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The Hill
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Morning Report — Musk critique complicates GOP's megabill push
Editor's note: The Hill's Morning Report is our daily newsletter that dives deep into Washington's agenda. To subscribe, click here or fill out the box below. Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here In today's issue: The 'big, beautiful' megabill just ran into an Elon Musk-shaped roadblock. President Trump's signature tax and domestic policy bill, which faces consideration in the Senate this week, has been on thin ice for months. The massive, sweeping piece of legislation barely passed the House, and now faces an even tougher crowd in the upper chamber. Then came Musk, who posted Tuesday on his social platform X that he 'just can't stand it anymore.' 'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,' he wrote. The Hill's The Memo: Musk dropped a bomb on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' Musk quickly garnered support from Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.), one of the Republicans who did not vote for the bill in the House, and Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah). 'The Senate must make this bill better,' Lee wrote in a reply to Musk. Trump made a series of calls in recent days as he begins the effort to get the bill through the Senate, where it faces calls for more spending cuts from the likes of Paul and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Although members concede Trump's impact is more acute with House members, given the political dynamics in the chamber, they still see the president as having real sway to get the package over the finish line. 'He's the closer,' Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told The Hill. 'The president clearly is very dialed in right now.' Politico: 'A ton of tradeoffs': Thune acts fast to cut deals and move Trump's megabill. The president publicly criticized Paul for his opposition to the bill, as Republican leaders sought to downplay Musk's criticism. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he had talked to Musk on Monday, and that the tech billionaire 'seemed to understand' the importance of the legislation. 'For him to come out and pan the whole bill is to me just very disappointing, very surprising,' Johnson said. 'With all due respect, my friend Elon is terribly wrong.' Senate Republican committee chairs will begin rolling out sections of the bill this week for colleagues to begin negotiating in committee-level breakout groups. Members of the powerful Senate Finance Committee will go to the White House to meet with the president this afternoon. As that discussion begins, The Hill's Alexander Bolton reports the window is fast closing on Senate conservatives who want to add more deficit-reduction measures, and moderates and a coalition of other GOP lawmakers who want to rewrite House-drafted cuts to Medicaid. Thune on Monday outlined an ambitious timeline for the bill. 'I think we're on track — I hope, at least — to be able to produce something that we can pass through the Senate, send back to the House, have them pass and put on the president's desk by the Fourth of July,' he told reporters. ▪ NBC News: The White House on Tuesday sent congressional leaders a request to claw back $9.4 billion in approved spending, most of it for foreign aid. ▪ The Hill: Republicans are seeking a major rollback of ObamaCare coverage under the House-passed megabill that would result in millions of people losing insurance coverage. ▪ The Hill: Republicans are increasingly on the defensive over the party's handling of Medicaid cuts in the party's 'big, beautiful bill,' underscoring how the issue has become an early flash point ahead of next year's midterms. Conservative spending hawks in the House are worried about changes to the bill that Senate Republicans are eyeing — and they may soon face a moment of reckoning. Under heavy pressure from Trump and his MAGA base, GOP spending hawks held their noses and voted for the bill last month, hoping the Senate would shift the massive package closer to being deficit neutral. Instead, the opposite is now expected to happen, as moderate GOP senators leery of the House Medicaid cuts and efforts to phase out green energy subsidies seek to restore some of those benefit programs, potentially making the bill even more costly than the House version. With just a slim Senate majority, Thune will need the support of those moderates if he hopes to pass the bill. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a prominent spending hawk, was even more forceful, saying GOP senators 'can't unwind what we achieved' in the House or the bill would have a tough path upon its return to the lower chamber. 'And those are going to be red lines,' he warned. SMART TAKE with NewsNation's BLAKE BURMAN: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) voted for the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, but she's now changing her mind over one part she didn't see before casting her vote. Greene worries the bill could prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence for ten years, which she views as a violation of states' rights. 'I find it so problematic that I'm willing to come forward and admit that those are two pages that I didn't read, because I never want to see a situation where state rights are stripped away,' Greene told me. 'I think we have to protect states' rights to be able to regulate and make laws that they need to make for their states.' An issue that seemed settled is clearly not, and Greene's comment is just the latest example showing how the legislation is still likely to morph. Burman hosts 'The Hill' weeknights, 6p/5c on NewsNation. 3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY: ▪ U.S. tariffs doubled today to 50 percent on steel and aluminum imports. The levies rankled Canada, Europe, automakers, plane manufacturers, home builders, oil drillers, can manufacturers for food products and other companies that rely on metal purchases. ▪ JOIN THE HILL THIS MORNING at 8 a.m. for 'Invest in America,' a half-day summit featuring titans from Washington and Wall Street. Participants will share insights about economic developments, tariffs, artificial intelligence, crypto, taxes and more. RSVP HERE. ▪ Also TODAY, check out The Hill's Open Mic 'Across the Aisle' with former Senate leaders Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Trent Lott (R-Miss.). Live stream starts at 2 p.m.; register HERE. LEADING THE DAY © Associated Press | Lynne Sladky CONTRETEMPS OR CONTEMPT? Federal judges in Trump deportation cases who seek to determine whether violations have taken place have faced evasion and delays from the administration, which, in turn, has experienced no serious repercussions for tactics aimed at giving little ground. But three judges in three different courthouses who have been overseeing deportation cases have said they are considering whether to hold the administration in contempt. Justice Department lawyers are in difficult positions in some cases and have admitted to federal judges that their 'clients' in agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, have refused to provide information sought by the courts. JUDGING THE JUDGES: Trump has made no secret during public remarks and in social media posts that he evaluates judges based on his political aims and his perception of theirs. When it comes to the high court, he has been swayed by allies on the right. Trump has complained privately about Justice Amy Coney Barrett, his most recent appointee, according to CNN, as well as Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, also members of the Supreme Court's conservative majority. Last week, as Trump raged over a three-judge panel's decision against his tariff plan, he took aim at Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo, who played a major role in helping Trump select nominees to the federal bench. The New Republic: The conservative legal movement's problem is that Trump does not really need them anymore. His grip over the Republican Party is ironclad. COURTS AND TECH: The Federal Trade Commission and Meta have wrapped up a six-week trial focused on an alleged social networking monopoly by the parent of Facebook and Instagram. Here's what to know as the judge in the case weighs the trial's outcome. WHERE AND WHEN ZOOM IN © Associated Press | Bebeto Matthews New York Democrats are bracing for a potentially fraught primary in next year's gubernatorial race after Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado (D) took the unusual step on Monday of launching a campaign to challenge his boss, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D). Delgado and the governor's rocky relationship had been evident, but his decision drew pushback from some Democrats as the party faces a potentially competitive general election campaign in a state where Republicans have gained ground in recent elections. Meanwhile, New York City Democratic mayoral candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo told The New York Times during an interview that he regrets resigning in 2021. Virginia: Voters in a September special election will select a successor to the late Rep. Gerald Connolly, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday. The district has been Democratic since Connolly joined the House in 2008. Iowa: Sen. Joni Ernst's (R-Iowa) recent controversial remarks on Medicaid have become a political liability for the incumbent as she faces reelection next year. 'It is very, very early, but there is no question that that comment from [Ernst] will be on Iowa airwaves for the better part of the next 15 months,' said one Iowa Republican strategist. Ernst drew the ire of Democrats when she responded to town hall concerns about potential Medicaid cuts by saying 'we all are going to die.' Despite swift backlash, Ernst doubled down on the remarks in a video posted Saturday on social media in which she appeared to be recording from a cemetery. Sabato's Crystal Ball on Tuesday shifted its rating for the Iowa 2026 Senate race from 'safe Republican' to 'likely Republican' following Iowa Democratic state Rep. J.D. Scholten's entry in the race. Scholten told The Washington Post that he had already been thinking about running, but the controversy convinced him. The senator's comments, he said, were 'horrific and tone deaf.' 📲 PHONE FORENSICS: What's on Trump's smartphone? A stolen glance from photographers and more reporting from The Atlantic reporters (who discovered the president picked up when they cold called his personal iPhone) adds to the lore. 🌀 HURRICANE SEASON: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reverted to its old hurricane guidance from last year rather than wait for a new plan to carry out its responsibilities during hurricane season, which has begun and lasts through November. The agency is struggling with a loss of personnel and eliminations of some programs under the Trump administration, The Wall Street Journal reports. ELSEWHERE © Associated Press | Andrii Marienko UKRAINE: Ukraine said Tuesday that it hit the bridge connecting Russia and the occupied Crimean Peninsula with explosives planted underwater. The strike marked Kyiv's third attack on the vital supply line for Moscow's forces since the full-scale war began in 2022. Ukraine's audacious drone attack on Russian warplanes has shown Kyiv has a few cards up its sleeve to combat Moscow's aggression, even as Trump pressures hard concessions to achieve a ceasefire. It's not yet clear whether Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb achieved new leverage with Trump, who views the country as on the brink of defeat, or Russia — where peace talks in Istanbul on Monday concluded without any major breakthroughs. A memorandum of Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands to Ukraine for an end to the war underscores a position the West has always suspected: no compromise. The conditions, which included Ukraine withdrawing from vast swaths of territory and fulfilling a list of Russian-set conditions, confirm that Putin and his forces 'are going to have to kill their way out of this war,' a Western official told NBC News on Tuesday, predicting 'more violence.' Axios: Ukraine's drone triumph opens a window to the future of the war. GAZA: A U.S. consulting firm quit the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza humanitarian aid effort, amid criticism. Boston Consulting Group, which helped design and run the effort's business operations, withdrew its team from the aid delivery program. The move comes as witnesses and international medical teams report daily attacks by Israeli troops on aid distribution sites. Israeli soldiers opened fire Tuesday before dawn on Palestinians who were converging on the new aid distribution site, killing 27. It was 'total carnage,' according to a foreign witness. The Israeli military said, 'several suspects' moved toward Israeli forces 'deviating from the designated access routes.' Troops 'carried out warning fire … additional shots were directed near a few individual suspects who advanced towards the troops.' CHINA: Trump said he wants to hold a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to help reset souring trade talks. But even if the leaders talk this week, which the White House said is 'likely,' it's doubtful to be the breakthrough Trump is hoping for. Politico reports the administration is under 'a lot of pressure' because of Beijing's block on critical minerals 'I don't think Xi is too interested in exporting any more rare earths or magnets to the United States, he's made his position clear,' said a person familiar with the talks, though they predicted there's a 'good likelihood' Xi would take the call. 'The president has some leverage, and the question is when he's ready to impose maximum pressure on the Chinese government.' The Wall Street Journal: He Lifeng, Beijing's economic gatekeeper, has a clear mandate from Xi: China won't be catering to the U.S. IRAN: Nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran appear to have stalled. Trump insisted on Monday that he would not allow Iran to enrich uranium as part of any nuclear deal, despite reports that Washington would have been willing to tolerate a low level of enrichment. Tehran 'is drafting a negative response' to the American proposal, an Iranian diplomat told Reuters. Axios: Tehran is open to basing a nuclear deal with the U.S. around the idea of a regional uranium enrichment consortium, as long as it is located within Iran. OPINION ■ Ukraine's drone strike is a warning — for the U.S., by The Wall Street Journal editorial board. ■ Ukraine's attack exposed America's Achilles heel, by W.J. Hennigan, columnist, The New York Times. THE CLOSER © Associated Press | Don Ryan And finally … 📚Summer reading season spotlights gimmicks and trends and here are two to watch: works inspired by and constructed around opinion polling, and separately, 2025's AI encroachment into the book world under the guise of human authorship. Released Tuesday, 'People's Choice Literature,' by Tom Comitta from Columbia University Press, is a 584-page volume with two different tales: 'The Most Wanted Novel' and 'The Most Unwanted Novel,' each incorporating results of an opinion poll on the literary preferences of 1,045 readers from across the U.S. It lends new meaning to 'finding an audience.' And while the ongoing trend of 'self-published AI slop,' as one commentator put it, has been around since large language models such as ChatGPT began emulating creative writing, readers recently noted telltale evidence of AI mimicry in a recent fantasy novel. It was accidentally published including the human author's prompt to an AI chatbot creating portions of the book with a request to copy a rival writer's style. Stay Engaged We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger (asimendinger@ and Kristina Karisch (kkarisch@ Follow us on social platform X: (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends.
The Hill
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Morning Report — Trump's tariffs snag in the courts
Editor's note: The Hill's Morning Report is our daily newsletter that dives deep into Washington's agenda. To subscribe, click here or fill out the box below. Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here In today's issue: President Trump's signature trade policy is hitting a series of hurdles in the courts, as multiple panels this week sought to block their implementation. First came the U.S. Court of International Trade, which on Wednesday declared the levies illegal. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras followed suit, blocking the bulk of the April 2nd 'Liberation Day' tariffs. A federal appeals court lifted the first of two rulings blocking Trump's tariffs on Thursday, handing him a temporary win after a lower court rejected the administration's legal defense hours earlier. ▪ The Hill: These tariffs weren't affected by the court rulings. ▪ The New York Times: Companies welcomed the court decision striking down Trump's tariffs. Then a stay of that ruling left no one breathing easy. ▪ CNN: Trump's tariffs are under threat, but ports aren't seeing a big rebound yet. That's bad news for prices. During a briefing Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt derided the court rulings as 'judicial overreach' and said they were part of 'a troubling and dangerous trend of unelected judges inserting themselves into the presidential decision-making process.' The back-and-forth tariff policies, which have changed rapidly this year, have created uncertainty for businesses that import and export products, for stock markets across the world, and for consumers, who could see price increases in the coming weeks and months. For businesses, the ruling opens up the possibility that businesses will be able to apply for refunds from the government, trade and legal experts told The Hill. As the legal cases play out, the White House's top economic advisers asserted that even if they lose the case, they will find another way to impose tariffs. 'We just do some other things,' White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Bloomberg TV. He and other administration advisers outlined several legal authorities the president could use, but most of them take time and have limits. In Congress, Republican lawmakers breathed a sigh of relief when the trade court ruling came down, writes The Hill's Alexander Bolton, putting the brakes on the president's trade war. But the legal battles over Trump's trade agenda are just beginning, with Republicans uncertain how Trump is going to respond to adverse rulings that strike at the core of his economic and foreign policy agenda. Senate Republicans are mulling legislation to require congressional approval for Trump's reciprocal tariffs, but they have been content to let the courts take the lead in reining in Trump's aggressive approach to foreign trading partners. For now, they are mostly hoping Trump takes a potential political win — as outlined by The Hill's Niall Stanage in The Memo. Brian Darling, a GOP strategist and former Senate aide, said GOP lawmakers are 'quietly applauding the decision' by two courts Wednesday and Thursday to halt Trump's tariffs 'because it saves them from having to deal with the tariff issue, which has proven to be unpopular.' 🚨 The Wall Street Journal: Federal authorities are probing recent efforts to impersonate White House chief of staff Susie Wiles during calls to senators, governors and business executives. FBI officials don't believe a foreign nation is involved. Blake Burman's Smart Take is off today and will return next week. 3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY ▪ A new World Meteorological Organization report spells the end of the goal to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the next two years. ▪ Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told Trump on Thursday when they met at the president's request that monetary policy decisions would be 'based solely on careful, objective and non-political analysis.' Trump wants lower interest rates. ▪ Join The Hill's June 4 half-day summit, 'Invest in America,' at 8 a.m. EDT featuring titans from Washington and Wall Street. Participants share insights about economic developments, tariffs, artificial intelligence, crypto, taxes and more. RSVP HERE. LEADING THE DAY © Associated Press | Jose Luis Magana Billionaire Elon Musk wraps up his assignment with the Trump administration today with an incomplete record on federal cost-cutting and a mountain of criticism about his Edward Scissorhands methods, if not his intended mission. He's expected to join the president this afternoon for an Oval Office press availability to mark the end of his 130-day tenure as a 'special government' adviser. After months by Trump's side in the White House and at Mar-a-Lago, Musk has eased back into his CEO sphere and maintained his presence on X, his social media platform, while also being interviewed by the mainstream press, including CBS. He's knocked Republicans in Congress for crafting 'big, beautiful' spending and tax legislation that he says is awash in red ink. And he's differed with the president over tariffs. Musk, in an interview on 'CBS Sunday Morning,' set to air this weekend, said he has some 'differences of opinion' with the administration but is 'stuck in a bind' when it comes to publicly sharing those views. Musk entered national politics for the first time because of Trump, saying he felt called to step away from his business empire to help prevent the U.S. from going bankrupt. He promoted the idea of a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the incoming president, who embraced the concept and put his high-profile benefactor in charge to catch the spears. Musk and his team single-handedly shuttered the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hollowed out the Education Department, fired tens of thousands of civil servants, vacuumed up federal databases and ran roughshod over Senate-confirmed Cabinet members, some of whom were infuriated when they were left to pick up DOGE-detonated pieces. Bloomberg News: Musk exits DOGE leaving threadbare agencies and strained workers. The actions of Musk's team remain contested in federal courtrooms, and one analysis by the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service said DOGE's claims of $160 billion in federal savings cost taxpayers $135 billion this fiscal year. The Hill: Top DOGE officials are leaving as Musk departs. Trump previously praised Musk as 'brilliant,' a 'super genius' and 'a patriot.' Musk also proved to be a super supporter, contributing $288 million to help Trump and other GOP candidates get elected last year. In that effort, he became the nation's largest and most prominent donor. More recently, Musk acknowledged the reputational hit he and his companies, particularly Tesla, experienced amid public criticism of his actions with DOGE. He said during a recent Bloomberg News interview conducted virtually that he's 'done enough' political spending for the near future. WHERE AND WHEN ZOOM IN © Associated Press | Shuji Kajiyama 2028: As many in the Democratic Party call for a fresh bench, young sensibilities and unifying ideas ahead of the next presidential campaign, a familiar figure keeps coming up in conversation: Rahm Emanuel. The former campaign and White House adviser, former Illinois congressman and ex-Chicago mayor and most recently, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, has an insider's résumé and a colorful reputation. Time magazine in 2009 hailed Emanuel, a surprising choice to be former President Obama's West Wing chief of staff, as 'a hard-cussing, old-school-campaign knife fighter and pragmatic congressional arm twister who plays to win.' Emanuel, 65, is making news media rounds to argue that the Democratic brand is 'toxic' (while showcasing his own brand). He says the party has to unite to defeat Trumpism and insists the party's direction should be to the center, not to the left. In 2010, when Emanuel ended two years by Obama's side, the president praised his aide's candor, opinions and 'passionate desire to move this country forward and lift up the lives of the middle class and people who are struggling to get there.' Former Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) told The Hill's Amie Parnes, 'As well known as he is, people don't really know him.' Don't count Emanuel out, he added. 'What fascinates me about him is that for him it's all about winning,' Israel continues. 'And he knows how to win the most challenging of battles.' Immigration politics: The administration created a target list of sanctuary cities and counties in 30 states, threatening to pull funding from jurisdictions that don't cooperate with immigration enforcement. 2026: Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), 85, on Thursday attracted a primary challenger, former 'Jeopardy!' contestant Harry Jarin, 35, who said the incumbent, elected to Congress in 1981, represents a 'bygone era of politics that isn't working.' Hoyer has not said if he will seek reelection. New York City: The June 24 Democratic primary for mayor divides party factions and voters. The Nation, opposed to mayoral candidate Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who is challenging Mayor Eric Adams (D), today endorsed Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member from Queens, and Brad Lander, the city's comptroller for the office, while 'urging New Yorkers to rank Mamdani as their first choice and Lander as their second.' COURTS: The Supreme Court on Thursday in an 8-0 ruling narrowed the scope of environmental review under one of the nation's bedrock environmental laws, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). International students: A federal judge in Boston gave Harvard a temporary victory on Thursday in a legal battle with the Trump administration over whether it can enroll international students. The enrollment at Harvard of international students has grown steadily over the past 19 years and now exceeds 27 percent. ▪ The Hill: International students say they're in chaos as Trump broadens the administration's attacks on visas. ▪ The Hill: Texas is set to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms as the American Civil Liberties Union vowed to sue. ELSEWHERE © Associated Press | Ronen Zvulun GAZA: The White House is optimistic that a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas could be finalized soon, Axios reports, as a new proposal from Trump envoy Steve Witkoff could help bridge the remaining gaps. 'If each side moves just a bit, we could have a deal within days,' one U.S. source said. Trump has made clear he wants to end the war — which has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians and more than 1,600 Israelis. But talks were stalled for weeks, and Israel is undertaking a massive ground operation to occupy Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told families of hostages that Israel accepts Witkoff's new Gaza truce proposal. Hamas officials gave the Israeli-approved draft a cool response, but said they wanted to study the proposal more closely before giving a formal answer. ▪ The New York Times: A new aid site in Gaza brings more scenes of chaos. The United Nations says food being distributed by a new Israeli-backed system is 'less than a drop in the ocean.' UKRAINE: Russia said it has yet to receive a response from Ukraine over its proposal to hold another round of ceasefire talks in Istanbul next week, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged the two sides not to 'close the door' to dialogue. Moscow said earlier this week it wanted to hold new talks with Ukraine to present a memorandum that would outline what it referred to as the key elements for 'overcoming the root causes' of the war. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Heorhii Tykhyi. said on X on Thursday that Russia's hesitancy to share its plan suggests that it was 'likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums.' ▪ CNN: Ukraine scrambles to set up a 'drone wall' as it braces for a Russian summer offensive. ▪ NPR: What does Trump's changing rhetoric on Russian President Vladimir Putin suggest about his relationship with the Russian leader? An interview with William Taylor, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. ▪ BBC: How the West is helping Russia to fund its war on Ukraine. ▪ The Washington Post: Russia once struggled to field its own long-range drones, until Iran sold it the technology to do it. Now hundreds of the devices hit Ukraine every night. ▪ Axios: Gulf leaders all argued against a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities during Trump's recent visit and encouraged him to continue pushing for a new nuclear deal. OPINION ■ President Trump isn't a tariff king, by The Wall Street Journal editorial board. ■ Goodbye, Elon: A rich man takes his toys, then up and leaves, by Aron Solomon, opinion contributor, The Hill. THE CLOSER © Associated Press | Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore And finally … 👏👏👏 Congratulations to this week's Morning Report Quiz winners! Here's who aced our puzzle tackling perceptions of youth, the elderly, experience and officials who influence world events. 🧩 Readers who went 4/4: Sol Brotman, Michael McGinnis, Brian Hogan, Lee Harvey, Bob DiMaggio, Roger Langendoerfer, Jack Barshay, Richard E. Baznik, Mark Roeddiger, Luther Berg, Robert Bradley, Sharon Banitt, William D. Moore, Mark R. Williamson, Jenessa Wagner, Tim Burrack, Paul F. Schnabel, Linda L. Field, Gary Kalian, Stan Wasser, Phil Kirstein, Carol B. Webster, Carmine Petracca, Rick Schmidtke, Jess Elger, Sari Wisch, Harry Strulovici, Chuck Schoenenberger, Terry Pflaumer, Clare Millians, Steve James, Larry Mason, Pam Manges, Savannah Petracca and Michael B. Kitz. When the House's youngest current lawmaker, 28-year-old Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D), was born, the Oval Office occupant was Bill Clinton. The Sunshine State governor at the time was Lawton Chiles (a Democrat who died the following year at age 68 while in office). Former President Reagan, then 73 and the oldest president in history, was in the midst of a campaign debate when he famously said he would not 'exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience.' In 1967, a series of U.S. events led to the ratification of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution spelling out how a vice president can take over for a president who is unable to perform official duties. Trump will be 79 on June 14. Stay Engaged We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger (asimendinger@ and Kristina Karisch (kkarisch@ Follow us on social platform X: (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends.
