Trump Announces Global Tariffs; UK Considers Retaliation
Key Takeaways
- Trump announced global tariffs, including 10% on all imports, effective April 5th and 9th.
- UK considers retaliatory tariffs against US; consultation open until May 1, 2025.
- Senate passed a resolution (51-48) to block Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
- Trump hinted at seeking a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment's two-term limit.
- ACLU sues NIH, alleges 'ideological purge' of research projects.
Trump's Tariffs
Trump announces global tariffs; sparks mixed reactions, market drops
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced global tariffs, including a 10% baseline on all imports and higher tariffs on China, the EU, and India, effective April 5th and 9th. The move, intended to boost American manufacturing, drew criticism from international leaders and warnings of consequences for farmers, though Canada and Mexico received some exceptions.
UK considers retaliatory tariffs against US; consultation open
On April 3, 2025, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced a consultation, running until May 1, 2025, regarding potential retaliatory tariffs against the US. The consultation seeks input from UK businesses on which products to target, though Reynolds emphasized a negotiated economic deal with the US remains the preferred outcome.
Trump's expansive tariffs signal high-risk appetite early in presidency
Reports on April 3, 2025, highlighted President Trump's willingness to take risks with expansive global tariffs just ten weeks into his presidency. This includes dismantling global alliances and potentially cutting research funding due to ideological concerns, adding to a previously announced 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles.
Belgian minister: Trump's tariffs hurt economy; US wants defense spending
Capitol Hill Buzz
Senate passes resolution to block Trump's tariffs on Canada
Republicans plan to extend 2017 tax cuts, consider 'nuclear option'
On April 2, 2025, Senate Republicans unveiled a new budget resolution and plan to extend the 2017 tax cuts, potentially using the “nuclear option” to bypass Senate rules. Senator Lindsey Graham considers the extension cost-free, while Democrats are likely to challenge the Republicans' scoring strategy on the Senate floor.
White House Watch
Trump hints at seeking a third term; legality questioned
Trump's NSA and team use Signal for sensitive communications
Sources reported on April 2 and 3, 2025, that Donald Trump’s national security advisor, Mike Waltz, and his team use Signal group chats to coordinate sensitive national security work. They created at least 20 Signal groups to discuss policy related to Ukraine, China, Gaza, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Trump's age scrutinized; compared to Biden's electability
Policy Landscape
ACLU sues NIH, alleges 'ideological purge' of research
DHS cuts funding for immigrant assistance groups
Trump administration reviews California sex education curriculum
CDC's IVF team eliminated; advocates shocked
Stanley Woodward gets DOJ post; known for Trump circle
USDA withholds payments; farmers told to drop DEIA
Published on April 2, 2025, the Agriculture Department communicated to farmers that it would start processing long-withheld payments after 30 days, suggesting they consider eliminating "harmful DEIA" from their energy projects. Several farmers and nonprofits have sued the Agriculture Department, accusing it of unlawfully withholding congressionally appropriated funds.
US deports man to El Salvador due to 'error'
National Plant Germplasm System faces workforce reduction
US revokes visas of Mexican band for cartel images
Campaign Trail
Nation's Pulse
Progressive groups warn of 'constitutional danger' from Trump
Republicans hold Florida seats, but margins shrink significantly
On April 1, 2025, Republicans retained two congressional seats in Florida special elections, but with significantly reduced margins compared to 2024. In Florida’s first district, the Republican won by 17 points (vs 32 in 2024), and in the sixth district, the Republican won by 14 points (vs 33 in 2024).
Liberal judge wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat; Democrats gain
On April 1, 2025, Susan Crawford, a Democrat-backed liberal judge, won a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat by 10 points, defeating conservative Brad Schimel despite $25 million spent by Musk and allied groups. Democrats leaned into making the race about Musk, and Republicans aren't panicking about Trump or Musk after Tuesday’s elections.