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Carney warns ‘Trump is trying to break us’ as president marks 100 days in office
Good morning and welcome to our blog covering US politics as Donald Trump approaches the milestone of his first 100 days of his second term, while his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, celebrates electoral success with a stark warning that “Trump is trying to break us”.
In a recent assessment, my colleague David Smith critiques the turbulent past few months:
In a mere three months, Trump has maneuvered the United States—a symbol of enduring democracy—toward a form of authoritarianism that would make dictatorships envious. Through executive action, he has launched attacks against Congress, the media, public health, and the cultural landscape.
Still nursing grievances from his 2020 election loss and a 2024 legal conviction, Trump has established a regime of retribution, showing that no slight against him is too insignificant to address.
For an in-depth read, see his full commentary here:
Trump’s reign significantly influenced Carney’s electoral success amid discussions of trade tariffs and unsettling suggestions about annexing Canadian territories. Accepting victory earlier today, Carney emphasized:
“America desires our land, resources, and water. These are not idle threats. Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never happen.”
In other developments:
As he nears the 100-day mark, Donald Trump remains steadfast in fulfilling his campaign obligations regarding immigration control and law enforcement priorities. On Monday, he issued three executive orders aimed at eradicating the influence of “sanctuary cities” and enhancing protections for police accused of misconduct.
In a disturbing allegation, prosecutors have charged Mario Bustamante Leiva with the theft of a purse belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Additionally, Trump has initiated a “Fema review council” meant to reform the current disaster aid system, appointing defense secretary Pete Hegseth and Noem to this council.
House Republicans have proposed funding amounting to billions to support the construction of Trump’s border wall.
Trump has threatened to veto a bipartisan Senate resolution regarding so-called “liberation day” tariffs.
Moreover, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are actively seeking unaccompanied immigrant minors, raising concerns over potential “backdoor family separation” practices.
As Canadian citizens prepare to cast their votes, Trump expressed a contentious stance on Canada’s sovereignty, labeling the border an “artificially drawn line from many years ago.”
In another significant note, Congressman Gerry Connolly, a leading Democrat on the oversight committee, has announced he will not seek re-election due to a recurrence of cancer.
Amazon’s move to display tariff costs for consumers a ‘hostile and political act’, says Trump
Karoline Leavitt criticized Amazon for its announcement to display tariff costs directly on product price tags, deeming it a politically charged act.
Leavitt shared that she recently spoke with Donald Trump, who conveyed his disdain for Amazon’s decision:
This is a hostile and political act by Amazon.
She refrained from commenting on whether Jeff Bezos retains his support for Trump.
Trump to sign executive order on auto tariffs
Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order concerning auto tariffs today, according to Karoline Leavitt.
Scott Bessent expressed a lack of concern over potential supply chain disruptions resulting from Trump’s tariff policies.
“I wouldn’t anticipate supply chain shock. Retailers have adequately managed their inventories in anticipation of this,” he commented.
Countries such as India, Japan, and South Korea have been particularly proactive in pursuing trade agreements, according to Bessent.
He added that announcements regarding India could be forthcoming, referencing Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit, where significant progress was made with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Additionally, Bessent noted the potential for a trade deal with South Korea, with substantial discussions having taken place with Japan as well.
Bessent claims China could lose 10m jobs due to tariffs, deeming them ‘unsustainable’ for Beijing
Addressing earlier comments regarding China, Scott Bessent reiterated that the high tariffs imposed are likely unsustainable for the Chinese economy.
Bessent predicted that China could face a loss of 10 million jobs swiftly due to these tariffs.
When questioned about US-China trade discussions, he refrained from providing details and did not confirm Trump’s assertion regarding a conversation with Xi Jinping.
Updated at 15.07 CEST
Regarding the administration’s goals, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that they aim for both long-term tariff revenue and negotiations to lower tariffs.
He discussed the potential for tariff revenues to facilitate income tax reductions, echoing statements made by Trump about potentially lowering or eliminating income taxes for individuals earning under $200,000 annually.
Trump described his tariff strategy as the “external revenue service,” suggesting it would lead to a substantial reduction or even complete elimination of income taxes.
Updated at 15.01 CEST
Four critical points from Politico regarding Trump 2.0:
This presidency carries weight like few others. In just three months, Trump has dismantled longstanding security agreements and economic frameworks. His administration has redefined federal authority, compelling powerful institutions to align with his vision, and threatens to push even further. 1,361 days remain.
The pace has been extraordinary. The Trump 2.0 initiative took off from day one and has aggressively pursued its agenda. The application of the “move fast and break things” ethos has rarely been so effective in governance.
Trump is testing the limits of executive power. He shows little regard for constitutional or legal boundaries, having weakened the legislative branch and continually challenged the judiciary. His political rivals find themselves confounded. The outcome remains uncertain.
However, Trump’s power is not absolute. He has been notably restrained by market forces and continues to navigate the courts carefully. He has resorted to public statements directed at Vladimir Putin that are bordering on pleading. Importantly, he is also term-limited.
Trump broadcast interview with ABC News to air at 8pm ET
To commemorate his 100-day milestone, Donald Trump engaged in a recorded discussion with ABC News’ Terry Moran, set to air tonight at 8pm ET.
An ABC News primer from Sunday highlighted an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll showing that Trump’s approval rating sits at a historic low of 39%—the lowest for any president at this stage in the past 80 years.
Furthermore, 53% of Americans believe that the economic situation has worsened since his tenure began, which was a significant factor in his non-consecutive second election victory. A concerning 72% of respondents also warned that Trump’s policies are likely to lead to a recession.
