Trump to meet with Zelenskyy, Netanyahu. And, TPS holders could soon face deportation

NPR ·

Donald Trump is holding separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 28 July 2026, held around the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a strong advocate in Washington for both Ukraine and Israel. His death leaves a notable gap in support for both countries, and the meetings come as each leader seeks to advance separate, pressing agendas with Trump. Separately, thousands of Haitians and Syrians could soon face deportation after the Supreme Court allowed the administration to revoke their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a decision with major implications for long-settled immigrant communities.

Zelenskyy is looking to shore up US backing for Ukraine against Russia, and has alleged that Russia is sharing satellite imagery of American military sites in the Gulf. Netanyahu is aiming to smooth over a strained relationship with Trump while discussing the conflict with Iran and a US-brokered plan for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon. On TPS, roughly 30,000 Haitians in Columbus, Ohio, and 12,000 in Springfield, Ohio, are affected, with the Department of Homeland Security arguing conditions in Haiti have improved enough for return, while the Secretary of State has warned the country remains unsafe, citing suspended commercial flights and risks of crime and kidnapping. Separate polling by the Brennan Center for Justice found that political corruption is seen as a major concern by 90% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats and independents, though swing voters in Pennsylvania are split on Trump's own financial dealings with government contractors.

In short

  • Trump meets Zelenskyy and Netanyahu around Lindsey Graham's funeral.
  • Supreme Court clears way to revoke TPS for Haitians, Syrians.
  • Corruption seen as major issue by large majorities across parties.

Steelman: both sides, in good faith

The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.

The case for

The administration contends that the Department of Homeland Security's assessment demonstrates conditions in Haiti and Syria have sufficiently improved to justify ending Temporary Protected Status, which is explicitly designed as a temporary rather than permanent measure. Supporters argue that TPS should function as originally intended—addressing genuine emergencies—and that indefinite extension for tens of thousands of people undermines the programme's integrity and sets a problematic precedent for future humanitarian crises.

The case against

Critics highlight the State Department's conflicting assessment that Haiti remains dangerous, with suspended flights and documented risks of violent crime and kidnapping, suggesting fundamental disagreement within government about actual conditions. They emphasise that revocation would uproot tens of thousands who have established lives, secured employment, and integrated into American communities over many years, causing substantial disruption based on what they argue is a technical rather than practical distinction.

Explained simply

Donald Trump is holding separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 28 July 2026, around the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Washington advocate for both countries. Both leaders are seeking to advance their strategic interests with the Trump administration.

Ukraine, under Zelenskyy, is fighting Russian invasion and relies heavily on US military and financial support. Israel, led by Netanyahu, faces regional tensions involving Iran and Lebanon, and likewise seeks continued American backing.

The Trump administration has gained the ability to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows people from countries experiencing humanitarian crises to remain in the United States. Thousands of Haitians and Syrians with TPS now face potential deportation. The administration argues conditions in their home countries have improved enough for their return, whilst the State Department warns these countries remain unsafe due to security and humanitarian concerns.

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