# Tags

TRUMP AND NETANYAHU TO MEET AMID TRADE WAR ESCALATION

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, marking his second visit since January. The leaders will discuss Trump’s new tariffs on Israel, the war with Hamas, and other key issues. The meeting comes as US stocks have been extremely volatile, with the S&P 500 entering bear market territory. Trump’s trade policies have sparked fears of a global recession, with the European Union offering to scrap tariffs on industrial goods. Meanwhile, Trump has escalated the global trade war, threatening to slap new 50% tariffs on China if Beijing doesn’t remove its 34% retaliatory tariff by Tuesday. “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. This would bring Chinese goods arriving in the US to tariffs of 104%.

DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS SUE TRUMP OVER EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ELECTIONS

Democratic officials from 19 states have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s executive order on elections, calling it an unconstitutional invasion of states’ authority to run their own elections. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, seeks to block key aspects of the order, including requirements for documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a demand that all mail ballots be received by Election Day. “The President has no power to do any of this,” the state attorneys general wrote in court documents. “The Elections EO is unconstitutional, antidemocratic, and un-American.” Trump’s order claims the U.S. has failed “to enforce basic and necessary election protection.” However, election officials have stated that recent elections have been among the most secure in U.S. history, with no indication of widespread fraud. The order has received praise from top election officials in some Republican states, who argue it could inhibit voter fraud and provide access to federal data to maintain voter rolls. However, Democrats argue it could disenfranchise voters, particularly those without easy access to proof of citizenship documents. “We are a democracy – not a monarchy – and this executive order is an authoritarian power grab,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha added, “In one fell swoop, this president is attempting to undermine elections and sidestep the Congress, and we’re not going to stand for it.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, “Trump’s executive order was an attempt to impose sweeping voting restrictions across the country and disenfranchise voters.” Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford praised his state’s automatic voter registration systems and mail ballot distribution, saying, “While this order is on its face unconstitutional and illegal, it is also unnecessary.”

EU THREATENS RETALIATION AS TRUMP PREPARES TO UNVEIL MASSIVE TARIFFS; ALLIES BRACE FOR TRADE WAR

The European Union has warned it is prepared to strike back with a “strong plan” if the U.S. moves forward with sweeping tariff hikes, as President Donald Trump prepares to announce a radical trade policy overhaul on April 2 — a date he has dubbed “Liberation Day” for American industries. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, declared Tuesday that while the EU seeks to avoid escalation, it will not hesitate to retaliate against U.S. measures targeting steel, aluminum, cars, and other imports. “Europe has not started this confrontation. We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it,” von der Leyen said in a speech, emphasizing the bloc’s readiness to deploy countermeasures. The EU previously imposed tariffs on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of U.S. goods, including bourbon, motorcycles, and boats, in response to earlier steel and aluminum levies. Von der Leyen also hinted at leveraging the EU’s regulatory power, noting its history of fining major U.S. tech firms, a practice Trump has criticized as “overseas extortion.” Trump’s upcoming announcement, teased by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday, is expected to outline reciprocal tariffs designed to match trading partners’ duties “dollar for dollar.” The president has singled out allies like South Korea, accusing it of imposing tariffs “four times higher” than U.S. rates despite receiving military support. “We will approach these negotiations from a position of strength,” von der Leyen said, highlighting the $1.5 trillion annual trade volume between the U.S. and EU and the 1 million American jobs tied to transatlantic commerce. The escalating standoff has drawn global pushback. China, Japan, and South Korea agreed during weekend talks to coordinate retaliatory measures, according to Chinese state media. China has already imposed 15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like wheat and cotton, responding to Trump’s 20% duties on its exports. Canada also warned of retaliation, with Prime Minister Mark Carney stating Friday that tariffs on U.S. goods would be enacted if Trump proceeds. Despite tensions, Carney described a call with Trump as “extremely productive,” signaling a tonal shift from prior U.S.-Canada friction under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The EU remains the largest buyer of U.S. goods, importing pharmaceuticals, cars, and telecommunications equipment, while America is the top destination for European exports. Von der Leyen stressed the interdependence of the economies but reiterated that “all instruments are on the table” to protect European interests. As Trump’s deadline looms, the world braces for a trade war with no clear off-ramp.

