In a historic legal blow to the "America First" trade agenda, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the administration's blanket global tariffs were unconstitutional, citing a violation of the separation of powers regarding trade authority. The court held that the executive branch exceeded its mandate by bypassing Congressional approval for such sweeping economic measures. However, the victory for free-trade advocates was short-lived, as President Donald Trump immediately signed a new executive order imposing a 10% global tariff, effective immediately, effectively daring the courts to stop him again.
Global Economic Impact: The sudden shift has sent shockwaves through international markets. The European Union and the United Kingdom have expressed "deep concern," with UK officials stating they are working closely with Washington to analyze the impact on existing trade agreements. Market analysts warn that this "tariff-on-tariff" approach could lead to retaliatory measures from major trading partners, potentially triggering a global recession.
Geopolitical Developments:
In a parallel development, the White House has reportedly issued a stark ultimatum to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz warned Kyiv to cease public criticism of the Trump administration and sign a deal to hand over $500 billion in rare earth minerals and other natural resources as "payment" for U.S. wartime aid. This move comes after President Trump publicly labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator" due to the lack of recent elections in the war-torn nation.
Regional Highlights:
- India-U.S. Relations: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described reports of a $21 million USAID fund allegedly intended for "voter turnout" in India as "deeply troubling," viewing it as potential foreign interference in domestic affairs.
- Middle East: A diplomatic row erupted after Hamas returned the remains of hostages; Israel initially claimed one body did not match the identity of Shiri Bibas, accusing the group of a "horrific violation" of the ceasefire. Hamas later returned a second body, which was positively identified as Bibas.
- United Kingdom: Former Prince Andrew was reportedly "released under investigation" following a high-profile arrest, a move described by legal experts as a significant "fall from grace" linked to ongoing international investigations.
Health & Science: For the first time, H5N1 bird flu has been detected in rats in Southern California, raising new concerns about the potential for the virus to jump to urban mammalian populations. Meanwhile, the IAEA warned that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine is operating on a single power line due to intensified fighting in the region.