Trump’s growing list of campaign pledges: From the Politics Desk

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump is promising various policy benefits and financial incentives, such as making year-round E15 fuel permanent and sending $5,000 payments to Americans, contingent on Republicans retaining control of Congress in the midterm elections.
• Trump’s promises include directing the Justice Department to settle veterans' claims related to contaminated water and securing a $100 million Defense Department investment in a Kentucky pharmaceutical facility, but some require Congressional approval.
• Special envoy Steve Witkoff faced bipartisan backlash after calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” following Russia’s release of American prisoner Stephen Hubbard, a move seen as a diplomatic gift to Putin.
• The release of Hubbard, a retired teacher convicted by Russia of mercenary activity, was leveraged by Putin for favorable publicity, while U.S. officials criticized Witkoff’s praise amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine.
• Putin reportedly agreed to restart trilateral talks with the U.S. and Ukraine, though skepticism remains about Russia’s intentions, especially after recent controversial U.S.-Russia energy deals and interruptions in U.S. support for Ukraine.