President Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on numerous countries, significantly increasing existing rates and targeting China with a 104% levy. These “reciprocal” tariffs, calculated based on trade deficits, range from 11% to 50% and affect major trading partners including the EU and Japan. The resulting economic consequences are projected to include increased consumer prices, potential global recession, and stagflation, with some economists predicting a US recession by the second quarter. Despite warnings and international pressure, Trump maintains his course, rejecting offers of tariff reductions and prioritizing non-tariff trade barriers as key concerns.
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President Trump announced an impending “major” tariff on imported pharmaceuticals, aiming to encourage domestic production. He further asserted that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) faces a potential 100% tax if it doesn’t establish U.S. plants, criticizing a $6.6 billion government grant to TSMC as unnecessary. These actions reflect Trump’s broader strategy to bolster American manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign goods. The pharmaceutical tariff and TSMC pressure tactics represent significant policy shifts with potentially far-reaching economic consequences.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt referenced President Trump’s suggestion to deport violent U.S. citizens, conditionally stating it must be legal, a point Justice Sotomayor underscored in a dissenting opinion regarding potential unlawful deportations without judicial review. This concern is further highlighted by the Abrego Garcia case, where the government resists correcting a citizen’s erroneous deportation despite admitting error. Constitutional scholars warn of the executive branch’s unchecked power if this position prevails, impacting the scope of presidential authority. The upcoming Supreme Court decision in Abrego Garcia’s case will significantly determine the extent of this power.
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Seventeen-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teen with physical disabilities, is in critical condition after being shot nine times by Pocatello police officers. He has undergone three surgeries, including a leg amputation, and has been revived twice after cardiac arrest. Videos of the incident have fueled public outrage and calls for an independent investigation into the shooting, currently being conducted by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force. A community candlelight vigil is planned to show support for Perez and his family.
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The Trump administration planned to impose daily fines of $998 on migrants with final deportation orders who remained in the U.S., potentially seizing their assets to cover unpaid amounts. This plan, based on a 1996 law, would retroactively apply for up to five years, leading to fines exceeding $1 million in some cases. The White House, particularly Stephen Miller, pushed for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement the policy and handle asset seizures, despite CBP raising concerns about feasibility and significant resource requirements. The Biden administration subsequently halted these measures.
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The European Union is reinstating tariffs on various US goods, totaling up to $13.5 billion in exports, primarily targeting products significant to Republican-leaning states. These duties, ranging from 25% on items like soybeans, steel, and almonds to similar levies on cranberries and orange juice, will be implemented in phases beginning April 15th. The EU’s action follows the suspension of similar tariffs in 2021 and is expected to pass without significant opposition. This strategic targeting leverages obscure customs codes to inflict economic pressure on specific US regions.
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The EU proposed a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal on cars and industrial goods to the US weeks before the trade war began, but this offer was rejected by Trump. Despite this, the EU remains open to negotiations but will not wait indefinitely to implement retaliatory measures against the US tariffs on steel and aluminum, targeting up to €26 billion in US goods. Disagreements among EU member states exist regarding the scope of retaliation, with some advocating for exemptions while others emphasize a united front. The EU is prepared to utilize its anti-coercion instrument if necessary to defend its interests.
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President Trump is exploring the legal feasibility of deporting U.S. citizens, primarily those convicted of serious crimes, to El Salvador. This initiative, while lacking clear legal basis, has been publicly discussed by the administration, with the President expressing enthusiasm for the idea. The plan faces significant legal challenges and raises concerns about due process violations. The administration’s previous deportation of immigrants to El Salvador, using the Alien Enemies Act, is already under legal scrutiny.
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During a livestream showcasing Starlink’s in-flight WiFi, Elon Musk played Path of Exile 2 on a high difficulty setting, resulting in numerous deaths and significant online harassment. The stream, which lasted approximately an hour and a half, featured relentless cyberbullying from viewers using offensive usernames and hateful messages. Despite attempts by some viewers to offer support, the abuse overwhelmed the stream, culminating in Musk abruptly ending the broadcast due to a purported WiFi outage. The incident subsequently spread to YouTube following the deletion of Musk’s original X post.
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The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in the case challenging New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) leaves in place lower court injunctions blocking the law’s restrictions on carrying firearms in houses of worship. This is a victory for plaintiffs like Rev. Dr. Jimmie Hardaway Jr., who argued the ban infringed on Second Amendment rights and jeopardized congregational safety. While the broader challenge to the CCIA continues, the ruling allows armed congregants to continue carrying firearms in churches. Governor Hochul supports the state’s gun laws, while Second Amendment advocates vow to continue their legal fight.
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John Q. Hosedrinker