In new deal with Trump, Columbia will pay millions in fines
WASHINGTON – Columbia University, in hopes of restoring hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen funding, has struck another deal with the Trump administration, the university announced.
The Ivy League school in New York City will pay a massive $200 million fine to the government, as well as some students and faculty, to settle allegations it violated federal civil rights laws and failed to protect members of its Jewish community from discrimination.
It will also jointly appoint an independent monitor to update the federal government on its compliance with new policies, and pay an additional $21 million fine to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The agreement marks the second major concession from the prestigious university in its protracted negotiations with the government. Despite the drawn-out talks, and many compromises on Columbia's part, the Trump administration has yet to reroute hundreds of millions of dollars back to the school.
Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, said in a statement that the agreement preserves the university's independence and will restore research funding on which the school depends.
'This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty,' she said. 'The settlement was carefully crafted to protect the values that define us and allow our essential research partnership with the federal government to get back on track.'
The announcement also comes after the Trump administration pushed the University of Pennsylvania, another Ivy League school, to agree to a series of demands related to preventing transgender athletes from competing. Similarly, that deal was reached to restore massive amounts of federal money.
Read more: Lia Thomas, Title IX and $175M: Why Penn struck a deal with Trump
Meanwhile, Columbia is facing a separate battle over its accreditation status, which the school needs in order to distribute federal financial aid dollars to students.
The Education Department has pushed Columbia's accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, to reevaluate its standing. Though Middle States has placed the university on warning, such a step would be virtually unprecedented, and a long and complex process would have to be followed before its accreditation could be revoked.
Zachary Schermele is an education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.
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Trump tariffs live updates: Trump grants Mexico 90-day reprieve as countries race to make deal
President Trump on Thursday said he was granting Mexico a 90-day reprieve on higher tariffs, saying he would extend Mexico's current tariff rates to allow for more time for negotiations. "We will be talking to Mexico over the next 90 Days with the goal of signing a Trade Deal somewhere within the 90 Day period of time, or longer," Trump wrote on social media after talking with Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum. The extension avoids a further escalation with the US's largest trade partner as Trump's sweeping tariffs get set to go into effect Friday. In the days and hours before his tariffs are set to come into full force, Trump has unleashed a flurry of deals and trade moves. Those include a new pact with South Korea and an extension of Mexico's current tariff rates for another 90 days. The South Korea agreement includes a 15% tariff rate on imports from the country, while the US will not be charged a tariff on its exports, according to Trump's post on Truth Social. Deals were also expected with Thailand and Cambodia after Monday's ceasefire. A deal with Taiwan was also reportedly close. On Wednesday, the president made other moves, including threatening a 25% tariff on goods from India and slapping 50% tariffs on many goods from Brazil — but exempting some of the country's key exports. Trump also signed several orders Wednesday: One order imposes 50% tariffs on semi-finished copper products starting Aug. 1, excluding copper scrap and input materials. Another ends the de minimis exemption on low-value imports under $800, thereby applying tariffs from Aug. 29. The third order targets Brazil, but it exempts key US imports like orange juice and aircraft parts that benefit Embraer (ERJ). Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that the US and China now have "the makings of a trade deal," days after the countries wrapped up a third round of talks. Also, the US and EU are racing to lock in the final details of their agreement. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world. Trump unleashes a flurry of trade surprises on eve of deadline President Trump has unleashed a series of tariff deals and demands on the eve of his Friday deadline, including surprises on India and copper as the US president attempts to create a new global trade order. On Wednesday Trump announced tariffs of 15% on imports from South Korea that matched that of its neighbor Japan, and a 25% levy on imports from India that included criticism of its purchases of Russian energy and weapons. Thailand and Cambodia are also heading towards getting a deal, now that they have agreed to a ceasefire Monday. Trump further shocked markets with new tariff rules on copper, sinking prices in New York by a record after exempting the most widely traded forms of the metals from 50% tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump extends Mexico's current tariff rates President Trump said he would extend Mexico's current tariff rates for another 90 days to allow for more time for negotiations. Mexico was facing tariffs of up to 35% on certain goods beginning on Friday. The reprieve came after Trump talked with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Imports from Mexico will still be subject to other tariffs, namely duties on metals and cars. Brazil sees 35.9% of exports to US facing steeper tariff: Sources Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: Tariffs are making 'America great and rich again' President Trump hit