Former President Donald Trump's weekend stay at Mar-a-Lago involved a mix of diplomatic engagements, military decisions, and recreational activities.
According to USA TODAY, Trump addressed multiple international conflicts during his sixth-weekend visit to his private club this term, including ordering military strikes against Houthi militants and monitoring Ukraine ceasefire negotiations while also claiming victory in his club's golf championship.
The former president's diplomatic agenda included preparations for an upcoming conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the appointment of General Keith Kellogg as the direct liaison to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump revealed these developments aboard Air Force One during his late-night return to Washington.
Trump authorized what he described as "decisive and powerful" military strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, responding to their continued attacks on shipping vessels in critical maritime routes. The militant group's activities have disrupted navigation in the Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Gulf of Aden, prompting a forceful U.S. response.
The president expressed his firm stance on the Houthi situation through social media. Trump stated on his platform: "The Houthis attack on American vessels will not be tolerated."
The military action represents an escalation in the U.S. response to ongoing maritime security threats in the region. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense international situation.
Trump's diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine gained momentum during his Mar-a-Lago stay. The appointment of General Kellogg signals a new phase in negotiations with Ukrainian leadership.
The former president dismissed reports about U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff being made to wait by Putin for nine hours. He maintained that while some meetings required additional time, the overall process moved efficiently.
Trump shared optimistic views about the negotiations with Russia. He monitored the situation of Ukrainian soldiers reportedly surrounded by Russian forces, though he provided no updates on their status.
While managing international affairs, Trump kept watch over severe weather conditions affecting multiple U.S. regions. The devastating storms across the Midwest and South claimed 36 lives by Sunday evening.
The president's schedule included an awards ceremony at Trump International, where he celebrated winning the club championship. This victory prompted him to delay his usual departure time, resulting in a late arrival at the White House just before 1 a.m.
Notably absent from Trump's public statements were comments about the ongoing tariff disputes that have strained relationships with U.S. allies and impacted financial markets. The silence on this economic issue stood in stark contrast to his active engagement with other matters.
During his sixth weekend visit to Mar-a-Lago this term, former President Trump managed multiple international crises while maintaining his personal engagements. The weekend included authorizing military strikes against Houthi forces, advancing Ukraine peace negotiations through diplomatic channels, and monitoring severe weather conditions across the United States. Trump concluded his stay by claiming victory at his golf club's championship before returning to Washington to prepare for his upcoming Tuesday conversation with Vladimir Putin.
