‘America First’ Faces a Big Test

President Trump is en route to Europe at one of the most consequential moments yet of his presidency. It comes as Trump’s vision of an “America First” foreign policy is facing tests on multiple fronts, and as the notion of American leadership on the global stage is being questioned by global leaders. Amid an escalating crisis with North Korea’s development of an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile and the failure of existing efforts to pressure China to clamp down on the program, Trump is promising a tough response. But he faces many of the same problems has his predecessors—there are no good options to dealing with North Korea. Trump will also sit down face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday afternoon and have opportunities to meet with other world leaders at the G-20 conference. The White House has tried to argue that the Putin meeting in particular is routine, but colored by the domestic politics of the meeting, it’s anything but. Trump’s every move is set to be examined on the world stage, and on the second go-around there will be less tolerance for missteps.

Republican lawmakers hear from their constituents on the healthcare bill. State Department worker frustrations are aired. And it’s been 140 days since Trump last held a full press conference.

Here are your must reads:

Must Reads

What Can Trump Do About North Korea?
His Options Are Few and Risky [New York Times]

At Parades and Protests, GOP Lawmakers Get Earful About Health Care
Many thanked for blocking GOP bill [Washington Post]

Inside the White House’s Policy-Making Juggernaut
National Economic Council director Gary Cohn has found himself at the center of the administration’s fiercest policy battles [Politico]

Trump Looks for Friendlier European Welcome in Poland
U.S. leader will find more hospitable environment than Germany [Associated Press]

State Department Workers Vent Grievances Over Trump, Tillerson, Cite Longer-Term Issues
In survey, some cite lack of support from administration and say they worry about budget cuts, outdated technology [Wall Street Journal]

Sound Off

“Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us – but we had to give it a try!” – President Trump in a Wednesday morning tweet

“Does this guy have anything better to do with his life?” — Trump in a tweet on North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un

Bits and Bites

Trump Considers Hard Line on Chinese Steel in Advance of G20 Summit [TIME]

Manhattan Prosecutor Joins Inquiry Into Russian Meddling in Election [New York Times]

FBI Employees Wear ‘Comey Is My Homey’ Shirts to Family Day [TIME]

‘I Don’t Apologize for It.’ Chris Christie Defends His Beach Visit During Shutdown [TIME]

Russia and China Call for U.S. to Freeze Large-Scale Military Exercises Amid North Korea Tensions [Associated Press]

The Person Behind Trump’s CNN-Punching GIF Is Now Apologizing [TIME]

Chris Christie’s Controversial Beach Trip Continues His Long Political Downfall [TIME]

Free-press groups warn of violence against media [Politico]

Trump expresses frustration with China over NKorea support [Associated Press]