Donald Trump has announced a fresh wave of tariffs, set to go into effect in seven days, after his initial deadline for striking trade deals passed last night. Dozens of countries were hit with steep new levies, including a 35% rate for Canada effective immediately, while recent deals with others were formalised, including a lowest rate of 10% for the UK. Heathrow airport has submitted its proposals for a £49bn expansion, which includes building a third runway, modernising existing terminals and rerouting a section of the M25 (supposedly without disrupting traffic). The expansion has the backing of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, but is expected to face legal action from London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Steven Knight, creator of The Peaky Blinders, will write the script for the next James Bond film. The British screenwriter, also known for co-creating the gameshow Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, was chosen after a meeting with director Denis Villeneuve.

It pains me to say it, as one of Donald Trump’s many “foam-at-the-mouth critics”, says Bret Stephens in The New York Times, but his presidency is becoming more and more successful. He has strong-armed other Nato members into upping their defence spending, something his predecessors always wanted but were too polite to do anything about. He defied parts of his political base to help Israel neuter Iran’s nuclear programme, without getting drawn into another Middle East war. After his initial pressure campaign on Ukraine only emboldened Vladimir Putin, he changed course and accelerated the delivery of arms to Kyiv – a welcome demonstration that he can change his mind when the facts change.

Back home, Trump has ended America’s migration crisis (albeit going too far by targeting law-abiding illegal immigrants). The economy has – so far – shrugged off concerns about his tariff regime. The Democrats are polling at a 35-year low. Yes, there is still plenty to “fear, dislike and even despise” about what this administration does: threatening to seize allies’ territory; shaking down universities and law firms; promoting “medical quackery”. But if we Trump critics want to be effective – “and let’s face it, we haven’t been” – we have to acknowledge reality. Namely, that not everything he does is bad; that his “bad manners” and over-the-top approach sometimes achieve useful diplomatic results. I’ve repeatedly lambasted this president and this administration, and I’m sure I’ll do so again. But you have to give credit where it’s due. “For criticism to be credible, it cannot be blind.”