Donald Trump is set to launch his global trade initiative on Wednesday, moving forward with a range of tariffs on America’s major trading partners, despite concerns over potential economic repercussions and appeals for reconsideration.
The US president asserted that “numerous” nations were eager to negotiate with Washington as his administration readied to enforce significant tariffs on goods from multiple markets starting Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Beijing pledged to “resist until the end” after Trump warned of imposing an additional 50% tariffs on Chinese exports should the country retaliate against his initial 34% tariff announcement on its products. This additional charge, compounded with the current 20% tariff, would elevate the total tariff on Chinese imports to a staggering 104%.
Here are the key stories at a glance:
Global tariffs set to be implemented
The White House confirmed that the new elevated US tariffs on China will, indeed, take effect from Wednesday. “President Trump possesses a spine of steel and he will not falter,” stated the press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. “And America will stand strong under his leadership.”
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Supreme Court halts ruling to rehire federal workers
The US Supreme Court has granted Donald Trump a stay against a judge’s decision mandating his administration to reinstate 16,000 probationary workers dismissed during its overhaul of the federal workforce.
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Trump ‘to reduce steel grant’ in Vance’s hometown
Despite pledges to support the US manufacturing sector, the Trump administration is reportedly considering cutting a vital program that invests in key manufacturing industries across the US, including JD Vance’s hometown of Middletown, Ohio.
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Judge directs Trump White House to remove access restrictions on Associated Press
US District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, ordered the White House to grant AP journalists access to the Oval Office, Air Force One, and events hosted at the White House. The news organization faced penalties for its continued reference to the Gulf of Mexico in its coverage.
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Other news highlights of the day:
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An immigration judge ruled on Tuesday that the Trump administration has until 5pm on Wednesday to present its case regarding why Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, should be deported. She indicated that if the evidence does not support deportation, she may make a decision on his release from immigration detention on Friday.
Catching up? Here’s what transpired on April 7.
