Trump says DOJ should target Obama for allegations about the 2016 election

US Political Landscape & Legal Matters - President Trump criticizes Fed Chair Jerome Powell, advocating for lower interest rates [1] - Trump suggests the DOJ should investigate former presidents Obama and Biden regarding the 2016 Russia election interference [1] - Allegations arise concerning the Obama administration's manipulation of intelligence to undermine the 2016 election legitimacy [2] - The DOJ is reportedly seeking more information related to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell [8] Geopolitical & Trade Relations - The US is engaged in trade negotiations with the Philippines, aiming to reach an agreement before an unspecified August deadline that could trigger tariff increases [9] - While the Philippines isn't a major US trading partner overall, it is significant for specific commodities and its geopolitical location in the South Pacific near China [10] - Trade and defense relationships between the US and the Philippines are considered important [11] - The US president may unilaterally set tariff rates for smaller trading partners [12] Domestic Political Dynamics - President Trump is revisiting conspiracy theories related to the 2016 and 2020 elections, linking them to alleged "treasonous behavior" by President Obama, without providing evidence [5][6] - This strategy may be aimed at uniting Trump's base, which is currently fractured over the Jeffrey Epstein story [7] - Some Trump supporters and congressional Republicans are dissatisfied with the White House's handling of disclosures related to Epstein [8][9]