16 MAY 2025: Headline Brief: Democrats Applaud Trump // Chinese Withhold Rare Earths // Germany Submits to Trump // Mexican Migrant Tax // Great Medical News

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, for The Wright Report: Friday Headline Brief—heavy on news, light on analysis—to kick off your weekend with the stories shaping America and the world. Trump's Middle East Tour Draws Unlikely Praise – Top Obama and Biden officials, including Ben Rhodes and Rob Malley, applaud Trump's bold diplomacy in Syria, Gaza, and with Arab partners. Even Democratic Rep. Jim Himes admits Trump "played the Middle East pretty darn well." Gaza "Freedom Zone" and a Rift with Apple – Trump floats the idea of the U.S. taking over Gaza. He also blasts Apple CEO Tim Cook for moving production to India, accusing the company of betraying American workers. China Floods U.S. with Goods While Hoarding Minerals – Despite the tariff truce, China withholds critical rare earth exports while ramping up production of consumer goods—especially for Halloween and Christmas. Xi Jinping mocks America's dependency on cheap imports and takes shots at Trump in front of Latin diplomats. Germany Bows to Trump's NATO Demands – In a surprise move, Germany pledges to meet Trump's 5% defense spending target, shocking European allies and boosting defense stocks. GOP Pushes Remittance Tax, Mexico Furious – A new Republican proposal would tax wire transfers to fund a $5T tax package. Mexico's president and senate condemn the idea as discriminatory and fear it will push money transfers underground. Supreme Court Grills Trump Admin on Citizenship Case – Justices express skepticism over Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship and the broader issue of universal injunctions. Medical Breakthroughs: Fentanyl Deaths Decline, GLP-1 Drugs Help Alcoholics and Liver Disease – CDC data shows overdose deaths are down. Semaglutide shows promise in treating alcoholism, liver disease, and may reduce Alzheimer's risk. Prostate Cancer Treatments Improve, Exercise Lowers Risk and Aids Recovery – New research supports shorter, safer radiation schedules, while exercise helps reduce complications, dementia risk, and cognitive decline. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32