Monday, July 9
President Trump arrives in Europe this week, and the weather is not expected to cool off.
The first stop is Brussels on Wednesday for the NATO Summit. The one thing we know is that no one knows what he’ll say or how NATO allies will react. Or if any of it matters. Either way, on Thursday he will retreat across the English Channel.
Taking notes from the President’s visits to France and China, the British are expected to put on a show. Trump arrives on Thursday for a black-tie dinner complete with honors at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. On Friday, he will watch military exercises with Prime Minister May and then have a working lunch at her official country retreat. Trump and May have plenty to discuss, namely how to hold on to staff. After lunch he has a visit with the Queen at Windsor Castle. Trump is expected to travel entirely by helicopter to keep him away from planned protests in London and elsewhere.
The President will spend the weekend playing golf at his two Trump golf courses in Scotland. Consider it a European Mar-a-Lago. There are no public events scheduled, but U.S. Ambassador Woody Johnson said Trump would “spend some time preparing for Helsinki.”
On Sunday night he leaves Scotland for a much-anticipated Monday summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Finland. Remember that two weeks ago Trump tweeted this:
“Russia continues to say they had nothing to do with Meddling in our Election! Where is the DNC Server, and why didn’t Shady James Comey and the now disgraced FBI agents take and closely examine it? Why isn’t Hillary/Russia being looked at? So many questions, so much corruption!”
In the end, the event that may matter the most this week is the World Cup semi-finals: France plays Belgium tomorrow and England plays Croatia Wednesday to advance to the finals on Sunday. England beat Sweden over the weekend 2-0 to reach their first semi-final in 28 years as host country Russia got knocked out of the tournament by Croatia.
The big question this week is who is more likely to survive the next seven days, England in the World Cup, Theresa May’s government, or NATO? So far all have proven to be survivors.
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The Week Ahead.
Monday, July 9:
-President Donald Trump scheduled to announce his pick to replace Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy at 9pm in Washington, D.C.
-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang chair a meeting of cabinet members from both countries on trade, investment and other topics. In Berlin.
Tuesday, July 10:
-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participates in the U.S.-EU Energy Council and co-hosts a meeting of foreign ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. In Belgium.
-Investment bank Allen & Co.’s annual conference begins in Sun Valley, Idaho.
-The Rise technology conference, Asia’s largest, is held in Hong Kong over three days.
Wednesday, July 11:
-Leaders of North Atlantic Treaty Organization nations discuss defense cooperation and “fairer burden-sharing.” In Brussels through July 12.
-French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier meet in Paris to coordinate strategy against possible U.S. tariffs on imported cars and other trade conflicts.
-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Moscow. He intends to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Thursday, July 12:
-Euro-area finance ministers meet to discuss the economic and monetary union. In Brussels.
Friday, July 13:
-Donald Trump visits the U.K. to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May. He’s also been invited to an audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, west of London. Through July 15.
Saturday, July 14:
-France celebrates Bastille Day.
-The Wimbledon women’s singles final is played in southwest London.
Sunday, July 15:
-Wimbledon men’s singles final is played in London.
-The World Cup final played in Moscow.
Best of Britain.
As President Trump prepares to arrive in the U.K. for dinner on Thursday at the birthplace of Winston Churchill, we thought he might get some inspiration from some of the legendary Prime Minister’s most famous quotes.
“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”
“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pant on.”
“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.”