The Epstein fallout finally reveals Trump's Achilles heel
It turns out Barack Obama was an American citizen the whole time. Osama Bin Laden was actually killed by Navy SEALs. John F. Kennedy Jr. is not coming back. The 'Pizzagate' restaurant was really just a place that sold pizza. And of course, the election of 2020 was not stolen.
These conspiracy-lovers never faltered in their support for the president, even as they continually had to explain why the claims he made kept turning out to be false. Because their gymnastics mostly lead to the ultimate conspiracy: the deep state.
It's easy to see why people would embrace the idea of a deep state and why they viewed Trump as the person to fight against it. In 1958, 73 percent of Americans trusted the government. That number is now at 22 percent. Vietnam, Watergate and Iraq, among other disasters, led to drops in government trust. It is not just MAGA voters who feel this way. Black Americans, ultra-liberals, women, libertarians, Indigenous Americans and a whole slew of other demographics all have legitimate reasons not to trust Washington.
We all know this is one of the reasons for Trump's electoral success and continued support. Even during his first term, as his promises to lock up Hillary Clinton went broken, there was an excuse. The deep state was working against him. He needed total control of the government to finally dismantle the vast shadow government that thwarted his plans in the first term.
People believed him and supported the Department of Government Efficiency, dubious federal appointments, the dismantling of government agencies and purges on non-loyalists as proof that the deep state would finally be destroyed.
Then came the current Jeffrey Epstein public relations nightmare. Now, Trump finds himself in a very unusual position. The very case he used to illustrate the scope of the deep state is now revealing to his most ardent supporters that the emperor is naked — and perhaps they'll even conclude that he might even be on this alleged Epstein list himself.
Non-MAGA conspiracy theorists aren't shocked at all. All you have to do is Google ' Trump and Epstein ' and you will see dozens of photos of them hanging out in various places over a long period of time. (For what it's worth, the same applies when you Google ' Trump and Diddy '). It is well known that the two have had a connection. But MAGA supporters wanted to see these files because they are convinced that it reveals not just the elites who were involved in the trafficking of women, but also that the federal system went to great lengths to protect said elites.
Now, MAGA loyalists are seeing their deep-state savior do everything possible to hide, minimize and convince them that the conspiracy he has been selling them never existed in the first place.
For Democrats, this is the Achilles heel they have long searched for. Trump can no longer claim there is a conspiracy that blocks transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein. So now, the conspiracy has reached its end. It will be virtually impossible for Trump not to release files that he and his attorney general, Pam Bondi, both said existed, before saying they didn't. And any release of files after this last week's circus will only cast additional doubts on their authenticity.
Trump already took to social media to say the files were written by Barack Obama and Joe Biden, a post that appeared after his own Department of Justice last week said there were no files. Trump infamously claimed he loved the ' poorly educated,' but these people aren't that.
They have had a deep distrust of the government for some time. Now will this Epstein fiasco make people trust the government more than Trump? No. But it can undermine the trust Trump has with his base. Every Democrat who is even thinking of running in 2028 should already be calling for Trump to release the files and reminding his voters that he alone is keeping them from being released.
And they should do this with any conspiracy that Trump floats from here on out, because he can no longer pretend there is a deep state in the way. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is already leading the way, pushing for a House vote to demand the release of the files. House Republicans might have to choose between their loyalty to Trump and having their vote eternally memorialized as protection of the deep state.
For the upcoming race, all Democratic candidates should badger their Republican counterparts on why they are supporting Trump's lack of transparency.
Of course, Trump and his acolytes will have talking points, but if this weekend's Truth Social post is an indication, it will be hard to spin this one. Democrats have been waiting for years to fracture the trust between Trump and his most ardent supporters. They finally have an arrow to aim at his Achilles heel. The only question is whether they will hit it or miss.
Jos Joseph is a published writer and is a graduate of the Harvard Extension School and Ohio State University. He is a Marine veteran who served in Iraq. He currently lives in Anaheim, Calif.