Truth Social again on Thursday posting that tariffs are making America "great and rich again." "ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE 'HOTTEST'COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," Trump posted. The US president also had a message for Washington's federal appeal court judges, who Trump will be meeting today in order to defend his tariffs. "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" On the eve of Trump's tariff deadline the US president unleashed a flurry of surprises. With news of deals with Thailand, Cambodia and rumours of deals with Taiwan. Unless trading partners reach an agreement by tomorrow, many will face higher tariffs. What's in the US-EU trade deal depends on who is doing the talking Yahoo Finance's Washington correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the detail of the US-EU trade deal: Read more here. Trump back in court Thursday to defend the tariffs he plans to impose Friday US president Trump has already started to defend tariffs via his social media app Truth Social. Trump who will be meeting with US federal appeal court judged today posted that tariffs are making "America great and rich again." "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added. Yahoo Finance's senior legal reporter Alexis Keenan breaks down President Trump's face-off with the federal appeals court judges over his tariffs: Read more here. Pakistan and US reach a trade agreement to develop oil reserves and reduce tariffs The US and Pakistan have announced that they have reached a trade agreement that would allow Washington to develop Pakistan's untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for the South Asian country, officials from both nation's said on Thursday. AP reports: Read more here. EU wine, spirits to face 15% US tariff from August 1: EU official Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump tariff surprise triggers implosion of massive copper trade Bloomberg reports: The global copper market is reeling from its biggest shock yet in a year of policy surprises, violent price swings and unprecedented trade dislocation. President Donald Trump went ahead with 50% tariffs on copper imports, but exempted refined metals that are the mainstay of international trading. The move triggered a record plunge for US prices, after an unprecedented period of fat profits for traders who hurried metal to America before the levies kicked in. A large premium for New York futures over London evaporated. 'This has badly deviated from market expectations,' said Li Xuezhi, head of research at Chaos Ternary Futures Co., a unit of a commodities hedge fund in Shanghai. Those betting on higher US prices have 'wasted all their efforts' and global copper flows will return to normal, he said. Read more here. Lutnick: US made trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. BMW sticks with guidance despite profit drop, Trump's tariffs German carmaker BMW ( maintained its full-year guidance on Thursday despite President Trump's tariffs. The company's quarterly earnings also dropped by a third, arguing that its large manufacturing presence in the country gives it an edge over rivals. Reuters reports: Read more here. A list of President Trump's tariff deals and non-deals with trading partners On the eve of President Trump's tariff deadline, trading partners are scurrying to reach a deal before higher tariffs are imposed. Here is a list of the deals which have been reached and the ones still undecided. Europe: Both the US and the EU reached a trade agreement on Sunday, imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods and the EU plans to invest some $600 billion in the US. China: The US and China concluded their latest round of tariff and trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, with both sides touting progress but without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay. UK: The UK signed a deal with the US back in May formally lowering some tariffs on cars, steal, aluminum, beef and aerospace products. The UK also agreed to reduce tariffs on US beef and ethanol exports. Japan: Tokyo clinched a trade deal with Washington this month, lowering tariffs to 15% from a previously proposed 25%, including on autos. The deal also includes investment from Japan into the US. Vietnam: The US president announced earlier this month that he had struck a preliminary trade deal with Vietnam, cutting tariffs on imports from the Southeast Asian country to 20% from the 46% level threatened in April. South Korea: Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs of 15% on imports from South Korea that matched the rate for neighbor Japan. India: On Wednesday Trump threatened a 25% tariff on goods from India. Canada: President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that talks with the US may not finish by Trump's Friday deadline. Mexico: Bloomberg News reported Trump will speak with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday morning. Thailand and Cambodia: Deals were also expected with Thailand and Cambodia after Monday's ceasefire. Trump says Canada Palestine support threatens trade deal President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!," Trump wrote on Truth social. The US has inked a deal with at least one other country backing Palestinian statehood — the UK, whose prime minister, Kier Starmer, said this week it would recognize and support Palestinian statehood from September 2025. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US sets Korea tariff rate at 15% in deal with key supplier The US announced on Wednesday that it had reached a trade deal with South Korea that will impose a 15% tariff on imports, including autos and sets up a major investment in American energy and shipbuilding. President Trump announced the deal on Truth Social writing that a "full and complete trade deal" had been reached. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President," Trump wrote. "Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says US has reached trade deal with Pakistan President Trump on Wednesday said the US reached a trade deal with Pakistan that will see the US work with the nation to develop its "massive" oil reserves. Trump wrote on Truth Social: Pakistan's goods faced a 29% tariff under Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Trump didn't specify a new tariff rate. The apparent agreement comes the same day that Trump ratcheted up tensions with India, with whom Pakistan has long had geopolitical tensions. Trump threatened 25% tariffs on India's imports to the US, plus an additional penalty for what he said was the country's cozy ties with Russia. Powell on tariff-related price increases: Companies will 'cross the street in a group' Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that the central bank is seeing the "early beginnings" of tariff inflation on goods. "They'll cross the street in a group," Powell said of companies raising prices together, citing as an example the price hikes on both washing machines and dryers that occurred during the first Trump administration, even though only washing machine imports faced higher tariffs. Powell's comments echoed some of what we've heard from companies so far this earnings season. While companies haven't hiked prices across the board, some with businesses most exposed to President Trump's tariffs have noted that they will raise prices to protect margins and offset higher costs. Procter & Gamble (PG), for instance, said on Tuesday it would raise prices by about 2.5% across its portfolio. Mondelez (MDLZ) also said it plans to raise prices, though with a "surgical" approach amid some signs of consumer stress. And L'Oréal affirmed plans to raise prices to offset higher costs from tariffs. Graco Inc. (GGG), a Minneapolis-based industrial equipment manufacturer, said it waited to see what its competitors did on price before taking a price increase. "That gave us the opportunity and the confidence to know that we could also do the same thing," CEO Mark Sheahan said. Read more live coverage of corporate earnings. Trump ends tariff break for low-value goods in blow to online retailers President Trump is ending a policy that spared lower-value goods from being impacted by tariffs. The policy will come to an end in late August and will impact goods valued at less than $800. Bloomberg reports: Read more here from Bloomberg. Trump signs order to justify 50% tariffs on Brazil President Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil by citing a 1977 law that revolves around the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. AP reports: Read more here. Fed's Powell speaks on tariff effects on inflation: 'It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end' Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that increased tariffs are beginning to push up inflation in some categories, but longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored around the central bank's 2% goal. "Higher tariffs have begun to show through more clearly to prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation remain to be seen," Powell said in a press conference after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. Powell reiterated that central bank policymakers remain in wait-and-see mode. Though two policymakers dissented during the FOMC's meeting for the first time since 1993, as the effects of President Trump's tariff policies have divided central banker. 'It's been a very dynamic time for these trade negotiations, and lots and lots of events in the intermeeting period," Powell continued. "But we're still, you know, a ways away from seeing where things settle down." "It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end of that [trade negotiation] process, and that's not for us to judge, but it feels like there's much more to come." Trump administration announces 50% tariffs on some copper imports President Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday to impose 50% tariffs on certain copper imports starting Aug. 1. According to a White House fact sheet, "The Proclamation imposes universal 50% tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets, and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components), effective August 1." The measure came after a US investigation under Section 323, which US President Donald Trump ordered in February. The tariffs do not apply to the copper content of a product and they do not stack with auto 232 tariffs. Copper input materials (such as copper ores, concentrates, mattes, cathodes, and anodes) and copper scrap are also exempt from the measure. Read more here from Reuters. President Trump has unleashed a series of tariff deals and demands on the eve of his Friday deadline, including surprises on India and copper as the US president attempts to create a new global trade order. On Wednesday Trump announced tariffs of 15% on imports from South Korea that matched that of its neighbor Japan, and a 25% levy on imports from India that included criticism of its purchases of Russian energy and weapons. Thailand and Cambodia are also heading towards getting a deal, now that they have agreed to a ceasefire Monday. Trump further shocked markets with new tariff rules on copper, sinking prices in New York by a record after exempting the most widely traded forms of the metals from 50% tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump extends Mexico's current tariff rates President Trump said he would extend Mexico's current tariff rates for another 90 days to allow for more time for negotiations. Mexico was facing tariffs of up to 35% on certain goods beginning on Friday. The reprieve came after Trump talked with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Imports from Mexico will still be subject to other tariffs, namely duties on metals and cars. President Trump said he would extend Mexico's current tariff rates for another 90 days to allow for more time for negotiations. Mexico was facing tariffs of up to 35% on certain goods beginning on Friday. The reprieve came after Trump talked with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Imports from Mexico will still be subject to other tariffs, namely duties on metals and cars. Brazil sees 35.9% of exports to US facing steeper tariff: Sources Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: Tariffs are making 'America great and rich again' President Trump hit Truth Social again on Thursday posting that tariffs are making America "great and rich again." "ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE 'HOTTEST'COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," Trump posted. The US president also had a message for Washington's federal appeal court judges, who Trump will be meeting today in order to defend his tariffs. "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" On the eve of Trump's tariff deadline the US president unleashed a flurry of surprises. With news of deals with Thailand, Cambodia and rumours of deals with Taiwan. Unless trading partners reach an agreement by tomorrow, many will face higher tariffs. President Trump hit Truth Social again on Thursday posting that tariffs are making America "great and rich again." "ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE 'HOTTEST'COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," Trump posted. The US president also had a message for Washington's federal appeal court judges, who Trump will be meeting today in order to defend his tariffs. "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" On the eve of Trump's tariff deadline the US president unleashed a flurry of surprises. With news of deals with Thailand, Cambodia and rumours of deals with Taiwan. Unless trading partners reach an agreement by tomorrow, many will face higher tariffs. What's in the US-EU trade deal depends on who is doing the talking Yahoo Finance's Washington correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the detail of the US-EU trade deal: Read more here. Yahoo Finance's Washington correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the detail of the US-EU trade deal: Read more here. Trump back in court Thursday to defend the tariffs he plans to impose Friday US president Trump has already started to defend tariffs via his social media app Truth Social. Trump who will be meeting with US federal appeal court judged today posted that tariffs are making "America great and rich again." "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added. Yahoo Finance's senior legal reporter Alexis Keenan breaks down President Trump's face-off with the federal appeals court judges over his tariffs: Read more here. US president Trump has already started to defend tariffs via his social media app Truth Social. Trump who will be meeting with US federal appeal court judged today posted that tariffs are making "America great and rich again." "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added. Yahoo Finance's senior legal reporter Alexis Keenan breaks down President Trump's face-off with the federal appeals court judges over his tariffs: Read more here. Pakistan and US reach a trade agreement to develop oil reserves and reduce tariffs The US and Pakistan have announced that they have reached a trade agreement that would allow Washington to develop Pakistan's untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for the South Asian country, officials from both nation's said on Thursday. AP reports: Read more here. The US and Pakistan have announced that they have reached a trade agreement that would allow Washington to develop Pakistan's untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for the South Asian country, officials from both nation's said on Thursday. AP reports: Read more here. EU wine, spirits to face 15% US tariff from August 1: EU official Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump tariff surprise triggers implosion of massive copper trade Bloomberg reports: The global copper market is reeling from its biggest shock yet in a year of policy surprises, violent price swings and unprecedented trade dislocation. President Donald Trump went ahead with 50% tariffs on copper imports, but exempted refined metals that are the mainstay of international trading. The move triggered a record plunge for US prices, after an unprecedented period of fat profits for traders who hurried metal to America before the levies kicked in. A large premium for New York futures over London evaporated. 'This has badly deviated from market expectations,' said Li Xuezhi, head of research at Chaos Ternary Futures Co., a unit of a commodities hedge fund in Shanghai. Those betting on higher US prices have 'wasted all their efforts' and global copper flows will return to normal, he said. Read more here. Bloomberg reports: The global copper market is reeling from its biggest shock yet in a year of policy surprises, violent price swings and unprecedented trade dislocation. President Donald Trump went ahead with 50% tariffs on copper imports, but exempted refined metals that are the mainstay of international trading. The move triggered a record plunge for US prices, after an unprecedented period of fat profits for traders who hurried metal to America before the levies kicked in. A large premium for New York futures over London evaporated. 