TRUMP DECLARES ‘LIBERATION DAY’ WITH NEW TARIFFS AMID ECONOMIC CONCERNS AND GLOBAL BACKLASH

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as “Liberation Day,” marking the rollout of new tariffs he claims will free the U.S. from reliance on foreign goods. The plan, criticized by economists as a risk to household budgets and global economic stability, includes import taxes on autos, pharmaceuticals, copper, lumber, and goods from countries like China, Canada, and Mexico. Trump framed the tariffs as a corrective to decades of unfair trade practices, alleging foreign nations have “taken so much out of our country.” He invited CEOs to the White House to highlight investments in U.S. projects aimed at circumventing import taxes. “This is the beginning of Liberation Day in America,” Trump told reporters, adding he is “open” to deals if other nations “get something for it.” The 25% auto tariffs, announced last week, could raise vehicle costs by an estimated $4,711 per car, according to economist Art Laffer. Trump dismissed concerns about higher prices, telling NBC News, “I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are gonna buy American-made cars.” Other tariffs target Venezuelan oil imports, Chinese goods linked to fentanyl production, and Canadian and Mexican products over drug smuggling and immigration concerns. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro projected the tariffs could generate $700 billion annually, calling them a tool to force “respect” from trading partners. Critics, however, warn of broader economic fallout. Goldman Sachs forecasts U.S. economic growth could slow to 0.6% this quarter, while Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew Ginther warned median home prices might rise by $21,000 due to pricier materials. Global leaders condemned the measures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the tariffs shattered the U.S.-Canada partnership, while French President Emmanuel Macron called them “not coherent” and inflationary. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “There are no winners in trade wars,” emphasizing harm to the global trading system. Trump has repeatedly invoked “Liberation Day,” previously applying the term to his 2025 inauguration and the 2024 election. Experts like Northwestern University’s Phillip Braun dismissed the latest move, saying, “It’s going to hurt the U.S. economy. Other countries are going to retaliate.” As markets react to the uncertainty, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested tariffs might be a “one-time adjustment,” but analysts fear prolonged measures could ripple into services and insurance costs. With consumer confidence slipping and retaliation looming, the administration’s tariff strategy faces mounting scrutiny at home and abroad.

NIGERIAN POLITICIAN DR. SAMI CHARLES URGES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO FOCUS ON LAWMAKING, CRITICIZES HANDLING OF RIVERS STATE CRISIS AND PRAISES TRUMP’S RETURN

A Nigerian businessman and politician, Dr. Sami Charles, has called on the National Assembly to prioritize its core mandate of lawmaking rather than engaging in non-relevant issues. Speaking recently, Charles expressed disappointment over the Senate’s decision to discuss allegations of sexual harassment involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money. He said, “The case in the Nigerian Senate is disturbing. The legislative body that should be concerned with making laws for the benefit of Nigerians now has to focus on sexual harassment issues.” On the political crisis in Rivers State, Charles strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, arguing that the president overstepped his constitutional authority. A former presidential aspirant under the Labour Party, Charles stated, “The president has the powers to declare a state of emergency, but he has no powers to remove an elected governor and his deputy along with elected assembly members.” He further noted that there was no visible threat to justify such actions, saying, “There had been emergency declarations in some states before, but the governors of the affected states were not removed.” Regarding global politics, Charles described the potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House as divine. He said, “Trump came in at a time the world was at war with itself, going through dilapidation in every aspect.” According to him, Trump remains the man of the moment, unafraid to speak his mind. Charles’ remarks highlight concerns over Nigeria’s legislative priorities, executive overreach, and his optimistic view of Trump’s leadership in a turbulent world.

TRUMP TO SPEAK WITH PUTIN AS HE SEEKS TO END UKRAINE WAR

President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, as part of his efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump disclosed the upcoming conversation to reporters while flying from Florida to Washington on Air Force One on Sunday evening. “We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday,” Trump said. “A lot of work’s been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.” The conversation could be a pivotal moment in the conflict, and an opportunity for Trump to continue reorienting American foreign policy. However, European allies are wary of Trump’s affinity for Putin and his hardline stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Trump, land and power plants will be part of the conversation around bringing the war to a close. “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants,” he said. Trump described it as “dividing up certain assets.” Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff recently visited Moscow to advance negotiations, and he said earlier Sunday that a call between Trump and Putin could come soon. In addition to his efforts to end the Ukraine war, Trump also addressed his plans for tariffs on April 2, despite recent disruption in the stock market and nervousness about the economic impact. “April 2 is a liberating day for our country,” he said. “We’re getting back some of the wealth that very, very foolish presidents gave away because they had no clue what they were doing.” Trump emphasized that he has no intention of changing course on his tariff plans. “They charge us and we charge them,” he said. “Then in addition to that, on autos, on steel, on aluminum, we’re going to have some additional tariffs.”

