Much of Monday’s headlines – in print and online – is dominated by the latest happenings in the Trump administration. As it has been since he took office, there are multiple stories about the US president, his team and what they are doing every day.
One of the Trump-focused stories today looks at the president issuing a threat of more tariffs if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal in a month.
Donald Trump threatens Russia with tariffs if ceasefire isn’t agreed within a month
Trump launches ‘very angry‘ outburst at Putin over Ukraine
Explainer – The headline shows bias through the use of the phrase “very angry” in quotation marks, which can imply skepticism or ridicule toward Trump’s reaction. This framing focuses on Trump’s emotional response rather than the substance of his remarks, potentially portraying him as irrational or overly emotional. Additionally, the emphasis on the outburst rather than the content of his criticism may diminish the seriousness of the issue being addressed.
- The Guardian reports Donald Trump’s “outburst at Putin” for his approach towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. The US president has threatened to levy secondary tariffs on “all the oil coming out of Russia” if Moscow does not agree on a peace deal in a month.
Trump threatens secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no Ukraine truce agreed
Explainer – The headline is relatively neutral and factual, but it may carry a slight bias through the use of the word “threatens.” While it accurately describes a firm stance, “threatens” has a negative connotation, suggesting aggression or coercion. A more neutral alternative could be “Trump considers secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no Ukraine truce agreed.”
- The FT reports on Trump’s tariffs reporting the US president is “pissed off” with Putin for prolonging ceasefire talks.
Starmer warns Trump ‘don’t start a trade war‘ as talks held on tariffs
Explainer – The newspaper headline shows slight bias through the choice of the phrase “don’t start a trade war” in quotation marks. While it directly quotes Starmer, this framing can sensationalise the warning and cast Trump as aggressive or reckless. Additionally, emphasising the phrase without providing context about the nature of the talks may oversimplify the issue, encouraging a more negative perception of Trump.
- The i newspaper reports on PM Keir Starmer’s reaction to Trump’s tariffs on imported cars, steel and aluminium. The prime minister has warned Trump not to start a trade war, the paper says. The two leaders had a phone call on Sunday – after the paper went to print.
Starmer and Trump have ‘productive discussions’ on UK-US trade deal as tariff threat looms
Explainer – The headline is relatively balanced, but there is a slight bias in the phrase “tariff threat looms.” Using the word “threat” has a negative connotation, suggesting impending harm or aggression. While it may reflect concerns about potential tariffs, a more neutral phrasing like “tariff uncertainty remains” would convey the same information without implying hostility.
- The Independent reports on the call between the two leaders, saying Starmer has left the door open to retaliatory tariffs against the US after Trump announced a 25 per cent import tax on all cars.