'This has badly deviated from market expectations,' said Li Xuezhi, head of research at Chaos Ternary Futures Co., a unit of a commodities hedge fund in Shanghai. Those betting on higher US prices have 'wasted all their efforts' and global copper flows will return to normal, he said. Read more here. Lutnick: US made trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. BMW sticks with guidance despite profit drop, Trump's tariffs German carmaker BMW ( maintained its full-year guidance on Thursday despite President Trump's tariffs. The company's quarterly earnings also dropped by a third, arguing that its large manufacturing presence in the country gives it an edge over rivals. Reuters reports: Read more here. German carmaker BMW ( maintained its full-year guidance on Thursday despite President Trump's tariffs. The company's quarterly earnings also dropped by a third, arguing that its large manufacturing presence in the country gives it an edge over rivals. Reuters reports: Read more here. A list of President Trump's tariff deals and non-deals with trading partners On the eve of President Trump's tariff deadline, trading partners are scurrying to reach a deal before higher tariffs are imposed. Here is a list of the deals which have been reached and the ones still undecided. Europe: Both the US and the EU reached a trade agreement on Sunday, imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods and the EU plans to invest some $600 billion in the US. China: The US and China concluded their latest round of tariff and trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, with both sides touting progress but without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay. UK: The UK signed a deal with the US back in May formally lowering some tariffs on cars, steal, aluminum, beef and aerospace products. The UK also agreed to reduce tariffs on US beef and ethanol exports. Japan: Tokyo clinched a trade deal with Washington this month, lowering tariffs to 15% from a previously proposed 25%, including on autos. The deal also includes investment from Japan into the US. Vietnam: The US president announced earlier this month that he had struck a preliminary trade deal with Vietnam, cutting tariffs on imports from the Southeast Asian country to 20% from the 46% level threatened in April. South Korea: Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs of 15% on imports from South Korea that matched the rate for neighbor Japan. India: On Wednesday Trump threatened a 25% tariff on goods from India. Canada: President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that talks with the US may not finish by Trump's Friday deadline. Mexico: Bloomberg News reported Trump will speak with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday morning. Thailand and Cambodia: Deals were also expected with Thailand and Cambodia after Monday's ceasefire. On the eve of President Trump's tariff deadline, trading partners are scurrying to reach a deal before higher tariffs are imposed. Here is a list of the deals which have been reached and the ones still undecided. Europe: Both the US and the EU reached a trade agreement on Sunday, imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods and the EU plans to invest some $600 billion in the US. China: The US and China concluded their latest round of tariff and trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, with both sides touting progress but without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay. UK: The UK signed a deal with the US back in May formally lowering some tariffs on cars, steal, aluminum, beef and aerospace products. The UK also agreed to reduce tariffs on US beef and ethanol exports. Japan: Tokyo clinched a trade deal with Washington this month, lowering tariffs to 15% from a previously proposed 25%, including on autos. The deal also includes investment from Japan into the US. Vietnam: The US president announced earlier this month that he had struck a preliminary trade deal with Vietnam, cutting tariffs on imports from the Southeast Asian country to 20% from the 46% level threatened in April. South Korea: Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs of 15% on imports from South Korea that matched the rate for neighbor Japan. India: On Wednesday Trump threatened a 25% tariff on goods from India. Canada: President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that talks with the US may not finish by Trump's Friday deadline. Mexico: Bloomberg News reported Trump will speak with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday morning. Thailand and Cambodia: Deals were also expected with Thailand and Cambodia after Monday's ceasefire. Trump says Canada Palestine support threatens trade deal President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!," Trump wrote on Truth social. The US has inked a deal with at least one other country backing Palestinian statehood — the UK, whose prime minister, Kier Starmer, said this week it would recognize and support Palestinian statehood from September 2025. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!," Trump wrote on Truth social. The US has inked a deal with at least one other country backing Palestinian statehood — the UK, whose prime minister, Kier Starmer, said this week it would recognize and support Palestinian statehood from September 2025. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US sets Korea tariff rate at 15% in deal with key supplier The US announced on Wednesday that it had reached a trade deal with South Korea that will impose a 15% tariff on imports, including autos and sets up a major investment in American energy and shipbuilding. President Trump announced the deal on Truth Social writing that a "full and complete trade deal" had been reached. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President," Trump wrote. "Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The US announced on Wednesday that it had reached a trade deal with South Korea that will impose a 15% tariff on imports, including autos and sets up a major investment in American energy and shipbuilding. President Trump announced the deal on Truth Social writing that a "full and complete trade deal" had been reached. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President," Trump wrote. "Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says US has reached trade deal with Pakistan President Trump on Wednesday said the US reached a trade deal with Pakistan that will see the US work with the nation to develop its "massive" oil reserves. Trump wrote on Truth Social: Pakistan's goods faced a 29% tariff under Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Trump didn't specify a new tariff rate. The apparent agreement comes the same day that Trump ratcheted up tensions with India, with whom Pakistan has long had geopolitical tensions. Trump threatened 25% tariffs on India's imports to the US, plus an additional penalty for what he said was the country's cozy ties with Russia. President Trump on Wednesday said the US reached a trade deal with Pakistan that will see the US work with the nation to develop its "massive" oil reserves. Trump wrote on Truth Social: Pakistan's goods faced a 29% tariff under Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Trump didn't specify a new tariff rate. The apparent agreement comes the same day that Trump ratcheted up tensions with India, with whom Pakistan has long had geopolitical tensions. Trump threatened 25% tariffs on India's imports to the US, plus an additional penalty for what he said was the country's cozy ties with Russia. Powell on tariff-related price increases: Companies will 'cross the street in a group' Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that the central bank is seeing the "early beginnings" of tariff inflation on goods. "They'll cross the street in a group," Powell said of companies raising prices together, citing as an example the price hikes on both washing machines and dryers that occurred during the first Trump administration, even though only washing machine imports faced higher tariffs. Powell's comments echoed some of what we've heard from companies so far this earnings season. While companies haven't hiked prices across the board, some with businesses most exposed to President Trump's tariffs have noted that they will raise prices to protect margins and offset higher costs. Procter & Gamble (PG), for instance, said on Tuesday it would raise prices by about 2.5% across its portfolio. Mondelez (MDLZ) also said it plans to raise prices, though with a "surgical" approach amid some signs of consumer stress. And L'Oréal affirmed plans to raise prices to offset higher costs from tariffs. Graco Inc. (GGG), a Minneapolis-based industrial equipment manufacturer, said it waited to see what its competitors did on price before taking a price increase. "That gave us the opportunity and the confidence to know that we could also do the same thing," CEO Mark Sheahan said. Read more live coverage of corporate earnings. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that the central bank is seeing the "early beginnings" of tariff inflation on goods. "They'll cross the street in a group," Powell said of companies raising prices together, citing as an example the price hikes on both washing machines and dryers that occurred during the first Trump administration, even though only washing machine imports faced higher tariffs. Powell's comments echoed some of what we've heard from companies so far this earnings season. While companies haven't hiked prices across the board, some with businesses most exposed to President Trump's tariffs have noted that they will raise prices to protect margins and offset higher costs. Procter & Gamble (PG), for instance, said on Tuesday it would raise prices by about 2.5% across its portfolio. Mondelez (MDLZ) also said it plans to raise prices, though with a "surgical" approach amid some signs of consumer stress. And L'Oréal affirmed plans to raise prices to offset higher costs from tariffs. Graco Inc. (GGG), a Minneapolis-based industrial equipment manufacturer, said it waited to see what its competitors did on price before taking a price increase. "That gave us the opportunity and the confidence to know that we could also do the same thing," CEO Mark Sheahan said. Read more live coverage of corporate earnings. Trump ends tariff break for low-value goods in blow to online retailers President Trump is ending a policy that spared lower-value goods from being impacted by tariffs. The policy will come to an end in late August and will impact goods valued at less than $800. Bloomberg reports: Read more here from Bloomberg. President Trump is ending a policy that spared lower-value goods from being impacted by tariffs. The policy will come to an end in late August and will impact goods valued at less than $800. Bloomberg reports: Read more here from Bloomberg. Trump signs order to justify 50% tariffs on Brazil President Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil by citing a 1977 law that revolves around the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. AP reports: Read more here. President Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil by citing a 1977 law that revolves around the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. AP reports: Read more here. Fed's Powell speaks on tariff effects on inflation: 'It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end' Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that increased tariffs are beginning to push up inflation in some categories, but longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored around the central bank's 2% goal. "Higher tariffs have begun to show through more clearly to prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation remain to be seen," Powell said in a press conference after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. Powell reiterated that central bank policymakers remain in wait-and-see mode. Though two policymakers dissented during the FOMC's meeting for the first time since 1993, as the effects of President Trump's tariff policies have divided central banker. 'It's been a very dynamic time for these trade negotiations, and lots and lots of events in the intermeeting period," Powell continued. "But we're still, you know, a ways away from seeing where things settle down." "It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end of that [trade negotiation] process, and that's not for us to judge, but it feels like there's much more to come." Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that increased tariffs are beginning to push up inflation in some categories, but longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored around the central bank's 2% goal. "Higher tariffs have begun to show through more clearly to prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation remain to be seen," Powell said in a press conference after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. Powell reiterated that central bank policymakers remain in wait-and-see mode. Though two policymakers dissented during the FOMC's meeting for the first time since 1993, as the effects of President Trump's tariff policies have divided central banker. 'It's been a very dynamic time for these trade negotiations, and lots and lots of events in the intermeeting period," Powell continued. "But we're still, you know, a ways away from seeing where things settle down." "It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end of that [trade negotiation] process, and that's not for us to judge, but it feels like there's much more to come." Trump administration announces 50% tariffs on some copper imports President Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday to impose 50% tariffs on certain copper imports starting Aug. 1. According to a White House fact sheet, "The Proclamation imposes universal 50% tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets, and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components), effective August 1." The measure came after a US investigation under Section 323, which US President Donald Trump ordered in February. The tariffs do not apply to the copper content of a product and they do not stack with auto 232 tariffs. Copper input materials (such as copper ores, concentrates, mattes, cathodes, and anodes) and copper scrap are also exempt from the measure. Read more here from Reuters. President Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday to impose 50% tariffs on certain copper imports starting Aug. 1. According to a White House fact sheet, "The Proclamation imposes universal 50% tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets, and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components), effective August 1." The measure came after a US investigation under Section 323, which US President Donald Trump ordered in February. The tariffs do not apply to the copper content of a product and they do not stack with auto 232 tariffs. Copper input materials (such as copper ores, concentrates, mattes, cathodes, and anodes) and copper scrap are also exempt from the measure. Read more here from Reuters.
Los Angeles Times
12 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
1,000 National Guard troops leaving L.A. soon, Pentagon says
Nearly two months after President Trump took the extraordinary step of deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles to quell public unrest over immigration raids, the Pentagon on Wednesday announced that it was withdrawing more than a thousand troops. The departure of about 1,350 members of the National Guard, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, represents just the latest rollback of troops from L.A. this month since more than 5,000 National Guard members and Marines were deployed to the city in June. Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon, said that approximately 250 California Guard members would remain in L.A. to protect federal agents and buildings. 'We greatly appreciate the support of the more than 5,000 Guardsmen and Marines who mobilized to Los Angeles to defend Federal functions against the rampant lawlessness occurring in the city,' Parnell said in a statement. Mayor Karen Bass, who had dubbed the deployment an 'armed occupation,' was quick to celebrate the troops departure. 'Another win for Los Angeles,' Bass said on X Wednesday night. 'We will continue this pressure until ALL troops are out of L.A.' The troops' presence in Los Angeles — and their role of protecting federal agents conducting immigration raids — was fiercely contested. President Trump said the troops were necessary to maintain order as the administration ramped up its immigration raids and protesters covered downtown buildings in graffiti, set Waymos on fire and clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. But many of California's key Democratic leaders said there was no need for federal troops in the city: local law enforcement could handle the protesters, they said, and the presence of federal troops in highly militarized gear only inflamed tension in the region. They also argued that federal officials had deployed the troops illegally. Just a day after the first convoys of National Guard troops rumbled into to L.A. on June 8, Gov. Gavin Newsom sued federal officials, saying that the deployment exceeded federal authority and violated the 10th amendment in an 'unprecedented usurpation' of state power. Newsom also complained that the deployment had diverted the California National Guard from critical duties such as combating wildfires and interrupting the drug trade at the U.S.-Mexico border and across California. His office released a statement responding to the latest draw down Thursday. 'President Trump is realizing that his political theater backfired. This militarization was always unnecessary and deeply unpopular,' the statement said. 'The President must do the right thing to end this illegal militarization now because the economic and societal impacts are dire. The women and men of our military deserve more than to be used as props in the federal government's propaganda machine.' Over the weeks, as the L.A. protests subsided, the troops did not appear to have a clear role and many appeared to be bored. By July, a source within Newsom's office with knowledge of the military operation told The Times that only about 3% of the troops were taking part in daily missions. 'There's not much to do,' one Marine told The Times as he stood guard earlier this month outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Westwood. The majority of National Guard members were left largely milling about the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos in an operation that the Pentagon had estimated would cost about $134 million. On July 15, the Pentagon withdrew nearly 2,000 California National Guard soldiers from L.A. and on July 21 it withdrew 700 active-duty Marines.
