President Trump on Friday made a suggestion to reduce tariffs on China to 80% in anticipation of a high-profile meeting this weekend, aiming to ease trade tensions.
Prominent U.S. officials will convene with a senior Chinese delegation in Switzerland over the weekend. This marks the first substantial negotiation between these two significant powers since Trump initiated a trade standoff through stringent tariffs on Chinese goods.
In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed he provided U.S. negotiators a minimum tariff rate he’s willing to impose on China, though he chose not to reveal the exact figure. “I’ve provided a number to our negotiators,” Trump responded when queried by reporters. Although he expressed a strong desire to secure an advantageous deal for the United States, he acknowledged he would not be disheartened if an agreement isn’t reached during the weekend discussions. He remains optimistic about achieving a balanced outcome beneficial to both nations involved.
In a different realm of matters, President Trump endorsed several congressional measures to reverse certain energy efficiency policies from the previous administration. Surrounded by Republican lawmakers, Trump signed legislative acts that annul regulations concerning gas water heaters, walk-in coolers and freezers, as well as specific energy conservation mandates introduced during the Biden administration. Trump, emphasizing the practicality of these measures, commented, “It’s all about common sense.”
New leadership emerged at FEMA with David Richardson assuming the role of acting administrator following Cameron Hamilton’s removal. With a background in the Marine Corps and experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, Richardson instructed staff not to impede proposed changes, asserting his determination to fulfill the president’s directives.
In another cultural reaction, the creators of the Broadway musical “Dead Outlaw” canceled their event at the Library of Congress, protesting the dismissal of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. The team, featuring composers and key figures from the production, expressed their respect and appreciation for Hayden’s contributions to preserving American cultural narratives.
Meanwhile, the U.S. announced it will accept around two dozen white South African refugees, marking the entitlement of racial discrimination claims under the refugee program. The White House positioned this move as fitting the definition of persecution based on race. This decision comes amid broader pauses to various State Department refugee initiatives, awaiting reevaluation to focus resources on priority cases such as these.
In New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at an ICE detention center following a protest against a facility run by the GEO Group. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Baraka trespassed and disregarded security personnel’s directives, leading to his arrest.
Moreover, several states have taken legal action against the Trump administration’s emergency measures for oil and gas development projects, claiming they bypass key environmental protections. The states involved are asserting that the administration should reserve such emergency declarations for true crises rather than routine infrastructure projects.
In the White House, Stephen Miller, positioned as the deputy chief of staff, expressed contentment with his current role amidst speculation over his potential future as a national security adviser. A central figure in shaping immigration policies, Miller also alluded to possible suspensions of legal avenues for deportation cases, drawing on constitutional interpretations during times of invasion.
Former U.S. Poets Laureate voiced criticism following the termination of Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress. The poets, who had once been appointed by Hayden, consider her abrupt departure a restriction on broadening access to literature and arts.
Additionally, President Trump faces scrutiny for attending a dinner event associated with investors in the memecoin $TRUMP, raising conflict of interest concerns. White House assurances have been provided regarding compliance with conflict of interest laws.
The Defense Department is taking further steps to reassess and potentially eliminate libraries’ diversity-related materials, following directives aligned with broader administration efforts to focus on uniformity in military resources.
In the geopolitical sphere, U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated the administration’s stance on prohibiting Iranian uranium enrichment ahead of resuming nuclear discussions with the nation. Despite Iran’s reassurances about nuclear weapon intentions, Witkoff remains steadfast on maintaining stringent U.S. requirements.
Dialogue with the UK regarding a trade agreement continues to unfold, despite statements from the U.S. suggesting the deal’s near finalization. This has incited clarification from White House intermediaries, suggesting ongoing negotiations are still necessary.
In another diplomatic arena, Danish officials have expressed discontent with reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence on Greenland, following discussions regarding strategic interests in the region by the Trump administration.
Domestically, the Pentagon has introduced new directives affecting transgender military personnel, leveraging a recent Supreme Court decision to enact changes that have generated notable public reaction. As this policy unfolds, its implications for service members persist under examination.
The meeting in Switzerland offers a pivotal moment for U.S.-China relations as both countries face the opportunity to mend commercial ties and ease tensions that have defined recent international interactions.