US LAUNCHES DECISIVE ATTACK ON HOUTHI MILITANTS IN YEMEN

The United States launched a massive military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen, targeting their military capabilities and infrastructure. According to President Donald Trump, the attack is a response to the Houthi’s repeated attacks on American vessels and merchant ships in the Red Sea. Trump emphasized that the US will not tolerate any further attacks on its interests, stating, “The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective.” The operation, which involved US warships and jets, targeted radars, air defense sites, and drone launch points across Yemen. A defense official described the operation as the beginning of a campaign to degrade the Houthi’s military capabilities, which have been used to disrupt commercial maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The official added that the US aims to restore freedom of navigation in the region and protect American interests. The attack is seen as a significant escalation in the US military’s involvement in Yemen, where the Houthi’s have been backed by Iran. Trump’s administration has been critical of Iran’s support for the Houthi’s and has warned Tehran to stop its involvement in the conflict. The US operation is expected to continue in the coming days, with officials indicating that the goal is to significantly degrade the Houthi’s military capabilities and restore stability to the region.

US EXPELS SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADOR OVER ALLEGED ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT

The United States is expelling South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, over allegations of hating America and President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Friday, stating that Rasool is “a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS.” Rubio declared, “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.” The expulsion is a rare move by the US and marks the latest development in rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria. The tensions have been escalating since Trump cut US financial aid to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land policy and genocide case against Israel. Trump has accused the South African government of “confiscating” land from white people, a claim denied by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa has defended the land reform policy, aimed at addressing racial disparities in land ownership. He signed a bill into law in January making it easier for the state to expropriate land in the public interest, in some cases without compensating the owner. Rasool has been critical of Trump’s policies, including his support for Israel. In a recent livestream, Rasool said Trump’s “disrespect” for the global order was motivated by white supremacism. He also compared the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza to apartheid-era South Africa. Trump has responded by offering to invite South African farmers to settle in the US with a “rapid pathway to citizenship.” The move has been criticized by the South African government, which has accused Trump of interfering in its internal affairs.

TRUMP THREATENS TO WITHHOLD FEDERAL FUNDING FROM UNIVERSITIES ALLOWING “ILLEGAL PROTESTS”

President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to universities, threatening to withdraw federal funding from institutions that permit “illegal protests” on campus. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump declared, “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests.” He also vowed to imprison “agitators” involved in such protests, while foreign students participating in demonstrations would face deportation. Trump’s statement comes amid growing concerns over anti-Semitic protests on college campuses, particularly at Columbia University. The Trump administration has threatened to revoke $51.4 million in government contracts from Columbia due to its failure to take disciplinary action against anti-Israel protests that targeted Jewish students. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. condemned anti-Semitism, stating, “Anti-Semitism – like racism – is a spiritual and moral malady that sickens societies and kills people with lethalities comparable to history’s most deadly plagues.” Columbia University received approximately $1.3 billion in federal grants during the 2024 fiscal year, accounting for about 20 percent of its operating budget. The university has faced criticism for its handling of anti-Israel protests, with Jewish students expressing concerns about their safety on campus. Trump’s actions align with his executive order directing federal agencies to take action against “pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation” and investigate elite American universities that allow anti-Semitic acts. The Justice Department has formed a task force to examine campus anti-Semitism, which plans to visit ten universities, including Columbia, to address the issue. Trump has also authorized the deportation of Hamas sympathizers and the revocation of student visas for those engaged in anti-Israel protests. “To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you,” Trump declared.

PRO-UKRAINE PROTESTS ERUPT ACROSS US AFTER TRUMP-ZELENSKY CLASH

Pro-Ukraine protests have swept across the United States, with hundreds gathering in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston to express solidarity with Ukraine. The demonstrations come on the heels of a heated exchange between Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. In Waitsfield, Vermont, protesters lined the roads, holding pro-Ukraine signs, as Vice President Vance and his family were visiting for a ski holiday. The family was forced to relocate to an undisclosed location due to the demonstrations. Judy Daly from Indivisible Mad River Valley, the group that organized the protest, noted, “I think [Friday’s] performance at the White House has probably galvanised even more people to come out today”. Vermont Governor Phil Scott had urged residents to “be respectful” to the Vance family, emphasizing that they were visiting for a family trip with their young children. However, protester Cori Giroux felt that Vance had “crossed the line”. The protests also drew counter-demonstrators supporting Trump and Vance. Additionally, demonstrations were held outside Tesla stores across the US, protesting Elon Musk’s efforts to reduce government spending. The tensions between Trump and Zelensky escalated during their meeting at the White House, with Trump telling Zelensky to make a deal with Russia “or we are out.” Zelensky joins European leaders on Sunday for a summit on the Ukraine war, hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.