President Trump’s newly announced tariffs, ranging from 10% to 50%, have triggered significant market downturn and recessionary fears. These tariffs, purportedly reciprocal, are calculated using a flawed formula that inflates foreign tariffs fourfold by misinterpreting price elasticity data. Correcting this error would dramatically reduce the tariffs to near the 10% minimum for most countries. The administration’s formula lacks economic justification, raising concerns about the soundness of the underlying trade policy.
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Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University doctoral student, was abducted by unidentified individuals and imprisoned by ICE in Louisiana for allegedly supporting Hamas. Her “crime” was co-authoring an op-ed advocating for Tufts University to divest from companies linked to Israel, an action that brought her to the attention of Canary Mission, an organization that blacklists critics of Israeli policies. This incident, along with similar cases targeting Palestinian rights activists, highlights a pattern of state-sponsored repression and the criminalization of dissent under the Trump administration. The use of extrajudicial tactics, reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes, underscores a broader assault on free speech and democratic norms.
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Despite President Trump’s repeated suggestions of a third term, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on Fox News that his presidency will likely conclude after his current term. This assertion follows months of Trump’s comments about a third term, despite the constitutional prohibition. Even some of Trump’s allies dismiss these comments as jokes, while others, like Senator Sanders, express concern. Bondi’s comments came during a broader interview also touching on immigration policies.
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A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a protected Maryland resident mistakenly deported to a dangerous El Salvadoran prison, to the United States. The Department of Justice appealed, arguing a lack of authority to compel El Salvador’s cooperation, but the judge rejected this claim, stating the U.S. cannot outsource its prison system and then claim inability to act. The judge deemed the deportation an illegal act resulting from the administration’s use of an 18th-century law for mass deportations without due process. Garcia’s deportation was described as an “administrative error,” yet the government’s refusal to disclose his current status and the dangers he faces fueled the judge’s decision.
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Donald Trump’s bullying tactics and threats against Canada unexpectedly backfired, resulting in a landslide victory for the Liberal Party and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Conservative Party’s campaign, initially poised for a major win, collapsed following Trump’s actions, which instead galvanized Canadians in unprecedented unity. This widespread revulsion against Trump’s behavior led to a significant shift in public opinion, ultimately securing a substantial Liberal victory. The incident highlights the unforeseen consequences of Trump’s aggressive foreign policy and the resilience of Canadian national identity in the face of external pressure.
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The Justice Department appealed a court order mandating the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a prior ruling granting him protection from deportation. The government argues the order to compel action from a foreign sovereign is unconstitutional, and it suspended the attorney who admitted the deportation was an error. The appeals court requested a response from Abrego Garcia’s lawyers. The White House maintains Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, a claim his lawyers deny. Abrego Garcia’s deportation has raised concerns about the handling of non-citizens granted permission to remain in the U.S.
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At an Indiana “Hands Off” rally, a Trump supporter, angered by traffic delays caused by protestors, retrieved an AR-style rifle from his vehicle and confronted anti-Trump demonstrators. Following a physical altercation where he was headbutted, he brandished the rifle, prompting a social media firestorm. Despite his arrest, police subsequently released the Trump supporter, citing self-defense. The incident occurred amidst widespread “Hands Off” protests against President Trump’s government restructuring.
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Senator Bernie Sanders is witnessing a surge in support for his anti-oligarchy message, driven by widespread economic anxieties and concerns about the growing influence of billionaires like Elon Musk in politics. He views the current political climate as a moral and constitutional crisis, citing the potential for a third Trump term and the undue influence of wealthy donors as evidence of a “pseudo-democracy.” Sanders criticizes both Republicans and Democrats for prioritizing wealthy donors over the needs of working-class Americans, arguing that the Democratic Party must choose a side. His continued activism stems from a lifelong commitment to fighting for economic justice, rooted in his working-class upbringing and awareness of historical injustices.
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Widespread protests against the Trump administration’s “Project 2025” took place across the U.S. and internationally, encompassing over 1,200 locations. Organized by a broad coalition of groups, demonstrators opposed various policies including cuts to social programs and attacks on civil rights. Former Vice President Harris publicly thanked protesters for their actions, highlighting their defense of key social programs and individual liberties. The White House countered by accusing Democrats of jeopardizing Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
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In response to President Trump’s 26% tariff on Indian imports, the Indian government prioritizes negotiation over immediate retaliation, aiming for a balanced bilateral trade deal with the U.S. by fall. This approach, which includes discussions on both goods and services, leverages India’s competitive regional advantage. While offering support to affected exporters, the government acknowledges the new tariffs as a setback but anticipates a lower negotiated rate could mitigate some negative impacts. India’s measured response differs from China’s immediate retaliatory tariffs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker