1. New Semiconductor Tariffs in the works
—According to eight sources familiar with the matter who spoke to POLITICO, the Trump administration is considering a new round of large-scale semiconductor tariffs. Despite warnings from tech companies that this move could dash U.S. hopes for dominance in artificial intelligence, the administration is still weighing the options.
2. Potential Ban on Canadian Goods—Greele, the Trump administration's top trade negotiator, hinted that the U.S. should consider banning some Canadian goods, adding another threat to the trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa.
3. Fed Governor Cook Rejects Trump's Claims
—Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has again denied Trump's repeated, unsubstantiated allegations of mortgage fraud. Trump is considering restarting efforts to remove her from office, a move that could trigger another fierce legal battle over the Fed's independence.
4. Easing Import Quotas for Some Beef Products—President Trump recently signed an executive order easing tariffs on some imported ground beef, a move aimed at reducing costs for consumers.
5. No Timetable for Iran's Return to Negotiations – US President Trump stated in an interview with Al Jazeera on the 26th that he has "no timetable" for when Iran is expected to return to negotiations and is "not in a hurry."
6. Restrictions on Some Foreign Energy Equipment from the US Power Grid
US President Trump signed an emergency executive order on Wednesday, citing national security concerns, prohibiting the US from purchasing or installing certain foreign-made large-scale power system equipment and related software, including transformers and other critical equipment, that may pose cybersecurity or operational risks.
7. Claim that "All Mines in the Strait of Hormuz Have Been Cleared" Questioned
According to sources, US allies privately assess that there are likely still mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Although the US has made some progress in clearing mines in international waters, it is estimated that not all of the 80 to 150 mines laid by Iran have been cleared, and some may have drifted away with ocean currents. Trump has repeatedly claimed recently that all mines in the Strait of Hormuz have been cleared.
8. Confirmation of CIA Director's Visit to Russia – US President Trump confirmed on the 26th that CIA Director Ratcliffe recently visited Russia, stating that the visit "may yield some results," but did not provide further details. 9. The Trump administration plans to announce new drug pricing agreements with several biotech companies on Monday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
10. Trump claims the Strait of Hormuz is functioning normally. He stated that a large amount of oil is flowing out of the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed 10 million barrels of oil left the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.
