Here’s what happened during Trump’s 12th week in office
President Donald Trump made a bold move this week by escalating tariffs on Chinese imports to the U.S. while simultaneously easing them for other countries during trade negotiations. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as it is seen as a way to protect American jobs and industries, but also risks sparking a trade war with China. The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it would lower reciprocal tariffs on other countries, while raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. In response, China retaliated by raising its tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%.
The President signed a series of executive orders aimed at repealing Biden-era restrictions, including measures to revitalize the shipbuilding industry in the U.S. Trump expressed concerns that China has been outpacing the U.S. in production, with China responsible for over 50% of global shipbuilding compared to just 0.1% from the U.S. The executive order requires agencies to develop a Maritime Action Plan and address China’s “anticompetitive actions within the shipbuilding industry”.
In addition, Trump signed an executive order aimed at reversing water pressure restrictions in showers that were imposed during the Obama and Biden administrations. Trump stated that he wanted to “make showers great again” and criticized the limitations on water pressure, claiming it took too long for the water to get wet. These measures are part of Trump’s efforts to roll back regulations and promote economic growth.
The administration also announced plans for upcoming talks with Iran, with the goal of negotiating directly on nuclear issues. While Trump has emphasized the need for direct talks, Iran has suggested that the discussions will be held through a third party. The White House press secretary reiterated the administration’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy while keeping all options on the table.
Overall, President Trump’s latest actions reflect his administration’s focus on prioritizing American interests and protecting domestic industries. While these decisions have sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential trade conflicts, they also demonstrate Trump’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and advancing his vision for America.
