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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, 2:03 PM EDT

Trump stands by Ed Martin nomination, but says senators must 'follow their heart'

Trump again stood by his controversial nominee Ed Martin, his pick for the top federal prosecutor in D.C., who has lost support of key Republicans.

Martin has come under fire for his repeated defense of Jan. 6 rioters.

Trump said the waning support for his pick was "disappointing," but said the decision was up to the Senate.

"They have to vote the way they are. They have to follow their heart and they have to follow their mind," Trump said.

May 07, 2025, 1:58 PM EDT

Trump noncommittal on possible tariff exemptions for baby items

ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce pressed Trump on comments from his Treasury secretary on possible tariff exemptions.

"Your treasury secretary just told lawmakers that a tariff exemption for certain baby items, like car seats, is under consideration. Will you exempt some products that families rely on?" Bruce asked.

"I don't know, I'll think about it," Trump said. "I don't know. I really don't know. I want to make it nice and simple. I'm not looking to have so many exemptions that nobody knows what's to it. We have to make it very simple, but I'll take a look at it."

May 07, 2025, 1:56 PM EDT

Trump dodges questions about sending migrants to Libya

Trump was asked in the Oval Office about reports that the administration is sending migrants to Libya, but the president claimed he has no idea about it.

"You'll have to ask the Homeland Security," he said.

May 07, 2025, 1:52 PM EDT

David Perdue is sworn in as ambassador to China

Trump held a swearing in ceremony for David Purdue, his ambassador to China, in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Trump praised Purdue, a former senator, for his past business experience for companies like Reebok and Dollar General.

"Now I'm entrusting David to help manage one of America's most complex and consequential foreign relationships," Trump said. "And I know he'll do a fantastic job as our lead diplomat in Beijing. David will work to promote American interest and stability in the Indo-Pacific, help stop the flood of Chinese fentanyl across our borders, which we have to do."

Purdue's swearing in comes as the administration prepares to meet with Chinese officials on trade and economic matters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the meetings will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

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