MNI POLITICAL RISK - Trump Continues Hawkish Pivot On Russia

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Executive summary:

• President Donald Trump is eyeing investment deals at today's inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Event.
• Former NSA Mike Waltz's appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today offers Democrats a rare chance to grill a Trump administration insider.
• House Ways and Means Republicans will meet USTR Jamieson Greer this morning and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday for trade negotiation updates.
• The EU has finalised a list of countermeasures targeting goods worth around USD$85 billion, but will refrain from retaliation while negotiations are ongoing.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects to meet his Chinese counterpart in the coming weeks.
• Japanese officials say Tokyo has no plans for tariff retaliation.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) could delay a first procedural vote on Trump’s USD$9.4 billion rescissions package.
• White House NEC Director Kevin Hassett, a close Trump ally, is firming as favourite to become the next Fed Chair.
• Trump increased pressure on Russia, announcing plans to send defensive and offensive weapons to Ukraine via NATO partners and issuing Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50-day ultimatum to reach a peace deal with Ukraine, or be hit by “very severe tariffs”. Thune said he would hold off on advancing a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, in light of Trump's statement.
• Poll of the Day: Trump’s approval ratings ticked back up despite a turbulent week for his administration.

Please find the full article attached below: US DAILY BRIEF