions.
In a rare showing of bipartisan discontent with Trump’s trade policies, the Republican-controlled Senate voted 52-48 to terminate the sweeping tariffs on Brazilian imports, including essential goods like coffee and beef. This move signals growing unease within the GOP regarding the repercussions of the president’s trade war, as noted by Senator Tim Kaine, who emphasized that such tariffs amount to increased costs for American consumers and businesses.
Amid these developments, there have been other notable political events. A federal judge mandated the presence of Gregory Bovino, a senior border patrol official, in court to oversee immigration crackdown policies in Chicago, highlighting increased scrutiny of federal operations under the Trump administration. Additionally, a federal appellate court has decided to rehear a case regarding the Trump administration’s authority to deploy the National Guard in Portland, underscoring ongoing legal controversies surrounding Trump’s measures.
In a symbolic gesture during his visit, Trump was awarded the ‘Grand Order of Mugunghwa,’ South Korea’s highest national honor, marking him as the first US president to receive this decoration. The award celebrated his role in pursuits for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump’s assertions of optimism regarding North Korea and his upcoming summit with Xi Jinping signal a continuation of his administration’s diplomatic efforts in a turbulent global economic landscape. As trade discussions escalate, the impact of ongoing protests and bipartisan resistance may shape the trajectory of Trump’s policies both domestically and internationally.