In a significant development, Donald Trump has announced that the United States will be sending out letters to around 150 countries over the next two to three weeks, detailing new tariffs. CBS News correspondent Weijia Jiang reported that these letters will inform countries about the specific amounts they will need to pay, while negotiations for potential new trade deals are still ongoing.
According to the Financial Times, Trump stated that while numerous countries are eager to finalize agreements, it is “not possible to meet the number of people that want to see us.” This announcement follows a recent reduction of tariffs that Trump initially implemented on his so-called liberation day, April 2nd, which has been scaled back to 10% for many trading partners over a 90-day period.
This month, the Trump administration also reached a tariff relief deal with the United Kingdom, which includes significant products such as steel and cars. Additionally, there have been joint duty reductions announced with China this week. Negotiations are also underway with the EU, Japan, India, and other nations.
This is a developing news story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In another significant political move, President Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin “as soon as we can set it up,” as reported by AFP. This statement comes after the Kremlin emphasized the importance of a meeting between the two leaders, noting that it requires substantial preparation and must yield tangible results.
Activist and Democratic National Committee Vice-Chair David Hogg recently emphasized that the Democratic Party not only needs better messengers but also stronger fighters. In an interview, Hogg pointed out that the party's base feels isolated and unheard, urging a shift towards more combative strategies to counter Trump's administration.
Hogg criticized the entrenched establishment culture within the party, advocating for competitive primaries as a means to inject new energy. Despite the party's significant financial expenditures during the last election cycle, support has dwindled, with a recent poll indicating that nearly 70% of Americans believe the Democratic Party is out of touch with public concerns.
Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the US Secret Service due to a recent Instagram post featuring a photo of seashells, which some interpreted as a threat against Trump. The post included a message that sparked debate over its potential implications. Comey later removed the post, clarifying that he did not intend to endorse violence.
The push by Republicans to advance President Trump's sweeping tax bill has encountered a setback in Congress. Hardline conservatives are demanding deeper cuts to Medicaid in exchange for their support, causing a delay in a key procedural vote. House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington indicated that internal opposition could postpone the vote.
Despite these challenges, Republican leaders remain optimistic, asserting that the legislation will proceed to a floor vote next week. The proposed tax cuts, which aim to extend benefits from Trump's first term, are estimated to cost $3.72 trillion over the next decade, raising concerns about their impact on national debt.
During his multiday trip to the Middle East, President Trump announced over $200 billion in deals between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. This includes a significant $14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to purchase 28 US-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, enhancing the commercial aviation partnership between the two nations.
As Trump continues his diplomatic efforts, he has hinted at potential discussions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, showcasing the administration’s focus on strengthening international relations while navigating complex geopolitical issues.