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Trump tariffs live updates: Trump says India will face 25% tariffs, holds firm on Aug. 1 deadline
President Trump said Wednesday that goods from India will face a 25% tariff when entering the US beginning on Friday, a signal that negotiations toward a larger deal have stalled ahead of his self-imposed Aug. 1 deadline. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country," Trump said via a post on Truth Social. Trump also accused India of buying its military equipment from Russia. "ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST," Trump posted. Trump also again said he would not extend Friday's deadline for tariffs to kick in to levels outlined by deals or letters Trump has sent to country leaders. "THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE — IT STANDS STRONG, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED. A BIG DAY FOR AMERICA!!!" Trump said. Trump confirmed this week that 15% represents the new tariff "floor" for countries, whose rates he has been dictating to leaders in the absence of trade deals. Meanwhile, 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. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Trump would make the final call on extending the trade truce between the world's two largest economies. This week's talks were the third round for the countries, which have slowly deescalated trade tensions since Trump imposed gargantuan tariffs in April, and China reciprocated. The countries suspended those tariffs for 90 days — a suspension that is set to end on Aug. 12. Bessent said another 90-day extension is possible. Also, the US and EU are racing to lock in the final details of their major new trade deal before Friday. Top EU critics say it's a rushed fix. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the outcome unsatisfying and France's Bayrou dubbed the EU's "submission" a "dark day." The agreement includes a baseline tariff rate of 15% on most EU goods imported into the US. Trump called the deal 'the biggest of them all." 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. India-US trade talks go off rails on row over farm markets Indian officials were initially confident of a trade agreement with the US, but now negotiations appear complicated by the US's announcement that it will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting Aug. 1. India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers remain sticking points, especially concerning agriculture. India imposes an average most-favored-nation tariff of 39% on imported farm goods, compared to 5% in the US. Reuters breaks down some of the key issues in focus: Read more here. Trump says India will be paying a tariff of 25% President Trump accused India on Wednesday of charging high tariffs and said they are among the highest in the world. Trump said that despite the US and India being "friends" they have done "little business" together. "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US president went on to write that India had purchased the "vast majority" of its military equipment from Russia, alongside China and because of this things are "not good." ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA! These latest comments from Trump come after he said on Tuesday that India would face a 20%-25% tariff rate as both sides had failed to reach an agreement ahead of Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, when trading partners would face higher tariffs. Sources said on Wednesday that India hopes to establish a trade deal with the US by fall of 2025. Trump says Aug. 1 deadline will not be extended Two posts from Truth Social this morning: And: Harley-Davidson misses second-quarter profit estimates as tariffs weigh Motorcycle maker Harley Davidson (HOG) reported lower second-quarter profit and did not provide an annual forecast on Wednesday, as US President Trump's tariffs continued to weigh on the motorcycle maker. Reuters reports: Read more here. India eyes fall deadline for US deal amid Trump threats India has said that it will continue its negotiations with the US for a trade deal and hope one can be established by fall of 2025, despite President Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, where trading partners will face higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Luxury car brands Aston Martin and Porsche report tariff hit President Trump's tariffs have caused two automakers to either issue warnings on Wednesday or trim outlooks. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin (AML.L, ARGGY) issued a profit warning on Wednesday, citing the impact of US import tariffs and prolonged suppressed Asian demand linked to China's economic slowdown. While Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) luxury brand Porsche cut its full-year profitability target on Wednesday after the EU's trade deal with the US and reported a $462-million hit from tariffs in the first half. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: India may get 20% to 25% tariff but not yet final President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Brazil asks US to spare key food products, planes from tariffs Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. US-China talks end without further pause, with Trump to make 'final call' US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US goods trade deficit hits nearly 2-year low as imports tumble The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. IMF edges 2025 growth forecast slightly higher, warns tariff risks still dog outlook Reuters reports: Read more here. India braces for higher US tariffs, eyes broader trade deal: Sources India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. Why markets are shrugging off lack of details in Trump trade deals The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. Tariffs bleed into profits A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: P&G beats on earnings, warns of $1 billion tariff hit The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. EU, US rush to clinch final details and lock in trade deal The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. India-US trade talks go off rails on row over farm markets Indian officials were initially confident of a trade agreement with the US, but now negotiations appear complicated by the US's announcement that it will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting Aug. 1. India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers remain sticking points, especially concerning agriculture. India imposes an average most-favored-nation tariff of 39% on imported farm goods, compared to 5% in the US. Reuters breaks down some of the key issues in focus: Read more here. Indian officials were initially confident of a trade agreement with the US, but now negotiations appear complicated by the US's announcement that it will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting Aug. 1. India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers remain sticking points, especially concerning agriculture. India imposes an average most-favored-nation tariff of 39% on imported farm goods, compared to 5% in the US. Reuters breaks down some of the key issues in focus: Read more here. Trump says India will be paying a tariff of 25% President Trump accused India on Wednesday of charging high tariffs and said they are among the highest in the world. Trump said that despite the US and India being "friends" they have done "little business" together. "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US president went on to write that India had purchased the "vast majority" of its military equipment from Russia, alongside China and because of this things are "not good." ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA! These latest comments from Trump come after he said on Tuesday that India would face a 20%-25% tariff rate as both sides had failed to reach an agreement ahead of Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, when trading partners would face higher tariffs. Sources said on Wednesday that India hopes to establish a trade deal with the US by fall of 2025. President Trump accused India on Wednesday of charging high tariffs and said they are among the highest in the world. Trump said that despite the US and India being "friends" they have done "little business" together. "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US president went on to write that India had purchased the "vast majority" of its military equipment from Russia, alongside China and because of this things are "not good." ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA! These latest comments from Trump come after he said on Tuesday that India would face a 20%-25% tariff rate as both sides had failed to reach an agreement ahead of Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, when trading partners would face higher tariffs. Sources said on Wednesday that India hopes to establish a trade deal with the US by fall of 2025. Trump says Aug. 1 deadline will not be extended Two posts from Truth Social this morning: And: Two posts from Truth Social this morning: And: Harley-Davidson misses second-quarter profit estimates as tariffs weigh Motorcycle maker Harley Davidson (HOG) reported lower second-quarter profit and did not provide an annual forecast on Wednesday, as US President Trump's tariffs continued to weigh on the motorcycle maker. Reuters reports: Read more here. Motorcycle maker Harley Davidson (HOG) reported lower second-quarter profit and did not provide an annual forecast on Wednesday, as US President Trump's tariffs continued to weigh on the motorcycle maker. Reuters reports: Read more here. India eyes fall deadline for US deal amid Trump threats India has said that it will continue its negotiations with the US for a trade deal and hope one can be established by fall of 2025, despite President Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, where trading partners will face higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. India has said that it will continue its negotiations with the US for a trade deal and hope one can be established by fall of 2025, despite President Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, where trading partners will face higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Luxury car brands Aston Martin and Porsche report tariff hit President Trump's tariffs have caused two automakers to either issue warnings on Wednesday or trim outlooks. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin (AML.L, ARGGY) issued a profit warning on Wednesday, citing the impact of US import tariffs and prolonged suppressed Asian demand linked to China's economic slowdown. While Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) luxury brand Porsche cut its full-year profitability target on Wednesday after the EU's trade deal with the US and reported a $462-million hit from tariffs in the first half. Reuters reports: Read more here. President Trump's tariffs have caused two automakers to either issue warnings on Wednesday or trim outlooks. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin (AML.L, ARGGY) issued a profit warning on Wednesday, citing the impact of US import tariffs and prolonged suppressed Asian demand linked to China's economic slowdown. While Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) luxury brand Porsche cut its full-year profitability target on Wednesday after the EU's trade deal with the US and reported a $462-million hit from tariffs in the first half. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: India may get 20% to 25% tariff but not yet final President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Brazil asks US to spare key food products, planes from tariffs Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. US-China talks end without further pause, with Trump to make 'final call' US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US goods trade deficit hits nearly 2-year low as imports tumble The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. IMF edges 2025 growth forecast slightly higher, warns tariff risks still dog outlook Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. India braces for higher US tariffs, eyes broader trade deal: Sources India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. Why markets are shrugging off lack of details in Trump trade deals The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. Tariffs bleed into profits A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: P&G beats on earnings, warns of $1 billion tariff hit The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. EU, US rush to clinch final details and lock in trade deal The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
