Trump's 25% Tariff Timeline, Executive Order Blitz & Jan 6th Rioters Pardoned
Jan 21, 2025
auto_awesome
Jenny Marsh, a Bloomberg journalist specializing in the Chinese economy, sheds light on recent U.S. tariffs proposed by Trump against Mexico and Canada, highlighting the potential economic fallout. The discussion also covers Trump's controversial pardons for January 6th rioters and his executive orders on diversity and gender identity. Additionally, Marsh delves into the implications of his TikTok decision and the evolving dynamics in U.S.-China trade relations, suggesting a shift in America's international negotiation strategies.
Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada aim to leverage trade discussions by addressing concerns of illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
The administration's executive orders signal a shift towards isolationism and a focus on domestic policies, potentially leading to significant legal challenges and debates.
Deep dives
Trump's Focus on Tariffs and Trade Relationships
President Trump announced plans to implement tariffs of up to 25% on Mexico and Canada, citing their failure to control immigration and drug trafficking. These tariffs could impact approximately $1.8 trillion in trade, causing concern for retaliatory measures from both countries. This marks a continued theme from Trump's campaign, where he emphasized the use of tariffs as a negotiating tool rather than a definitive policy. Analysts suggest that the forthcoming tariff actions could serve as leverage in future trade discussions.
Executive Orders Shaping US Policy
On his first day in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders that significantly shift US policy directions, particularly regarding immigration and climate initiatives. He declared a national emergency at the southern border, signaling an increase in security measures and a potential troop presence. Furthermore, Trump withdrew from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, highlighting a more isolationist stance. These sweeping changes are expected to provoke legal challenges and provoke debates on their long-term implications.
China Relations and TikTok Strategy
Trump's administration appears to be taking a cautious approach toward China, opting not to immediately announce new tariffs while expressing intentions to study existing trade agreements. This shift indicates a desire for dialogue, as Trump seeks a joint venture with TikTok, proposing a division of ownership as a way to assuage concerns about the app's ties to China. The relationship remains crucial due to its global economic implications, and analysts predict ongoing negotiations will define the terms of future trade interactions. China's muted response suggests a strategic choice to avoid escalating tensions at this stage.
Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
(1) President Donald Trump said he planned to impose previously threatened tariffs of as much as 25% on Mexico and Canada by Feb. 1, reiterating his contention that America’s two immediate neighbors are letting undocumented migrants and drugs flood into the country.
(2) President Donald Trump held off unveiling China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, instead ordering his administration to address unfair trade practices globally and investigate whether Beijing had complied with a deal signed during his first term.
(3) President Donald Trump temporarily halted a ban on TikTok in the US, granting the company and its Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd. more time to reach a deal for the popular app that would resolve long-standing US national security concerns.
(4) Donald Trump pardoned almost all of the people convicted for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and ordered charges dropped in any pending cases, fulfilling a controversial campaign promise just hours after he returned to the White House.
(5) President Donald Trump wasted little time taking action on two culturally controversial issues he campaigned on, signing executive orders ending federal diversity programs and restricting gender definition to two sexes — male and female.