The Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports are significantly impacting Montana’s agricultural sector, causing a substantial drop in crop prices and costing the state billions. Montana’s robust trade relationship with Canada, its largest trading partner, is particularly vulnerable, with farmers facing contract disruptions and added costs due to the 25% tariff. The Montana Farmers Union is advocating for the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to increase congressional oversight of tariff implementation. Furthermore, they support a motion for an injunction against the tariffs, seeking judicial review to mitigate the economic harm.
Read More
China raising tariffs on US goods to 125% represents a significant escalation in the ongoing trade war between the two economic superpowers. This dramatic increase essentially renders many US products uncompetitive in the Chinese market, effectively crippling exports in various sectors. The move, while seemingly retaliatory, stems from China’s assessment that the current level of US tariffs already minimizes the demand for American goods within their borders. Further increases, from their perspective, are unnecessary; the damage is already done.
This action isn’t simply about tit-for-tat tariff increases; it’s a strategic maneuver reflecting a broader economic power play. China’s confidence in this approach stems from its ability to source many of the goods it currently imports from the US elsewhere, primarily from Canada and Mexico.… Continue reading
Recent polling data reveals a significant drop in President Trump’s approval rating, now hovering around 41-47 percent across multiple surveys. This decline, impacting his overall job performance and particularly his handling of the economy, follows the implementation of controversial tariffs. The economic fallout from these tariffs, including market volatility and public anxieties, appears to be the primary driver of this decrease in support. Trump’s approval is currently lower than his first term and significantly lower than Biden’s at a comparable point in his presidency.
Read More
Following President Trump’s abrupt pause on recently announced tariffs, which triggered market volatility, House Democrats are urging Speaker Johnson to mandate the immediate release of members’ Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) for trades made between April 2nd and 9th. This request aims to ensure transparency and address concerns of potential insider trading given the timing of the market fluctuations and lawmakers’ interactions with the President. The letter highlights the significant market impact of the President’s actions and the need to ascertain whether any representatives benefited personally. The Democrats also renewed their call for legislation banning congressional stock trading.
Read More
Despite a drop in wholesale egg prices and the absence of new bird flu outbreaks on egg farms, retail egg prices reached a record high of $6.23 per dozen. This increase, reported in the Consumer Price Index, is attributed to the lag time between wholesale price drops and their reflection in retail prices, as well as the ongoing recovery of egg production from previous bird flu outbreaks. While some regions are experiencing lower prices, the overall impact on consumers remains significant, with some turning to alternatives for Easter crafts. The Department of Justice is currently investigating potential price-fixing by large egg producers.
Read More
Amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China’s unwavering stance against what it terms “unilateral bullying” by the US, rejecting accusations of starting a trade war. China raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, but asserted this was a response to US actions and not a sign of further escalation. Xi engaged in diplomatic efforts with Spain and other nations, aiming to solidify alliances and present China as a reliable trading partner amidst global economic uncertainty. While China maintains it will not initiate further tariff increases, it has several alternative countermeasures available.
Read More
Colonel Susannah Meyers, commander of the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, was relieved of her duties due to a loss of confidence stemming from an email distancing herself from Vice President JD Vance’s controversial remarks criticizing Denmark. Vance’s statements, which included suggesting insufficient Danish security spending and reiterating past calls for Greenlandic annexation, were deemed by the Pentagon as having been undermined by Col. Meyers’ actions. The Pentagon explicitly stated that undermining US leadership is unacceptable. Col. Shawn Lee has assumed command of the base.
Read More
Amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that a trade war yields no winners, asserting China’s resilience against unfair pressure. Following President Trump’s tariff increase to 125% on Chinese goods, Beijing retaliated with reciprocal tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports and reduced U.S. film imports. Xi’s statement underscored China’s commitment to self-reliance, while the Chinese Finance Ministry condemned the U.S. actions as damaging to the global trading system. The ongoing trade war’s impact on the global economy remains uncertain.
Read More
In response to escalating US tariffs, China has implemented a matching 125 percent tariff on US goods, claiming this is its final retaliatory measure. This action follows a pattern of reciprocal tariff hikes, with China asserting that further US escalation would be economically irrational and ultimately damage the US’s global standing. While China considers further tariff increases pointless due to market saturation, it reserves the right to pursue additional retaliatory actions if the US continues to harm Chinese interests. Recent examples of such actions include limiting Hollywood film releases and restricting import/export rights for specific US companies.
Read More
President Trump’s sudden suspension of tariffs resulted in a massive stock market surge, benefiting billionaires like Charles Schwab and Roger Penske, whom Trump publicly boasted about. This dramatic market increase, totaling $304 billion in gains for the world’s wealthiest, prompted accusations of market manipulation and insider trading. Democratic representatives Schiff and Gallego have called for a congressional investigation into potential illegal activity. The White House has dismissed these calls as partisan.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood