U.S. President Donald Trump dominated headlines Wednesday evening with a flurry of key developments across trade, foreign policy, and domestic reform:
Federal court strikes down Trump’s reciprocal tariffs: A major legal blow to Trump’s economic agenda came as a federal court ruled his administration lacked the authority to impose sweeping reciprocal tariffs. The court declared the measures unlawful, prompting the White House to respond sharply, saying, “It’s not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency.” An appeal has been filed.
Elon Musk exits DOGE mission: Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the conclusion of his government role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-created body to reduce federal waste. Musk thanked Trump for the opportunity and said DOGE “will only strengthen over time.” The program’s legacy, however, remains mixed amid criticism over cost and execution.
“Not chickening out on trade,” says Trump: In the wake of the court ruling, President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to assertive trade policies, stating he would not retreat from “fixing unfair trade practices,” reinforcing a tough stance heading into campaign season.
Cap foreign students at Harvard, says Trump: At a campaign-style event, Trump proposed that elite U.S. universities like Harvard should cap foreign student admissions at 15%. He argued that prioritizing American students was essential for safeguarding national interests and job opportunities.
Trump warns Israel on Iran strikes: In a rare public comment on Middle East tensions, President Trump urged Israel to avoid launching strikes on Iran, citing concerns of regional escalation and diplomatic fallout.
U.S. pauses new sanctions on Russia: The Trump administration has temporarily paused a new round of sanctions on Russia, signaling a possible recalibration in Washington’s approach to Moscow amidst ongoing geopolitical shifts.
From courtrooms to global diplomacy, President Trump’s evening showcased his confrontational policy approach, with bold rhetoric and far-reaching implications.
