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Trump Gives Putin Ultimatum on Ukraine, Then Invites Him to White House for T.A.C.O. Tuesday

Trump says peace talks with Putin need less pressure and more shredded lettuce

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin share a taco at a White House table, surrounded by margaritas and American flags
In a surreal White House summit, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin share a chicken taco during what the administration calls “T.A.C.O. Tuesday” — short for “Total Alliance and Cooperative Optics.” The diplomatic dinner was reportedly inspired by a Groupon and several misread acronyms.

NEED TO KNOW

  • Donald Trump has given Vladimir Putin a two-week deadline to “get serious” about Ukraine.
  • Despite tensions, Trump invited Putin to the White House for what he’s calling “T.A.C.O. Tuesday: Total Alliance and Cooperative Optics.”
  • Critics say the acronym is nonsense, but Trump insists it’s “the best diplomatic rebrand since NAFTA became USMCA.”

Ultimatum or Taco Party? Depends on the Hour

In a move that confused allies and enraged critics, Donald Trump has reportedly given Russian President Vladimir Putin a two-week deadline to “figure it out” regarding Ukraine. “Figure it out” was not defined, although insiders say Trump waved a rolled-up map while speaking, which added to the chaos.

Moments later, Trump extended a surprise invitation to Putin to join him at the White House for “T.A.C.O. Tuesday,” a newly invented diplomatic initiative that allegedly stands for “Total Alliance and Cooperative Optics.”

From Sanctions to Salsa: The Pivot No One Expected

Trump claims the two leaders can hash things out over chicken tacos and loaded nachos. “We don’t need another summit with translators and water. We need tacos and chemistry,” Trump told reporters. “This is how real deals get done. Look at what I did with Kim Jong-un. No tacos, no progress.”

Putin has yet to respond publicly, although Kremlin aides reportedly burst into laughter before asking if T.A.C.O. Tuesday involved drones or just sour cream diplomacy.

What Does T.A.C.O. Even Mean Anymore?

The announcement drew sharp responses from both parties. Democrats called it “food-based foreign policy theater,” while Republicans tried to spin the acronym as “Totally Appropriate, Clearly Operational.” Meanwhile, TACO Bell denied involvement and posted a statement: “Please do not associate our meals with global instability.”

Trump, however, doubled down. “It’s catchy, it’s delicious, and it’s stronger than NATO. Plus, Putin likes cheese. That’s a start.”

Quote of the Moment

Some leaders use tanks, I use tacos

Donald Trump, while unwrapping international tensions and a soft shell

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