CNN 5 Things Iran Tariffs, States Suing Trump Admin, DOJ Prosecutor Firing and more
Jan 13, 2026
Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries engaging with Iran amid escalating protests. Legal battles heat up as Minnesota and Illinois challenge the federal government. Tension rises within the Trump administration over a probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. A key prosecutor is dismissed, affecting the DOJ's division in Virginia. In the corporate arena, Paramount takes legal action against Warner Bros. Discovery, aiming for transparency in the competitive landscape.
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Trump's Iran Tariff Plan Risks Wide Impact
- President Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran, which could raise effective tariffs much higher for trading partners like China and India.
- The policy raises legal and practical questions about what counts as "doing business" and risks broad economic fallout and escalation with Iran.
States Sue Over Federal Immigration Crackdown
- Minnesota and Illinois sued the Trump administration seeking injunctions to stop federal immigration operations in their states under the 10th Amendment.
- The states allege federal agents have unlawfully terrorized communities and drained local resources during the crackdown.
Powell Probe Draws Bipartisan Pushback
- A DOJ criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell targets his congressional testimony about a $2.5 billion Fed HQ renovation.
- The investigation drew bipartisan pushback and concerns Secretary of the Treasury voiced about market effects and political pressure on the Fed.
