MNI POLITICAL RISK - Trump Touts Gaza Peace In Israel/Egypt

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Executive summary:

• President Donald Trump arrived in Israel this morning for a whistlestop one-day regional tour to tout the first phase of the US-brokered Gaza peace deal.
• Day 13 of the US government shutdown, and the impasse continues without signs of an offramp. The White House had begun laying off more than 4,000 federal workers, with Treasury and HHS accounting for more than half of the layoffs. 
• Trump dialled down tensions with China after roiling markets with a statement threatening a new 100% tariff on Chinese goods and to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he is “confident this can be de-escalated,” as lines of communication have been opened, noting that “tariffs don't have to happen”. 
• An Indian delegation will travel to the US this week for talks aimed at striking a trade deal. 
• Trump's deal with AstraZeneca signals the White House has paused plans for pharma tariffs. 
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured Republicans that AUKUS will survive a Pentagon review.
• National Guard troops are awaiting deployment to Chicago and Portland pending federal appeals court rulings.
• Trump is weighing up using Tomahawks as leverage with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is setting up a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force. Trump has a new plan to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
• Poll of the Day: The shutdown might hurt Republicans more than Democrats

Please find the full article attached below: US DAILY BRIEF