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Trump admin live updates: Trump says Hamas will release hostage Edan Alexander

Trump did not provide any timing on when Alexander is expected to be released.

ByDavid Brennan, Alexandra Hutzler, and Ivan Pereira
Last Updated: May 11, 2025, 7:01 PM EDT

The White House said on Sunday that it reached a trade deal with China as the two countries negotiated for a second day in Switzerland. China has yet to comment on Sunday's talks.

"We’re confident that the deal we struck with our Chinese partners will help us to work toward resolving that national emergency,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters in Geneva. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "substantial progress" had been made but stopped short of touting a full deal.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the United Kingdom -- the first in what the White House said it hopes will be a flurry of agreements while the reciprocal tariff pause is in effect. With UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on speaker phone in the Oval Office, the leaders conceded that they are still working out the details of the agreement.

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May 07, 2025, 12:53 PM EDT

Congresswoman urges Bessent to create tariff exemption for products for parents

Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley brought up concerns from parents who will have to pay more for car seats, strollers and other items under Trump's tariffs.

The Massachusetts Democrat pushed Bessent for an exemption for these products and after a back-and-forth he said it was "under consideration."

"You all claim you are pro-family. I cannot hear the words you say because I see the things you do," she said.

"I don't know what's stopping an exemption from going into effect now. Do it now," the congresswoman added.

May 07, 2025, 12:17 PM EDT

Congresswoman gets into heated exchange with Bessent over Harriet Tubman $20 bill

Democratic Rep. Joyce Betty got into heated questioning with Bessent concerning the change of the $20 bill from President Andrew Jackson to the underground railroad leader Harriet Tubman.

The plan was announced in 2016, but stalled during Trump's first administration.

Bessent said he didn't have an update and his staff would get back to her, which infuriated the Democrat.

PHOTO: Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent looks on during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2025.
Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent looks on during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing on the "Annual Testimony of the Secretary of Treasury on the State of the International Financial System" on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2025.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

"There seems to be an issue when it comes to things that affect people of color or people who live in poverty," Betty said.

The congresswoman then pushed back against committee chairman Rep. French Hill who tried to end her time.

"I need him to address. He will answer me," she said.

May 07, 2025, 11:59 AM EDT

Bessent urges Congress to make Trump tax cuts permanent

During his opening remarks, Bessent pushed Congress to make Trump's 2017 tax cuts permanent.

"We expect to see even more positive results over the next few months. Key to expanding economic opportunity for all Americans is making the Trump tax cuts permanent," he said.

Bessent also claimed that the cuts and deregulation would "raise real incomes for families and businesses."

-ABC News' Isabella Murray

May 07, 2025, 11:49 AM EDT

Trump proclaims May 8 is 'Victory Day for World War II'

The president issued a proclamation that May 8, 2025, is a "day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II," which commemorates the 80th anniversary of Germany's surrender during World War II.

"On this Victory Day for World War II, we celebrate the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces, and we commit to protecting our sacred birthright of liberty against all threats, foreign and domestic," he said.

Trump added that he is "steadfastly devoted to stopping the endless foreign wars," and thanked the service members for their sacrifice.

"The millions of souls senselessly lost serve as a reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength," he said.

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