In response to the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating his prior import duties, President Trump has signed a new executive order imposing a 10% “global tariff.” This new measure, effective immediately and lasting 150 days, utilizes Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, replacing tariffs previously enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While some countries may see reduced tariff rates compared to prior agreements, the administration indicated that higher rates could be reinstated for specific nations as alternative legal pathways are explored. The President expressed strong disapproval of the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating he would continue to pursue tariffs without congressional involvement.
Read More
Republican congressional candidate Jace Yarbrough, who has acknowledged his views might be described as “bigoted and backward and oppressive and Nazi-ish,” has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Yarbrough, an Air Force veteran and lawyer, previously drew attention for a federal lawsuit against the military concerning remarks he made about biological realities and gender identity, which resulted in a Letter of Admonishment. Additionally, tech billionaire Peter Thiel has contributed $7,000 to Yarbrough’s campaign, aligning with a pattern of Thiel supporting right-wing figures who advocate for ideological disruption rather than incremental policy changes.
Read More
President Trump reportedly became enraged during a governors’ breakfast upon learning the Supreme Court had struck down his global tariffs, calling the decision a “disgrace” and exclaiming, “these fucking courts.” The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing these broad tariffs, a significant setback for his presidential powers. This ruling, delivered by a bench including conservative justices Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett, casts doubt on approximately $200 billion in collected tariffs, potentially leading to refund requests from companies.
Read More
Karen Newton, a 65-year-old British tourist, was detained for six weeks in a US immigration detention center despite holding a valid visa. Her ordeal began when she and her husband, whose visa had expired, were turned back at the Canadian border. She was shackled, held in a cell, and later told that ICE agents may receive bonuses for detentions, fueling her belief that innocent travelers are being targeted. Released after international media attention and facing significant personal and financial repercussions, Newton now warns others against traveling to the US under current policies.
Read More
The retiring senator’s obstruction of the SAVE Act has sparked criticism from colleagues. Representative Tim Burchett has alleged that the senator’s actions stem from personal animosity towards Trump and questioned his cognitive abilities, drawing parallels to concerns previously raised about President Biden’s mental acuity in his final years. Burchett further suggested that diminishing mental capacity among aging members of Congress leads to increased reliance on staff for legislative operations, citing Representative Kay Granger’s past absence and subsequent residency in an assisted living facility as an example.
Read More
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has determined that President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The justices, in a 6-3 decision, found that the law, intended for national emergencies, does not grant the president the power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited scope. While this decision invalidates some of Trump’s tariffs, his ability to impose duties through other legal avenues remains unaffected. The ruling offers potential relief for businesses burdened by these tariffs and may pave the way for refund claims on unlawfully collected duties.
Read More
Donald Trump is heavily focused on the upcoming midterms, as evidenced by his amplified rhetoric on voter fraud and voter ID. He is urging Republicans to make these issues central to their campaigns, which can be interpreted as a call for voter suppression. This heightened focus stems from concerning poll numbers, including a recent low approval rating for Trump and a six-point lead for Democrats in the House ballot matchup. Further analysis reveals even more detrimental figures for Trump, particularly concerning his performance on the economy and immigration, creating unique advantages for Democrats.
Read More
A federal judge in Minnesota has held a Trump administration attorney in civil contempt for “flagrant disobedience of court orders” in an immigration case. The attorney, Matthew Isihara, was ordered to pay $500 daily until specific identification documents are returned to a noncitizen who was unlawfully detained and then released improperly. This ruling marks a significant escalation in judicial responses to repeated non-compliance with court orders within the immigration system, particularly amid an influx of cases.
Read More
A banner featuring Donald Trump and the slogan “Make America Safe Again” was displayed at the Justice Department, a move that has drawn criticism for undermining the department’s traditional independence. This display follows a pattern of the Justice Department pursuing cases against perceived political opponents since Trump’s return to office. The department’s spokesperson stated the banner was to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary and the department’s work at President Trump’s direction, though the banner itself did not mention the anniversary. This event is part of broader efforts by Trump to exert his influence on Washington’s landmarks and institutions.
Read More
Three journalists on assignment for the Associated Press and a freelancer who has worked for the BBC were detained along with their lawyer, Joseph Awah Fru, in Cameroon. While one reporter allegedly sustained a slap, others reported being beaten by police, who also confiscated their electronic devices, claiming they held sensitive government information. These journalists, who are not Cameroonian citizens and held U.S. protection orders, were held for hours before their release, with their current legal status remaining unknown.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker