1. Executive Actions and Presidential Authority

1.1 Executive Orders and White House Directives

President Trump has issued a series of executive orders expanding presidential authority, including orders punishing individuals who opposed his 2020 election claims [1] and probing former cybersecurity officials who defied him [2]. The White House is seeking legally binding control over Columbia University through a consent decree [3] while issuing an order on “Restoring truth and sanity to American History” [4]. Additional orders target state climate laws [5] and showerhead efficiency standards characterized as “restoring shower freedom” [6].

1. Trade and Economic Policy

1.1 Domestic Economic Performance

Inflation shows signs of slowing in March [1], while President Trump signals flexibility in economic policy, telling Republican senators he’s open to raising taxes on highest earners [2] and considering exemptions for larger US companies hit especially hard by tariffs [3]. The administration claims $7 trillion in investment flowing to the US [4], and reports suggest Trump has “outmaneuvered markets, allies, and China” [5]. Stock markets appear to be recovering according to conservative sources [6].

1. Trade Policy and Economic Impact

1.1 Tariff Implementation and International Response

President Trump has implemented sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs, hiking trade levies to their highest level in a century [1]. The administration then announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs while raising China’s tariffs to 125% [2], though Trump’s top trade official wasn’t informed of the delay until after the announcement [3].

International responses have been swift. China announced 84% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods [4], causing oil prices to tumble more than 6% [5]. The European Union approved €20 billion in retaliatory tariffs targeting Republican-leaning states [6], while Japan and Canada agreed to cooperate on market stability measures [7].

1. Executive Branch Activities

1.1 Presidential Statements and White House Activities

President Trump has urged Americans to remain calm following recent tariff announcements, stating “The USA will be bigger and better than ever before” [1]. The President’s economic messaging included a “Great time to buy!” post on Truth Social that reportedly preceded a market rally [2]. Economic adviser Scott Bessent characterized the administration’s approach as prioritizing “Main Street over Wall Street” in remarks to bankers [3]. On the political front, Trump has engaged in criticism of Democratic Senator Schiff [4] while also making symbolic gestures such as renaming the historic “Jackson Magnolia” White House plant to “MAGAnolia” [5].

1. Executive Power and Governance

1.1 Executive Orders and Federal Authority

President Trump has issued executive orders reshaping federal policies, signing directives aimed at “revitalizing the coal industry” [1] and using them to fuel artificial intelligence infrastructure [2]. A federal judge ordered the White House to restore Associated Press’s access to official events, citing First Amendment protections and establishing a check on executive power to restrict press access [3]. The administration has disbanded the Justice Department’s crypto-related enforcement team [4] and withdrawn 11 pieces of ADA guidance, raising questions about accessibility compliance standards [5].

1. Economic Policy and Trade Relations

1.1 Tariffs and China Relations

The White House has announced tariffs on Chinese imports have been raised to 104%, effective immediately [1]. A report explains the policy focus on China [2], while reports indicate the Chinese response includes a “racist humiliation campaign mocking Trump’s tariffs” [3].

[1] Trump Raises Tariffs On China To 104%, Effective Tomorrow: White House, https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/trump-raises-tariffs-on-china-to-104-effective-tomorrow-white-house-8119172
[2] What You Need to know about Trump’s Tariffs, it’s China, https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-trumps-tariffs
[3] Chinese launch racist humiliation campaign mocking Trump’s tariffs, /r/Conservative/comments/1juou9m/chinese_launch_racist_humiliation_campaign/