The president faces rising criticisms regarding his attempts to expand executive authority, with 64% of the populace feeling he has overstepped his bounds, per the same poll.
White House press secretary and treasury secretary Scott Bessent hold press briefing on economy
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt and treasury secretary Scott Bessent are scheduled to conduct a press briefing on the economic strategies employed during the initial 100 days of Trump’s second administration. This announcement coincides with impending concessions concerning his tariff policies, which have placed the US economy in jeopardy. Key points from the briefing will be highlighted here.
Updated at 15.15 CEST
Trump shared via Truth Social that the first 100 days of his presidency have been “100 very special days.”
100 VERY SPECIAL DAYS. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! Danielle Alvarez of the RNC, and Paul Perez of Border Patrol, were GREAT on Fox & Friends (First). Thank you both! DJT
Angry constituents are organizing ’empty chair’ town halls as Republican lawmakers avoid direct communication with voters.
Weeks into Trump’s second term, Republican members of Congress have been cautioned by the National Republican Congressional Committee against holding face-to-face town halls with constituents due to recent confrontations at public meetings.
In one instance, police deployed a stun gun to control protesters at a town hall held by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Attendees at another town hall organized by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley demanded accountability regarding the president’s policies. New York Congressman Mike Lawler encountered a stream of boos during a recent meeting.
On Sunday, Trump asserted that individuals who disrupt town halls should be “immediately ejected,” making unsubstantiated claims that “radical left Democrats” are financially incentivizing disruption at these events.
Updated at 14.49 CEST
Trump to celebrate 100 days in office with a rally in Michigan
Donald Trump intends to commemorate the 100th day of his presidency with a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, this evening.
The event is set to begin at 6 PM local time after Trump addresses the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Live updates from the rally will follow later tonight.
The Peace Corps is extending a second offer of buyout opportunities to its staff, per internal communications.
Allison Greene, the chief executive of the Peace Corps, informed employees about ongoing assessments within the agency during an email sent on Monday.
Greene indicated that significant restructuring efforts at Peace Corps headquarters are anticipated. From April 28 to May 6, direct hire and expert staff will be invited to mention their interest in a second deferred resignation program, described as “fork in the road” buyout.
Eligible staff members will hear from human resources and are being urged to consider this option, applicable to both domestic and overseas personnel.
The Peace Corps will continue to recruit, train, and support volunteers, ensuring that service is not affected by staff reductions, Greene confirmed.
A Peace Corps spokesperson corroborated that staff reductions commenced on Monday.
“The agency will maintain operations to support volunteer initiatives, including their health, safety, and effective service,” the spokesperson stated.
Current events paint a stark picture: law-abiding migrants detained; extensive tariffs disrupting global markets; student protests met with repression; violent insurrectionists pardoned; massive federal workforce reductions; and the Supreme Court sidelined.
The initial 100 days of Trump’s second presidency have shocked citizens in the US and across the globe. He pledged to deliver the “most extraordinary first 100 days of any presidency in American history,” and the ensuing days have indeed been marked by aggressive policies that dramatically reshape the federal landscape and America’s international standing.
Let’s examine the achievements and setbacks encountered in this brief yet tumultuous period.
Trump administration withholding $437bn in approved spending, Democrats say
President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly withheld approximately $436.87 billion in congressionally sanctioned funding, according to top Democrats from the U.S. Congress’ appropriation committees.
This estimated withholding spans the federal government, revealing a significant financial impasse as detailed by Senator Patty Murray and Representative Rosa DeLauro.
Among the frozen funds are nearly $42 billion earmarked for the State Department—covering essential USAID functions—as well as over $62 billion in grant funding for the Transportation Department.
Additional funds totaling $943 million for the Head Start early education program and over $10 billion related to the Natural Resources Conservation Service have also been withheld.
“Just 100 days into office, President Trump and Elon Musk are continuing their remarkable assault on our nation’s budgetary laws, negatively impacting families and local businesses across the country,” Murray and DeLauro remarked.
“No American president has previously so blatantly circumvented established spending laws or so shamelessly denied citizens the investments they rightfully deserve.”
US probes Harvard and its law review for ‘race-based discrimination’
On Monday, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a probe into whether Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review breached civil rights regulations by prioritizing the consideration of an article authored by a minority group member.
This development emerged shortly after a federal judge agreed to expedite Harvard’s legal challenge against the Trump administration, which seeks to block the freezing of $2.3 billion in federal funding that jeopardizes critical medical and scientific research endeavors.
The inquiry, initiated by the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, suggests that the selection criteria for the Harvard Law Review may constitute “race-based discrimination,” in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“The selection process for articles by the Harvard Law Review may reflect racial biases, resembling a spoils system where race supersedes merit,” stated Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Education Department.
Representatives from Harvard University affirmed the institution’s commitment to ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and pledged to investigate any credible allegations of wrongdoing.
In a bid to mitigate the impact of his tariffs on American automakers, President Trump is reportedly easing some duties on imported vehicle parts.
“President Trump is fostering essential collaboration with domestic automakers and American labor,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
“This agreement highlights the victory of the president’s trade policy by rewarding domestic manufacturers while providing relief to those committed to expanding manufacturing within the US,” he added.
Under this arrangement, companies subject to tariffs will not face additional levies on materials like steel and aluminum. Car manufacturers will also qualify for partial reimbursement of tariffs based on the value of their domestic production.
While vehicles not produced in the US will continue to be subject to tariffs, they will avoid additional duties. The specifics of this plan are anticipated to be officially confirmed soon.
Source
www.theguardian.com