Trump begins landmark Middle East tour after ending tariff war with China: Live

After the president abruptly fired Carla Hayden, the Barack Obama-appointed Librarian of Congress, the agency has become the newest target of the White House’s efforts to bring every part of government under the thumb of Trump and his team. Though the Library of Congress is part of the Legislative Branch, its director is appointed by the president, with Senate confirmation.

On Monday, Trump reportedly selected Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as the acting agency director. But employees at the agency, seeking guidance from Congress, refused entry to two other Department of Justice officials tapped for supporting roles at the Library of Congress early Monday morning.

The “stand-off,” as it was described by The New York Times, involved Associate Deputy Attorney General Paul Perkins, who was appointed to serve as acting director of the US Copyright Office, and Brian Nieves, who was set to be acting deputy librarian under Blanche.

Their entry was reportedly refused by the agency’s general counsel and staffers, who called U.S. Capitol Police to defuse the situation. But Nieves and Perkins left the building before police arrived, according to reports, and a statement from a U.S. Capitol Police spokesperson confirmed that officers were not involved in denying anyone entry or escorting anyone from the building.

A U.S.-led ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, and a renewed push to force Russia to end attacks on Ukraine, add to Trump’s quest for recognition on the world stage as the peacemaker president, writes Oliver O’Connell:

The United States and China have struck a deal to slash tariffs by 115 per cent for at least 90 days as both countries seek to end the trade war.

Mr Trump said that the US had achieved a “total reset” in relations with China.

“A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner,” Mr Trump wrote.

“We want to see, for the good of both China and the US, an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!”

China’s state-run news agency Xinhua described Saturday’s meetings as “an important step toward resolving the dispute,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh this morning as part of a landmark visit to three Gulf states this week.

Mr Trump will meet the country’s de facto leader, crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and is expected to attend a summit of Gulf leaders in the city on Wednesday before travelling to Qatar.