In perhaps the most noteworthy event of this past week, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un traveled to South Korea, making him the first North Korean leader to do so in 65 years. Trump expressed his excitement about this meeting, declaring on Twitter, albeit slightly prematurely, "KOREAN WAR TO END!" Trump also tweeted that North Korea and South Korea have promised complete denuclearization of the peninsula, though this isn't actually the case. Still, hopes are high, and it's expected that Trump with meet with Kim as promised in May or June to advance the cause of rapid denuclearization.

Trump made a few attempts at diplomacy this past week. Trump notably hosted his first official state dinner with President Macron of France as the guest of honor. State dinners are a presidential tradition that Trump has thus far eschewed. Trump also met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and managed to greet her politely this time - unlike their last meeting, where Trump pointedly refused to shake her hand.

Trump also drew attention this week for his online interaction with rapper Kanye West. West complimented Trump via Twitter, saying that he and Trump both share "dragon energy." Trump thanked West, saying, "very cool!" Trump also had a slightly awkward Twitter encounter with hip hop musician Chance the Rapper, and both artists distanced themselves from Trump somewhat in later Twitter posts.

In more serious news, accusations against Trump's choice for Veterans Affairs secretary, Dr. Ronny Jackson, drew media scrutiny this past week. Already a contentious candidate given his lack of experience and qualifications, Dr. Jackson came under further fire for allegedly dispensing medication freely to White House staff and for allegedly wrecking a government vehicle after driving while intoxicated. Under the flurry of controversy, Dr. Jackson withdrew from his nomination to head the agency. Trump responded to the withdrawal via Twitter, defending Dr. Jackson and lashing out at Democratic politicians, who he feels fabricated the charges against Dr. Jackson.

President Trump also continued his unorthodox behavior by giving an impromptu, unfiltered phone interview to Fox & Friends, a daily morning conservative news show. In the interview, Trump spoke freely about the investigations and legal entanglements of his presidency, asserted that there was no Russia collusion, lashed out against James Comey, accused the FBI of corruption, and threatened to intervene directly with the Justice Department. Trump has apparently suggested making regular appearances on Fox & Friends.

Meanwhile, Trump administration continues to advance its agenda of deregulation. This week, the White House announced plans to freeze EPA fuel economy standards at 2020 levels, while also interfering in state affairs to revoke California's ability to enforce its own stringent rules on tailpipe emissions.

While the Trump administration has always had a remarkably high turnover rate, vacant positions are now causing problems for the federal government. Staff shortages have halted pay raises for thousands of federal works, stalled legislation, and halted the IRS from creating regulations in support of the new tax law.

This coming week, Trump plans to send his entire economic team to Beijing, so expect news on the tech and trade front.