Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
After reiterating his commitment to not halt recent tariffs, Donald Trump has recently declared a 90-day pause for tariffs on most countries, excluding China. This unexpected shift raises questions about what influenced his decision.
In an insightful discussion, Jonathan Freedland engages with James Bennet from the Economist, exploring the potential pressures behind the president’s change of heart and considering the implications moving forward in the latest episode of the Politics Weekly America podcast.
In the backdrop of this tariff pause, China has escalated its response by increasing tariffs on U.S. goods to a staggering 125%, intensifying the ongoing trade confrontation with Washington. This surge in tariffs came shortly after Xi Jinping remarked during a meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister that no side emerges victorious in a tariff war.
During the meeting, Xi extended an invitation to the EU to collaborate with China against what he termed “bullying,” indicating a strategic move to strengthen alliances amid escalating tensions with the U.S.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the tariff increase, stating they would raise existing tariffs from 84% to 125%. The ministry emphasized China’s readiness to “combat to the end,” asserting that the current tariff level significantly limits market acceptance for U.S. exports.
In a stern warning, the ministry indicated that if the U.S. persists with its tariff impositions, China would respond without hesitation, suggesting more counteractions are on the horizon.
The turbulent reactions in global markets were palpable, with many experiencing significant drops on Friday. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized Trump’s 90-day tariff suspension, which temporarily sets tariffs at 10% until July, as “fragile,” reflecting broader concerns about the economic recovery.
Asian markets mirrored the downward trend, as Japan’s Nikkei fell nearly 5%, while stocks in Hong Kong faced their most severe weekly loss since 2008. Forecasts also indicated a likely decline in oil prices for the second consecutive week.
Senate Confirms Trump’s Military Nominee
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Donald Trump’s nomination of Dan Caine as the nation’s leading military officer, following the president’s recent dismissal of the previous chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Lawmakers granted their approval for Caine’s elevation to a four-star general with a vote tally of 60 to 25, just before a two-week recess, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
This move is part of a broader overhaul of military leadership, which has seen the resignation or dismissal of several senior officers shortly after Trump resumed office in January.
Critics, especially among Democrats, have voiced their discontent regarding these changes, particularly the ousting of previous chair Gen Charles “CQ” Brown, alleging that the administration aims to populate the military leadership with loyalists to the president.
During his confirmation hearing, Caine addressed these accusations, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the military’s nonpartisan traditions. He expressed the need for the military to refrain from politicization, asserting that it must serve the nation and the Constitution impartially.
Notably, Caine’s nomination raises eyebrows, as he lacks the conventional background typically required for the Joint Chiefs chair, which generally mandates experience as the head of a military branch, leader of a combat command, or vice-chair. However, Trump has the authority to bypass these stipulations.
Supreme Court Directs Trump Administration on Deportation Case
Recent developments from the U.S. Supreme Court required the Trump administration to assist in the return of a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported to El Salvador. This ruling comes as the administration admitted to an error regarding the deportation.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis had previously mandated the administration to “facilitate and effectuate” the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, following a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of his deportation.
The Supreme Court’s unsigned decision maintained that the judge’s order correctly instructed the government to aid in Abrego Garcia’s return and ensure a proper legal process was followed as if he had not been unlawfully sent away.
Interestingly, the court noted that some orders exceeded the judge’s authority, particularly regarding the requirement to “effectuate” his return, highlighting a need for further clarification on such directives.
Despite acknowledging the error in the deportation, the administration contended it was unable to rectify the situation, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).
Additional notable events include Trump undergoing his annual physical examination, marking a rare opportunity for the public to learn about his health status since taking office at age 78, as he declared, “I have never felt better.”
In the wake of Trump’s tumultuous tariff policies, markets reflect ongoing instability, with Macron labeling the recent 90-day tariff suspension as precarious. He emphasized the significance of maintaining open dialogue while acknowledging the fragility of the situation.
As Trump defended his tariff approach during a cabinet meeting, expressing confidence in the U.S. economy, he warned of potential “transition costs.” Meanwhile, criticisms from economic experts labeled his tariff strategy as detrimental, calling it a “self-inflicted wound” on the economy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the potential deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil based on his views, marking a significant administrative stance on the intersection of individual beliefs and national policy interests. A memo released by the government underscored this principle, suggesting actions taken against noncitizens could be linked to their beliefs.
In foreign policy, Iran expressed a willingness to engage in nuclear negotiations with the U.S., with Trump issuing warnings about potential military actions if talks falter.
A federal judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s requirement for undocumented individuals in the U.S. to register with federal authorities, while reports emerged of the Social Security Administration targeting immigrants’ status in a controversial move to track more than 6,000 individuals as part of a crackdown.
In educational matters, the Trump administration is contemplating a consent decree for Columbia University as part of an intensified federal scrutiny of the institution, signaling a broader trend of regulatory challenges facing academic environments.
Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson successfully advanced a multitrillion-dollar budget framework, overcoming substantial opposition within his party, setting the stage for further legislative efforts as Republicans aim to solidify their spending priorities.
Source
www.theguardian.com