Trump Returns

Hi Global Recap readers,

In less than an hour, at 8 p.m. ET, the much-anticipated conversation between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is set to begin on X.

According to Elon, this will be unscripted and without limits.

Whether you’re left-leaning or right-leaning, this is sure to be exciting, as it marks Trump’s return to the platform, formerly known as Twitter, after years of infrequent posting.

HOWEVER, the EU doesn’t seem to want to take any chances with this interview. 👇

🇪🇺 EUROPEAN UNION
EU Warns Musk

The European Union warned Elon Musk ahead of his interview with former President Trump, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the bloc’s rules against promoting harmful content.

EU’s Warning

The EU reminded Musk of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its regulations.

• Thierry Breton, the EU’s commissioner for Internal Market, highlighted the risk of amplifying harmful content during major events.

• The letter stressed the need for measures to prevent the spread of illegal content on X.

• Breton cited recent unrest in the UK as an example of potential risks.

Musk’s Response

Musk and his team did not take the warning lightly.

• X CEO Linda Yaccarino called the letter an “unprecedented attempt” to stretch EU law to US political activities.

• Elon, being Elon Musk, responded with a meme from the movie “Tropic Thunder,” adding a touch of humor to the situation.

Trump’s Campaign Reaction

The Trump campaign also weighed in on the EU’s warning.

• A spokesperson criticized the EU for meddling in US elections.

• They argued that a Trump victory would mean renegotiated trade deals and tariffs that put America first.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Secret Service Breaks into Private Property

Speaking of possible government overreach, the US Secret Service is under fire for breaking into a local salon ahead of Kamala Harris’s campaign event, leaving the business owner feeling “violated.”

What Happened?

Secret Service agents entered the salon without consent and covered security cameras with duct tape.

• Alicia Powers, the salon owner, discovered the agents had picked the lock and allowed various individuals to use the bathroom for over two hours.

• Powers was aware of the need to close for security reasons but was not informed about the additional actions taken.

Camera Tampering

Footage captured an agent taping over the security camera.

• The agent used a chair to reach the camera and obstruct its view.

• Powers reported that several people used the bathroom, set off alarms, and used the counter without permission.

Lack of Communication

Powers expressed frustration at the lack of respect and communication.

• Powers stated she would have cooperated if asked, but the agents did not seek permission.

• The building’s landlord confirmed no authorization was given for the Secret Service to enter.

Apology Issued

The Secret Service admitted their actions were wrong and apologized.

• A representative from the Boston field office acknowledged the mistakes and apologized to Powers.

• The incident raised concerns about respecting private property during high-security events.

🇮🇷 IRAN
Imminent Attack on Israel

The White House has warned of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Israel’s military has said it is on "peak alert."

This warning follows last week’s reports of an “imminent attack” that never happened. So, how credible are the threats this time?

US Warning

The US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned of a significant Iranian attack on Israel this week.

• Washington shares Israeli assessments that an attack could happen soon.

• President Biden discussed the situation with UK, France, Germany, and Italy leaders.

• The leaders reaffirmed Israel’s defense and called for de-escalation.

Iranian Threats

Iran has vowed revenge for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

• Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Haniyeh’s killing.

• An Israeli strike in Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander.

• Iran and Hezbollah are expected to react.

US Military Presence

The US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East in anticipation of an Iranian attack.

• The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Georgia are being deployed to the Persian Gulf.

• Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the acceleration of their deployment.

Israeli Preparations

Israel is on “peak alert” and preparing for a possible attack by Iran and its allies.

• Haifa, near the Lebanese border, has set up air-raid shelters.

• Shelters are equipped with generators, Wi-Fi, water reserves, and first aid supplies.

• Haifa’s chief catastrophe protection officer expects a reaction from Iran or Hezbollah.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Nuclear Plant Fire Blame Game

A fire erupted at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday, and now Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for it.

Fire Incident

• The fire lasted about three hours and caused serious damage to the cooling towers.

• Both Russia and Ukraine deny responsibility, each blaming the other for the incident.

IAEA’s Concern

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is alarmed by the situation.

• IAEA staff observed thick, dark smoke coming from the plant.

• IAEA chief Rafael Grossi emphasized that these attacks endanger nuclear safety and must stop immediately.

Russia’s Claims

Russia has its own version of events.

• Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom claims the fire was caused by two Ukrainian drone strikes.

• They suggest the damage might require replacing one of the cooling towers.

Ukraine’s Claims

Ukraine has a different story to tell.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of starting the fire.

• Ukraine’s nuclear power company Energoatom suggested Russian negligence or arson could be the cause.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Ukraine Advances in Kursk

If you thought the Russia-Ukraine war was cooling off, think again. As Ukraine pushes into the Russian region of Kursk, Russia has evacuated 180,000 people from the area and warned of a strong response.

Evacuation Efforts

• 120,000 people have already evacuated, with another 60,000 expected to leave soon.

• Ukrainian forces have advanced more than 7 miles into the region, taking about 28 settlements.

Putin’s Response

Putin has condemned the Ukrainian offensive and promised a strong Russian response.

• He accused Kyiv of seeking to “create discord” and “instill fear” in Russia.

• Putin refused to negotiate with those who “attack civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

Ukrainian Gains

Ukrainian forces have made significant territorial gains in Kursk.

• They now control more than 600 square miles of Russian territory.

• Ukrainian troops are fighting to gain control of major towns like Sudzha and Korenevo.