The Hill
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Morning Report — Trump rejects bruising economic report card
In today's issue: President Trump is pleading with Americans for more time to prove the U.S. economy's moribund performance since January is the work of his predecessor. 'Things are happening that are amazing, but I would not say it if it weren't fact, ' the president assured members of his Cabinet on Wednesday during a two-hour meeting to mark 100 days since his inauguration. The Hill's Niall Stanage in The Memo: Trump's Cabinet, facing sinking polls, lashes out. Gross domestic product, a measure of economic health, shrank in the first quarter by 0.3 percent, according to a Wednesday Commerce Department report. That compared with the economy's 2.4 percent expansion as former President Biden prepared to leave office. The news, as Trump sought to celebrate his 100-day achievements, stoked recession fears amid the ongoing tariff impasse with China and other trading partners. The administration says it is negotiating new deals with multiple countries, especially in Asia, but has not been specific. During Trump's initial months, consumer spending slowed sharply to 1.8 percent growth from 4 percent in October-December last year, according to new data. Federal government spending plunged 5.1 percent in the first quarter. The economic numbers coincide with angst measured in Trump's sagging poll numbers, which he disputes. Nevertheless, interviews with consumers, farmers, corporate CEOs and small businesses underscore sudden caution about spending. It is no secret that Trump's tariff policies are unpopular with the public, most economists and allies. And Republican lawmakers concede they're increasingly nervous about their political prospects next year, reports The Hill's Alexander Bolton. 'I don't think there is any doubt that the tariffs and trade war has injected a lot of uncertainty and instability into the economy. I think investment, what I'm hearing from businesses, is drying up. That's not good, ' Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said. Trump says his tariff policy is a transition move aimed at rebalancing trade while the administration seeks individual agreements with South Korea, Japan and India, as well as China. 'There's a very good chance we're gonna make a deal, but it has to be on our terms,' Trump said Wednesday as he phoned in for an interview with NewsNation during a town hall event moderated by Chris Cuomo. ▪ CNBC: White House adviser on China Peter Navarro said an agreement with India is possible soon. ▪ Bloomberg News: The European Union next week is expected to propose trade changes to negotiate with the U.S. At the same time, the EU also is moving forward with plans to retaliate over U.S. tariffs. Stocks in April closed down to finish one of the wildest months in recent memory for financial markets. After tumbling Wednesday morning, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gradually clawed back losses and pushed into the green to close out the day. Trump began Wednesday repeating his explanation that the sagging economy is a 'transition' voters knew to expect when they cast their ballots. '[W]e have to get rid of the Biden 'Overhang,'' he wrote on Truth Social. ' This will take a while, has NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS, only that he left us with bad numbers, but when the boom begins, it will be like no other. BE PATIENT!!!' The president told ABC News on Tuesday that his presidency is just beginning and is not entirely responsible for the latest economic data. 'I've been here for three months,' he explained. 'I just got here.' ▪ The Hill: Five takeaways from a flurry of economic data. ▪ The Hill: Senate GOP leaders succeeded in protecting Trump's tariffs Wednesday, although three Republicans (Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski) joined Democrats to register tariff opposition. One of President Trump 's goals is to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, generating American jobs in the process. If he's successful, he would reverse decades of job declines in the sector. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, tells me Trump's goal is attainable, but it could be a long-term project. 'It's typically three to five years for a large-scale manufacturing operation to come to fruition, and that is, you're talking about a 30-year commitment,' Timmons said. 'So that's another reason we need permanence when it comes to tax policy and trade policy.' The White House continues to tout investments, which it says add up to trillions of dollars. However, large-scale investments could take years to filter throughout the economy. Will the administration have the patience of the American public for that long? Burman hosts 'The Hill' weeknights, 6p/5c on NewsNation. 3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY: ▪ Tesla's board of directors recently opened a search for a CEO to replace Elon Musk, The Wall Street Journal reported. The company denied the report. Trump at the White House Wednesday thanked his federal efficiency adviser. 'You know you're invited to stay as long as you want, ' he said. 'I guess he wants to get back home to his cars.' ▪ Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, after Utah. Fluoridation of water, based on data, is considered by medical experts and dentists as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to be one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. ▪ House Republicans on Wednesday advanced legislation to back a series of Trump's immigration priorities, raising fees on those seeking refuge in the United States while boosting resources to detain and deport a record number of migrants. 100 DAYS: Despite being newly buoyed by Trump's steadily sinking approval ratings, Democrats are stubbornly divided over their resistance strategy and path back to power. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to accuse Trump of spending his first 100 days damaging the economy and democracy with the help of 'complicit' congressional Republicans. 'Donald Trump's first 100 days can be defined by one big F-word: failure. Failure on the economy, failure on lowering costs, failure on tariffs, failure on foreign policy, failure on preserving democracy, failure on helping middle-class families,' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday. The Hill's Julia Manchester and Mike Lillis report liberal Democrats on and off Capitol Hill are stepping up their hard-line opposition to the norm-smashing president, advancing aggressive tactics — backed by the party's progressive base — that now include formal articles of impeachment. But such actions are receiving a cold reception from more moderate lawmakers, who want Democrats to focus on the stark policy differences between the parties on a handful of issues — including health care, financial security and consumer costs — that resonate most deeply with voters. 'We cannot be a one-size-fits-all party, especially when dealing with what Donald Trump is doing and the damage he is causing,' said one national Democratic operative. 'It's important that the Democrats continue to find new ways to fight back.' ▪ The Hill: A trio of House Democrats asked to be removed as co-sponsors of a resolution to impeach Trump, a sign that many in the party do not want to go down the path of trying to remove the president from office — at least at the current moment. ▪ Axios: As Democrats grapple with the age of their party leadership, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), 87, is eyeing a run to be the ranking member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. ▪ The Hill: Trump said during the NewsNation town hall that he'd 'love' to see Stephen A. Smith campaign for president. The sports commentator has stirred recent speculation that he may make a 2028 bid. Energy: The Hill's Rachel Frazin breaks down five ways the Trump administration has reshaped energy and environmental policy in his first 100 days. Tech: The world's biggest tech firms have been left scrambling to adjust to the tumultuous first 100 days of Trump's second term, The Hill's Julia Shapero reports, despite their efforts to cozy up to the president and his tech-heavy administration. Congress: Georgia Rep. Brian Jack (R), a longtime Trump ally and former White House political director, was elected to the House last year and is described as 'the biggest utility player.' The Hill's Mychael Schnell describes the 37-year-old's path to Capitol Hill. The Hill: Cheat sheet: Twelve questions for Rep. Jack. WHERE AND WHEN The House will meet at 9 a.m. The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. The president will participate at 11 a.m. in a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden. He will receive his intelligence briefing. Trump will participate in a swearing-in ceremony at 2 p.m. for U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets. Trump will travel to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to speak at a commencement at 7 p.m. The president will depart Alabama for Florida, arriving late tonight. The White House daily press briefing is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet at 10 a.m. with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. JOIN The Hill's Energy & Environment Summit on May 6, as leaders in government, sustainability and global energy solutions discuss how rapidly changing policies will impact the future of U.S. energy and environmental policy. Key speakers include: Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Christine Todd Whitman and more. Supreme Court: Conservatives on the nation's highest court appeared amenable to signing off on the bid to create the nation's first taxpayer-funded religious charter school during oral arguments Wednesday. With Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused, Chief Justice John Roberts emerged as the key swing vote over the effort to establish St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma, which has spurred a major constitutional battle over the role of religion in state-funded education. Ultimately, the chief justice analogized the case to the Supreme Court's 2021 ruling that Philadelphia couldn't exclude a religious agency from its foster care system. 'We held they couldn't engage in that discrimination,' Roberts said. 'How is that different from what we have here: an education program, and you want to not allow them to participate with a religious entity.' A 'DATA-DRIVEN' GOVERNMENT INSIDER: After his first nominee failed to gain confidence among Senate Republicans, Trump chose longtime federal health executive Susan Monarez to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Former colleagues remember her as an effective, collaborative workplace leader who championed data-driven work and diversity. Bringing with her nearly 20 years of federal health policy experience, Monarez has served under four different presidents across numerous offices of the executive branch. Erin Smith, principal at Pont Advisory Group and a former colleague of Monarez at Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, said Monarez was uniquely equipped to perform the duties and balancing acts required of the job. 'When there's a room of people talking about an issue or a problem or a crisis … she's a person you want in the room,' Smith said. 'Her expertise in intergovernmental workings amongst agencies is probably second to none.' The Washington Post: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intends to shift the way vaccines are tested. The agency said the move will increase transparency, but medical experts fear it could limit access to vaccines and undermine the public's trust. UKRAINE: The U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday signed a comprehensive deal to jointly invest in Ukraine's minerals, raw materials and natural resources that would offer Ukraine some level of long-term U.S. support. 'This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. The deal is a long time coming; U.S. Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraine's rare earth materials as a condition for continued U.S. support in the war, but talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian leaders. Reaching an agreement since then has proven difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv. Trump during the NewsNation town hall spoke about his private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome over the weekend. 'I told him it's a very good thing if we can produce a deal and you sign it, because Russia is much stronger,' Trump said. He criticized Biden's handling of Ukraine funding, claiming, 'Europe loans the money and Biden handed them all the money with no strings — Europe gets their money back, we get nothing.' ▪ The Washington Post: What are Ukraine's critical minerals actually worth? No one knows. ▪ Reuters: The U.S. on Wednesday imposed sanctions on entities it accused of being involved in the illicit trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals ahead of a new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations on Saturday. ▪ The Wall Street Journal: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is pushing ahead with his plan to impose new sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas and uranium. GAZA: The American-Israeli families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza want Trump to put pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately bring home their loved ones, who have been held for almost 600 days in captivity. They say Trump has a unique opportunity to use a mid-May trip to Saudi Arabia to break through nearly two months of stalemate in negotiations, using the potential for diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Jerusalem to advance a deal to end the war with Hamas and bring the hostages home. 'I believe the president is a very tough person, and he should be tough with the enemies, and with the friends as well — and the friends, I'm talking about Israel,' said Adi Alexander, whose 21-year-old son Edan is one of five Americans held hostage by Hamas. ▪ The Washington Post: Since breaking the ceasefire, Israeli forces have declared about 70 percent of Gaza either a military 'red zone' or under evacuation. ▪ CNN: Gaza edges closer to famine as Israel's total aid blockade nears its third month. ▪ NPR: The U.S. told the International Court of Justice Wednesday that Israel must provide aid to Gaza, but the country does not have to work with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. ▪ The New York Times: The Trump Organization has agreed to a new golf course and real estate deal in the Middle East that involves a Qatari government-owned firm. The announcement comes two weeks before the president is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. ■ The Trump administration is hurting veteran-owned small businesses, by Leon Panetta, opinion contributor, The Hill. Take Our Morning Report Quiz And finally … ✈️ It's Thursday, which means it's time for this week's Morning Report Quiz! Inspired by 100-day takeoffs and landings, we're eager for some smart guesses about Air Force One. Be sure to email your responses to asimendinger@ and kkarisch@ — please add 'Quiz' to your subject line. Winners who submit correct answers will enjoy some richly deserved newsletter fame on Friday. The president is eager for delivery of the newest model of Air Force One, which has been delayed. Who did he dispatch to speak with Boeing about the plane's timetable, according to news reports in March? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff Billionaire Elon Musk Who was the first sitting president to travel in a jet dubbed 'Air Force One'? Teddy Roosevelt Franklin D. Roosevelt Harry Truman Dwight D. Eisenhower Air Force One planes sport an iconic color scheme approved by President Kennedy after detailed design consultations. How has the hue often been described? Midnight blue Jackie Kennedy blue Caribbean blue Sapphire blue Air Force One flies with a high-tech escape pod in case of emergencies. True False Stay Engaged
Sydney Morning Herald
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sydney Morning Herald
Make Mother's Day count with gift ideas she will really love