New York Post
12 minutes ago
- New York Post
Kash Patel's country singer girlfriend fends off ‘disheartening' conspiracy theories she's honeypotting the FBI boss
FBI director Kash Patel's girlfriend Alexis Wilkins has been forced to fend off the 'incredibly disheartening' conspiracy theories that she is honeypotting the bureau's head honcho for a foreign government. The 26-year-old country artist said the skeptics are contorting her backstory, even as she acknowledged she can 'understand' it. 'I think people see certain pieces and I get it,' Wilkins told the 'Megyn Kelly Show' on Wednesday. Advertisement 'They want to connect things, they want to justify, some of the pain that they've been through watching the last four years, and there's pieces of this that, you know, I can understand,' she continued. 'I think that they've taken just these pieces of evidence that you laid out and tie them together in all of the wrong ways.' 4 FBI director Kash Patel's girlfriend Alexis Wilkins denied being a spy for a foreign government. Getty Images Advertisement 4 Alexis Wilkins expressed her frustrations at dealing with conspiracy theories about her relationship with FBI Director Kash Patel. The Megyn Kelly Show / YouTube Conspiracy theories about Wilkins exploded on the internet after the Justice Department and FBI's July 6 memo about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which concluded that the evidence suggests Epstein killed himself in prison and did not keep an 'incriminating client list.' Some of the trolls speculated that the Arkansas-raised singer was a Mossad agent intended to compromise Patel, 45, and at least one of them misidentified her as Jewish. Advertisement One thread used to make that conspiratorial leap is Wilkins' work for PragerU, a conservative nonprofit that seeks to educate the public on key political issues. The CEO of PragerU, Marissa Streit, previously served in the Israeli army. Wilkins is Armenian and Christian and does not appear to have any known ties to Israel. 4 Alexis Wilkins began dating FBI Director Kash Patel years before he began leading the bureau. Getty Images Advertisement When Kelly asked point-blank whether she was a spy for any foreign government, Wilkins replied, 'Definitely not, that is a firm no on that front.' Earlier this month, the country singer ripped into the online conspiracy theorists, raging that they are 'farming' for attention 'because their engagement dried up after Trump's win.' 'It's disappointing to see people with no real contribution to political discourse spin ridiculous conspiracy theories out of thin air,' Wilkins bemoaned in an X post. 'These accusations are obviously insanely ridiculous.' Patel and Wilkins met at a friend's event in Nashville in 2022 and began dating several months later in early 2023. 'We just happened to meet,' Wilkins recounted, noting that the 19-year age gap she has with him always felt irrelevant. 'I have always liked [him], when I met him, I just liked that he was so, so honest,' Wilkins gushed. 'He's exactly who he is all the time. His character is incredible. His values are incredible. 'We both are very patriotic. So obviously there are things there that we definitely agree on, but he's just the most honest, you know, most integrity I've really experienced in a person, he's fantastic.' Advertisement The country singer, who hosts a Rumble show, acknowledged there's 'not enough information out there about me to glean a real conclusion on all of this kind of vigilante research.' She mused that those gaps have given room for internet trolls to fill with conspiracy theories, which she lamented as 'incredibly disheartening.' Patel has been 'very frustrated' and 'unhappy' with the hate and suspicion directed her way over the Epstein drama, Wilkins said. 4 Alexis Wilkins revealed that FBI Director Kash Patel is frustrated that she's taking heat. Getty Images Advertisement She also underscored that Patel's work on the Epstein drama is 'limited to the government side' and that she has 'no awareness besides what everyone else is seeing.' 'If people stop calling me a spy, absolutely,' she replied when asked if she wants to see more Epstein files released.
