Trump In China, Hegseth Requests Wartime Budget, FDA Commissioner Resigns

President Trump arrives in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with China's Xi Jinping, marking a pivotal moment in the fragile U.S.-China trade relationship. The visit, attended by top American CEOs from Boeing, Cargill, and Nvidia, underscores efforts to stabilize trade after a year of tariffs and export controls. While expectations are low, both nations face mounting pressure to address the trade deficit, with China seeking access to advanced U.S. technology like semiconductors and jet engines—areas the U.S. has restricted for strategic reasons. China's leverage lies in its control of critical rare earth minerals, giving it a stronger hand than in past meetings. Meanwhile, the Pentagon reveals the war in Iran has cost $29 billion so far, with estimates rising due to unaccounted facility repairs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a record $1.5 trillion defense budget, but faces bipartisan skepticism over transparency and strategy, especially regarding the uncertain reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. On the domestic front, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty McCary resigns after 13 months amid controversy over political pressure, regulatory overreach, and the erosion of scientific independence. His departure clears the way for Kyle Diamantis to serve as acting commissioner, but concerns remain about the long-term damage to the agency’s credibility and staffing. The episode highlights the intersection of diplomacy, military spending, and regulatory integrity. Key takeaways include the strategic importance of rare earth minerals in global tech competition, the growing political risk of prolonged military conflicts, and the dangers of politicizing science-based institutions like the FDA. The episode also underscores how symbolic gestures—like a summit in the Great Hall of the People—carry real-world weight in international relations, even when substantive outcomes are uncertain.