President Donald Trump has had a whirlwind week, marked by a series of significant political wins that have bolstered his image as a decisive leader. From brokering international ceasefires to securing a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Trump has been riding high, celebrating his achievements with characteristic flair at the White House. Here’s a look at four major victories that defined his week, alongside a few challenges that linger on the horizon.
1. A Bold Strike and a Fragile Ceasefire with Iran
On June 21, 2025, the U.S. executed a targeted strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, a move Trump described as “unbelievable.” Just three days later, he announced a “complete and total” ceasefire in the brief but intense 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. The path to peace wasn’t smooth—hours before the announcement, Iran launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar, raising fears of a broader conflict. Both sides faced accusations of violating the ceasefire, and Trump’s frustration boiled over in an expletive-filled outburst to reporters. Yet, his personal intervention with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped stabilize the agreement. Trump proudly touted the ceasefire as proof of his peacemaking credentials, a much-needed win as conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine remain unresolved.
2. NATO’s Warm Embrace and a New Nickname
Trump’s trip to the NATO summit in the Netherlands was a triumph. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sent glowing texts praising Trump’s handling of the Iran situation, which the president gleefully shared with the public. During the summit, NATO allies committed to a 5% defense spending target, a long-standing Trump demand. In a lighthearted moment, Rutte dubbed Trump “Daddy” for his role in securing the Israel-Iran ceasefire, a nickname Trump embraced with a grin. “I think he likes me,” Trump quipped at a press conference, joined by a chuckling Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The White House leaned into the moment, posting videos captioned “Daddy’s home,” reinforcing Trump’s image as a commanding global leader.
3. A Supreme Court Victory with Far-Reaching Impact
Back home, the Supreme Court delivered a “monumental victory” for Trump with a ruling that limits federal judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions against his policies. The decision, tied to a case challenging Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship for children of certain immigrants, has broader implications. It clears the way for Trump to pursue key agenda items, such as freezing funds to “sanctuary cities,” halting refugee resettlement, and blocking tax-funded gender surgeries. At an impromptu news conference, Trump, flanked by smiling aides like Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, called the ruling a “tremendous win” for the Constitution and the rule of law, joking with reporters as he basked in the moment.
4. A Peace Deal in Africa
On Friday, Trump hosted the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who signed a peace deal to end decades of conflict between the two nations. While details are sparse and past agreements in the region have faltered, Trump framed the deal as a “generational victory.” He highlighted its benefits for the U.S., including access to critical minerals in the Congo. Admitting he knew little about the conflict, Trump still took credit for bringing the parties together, saying, “I was able to get them together and sell it.” The Congolese president expressed gratitude, calling the deal a new chapter of “hope and opportunity” for the region.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the week’s highs, Trump faced setbacks. His flagship legislative goal, a massive tax bill dubbed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” hit a snag when the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that certain provisions violated Senate rules, jeopardizing billions in proposed cuts. Trump remains determined to see the bill signed by July 4, with Press Secretary Leavitt calling the delay “part of the process.” Additionally, Trump’s promises of peace in Gaza and Ukraine remain unfulfilled, and he left open the possibility of further military action against Iran if they resume their nuclear program, saying, “Sure, without question, absolutely.”
A Week of Wins, but Work Remains
Trump’s week was a masterclass in political showmanship, as he turned policy victories into public spectacles. From securing a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East to winning over NATO allies and reshaping judicial oversight, he’s positioned himself as a leader who gets results. Yet, with legislative hurdles and ongoing global conflicts, Trump’s path forward will test his ability to maintain this momentum. For now, though, the president is savoring his moment in the spotlight, confident that his “tremendous wins” will define his legacy.