Here’s your morning news rundown—but first, a quick thank you. If you believe in this kind of journalism, please consider subscribing or becoming a supporter.
Now, let’s get into the news.
Trump’s escalating trade war with China is hitting the very farmers who helped elect him — and now some are expressing regret. Despite pausing reciprocal tariffs on other countries, Trump has slapped a crushing 145% tariff on all Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with steep duties on U.S. goods, including agriculture. China is signaling it won’t back down, and with soybeans at the center of the fight, U.S. farmers are bracing for major losses in a trade war that’s growing more costly by the day.
President Trump’s approval ratings are sliding, especially when it comes to the economy and inflation. A new CBS News poll shows most Americans disapprove of how he’s handling both, and more than half blame his policies — not Biden’s — for the current economic struggles. Most people think prices will keep rising, and over half say the economy is getting worse.
China is calling the U.S. decision to temporarily exempt smartphones and electronics from Trump’s sweeping tariffs a “small step” toward fixing what it sees as a deeply flawed policy. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said the tariffs have hurt global trade and failed to address America’s own economic issues, urging the U.S. to cancel them entirely.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the current tariff exemption on electronics like semiconductors and smartphones is only temporary. He confirmed that new, non-negotiable tariffs targeting key national security sectors — especially semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — will roll out in the coming months.
President Trump is in “excellent health” and fully capable of carrying out his duties, according to a new memo from White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella. The report shows he passed his physical and cognitive tests with top marks, including a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
The White House is now pointing to President Trump’s “frequent victories in golf events” as proof of his good health. The bizarre claim was included in a press release alongside details from his annual physical.
Senator Elizabeth Warren is warning that Trump’s reckless tariff strategy is doing real damage to the economy — and could leave lasting scars. While she supports targeted tariffs in principle, Warren told CNN that Trump’s chaotic, unpredictable approach is driving away investment and making it harder for the economy to recover. She also called on Democrats to be honest about the harm his policies are causing working families.
After Russia launched its deadliest attack on Ukraine this year, killing at least 32 people in Sumy on Palm Sunday, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine said the strike underscores why President Trump is pushing to end the war. Keith Kellogg called the targeting of civilians “indefensible” and said it shows the urgent need for a negotiated resolution.
Coachella got a political twist last night when Senator Bernie Sanders made a surprise appearance, introduced by Rep. Maxwell Frost as the opener for Clairo. Speaking to a packed crowd of young festivalgoers, Sanders urged them to take the moment seriously, saying the future of the country depends on their generation.
A judge has eased restrictions on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, allowing it limited access to sensitive Treasury Department data tied to millions of Americans. The decision loosens a previous ban that had blocked the agency from reviewing key financial information.
Oil producers are scrambling to stabilize their finances as crude prices plunge to multi-year lows, driven by global economic fears and trade tensions. Some are holding off on production cuts for now, while others push for tighter coordination to weather the downturn.
A semi-truck carrying approximately 24,000 pounds of eggs caught fire Friday night on I-80 near La Grange Road in Mokena, Illinois, resulting in the total loss of its cargo.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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