Donald Trump has mentioned tariffs on items from China will likely be lowered “considerably” however “received’t be zero”, after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent mentioned he expects a “de-escalation” within the commerce battle between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump positioned import taxes of 145% on China, which countered with 125% tariffs on US items, inflicting volatility within the inventory market and concern about slowing international financial development.
However the US president on Tuesday mentioned he could be “very good” to China and never play hardball with Chinese language President Xi Jinping. “We’re going to dwell collectively very fortunately and ideally work collectively,” Trump mentioned.
In the meantime, Tesla chief govt Elon Musk mentioned he would begin pulling again from his position on the “division of presidency effectivity” (Doge) from Could, as the corporate reported an enormous dip in income amid backlash towards his White Home position.
Listed below are the important thing tales at a look:
Treasury secretary says excessive tariffs unsustainable
The treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has mentioned that he expects a “de-escalation” within the commerce battle between the US and China and that the excessive tariffs are unsustainable.
“I do say China goes to be a slog when it comes to the negotiations,” Bessent mentioned, in keeping with a transcript obtained by the Related Press. “Neither facet thinks the established order is sustainable.”
In response, Donald Trump mentioned throughout a White Home information convention that prime tariffs on items from China will “come down considerably”.
IMF warns of ‘main unfavourable shock’ from Trump’s tariffs
Donald Trump’s tariffs have unleashed a “main unfavourable shock” into the world financial system, the Worldwide Financial Fund has mentioned, because it reduce its forecasts for US, UK and international development. The Washington-based lender reduce its forecast for international GDP development to 2.8% for this yr – 0.5% weaker than it was anticipating as not too long ago as January.
Musk to tug again from Doge amid 71% dip in Tesla income
On a Tesla investor name, Elon Musk mentioned the work essential to get the federal government’s “monetary home so as is usually finished”. His feedback got here after the corporate reported an enormous dip in each income and revenues within the first quarter of 2025.
“Beginning in all probability subsequent month, Could, my time allocation to Doge will drop considerably,” he mentioned.
US lawmakers decry scholar detentions on go to to Ice jails
Congressional lawmakers denounced the therapy of Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk, the scholars being detained by US immigration authorities for his or her pro-Palestinian activism, as a “nationwide shame” throughout a go to to the 2 amenities in Louisiana the place every are being held.
RFK Jr calls sugar ‘poison’ however says authorities in all probability can’t get rid of it
The US well being secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, on has known as sugar “poison” and really helpful that Individuals eat “zero” added sugar of their meals.
He acknowledged that the federal authorities was unlikely to have the ability to get rid of it from merchandise, however mentioned higher labeling was wanted for meals and that new authorities tips on diet would suggest individuals keep away from sugar fully.
Trump says he has no plans to fireplace Fed chief
Donald Trump has mentioned he has no plans to fireplace the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, and urged the draconian tariffs the US has imposed on China might be lowered.
The president’s feedback come days after he known as the central financial institution boss a “main loser” whose “termination can not come quick sufficient” and defended his tariffs after they triggered inventory market sell-offs.
Rubio proclaims sweeping adjustments to US state division
The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has introduced a proposed reorganisation of the US state division as a part of what he known as an effort to reform it amid criticism from the Trump White Home over the execution of US diplomacy.
Hegseth blames ousted officers for leaks
The embattled US protection secretary, Pete Hegseth, has defended his most up-to-date use of the encrypted messaging app Sign to debate delicate navy operations, blaming fired Pentagon officers for orchestrating leaks towards the Trump administration.
150 US college presidents decry Trump administration
Greater than 150 presidents of US faculties and universities have signed a press release denouncing the Trump administration’s “unprecedented authorities overreach and political interference” with increased training – the strongest signal but that US instructional establishments are forming a unified entrance towards the federal government’s extraordinary assault on their independence.
What else occurred immediately:
Catching up? Right here’s what occurred on 21 April 2025.
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