WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hosted Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the White House Thursday for discussions covering trade, global security, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who previously led NATO, also attended the meeting, adding depth to talks about the alliance's future under the Trump administration.
The meeting occurred hours after a deadly attack struck the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. President Trump addressed the bombing on social media, urging Russia to halt the campaign despite recently suggesting his administration was pushing Ukraine toward concessions favorable to Moscow in peace negotiations.
Trump stated his focus in the Ukraine war remains solely on stopping the conflict and saving lives, maintaining he holds no allegiance to either side. He expressed impatience with the pace of talks, setting his "own deadline" for a peace agreement and indicating a desire for a fast resolution. Amidst these discussions, Trump has held off on imposing new sanctions on Russia.
Trade issues, particularly Trump’s tariffs, also featured prominently. The White House has implemented significant levies, impacting global trade relationships. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted success in trade talks with South Korea, potentially leading to a new trade deal, while discussions continue with other nations and China, despite China's recent denial of such talks.
Domestically, the Trump administration continues to face judicial challenges to its policy agenda. A federal judge in New Hampshire recently limited the administration's ability to withhold school funding tied to diversity initiatives, ruling the policy could hinder free speech and exceed executive authority. The administration had argued that certain diversity, equity, and inclusion practices amounted to "illegal DEI practices" and threatened to risk losing billions for states that did not comply.
The administration also seeks to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, asking the Supreme Court to revive the policy after lower courts blocked it. This follows a second order from the president outlining requirements for military service. Challenges to administration actions have come from various quarters, including regarding immigration policy, where judges have ordered the return of migrants deported under invocation of an old law.
Further administrative changes include restructuring efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services, impacting programs for seniors and people with disabilities like Meals on Wheels, as part of a wider Trump administration’s overhaul. These cuts are facing opposition from advocacy groups and some lawmakers.
Changes are also seen in educational institutions tied to the government. The Naval Academy has canceled events and removed hundreds of books from its library shelves following directives aimed at ending perceived "radical indoctrination." The academy's leadership is navigating pressure to align with executive orders.
The Prime Minister of Norway offered perspective on the White House's engagement in global affairs.
“To move towards an end of this war, U.S. engagement is critical — and President Trump made that possible,” Store said in the Oval Office. “That is clear that it’s obvious it’s really happening. Now, the important thing is that both parties have to know that they have to deliver, and they have to feel the pressure to deliver.”
