President Donald Trump's administration has prepared executive directives to impose reciprocal tariffs on selected industrial imports, matching duties that trading partners levy on U.S.-made products. The proposed measures aim to reduce bilateral trade imbalances and pressure foreign governments to lower trade barriers.
Federal Reserve Signals Interest Rates Will Remain Restrictive as Inflation Risks Persist
The Federal Reserve chairman told congressional lawmakers that interest rates would remain restrictive until underlying services inflation moves sustainably toward the central bank's 2% target. He warned that changes in fiscal policy and international trade tensions could influence future monetary policy decisions.
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Case Challenging Federal Agencies' Rulemaking Powers
The U.S. Supreme Court has heard arguments in a case examining whether Congress delegated excessive legislative authority to federal regulatory agencies. The dispute centers on constitutional limits to executive rulemaking and could significantly affect how federal agencies develop and enforce regulations.
White House and Treasury Consider Universal Import Tariff Amid Inflation Concerns
U.S. Treasury and White House economic officials are developing plans for a baseline tariff on imported goods, consulting major retailers and manufacturers on potential implementation. The proposal seeks to protect domestic industries from foreign subsidies but has raised concerns among financial market participants about higher consumer prices.
Senate Republicans Propose $25 Billion Border Security Package for Wall and Detention Expansion
Republican Senate leaders have drafted a $25 billion supplemental spending proposal covering construction along the U.S.-Mexico border, expanded immigration detention facilities and additional surveillance technology. The plan seeks support from moderate lawmakers while keeping broader federal spending limits unchanged.
U.S. Moves to Tighten Export Controls on Advanced AI Chips and High-Bandwidth Memory
Federal technology and export regulators have prepared stricter restrictions on advanced artificial intelligence processors and high-bandwidth memory chips. The proposed rules target the diversion of sensitive technology through third countries and overseas cloud computing services, aiming to prevent strategic competitors from circumventing existing export controls.
Pentagon Orders Faster Procurement of Autonomous Drones and Military AI Software
The U.S. Department of Defense has issued new procurement guidance directing military branches to accelerate purchases of autonomous combat drones and artificial intelligence software. The policy aims to expand opportunities for emerging defense technology companies and reduce reliance on traditional weapons procurement programs.
U.S. Energy Department Opens $20 Billion Loan Guarantee Program for Electricity Grid Expansion
The Department of Energy has announced $20 billion in federal loan guarantees to support construction of high-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure. The financing will target projects linking renewable energy and natural gas generation facilities to major industrial centers and urban electricity networks.
U.S. Senate Panel Advances Tax Extension Plans Amid $4 Trillion Debt Concerns
The Senate Finance Committee is drafting legislation to make key provisions of the 2017 tax overhaul permanent, including business investment deductions and individual tax benefits. The proposal has intensified debate over its potential fiscal impact, with projected additions to federal debt reaching $4 trillion over ten years.
Trump Administration Advances Plans to Reclassify Thousands of Federal Civil Servants
The Office of Personnel Management has completed its administrative review of proposed rules that would reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees involved in policymaking as at-will workers. The changes would give the executive branch greater authority to replace career officials in positions influencing government policy.
White House Proposes Faster Permits for U.S. Oil, Gas and LNG Infrastructure
White House economic advisers and the Department of the Interior have circulated draft orders to accelerate permits for natural gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas export terminals and domestic drilling. The proposals aim to increase U.S. energy production and support growing industrial electricity demand.
White House Holds Talks With Technology Companies on Nuclear Power for AI Data Centers
U.S. officials have met with major cloud computing companies, nuclear energy developers and the Department of Energy to explore long-term electricity agreements for artificial intelligence data centers. Discussions include small modular reactors and other nuclear power arrangements intended to provide reliable energy for expanding computing infrastructure.
U.S. State Department Presses NATO Allies on 3% Defense Spending Target
American diplomats have opened consultations with European allies on meeting a defense spending benchmark of 3% of gross domestic product. Washington is linking discussions over continued security commitments to greater European investment in military capabilities and defense production.
Justice Department Opens Inquiries Into Diversity-Based Hiring by Federal Contractors
The U.S. Department of Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have launched preliminary investigations into race-conscious hiring and recruitment practices at federal contractors. The inquiries examine whether diversity, equity and inclusion quotas comply with federal civil rights laws.
U.S. House Expands Investigation Into FBI Surveillance Warrants and Intelligence Oversight
Republican lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee have issued additional subpoenas seeking Justice Department and FBI documents related to foreign intelligence surveillance procedures. The investigation focuses on warrant authorization standards as Congress debates the future of federal surveillance powers.
U.S. House Panel Considers Ending Permanent Normal Trade Relations for Strategic Competitors
The House Ways and Means Committee has examined proposals to revoke permanent normal trade relations status for designated foreign adversaries. The legislation under consideration would introduce phased tariffs intended to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers of electronics, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals.
U.S. Government Proposes Restrictions on Federal Purchases of Foreign Batteries and Critical Minerals
A bipartisan House committee has introduced legislation that would prohibit federal agencies from buying certain batteries, rare-earth components and permanent magnets processed in designated adversarial countries. The proposal would require suppliers to establish certified domestic or allied sources within 36 months.
Trump Administration Orders Review of Vehicle Emissions Rules to Ease Electric Car Requirements
The White House has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to begin revising emissions standards for passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles. The proposed changes would ease regulations that have encouraged manufacturers to accelerate their transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles.
U.S. Homeland Security Expands National Guard Support for Immigration Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security has established procedures allowing National Guard personnel operating under Title 32 authority to assist immigration enforcement operations. Their responsibilities would include transportation, logistics and detention perimeter security during targeted workplace operations.
U.S. Special Envoy Advances Red Sea Maritime Security Talks With Gulf Partners
U.S. diplomatic teams are negotiating expanded commercial shipping protection and air defense coordination with regional governments around the Persian Gulf. The discussions aim to deter attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and protect international trade routes without deploying American ground combat forces.
U.S. Antitrust Regulators Tighten Merger Review Rules for Major Technology Companies
The Federal Trade Commission and