Trump plays a radical game by personally screening nominees for four-star generals
Ordinarily, when U.S. military leaders are being considered for a fourth star, they meet with the defense secretary at the Pentagon discuss their future and possible promotion. But with growing questions about Secretary Pete Hegseth and the degree to which he's calling the shots at the DOD, The New York Times reported on a different model in the current administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has begun requiring that nominees for four-star-general positions meet with President Trump before their nominations are finalized, in a departure from past practice, said three current and former U.S. officials. The move, though within Mr. Trump's remit as commander in chief, has raised worries about the possible politicization of the military's top ranks by a president who has regularly flouted norms intended to insulate the military from partisan disputes. While the Times' reporting has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, the White House effectively confirmed the story. 'President Trump wants to ensure our military is the greatest and most lethal fighting force in history, which is why he meets with four-star-general nominees directly to ensure they are war fighters first — not bureaucrats,' a White House spokesperson told the Times. We were warned that steps like these were coming. About a month before Election Day 2024, Trump said during an interview, 'The military is bad. We have generals that do such a bad job.' A week earlier, the Republican explicitly said he intended to create a system that would help keep 'woke generals' out of the Defense Department. He'd lashed out at U.S. generals before, but this was new: Trump sketched out a system in which military leaders would be subjected to some kind of ideological review. That was nine months ago. Now, the president is apparently taking related steps in the same direction, personally screening generals before they can earn their fourth stars. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff noted in response to the reporting, 'Trump is steadily poisoning the nonpartisan apolitical nature of the military's leadership—which will be a bell hard for future presidents to unring once it's happened.' Darin Self, a political scientist at Brigham Young University, added, 'You don't need a scholar of authoritarianism and the military like me to tell you this does not produce good outcomes.' There's a growing body of evidence to suggest the White House is blurring the lines between partisan politics and the country's armed forces, and the more these efforts advance, the more dangerous it becomes to our constitutional system of government. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on
The Hill
3 minutes ago
- The Hill
Sanders rips Netanyahu: ‘Disgusting liar'
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for denying the food crisis in Gaza. 'He is a disgusting liar,' Sanders said Tuesday night during an appearance on CNN's 'The Source with Kaitlan Collins.' 'Israel had a right to defend itself from the terrible Hamas attack. But I think everybody understands that in the last [one] and a half years, they have been waging a brutal, horrific, almost unprecedented type of war, not just against Hamas, but against the Palestinian people,' the Vermont senator added. On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they would resume aid airdrops in the Gaza Strip. Israel has been accused by a UN official, among others, of blocking aid into the region. The IDF denied reports of starvation as a 'false campaign by the Hamas terrorist organization.' However, Sanders said hundreds of thousands are suffering at the hands of the Israeli government. 'They have virtually completely destroyed the entire infrastructure of Gaza, virtually all of the schools, the health care system, over 70 percent of the housing, the water system. And now, as you mentioned, over the last period of time, they have prevented humanitarian aid coming in,' Sanders told Collins. 'And there is now mass malnutrition and children are starving to death,' he added. In response to the crisis, Sanders said he would introduce a joint resolution on Wednesday to condemn U.S. arms sales to Israel. 'We cannot continue to provide military aid to the extremist, racist, Netanyahu government that is starving the children of Gaza,' Sanders said. Sanders also slammed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for promoting false narratives about the crisis in Gaza. 'So you have a super PAC called AIPAC that spends hundreds of millions of dollars trying to defend the Netanyahu government. And if you vote for a Sanders resolution or you stand up in other ways in opposition to Netanyahu, they're prepared to fund a whole lot of money against you,' the senator said. 'But I think the time is now when members of the Senate have gotta start listening to their constituents back home, and the American people do not want to spend billions and billions of dollars supporting this horrific war.'
