1. Announcement of a barrage of tariffs: Covering pharmaceuticals, trucks, and furniture, up to 100%
—Trump announced that, effective October 1st, tariffs will be increased by 25% on all imported heavy trucks, 50% on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products, and 30% on upholstered furniture. A 100% tariff will also be imposed on pharmaceuticals manufactured by companies that have not commenced construction (or are currently under construction) in the United States.
2. Proposed restrictions on overseas chip imports, requiring chip companies to achieve "capacity parity"
—The Trump administration is considering new policies requiring chip companies to maintain a 1:1 ratio between their US production and their overseas imports. Failure to meet these requirements will result in tariffs.
3. Characterizing South Korea's $350 billion investment in the US as a "prepayment"
—$350 billion in investment in the US has been a core issue surrounding the South Korea-US trade agreement. Amidst ongoing disagreements between the two sides, Trump stated on the 25th that "South Korea's $350 billion investment is a prepayment." Analysts say that characterizing the funds as "prepayments" suggests that South Korea's investment should be implemented before US tariff reductions.
4. Praising excellent economic data, then criticizing high interest rates
--Trump: "Great economic data (GDP) came out today (3.8%). We've been successful, but interest rates are too high! If it weren't for Powell, the current interest rate would be 2%, and we're balancing the budget."
5. Pressuring Turkey to stop buying Russian oil, hinting at a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets
--Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on the 25th, urging Turkey to stop buying Russian oil and hinting at potentially lifting the ban on Turkey purchasing US F-35 fighter jets. According to Erdogan, one of the focuses of the talks was the purchase of F-35s and 40 F-16s.
6. Hundreds of senior US military officers were suddenly recalled worldwide; Trump responded. - US Secretary of Defense Hegseth convened a meeting of senior US military officers from around the world next week for an unknown reason. Trump responded: "This is nothing. Don't make a big deal out of it." 7. Escalating purge: Former FBI director criminally charged
—The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday filed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, who led the Russia investigation, marking a dramatic escalation in Trump's retaliation against political opponents.
8. Plans to use tariff revenue to subsidize impacted American farmers—Trump said the government will use funds collected from tariffs to help struggling American farmers, who have been severely hit by his trade policies.
9. Reinstating the death penalty in Washington, D.C.
—U.S. President Trump signed a presidential memorandum reinstating the death penalty in Washington, D.C. Trump told reporters that anyone convicted of murder, even killing a police officer or law enforcement officer, would be subject to the death penalty.
