Pethokoukis: President Trump would rather make a mega deal than start a war

US Fiscal Policy & Tax Cuts - GOP infighting centers on extending Trump tax cuts and specific taxes to cut, including those funding Medicare, impacting rural hospitals [1][2] - A populist wing of the Republican party, less concerned with debt, prioritizes constituents on Medicaid, diverging from traditional GOP entitlement reform views [3] - Senate uses SALT deduction proposal as a negotiating tactic, particularly regarding clean energy subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act [7][8] - Republicans are divided on phasing out clean energy credits, with some supporting clean energy investment or having related activities in their states [8] - Action is expected on raising the $10,000 SALT deduction and extending various tax credits, which the House bill strictly limits [9] International Relations & US Role - President Trump left the G7 summit early, dismissing peace talks, contrasting with expectations of brokering a ceasefire [10] - Trump prefers deal-making over military action, potentially involving Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia [11] - Uncertainty remains regarding trade and the US role in Iran-Israel relations [12]