Meet the Press NOW — Aug. 14

International Relations & Geopolitics - The meeting between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska is considered a potentially pivotal moment for Ukraine's future and Trump's influence in the region [1] - President Trump aims to set the stage for a subsequent meeting involving both Presidents Putin and Zilinski, possibly in Alaska [1] - President Putin expresses optimism about President Trump's efforts towards peace in Ukraine [1] - European officials are apprehensive, seeking assurance that President Trump won't discuss dividing Ukrainian territory with Putin [1] - Ukraine is deeply concerned about the summit, fearing its borders are being negotiated without their involvement, with about 20% of the country currently occupied by Russian troops [2] Economic & Trade Policy - A key inflation gauge surged, with the cost of wholesale goods in the US seeing their biggest monthly increase in over three years [1] - Tariffs are threatening to push prices even higher, with the government raising $27 billion in tariffs in July, equivalent to an annual rate of $250 to $300 billion [5] - Wholesale prices rose by 09/10 of a percent last month, exceeding Wall Street's estimates, and the single largest monthly jump in more than three years [5] - Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy prices, climbed to 31% [5] Domestic Policy & Law Enforcement - President Trump is considering extending his federal takeover of DC police, potentially without congressional support [1] - ICE operations and National Guard deployments are ramping up in the capital as part of President Trump's crackdown on crime and immigration [1] - The chief of the Washington DC police issued an executive order allowing increased cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [6]