Unsure what to give mum this Mother's Day? We've got your back, with a handpicked selection of gifts to suit the mum in your life – whether she's the outdoorsy type or she prefers a good book and a quiet corner. No matter what your budget, we've included a wide range of options, from gifts costing less than $100 through to more extravagant suggestions. The new mum SUKU Home Aria Winter Pyjama Set, $220 She may not be getting out much in the early months of parenthood, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't look and feel good. This winter pyjama set from SUKU is made from pure bamboo and hand-printed in house. With an elastic waistband and loose fit, this set is perfectly comfortable for daily lounging but stylish enough to take outside. ALUXO Unisex Baby Bag, $249 With its stylish good looks, this backpack from ALUXO is a great present for new parents. Purpose-built for carrying newborn gear, its waterproof exterior protects it against inevitable spills, while it features insulated baby bottle holders, a splash-proof baby changing mat and pram straps. DUE Nip Stick from The Memo, $25 With the arrival of a baby, new mums sometimes put their own care on the backburner. These Nip Sticks from Australian parenting brand The Memo are a must for relieving tenderness, inflammation and pain that can arise from breastfeeding. Fragrance free, they're gentle on skin and can also be used to soothe chapped lips. Stoov Ploov Heated Pillow, from $159 Going into winter, this heated pillow from Stoov is a welcome companion in bed, on the couch or even outdoors. The rechargeable electric battery has three heat settings, with infrared technology to help relax sore muscles and promote circulation. Bugaboo Kangaroo Pram, from $2199 Bugaboo's Kangaroo pram is an extravagant purchase, but a sound investment for new parents and growing families. The award-winning design allows for more than 20 different configurations and can fit up to three kids. It features shock-absorbing wheels and suspension for the smoothest of strolls and is designed so it can be adjusted or folded up with one hand. The sporty mum For more than a decade, Aussie magazine Good Sport has been telling left-field stories about what sport means and its relationships to community and culture. Their latest issues explores the theme 'Props', from the theatre of Glasgow's World Indoor Athletics Championships to the ups and downs of football localism. It's a great gift for the sport-loving mum. Sauna voucher, various Luxury bath houses have been on the rise these past few years, offering everything from massages to infrared saunas and cold plunges. Any mum would appreciate a day of pampering, but a gift voucher to one of these bath houses will be especially welcome for mums who like to work out. Some venues to check out include: Sense of Self, Sydney and Melbourne, from $50. Capybara Bathing, Sydney, from $70. Slow House, Sydney, from $50. Inner Studio, Melbourne, from $45. Icebreaker Merino Wool Hoodie, $280 For the mum who loves the great outdoors, this pure merino hoodie from New Zealand brand Icebreaker fits the bill. The lightweight top, crafted from a superfine merino wool, is designed to regulate body temperature, keep odours at bay and provide sun protection. It's a great option on its own for a run, or as a first layer when out camping or hiking. Baxter Blue Ear Plugs, $29 Most mums appreciate a little 'alone time', whether it's to work, work out or sleep. These earplugs from Baxter Blue are made from a soft, hypoallergenic silicone and are light and comfy enough to wear to sleep, while helping to reduce noise. Each set of earplugs comes with three different ear tip sizes for the right fit, and a plastic case for safekeeping. This nifty device from Tri-Aid is a great catch-all for body aches and pains. While its primary function is to target muscles at the base of the skull – making it ideal for treating neck pain and tension headaches – it can be used on trigger points all over the body, from foot to back. The compact design makes it great for mums on the go – ideal for taking to the office, gym or while travelling. Pinky & Kamal Pilates Spiral Grip Socks, $28 These socks from Pinky & Kamal are a fun pick for the Pilates-obsessed mum. Proving that practical gym gear doesn't need to be boring, these ankle socks come in five bright colours, with a cute spiral motif to keep her stable at Pilates, yoga or barre. The foodie mum Tax Pinot Gris Vinegar, $30 For the passionate home cook, this Pinot Gris Vinegar from Yarra Valley makers Tax will add an unexpected touch to meals. The limited edition vinegar is double-fermented and unpasteurised, and great for sprucing up salads, dipping bread in or even straight from the bottle. This nifty little lemon squeezer from META is a fun addition to the cooking arsenal. Crafted from stainless steel, it's hardy enough for everyday use (and dishwasher safe), while its unique bird shape makes it a charming inclusion to the kitchen benchtop. Lugma, Noor Murad, $69 From Bahrain-born chef and former head of the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen Noor Murad, Lugma is a delicious dive into the culinary world of the Middle East. With more than 100 recipes, including Spring Time Fattoush and Pistachio Cake with Labneh, it's a great guide to help the home cook expand their culinary repertoire. Soka Pantry Co Custom Gift Set, $65 For the mum who's always asking for extra chilli, this gift set from husband-and-wife team Sophia and Kaan is perfect. Soka's custom gift set allows you to tailor the gift to her liking, with options like a classic chilli oil, crunchy hot honey and smoky Urfa chilli salt. If you've got a bit more cash to splash this Mother's Day, consider this beautiful fish dish from Staub. Made in France, this shallow cast-iron baking dish is hard-wearing and perfect for cooking fish, risottos, gratins and more. The deep sea-green exterior and embossed sea bream lid makes for a show-stopping centrepiece on the dinner table. The Dill Tickle pickles and jams, from $17 Mendooran local Lizzie Waters has earned the title of 'Condiment Queen' for her homemade pickles, marmalades and jams. Produced in small batches, each preserve is homemade from locally grown produce – including some sourced straight from her backyard veggie patch in regional NSW. Maison Balzac The Asparagus Bunch Dinner Candles, $40 These lifelike asparagus-shaped dinner candles from Maison Balzac are a fun addition to the dining table – and a great talking point when guests come by. They make striking tabletop ornaments or can be burned for a candlelit dinner. Gift as is, or pair with a candleholder from Maison Balzac. The fashion-forward mum This new release is a great gift for the mum with an appreciation for fashion history, and one she's unlikely to have on her bookshelf yet. Written by journalist and author Tom Rasmussen, Vivienne Westwood tells the story of the iconic fashion designer from working-class upbringing to high fashion, alongside gorgeous illustrations by Marta Spendowska. Finer Rings Initial & Birthstone Bracelet, $85 This dainty bracelet from Finer Rings makes a lovely gift for the sentimental mum in your life. Each piece is handmade, with your choice of a coloured Swarovski bead (that can be matched to her birthstone), and the option to include an initialled gold disc. Silk Laundry x Maison Louis Marie Scarf and Perfume Set, $150 This gift set marries a beautiful botanical print scarf from Australian brand Silk Laundry with a sample perfume set from Maison Louis Marie. The scarf is perfect for her to wear in her hair or tied around the handle of a bag, while the perfume set is a lovely window into oil-based fragrances for her to sample. Les Ottomans Hand-Painted Iron Tray, Hands, from $188 If her style veers more into maximalist territory (and she was a fan of Alessandro Michele's tenure at Gucci) then a hand-painted iron tray from Les Ottomans could be a welcome gift. Taking inspiration from vintage homewares, these trays are perfect on a dresser as catch-alls for jewellery or even mounted on the wall as art. Witchery x Viktoria & Woods OCRF White Jeans, $179 For the past 17 years, Witchery has raised more than $17 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation with their White Shirt Campaign. This year's collection, designed in collaboration with Viktoria & Woods, features this pair of white jeans cut in a timeless wide-leg silhouette. 100 per cent of profit from the sale of each pair goes to the OCRF. Fluff Lip Oil, $53 Australian make-up brand Fluff makes good-looking cosmetics with the planet and your skin in mind. Their lip oil comes beautifully packaged in a silver compact, and is designed as a balm/oil hybrid that can be dabbed on cheeks, eyelids and lips. Designed to be refilled, their formula is vegan and palm-oil free. The mum in need of pampering Bronte fragrance-free hydration set, $76 Make mum feel wonderful with this set from Sydney-based brand Bronte. Made in Australia, the fragrance-free duo of body cleanser and body lotion is our pick as it's suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin. Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager, $199 For the mum who's always on her feet, get this Shiatsu Foot Massager from Renpho. With rolling balls, rotating sticks and heat, it's designed to give tired feet a deep massage, with multiple settings for kneading and air compression for easy customisation. Loco Love Chuncho Drinking Chocolate, $55 What is more indulgent than a hot chocolate on a cold night? This drinking chocolate from Loco Love is a notch above your regular hot choccie. Beautifully packaged, each box features six discs of Chuncho Urusayhua cacao – a rich and aromatic variety from Peru. The gardening mum Secateur Me Baby Wave II Plant Stake, from $40 If she's the proud owner of a family of indoor plants, we love these stakes from Secateur Me as a fun way to add a little colour to her collection. The recycled HDPE plastic stakes come in a range of colours, sizes and shapes and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Le Sac gardening belt, $79 This gardening belt from Le Sac is a hard-working but attractive addition to her arsenal. Made from heavy-duty cotton canvas with reinforced pockets, the belt can comfortably hold gardening tools for a hands-free experience, and comes in six different colours. Wildly Ready Gardening Protection Sleeves, $40 Once she's pulled on these sleeves from Australian brand Wildly Ready, she won't go into the garden again without them. Designed to protect her skin from UV, insect bites, scratches and skin allergies, the stretchy, lightweight sleeves come in a large range of colours and patterns, from floral to camo. The arts and culture mum Surreal: The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dali, Michele Gerber Klein, $29 The art-obsessed mum will enjoy this new release from New York-based writer Michele Gerber Klein on the fascinating life of Gala Dali. Using previously undiscovered material, Klein brings Dali's life out from the shadows of her famous husband – from pre-revolutionary Russia to living in Paris with first husband Paul Eluard and Max Ernst and how she came to earn the title 'mother of Surrealism'. Custom house portrait, various A custom house portrait makes for a special gift for the house-proud or sentimental mum. If you have an artist friend or know of a local artist, consider getting in touch. Alternatively, we've curated some Australian painters currently taking commissions, below. Bear in mind that most artists will need a lead time of at least a few weeks. Rebecca Edison Draw My Home Portrait Laura Draws Your House Daniella Germain The Inked Home Sea & Paper Custom Library Embossing Stamp, $90 Why not get the book-loving mum in your life her very own book embosser? These library stamps from Sea & Paper are a lovely way for her to customise her collection, with a range of templates, monograms and logos to choose from. They're a great idea for the mum who's always lending books to others, or for the new mum to add a sentimental touch to a collection of children's books. The mum who loves a hobby Bird Buddy Solar-Powered Bird Feeder, $469 If she's a passionate twitcher, this solar-powered feeder from Bird Buddy will keep her entertained. With a high-definition camera designed to capture crisp photos and slow-motion videos, she can get up close and personal with all the feathered visitors to her backyard. Made from recycled plastic and designed to keep birds safe, it features AI technology that can also detect bird species, including native Australian varieties. Dinner With Frida 1000-Piece Puzzle, $35 For the mum who always has a jigsaw puzzle on the go, this Dinner With Frida 1000-piece puzzle will keep her busy. Complete with multiple Fridas, Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky and Georgia O'Keefe, the finished puzzle makes for a beautiful vignette that can be mounted, framed and hung. Numbulwar Numburindi Arts Weaving Kit, from Kakadu Plum Co, $60 This weaving kit from Numbulwar Numburindi Arts is a lovely way for mum to decompress and do something with her hands. Each kit comes with enough colourful raffia for her to make a small basket, with illustrations and video instructions from educator Rose Wilfred and aunties Nicole and May. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
The Age
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Age
Make Mother's Day count with gift ideas she will really love
Unsure what to give mum this Mother's Day? We've got your back, with a handpicked selection of gifts to suit the mum in your life – whether she's the outdoorsy type or she prefers a good book and a quiet corner. No matter what your budget, we've included a wide range of options, from gifts costing less than $100 through to more extravagant suggestions. The new mum SUKU Home Aria Winter Pyjama Set, $220 She may not be getting out much in the early months of parenthood, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't look and feel good. This winter pyjama set from SUKU is made from pure bamboo and hand-printed in house. With an elastic waistband and loose fit, this set is perfectly comfortable for daily lounging but stylish enough to take outside. ALUXO Unisex Baby Bag, $249 With its stylish good looks, this backpack from ALUXO is a great present for new parents. Purpose-built for carrying newborn gear, its waterproof exterior protects it against inevitable spills, while it features insulated baby bottle holders, a splash-proof baby changing mat and pram straps. DUE Nip Stick from The Memo, $25 With the arrival of a baby, new mums sometimes put their own care on the backburner. These Nip Sticks from Australian parenting brand The Memo are a must for relieving tenderness, inflammation and pain that can arise from breastfeeding. Fragrance free, they're gentle on skin and can also be used to soothe chapped lips. Stoov Ploov Heated Pillow, from $159 Going into winter, this heated pillow from Stoov is a welcome companion in bed, on the couch or even outdoors. The rechargeable electric battery has three heat settings, with infrared technology to help relax sore muscles and promote circulation. Bugaboo Kangaroo Pram, from $2199 Bugaboo's Kangaroo pram is an extravagant purchase, but a sound investment for new parents and growing families. The award-winning design allows for more than 20 different configurations and can fit up to three kids. It features shock-absorbing wheels and suspension for the smoothest of strolls and is designed so it can be adjusted or folded up with one hand. The sporty mum For more than a decade, Aussie magazine Good Sport has been telling left-field stories about what sport means and its relationships to community and culture. Their latest issues explores the theme 'Props', from the theatre of Glasgow's World Indoor Athletics Championships to the ups and downs of football localism. It's a great gift for the sport-loving mum. Sauna voucher, various Luxury bath houses have been on the rise these past few years, offering everything from massages to infrared saunas and cold plunges. Any mum would appreciate a day of pampering, but a gift voucher to one of these bath houses will be especially welcome for mums who like to work out. Some venues to check out include: Sense of Self, Sydney and Melbourne, from $50. Capybara Bathing, Sydney, from $70. Slow House, Sydney, from $50. Inner Studio, Melbourne, from $45. Icebreaker Merino Wool Hoodie, $280 For the mum who loves the great outdoors, this pure merino hoodie from New Zealand brand Icebreaker fits the bill. The lightweight top, crafted from a superfine merino wool, is designed to regulate body temperature, keep odours at bay and provide sun protection. It's a great option on its own for a run, or as a first layer when out camping or hiking. Baxter Blue Ear Plugs, $29 Most mums appreciate a little 'alone time', whether it's to work, work out or sleep. These earplugs from Baxter Blue are made from a soft, hypoallergenic silicone and are light and comfy enough to wear to sleep, while helping to reduce noise. Each set of earplugs comes with three different ear tip sizes for the right fit, and a plastic case for safekeeping. This nifty device from Tri-Aid is a great catch-all for body aches and pains. While its primary function is to target muscles at the base of the skull – making it ideal for treating neck pain and tension headaches – it can be used on trigger points all over the body, from foot to back. The compact design makes it great for mums on the go – ideal for taking to the office, gym or while travelling. Pinky & Kamal Pilates Spiral Grip Socks, $28 These socks from Pinky & Kamal are a fun pick for the Pilates-obsessed mum. Proving that practical gym gear doesn't need to be boring, these ankle socks come in five bright colours, with a cute spiral motif to keep her stable at Pilates, yoga or barre. The foodie mum Tax Pinot Gris Vinegar, $30 For the passionate home cook, this Pinot Gris Vinegar from Yarra Valley makers Tax will add an unexpected touch to meals. The limited edition vinegar is double-fermented and unpasteurised, and great for sprucing up salads, dipping bread in or even straight from the bottle. This