US Politics News

Trump Announces Global Tariffs; UK Considers Retaliation

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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

On April 3, 2025, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stated that Trump's tariffs on the European Union would negatively impact Belgium's economic growth. Simultaneously, the U.S. is requesting European partners to increase defense spending.

Capitol Hill Buzz

Senate passes resolution to block Trump's tariffs on Canada

On April 2, 2025, the Senate passed a resolution with bipartisan support (51-48) to block Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Senate Democrats also moved to rescind some of Trump's other tariffs, hoping for Republican support.

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.

House Republicans demand documents about ActBlue departures

White House Watch

Trump hints at seeking a third term; legality questioned

Published on April 3, 2025, President Trump suggested he might seek a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment's two-term limit. This prompted discussion about potential legal challenges and political opposition.

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

Published on April 3, 2025, Trump's age (82 at the end of 2028) is being compared to Joe Biden's age and the potential impact on his electability. The article suggests that Trump might face similar criticism regarding his age.

Museum director on leave amid Trump scrutiny of Smithsonian

As of April 2, 2025, Kevin Young, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has been on leave since March 14, 2025. This occurred amidst Donald Trump's increased scrutiny of the Smithsonian museum network.

Policy Landscape

ACLU sues NIH, alleges 'ideological purge' of research

On April 3, 2025, the ACLU sued the National Institutes of Health. The lawsuit alleges an 'ideological purge' of research projects.

DHS cuts funding for immigrant assistance groups

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that the Department of Homeland Security cut funding for groups assisting legal immigrants in becoming U.S. citizens. The department stated their work no longer aligned with its goals under the Trump administration.

Trump administration reviews California sex education curriculum

On April 3, 2025, it was reported that the Trump administration is reviewing the curriculum of a sex education program in California. The review focuses on medical accuracy and age appropriateness.

CDC's IVF team eliminated; advocates shocked

On April 3, 2025, reports indicated that the CDC's IVF team was eliminated. This decision surprised advocates who had been optimistic about Trump’s support for IVF.

Stanley Woodward gets DOJ post; known for Trump circle

Published on April 2, 2025, Stanley Woodward, known for representing many in Trump's circle, has been chosen for a post at the Department of Justice.

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'

On April 1, 2025, the US stated that the deportation of a man to prison in El Salvador was due to an “administrative error”. The US also claimed to have deported 17 more “violent criminals” to El Salvador.

National Plant Germplasm System faces workforce reduction

Published on April 3, 2025, the US National Plant Germplasm System experienced a 10% workforce reduction due to firings. This impacts projects like germination trials and seed regeneration.

US revokes visas of Mexican band for cartel images

On April 2, 2025, the U.S. State Department revoked the visas of musicians in the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. This was after the group displayed images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, during a concert; Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for an investigation.

Campaign Trail

Xavier Becerra announces candidacy for California governor

On April 2, 2025, Xavier Becerra, former Biden administration health secretary, announced his candidacy for California governor.

Nation's Pulse

Progressive groups warn of 'constitutional danger' from Trump

On April 3, 2025, over 80 progressive groups voiced concerns about an “unprecedented constitutional danger”. They cited attacks on the judiciary by Trump and Congress.

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.

Global Stage

Rubio visits NATO amid European alarm over Trump's agenda

On April 3, 2025, it was reported that Senator Rubio visited NATO. This visit occurred amidst European concerns regarding President Trump’s agenda.

Courts & Laws

ICE agent in contempt for detaining defendant in court

On April 2, 2025, a Boston judge declared ICE agent Brian Sullivan in contempt for detaining Wilson Martell Lebron while he was being judged. The judge argued that it deprived Martell Lebron of his rights to due process and a fair trial.

Economy Watch

US stock market up slightly; Musk may leave White House

On April 2, 2025, the US stock market closed slightly up. This was partially attributed to news that Elon Musk may step away from his role in the White House to focus on his businesses.

Polls show tariffs unpopular with Americans; confidence plunges

As of April 2, 2025, polls indicate that tariffs are unpopular with Americans, including Republicans, with only 28% believing they help the economy. Consumer confidence plunged to a four-year low in March.

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