Trump Faces Challenges with Trade Policy and Foreign Relations
President Trump doubles tariffs on steel, faces hurdles in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, and seeks Senate approval for a massive spending bill while withdrawing NASA nomination of Jared Isaacman. The implications for trade and foreign policy remain uncertain amidst ongoing legal battles.
President Donald Trump’s trade policy is facing new challenges as he announced plans to double steel tariffs on Friday, increasing them to 50% at a Pennsylvania steel plant. This announcement ties into a broader legal battle over his use of emergency powers in the ongoing trade war. Trade experts are still trying to assess the impact of these tariffs, which could uplift the ailing US steel industry but may also inflate costs for construction and manufacturing sectors.
On the foreign policy front, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed frustration with Hamas’ response to a US-driven ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Meanwhile, upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul are adding more diplomatic hurdles as Trump seeks to honour his campaign promise of ending conflicts. The recent developments show just how difficult the road ahead might be for the administration in achieving notable policy successes.
Additionally, Senate Republicans are returning to work on their massive spending and tax cuts package that aligns with Trump’s domestic agenda. Anxiety looms among Medicaid recipients about how the proposed bill might change their benefits. While Trump celebrated early progress on this “big, beautiful bill” via social media, House Republicans passed the plan narrowly amid a rebellion from the Freedom Caucus, securing critical revisions on Medicaid and clean energy tax credits.
In recent social media posts, Trump highlighted a tax cut pledge regarding Social Security benefits that wasn’t included in the package. He suggested alternative measures would be implemented later, even as concerns linger about proposed changes to the program. The new legislation still grants seniors an increase to their standard deduction that could partially address these concerns from 2025 to 2028, albeit temporarily.
Complicating Trump’s trade scenario, a federal court blocked many tariffs earlier this week, but an appeals court quickly reversed that ruling. Wall Street seems largely unfazed by such tariff dramas, betting that Trump might back down eventually from his trade threats. An emerging term, “TACO”—Trump Always Chickens Out—has gained traction among observers, which reportedly caught Trump off guard when a reporter brought it up during a press briefing.
In an unexpected move, Trump rescinded his nomination of tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to lead NASA just ahead of a Senate vote. Isaacman, a two-time space traveller with ties to Elon Musk, previously maintained a non-political image. However, some lawmakers were wary of his potential influence to prioritise Musk’s interests within NASA. Isaacman had garnered broad support, especially in the space community, making this sudden withdrawal all the more surprising.
In the ongoing Gaza negotiations, Witkoff has voiced his exasperation with Hamas’ counterproposals that diverge from the US-backed ceasefire. Both sides are at an impasse, with Hamas insisting on guarantees that haven’t been embraced by Israel. While negotiations aim to facilitate humanitarian aid, the failure to secure a lasting resolution adds to the complexity of the situation.
The week was tumultuous for President Trump, marked by significant moves in trade policy, foreign relations, and domestic legislation. With heightened tariffs on steel, frustration over Middle East negotiations, and a major domestic spending bill facing scrutiny, the administration is navigating a rocky political landscape. The shift away from NASA nominee Isaacman also raises concerns about leadership continuity in space pursuits. As these issues develop, the uniformity of public opinion towards both political parties remains elusive, signalling a challenging path ahead for bipartisan cooperation.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