nifty little lemon squeezer from META is a fun addition to the cooking arsenal. Crafted from stainless steel, it's hardy enough for everyday use (and dishwasher safe), while its unique bird shape makes it a charming inclusion to the kitchen benchtop. Lugma, Noor Murad, $69 From Bahrain-born chef and former head of the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen Noor Murad, Lugma is a delicious dive into the culinary world of the Middle East. With more than 100 recipes, including Spring Time Fattoush and Pistachio Cake with Labneh, it's a great guide to help the home cook expand their culinary repertoire. Soka Pantry Co Custom Gift Set, $65 For the mum who's always asking for extra chilli, this gift set from husband-and-wife team Sophia and Kaan is perfect. Soka's custom gift set allows you to tailor the gift to her liking, with options like a classic chilli oil, crunchy hot honey and smoky Urfa chilli salt. If you've got a bit more cash to splash this Mother's Day, consider this beautiful fish dish from Staub. Made in France, this shallow cast-iron baking dish is hard-wearing and perfect for cooking fish, risottos, gratins and more. The deep sea-green exterior and embossed sea bream lid makes for a show-stopping centrepiece on the dinner table. The Dill Tickle pickles and jams, from $17 Mendooran local Lizzie Waters has earned the title of 'Condiment Queen' for her homemade pickles, marmalades and jams. Produced in small batches, each preserve is homemade from locally grown produce – including some sourced straight from her backyard veggie patch in regional NSW. Maison Balzac The Asparagus Bunch Dinner Candles, $40 These lifelike asparagus-shaped dinner candles from Maison Balzac are a fun addition to the dining table – and a great talking point when guests come by. They make striking tabletop ornaments or can be burned for a candlelit dinner. Gift as is, or pair with a candleholder from Maison Balzac. The fashion-forward mum This new release is a great gift for the mum with an appreciation for fashion history, and one she's unlikely to have on her bookshelf yet. Written by journalist and author Tom Rasmussen, Vivienne Westwood tells the story of the iconic fashion designer from working-class upbringing to high fashion, alongside gorgeous illustrations by Marta Spendowska. Finer Rings Initial & Birthstone Bracelet, $85 This dainty bracelet from Finer Rings makes a lovely gift for the sentimental mum in your life. Each piece is handmade, with your choice of a coloured Swarovski bead (that can be matched to her birthstone), and the option to include an initialled gold disc. Silk Laundry x Maison Louis Marie Scarf and Perfume Set, $150 This gift set marries a beautiful botanical print scarf from Australian brand Silk Laundry with a sample perfume set from Maison Louis Marie. The scarf is perfect for her to wear in her hair or tied around the handle of a bag, while the perfume set is a lovely window into oil-based fragrances for her to sample. Les Ottomans Hand-Painted Iron Tray, Hands, from $188 If her style veers more into maximalist territory (and she was a fan of Alessandro Michele's tenure at Gucci) then a hand-painted iron tray from Les Ottomans could be a welcome gift. Taking inspiration from vintage homewares, these trays are perfect on a dresser as catch-alls for jewellery or even mounted on the wall as art. Witchery x Viktoria & Woods OCRF White Jeans, $179 For the past 17 years, Witchery has raised more than $17 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation with their White Shirt Campaign. This year's collection, designed in collaboration with Viktoria & Woods, features this pair of white jeans cut in a timeless wide-leg silhouette. 100 per cent of profit from the sale of each pair goes to the OCRF. Fluff Lip Oil, $53 Australian make-up brand Fluff makes good-looking cosmetics with the planet and your skin in mind. Their lip oil comes beautifully packaged in a silver compact, and is designed as a balm/oil hybrid that can be dabbed on cheeks, eyelids and lips. Designed to be refilled, their formula is vegan and palm-oil free. The mum in need of pampering Bronte fragrance-free hydration set, $76 Make mum feel wonderful with this set from Sydney-based brand Bronte. Made in Australia, the fragrance-free duo of body cleanser and body lotion is our pick as it's suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin. Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager, $199 For the mum who's always on her feet, get this Shiatsu Foot Massager from Renpho. With rolling balls, rotating sticks and heat, it's designed to give tired feet a deep massage, with multiple settings for kneading and air compression for easy customisation. Loco Love Chuncho Drinking Chocolate, $55 What is more indulgent than a hot chocolate on a cold night? This drinking chocolate from Loco Love is a notch above your regular hot choccie. Beautifully packaged, each box features six discs of Chuncho Urusayhua cacao – a rich and aromatic variety from Peru. The gardening mum Secateur Me Baby Wave II Plant Stake, from $40 If she's the proud owner of a family of indoor plants, we love these stakes from Secateur Me as a fun way to add a little colour to her collection. The recycled HDPE plastic stakes come in a range of colours, sizes and shapes and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Le Sac gardening belt, $79 This gardening belt from Le Sac is a hard-working but attractive addition to her arsenal. Made from heavy-duty cotton canvas with reinforced pockets, the belt can comfortably hold gardening tools for a hands-free experience, and comes in six different colours. Wildly Ready Gardening Protection Sleeves, $40 Once she's pulled on these sleeves from Australian brand Wildly Ready, she won't go into the garden again without them. Designed to protect her skin from UV, insect bites, scratches and skin allergies, the stretchy, lightweight sleeves come in a large range of colours and patterns, from floral to camo. The arts and culture mum Surreal: The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dali, Michele Gerber Klein, $29 The art-obsessed mum will enjoy this new release from New York-based writer Michele Gerber Klein on the fascinating life of Gala Dali. Using previously undiscovered material, Klein brings Dali's life out from the shadows of her famous husband – from pre-revolutionary Russia to living in Paris with first husband Paul Eluard and Max Ernst and how she came to earn the title 'mother of Surrealism'. Custom house portrait, various A custom house portrait makes for a special gift for the house-proud or sentimental mum. If you have an artist friend or know of a local artist, consider getting in touch. Alternatively, we've curated some Australian painters currently taking commissions, below. Bear in mind that most artists will need a lead time of at least a few weeks. Rebecca Edison Draw My Home Portrait Laura Draws Your House Daniella Germain The Inked Home Sea & Paper Custom Library Embossing Stamp, $90 Why not get the book-loving mum in your life her very own book embosser? These library stamps from Sea & Paper are a lovely way for her to customise her collection, with a range of templates, monograms and logos to choose from. They're a great idea for the mum who's always lending books to others, or for the new mum to add a sentimental touch to a collection of children's books. The mum who loves a hobby Bird Buddy Solar-Powered Bird Feeder, $469 If she's a passionate twitcher, this solar-powered feeder from Bird Buddy will keep her entertained. With a high-definition camera designed to capture crisp photos and slow-motion videos, she can get up close and personal with all the feathered visitors to her backyard. Made from recycled plastic and designed to keep birds safe, it features AI technology that can also detect bird species, including native Australian varieties. Dinner With Frida 1000-Piece Puzzle, $35 For the mum who always has a jigsaw puzzle on the go, this Dinner With Frida 1000-piece puzzle will keep her busy. Complete with multiple Fridas, Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky and Georgia O'Keefe, the finished puzzle makes for a beautiful vignette that can be mounted, framed and hung. Numbulwar Numburindi Arts Weaving Kit, from Kakadu Plum Co, $60 This weaving kit from Numbulwar Numburindi Arts is a lovely way for mum to decompress and do something with her hands. Each kit comes with enough colourful raffia for her to make a small basket, with illustrations and video instructions from educator Rose Wilfred and aunties Nicole and May. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
